In addition to our energy and financial crises, the New York Times reports that America is current dealing with another crisis: a shortage of 4s. [H&FJ]

When prices passed $4, many stations ran out of 4s, and managers improvised by photocopying signs or stenciling numbers by hand.

The makeshift digits are legal as long as they are similar to the neighboring numbers, said John Browne, the assistant director of enforcement for the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs’ petroleum unit.

“As long as the color and size are correct and it is apparent what the number is, they are fine,” said Mr. Browne, who inspected Mr. Nair’s handiwork last Friday at the Lukoil station.

Oddly related: Sesame Street recorded the counting song “1 2 3 4” with Feist in April and it hit YouTube yesterday. Because everyone really loves 4s as long as their not adjacent to a $. [JoshuaBlankenship]