In this presentation the author will describe how in freshmen general chemistry he uses fuel-related articles found in recent issues of mainstream science/engineering magazines such as Popular Science and Popular Mechanics to teach the main practical concepts associated with thermochemistry, namely the enthalpy of combustion (energy/mole), specific enthalpy (energy/mass) and enthalpic density (energy/volume). Using information found in an article in Popular Mechanics (May 2006, The Truth About Biofuels), the author has students compare and contrast the thermochemical properties and utility as an alternative fuel the following three liquid fuels: gasoline, biodiesel, and E85. The Popular Science article (January 2005, Warning: The Hydrogen Economy May Be More Distant Than It Appears) addresses the challenges facing the use of pressurized molecular hydrogen as a fuel. Using information found in the article, students determine from a thermochemical prospective the pros and cons of a change from a gasoline to a hydrogen-based economy.