What can be done about it? I for one can't do a thing. I have to be at work at 7 AM. Our city buses don't start running till 8 AM. And a bike ride would take me at least an hour and a half. Not to mention living in Florida, where an hour and a half bike ride in 98 degree weather and 99% humidity equals me looking (not to mention smelling) like hell when i get to work. I drive a tiny little 98 Mitsubishi mirage coupe that gets great gas milage and will continue to do so. I HAVE to pay the gas prices, no matter how high they get, because I have no other alternative.

Hah, Randall, my hat is off to you for your amazing guesses.

Seriously though i'm going to say a holder for candle wicks.

It looks a bit like a lighter to me. The rough part in the middle looks like it would strike a spark from a flint.