business

Private jet travel is back! When we were in the depths of the financial crisis, the best way to fly was a sure way to attract criticism, especially when the Detroit auto executives showed up before Congress a year ago and had to explain why ailing companies were forced to shell out for the perk. Well, the private jets are coming back into style, but it's more for pleasure than business.

Business jet manufacturers delivered only 615 in the first three quarters of 2009, a steep decline of 37.8 percent year-over-year, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. According to Jack Petlon, CEO of Cessna, though, there are signs of life. "With the financial collapse that occurred there was a lot of anger, a lot of hurt, a lot of people reaching out and striking at what became an image and the image was a corporate business jet," he told Forbes. He continued, "We as an industry are now spending our time righting that wrong perception."

Here are four facts you may not have know about business (and private) aviation:

Do you telecommute to work on a regular basis? For many who work from home on a regular basis, the dress code is relaxed, to say the least. Some work in jeans and a T-shirt, while others stick with pjs and slippers for the majority of their working hours. But with a rise in video conferencing, stay at home workers find that they have to meet real office dress codes even in their home office. Enter the Business Bib. It enables wearers to look like they're properly attired in a full suit from the chest up, so you can fool you boss and co-workers via webcam and avoid getting dressed for a bit longer in the mornings. It may look strange when viewed as a whole, but a glance at the gallery proves that they do look very convincing. The materials are of high quality and, perhaps best of all, you'll never have to worry about coordinating colors. Prices range from $135 to $150, and the personality descriptions with each bib are worth a read, even if you plan to stick with real suits.

One of the trends seen in many lines for Spring 2007 was the men's business suit with shorts, rather than pants. The Perry Ellis design, pictured, illustrates the idea. Designers love it and seem to be convinced that it is the wave of the future.

Not one to dash their hopes, but this is one trend that won't carry over once it is off the runway. Men don't want to wear them and the buyers for stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks know it; the suits are being passed over at almost every level. While the idea of being cool and comfortable in a professional environment is appealing, it doesn't seem like the business community is ready to embrace the business short look.

The two reasons that men can't wear the short suits are (1) a lack of appropriate footwear and (2) hairy legs.

BusinessWeek has an interesting look at where the business elite - executives at some of the country's most successful companies - go to eat. You might think that their favorite spots would be restaurants like Per Se, Alinea or any number of Vegas hotspots, and while they do eat (and enjoy) some meals there, it turns out that they like just about any place that has good food and a friendly atmosphere. For some, it's a neighborhood diner or an unpretentious steakhouse, while others do prefer more upscale eats, but the staff always plays just a big a role as the food. So, you don't have to be an executive to eat like one - and chances are good you've already had a $3 diner breakfast - you just have to recognize and appreciate some of the finer things in life, wherever they are.

Paperweights are interesting pieces of desktop art, which is why we love them. We all know that there are not often high-speed winds sweeping through our offices. This Esque Revolver is an exceptional example of paperweight art. It is hand-blown glass that is shaped into a life-size revolver. Though each piece varies slightly, they are strikingly realistic, not to mention beautiful. The glass is recycled, and the revolver can be blown in amber or metallic blue. All pieces are custom made to order. Price: $315.