oil

As it turns out, Saudi Arabia may have not one of the world's most lucrative resources (duh, oil) but two. Recent prospectors have set their sights on Saudi Arabian sands to dig for gold in addition to other precious metals. The first commercial prospector allowed to set up mines in Saudi Arabia is Ma'aden, which has already invested $5.5 billion in equipment and development costs. When it comes to digging for financial rewards, who knew sand could be so fertile?

[via Fortune]

Last week I mentioned the fact that MAXJet was ceasing operations this week also brought news that Big Sky Airlines, which has had a partnership with Delta Airlines, plans to close up shop and sell their planes. With the price of oil shooting up to the magic $100-a-barrel mark, airlines are on a frantic quest to either reduce costs or risk going out of business. Some are raising fares or put more passengers on each flight but others are trying to lighten the load anyway they can. The changes sound minor, like using less paint or beverage carts that weigh less but little changes can make a big difference.

And it may be that planes in the U.S. need it most. A recent report from the International Air Transport Association said that profit probably would fall from $5.6 billion in 2007 to $5 billion in 2008 worldwide, with most of the decline coming in North America. Why? Because many planes used here are older gas guzzlers. But there is hope, Alaska Airlines plans to replace 16 MD-80 planes with more fuel-efficient 737-800s and American is modifying the tail cones on their MD-80 planes to be more aerodynamic. US Airways is carrying less extra fuel on flights and ordering new aircraft and Delta is retrofitting planes with wingtip extensions that improve fuel efficiency. Delta is also trying to fly less half-empty planes.

Unfortunately it seems that airlines are in a difficult predicament, one that, if you check out this WaPo article, they've been fretting about since 2005. They can't raise airfares too much unless everyone does it and they can't buy new, more fuel-efficient planes unless they are making a profit. It does make me think though that the days of lucking into a flight where you have an empty seat next to you, or even the infinitely desirable row to yourself may be a thing of the past. Given the global warming factor, I might even find myself feeling a bit guilty if the seat next to me isn't filled.

We're not there yet but the holidays are just around the corner, and along with them all the stress of thinking up gift ideas for everybody and finding time to shop. Some bath and body products probably belong on your shopping list regardless, whether as a gift for someone or just a way to help yourself relax amidst the annual holiday stresses, and I'm thinking the Usiku Organic Bath Collection sounds particularly good since they work for men or women and I love all things organic (not to mention the fragrance description sounds heavenly).

The collection from Jo Wood includes body soap, body lotion, body oil, and bath oil, and prices range from $24-$125 each.

Luxury cars are special in every way, from the state-of-the-art technology powering them and rare materials appointing their interiors to the aerospace-grade compounds they're built with to keep their weight down. Unlike most of the cars the rest of us drive, luxury cars are the epitome of wealth in another way -- the amount of gas it takes to power them.

Forbes has come out with a list of the "Top 10 Gas Guzzlers of 2007," or as we like to call them, the "Top 10 Ways to Support the Petroleum Market Via Automobiles" for a more positive spin. Topping the list (after a long list of disclaimers including how the 2007 GM HUMMER SUV doesn't appear on the list because the EPA hasn't rated it yet and other qualifiers) is the Lamborghini Murciélago two-door, which costs $3,505 per year to operate. In a three-way tie for second, the Bentley Arnage sedan, Bentley Azure convertible and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano coupe all come in at $3,213.

These and other cars on the list, such as the Aston Martin DB9 and the Ferrari F430, are unlikely to be daily drivers; however, other vehicles on the list, like the GMC Sierra, Nissan Armada and Jeep Grand Cherokee do a bit more traveling. The moral of the story for the environmentally aware? If you're not up for one of the newfangled electric supercars, you won't feel too bad taking your Maybach out on the weekends if your daily driver gets great mileage.

[Source: Forbes]

Fireplaces are not relied upon for light and heat to the degree that they once were, if at all, and now serve more often as an accent piece, a live-action art display. The Table Top Fireplace is a miniature oil-burning fireplace that looks like a work of art but doubles as a light source, giving it a degree of functionality that most other fireplaces lack. It measures only 10"x14" and is made of stainless steel "logs" on a slate base. Use it as an accent in an office or take it outside when entertaining as a substitute for a firepit. Price: $340.