The challenges of the hybrid car industry in 2006 go from here to eternity

The 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2006 Green Car of the Year

Here in the first decade of the 21st Century, fossil fuels face scarcity. That fact is reflected in the price of oil soaring close to $100.00 dollars per barrel, $66.00 per barrel as of February 2006. The replacement of the internal combustion engine has pitted car manufacturers in a race for the green. One can take that to mean environmentally friendly autos and money. When gas is non-affordable, we will all be driving little green cars. But let's step back and recap a bit of automobile engine history.

"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body," wrote 18th-century politician and author Joseph Addison. Why not help your friends and loved ones stretch their mental muscles this holiday season by giving them the gift of a great book? (And if you've been nice instead of naughty, they may even let you borrow their copies.)

We've reviewed a host of new books and have selected a quartet of first-rate titles that fit into your organic living lifestyle.

Organic Cotton Terry Robe
by Gaiam

This Organic Cotton Terry Robe is the gift someone would not buy for themselves. Envelop your loved one in the luxury of our thick, absorbent Organic Cotton Terry Robe after a shower or bath. Made from long-staple, 100% organically grown cotton terry, this best-selling robe is pure indulgence. Matching belt and loops keep it securely wrapped. Machine wash. Made in Turkey.

Angel Baby Bottom Balm is protecting, soothing and healing for tender bottoms, cradle cap and minor rashes, scrapes and burns. Apply this great-smelling ointment to your baby's diaper area after each diaper change and bath to help prevent diaper rashes. It's made with certified organic olive oil infused with wound-healing herbs such as organic calendula, chickweed, plantain and St. John's wort. shea butter, and fungus-fighting pure essential oils. Use it to help ease life's little boo-boos for the whole family - naturally.

Many Americans who want to make the switch to organic food fear they will break the bank if they enter a whole foods store.

In truth, the prices of many organic food items are comparable to-or even cheaper than-their nonorganic cousins, and you gain peace of mind, knowing that your food does not contain pesticides, chemicals, toxins or preservatives. You're also supporting the efforts of local organic farmers, who treat the land with respect, practice sustainability and protect our environment.

OrganicAuthority.com's shoppers and taste testers visited two stores, 2 miles apart from each other, in the Southern California region last month: Whole Foods Market, the world's leading natural and organic foods supermarket, and a leading chain grocery store that advertises low prices and top selection. We chose three staples that you are likely to have in your kitchen right now. How did they fare?