Oil (black gold) just topped $70.00/barrel. There are several reasons for the recent spike in price (the highest price in three years) which I won't debate here. Since much of the economic weakness in the Middle East in the last several years,has been attributed to the falling oil prices, perhaps the  new found strength in these same markets, and the resultant infusion of revenue will serve to "right that ship". Hope springs eternal,Bill of the Board.