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It is too soon to know whether current events will be nearly as momentous as those of 1973 — for the region, for the U.S. or for the world at large. But it is also possible they could be more so.

Gasoline prices are rising and jobs remain scarce, but new surveys are finding that Americans are growing more optimistic about the economy. Confidence is now at the highest level in three years.

Technology exists for gas cars to get 55 miles per gallon — the fuel economy goal set by the Obama administration for the year 2025. But all the extra comforts consumers are used to — including automatic transmissions and power windows — can drive fuel economy down by half.

Labor advocates say raising the minimum wage stimulates consumer spending. Problem is, with the unemployment rate still at 8.8 percent, elected officials don't want to do anything that might discourage job creation.

It may seem hard to believe after such a tumultuous week on Wall Street, but a few areas are showing promise.

The federal shutdown had economists worried, but consumers have had something to smile about. Gasoline prices are the lowest in three years — under $3 a gallon in some places. Analysts credit greater supplies, lower demand, the easing of Middle East tensions and even a slow hurricane season.

Mongolia is now tapping huge natural resources. But they're in the Gobi region, where traditional nomadic herding is under assault and desertification is a major problem. Herders are worried the mines will siphon off already dwindling water supplies, while trucks and roads destroy pastureland.

High oil and gas prices are emerging as a big issue in the 2012 presidential campaign. Oil market analysts say recent price hikes have more to do with turmoil in the Middle East than with administration policies. Still, potential Republican candidates are trying to draw a direct line between high gas prices and President Obama.

High oil and gas prices are emerging as a big issue in the 2012 presidential campaign. Oil market analysts say recent price hikes have more to do with turmoil in the Middle East than with administration policies. Still, potential Republican candidates are trying to draw a direct line between high gas prices and President Obama.

With the oldest of the boomers turning 65, eventually most will be looking to sell their houses. Changing tastes in housing could make that more difficult, but fears of a "generational housing bubble" may be overblown.