What Caught My Eye Today

Dogs Rule - Thanks to a high-tech electronic gadget and a big warm dog named Velvet, three climbers rescued after a harrowing fall and a night in the wind and cold high on Mount Hood are expected to be fine. Searchers credited the group's rescue to two things — Velvet, a black Labrador mix who provided warmth as the three climbers huddled under sleeping bags and a tarp, and the activation of an emergency radio beacon the size of a sunglasses case that guided them to the group. Like I said, dogs rule.

Mardi Gras - Crowds roared enthusiastically for the Zulu parade floats on Fat Tuesday and jazzman Pete Fountain led a band of gypsy musicians as New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras in style, a year and a half after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Last year's festivities were scaled down — fewer parades and only about 13,000 hotel rooms available. This year, 30,000 rooms were ready, and most were filled for the big weekend leading into Mardi Gras.

Air Travel - You may remember me griping about this last week (Feb 15). JetBlue Airways rolled out a customer bill of rights today that promises vouchers to fliers who experience delays in a move it hopes will win back passengers after an operational meltdown damaged its brand and stock price. Customers will be compensated based on the length of the delays. The vouchers range from $25 to the full amount of the ticket. The delays include airplanes unable to taxi to the gate within 30 minutes and flight departures held up for a minimum of three hours. If a flight is cancelled within 12 hours of its departure, customers can ask for a full refund or a voucher. JetBlue said passengers would also receive vouchers if flight delays are the airline's fault. It also vowed to deplane passengers if an aircraft is delayed on the ground for five hours. Well, that is a start. It will be interesting to see if the industry follows suit before Congress decides whether or not to introduce legislation to force a customer bill of rights on all carriers.

Oil Prices - Crude-oil futures fell sharply Tuesday, as forecasts for warmer weather in the northeastern U.S. in the coming days offset other factors, including continued tensions with Iran over its nuclear program. Temperatures in the northeastern U.S. are expected to warm up this week and to be slightly above normal for the time of year in some areas. Crude for March delivery was last down $1.59, or 2.7%, at $57.80 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That may be all well and good, but how about some relief at the gas pump? Prices in California are up 14 cents over the past two weeks (averaging $2.63). Ever notice how it takes practical nothing to drive prices up but requires a near miracle for them to come down. Anyone want to bet that the oil companies are going to report some hefty profits for Q1?

Baseball - Barry Bonds reported for the San Francisco Giants' first full-squad workout in Scottsdale, Arizona. He begins his 22nd major league season, and 15th with San Francisco, needing only 22 home runs to break Hank Aaron's career record of 755. The seven-time NL MVP still facing constant questions about whether his home run pursuit was fueled by steroids. Let's be honest here. Like him or not, how many of you won't be watching when he goes for 755 and 756?