Good overview - in simple English - of the current price of oil, causes, trends, impact and how the recent runup compares historically to other events like this.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5773192/
Interestingly, $47 oil might not be enough to pump up the economics of "alternative energy" says this New York Times article. You may have to register to view it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/22/business...ney/22alte.html
Cowperson