It has been said that oil is the lifeblood of our economy.  We certainly are feeling that quite acutely now, with the sharp increase in oil prices that is bringing more pain at the pump!  The oil in this case is petroleum, and while we gauge its value every time we fill up at the gas station, petroleum is much more than a fuel; it is the raw material used in so many products that are part of modern life, everything from shoe polish to surf boards.