The biggest difference between this microm induction heating pressure rice cooker and your average kitchen gadget is that it is not just about convenience and efficiency, it is also about quality.

FORBES: Hands On With Zojirushi's Smartest Rice Cooker

Another sign that the new-issues market is heating up: January 2006 offerings had an average first-day gain of 16% versus the 7% average since 2001.

FORBES: The IPO Market Heats Up

That doesn't mean that individual folks weren't being pinched by higher heating prices or what have you, but on average prices went down.

WHITEHOUSE: "White House to Main Street" Town Hall: Elyria, OH