by Laura Conaway

Good morning, and welcome to the Monday reading list.

The White House is considering ways to create more jobs, including a possible second round of stimulus spending.

Oil prices have hit a new high for 2009, $79.05 a barrel, as "market optimism" overrides the effect of a "massive surplus" of petroleum products.

Another factor in pushing up the price of oil is the U.S. dollar's decline. For American manufacturers, the weaker dollar is good news since it makes their wares cheaper for overseas buyers. Sure enough, domestic producers are reporting stronger exports.

U.S. airline companies are sending repair work overseas as a way to save money.

And from the Department of Unusual Commodities, a lock of Elvis Presley's hair has sold at auction for $15,000.