Tired of all the talk about gas prices? Yeah, so are we! This week, we find you some goodies on eBay that will make you say, "Kiss my grits, Exxon!"

In earlier times, you may have chuckled at the guy down the street who whizzed by your house on his scooter going to and from work each day. Not anymore. You now see the wisdom he possessed. But that doesn't mean you're left out in the cold. That's because you can get your very own Vespa Scooter on eBay! We found one going for a steal of a price. There's no reserve. We have no idea if it can even be registered, but it's worth a shot.

Be like Jimmy. Save gas. Buy a Vespa! (twodolla.org)

Of course, if you don't think you'll be too steady on two wheels, go for four! Honda's hybrid technology-powered Civics have never been hotter. For less than $20,000, you, too, can be part of the cool car crowd. We found one available with about 16,000 miles on the odometer.

The so-called gas crisis is also bringing out the entrepreneur in people. Seller "1952 sailing" is willing to send you a five-page document on his ideas on how to save gas. No, really.

"I will guarantee you'll save more than your purchase price within a week by using at least one of these ideas or your money back," he says. Um, OK!

Not convinced? OK, then how about this: 62 Ways to Beat the Gas Pump Monster!" For less than the cost of a gallon of gas, this manual divulges "secrets" to fooling the big, bad oil companies. Our favorite: Secret moves to use with the nozzle to save nearly a half-cup of gasoline that you've already paid for.

Chase that scary gas monster away on eBay!

"There are tips and tricks in this ebook that you wouldn't have thought about if you had 15 years to ponder over it!," says seller remember11september. Who knew you could find such smart people on eBay?

After hours and hours of searching the archives of eBay, we believe we found the ultimate in fuel efficiency. However, it will only work if you decide you want to carpool to work with 14 of your neighbors. And we all now how much fun that can be!

The crown jewel of this week's eBay Watch column is a 1999 Dodge Ram Van 3500 15 Passenger van - which runs on compressed natural gas. As long as you have a place to fill up, you're looking at only $1.15 per gallon or so. Charge your neighbors a few bucks to take them wherever they want, and you could make a killing. See, there's silver lining under each dark cloud!

Finally, if all else fails, you can always ride a bike. If you have fond memories of that banana seat your first bike had when you were a kid, look no further, as your dream has been fulfilled.

We found a hidden gem of a bike on eBay. It's a Vintage Huffy Muscle Krate Fastback Tank Bicycle! And for the price? Pfft! It's a no-brainer!

Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!

According to seller shoppingwithlinda, "This Great Huffy bike looks to have the original grape colored paint with metallic sparkle finish. Tank style frame with muscle style handle bars and original grips. Cream with black stripe metallic seat. The front tire is flat but looks to be in good condition and the back is holding air. I have not attempted to fill the tires or clean this bike, it is being sold in as purchased condition. The paint has normal wear with scratches and the finders have some minor dents, scratches and wear."

Now who'll get that VIP spot in the company parking lot? That's right, you will.

News Flash
While we try to keep our weekly eBay Watch column lighthearted, we can't ignore the tragedy unfolding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In that vein, we point to eBay's efforts to help support the relief efforts going on in the affected areas.

According to Rachel Makool, director of community development at eBay, the company has set up several ways for people to donate funds to the relief efforts.

"You can buy or list items to support a relief organization with eBay Giving Works. A section of the eBay home page has been dedicated to relief efforts and information, and contains a link to our donation page on PayPal so that you can make a direct contribution to the United Way," says Makool.

Have a safe holiday, everyone.

Devin Comiskey is the Managing Editor of ECommerce Guide.