The home and auto industries are two of the hardest hit sectors in the U. S. Rising foreclosures mark the housing sector, while closing car manufacturing plants are common in the auto plant. Given the parallel routes these two industries pass through, it is not surprising to hear American couples throwing in a used car as a freebie, just to unload on the market a debt-ridden home.

Police in the Chicago suburb of Algonquin is looking for a man who has been getting facials and body scrubs and leaving without paying. The man, who has been nicknamed "Spa-bandit" by some, has robbed as many as 20 spas for several thousand dollars worth of services. According to officials investigating the case, the man has been operating since March 2006, targeting spas in Chicago, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

An Israeli health and beauty spa is now offering a new service for its customers - a snake massage. The treatment comprises of six non-venomous serpents massaging the client's aching muscles and stiff joints for $70. Located in northern Israel, Ada Barak's spa makes use California and Florida king snakes, corn snakes and milk snakes for the massage. Barak believes that physical contact with the reptiles can be a soothing experience.

The renowned hotel chain Ritz-Carlton has come up with a new program called "privileged pup" that offers personal massages for dogs to make them more relaxed. The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sarasota, Florida, is offering the doggie spa experience for the cost of $130 per pet. Additionally, the hotel also provides gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room pet massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish and a souvenir photo for $220. Yes, it also includes a brisk walk.