Her government's other big ticket item, the roll-out of a state-of-the-art national broadband network, is a hold-over from Mr Rudd's abbreviated prime ministership.

BBC: Julia Gillard: Still finding her feet

The big ticket item was the purchase of a majority stake in Puma in 2007, which gave the company a stronghold in the sports and lifestyle market and a premiere brand as the centerpiece of its new strategy.

FORBES: PPR's Shift to Luxury, Sports and Lifestyle Is The Result of Dramatic Consumer Growth In Asia

Sometimes, a well-thought out gift is better than just throwing money at a big-ticket item.

FORBES: 3 Tips to Save Money on Graduation Gifts

Nearly every big-ticket item that Americans consume is paid for with borrowed money, with foreign lenders supplying the credit.

FORBES: From Subprime To The Ridiculous

So for years to come, many more households will be firmly focused on saving, splashing out only occasionally on a big-ticket item.

ECONOMIST: Consumer psychology

It changes the equation, however, if she thinks she might want to buy a big-ticket item like a house in the not-too-distant future.

FORBES: Back To The Future: Rethinking Retirement

Parents can make their own cases for special treatment but usually hire lawyers if they are going after a big-ticket item like private school tuition.

FORBES: A Costly Education

But on May's priorities list, the passenger-rights controversy falls well below another big-ticket item: the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, whose programs expire next September.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If Wayne Huizenga thinks so -- and he probably does -- then we suggest three words for him (and for any other big-ticket-item broker): Virtual Fleet Sales!

FORBES: Digital Rules: Coming Soon -- Cyber Co-Ops