These lamps are SO beautiful!! I've always loved alabaster because light can pass through it -- and that's exactly why it's perfect that they put a nightlight in the bases. I'm not sure how you'd ever replace the nightlight bulb if you needed to, but it's gorgeous when you turn them on.
Some people here have complained that the veining in the alabaster isn't pretty to them, or that the multiple lamps they got have different veining... honey, natural materials aren't for you. The beauty of natural stone is that no two items are ever identical. If you don't like that, don't get a natural stone lamp. On the other hand, the designer likes to brag about their lovely electrical cords... but seriously, I don't know ANYONE (at least anyone sane) who would buy something because it has a pretty cord. I don't look at the cord -- I look at the base and the shade and the finial.