I just finished watching the 60 Minutes piece on ethanol production. Wow. What a puff piece. I thought at least I might see some attempt at balance. But there was no mention of the disadvantages […]
Coming Attractions
Just wanted to provide a quick update, since it will be a few more days before I have a new essay up. I am trying to finish up an article on Peak Oil for Omninerd, […]
Debunking the Debunkers
There are a few things I have learned over the years regarding the relationship between the public and oil companies. The public seems to have an especially strong distaste for oil companies, and especially Big […]
Bio-Butanol
Butanol Production Process In my previous job, I worked for a major chemical company for seven years. For six of those years, I worked on various processes to produce butanol. This included roles in R&D, […]
I Can Drive 55
When I was a bit younger, and Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55” would come on my car radio, I always found myself easing the speed up higher and higher. I would ease up to […]
I’m Being Gouged!
Where’s the Outrage? They reported profits today of $2.89 billion in the first quarter on revenues of $10.9 billion. Their profit margin on sales was 26.5%! I was expecting outrage. Yet I haven’t heard anyone […]
Politicians, Profits, and Inventories
Can You Believe This Guy? I am aware that from time to time a politician has stopped by to read some of my essays. I have even had contact with some of you. I do […]
Biodiesel Breakthrough?
I meant to cover this when it was reported on last week, but got tied up with other things. The news in the energy sector is happening faster than I can comment on it. So, […]
Taxing “Windfall Profits”
I have a few essays in the queue (including a nifty biodiesel story), but I thought I would comment on an article in today’s Deseret News out of Salt Lake City. The article was entitled […]
Peak Lite
Is Peak Oil upon us? This opinion seem to be gaining in popularity due to the recent price spikes in crude oil and gasoline. Many feel that the markets are signaling that the peak is […]