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 […]
Debunking the Debunkers
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 […]
“Entertainingly Obsessive”
It seems like a lot longer than a month ago that I started this, but my first substantive post was on March 23rd – just one month ago. I had put off starting a blog […]
Fuel Efficiency and Lessons from Europe
I read a nice opinion piece a few days ago in the Buffalo News (1). It was written by John Paul Rossi, a history professor at Penn State Erie. The essay addressed the need for […]