Ferdinand E. Banks

Energy Trends: Crude Oil, Products and the Refining Sector

Hmm. I really knew quite a bit about refineries a couple of years ago, and gave some nice lectures on the subject, but I was never able to convince myself to do something really serious with the subject.

One thing however I remember. Excluding one or two outstanding exceptions, I couldn't understand how any 'independent refiner' in the U.S. would want to have anything to do with the business. I was also unable to figure out why refining (and petrochemicals) are not moving 'en masse' to the Middle East, as I once assured some students.

Obama Announces List of Grant Recipients, Recognizing Significance of Hybrid Markets

Where's my money? Don't I deserve something for being prepared to put my arrogant shoulder to the wheel?

Hmm, perhaps not. But anyway these grants are a good start. Now for some brilliant advice to our new president. Declare victory in Iraq and Afghanistan, and clear out of both places. Then use the money saved for grants of the kind mentioned in this article, plus a few more.

Cap and Trade and the Russian Market

Interesting, although some day I hope to write an article that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that cap and trade is a scam. I plan to give one of my great lectures on it too, but not here in Sweden, because I have no desire to be hounded out of the country.

By the way, one of former President Putin's top advisors told him that cap and trade was about money, and not reducing pollution. Somebody seems to have gotten the message.