DataMan

China's Shrewd Long-Term Oil Plan: What America Can Learn

Correction: investments, not major investments.
China's involvement in the Alberta oil sands has been relatively small and tentative partially due to the political relationship between Canada and China. China Petrochemical Corp. owns a 40% stake in Canada’s Northern Lights oil sands project with Synenco Energy Inc. China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), holds a 17% stake in Canada’s MEG Energy Corp. These two investments are worth about $300 million combined. China has been buying up bits of Canadian oil sand land as well as investing in a variety of start-up producers. China National Petroleum Corp. acquired a majority stake in an exploration project in 259 square kilometers of oil sands territory in northern Alberta. Calgary-based Husky Oil, is majority-owned by billionaire Li Ka-shing of Hong Kong, rumored to be forming some sort of relationship with, one of the China state oil companies.

China's Shrewd Long-Term Oil Plan: What America Can Learn

China has had a "shrewd long term oil plan" for quite some time but I don't know what America can learn from it. Your article mentions China's oil initiatives in other parts of the world. It is much more aggressive and intense than you suggested. They are major investors in the Canada oil sands, Cuba, Venezuela, and other areas of South America. Some of their biggest plays are in Africa. About a year ago, Nigeria offered the first new concessions in over 10 years. China bought all four, shutting out the western producers for the first time ever. They have written long term contracts with several other African nations guaranteeing them the majority of all future oil along with major infrastructure contracts to build the facilities, pipelines, roads, etc., to implement production.
As global peak oil is upon us, China is guaranteeing their supply of future oil while the west is facing shrinking capacity. Ten years and forward, China will be in a dominant position and there is not much we can do about it because we've been ignoring their tactics for the past few years.

Amazon's Kindle: What's Mark Mahaney Smoking?

At $400 a unit (not including accessories) Blodget is projecting sales of 1.875 million units in 2 years. I have no clue what the Kindle production rate is but there is about a two month wait to receive shipment of a placed order, and this is with little or no advertising/promotion.
On the subjective side, I recently bought one for my wife. Within a few weeks, she was responsible for at least 12 sales to friends who had never heard of or touched a Kindle. That doesn't count the one that I am now buying for myself and another two for my sons. It's a compelling product. If you like Peter Lynch's subjective approach to research in the marketplace you've got to love the Kindle.
Regarding the "1 book a month" projection, it feels absurdly low. The one click ease of purchase from the Kindle store and on-screen promotions make impulse and planned buying equally easy. Today's Kindle buyers are early adapters and probably avid readers (my wife bought over a dozen books within the first week). Currently, Amazon does not support gift giving or public wish lists for the Kindle. When they add this feature it will result in more book sales.
I can't support Blodget's math but I wouldn't bet against this product.