rvarin

How PHEVs and EVs Will Sabotage America's Drive for Energy Independence

It seems to me that replacing a traditional 100 hp ICE propulsion system with a 50 cc scooter type engine for under way battery charging (and aux . equipment) would greatly lessen the weight of a vehicle and extend the range of an EV/PHEV. How many mpg could one expect and what would the extended range of such a vehicle before shutting down for a full plug in charge? The savings in cost between a 50 cc and the 100 hp ICE could offset the additional battery expense.

Executive Compensation: Don't Whine, You'll Still Be Rich

There doesn't seem to be much public outcry for the many who receive millions of dollars awarded in the sports entertainment industry (college coaches too) even when performance is lackluster. CEO's (like the president of the USA) are not in control of every situation that can has a negative effect. To put this into perspective let's say that the Wells Fargo bank in Eugene, OR is an independent operator that has made $20 million dollars in loans to a luxury motor coach manufacture. $7 million in principle and interest are more than four months past due and because of non-payment a cash flow problem for Wells Fargo does not enable payments of rent and utilities to the landlord of the office space it occupies. This in turn trickles down creating problems for the landlord meeting his own obligations. The CEO of this bank and his employees did their job yet we want to diminish the pay of someone with a span of authority and responsibilities that are far greater than those in the sports entertainment industry. These people who extort by continuously pleading for corporate welfare to get communities to pay for construction of their sports stadiums or they'll move to another city are not even questioned for their compensation.

Chevron Q4 2008 Earnings Call Transcript

Is it so difficult for the new CFO - Pat Yarrington to say during the earnings call that Chevron is also a user of energy. During the refinery processes (downstream segment) energy is consumed to convert oil into gasoline etc., hence lower crude oil prices (and it's valuation) on lower refinery cost benefits Chevron to improved profits in the downstream segment. If the anaylsts hear this and pass it on the common man will understand with "ah ha" simplicity.

U.S. Geothermal, Inc: A Solid Geothermal Pure Play

"Pure Play" profits happen before the mining begins. Remember the 49rs; suppliers of picks and shovels made it even if the miner didn't. In oil the deep sea rig co. see their paycheck ($450,000 a day) long before oil hits the refiner. In wind power, makers of internal components, regulators and connectivity equipment "American Superconductor' would be the play.