GH's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/30571/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/85496-an-in-depth-look-at-solar-stocks?source=feed#comment-208161 208161
No more for me, thanks. Goodbye, SeekingAlpha.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:44:27 -0400
No more for me, thanks. Goodbye, SeekingAlpha.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85468-expecting-strong-earnings-upside-from-first-solar-and-solarfun-power?source=feed#comment-208147 208147
This is half true. Obama strongly supports alternatives to fossil fuels. However, McCain has never stated specific support for either solar or wind. Since he would like to retain his long-standing massive backing from Big Oil, he is unlikely to.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:15:01 -0400
This is half true. Obama strongly supports alternatives to fossil fuels. However, McCain has never stated specific support for either solar or wind. Since he would like to retain his long-standing massive backing from Big Oil, he is unlikely to.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85368-sce-contracts-push-first-solar-ahead?source=feed#comment-207982 207982
Assuming SCE has sufficient space for either one, the solar efficiency is immaterial to their decision; what matters is dollars per watt.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:43:00 -0400
Assuming SCE has sufficient space for either one, the solar efficiency is immaterial to their decision; what matters is dollars per watt.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85365-lithium-ion-batteries-and-centerfolds?source=feed#comment-207979 207979
In the sentence above you betrayed yourself as either ignorant or a liar. No need to care which; I stopped reading your drivel right there.]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:40:02 -0400
In the sentence above you betrayed yourself as either ignorant or a liar. No need to care which; I stopped reading your drivel right there.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/85234-american-superconductor-an-ultimate-winner-in-wind-power?source=feed#comment-207130 207130 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:22:15 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/84840-solar-shorts-keep-on-rising-even-as-oil-surprises?source=feed#comment-205475 205475
Thanks!]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:20:24 -0400
Thanks!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/84830-canadian-solar-the-next-solar-takeover-target?source=feed#comment-205351 205351
Absolutely false in the case of McCain. Do your homework, check his voting record when it mattered (close votes). He's in the pocket of Big Oil, just as Bush was.

If you invest in alternative energy, this is your biggest risk factor. Research deeply. Consider who will be put in cabinet positions, heads of agencies etc.]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:32:07 -0400
Absolutely false in the case of McCain. Do your homework, check his voting record when it mattered (close votes). He's in the pocket of Big Oil, just as Bush was.

If you invest in alternative energy, this is your biggest risk factor. Research deeply. Consider who will be put in cabinet positions, heads of agencies etc.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83546-iea-s-oil-market-outlook-off-the-mark?source=feed#comment-197201 197201
As would many others. Two problems:
1) The CFTC is corrupt, starting at the head placed there by Bush the Oil Pusher.
2) The CFTC is disabled, due to the Enron Loophole and other problems introduced by corrupted legislators like Phil Gramm in 2000-2001 and being actively preserved today - and prevented from being exposed via debate by Republican filibusters.]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:46:29 -0400
As would many others. Two problems:
1) The CFTC is corrupt, starting at the head placed there by Bush the Oil Pusher.
2) The CFTC is disabled, due to the Enron Loophole and other problems introduced by corrupted legislators like Phil Gramm in 2000-2001 and being actively preserved today - and prevented from being exposed via debate by Republican filibusters.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83379-on-oil-and-its-manipulation?source=feed#comment-196841 196841
GREAT job with this article! Please stay on this topic and keep digging and keep posting. Make sure you see all the Senate Commerce Committee hearings from June; the video is at the cspan web site.

Some things you can dig into:
- Intentional conflation by Big Oil sycophants of the terms "speculation" and "manipulation", to mislead listeners about what's being stated and discussed by experts
- Republican use of filibusters to prevent debate (on CFTC-related legislation) which would clarify the manipulation issue and expose the current crop of Phil Gramm wannabes
- Conflation of sweet crude (for which demand is outstripping supply) with sour crude (of which supply is abundant) by Saudi Arabians and Libyans, to hide their inability to increase supply of sweet crude
- Ignorant conflation of sweet vs. sour crude by mainstream media (including online sources like MarketWatch), exacerbating misunderstandings of Saudi and Libyan statements
- Israeli cabinet members helping Goldman-Sachs and Morgan Stanley further drive up WTI oil futures by hyping mideast tensions, thereby manipulating more retail investors and fund managers into buying more USO, XLE, etc.]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:21:23 -0400
GREAT job with this article! Please stay on this topic and keep digging and keep posting. Make sure you see all the Senate Commerce Committee hearings from June; the video is at the cspan web site.

Some things you can dig into:
- Intentional conflation by Big Oil sycophants of the terms "speculation" and "manipulation", to mislead listeners about what's being stated and discussed by experts
- Republican use of filibusters to prevent debate (on CFTC-related legislation) which would clarify the manipulation issue and expose the current crop of Phil Gramm wannabes
- Conflation of sweet crude (for which demand is outstripping supply) with sour crude (of which supply is abundant) by Saudi Arabians and Libyans, to hide their inability to increase supply of sweet crude
- Ignorant conflation of sweet vs. sour crude by mainstream media (including online sources like MarketWatch), exacerbating misunderstandings of Saudi and Libyan statements
- Israeli cabinet members helping Goldman-Sachs and Morgan Stanley further drive up WTI oil futures by hyping mideast tensions, thereby manipulating more retail investors and fund managers into buying more USO, XLE, etc.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83340-adjusted-for-income-fuel-efficiency-increases-gas-today-is-almost-50-below-record-high?source=feed#comment-196825 196825 1) Why does the "Average MPG" chart cut off at 2005? Hint: SUV sales peaked in 2006.
2) Why consider improvements in Average MPG, unless you also consider increases in average miles driven per year?]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:57:10 -0400 1) Why does the "Average MPG" chart cut off at 2005? Hint: SUV sales peaked in 2006.
2) Why consider improvements in Average MPG, unless you also consider increases in average miles driven per year?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/83296-promising-solar-power-technologies?source=feed#comment-196812 196812
Did you even read the article, much less follow any of the links? Evidently not. Ausra's technology is good - but it has room for further improvement. This can lower the cost of Ausra's technology.]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:28:09 -0400
Did you even read the article, much less follow any of the links? Evidently not. Ausra's technology is good - but it has room for further improvement. This can lower the cost of Ausra's technology.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/82994-ttm-speculative-activity-actually-decreased-on-the-nymex?source=feed#comment-194004 194004
You're exactly right.

Be aware that speculation on NYMEX has moved to the unregulated "London" ICE (actually run by a USA company and using terminals here in the USA) and greatly expanded. Those who put out "speculation is down" stories are at best being misled.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:05:12 -0400
You're exactly right.

Be aware that speculation on NYMEX has moved to the unregulated "London" ICE (actually run by a USA company and using terminals here in the USA) and greatly expanded. Those who put out "speculation is down" stories are at best being misled.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/82990-kling-s-oil-speculation-question?source=feed#comment-193997 193997
This conflation of the two kinds of crude is being purposely planted by various players - the same ones who are hiding their manipulation behind the word "speculation". This is the latest favorite style of lying: use an ambiguous word. Various media that should know better are happily playing along to attract eyeballs.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:03:01 -0400
This conflation of the two kinds of crude is being purposely planted by various players - the same ones who are hiding their manipulation behind the word "speculation". This is the latest favorite style of lying: use an ambiguous word. Various media that should know better are happily playing along to attract eyeballs.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/82775-how-big-a-contribution-comes-from-oil-speculation?source=feed#comment-193344 193344
That trading moved from the NYMEX to the ICE to dodge regulation. Bush's head of the CFTC is in on this con, which was originally set up as Enron's loophole by Phil Gramm (McCain's chief economic advisor) and his wife. I believe Senate Commerce Committee testimony before I believe anything on SeekingAlpha (although Mr. Hamilton seems to have an excellent understanding in my humble opinion).]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:17:44 -0400
That trading moved from the NYMEX to the ICE to dodge regulation. Bush's head of the CFTC is in on this con, which was originally set up as Enron's loophole by Phil Gramm (McCain's chief economic advisor) and his wife. I believe Senate Commerce Committee testimony before I believe anything on SeekingAlpha (although Mr. Hamilton seems to have an excellent understanding in my humble opinion).]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/81243-the-enron-loophole?source=feed#comment-184773 184773
Play the entire C-Span video of the hearing again. Listen carefully to all the testimony. It will be the best 2 hours and 18 minutes you'll spend this year.]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:19:57 -0400
Play the entire C-Span video of the hearing again. Listen carefully to all the testimony. It will be the best 2 hours and 18 minutes you'll spend this year.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80949-oil-swings-go-beyond-fundamentals?source=feed#comment-184074 184074
"Unless, somebody in the Government rationally and logically looks at these issues, this trend is going to stay bullish."

The Senate Commerce Committee heard all about it last Tuesday 3-Jun (video may still be on C-Span's web site). A couple days ago a Republican filibuster prevented debate on a bill that would have returned to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission the power to regulate oil market, which was removed from it by Phil Gramm (creating the "Enron Loophole") in 2001.

Those represented in the Senate by Republicans need to write their reps a letter or send an email thanking them for their nice high gas prices.]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:31:07 -0400
"Unless, somebody in the Government rationally and logically looks at these issues, this trend is going to stay bullish."

The Senate Commerce Committee heard all about it last Tuesday 3-Jun (video may still be on C-Span's web site). A couple days ago a Republican filibuster prevented debate on a bill that would have returned to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission the power to regulate oil market, which was removed from it by Phil Gramm (creating the "Enron Loophole") in 2001.

Those represented in the Senate by Republicans need to write their reps a letter or send an email thanking them for their nice high gas prices.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80692-oil-prices-and-the-bigger-fool-theory?source=feed#comment-182728 182728 "But speculation does not drive up the price of a commodity like oil."

Go read about Amaranth. The oil price run-up is exactly the same thing as Amaranth did with natural gas. There are just more and bigger players, that's all.

Legislation *is* the answer, for the simple reason that commodities were not cornerable until Goldman-Sachs and Morgan Stanley and a few helpers used Phil Gramm's disabling of the existing regulatory structure (aka "The Enron Loophole") to create ICE, thereby circumventing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (Gramm's wife, who ran the CFTC, simultaneously helped disable its regulatory capability. Either one would have removed regulation from its role to provide rules whereby the commodities markets can't be cornered. Without rules and referees to enforce them, games involving wealth quickly go as this one has.

You're just not aware of the latest info, Gary. Go watch the testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee last Tuesday, on CSPan's website.]]> Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:45:33 -0400 "But speculation does not drive up the price of a commodity like oil."

Go read about Amaranth. The oil price run-up is exactly the same thing as Amaranth did with natural gas. There are just more and bigger players, that's all.

Legislation *is* the answer, for the simple reason that commodities were not cornerable until Goldman-Sachs and Morgan Stanley and a few helpers used Phil Gramm's disabling of the existing regulatory structure (aka "The Enron Loophole") to create ICE, thereby circumventing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. (Gramm's wife, who ran the CFTC, simultaneously helped disable its regulatory capability. Either one would have removed regulation from its role to provide rules whereby the commodities markets can't be cornered. Without rules and referees to enforce them, games involving wealth quickly go as this one has.

You're just not aware of the latest info, Gary. Go watch the testimony to the Senate Commerce Committee last Tuesday, on CSPan's website.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80445-energy-government-vs-market-solutions?source=feed#comment-180661 180661
Well, you elected him.]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:06:22 -0400
Well, you elected him.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80348-a-modest-proposal-for-rising-oil-prices?source=feed#comment-180447 180447
And you don't understand the futures markets. There's never a need to deliver or take delivery; you simply sell your contracts. As long as the price keeps going up, long positions will continue to generate profits.]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:52:44 -0400
And you don't understand the futures markets. There's never a need to deliver or take delivery; you simply sell your contracts. As long as the price keeps going up, long positions will continue to generate profits.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80331-another-fed-induced-bubble?source=feed#comment-180431 180431
The FTC is the only body left with the power to uncover the oil price manipulation being committed by the investment banks - chiefly G-S, but also M-S and others. Uncover, but only the CFTC has the potential to be given the authority to stop it - and the recent Farm Bill didn't do that, it needs its old powers back that were stripped by Phil Gramm's "Enron Loophole" in 2000.]]> Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:36:35 -0400
The FTC is the only body left with the power to uncover the oil price manipulation being committed by the investment banks - chiefly G-S, but also M-S and others. Uncover, but only the CFTC has the potential to be given the authority to stop it - and the recent Farm Bill didn't do that, it needs its old powers back that were stripped by Phil Gramm's "Enron Loophole" in 2000.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/80328-target-achieved-on-ultrashort-oil-gas?source=feed#comment-180427 180427 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:30:09 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/78417-uranium-red-hot-yellow-cake?source=feed#comment-171869 171869
The only ways I can see are indirect:
(1) use nuclear-generated electricity to produce hydrogen or cellulosic-based ethanol. Both those would require replacing most vehicles' engines.
(2) use nuclear-generated electricity to charge the batteries of electric vehicles. This would again require replacing the vehicles. If we're going to do this, we might as well use sustainable power sources with no toxic side products: wind, wave, and solar.
]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 12:06:51 -0400
The only ways I can see are indirect:
(1) use nuclear-generated electricity to produce hydrogen or cellulosic-based ethanol. Both those would require replacing most vehicles' engines.
(2) use nuclear-generated electricity to charge the batteries of electric vehicles. This would again require replacing the vehicles. If we're going to do this, we might as well use sustainable power sources with no toxic side products: wind, wave, and solar.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/78349-american-airlines-cutting-jobs-and-routes-discount-days-over?source=feed#comment-171721 171721
My money is on CPA.]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 10:11:40 -0400
My money is on CPA.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/78349-american-airlines-cutting-jobs-and-routes-discount-days-over?source=feed#comment-171714 171714
I enjoy your articles, I think you're one of the saner voices. But beware: don't equate fuel with energy. It's a subset. You've got the tail wagging the dog.

Increased kerosene (= jet fuel) prices will definitely have all the effects you describe. But the U.S. consumer, in particular business people, have been flying far too cheaply for decades. This is a bad trend which will now reverse. Tele-commuting will ascend.

Increased diesel (= truck and ship fuel) prices will definitely cause general increases, especially in food prices. But the U.S. consumer has been buying things from all over the world instead of produced here, for decades. This was a bad trend which will now reverse. Eating local will now ascend.

Natural gas is the one direct connection between escalating fuel prices, and increased energy prices. That commodity (along with crude, and energy in general) is about to return to the pre-Enron, pre-Amaranth mode: the Farm Bill will be passed over Bush's veto and will return to the CFTC the powers it had before Bush & Co. crippled it in 2000.

Your scenarios will play out, but don't forget to take into account that the status quo has vast power to resist change - and will expend all of it in trying to do so.]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 10:07:05 -0400
I enjoy your articles, I think you're one of the saner voices. But beware: don't equate fuel with energy. It's a subset. You've got the tail wagging the dog.

Increased kerosene (= jet fuel) prices will definitely have all the effects you describe. But the U.S. consumer, in particular business people, have been flying far too cheaply for decades. This is a bad trend which will now reverse. Tele-commuting will ascend.

Increased diesel (= truck and ship fuel) prices will definitely cause general increases, especially in food prices. But the U.S. consumer has been buying things from all over the world instead of produced here, for decades. This was a bad trend which will now reverse. Eating local will now ascend.

Natural gas is the one direct connection between escalating fuel prices, and increased energy prices. That commodity (along with crude, and energy in general) is about to return to the pre-Enron, pre-Amaranth mode: the Farm Bill will be passed over Bush's veto and will return to the CFTC the powers it had before Bush & Co. crippled it in 2000.

Your scenarios will play out, but don't forget to take into account that the status quo has vast power to resist change - and will expend all of it in trying to do so.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/77546-solarfun-earnings-could-be-the-perfect-trigger-for-a-short-squeeze?source=feed#comment-169468 169468
The bond holders explicitly own the right to buy N shares of the stock at a certain price. Many holders have chosen to short N shares of the stock to nullify this right, because they only want to own the bond and collect interest, they do not want to accept the risk associated with the stock's price changes. Since this set of holders do not care whether if the stock price goes up or down, they also will not care whether there is a "short squeeze" - it will not involve them, because their *net* position in the stock is ZERO SHARES.

The sole impacts of this situation are:
1) It increases the "short interest" number, misleading the unsophisticated
2) It decreases the number of shares available to short

When a bond holder decides they no longer want to hold the bond, they first exercise their right to buy the stock, thus erasing their short position. They then sell the bond.

If there is something wrong with this analysis, I will be grateful to whoever posts a better explanation.]]> Sat, 17 May 2008 20:50:16 -0400
The bond holders explicitly own the right to buy N shares of the stock at a certain price. Many holders have chosen to short N shares of the stock to nullify this right, because they only want to own the bond and collect interest, they do not want to accept the risk associated with the stock's price changes. Since this set of holders do not care whether if the stock price goes up or down, they also will not care whether there is a "short squeeze" - it will not involve them, because their *net* position in the stock is ZERO SHARES.

The sole impacts of this situation are:
1) It increases the "short interest" number, misleading the unsophisticated
2) It decreases the number of shares available to short

When a bond holder decides they no longer want to hold the bond, they first exercise their right to buy the stock, thus erasing their short position. They then sell the bond.

If there is something wrong with this analysis, I will be grateful to whoever posts a better explanation.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/77546-solarfun-earnings-could-be-the-perfect-trigger-for-a-short-squeeze?source=feed#comment-168637 168637 "How much will it cost to build UMG-based production, and how LONG WILL IT TAKE to do so?"]]> Fri, 16 May 2008 08:11:19 -0400 "How much will it cost to build UMG-based production, and how LONG WILL IT TAKE to do so?"]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/77546-solarfun-earnings-could-be-the-perfect-trigger-for-a-short-squeeze?source=feed#comment-168635 168635 Fri, 16 May 2008 08:08:46 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/77331-wind-the-powerful-anti-commodity?source=feed#comment-168150 168150 Thu, 15 May 2008 12:36:33 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/77331-wind-the-powerful-anti-commodity?source=feed#comment-168149 168149 Thu, 15 May 2008 12:35:40 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/77331-wind-the-powerful-anti-commodity?source=feed#comment-168142 168142
50% growth for 5 years is pure gold, from an investment point of view. Someone must make, transport, install, and maintain all those machines... and those someones will provide outstanding investments.

You are concerned about sourcing enough oil to lubricate the wind turbines? One barrel of oil (currently $125) is enough to lubricate a half-million-dollar turbine for its lifetime... or to pay the guy who refills it for one instance of highly skilled work 150 feet above the ground. Even if oil goes to $1000 a barrel cost of lubricants will remain negligible compared to other routine maintenance costs.]]> Thu, 15 May 2008 12:25:11 -0400
50% growth for 5 years is pure gold, from an investment point of view. Someone must make, transport, install, and maintain all those machines... and those someones will provide outstanding investments.

You are concerned about sourcing enough oil to lubricate the wind turbines? One barrel of oil (currently $125) is enough to lubricate a half-million-dollar turbine for its lifetime... or to pay the guy who refills it for one instance of highly skilled work 150 feet above the ground. Even if oil goes to $1000 a barrel cost of lubricants will remain negligible compared to other routine maintenance costs.]]>