whidbey

Are Recessions Really That Bad?

One might also say - not all recessions are alike. This one is global and it has the potential of dragging many more consumers into its maul. The distinguishing features of large scale recessions is that it takes so much more energy and coordination to lift the consumers out and put them into the markets again. This investment in recovery has to be very large and it is typically not well distributed within trade areas so the recovery takes longer. One must suspect that the shear scope and time required to move ahead once again will be great and that the process will realign the world from commodity regions into military/political regions. I suspect that the business opportunities will be great, but not necessarily stabilizing. We will be a different world.

Smells Good: The Case for Natural Gas

I hope you are correct but I have fears of the rate of adoption. Nat gas is a good substitute for oil in many industrial applications. My concern has been the capital costs of conversion of generation plants which has kept coal in demand.

Fast Money Recap. 3/7/08: Oil Will Reach $378?

We never get to see their books. I think that they may talk a little better than they live. They (and Cramer) are really just part of the CNBC zoo that is growing ever more trite.