Addenda: I sent the wrong citation in the previous message, and in trying to fine the correct story about Chinese solar, I came across this very prescient bit of prognostication from the smart folks over at CalTech... only they were about 4 years too soon with their expected crisis date. http://mars3.gps.caltech.edu/whichworld/explore/china/chinatw_top.html
OK, the bankers forecast last week is for $105 barrel oil, "real soon now", correct? Actually I hope so! Painful as it might be for a while... If following this warning sign, quicker implementation of solar-boosted Prius-type hybrids is forthcoming, and why not? - which is to be expected as a result of this unjustified (by-cost) spike in oil ... ...then, despite the short-term distress to immediate disposable incomes, the situation might end up being the *worst* thing that could happen, longer term, for OPEC... as... like the Dwarven races, the US consummmer is ultimately "Slow to anger and slow to forget," one hopes, at least, even though we seem to have forgotten the lesson of 1973 too fast... but maybe that is part of the "slow to anger" ;-) Anyway, $105/barrel oil in 2005 might end up leading directly to $20/barrel oil in 2010 should demand drop to that point that the US becomes self-sufficient... (Opec will still get richer at $20) Jones Remember the old BB King song, "You might 'a made your move too soon" ?: Three days of snow in Birmingham Thought you would wonder where I am Rang our number all night long It's no comfort on the telephone Ran out and caught a midnight flight Thought a little love would make everything all right The landlord said you moved away And left me all your bills to pay Look out baby, you might have made your move too soon...
