September 21, 2020

This year has been topsy-turvy and upside down for so many reasons. So, it’s probably little surprise that something else you never would have thought would happen, also happened: Vinyl records have outsold compact discs for the first time in 34 years. Bloomberg, September 10, 2020

“Million-to-one chances crop up nine times out of 10.” Terry Pratchett

In 1960, 60 years ago this month, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was founded to coordinate oil policies and counter the influence of British and American producers. Since 1973, its market share has fallen from 50% to 30%, while the U.S. has doubled production in a decade. Morning Brew, September 13, 2020

“I am tonight setting a clear goal for the energy policy of the United States. Beginning this moment, this nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977 – never. The generation-long growth in our dependence on foreign oil will be stopped dead in its tracks right now and then reversed as we move through the 1980s. I’m asking Congress to mandate, to require as a matter of law, that our nation’s utility companies cut their massive use of oil by 50% within the next decade and switch to other fuels, especially coal, our most abundant energy source. We will protect our environment. But when this Nation critically needs a refinery or a pipeline, we will build it.”  President Jimmy Carter, July 15, 1979

A Confederate memorial that stood on the courthouse lawn in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for 105 years was toppled by Hurricane Laura’s historic winds – just two weeks after local authorities voted not to remove it. New York Times, August 27, 2020

A surge in home renovations and do-it-yourself projects during the pandemic has driven lumber prices up 134% year over year. That adds around $14,000 to the cost of building a new home. Fortune, August 31, 2020

“The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.” Edward Abbey

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