Mark asks…
What differs Bush’s “oil” money mongering from Al Gore’s “alternative energy” money mongering?
Stock vs. Stock….
Do we buy from Asia, or the Middle East?
The Expert answers:
Mostly because President Bush’s investments are held in a blind trust (where he does not know where the money is invested) until he gets out of office. This eliminates conflict of interests.
Gore on the other hand went and wrote legislation to send business directly to a company he owned.
Nancy asks…
documentary on alt energy. where can i get free stock footage online?
our school documentary is on alternative energy. we want to use free stock footage. is this available anywhere online?
The Expert answers:
Try the CC (Creative Commons) search engine at http://search.creativecommons.org/#
I have never used the search myself, but all footage licensed under CC is free (as long as you attribute your sources somewhere in your documentary)
Mary asks…
Want to crush demand for BP: how can we encourage alternative energy use?
Here are a few ideas….I’m wondering if any of you have any others:
A) Find ways to have fun locally rather than “driving into town” to do that.
B) Give up your SUV for a small car or, better yet, a motorcycle or public transit. With the latter two you get more MPG than with just about any “Hybrid”, plus its a whole lot cheaper.
C) When you travel, carpool (2 or more people at all times)
D) Turn your A/C a good 10 degrees higher (IE 80 instead of 70 degrees).
E) Going 7 miles or less near good roads? Take the bicycle instead.
F) Got stocks in BP? Take them out, now!…and put them in competitors such as Shell who have much stricter safety standards (we’re talking 2 even fairly minor safety violations and employees get fired).
G) Lobby and vote for transit improvements to go toward things like HOV lanes and public transit, rather than wider highways. While you’re at it, vote for things like stricter fines for drivers needlessly obstructing traffic, rubbernecking, and not paying attention who often cause fuel-burning traffic jams.
The Expert answers:
Hi there
We have to increase public awareness to alternative fuels in all the ways that we can.
Solar is making headway and so are ocean wind farms,wave power is another easy green alternative.
Forcing and penalizing never works it just gets peoples backs up.
Electric cars are now a viable proposition as long as they run on green produced electric.
We need to educate the worlds populace into the benefits of green alternatives
David asks…
I don’t understand the disagreements over global warming?
Given the huge number of variables, many probably not even identified, events such as climate change will be debated up to either the completion or elimination of the event. Anyone who has taken high school chemistry should understand the theory and why it is possible.
Personally, I’m convinced something is happening, and have made changes to be far more energy efficient in my life and career. If I’m right, I’ve made my contribution to eliminating the problem.
If I’m wrong, here’s the impact on me: my fuel bills for my car and home are cut in half, the bottom line at my business is stronger due to reduced energy costs, my new landscaping looks awesome, and I have a slightly clearer conscience on wars over oil. I also have enjoyed some nice capital gains on emerging alternative energy stocks. It’s all win/win for me.
For you folks who disagree that man has an impact on global warming: if you’re right, you get bragging rights (but you still pay more for energy than I do)
What if you’re wrong? I’m anxious to hear your answers.
To dbj5: It’s not an unbiased opinion, it’s carefully considered. The price of oil is flirting with 100/b USD. If you think it will stay at $100, give me some of what you’re drinking.
As for spreading my bias, I have never commissioned or funded a research paper into global warming. I’m just assuming that people will quickly tire of 100+USD oil and seek out alternatives. We all know that people will vote with their wallets long before there is any legislation dealing with greenhouse gases. I see no disconnect in investing in my beliefs.
The Expert answers:
Pat yourself on the back- You get it.
Those that believe man is causing the end of the world want everyone to do as you have, except they want government to force them to do so.
You made changes to your life and can tell others the good that you’re experiencing and convince them to make changes as they see fit to make to their lifestyle.
Good for you, and I hope more believers see that your approach is better than theirs.
Linda asks…
What is going on with the stock market!!!? All 3 of my index funds are sinking like crazy…?
I own vnaguard total international stock index, total stock index, & gaaex (alternative energy companies)—- ALL are sinking EVERY day for the past few days— Im losing 1000s… is it time to pull out or wait it out?
I am willing to leave this money alone for 5-10 years — but all these sharp declines across the board are making me jittery
The Expert answers:
From the tone of your question, it sounds like you have taken on more risk than you can tolerate. That indicates that you are probably in the wrong investments. If you did not do this when you bought your funds, its time to consider why you should won these investments, and what catalyst will cause you to sell.
Each or your funds is reacting to slightly different catalysts.
1;) alternative energy index: This fund will tend to move with the price of crude oil. Crude has fallen back down to the $90 level. Its fairly normal for oil to sink as we approach the end of the heating season, then pick up again when the summer driving/hurricane season starts. If you believe the long term trend for energy demand and oil prices is up, just ride it out and keep this fund. If you believe that oil has peaked and will continue to fall, sell.
2.) total stock index: the general market has been down since the beginning of a year. Most technical analysts are now saying we are in a bear (down trending) market. If you have a short time frame (less than a year), sell on an up day. If you have a longer time frame, ride it out.
3.) International stock index: Most of the world markets have been experiencing a pull back. Pull backs are normal and expected. I f you believe that the worldwide expansion is intact, hold on. If you believe we are heading into a worldwide slow down, get out.
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