Oil Reserves

[Gary]

I probably sound like a broken record but I can not over emphasize the importance of energy conservation. Cutting down on unnecessary driving to include a long list of of other possible ways of decreasing our oil consumption is everyone's responsibility.

I understand the economy has had a direct affect on oil consumption but I like to think part of it is because we have become more aware of our daily energy needs and using that energy more wisely (efficiently)

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[Joseph Fusco]

Gary,

It's funny you should mention this today. Oil as I'm sure you know had been creeping up over the past week and a half to about $50.00 bucks a barrel. The price locally has gone up 15 cents in one clip. Then today a big 12% drop in the price a barrel. . . It seems we have more oil then they'd like.

[Gary]

People need to be "energy misers" and the oil reserves with pile up and the price will drop. We waste way too much, and we can cut down without even affecting our daily lives.

Screw those oil producing countries who hate us.

[Joseph Fusco]

Well put. . . .

[Ted]

There's a handyman in my neighborhood, run into him in the hardware store occasionall, who works from his bicycle. Of course, it's not possible for most of us, even here in the city (chicago), but this guy has it worked out. He has a cart attached to the back of his bike, made from plywood and a couple of bicycle wheels. It has a lock down lid so nothing gets stolen while it's locked up ouside. In it, he has all his tools and room for whatever he'll need that day.

He has a small pickup truck for stuff like plywood, drywall, ladders, etc.. which he uses as little as possible. Delivers any larger items to the customers home ahead of time, but mostly just rides his bicycle around and fixes things for his customers.

I gotta say, the guy is a little quirky. Has a huge, thick beard that I don't think he's ever trimmed, and wears one of those artists hats (like the green barret style, don't know what they're called) and a leisure jacket and tennis shoes. Not someone you would expect to see on a jobsite. But he's got his little repair business and seems happy enough. And obviously doesn't consume much oil energy at all.

I'm not really going anywhere with this. Few, if any of us, could possibly run our business this way. But just thought I'd share the story.

[Gary]

Ted,

I recently recall an article in a magazine about someone using a bicycle for this very purpose. Maybe someone will chime in who recalls it as well.

Although I agree, in no way could I run my business from a bicycle (although I once owned a bicycle retail shop) you would be surprised at what one can do if your back is against the wall. You become very resourceful very quickly.

[Ted]

Actually, I did it a few years ago. Well sort of. I had to put my van in the shop for a few repairs and a tune up. So I made sure I had everything I needed for a few days on the job, dropped off the van, and rode my bike to and from the job for that couple of days. It was actually pretty nice, since it was late spring and the job was in the nice north shore suburbs, I just rode along the lakefront, through the Northwestern college campus, even stopped for coffee and a bagel on the way. If I could run my business that way, I would without a second though. But I cant.

[Jimmy1172]

I'm also trying my best to cut down my oil construction, but at the same time, I know that oil prices will only rise in the long run. So I've actually put a bunch of money in oil stocks to try and capitalize on all of this. I'll probably pull it all out after summer ends (when prices tend to go down), but hopefully what I gain will be much more than what I have to shell out every week at the pump.

[Joseph Fusco]

Jim,

Good idea but it's about a year late

[Gary]

Hello Jimmy and welcome!..

Hey Joe, long time no talk. Hope all is well with you and loved ones. I didn't bite off more then I can chew but I have a lot of work on my plate right now which is a good thing because it's forcing me to sub out more work. This next job starting this Monday will be a good test for me. I'm subbing most of the work out, and although I'll make less, I'll also work less and maybe actually not hurt so much once the job is completed. I'm just doing the wood work.

H