Some banks are sticking it out in commodities as several others exit the business amid onerous regulations and decreasing profitability. The banks that stick around – including Goldman Sachs – face less competition. [Bloomberg] Putin feels emboldened by the fact that major western oil companies remain committed to Russia despite the current souring of relations… Keep reading →
Following Russian annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, tensions between the West and the Kremlin have been dangerously simmering. Meanwhile, the spotlight has moved to Eastern Ukraine where unmarked soldiers appear to be keen on destabilizing the situation further. Anti-Ukrainian agitators seized government buildings and police stations making a mockery of Kiev’s sovereignty. This sets up an ideal breeding… Keep reading →
Given Moscow’s potential ability to undermine Iran diplomacy, Washington has yet another compelling reason to reestablish faith in — and fear of — America’s willingness to use military strength. Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov generated considerable commentary last week when he threatened potential “retaliatory measures” on the Iranian nuclear file if Washington pressures Moscow… Keep reading →
Wind turbines that float 1,000 above ground for months at a time take advantage of higher wind speeds than ground-based units, but they cost a lot more. Nevertheless, floating windmills could be deployed in circumstances where cost is not a primary limitation, such as remote locations characterized by high power prices or military installations. [Inhabitat]… Keep reading →
A Marquette political science teacher is taking a year off to focus on a business that allows smart phone users to pool water, power and natural gas usage data so as to more effectively manage consumption. It’s interesting because the application does the job smart meters promise without waiting for their truncated deployment or relying… Keep reading →
One day after a disputed and widely deemed unlawful referendum in Crimea, the Crimean Parliament declared Crimea’s independence from Ukraine, formally asking Russia to annex it, the New York Times reports. This comes after 96.6% of voters in Crimea support joining Russia. With this, the crisis in the Ukraine hit its peak to date and… Keep reading →
Apparently very little, according to traders and analysts polled by Bloomberg last week. The poll of 24 oil market observers had 22 predict Opec members would leave the current 30 million barrel per day production limit unchanged when they meet in Vienna on December 4th. Much has been made of the light, sweet barrels pushed… Keep reading →
Scientists at Lehigh University are proposing modeling wind turbine blades on owls’ wings to mimic their stealth properties. “If the noise-reduction mechanism of the owl down can be established, there may be far-reaching implications to the design of novel sound-absorbing liners, the use of flexible roughness to affect trailing-edge noise and vibrations for aircraft and wind… Keep reading →
The big news over the weekend was the temporary deal the US and its allies struck with Iran over the country’s nuclear program. The deal – recently predicted in an exclusive Breaking Defense interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif – has been called the biggest diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran since the 1979 hostage crisis. The… Keep reading →
Iran has agreed to an initial nuclear deal that will involving the country dialing back its nuclear program in exchange for six months of sanctions relief. Iran will gain access to over $4 billion in frozen oil revenues, as well as a suspension of sanctions on petrochemical exports. [Bloomberg] The deal will also “eas[e] of the… Keep reading →
