GM To Cut Production At Small-Car Plant -- June 12, 2015

This is so cool. For background, read this post, dated February 22, 2015. The 30-second bite: CAFE standards favor SUVs and trucks, of all sizes. Result? Today's story out of GM being reported by Reuters: GM to lay off workers, cut production at Michigan small-car plant.

General Motors Co will lay off 100 workers and cut production at its Orion Assembly small-car plant in suburban Detroit because of slow sales, the company said on Friday.

This is in addition to the 160 layoffs GM announced last November at Orion Assembly.

U.S. consumers continue to prefer SUVs and pickup trucks over sedans, particularly small ones, as gasoline prices remain low. The plant makes the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano compact cars.

The plant has about 1,580 hourly workers and 180 salaried positions. GM said the 260 workers to be laid off will be let go by the end of this year.

This is embarrassing. I had never heard of the Orion. Or the Sonic. Or the Verano. Seriously. Never heard of them. For me, the Orion is a constellation; Sonic is a fast food chain with really good milk shakes; and, "verano" is an Italian word for "we don't serve Americans here." Or maybe Greek for "it's all over now."

Housing Boom In The Bakken -- June 12, 2015

Earlier I posted Bakken economy milestones which included a bit on the housing boom in the Bakken. Here's a longer report, coming from the Twin Cities.

From The Star Tribune:

North Dakota built new housing at a faster clip than any other state from 2010 through last summer, as people flooded the state in search of work in the booming oil patch.
The U.S. Census Bureau's latest annual estimate shows North Dakota's housing growth rate far outpaced any other state's in the year leading up to last July 1, continuing a longer trend dating back to the last 10-year Census in 2010.

"We've seen families move into North Dakota from around the country, and the majority are coming because of the influx with the oil boom," said Kim Schneider, executive officer with the North Dakota Association of Builders.

The state's 3 percent growth in housing units from mid-2013 through mid-2014 was well ahead of Utah's 1.4 percent, which ranked second, according to the new report. From 2010 through mid-2014, North Dakota's housing units grew by 10.4 percent, far exceeding second-place Texas' 4.5 percent.

Among U.S. counties with at least 5,000 housing units, Williams County in the heart of the North Dakota oil patch had the fastest growth rate from mid-2013 through mid-2014, at 11.6 percent. Four other western counties also ranked in the top 12 nationally, including Stark, Morton, Ward and Burleigh counties.

Cass and Grand Forks counties in the east also were in the top 20, with growth rates above 3 percent, showing that not all of North Dakota's growth happened in the west.

The state overall has a healthy economy, and some families in the west also have moved east to escape the headaches associated with the oil boom, such as increased traffic and crime, according to Schneider.

"The need for housing around the oil boom area also gave a lot of families the opportunity to sell their homes or property at a price much higher than in a normal market," which created demand for housing in other parts of the state as the sellers moved, she said.

Between 2010 and 2014, Williams County was No. 1 in the nation with a 56.8 percent growth rate in housing units and Stark County was second with a 28 percent rate. Ward and Morton counties were in the Top 10, with growth rates above 14 percent, and Burleigh and Cass counties were in the Top 20, with rates above 10 percent.

**************************************

A Note for the Granddaughters

At this link, there is a science experiment that is perfect for middle school students, and maybe even for high school students. It's an experiment to test various household anti-microbials to see which works better / best.

Yesterday, we took our three granddaughters to the Perot Museum in Dallas. Our older granddaughter has been at the museum several times and has always wanted to do that experiment. Yesterday, she was thrilled. She got to to the experiment.

The lab in the museum is set up such that no instructor or museum employee actually has to be there to to help you. There is one museum employee -- a college biology major -- who manages traffic flow, helps students get started, and then answers any questions.

I was very impressed how effortless it was to carry out a fairly sophisticated experiment.

It is impossible to enumerate all the concepts that were necessary for this experiment to work and how, even after completing the experiment, there were questions about the experiment to be explored and answered.

The two biggest questions: the issue of fluorescence and microbes, and what role the "indicator solution" played. The "indicator solution" information can be found at this site.

Update On NIMBY And The Sierra Club; Bakken Economy Milestones Being Celebrated-- June 12, 2015

In response to an earlier NIMBY story, a reader has provided a list of sites that the Sierra Club has "approved" for energy development:

• solar: none
• wind: none
• ethanol: none
• oil: none
• coal: none
• natural gas: none
• the moon: if appropriately regulated, but only one test site on the dark side of the moon

***********************

Hell Froze Over

Conservative talk radio cheers Ms Pelosi.

***********************

Now It's Personal

The White House says this is a "temporary setback." If so, it's now one-on-one; he-v-she; his narcissism vs her ego, and maybe even mano-o-mano.

**************************

For Those Keeping Score At Home

Published Today -- Just Four Hours Ago

From The New York Times:

A month and a half after six officers were charged in Mr. Gray’s death, policing has dwindled in some of Baltimore’s most dangerous neighborhoods, and murders have risen to levels not seen in four decades. The totals include a 29-year-old man fatally shot on this drug corner last month. Police union officials say that officers are still coming to work, but that some feel a newfound reluctance and are stepping back, questioning whether they will be prosecuted for actions they take on the job.

Around the nation, communities and police departments are struggling to adapt to an era of heightened scrutiny, when every stop can be recorded on a cellphone. But residents, clergy members and neighborhood leaders say the past six weeks have made another reality clear: that as much as some officers regularly humiliated and infuriated many who live here, angering gang members and solid citizens alike, the solution has to be better policing, not a diminished police presence. [It's a two-way street.]

“Without law enforcement, there is no order,” Pastor Weah said. “In truth, residents want a strong police force, but they also want accountability.” She said that she sympathized with many officers who did their jobs well but were now just as hated as the abusive officers, and that she prayed the spate of killings would be the shock that finally caused change. ["Without law enforcement, there is no order." Really? The Romanticists thought the savage noble.]

“This crisis was bound to happen because of the broken relationship between law enforcement and the people,” she said. “When something gets this infected, you have to break it down and start from new.” [Giving them space to destroy is the first step in starting anew, apparently.]

At least 55 people, the highest pace since the early 1970s, have been murdered in Baltimore since May 1, when the state’s attorney for the city, Marilyn J. Mosby, announced the criminal charges against the officers. Victims of shootings have included people involved in criminal activity and young children who were simply in the wrong place.

One can track Baltimore homicides sort of like tracking Bakken rigs and wells.  I thought all these Baltimore homicides were occurring on "the west side." Spin. Look at the map. The only place in/around Baltimore that I don't see shootings in on the Patapsco River. West of Baltimore. North of Baltimore. East of Baltimore. Downtown Baltimore. It looks like the one safe place is the riverfront.

*********************

Chicago Not Far Behind

CBS Local is reporting:

Three people suffered minor injuries early Friday, when someone in another vehicle shot up their car on the Dan Ryan Expressway, the 19th shooting so far this year on Chicago area expressways, matching last year’s total for the entire year.

A reader tells me one can track Chicago homicide data here. 

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Bakken Economy
Milestones
The Western Area Water Supply (WAWS) Project and Williston Regional Water Treatment Plan will celebrate milestones during a private ceremony on Wednesday, June 17th. WAWS will celebrate its 4th anniversary; WRWTP will celebrate the completion of its expansion project. The water treatment plant has increased capacity from 14 million gallons per day to 21 mgd.

Officials plan to open two lanes of the Williston Northwest Truck Reliever Route on Saturday, Juen 13, 2015. The route will cost the state a total of $162 million. Work on southbound lanes of the route is expected to be completed in August.

On US malls rom CNBC:

For the first 100 years of its existence, the tiny town of Williston, North Dakota, was known for little more than ranching, farming and its proximity to where the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers meet. It was a true frontier town, with a small downtown district and the closest shopping mall some 125 miles away.

Blink and you could miss it.

Today Williston-which sits atop the oil-rich Bakken shale formation-is enjoying a second life as a key player in the state's booming economy. Following several years of record population growth and real estate development, the town will soon boast one more draw: a $500 million retail mecca complete with shopping, a hotel and indoor water park. Not bad for a town of just 32,000 people.

Williston is one of five major projects across the U.S. that highlight the many challenges facing the modern-day shopping mall-from the rise of online buying to Americans' flight to the cities. But they also identify some possible solutions, whether it's incorporating elements of what makes that town unique, or weaving in other forms of entertainment.

From AP/Star Tribune: ND's housing growth rate the fastest in the US.

Western ND airports seek upgrades; from The Bismarck Tribune:

Passengers can find a place to park at the Dickinson Airport but, for many, it's going to be on gravel. And despite lower oil prices, air traffic to Tioga is growing along with airport amenities. Many North Dakota airports have been underfunded for a long time, according to the state Aeronautics Commission. So while airline boarding numbers are leveling off, investments are still needed to meet demand and provide permanent solutions.

Off The Net For Awhile -- June 12, 2015

I've been updating the cumulative production numbers for "high IP" wells that were spud back in 2013. It is amazing how much these wells have been choked back (mostly taken off-line) for the past few months.

Some examples (there may be many reasons why production was down, including erroneous reporting, commingling/erroneous reporting, conditioning rules, flaring rules, operational reasons due to pad drilling, work-over [unlikely], pump installation, quotas being met, weather, etc -- but, whatever the reason, one can see how much oil can be cut back on any given well).

First example:

• 24484, 2,932, BR, CCU Prairie Rose 31-30TFH, Corral Creek, t8/13; cum 128K 4/15; 

Note:

• this well is capable of at least 4,000 bop month
• in November, 2014, was on-line for only 13 days
• in February, 2015, produced only 3 bbls of oil 
• still flaring

Pool	Date	Days	BBLS Oil	Runs	BBLS Water	MCF Prod	MCF Sold	Vent/Flare
BAKKEN	4-2015	25	1965	1965	740	1722	985	737
BAKKEN	3-2015	31	2266	2307	880	1532	1311	221
BAKKEN	2-2015	27	3	144	840	1976	1913	55
BAKKEN	1-2015	31	3192	3197	873	2680	2671	0
BAKKEN	12-2014	31	3536	3467	930	3066	3059	1
BAKKEN	11-2014	13	1540	1577	396	1046	1043	0
BAKKEN	10-2014	31	2839	2826	1333	2757	2752	0

Second example:

• 23438, 2,464, Statoil, M. Macklin 15-22 7H, Cow Creek, t8/13; cum 139K 41/5:

Note:

• this well is capable of 5,000 bopm
• typical Bakken well with an IP of 2,464 should have had huge 2nd, 3rd, and 4th months (despite being a Statoil well)
• 18 days in April, 2015
• flaring until April, 2015

Pool	Date	Days	BBLS Oil	Runs	BBLS Water	MCF Prod	MCF Sold	Vent/Flare
BAKKEN	4-2015	18	1943	2337	3946	1370	1370	0
BAKKEN	3-2015	31	4912	4940	8469	3832	2799	1033
BAKKEN	2-2015	28	4703	5005	6353	4837	4009	828
BAKKEN	1-2015	31	5843	5673	5740	4937	3002	1935

Third example:

• 24338, 2,576, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-33D28-4H, McGregory Buttes, t8/13; cum 280K 41/5:

Note:

• remember earlier discussions on general pattern of Bakken wells; typical Bakken well, especially an HRC well with an IP of 2,576, should have had incredible 2nd, 3rd, and 4th months;
• note two months in a row with few days on-line
• still flaring

Pool	Date	Days	BBLS Oil	Runs	BBLS Water	MCF Prod	MCF Sold	Vent/Flare
BAKKEN	4-2015	30	11145	10179	6662	9578	8716	652
BAKKEN	3-2015	7	2298	2503	1491	1810	1393	368
BAKKEN	2-2015	9	1483	1622	1196	1639	1467	109
BAKKEN	1-2015	31	6036	6460	4507	5138	4614	307
BAKKEN	12-2014	31	9232	9133	4450	6632	6079	336

Fourth example:

• 24339, 2,302, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-33D-28-5H, McGregory Buttes, t8/13; cum 282K 4/15:

Note:

• this well is easily capable of 8,000 bopm
• this well should have produced 20,000 bopm 2nd, 3rd, 4th months
• down to 3,000 bbls in April
• 19 days in March, 2015
• the company can operate the well for 19 days and get as much production as a full 30-day month
• still flaring

Pool	Date	Days	BBLS Oil	Runs	BBLS Water	MCF Prod	MCF Sold	Vent/Flare
BAKKEN	4-2015	29	2331	2615	1708	2652	2389	60
BAKKEN	3-2015	19	7017	7746	4660	5384	4998	253
BAKKEN	2-2015	24	6174	5407	3721	4917	4596	153
BAKKEN	1-2015	31	6428	6603	4772	5614	5143	254
BAKKEN	12-2014	31	6951	6876	5754	7388	6981	190
BAKKEN	11-2014	30	6385	6662	4575	6031	5786	35
BAKKEN	10-2014	31	7204	7352	5383	5639	4106	1316

Last example:

• 24906, 2,971, BR, CCU Meriwether 34-19TFH, Corral Creek, t7/13; cum 65K 4/15:

Note:

• just plain crazy to the casual observer, but I'm sure it can all be explained
• remember, this field has been unitized, which may explain a lot
• still flaring
• capable of 8,000 bopm

Pool	Date	Days	BBLS Oil	Runs	BBLS Water	MCF Prod	MCF Sold	Vent/Flare
BAKKEN	4-2015	12	1026	975	610	741	565	176
BAKKEN	3-2015	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
BAKKEN	2-2015	0	0	79	0	0	0	0
BAKKEN	1-2015	17	1789	1798	1060	1480	1476	0
BAKKEN	12-2014	12	2123	2036	570	1817	1813	0
BAKKEN	11-2014	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
BAKKEN	10-2014	1	0	73	0	16	16	0
BAKKEN	9-2014	12	2093	2057	670	2361	2354	4
BAKKEN	8-2014	3	749	907	141	735	733	0
BAKKEN	7-2014	16	4064	3868	3953	3849	3476	365
BAKKEN	6-2014	0	0	110	0	0	0	0
BAKKEN	5-2014	29	3157	3131	990	2804	2800	0
BAKKEN	4-2014	9	2414	2330	1270	2183	2157	22
BAKKEN	3-2014	1	0	90	0	61	60	0
BAKKEN	2-2014	12	1830	1985	150	2046	2018	25
BAKKEN	1-2014	25	3504	3428	1045	4908	4872	24
BAKKEN	12-2013	9	3978	3922	686	1378	1371	4
BAKKEN	11-2013	12	5419	5306	2561	2931	2926	2
BAKKEN	10-2013	0	0	93	0	0	0	0
BAKKEN	9-2013	20	7629	7819	4736	8609	8604	0
BAKKEN	8-2013	9	22073	21790	388	7934	7927	0
BAKKEN	7-2013	8	3000	3000	0	0	0	0

High-IP Wells

This is Page 8 for "high IP" wells. The first wells will be added starting June 15, 2015.

Permits 30370 -- : Permits issued in calendar year 2015
Permits 27360 - 30369: Permits issued in calendar year 2014

Permits 24693 --27359: Permits issued in calendar year 2013 

Permits 22160 -- 24692 : Permits issued in calendar year 2012

Permits 20247 -- 22159: Permits issued in calendar year 2011

Permits 18571 -- 20246 : Permits issued in calendar year 2010

Permits 17946 - 18570: permits issued in 2009

Pretty much in order they were reported

Page 7
Page 6
Page 5
Page 4

Page 3

Page 2

Page 1

30002, 2,411, XTO, Porcupine Federal 44X-2D, Bear Creek, t8/15; cum --

29192, 1,051, CLR, Rennerfeldt 7-30H, Brooklyn, 29 stages, 3.3 million lbs, t51/5; cum 56K 7/15; 

25184, 2,317, Slawson, River Rat Federal 7-23-14TFH, Big Bend, t9/15; cum --
25185, 1,169, Slawson, River Rat Federal 4-23-14TFH, Big Bend, t9/15; cum --
30576, 1,139, Hess, CA-Ferguson Smith-LW-155-95-3031H-1, Capa, Three Forks, vertical hole, 39 drilling hours; lateral 83 drilling hours (total drilling days, 5.08 days), gas as high as 2,814 units; flare 1 - 7 feet, 10-foot target zone established; within the ideal geologic window for roughly 70% of the well, t8/15; cum --
 
28909, 1,770, Whiting, P Thomas 154-98-15W-33-28-2H, Truax, middle Bakken, 24 stages, 3.1 million lbs, t3/15; cum 52K 7/15;
28910, 1,702, Whiting, P Thomas 154-98-15W-33-28-2H3, Truax, Three Forks, 24 stages, 3.1 million lbs, t3/15; cum 51K 7/15;
29239, 1,803, HRC, Borrud 156-101-2B-11-4H, Tyrone, 34 stages, 4.1 million lbs, t3/15; cum 54K 7/15;
29827, 2,191, QEP, Thompson 7-29-32BHD, Grail, 49 stages, 9.5 million lbs, t4/15; cum 124K 7/15;
29828, 1,657, QEP, Thompson 4-29-32THD, Grail, t4/15, Three Forks, 47 stages, 9.2 million lbs; cum 88K 7/15;
29829, 1,358, QEP, Thompson 6-29-32BHD, Grail, middle Bakken, 49 stages, 9.6 million lbs, t4/15; cum 87K 7/15;
29830, 807, QEP, Thompson 5-29-32BHD, Grail, middle Bakken, 49 stages, 9.6 million lbs, t4/15; cum 35K 7/15;
29831, 1,824, QEP, Thompson 1-29-32T2HD, Grail, Three Forks, 49 stages, 9.6 million lbs, t41/5; cum 95K 7/15; 30371, SI/NC, XTO, Lisa 14X-34E, Hofflund, no production data,

28959, 1,090, Newfield, Skaar Federal 153-96-29-11H, Sand Creek, t5/15; cm 28K 7/15;
29979, 1,824, BR, CCU Dakotan 2-7-17MBH, Corral Creek, t8/15; cum --
30115, 1,823, BR, CCU Dakotan 3-8-17MBH, Corral Creek, t8/15; cum --
29357, 1,013, QEP, Jones 2-15-23TFH, Grail, 4 sections, t9/15; cum --
29358, 722, QEP, Jones 2-15-22BH, Grail, 4 sections, t9/15 cum -- 
29359, 2,080, QEP, Jones 2-15-22BH, Grail, t8/15; cum -- 
29360, 2,520, QEP, Jones 1-15-22BH, Grail, t8/15; cum --
29756, 1,292, MRO, Packineau USA 21-3TFH, Reunion Bay, t8/15; cum --
29757, 1,324, MRO, Packineau USA 21-3H, Reunion Bay, t8/15; cum --
29758, 2,436, MRO, Stevenson 24-34TFH, Reunion Bay, t8/15; cum --
29759, 2,456, MRO, STeinhaus 24-34H, Reunion Bay, t8/15; cum --
29760, 2,267, MRO, Halvorson 34-34TFH, Reunion Bay, t8/15; cum --
25183, 2,764, Slawson, River Rat Federal 3-23-14H, Four Bears, one of three lateral re-entries to complete wells previously drilled through the curve; high levels of background gas throughout; 1,000 units with connection gases above 1,500 units in first half of lateral; later, majority of connection gasese averaging 3,000 units; target zone, 14 feet; t9/15; cum -- 

26122, 3,793, Whiting, Skunk Creek 1-8-17-16H, South Fork, background gas of 3,899 units with a high of 5,826; flare averaged 5; nothing else said; spud March 22; landed the curve on March 28; started the horizontal on March 30; TD on April 3; t8/15; cum --

26943, 3,038, Whiting, Smokey 4-15-22-14H3, Pembroke, t5/15; cum 45K 7/15;
28254, 1,410, Emerald Oil, Excalibur 6-25-36H, Boxcar Butte, t3/15; cum 41K 7/15; 
30101, 1,742, Hess, BB-Ole Anderson-151-95-3130H-8, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum -- 


30100, 1,507, Hess, BB-Ole Anderson-151-95-3130H-7, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum -- 

30642, 3,572, Whiting, Two Shields Butte 13-22-33-16H, Heart Butte, t9/15; cum -- 

30048, 2,483, XTO, Marlene 42X-20F2, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum 9K first 8 days;
30049, 1,457, XTO, Marlene 42X-20C, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum --
29086, 1,607, Whiting, Cymbaluk Federal 41-15PH, Bell, 30 stages, 3.1 million lbs sand; placed on ESP almost immediately, t3/15; cum 73K 7/15;

29981, 2,352, BR, CCU Dakota 1-7-17MBH,  Corral Creek, t8/15; cum -- 

28407, 1,339, Whiting, P Wood 154-98-4E-26-15-4H, Truax, 4 sections, t3/15; cum 36K 7/15;
28408, 1,362, Whiting, P Wood 154-98-4E-26-35-14H3, Truax,2 sections, t3/15; cum 39K 7/15;
30499, 1,086, Hess, LK-A Qtr Cir-147-96-1807H-11, Big Gulch, producing, 17K first 11 days;

29417, 1,324, Whiting, State 31-3-5HU, Cartwright, t3/15; cum 43K 7/15;
29419, 1,165, Whiting, State 31-3-3H, Nelson Bridge, t3/15; cum 43K 7/15;

29450, 2,251, QEP, Moberg 20-17-19-18LL, Bear Den, t3/15; cum 79K 7/15;
29451, 2,028, QEP, Moberg 20-21-29-28LL, Bear Den, t3/15; cum 72K 7/15;

21789, 1,908, Enerplus, Earth Lodge 148-93-22-21H TF, South Fork, t8/15 cum --
29519, 2,396, QEP, P. Levang 4-14-23BH, Grail, t8/15; cum --
29520, 2,406, QEP, P. Levang 3-14-23BH, Grail, t8/15; cum --
29786, 3,392, QEP, P. Levang 2-14-23TH, Grail, t8/15; cum --
29424, 1,200, BR, Kings Canyon 4-8-34MBH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t8/15; cum --
29467, 1,566, BR, Kings Canyon 6-8-34UTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t8/15; cum -- 
29517, 2,669, BR, LaCanyon 8-8-34MBH ULW, Blue Buttes, 4 sections, t8/15; cum --

29208, 2,533, MRO, Lun USA 11-14H, Reunion Bay, t6/15; cum 46K 7/15 (45 days);

29425, 1,608, BR, Kings Canyon 5-8-34UTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum 12K 9 days;
29431, 1,848, BR, Kings Canyon 6-1-27MBH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum 14K 9 days;
29433, 1,464, BR, Kings Canyon 4-1-27MTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum 12K 9 days;
29466, 2,124, BR, Kings Canyon 7-8-34MBH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum 14K 9 days;
30216, 2,195, XTO, Thompson 44X-20EXF, Blue Buttes, t8/15: cum --

30215, 2,622, XTO, Thompson 44X-20B, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum --
30217, 2,353, XTO, Thompson 44X-20A, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum --
25361, 2,348, Whiting/KOG, Smokey 4-15-22-14H, Pembroke, 30 stages, 3.5 million lbs, t5/15; cum 21K 6/15 (29 days);

29050, 1,584, BR, Kings Canyon 2-8-34UTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, KOP - Dec 16; TD - Dec 21, 2015; 17 - 48 feet below the base of the lower Bakken shale; t7/15; cum --
29423, 1,608, BR, Kings Canyon 4-8-34UTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, pay target 24 feet thick; low background gas, moderately high trip gas; t7/15; cum --
29426, 2,040, BR, Teton 5-1-3TFSH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum --
29465, 2,565, BR, Teton 7-1-3TFSH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, pay target 18 feet thick, t7/15; cum --

30598, 3,076, Whiting/KOG, Skunk Creek 1-8-17-15H3, South Fork, t8/15; cum --
30599, 3,785, Whiting/KOG, Skunk Creek 1-8-17-15H, South Fork, t7/15; cum --
28539, 2,771, Whiting/KOG, P Dam State 155-94-4-16-21-13H3, Epping, Three Forks B1, northeast of Williston, ESP, 6/15; 30 stages, 3.6 million lbs; t2/15; cum 62K 6/15;
28540, 2,614, Whiting/KOG, P Dam State 155-99-4-16-21-13H, Epping; ESP 5/15; Bakken, 30 stages, 3.8 million lbs; t2/15; cum 60K 6/15;
28541, 1,700, Whiting/KOG, P Dam State 155-99-4-16-21-14H3, Epping, Three Forks, ESP, 5/15; 30 stages, 3.6 million lbs; t2/15; cum 57K 6/15;
28542, 2,041, Whiting/KOG, P Dam State 155-99-4-16-21-14H, Epping, t3/15; cum 77K 6/15;
29043, 950, Whiting/KOG, P Thomas 154-98-14E33-28-3H3A, Truax, t2/15; cum 47K 6/15;
29044, 1,803, Whiting/KOG, P Thomas 154-98-14E-33-28-3H, Truax, at2/15; cum 46K 6/15;
29045, 2,704, Whiting/KOG, P Thomas 154-98-14E-33-28-3H3, Truax, Three Forks, ESP, 6/15; 24 stages, 3 million lbs; t2/15; cum 51K 6/15;
29806, 2,237, Whiting, P Thomas 154-98-14E-33-28-3HA, Truax, t2/15; cum 37K 6/15;

27971, 1,217, Whiting, Duletski Federal 14-12PH, Fryburg, t3/15; cum 56K 6/15;
29464, 2,525, BR, Teton 6-8-10MBH, Camel Butte, t7/15; cum --
production data,

29160, 980, Hess, BB-Chapin A-151-95-0403H-8, Blue Buttes, t8/15; cum --

29007, 2,009, XTO, David Federal 21X-20B, Lost Bridge, t8/15; cum --
29008, 1,908, XTO, David Federal 21X-20F, Lost Bridge, t8/15; cum --
29483, 3,711, Statoil, Bures 20-29 5H, Alger, t7/15; cum --
29582, 1,598, XTO, Satter 21X-1C, Siverston, t8/15; cum --
29583, 316, XTO, Satter 21X-1F, Siverston, t8/15; cum --
29584, 2,057, XTO, Satter 21X-1B, Siverston, t7/15; cum --
29668, 1,122, CLR, Thronson Federal 8-21H1, Alkali Creek, 4 sections, t8/15; cum --
29669, 962, CLR, Sorenson 6-16H2, Alkali Creek, 4 sections, t815; cum --
30214, 1,712, XTO, Marlene 42X-20CXD, Blue Buttes, t7/15; cum --
20866, 3,236, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-95-23D-14-2H, Eagle Nest, 31 stages, 4.5 million lbs, t2/15; cum 116K 6/15;

29430, 2,044, BR, Teton 6-8-10TFSH, Camel Butte, t7/15; cum --  

27123, 1,083, EOG, Parshall 42-2117H, Parshall, 44 stages; 11.3 million lbs sand, t2/15; cum 128K 6/15;
27127, 2,743, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-95-23D-14-7H, Eagle Nest, 32 stages, 4.8 million lbs, t2/15; cum 100K 6/15;
27413, 3,131, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-19TFHU, Sand Creek, 37 stages, 3.9 million lbs, 2/15 cum 53K 6/15;
28602, 1,031, EOG, Parshall 154-1721H,  Parshall, 44 stages, 8.9 million lbs, ESP, March, 2015; t2/15; cum 108K 6/15;
29199, 3,238, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-19-1RH, Sand Creek, 30 stages, 3.7 million lbs, t2/15; cum 67K 6/15;
29200, 2,468, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-19-3RTF, Sand Creek, t2/15; cum 52K 6/15;

22554, 2,274, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-19-1RTF, Sand Creek, 30 stages, 3.2 million lbs, t2/15; cum 55K 6/15; off-line much of the time;
22555, 3,259, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-199-2RTF, Sand Creek, 30 stages, 3.5 million lbs, t2/15; cum 61K 6/15; off-line much of the time;
22556, 2,967, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 44-19-2RH, Sand Creek, 30 stages, 3.9 million lbs, t2/15; cum 57K 6/15; off-line much of the time;
27126, 2,894, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-95-23D-14-7, Eagle Nest, 48 stages, 4.9 million lbs; a nice well, choked back?; t2/15; cum 107K 6/15;

29005, 2,314, XTO, David Federal 21X-20A, Lost Bridge, t7/15; cum -- 

27125, 1,926, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-95-23D-14-6H, Eagle Nest, 31 stages, 4.5 million lbs, a big well, possibly choked back; t2/15; cum 83K 6/15;
29686, 1.424, Hess, SC-Bingeman-154-98-0904H-2, Truax, 35 stages, 2.5 million lbs sand, t7/15; cum --

28710, 2,886, BR, Harley 11-2MBH-R, Blue Buttes, 20-foot thick zone; 100% inside drilling target footage; 1,120-acre spacing, 2 & N/2 & N/2 S/2 11-151-95, t7/15; cum --
29428, 1,844, BR, Teton 3-8-10MBH, Camel Butte, 2560-acre stand-up drilling unit, 18-foot thick zone, inside target payzone 100%; background gases low/moderate, t7/15; cum --
29462, 2,565, BR, Teton 8-8-10TFSH, Camel Butte, Three Forks B2, 24-foot thick zone; 100% inside driling target footage; 2560-acre spacing, t7/15; cum --
29485, 3,468, Statoil, Bures 20-29 6TFH, 1280-acre; Three Forks B1; Alger, t7/15; cum --
26220, 2,806, BR, Harley 41-2TFH, Blue Buttes, ICO, t7/15; cum --
28709, 2,485, BR, Harley 11-2TFH-R, Blue Buttes, ICO, t7/15; cum --
29427, 2,766, BR, Teton 2-8-10MBH, Camel Butte, four sections,  t7/15; cum --
29429, 2,124, BR, Teton 5-8-10MBH, Camel Butte, four sections, t7/15; cum --
29461, 2,926, BR, RemingTeton 8-8-10MBH ULW, Blue Buttes, 4 sections, t7/15 cum --
29487, 3,231, Statoil, Bures 20-29 3H, Alger, t7/15; cum -- 

29074, 1,400, XTO, Amundson 34X-22A, Siverston, t7/15; cum --
29058, 1,728, XTO, Amundson 34X-22B, Siverston, t6/15; cum --
29060, 1,933, XTO, Amundson 34X-22C, Siverston, t7/15; cum --
29057, 1,973, XTO, Amundson 34X-22E, Siverston, t71/5; cum --
29059, 1,849, XTO, Amundson 34X-33F, Siverston, t7/15; cum --
29484, 1,773, Statoil, Charlie Sorenson 17-8 5TFH, Alger, t7/15; cum --
29489, 1,850, Statoil, Bures 20-29 7H, Alger, t7/15, cum --

29209, 2,776, MRO, Ernestine USA 11-14TFH-2B,  Reunion Bay, a huge well, 32K in first month; t6/15; cum 33K 5/15;
29662, drl/NC, Newfield, Olson 152-96-30-31-4HLW, Westberg, producing, a huge well 24K in first month;
28525, 1,227, EOG, Parshall 58-1608H, Parshall, t2/15; cum 83K 6/15;
28639, 848, EOG, Parshall 92-28H, Parshall, t2/15; cum 55K 6/15;

29048, 2,112, BR, Teton 2-1-3MTFH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum --
29463, 2,645, BR, Teton 7-8-10MBH, Camel Butte, 4 sections, t7/15; cum --
28714, 541, EOG, Parshall 93-2827H, Parshall, choked back, it appears; 41 stages, 8 million bbls sand, t2/15; cum 51K 6/15;
 
28549, 1,841, XTO, Schettler 14X-9G, Cedar Coulee, t6/15; cum --
28550, 1,991, XTO, Schettler 14X-9D, Cedar Coulee, t7/15; cum --
29173, 1,527, XTO,Granli 34X-20BXC, Arnegard, t7/15; cum --
29174, 1,334, XTO, Granli 34X-20C, Arnegard, t6/15; cum --
29211, 2,929, MRO, Doll USA 12-14H, Reunion Bay, ICO, t6/15; cum --
29673, 1,987, XTO, Werre Trust 44X-34G, Bear Creek, t6/15; cum --
29789, 2,028, Enerplus, Euphorbia 149-92-35B-05H, Heart Butte, ICO, t7/15; cum --
29819, 1,623, Enerplus, Rebutia 149-92-35B-05H, Heart Butte, ICO, t7/15; cum --
30009, 2,426, MRO, CK USA 31-6H, Murphy Cree, t6/15; cum --
24158, 954, Whiting, Pronghorn Federal 11-15PH, Park, Three Forks, 40 stages, 5.5 million lbs all sand, t2/15; cum 40K 5/15;
24159, 1,195 Whiting, Pronghorn Federal 14-10PH, Park, Three Forks, 40 stages, 5.3 million lbs all sand, t2/15; cum 42K 5/15;
26221, 2,446, BR, Harley 41-2MBH, Blue Buttes, ICO, t6/15; cum --
27518, 1,117, XTO, Guy Federal 24X-35F2, Grinnell, t7/15; cum --
28664, 1,921, MRO, Kerkhoff 14-8H, Murphy Creek, 4 sections, t7/15; cum --
28694, 1,799, MRO, Wehrung 150-99-13-23-5H, South Tobacco Garden, t7/14; cum 91K 5/15;
28695, 1,639, MRO, Hazel 14-8H, Murphy Creek, t7/15; cum --
28711, 2,124, BR, Harley 31-2TFH-R, Blue Buttes, ICO, t7/15; cum --
29210, 2,900, MRO, Tony Lun USA 12-14TH, Reunion Bay, ICO, t6/15; cum -
27516, 647, XTO, Guy Federal 24X-35F, Grinnell, t6/15; cum --
27514, 1,316, XTO, Guy Federal 24X-35E, Grinnell, t6/15; cum --
27515, 2,178, XTO, Guy Federal 24-35A, Grinnell, t7/15; cum --
27517, 2,832, XTO, Guy Federal 24X-35B, Grinnell, t7/15; cum --
29393, 2,240, QEP, TAT 5-35-26BH, Grail, t7/15; cum -- 

28409, 2,210, Whiting, P Wood 154-98-4E-26-35-14H, Truax, t1/15; cum 56K 5/15;
29049, 1,560, BR, Tetonorman 1-1-3UTFH ULW, Johnson Corner, t6/15; cum --

27780, 2,244, QEP, TAT 2-35-26H, Grail, t7/15; cum --
27781, 2,055, QEP, TAT 1-35-26TH, Grail, t7/15; cum --
27782, 2,045, QEP, TAT 1-35-26BH, Grail, t7/15; cum --
28460, 2,032, QEP, TT 4-35-26TH, Eagle Nest, t6/15; cum --
29394, 2,199, QEP, TAT 5-35-26TH, Grail, t7/15; cum --
29555, 1,497, CLR, State Weydahl 4-26H1, Corral Creek, Three Forks B1, t7/15; cum --

24157, 1,179, Whiting Pronghorn Federal 21-15H, Park, Three Forks, 40 stages, 5.9 million lbs, t2/15; cum 42K 5/15;
27674, 1,393, Hess, EN-Leo E-154-94-2423H-4, Three Forks, 35 stages, 2.4 million lbs, all sand, Alkali Creek, t6/15; cum --
28406, 1,602, Whiting, P Wood 154-98-4E-26-15-4H, Truax, 24 stages, 2.9 million lbs all sand, t2/15; cum 49K 5/15; 28418, 2,110, MRO, Cole USA 24-11TFH, Chimney Butte, t5/15; cum 26K 5/15; 

27672, 1,176, Hess, EN-Leo E-154-94-2423H-6, Alkali Creek, t6/15; cum --
28495, 3,606, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 24-20-2RH, Sand Creek, t1/15; cum 70K 5/15; choked back;
28496, 2,959, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 24-20-3RTF, Sand Creek, t1/15; cum 55K 5/15; choked back;

25292, 2,079, Whiting, Charging Eagle 10-14-11-2H, Twin Buttes, s9/14; t6/15; cum -- ;
25293, 1,909, Whiting, Charging Eagle 10-14-11-2H3, Twin Buttes, s9/14; t6/15; cum --
25735, 1,773, Enerplus, Rain 149-93-07A-12H TF, Mandaree, s9/14; t6/15; cum --
25736, 2,347, Enerplus, Snow 149-93-07A-12H, Mandaree, s9/14; t6/15; cum --
26222, 1,964, BR, Harley 31-2TFH, Blue Buttes, ICO, s9/14; t6/15; cum --
28544, 1,159, XTO, Schettler 14X-9A, Cedar Coulee, one section, s8/14; t6/15; cum --
28545, 2,654, XTO, Schettler 14X-9E, Cedar Coulee, one section, s8/14; t6/15; cum --
28546, 2,318, XTO, Schettler 14X-9B, Cedar Coulee, one section, s8/14; t6/15; cum --
29051, 2,064, BR, Deking 1-8-34MBH-ULW, 4 sections, Camel Butte, s12/14, t6/15; cum --
29409, 1,434, Hess, HA-Thompson-152-95-1720H-11, Hawkeye, s12/14; t7/15; cum --
29672, 1,095, XTO, Werre Trsut 44X-34C, Bear Creek, s1/15; t6/15; cum --
29918, 1,373, Emerald, Greg Marmalard Federal 3-2-33H, Mondak, s3/15; t6/15; cum --
30205, 1,542, CLR, Boulder 2-4H. Banks, s1/15; t6/15; cum -- 
30142, 3,249, Statoil, East Fork 32=29 XE 1H, East Fork, 4 sections, s1/15; t6/15; cum --
30143, 3,202, Statoil, Folvag 5-8 XE 1H, Stony Creek, 4 sections, s1/15; t6/15; cum --

27671, 1,062, Hess, EN-Leo E-154-94-2423H-7, Alkali Creek, t5/15; cum 7K 5/15; after 6 days;
28315, 354, EOG, Parshall 39-1608H, Parshall, t1/15; cum 71K 5/15; choked back
28671, 565, EOG, Parshall 83-2827H, Parshall, t1/15; cum 50K 5/15; choked back, no doubt
26365, 1,461, QEP, MHA 4-28-29H-148-92, Heart Butte, 40 stages, 9.6 million lbs sand, t5/15; cum 3K 5/15;
28499, 1,441, Whiting, P Thomas 154-98-16-33-28-1H, 39 stages, 5.3 million lbs sand and ceramic, Truax, t1/15, cum 68K 5/15; 
25363, 2,247, Whiting, Smokey 4-15-22-13H, Pembroke, 30 stages, 3.5 million lbs, t5/15; cum 14K 5/15 -- after 8 days
28818, 605, Triangle, Simpson 151-102-5-8-2H, Elk, 31 stages, 3.8 million lbs, t2/15; cum 50K 5/15;
28964, 1,019, Hess, LK-Erickson-147-97-1102H-2, Little Knife, t5/15; cum 23K 5/15;

28881, 637, Oasis Langved 5393 42-10 4B, Sanish, t41/5; cum 38K 5/15;
28882, 644, Oasis, Langved 5393 42-10 5T, Sanish, t41/5; cum 81K 5/15;
28903, 1,284, Oasis, Harbour 5601 42-33 4B, Tyrone, t2/15; cum 45K 5/15;
28904, 1,061, Oasis, Harbour 5601 42-33 3T, Tyrone, t2/15; cum 34K 5/15;
28762, 1,044, Hess, HA-Thompson-152-95-1720H-9, Hawkeye, t6/15; cum --
28763, 1,492, Hess, HA-Thompson-152-95-1720H-10, Hawkeye, t6/15; cum --
29319, 2,197, Statoil, East Fork 32-29 5H, East Fork, t6/15; cum --
29320, 2,427, Statoil, Folvag 5-8 6TFH, Stony Creek, t6/15; cum --
30273, 1,642, Whiting, Charging Eagle 10-14-11-3H, Twin Buttes, t6/15; cum --

30274, 1,813, MRO, Klee 11-3TFH, Bailey; middle Bakken 37' thick; the Three Forks was a 10' target window; gas as high as 5,835 in the middle Bakken; gas units also high in the Three Forks lateral, max at 2,243 units; well-bore was maintained within the target interval for 79% of the 10,087' exposure to the Three Forks, 34 stages, 4.4 million lbs, t4/15; cum 30K 51/5;  
28962, 1,070, Hess, LK-Erickson-147-97-1102H-4, Little Knife, 10-foot thick window; gas in the middle Bakken averaged 3,100 units with a 10 - 12' flare, t5/15; cum 15K 5/15; after ten days, 15K
29632, 2,794, MRO, Wilbert 44-8H, Bailey, 4 sections, 34 stages, 4 million lbs, t4/15; cum 53K 5/15;
29633, 2,400, MRO, Hammel 44-8TFH, Bailey, TF1, middle Bakken 19 feet thick; 10 - 12' Three Forks target zone, highest gas in the lateral was 4,275 units; 5 - 15' trip flare, no other flare seen; well-bore maintained within the target interval for 77% of the 9,892' lateral; 17 drilling days; 34 stages, 5.6 million lbs, t4/14; cum 41K 5/15;
 

25502, 3,161, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-17C-8-5H, Eagle Nest, t6/15; cum --
24417, 2,174, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-17C-08-4H, Eagle Nest, t6/15; cum --
24418, 2,054, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-17C-08-3H, Eagle Nest, t6/15; cum --
28774, 1,409, XTO, Ranger 21X-18F, Tobacco Garden, t6/15; cum --
28773, 2,702, XTO, Ranger 21X-18B, Tobacco Garden, t6/15; cum --
28379, 1,336, XTO, McCoy 44X-23G2, Siverston, t5/15; cum 5K 5/15 (10 days)
28380, 1,935, XTO, McCoy 44X-23D, Siverston, t4/15; cum 17K 5/15; choked back,
28381, 1,832, XTO, McCoy 44X023H, Siverston, t4/15; cum 10K 5/15; ten days production in April; no production at all in May, 2015
28760, 1,167, Hess, HA-Thompson-152-95-1720H-7, Hawkeye, t6/15; cum 5K 6/15;
28931, 2.016, QEP, Foreman 1-2-1BH,  Spotted Horn, t4/15; cum 34K 6/15;
28932, 2,472, QEP, Foreman 2-2-1BH, Spotted Horn, t5/15; cum 36K 6/15;
28968, 2,029, QEP, Foreman 36-25-1-2LL, Blue Buttes, t4/15; cum 29K 6/15;

29321, 2,676, Statoil, East Fork 32-29 6TFH, East Fork, frack data not posted yet, t5/15; cum 4K 5/15;
29318, 2,315, Statoil, Folvag 5-8 5H, Stony Creek, frack data not posted yet, t6/15; cum --
28780, 1,603, BR, Hammerhead 21-26MBH, Sand Creek, t6/15; cum --

28779, 1,443, BR, Hammerhead 11-26TFH, Sand Creek, t6/15; cum -- 

28316, 305, EOG, Parshall 147-1608H, Parshall, ICO, 54 stages, 13 million lbs, t1/15; cum 94K 5/15;

28417, 2,355, MRO, Haley USA 24011H, Chimney Butte, t41/5; cum 36K 5/15;
29658, 2,344, Newfield, Moberg Federal 149-95-29-32-13HLW, Bear Den, t3/15; cum 32K 5/15;
30084, 1,248, Hess, BB-Sivertson-LN-151-95-1719H-1, Blue Buttes, t4/15; cum 25K 5/15;

27660, 1,068, XTO, Star Federal 21X-14E, Grinnell, t4/15; cum 4K 4/15;
28505, 2,803, Statoil, Irgens 27-34 5H, East Fork, t5/15; cum --
28772, 2,940, XTO, Ranger 21X-18A, Tobacco Garden, t5/15; cum --
28775, 3,116, XTO, Ranger 21X-18C, Tobacco Garden, t6/15; cum --
29437, 2,180, XTO, Sorenson 14X-33A, Siverston, t6/15; cum --
29977, 1,240, XTO, Star Federal 21X-14A, Grinnell, t5/15; cum --
30082, 1,411, Hess, BB-Sivertson-151-95-2019H-4, Blue Buttes, t4/15; cum 30K 4/15;
30083, 1,134, Hess, BB-Sivertson-151-95-2019H-5, Blue Buttes, t4/15 ;cum 16K 4/15;
28696, 1,104, Emerald Oil, Goodsen 7-32-29H, Moline, t5/15; cum -- 
28782, 1,488, BR, Hammerhead 31-26-2MBH, Sand Creek, t5/15; cum --
29436, 1,255, XTO, Sorenson 14X-33EXH, 4 sections, Siverston, t5/15; cum --

29587, 1,758, MRO, Faiman 24-9TFH, Bailey, t3/15; cum 19K 4/15; 

26854, 1,014, Whiting, Finsaas 34-9-3H, Hay Creek, t12/14; cum 36K 4/15;
27840, 1,314, Whiting, Finsaas Federal 31-16-4H, Hay Creek, t12/14; cum 46K 4/15;
23752, 1,914, Statoil, Irgens 27-34 3H, East Fork, t5/15; cum --
23753, 2,756, Statoil, Judy 22-15 3H, East Fork, t5/15; cum --
23754, 2,741, Statoil, Irgens 27-34 3H, East Fork, t5/15; cum --
28508, 3,335, Statoil, Judy 22-15 5H, East Fork, t5/15; cum --
28509, 2,013, Statoil, Judy 22-15 6TFH, East Fork, t5/15; cum -- 
28776, 1,505, XTO, Ranger 21X-18G, Tobacco Garden, t5/15; cum --
29155, 1,008, XTO, Hanson 11X-12E, Murphy Creek, t4/15; cum 2K 4/15
27853, 392, EOG, Parshall 146-0806H, Parshall, t12/14; cum 110K 4/15; 

27937, 1,030, SM Energy, Elway 1-32H, Camp, t5/15; cum --
29154, 1,799, XTO, Hanson 11X-12B, Murphy Creek, t5/15; cum --

28441, 1,032, Liberty Resources, Gohrick 158-95-17-9-5MBH, McGregor, 50 stages, 4.2 million lbs, t12/14; cum 56K 4/15; chocked way back
28442, 1,067, Liberty Resources, Gohrick 158-95-17-8-6TFH, McGregor, t1/15; cum 22K 4/15; choked way back
28492, 4,371, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 24-20-1H, Sand Creek, t12/14; cum 113K 4/15;
28493, 3,444, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 24-20-1RTF, Sand Creek, t12/14; cum 85K 4/15;
28494, 3,125, Whiting, Tarpon Federal 24-20-2RTF, Sand Creek, t12/14; cum 56K 4/15; choked way back
28734, 1,588, Liberty Resources, Gohrick 158-95-17-8-6MBH, McGregor, t2/15 cum 28K 4/15; choked way back
28049, 1,069, Hess, BL-Iverson-155-95-1819H-6, Beaver Lodge, t4/15; cum 29K 4/15; 

23518, 1,453, Newfield, Johnson 150-99-34-27-3H, South Tobacco Garden, t3/15; cum 29K 4/15;

NDIC Site Back Up; EOG Reports A 63-Stage Frack; New Low Active Rig Count -- June 12, 2015

Production and IPs for wells coming off the confidential list have been posted.

The number of active rigs post-boom sets a new "low" record: 76.

Another huge, typical EOG, 1920-acre drilling unit well:

• 27858, 236, EOG, Parshall 152-0806H, Parshall, ICO, 63 stages, 18 million lbs, t12/14; cum 126K 4/15;  

Typical EOG 1920-acre drilling unit well: L-shaped, 3 sections; lateral cuts the corner of the third section but is essentially a typical long lateral draining two sections; the purpose, of course, is to capture the otherwise "orphaned" oil in the corners of the three sections that would otherwise be lost due to "setback" rules.

The total depth (a function of the length of the horizontal) is hardly noteworthy: 22,317 feet.

63 stages and almost 20 million lbs of sand. See Mike Filloon's take on this, from just the other day. 

One has to ask the question whether the USGS took these "new" drilling  units into consideration back in 2010 (or whenever it was) that it estimated the EUR of the Bakken.

*****************************

A Note for the Granddaughters

Without question, if one is interested in "understanding" Aristotle, it would be hard to find a better source than Armand Marie Leroi's The Lagoon: How Aristotle Invented Science, c. 2014.

It is definitely a book to be read slowly, savoring every short chapter. I find it interesting how the author writes in a conversational style but ever so subtle. He is also very, very remarkable at introducing new concepts.

If you are a fan of Stephen Jay Gould, you will enjoy this book. On page 149, he actually mentions Stephen Jay Gould -- suggesting that Gould had never read "Aristotle." 

I feel bad for our granddaughters. They will be "forced" to listen to me on our cross-country trip this summer about Aristotle. LOL.

Blind Spots -- June 12, 2015

For quite some time I have been wanting to post a note using the phrase "blind spot" or "blind spots."

I see examples of it every day: people who seem to be normal have huge blind spots. I guess I'm not the only one who has noted this phenomenon. The Park Rapids (ND) Enterprise has a great op-ed on this very phenomenon:

It's a case of dueling press releases. But it deserves a minute of Minnesotans' time—especially those Minnesotans who oppose the Sandpiper Pipeline and can't understand why their fellow residents keep rejecting their arguments.

For those opponents, gaining this understanding is crucial. For indisputable evidence now has surfaced that the pipeline's backers are carrying the day—evidence in the form of Friday's unanimous vote in favor of the pipeline by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

How can that be?

How is it that even in famously liberal and environmentally sensitive Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the commission—four of whose five members were appointed by Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton—could vote 5-0 in favor of a controversial crude-oil pipeline?

Here's how:

Almost to a person, the opponents talk as if they're wearing green blinders—blinders that stop them from seeing any other interests besides their own.

And given that they equate their own interest with saving the Earth, it's no wonder they blast everyone else's position as not only selfish and but also environmentally irresponsible.

The trouble is, proponents of such views generally have little interest in reaching a compromise. But in America, of course, politics is the art of compromise. That means people who refuse to compromise get labeled as extremists.

And extremists tend to fare poorly in America's system of governance.

Much more at the link.

Maybe I need a "blind spot" tag. But folks probably wouldn't see it. 

Another great example. The folks with a blind spot when it comes to environmental issues in Minnesota who have an unnatural fear of pipelines have no problem with putting in a huge transmission line, that will require clear-cutting much forest, from Canada to Minnesota, which is entirely unnecessary except to provide "back-up" electricity coming from a wind farm (also unnecessary) in North Dakota. Besides a blur on the landscape forever, no one will want to live near the transmission line due to cancer fears. The transmission line will also become a landmark for aliens visiting earth in their UFOs.

Friday, Part II; Putting The Bakken Into Perspective -- June 12, 2015

Today's EIA "energy cookie":

Alaska's crude oil production has declined from 1.8 million barrels per day (MMb/d) in 1991 to 0.5 MMb/d in 2014, and it is expected to continue declining through 2040. Almost 75% of Alaska's crude oil production from 1990 to 2012 was from the Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk River fields in the central North Slope, which respectively produced 4.9 billion and 1.7 billion barrels of crude oil over this period. --- EIA

Less than 7 billion bbls.

The Bakken will produce at a minimum 0.07 x 500 billion = 35 billion bbls over the lifetime of the Bakken/Upper Three Forks. This number does not include the lower benches of Three Forks.

At one million bopd, that's about 35,000 days, or about 95 years. Leap years, which occur every four years, and add a day to the year, will affect the actual number of years. I often make simple arithmetic errors. Do not quote me on this. If you do, say this: "Some crazy nut says the Bakken will produce oil for 100 years." And then drop it. If this information is important to you, seek out a Gregorian calendar.

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Putting US Inflation Into Perspective

The Zimbabwe government, known for its adherence to the Pocahontas-Krugman school of economics, has a process in place to "fix things." Business Insider is reporting:

The process will expunge Zimbabwean notes from the country's banking system, which now includes a combination of US dollars, South African rands, and Botswana pulas, in an effort to move past the horrific episode of hyperinflation that occurred in 2008. While the official inflation figure during that time was recorded at 231,000,000%, others have suggested the actual inflation rate was greater than 4,000,000,000%. 

I thought they were quibbling between 400 and 231 (not a big difference) but then I counted the zeros. LOL. 

We Have Another Pocahontas -- June 12, 2015

This is almost too funny to post. The quotes are, well, judge for yourself. FoxNews is reporting:

Controversy erupted around a local NAACP leader in Washington state Thursday after family members told a local newspaper that she had misrepresented herself as black. 

Rachel Dolezal is the head of the NAACP's chapter in Spokane and is also a part-time professor in the Africana Studies Program at Eastern Washington University.

The Spokane Spokesman-Review says that Dolezal described her ethnicity as white, black, and American Indian in an application to be the volunteer chairwoman of the city's Police Ombudsman Commission, a position to which she was duly appointed. 

But Dolezal's mother, Ruthanne, told the paper that the family's actual ancestry is Czech, Swedish, and German, along with some "faint traces" of Native American heritage.

One can see the photograph of this young, should we say "blonde" woman, at the linked article.

I particularly like the "faint traces" of Native American heritage. No doubt she is referring to her "Elizabeth (Pocahontas) Warren high cheek bones."

Additional quotes:

Rachel Dolezal did not immediately respond to her mother's claim when contacted by the Spokesman-Review, first saying "I feel like I owe [the NAACP] executive committee conversation" about what she called a "multi-layered issue."

After being contacted again, Dolezal said, "That question is not as easy as it seems. There's a lot of complexities ... and I don’t know that everyone would understand that." Later, she said, "We're all from the African continent," an apparent reference to scientific studies tracing the origin of human life to east Africa.

Hillary and the entire GOP presidential slate are writing these phrases down as quickly as they can. These are priceless.

• "I owe them a conversation."
• "That question is not as easy as it seems."
• "There's a lot of complexity."
• "We're all from Africa."

 My favorite:

• "Say what?"

More from the story:

Ruthanne Dolezal said that her daughter began to "disguise herself" in the mid-2000s, after the family had adopted four African-American children.

About the time Elizabeth Warren was making history.

How can I go on?

How Can I Go On, Freddy Mercury and Monseratt Caballe
Memo to self: insert "The Great Pretender" here.

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ObamaCare

From The Wall Street Journal, another huge ObamaCare myth. Those promises of annual spending caps. Absolutely false.