Thursday -- January 23, 2025

Locator: 44751B.

Feels like a religion. Link here.

Batteries: I simply don't get it. 

How long have "we" been manufacturing batteries for automobiles? How long have "we" been "pushing" EVs which are essentially nothing but big batteries and a lot of software? And now today, Ford is recalling more than 200,000 vehicles due to defects in the 12-volt batteries. Ford says the batteries are made by a supplier; not by Ford itself. It certainly sounds like Ford must have gone to the "lost-cost bidder." I simply don't get it. Quality if #1. And they can't even get 12-volt batteries right.  Oh, the answer to that battery question: the Ford Model A had a 6-volt battery.

And we move on.

Inflation watch: yes, I know eggs are expensive, or better said, folks and the press are telling us that eggs are expensive. 

Today, at Walmart, a dozen large eggs were selling for $4.17; a dozen extra large eggs, for $4.67. Are eggs expensive or have Americans simply had an incredibly good bargain all these years? This morning, for breakfast, I had one egg and a half-ounce of Spam mixed with the egg. Yes, a half-ounce; that's all I need and a couple of slices of toast and a damn good cup of coffee (a nod to David Lynch). The Keurig K-cup cost 57 cents. The egg: 4.67 / 12 = 39 cents. A typical candy bar costs $1.50 (range: $1.00 to $2.00 for the "typical" American candy bar). So, eggs? Historically much higher prices now, but "high-priced"? I honestly don't know.

I know a new Cybertruck can cost about $100,000. Americans have it pretty good in the big scheme of things.

JFK, RFK, MLK: for the archives. 

President Trump orders all government records on these assassinations be opened, released, unclassified or something to that effect.

RFK, Jr., says he's fine with that executive order. One has to ask: what is the government still trying to hide -- 2025 - 1963 = 62 years after the earliest? 

Twenty-year-olds involved in the assassinations and investigations of the assassinations would be in their 80s. Many of them might still be alive and able to comment on the government records. The release won't be overnight. Those in charge of the records have to prepare a plan on how to release the documents and have the plan approved by the president.

Be sure to read the disclaimer for this blog.

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Back to the Bakken

WTI: $74.29.

Active rigs: 30.

No new oil and gas permits today.

One permit canceled:

• 29615, PNC, Slawson, Rebel Federal 2-32-8H, Mountrail;

Two producing wells (DUCs) reported as completed:

• 39489, 895, Petro-Hunt, State 153-95-17B-16-3H,
• 40774, 4,059, MRO, Vettleson 11-26H, Dunn County.