Oil Prices Hurting Commerce
"Manufacturers are only just keeping their heads above water in terms of output while suffering higher energy costs . . ."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
This may hurt employment and consumer prices. Any costs incurred by business will ultimately be passed on to consumers, either in higher prices or costing jobs. It's not to "admirals of industry" who pay the price, with their hefty stock options and salaries. The working people get stuck suffering.

Russia and Ukraine Come To Terms
"Russia steps back from brink with Ukraine and restores gas supplies to Europe . . ."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
Did we have any doubts? Our regular readers already knew this outcome. Russia was "sabre rattling" in order to demonstrate to Ukraine who the boss in the region is. Warming relation between Ukraine and the West demanded an action be taken by Russia. Imperialists pasts die hard.

Higher Energy Costs Hurting Consumers
"With fewer dollars for discretionary spending, consumers will likely spend less on automobiles and other durable goods . . . . . ."
http://www.mlive.com/
Milder than expected weather may help. The winter so far has been mild. Bleak predictions of blackouts and people freezing to death in urban areas because of lack of energy haven't played out, thankfully. We don't it will. Smart Energy Alternatives believes there is still some time to prepare.

Natural Gas Prices Fall Dramatically
"Natural gas futures plunged 10 percent Tuesday, settling at their lowest level in three and a half months . . ."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
Is this just the calm before the storm? We at Smart Energy Alternatives look further down the road. Project what a non-renewable resource can continue to provide as supplies diminish. The crisis might be avoided one year or another, but the long-term outlook is still chilling. Stay tuned.

OPEC To Cut Production In 2006 . . .
"The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries is likely to reduce its crude-oil production after the high-demand Northern Hemisphere winter . . ."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
Is it market manipulation or needed cutbacks? Regardless of the short-term games played in the oil markets, oil is running out. Cut back here, increase there. Great game isn't it? Keeps the investors guessing and the consumers hurting. Yet, Smart Energy Alternatives readers are aware of the games.