Dispensing Information

FedSmith is reporting on the revised Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guidelines. Actual text of AG Holder's memo is here.In view of the brouhaha over Blago's indictment, and the Tribune's proposals on letting the sunshine in, one could hope that the Feds set an example for Illinois. Probably hoping for too much, but I have to start somewhere.

To Drill or Not To Drill

Bloomberg is reporting that the Interior Department estimates there are 115 billion barrels of oil that is technically recoverable on the Outer Continental Shelf. The estimate is just that, an estimate. However, of even more importance is Interior's estimate as to what the pricing would be to make the oil economically recoverable. That's an eye-opener for sure, and should tame anyone's urge to

Flying Down to Rio

You need a job? Got skills the oil industry can use? Then you just might want to make sure your passport is current and take a trip to Brazil. Petrobras, Brazil's national oil company, is investing $174B in offshore oil development between now and 2013. Yes that is a B as in BILLION. It's a gutsy move, and apparently their usual M.O. - invest during downturns. They are not concerned about