Things Aren't Always What They Seem - Ides of March (1966)

File this under curious ways to enter the energy sector as seen in today's The New York Times:

Zeus Energy Movement established itself as a non-profit in Texas to develop devices to harness various forms of alternative energy such as a gadget that transforms the force of ocean waves into power. Apparently, it was struggling to receive grants from the Federal Government for R&D. But once a patent application is granted, then does Zeus maintain its charity status?

To read more, click here.

Are you engaged in an energy startup looking to finance your projects? Check out our course offerings here.

What a Year For A New Year - Dan Wilson/Semisonic (2002)

December has a funny way of flying by, even more so than most other months. The parties and get-togethers can be fast and furious and before you know it, a new year dawns.

We here at The Oxford Princeton Programme have our own version of a countdown to 2010: a Pre-Planning Sale of 15% off on all public course fees (at 2009 prices) that runs through December 31st. Our best offer all year.

If you haven't had a chance to check out our course catalogue, please do so. We have more courses across more energy capitals and as many of you know, our bestselling courses do fill up quickly.

Get a headstart today and fuel your energy career and professional potential.

Happy Holidays.

Moving On - Dream Academy (2004)

Due to an office move, you might not be able to reach our Princeton Office today and tomorrow (December 2nd and 3rd) at +1 609 520-9099. We expect to be back up and running by no later than Friday, the 4th.

If you need immediate assistance, please call our Oxford Office at, from North America, 011 44 1865 250 521 or on my mobile at +1 609 613-1636 or e-mail us at info@oxfordprinceton.com.

We apoloigze for any inconvenince as we move to new facilites that will ensure better service to our clients worldwide.

A Future Uncertain - Nevermore (2005)

The Ukraine-Russia natural gas conflict has taken another turn in the past week as Ukraine struggled to make October’s payment. They vowed and delivered on the promise to make the payment but it surely raises questions about the security of their gas supply as we move into the winter months. Take a look below at an excerpt from an article I came across.

State-owned utility Naftogaz Ukrainy is scrambling to pay Russian firm Gazprom for natural gas consumed in October, reports say.

The October bill is $460 million.

Naftogaz cited an economy mired in recession and its customers' inability to pay their bills as reasons for its late payment to Russia. As per the contract between the two nations, Ukraine has until the seventh day of the month to pay the previous month's bill. Ukranian Minister of Fuel and Energy Yuri Prodan was confident that the monies would be paid by the deadline.

To read the full article click here.

The only way to grasp this conflict is to completely understand the roots of the issue. To satisfy this need, I encourage everyone to have a look at one of our newest web-based training courses developed in response to this crisis.

European Gas: Security of Supply

This JUST-IN-TIME course was created in response to the events in January 2009 when Russia curtailed supplies into Ukraine and many parts of Europe. Even as these two nations have come to an agreement to get gas flowing again, their dispute is a long-running one that has been brewing ever since the breakup of the Soviet Union. We are unlikely to see the last of it. What are the underlying dynamics of the dispute and how prepared is Europe and the rest of the world for when this situation makes headlines in the future?

For more information click here.

Barcelona - Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe (1987)

Next week, The Oxford Princeton Programme is in Barcelona as a return exhibitor to EMART Energy 2009 to take place 18 - 19 November at the Centre Convencions Internacional.

If you are there, be sure to visit us at Stand C25 and even try your luck at our Energy Education Wheel of Fortune for a chance to win a free web-based training course voucher.

Representing us are the friendly faces you see above: Ms. Lesley Rigg, Sales Director - Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and S. America (on the left); and Ms. Paula Coolman, Principal Sales Executive.

Face In the Crowd - Tom Petty (1989)

Should you happen to attend next week's 25th Asia-Pacific Petroleum Conference in Singapore (November 3rd - 5th), be on the look out for our contingent (photos here for easy identification).

Ms. Lesley Rigg - Sales Director, EMEA, Asia/Pacific, Latin America
Ms. Crystal Yeo - Regional Account Manager, Asia-Pacific
Mr. Phillip Woo - Pricipal Account Executive, Asia-Pacific

What a Price to Pay - Michael Damian (1991)

We have added a crude oil price chart which you will now find on the right hand side of this blog. It will reflect 15-minute updates throughout the day so you can be assured of the latest read even as you check us out.

Having said that today seems to be one of those times when you might not want to check out as often how the commodity is doing given that gains from last week are being returned due to a strengthening of the US dollar. As of my entry it is down to just over $78 a barrel. This in turn is affecting the share prices of energy stocks.

Let's see whether the bulls will return this week...