Turning Grapes Of Wrath Into Biomass WorldNews.com,Sat 14 Oct 2006
Turning Grapes Of Wrath Into Biomass Article by WorldNews.com Correspondent Beverly Darling.
In the story ‘The Grapes Of Wrath,’ John Steinbeck writes about the devastating affect the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression had on farmers throughout the Midwest. In one memorable scene, a farmer is served an eviction notice due to a drought, the devaluation of his crops, and the loan company’s foreclosure on his home and land. As this overwhelming burden sinks in, the farmer tells the banker, ‘I am right here to tell you mister that ain’t nobody going to push me off this land.’ He continues, ‘My grandpa took up this land seventy years ago. My pa was born here. We was all born on it and some of us was killed on it.’ After the banker drives off, the farmer slowly kneels down beside the ground and clinches a handful of dirt. Mournfully he exclaims, ‘And some of us died on it…and that is what makes it ours…being born on it…and dying on it, and no piece of paper with writing on it…’ The next day a bulldozer destroys his home as his family helplessly watches.
The story continues with the experiences of another family who was also forced off their farm. Just when they were ready to leave and their battered vehicle was loaded down with a few meager belongings, the grandfather has a sudden heart attack and dies. On the way to California the grandmother is stricken with a deadly illness, and they must quickly bury her in a makeshift grave along the side of the road. The family finally reaches their destination only to live in a shanty town, be humiliated and paid with unjust wages, and experience the wrath of greedy bosses and labor disputes. Eventually they find steady work and begin to rebuild their lives and their broken family.
Thus, ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ is a bitter-sweet story.
Today across America, this ‘bitter-sweet’ narrative is being lived by tens of thousands of farmers that are continually threatened with foreclosures. Fortunately Biomass, which symbolizes the sweet grapes, would tremendously benefit farmers and revitalize Rural America by saving many family farms. Unfortunately, bureaucracy and oil companies, which symbolize wrath, have monopolized energy and certain government funds that could be used for research and the creation of new sources of energy. What is Biomass and what are its advantages?
First, Biomass can improve and multiply America’s sources of energy and make America less dependent on fossil fuels. According to the Department of Energy, 87% of our energy needs are met solely through the use of fossil fuels, also known as petroleum products. This poses a major problem since gas and oil are nonrenewable resources. In other words, fossil fuels will eventually cease to exist. Already some scientists believe that we are experiencing what is called a period of ‘Peak Oil.’ In the future less oil will be produced causing petroleum prices to rise. For the American people, this means less spending money for healthcare, education, housing, and other basic needs.
However, Biomass (wheat stubble, grasses, corn stocks, plant waste, etc…) is a renewable resource. As long as we have the sun, rain, and the earth, we will have Biomass (plant matter) which can be converted into efficient and clean energies. Some farmers and businesses in the U.S. are now using Biomass to heat their homes and power their companies. Several countries in South American and Africa, such as Brazil and Kenya, have recognized the advantages of Biomass. These countries now meet 40 to 70 percent of their energy needs through the use of Biomass Converters. With government support, research, and proper funding, these countries are saving money and helping farmers while burning cleaner energy.
Second, Biomass would economically revive Rural America. Today if you drive down the main street of many small towns, you will see vacant buildings and businesses. If you drive down the dirt roads of Rural America, you will observe empty farmhouses and schools. But behind every vacant and empty farm and hardware store or grocery store, there are vacant and empty lives-whole families that have been forced off their farms and driven from their livelihoods. Their stories are all similar. High mortgages, foreclosures, a low price for their produce, and the loss of population have combined to destroyed their way of life and their independence.
Biomass would reverse this trend. Right now rural communities are attempting to convert Biomass resulting in the powering and fueling of industries and businesses. Biomass, which is grown on farms, would also create a greater need for farm laborers, which in turn would help re-populate Rural America. Transporting Biomass to large metropolitan areas would also increase employment opportunities. As a result of these in-sourced jobs, people would flood those vacant hardware stores and grocery stores. Overall the economic prosperity of Rural America would be strengthened. Small communities would be made whole again. Individuals and families who love and long to farm would be strengthened and rural communities would be restored. Energy would be locally owned, which is the dream and goal of America’s free market system.
Third, Biomass would revitalize our collective spirit. I can personally testify that there is something unique and exceptional about growing up on a farm in Rural America. I remember the first time I witnessed the birth of a calf. I can recall working side by side with my mother, father, and brothers on a large garden plot while caring for and growing our own food. The numerous livestock that I fed and nurtured left a deep and invaluable impression about the importance of God’s creation. I remember the first time I planted wheat. Each day I was so anxious to return and see if the seeds had started to sprout. And yes, I can recall the spacious and open fields along with the beautiful sunsets set against the everlasting horizon.
But in a way, the sun never sets on life in Rural America, for there is something extraordinary that happens to each individual who is raised in the country. It is true that farmers are faced with the harsh realities of existence, but it is also a fact that each day they are met with the precious gifts of life. Farmers tend to be reflective, deep thinkers, self-independent, and they have to establish a strong work ethic. I also believe that these characteristics become integrated and shape a farmer’s being. In one sense, farmers experience a true and different sense of freedom, liberty, and wonder as they attempt to reflect and understand their place on earth in relation to others.
Fourth, Biomass would revive the Spirit of America. It seems that in the last several years the Spirit of America has grown dim and at times divisive. Have we lost our vision to dream of other sources of energy? Have we lost our courage to pursue energy independence? Have we lost the vision of entrepreneurship? While other countries are taking a lead in researching and funding the many promises of Biomass, we are resisting and fumbling away our future. Today America needs a Neo-energy Revolution. Just as ancient peoples moved from the Old Stone-age to the New Stone-age; just as civilizations moved from copper to iron and then to steel; just as nations moved from wood to steam, and then to coal and petroleum, America needs to break its solitary dependence on oil and encourage the use of new energies like Biomass. If 70 percent of our oil is imported from other countries, then are we truly free and independent? Are we not merely bound to some other countries economic or political conflicts that often result in soaring oil prices and gas shortages here at home? Biomass would not only provide employment and job opportunities for rural Americans and petroleum workers, but it would also increase our liberties and self-governance.
There were two competing visions during the birth of our nation. Thomas Jefferson believed that the backbone of our country would consist in farmers and small independent agricultural communities. Alexander Hamilton believed the might of our country would be banks, large industries, and enormous interdependent cities. Although Hamilton’s vision seems to have won, I believe it is not too late to reverse this trend. Both of these visions can coexist and possibly, as we once again resurrect Jefferson’s dream through Biomass, we can recover Rural America and save our cities. Overcrowded metropolitan areas could be relieved; social tensions and violence could be lessened; traffic and transport systems could be improved; and the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness could be realized once again. The independent spirit of the farmer could transcend our entire nation.
In conclusion, as we stand on The Mall of America and before Congress, I would like to remind you that we are encompassed with a great ‘cloud of witnesses.’ Years ago the Populist leader from Kansas, Mary Lease, stood here and said that, ‘Government had become for Wall Street, of Wall Street, and by Wall Street,’ instead of ‘for the people, of the people, and by the people.’ It seems today that government is ‘for oil monopolies, of oil monopolies, and by oil monopolies.’ She also commented that it was time for ‘farmers to raise a little less corn and a lot more hell!’ Today we need to continue to raise Biomass and a lot more awareness.
Years later, Franklin D. Roosevelt stood here and proclaimed a Second Bill of Rights. He saw a nation ill-clad, ill-housed, ill-clothed, and ill-fed. As tens of thousands of farms are lost each year, is it not time for farmers to receive their Second Bill of Rights? The right to receive equal funding for Biomass technologies and research would be a good start.
When Martin Luther King, Jr. and hundreds of thousands of people stood here in 1963, he said that the government had given the Civil Rights Movement a ‘blank check,’ and they now had come to collect their debt. Farmers have also been given a blank check, and it is time to collect their worth. It is time that we make the government accountable and make sure they write on that blank line: Biomass!
And maybe someday soon, instead of bulldozers, farmers in Rural America will be met with Biomass and we will truly taste the sweet grapes instead of the bitter wrath.
MMTH Mammoth Energy Group Secures Re-Entry Wells Monday October 16, 4:02 pm ET
DENVER, Oct. 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mammoth Energy Group Inc. (Other OTC:MMTH.PK - News) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, ProTerra Oil & Gas Exploration, Inc., has secured leases with 15 well locations in Kansas that it intends to re-complete using a polymer gel treatment. Three treatments are being scheduled before year-end with the remainder being done in the first quarter of 2007.
ADVERTISEMENT ``In the last ten years, there has been such an advance in completion and re-working technologies,'' said Christopher Miller, Mammoth's CEO. ``Halliburton was one of the companies that has pioneered the use of a polymer gel that is used to seal off some of the water in wells with excessive water. The Arbuckle formation is ideal for these polymer treatments and there have been hundreds of wells that have been re-worked. We are fortunate enough to work with a team in Kansas that knows where to find ideal well candidates.''
An average polymer treatment scenario involves taking a well that is producing between 2 to 5 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and 100-plus barrels of water per day. After the well is treated and brought back on-line, initial production typically ranges anywhere from 30 to 100 BOPD before settling down at around 15 to 20 BOPD six months later.
``The data we have gathered on these treatments shows that the well typically pays off within a matter of weeks to months,'' added Miller. ``Again, on a well-by-well basis, this production is not spectacular. Across 15 to 25 wells, however, production revenues really start to add up. This is why we like these re-entrys because they are low risk and form part of our strategy of steady production accumulation.''
ProTerra is currently working to secure a target of about 30,000 acres in Kansas where it intends to re-enter wells and drill exploration wells.
About ProTerra Oil & Gas Exploration, Inc.
ProTerra is concentrating on three low risk strategies that round out steady accumulation of production and growth of monthly cash flow. First, it is developing low risk wells that are in or near existing oil fields where recoverable oil is in smaller amounts but is not as risky or expensive to drill. Secondly, it is working to acquire existing production that is undervalued and where infill drilling can increase reserves dramatically. Lastly, it is currently working on leasing acreage in ``hot areas'' that are in the path of current industry trends where major activity is occurring.
Cautionary Note: Certain statements in this release and the attached corporate profile that are not historical facts are ``forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as ``anticipate,'' ``believe,'' ``expect,'' ``future,'' ``may,'' ``will,'' ``would,'' ``should,'' ``plan,'' ``projected,'' ``intend,'' and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company's future operating results are dependent upon many factors, including but not limited to the Company's ability to: (i) obtain sufficient capital or a strategic business arrangement to fund its expansion plans; (ii) build the management and human resources and infrastructure necessary to support the growth of its business; (iii) competitive factors and developments beyond the Company's control; and (iv) other risk factors.
Contact:
Mammoth Energy Group, Inc. Christopher Miller 303-759-2337 Fax: 303-759-9871 1776 S. Jackson Street, Ste 1000 Denver, CO 80210
PRVB: Powder River CEO Featured by Eric David & Sons; Company Evaluated as an "Aggressive Buy" Tuesday October 17, 7:00 am ET
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 17, 2006 -- Powder River Basin Gas Corp. (OTC BBRVB.OB - News), a revenue generating producer, acquirer and marketer of crude oil and natural gas properties, today announced that CEO Brian Fox was recently interviewed by Eric David & Sons, a research firm dedicated to evaluating and incubating micro-cap corporations possessing significant growth potential. To read the text of the interview, visit: http://www.ericdavid.com/newsletter/mailer/prvb101306.html
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In response to questioning from Eric David & Sons, Mr. Fox highlighted several key points about Powder River Basin Gas Corp. Among these are updates on the San Juan Basin project, regarding which Mr. Fox stated, "We are still planning to start a re-work program prior to year-end." Mr. Fox furthered this statement by adding, "It is our plan to have a continuous five year marketing program and to have projects in inventory to continue our program."
Mr. Fox also commented on the next upward release of Proven Reserves data, saying that due to the East McFadden and Brookshire fields, "This will once again change the reserve PV 10% substantially." Much like the San Juan Basin project, these projects "place Powder River in the five plus year continuous marketing and development program."
Regarding the sale of any personal shares, Mr. Fox stated, "I have not sold a single share of PRVB. I feel the shares are considerably under market value, and I have no interest in selling at this price."
In regards to this interview, Eric David & Sons Senior Analyst Steve Weiss stated, "Powder River Basin Gas Corp. represents a tremendous investment opportunity for investors interested in both short and long term growth. Within a short period of time, the Company has generated significant revenues and positive earnings."
Powder River Basin Gas Corp. is active in production, acquisition, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas products.
Powder River Basin Gas Corp. trades on the OTCBB under the symbol PRVB.
This press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described herein. Although the Company believes that the expectations in such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Contact: Contacts: Powder River Basin Gas Corp. Steve Weiss Investor Relations (609) 529-3671 Email: info@powderrivergascorp.com Website: http://www.powderrivergascorp.com
Princeton Research Inc. Mike King Market Analyst (702) 650-3000
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RVB.OB - News), a revenue generating producer, acquirer and marketer of crude oil and natural gas properties, today announced that CEO Brian Fox was recently interviewed by Eric David & Sons, a research firm dedicated to evaluating and incubating micro-cap corporations possessing significant growth potential.