The Rationale Of Burning Profits
Posted on October 31, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
Today I have yet another post on external costs and how they may lead to potentially irrational decisions with disastrous effects. The discussion is based on the flaring of natural gas by Shell in Nigeria. BBC reported on this awhile ago. In a nutshell. The natural gas — a by-product of crude oil extraction — [...]
Do Stamps Internalize Costs?
Posted on October 26, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
I know, it is a topic on which I tend to iterate rather often recently. This is, once more, about the problem of external costs. The use case is based on a recent experience and the question is very simple. From Finland, to post an A4 letter in a C6 envelope to Switzerland requires a [...]
International Day Of Climate Action
Posted on October 24, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
Ahead of the UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December, today, is the International Day Of Climate Action, or 350, i.e. the “most important number in the world” aka the “safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.” As far as I know we are now at 390 ppm carbon dioxide; guys, we need to [...]
Hope. Defrauded.
Posted on October 16, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
Today, on my daily walk to the office, I was thinking about something; I’m afraid I don’t recall what … However, I vividly recall how what I thought lead to think about hope; it must have been something that inspired hope, was hopeful, at least to me. As soon as I materialized the word hope [...]
Tragedy. Designed.
Posted on October 13, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
Are we always supposed to find words? Must we always be able to write an essay on whatever topic? I know, this article has affected my thoughts today. The corresponding blog of Thomas and Amanda Stansel — The Stansel Journey — did so, too, as did at least one of their family picture. Read. Think. Comment.
The Warmth Of Flames
Posted on October 11, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
The air is chilly. The handle of the thick hardwood door cold. Halfway open, the indoor warmth of a few dozen people and flickering flames begins to melt the ice crystals of my exhale. The romantic light blends with the golden ornaments. The people standing, facing East, seem to blend with the walls of the [...]
A Curious Detail
Posted on October 1, 2009 | by Markus Stocker
Recently, I discovered a curious little detail about Finnish grading that seems to be true at least for the university at which I’m currently a student. The grading scale goes from 0 through 5 (best), integers only. Up to here, not a lot different to the Swiss system which goes from 1 through 6 (best) [...]
