Renewable Fuel

I've been interested in the progress of renewable fuel sources both for the environment and also as an investment opportunity. Energy is a big issue in America and I feel that leading companies would make excellent investments.

A local company California, Pacific Ethanol (PEIX), is working to build four ethanol plants in the central valley. The plants would convert starch and sugar from corn into ethanol with the optino of selling the byproduct back to dairies for cattle feed. It's a great cycle!

Just recently Bill Gates' invested $80+ million into PEIX. I also am following by dollar cost averaging several buys over the next few months. I learned my lesson a while back by buying a bunch of Cisco stock at once to see it tank. If I would have spread my purchase over 6 months I wouldn't have had such a loss. In any regard I do see PEIX as a leader in the market and think they will do well.

Here's a press release on a venture between them, GM, Chevron and the state of CA:

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060105/deth005a.html?.v=2

Bass PreAmps

On New Years eve I played my upright bass guitar with a flamenco group in Three Rivers. I was happy to have a chance to play the instrument live. I used my electric bass amp (G&K 700RB) and even though I was able to control feedback the tone was horrible.

A friend recommend that I read an article:

http://www.gollihur.com/kkbass/preamptalk.html

It quickly covered the issue of impedence matching and thought I'd pass it on. It's something that I will be looking into because I really love the upright bass.

Autism Resource

My buddy Paul has created an Autism Resource website for Tulare County/District Special Education Local Plan Area(SELPA). He's been a great resource for the county relating to technology.