Features of the week

Lots to talk about in this Friday's edition of "Features of the week", especially in the subjects of oil, ethanol, and energy use. Plus, plenty of news besides, so kick back and enjoy.

1. "Another Inconvenient Truth". Puru Saxena feels global production declines in crude oil will result in significantly higher prices and the possibility of shortages and rationing.

2. Meanwhile, George Friedman of Stratfor discusses possible advancements in the field of cellulosic ethanol production and the potential likelihood of a resulting fall off in global oil demand.

3. Robert Rapier discusses, "High Gasoline Prices", in a two-part (one & two) article series.

4. "Energy in a Post-Peak World". A Simmons & Company International slideshow, presented by Matthew Simmons.

5. Bono doubts the sincerity of the G8's pledge for African aid.

6. Secret CIA jails hosted by Poland, Romania, says a Swiss politician's report. This coincides with the CIA secret prisoner trial starting in Italy.

7. Chicago is the "greatest trading city in the world" according to a Trader Monthly survey.

8. PIMCO's Bill Gross, recently turned bearish on bonds, is set to make a fine return in an area that recalls one of the better-known inflation hedges of the 1970's: investing in rare stamps.

9. Railroads are a recently hot investment, but allegations of price-fixing have recently been leveled at the industry by one industrial customer.

10. "A Conversation With an Unusual Man": Charles Davis interviews Ron Paul.

11. Jim Chanos of Kynikos Associates discusses short selling, hedge funds, and private equity with FT's View from the Top. Parts one & two of this interview.

12. Jim Rogers appears in a VPRO documentary, "De Calculerende Cowboy", to discuss his travels, the future of Europe, and his philosophy of investing.

13. Bill Gates gives the commencement speech at Harvard, his alma mater, and takes home an honorary degree. See also, Time Magazine's profile and interviews with Gates.

14. George Harrison talks with Dick Cavett in a 1971 interview. Parts one, two, three, and four.

Have a great weekend, everybody.