Energy Dominance Won't Stop US Fuel Costs Pushing Higher
energynow.com

... Being the world's No. 1 driller isn't enough to shield the country from the effects of the war.

Average gasoline prices jumped to $3.25 a gallon on Wednesday, according to data from the American Automobile Association -- up by 25 cents this week.

Diesel, often referred to as a workhorse of the global economy because of its wide use in freight, power and heating, has soared almost 30% since the conflict began, outpacing gains in crude oil.

Any increase is unwelcome news for President Donald Trump, who has consistently touted lower pump prices as a measure of his success. ...

Kingston Trio - Desert Pete (1963)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
I was travelin' West of Buckskin on my way to a cattle run, 'cross a little cactus desert under a hard bargaining sun.

Thirsty down to my toenails, I stopped to rest me on a stump, but I tell you I just couldn't believe it when I saw that water pump.

I took it to be a mirage at first. It'll fool a thirsty man. Then I saw a note stuck in a bakin' powder can.

"This pump is old," the note began, "but she works. So give'er a try. I put a new sucker washer in 'er. You may find the leather dry

You've got to prime the pump.

You must have faith and believe. You've got to give of yourself 'fore you're worthy to receive

Drink all the water you can hold. Wash your face to your feet.

Leave the bottle full for others.

Thank you kindly, Desert Pete
...

Why American Frackers Aren't Rushing to Pump More Oil
www.wsj.com

... The Middle East is on the cusp of a prolonged conflict that could push oil prices to heights not seen in four years. For now, American drillers are sitting this one out.

The U.S. oil benchmark settled at $74.56 a barrel Tuesday, a threshold not breached since last June, when American bombers dropped bunker-busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear sites. But to West Texas oilmen, it makes little sense to add expensive rigs and boost production when the war could be short-lived and crude prices drop. What they don't want is to add to an already big glut and waste their last few sweet spots. ...

Peter, Paul and Mary - Puff, the Magic Dragon (1963)
www.youtube.com

Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
"Puff the Magic Dragon" by Leonard Lipton (lyrics) and Peter Yarrow (music) appears on the 1963 Peter, Paul and Mary album, 'Moving.'

An urban myth soon arose that the song was about drugs.

It's really a backward look at childhood, and all that was left behind.

[Verse 1]
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff

[Chorus]
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee

[Verse 2]
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout, perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name

[Chorus]
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee

[Verse 3]
A dragon lives forever, but not so, little boys
Painted wings and giants' rings make way for other toys
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff, that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar

[Verse 4]
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Without his lifelong friend, Puff could not be brave
So Puff, that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave
...