Idiocracy – The Methanist's Crucible

Florence from Memory

Inner Fortitude in the Age of hyper-sensitive outrage addicts Is All Lost? The short answer is: yes—if you’re the kind of dopamine addict who needs five likes and a comment thread before breakfast just to feel marginally real.…

The Politics of the Statistically Extinct

Idiocracy

Dispatches from the Libertarian-Minarchist Schnitzel-Making Fringe Let’s exorcise the formalities right at the top: I’m Austrian. Which means that every few years, I’m expected - like a well-trained schnitzel-fed automaton -…

Image by PixaBay

Bureaucrats in the Machine: Globalism’s War on Builders

Idiocracy

Or: How We Traded Builders for Bureaucrats and Called It Progress Let’s not mince words: capitalism, in its current flavor, is about as entrepreneurial as a DMV line on Ambien. No matter how often the TED talk crowd tries to rebrand…

We blew past the point of no return – and lit fireworks on the way down

Idiocracy

How collapse became a lifestyle brand, why denial is the new national pastime, and what’s left when the lights go out. How do I feel? Not today. Not in the “forgot-my-umbrella-and-stepped-in-a-puddle” kind of way. I mean…

Did I Miss the End of the World?

Idiocracy

A Gen Xer's shot at Navigating the Ongoing Clusterfuck. Surprise, surprise. The void coughed me back up. Call it a mid-life software update… that crashed halfway through install. It was just me, sparring with my personal demons. We’ve…

Are we happier with less

Idiocracy

In 1991 I had my second tour as a United Nations soldier in Syria and met someone who told me about his former work as a bodyguard for some members of the Saudi Royal family. I was instantly hooked. I asked him for names and a reference and…

The day after Globalisation

Idiocracy

In 1983, at the height of the Cold War, the world was exposed to a new movie. The Day After. Not a very good movie, no outstanding screenplay, and no imaginative plot. Even the pictures were rather - dull. But it was still memorable for many…

The slow death of the Cold War

Idiocracy

In 1999, just one year shy of the Millennium, I lived in Paris. Like many of my age, I waited for the release of the movie Matrix. The Wachowski brothers built up the suspense of what it was all about to the maximum. There I was, watching it…

Surviving Idiocracy

Idiocracy

My twenties were dominated by traveling. Not to your next Spring Break you mind. I was a little more independent-minded and adventurous. The Middle East and Africa were in my crosshairs. Once there, I moved on by whatever means of transportation…

How idiots make it to the top

Idiocracy

I lived in Middle Eastern countries for many years. Those were incredibly beautiful years and I have come back with a lasting love for the entire region and its people. One day, I sat in a coffee shop and was approached by a stranger. He turned…

Idiots – the nature of the beast

Idiocracy

In the 2006 movie Idiocracy, the American filmmaker Mike Judge depicts a dystopian world that is failing to maintain even the most basic requirements of human existence. This extreme situation developed due to an extreme form of dumbing down…

What is true

Idiocracy

In the 2001 movie Vanilla Sky, David Aames, owner of a large publishing company, is in prison wearing a prosthetic mask. His life went off the rails when he met the ravishing Sofia while David was still in a relationship with Julie. He wants…

Are you having fun yet

Idiocracy

In the 2008 film Hurt Locker, Jeremy Renner plays a Staff Sergeant who defuses explosives in the Iraq combat theatre. One day he stumbled upon an IED that was so powerful that despite all his protective gear it would have shredded him to bits…

Statistics

Idiocracy

In 1906, the North American Review published Mark Twain’s “Chapters from My Autobiography”. Therein, he ascribed the phrase “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” to the British statesman Benjamin Disraeli. The…

Damned lies

Idiocracy

About 180 years ago, the great Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen published the last of his Fairy Tales Told for Children. "The Emperor's New Clothes". There was no Facebook or Instagram at the time. Yet the storyline could not have been…

Lies

Idiocracy

In 1920, an Italian immigrant tricked thousands of New England residents. He made them invest in a postage stamp speculation scheme. He promised that he could provide a 50 percent return in 90 days. He’d use funds from follow-up investors…

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Comments

Testimonials

Human 2.0

Rudolf is in many ways a human 2.0 – very bright, good at languages, skills that cover the whole value chain of gas and the ability to question the conventional! The last is perhaps the most valuable, even if not all established “experts” want to listen. Frequently, time shows him right. His impatience is refreshing and a discussion with him is always enlightening!

Karen Sund - Founder

Sund Energy

Mastery

I met Rudi about a year ago (2015) when I was working on LNG Procurement with Emirates LNG. I needed very specific knowledge on contracts, market mechanisms and pricing. I tried a couple of sources to get smart, but it was not until I attended Rudi’s workshop on LNG contracts and prices that I really got to the core of everything. Rudi answered all my questions in simple language that was clear and easy to understand. Since then, whenever I have any question or something I am unclear on, I ask Rudi and I immediately get an answer. Not many people achieve mastery of anything at the level that Rudi has on the Gas and LNG industry. If you need to understand, really understand, then I highly recommend Rudi’s workshop.

Saleem Alavi - Captain

Emirates LNG

Knowledge and tenacity

I had the opportunity to share with Rudolf issues coming from a very challenging project, when we did all our best to achieve the better results in an uneasy business situation. I admired his deep knowledge of the LNG market and environment and his tenacity in looking for the best solution always. He is a clever manager with a clear view on the targets. It was definitely a pleasure to work with him.

Vincenzo Maria Emma - Head of Should Contract

ENEL

Inspires further investigation

I first discovered a certain Rudolf Huber while he was wrapping up at Fuel Emulsions International and starting at NeXtLNG. After setting me straight on my quest for the latest innovations with Marine fuels, I knew that the “Pit Bull” deserved special notice. Aside from having a passion for the Energy Business, he also has a teacher’s ability to inspire further investigation. He ventures an opinion where others don’t dare and he does so with wit that few who follow the sector can match. Rudolf champions realistic energy choices and is not afraid of shining BRIGHT lights on the changes ahead.

James D. Shepperd - Content Strategy PR Global

ESET

Tremendous visionary

I met Rudolf at the beginning of 2011, since we were both involved and working together within several European / Scandinavian projects for the development of technology, standardisation and legal aspect in the use of LNG as marine fuel and along its supply chain. Rudolf has vast expertise in, and perspective on, different aspects of LNG technologies, suppliers, infrastructures and supply chain options. He is able to provide a deep understanding and insight into these areas and is a conscientious and diligent source. Moreover, he is a tremendous visionary on the geopolitical, trading and technology aspects of energy, with a special remark for LNG traditional and small / mid magnitude chain. Rudolf has very proactive personal and working approach and is an excellent team worker and leader. Not least, he has a unique persuasive way of writing, negotiating and delivering speeches. I would certainly recommend him as an excellent expert and believe he would be a powerful asset for any company actively working in Oil and Gas. Thank you Rudolf! Marco

Marco Andreola - Owner Principal

Andreola & Associated Consulting

True Africa specialist

I was introduced to and met Rudi in Angola when he started to develop his Sub Saharan Africa network. At the time he worked for EconGas/OMV and he tried organizing longterm LNG supply for them under the unlikeliest of all circumstances. He figured that Africa would be the only place where this would be a realistic prospect for long term uncommitted supplies of LNG. Rudi did not hesitate, started in Africa from absolute zero and spawned relationships and personal friendships with incredible speed. When I met him I didn’t know much about LNG. Today I follow the LNG news on my continent with great interest and a much clearer understanding of the LNG trade. Whenever I have a job that involves venturing into the unknown, Rudi will always be my man.

Albert Namme - M.D/CEO

eXGas, Nigeria

Thrives under a challenge

I worked with Rudi on a key Europe-Middle East LNG supply chain transaction. He is incredibly driven and pushed the deal forward under very challenging internal and external circumstances. He is culturally astute and was able to navigate very successfully through the various subtleties within the global energy community. Also a great guy to work with!

Nomita Nair - Counsel

Allen & Overy

Proactive Business Developer

Rudolf is a true Business Developer. He questions everything, even his own logic and is not afraid to speak his mind. Rudolf had initiated our LNG activities in Africa and the Americas. He was THE authority to go to when issues arose in LNG but more generally when any issue the company did not know how deal with was on the plate. Rudolf is not a typical manager as we know it. He does not need a lot of structure and procedures and is extremely proactive when it comes to problem solving and making new contacts.

David Bergal - Portfolio Manager LNG & Natural Gas

Kinetrex Energy

Nothing but the facts

Rudolf is truly one of the brightest, most knowledgeable people in the world of LNG. He gives you the truth, not a version of it. He is not swayed, he can not be bought by the majors. Trust his word because it is always backed by facts!

Jim Gerber - Director

Terra Commodities Consulting

Reality check

While I disagree with Rudolf Huber on a few things, I’ve learned a fair bit from him., And his reasoning on fuel, economics, capabilities, financial and physical and thermal reality check. And I did not think so 6 months ago. Keep plugging Rudolf!

Eric Levy

Catalyst Recruiting, Inc

Informative, reliable, sensible and refreshing

I love your acute commentary, Rudolf, informative, reliable, sensible and refreshing. Let’s hope more follow your example and we start to realize the full potential of professional social media.

Gil Hardwick - Writer and Director

Environmental Film Group West

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