Business

Understanding SAGD Technology

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) sagd

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD; “Sag-D”) is an Enhanced oil recovery technology for producing heavy crude oil and bitumen. It is an advanced form of steam stimulation in which a pair of horizontal wellsare drilled into the oil reservoir, one a few metres above the other. High pressure steam is continuously injected into the upper wellbore to heat the oil and reduce its viscosity, causing the heated oil to drain into the lower wellbore, where it is pumped out. Dr. Roger Butler, engineer at Imperial Oil from 1955 to 1982, invented the steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) in the 1970s. Butler “developed the concept of using horizontal pairs of wells and injected steam to develop certain deposits of bitumen considered too deep for mining.”[1][2] In 1983 Butler became director of technical programs for the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA),[1][3] a crown corporation created by Premier Lougheed to promote new technologies for oil sands and heavy crude oil production. AOSTRA quickly supported SAGD as a promising innovation in oil sands extraction technology.[2]   – Via Wikipedia 

 

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Epicurean Lifestyle In Modern Times

What is Epicureanism?epicurus

Epicureanism is a system of philosophy based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, founded around 307 BC. Epicurus’s philosophy combines a physics based on an atomistic materialism with a rational hedonistic ethics that emphasizes moderation of desires and cultivation of friendships. His world-view is an optimistic one that stresses that philosophy can liberate one from fears of death and the supernatural, and can teach us how to find happiness in almost any situation.

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Outwitting the Devil – Napoleon Hill

Removing Fear & Thinking Clear 

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: Shutterstock

The nature and discussion of how to overcome fear is prevalent in many modern day spiritual enlightenment movements.  The idea of conciseness and old saying “mind over matter” has never been more popular or accurate in my opinion. Breaking down the concept of reality conciseness at a quantum level we come to realize that almost everything we think of as solid is really just empty space, the universe itself is considered to be made of over 70% dark matter.  

Removing fear is like exploring dark matter, you know it exist yet it is difficult to understand and easier to just simply ignore. I’ve always enjoyed tackling fears, however only when I was aware of them. When not aware of the roots of fear, negative thoughts and suppress feelings you cultivate a perfect environment for fear to manifest. The following audio book below called Outwitting The Devil by Napoleon Hill is over 70 years old and it contains wisdom and positive teachings that have never been more relevant today.   Continue reading →

Coming Soon: Quantum Computing

Canadian Innovation & Leadership quatumvalleyinvestments

Quantum Mechanics has been in the realm of thought, debate, and study for over 60 years. However out of all nations Canada is emerging well positioned to lead this new era of technology advancement in regards to commercialization. Former RIM (Blackberry) Co-CEO Mike Lizard, and his partner Doug Fregin, have put Canada and Waterloo, Ontario on the map with their vision of having the region become known as the “Quantum Valley” a place of innovation advanced innovation and a global hub for the sector. So far the management team has established a $100M fund with resources being used to support scientist and researchers to find new discoveries and breakthroughs. Below is a documentary I found worthy of sharing that introduces the subject of Quantum Computing with simplicity.

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Great Thought Leader: Milton Friedman

During my undergraduate studies Milton Friedman and the Chicago School of Economics was vilified as though it was the root of all evil. The neo-right on the political realm took up many of his theories however through study, experience and my own research I’ve come to realize I think  Mr. Friedman was misunderstood in many ways. I was particularity impressed with the emphasis and responsibility he placed on the individual in society and the citizens relationship and role with government. As a thought leader Milton Friedman’s legacy runs deep and looking forward it would not surprise me to see his perspectives pick up popularity within the emerging Global Social Enterprise sector, putting the responsibility on individuals and free enterprises to solve problems and not governments. He challenged John Maynard Keynes the king of western civilization economics for well over a generation, I respect that. 

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Milton Friedman (July 31, 1912 – November 16, 2006) was an American economist, statistician, and writer who taught at the University of Chicago for more than three decades. He was a recipient of the 1976 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, and is known for his research on consumption analysis, monetary history and theory, and the complexity of stabilization policy.[1] As a leader of the Chicago school of economics, he profoundly influenced the research agenda of the economics profession. A survey of economists ranked Friedman as the second most popular economist of the twentieth century after John Maynard Keynes,[2] andThe Economist described him as “the most influential economist of the second half of the 20th century … possibly of all of it.”[3]

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Energy East & New Western Partnership

The Foundation of Western Economic Development 10847878_804895662123_8172244044740078784_n

It shouldn’t be a surprise to the east of the rise of economic prosperity of western Canada. Our nation is already very vast with plenty of resources and economic opportunity throughout however the Western Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have taken things to another level with the New Western Partnership.  And  it hasn’t got as much attention as you would think but the Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proves how ahead of the game and serious the region is on taking a leadership role in regards to policy and economic development framework of a National Energy Strategy for Canada on a provincial and federal level. They have exercised there provincial powers to attract global investment into strengthen there individual and regional economies. The east can learn a thing or two in regards to co-operation, I can’t help but feel for  Atlantic Canada with the exception of New Newfoundland & Labrador  the mainland has become under stress as old established communities continue to fight tough economic and demographic trends that don’t weigh in their benefit. A monumental and historical commissioned study/report titled Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians commendably does an excellent job of highlighting these challenges, and it is encouraging because it seems to put an emphasis on taking appropriate action and does not sugar coat the facts.  Continue reading →

Western Mission Complete

Ottawa_-_ON_-_Parliament_Hill

Photo Credits: Wikipedia

Today is Canada Day, I feel it is very appropriate to deliver this post on the Nations birthday, I feel more nationalistic than ever before. Like many of my peers and friends who live and work in the major urban centers of our country like Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Halifax the focus today is all about uniting under one flag, one country, and one land. It is a time when provincial rivirialies and regionalism is set aside and we celebrate the amazing opportunities, freedom and beauty our country has to offer the world, we are an example of how modern civil society should function,where democracy and liberty reign as the core values of who we are as a people, “True North Strong and Free!”

I left Ottawa, Ontario roughly  a year ago today. I went to discover and understand the depths of the Canadian Energy sector, a business move that turned extremely personal. My work in the office led me into the field, a strategic and rational decision considering the reality of the economic landscape of Ontario. I wanted to know what was so special about Alberta it was a tremendously powerful learning opportunity and I took advantage with the support of my friends, family and loved ones. Living in the Nation’s Capital you really start to feel a sense of Nationalism, and although we are a Civic Nation unlike our American cousins to the south, I wanted to know more about Canada’s deep wealth of energy that was stored beneath the ground, I knew that if I was going to truly become an expert on the topic I should have the necessary credentials, experience, and knowledge to truly understand what is going on and that is why I choose the Trade of Pipefitting, a trade that ranked a respectable 23 out of 50 top jobs in Canada according to Canadian Business Magazine 2013 survey.  I had simple questions such as; are the “Oil Sands” developments in Fort McMurray an evil place of greed, deceit and environmental destruction? Or a wonder of human ingenuity, engineering, and scientific discovery?  The answer is personal depending on your cultural learned values and or perspective but having been on the ground I feel Canada should be extremely proud of it’s responsible energy development. The opportunities that will be available for individuals who take personal responsibility for their own welfare and diversify their labour skill set to enhance their standard of living especially over the next 30 years is incredible.  Alberta is expected to grow from a province of 4M today into 7M+ by 2050, that is still less than the population of the Greater Toronto Area alone, however an incredible influx of people nonetheless which will drive further growth and business in many different sectors.   Continue reading →

Emotional Freedom and The Self

“If you truly want to be happy in life, you should tie it to a goal not to people or objects” – Alberta Einstein

Peace in Oneself 

Who are you? A simple question that many find difficult to answer, our identities can be tied to many different things, in the field of entrepreneurship where ideas are encouraged, the “idea”, “concept” or outside projection can begin to influence who a person truly is. The key to overcoming being lost in any journey is to find a true sense of inner peace and self fulfillment within one’s own being. When you tie your happiness to an individual or object you will find that this feeling of happiness or sadness (emotion) is impermanent. When you tie your happiness to any independent source outside yourself, you have thus lost yourself and will in turn not be able to genuinely connect with other people. In business, trades, life in general it is all about relationships no matter the audience. I am starting to find that all too often the most important relationship that matter the most is ignored. This is the relationship within oneself, something that would seem elementary but that is easily forgotten especially when focused on impermanent ideas and concepts.  Continue reading →

Quiet Space and Reflection

Quiet Space and Reflection 

In my heart I hear the beat of the plains, the vast wild space that enlightened my heart to the possibilities and endless opportunities that live within the open heart. Quite spaces where an individual can reflect on what is most important in life, not business, politics, or a new idea but the relationships that define and help make us who we are. It is almost one full year of quiet spaces and reflection, and the loss of love burns the heart. However more than ever it is important to sink deep into thought to acknowledge and protect the best of what was lost. – Jerome L. Downey, April 2014

     

PeaceCountry