You’ll note the one-day percentage gains in today’s NYMEX prices. Day-to-day volatility doesn’t change the fact that prices continue to fall and flirted with the sub-$5.00 range this week.

What this means to you. The natural gas market leaves us with a little gift to mark this holiday season. It appears that Cost Containment Intl. will continue to be finding deals and savings through the winter and into 2009.

And for this week, the best of the Season to everyone, and here’s hoping for a 2009 full of good cheer and good energy savings.

A short bit of trivia for a short week

We talk about “bull” and “bear” markets. Ever wonder why we call them that? The truth is, the terms have been around for so long (earliest citation of the term “bull market” dates back to 1891) that no one is sure of the origin. But here are some theories:

• In 18th century London, sellers of bearskins, also know as bearskin “jobbers,” would sell bearskins before the bears had actually been caught. They were, in effect, the original short sellers, selling bearskins they did not own in anticipation of falling prices, which would enable them to buy them later for an additional profit. This accounts for the “bear market,” at least.
• This one’s a bit of a stretch: the ancient term “bulla” which means bill, or contract. In a rising market, holders of “bullas” for commodities benefit. However in a falling market, the “bearers” of these commodity to be delivered benefit.
• Bulls and bears were commonly used in a sport (if you can call it that) called bull baiting and bear baiting. So they were considered natural antagonists.
• Again, a bit of a stretch here, but it relates to the way each animal attacks: a bull attacks upwards with its horns, while a bear swipes downwards with its paws.
• It relates to the perception that bears move about sluggishly, while bulls charge quickly. Never mind that a bear, at full speed, can outrun a horse!
• The word “bull” plays off the market’s returns being “full” whereas “bear” alludes to the market’s returns being “bare”.

If you know of a better explanation, give us a call at 800-436-3470.

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“Twas the Night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” That is because we have good ole Natural Gas to keep us warm.

What is “Natural Gas”? Natural Gas is a vital component of the world’s supply of energy. It is one of the cleanest, safest, and most useful of all energy sources. The word ‘gas’ itself has a variety of different uses, and meanings.

When we fuel our car, we put ‘gas’ in it. However, the gasoline that goes into your vehicle, while a fossil fuel itself, is very different from natural gas.

The ‘gas’ in the common barbecue is actually propane, which, while closely associated and commonly found in natural gas, is not really natural gas itself.

While commonly grouped in with other fossil fuels and sources of energy, there are many characteristics of natural gas that make it unique. Natural gas, in itself, might be considered a very uninteresting gas – it is colorless, shapeless, and odorless in its pure form. Quite uninteresting – except that natural gas is combustible, and when burned it gives off a great deal of energy. Unlike other fossil fuels, however, natural gas is clean burning and emits lower levels of potentially harmful byproducts into the air.

We require energy constantly, to heat our homes, cook our food, and generate our electricity. It is this need for energy that has elevated natural gas to such a level of importance in our society, and in our lives.

Do you know where Natural Gas came from – besides the Dinosaurs? Where and who first discovered it? More to come on this!

Merry Christmas, and I hope your Natural Gas heat is keeping you and all your mice snug this holiday season.

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