Simon Constable's Blog

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

In recent decades, most people have expected energy to be both reasonably priced and plentiful. Not so in 1973, when the Arab member states of OPEC (the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) imposed an embargo on oil sales to the US and other developed countries. Soon after, Americans faced gasoline shortages and rising inflation that would continue through 1980. Thankfully, shortages and high prices didn’t return for decades—not until earlier this year, when the US and Israel went to war against Iran.

By disrupting oil supplies in the Middle East, the war has sent prices higher, just as we saw in the 1970s. Some observers believe the current situation is like déjà vu. But while these two crises are similar, there are distinct differences between them, says Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors.

READ MORE HERE.

By SIMON CONSTABLE 

Since the beginning of the month, France and Spain have been hit by massive wildfires. Some observed the fires looked like a scene from Armageddon. The infernos destroyed buildings and forests alike, where the epic heat wave in Europe has hit record levels in many parts of the bloc. The heat has already led to thousands of deaths. However, the fires are not just due to the record heat.

Notably, last week, the famous Fontainebleau Forest near Paris was set alight, destroying 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of woodland. Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated, and 850 emergency firefighters were deployed — efforts to end the fire could take weeks. READ MORE HERE.

By SIMON CONSTABLE 

We all know that life is finite. But some people live far longer than others, and it isn’t always clear why longevity varies from person to person. 

Some point to genetics, others to wealth and still others to where people live.

How much do you know about longevity? Test yourself with the following quiz.

1 OF 10

What is the average life expectancy at birth for the total U.S. population?A. 75 yearsB. 77 yearsC. 79 yearsD. 81 yearsE. 84 years

2 OF 10

Which U.S. state has the highest average life expectancy?A. HawaiiB. MassachusettsC. ColoradoD. CaliforniaE. New Jersey

READ MORE HERE.

Agriculture And Stock Department, Publicity Branch, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Only half of Britain’s workers are given time for learning, despite companies’ seeing the need as critical.

Most corporate leaders agree: Offering learning and development for workers in this era of AI and other constant change is critical for success. But how to set aside the necessary time is a different story.

According to new government data, nine in ten British CEOs support offering workers more learning and development. But fewer than half of the employees say they are being given designated hours to take such training. Experts say it’s becoming a serious problem in the United Kingdom, both for the economy and any corporate growth. “There’s a strong case for significantly increasing technology and AI-related learning in organizations,” says Drew Hill, a Korn Ferry senior client partner based in London. “There’s a growing need for most employees to understand how to use AI tools effectively.” READ MORE HERE.

 BY SIMON CONSTABLE

Earlier in June, the European Union appeared to finally react to concerns raised by President Donald Trump and many European voters over illegal immigration by introducing tougher border entry rules for the 27-nation bloc.

The EU agreed on new, stricter rules regarding migration and asylum. The laws are specifically designed to ensure that illegal/undocumented migrants who enter the bloc are processed and, where necessary, quickly sent to deportation centers in countries outside the EU.

People seeking asylum will be screened for identity, security, and their health before even entering any asylum system. The border officials will now track and record non-EU citizens entering and exiting the bloc. Plus, it will use biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition. And all member states must now help one another and share information.

The Associated Press reported that the provisional deal struck by the EU's three main institutions is expected to go to EU lawmakers and governments, where approval is expected. READ MORE HERE.

Attribution:  Szagory, image file created with MapChart  (https://www.mapchart.net/europe.html), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Latest from Simon CONSTABLE1. Constable reviews surging commodity prices and the threat of famine in North Africa. He also discusses UK local elections, framing them as a protest vote against Keir Starmer’s leadership.

LISTEN HERE.

Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Constable analyzes potential Labour Party leaders Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner. He notes that voters still find the Conservative Party untrustworthy despite Labour's internal turmoil and perceived failures.

LISTEN HERE

Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, OGL 3, via Wikimedia Commons

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Tuesday it would quit membership in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+. It comes after 59 years at the club. But it could be good news for the world in the long run, experts say.

To understand what happened, it’s important to know that OPEC, which is dominated by Saudi Arabia, is all about restricting crude oil output via quotas to raise energy prices, Marc Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Capital Markets and an expert on geopolitics, told FOX Business, "The cartel producers discipline the member countries to produce only what the quotas allow and try to get a higher oil price for all." READ MORE HERE.

DaneKH, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

Energy is something we can't do without. It's been that way since homo sapiens were living in caves. Wood-burning fires helped protect people from dangerous carnivores, kept caves warm and provided light at night. In short, it was basic.

But in much of this century, many of us have taken the availability of affordable energy for granted. We expect that when we turn on the heat at home, it will work. Since the energy shocks of the 1970s, we've expected the cost won't break the bank. Likewise, getting gasoline from the filling station is easy and has been readily available at a reasonable price.

That's changed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. It's brought energy-related matters to the forefront. Across the world, electricity, gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, fertilizer and natural gas have all seen sharp price rises. It's not always obvious to most people why that's happened. READ MORE HERE.

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

By SIMON CONSTABLE 

LISTEN HERE.

Simon Constable examines the surging price of urea fertilizer, which has climbed by twenty percent in a month. This spike, caused by shipping blockades, forces farmers to shift toward planting more soybeans.

In 2011, a psychology professor gave a legendary 1-hour masterclass on how to study effectively.

It has 20M+ views for a reason.

His frameworks:
• The 25-minute rule
• Why studying more can make you worse
• Recognition vs. recollection

12 lessons to learn faster: pic.twitter.com/fpAeCIztMB

— Jaynit (@jaynitx) April 14, 2026