Shell employees must be able to speak out

Shell employees must be able to speak out without fear of retribution

Mar 13th, 2011

by John Donovan.

…the Group’s leadership is working very hard to promote open and honest communication within Shell, as well as with our external stakeholders. We genuinely do welcome all comments, positive and negative. We also believe that employees must be able to speak out without fear of rebuke or retribution.

John Hofmeister

By John Donovan

I have printed below a posting made in June 1999 by John Hofmeister on the “Tell Shell” forum for lively and open debate on the Internet.

Hofmeister at that time was Shell Director of Human Resources. He later became President of Shell Oil Company and is now happily retired from Shell.

The “Tell Shell” forum, buried within shell.com, was later suspended then closed down when the debate got rather more lively and open than Shell had anticipated and Shell no longer wanted to hear what employees and external stakeholders had to say.

The Hofmeister posting was brought to our attention by former Shell Production Geologist Dr John Huong, after EIGHT Royal Dutch Shell companies collectively sued him for alleged defamation when he spoke out about Shell. Further retribution came in the form of multiple injunctions from Royal Dutch Shell companies in the UK, the Netherlands, Malaysia and elsewhere, all seeking his imprisonment.

Date: June 07, 1999 03:49 PM
Author: John Hofmeister, Director of Human Resources
Subject: Communications within Shell

This message is in reply to ‘Anon’ on the subject of ‘Communications within Shell’:

First, I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and for your honest feedback. You clearly feel strongly about this issue and I appreciate the opportunity to hear what you have to say and to respond.

Let me say straightaway that in such matters personal experience counts for much, and I would not wish to dispute or contradict the evidence of your own experience in Shell.

However, let me say that I strongly believe the people in Shell have an enormously valuable contribution to make to the key debates, and that the Group’s leadership is working very hard to promote open and honest communication within Shell, as well as with our external stakeholders. We genuinely do welcome all comments, positive and negative. We also believe that employees must be able to speak out without fear of rebuke or retribution. We are realistic enough to understand that for some people -- leaders and staff -this could yet mean a change in attitude, but it is a change we are determined to work for.

This website is in itself evidence that we are interested in seeking your views and willing to listen and respond. You will note that to overcome any reservations people may have about contributing, we have deliberately designed it so that you remain completely anonymous.

You will recollect also that responses to the recent Shell People Survey were also anonymous. Here again is evidence that we are anxious to hear what people have to say. We were delighted that so many responded. We expressly asked people to give us feedback on levels of respect, involvement, and communication within the organisation. I quote from personal feed back by the Chairman to all staff “relative to benchmarks, there are very positive messages about your feeling able to question conventional ways of working, being encouraged to come up with innovative solutions and being open with each other. You say that leaders trust the judgement of people like you and you feel that you have sufficient involvement in decisions affecting your work. You also feel that there is respect for people where you work.”

People are now being given the opportunity to review and discuss the Survey results for their particular operating unit, with a view to identifying issues and developing action plans appropriate to their local circumstances. It is through the understanding of the results and dialogue with staff at this level that we expect the main benefits of the survey to be reaped.

In conclusion, I can only emphasise that I do support you in making your views known, and that I and my colleagues are working to create an environment where you feel comfortable and encouraged to do so. Please continue to let us know how we are doing.

ENDS

Further interesting postings from “Tell Shell” will be published shortly.

Posted in: Dr. John Huong, GoogleNews, Human Rights, John Donovan, Litigation,Outspoken Articles, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Shell.
Tagged: Free Speech on the Internet · John Donovan · Royal Dutch Shell Plc

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The TRUTH will set you FREE.

Shell horror story

Shell horror story in Nigeria

Feb 4th, 2011

by John Donovan.

By an outspoken former employee of Shell Oil USA

When I was in my teens I can remember watching what is now a cult sci-fi flick called ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’. It is story about aliens who come to earth as plants and the seed pods turn into replicas of humans, but they aren’t, they are alien predatory ‘pod-people’ out to take over the world.

The story of RD Shell’s seconding of the Nigerian government reminded me of this movie.

Is the Nigerian government run by Nigerians or is it really run by alien predatory ‘Shell-people’ masquerading as Nigerians whose objective is to loot the country and suck it dry of its oil wealth. Beware, they are not only coming, these alien ‘Shell-people’, they are here. Run for you lives! RUN! RUN!! AHHHH!!!

Alternatively, the Nigerians could run the sob’s out of the country. Maybe even at gun point.

Who knows how this story will end.

Posted in: Human Rights, Nigeria, Oil, Outspoken Articles, Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Shell Spying.
Tagged: Niger Delta · Nigeria · Oil · Royal Dutch Shell Plc

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The TRUTH will set you FREE.

Electric Vehicles Charging Stations in San Diego

Research Work taken from and courtesy of Mayor Jerry Sanders

Electric Vehicles Get a Charge Out of San Diego

Mayor Jerry Sanders joined clean energy leaders and regional planners at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park to unveil one of the nation’s first public charging stations for electric vehicles.

The charging station is one of 1,000 that will be installed regionwide over the next six months in an effort to encourage the adoption of no-emission electric vehicles. The charging network’s effectiveness will be studied and adjusted for a year, and the findings will be part of a national report on the efficient deployment of charging infrastructure in other cities.

"A well-planned charging network tears down a significant barrier to adopting electric vehicles," Mayor Jerry Sanders said. "I’m proud San Diego will be one of the first cities in the nation to encourage residents to purchase EVs, and that we'll serve as a model for other cities as they look to deploy their charging infrastructures."

San Diego is one of 18 major U.S. cities involved in The EV Project, a Department of Energy program managed by private firm ECOtality. The program, funded with $125 million in stimulus grants, will result in approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 major cities and metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. The project will provide an EV infrastructure to support the deployment of 8,300 EVs.

"San Diego has been a terrific project market for ECOtality, and its high levels of consumer and stakeholder interest make it an excellent proving ground for electric vehicles," said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. "The Blink charging stations installed at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and at the San Diego Air & Space Museum-as well as the commercial Blink charging stations appearing in EV Project markets nationwide-underscores our commitment to smart EV deployment and placing charging stations at locations that fit the lifestyle of EV drivers."

ECOtality began installations of its Blink Level 2 Residential charging stations in EV Project regions nationwide in December 2010, and since then has completed more than 1,400 installations. Over the last few months, ECOtality has been actively installing Blink Pedestal chargers at public and commercial sites. The company aims to have approximately 1,000 Level 2 public and commercial charging stations installed in the San Diego metropolitan area by the end of the year, as well as 30 publicly available Blink DC Fast Chargers.

At Balboa Park, ECOtality has installed three Blink Pedestal chargers in the parking lot outside of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and seven charging stations outside the San Diego Air & Space Museum adjacent to the San Diego Municipal Gym.

"The installation of electric vehicle charging stations outside of the Fleet presents an exciting opportunity to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship to our visitors," said Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, Executive Director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. "In conjunction with two current exhibitions focused on sustainability, ‘So WATT: An Illuminating Look at Energy,’ and ‘San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap,’ we hope to add an exhibit component within the science center where visitors will be able to learn more about electric vehicles and make real-life connections to the outside charging stations."

The event marks the culmination of nearly a year and a half of planning. Locations for the publicly available charging stations were selected with input from regional partners and took into account a variety of factors including traffic patterns and the locations of employment centers, regional attractions and retail hubs, as well as the input from regional partners.

"This electric vehicle project signifies the State’s commitment to diversify how California uses cleaner vehicles and fuels to transport people and goods on our state's roads and highways," said California Energy Commission Vice Chair James Boyd. "Ten years from now, we will look back and remember these early charger installations as the first steps in getting 1 million electric vehicles on the road."

The Blink Pedestal Chargers provide intelligent, user-friendly features that intuitively and safely charge EVs. They include an interactive seven-inch color touch screen and web-based delivery via the Blink Network.

"Vehicles like my all-electric Nissan Leaf, and the availability of charging stations across the county, will help move America away from its dependence on foreign oil, give San Diegans an exhaust-pipe free way to get around, and help to achieve the goals of our Regional Transportation Plan by reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions," said Encinitas Deputy Mayor Jerome Stocks, chair of the SANDAG Board of Directors.

Businesses in the greater San Diego area that are interested in hosting Blink charging stations should contact Andy Hoskinson, San Diego Area Manager at ECOtality, at ahoskinson@ecotality.com, or by calling (619) 559-2118

The TRUTH will set you FREE.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

From : Alfred Clayton and friends

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Let's get this circulating by July 4th

Happy 4th of July!.....let' s get this started now,

So it will be out there on the fourth!!!!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE
FLAG, OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ,


AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR
WHICH IT STANDS,


ONE NATION UNDER GOD,


INDIVISIBLE, WITH
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

KEEP IT LIT!


KEEP IT LIT!

For
All of our other military personnel, where ever they may be
Please
Support all of the troops defending our Country.

How many pilots' planes Shot down?
How many died at sea; How many

Foxholes were soldiers’ Graves ?
No, freedom isn't free!

I heard the sound of Taps One night,

When everything was still, I listened to

the bugler Play And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant 'Amen,'

Of unmarked graves in
Arlington .
No, freedom isn't free.

We must never forget who
Gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be
Eternally grateful..

Again,
We must never forget who
Gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be
Eternally grateful..


I watched the flag
Pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.




A young Marine Saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at
Him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square
And eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.When a flag had draped a Coffin,
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought how many men
Like him Had fallen through

the years. How many died on

foreign Soil How many

Mothers' tears?

I thought of all the Children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and Husbands
With interrupted lives.

I
Thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea

Enjoy Your Freedom
& God Bless Our Troops

When
You receive this, please stop for a moment
And Say a Prayer for our servicemen.
Of all the gifts you could give A US Soldier;

Prayer is the very best One.

And God
Bless our Military who are protecting our Country for our
Freedom.
ThanksTo them, and their sacrifices we can celebrate the 4th of July

NORTHCOAST EV IN CALIFORNIA

COURTESY OF NORTHCOAST EV

ANSWERS TO MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can an electric car go between charges? How much does it cost to charge? How fast can an electric car go? What is the carbon footprint associated with driving an electric car? How long does it take to charge? How much does a conversion cost? How far can an electric car go between charges? The range depends on the vehicle, the batteries, the driving speed, and the terrain. Typical small to mid-sized conversion using lead acid batteries can travel 20 to 50 miles depending on the specific configuration. Using the same weight in Lithium batteries will allow for approximately 3 to 4 times the range compared to lead acid. How much does it cost to charge? A typical commute of 20 to 30 miles round trip will use 6 to 10 kWh. Depending on your energy provider this will usually cost $0.35 to $1.10. If you use the vehicle 5 days per week, it would add a mere $7 to $22 to your monthly electricity bill. How fast can an electric car go? The top speed and acceleration of an electric vehicle depend on what motor and controller it uses. There are countless motor-controller combination available. They range from very affordable lightweight designs capable of city and town travailing with speeds up to 45 mph, to high-end drive systems rated at 150 kW that will out-perform any internal combustion engine. What is the carbon footprint associated with driving an electric car? The carbon footprint can vary depending on the source of energy. Using the national average for carbon emissions for electricity generation, charging the vehicle produces approximately 25% of the carbon emissions of a standard car and half as much as a new hybrid vehicle. However, if the energy comes from clean sources like wind and solar the carbon footprint can be reduced to a much lower level. Depending on the gas engine being replaced and the electricity source being used, driving an electric vehicle can save up to 40 tons of carbon emissions every 100,000 miles. How long does it take to charge? With a fast charger it can take as little as half an hour, but it is ideal for the longevity of the batteries if they are charged at a slower rate overnight. Additionally, most places in the US have energy surpluses at night and there is currently enough energy infrastructure to supply the energy to charge millions of vehicles, but only if they are charged at night. How much does a conversion cost? The cost of a conversion depends mostly on the type of motor used and the type and amount of batteries. A typical conversion can cost as little as $12,000 for a small economy vehicle with moderate range to $35,000 for a high performance vehicle with 100+ mile range. If used as a daily commuter, an electric vehicle is likely to save at least $20,000 in fuel and oil changes every 100,000 miles.

TRANSPARENT AIRPLANE

Airbus Unveils Transparent Airplane

Airbus has unveiled a futuristic concept for a transparent plane that may be everyday air transport in 2050. With its see-through aircraft cabin, passengers of the future will get a window on the world as they fly through the sky. They will be able to see everything to the sides and in front of them.

The concept cabin unveiled at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, would be a bionic structure that 'mimics' the efficiency of the bird bone, claimed the company.

It would provide strength where needed, and also allows for an intelligent' cabin wall membrane, which controls air temperature and can become transparent to give passengers open, panoramic views.

The company believes that mid-century passengers might be able to enjoy a game of virtual golf or take part in interactive conferences, while the cabin 'identifies and responds' to travelers' needs.

In the 'interactive zone' there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.

In the 'interactive zone' there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.

In the 'interactive zone' there are virtual pop-up projections taking passengers to whichever social scene they want to be in, from holographic gaming to virtual changing rooms for active shoppers.

The 'smart tech zone' is tailored towards the more functional-orientated passenger with what Airbus describes as 'a chameleon-style offering.'

"The concept cabin is designed with that in mind, and shows that the journey can be as much a voyage of discovery as the destination," he added.

REAL-LIFE Noah's Ark

Wed Jun 22, 6:17 pm ET

Two by two: A real-life

Noah's Ark

By Mike Krumboltz

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By Mike Krumboltz mike Krumboltz – Wed Jun 22, 6:17 pm ET

An hour outside of Amsterdam in Dordrecht, Netherlands, a ship is under construction. But this ain't your typical sailboat, bub. Johan Huibers is building a full-scale replica of Noah's ark.
Yes, that Noah's ark. And Johan, an expert builder, isn't skimping on the details. The ship, which he's been constructing for the past three years, is built to biblical specs. Johan culled information on the ark's size and shape directly from the good book. In the end, the ship is four stories high and the length of a football field. And yes, it's seaworthy.

The result is an incredibly impressive ship, especially considering it was realized simply by a man with a dream--or, perhaps, a nightmare. According to an interview with NBC's "The Today Show," Johan dreamt that Holland suffered a great flood. The next morning, he woke up determined to start preparing for that worst-case scenario.
The ship, which is not to be confused with the theme park in Kentucky that also honors Noah's ark, is generating a lot of interest in the search box. Over the past 24 hours, online lookups for "noah's ark photos" and "noah's ark real ship" have surged.
As for the craft proper, it's not complete yet, but it's getting close. The master plan is to sail the ship up the Thames in time for the London Olympics next year. Expect to see plenty of life-size plastic animals aboard (two of each type, of course).

TAWANAN AT BIRUAN

Heather FROM : JOEY V. AND FRIENDS

                            Tawa po daw muna diyan! PO 1: Bakit po K-9 ang tawag sa malalaking aso, sir! SUPT: Syempre pag tinawag mo silang K10, hindi na sila aso PO 1: Ano na sila sir? SUPT: maliit na pusa.. ------------------------------------------------------** Doc: Iha, mukhang pumapayat ka at hinang hina pa. Sinunod mo ba advice ko na 3 meals a day? Girl: Diyos ko! 3 meals a day ba? Akala ko 3 males a day eh!!!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** May nagpapa-translate sa akin ng signage sa tagalog: "Emergency Exit" ang sabi ko, "MADALING LABASAN...? Tama ba? Parang bastos ata.** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Tip for a long life: Wag mo isusulat name mo sa condolence book pag dumalaw ka sa patay. Kasi pagkatapos ng libing nagkakaron ng raffle kung sinong susunod..... .** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Guro: Pedro late kana naman.. Pedro: Late po kasi relo ko. Guro: Problema ba yun. E di i-advance mo. Pedro: Sige po. Guro: Oh, saan ka pupunta? Boy: uwian na po!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Mrs: Kung alam ko lang di sana ako nagpakasal sa iyo! ABS ka! Mr: Anong ABS? Mrs: Alak, Babae, Sugal!! Mr: Eh ikaw CBN! Mrs: CBN? Mr: Chismosa, Bungangera, Nagger!.** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** May dalawang lalaki sabay nag jogging: Guy 1: Pre, doctor ako.. Kaya ako tumatakbo kasi HEALTH conscious ako! Ikaw pre? Guy 2: Snatcher pre! WEALTH conscious ako.** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Bakit binaril ng bobo ang girlfriend nya? Kasi sinubukan nya kung totoong FIRST LOVE NEVER DIES!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Pasahero: Mama, dahan-dahan lang po. Alalahanin nyo na palaging nakasunod sa atin ang disgrasya! D rayber: E, kaya ko nga binibilisan para di tayo abutan!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** (sa isang turo-turo): Customer: Manang, meh langaw sa arrozcaldo ko! Tindera: Hello! Sa halagang P5.00 anong ini-expect mo....manok?** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Tom: Alam mo pare, my new wife is a sex object! Jerry: Wow! Maganda pala ang napangasawa mo pre! Tom: Hindi naman. But everytime I want to have sex, she objects!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Anak: Nay, yung girlfriend ko hindi naniniwala sa langit at impierno. Nanay: Sige, pakasalan mo anak, ipatikim mo sa kanya ang langit, ako na ang bahala sa impierno**. ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** A husband asked his wife, "What do you like most in me, my macho face or my sexy body? The wife looked at him from head to toe and replied, I like your sense of humor".** ------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------** Russian: Sir, we got huge order from USA for 16 inches condoms. I think it is to embarrass us. Putin: No problem! Complete the order and mark them SMALL SIZE!** ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- A guy picks up a girl for a date. "Why are you wearing your belt around your knee? Girl: I promised mom that I wouldn't let you touch me below my belt... * 2 Mental Patients nagsisiksikan sa maliit na kama ... Sira 1: Pare, di tayo kasya. Bawas tayo ng isa, sa lapag ka na lang matulog. (Bumaba sira 1.) Sira 2: Ayan, pare maluwag na, akyat ka na dito! ____________ __ MISIS: Dear, iligaw mo nga tong pusa. Nakasako na. Dalhin mo sa malayo! MISTER: Ok! MISIS: Bakit ka ginabi? Niligaw mo ba ang pusa? MISTER: Bwisit na pusang yan! Kundi ko siya sinundan, di ako nakauwi! ____________ _________ _ PEDRO: Galing ako sa doktor, nakabili na ako ng hearing aid. Grabe ang linaw ngayon nang pandinig ko! JUAN: Wow, galing! Magkanong bili mo sa hearing aid? PEDRO: Kahapon lang! ************ ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *** JUAN: Pare, ang bilis kong nabuo 'tong puzzle! PEDRO: Talaga? Gaano kabilis? JUAN: 5 months! PEDRO: Tagal naman! JUAN: Tagal ba ' yun? Nakalagay nga dito sa box nya eh: 'for 3 years & up ____________ _______ AMO: Inday, naalis mo na ba yung mantsa sa barong Tagalog ko? INDAY: Yes, sir! AMO: Good! Anong pinang-alis mo? INDAY: Gunting po, sir! JUNIOR: Tatay, andaming lamok! TATAY: Patayin mo ang ilaw para hindi tayo makita. (Pagkapatay ng ilaw, lumitaw ang mga alitaptap... ) JUNIOR: Tatay, bumalik sila! May dalang flashlight! ____________ _____ NENE: Nanay, mahalaga pala ang punctuation mark. Nakakalungkot kapag nawala. NANAY: Aba , oo, anak! Mahalaga 'yun. Pero bakit nakakalungkot? NENE: Kasi, si ate, iyak nang iyak... Dalawang buwan na raw siyang walang period. ____________ _________ _ EUGENE : Pare, walanghiya 'yung mga kondoktor sa bus! REGGIE: Bakit? EUGENE: Ayaw akong papasukin sa bus! 'Yung iba, ang daming ibinebenta.. . mani, kasoy, puto, balot, itlog ng pugo, pinipig, chicharon, espasol, puwedeng pumasok! REGGIE: Ano ba ang ibinebenta mo? EUGENE: Papag. ____________ _________ _ JUDGE: Ano ba talaga nangyari? ERAP: . (di nagsasalita) JUDGE: Sumagot ka sa tanong. ERAP: Naman eh!!! Kala ko ba hearing lang to??? Bakit may speaking? ____________ _________ _________ _____ NOEL: ipapangalan ko sa aking anak " LEON " baliktad ng Noel. NINO: sa akin ONIN baliktad ng NINO. TOTO: wag niyo akong maisali-sali dyan sa usapan niyo! ____________ _________ ____ Sinoli ni Paquiao ang libro sa library. Manny: sobrang dami ng characters wala naman storya. LIBRARIAN: kayo pala kumuha ng telephone directory namin! ____________ _________ ______ sa sabungan, walang entrance fee ang may dalang panabong. Si Juan para makalibre pumasok may dalang inahin. BANTAY: [sinita si Juan] ano yan? JUAN: [galit pa!] manok! BANTAY: alam ko, eh bakit inahin? JUAN: may laban ang mister niya, siyempre moral support bobo! ____________ _________ _______ GF: magaling! At sino tong baby na nagtext sayo? BF: ah eh kumpare ko yun! Lalake yun! Baby lang palayaw. GF: oh eto replyan mo. Hindi daw kayo tuloy at may mens daw ang tarantado! ____________ _________ _________ ___ ERAP SA PIZZA HUT WAITER: sir, do you want me to cut your pizza into 4 slices or 8 slices? ERAP: into four na lang, masyadong marami yung eight. di ko mauubos. ____________ _________ _________ Nagbubungkal ng lupa si Aling Dionisia para magtanim. Akala ng mga nakakakita naloloko lang siya dahil wala naman siyang tinatanim. Maid: nay, wala naman kayong tinatanim ah. Aling dionisia: anu Gid! Seedless ito.

--
Antonio L. Buensuceso Jr.