Energy can not be created or destroyed, so really both are converted.
Perhaps you could point them out if you think I have. First, they claim that the efficiency of producing ethanol is greater. One more time, because I know deep down you can get it if you really try hard. It's hard to say, but the overall tone of the comment gave me the impression of a personal grudge. Otherwise, I don't see any flaws in your logic and am delighted that you made the case more clearly than I seem to have done. The very simplest way to envision this is to start with zero, and now invest 1 BTU. The above affirmations are misleading at many accounts. They are pushing the ethanol and a few the methanol blends.
Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. Created increased salinity of the soils as well as having virutally destroyed the organic content of said soils. The physical size of the rocks mined for uranium is quite miniscule compared to the size of the oil fields and areas prospected for oil. Iraq is an utter mess, Nigeria is in rebellion, etc. Good statement of the problem of externalities and the tragedy of the commons. Thank you very much for giving us an opportunity to keep in touch with your debate. Ethanol will probably not be the ultimate solution, but it will darn sure be a step in the right direction. Sometimes you need to consider that when the choir is singing one song, and you are singing another, perhaps it is you who are singing the wrong song. Oilseeds take away more agricultural that could produce food than grains do.
It is a sleigh of hand trick that any 19 yr old engineering student should be able to catch. Yes, and Asia just emerged from three years of drought. It seems to me that you count one way or other, but make it consistent for both. If you're going to argue this topic, you will gain more respect by speaking objectively, and arguing the facts and technicals without emotion.
As long as you have oil to pump, you'll make a better use of it if you invest your BTUs in gasoline. This is the crux of your problem understanding this. It is not only the efficiency of conversion, but also the rate of conversion that is important. This looks more promising than biofuels, except for the current investment in internal combustion engines.