Gary, if Shell was lying about their oil reserves then probably all of the oil compaines are lying about their reserves argues that:

If student A cheated on the finals exam, then so did students B thru Z.

Given that the stock and bond ratings for these oil companies are dependent upon oil reserves, it is reasonable to assume that they are exaggerating about what they've got.

It's also reasonable to "assume" that the figures oil companies give out are very accurate -- and just as reasonable to "assume" they are modest underestimates of current reserves.

Also, going from straight manufacturing (hardware) to straight intel/knowledge (software/helpdesk service) would be a good idea -- provided these software and helpdesk services weren't already going overseas.

At the moment (2001-2006), I would think a domestic security hardware/software job (in whatever basic field interests you) might be the best move -- and if you're really good, the big bucks would be in taking that talent overseas to the enemy's gate.

Dan