.
The following is a guest post by Mobile Guru.
Without a doubt 2010 filled us with more surprises than anyone could have imagined and with that in mind here are some of my predictions for 2011. One thing I am certain of is that it’s going to be a bumpy ride so let’s all be careful out there as we navigate the financial markets.
1. Oil will hit $125/barrel and we will be paying $4.00/gallon for gas by summer. The sad news is I don’t think anyone will doubt that gas this high is a possibility, if not a certainty. What I would really like to point out is the fact that we are no less dependent on foreign oil than we were two years ago when it reached $150. Was that not a wake up call? I guess not. This year electric hybrid producters like TSLA, will account for 2.4% of the cars sold. Does anyone really think that will have much impact on reducing our reliance on foreign oil?
2. Hybrids are still 3-5 years away from capturing 20% of the market share of cars sold annually. The bottom line is that until they can run 250 miles between charges, recharge in under 10 minutes, and compete in price with gas powered cars, hybrids will be slow to become mainstream. The battery technology is improving, but it needs another factor of 2-3X improvement to get there without the costs making them prohibitive.
3. Gold rose for the tenth year in a row with a stunning 30% increase. James Turk, an expert on the metals market, recently stated that
“the gold and silver shorts are losing control.”
He expects gold and silver to blast off higher again in 2011. QE debases the dollar forcing its dollar price even higher. Physical demand has been strong too. Richard Russell (#1 newsletter writer) feels that we are about to enter the wild speculative phase in the gold market. The easy money has been made, but the big money still lies ahead. People keep talking about a “bubble” in gold, but nobody mentions the crashing dollar.
4. Silver scored an incredible 83% increase in 2010 and many experts are saying that $40 silver is in the bag for 2011. Strong physical demand, pressure on JP Morgan to reduce their massive short position in the metal, along with a formal CFTC investigation into silver market manipulation (price suppression) certainly contributed to this monster move.
5. Rare Earth Metal stocks enjoyed a terrific year, with tremendous media coverage of China’s total domination in this market. All eyes will be on China to find out whether further export reductions and restrictions are put into place, along with increased export taxes. Mining shares in this sector will have violent swings- which will spell opportunity for the experienced trader.
6. Surprise material of the year will be Graphite. One source estimated that there will be a 7X increase in demand for Graphite in this decade. Rare Earth metals need graphite for processing, but the nuclear plants being built in developing nations like China and India will cause a major increase by themselves. China dominates the world graphite market and could surprise us all with export restrictions, export taxes etc. Here is an excellent article by Jack Lifton highlighting the many uses of graphite.
7. The hottest commodity for 2011 could be sugar Sugar. Legendary investor Jim Rogers urged investors to go long on sugar more than 5 years ago when its price was a fraction of where it is today. Sugar reached a 30 year high a few days ago at 33.5 cents per pound due to tight supplies and adverse weather in Brazil and Australia. Several professional traders whom I stay in close contact with believe that sugar could take out its all time 1974 high of 66.5 cents a pound in 2011. Was sugar one of the best Bull markets in history when it rallied from 1.4 cents in 1966 to 66.5 cents in 1974? There has been a remarkable consumer trend away from high fructose corn syrup to sugar. Check some of the items in your home…ketchup, salad dressing, etc. “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” right on the front label!
8. 4G service will change the way we live. Seriously how many people would gladly get rid of their cable internet provider if they could get the same performance wirelessly? Everyone I know. 4G has the ability to bring a high speed connection anywhere and anytime. I expect great things out of 4G in 2011.
9. Smart phones, tablets and other tablet like devices will get so plentiful that if you don’t have one in your hand while out and about people will stare at you. That is if they actually took time to look up from their own device. Expect some type of personal collision avoidance system to become an ap to keep people from running into each other.
10. Near Field Communication or NFC will become a household concept. It is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 centimeter (around 4 inches) distance. If you have heard of Bluetooth you will know what NFC is by year end.
11. My final prediction for 2011 has to do with the Mobile theme as the last few on this list is dominated in that arena. By next Christmas it may not even be called mobile any longer as technology is moving at such a fast past. We are moving farther and farther away from your parent’s internet and into what I like to think of as a virtual internet. Any time and any where, all the time.
Jim Rogers, James Turk, and Richard Russell are the type of people that I listen to. They have been passionate about their work, have earned impeccable reputations, and have made fortunes for their loyal followers. So 2011 is dawning bright and clear and without a doubt the rate of change will continue to accelerate in many areas……be advised that we could be in for periods of wild volatility, but the trend is “up” in the year ahead.
I’m a long time investor with investment experience in high tech, biotechs and precious metals. I blog on topics that are of interest to me and my goal is to generate intelligent discussion. I don’t consider myself an expert in any one area, but know a little about a lot of things. I believe as soon as we stop learning, we stop living. You can connect with me at SeekingAlpha.
Related Posts:
Paradigm Shift Regarding This Recovery
The Future For Lithium is Now
Views From Brazil as an Investment
As we wrap up 2010, the last thing left to do is to recall the stories that generated the most buzz on Zero Hedge. With stories touching on everything from the flash crash, to JPM's silver market manipulation, to the scramble for physical metals, to capital controls, to the manipulated (and successful) push to get Americans out of Money Market accounts, here are the top to stories of the past year (and stunningly all click-bait, slideshow free).
- In tenth place, with 80,842 reads, "The Hindenburg Omen has Arrived" is the story that Zero Hedge brought to the surface as soon as the H.O. was confirmed on August 12, and ended up making waves for the balance of the summer. According to some, it was the concerns about the Hindenburg Omen's self fulfilling prophecy that cemented the Chairman's resolve to proceed with the Wood's Hole speech two weeks later on August 27, which made QE2 a certainty.
- In ninth place, with 80,942 reads, "MUST HEAR: Panic And Loathing From The S&P 500 Pits" is the definitive, and most visceral, recollection of the terror that had gripped each and every single momo trader as the Dow briefly dropped by 1,000 points on May 6. One thing is certain: as the SEC has taken absolutely no proactive steps to address the conditions that generated the record Dow drop, this is just the first of many "flash crashes" for US stocks.
- In eighth place, with 82,232 reads, posted on February 11, and long before it became apparent just how insolvent Europe was, "Just How Ugly Is The Sovereign Default Truth? How Self Delusions Prevent Recognition Of Reality" - our summary of Dylan Grice's phenomenal analysis on the cognitive dissonance when it comes to that last bastion of backstops: sovereign insolvency. The analysis is even more relevant now than it was almost a year ago and we urge readers go through it one more time now that its argument has been fully borne out.
- In seventh place, read 82,297 times, and appearing almost a year ago, "This Is The Government: Your Legal Right To Redeem Your Money Market Account Has Been Denied" discussed the government's stealthy plans to force ordinary US citizens and corporations to force the move of as much money as possible out of money markets and into riskier asset classes. That that particular plan relied on the embedded concern of capital lock ups, was not surprising. What is also not surprising is that with outflows of $392 billion in 2010, money markets were the primary source of capital for US institutional and retail investors. Mission accomplished Paul Volcker, Group of 30.
- At number 6, read by 84,368 people, Gordon Gekko's guest post: "It's Going To Implode: Buy Physical Gold - NOW" needs no introduction. Despite starting a brief blog war, those who actually listened to Gekko's advice, made a 25% return in 9 months. Nuf said.
- Holding number 5, and making waves with 89,743 readers is the recent revelation that JP Morgan, contrary to conventional wisdom, and in line with "conspiracy thinking" admitted Bart Chilton's allegations via FT sources that indeed it had accumulated a major silver short position, which subsequently has been rumored to have moved to offshore, and to non-CFTC regulatable entities, presumably out of the orient. The full piece is here "Water, Meet Blood - JP Morgan Admits To, Reduces Massive Silver Short Position, Proves Millions Of Conspiracy Theorists Correct."
- At number 4, with just a few extra reads at 89,791, another tangent of the manipulation ploy was revealed when we learned that "Canada's Only Bullion Bank Gold Vault Is Practically Empty" It is only very ironic that earlier today we noted that ScotiaMocatta's electronic store is now out of all silver bars.
- At number 3 in the most popular list, with 91,571 reads, and rounding off the trifecta of precious metal manipulation posts, is the one that started it all: "Whistleblower Exposes JP Morgan's Silver Manipulation Scheme" - there is no need to recap this particular post.
- In the first runner up spot, with 93,320 reads, was Gonzalo Lira's essay on possible hyperinflation catalysts "Guest Post: How Hyperinflation Will Happen". The popularity of this post was only matched by the firestorm of angry responses it engendered within the deflationist camp in the blogosphere.
- And in the top spot, it is not surprising that the expose on the intersection of disappearing civil rights and financial prohibitions should garner the most reads in 2010 with 172,155 reads, "It's Official - America Now Enforces Capital Controls" The title is self-explanatory.
All in all, it was a very interesting year, with the oligarchy doing everything in its power to retain the perception it was in control even as the walls were crumbling all around it. We are confident this encroaching central planning process will continue in 2011, this time with far worse odds for that ultimate backstopper of the global bankster system: the US taxpayer.
robert shumakeThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumakeThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumake .
The following is a guest post by Mobile Guru.
Without a doubt 2010 filled us with more surprises than anyone could have imagined and with that in mind here are some of my predictions for 2011. One thing I am certain of is that it’s going to be a bumpy ride so let’s all be careful out there as we navigate the financial markets.
1. Oil will hit $125/barrel and we will be paying $4.00/gallon for gas by summer. The sad news is I don’t think anyone will doubt that gas this high is a possibility, if not a certainty. What I would really like to point out is the fact that we are no less dependent on foreign oil than we were two years ago when it reached $150. Was that not a wake up call? I guess not. This year electric hybrid producters like TSLA, will account for 2.4% of the cars sold. Does anyone really think that will have much impact on reducing our reliance on foreign oil?
2. Hybrids are still 3-5 years away from capturing 20% of the market share of cars sold annually. The bottom line is that until they can run 250 miles between charges, recharge in under 10 minutes, and compete in price with gas powered cars, hybrids will be slow to become mainstream. The battery technology is improving, but it needs another factor of 2-3X improvement to get there without the costs making them prohibitive.
3. Gold rose for the tenth year in a row with a stunning 30% increase. James Turk, an expert on the metals market, recently stated that
“the gold and silver shorts are losing control.”
He expects gold and silver to blast off higher again in 2011. QE debases the dollar forcing its dollar price even higher. Physical demand has been strong too. Richard Russell (#1 newsletter writer) feels that we are about to enter the wild speculative phase in the gold market. The easy money has been made, but the big money still lies ahead. People keep talking about a “bubble” in gold, but nobody mentions the crashing dollar.
4. Silver scored an incredible 83% increase in 2010 and many experts are saying that $40 silver is in the bag for 2011. Strong physical demand, pressure on JP Morgan to reduce their massive short position in the metal, along with a formal CFTC investigation into silver market manipulation (price suppression) certainly contributed to this monster move.
5. Rare Earth Metal stocks enjoyed a terrific year, with tremendous media coverage of China’s total domination in this market. All eyes will be on China to find out whether further export reductions and restrictions are put into place, along with increased export taxes. Mining shares in this sector will have violent swings- which will spell opportunity for the experienced trader.
6. Surprise material of the year will be Graphite. One source estimated that there will be a 7X increase in demand for Graphite in this decade. Rare Earth metals need graphite for processing, but the nuclear plants being built in developing nations like China and India will cause a major increase by themselves. China dominates the world graphite market and could surprise us all with export restrictions, export taxes etc. Here is an excellent article by Jack Lifton highlighting the many uses of graphite.
7. The hottest commodity for 2011 could be sugar Sugar. Legendary investor Jim Rogers urged investors to go long on sugar more than 5 years ago when its price was a fraction of where it is today. Sugar reached a 30 year high a few days ago at 33.5 cents per pound due to tight supplies and adverse weather in Brazil and Australia. Several professional traders whom I stay in close contact with believe that sugar could take out its all time 1974 high of 66.5 cents a pound in 2011. Was sugar one of the best Bull markets in history when it rallied from 1.4 cents in 1966 to 66.5 cents in 1974? There has been a remarkable consumer trend away from high fructose corn syrup to sugar. Check some of the items in your home…ketchup, salad dressing, etc. “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” right on the front label!
8. 4G service will change the way we live. Seriously how many people would gladly get rid of their cable internet provider if they could get the same performance wirelessly? Everyone I know. 4G has the ability to bring a high speed connection anywhere and anytime. I expect great things out of 4G in 2011.
9. Smart phones, tablets and other tablet like devices will get so plentiful that if you don’t have one in your hand while out and about people will stare at you. That is if they actually took time to look up from their own device. Expect some type of personal collision avoidance system to become an ap to keep people from running into each other.
10. Near Field Communication or NFC will become a household concept. It is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 centimeter (around 4 inches) distance. If you have heard of Bluetooth you will know what NFC is by year end.
11. My final prediction for 2011 has to do with the Mobile theme as the last few on this list is dominated in that arena. By next Christmas it may not even be called mobile any longer as technology is moving at such a fast past. We are moving farther and farther away from your parent’s internet and into what I like to think of as a virtual internet. Any time and any where, all the time.
Jim Rogers, James Turk, and Richard Russell are the type of people that I listen to. They have been passionate about their work, have earned impeccable reputations, and have made fortunes for their loyal followers. So 2011 is dawning bright and clear and without a doubt the rate of change will continue to accelerate in many areas……be advised that we could be in for periods of wild volatility, but the trend is “up” in the year ahead.
I’m a long time investor with investment experience in high tech, biotechs and precious metals. I blog on topics that are of interest to me and my goal is to generate intelligent discussion. I don’t consider myself an expert in any one area, but know a little about a lot of things. I believe as soon as we stop learning, we stop living. You can connect with me at SeekingAlpha.
Related Posts:
Paradigm Shift Regarding This Recovery
The Future For Lithium is Now
Views From Brazil as an Investment
As we wrap up 2010, the last thing left to do is to recall the stories that generated the most buzz on Zero Hedge. With stories touching on everything from the flash crash, to JPM's silver market manipulation, to the scramble for physical metals, to capital controls, to the manipulated (and successful) push to get Americans out of Money Market accounts, here are the top to stories of the past year (and stunningly all click-bait, slideshow free).
- In tenth place, with 80,842 reads, "The Hindenburg Omen has Arrived" is the story that Zero Hedge brought to the surface as soon as the H.O. was confirmed on August 12, and ended up making waves for the balance of the summer. According to some, it was the concerns about the Hindenburg Omen's self fulfilling prophecy that cemented the Chairman's resolve to proceed with the Wood's Hole speech two weeks later on August 27, which made QE2 a certainty.
- In ninth place, with 80,942 reads, "MUST HEAR: Panic And Loathing From The S&P 500 Pits" is the definitive, and most visceral, recollection of the terror that had gripped each and every single momo trader as the Dow briefly dropped by 1,000 points on May 6. One thing is certain: as the SEC has taken absolutely no proactive steps to address the conditions that generated the record Dow drop, this is just the first of many "flash crashes" for US stocks.
- In eighth place, with 82,232 reads, posted on February 11, and long before it became apparent just how insolvent Europe was, "Just How Ugly Is The Sovereign Default Truth? How Self Delusions Prevent Recognition Of Reality" - our summary of Dylan Grice's phenomenal analysis on the cognitive dissonance when it comes to that last bastion of backstops: sovereign insolvency. The analysis is even more relevant now than it was almost a year ago and we urge readers go through it one more time now that its argument has been fully borne out.
- In seventh place, read 82,297 times, and appearing almost a year ago, "This Is The Government: Your Legal Right To Redeem Your Money Market Account Has Been Denied" discussed the government's stealthy plans to force ordinary US citizens and corporations to force the move of as much money as possible out of money markets and into riskier asset classes. That that particular plan relied on the embedded concern of capital lock ups, was not surprising. What is also not surprising is that with outflows of $392 billion in 2010, money markets were the primary source of capital for US institutional and retail investors. Mission accomplished Paul Volcker, Group of 30.
- At number 6, read by 84,368 people, Gordon Gekko's guest post: "It's Going To Implode: Buy Physical Gold - NOW" needs no introduction. Despite starting a brief blog war, those who actually listened to Gekko's advice, made a 25% return in 9 months. Nuf said.
- Holding number 5, and making waves with 89,743 readers is the recent revelation that JP Morgan, contrary to conventional wisdom, and in line with "conspiracy thinking" admitted Bart Chilton's allegations via FT sources that indeed it had accumulated a major silver short position, which subsequently has been rumored to have moved to offshore, and to non-CFTC regulatable entities, presumably out of the orient. The full piece is here "Water, Meet Blood - JP Morgan Admits To, Reduces Massive Silver Short Position, Proves Millions Of Conspiracy Theorists Correct."
- At number 4, with just a few extra reads at 89,791, another tangent of the manipulation ploy was revealed when we learned that "Canada's Only Bullion Bank Gold Vault Is Practically Empty" It is only very ironic that earlier today we noted that ScotiaMocatta's electronic store is now out of all silver bars.
- At number 3 in the most popular list, with 91,571 reads, and rounding off the trifecta of precious metal manipulation posts, is the one that started it all: "Whistleblower Exposes JP Morgan's Silver Manipulation Scheme" - there is no need to recap this particular post.
- In the first runner up spot, with 93,320 reads, was Gonzalo Lira's essay on possible hyperinflation catalysts "Guest Post: How Hyperinflation Will Happen". The popularity of this post was only matched by the firestorm of angry responses it engendered within the deflationist camp in the blogosphere.
- And in the top spot, it is not surprising that the expose on the intersection of disappearing civil rights and financial prohibitions should garner the most reads in 2010 with 172,155 reads, "It's Official - America Now Enforces Capital Controls" The title is self-explanatory.
All in all, it was a very interesting year, with the oligarchy doing everything in its power to retain the perception it was in control even as the walls were crumbling all around it. We are confident this encroaching central planning process will continue in 2011, this time with far worse odds for that ultimate backstopper of the global bankster system: the US taxpayer.
robert shumake detroit[flickr]
robert shumakeThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumakeThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumake detroit Networking on-line is an integral component of today’s business. Employers are busier than ever, and expectations are high, not to mention immediate. To take advantage of this “want it yesterday” mentality, there are several things a professional must consider to effectively activate their on-line networking strategy.
Below are some key suggestions and links to helpful Internet resources.
With the right balance of electronic and human interaction, you will better serve your existing customers and be quick to acquire new ones.
Rules of the Game:
1. Avoid Spamming. Spamming is when you send unsolicited information to one or several individuals on-line. It is the equivalent of “junk mail” in your mailbox, and it can blemish your business reputation with your audience. Most people do not like receiving spam, so it is critical that you only send items that they have “opted-in” to participate and always provide them with an easy method to unsubscribe. Use an e-Newsletter distribution system, rather than sending mass emails from Outlook or other email programs. This will enable you to send personalized messages, manage campaign results and build your business in a positive, professional way. There are many web based applications for you to consider, and they range in costs and services. One that I personally use and have found to be very affordable and user friendly is Constant Contact (www.constantcontact.com).
2. Respect Subscribers Privacy. Clearly state, at the bottom of your message and on your website, how you plan to utilize personal data that is collected. Since identity theft and selling of personal information is of great concern to most on-line citizens, it is important to establish secure and well thought out privacy policies, then actively employ them.
3. Mind Your Frequency. While electronic communications can be incredibly timely, inexpensive and easy to produce - it’s important that you don’t become a nuisance to your customers by over-communicating with them. If you are distributing an e-Newsletter, for example, either provide your subscribers with a preferences setting where they can choose the frequency of contact with your organization or limit your mailings to no more than once per month. In addition, when sending regular email, it is always courteous to give the recipient 24 – 48 hours to respond. It may take longer… remember, these are busy times we live in, and if you are waiting on an important (time-sensitive) response, then it’s better to phone them to discuss the matter or arrange a face-to-face meeting.
4. Net Etiquette (Netiquette). Brush up on your email, IM (instant messaging) & chatting skills. Learn the most commonly used on-line acronyms, abbreviations and electronic correspondence protocol. Reference “Learn the Net’s: Email Etiquette” page at http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/65mailet.htm or “Net Lingo” at http://www.netlingo.com/emailsh.cfm for more information.
5. Only communicate items that you absolutely don’t mind having in writing. This should be common sense, however many people make the mistake of sending messages which contain sensitive information, include strong emotional tones, create confusion that leads to misinterpretation, etc. You definitely do not want to alienate the people you’re reaching out to, so take your time and extra care when fashioning your message. If you feel distracted or emotionally influenced while writing it, then take a break and come back to it when you’re more relaxed, level headed and thinking clearly.
Methods of On-line Networking:
1. Email. Email is the obvious first choice when you want to communicate directly to your customers over the Internet. Remember to be concise & clear with your message. Also be aware of spam-blocking, internet security & firewall software packages which may prevent your message from reaching the intended recipients.
2. Join a social networking community. There are many to choose from, from Yahoo! Groups to MySpace. The key to these environments is “connecting” and “building relationships”. Remember, don’t just spam and plaster your advertising all over the place. Invest time to interact with your customers, answer questions, provide information and be genuine.
3. E-Newsletters. Create a spot on your website where new subscribers can register to receive your periodic communications. Then deliver your content on time and at the intervals you promised. Bring value to your message by providing something more than just a sales pitch. Offer discounts, promotions, links to goodies (images, screensavers, downloads, etc.) that will entice the reader to interact and respond to your call to action.
4. Instant Messaging. Be careful with this one, as it can become an overwhelming nuisance if uncontrolled. As opposed to email, IMing makes you available to customers immediately while you’re on-line (and visible). IM tools are great because you can usually transfer files, add multiple people to a ‘group IM’ and keep track of individuals on your buddy list. If you use multiple versions of IM software (such as MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ, AOL IM, etc.) then consider downloading Trillian which allows you to access all of those programs from one interface. You can find out more about that free software here: http://www.download.com/3000-2150-10047473.html . But remember, if you find yourself “hiding” or putting up your “away” message more often than not, you are defeating the purpose of using such software.
5. Virtual Conferences. This is an especially attractive option with ever increasing gas/fuel prices and travel expenses. Whether you are dealing with clients across town or around the globe, it doesn’t take much to set up a virtual conference, and you’ll save time & money in the process. Some of the easiest programs to use are WebEx (www.webex.com) and GoToMeeting (www.gotomeeting.com).
6. Contact Management. In any business environment it’s very important that you keep all of your contact information up to date and conveniently accessible. Plaxo is one of the most well known web based contact management programs (which integrates with Outlook & Outlook Express) and performs their time-saving services free of charge (basic version). Plaxo securely updates and maintains information in your address book, and gives you the tools with which to share your information with over ten million existing Plaxo members. So, there’s a good chance that your friends, family, customers & business partners are already a part of the Plaxo network. Find more details at www.plaxo.com .
7. Chat / Forum Hosting. Many businesses are now including chat & forum options on their corporate websites to foster more frequent communication between themselves and their customers. The important consideration here is that your business has the resources to maintain such areas, keeping them fresh and current. Maintaining an empty chat room or sparse bulletin board serves no purpose other than taking up space and making your site seem outdated or unpopular. However, scheduling interesting topical chats at different dates/times during the month or engaging participants in a lively forum, can truly turn your site into a “community” rather than just an on-line billboard. Check with your local ISP (Internet Service Provider) to see if they offer enhancements such as chat rooms and bulletin boards for your web site. Many provide these services free of charge as well.
By taking advantage of these great on-line opportunities, you can enhance your current networking relationships and reach out to your audience in a convenient and immediate way. They will definitely appreciate you joining them in the 21st century, and offering them ways to communicate in the varying digital formats that they prefer.
Lori St-Germain is a freelancer who lives in the Adirondack mountain region of upstate New York. She is an accomplished writer, graphic/web designer and dedicated wife. She has two children (miniature schnauzers) named Scooter and Radar. To contact the author, please write to lori@jingledog.com .
robert shumake detroitThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumake[flickr]
robert shumake detroit .
The following is a guest post by Mobile Guru.
Without a doubt 2010 filled us with more surprises than anyone could have imagined and with that in mind here are some of my predictions for 2011. One thing I am certain of is that it’s going to be a bumpy ride so let’s all be careful out there as we navigate the financial markets.
1. Oil will hit $125/barrel and we will be paying $4.00/gallon for gas by summer. The sad news is I don’t think anyone will doubt that gas this high is a possibility, if not a certainty. What I would really like to point out is the fact that we are no less dependent on foreign oil than we were two years ago when it reached $150. Was that not a wake up call? I guess not. This year electric hybrid producters like TSLA, will account for 2.4% of the cars sold. Does anyone really think that will have much impact on reducing our reliance on foreign oil?
2. Hybrids are still 3-5 years away from capturing 20% of the market share of cars sold annually. The bottom line is that until they can run 250 miles between charges, recharge in under 10 minutes, and compete in price with gas powered cars, hybrids will be slow to become mainstream. The battery technology is improving, but it needs another factor of 2-3X improvement to get there without the costs making them prohibitive.
3. Gold rose for the tenth year in a row with a stunning 30% increase. James Turk, an expert on the metals market, recently stated that
“the gold and silver shorts are losing control.”
He expects gold and silver to blast off higher again in 2011. QE debases the dollar forcing its dollar price even higher. Physical demand has been strong too. Richard Russell (#1 newsletter writer) feels that we are about to enter the wild speculative phase in the gold market. The easy money has been made, but the big money still lies ahead. People keep talking about a “bubble” in gold, but nobody mentions the crashing dollar.
4. Silver scored an incredible 83% increase in 2010 and many experts are saying that $40 silver is in the bag for 2011. Strong physical demand, pressure on JP Morgan to reduce their massive short position in the metal, along with a formal CFTC investigation into silver market manipulation (price suppression) certainly contributed to this monster move.
5. Rare Earth Metal stocks enjoyed a terrific year, with tremendous media coverage of China’s total domination in this market. All eyes will be on China to find out whether further export reductions and restrictions are put into place, along with increased export taxes. Mining shares in this sector will have violent swings- which will spell opportunity for the experienced trader.
6. Surprise material of the year will be Graphite. One source estimated that there will be a 7X increase in demand for Graphite in this decade. Rare Earth metals need graphite for processing, but the nuclear plants being built in developing nations like China and India will cause a major increase by themselves. China dominates the world graphite market and could surprise us all with export restrictions, export taxes etc. Here is an excellent article by Jack Lifton highlighting the many uses of graphite.
7. The hottest commodity for 2011 could be sugar Sugar. Legendary investor Jim Rogers urged investors to go long on sugar more than 5 years ago when its price was a fraction of where it is today. Sugar reached a 30 year high a few days ago at 33.5 cents per pound due to tight supplies and adverse weather in Brazil and Australia. Several professional traders whom I stay in close contact with believe that sugar could take out its all time 1974 high of 66.5 cents a pound in 2011. Was sugar one of the best Bull markets in history when it rallied from 1.4 cents in 1966 to 66.5 cents in 1974? There has been a remarkable consumer trend away from high fructose corn syrup to sugar. Check some of the items in your home…ketchup, salad dressing, etc. “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” right on the front label!
8. 4G service will change the way we live. Seriously how many people would gladly get rid of their cable internet provider if they could get the same performance wirelessly? Everyone I know. 4G has the ability to bring a high speed connection anywhere and anytime. I expect great things out of 4G in 2011.
9. Smart phones, tablets and other tablet like devices will get so plentiful that if you don’t have one in your hand while out and about people will stare at you. That is if they actually took time to look up from their own device. Expect some type of personal collision avoidance system to become an ap to keep people from running into each other.
10. Near Field Communication or NFC will become a household concept. It is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 centimeter (around 4 inches) distance. If you have heard of Bluetooth you will know what NFC is by year end.
11. My final prediction for 2011 has to do with the Mobile theme as the last few on this list is dominated in that arena. By next Christmas it may not even be called mobile any longer as technology is moving at such a fast past. We are moving farther and farther away from your parent’s internet and into what I like to think of as a virtual internet. Any time and any where, all the time.
Jim Rogers, James Turk, and Richard Russell are the type of people that I listen to. They have been passionate about their work, have earned impeccable reputations, and have made fortunes for their loyal followers. So 2011 is dawning bright and clear and without a doubt the rate of change will continue to accelerate in many areas……be advised that we could be in for periods of wild volatility, but the trend is “up” in the year ahead.
I’m a long time investor with investment experience in high tech, biotechs and precious metals. I blog on topics that are of interest to me and my goal is to generate intelligent discussion. I don’t consider myself an expert in any one area, but know a little about a lot of things. I believe as soon as we stop learning, we stop living. You can connect with me at SeekingAlpha.
Related Posts:
Paradigm Shift Regarding This Recovery
The Future For Lithium is Now
Views From Brazil as an Investment
As we wrap up 2010, the last thing left to do is to recall the stories that generated the most buzz on Zero Hedge. With stories touching on everything from the flash crash, to JPM's silver market manipulation, to the scramble for physical metals, to capital controls, to the manipulated (and successful) push to get Americans out of Money Market accounts, here are the top to stories of the past year (and stunningly all click-bait, slideshow free).
- In tenth place, with 80,842 reads, "The Hindenburg Omen has Arrived" is the story that Zero Hedge brought to the surface as soon as the H.O. was confirmed on August 12, and ended up making waves for the balance of the summer. According to some, it was the concerns about the Hindenburg Omen's self fulfilling prophecy that cemented the Chairman's resolve to proceed with the Wood's Hole speech two weeks later on August 27, which made QE2 a certainty.
- In ninth place, with 80,942 reads, "MUST HEAR: Panic And Loathing From The S&P 500 Pits" is the definitive, and most visceral, recollection of the terror that had gripped each and every single momo trader as the Dow briefly dropped by 1,000 points on May 6. One thing is certain: as the SEC has taken absolutely no proactive steps to address the conditions that generated the record Dow drop, this is just the first of many "flash crashes" for US stocks.
- In eighth place, with 82,232 reads, posted on February 11, and long before it became apparent just how insolvent Europe was, "Just How Ugly Is The Sovereign Default Truth? How Self Delusions Prevent Recognition Of Reality" - our summary of Dylan Grice's phenomenal analysis on the cognitive dissonance when it comes to that last bastion of backstops: sovereign insolvency. The analysis is even more relevant now than it was almost a year ago and we urge readers go through it one more time now that its argument has been fully borne out.
- In seventh place, read 82,297 times, and appearing almost a year ago, "This Is The Government: Your Legal Right To Redeem Your Money Market Account Has Been Denied" discussed the government's stealthy plans to force ordinary US citizens and corporations to force the move of as much money as possible out of money markets and into riskier asset classes. That that particular plan relied on the embedded concern of capital lock ups, was not surprising. What is also not surprising is that with outflows of $392 billion in 2010, money markets were the primary source of capital for US institutional and retail investors. Mission accomplished Paul Volcker, Group of 30.
- At number 6, read by 84,368 people, Gordon Gekko's guest post: "It's Going To Implode: Buy Physical Gold - NOW" needs no introduction. Despite starting a brief blog war, those who actually listened to Gekko's advice, made a 25% return in 9 months. Nuf said.
- Holding number 5, and making waves with 89,743 readers is the recent revelation that JP Morgan, contrary to conventional wisdom, and in line with "conspiracy thinking" admitted Bart Chilton's allegations via FT sources that indeed it had accumulated a major silver short position, which subsequently has been rumored to have moved to offshore, and to non-CFTC regulatable entities, presumably out of the orient. The full piece is here "Water, Meet Blood - JP Morgan Admits To, Reduces Massive Silver Short Position, Proves Millions Of Conspiracy Theorists Correct."
- At number 4, with just a few extra reads at 89,791, another tangent of the manipulation ploy was revealed when we learned that "Canada's Only Bullion Bank Gold Vault Is Practically Empty" It is only very ironic that earlier today we noted that ScotiaMocatta's electronic store is now out of all silver bars.
- At number 3 in the most popular list, with 91,571 reads, and rounding off the trifecta of precious metal manipulation posts, is the one that started it all: "Whistleblower Exposes JP Morgan's Silver Manipulation Scheme" - there is no need to recap this particular post.
- In the first runner up spot, with 93,320 reads, was Gonzalo Lira's essay on possible hyperinflation catalysts "Guest Post: How Hyperinflation Will Happen". The popularity of this post was only matched by the firestorm of angry responses it engendered within the deflationist camp in the blogosphere.
- And in the top spot, it is not surprising that the expose on the intersection of disappearing civil rights and financial prohibitions should garner the most reads in 2010 with 172,155 reads, "It's Official - America Now Enforces Capital Controls" The title is self-explanatory.
All in all, it was a very interesting year, with the oligarchy doing everything in its power to retain the perception it was in control even as the walls were crumbling all around it. We are confident this encroaching central planning process will continue in 2011, this time with far worse odds for that ultimate backstopper of the global bankster system: the US taxpayer.
robert shumakeThe population of bumblebees in the United States is in a kind of free fall, dropping 96 percent over the past two decades, according to a new study that has scientists alarmed. Four species of bumblebees are in a rapid decline, ...
Sean Ryan, who arrived at News Corp. mid-year to set up a new online gaming unit, is moving to Facebook to head partnerships at its key gaming platform, according to sources. Currently, Facebook does not create social games, ...
Oprah began her new cable television network -- OWN -- at noon on New Year's Day, a network dedicated to the total and complete absence of mean-spiritedness.
robert shumake[flickr]
robert shumake detroit
