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  • Updated each Month: Best four books to read this month:
The Good Soldiers, by David Finkel. This story about the American experience in Iraq provides a glimpse of the frenzy of war, the lives that are lost, saved and changed forever. Perhaps glimpse is not the right word. It is a glimpse in same way a bug "glimpses" the windshield of a car when they meet at 70 m.p.h. Rarely has a book so vividly described the experience of combat -- an experience that has at its core remained the same for a thousand years. This is a must read.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. This is a quirky, odd and completely fulfilling read. The reader takes an unusual journey into the innocence and honesty of an autistic boy who becomes a "detective" of sorts. Haddon's work is magnificent.

A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink. (A repeat recommendation.) Right-brain thinking will rule the world. In a time of global change and economic uncertainty, Daniel Pink gives readers a hint of what tomorrow's leaders must have to be successful. Creative minds, storytellers, fluid communicators and others like them will find the future very welcoming. This is an interesting take on right-brain and left-brain thinking.

Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. This is another classic that never fails to entertain readers of all ages. For writers, it is a wonderful lesson in descriptive storytelling. For readers, it is a satisfying literary meal that warms the soul.

  • T-shirt quotes:

“Guess what…I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell.”
-- Christopher Walken, SNL

 “If I get married again, I want a guy there with a drum to do rim-shots during the vows.”
--Sam Kinison

"I'm new in town, kinda lonely, lookin’ for my parents.”
- Joe Dirt

 "What is a liger? It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a tiger mixed - bred for its skills in magic."
-- Napoleon Dynamite

"Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice."
-- Phil to Alan, Hangover

 “Ned, I would love to stay here and talk with you... but I'm not going to.”
-- Phil Connors, Groundhog Day
  • Based on real-runner feedback, S.C opinion: Best running shoes, distance runners:
Non-scientific ranking, in order of preference based on wear, cushion, weight, durability, comfort, stability.
  1. Nike Air Zoom Vomero 4 (not 5) (Men & Women)
  2. Saucony ProGrid Stabil (Men)
  3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10
  • Updated periodically: Interesting investment opportunities in a recovering market:

    Disclaimer: The following should not be considered a financial or investment opinion or recommendation from Strider.com or anyone associated with the site.. Before investing in any stocks, do your own due diligence and consult a financial planner.

    Long-term buys (revised):

    -- Sonic Corporation, ticker SONC, Sonic Corp. operates and franchises a chain of quick-service drive-in restaurants in the United States. The company continues to grow and, like many businesses in this sector, was driven down during the recession. Most notably, the company is paying off its debt at a good pace and is poised to have a major turnaround in revenue throughout 2011. The company opperates more than 3,500 Sonic Drive-Ins coast to coast in 42 states. It also leases signs and real estate, as well as owns a minority interest in various franchise drive-ins. The company was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Stock may see $20 or higher by fall 2012.

    -- Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack, ticker PBY, The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack, together with its subsidiaries, operates a chain of stores that provides automotive repair and maintenance services; and sells automotive tires, parts, and accessories in the United States and Puerto Rico. Its product lines include tires; batteries; new and remanufactured parts for vehicles; chemicals and maintenance items; fashion, electronic, and performance accessories; and non-automotive merchandise, such as generators, power tools, personal transportation products, and canopies. 2011 will likely see a major increase in business for Pep Boys due to many consumers holding onto their cars for longer periods of time. Major insider purchases during 2010 bode well for Pep Boys, as well as declaration of dividend payouts. The company more than 550 stores nationwide. The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stock may see $20 by spring 2012.

    -- Nanometrics Incorporated (NANO) ticker NANO, Nanometrics Incorporated provides high-performance process control metrology systems used primarily in the fabrication of semiconductors, high-brightness LEDs, data storage devices, and solar photovoltaics. Nanometrics’ automated and integrated metrology systems measure critical dimensions, device structures, overlay registration, topography, and various thin film properties, including film thickness as well as optical, electrical, and material properties. Possible buyout candidate.

    -- Hydrogenics Corporation, ticker HYGS, Hydrogenics Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, and manufactures hydrogen generation products based on water electrolysis technology and fuel cell products based on proton exchange membrane technology in Canada and internationally. Its OnSite Generation segment develops and sells products for industrial gas, hydrogen fueling, and renewable energy storage markets. Its product line comprises HySTAT Hydrogen Stations that provide on-site supply of hydrogen for various hydrogen applications, including vehicle fueling, distributed power, and various industrial processes. This segment serves industrial gas companies, industrial end users, oil and gas companies, and utilities. Successfully completed utility grid stabilization test in Canada. Recent equity investment by CommScope, Inc., significant/recent growth in hedge fund investment, a solid balance sheet, and a growing client base. Stock is volatile due to low number of shares traded. Very long-term investment but rewards could be exponentially huge, quite possibly by 2012/13. Possible buyout candidate.

    -- Titanium Metals Corp., ticker TIE, produces titanium melted and mill products. It offers titanium sponge, which is the basic form of titanium metal used in titanium products; and melted products, such as ingot, electrodes, and slab that are the result of melting sponge and titanium scrap. Adversely impacted by slowdown in global titanium demand but received a recent boost by the successful testing of the new Boeing 787. This is a repeat recommendation due to the strong rebound in demand for titanium. Stock may see $30 by spring 2012.

    Mid-term buys:

    -- KB Home, ticker KBH, the company builds various types of homes, including attached and detached single-family homes, town homes, and condominiums, designed primarily for first-time, first move-up adult buyers;

    -- Shaw Group Inc., ticker SHAW, offers engineering, technology, construction, fabrication, environmental, and industrial services to various companies worldwide. Both companies appear to have strong balance sheets able to make it through economic downturns. Both companies appear to have found a bottom and are quickly moving higher. Much more growth anticipated throughout 2011 as economy and housing sector continue to improve.

    Short-term pure speculation:

    Altair Nanotechnologies Inc., ticker ALTI, Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells rechargeable lithium ion batteries in the United States and internationally. It offers nano lithium titanate battery cells, batteries, and battery packs, as well as provides related design, installation, and test services. The company also provides contract research services to develop intellectual property and/or new products and technology. It markets its energy storage solutions to power companies and electric grid operators, as well as battery products to the electric and hybrid-electric mass-transit markets.
    Caution: It may continue to find a bottom for the second half of 2011. An uncertain financial outlook and customer base make this an investment of great risk. Be very careful. However, growth opportunities in the next year could save the stock from its slide, should a major customer arrive.

    ProShares UltraShort QQQ (ETF), ticker QID, The investment seeks daily investment results, before fees and expenses, which correspond to twice the inverse of the daily performance of the NASDAQ-100 index. The fund normally invests 80% of assets in financial instruments with economic characteristics that should be inverse to those of the index. It may employ leveraged investment techniques in seeking its investment objective.Bottom line: When the market goes up, QID goes down. When the market goes down, QID goes up. This is the perfect buy for anyone thinking the market is about to take a tumble.

  • Recommended gifts for men:
  1. iPad or MacBook Pro, loaded with all of the office and home entertainment and creative software needed: He may not even know how to operate a Mac. Once bitten with the Mac bug, and he will be hooked on a system that will better his work and entertainment for a long time. This will also enhance the iPhone and iPod experience.
  2. Patek Philippe Aquanaut Extra Large Mens Watch: It’s not one of the most expensive of Patek’s but even at its current price, it is much more than can typically be afforded. However, if you can, this is a gift he will remember forever.
  3. Season Tickets: Whether it is to the local Triple-A team or the Chicago Bears, this is a gift that lasts way beyond the holidays and is something he can appreciate with you.
  4. If he is a golfer, a new, custom-made set of Calloway or Ping golf clubs. This is only for someone who plays at least 10 times a year.
  5. You. A card -- and somewhere to travel to that’s very cold and in the mountains or very warm and humid.

  • Recommended gifts for women:
    1. Jewelry: This sounds predictable but it can be tricky. Think about this one before you buy. You need to make sure it is not too cheap or too gaudy. “More” and “less” are not always better. It should match her personality, speak to her individuality and should also be something she would be more comfortable wearing out for fine dining. Think karats, plural. And make sure there is Godiva chocolate on the side.
    2. 800-thread Egyptian Cotton bed linen given with certificates for deep-tissue massages, good throughout the year. Both say relaxation and are great places to be after stressful days.
    3. A weekend getaway: Bring on the decadence, spa, good food and plenty of time away from it all. Out of town, state, country – all are good, but make sure she is reminded of what luxury really is, if you want to do it right.
    4. Write her something. Engrave it, in gold or crystal. Tell her why you are with her and what she means to you. In tandem, give it to her with an antique music box with your song custom installed.
    5. You. A card -- and somewhere to travel to that’s very cold and in the mountains or very warm and humid.