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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.
Updated each week : Top 5 NFL sophomores most likely to make their mark in 2009:
1. Rashard Mendenhall -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back: Mendenhall's injury early in the 2008 season will prove a blessing as he will return in 2009 more mature, healthy, stronger and faster.
2. Jake Long -- Miami Dolphins offensive tackle: Long was ready for starter status as a rookie but 2009 will show exactly why the Dolphins put so much stock in the mammoth, smart and quick footed long.
3. Keith Rivers -- Cincinnati Bengals: Rivers' rookie campaign was abruptly shattered along with his jaw with a crushing hit by Pittsburgh's Hines Ward in 2008. Rivers will return in 2009 hungry for redemption alongside a much improved supporting cast in Cinci.
4. Chris Johnson -- Tennessee Titans running back: Johnson's rookie season was more than a flash in the pan as he rolled up more than 1,000 yards. If he is able to duplicate that effort in 2009 and stay healthy, he may see many future seasons in the Pro Bowl.
5. Jerod Mayo -- New England Patriots linebacker: Mayo was a machine at linebacker in his freshman campaign, arriving at a time when they most needed fresh blood to replace the aging and slow Patriots linebackers. He will need more than a repeat performance in 2009 to garner lasting respect from his peers and solidify his place on the squad.
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.
Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2 or 3 (Men & Women)
Saucony ProGrid Triumph 5 (Men)
Asics GEL-Cumulus 9 (Men)
Nike Air Pegasus (Women)
Updated as the date gets closer: Top 5 things NOT to do on December 21, 2012:
Do not go to the beach: It might be a good day to take a trip to the mountains...way up in the mountains.
Do not pay the bills, rent, bets, etc. Chances are you won't be hearing from the landlord, bill collectors or bookies for a while...a long while.
Do not carry a lot of free cash: Learn as much as you can now about the best methods of barter trade. Use your pockets for seed pouches.
Do not sell your big boat. Depending on where you happen to live, you may want to take a trip very far north or very far south...by water.
Do not pick this day for a nice vacation in the tropics These locations, from the Caribbean to Tahiti, have a change of scenery and may be a bit colder than normal.
Updated as the date gets closer: Top 5 things to do on December 21, 2012:
Put the final touches on that shelter in the high grounds: Fortification is a good thing. Fresh water and board games are nice additions...and be sure to pack with lots of TP and extra shoes and life preserver jackets.
Learn the basic premise of small community governance. You will, of course, want to be the leader of your "colony."
Tell your boss how you really feel: Actually, do this the day before. You will want to do some travelling on December 21, 2012.
Dress for cold weather. Dressing for warm weather may be a good idea, too.
Get one last look at cable TV and the luxury of video broadcasting Then develop liking for short-wave radio.
Updated each periodically: Interesting investment opportunities in a down 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: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ticker TSM, engages in manufacturing, selling, packaging, testing, and computer-aided designing various integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices, as well as manufacturing masks. Very little debt, solid earnings and significantly oversold with current share price pulled down due to the swoon of global markets. Should recover nicely. -- 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.
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 substantially oversold at market close 10/17. Both companies appear to have strong balance sheets able to make it through economic downturns. Both companies appear to have found a bottom.
Short-term pure speculation:
XOMA Ltd., tickerXOMA, the company discovers, develops and manufactures novel antibody therapeutics for its own proprietary pipeline as well as through license and collaborative agreements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and under its contracts with the U.S. government. The company's proprietary product pipeline includes:
* XOMA 052, an anti-IL-1 beta antibody in Phase 2 clinical development for Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with potential for the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory conditions
Interestingly, the company recently had a going concern statement removed by its auditors and appears on the verge of a major partnership with a large pharmaceutical company.
Hydrogenics Corporation, tickerHYGS, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, and manufactures hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. The company operates in three segments: OnSite Generation, Power Systems, and Test Systems. The OnSite Generation segment sells hydrogen generation systems for industrial gas applications, hydrogen fueling stations, and renewable energy storage markets. The Power Systems segment sells fuel cell power packs and modules for stationary back up power and mobility applications to original equipment manufacturers, municipalities, and military. The Test Systems segment provides testing and diagnostics equipment and services for industrial and laboratory scale research and development. It offers test services to third parties to validate their fuel cell development efforts. This segment sells fuel cell test station products to original equipment manufacturers, fuel cell providers, and fuel cell component developers.
Interestingly, Hydrogenics was recently awarded a contract to provide power generation systems on the moon.
Best five gifts for men:
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.
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.
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.
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.
You. A card -- and somewhere to travel to that’s very cold and in the mountains or very warm and humid.
Best five gifts for women:
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.
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.
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.
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.
You. A card -- and somewhere to travel to that’s very cold and in the mountains or very warm and humid.
