Next Bubble to Bust?

Era 2001: Tech stocks are tech stocks. They are the wave of the future. Everybody IS investing in them. Don't miss out!

Era 2007: No way housing prices will ever decrease. Everybody needs a house. And nobody is making more land. Mortgage companies are making it easier for you to buy. Nothing down and skip any six payments you choose. Don't miss out!

Era 2010-11: Developing countries have cheap labor and no regulation. It's all about economic growth. Don't miss out!!!!

More here ....

They should have added some of the European markets to the graph...

Can the good times last? Of course, they CAN, but when do you EXIT, before they DON'T...

Biggest Dog in the World

"A Blue Great Dane called George that stands at nearly 43 inches tall and weighs a staggering 245 pounds, could become the tallest dog after an application to the Guiness Books of Records."

More here .

Starting to Think International...

Do I really want to live in the U.S. for the rest of my life? I've spoken with a few friends in international development work. The word is USAID is staffing. But it's a huge application process. Then again, what else do I have to do? Study SAS? Maybe it's time to live abroad for a couple of years. I'll get paid for travel, and still be able to write film scripts in the evening, or not. It's NOT like I DON'T like traveling.

• Cuba (2 weeks) 2009 – participated in a sustainable agriculture and urban gardens research team sponsored by Reality Tours.
• South America (4 months) 2008 – traveled through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
• Poland - 2006 - visited Warsaw and Kracow on a religious pilgrimage with my Dad. It was almost twenty years since my first visit. A lot has changed.
• Middle East, Asia, and Australia (9 months) 2005 – traveled through Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iran, India, Nepal, China, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Australia.
• Italy - 2002 - Rome, Palermo and some weird little island.
• Tanzania - 2001 - climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
• Israel -2000 - visited the Jerusalem, Tel Avid, and friends on a kibutz.
• Lebanon - 1999 - visited Beirut, and Carol's cousin, and the small town where the cousin lives.
• South Africa/ Botswana (1998) - visited Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gaborone. Visited Tebogo at the University of Botswana. Bart and I almost died of dehydration on Table Top hike.
• Kenya/Tanzania/Malawi/Zimbabwe (2 months) 1995 – conducted exploratory research on the economics of elephants.
• Honduras (2 weeks) 1990 – participated in a multi-disciplinary agricultural research trip sponsored by Cornell University.
• Poland (2 months) 1987 – participated in an agriculture exchange program between FFA and the Young Farmers of Poland sponsored by USIA.
• Thailand (3months) 1986 – participated in an agriculture exchange program between FFA and the Future Farmers of Thailand sponsored by USIA.
• Kenya (1 month) 1985 – participated in an agricultural exchange program between FFA and the Young Farmers of Kenya sponsored by USIA.

Amazing or Not

The liquidity crisis over, but more mortgages for the Fed, please?

Job Search is On...

...and progressing fairly well. I've had phone interviews with a super-regional bank, research institutions and search firm. Face to face interviews next, I hope. I've basically been targeting large banks with lot of data, insurance companies and research institutions, all within the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Most likely, I'll have to move, but that's okay. I like change. A new job, a new path in life, and a new city. It's all good.

I've been studying a lot too. In between sending out resumes and cover letters, I've been reviewing the BASE SAS prep guide. Once finished reviewing, I plan on taking the exam, and then continue studying for the Advance SAS certification.

I'm also reviewing Financial Risk Management prep guide. I want to take the FRM exam, but not until fall. They offer an exam in May, but studying for the SAS exams and searching for a job, sending out resumes, and possibly moving, might be an over load for the May exam.

I'm also reading the Basel II Accord. I've seen numerous job posting referencing Basel II and credit risk. Banks seem to be building up their capital management, risk-based pricing and credit scoring departments after this recent financial meltdown. My problem is trying to explain my five year "sabbatical".

Facebook is Weird

... or maybe it my life and my friends. They consists of:

Arabs (living in the Middle East) /Jews (living in Israel)

Blue Collar/ Renters

Transgender Wanta-bes

International/ Yuppie/Lesbians living in NYC

Republicans (2)

Friends living in England, Ireland, India, etc.

Mentally Ill Friends/ Rising Families

Kids of Friends

Friends who I haven't spoken with in over 10 years.

People who still believe in God

Friends who roam the world for a living.

And it's only from my view that I can see friends post anti-Israel rhetoric, and other friends post pro-Israel propaganda. Or other friends posting gay right and pro-gay marriage supports, while other friends posting pro-Sarah Palin and anti-abortion support.

Why do I know these people? Why do they have such diverse opinions?

More Cuba Pictures

These pictures were taken by Judy, a co-traveler. This was my favorite.