Realty Trac Outlook - More Foreclosures Ahead

Dear Friends,

Wondering what is the current Home Foreclosures' situation now that the economy is supposed to be in the "economic recovery phase" as some have claimed?

On 13th January 2010, Wall Street Journal's Dawn Wotapka interviewed Realty Trac's Rick Sharga for his opinion. Realty Trac is the key body in the US that tracks foreclosure statistics. Rick's outlook in a nutshell - More Foreclosures Ahead.

Best wishes,

Ooi

Comment Verification Requirement

Dear Friends,

I have added a Comment Verification Requirement as a security measure to protect against nonsensical comments on my blog. I really regret having to do this, but I am sure you will agree that protecting you from reading nonsense is important.

I really don't understand why anyone would do such things on other people's blogs, and I do hope that these people will be prosecuted for trespassing on the property of others one day, which by the Law of Torts, it is.

A blogger is like someone who holds an open house for people to come to his property, but that doesn't mean that that such an invitation gives anyone and everyone a license to come and sell things at his home, or to contaminate his property with all kinds of nonsense. The common Law of Torts protects us legally from such trespassers.

Even if the world cannot trace all of these people today, we live in a computerized environment, and one day, ALL of these people who make a nuisance of themselves will be traced. I hope the Governments of the world will cooperate and charge each and every one of them retrospectively. The long arm of the law will catch up with the evil doers one day, especially when some Government websites have been messed up big time.

Meantime, I thank you, my readers, for your understanding on this issue.

Best wishes,

Ooi

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Dear Friends,

Don't Worry, Be Happy! Can anyone ever forget the song by Bobby McFerrin / Bob Marley?



Here is a very fun version from Holly Dolly. The cartoon is damn cute. So is the voice. Hahahaha. Enjoy!

Don't worry, be happy. But, don't forget to plan and prepare, and to TAKE ACTION towards your goals. That is the key to success. One day, at a time. One step, at a time. One task at a time.

Best wishes,

Ooi

Dear Friends,

This song is dedicated to all the people who lost their jobs in this economic downturn. If you are feeling down, or lonely, remember .... "You Got A Friend".

The first time I heard this song was during a school concert in 1981. It was sung by 4 ladies in a quartet, and they did a fantastic job .... so fantastic that the music stuck in my mind, my entire life. The lyrics are beautiful too.

Thank you, Carole King, for making this song, so wonderful to listen to. Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Ooi

Something to sooth our nerves .... Hope?

Dear Friends,

After all the negative news in this world, we need something to sooth our nerves. How about Hope?

Here is the classic "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Doris Day. I find her singing soothing and sweet.

Here is how it has evolved over the years. Eric Clapton, with a more groovy version -

Now contrast it with the serene mood conveyed by Israel Kamikawiwo'Ole "IZ". When I first saw this video, I fell in love with it, all at once, and kept listening to it.

Or, do you prefer the classy version from Leona Lewis?

Then, there is Connie Talbot, the personification of HOPE, and the future of the world. Connie is 6 years old, and this video shows her competing in "Britain's Got Talent" show, with ..... you got it, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". And the audience loved it! Do you?

Is there hope in this world? Can we live on hope? Connie Talbot lost to Paul Potts, but she is still a star today, with a number of published albums to her name.

I think we must have hope. BUT, do not rely solely on hope. Take action. Luck favors the prepared and the bold.

Whichever version of the song you like, this song is evergreen. One of the best songs ever, in my opinion. Me, I like all versions, depending on mood. I just love this song. Enjoy!

Best wishes,

Ooi

Peter Schiff's CNBC Fast Money Interview

Dear Friends,

Here is a really interesting debate between Peter Schiff and CNBC's Fast Money Panel on 4th January 2010, about whether the economy is recovering. View it and make up your own mind on the future of the economy.

Peter Schiff foresees taxes on profits that is happening right now.

In my view, one is talking about statistics, while the other is talking about the big strategic picture of the realities of life. You decide - rely on the statistics or look at the big, long term strategic picture.

Best wishes,

Ooi

Marc Faber's -"The Gravy is Out of the Markets" 2010 Outlook

Dear Friends,

Marc Faber's outlook for 2010 - the "gravy is out of the markets".

Best wishes,

Ooi

Jim Rogers Interview with CNCB's Maria Bartiromo

Dear Friends,

Here is a hard talking interview of Jim Rogers by Maria Bartiromo of CNBC on the World Economy. What is interesting is that he is long the US Dollar, whilst he mentions usual issues like "printing money" and "currency turmoil".

Best wishes,

Ooi

Soros on World Economy (Financial Times Interview)

Dear Friends,

Here is the interview of George Soros with Financial Times on 23rd October 2009. Slightly into 3 minutes, he talks about the "hope" of a V Recovery, and he thinks that it may not happen, and questions what would be the impact, when people realize they are wrong.

Overall, Soros' opinion is worth listening to, because he summarizes the world economic situation quite succinctly.

Best wishes,

Ooi

Part 1 of the Video



Part 2 of the Video