WhyTuesday.org

Great website that explores why the United States voter turnout is so low and what we can do to change it. They have some great interviews with almost every presidential candidate. Check out the site here to see more....

Pickens Plan Video

Is the bull back?

After two days of bullish trading or possibly the largest short squeeze in recent history, the market is looking bullish again. Citi reported a better than expected 2nd quarter loss that will hopefully rally the markets again today.

Energy is a continuing concern among investors although crude has backed off all time highs. Check out the "Pickens Plan" if you are interested in alternative sources particularly wind power.

Thanks Ragan for the lead...

Marketing and Charts

I am a big fan of Seth Godin and I read his blog religiously. I recommend putting it in your favorites and reading it often. He is a marketing guru who has great ideas for any entrepreneur, business owner, executive or consultant. Every time I leave his blog my mind is spinning with ideas and strategies. This time was no different..

Seth's post on "three laws for great graphs" is a must read. KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). His three simple rules to follow when making charts to use in a presentation are:

1. One Story
2. No Bar Charts
3. Motion

These rules are on point and should be used by everyone giving a presentation. Read the post and let me know what you think..

Interesting News

-Google is testing a new application that will provide walking routes available on your computer or cellphone. The current Google maps application provides driving directions that may not be the shortest route for walkers or bikers due to one way streets, parks, and tunnels. Tourists traveling to major cities like New York will benefit the most from this application although Google will add a disclaimer saying "use caution when walking in unfamiliar areas," meaning "don't blame us if you get mugged." See the story here...

- It has been confirmed, Americans are criminals.. According to a report from Futuresouce Consulting one-third of consumers in the US and UK have made a copy of a DVD in last six months. This seems really high, but I found it on the Internet so it must be true. Check out the story here...

- Canadians are pissed that they have to sign a three year contract with Rodgers Communications to purchase a 3G iPhone. Apple is apparently behind the consumer or are mad abooout the bad publicity because they are diverting shipments to the UK meant for Canada and are not selling the overpriced plans at the Apple stores. Check out this story here...

Gaming Stocks

Vegas has been taking a hit from the slumping economy and the rising gas prices. Weekend gamblers that make the trip from LA are dropping off and vacationers are searching for less expensive alternatives. Airlines are cutting flights and gas prices are getting more expensive everyday. Here are a few stocks to follow if you are thinking about rolling the dice or want a good short..

MGM Mirage (MGM)
Las Vegas Sands (LVS)
Boyd Gaming (BYD)
Wynn Resorts (WYNN)

5 Recession Proof Stocks

The market is officially in the dumps. If you are still long the market here are 5 of my top picks to ride through this slow economy.

1. Coach (COH) - High-end retailers historically do not follow the market into recessionary times. With a P/E under 15 COH looks like a buy at this price. Coach is a staple of high end fashion and should fare well through the next few months.

2. Chesapeake Energy Corp (CHK) - Producer of natural gas in the US, CHK owns approximately 38,500 producing oil and natural gas wells. High oil prices are driving CHK high and should continue throughout the summer.

3. Nike (NKE) - Nike is a steal at the current price after taking a tumble. Less then impressive growth has put NKE on the hot seat with investors, but aggressive international growth and Olympic exposure should help this staple continue to grow.

4. PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) - PepsiCo has continued to impress investors with outstanding growth and increasing market share. International growth along with domestic synergy will allow PEP to continue the impressive growth during a slowing economy.

5. Toyota Motor Co. (TM) - Toyota has continued to take advantage of the green movement. Green companies will prosper this summer as fuel prices continue to rise. I have been following TM for a few months and may pick up a few shares this week.