I read a book by one of those Nostradamus-like futurists, finishing the important parts this past weekend — the "important parts" being at the end, of course; i.e. what to do for the next few years. This person seemed respectable, and enjoys a good reputation. He was one of the ones that was bang-on about 2008; however I came away thinking maybe he was bit of a nut job. Particularly some of his advice (re: mortgages, etc.).
Hard to predict the future without seeming like a nut job, isn't it? There are too many variables. Maybe the new Apple iPad will take off like a rocket, although it seems fairly expensive compared to a net book computer. Maybe it is a net book computer. Generally, computers are humming — sales are up, and it can't be caused by the iPad yet, since no one can buy one until March. Ford made a profit – its first in four years. General Motors, which used to have hundreds of thousands of employees, now probably has many less than Microsoft and so should be more manageable, yes, once it figures out what to do with its Pontiacs and Saturns? Toyota is in trouble over accelerator problems (shades of the 60 Minutes report on Audi many years ago). Toyota (now under the leadership of the founder's grandson) seems to be handling the situation well. The stock is down, however the company is probably quite sound and, after the furor and noise subside, I suspect the world's largest car company will regain most if not all of its former glory, which may mean this is a buying opportunity (remember IBM before Lou G.?)
