Ballin on Wall Street: The Intro

What’s Going On…

In the words of my main man Marvin Gaye, I have to ask this question. There are so many things that are devastating this country at this point. For some that have been watching the numbers it was definitely pointing to a direction of economic prosperity. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers have been at higher than expected levels, employment numbers, the housing market, and even the stock market have all been on the rise. However, as we all know there are and we still face a number of hurdles in maintaining this progress.

At first, we had the war in Iraq. Being an avid stock market participator I watch the events fold as uncertainty rose around the war. The market was taking a dive and the only thing worth buying was defensive stocks and commodity plays. Common stock picks at the time were Halliburton, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing for defensive plays. Oil was bubbling as a major topic and industry stalwarts of the beaten down sector were mentioned as huge turnaround plays. Common names here were Exxon, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, international oil stocks, the hard to refine oil sands in Canada, the refineries, etc.
As I have been quoted as saying I have a love/hate relationship with the gas pump. At this time I owned or was researching the following stocks ( I will try to include prices, if you want a jaw dropper see where some are at now). So every time I paid at the pump I was getting cash back in my account:
PetroChina (PTR) – bought in the mid 40s
Cheasapeake Energy (CHK) – bought around 17
Layne Christensen (LAYN) - bought at 13.95
Valero (VLO) – bought in the late 40s
XTO Energy (XTO)– bought around early to mid 20s
S&P Energy Fund (XLE) – bought around the early 30s

They all ran up to huge profits and I sold PTR, CHK, LAYN, and XLE. Who would have guessed what was next to make this look like a dumb move…

- The uncertainty of the global landscape – Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Korea
- Inflation – as inflation continues to rise the cost of normal goods will continue to rise
- Hurricanes – The devastation of the SE due to natural disasters is also affecting the where a number of the countries largest refineries are located

At this point, it will be interesting to watch the market reaction to these events. I remember how the market slowly went numb and didn’t react viciously every time there was a new story out of Iraq anymore. I am not sure if this will continue but Hurricanes, a potential Housing Bubble, and rising interest rates are still looming over this economy.

Just as of today the protected oil reserves are being released to ease the tension over gas prices. The EPA has even relaxed its emission and sulfur standards to assist during this period of slight instability. The question has been asked, “At what point will people really be affected and change their habits due to the world that’s changing around us”. And who knows what the answer is I thought it would be $3 dollar a gallon gas prices. But that should be eclipsed all over the country by Labor Day Weekend.

Finally, please take the time out to pray for all the people being impacted in the South because of the hurricanes. There are devastating pictures all over the Internet and constant new coverage. Unfortunately, I am usually aware from the market’s standpoint of how these things will play out so I can keep you updated there.

Be on the lookout for my 1st edition of Ball Street my version of how to make money on the street and how to stretch your dollar during tough times. Here is a peek of watch to watch for because of the changing environment.

Oil, Oil, Oil – to put it in perspective oil at around $28 dollars a barrel was average just a few years ago when I barely paid attention. Now it has tipped the scales at $71!! And where is it going up... and its not coming down anytime soon. Stock plays in this area should continue to be the refineries: Valero (VLO), Suncor (SUN), and Royal Dutch (RDS). Keep an eye on the large service sector: Exxon Mobil (XOM), Haliburton (HAL), and Schlumberger (SLB) to name a few.
Watch the commodity sectors closely. Metals, mining, and minerals will be big going forward. Look for Massey Energy (MEE) and Peabody Energy (BTU) to lead the charge. Watch some of the specialty areas such as liquefied natural gas (LNGs) plays, oil sand companies, international oil companies, and alternative fuel companies.

More to come so stay tuned.

Do you Party?

In the immortal words of the Ice Cube hit song, "We Be Clubbin". If you don't believe me check out the pics for our latest venture in South Beach for Memorial Day (LinkNote: Knuckleheads do not open up any links I send you at work...they have been taken down for the moment). So for all you all you looking to do it big whenever you travel you must stop in and party at some of the best clubs that made my list. Yes, the Top Five, dance 'til you drop, the party doesn't stop, the drinks stay flowing until the sun comes up party destinations. I call it my "Do you Party?" list. I got the phrase from a cat when I was in Jamaica who as soon as I got off the plane and went to get my bags asked me if I like to party. And of course, being the club goer that I am I had to inform him that I was ready to party all week. But he asked me again if I was ready to party and I quickly realized that he wasn't talking about clubbin'...if you know what I mean. So I know the supense is killing you...but if you've been to any of these places and have thoughts or comments please share your experiences and post a comment.

The "Do You Party?" Top 5 List:

Close Calls: They no longer make the list because if you are over 21...okay that maybe a little unfair more like over 27 you may feel like a senior citizen. Yep you guessed it, the hottest spots in the Sunshine State during Spring Break bring in the close calls of tightest clubs you must visit. Club LaVela, claims the title of the largest nightclub in America. And from my visit to Panama City you will hear no arguments from me. One of the largest and craziest clubs I've been to in my day. Pool parties and wet T-shirts contests by day and non-stop dancing by night. Here's the link to their website: http://www.clublavela.com/. If you make a move to the other coast of Florida you will find Daytona Beach and Club 600 North. 600 North is the tightest club by far in Daytona. With a massive wall of TV's and home to crazy spring breakers and black college reunion this spot can't be beat. I have been to Daytona twice and it hasn’t let me down yet. Check us out partying with Lil Jon and AJ formerly of 106& Park.


5. Coming in at the five spot is the longstanding bar, Fat Tuesday. Whether you’re in Cancun or South Beach, Fat Tuesday is always looking out for your best interest. In Cancun, you’re liable to find MTV throwing beach parties during the day. And at night, if you aren’t in a coma induced state from the booze cruise you may be partying all night. On South Beach, Fat Tuesday is one of the best spots to be on Ocean Drive. You can easily find yourself sitting around a table watching beautiful women walk by, see Slim Thug and other famous celebs entering the joint, or just walk in order their famous frozen daiquiris and get wild.
Fat Tuesday with Slim Thug in the house:



4. Holding down the number four spot has to be Cancun’s hottest night club Coco Bongo’s. This is one of the largest clubs I ever stepped foot in. With an upper deck and a main floor that spans the globe this spot is absolutely crazy. With live acts performing while the DJ’s spinning your liable to see a Michael Jackson impersonator, trapeze artists zipping by overhead, and confetti dropping to celebrate like its…Coco Bongo.

http://www.cocobongo.com.mx/

3. One of the hardest choices was to figure out were to place the club that comes in at number 3. Club Rain at the Palms is definitely one of the hottest spots in Viva Las Vegas. Appropriately named, Club Skin is their outdoor area with a stage, dancing area, and deck chairs. Indoors, Rain definitely keeps it steamy with its sultry dancers and they turn the heat up with real life flame producing pyrotechnics. A few times I thought the hairs on the back of my neck got burned. But get there early, the lines for Rain stretch through most of the casino and can get confused with the equally long lines for the GhostBar.


2. At the two spot, Club Mansion formerly known as Level is definitely holding it down. Again, I have been to this spot before and after the name change. But nothing has changed here. An ‘A’ list club where you party with the likes of Lil Scrappy, dance to Funkmaster Flex performing live on stage, and live like star. But be ready to shell out some cash…Mansion is known for great VIP sections and we should know because we held down a spot during New Years a few years back. But a shot out must be sent to the other tight clubs on South Beach such as Crobar, Opium, Deep because the lines stay long and the crowd is always looking good. Oh be on the lookout for the Bentley, Phantom's, and other tight rides rolling by.


1. A now for what you have all been waiting for… the number one club on my list. This year’s title goes to Rum Jungle in Las Vegas. Rum Jungle is one of the most eccentric clubs that I have been to. Its got a nice vibe with cascading water flowing throughout the club. Again, highrise performers are seen above performing tricks that seem impossible. The music is keeps your head bobbing all night and you’ll catch a glimpse of the live band that plays along with your favorite hits. Whew, that’s what I said when I went to this place. It’s got a nice elevated dance floor and the place fills up quick. And since I will be there again this Labor Day, I will definitely let you know my thoughts. But if history repeats itself all you will see are pics of me smiling.

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