As with almost every wave of change, first there’s an initial rush of enthusiasm by everyone who thinks he can make a buck; then there’s a sudden realization that something is amiss; and finally, there’s a collapse into despair and reconsideration. It was true for commodities in the ‘70s and for junk bonds in the ‘80s. It was true for the dot-coms in the ‘90s. And, it was true for housing in this decade. Now, we’re seeing the same pattern with alternative energy, which is driven by anxieties over human-induced climate change. What’s ahead? And, how can you profit? We’ll explain.

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Graphene is a newly recognized form of carbon comprised of single sheets of atoms. It is likely to transform infotech and nanotech in the coming decade. Amazingly, these molecules are found in ordinary pencil lead. What are the implications? We’ll put pencil to paper and sketch out the details.

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While America’s research universities are still the envy of the world, the primary and secondary schools that feed into them are miserably underperforming. Some continue to produce a few stellar graduates; but far too many students emerge poorly educated and ill-equipped for the workforce or for higher education. This is a crisis that will not be solved simply by throwing more money at the problem. It demands a fundamental change in the architecture of the educational process as we’ve known it. What will be required? What are the implications for our communities, our families, and our businesses? We’ll fill you in.

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Three decades ago, Americans were limited to three broadcast networks and a few independent stations. But YouTube and other platforms are already enabling most of us to get anything, anytime, anywhere. And this is just the beginning. What can we expect? Who will be the winners and losers? We’ll give you the answers.

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One of the biggest drivers of global consolidation is the increasing ubiquity of information technology. Thirty years ago, only the elite in North America, Europe, and Japan had computers. By 2011, as many as three billion people — half the world’s population — will have access to the World Wide Web. We’ve previously discussed some of the broader implications. But what will it mean specifically for the information technology sector? We’ll explain.

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Increasingly, global competition is leaving room in many industries for only a handful of multinationals and a limited set of highly focused, but often highly profitable, niche players. Companies that don’t fit into either category will be acquired or crushed. Where does your firm stand? Will you be prepared for the inevitable opportunities and threats as they relate to your career, your investments, and your life? We’ll help you get ready.

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Despite all the complaining, the United States is, on average, the happiest large country in the world. But why are some Americans very happy, while others are miserable? We’ll update you on the latest research and its implications.

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