Lately I've been focused on themes as opposed to following individual stocks, although I do that too. Basically my thinking is that there's so much out there, and it's so hard to take it all in (for me at least) that I'd be better off concentrating on specific areas or themes, and seeing what turns up stockwise relative to that.

Colombia is one of those themes, which I guess I've mentioned before. Basically, same geology as Peru and Ecuador, plus I speak the language and can follow developments in the local press. Just getting started on this one, but I have a small dog in the fight already, so I'll be paying attention to what happens there.

Guererro and Oaxaca. Newstrike, Fortuna, and Goldcorp are quality names in the area, plus they're both relatively unexplored compared to other regions in Mexico. Again, the language, plus I've spent time there and have a fair idea how things work. Mexican mining law is pretty good, so is their attitude towards mining. That balances the risk of being in Colombia.

Short Oil. Not in the futures. My confidence in that market is gone. Basically a call for lower oil prices 6 months to a year out, and a heavy drop across the sector. The theme here is to figure out which oil co's to own, then wait for the axe to fall. This is a background theme that could take a while to play out, but I want to be there when it happens because the drop, when it comes, will be short-lived. Too much to go into why I think it will happen - we can noodle through that later on maybe.

OK, those are my major themes for the next few months, and I'll report anything significant I find. Anyone else have some themes they'd like to share?

ebear