This article is a continuation of my Ten Alternative Energy Speculations for 2008, with picks #8, 9, and10 published last Thursday. If you haven't already, please read the introduction of that article before buying any of the stock picks that follow. These companies are likely to be highly volatile, and large positions are not appropriate for many investors. My least risky picks (#8,9, and #10) are part of that same article; my most speculative plays (#1-3) will follow in a few days.

It's been an incredible year in green news, and coverage on the environment seems to increase every week. Below, you will find links from the last year that I think are important. Unfortunately, tons of good stories didn't make the cut because the links were broken and I couldn't find an adequate replacement. Regardless, 2007 has been a great year, don't you think? Collectively, we're taking big steps to respect the environment. Republicans, Democrats, businesses, individuals, etc. Everyone wants to do their part. And even if you don't click all, er, 151 links below, scan the titles as a reminder of what has been accomplished. Let's keep the momentum in 2008.

And it still has a long way to go. Today, barely one in five people around the world has access to the internet. Yet around three-quarters of the world's population lives within reach of a mobile network. In the decade ahead, many people, especially in developing countries, will have their first contact with the internet via a mobile phone.

Predicting the end of the market research manager, and the rise of web-based market intelligence

No attempt for a complete answer, but this summer, I've read through The Tipping Point, 'that magic moment when ideas, trends and social behaviors cross a threshold, tip and spread like wildfire'. The book is interesting, but begs the question about the sustainability of trends.

There are trends which cause exponential growth in a very short time-frame, like Hush Puppies. But are these trends only sustainable until the next big thing?

A couple of years ago, there was a book (can't remember the title) which basically said: 'every trend can be explained by demographics'. Surely I'd put my money on trends supported by a demographic driver. But everybody can see these trends, and they are often too slow and too grand for real business purpose.

So I guess our challenge is to find specific trends, that are not hype but sustained by a momentum. And it would be good if only we would spot them, and if we were always right.

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