White male baby boomer, married, with dogs and cats. I have had the same personal financial advisor since 2004, and you can't have his phone number so don't ask.

I apply contrarian strategies, a strong respect for peak oil and for peak commodities in general, and a great fear of man's capacity to do massively stupid things with a herd mentality. I read Stephen Leeb and believe his basic opinions are accurate.

I invest in equities that have intrinsic value: if a corporation's product can satisfy a basic need it is eligible for my consideration.

I invest mostly in basic materials, precious metals, natural resources, agriculture, and energy. Most of my positions are international.

I believe the American economy and the global economy are contracting. A few corporations will prosper, but most will fail. Successful investing requires that one recognize short and long term trends, keep nimble, anticipate what the masses and funds will do with their money, and figure out who will perform better than their peers in a sector.

I also think some CEO's are worth following and betting on.

I believe economics and finance are more about history, culture, religion, fundamentals, politics, and emotions than about mathematical models. The market is a complex system, too complex for mere math to characterize. I think charts are worth looking at, but there's more to investing than chartology.

I don't invest in healthcare: too many trial attorneys.

I don't invest in computer tech: most emails are a waste of time, and we should have listened to Thomas Watson.

It is none of the government's business how much CEO's get paid. If the government wants to regulate the income of professionals, it should regulate what lawyers get paid. If the government wants to regulate a profession, it should regulate the practice of law.