Enough of the bad news. Let's all turn our attention to sectors and companies that are actually performing well during these turbulent times. Front and center is the biotechnology sector.

Shares of Chicago Bridge and Iron (CBI) were stung last week on the news of a huge pre-announcement of earnings. Apparently CBI would be taking a large charge to for unexpected cost over-runs at two of its liquefied natural gas terminals (LNG) in the United Kingdom.

Earnings season is always a difficult time to invest, but this one seems to have been harder than most. Companies that have hit earnings homeruns have gotten punished, while the ones that deserve to strike out, have seen their shares rally. And sometimes a good company's stock gets so beaten up it simply defies logic.

A few years back, I made Deckers Outdoor (DECK) one of my top portfolio selections. Back then, we were buying at below $30 a share. With a little help from an Oprah Winfrey endorsement of its furry little boot, DECK stock took off. By the end of 2007, shares crossed the $160 mark. But that was then and this is now...

I'm frequently asked to name my favorite stock to buy. So what's my favorite today? The choice isn't even close for me. I can't think of another name that's been beaten up by the market for so many unjustifiable reasons: Sirius Satellite Radio. It's ready to explode, and there are many reasons why you want to own SIRI now.

Are we there yet? Are the last vestiges of the mortgage crisis finally upon us? Wachovia (WB), the nation's fourth largest financial institution, announced earnings that missed expectations due to credit-to-credit losses that were greater than expected.

B/E Aerospace (BEAV), the world's leading manufacturer of cabin interior products for commercial passenger and business jets, has seen its shares plummet 50% this year as analysts worried that high fuel prices will cause airlines to cut back on replacing older seats to save cash.

Last week the market rallied, and some will claim this is nothing more than a dead cat bounce and a short covering move higher. I disagree completely. This rally has legs, and you would be wise to take advantage by establishing long positions, abandoning commodities and covering your shorts.

Finally, some positive news from the banking sector! Wells Fargo (WFC), the nation's fifth-largest bank, announced it earned $0.53 cents per share in 2Q. Yes, that's a 23% decline from a year ago, but the results topped analyst estimates of $0.49 a share. The company also announced.

August 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse in my hometown of Minneapolis. This catastrophic event put the entire country on alert with regard to our crumbling domestic infrastructure. The enormity of the problem, and amount of money required to fix it, provided a boost to companies that deal in heavy construction.

As the banking system crumbles around us, let's turn our attention to other, more fashionable sectors. With capitulation finally upon us, I'm preparing a long list of stocks to buy amid the carnage. One name I have had an eye for is Pacific Sunwear (PSUN).

I grew up with a wonderful grandmother and I respected her generation for their accomplishments through some difficult times in history. In a way, I feel embarrassed by my generation. It's been smooth sailing with many of those years filled with success. Until now

It's no surprise that in such a depressed economy consumers would want to escape to the big screen or other flights of fantasy. Such a move has been a boom for comic book and entertainment company, Marvel Entertainment

Hard to believe, but a couple of short weeks ago Dow component U.S. Steel (X) was one of the darlings of Wall Street. It seemed as every analyst had a "buy" rating on the Pittsburgh powerhouse and every portfolio manager was following that advice. Shares of the U.S. Steel hit a $196 intraday high back on June 24. Then, someone pulled the fire alarm and investors ran for the exit.

"If you're standing in front of the exits, get out of the way," the late Chick Hearn used to say when the Lakers opened up an insurmountable lead and the fans began to leave the building en masse.I remembered that quote today as I was witnessing the carnage in the gaming sector. Investors are heading for the exits

Did the headline grab your attention? If so, then sit back, and enjoy this story, as I unveil what I believe to be the greatest opportunity to build wealth not seen in many, many years.

As the stock market continues to head south, I believe it's time to go back to the tried and true, at least for a small portion of your portfolio. By tried and true, I mean the big blues–those trustworthy, stalwart blue chip stocks that can play defense in your portfolio. One that instantly comes to mind is AT&T (T).

Are you tired of the incessant economic blame game? I am. If you want your stock portfolios to go up in value, take a long look in the mirror. Simply put: The best thing you could do right now is consume less fuel. Work from home, move closer to work, or buy a scooter or motorcycle if you have to.