Editor: The VIX just barely crept over the 30, which is not enough to get me really excited about a tradeable rally. I’d like to see a spike to 35 or 40. Of course, that’s just one component of a tradeable rally. There are a lot of other factors including oil going down.Now, with the improving market over the last couple of days, it’s back around 25. If you have a trading mentality, I think you wait for a bigger spike to risk a big trade. Perhaps Israel attacking Iran would be the sort of thing that would do it, which I believe could happen. For long term investors- Just tough it out at this point in my view, and keep your money in good sectors. I see alternative energy and health care as being to strong groups for the next year. Good for you on no penny stocks in your 401k. It’s not a suitable place to speculate on high risk situations.

Editor: On a scale of ridiculous comments, that’s about a 12 on a scale of 1 to 10. I suppose it’s my fault all these sub prime loans were funded, the dollar is falling apart, the banking sector is in crises, oil is over $130 per barrel, and the S&P 500 has been below the 10 day moving average for 28 days in a row, which hasn’t happened in 24 years. Boy, that’s a lot to be responsible for. Here’s the deal- I published SSL on every company I cover. SSL stands for Suggested Stop Loss- if you hold stocks below the levels I suggested selling them and getting out, you are stuck like I am. Now, if you can get past the blame game, and start thinking clearly, you will realize we are closing in on some once in a life time buying opportunity.

Editor: I believe you are seeing that now. I respect your decision, and there is nothing wrong with raising cash so you are ready to pounce when there is a turn around. However, I would hardly consider it specific to SPKL or micros in general- stocks all across the board are absolutely obliterated- many easily to the same extent SPKL- I am looking at many large cap trading at 1/3 of their value just two months ago. It is not a “pennygames” situation. It is widespread. 

Editor: Watch away. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to watch me. You should be watching the companies.  

Editor: As a company, it is far from dead in the water. As a stock that depends on US consumers to do business, it could be dead in the water for a bit longer. The short answer is yes, it’s a buy. If you’re trying to pick the absolute bottom, I would take my cues from the market and say no, it’s too early to call the bottom. When the market stops blowing its brains out, it will be time to see where we are. 

Editor: I haven’t done a trade in either of those in some time, but that’s not to say I won’t. As far as the Pickle goes, I have decided to be long term and I don’t expect to have to sell any for sometime. As EFSF goes, this could be a sources funds for the company as I don’t have as high a level of confidence, and own quite a bit more than I probably should. However, at this price, it’s ridiculous to sell. Since people are rumoring their going out of business, to me it’s way more of a buy right now. It’s so blown out, it could double easily.