Rising animal spirits in the housing sector, which has been long anticipated, may soon be at hand.

FORBES: 3 Housing Stocks for a 2012 Rebound

Even so, Dr Eastlund hopes that he will soon be able to hand on the torch to someone who can make real use of it.

ECONOMIST: Nuclear waste

Even if they are returning, Democrats may not want to reveal their hand too soon, or the hand of any Republicans they might be working with.

FORBES: Could Wisconsin Democrats Reach a Deal with Nervous Republicans?

From cars that need to be hand-cranked to cars that might soon drive themselves: the auto industry has come a long way.

FORBES: How GM Lost -- And Found -- The Path To Innovation

Research in Motion on the other hand has invested heavily developing its soon to be released Blackberry 10 OS. Early reviews are favorable, and its likely Research in Motion wants to bring this to market for a hail Mary pass rather than throw in the towel now.

FORBES: Ballmer: Microsoft to Borrow Apple's Playbook

Soon, with the chance to be successful and make progress at hand, intrinsic motivation kicked in, which appears to echo some of Harvard Professor Roland Fryer Jr.

FORBES: Why Steve Jobs Would Have Loved Digital Learning

Although the act is unlikely to become law anytime soon, would-be immigrants with half a million dollars in hand need not despair: America has a visas-for-cash scheme up and running.

ECONOMIST: It is ever easier to buy your way in

It is looking to hand over security to the Malian government and to a soon-to-be created United Nations peacekeeping force.

NPR: Mali Sets Date For Presidential Election In July

On the other hand, there will be a striking break with recent experience if share prices do not bounce soon.

ECONOMIST: Rates going down

"I'll be honest with you, there were nerves but as soon as you get the ball in your hand the nerves start to go" he said.

BBC: Bath centre Nick Scott targets first-team role