He is something of a combined public jester, soft-core political agitator, and freelance director of recreation.

NEWYORKER: For Laughs

The company is seeing weakness in its core business, as well as soft demand for both solar and flat-panel equipment.

FORBES: Applied Materials Q4 Edges Ests; Outlook Weak; Shrs Slip

While headline inflation remains high, core inflation has come down and is likely to remain soft in coming months.

FORBES: Is India Bearishness Overblown?

Chairman Ben Bernanke has repeatedly called for the use of core inflation as a preferred measure. (Read Bernanke Gets Soft Balls As Experts See A Looming Correction).

FORBES: PPI And Sales Up As Inflation Debate Enters New Territory

My core belief is that excess speculation from the hedge fund feedback loop in the soft commodities markets combined with a rapid increase in catastrophic weather incidents will mean continued price spikes and dislocations.

FORBES: Grains Over Gold