Impact Of US Presidential Elections On Capital Markets

Whenever there are US presidential elections, there are bound to be consequences in the capital markets. These may not be real or permanent. But for a while we see changing sentiments. This also throws many opportunities to savvy investors in the short run. 2008 is going to be another interesting year for all the Americans and the world because of the US presidential elections. These will have impact on many things. Affect on stock markets can be one of them.

In order to understand the above, close attention needs to be paid to policy statements of each political party and their candidates. Generally speaking the usual sectors that draw attention are the health, energy, financial, education, entertainment, defense and international policy sectors.

Health Care

This is obviously one of the biggest and most important sectors. Every party has something to say regarding the health care plan. This has implications for private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies. Their stock prices may vary depending on the direction of policies. For example if there is a universal state sponsored health care plan, this can affect the share prices of a larger number of companies negatively.

Energy Sector

In order to reduce dependence on expensive oil prices and tackle global warming, alternative sources of energy and environment friendly programs may attract more attention and investments. Financial Sector

Financial

More state control on this sector and increased regulation will affect share prices adversely of the companies falling in this sector. Any greater role given to public sector companies can also dampen the prices of a large number of private financial firms.

Education

College and University education are sensitive to any policy changes relating to financing, loans, grants etc.

Defense

Government policies on spending on defense will have substantial impact on the earnings of defense related companies. Reducing or increasing government spending will directly affect these earnings.

For the industrial sector as a whole corporate taxation, direct and indirect taxation policies affects the share prices accordingly. It also needs to be seen as to how the parties propose to deal with budgetary deficits, falling dollar, credit problems, housing prices etc.

Playing it safe

Generally affects on stock prices of most of the presidential elections is transitory as the victory of any candidate is not going to substantially affect the earnings of companies overnight. There is always a good time lag. This throws possibilities of making money in both falling and rising markets. Certain stocks may move for some time but ultimately these may return back to their original levels. So it might be advisable to invest in those stocks which fall in post election period as these are likely to come back after some time.

Recession In The US Economy

An economy is officially in recession when Gross Domestic Production of a country is negative for two quarters or more. The stress here is on negative growth. However, it is likely that an economy may not experience any negative growth but a prolonged growth of reduced or very low growth, though not negative. Because of this, we may still feel like recessionary conditions though not declared officially as yet.

Even though US economy has not officially been declared to be in recession, there are supposed to be a large number of recessionary conditions which may finally lead to a recession. These are a larger jump in unemployment numbers, inflationary conditions, credit crunch, housing meltdown, falling consumer sentiments, huge trade deficits, falling dollar values, weakening stocks etc. It is believed that US economy is facing all of these conditions at present.

Since US economy has extensive involvement with many major world economies, any recession here may in turn lead to global recession. That is why any slowing down of US economy immediately attracts worldwide attention.

US government does not admit that there is a recession as yet. US president has been sending positive statements and he has been denying that the US economy is in any danger of recessionary conditions.

US unemployment data has suggested an unemployment rate of 5% during December 2007 after jumping from 4.7%. 5% rate of unemployment should not be that alarming as this has hovered around 6% historically. But this is considered to be a big jump and there was immediate negative reaction in the stock markets.

Slowing growth in the US economy has been causing worries amongst many experts and institutions.

Other factors affecting the US economy at present are falling housing prices, tightening credit markets, tumbling value of US dollar, ballooning national credit or budgetary deficits, rising energy prices etc.

Business sentiment also appears to be on the decline. Many people do not seem to be having much faith in the US economy at present. International proxy wars have also done a great damage to the US economy.

US Government is considering many measures to combat recessionary conditions. These include tax packages, interest rate relief, liquidity injection, energy conservation and the like. However, it may not be easy to tackle wider issues like reduced business spending, spiraling energy prices, huge budgetary deficits etc.

US presidential elections are due in 2008. We may witness continuing uncertainty till these are over and there is a clear policy direction from the US Government.

One particular area to remain vigilant about is continuing downward pressure on housing prices. If this trend continues there may be further mortgage defaults. This may then spread over to other sectors like the consumer discretionary sector. That may add fuel to recessionary conditions.

To Rent or To Buy – That Is The Question

There seems to be no end to this debate. There are critics on both sides of this question. Most of the debate revolves round the financial aspects of purchasing a house. The usual factors affecting a decision are the price, the carrying costs, availability of loan, affordability of mortgage and prospects of appreciation.

In addition to the monetary side of a housing project, there is a personal thing involved as well in a private decision. Many a times people purchase houses not because of the financial considerations, but due to aesthetic reasons. It is understandable that any house which is not purchased primarily for investment purposes has to come up to the expectations of the buyers. This should meet their requirements as regards space, tastes, features, location and of course the affordability.

If someone is buying a house for investment purposes only, monetary criteria are important and the overall benefit-cost analysis has to be positive in order to justify this type of investment. However, when a house is bought essentially for living purposes, one cannot put a dollar value of each aspect of a house. It may not only be hard but also improper to measure every feature associated with house in monetary terms.

Many other considerations matter in the purchase of a house. This includes the convenience and location of a house, the comforts, the psychological factor, the pride of ownership, a feeling of belonging, privacy and security, environmental aspects, private swimming and sauna facilities, gardening possibilities, friendly neighborhood and the like. Most of these are non-monetary factors.

However, the negative factors are need for time to look after the maintenance of the house, recurring repairs, hassles of dealing with so many utility companies, arrangements for private security or security alarms, basement leakages, increasing carrying costs and property taxes, changing neighborhoods etc.

On the monetary side, one big aspect is the building of equity in the house. As the time goes by, people tend to accumulate equity in houses which ultimately becomes a retirement nest for many people. If a house has many positive features, a house may bring him a large fortune to any owner over time due to appreciation etc.

One thing is there. Historically over a long period of time very rarely can any one lose money on a house. There are cycles over which the prices of housing properties vary. There may be periods of high prices as we are seeing now or slumps. However, a history of the housing prices over the past century or half a century has shown a constant price increase. There is just an upward trend in housing prices. So if one wants to buy a house at any time and is hoping to keep it for a long time, it is very likely that that house would appreciate, speaking historically.

On the other hand while renting, one is free from a large number of hassles associated with the ownership f a house.

There has also been a debate between the votaries of equity investment and real estate investment. Many equity analysts show that over a longer period of time investments in stock markets have realized greater returns than any investment in housing. Stocks are also highly liquid than property.

Ultimately any decision in buying a house is an individual decision. It has to match the tastes, circumstances and situations of each individual separately. What may be good for one person any not at all be suitable for another?

Understanding Credit Report Scores

A large number of individuals are oblivious of their credit scores and how they are calculated. A credit score is now increasingly used by employers, lenders, landlords and car loan vendors. Unfortunately most consumers are not aware of it and how it is calculated.

The calculation of a credit score is based on a credit report. A special type of software from Fair Issac Corporation Company or FICO is used for this. That is why it is also called a FICO credit score.

A credit report is a detailed account of an individual’s credit history, debts, loans, repayments and credit enquiries. It shows if a person has been paying his monthly bills in time and whether there have been any defaults. If also indicates if a person has fulfilled the terms of contract with lenders, the types of credit he is having and his complete credit history.

The three main credit bureaus which maintain an individual’s credit record are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Banks, utility companies and other lenders have direct links with these companies. All financial details with individuals tend to be reported to them after every loan and every repayment. Any non-fulfillment of credit obligations gets immediately reported and included in a credit report.

The first step in improving credit score is to understand a credit report. It is composed of the following components:

Payment History

This accounts for 35% of the credit score. It indicates if monthly bills have been paid in time and if there are have been any overdue amounts.

Extent of Indebtedness

Many individuals may are ignorant that their volume of credit constitutes about 30 percent of the credit score. Thus if a person has been maximizing his credit limits, that will affect a credit score negatively. Therefore, it is prudent to keep utilization of credit below your borrowings limits, preferably below 40%.

Length of Credit History

The longer a person has been having credit, the better it is. The length of time over which a person has been having credit weighs about 15% of the credit score.

Types of credit

Composition of one’s credit accounts for 10% of the credit score. It could be a mix of loans, credit lines, student lines, credit cards, car loans, student loans, retails credit etc. Some of these like student loans are on softer terms while as some like credit card debts carry very high rates of interest. While the former may not be viewed as negatively, the latter is quite repugnant.

New Credit

It may be surprising to know that even credit enquiries on one’s file makes up about 10% of the credit score. So try to limit the number of credit enquiries.

A credit score varies between 350 and 850. The average score is about 650 to 700. Any score above 680 is considered to be good for any type of credit and below 560 poor. While 850 indicates an excellent score, 350 is a very bad score.

Credit history of up to 7 years is used for the calculation of a credit score. In order to fix credit scores, it is important that credit card debt is completely eliminated, all monthly bills are paid in time and credit is used judiciously. If one credit has gone bad due to some reason, one should rebuild it as fast as possible. How to raise your credit score starts undoubtedly first with understanding credit rate score.

Choosing Between Fixed Mortgages or Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Perhaps buying a house is the single most important investment during the lifetime of a person. Unfortunately it is not easy to make an informed decision. All potential buyers do not fully understand the various issues involved in the whole buying process. One of the issues involves a decision to consider adjustable versus fixed rate mortgages.

There is no simple answer which of the two will be better for a person. Any decision depends upon individual circumstances and preferences. Though a fixed rate mortgage is a little expensive, many first time home buyers go for the same.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

A fixed rate mortgage is easy to understand and is characterized with a stable rate of interest. So it is more certain and one will not lose peace of mind during periods of fluctuating interest rates. Other benefits are that this involves low down payment and few calculations.

Fixed mortgages are linked more with bond markets. Because of the elements of certainty and easy understandability, these are more popular especially with first time home purchasers.

On the other hand, fixed mortgages are generally offered at high rates of interest. Since these involve fixed rates, one will not be able to benefit from falling rates of interest.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages

There are many types of variable mortgages like standard variable rate mortgages, discounted, cash back and tracker mortgages.

Many buyers have been immensely benefited from variable interest rate mortgages. Professionals generally opt for variable rate mortgages. Many studies have shown greater savings with variable than fixed mortgages. These carry low rates of interest and falling interest rates get immediately reflected in them.

However, Variable interest rate mortgages require a higher down payment and are uncertain and are not easy to administer. This may not be suitable for many buyers with weak hearts as one is apt to be worried from fluctuating rates of interest.

The Choice

During these times, it appears that interest rates have fallen to very low levels and that these may not fall any further or too much. In view of this, fixed rate mortgages may be preferable for the time being. An informed decision can be made in consultation with experts.

Know How Mortgage Lenders Assess Your Mortgage

Home buying is not an easy decision, though attractive. It involves money and effort. Banks also don’t lend money to everyone. Mortgage lenders have certain criteria which they apply to every loan application that they receive.

Before lending, lenders try to find out if you have the capacity and the will to pay back mortgage loans.

A banker follows following criteria to assess an application for a mortgage:

Employment History

Things like how long a borrower has been working, whether permanent or temporary, full time or part time are crucial. This indicates his sustainability in the job market. This should indicate that a borrower has been regularly on the job. It is natural that one might have changed jobs over time ad that is acceptable.

Gross Income

A long employment history also shows that an applicant has a consistent flow of money. Gross income includes overtime work, income from second and part time jobs, social security and welfare benefits, alimony, child support, disability benefits etc.

Net Worth

While assessing the net worth of a borrower, a banker considers all of his assets and debts. Assets consist of liquid cash in the bank, GICs, investments, insurance policies, investments in stocks and mutual funds, properties and equities in them. Debts will include all loans, credit card debt, mortgage loans, car loans, retail debt. etc.

Monthly Expenses

A banker will also take into account all the monthly expenses that a borrower will have to incur. In this, recurring expenses like monthly rent, school fees, living expenses etc. are important. This should not be more than 28% of gross salary. Expenses will also include monthly repayment of loans and interest, property taxes, mortgage rates and mortgage payments, homeowner’s fees, mortgage insurance, payments on student and car loans etc. All monthly expenses and payments should not exceed 36 per cent of your monthly earnings.

Credit Score

A credit score is derived from a credit report. A credit report shows whether a person has been paying his monthly bills and debts in time, composition of credit and credit history. A credit score is calculated by a special type of software. Any credit score above 680 means good credit. While 850 means a excellent credit, 350 means worst credit.

An average person may not understand all the factors involved while applying for a mortgage. There are also certain special assistance programs that are available but which may not be known to every home buyer. Therefore, it may be advisable to take the help of experts.

Competitive Analysis For Business Success

Any comprehensive competitive analysis involves understanding and analyzing competitor businesses, strategies, clients, market share and marketing, niche area, competitor strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats etc.

Success in any online business or Ebusiness or Ecommerce is the objective of many businesses. However, it is not that easy. More than 92% of online businesses fail. One of the main reasons for this is that they are ignorant of competitive environment.

Why some online businesses are successful and others are not? Why some customers have preference for one business than the other? In order to understand these questions it is important that a proper competitor intelligence is done.

With wide spread Internet, world has become a huge market place. No business on the net is now restricted to any particular geographical area. Internet has provided a leveling field equally to the big and small businesses. Establishing a business online has become so cheap and easy that there are hundreds of thousands of suppliers in any particular line of business.

Competitive intelligence is necessary in order to be successful in a competitive market and to stand out of the crowd. Any competitive analysis should throw light on the following:

Nature of Competition

Any online business must have the information about the number of competitors, their volume of business, product mix etc. It also needs to be seen how they produce and market their goods and services.

Market Analysis

This involves target market, pricing and marketing strategy, overall product information and presentation. Some competitors have more offline business than online business. Their online business only marginally supplements their offline business by publicity and sales. It might be also useful to study this and to understand its implications for overall competitive advantage.

SWOT

This stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. A SWOT analysis will bring out the strengths and weaknesses of any business and outside opportunities and threats objectively.

Competitive Websites

Competitive research under this will involve a study of competitor websites, their layout, design, theme, links, content and the ease of navigation.

The test of any ultimate business success is to demonstrate in what respects a product or service is different and better than the one provided by competitive competition.

Only after understanding competitors and their businesses, you will be able to formulate your own competitive strategy. This necessitates that a thorough competitive analysis is conducted not only at the start of a business but even at other times during ongoing business.

Any competitive analysis requires detailed competitive intelligence. All established and aspiring online businesses need to do a competitive analysis. Fortunately there are many professionals doing this job to establish your competitive edge.

The author has also long research experience and can do any type of competitive analysis in consultation with the clients. It can be quite to get an independent opinion regarding the competitive market for certainty and final success.

Online Business - Why I shun Ebay?

Like everyone else I was thinking of using EBay for a little business. In all, my sales must have been less than $2000.

I got a jolt some time back from EBay. At a time when I was almost inactive on EBay, I got an email from them that my EBay seller experience has been poor and so I was being suspended.

I was obviously surprised and pointed out that I am no more active on EBay and that my feedback score is in tact. I really could not understand what they were talking about. I got a reply from EBay that my account will not now be suspended but will remain under observation. After about a month I got another email from EBay like the earlier one.

I again responded and again received the same reply. This time I was not only not selling anything on EBay, I was not even logging on to my account. Then it happened one more time.

Each time I tried to reason out with EBay customer service, I was surprised to receive the same reply. I got fed up and stopped thinking of EBay altogether. I don’t even log into my account now, not to mention of doing any transactions.

I believe that they have stereotyped replies and hardly bother to address real issues.

What are the lessons? Don’t rely too much on EBay. They may shut down your account at any time without any reason. I know now that this has happened with many others and they also left EBay. EBay will not only not listen but make one more frustrated by raking in irrelevant issues.

If one is serious about online business, one should always have options and not to depend heavily on EBay. This should be used as an aid rather than as the main platform for doing business.

The best place to do business is from one’s own web site. It is dirt cheap now to set up a web site and to display one’s products. The only thing one has to do is to drive traffic to the same. This may not be that difficult if one follows right strategies.

Another important measure to consider is to also try other online sites. There are so many now like Amazon, Yahoo Auction, OnlineAuction, overstock, Ubid, BySellTrade, Eepier etc.

Online business is now expanding. One should never put all eggs in one basket. My best advice will be to use EBay as one of the promotional tools rather than the main platform for doing business, lest one is frustrated at some point of time because of the weird EBay customer service.

Global Warming And Arctic Sea

One of the major effects of global warming is the melting of ice in the arctic region. This has resulted in the opening of a navigable route between the Atlantic and the Pacific.

According to the European Space Agency (ESA), melting of sea ice in the Arctic region has led to the opening of a new route linking Europe with Asia, hitherto seen impossible. According to scientists, all ice in Arctic may melt as early as 2040.

Northwest Passage in the Canadian Arctic is considered to be a possible cheaper route as compared to the Panama Canal. This may also lead to the blocked Northwest Passage through the Russian Arctic.

The above suggests that climatic change is affecting international routes favorably. Melting of ice in the Arctic may not only lead to finding of more routes, but also more oil and gas. Whole of Arctic region is considered to be resource rich with immeasurable quantities of oil and gas which Scandinavian countries, Canada, Russia and USA would like to control and exploit.

Because of richness of natural resources many countries like Canada and Russia are likely to make increased claims on the Arctic region. Other countries involved are US, Norway and Denmark. Russia alone is claiming 45% of the Arctic. Canada is in the process establishing a Canadian force as part of Canada First Defense Strategy to patrol Arctic.

At present Arctic region represents a no man’s land. Increased claims by various countries on this will have to be based on geographic connectivity and proximity. These claims will eventually have to be settled by an international agency.

While global warming is considered to be generally harmful, in some cases it also has beneficial effects like the above. However, in the longer run, it is feared that increased sea traffic and exploitation of natural resources may result in oil spills and destruction of regional wildlife.

Thought Of The Day - Move On

Do not look back, my friend.

No one knows how the world ever began.

Do not fear the future. Nothing lasts for ever.

If you dwell on the past or the future, you will miss the moment.


Rumi

I Am Back

After availing holidays for more than a month, I am back on the table. During this period, I could not write any new posts. I had hoped to write something while still on vacations, but that could not be possible. Though I had some free time sometimes, I felt lazy and did not want to write. But now I am back and will continue new posts.

Vacations are always rejuvenating. It was a carefree month for me and I liked to be lazy, eating, relaxing and gossiping around.

It is always difficult to start right away after returning from holidays. Though it is a few days that I returned, I am still feeling sleepy and slow.

I feel that everyone should take vacations of about a month at least once a year. Life is too short and we need lighter moments of life. One should travel, see new places, meet new people and see how the world is changing.

Of course, it is not easy to travel abroad these days given too many security restrictions. International travel has become difficult and sometimes unpleasant. If one can withstand the pressures of international travel of these times, it is definitely rewarding.

Prospects Of A World Government

World is beset with so many problems. Political and geographical problems are two most important of them. Can the presence of a world government be the answer to the solution of all the ills afflicting this world?

United Nations Organization is not a world government but it has many functions that a government does. It could very well be a substitute for a world government, but it has failed in so many respects.

Given the myriad of differences amongst the countries, it is simple naive to think that we can have one world government. At best it will be prudent to strengthen the United Nations itself rather than to create any new world body.

World is too diverse for a world government. That is the ideal that any one will cherish. A world government based on the principles of freedom, democracy, non-discrimination, economic well being of all etc. can just be a dream.

There is no such thing as one world government prophecy. That may a doomsday come true. Only a prophet like a Jesus can usher in such a body.

We know how United Nations has failed in so many respects. It is merely a discussion platform. In fact even that is an achievement. Governments do have a place where they can share their views and hold discussions. Though it has not been able to eliminate war and misery, it has succeeded in so many other respects.

If at all there is any effort being made towards a world government, it should start with strengthening the United Nations. Only that has the prospects of becoming a world government, if at all possible.

We have to recognize the differences across the globe in terms of endowment of resources, cultural traits, politics, levels of development, economic systems, technological developments, skills etc. These play an important part in any world body.

Given the looming conditions of energy crisis, global warming, global trading, migration etc., it is quite essential that world societies work together. The presence of a strong global entity is necessary for taking measures towards the solution of these issues.

International countries may not support or strength a world body of their own will, but many issues that may unfold in future may force them towards increased international cooperation and a stronger body than the United nations.

Career Of a Police Officer

A police officer is there to protect ordinary people. That is what is his duty and what he is trained for. This is not an ordinary responsibility. He instills trust and confidence amongst people.

However, a police officer is subject to certain risks as has been demonstrated time and again. He is always in the harm's way. Wearing a distinctive uniform he is always noticeable.

Police officers often times lose their lives unexpectedly. They constantly face dangers. One never knows that even while carrying normal duties one can face unexpected violence or happenings.

Recently one police officer got killed while searching a car. The driver reversed the car and dragged the officer underneath. In another instance, while making a routine round, police spotted a normal looking house used as a narcotics lab.

Given the preset day technology, underground mafia, gun culture, terrorist attacks, lure of riches etc., anything can happen anywhere. Police are already seized of these and they are provided sufficient training to deal with all such situations.

But nothing can be secured totally. There is always element of risk. People always find new ways of doing crimes.

Any one who wants to take police as his career, has to be prepared for all the situations and even death. It is not an easy job.

Besides being liable to risk, a police officer is also required to work at odd times. On occasions, he is expected to be present for prolonged hours. He has also to work on shifts.

Though salaries and perks of police are better than many others but they are not the best. One will not become rich by being a police officer. One has to accept usual pay and a commitment to serve the public.

A police officer caries respect and prestige. He has to be address with proper salutations and obeyed. He can also be a friend and a guide. Many times public members approach them even for directions.

Police carries huge powers. With this also comes responsibility. They have to use their powers judiciously and carefully. They are liable for immediate media attention and complaints. While police are liable to easy criticism, they may not get an equal appreciation for their achievements.

Pursuing a police career can not be right for everybody. This needs commitment, hard work, agility, a motto to serve, readiness to face danger etc. If all of these traits are there, a career with police department can be truly satisfying.

Are Governments Mediocre?

The primary duties of any government are the protection of lives, properties, preservation of basic human rights, freedom from fear, poverty, non discrimination etc. People always have great expectations from their governments.

How far are governments living up to the standards and aspirations of people? Of course, no government can satisfy all its citizens. However, each government need to be judged by its performance against its primary duties.

If we look around the world, we can see that almost in all countries there are some shortcomings. Many a times the lives and properties get destroyed at the hands of underworld dons and mafia. In numerous cases, governments have been spectators and have been unable to protect their citizens.

The situation in poor and less developed countries is rather grim. Whenever, hoodlums want to strike, they seem to do it with impunity. People do not have full faith in government capabilities and many times have been let down.

In worst cases, governments themselves are repressive. They are not only incompetent but also often side with criminals.

Take the cases of Afghanistan and Iraq, the two black spots on the surface of this earth. Despite a large international military presence and support, ruling governments have shown their mediocrity time and again.

Are these governments in control? There is no safety for populace there at large. Despite all the force in their command, they are not able to rein the wicked. Hoodlums seem to be operating freely.

A handful of anti social elements are kidnapping large number of innocent persons and governments are unable to nab them despite the backing of world armies and all kinds of amazing technology.

In many cases around the world, governments themselves are hand in glow with undesirable persons. Although eventually they get caught and punished, this does not deter more thugs to replace them.

The struggle between ruffians, governments and innocent people has been going on for ages and this trend is likely to continue. We see that even in major cities in advanced countries like New York or Toronto, underworld gangs strike whenever they want to and it is hard for governments to control or catch them.

The best thing that general people can do is to remain themselves vigilant and not to look all the time at their governments to come forward and get them out of their miseries. After all no government has a magical wand to come to the rescue of everyone all the time.

Tom DiCillo’s “Delirious” – Reality in Fun

Have you heard about “Delirious”? True to its name, it could be one of the funniest and exciting movies of this summer. This light romantic comedy is going on the screen in the theaters of New York City starting August 15, 2007, followed by Chicago and Los Angels. That is what I can glean from the preview and background of this film.

Want to see a movie full of satire, friendship, love and delirium, all in one? Yes, that is what “Delirious” is all about. I wish I could be in New York on the date of launch of this film and witness unfolding of great romance and thrill in an atmosphere filled with celebrities, paparazzi, fame, glamor, art and fashion.

This film is not just about celebrities or glamor. These have been used as a background to an amazing story of helplessness, desire, adventure and fulfillment.

With prominent stars like Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt, Alison Lohman, Gina Gershon, and Elvis Costello, one can feel the depth and richness of this movie. They are prominent actors, writers, models, musicians and singers.

All of them have numerous films to their credit with some of best performances. No wonder they received various awards at several international film festivals for their respective roles.

Tom DiCillo, writer and director, won Grand Prize at the 1992 Locarno International Film Festival for his very first feature film “Johnny Suede” (1991). There was no looking back for him after that, winning award after award. Some of the most prominent films to his credit are “Living in Oblivion”, “Box of Moonlight”, “The Real Blonde”, “Double Whammy” etc.

Steve Buscemi, Michael Pitt and Alison Lohman play the three main characters of the “Delirious”. Les Galantine (Steve) is the lower rung ambitious paparazzi. He is always on the lookout for a unique picture of a celebrity. Toby (Michael Pitt), wants to become an actor. Both want fame and fortune but in different areas.

It will be exciting to see how Steve and Pitt become friends with different ambitions and how the two go ahead towards the achievement of their goals. It will also be interesting to see how Pitt reaches stardom with the help of K’Harma Leeds (Alison).

Nothing will be more entertaining than watching the trio in action.

The film is a story of desires, aspirations, struggles, tragedy, failures and achievements in an atmosphere of pomp and show. I am sure that everyone will see a shade of themselves in this film amidst a plethora of fun, entertainment and laughter.

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