Odds ‘n Sods:

Matt in Texas suggested this piece: Kobyashi Maru. Matt’s comment: “This should help make it clear that the Federal Reserve is between a rock and a hard place. No matter what decision is made on the discount rate…we are toast.”

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Thanks to David F for sending this: Two dead in Europe fuel protests. David notes: “For those who think food riots and fuel shortages are limited to the Third World, I think this article might bring things home a bit. This is hoarding, boycotts, people dying, [all] because of oil. Could the US be next?”

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Flood news from the Midwest: Downtown flooding ‘devastating and unbelievable’ say onlookers. And meanwhile we read: Corn hits record, soy rallies as floods expand

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I just noticed that following news of some short term “strength” in the US Dollar, the spot price of silver has been pushed down below $16.40 per ounce. Dips like these are a great buying opportunity!