Economics and Investing:

Why does this not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling? The Fed now owns Red Roof Inns. (Thanks to SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson for spotting that article.)

Food stamp tally nears 40 million, sets record. (Thanks to Brian B. for the link.)

G.G. sent this: America has good reason to worry about Greece.

Also from G.G.: EU close to €500 billion boost for rescue plan

Reader Ralph N. ran across an article in The Wall Street Journal that confirms the warning that I made three years ago: Will Nickel-Free Nickels Make a Dime’s Worth of Difference?
Plan to Mint Cheaper Coins Tests Mettle of Laundromats, Zinc Lobbyists

Items from The Economatrix:

Stocks Surge on Plan to Ease European Debt Crunch

Fannie Mae Seeks $8.1 Billion in Aid After First Quarter Loss

750 Billion Euro Rescue Package Sparks Global Rally

Celente: Crash of 2010 Inevitable

20 Most Stressed, Least Stressed Counties in America

Greek Debt Contagion Fears Batter Euro, Stock Markets

End of Unemployment Checks Mean No Income for Many

Gold Heats Up as Athens Burns

Gold Again Over $1,200…Going to $2,000+, But False Misleading Statements Still Abound