Economics and Investing:

The Lumberman recommended this piece by veteran market analyst Bob Chapman: Financial Vehicles of Mass Destruction

Over at Fierce Finance: Criminal charges not likely in MF Global scandal. Corzine, Abelow, Roseman, Stockman, et al have escaped criminal indictments, but I suspect that they will be in court fighting civil lawsuits for the next four or five years. <Sarcasm on:> Perhaps Federal prosecutors can indict the MF Global’s janitor. After all, he was seen carrying out those trash bags full of paper shreddings. <Sarcasm off>

What Caused Silver’s Take-Down?
 
Derivatives: Exchange Traded Derivatives Trading Volumes Increase 11% in 2011

Items from The Economatrix:

Bernanke Warns Lawmakers Country Is Headed For “Massive Fiscal Cliff”

17 States Consider State Banks

China Dumps $100+ Billion In US Treasuries In December Per Revised TJC Data

Inflation Is A Tax And The Federal Reserve Is Taxing The Living Daylights Out Of Us