Economics and Investing:

Reader Tom C. wrote to mention an inflation data point: He noticed that half gallon bottles of lamp oil selling at Wal-Mart just jumped from $4.97 to $5.97 in one week–about a 20 percent increase.

Morgan Stanley borrowed the most in financial crisis. ($107.3 billion in one month, with no public disclosure!)

Gil Morales and Chris Kacher QE3: Top 8 Reasons Gold Goes Higher. (Thanks to Steve H. for the link.)

US Government Asset Seizures On The Rise. (A tip of the hat to Stephen M. for the link.)

Over at Fierce Finance: Layoff misery on Wall Street just getting started.

Items from The Economatrix:

AP Survey:  No Recession But Weakness Will Endure

21 Signs that the New Reality for Many Baby Boomers Will be to Work as Wage Slaves Until They Drop Dead

Layoffs Sweep Wall Stret, Along With Low Morale

Serious Mortgage Delinquencies Rise in Q2