For weeks commentators have been discussing the possibility of Greece leaving the eurozone and how a return to the drachma might be facilitated...The drachma is not Greece's only option however....In some parts of Greece social entrepreneurship, technology, and skepticism of politicians have already given rise to alternate trading mechanisms and created an environment where a cyrpto-currency by the name of "Bitcoin" could become increasingly popular. [Let me explain.] Words: 709

The US Federal Reserve, which has been the life-support for the U.S. economy (for better or for worse), is finally discovering that its policies and theories don't actually apply [in] the real world....This means that the primary prop underneath the U.S. stock market and financial system (namely Fed intervention) is slowly being removed. What follows will not be pretty and smart investors should be taking steps now to prepare in advance. Words: 350

The US Federal Reserve, which has been the life-support for the U.S. economy (for better or for worse), is finally discovering that its policies and theories don't actually apply [in] the real world....This means that the primary prop underneath the U.S. stock market and financial system (namely Fed intervention) is slowly being removed. What follows will not be pretty and smart investors should be taking steps now to prepare in advance. Words: 350

There are many important numbers that have made this world what it currently is but the following 10 are the most important numbers, or constants, in the entire world. They have led to bridges being built, finances being accounted for, and the completion of many other significant and necessary tasks throughout history.

Manganese is the 4th most traded metal in the world, mainly because it is indispensable in the production in steel and other alloys. The fastest growing sector, however, is in the use of manganese oxides for use in batteries and particularly rechargeable lithium ion (lithiated manganese dioxide or LMD) batteries. LMD batteries are ideal for applications that require high levels of power all at once such as power tools and now electic and hybrid vehicles. Take a look at the infographic presented here to learn about the important role manganese will play in our future.

Manganese is the 4th most traded metal in the world, mainly because it is indispensable in the production in steel and other alloys. The fastest growing sector, however, is in the use of manganese oxides for use in batteries and particularly rechargeable lithium ion (lithiated manganese dioxide or LMD) batteries. LMD batteries are ideal for applications that require high levels of power all at once such as power tools and now electic and hybrid vehicles. Take a look at the infographic presented here to learn about the important role manganese will play in our future.

The U.S. economy grew just 1.9 percent in the first quarter and is expected to show little improvement but...the ratio of household liquid assets to liabilities is now the highest since Q1 2002. [That's great, but exactly what does that really mean?] Words: 225

We will not be surprised if gold revisits the high of last year ($1,900) or pushes through to new all- time highs by year end....and gold stocks should respond very favorably to the perception of a directional change in bullion. We believe that the ten month decline in the gold price has been the major headwind for gold mining stocks....but if gold were to trade at $2000/oz. later this year, and should the ratio of gold mining shares (XAU basis) return to the mid -point of its range since the launch of GLD in 2004, or roughly 15% versus the current level roughly 10%, mining stocks could double on a 25% increase in the gold price.

We will not be surprised if gold revisits the high of last year ($1,900) or pushes through to new all- time highs by year end....and gold stocks should respond very favorably to the perception of a directional change in bullion. We believe that the ten month decline in the gold price has been the major headwind for gold mining stocks....but if gold were to trade at $2000/oz. later this year, and should the ratio of gold mining shares (XAU basis) return to the mid -point of its range since the launch of GLD in 2004, or roughly 15% versus the current level roughly 10%, mining stocks could double on a 25% increase in the gold price.

The very nature of the ques­tion used to solicit rates from the contributing banks to establish the LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), tells you all you need to know. The banks are asked, in effect, “At what rate could you bor­row funds, were you to do so by ask­ing for and then accept­ing inter-bank offers in a rea­son­able mar­ket size just prior to 11 am?” The bank is sup­posed to sub­mit a rate where they think they could bor­row, not where they actu­ally bor­rowed, or where they would lend to other con­trib­u­tors...and, as such, LIBOR has always had an ele­ment of “games­man­ship” if not out­right lying. [Here's what you should know about what LIBOR is, how it is established and why you should really care.] Words: 1100