You probably don't have enough time during the past week much to surf the internet in search of informative and well-written articles on the health of the economies of the U.S., Canada and Europe; the on-going development of the world's financial crisis and the various investment opportunities that present themselves related to commodities (gold and silver in particular) and the stock market - but don't worry! - I have done it for you

Comparing the level of the Vix Index of implied equity volatility to the level of the 10-yr Treasury yield is a handy way of gauging how extreme market sentiment is. The Vix index is a good proxy for fear (because the implied volatility of options determines how expensive it is to purchase options in order to limit one's downside risk), and the 10-yr Treasury yield is a good proxy for the market's long-term outlook for growth and inflation. When you combine a high level of the Vix with a low level of the 10-yr, you have a market that is not only very fearful but also very pessimistic about the future. [IMO, however, we may well have time on our side. Here's what I mean by that.] Words: 730

Gold is in a bull market and, [believe it or not,] so are the gold stocks despite their struggle as a group to outperform gold... but [neither] is anywhere close to a bubble, nor the speculative zeal we saw in 2006-2007. Thus, it begs the question" "What lies ahead and when can we expect the initial stages of a bubble?" To figure this out we first need to get an idea of how long the bull market will last and then where we are now based on various indice analyses. [Below I do just that.] Words: 785

The market believes that there is more profit to be made in speculation than in new business investment - and speculation is what you get when you weaken the incentives to invest in productive activities for the long haul. In fact, fear and uncertainty are inhibiting growth [- almost everywhere - as shown in graphic form in the 8 charts below]. Words: 1000

If sales for November and December match the levels of 2010, total sales of American Silver Eagle coins for 2011 should... [be] more than 20% above the record breaking sales level of 2010. [Not only that but] with physical demand remaining robust and investors seeking safe-haven investments in the face of the Eurozone debt crisis, I believe we could still see silver break above $50 by year-end or during Q1 of 2012 at the very latest. [Let me explain.] Words: 402

In 1956 Hubbert predicted that US oil peak [production] would be sometime between 1969 and 1971 for [which] he was ridiculed...[but it did precisely that - ] in 1970... Then, in 1974, he predicted [that] the world ] production of crude] oil [would] peak [around] 1998 [qualifying that projection by saying] that if OPEC were to restrict the supply, then the peak would be delayed by 10-15 years which would put it at 2008-2013, or exactly right. OK, now is anyone willing to make a bet that Hubbert's THIRD prophecy about the cultural crisis he expected is wrong? Didn't think so. Here it is [- and I include in the article several suggestions on how Hubbert's 3rd forecast might actually be averted were the powers to be agree to take drastic action, which is unlikely]. Words: 1369

As with most things in life, making an investment in silver or gold is not without risk....What do you suppose is the biggest risk we face [and how should we go about protecting our holdings? Read on because you will be surprised!] Words: 1885

Investing is often a study of inconsistencies and contradictions. If it weren’t, the markets would be a simple game and there would no back and forth between buyers and sellers, greed and fear and technical analysts, fundamentalists and momentum players. Our experience with silver since the end of last year illustrates this [but] we [still] think it makes sense to get exposure to the metal. [Let us explain.] Words: 820

The U.S. is headed inexorably toward a systemic failure, a complete and utter collapse of the financial system. TARP and all the other machinations have not improved the underlying insolvency of the banking system. They have, however, deferred a collapse and ensured that it will ultimately be worse. [Let me explain.] Words: 1385

I have a great deal of respect for Paul Krugman as an economist. He has a unique talent among economists for being able to make complex economic issues both understandable and interesting for the average person. [That being said,]...I am far less impressed with his abilities as a public policy commentator. [Let me explain.] Words: 567