Venezuela Receives Last Shipment of Repatriated Gold Bars

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-31/venezuela-receives-last-shipment-of-repatriated-gold-bars-1-.html

Sprott Physical Gold Trust Announces Follow-on Offering of Trust Units

Now that Sprott has loaded up on physical silver to back his silver trust, he is buying more physical gold.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sprott-Physical-Gold-Trust-ccn-3001101719.html?x=0

Caesar Bryan - Tidal Wave of Gold Buying as Confidence Lost

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/2/1_Caesar_Bryan_-_Tidal_Wave_of_Gold_Buying_as_Confidence_Lost.html

About Those US Jobs

http://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/about-those-us-jobs?ppref=CRX420ED0112B

Q: You recently testified before Congress in an antitrust hearing about Google. What are your reflections on the experience? Were the leaders there asking the right questions?

Eric Schmidt: So we get hauled in front of the Congress for developing a product that's free, that serves a billion people. Okay? I mean, I don't know how to say it any clearer. I mean, it's fine. It's their job. But it's not like we raised prices. We could lower prices from free to… lower than free? You see what I'm saying?

Controller: State to run out of cash in March without action

Forget Greece--California is broke--again.

http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/01/controller-state-to-run-out-of-cash-in-march-without-action.html

Mafia Banking Cartel Blackmail Greece into Antiquities Debt Pay Off Deal

http://youtu.be/RtvXMqALPOw

Rickards: Gold May Super Spike as We See the End of the Dollar

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/1/27_Rickards__Gold_May_Super_Spike_as_We_See_the_End_of_the_Dollar.html

Leeb - Fed Game Changer Sparks 2nd Leg of Gold & Silver Bulls

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/1/26_Leeb_-_Fed_Game_Changer_Sparks_2nd_Leg_of_Gold_%26_Silver_Bulls.html

This Is Europe's Scariest Chart

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/europes-scariest-chart

Some may be surprised to learn that while Portugal, and Greece, are quite bad, at 30.7% and 46.6% respectively, it is Spain where the youth unemployment pain is most acute: at 51.4%, more than half of the youth eligible for work does not have a job!

San Francisco Fed Admits Bernanke Powerless To Fix Unemployment Problem

The title says it all.  Even the financial elite are acknowledging their failures.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/san-francisco-fed-admits-bernanke-powerless-fix-unemployment

State of Denial in Coming War Catastrophe

http://usawatchdog.com/state-of-denial-in-coming-war-catastrophe/

Why Are the Chinese Buying Record Quantities of Gold?

Again, thanks to Kitty for finding this article.


http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonchang/2012/01/29/why-are-the-chinese-buying-record-quantities-of-gold/

COLE: Obama’s next bailout

Thanks to Kitty for finding this op-ed.


http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/27/obamas-next-bailout/#.TyS7GqosdQs.facebook

President Obama's State of the Union: Ten Skirted Issues

http://www.nomiprins.com/thoughts/2012/1/24/president-obamas-state-of-the-union-ten-skirted-issues.html

What Have We Learned in the Past 13 Years?

In today's command economy, cheating pays--especially if you can cheat the gullible public.

http://www.oftwominds.com/blogjan12/what-have-we-learned01-12.html

No More Tinfoil Hats

http://resourceclips.com/2012/01/23/no-more-tinfoil-hats/

“Our credibility has really surged, because we know what’s happening and why.” Powell adds, “My sense is that most people seriously involved in the gold market either know that central banks are interfering surreptitiously or have strong suspicions that they are. We’re not considered men from Mars anymore, tinfoil-hat wearers. As we’ve seen from essays in the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal and other publications, ‘financial repression’ is now a commonly used phrase. It means central banks intervening in markets. I don’t think it’s been used explicitly in connection with the gold market yet, but I consider this a very big step in the perception of GATA’s position.”

Murphy cites chapter and verse regarding the media repression of GATA. “I was on CNBC in February 1999, and I’ve been banned ever since,” he says. Powell then points out this ban does not extend across the Atlantic, “You have been on CNBC Europe since then.” Murphy then expresses astonishment at the continuing mainstream media freeze-out in America. “No one has been more right on the gold market than us, and no one has explained it better. We’ve had four international conferences, including a sold-out conference last year at the Savoy Hotel in London. We’ve had whistleblower events, and Reuters and Bloomberg were there, and they wouldn’t even mention our name.”

Obama Puppetmaster Warren Buffett Biggest Winner From Keystone Pipeline Rejection

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/obama-puppetmaster-warren-buffett-biggest-winner-keystone-pipeline-rejection

When Will Silver Reach a New High?

http://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/when-will-silver-reach-new-high?ppref=CRX433ED0112C

Yet another reminder that democracy is an illusion

http://www.sovereignman.com/expat/yet-another-reminder-that-democracy-is-an-illusion/

Currency Wars - Iran Banned From Trading Gold and Silver

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/currency-wars-iran-banned-trading-gold-and-silver

Rand Paul Detained In Nashville For Refusing Full Body Pat Down

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/rand-paul-detained-nashville-refusing-full-body-pat-down

But us regular people are fine, right?  Because, surely we haven't done anything wrong.  So surely we can't be wrongfully detained.

Thomas statement on White House absence

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=613279

Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas released the following statement Monday evening regarding his absence from the Bruins' visit to the White House this afternoon:

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"

Jim Sinclair - There Will Be a Run on Gold Stored in the US

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/1/19_Jim_Sinclair_-_There_Will_Be_a_Run_on_Gold_Stored_in_the_US.html

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez ain't stupid.  But Venezuela is a trickling effect.  When Germany wants to repatriate their gold from New York, the run on bullion will intensify. 

IMF Seeks to Raise Lending Power by Up to $500 Billion Amid Europe Crisis

The IMF joins the money-printing party, along with the ECB, the Fed, and all their central bank cronies.

"Yeah, but inflation is tame...", right?

When the USDollar is exposed for its warts, learn the acronym SDR.  It is coming.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-18/imf-said-to-seek-1-trillion-boost-to-insulate-economies-from-euro-crisis.html

World Bank fears Europe's crisis could set off deeper global slump than Lehman collapse

When the World Bank starts scare-mongering before the Davos World Economic Forum, expect more QE.  That's just another natural law of human hubris and stupidity.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9023099/World-Bank-fears-Europes-crisis-could-set-off-deeper-global-slump-than-Lehman-collapse.html

Fed's Latest Easing Could Cost $1 Trillion: Economists

Speaking of telegraphing, the Fed is signalling to markets (via their newfound "transparency") that another round of QE is coming.  Oh, boy...

Equally predictable will be Paul Krugman's denouncement that this "policy" will be inadequate, and that a QE bazooka of $10 trillion will be needed.

"Clowns to the left of me, clowns to the right...stuck in the middle again."

http://www.cnbc.com/id/46058897

Iran, Russia Replace Dollar With Rial, Ruble in Trade, Fars Says

I warned about this in 2009, with the first Chinese announcements of "bilateral trade agreements" with their sovereign trading partners, specifically Russia and Brazil.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-07/iran-russia-replace-dollar-with-rial-ruble-in-trade-fars-says.html

China tiptoes to petrodollar recycling

China started bilateral trade agreements two years ago with their major trading partners.  Basically, bilateral trade agreement = death of the petrodollar (USDollar) as a reserve currency.

Here's the Cliff Notes version for the impatient:  the world will dump USDollars once they find out its true confetti nature.  Prices will go through the roof on things we will need.  For things we merely want (e.g. second desert homes, powerboats), not so much.

Anybody notice the Chinese aren't participating in the US Treasury bond auctions?  Could it be their reserves of $1.6 trillion in US Treasuries are making them a tad bit nervous?  But, but wait...US Treasury bonds are the last safe haven, right?

http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2012/01/19/china-tiptoes-into-petrodollar-recycling/

India to pay gold instead of dollars for Iranian oil. Oil and gold markets stunned

And so the flight away from the USDollar toward gold continues.  Yet, "oil and gold markets are stunned."  That's funny: half the blogosphere has been telegraphing this for years.  I guess I should be "stunned" too.


http://www.debka.com/article/21673/

Iran slams EU oil embargo, warns could hit U.S.

And here is Iran's predictable response to the EU ban on Iranian oil.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/us-iran-eu-deal-idUSTRE80M0IU20120123

EU Agrees to Ban Iran Oil Imports to Target Nuclear Program

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/01/23/bloomberg_articlesLY7SIV07SXKX01-LY9IK.DTL

This gives oil importers 6 months to find additional sources--and gives markets time to digest any inventory imbalances (i.e. shortages).  The money printers will declare there is a glut in inventory due to demand destruction (i.e. the world economy still sucks), but the peak oil theorists will posit this ensures crude oil prices remain over $100 a barrel, dampening the economy.

Who Really Owns Your Gold Stocks?

http://www.resourceinvestor.com/News/2012/1/Pages/Who-Really-Owns-Your-Gold-Stocks.aspx

Fed to Weigh Further Easing Amid Doubts About Recovery

http://www.cnbc.com/id/45977098

Rick Rule - Gold Now Set for Dramatic 1970s Style Up-Moves

http://kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/KWN_DailyWeb/Entries/2012/1/10_Rick_Rule_-_Gold_Now_Set_for_Dramatic_1970s_Style_Up-Moves.html

“I certainly believe in the set of circumstances that Eric Sprott describes, which is 100 times more silver being traded than is available for delivery.  If there is a failure to deliver in the futures markets and silver goes to a cash basis, you can pick a price to the upside. 

It would certainly be a price that would make silver producers ecstatic.  Further to that, Eric Sprott has urged silver producers to hold some of their cash in physical silver.  We think withholding silver from the market increases the probability for a failure to deliver in the futures markets, which, of course, we think would be a very interesting event for silver speculators.”

Gold Storms Above 200 DMA

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/gold-storms-above-200-dma

Hyperinflation Comes To Iran

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/hyperinflation-comes-iran

Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself.

NDAA Protests End In Ironic Swarm Of Arrests

http://www.alt-market.com/articles/494-ndaa-protests-end-in-ironic-swarm-of-arrests

Hungary Folds, Ready To Change Its Laws To Get European Bailout Money

Goodbye, Hungarian sovereignty.  Hello, new world order.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/hungary-folds-ready-change-its-laws-get-european-bailout-money

Presenting The World's Most Profitable Hedge Fund Ever: FRBNY LP

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/presenting-worlds-most-profitable-hedge-fund-ever-frbny-lp

By the way, FRBNY = Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner cut his teeth (and checks to crony bankers) prior to being "promoted" to his current post.

The Neverending MF Global Story: Regulators Block The Truth

This is an example of "crime not paying."  Or more correctly, if you're going to steal, steal big.  Don't rob a liquor store at gun point--that'll get you 25 years in the pokey.  Steal from unsuspecting depositors to the tune of billions, because the zombie masses won't believe a theft can be that big, and you can use your money and influence to buy off regulators to not only look the other way, but to protect you after you've been "caught."  They'll chalk it off as a "misunderstanding."  You'll walk.

Oh, and it helps if you are the President's and Vice President's top Wall Street fund raiser and adviser.  This is government regulation at its worst.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/francinemckenna/2012/01/09/the-neverending-mf-global-story-regulators-block-the-truth-from-coming-out/2/

Was 2011 a Dud or a Springboard for Gold?

http://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/was-2011-dud-or-springboard-gold?ppref=ZHB207ED0112A

Reversal of Fortune: Soros Said to Buy Gold Again Late Last Year

And speaking of head fakes to hoodwink retail investors out of their winning positions, after declaring gold was the "ultimate bubble" asset--helping cause the decline in gold prices, it appears George Soros jumped right back in and bought gold at its lows late last year.

It's the oldest trick in the snooker playbook:  incite fear by talking down the asset you want to buy at lower prices.  And when the price plummets, load up the truck and buy said asset at a discount. 

http://www.moneynews.com/StreetTalk/Soros-Buy-Gold-metal/2012/01/06/id/423276

By the way, Soros closed his fund down and redeemed client funds last year--he is no longer managing other people's money (OPM).  He is only managing family money.

Speaking of reading between the lines, peruse this article carefully. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/08/us-china-economy-idUSTRE80707Q20120108

Lost in all the rhetoric about China deploying easing monetary, pro-growth policies, what is the one meaningful comment?  I'll just skip to the answer:

Contrary to its usual practice, the central bank did not release foreign exchange reserve figures along with money supply and lending data. The bank did not say when those numbers would be released.

Why is this excerpt significant?  Because in an effort to prevent an economic hard lending, the Chinese are easing.  In the process, they are dumping their $1.5 trillion in US Treasury bonds and USDollar reserves.  The Great Unwind is beginning, where we could experience high inflation--and rising interest rates, the worst of both worlds.  Which is precisely why Harvard economic historian Niall Ferguson said this:

"US Treasuries are a safe haven the way Pearl Harbor was a safe haven in 1941. It’s safe until it’s not safe anymore.”

SNB Head Hildebrand Resigns Over Insider Trading Scandal, EURCHF Floor To Go Next?

In my opinion, Hildebrand was scapegoated for destroying the Swiss franc (CHF) when the Swiss National Bank (SNB) pegged it to the sinking Euro, in a desperate attempt to devalue the CHF.  Why?  The CHF had become too strong due to its former safe haven status, thus destroying the Swiss economy.  In laymen's terms, Swiss hotel rates were too high, Nestle chocolate and the Big Mac in Zurich were unsustainably expensive. Hence, the SNB moved to debase the CHF, in an attempt to keep Swiss exports competitive and stimulate the Swiss economy.  It was just a recent example of the global, ongoing currency wars, which will imminently lead to trade wars--and military conflicts.

This tactic of pegging to a sinking foreign currency is similar to China pegging their yuan (Renminbi) to the USDollar.  Yes, it's a form of currency manipulation, but the Chinese are merely linking their currency to the most manipulated currency on earth--the USDollar, thanks to Ben Bernanke and Tim Geithner.

As always, read between the lines, know your history--and apply your own critical thinking skills. 

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/snb-head-hildebrand-resigns-over-insider-trading-scandal

Is Ron Paul 2012's Black Swan?

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/ron-paul-2012s-black-swan

SocGen Lays It Out: "EU Iran Embargo: Brent $125-150. Straits Of Hormuz Shut: $150-200"

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/socgen-lays-it-out-eu-iran-embargo-brent-125-150-straits-hormuz-shut-150-200

Russia, Iran Proceed With Bilateral Trade, Drop Dollar; Russian Warships Park In Syria; Iran Accelerates Nuclear Enrichment

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/russia-iran-proceed-bilateral-trade-drop-dollar-russian-warships-park-syria

2012 – THE YEAR OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY

For personal reasons some of you long-time readers may deduce, I plan on reducing my blogging activities.  I'm sure I will continue to post links of significance, but the volume and frequency will diminish going forward.  Good luck and have a great happy new year!

http://www.theburningplatform.com/?p=27063

2011 – CATCH-22 YEAR IN REVIEW

This is one of the best 2011 recaps I've read.  Thanks to Kitty for bringing it to my attention. 

http://www.theburningplatform.com/?p=26876

Why Has Gold Been Down?

http://www.caseyresearch.com/articles/why-has-gold-been-down?ppref=ZHB433ED0112A

Physical Silver Surges To Record 30% Premium Over Spot, In Backwardation

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/physical-silver-surges-record-30-premium-over-spot-backwardation

I'll Hold Yours If You Hold Mine: The Italian Ponzi Comes Home

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/ill-hold-yours-if-you-hold-mine-italian-ponzi-comes-home

Gold Jumps As Citi Says Gold Sell Off Over, Reiterates $2400 Target

To all the top-callers in gold last week:  oops!

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/gold-jumps-citi-says-gold-sell-over-reiterates-2400-target

It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over

http://contraryinvestor.com/mo.htm

President Obama, Demopublican

http://www.oftwominds.com/blogjan12/Obama-demopublican01-12.html

I think you get the idea here: there is literally no difference between Obama and a moderate Republican when it comes to the truly important policies governing the nation's insolvent finances, its predatory financial sector, its corrupt and fraudulent sickcare system or its sprawling Empire. 

Obama's policies have all aided and abetted existing Status Quo cartels and fiefdoms. He has changed absolutely nothing of import except further eroding civil liberties. 

President Obama can be charitably characterized as an ineffectual Demopublican. From those demanding more, then he can be accurately described as a well-meaning puppet of Wall Street and the rest of the Status Quo cartels and fiefdoms.

Longtime readers know I reject all the phony ideological "differences" between the two stooge parties; in reality, the differences are purely cosmetic and are exaggerated for propaganda and fund-raising purposes. Both stooge parties are in thrall to Wall Street and the financial sector, the sickcare cartels, etc., and both support a global Empire and endlessly rising public debt to finance their cronies. Both have consistently supported private profits while shifting monumental losses to the public. Both have consistently supported an out-of-control Federal Reserve. In every truly important way, the two stooge parties are merely two sides of the same Imperial coin.

The Can Kicking Is Ending - Key Upcoming Dates For Europe's Patient Zero

The proverbial $hit hits the fan for Greece in March.  You've been warned. 

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/can-kicking-ending-key-upcoming-dates-europes-patient-zero

Meet the Mainstream Press

http://usawatchdog.com/meet-the-mainstream-press/

Romney Narrowly Wins Iowa Republican Presidential Caucuses

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/01/04/bloomberg_articlesLX9JUU0YHQ0X.DTL

The Bloomberg headline ticker tape mentions every single Republican candidate--except one.  Romney and Santorum deservedly share the headlines.  Gingrich gets mentioned for finishing 4th.  Perry gets mentioned.  Even Bachmann gets mentioned for finishing dead last.

But Ron Paul's name is not even mentioned in the ticker tape.  It just goes to show how much the status quo and power elite despise (and fear) Ron Paul as a potential presidential candidate.

Late edit:  Ron Paul finally gets credit for receiving 21% of the vote and for finishing 3rd.  Maybe Bloomberg is reading the blogosphere.  :-)

Biggest Silver Surge In Over 3 Years

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/biggest-silver-surge-over-3-years

FDR provoked the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

http://rationalrevolution.net/war/fdr_provoked_the_japanese_attack.htm

These are excerpts from the McCollum Memo, dated October 7, 1940.  Replace "Japan" with "Iran" and the parallels today are ominous.

The McCollum Memo can be viewed here (I strongly advise that you read the entire memo by clicking the image above):
Of critical importance in this memo is the portion that reads:

9. It is not believed that in the present state of political opinion the United States government is capable of declaring war against Japan without more ado; and it is barely possible that vigorous action on our part might lead the Japanese to modify their attitude. Therefore, the following course of action is suggested:
 A. Make an arrangement with Britain for the use of British bases in the Pacific, particularly Singapore.
 B. Make an arrangement with Holland for the use of base facilities and acquisition of supplies in the Dutch East Indies.
 C. Give all possible aid to the Chinese government of Chiang-Kai-Shek.
 D. Send a division of long range heavy cruisers to the Orient, Philippines, or Singapore.
 E. Send two divisions of submarines to the Orient.
 F. Keep the main strength of the U.S. fleet now in the Pacific in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands.
 G. Insist that the Dutch refuse to grant Japanese demands for undue economic concessions, particularly oil.
 H. Completely embargo all U.S. trade with Japan, in collaboration with a similar embargo imposed by the British Empire.
  10. If by these means Japan could be led to commit an overt act of war, so much the better. At all events we must be fully prepared to accept the threat of war.
- H. McCollum

Presenting NSSM 200: "Implications of Worldwide Population Growth For U.S. Security and Overseas Interests"

It appears US foreign policy and national security interests focus on a Malthusian catastrophe. 

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/presenting-nssm-200-implications-worldwide-population-growth-us-security-and-overseas-interests