Sentient Money

Finally, I have internet access again!  Just in time for this sweet story.
 

“Regulators and investors are bracing for a small number of banks to fail over the next 12 to 18 months. Analysts predict that 50 to 150 banks might stumble. In the first quarter this year, the F.D.I.C. listed 90 banks as troubled, which [...]

There has been a lot of talk recently that oil speculation is the main cause behind the huge run up in oil.  Whether this is true or not could be irrelevant based on a current Businessweek article titled In Praise of Oil Speculation.
The author states a few good reasons for why it does not matter [...]

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July.  I will be in Milwaukee at the great music festival they have, enjoying a few Leinenkugaels. 

My favorite market analyst Barry Ritholtz, at The Big Picture, has called for:
“Bottom line:  A bounce, similar to January, only not as strong or long-lasting. And, its not a lasting bottom.”
I couldn’t agree more.  Things are getting worse not better.  GM and Ford can’t sell any SUVs or trucks, and only people buying cars are [...]

Relaxing late Saturday night with a decent micro-brew and a soothing thunderstorm outside is the only way to go.
 
All right, here is a listing of posts from the past week worth paying for:
 
·         How low must housing prices go before families can afford to buy?  -  Millionaire Mommy Next Door almost always delivers something good.   [...]

Bill Gates has officially left Microsoft. He leaves to run an absolutely gigantic charity with the power to institute real world change. His future and the acts of his charity will be a fascinating story, but not the one I’m focusing on for this post. I’m more interested in how Microsoft fares without Gates.
Will the [...]

All great men and women can provide advice that is applicable across a broad field.  No, Hemingway isn’t a great investor, but he is a great writer.  Thus, he has something to impart, so relax and enjoy his  9 pieces of wisdom:

 
 
Listen
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most [...]

“…most companies are reluctant to retain or hire older workers. At the top of the corporate ladder, executive recruiters are routinely told not to seek anyone over 50, notes Peter Cappelli, director of the Center for Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.” - NYT
If this is the case planning for early retirement [...]

“Investors should remember that excitement and expenses are their enemies. And if they insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” - Warren Buffett
This is the perfect time to reaffirm Mr. Buffett’s advice as consumer confidence [...]

I know I have been focusing on oil, but it seems to be the main market factor at this time.
Here are a few links to some quality articles on the current oil crisis:

Bye, Bubble? The Price of Oil May Be Peaking - Barron’s
Oil Conspiracy Theorists: Rev Your Engines - Salon
Gas Prices Edge Lower - [...]