Median CPI and 16% trimmed mean CPI better predictors of future inflation than CPI http://macroblog.typepad.com/macroblog/2006/04/why_we_focus_on.html Both measures are currently at cycle lows http://www.clevelandfed.org/research/data/us-inflation/mcpi.cfm Hard to see much inflation in 2011
Interesting inflation research http://www.clevelandfed.org/Research/commentary/2010/2010-2.cfm The 'sticky CPI' continues to be quite low http://www.clevelandfed.org/research/trends/2010/0910/01infpri.cfm?WT.oss=sticky cpi&WT.oss_r=236
A very interesting story about a innocent man getting out of jail by becoming his own lawyer http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100...66201554448476.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories
This is a type of risk that is hard to hedge, the risk that the government will arrest you on false claims and take away your freedom. I've been thinking more how to minimize this because what is at stake is so high. There are some principles that seem to be important -Always pledge the 5th(AKA keep your mouth shut to authorities unless its truly necessary to say something) -When dealing with cops, judges, investigators and other authorities never get angry even if you know they are behaving illegally and are abusing power, always be polite but not weak. Swallow your pride and keep your ego out of this, its better to stand some temporary power abuse rather than have coke planted in your bag and wake up with a 20 year sentence(Or a few additional years in a sentence because the judge didnt 'like you'). I understand some people with more rebelling mindsets might have a problem with this(Heck I do) but its mathematically the right play -Don't try to save money by hiring a cheap lawyer(This is like selling overpriced options, little gains that lead to disaster one day) -Learn about law. This one I haven't done yet but I will buy some books on Brazilian law, mainly so I can understand how to judge a lawyer when I need one There might be other ways but those are from the top off my head
A xmas gift(Worth $150) for those who were ignorant like myself about Kindle stuff. Instead of burning $150 in what is essentially a shitty notebook just download for free Amazon's Kindle For PC http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_pc_mkt_lnd?docId=1000426311 Then you log on the software using your amazon account and you can start buying and reading kindle ebooks. All that without having to buy a kindle and having a registration ID These ebooks are cheaper, easier to transport and you dont pay for shipping so it saves big money in the long-run. I just downloaded the 1st chapter of Inside the House of Money for free and the software works decently
I finished reading Animal Spirits by Shiller and someone else. I very much recommend the book, the chapters of Money Illusion and the Employment markets are must-reads