Meanwhile as I look to the New Year, I have some sincere concerns about the Middle East. Ian Cooper, who I respect, calls for Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in 2012 and resulting interruption of oil shipments through the Straits of Hormuz. Ian has been right on with his predictions in the past and there are signs he could be right. Oil seems to me to be a better investment than gold or silver because 2012 - 2013 could be years of oil interruption and potential shortages.