Eye-opening/seminal articles on various aspects of markets?

For those of us trying to understand different aspects of the markets (whether how credit flows through, the actions by the Fed, sovereign debt, commodities markets, etc), could any of you recommend an article or research report online that you feel really opened your eyes or solidified your understanding? Book recommendations would also be helpful, although in this kind of bear market, every dollar saved is a dollar earned :).

I know I am being terribly vague, but I am trying to understand the economy in a way that is not too theoretical (I don't want to read a textbook) and more market-related. I may want to trade one day, and although I know books and actual trading knowledge are two worlds apart, I thought now would be a good time to really learn some fundamentals.

Any help would be appreciated!