The Five Dumbest Things on Wall Street This Week

1. How 'Bout Them CowBBBoys?

It took a bit longer than usual, but the folks at the Better Business Bureau have named the finalists for the International Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

This year, 28 companies got nods in four categories, including Aflac (AFL Quote), Kemper Insurance, Niagara Mohawk (a newly acquired subsidiary of National Grip Group (NGG Quote)) and Sun Life Financial (SLC Quote).

No one doubts that these companies and their hard-working employees are entitled to some recognition. In ethically troubled times such as these, what with various high-profile executives being charged for this and pleading guilty to that, it's good to see that someone still appreciates the value of a work ethic. ...