Odds ‘n Sods:

Dennis B. forwarded us a link to an editorial by Richard J. Greene on the dangers of buying “electronic” gold via Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Something tells me that there is some creative accounting going on. In fact, I’ll go on record as stating that I have my doubts that there is a tangible ounce of gold in custody for every “ounce” purchased.

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I heard from a reader about a new and informative reference site: Set2Survive.com.Take look.

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Several readers sent this: Avian Flu Found In Tyson Chickens (in Arkansas). “Oh, but it is just a mild strain”, they tell us. But of course the same path of virulence could spread a new strain. See my article on the influenza threat for some details on preparedness measures for the potential outbreak of a “high path” strain.

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Food riots are not the sole domain of consumers. Some producers are also angry. Hoss noted this BBC news clip: Riot police confront fishermen protesting high fuel prices. Meanwhile, we read in Der Spiegel, German dairy farmers complain: ‘I’d Rather Toss Out My Milk’