SurvivalBlog reader “Cyberiot” mentioned that readers with concerns about pandemic flu may be interested in a new and growing online storybook sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Pandemic Influenza Storybook: Personal Recollections from Survivors, Families, and Friends” [1] includes first-person accounts of the 1918 and 1957 flu pandemics. Readers are encouraged to contribute their own recollections. Speaking of flu pandemics, earlier this year, New Scientist magazine published a detailed analysis of how a 1918-scale influenza pandemic would affect the US economy [2].
o o o
I’ve heard from a reader that he plans to attend the ASPO Peak Oil Conference in Sacramento, California [3], later this month. When you attend events like these, please wear a SurvivalBlog t-shirt or hat, or carry one of our tote bags or messenger bags [4]. You may be surprised who you bump into! (And we need all the publicity we can get.)
o o o
Range Rat sent us this article: Survey finds holes in US disaster preparedness [5]. Range Rat’s comment: I think they are trying to go against basic human nature trying to get parents to evacuate without their children. No wonder 63% won’t go along with the plan. I’m shocked that 37% said that they would!
o o o
Our Economic Editor sent us another raft of news and commentary: The Feds Are Running Scared [6], Feds Considering Bringing Fannie, Freddie On To Budget [7], “Let Them Eat Cake” [8], Pareto’s Bazooka [9], Calling US Bonds Home [10], Deployed to the Dole Line [11] (The Mogambo Guru), Stop the Bailout [12], Bailouts Will Push US Into Depression [13], WaMu Downgraded to D+ [14], and BofA Says Losses Have Shifted to Commercial Loans [15].
o o o
John Embry comments on the coming bounce in precious metals prices: When gold is gone, market will go nuts [16]. I concur that the price of gold is currently undervalued. It is a good time to buy physical gold! (Buying junior gold mining shares is much more risky, but the potential profits are larger.)