Derek C. sent us the link to the full text of the recently mentioned nuclear and biological terrorism threat report [1], in PDF [2].
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Mike Williamson [3] mentioned Survival Straps [4]. Mike’s comment: “I came across these in another forum. Someone skilled at braiding could make their own, or can support an American small business by buying one of these. We each have a bracelet made in this fashion, that are stylish and useful. Parachute cord is always a useful thing
to have on hand.” JWR Adds: Paracord can also be unbraided into individual nylon threads, with even more uses in the field.
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I spotted this gem over at the DefenseTech blog: New Russian Camo Causes Finnish Angst [5]. This story undergirds one of the strategies that I teach my consulting clients: Establish a clothing SOP [6] for your retreat group to use in the event of a worst-case TEOTWAWKI [7]. Buy a camouflage pattern that is relatively hard to find–something that is not ubiquitous like Woodland BDU [8]. Better yet, buy two patterns: one for al of your shirts and jackets, and another that is distinctly different for all of your pants. With everyone in your group wearing the same obscure camouflage combination at all times it will be very difficult for an intruder to sneak into your defensive perimeter un-noticed. (Wearing camouflage is not for “style points”. That is Mall Ninja [9] nonsense.)
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From Cheryl (aka “The Economatrix) comes this news and commentary: UN Economists Warn US Dollar in For Hard Landing in 2009 [10] — Expect the Worst Recession Since WWII [11] — German Car Sales Collapse [12] — COMEX Gold Shock and Awe [13] — Economic Disaster on the Way [14] — Search for Stimulus in Zero-Interest-Rate World [15] — Fed Monetizing Debt by Printing Money [16] — Men Choose Army over Bleak US Job Market [17] — College May Become Unaffordable for Most [18] — CIC Won’t “Dare” Invest in Financial Firms [19] — Auto Sales Hit New Low; GM Sales Plunge 41% [20] — HSBC Fund Returns to Buying Gold as Hedge Against Inflation [21] (and may start adding coffee, sugar and grains next year)
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Several readers sent us this: St. Louis City Leader To Residents: Get Armed [22]. A key quote from this brief article: “The community has to be ready to defend itself, because it’s clear the economy is going to get worse, and criminals are getting more bold,”