Odds ‘n Sods:

Nick at BulletProoofME.com will be running a SurvivalBlog-only special from Dec.15th through Dec. 22nd. The 30%-off special is for the mil-spec Interceptor Outer Tactical Vest. The similar sale that they ran last year for SurvivalBlog readers had an exceedingly large response. This special pricing is only available because of a military contract overrun. Note that they are running low on inventory this time around. (e.g., no size Medium on sale this time.) All items will be first come, first served.

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Reader T.H.Y. wrote to ask me: “Why do you bother putting flash hiders on your bolt actions? It’s a big expense for not much practical gain.” JWR begs to differ. This YouTube video clearly shows the difference on a .308–both with and without a flash hider.

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Economic news and commentary, from our ever-reliavle Economic Editor: Ecuador Goes Into DefaultIceland’s MeltdownRetail Sales Drop For Fifth Straight MonthChrysler Suppliers Demand Cash Over Bankruptcy FearsGM May Lose 40% of US DealersHyperinflation and Then the Second Great DepressionBailout Talks Collapse, GM Consults on BankruptcyAsian Stocks, US Futures, Dollar Tumble as Auto Bailouts Fail

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And more news items, courtesy of Manky: White-Collar Unemployment Spreading, and Housing foreclosures draw protesters to Bank of America