Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader T.H. in New Mexico wrote to ask, “How long will this recession last, and how deep will it get? A year ago, I would have said that it might last as little as 18 months, and that it would surely be “sharp.” But no we see many trillions of dollars being thrown at Mother of All Bailouts (MOAB), thus perpetuating the malinvestment, and doubtless delaying economic recovery. So I’d say that we will see a severe recession if not a full blown depression with lots of disruption that will last between four years and 15 years. Be ready for a couple of years of deflation, probably followed by a period of stagflation, and possibly some quite severe inflation. If possible, relocate to a safe retreat area, soon.

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Justin M. suggested this article: Gun Toting mom divides community. As I’ve said before: A right that goes unexercised soon devolves into a privilege, and finally a crime. Good for her. If more Pennsylvanians regularly exercised their right to carry, then this would have never have been a controversy.(See the last chapter of my novel.)

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For anyone that has been dragging their feet on the $59.99 FoodSaver vacuum packer special (which will benefit SurvivalBlog, via sales commissions), be advised:

– Orders must be placed by 12pm EST 12/18/08 (tomorrow) to guarantee delivery via UPS Ground before 12/25/08.
– Last day for UPS 2nd Day Air is Noon EST 12/22.
– Last day for UPS Next Day Air 12 Noon 12/23.
– Not responsible for delays due to inclement weather.

You can buy a FoodSaver v2830 for $59.99 (originally $169.99) with free Standard Shipping for orders over $100, directly from FoodSaver.com.Use code L8FAV28 at checkout. OBTW, I also recommend getting the Mason Jar vacuum sealing adapter kit, to make your FoodSaver more versatile. This offer is valid only during the month of December, or while supplies last. More than 400 SurvivalBlog readers have already bought these at the special sale price. Don’t miss out!

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RKB sent us an article from rom CQ Homeland Security, an inside-the-Beltway publication primarily for lobbyists and media types: Americans Talking the Preparedness Talk, but Not Walking the Walk

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More economic news and commentary from Cheryl: Stocks Rise After Fed Rate CutIMF Chief Issues Stark Warning on Civil UnrestGlobal Woes Fuel UnrestDownturn Spurs “Survival Panic” in SomeTreasury Yields Drop to Records as Fed Foresees “Exceptionally Low” RatesThe Next Financial WMD?Airline Employment Fell 5.7% in October. And to cap all those, Susan Z. sent us a Bloomberg piece that corroborates one of the assertions that I’ve repeated since SurvivalBlog was started in 2005, that the Fed will likely inflate its way out of any major problem: Fed Cuts Rate to As Low As Zero, Will Use All Tools. (It would have been better titled “Monetizing debt is next, Fed says”)