Odds ‘n Sods:

A SurvivalBlogger in the southeastern US might find this “RV” of interest. I’ve noticed that retired armored trucks don’t get sold on the open market very often–most get re-engined umpteen times and simply passed around between armored transport companies. (Thanks to Chester for the link.)

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Trent and FloridaGuy both sent us this: Merrill Lynch predicts $1,150 gold by June

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As usual, here’s the latest economic news and commentary from Cheryl, but the first item was suggested by Redclay: Numbers show economy in near free fallWorld Stocks Drop as US Unemployment Rate Hits 7.2%Oil Falls Below $40 Amid Severe Drop-Off in Energy UseNASDAQ Creates Index to Track Bailed-Out FirmsWal-Mart Cuts Forecasts as Sales Disappointing2009 Bad Time to Buy Homes as Jobs VanishNorth Sea Oil Exploration Firm CollapsesThe Outcry is Muted, But Food Crisis WorsensDollar Death Bounce — Several readers mentioned a WND article about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008: Is Feb. 10 financial doomsday for thousands?, New law could force companies into ruin, but then Cheryl sent this good news: Update: Thrift Stores Exempt From “Financial Doomsday” — Lastly, KAF found this: UBS closing U.S. clients’ offshore accounts. (So much for Swiss banking privacy. At least there will still be private vault storage. Hint, hint.)