More About Depression Proof Jobs–Consider the Three Ks

In these perilous economic times, marked by increasingly frequent corporate layoffs, I’m getting a correspondingly large number of question from blog readers and consulting clients about “recession proof” jobs. I’ve already mentioned quite a few possibilities, but there is one whole category that doesn’t require much (if any) special training: In Japan, these are called the “”Three-K” jobs: kitsui (“hard”) , kitanai (“dirty”) and kiken (“dangerous”). If you are willing to take on any of the Three K jobs, do cheerful and hard work, and have exemplary attendance, then you will likely have a job that will carry you all …




Letter Re: Gun Show Report–A Window of Opportunity?

Jim, On Sunday, I attended what is billed as the largest gun show in North Carolina and thought you and your readers might appreciate an update. What I saw lead me to believe that supplies of black rifles and magazines are catching back up to demand but that ammunition and reloading components remain in short supply — especially primers. When I attended the November show, I had to wait in line 30 minutes or so just to get in. I heard the March show had a two hour wait. Today, there was no wait at all. It was crowded inside, …




Bicycles in War, a Book Review by by Michael Z. Williamson

I just finished reading the book “Bicycles in War” by Martin Caidin and Jay Barbree. Caidin, of course, is a phenomenal writer, and does a great job of presenting the material. There’s not a lot of technical how to, though there are some useful pictures, and comments about how the Viet Cong, for example, reinforced their bicycles to carry up to 500 pounds of cargo while pushing them. During WWI, entire regiments moved more quickly than marching troops, and quite a few clandestine operations in both World Wars used bicycles, including some by the British Commandos and the SS, behind …




Mexican Flu Update:

As the H1N1 flu spreads across the nation and around the globe, the key question seems to be: It the flu is spreading this quickly in warm weather, then what will it do next winter, when people are generally in closer proximity, indoors? The CDC has vowed to “…continue to get ready for a possible pandemic in the fall.” Clearly, prudence dictates that we be well-prepared, so stock up! The latest flu headlines: Jim S. suggested a video from an academic on the implications of H1N1 hitting Phase 5. Chan hits back at WHO critics. (Thanks to Greg C. for …




Economics and Investing:

CPK mentioned a great piece over at Seeking Alpha: The Worst Case Scenario (Someone Has to Say It) Reader Allan G. sent this: Robert Gibbs: No bailout for newspapers Tamara, over at the excellent View From the Porch blog, mentioned an article that might be of interest to anyone who is considering setting up an offshore retreat:: Obama to introduce tax reforms that target overseas loopholes. Tamara’s comment: “Ah, Chicago politics writ large: Punish your foes and reward your supporters.” U.S. Home Prices May Be Lost for a Generation: John F. Wasik




Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader GKD sent this: Pakistan Strife Raises U.S. Doubts on Nuclear Arms    o o o Writing at Lew Rockwell.com, SurvivalBlog regular Bill Buppert asks more than just rhetorically: At What Point is a Traitor a Patriot?    o o o Ignatius Piazza (of Front Sight) ponders: 40,000 Lives Lost Per Year Must Be Worth It…    o o o s Reader Tom W. said that we shouldn’t miss the May 4, 2009 “Monty” comic strip. It has SurvivalBlog written all over it! OBTW, about a week ago , I mentioned a Dilbert comic strip with a similar theme. It …