Month: July 2011

Two Letters Re: Securing Windows With Plywood The Fast And Easy Way

James: I learned this very important lesson from a building contractor. On his hunting trips to Alaska he would send his supplies ahead of him in small (20′) shipping containers. After the first shipment of containers were raided by thieves he decided to add security to his supplies with a sheet of plywood over [the center of] the doors. Here is the trick that he used: the plywood was well-secured at close intervals with a variety of Phillips screws, Reed & Prince screws, square drive screws, Torx head screws, and long 5/16″ self- tapping [flathead] screws. Thieves might be armed …


Economics and Investing:

Steven M. suggested: Three financial funnel clouds ahead Commentary: Fighting ‘F5’ financial disasters with ETFs United States of Denial (James West) John R. suggested a piece by Arnold Bock: Get Ready to be Financially Conscripted Katie Benner: China’s Debt Bomb From The Daily Bell: Greece: Frazzled Eurocrats Play for Time Items from The Economatrix: The Five Biggest Threats to US Economy Celente Predicts Gold Standard Won’t Save US Economy Consumers’ Confidence Down in June on Job Worries


Odds ‘n Sods:

The Day the Law Left Town: Texas City Sends Police Packing to Cut Costs; Sheriff Plays Catch as Catch Can. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.)    o o o I heard about a small company that makes inexpensive target retrieval systems, for shooting ranges: Rogue Six. If you know anyone that operates a small public or police range, please forward the link.    o o o Directive 21 (one of our advertisers) has anounced a special that runs from July 1st to July 15th: For every purchase of a Berkey Water Purification System on their site, you will receive …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“If investors chose not to purchase a sufficient volume of new Treasury securities, the United States would be required to pay the principal on maturing debt, and not merely the interest, out of available cash. Yet the Treasury would be unable to make these principal payments without the continued confidence of market participants willing to buy new Treasury securities.”  – Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in a letter to Sen. Jim DeMint regarding raising the Federal debt ceiling. Translation: “The U.S. financial system is an enormous Ponzi scheme.”