Economics and Investing:

V.L.D. sent us this from the NIA: Americans Enjoying Final Days of Artificial Economy Charlie Munger on US Economy: Pain Not Over. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.) K. in Montana suggested this piece by Victor Davis Hanson: Obama’s Washington Animal Farm M.M. flagged this: Job losses cut wide swath in California Frost damages Canadian crops, wheat a problem. (Thanks to Steven H. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Basel III: Tightening The Noose On Credit Will Silver Take The Lead? Shock Fall In UK Retail Sales Adds To Fears Of Double-Dip Recession The LEAP think-tank bon hommes latest …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Don’t miss this post over at Paratus Familia: Quarantine: A Preparedness Essential    o o o F.G. noted this article with map: Amish populations bugging out, gradually heading west.    o o o Thomas C. sent this: CDC Grand Rounds: Radiological and Nuclear Preparedness. Tom’s comments: “I found it interesting that one of the initial examples they give is from August 2004 in New York City. They conclude with the statement “The public’s maximal risk for exposure was less than that received from a single chest radiograph because of their distance from the radiation source.” Yet it took them 24 …



Note from JWR:

The preparedness movement is increasingly becoming a mainstream phenomenon. The latest evidence can be seen a recent post by Patrice Lewis at WorldNetDaily: Preparedness 101. Lewis is also the author of a regular blog that primarily covers self-sufficiency topics: Rural Revolution.      


Seeking Subject Matter Experts for the Second Patriots Sequel

The manuscript for the first sequel to my novel “Patriots” is now at Simon & Schuster, and should be published in around 13 months. (Deo Volente.) My sincere thanks to the SurvivalBlog readers that shared their expertise. I’m now working on the second sequel. To give this upcoming novel the same authenticity as my first two, I would like to correspond via e-mail with: Anyone that has been stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky in the past five years. Anyone that has lived in or near Bradfordsville, Kentucky. Anyone that has lived in or near Muddy Pond, Tennessee. Anyone that has …


Shifting to Tangibles in an Age of Inflation

I’m often asked by my consulting clients why I put so much emphasis investing in tangibles rather than in traditional investments that are denominated in United States dollars. The problem with dollar-denominated investments is that they are vulnerable to inflation of the currency unit itself. The U.S. governments over-spending and deep indebtedness is bound to catch up with it someday. And when it does, inflation and economic ruin will be the result. But there is protection from inflation. If the majority of you assets are in tangibles and they are in your immediate possession, then you will be insulated from …


Letter Re: Australia’s New Nanny State Knife Ban

Dear Jim, Welcome to the newer even bigger Nanny State here in Australia. Here is some information with regards to new national knife laws coming into force soon. ( I believe about six weeks ). For all your readers it will be of interest that the Australian Federal Government is going to ban all imports of the following: multitools, lockback folders such as Old Timer, Schrade etc, Swiss army knives, and Wenger army knives. Never mind the fact that pocket knives and Swiss army knives have been used in Australia for over a century without trouble, but because of the …


Economics and Investing:

Sue C. sent this: V-Shaped Recovery Dreams Evaporate The U.S. housing market is still nowhere near the bottom: Record Number of Bank Seizures of U.S. Homes. (Thanks to Steve C. for the link.) E.M.B. sent us this evidence that the banksters are in Desperation Mode: Fannie Mae Began Buying $1,000-Down Mortgages Without Approval From Toby Connor of Gold Scents: Why Can’t Politicians Understand What is Really Happening? Items from The Economatrix: Swiss Institutions Ask: Where’s The Gold? Real World Solutions to Economic Tyranny Greenspan: Fiscal Stimulus Worked Far Less Than Expected Would A Midterm Loss For Democrats Boost Stocks? Americans …


Inflation Watch:

G.G. flagged this: Look Around: There’s Major Commodity Inflation Happening Everywhere A rush to buy tangibles: Argentines Say Buy Now as 25% Inflation Outlook Buoys Car Sales Carla M. wrote: “I have been shopping thrift shops all my life and when we moved to our current location that didn’t change. What has changed is that for the past three years sewing patterns had been .25 each, but two weeks ago the price jump to .99 each. As a side note, I can buy sewing patterns new for .99 when they go on sale at the local fabric and crafts stores.” …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Constitutionalist surge! SurvivalBlog readers in Montana should be aware that Steve Kendley’s election bid for county sheriff of Lake County now looks very promising. Despite his “campaign on a shoestring budget” Kendley is now favored to win. If you live in Lake County, then please show up and vote on election day. And all Montanans should consider making a campaign contribution (up to Montana’s $160 maximum). I hope that his election will encourage other Constitutionalists to run for sheriff! Oh, and speaking of Montana, don’t miss Pastor Chuck Baldwin’s latest piece on his family’s upcoming move up to the land …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"It is a proposition too plain to be contested, that the constitution controls any legislative act repugnant to it; or, that the legislature may alter the constitution by an ordinary act. All laws which are repugnant to the constitution are null and void." – Chief Justice John Marshall, in Marbury v. Madison, 1803


Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 30 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of …


What Am I Prepping For–And How, by T.N.T.

I  started “officially” prepping about two years ago simply based on the way things were starting to turn bad with the economy and for fear that a real depression was coming.  As I studied and read what other preppers were doing and the reasons they were prepping I came away with some useful knowledge and information that changed my perception of prepping. My early experience found me gathering supplies helter-skelter and after several months I had no idea what else I might need to focus on.  Back in my younger day from backpacking experience, I knew I could make some …


Letter Re Peak Oil–The Short Version

Dear Jim and Family, There are many web sites dedicated to Peak Oil. All the explanations, the various arguments about when and explanations about why and the different methods for mitigating this disaster. I’ve spent most of 10 years involved with it. Once you get past the Kubler-Ross Grief Process, then Peak Oil is a matter of approach. It’s a huge problem for civilization, but its not necessarily an end. I admit to being optimistic about civilization because we are adaptive people. We will find a way. I take a lot of cues from the Third World because they adapt …


Economics and Investing:

More FDIC Friday Follies: Bankruptcy & Closures: Six More Bank Failures Makes 125 in 2010 Wasteland: Europe stalked by spectre of mass unemployment. (Thank to J.M for the link.) Retirement on Hold: American Workers $6 Trillion Short J.H.B. liked this piece by commentator Devvy Kidd: Bail-outs of Freddie and Fannie will bury us under unpayable debt Tom F. sent us this link: Congressmen Weiner and Waxman Set Gold Hearing Items from The Economatrix: A September Surprise is Coming…As Stunningly Stupid Politics Spread Widespread UK Civil Disorder “Inevitable” The Daily Gold And Silver Report reports COMEX warehouse shortages. A short squeeze …