Economics and Investing:

From George Gordon (“GG”): Money sent home by Mexicans abroad plunged a record 15.7 percent in 2009 GG also sent us this piece by David Galland: What the Deflationists are Missing From LJ: Don’t invest in Britain: The UK economy sits ‘on a bed of nitroglycerine’, investors warned Items from The Economatrix: New Home Sales Fall 7.6% in December Stocks Fall as Investors Await Fed Decision SEC Tightens Rules for Money Funds Caterpillar 4Q Profit Tumbles; Outlook Cautious Verizon to Cut 13,000 Jobs as Business Cut Lines Signs of Housing “Recovery” Will Fade with End of Stimulus “Daunting” US Fiscal …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Wayne P. alerted me that Canary Islands Press now offers a free downloadable PDF of an older edition of J.J. Luna’s privacy book “How To Be Invisible”. It has a lot of useful tips. I’m not sure how long it will be available, so download your copy soon.    o o o The Baker sent this article that illustrates what I like to call A Neighborhood Watch on Steroids: In the midst of Haiti’s devastation, a community of strangers comes together    o o o SurvivalBlog reader “N.” mentioned that there is a wealth of free manuals available online at …



Notes from JWR:

There is just one full day left in the unprecedented 25% off sale on Alpine Aire freeze dried foods at Ready Made Resources. They are offering free shipping on full case lots. Don’t miss out, as this is a special “test” sale, approved for just Ready Made Resources by Alpine Aire, and might not be repeated. — Today we present another entry for Round 26 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. 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 …


A Simple Off-the-Shelf Solar Power System and Off-Grid Power Tools, by K. in Texas

This article is written for those who have no experience with solar power and would like to set up a simple beginner system. I have been using this system for over a year and have found it to be efficient. My goal was to put together a system which is easy to use and does not require a lot of technical knowledge. EQUIPMENT LIST: 1. BatteryMinder #SCC-015 Solar Charger 12 volt with 15 watt solar panel ($150 from Northern Tool and Supply) 2. BatteryMinder #BC2410 battery clip assembly ($10 from Northern Tool and Supply) 3. Interstate Marine/RV 12 volt battery …


Letter Re: Food Handouts Turn Chaotic in Haitian Capitol

Dear James: I came across article today titled Food Handouts Turn Chaotic in Haitian Capitol. I find it quite amazing that still to this day and age that the government and social aid organizations are so unorganized. I think that they should use the novel One Second After [by William R. Forstchen] as a guide for food distribution. I’ve just finished reading that novel, and it just justifies that all preppers (including myself) are not crazy thinkers we are just making sure that we can take care of our families when something either natural or governmental disaster happens. – A …


Letter Re: Nefarious Uses of Google Earth

Howdy Mr. Rawles, I had two comments to add to the conversation about thieves using Google Earth to steal koi. First, when we typed our address into Google Earth, it popped to a house about a 1/4 mile from us (we checked that fact many times, not just once, so it was not a typo on our part). That was just ducky with the family, as it helped our farm stay invisible. After reading about the koi thefts, I decided to check on Google Earth again. I was so disappointed when it popped right to the farm this time! The …


Economics and Investing:

Reader Jeanan asks: It this a sign of a commercial real estate collapse? Owners: $5.4Billion New York housing complexes go to creditors Robert H. recommended this piece by Paul Mladjenovic: Three Things Everyone Needs to Do with Money in 2010 Our friend Evan describes this as sort of like “doubling down” at a casino: Greece Sells 8 Billion Euros in Notes After Offering Premium GG flagged this Reuters piece: Record number of young Americans jobless Also from GG: Deficits As Far as the Eye Can See Economics Update from JWR: The last I heard, the Economatrix was still snowed in, …


Odds ‘n Sods:

F.R. highlighted a post over at The Sipsey Street Irregulars blog that has a link to a PDF from a 1960s military journal, article, titled “Organized Looting.” Here is the Sipsey Street editor’s comment: “This article by Leo Heiman, a veteran of the Rossokovsy Brigade of Russian Partisans, from Military Review, February 1965 discusses some of the uncomfortable logistics issues guerrillas must face. Read it, consider which of its lessons apply to you and redouble your caching efforts.” JWR Adds: FWIW, the same thing went on in communist revolutions worldwide, throughput the 20th Century, and may explain why so many …



Note from JWR:

There are just three days left in the unprecedented 25% off sale on Alpine Aire freeze dried foods at Ready Made Resources. They are offering free shipping on full case lots. Don’t miss out, as this is a special “test” sale, approved for just Ready Made Resources by Alpine Aire, and might not be repeated.


Letter Re: Hyperinflation Appears Certain for the US Dollar

Jim, During many years of “hiding, prepping and watching” I’ve tried to determine what series of events may lead to TEOTWAWKI. There are many, but not obvious to most. Hurricane Katrina and Haiti are examples of either predictable events or unpredictable instantaneous events as would be a single nuclear event such as a “suitcase bomb” . Each of these has a number of things in common, but the most significant is the limited geography associated with each. The biggest difference between Hurricane Katrina and the Haitian earthquake is the lack of adjacent unaffected land. In the case of Hurricane Katrina …


Letter Re: Nefarious Uses of Google Earth

Sir; In response to what Art A. wrote about the koi thieves. I want to add an aside that I don’t know if you covered in your Google Earth piece. I work for a municipal police agency. Google Earth is widely used with the agency to be able to view locations of potential suspects. It is particularly informative when serving search warrants on large compound-like properties as it alerts officials to the location of all building, etc., as well as other things located on the property. When chasing criminals it seems a good tool but when the government decides that …


Economics and Investing:

Sue C. and Chris S. were the first of a dozen readers to forward me this article link: Seven Things About The Economy Everyone Should Be Worried About Trent sent us this: Gold is “fairly expensive” could fall to $800 if Fed moves Midas fund manager says. [JWR’s Comment: I’m dubious about a big correction in the near future. I don’t expect interest rates in the US to change radically anytime soon. If anything, they are headed lower, in a desperate attempt to turn the real estate market around, and boost equities. Also note that the funds have continued to …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Mike The Blacksmith wrote to mention that BBC America will start to broadcast the new post-pandemic Survivors series (an updated version of the 1970s Terry Nation series, first aired in 2008) starting February 13th at 7 p.m. Central time. Like the recent “After Armageddon” docudrama, this should serve as a motivational tool. (But like most television envisionings of an inimical future, don’t expect to pick up many useful survival tips.)    o o o Matt T. recommended this book: Living the Martial Way: A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think. Matt’s comments: “While it was written for …