Odds ‘n Sods:

Several readers sent us the link to this Christian Science Monitor article: Survivalist businesses surge in uncertain times. BTW the article mentions both our spin-off web site (SurvivalRealty.com and several of our advertisers.

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Speaking of retreats, readers FFF and Ben H. both mentioned that the newly-released US Census data might be useful for anyone looking to buy a retreat property:

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Michael from Texas suggested this: Google Maps Mashup Combines Your Address, Nuclear Blast

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I wish that I had better news for you for Christmas, but here is some more economic news and commentary, courtesy of Cheryl: Jobless Claims Surge to 26-Year HighUS Economy Shrinks Fastest Since 9-11California Will Run Out of Money in February 2009The Party is Over if Deflation Grips the EconomyBritain’s Slide Toward Recession AcceleratesIceland “Like Chernobyl” as Meltdown Shows that Anger Can Boil OverUS Debt Approaches Insolvency, China Currency Reserves at RiskUS Calls the Tune as Gold, Silver Plunge (PDF) — Oil Dips Below $37 on String of Bad Economic NewsIncreased Shoplifting is Another Sign of Bad TimesHousing Crisis Worsens as Economy Weakens