Odds ‘n Sods:

Several readers have informed us of this: Stealing heating wood in NE

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SA sent this video suggesting that Folks should get rid of their smartphones NOW!!

HJL Adds: Take the references to Minority Report with a hefty grain of salt. This really isn’t late breaking news. I’m posting it so that those who are not aware of the implications can decide for themselves if it’s worth it or not. Hand held GPS have used this exact technology for years for geocaching. It is the Holy Grail of retailers, to be able to individually target users with ads and products so they can maximize the return on advertising dollars. Retailers already have the ability to data mine existing information they have collected on you and target you with specific information. They already tie different methods of data collection together, i.e. credit cards, debit cards, store savings cards, coupons, product purchase history, et cetera. Retailers lead the way, but the information is just too useful for governments not to be involved.

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J.W. sends this to us: Turk – the silver spike is going to shock the world in 2014

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B.B. adds this: Wall Street adviser: Actual unemployment is 37.2%, ‘misery index’ worst in 40 years

Of course, if you’ve been paying attention, you already know the basics of that one. Life can get pretty miserable for those who do not prepare for it.

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And on a brighter note, an anonymous reader sent this in: This Town in Australia Looks Totally Deserted. But Turns Out Their Residents Are Just Brilliant.