Odds ‘n Sods:

Daniel C. mentioned that a PDF of the book The Alpha Strategy by John Pugsley is now available for free download. (This is the key book that I mentioned in the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course.) I highly recommend Pugsley’s book, which is considered a classic in preparedness circles. It was one of my main influences when I first formulated my investment strategy, back in my late teens. I owe Pugsley the credit for the many useful tangibles that are stacked on the shelves down in Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR). Many of those items were purchased in the early to mid-1980s when I had military commissary and post exchange privileges. For example, my family is still using aluminum foil that I bought in 1985 for just 79 cents a roll. By my calculations, I won’t have to buy another batch for six more years. We are also still not even close to using up the many 12 ounce bottles of vanilla extract that I bought in 1984 for $1.20 each. Enough logistical war stories. I concur with reader Jamie D., who’s motto is “Buy it cheap and stack it deep.” Now, getting back to the author: Pugsley is now the chairman of The Sovereign Society. You can read read more of his writings at The Daily Reckoning web site.

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I noticed that the spot price of silver recently took a dip below $12 per ounce. This might be a good buying opportunity. I’m still convinced that Helicopter Ben will inflate his way out of the current crisis. So in the long run, the precious metals will appreciate in value. Buy on the dips!.

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Some “must read” commentary over at Jim Sinclair’s MineSet: Commercial Paper Market All But Shuts Down