Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader KMA found a web site with photos of Antique Farm Tools dating from about 1600 to 1940 (chaff cutters, dibblers, flails, etc.). Though most are from England, Wales and Scotland, others from the USA are also included. Remember: Part of of our future lies in the past. Nineteenth Century technology is appropriate technology.

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Jack B. sent us this commentary link from The Economist: Bearish battalions. Continue to stay away from equities for the next few years, folks. They are a losing proposition in a credit-starved and slowing economy. As I’ve often said, if you want safety, then buy tangibles.

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Here is a “must read” piece in Barron’s by Alan Abelson: No Place to Hide. Here is key quote: “Credit for at least two decades has been what made our world go ’round, and suddenly somebody pulled the plug and it was gone. And gone, too, are the fabulous bubbles and booms that it so generously fed, leaving a horrible mess that we’re nowhere near mopping up.”

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Chris S. flagged this alarming news article: New West Nile virus strain may worsen epidemic