Odds ‘n Sods:

“I think there is a 90% probability the great crisis will be upon us within ten years” says Richard Maybury, of the Early Warning Report newsletter. Maybury has been uncannily prescient on geopolitical and economics for many years. Thanks, to Nick, for the link

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F.M. sent us this: PEMEX Expects Oil Depletion in Seven Years

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OSOM flagged this article: Fannie and Freddie Failure Would be Catastrophic. OSOM’s comment: “So the question is, how much of our taxpayer money, and inflationary fiat money will be used to bail them out?”

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Michael A. mentioned “The World’s Best Cane” as a perfect ‘hidden-in-plain-sight’ defense tool. Michael notes: “They are made in the US, out of Brazilian Cherry Wood (laminated), with the handle cast out of bronze. It’s very, very tough, yet also a piece of artwork. In California, where it is so often difficult or impossible to carry something to defend yourself with, it also has a ‘dual’ function of being used as a ‘baton’ or ‘long hammer’. [Since they are classed as ambulatory aids,] TSA won’t be able to stop you from bringing your cane onboard an aircraft! I can see how someone might want to take this cane on vacation where you cannot legally or conveniently carry another self-defense device.” JWR Adds: Don’t under-estimate the value of a cane, walking stick, or full-size umbrella in situations where you cannot carry a gun. Several times in SurvivalBlog I’ve mentioned the Barton-Wright system of walking stick self defense that was developed more than a century ago. Be ready and able, regardless of circumstances. Even a tightly-rolled newspaper can be pressed into service as a form of baton, but of course a well-made cane with hardwood shaft is vastly superior.