I'm getting geared back up to return to blogging and to (hopefully) posting in the Forum. Thanks for all your patience in this crazy season of life. BTW... Here's the new logo for the Forum:
Sunday, March 11, 2012
New Forum Logo
Hey Everyone,
I'm getting geared back up to return to blogging and to (hopefully) posting in the Forum. Thanks for all your patience in this crazy season of life. BTW... Here's the new logo for the Forum:
I'm getting geared back up to return to blogging and to (hopefully) posting in the Forum. Thanks for all your patience in this crazy season of life. BTW... Here's the new logo for the Forum:
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Blog On Hiatus Until Further Notice
Although it is my desire to do some blogging on a daily basis related to the Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast, the reality is that my personal situation and recurrent lack of online access has caused me to put this part of my preparedness efforts on hold.
If/when things change to allow more time in my schedule I plan to return to daily blogging but until then keep an eye on our main web site for information: http://www.chipmonksurvival.com/
If/when things change to allow more time in my schedule I plan to return to daily blogging but until then keep an eye on our main web site for information: http://www.chipmonksurvival.com/
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Census: Report shows nearly 50% of American people are poor or low-income
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/census-shows-1-2-people-103940568.html
QUOTE: Squeezed by rising living costs, a record number of Americans — nearly 1 in 2 — have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income.
The latest census data depict a middle class that's shrinking as unemployment stays high and the government's safety net frays. The new numbers follow years of stagnating wages for the middle class that have hurt millions of workers and families."Safety net programs such as food stamps and tax credits kept poverty from rising even higher in 2010, but for many low-income families with work-related and medical expenses, they are considered too 'rich' to qualify," said Sheldon Danziger, a University of Michigan public policy professor who specializes in poverty.
Yet another reason to ignore the statistics put out by the Labor Department each week. By ignoring those who have exhausted their benefits the unemployment rate magically shrinks. Hmmm... I'm curious if anyone believes those Employment press releases anymore?
QUOTE: Squeezed by rising living costs, a record number of Americans — nearly 1 in 2 — have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income.
The latest census data depict a middle class that's shrinking as unemployment stays high and the government's safety net frays. The new numbers follow years of stagnating wages for the middle class that have hurt millions of workers and families."Safety net programs such as food stamps and tax credits kept poverty from rising even higher in 2010, but for many low-income families with work-related and medical expenses, they are considered too 'rich' to qualify," said Sheldon Danziger, a University of Michigan public policy professor who specializes in poverty.
Yet another reason to ignore the statistics put out by the Labor Department each week. By ignoring those who have exhausted their benefits the unemployment rate magically shrinks. Hmmm... I'm curious if anyone believes those Employment press releases anymore?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
USA TODAY: Home electricity prices skyrocking
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/story/2011-12-13/electric-bills/51840042/1?loc=interstitialskip
QUOTE: High taxes, limits on air-polluting fuels and the expense of maintaining an underground transmission system keep consumer costs high, says ConEd spokesman Chris Olert.
Sadly, the pinch is already on families these days because of the economy and this can only make it worse. I've noticed that nationwide more people are turning to alternative heat sources (such as wood) in response as heat in the winter is one of the bigger drivers of electricity usage.
All of this of course suggests yet another reason to try to be as independent of the electrical grid as possible, but I've probably beaten that dead horse to death enough on the podcast. :)
QUOTE: High taxes, limits on air-polluting fuels and the expense of maintaining an underground transmission system keep consumer costs high, says ConEd spokesman Chris Olert.
Sadly, the pinch is already on families these days because of the economy and this can only make it worse. I've noticed that nationwide more people are turning to alternative heat sources (such as wood) in response as heat in the winter is one of the bigger drivers of electricity usage.
All of this of course suggests yet another reason to try to be as independent of the electrical grid as possible, but I've probably beaten that dead horse to death enough on the podcast. :)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Time of the Signs?: People Living In Storage Units
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/12/12/fire-destroys-several-units-at-gloucester-city-storage-facility/
QUOTE: According to eyewitnesses, two people have been living inside one of the units due to tough economic times.
I've seen this in my own area in recent years and do not find this to be surprising at all. With the real unemployment rate much higher than the "official" statistics, we should expect to see even more of these sorts of creative living arrangements in times to come.
Other evidences of how bad things are getting:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-12/homeless-children-increase/51851146/1?loc=interstitialskip
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-13/u-s-retail-sales-climb-less-than-forecast-at-slowest-pace-in-five-months.html
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/12/13/salvation-army-has-warning-after-three-red-kettles-stolen-in-northeast-philadelphia/
And perhaps the worst of all---tubas?: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/12/12/rash-of-unsolved-tuba-thefts-plagues-southland-high-schools/
QUOTE: According to eyewitnesses, two people have been living inside one of the units due to tough economic times.
I've seen this in my own area in recent years and do not find this to be surprising at all. With the real unemployment rate much higher than the "official" statistics, we should expect to see even more of these sorts of creative living arrangements in times to come.
Other evidences of how bad things are getting:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-12/homeless-children-increase/51851146/1?loc=interstitialskip
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-12-13/u-s-retail-sales-climb-less-than-forecast-at-slowest-pace-in-five-months.html
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/12/13/salvation-army-has-warning-after-three-red-kettles-stolen-in-northeast-philadelphia/
And perhaps the worst of all---tubas?: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/12/12/rash-of-unsolved-tuba-thefts-plagues-southland-high-schools/
Monday, December 12, 2011
Cops use Predator drone to nab cattle rustlers
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2073248/Local-cops-used-Predator-drone-arrest-North-Dakota-farm-family-stealing-6-cows.html
QUOTE: Meet the Brossarts, a North Dakota family deemed so dangerous that the local sheriff needed unleashed an unmanned Predator drone to help bring them in. The Brossart's alleged crime? They wouldn't give back three cows and their calves that wandered onto their 3,000-acre farm this summer.
The same aerial vehicles used by the CIA to track down and assassinate terrorists and militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan are now being deployed by cops to spy on Americans in their own backyards.
I began writing a book sometime back about a post-collapse scenario, and in that book I used the idea of Predator drones being used to hunt and kill American citizens. At the time, I thought it was sort of a science-fiction-y idea but you can see it isn't all that far beyond the scope of possibility these days. Reminds one of the Hunter-Killer robots in Terminator...
QUOTE: Meet the Brossarts, a North Dakota family deemed so dangerous that the local sheriff needed unleashed an unmanned Predator drone to help bring them in. The Brossart's alleged crime? They wouldn't give back three cows and their calves that wandered onto their 3,000-acre farm this summer.
The same aerial vehicles used by the CIA to track down and assassinate terrorists and militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan are now being deployed by cops to spy on Americans in their own backyards.
I began writing a book sometime back about a post-collapse scenario, and in that book I used the idea of Predator drones being used to hunt and kill American citizens. At the time, I thought it was sort of a science-fiction-y idea but you can see it isn't all that far beyond the scope of possibility these days. Reminds one of the Hunter-Killer robots in Terminator...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Washington Post: Do-It-Yourself Trends a Step Back For Women?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-new-domesticity-fun-empowering-or-a-step-back-for-american-women/2011/11/18/gIQAqkg1vN_story_1.html
QUOTE: But lately, many women (and a few men) are diving into domesticity with a sense of moral purpose. The homemade jar of jam becomes a symbol of resistance to industrial food and its environment-defiling ways. This view has been brewing for a while, a thick stew of Slow Food and locavorism and DIY brought to a boil by recession and anxiety. Suddenly, learning the old-fashioned skills of our great-grandmothers seems not just fun, but necessary and even virtuous.
QUOTE #2: But Paska’s daily life more closely resembles a 19th-century farm wife’s: soaking beans for stews, feeding her backyard chickens and rabbits, drying herbs, baking bread, keeping bees on her apartment roof. Her frugal, home-based life allowed her to leave a desk job she disliked; she now lives on $1,000 a month earned by teaching classes on DIY urban food production and writing about beekeeping and other pre-industrial skills.
QUOTE #3: A few years ago, her friends thought she was nuts. Now, with the economy stagnating and career disillusionment growing, they all want to imitate her.
How can "self-empowerment" of this type be a step back for women? If anything this movement to increase what we would call "self-sufficiency" is one of the best things to happen to women (and families in general) for a long time.
Let's hope it really catches on.
QUOTE: But lately, many women (and a few men) are diving into domesticity with a sense of moral purpose. The homemade jar of jam becomes a symbol of resistance to industrial food and its environment-defiling ways. This view has been brewing for a while, a thick stew of Slow Food and locavorism and DIY brought to a boil by recession and anxiety. Suddenly, learning the old-fashioned skills of our great-grandmothers seems not just fun, but necessary and even virtuous.
QUOTE #2: But Paska’s daily life more closely resembles a 19th-century farm wife’s: soaking beans for stews, feeding her backyard chickens and rabbits, drying herbs, baking bread, keeping bees on her apartment roof. Her frugal, home-based life allowed her to leave a desk job she disliked; she now lives on $1,000 a month earned by teaching classes on DIY urban food production and writing about beekeeping and other pre-industrial skills.
QUOTE #3: A few years ago, her friends thought she was nuts. Now, with the economy stagnating and career disillusionment growing, they all want to imitate her.
How can "self-empowerment" of this type be a step back for women? If anything this movement to increase what we would call "self-sufficiency" is one of the best things to happen to women (and families in general) for a long time.
Let's hope it really catches on.
Central Bank Action Yesterday Merely 'Buys Time' for Europe
http://www.cnbc.com/id/45501391
QUOTE: Europe's already crippling debt crisis is set to worsen in 2012, when many of the region's governments are forced to refinance huge amounts of debt. According to Ilian Mihov, a professor of Economics at the INSEAD business school, Italy alone will have to roll over 400 billion euros ($538 billion) in 2012, about 20 percent of its total debt. With yields on bonds at 7 to 8 percent, that could be difficult, he added.
It was interesting to see stocks sail ever higher yesterday, which is definitely a good thing in the short term. However, with such an 'exaggerated' rise comes the potential for an even deeper drop later so I think it behooves everyone to be a bit cautious about these wild swings up and down. I'm hoping for a strong economic recovery, but keeping an eye on the long-term trends such as the still excessively-high unemployment figures.
QUOTE: Europe's already crippling debt crisis is set to worsen in 2012, when many of the region's governments are forced to refinance huge amounts of debt. According to Ilian Mihov, a professor of Economics at the INSEAD business school, Italy alone will have to roll over 400 billion euros ($538 billion) in 2012, about 20 percent of its total debt. With yields on bonds at 7 to 8 percent, that could be difficult, he added.
It was interesting to see stocks sail ever higher yesterday, which is definitely a good thing in the short term. However, with such an 'exaggerated' rise comes the potential for an even deeper drop later so I think it behooves everyone to be a bit cautious about these wild swings up and down. I'm hoping for a strong economic recovery, but keeping an eye on the long-term trends such as the still excessively-high unemployment figures.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Online Food Storage Calculator
http://www.deepcreeksurvival.com/food-storage-calculator.html
I get asked the following question quite frequently: "How much food do I need to store for my family?" Well, the easy answer is that it depends on the size/ages, etc. of those in your family. However, a more specific plan can be generated by a good Food Storage Calculator, such as the one linked above. I don't know a lot about the web site, which is obviously trying to sell products in addition to providing the Calculator, but as a useful tool for figuring out how much food you need to stock it could be a good resource.
I get asked the following question quite frequently: "How much food do I need to store for my family?" Well, the easy answer is that it depends on the size/ages, etc. of those in your family. However, a more specific plan can be generated by a good Food Storage Calculator, such as the one linked above. I don't know a lot about the web site, which is obviously trying to sell products in addition to providing the Calculator, but as a useful tool for figuring out how much food you need to stock it could be a good resource.
Blog: Tens Of Millions Of American Families Are Living On The Edge Of Desperation – And The Economy Is About To Get A Whole Lot Worse
http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/tens-of-millions-of-american-families-are-living-on-the-edge-of-desperation-and-the-economy-is-about-to-get-a-whole-lot-worse
QUOTE: Have you ever been so poor that you had to live in your car? Have you ever been so low on funds that the only place you could afford to live was a rat-infested motel? Have you ever spent a night living in a tent city or sleeping in the streets? If not, you should consider yourself to be very fortunate.
QUOTE #2: Not only that, 2.6 million more Americans fell into poverty last year. That was also a new all-time record. As you read this, one out of every seven Americans is on food stamps and one our of every four U.S. children is on food stamps. Tens of millions of American families are living on the edge of desperation. In many communities across the United States, there is so much despair in the air that it is almost tangible. When you look into the eyes of many Americans these days, it almost seems as if all the hope has been sucked right out of their hearts. Economic despair is at epidemic levels, and unfortunately the economy is about to get a whole lot worse.
You may have come across this article online as I've seen it in a couple different places. I can say in regards to the basic theme of the article that in our area we're seeing more and more signs of the desperation talked about. Others must be seeing it as well if the following threads at Survivalistboards.com are any indication (people living out in the woods and increasing crime levels). At this point you almost have to feel "but for the grace of God go we..."
QUOTE: Have you ever been so poor that you had to live in your car? Have you ever been so low on funds that the only place you could afford to live was a rat-infested motel? Have you ever spent a night living in a tent city or sleeping in the streets? If not, you should consider yourself to be very fortunate.
QUOTE #2: Not only that, 2.6 million more Americans fell into poverty last year. That was also a new all-time record. As you read this, one out of every seven Americans is on food stamps and one our of every four U.S. children is on food stamps. Tens of millions of American families are living on the edge of desperation. In many communities across the United States, there is so much despair in the air that it is almost tangible. When you look into the eyes of many Americans these days, it almost seems as if all the hope has been sucked right out of their hearts. Economic despair is at epidemic levels, and unfortunately the economy is about to get a whole lot worse.
You may have come across this article online as I've seen it in a couple different places. I can say in regards to the basic theme of the article that in our area we're seeing more and more signs of the desperation talked about. Others must be seeing it as well if the following threads at Survivalistboards.com are any indication (people living out in the woods and increasing crime levels). At this point you almost have to feel "but for the grace of God go we..."
Report: Mysterious blast in Iran's Isfahan damaged key nuclear site
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/report-mysterious-blast-in-iran-s-isfahan-damaged-key-nuclear-site-1.398671
QUOTE: According to the Israeli sources, there was "no doubt" that the blast had damaged the nuclear facility, and that the explosion was not an "accident."
File this one under "hmmmmmm" with everything else going on in the world. (Related to Monday's post: http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/2011/11/report-explosion-rocks-iran-city-of.html )
QUOTE: According to the Israeli sources, there was "no doubt" that the blast had damaged the nuclear facility, and that the explosion was not an "accident."
File this one under "hmmmmmm" with everything else going on in the world. (Related to Monday's post: http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/2011/11/report-explosion-rocks-iran-city-of.html )
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
1979? 1979? Is That You Again?
http://news.yahoo.com/iranian-students-storm-british-embassy-tehran
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8922993/British-embassy-attack-in-Iran-live.html
Wow. Talk about history repeating itself. I was a bit young in 1979 to really grasp what was going on but have seen the ramifications play out over the past 30 years.
Seems like a definite escalation of the whole Iran Nukes issues, although the conspiratorial-minded will likely wonder if this was encouraged by foreign intelligence services to garner support for military action.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/8922993/British-embassy-attack-in-Iran-live.html
Wow. Talk about history repeating itself. I was a bit young in 1979 to really grasp what was going on but have seen the ramifications play out over the past 30 years.
Seems like a definite escalation of the whole Iran Nukes issues, although the conspiratorial-minded will likely wonder if this was encouraged by foreign intelligence services to garner support for military action.
Monday, November 28, 2011
The Pakistan Mess....
http://www.skynews.com.au/politics/article.aspx?id=690184&vId=2879514&cId=Politics
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/27/nato-reprisals-pakistan-air-strike
http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=27495&title=No-more-business-as-usual-with-US:-PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/26/us-pakistan-nato-idUSTRE7AP03S20111126
http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-24-troops-dead-nato-helicopter-attack-140517725.html
So much is happening so quickly. Is this is one of those "catalyst moments" that sometime happen in history? Pakistan is a nuclear-armed power that doesn't seem to like having its territorial sovereignty questioned (as happened in the Bin Laden raid and the above-mentioned incident). What will ultimately come of this most recent crisis with Pakistan? Open conflict? Safe haven for terrorists? I'm keeping an eye on news from that part of the world in order to identify any "game-changing" developments that could take place...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/27/nato-reprisals-pakistan-air-strike
http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=27495&title=No-more-business-as-usual-with-US:-PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/26/us-pakistan-nato-idUSTRE7AP03S20111126
http://news.yahoo.com/pakistan-24-troops-dead-nato-helicopter-attack-140517725.html
So much is happening so quickly. Is this is one of those "catalyst moments" that sometime happen in history? Pakistan is a nuclear-armed power that doesn't seem to like having its territorial sovereignty questioned (as happened in the Bin Laden raid and the above-mentioned incident). What will ultimately come of this most recent crisis with Pakistan? Open conflict? Safe haven for terrorists? I'm keeping an eye on news from that part of the world in order to identify any "game-changing" developments that could take place...
FT: The eurozone has just days to avoid collapse
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d9a299a8-1760-11e1-b00e-00144feabdc0.html
QUOTE: I have yet to be convinced that the European Council is capable of reaching such a substantive agreement given its past record. Of course, it will agree on something and sell it as a comprehensive package. It always does. But the halt-life of these fake packages has been getting shorter. After the last summit, the financial markets’ enthusiasm over the ludicrous idea of a leveraged EFSF evaporated after less than 48 hours. Italy’s disastrous bond auction on Friday tells us time is running out. The eurozone has 10 days at most.
I noticed the poor results from last Friday's Italy bond auction myself, and wondered if it indicated some near-term problems coming to a head....
QUOTE: I have yet to be convinced that the European Council is capable of reaching such a substantive agreement given its past record. Of course, it will agree on something and sell it as a comprehensive package. It always does. But the halt-life of these fake packages has been getting shorter. After the last summit, the financial markets’ enthusiasm over the ludicrous idea of a leveraged EFSF evaporated after less than 48 hours. Italy’s disastrous bond auction on Friday tells us time is running out. The eurozone has 10 days at most.
I noticed the poor results from last Friday's Italy bond auction myself, and wondered if it indicated some near-term problems coming to a head....
Report: Explosion rocks Iran city of Isfahan, home to key nuclear facility
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/report-explosion-rocks-iran-city-of-isfahan-home-to-key-nuclear-facility-1.398312
QUOTE: The reported incident occurred about two weeks after Gen. Hasan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed together with 20 other Guard members Nov. 12 at a military site outside Bidganeh village, 40 kilometers southwest of Tehran.
To the layman it appears that a number of small infiltration operations are taking place in Iran in an attempt to stop their nuclear weapons development. It will be interesting to see what else develops in regards to Iran over the next few months. Let's just hope whatever it is doesn't lead into World War III....
QUOTE: The reported incident occurred about two weeks after Gen. Hasan Tehrani Moghaddam was killed together with 20 other Guard members Nov. 12 at a military site outside Bidganeh village, 40 kilometers southwest of Tehran.
To the layman it appears that a number of small infiltration operations are taking place in Iran in an attempt to stop their nuclear weapons development. It will be interesting to see what else develops in regards to Iran over the next few months. Let's just hope whatever it is doesn't lead into World War III....
Controversal Flu studies demonstrate potential danger
http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2011/11/scientists-brace-for-media-storm.html
QUOTE: Fouchier's paper is one of two studies that have triggered an intense debate about the limits of scientific freedom and that could portend changes in the way U.S. researchers handle so-called dual-use research: studies that have a potential public health benefit but could also be useful for nefarious purposes like biowarfare or bioterrorism.
QUOTE #2: Some scientists say that's reason enough not to do such research. The virus could escape from the lab, or bioterrorists or rogue nations could use the published results to fashion a bioweapon with the potential for mass destruction, they say. "This work should never have been done," says Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute who has a strong interest in biosecurity issues.
It is frightening to consider that for all the good things technology has brought us it has also opened up more than one "Pandora's Box". I am concerned that one way or another an Influenza outbreak is one of the more likely disasters we could face one day, so I strongly recommend you take precautions in advance.
QUOTE: Fouchier's paper is one of two studies that have triggered an intense debate about the limits of scientific freedom and that could portend changes in the way U.S. researchers handle so-called dual-use research: studies that have a potential public health benefit but could also be useful for nefarious purposes like biowarfare or bioterrorism.
QUOTE #2: Some scientists say that's reason enough not to do such research. The virus could escape from the lab, or bioterrorists or rogue nations could use the published results to fashion a bioweapon with the potential for mass destruction, they say. "This work should never have been done," says Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute who has a strong interest in biosecurity issues.
It is frightening to consider that for all the good things technology has brought us it has also opened up more than one "Pandora's Box". I am concerned that one way or another an Influenza outbreak is one of the more likely disasters we could face one day, so I strongly recommend you take precautions in advance.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Stocks down over 300 due to debt, supercommittee worries
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2011/11/21/global-debt-woes-slam-wall-street/
QUOTE: The specter of U.S. lawmakers failing to reach an agreement on debt-cutting measures to avert $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts, coupled with persistent jitters over Europe's debt crisis, sparked a powerful global selloff that knocked American market averages more than 2% to the downside.
QUOTE #2: A congressional Super Committee tasked with crafting a bi-partisan solution to tackle the nation's mounting debt burden appeared stuck at a stalemate with the deadline looming just days away. The 12-member panel was mandated to craft the legislation as part a last-minute agreement over the summer to raise the nation's debt ceiling, staving off what could have been a costly default of American debt.
First off, I am not particularly in favor of any sort of governmental entity not outlined in the Constitution itself so for me the Supercommittee failure is neither unexpected nor too much regretted. At the same time, the draconian cuts to the military that are set to kick in at a time of rising tension with Iran and Syria (on top of existing troop operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Central Africa and who knows where else) seems like it could lead ultimately to a game-changing collapse of epic proportions.
Sort of like Rome in its final years...
QUOTE: The specter of U.S. lawmakers failing to reach an agreement on debt-cutting measures to avert $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts, coupled with persistent jitters over Europe's debt crisis, sparked a powerful global selloff that knocked American market averages more than 2% to the downside.
QUOTE #2: A congressional Super Committee tasked with crafting a bi-partisan solution to tackle the nation's mounting debt burden appeared stuck at a stalemate with the deadline looming just days away. The 12-member panel was mandated to craft the legislation as part a last-minute agreement over the summer to raise the nation's debt ceiling, staving off what could have been a costly default of American debt.
First off, I am not particularly in favor of any sort of governmental entity not outlined in the Constitution itself so for me the Supercommittee failure is neither unexpected nor too much regretted. At the same time, the draconian cuts to the military that are set to kick in at a time of rising tension with Iran and Syria (on top of existing troop operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Central Africa and who knows where else) seems like it could lead ultimately to a game-changing collapse of epic proportions.
Sort of like Rome in its final years...
What does the surge in farmland purchases/selloffs mean?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/21/us-farmland-idUSTRE7AK0EA20111121
QUOTE: Across the Midwest, the dizzying surge in rural land prices is accelerating a fundamental reshaping of the farm sector in the world's biggest food exporter. Instead of digging in to benefit from the boom in grain prices, the next generation is opting to cash out of the small, family-owned farms that harbor centuries of rural wisdom and deep tradition.
QUOTE #2: On the other side are often investors who view U.S. farmland as the latest hot commodity, with prices soaring at a rate not seen since the 1970s, in some cases to record highs.
QUOTE #3: Large-scale farmers and wealthy outside investors - who are weary of Wall Street's roller coaster - are lining up to plow their money into the perceived stability of farmland. Large parcels of good land can be difficult to find in the U.S., and what is out there doesn't tend to come up for sale very often.
Maybe these investors see something down the road that has gotten their attention? Many in the Survival/Preparedness community have been talking about the "real value" present in farm-able land for, oh decades I suppose. It's interesting to see that the big money is catching on as well.
Also, what are those ex-farmers going to do when the value of the money they've been paid with drop precipitously? Personally, with how things are going lately I'd rather have the land than some digital paper in my bank account although I don't blame them for wanting to get out of the commercial farming business. Now small-scale farming on the other hand...
QUOTE: Across the Midwest, the dizzying surge in rural land prices is accelerating a fundamental reshaping of the farm sector in the world's biggest food exporter. Instead of digging in to benefit from the boom in grain prices, the next generation is opting to cash out of the small, family-owned farms that harbor centuries of rural wisdom and deep tradition.
QUOTE #2: On the other side are often investors who view U.S. farmland as the latest hot commodity, with prices soaring at a rate not seen since the 1970s, in some cases to record highs.
QUOTE #3: Large-scale farmers and wealthy outside investors - who are weary of Wall Street's roller coaster - are lining up to plow their money into the perceived stability of farmland. Large parcels of good land can be difficult to find in the U.S., and what is out there doesn't tend to come up for sale very often.
Maybe these investors see something down the road that has gotten their attention? Many in the Survival/Preparedness community have been talking about the "real value" present in farm-able land for, oh decades I suppose. It's interesting to see that the big money is catching on as well.
Also, what are those ex-farmers going to do when the value of the money they've been paid with drop precipitously? Personally, with how things are going lately I'd rather have the land than some digital paper in my bank account although I don't blame them for wanting to get out of the commercial farming business. Now small-scale farming on the other hand...
BI: Stock Market Is Following A Frighteningly Similar Pattern To 2007/2008
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-stock-market-is-following-a-frighteningly-similar-pattern-to-2008-2011-11?utm_source=twbutton&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=moneygame-contributor
QUOTE: If we review our history back to 2007 we will remember that the mainstream media, analysts and economists were telling us at that time that the "subprime mortgage" issues were "contained" and that the economy would experience a "goldilocks"slowdown.
QUOTE #2: However, as investors, "hope" is not an investment strategy. As investors we must focus on what the market is telling us. We can hope for the best, which is certainly much better on the human psychology than the depression onset by delving in the worst.... Therefore, what the market is telling us today is a story that it told us previously in 2007.
In a way I think the best case scenario is a repeat what happened four or so years ago. There are a number of indicators across the board in housing, what's happening in Europe, etc. that make the potential for what's unfolding now in the US and abroad potentially far worse. Lately I've tried to put on my historian's hat and ask the question:
"When did they first know they were in the Great Depression back in the 1930s?"
QUOTE: If we review our history back to 2007 we will remember that the mainstream media, analysts and economists were telling us at that time that the "subprime mortgage" issues were "contained" and that the economy would experience a "goldilocks"slowdown.
QUOTE #2: However, as investors, "hope" is not an investment strategy. As investors we must focus on what the market is telling us. We can hope for the best, which is certainly much better on the human psychology than the depression onset by delving in the worst.... Therefore, what the market is telling us today is a story that it told us previously in 2007.
In a way I think the best case scenario is a repeat what happened four or so years ago. There are a number of indicators across the board in housing, what's happening in Europe, etc. that make the potential for what's unfolding now in the US and abroad potentially far worse. Lately I've tried to put on my historian's hat and ask the question:
"When did they first know they were in the Great Depression back in the 1930s?"
Friday, November 18, 2011
A good prepping Bible verse...
Often I'll come across a Bible verse that seems to have a specific Survival/Preparedness application but usually I forget about sharing it with listeners as this is not a "Religious" podcast. However, today I was reading the following verse and it reminded me of how some things are out of our hands no matter what we do in our "prepping life". I'm a believer that we sometimes need to look beyond ourselves for true comfort in facing the unknown future that seems to draw closer every day.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be they shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou has made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh they dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalm 91:1-11
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be they shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou has made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh they dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalm 91:1-11
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