Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 29

19 Signs That America Has Become

USA may lose all allies in Middle East
Case-Shiller: Home Prices Down 4% YOY
There is a difference between

Forget $5 gas, the new worry is $6 gas: Middle East strife threatens to push prices to record levels
Biderman: Real Time Economic Data Shows

The Objectives of Currency Devaluation
The Irrelevance of Worker Need

Why U.S. Gov’t Confiscated Gold in 1933.

GATA: The Russians And Chinese

Lying to Ourselves: America's Welfare State
Christian Conservatives Guard Religious Liberty
Mr. Obama's 'Grovel-Ready' Foreign Policy
Gold May Gain in NY on Weaker Dollar
MF Global Parent Confidentiality Rules Unfair, Customers Say
Fla. Senate panel clears foreclosure bill
Data Shows $3.50 Gas May Be Tipping Point

Remaking the Mistakes of the Great Depression
A Primer on the Euro Breakup
No Easy Fix for Gas Prices
Lieberman: U.S., Russian warnings

Top Iran official:

Pentagon pulls the plug on airborne missile defense system
Principal reduction isn't ideal fix for foreclosures, official says
Fed's Duke:

Soaring oil prices will dwarf the Greek drama
Germany approves Greek bail-out

Irish EU treaty vote threatens chaos
George Osborne: UK has run out of money
The Dow Finally Closes Above Pre-Recession 13,000 Landmark
Welcome to America's Own Foxconn
EXTEND & PRETEND COMING TO AN END
Rich more likely to take candy from babies
GAO: Overlapping government programs cost billions
Home price indices hit new lows
Volcker Rule faces protests of local, foreign governments
Home prices declined in 18 of 20 cities
Greed Isn’t Good: Wealth Could Make People Unethical
Ron Paul Educates WSJ Analyst
Biderman's Daily Edge 2/27/2012:

Gerald Celente, the Kleptocrat's Carry-Trade

Facebook claims you’re playing games you aren’t playing
Another Unintended Consequence:

Silver Explodes As DJIA Closes Above 13,000
2012 Annual Report:

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 29

Oil near $107 after mixed US demand signs
US gets tough with India, China on Iranian oil
Sudan asks China to help in oil dispute
Japan's oil imports fall for 3rd straight month in January
Venezuela confirms sending oil to Syria
Greece invites bids for state gas group DEPA
UPDATE 3-US natural gas ends down for 4th day, forecasts turn milder
Euro coal prices move up slightly with strong oil - Report
U.S. coal glut finds some relief in India, Turkey
World's oldest operating nuclear power station closes down
Azerbaijan sues Armenia for new nuclear reactor construction
Solar Panel Prices 'Close to Bottom,' According to Deutsche Bank
UK government support for wind energy under the spotlight
Iran to supply Armenia with gasoline, oil products
UPDATE 1-US gasoline demand down 7 pct yr/yr as price rises -MasterCard
Aroway Energy Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2012 And Operational Results...

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 28

The metamorphosis of Ben Bernanke
The insanity of health insurance
BofA mortgage move not likely to have big consumer impact
11 Reasons To Get Your Kids

BofA Stops Selling Loans to Fannie Mae:
False Recovery 2.0:  It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like 2011
Latest Resignations From World Banks and Governments
Scientific Study Shows That The Powerful and Privileged

Jim Rogers: Gold to Rise Much Higher in this Decade, Do Not Sell It!
Bank sues itself, wins, and then forces itself into bankruptcy to satisfy judgment
20 Signs That Dust Bowl Conditions

Ayn Rand Beats Rick Santelli as First Teapartyer
Bernanke Pessimism Drives Credit

Buffett: Banks Victimized by Excesses of Ousted Homeowners
G-20 Rebuffs Europe’s Call for Help
Greece Running Out of Alternatives: Krugman
Why Gasoline Prices Are So Different Around the US
Gold & Silver:

Gold struggles to test $1800

Japan posts record trade deficit while real estate values go deep into the 1980s. US has decade long collapse in real estate values in spite of record low mortgage rates. The path of two lost decades in US real estate values is looking very similar to Japan
Countdown to Market Peak Has Begun
The High Price of Oil
Economy Squeezed as Debt Accelerates
Israel, Kurdish fighters destroyed Iran nuclear facility, email released by WikiLeaks claims
Putin: An attack on Iran's nuclear facilities

How the Government is Robbing Pension Plans
Disability Fraud Holds Down US Unemployment Rate
In tough economy, people turning in rare, unique items in for cash
Insider Says Promontory’s OCC Foreclosure Reviews

Goldman secrets
US credit-card debt nearing toxic levels
A Good Question
To Pay New York Pension Fund, Cities Borrow From It First
Not What Paul Volcker Had in Mind
Weimar Europe?
A World Bank for a New World
Japan, China to Promote Yen-Yuan Currency Exchange
China risks 'middle income trap' without free market revolution
Spanish revolt brews

It's the Houses, Stupid
If Afghans Want to Reject the U.S.

Why Other Electronics Companies

Fixing the Federal Reserve
Bob Chapman - Expatriate Expatriate
A Planned Economy for the 1%
Lindsey Williams - Radio Liberty - 21 Feb 2012
The 'High Oil Prices = Recession' Fallacy
Brodsky On Buffet On Gold
Buy Gold...schlager: Booze Inflation Highest In 20 Years
It's Official: S&P Cuts Greece To (Selective) Default From CC

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 28

TransCanada plans for new, shorter US oil pipeline after Obama Keystone veto
Russia, China resolve oil pricing dispute - paper
Tanzania, Uganda in big oil & gas deals: Tullow sells assets to Total, China's CNOOC
North Sea oil supply slumps as tax grab bites deep
Piracy threatens West Africa oil expansion
Oil refineries likely to close across UK and Europe, Essar Energy boss warns
Qatar agrees to supply 3.5m tonnes LNG to Pakistan
BP wants predictable price regime for natural gas in India
Nigeria: Country's Global LNG Market Share May Shrink by 2017
China 2011 raw coal output up 8.7 pct y/y - report
Poland set to mine rise in worldwide coal demand
Thermal coal prices may rise on India, China demand
GCC aides meet today to weigh nuclear energy options
Russia Pitches Baltic Nuclear Plant to Europe
China to Build Turkish Nuclear Station Close to the Bulgarian Border
UN urges Africa to facilitate private investment in wind energy and solar power
Italians develop floating solar panels
Russia gasoline, gas oil exports rise in January

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 27

Atlanta Fed Survey Finds Long-Term Inflation Worry
Barack Obama Apologizes For Burning Korans

Perpetual Debt Machine:

Greek bail-out threatened by Germany-IMF stand-off
Middle East risks becoming a 'giant failed state'
'Chaotic' meeting exposes divisions on Syria
Pawn Stars:  Five Household Items With Hidden Value
Warren Buffett Buys

The $4 Billion Obamacare Slush Fund for Progressives
8 Reasons Why The Greek Debt Deal

8 Reasons Why the Greek Debt Deal May Not Stop a Chaotic Greek Debt Default
America 1950 vs. America 2012
Wyoming Prepping For Martial Law Scenario:
Wyoming House advances doomsday bill
Cable TV show ignites modern-day Alaska Gold Rush
World Bank Wants Control Of The High Seas
Regulations Harm Small Business and Protects Corporations
Clinton ‘Betting Against’ Assad as Annan Named Syria Envoy
Volcker Rule May Impact Banks

Banks Need Simpler, Tougher Capital Standards
U.S., S. Korea Start Drills, North Issues Warning
Rescue or Risk for Greece?
CFR: Why We Can't Believe the Fed
Analysts Warn Oil Could Pass $200 on Iran Tensions
Growth in industrial use to drive silver prices
The Postal Service's Plan: Worse Service, Higher Prices
The Rise of the Petrodollar System: "Dollars for Oil"
Iran: drumbeat of war has a familiar sound
Iran Threatens To Extend Oil Embargo
Afghan police hunt for colleague suspected of shooting US officers
Russia will stand up to Putin,

Gingrich and Obama Play Political Games

Barak heads to DC for Iran talks
Iran: Military strike will lead to 'collapse' of Israel
U.S. opening up airspace to use of drones
Spanish revolt brews

Soaring oil prices will dwarf the Greek drama
It may well turn out that we are watching not a Greek but a euro tragedy
G20 leaders insist no more IMF cash

Two Banks Fail; Possible Losses to Depositors
Intel Exclusive: Trillion Dollar Terror Exposed
We Can Stop The Machine, If We Want To
Iran leaders disconnect from middle class
White House vows to stay involved in Afghanistan
'US to announce aerial blockade on Syria'
Marc Faber Bloomberg Radio - 21 Feb 2012
Lord James of Blackheath:

Keiser Report: Bubbling Economy
Real Wealth vs. The Debt Bubble -

Jim Roger - ET Now 23 Feb 2012
Anonymous - Fed Reserve Caught Red Handed
Catherine Austin Fitts The Looting Of America
Dr. Bill Deagle w/ Jeff Rense 2012/02/22
'Israel has no capability to attack Iran'
My Apology to President Karzai on Behalf of Americans

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 27

Nigeria's crude production peaks at about 2.68m bpd
Asia Now World's Largest Oil Consuming Region
Mexico at 100 pct oil reserve replacement rate -president
Security in doubt as Australia's aging oil refineries shut down
Drilling alone won't bring cheap U.S. oil
China's natural gas imports up 66.7% in Jan
U.S., China threaten Australia's gas hopes
BC coal exports coming under scrutiny for contributing to greenhouse gases
China Thermal Coal Price Falls for Third Week as Stocks Rise
Jordan and Qatari bank in nuclear energy discussions
Norway Hopes to Develop Thorium Nuclear Power
Kazakhstan to expand nuclear cooperation with India
Reviving the Concentrating Solar Power Market in the US
Chinese solar major offers financing for Indian projects
Gasoline price hike in US

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 24

Bretton Woods uncovered (a scoop, of sorts)
18 Statistics that Prove the Economy Has Not Improved Under the Current Administration
Currency Debasement Should Take Gold Prices Over $6,000/oz and Silver Above $400/oz
DIA DIRECTOR: CHINA PREPARING FOR SPACE WARFARE

The Model for Presidential Character -- George Washington
Satan Is Not a Campaign Issue
Is Censorship the New Pluralism?
When Greece Defaults
Spain barter economy wins followers in grip of crisis
Bank of America freezes pension plans
Greek Deal Leaves Europe on the Road to Disaster
JPMorgan Places $72 Billion Bet on Global Homeowners
Why Renters Rule U.S. Housing Market (Part 3)
Comments on Existing Home Inventory
How Much Would it Cost to build the Death Star?
Blueprint for China to open up markets
Gold, silver boosted by euro, crude oil
Greece surrenders its gold and itself

Lack of supply will push silver

US, France, UK, Turkey, Italy

Turning The Screw On Greece
NASA Will Pay You to Eat Astronaut Food for 4 Months
P&G to slash 5,700 jobs and cut costs by $10bn
Athens told to change spending and taxes
Somalia urged to unite behind stable government
Colorado Looking At Gold, Silver Currency
Bank of America stops selling mortgages to Fannie Mae
Western Countries 'Poised for Military Intervention' in Syria
Iranian Scientist 'Sought Israel's Annihilation,' Says Widow
City Council -

Group Files FTC Complaint

THE BROKEST COUNTRY HAS THE BROKEST CITIZENS
Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran
Putin praises Cold War moles for stealing U.S. nuclear secrets
USPS closings plan to eliminate up to 35,000 jobs
Unintended Consequences
The spectre of deflation rises as inflation falls
German showdown with IMF looms

Apple 'has more money than it needs', says chief Tim Cook
The Dis-United States of Gas Prices:

What Republican Elites Can Learn from the Arizona Debate
Intel Exclusive: Trillion Dollar Terror Exposed
Gerald Celente - The Alex Jones Show , February 22, 2012
Lord James of Blackheath FOUNDATION X UPDATE
Folker Hellmeyer and James Turk

Keiser Report: Burning Bankers Pays (E253)
Ron Paul after the AZ Republican Debate -

Just What Is the REAL Exposure to Greece? Pt 1
The Greek Tragedy And Great Depression Lessons Not Learned
Impartial Analysis Finds Only Ron Paul Would Cut US Debt Burden
Negative Salaries, Negative Bailout

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 24

China Oil-Product Stockpiles Gain Amid Weaker Demand, NDRC Says
Nigerian oil outlook promising
Iran oil supply to Turkey may be halted by bank sanctions
CNOOC in talks to construct oil refinery in Uganda
Energy Department says oil supplies increased
Chevron Starts China Shale Gas Exploration, Builds Sichuan Plant
Mozambique Revising Petroleum Law to Include Gas, Bias Says
U.S. launching program focusing on natural gas-powered cars
Asia Coal-Australian prices inch up, China on sidelines
Coal Consumption in China rises at fastest rate since 2005
Japan to Purchase Contracted Kazakh Uranium, Kazatomprom Says
India still ready for full-scale efforts in nuclear power with Russia
Canadian nuclear research centre secures funding
US makes $3 million available for new solar energy research program
BP Plans to Withdraw From Solar-Energy Venture in Australia
China Encourages Solar Companies to Expand Amid Supply Glut
Gasoline trends: Americans using less, but spending more

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 23

Warships sail to Syria
Opposing Trends in Debt and GDP Growth
Robotics and Health Care: A New Growth Market
Uncle Sam’s Fire Sale. Minimum Investment: $1 Billion
Under Volcker, Old Dividing Line in Banks May Return
Bailing Out Banks Is Inflationary
The Transition to Monetary Freedom
Home prices at lowest point in more than 10 years
Herding Greek Cats from Bondage
Gold Profits from World Turmoil
Politicians Fiddle While Fiscal Crisis Looms
Only 54% of Americans

Why Silver is the Standout Buy After the Greek Deal
Eric Sprott:  Silver Will Be A Currency Again
Obama and Israel: The Silence of 'Friends'
Florida Drivers Shelling Out

Consequences of Iran-Israel War
Inflation Everywhere But MSM Says Not
The Price Of Gasoline Is Outrageous -- And It's Going To Go Even Higher
White House: IAEA visit a 'failure' for Iran
T-Mobile files opposition to Verizon Wireless spectrum deal
Short Selling and the Great Depression: Echoes
Sanctions Alone Won’t Topple Assad
Why Renters Rule U.S. Housing Market (Part 2)
FNC House Prices, Zillow's forecast for Case-Shiller
Fitch Cuts Greece, Near-Term Default 'Highly Likely'
Survey Finds More Mature Workers

The Tax Break That Millions Miss Out On
Why Inflation's Higher Than It Looks
Fearless Prediction: On March 20, Greece WILL Default
Here Is the Plain Truth About Greece
Quit Worrying, Sovereign Defaults Happen All the Time
Marie Colvin's killing piles pressure on Assad

Obama proposes corporate tax cut

NY U.S. Bankruptcy Court Rules MERS's Business Model Is Illegal
Is the European crisis over or just beginning?
Two Western Journalists Killed in Syria Shelling
MOUNTAINS OF DEBT
The Middle Class Goes Global
What Iranian Elites Think
Greek debt accord hostage to political passions
ECB's Mario Draghi magic corrupts bond markets
The Paradox of Corporate Tax Reform
What the App Economy Can Teach the Whole Economy
AIPAC and the Push Toward War
Iran Drumbeat Watch: Now, on Page 1
Who Do You Trust Less: The NSA or Anonymous?
Experts Say Iran Attack Is Irrational,

U.N. Inspectors’ Iran Nuclear Mission Fails

Iran Uses European Oil Dependence as Blackmail on Nukes
Greek Bailout Package: Undemocratic and Unsustainable
T-Mobile, public interest groups

Historic door-to-door retailer Fuller Brush

Federation on front lines of health law battle
Gingrich campaign warned 2nd time for financial dealings
Ron Paul - U.S Iran war break out??
Gerald Celente -

Truth and lies behind the IAEA report
Steve Quayle Feb 19, 2012 w/David Lankford OMR 1/2
The Secret Government (CIA Overthrow of Mossadeq)
Steve Quayle Feb 19, 2012 w/David Lankford OMR 2/2
Bob Chapman - 3rd Hour Radio Liberty - 20 Feb 2012

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 23

Obama Urged to Resist Calls to Use Oil Reserves Amid Iran Risks
Iraq reviewing plans to spur crude exports
Canadian oil's quiet pipeline to the West
Yemen's oil output hit by political turmoil
India, China growth among reasons for increasing oil prices: US
Shell's Cove Bid Starts Race for East African Gas Fields: Energy
Bangladesh to ban gas exports from 8 blocks to be offered in Apr licensing round
Gas Stockpiles Probably Fell More Than Average, Analysts Say
Euro Coal-Prices move up slightly with strong oil
Kuwait abandons nuclear programme, fears Japan disaster
S. Africa Considers $78 Billion Nuclear-, Coal-Power Spend
India plans 63,000 MW nuclear power capacity by 2032
BP Wind Energy marks 1000th wind turbine spinning in the US
EU project boosts organic photovoltaic for solar power generation
Mexico Needs Only 2 Refineries for Gasoline Self-Sufficiency
Analysis: Can U.S. economy withstand gasoline price curse?

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 22

Is Germany Secretly Maneuvering

Is The Federal Reserve Doing A Good Job?
Preparing For The Collapse Of The Petro-Dollar System
Editorial:  A Sand-Castle Recovery
Picture of the Housing Bubble Collapse
Will the Greek Bailout Make Gold, Silver Rise or Fall?
Commodities Poised For A New Rally
The Enduring Popularity of Gold
A repeat of 2008, only worse?
Following Keystone Rejection

How Closely are Oil Prices Tied to Economic Activity?
Silver Will Become a Currency Again
8 Reasons Why The Greek Debt Deal

The Price Of Gas Is Outrageous â€"

How The Fed Steals Your Life
Euro-Area Central Banks Said to Swap Greek Portfolio Bonds
Wealthy Enriched by Double-Dipping U.S. Plan
Why Renters Rule U.S. Housing Market
Gold Rallies Nearly 2% as Silver Jumps $1.21,

Strong dollar and profit taking are hurdles to gold rally,

Inflation Held in Check by Fear
Former Islamic Insider Offers Warning
Vitol warns crude could pass $150
Russia, China and Iran back Assad
An attack on Iran would be an act of criminal stupidity
Greeks will suffer for five years

Surging gas prices threaten to derail economic recovery
U.S. unveils new strategic plan

Construction employment

Dow Jones hits 13,000 but falls back a bit at close
Grubb & Ellis files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Missouri 4.0 Quake Felt in 13 States
Gold rises over 1 percent on Greek deal uncertainty
Regulator outlines new plan for Fannie, Freddie
'We can't wait':

Colorado may follow Utah’s lead in gold, silver currency
Greek debt accord hostage to political passions
Damian Reece on Eurozone bailout:

Greece Is Still Doomed: Why the New Bailout Is a Fantasy
When Doom Is the Best Choice:

The Real Defense Budget
US Economy Still Raising Questions
Standing on The Edge of The Abyss

The Dark Side of 'Smart' Meters
Standing on The Edge of The Abyss

Keiser Report: Hang-a-Banker-a-Week!
Standing on The Edge of The Abyss

Pat Buchanan: 300 nukes in Israel yet Iran a threat?
Standing on The Edge of The Abyss

Standing on The Edge of The Abyss

As US Debt To GDP Passes 101%,

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 22

Oil edges lower as dollar gains
Iran 'Winning' on Oil Sanctions: Top Trader
Total in talks to resume oil search in South Sudan
Shell: Nigeria can produce 4M barrels of oil a day
New discoveries raise West Africa oil hopes
Fracking could lead to golden age of gas
Japan in talks with U.S. over importing LNG: Fujimura
Mild forecasts, record supplies pressure US spot natgas prices
Green Australia Still Experiencing Massive Coal Boom
BHP Coal Mine Workers in Australia Plan to Extend Strikes
China invests big in nuclear R&D
UN Nuclear Agency Reports Failed Iran Talks
Mongolia seeks tie-ups with Japan in nuclear energy, rare earths
Offshore wind energy could lead Europe out of the crisis
WWEA reveals 700,000 small wind turbines have been installed worldwide
Total's solar kits target poor households
UPDATE 1-US gasoline prices surge as election battle heats up

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 21

Obama to meet Israel's Netanyahu on March 5
Election 2012: Jeb Bush vs. Barack Obama
Does the Fed Print Money? Of Course! Jim Bianco Calls It “Fraud, Counterfeiting”
Oil Set For Biggest 2012 Weekly Gain
Harvey Organ: MF Global Customers will not receive their money
EU ministers work through night on Greece bailout
For boomers, it's a new era of 'work til you drop'
Wells Fargo You’ve deceived, confused

The Government and the Currency
A third-party deficit hawk for president?
PayPal co-founder donates millions to Ron Paul super PAC
Gold's "Consolidation Phase" Continues,
"Time to Deliver" for Euro Leaders,

China's "Mystery" Gold Buyer
10 Ways in which Iran is Defying the US and EU Oil Sanctions
The Time of Big Government is Coming to an End
Israel's Barak, on Japan Visit, Urges More Pressure on Iran
Religion for Everyone
Silver Price Could Double by Year End
Consequences To Expect If The U.S. Invades Iran
Federal Reserve Notes: Fiat Currency
Inflation Everywhere but MSM Says NOT
The Truth About Long-Term Unemployment In America
Gold Demand Hits New Records As Europeans Stockpile
Central banks continuing to favor gold: Gartman
Millions of jobless file for disability

Google sneaked tracking files onto iPhones,

Microsoft leaves privacy hole in browser, Google uses it
Conservatives vs. liberals
Liberals vs. conservatives
A Third Voice for 2012
David Walker stirs the pot
Foreclosure abuse rampant across U.S., experts say
Gasoline pushes inflation up in January
Top U.N. inspectors in Iran talks on atom bomb accusations
Another March to War?
Syria's crisis is leading us to unlikely bedfellows
Syria must not turn into 'Iraqi scenario'
Iran warships deployed on Syria coast
Test tube hamburgers to be served this year
Why Don't Americans Riot Anymore?
How the Stinking Rich Ate the Economy
The Entrepreneur State:

The Intractable Tragedy of Long-Term Unemployment
Myth of the Month: Our Nation Has A Budget
Ron Paul "Arrest Of American Citizens

CNN: Is Iran Planning An Attack In America?
Credit Suisse The Sequel:  "Probability Of The Largest Disorderly Default Loss In History On March 20 Has Increased
Iran as continual regional menace

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 21

US and Mexico agree Gulf of Mexico oil cooperation
Closing Hormuz will halve Iraq oil exports: Baghdad
India's decision to import Iran oil a slap on US face
Canada threatens trade war with EU over oil sands
RPT-UPDATE 2-Sudan oil dispute keeps tanker from Japan port
Statoil Confirms Indications Of Gas Offshore Tanzania
Venezuela's Caribbean Find Is Changing Natural Gas Prospecting
Exxon tempers European shale gas enthusiasm
South African steam coal prices rise
Coal to India Beating China on Supply Shortfall: Energy Markets
Japan-France committee on nuclear safety holds 1st meeting
Iran able to export nuclear fuel under IAEA watch: official
North Korean envoy arrives for US nuclear talks
New detailed map of US wind power resources
German Offshore Wind Energy Delays Threaten Energy-Plan Overhaul
Ethanol 11 cents per gallon in red in January

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 20

Post Office Targets 155,000 Job Cuts
How Google Tracked Safari Users
Tensions With Russia Loom Over Trade Debate
18 Statistics That Prove That The Economy Has Not Improved Since Barack Obama Became President
Totalitarians Unmasked
Greek bailout: The pressure is on
Rising gas prices drive inflation
Postal Service seeks 50-cent stamps
Gold and the next Great War
AGENDA 21: THE END OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION - PART 1
AGENDA 21: THE END OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION - PART 2
Biomass: Just Because it's Green Doesn't Mean it's Clean
How the US Shale Boom Will Change the World
Internet On, Inhibitions Off: Why We Tell All
Tax Bill Passed by Congress Broadens Jobless Program
Greek Rescue Is Not the End of the Story
The Divided States of America
How the FED Steals Your Life
20 Signs You Might Be A Typical American Worker
Beirut River mysteriously turns blood red
Paul says US 'slipping into a fascist system'
Lehman Crisis Veterans

Paper, Gold or Chaos?
Iran suspends oil exports to Britain and France
The New Blacklist
Do We Really Know Greece’s Default Will Be Orderly?
Silver Eagles Soar
US officials believe Iran sanctions will fail,

China backs Assad before Syrian forces open fire at funeral
Iran could trigger 'new cold war', says Hague
US military chief cautions against Israeli attack on Iran
AGENDA 21 IN ONE EASY LESSON
In Alabama, a County That Fell Off the Financial Cliff
How Companies Learn Your Secrets
No Bitter Aftertaste From This Stock Offering
Italian police seize $6 trillion of fake U.S. bonds
Hundreds of thousands march in Spain against reforms
Homeowners get runaround about who holds loans
Foreclosure crisis continues to weigh on US economy
Can a return to the drachma

As Athens riots, global markets say 'so what?'
Germany bows to global pressure

Google accused of illicit iPhone tracking
U.S., Britain urge Israel not to attack Iran
A Depressed World Economy is Here To Stay:

Eric Sprott - Central Banks Don't Have Enough Gold
Keiser Report: Fat Cats Spy On You (E251)
Exclusive: Why Judge Andrew Napolitano Was Fired!
A Depressed World Economy is Here To Stay:

James Rickards: Paper, Gold, Chaos
Battlefield USA 2012: Gerald Celente on year's top trends
A Depressed World Economy is Here To Stay:

Facebook tracks you even after logging out.
Peter Schiff Video Blog February 2012

Lebanon's Beirut River mysteriously turns Blood Red!
GOLD 1980 Vs. TODAY

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 20

Iran halts oil sales to UK, France on eve of talks
In the Pipeline: Oil market keeps eyes on Keystone row
Russian Oil Boom's End Means Lower Tax That Risks Unrest: Energy
Energy projects delay to boost oil
Saudi Arabia Cut Oil Output, Exports in December, JODI Says
China shale delay to boost LNG imports
Russia offer to finance Pak-Iran gas pipeline
Alliance between natural gas industry, environmental groups fractures
Colombia coal production and exports jump in 2011
Coal Prices to Rally as China Closes Mines
India's nuclear reactors are highly secure: AEC
Millions To Benefit From Low Cost Solar In Asia And Africa
Idea could lead to cheap solar cells using plant waste
US ethanol exports boom

Normal people - Abnormal times

Welcome to another installment of the Be Prepared Channel. Today we are going to talk about normal people in abnormal times. Now many people would say that being a Prepper, Survivalist, or even someone who considers the things going in the world and plans for the worst is really a nut job, crazy, lunatic, and fringe. To that I would say in today's definition of those words that would be true. But the funny thing about definitions... they seem to constantly be changing. See not so long ago, and even going back a couple of generations in this country it would have been unthinkable to not have a pantry stocked full, to save for a rainy day, and to expect that things are not always sunny. Sadly times and the definition of normal has changed.

Living for today, to heck with tomorrow
Seems today's definition of normal means we focus on today, we spend for today, and we are gratified today. The idea that one saves for the future is a foreign concept. The national statistics show that the average person in the US that has a 401k retirement plan has about $50k in the account. They are in debt for cars, houses, credit cards, and misc toys. They are infatuated with the latest toys and gizmo's... Just witness the Apple cult that has developed. Sadly many of these people are waking up to a new day, and are suddenly starting to realize something is wrong. The job market has tanked, house prices have tanked, the consumer and the government is up to their eyeballs in debt. Even after seeing all of this they are still in denial, and somehow think they all still live in "Pleasantville" while their way of living and life is crumbling all around them.

Denial, not just a river
Denial is a funny thing. Having watched round after round of layoffs and hearing the same story again and again from those hit by the layoffs. "I'm not going to let this change my life, I am going to keep living the way I have been" is the standard refrain from those getting hit. If you mention to them that it might be a good idea to cut back on cable tv, Tivo, cell phone plans, gym memberships, eating out, going out, shopping etc... The look of disgust comes across their faces and they get really short and snappy with you... "I am not changing my life".

In times past you could expect that a resilient economy would produce more jobs and that you would be back on your feet in a few months. That was a long time ago, and the situation now is a far different world. Today if you lose a job you may not find more work. Depending on the state which you live will determine what kind of unemployment benefits you might be able to expect. Even then the fact that the states are broke and that the Federal govt is writing the checks to the states to keep the unemployment system functioning should be red flags for anyone with a couple of firing brain cells. Now even if you assume that unemployment benefits are still there for you, in most places the money you would get on unemployment just isn't going to be enough to pay the bills. This means that for you to pay the bills your going to need some sort of nest egg to draw on. Without that the choices your going to be left with are going to be UGLY.

Normal people think and plan
In today's times we cannot assume we will have jobs tomorrow. And we cannot assume the unemployment and welfare systems are going to be there to save your behind. This means that in order to pay the bills even when times get hard you need to plan for the worst, while hoping for the best. This means stocking up that pantry. Starting a food storage plan, thinking about what expenses are really essential and cutting the fat out of your budget and building up an emergency cash fund. Dramatically cut your expenses and treat trips out to eat as a special treat once in a while, or instead of going to a movie maybe rent one, or find a dollar theater if you have one in your area to cut down on costs. Pay attention to your grocery advertisements, shop the sales, and stock up on things when they are on sale. Thinking and planning for a rainy day is what a prepping is all about. Not to say that different preppers have differing levels of preparation, but the concepts are all the same.

Starting prepping can be as easy as using a concept called copy canning. When you go to the store and buy items you use regularly, pickup an extra one while your doing it. Set it aside, and maybe make a space to store your extra items. Start with small goals such as a two week food and water storage, and build from there. Keep your goals simple when starting. There is nothing abnormal about having a plan and being prepared. In these uncertain times there is no way to know what is going to happen next.

PIGS coming to your country
PIGS stands for Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Spain and they are the poster children for bankrupt countries in Europe that are about to cause the EU to break up. The resulting civil unrest, and chaos is going to spin Europe into a possible war situation and there will be runs on banks, food shortages, rioting, and horrible things happening. Sadly the reason the PIGS are in the headlines is due to the world banks are trying to keep everyones attention on these countries as they think they can keep the financial contagion from spreading, and to keep your focus away from the much much larger threats posed by countries like the US which has a far worse financial situation than any of these countries. By keeping people thinking about these small incidences it buys the banks time to try and print their way out of this disaster financial mess that they created.

When the bankers can no longer keep you focused on Europe and it become obvious the US is far worse than any example cited today we will see similar things happen here in the US. Rioting, shortages, and possibly even wars could break out. By starting a simple emergency plan today and building it you will be far ahead of many people who are still in denial that any of this is taking place. The deniers are going to also be your rioters, looters, and those creating the chaos. Don't be one of the idiots. Take care of yourself and your family today by copy canning, and developing a plan.

Pretend that your about to be hit with a layoff
Just pretend that you heard a rumor that your being laidoff in the next 3 or 4 months. In that time you have to decide how your going to respond, what will you do differently, and how will you prepare for this layoff? Now start thinking through what you would do if you knew that you wouldn't be able to find more work for a year, or more... How would that change your plan?

Don't be one of the "normal" people and wait until problems arise. Don't be a denier. Take steps now, and start to make subtle suggestions to family and friends. Many people are starting to get nervous and they may actually welcome your suggestions and will look to you for advise.

If your looking for possible plans there are many out there, but one I can recommend that you can find more info about online is the food storage plans of the Mormon Church. I am not a Mormon, but their thinking and planning is good advise. You can get info on what they recommend, and how to plan from many places online. It is good advise and a wise move for those that are serious about taking steps to protect themselves.



As always, have fun with your prepping. Copy canning is fun!

Take Care,
Longsnowsm

Interesting Headlines in the News Feb 17

Auditor: EU agencies mismanaging their budgets
Bail-out delay prompts fear of Greek euro exit
Military Chaplains to be Charged

Obama Pushes Global Tax
The Deflationary Undertow Before The Inflationary Wave
More Doctors 'Fire' Vaccine Refusers
Apple's Mac Makeover
Obama Budget Director

Mortgage Settlement Not Only Thing Plunging Prices
Mortgage Settlement Will Plunge Real Estate Values
U.S. Dollar Will Take Beating in the End
Europe’s fiscal union still lacks a blueprint
Percent of mortgage loans In-Foreclosure by State
Plot Thickens in Eurozone Crisis
Google Must Remember Our Right to Be Forgotten
Foreclosures on the Rise Again
Shanghai Futures Exchange cuts gold margins by over 30%
The Grand Game of Perception Management
The Ameliorate Effects of Debt and Defaults
True UK Jobless "6.3 Million"
UN general assembly backs call

House Republicans warn of European-style debt crisis
Iran Warns 6 Countries in Europe It Will Cut Off Oil
"Poor America" - How The Broke Are Surviving
SLOUCHING TOWARD TEHRAN
WHO KILLED THE JOBS?
The Iranian Nuclear Threat Goes Global
The Uptick’s Downside
Capital Shrugged
Just as Greece complies at last, Europe pulls the plug
165 Banks On the Brink
A ‘cosmic wager’ on the Muslim Brotherhood
Overreach: Obamacare vs. the Constitution
CBO says jobless benefits encourage joblessness
China soon will overtake India as top gold market
Sanctions may be changing Iran’s nuke plans

Interesting Energy Stories in the News Feb 17

Europe's big buyers cut ties with Iran oil
S. Korea renews calls for Iraq to ensure stable supply of oil
Asked about Syria, Hugo Chavez says Venezuela free to sell oil to any nations it wishes
Petrobras lowers platform output after oil leak
WAfrica Crude-Angolan exports to rise in April
Global natural gas demand to rise 2% annually
Politics May Devour Exploitation of Mediterranean Natural Gas Reserves
US natural gas edges higher ahead of storage data
Clean coal 'unviable for two decades'
Colombia coal production tipped to reach 97m tonnes in 2012
Britain and France to sign nuclear power deal at summit
France, China to bid for SA reactors
Congress deals major blow to wind power industry
Australia's CBD to Buy Westinghouse Solar to Enter U.S Market
US WCoast Products - Gasoline falls on easing demand
Advanced ethanol makers ask US EPA to stand by cellulosic mandate