While we are looking at brilliant things consider this
Al-Qaeda Targets Lethal Disease Research Facility on NY Island
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/al-qaeda-operative-targets-lethal-disease-research-island-in-connecticut/
In 1954, the Department of Agriculture took over control of Plum Island, transforming the facility into “America’s first line of defense against foreign animal disease.” By 1999, outspoken scientists and government officials called for the facility to be closed down, saying the study of obscure zoonotic diseases did not warrant the $16.5 million that taxpayers were spending on it each year. Further, many felt the risks associated with a category-five hurricane hitting the laboratory outweighed the benefits of the research going on there. A hurricane in 1991 knocked power out on the island and threatened the release of deadly germs; there was another power outage in 2002. Along came the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Control ceded to the Department of Homeland Security and the government shifted its focus from closing the facility to expanding it

I used to be a series 7 stockbroker (investment banker /registered represenative “what ever you want to call a legalised bookie” and what you are not seeing in the job stats is how many mortgage brokers, series 6 the insurance investment reps etc are losing jobs, let alone the well establsished hard working well paid stockbrokers and the number of college students that get stuck giving these types of jobs a try until finding soomething in thier major going into economic crisis or losing lifestyles themselves.Yes worry about the big picture of no money for those that lost it investing but hey it trickles down big time, my girlfreind is a nurse with qualms about having a AIG retirement plan,I lent a freind the fees to take his stockbrokering test against my better judgement and advice that he would be out of the biz in 4 weeks but let him have the dreams of bettering himself and he already had time spent and expense studying the drival and the dreams. The hardcore realitys of Joe the insurance salesman, Jane the up and comming wallstreet exec and the formaly Rich guy you could hit up for a micro loan when needed are not represented in the total inpact of a finacial Ike event that changes everyones world or personal realities daily. when times are good everyone has an extra buck to help a charity or a freind out and lord help the beggar or the (501c) licensed panhandler when times get rough, but through strategic planning and preparations , we might all “just” get by. How? with a bit of heartfelt consideration as as the old song goes “we get by with a little help from our freinds”. No man or woman is an island and SHARED INFORMATION AND SOLUTIONS freely given is the only thing that builds community response and self help.
This blog and others provide the necessary INSIGHT by using what in America is called free speech,for or against but the true concept is the sharing of ideas,the pointing out of problems for consideration, possible solutions voiced without suppression or fear of consequence. Interact first right or wrong before we react is a thoughtful process we must pursue and take part in and I personally would like to see more conversation both pro and con with our host. List comments or have a seperate forum for what is on our minds but maybe off subject,perhaps this type of forum our host does not wish because it would take away from the message he presents for consideration in his dutiful and expansive attempt to bring a specific subject into focus but may I suggest we all do not relate to only one subject on a given day and that a seperate forum may take the pulse of what concernsthe dedicated ;listeners may have to expound upon or bring to the forefront as major shared concerns that the host may wish to adress by gleaning a shared sabre call.

I am glad that you are going to be doing a week long look into the economic tsunamis that are hitting us. I know some have voiced their dislike of such things in the podcast, but to me, they seem as vitally important as gardening, solar power, and which firearm is the best.

I have been trying to get others around me to be more aware of what it going on economically. To be honest, I am preparing for a depression on the scale of what happened after WWI. I think that it is entirely possible that our nation will undergo that again.

Keep up the podcasts, both political, economic, and survival. I think we are all going to need it soon.

Jack,

Thanks again for another great show.

I continue to appreciate the information you share with us. Like many other listeners we are watching the situation with growng apprehension.

We just completed our debt snowball and paid off the last of the credit cards. Our only remainging debt is the mortgage. In our area, housing prices are depressed and the “value” of our home is diminishing. With the credit card debt eliminated, we are starting to pay additional principle each month.

We have a small emergency fund in the bank and started putting a little cash away for a “rainy day”.

Based on advice from one of your recent shows, initiated our $20.00 a month pre-1965 silver coin

Which now brings me to the question of our 401K. Watching the financial events, turmoil and general unease of the market…we are concerned. As you aptly pointed out in today’s show, we are debating whether to pull out of our 401K or “ride it out”.

Like many, we are concerned that a financial collapse of major proportions occurs and overnight our 401K evaporates. Would appreciate any advice you could impart to your listeners on this dilemna. Pros and cons of cashing out, long term impact, etc…

Many thanks for sharing your wisdom, opinions and yourself.

Daniel

The Bank of America is trying to get their ducks in a row to be so big the feds can’t let them go under. That’s why they are buying sinking ships.