People were sleeping in their mud-brick houses when the 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 4:32 am local time (0232 GMT) in a sparsely-populated area of high steppe in Eastern Anatolia..."
3.08.2010
Another Earthquake, this one a 6.0, Kills At Least 51 in Eastern Turkey
Earthquake in eastern Turkey kills at least 51 - Yahoo! Canada News: "A strong earthquake killed at least 51 villagers in a remote part of eastern Turkey before dawn on Monday, officials said, and aftershocks continued for hours while rescuers searched for trapped survivors.
People were sleeping in their mud-brick houses when the 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 4:32 am local time (0232 GMT) in a sparsely-populated area of high steppe in Eastern Anatolia..."
People were sleeping in their mud-brick houses when the 6.0-magnitude quake struck at 4:32 am local time (0232 GMT) in a sparsely-populated area of high steppe in Eastern Anatolia..."
China Ready To End Dollar Peg
China ready to end dollar peg - Telegraph: "The head of China’s central bank has given the strongest signal yet that the country will move away from pegging its currency to the dollar, but he said any changes would be gradual."
Congressional Estimates Show Grim Deficit Picture
Congressional estimates show grim deficit picture - Yahoo! News: "A new congressional report released Friday says the United States' long-term fiscal woes are even worse than predicted by President Barack Obama's grim budget submission last month.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that Obama's budget plans would generate deficits over the upcoming decade that would total $9.8 trillion. That's $1.2 trillion more than predicted by the administration.
The agency says its future-year predictions of tax revenues are more pessimistic than the administration's. That's because CBO projects slightly slower economic growth than the White House..."
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that Obama's budget plans would generate deficits over the upcoming decade that would total $9.8 trillion. That's $1.2 trillion more than predicted by the administration.
The agency says its future-year predictions of tax revenues are more pessimistic than the administration's. That's because CBO projects slightly slower economic growth than the White House..."
3.07.2010
Prophet of Doom Finds Joy as Film Stirs Efforts to Survive Oil Crisis
Prophet of Doom Finds Joy as Film Stirs Efforts to Survive Oil Crisis - 3/5/10 - Vineyard Gazette Online: "... the resource that has sustained human civilization for the past hundred or so years, which underpinned the quadrupling of global population and on which our whole industrial civilization is built, is in accelerating and irreversible decline. That resource is fossil fuel, and in particular, oil...
... that decline means a great deal more than finding an alternative to run our internal combustion engines.
Oil is everywhere in our daily lives. In everything plastic. In paint. There are seven gallons in every car tire. We literally eat of fossil fuels, for they are the feedstock of fertilizers...
... though the bursting of the housing bubble which followed shortly thereafter gets most blame for the great recession, Mr. Ruppert argues the energy crisis underlaid it; it was for oil that America went to war in Iraq, and so built its massive debt.
And the passing of peak oil will ensure the economic crisis never really ends, for any increase in economic activity will simply push up energy prices and thus snuff itself out..."
... that decline means a great deal more than finding an alternative to run our internal combustion engines.
Oil is everywhere in our daily lives. In everything plastic. In paint. There are seven gallons in every car tire. We literally eat of fossil fuels, for they are the feedstock of fertilizers...
... though the bursting of the housing bubble which followed shortly thereafter gets most blame for the great recession, Mr. Ruppert argues the energy crisis underlaid it; it was for oil that America went to war in Iraq, and so built its massive debt.
And the passing of peak oil will ensure the economic crisis never really ends, for any increase in economic activity will simply push up energy prices and thus snuff itself out..."
Gerald Celente Survives Chile Earthquake
Gerald Celente Survives Chile Earthquake: "... During 90 seconds of violent quakes, they put into practice years of 'wobble board' training: the art of maintaining balance while continuing to move forward no matter what is being thrown at you. Flying down 14 stories of convulsing, pitching stairs, in just minutes (Celente reckons no more than three), they were first to reach the bottom.
Astonishingly... the stairwell was totally empty! They would later learn, from interviews with hotel guests, that the majority froze in panic. Some called the front desk for instructions, others waited for tour guides to direct them, a few huddled under desks, found refuge in bathtubs, or sought shelter in doorways...
... Luckily, though seriously damaged, the hotel stood. Had it collapsed, those within it who were waiting to follow orders from tour guides or hotel personnel would have perished. When survival is at stake physical, fiscal or psychological the only leader to follow is yourself.
Trend Institute lesson #2: Prepare for the worst. If the worst doesn't happen, nothing is lost. But if the worst happens and no preparations have been made everything is lost..."
Astonishingly... the stairwell was totally empty! They would later learn, from interviews with hotel guests, that the majority froze in panic. Some called the front desk for instructions, others waited for tour guides to direct them, a few huddled under desks, found refuge in bathtubs, or sought shelter in doorways...
... Luckily, though seriously damaged, the hotel stood. Had it collapsed, those within it who were waiting to follow orders from tour guides or hotel personnel would have perished. When survival is at stake physical, fiscal or psychological the only leader to follow is yourself.
Trend Institute lesson #2: Prepare for the worst. If the worst doesn't happen, nothing is lost. But if the worst happens and no preparations have been made everything is lost..."
Stocking Up on Meds and Ammo, NOW!
Stocking up on meds and ammo, NOW!: "Show me the example in history where a nation survives without a violent revolution after adopting paper money as its only standard, ringing up enormous foreign debts while fighting multiple wars, and relying on a tiny fraction of its population as its revenue base. Or ... simply show me any democracy in history that survived after more than 50 percent of its population stopped paying taxes. Show me any economy that thrives after raising marginal income tax rates to more than 50 percent (which is what will happen in the U.S. if Obama's latest health-care bill passes).
There is no doubt our country is heading toward a crisis..."
There is no doubt our country is heading toward a crisis..."
3.06.2010
Utility Customers Say Their Heating Bills Are Outrageous
Utility customers say their heating bills are outrageous - Local/State - NewsObserver.com: "Jeannette Bray keeps her home thermostat at 65 degrees. Some weeks she shuts off the heating upstairs and bundles up in layers of clothing.
Still, her energy bill from mid-December to mid-January came to $682.09 for electricity and natural gas heat. The $436.84 portion for electricity covered the lights and other basics.
'I'm never comfortable,' Bray said. 'You're just cold all the time.'...
... Residents in this city of 49,000 were stunned by the size of their utility bills this winter, in some cases triple the expected amount. The monster bills have led to packed city council meetings and calls for an independent audit. More than 3,000 have joined the Facebook group, "Tired of Paying HIGH utility bills in Eastern NC!," where charges of fiscal mismanagement fly against city officials.
The NAACP has taken up the cause as well, and plans to hold a rally in the city later this month...
... City officials blame the higher bills on a convergence of unfortunate events: a 4-week cold snap, a costly upgrade to the municipal electric system, and delays in meter reading that caused some residents to get billed for 36 days -- adding an extra week's worth of power costs.
'At any given time our rates reflect the direct cost of service,' said Fred Horne, utilities director. 'We have reached a point in our system where we had to build additional infrastructure, not only to serve existing customers but also customers of the future.'
The public outcry could be a foretaste of what public officials across the state can expect in response to rising energy costs. North Carolinians have long had some of the cheapest energy prices in the nation. But power costs are expected to rise in this state and elsewhere in the coming years as utilities build power plants, replace infrastructure and comply with environmental guidelines..."
Still, her energy bill from mid-December to mid-January came to $682.09 for electricity and natural gas heat. The $436.84 portion for electricity covered the lights and other basics.
'I'm never comfortable,' Bray said. 'You're just cold all the time.'...
... Residents in this city of 49,000 were stunned by the size of their utility bills this winter, in some cases triple the expected amount. The monster bills have led to packed city council meetings and calls for an independent audit. More than 3,000 have joined the Facebook group, "Tired of Paying HIGH utility bills in Eastern NC!," where charges of fiscal mismanagement fly against city officials.
The NAACP has taken up the cause as well, and plans to hold a rally in the city later this month...
... City officials blame the higher bills on a convergence of unfortunate events: a 4-week cold snap, a costly upgrade to the municipal electric system, and delays in meter reading that caused some residents to get billed for 36 days -- adding an extra week's worth of power costs.
'At any given time our rates reflect the direct cost of service,' said Fred Horne, utilities director. 'We have reached a point in our system where we had to build additional infrastructure, not only to serve existing customers but also customers of the future.'
The public outcry could be a foretaste of what public officials across the state can expect in response to rising energy costs. North Carolinians have long had some of the cheapest energy prices in the nation. But power costs are expected to rise in this state and elsewhere in the coming years as utilities build power plants, replace infrastructure and comply with environmental guidelines..."
Wyoming House Passes Firearms Freedom Act
Kudos to Wyoming!
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Wyoming House Passes Firearms Freedom Act: "Last week, the Wyoming house overwhelmingly passed House Bill 95 (HB95), the Firearms Freedom Act.
The bill states:
'that specified firearms that are manufactured, sold, purchased, possessed and used exclusively within Wyoming shall be exempt from federal regulation, including registration requirements'
In 2009, both Tennessee and Montana passed the Act into state law. Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert signed the Act and Utah became the third state to have passed the law..."
Wyoming House Passes Firearms Freedom Act: "Last week, the Wyoming house overwhelmingly passed House Bill 95 (HB95), the Firearms Freedom Act.
The bill states:
'that specified firearms that are manufactured, sold, purchased, possessed and used exclusively within Wyoming shall be exempt from federal regulation, including registration requirements'
In 2009, both Tennessee and Montana passed the Act into state law. Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert signed the Act and Utah became the third state to have passed the law..."
Ten Cars You Can Live In After Your Home Is Repossessed
Ten Cars You Can Live In After Your Home Is Repossessed - Financiapocalypse - Jalopnik: "As shelter is the largest single expense for most people, the ongoing 'Financiapocalpyse' could see more people trading that Tudor for a four-door. As your guides through this challenging time, we've identified ten cars you'd be happy to call home until your 401k is worth more than the postage used to send you those depressing reports. These rides are comfortable, affordable and most importantly, you can probably sleep in it. With car sales dwindling, now may be the best time to invest those dwindling funds in a home on wheels..."
3.05.2010
Toronto Man Dies While Testing Wilderness Survival Skills
Here is an example of a guy who seems to have done just about everything right, with the glaring exception of the part that ultimately spelled his doom: if this truly was his first such outing in rougher than normal weather conditions, then he should have packed better gear as a fall-back 'Plan B' even if his intention was to try to go without using it.
Likely, he couldn't get a fire started for the first time and he panicked. Freaking out, he then pushed himself harder than he should have, breaking a sweat (virtually a death sentence under such conditions), leading to hypothermia and death. And, all for the want of a good sleeping bag, a simple magnesium fire-starter and perhaps a baggy containing some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
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CTV Toronto - T.O. man died testing wilderness survival skills - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television: "A Toronto man found dead in the Muskoka wilderness was testing survival skills he may have learned from watching a reality show and reading books.
Richard Code, 41, left Thursday to test his survival skills in the Ontario bush. He was found dead Monday in a snowy, marshy forest north of Huntsville. He had ventured out on a four-day trip with only an axe, basic fishing gear, and the clothes on his back.
Barbara Ellis, who was a family friend and landlord to Code, told CTV Toronto that he was an avid fan of the Outdoor Life Network show 'Survivorman.'...
... Ellis said Code went on four previous trips without a tent or food, but she was especially nervous about what would turn out to be his final trip to the Huntsville area...
... She said Code would take precautions before going out alone, including notifying police of his exact location and bringing a survival checklist with him.
Code planned to return Sunday. He left Ellis a note to call police if he did not come home by Monday morning.
His cause of death is still unknown, but Code's brother Stephen said OPP told him Richard likely died from hypothermia...
... Peter Demos, who owns a wilderness supplies store in Muskoka, told CTV Toronto that even experienced survivalists need to take precautions in the cold to avoid freezing to death.
'You can die of hypothermia if you get wet, regardless of the temperature,' he said.
The temperature in the area dropped to -12C during the time that Code was missing."
Likely, he couldn't get a fire started for the first time and he panicked. Freaking out, he then pushed himself harder than he should have, breaking a sweat (virtually a death sentence under such conditions), leading to hypothermia and death. And, all for the want of a good sleeping bag, a simple magnesium fire-starter and perhaps a baggy containing some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly.
CTV Toronto - T.O. man died testing wilderness survival skills - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television: "A Toronto man found dead in the Muskoka wilderness was testing survival skills he may have learned from watching a reality show and reading books.
Richard Code, 41, left Thursday to test his survival skills in the Ontario bush. He was found dead Monday in a snowy, marshy forest north of Huntsville. He had ventured out on a four-day trip with only an axe, basic fishing gear, and the clothes on his back.
Barbara Ellis, who was a family friend and landlord to Code, told CTV Toronto that he was an avid fan of the Outdoor Life Network show 'Survivorman.'...
... Ellis said Code went on four previous trips without a tent or food, but she was especially nervous about what would turn out to be his final trip to the Huntsville area...
... She said Code would take precautions before going out alone, including notifying police of his exact location and bringing a survival checklist with him.
Code planned to return Sunday. He left Ellis a note to call police if he did not come home by Monday morning.
His cause of death is still unknown, but Code's brother Stephen said OPP told him Richard likely died from hypothermia...
... Peter Demos, who owns a wilderness supplies store in Muskoka, told CTV Toronto that even experienced survivalists need to take precautions in the cold to avoid freezing to death.
'You can die of hypothermia if you get wet, regardless of the temperature,' he said.
The temperature in the area dropped to -12C during the time that Code was missing."
'Operation Exodus': Louisiana Sheriff Taps Locals For Emergency Security Plan
This sounds like something that could be really great... or an all-out, unmitigated disaster, depending on the temperament and rhetoric of those involved.
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'Operation Exodus': Louisiana Sheriff Taps Locals For Emergency Security Plan | TPMMuckraker: "A Louisiana sheriff plans to arm volunteers with shotguns, riot shields, batons, and a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on a 'war wagon,' as part of 'Operation Exodus,' a program to provide security in the event of a terrorist attack or civic unrest..."
'Operation Exodus': Louisiana Sheriff Taps Locals For Emergency Security Plan | TPMMuckraker: "A Louisiana sheriff plans to arm volunteers with shotguns, riot shields, batons, and a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on a 'war wagon,' as part of 'Operation Exodus,' a program to provide security in the event of a terrorist attack or civic unrest..."
Another Earthquake, This One A 6.4-Magnitude, Rocks Southern Taiwan
6.4-magnitude quake hits southern Taiwan - CNN.com: "A 6.4-magnitude earthquake jolted southern Taiwan on Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths but some damage has occurred to buildings and major bridges, and power was cut off near the epicenter.
The quake struck at about 8:20 a.m. (7:20 p.m. Wednesday ET) in a mountainous region about 25 miles northwest of Taitung, on the southeast coast, and 40 miles east of Tainan and Kaohsiung on the southwest coast..."
The quake struck at about 8:20 a.m. (7:20 p.m. Wednesday ET) in a mountainous region about 25 miles northwest of Taitung, on the southeast coast, and 40 miles east of Tainan and Kaohsiung on the southwest coast..."
USA Buys 14 Million Guns In 2009 - More Than 21 of the Worlds Standing Armies
USA Buys 14 Million Guns In 2009 - More Than 21 of the Worlds Standing Armies: "Data released by the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for the year reported 14,033,824 NICS Checks for the year of 2009, a 10 percent increase in gun purchases from the 12,709,023 reported in 2008.
So far that is roughly 14,000,000 guns bought last year!
The total is probably more as many NICS background checks cover the purchase of more than one gun at a time by individuals.
To put it in perspective that is more guns than the combined active armies of the top 21 countries in the world.."
So far that is roughly 14,000,000 guns bought last year!
The total is probably more as many NICS background checks cover the purchase of more than one gun at a time by individuals.
To put it in perspective that is more guns than the combined active armies of the top 21 countries in the world.."
3.04.2010
The End Of Electricity
Another issue that will result from such a situation as described below would be a serious 'shock' to the already punch-drunk economy. Even something as simply as an extended period of intermittent brownouts would likely be too great a hurdle for most businesses to survive without serious downsizing of personnel, so there goes even more jobs.
Nevermind the vast numbers who rely on grid power to heat their homes as well as to pump water to their faucets. It is going to be an absolute disaster.
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Culture Change - The End Of Electricity: "There seems to be a consensus that the depletion of fossil fuels will follow a fairly impressive slope. What may need to be looked at more closely, however, is not the 'when' but the 'what.' Looking at the temporary shortages of the 1970s may give us the impression that the most serious consequence will be lineups at the pump. Fossil-fuel decline, however, will also mean the end of electricity, a far more serious matter...
... As time goes by, the biggest question of all may be, "Can we even keep the electricity going?" If we end up facing unavoidable world-wide blackouts and brownouts, then the result will be a sudden and catastrophic chain reaction. Fossil fuels and electricity are tightly integrated. We cannot have one without the other. Without fossil fuels, we can produce no (or not much) electricity. Conversely, without electricity, we lack the "nervous system" (a good analogy, since nerves work by ion transfer) to control any equipment that uses fossil fuels...
... The danger is when 'global energy available for production of electricity' in a particular year no longer matches 'global energy required for electricity.' In other words, when we no longer have enough energy to channel into necessary electricity production, the game is over. Yes, we can divert some energy sources away from their present uses towards the production of electricity, but such a diversion causes its own problems.
For better or worse, the sources of electricity are mainly fossil fuels, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, so as these reach the down-slopes of their bell curves, electricity will follow a fairly similar curve. When will all this happen? It already has..."
Nevermind the vast numbers who rely on grid power to heat their homes as well as to pump water to their faucets. It is going to be an absolute disaster.
Culture Change - The End Of Electricity: "There seems to be a consensus that the depletion of fossil fuels will follow a fairly impressive slope. What may need to be looked at more closely, however, is not the 'when' but the 'what.' Looking at the temporary shortages of the 1970s may give us the impression that the most serious consequence will be lineups at the pump. Fossil-fuel decline, however, will also mean the end of electricity, a far more serious matter...
... As time goes by, the biggest question of all may be, "Can we even keep the electricity going?" If we end up facing unavoidable world-wide blackouts and brownouts, then the result will be a sudden and catastrophic chain reaction. Fossil fuels and electricity are tightly integrated. We cannot have one without the other. Without fossil fuels, we can produce no (or not much) electricity. Conversely, without electricity, we lack the "nervous system" (a good analogy, since nerves work by ion transfer) to control any equipment that uses fossil fuels...
... The danger is when 'global energy available for production of electricity' in a particular year no longer matches 'global energy required for electricity.' In other words, when we no longer have enough energy to channel into necessary electricity production, the game is over. Yes, we can divert some energy sources away from their present uses towards the production of electricity, but such a diversion causes its own problems.
For better or worse, the sources of electricity are mainly fossil fuels, and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, so as these reach the down-slopes of their bell curves, electricity will follow a fairly similar curve. When will all this happen? It already has..."
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