I use the Netgear 2-bay Network Storage (NAS). It backs up all of the computers in your home or office, and stores them securely, offline, on your property. The Netgear NAS costs less than $500.
We should always be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Anonymous (Offline) P2P File Sharing Networks
Aram Bartholl is a Berlin based media artist. He started the “Dead Drops” project during a visit to New York City in October 2010.
Dead Drops’ is an anonymous, offline, peer to peer file-sharing network in public space.
USB flash drives are embedded into walls, buildings and curbs accessible to anybody in public space.
Everyone is invited to drop or find files on a dead drop. All you have to do is plug into a wall, house or pole with a netbook or laptop computer and share your favorite files and data.
Each dead drop is installed empty except for a readme.txt file explaining the project.
“Dead Drops” is open to participation.
If you would like to install a dead drop in your city/neighborhood follow the ‘how to’ instructions on DeadDrops.com and submit the location and pictures.
New P2P “dead zones” are popping up all over the world.
Most anonymous (offline) P2P file sharing networks are open to the public and are self-policing.
Police Brutality on the Rise – Filming is Banned!
Are cameras the new guns?
There have been a flood of videos on the Internet which depict police brutality and abuse of a person’s constitutional rights.
In four states it is now illegal to record an on-duty police officer.
This is also true if you are involved in an encounter and the information may be necessary to your defense.
In many states when police do not consent to filming the camera-wielder can be arrested.
The courts, however, disagree.
Recently an Illinois judge rejected a motion to dismiss an eavesdropping charge against Christopher Drew. Christopher recorded his arrest for selling dollar artwork on the streets of Chicago.
The misdemeanor charges were dropped (peddling in a prohibited area).
But Drew was prosecuted for illegal recording, which is a Class I felony punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison.
Video recordings of a police officer rescuing a dog - will almost certainly not result in prosecution, even if the filming is done without all-party consent.
The only people who seem to be prone to prosecution are those who embarrass or confront the police, or challenge the law.
This is a form of social control which discourages criticism of the police.
CopBlock.org is a decentralized project founded by Ademo Freeman.
It is a group of people united by shared goals of police accountability, and the education of individual rights. The site also disseminates effective tactics for filming police
Resources
Busted: The Citizen’s Guide to Surviving Police Encounters
An educational film about how to handle police encounters
10 Rules for Dealing with Police
A second educational film about how to handle police encounters
Copwatch Handbook (.pdf format)
A short book about how to run a Copwatch group
Chapter 14 - When Systems Fail
Systemic trigger points refer to something which affects a system-wide grid, such as the electric, power, transportation and sewage grids.
It’s doesn’t take much effort to consider the ramifications when major systems and power grids fail or deteriorate.
We’re seeing minor systemic trigger points around US and world right now.
Alabama’s most populous county recently became the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Politicians tried to retake control of its beleaguered sewer system and wipe away as much of $4.15 billion in debt as possible. Efforts failed and the country went bankrupt.
This is a systemic trigger point.
As we move into Doomsday stories like this will become commonplace.
In addition, throughout history systemic grids were pawns in retaking political or economic political power.
In other words, power, electrical and transportation systems and grids are often held hostage.
We’re already seeing an escalation of this type of blackmail.
Little-Known Secrets of the Power Grid and Smart Meters
There’s a secret about wind power turbines which hasn’t made the mainstream media yet. They consume energy from the electric grid even when they’re not spinning.
During the winter months in most locations, this can be as much as 20 percent of the output of wind turbines.
What’s more, there are even more legitimate questions regarding wind power:
Does it reduce CO2 gases?
Does it generate clean power?
Will create independence from oil and reduce world conflict?
Will it generate so much electricity wind farm operators will pay customers just to take it off the grid?
It’s anyone’s guess whether there’s a corrupt system of wind energy subsidies being paid to politicians, wind energy operators, unions and venture funds. Word on the street is wind power is “dirty”.
I like the concept of wind energy, as well as energy from tidal pools, cow manure, gas turbines and even solar.
I’m simply presenting the argument politicians and bureaucrats cannot be trusted. They often hold systemic grids hostage.
Are Windmills Noisy?
The residents of Vinalhaven Maine (and island off the coast) cheered the arrival of three giant windmills.
But then the windmills were turned on.
“In the first 10 minutes, our jaws dropped to the ground. Nobody could believe it. They were really loud”, one resident claimed.
About a dozen neighbors living less than a mile from the $15 million wind facility here, say whooshing of the 123-foot blades is making life in their tranquil corner of the island unbearable.
I guess most people if given the choice of living next to a nuclear power plant and windmill would choose a windmill.
But windmills are not silent, and they do not produce nearly as much energy as proponents and salesmen claim.
The new documentary “Windfall” tells an entirely different story of so-called “wind power”.
What About “Smart” Meters?
Few people are shedding more light on so-called “smart” meter controversy than Devvy Kidd. Her website is www.devvy.com.
She has sued her local power company over her rights to refuse the attachment of a “smart” meter on her home; she has also led the charge of providing factual information on the devices.
There is a war being waged in the US, although you'd never know it by the silence from the old, disgraced media and the cable "news" networks.
This new assault on our bodies and privacy is over electric “smart” meters. It is a relatively new technology which allegedly saves energy.
The truth about “smart” meters
Wireless “smart” meters emit pulses of microwave radio frequency radiation every few seconds seven days a week.
The World Health Organization recently classified the type of radiation emitted from smart meters (non-ionizing radiation) as a Class 2B carcinogen, on par with lead.
Transmitters inside your home or office communicate with “smart” meters attached to the outside of each building. These meters transmit at higher frequencies to central hubs throughout local neighborhoods.
The scientific evidence of the biological impacts from microwave radiation impacts such things as DNA damage, increased risk of cancers and tumors, cellular stress, decreased melatonin, decreased sperm, cognitive difficulties and brain-wave alteration, heart rhythm disturbances, red blood cell clumping, and impacts on wildlife including to bees.
Wireless radio-frequency radiation from “smart” meters can cause medical devices to stop working.
There are reports from people with “smart” meters installed relating to heart palpitations, dizziness, inability to fall asleep, memory problems and cognitive disturbances, flu-like symptoms, worsening of existing health problems, abrupt depression, agitation, headaches, hearing problems."
Of course, “smart” meters will also cost tens of thousands of jobs for meter readers (saving power companies hundreds of millions of dollars).
Millions of Americans are up in arms over “smart” meters, and the fact they are being forced on citizens.
You can read Devvy’s articles for an understanding of how dangerous “smart” meters are and why you don't want one on your home or business.
I have opted out of Smart Meters on all of my properties.
Watch Out When the Food Distribution Breaks Down
For anyone living in a large metropolitan area the storage of food is absolutely critical.
When and if a food distribution channel breaks people will be out of luck.
I’ve seen food riots. All other riots pale in comparison to riots caused by hunger.
Even in rural, farming areas people often get hysterical when there’s a storm, blizzard or tornado in the forecast. They STORM supermarkets to stock up on necessities, like chips, soda, beer, cigarettes and ice cream.
We need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to food and the possibility of food distribution channels becoming disrupted or sabotaged.
Air Traffic Control Running Windows Software
The U.S. air traffic control system has serious problems.
The new $2.1 billion computer system has misidentified aircraft and is having trouble processing radar information.
Air traffic controllers at a Federal Aviation Administration have also encountered some difficulty transferring responsibility for planes to other controllers.
The new NextGen program is supposed to replace the current air traffic control system, which is based on World War II-era radar technology. The new system is based on GPS technology.
In 2005 a breakdown in California's air traffic control system was due partly to a design anomaly in the way Microsoft Windows servers were integrated into the system. The radio system shut down, and lasted more than three hours, leaving 800 planes in the air without contact to air traffic control.
Linux and Unix software applications are proving to be the best fit for high velocity operations such as air traffic control. But this software is unlikely to be implemented any time soon. The bureaucratic red tape and government superpowers will certainly make the wrong decisions at the wrong time.
The air traffic control problems are even worse in Russia, Ukraine, Libya, Sudan and Venezuela.
Ethical Hacking on the Rise
Lin Mun Poo, is accused of hacking into a Federal Reserve computer server. He was eventually caught. But this is an example of a rising trend called ethical hacking.
Ethical hackers steal data, credit card numbers or other pertinent information on secure computer networks and sell it on the black market.
These modern day Robin Hoods often hack into large, impenetrable computer networks, for the thrill of it.
A band of ethical hackers tried to penetrate US Government networks and Internal Revenue Service computers with only one objective: destroy and disable all data. Innocent bystanders cheered them on, anomalously, on the Internet and Facebook.
Granted, many hackers do it solely for the monetary reward. But ethical hackers often have a greater purpose in life than money.
One publication, Hackers Journal, is devoted to ethical hacking. They posted these headlines recently”
Hacking a website: Parsing a URL
Hack Passwords on Network
Hacking Windows Account Passwords with Cain and Abel
How to Use Live HTTP Headers to Sniff Login Packets
How to Hack Wireless Networks (WPA – Windows/Linux) – Part 1
Wireshark – Password Stealing
Ethical and “hacking for hire” are hot rising trends.
A new virtual hacking group called Anonymous is causing all kinds of problems for government hacks, secret operatives, corrupt politicians, unruly corporations and more.
I think ethical hacking can be a good thing. Granted, anyone with power and fame typically make the wrong decisions.
But the “old system” and corrupt government has gone virtually unchecked and or exposed. Journalists have been compromised. Most of the journalists trained in government sponsored and supported schools are nothing more than shills.
Most of the passionate, investigative journalism and research today is being done by unpaid volunteers who simple want the truth known and corruption exposed.
Chapter 15 – Doomsday Action Plan
How to Profit When There is Blood in the Streets
The most dreaded economic scenarios are playing out right now.
It doesn’t take a genius to connect the dotted lines.
Unemployment is at historical highs (the government would never publish accurate statistics)
Real estate continues to plunge in value and the third wave of foreclosures has begun
US Government debt is the highest of any country in human history (but they tell us everything is under control)
The stock markets around the world are being propped up by propaganda, media spin and other insidious tools
US manufacturing is all but dead
The US Dollar is backed by nothing
The good news is there are ways to profit when there is “blood in the streets”.
A unique set of circumstances always unfolds when there’s blood in the streets and doomsday unfolds, or things get really bad.
Let’s focus on some profitable opportunities for Doomsday and beyond.
The world has entered a deflationary cycle, among other things. It can’t be stopped or slowed down. This will not to be a good time for most people.
Depressions are the least understood of economic events, and they’re so powerful.
Depressions devastate economies, countries and civilizations.
Times like this often produce riots, mass protests, war and revolution.
Occupy Wall Street is just one example. It’s a disorganized protest. The core objective is convoluted. The participants curse Wall Street and Washington, but they want money and to be in charge.
Either way, it’s an example of what to expect in the future.
Depressions and mass chaos are misunderstood because they do not occur very often.
What’s more, historians usually overlook depressions as the root of the problem when things go awry.
Deflationary periods are often accompanied by social and political upheaval and wars.
Investing, speculating and building a business when there’s blood in the streets take great courage, because you go against the crowd or masses almost 100%.
This is the essence of profiting when there’s chaos or blood in the streets – bet against the masses.
The term, “blood in the streets” was coined by Baron Rothschild. He said the best time to buy is when there is "blood in the streets", or when the markets have fallen drastically and investor sentiment is extremely negative.
For example, the US Government has been on the hot seat because of the $10 trillion debt (and rightly so). The masses are NOT jumping on board to invest in the US Government.
On the Wings of Fear Opportunity Lingers
However, one opportunity along these lines, and going against the crowd is US treasury STRIPS.
STRIPS are an acronym for “separate trading of registered interest and principal securities”.
In other words, Treasury STRIPS are fixed-income securities sold at a discount to face value and offer no interest payments because they mature at par. They offer minimal risk and some tax benefits
The best way to invest in these is with US Treasury ETF's.
You Can Profit When Investor Sentiment is Positive Too
Most investors don’t understand you can make as much or even more money selling or “going short” the market as you can buying or “going long”.
This does not mean buying stocks that should do well in a depression!
It means literally to sell or short the market, and there are a variety of ways to do this.
In other words, can also sell when the markets have risen dramatically and investor sentiment is extremely positive, examples include real estate, precious metals and oil.
Most people never see or understand what’s happening until it is too late.
The more you research you perform on investor sentiment the more you will see this contrarian approach is true.
There’s an old adage in the market which says, “The trend is your friend”, which is true. But when trends shift or change it becomes an enemy fast. This is what we’re seeing in the markets today.
The masses refuse to accept inflation is gone.
Here’s an example….
Most people still believe real estate will always goes up in value, no matter what or where it is.
People refuse to believe inflation is gone.
For instance, look at the foreclosure real estate market. A lot of people jumped on foreclosed homes and bought them. Maybe this could not be construed as the “masses” but a lot of people bought into this market before it had a chance to bottom out – or clear the books.
The problem is MOST foreclosed homes are still overpriced.
Investing during Doomsday (or if things get really bad)
If you understand depressions you only need a few dollars to invest. You could parlay a small investment or purchase into great wealth if you do it right.
The old rules of investing and speculating do not apply
We need to understand the money game has changed forever.
Real estate used to be valuable, as did stocks, corporate and municipal debt.
These were regarded as AAA investments. These investments had appreciated in value for generations.
In a depression they become almost worthless.
In the near future, million-dollar homes and buildings will be abandoned across the country.
You can see the effects of deflation all over the place.
For example, in Flint Michigan, South Bend Indiana and Cleveland Ohio you can find rows of homes and factories, all victims of the depression.
You can acquire thousands of homes free and clear by just paying the back taxes.
If you’ve been to Nevada, California, Florida or Arizona you’ll see widespread real estate wipeouts.
In Nevada contractors are building new homes, even with more than new 100,000 homes sitting empty!
It seems new home buyers don’t want the “older” new homes (3 years or less) because they’re invested with bugs, rats or worse. They want new, new homes. They believe inflation is alive and well.
Devastation Equals Opportunity
If you could acquire new homes for ten cents on the dollar, that’s one thing. But that’s not what people are doing. They are paying $200-$300,000 for homes, in a depression.
We DON’T need to be in a hurry to buy homes or real estate in the US. There’s plenty of bad news and fallout yet to come.
However, you can be prepared and plan ahead to scoop up homes, apartments and buildings in areas you expect to survive the fallout.
Not all areas will survive. There will be pockets of opportunities, mostly in the exurb areas (areas 3-4 hours from major metro areas, like Telluride CO, Jackson Hole WY and Camden Maine).
In Ireland, huge subdivisions sit vacant.
In Spain, millions of homes are sitting empty. Multi-million dollar villas on the coast of Spain have been foreclosed.
The proof is obvious to those with eyes to see.
As more economies fall into depression some people will eventually figure it out.
But for the masses it will be too late.
In the last Great Depression, farms, factories, homes and businesses were boarded up and abandoned.
People loaded up what they had and left.
The same thing is happening right now.
But this time the turmoil will be much bigger and last a longer period of time.
The good news is by building on a foundation of self-reliance, you won't have any conflicts or problems with the people in power. You become a power base of unto yourself.
A few months ago some of richest Americans signed a pledge. They agreed to give away most of their wealth to charity.
They are endearing themselves to the power structure. There is wisdom in their insanity.
When Age of Turmoil and chaos comes full circle the government will use its armies to defend them.
By understanding deflation and by understanding how NOT to become a debt slave, in other words by being generous with your wealth, making a bunch of money, paying taxes and putting people to work in a way you become a friend to government.
Its’ sad but some people will be executed like what happened in depression era Germany. I hope things don’t get to ungodly extremes like this again, but it does happen when things get bad.
Unfortunately a self-styled, tin foil hat survivalists and anti-government antagonists will suffer the same fate. They don’t have a plan, you do.
We need to be patient if we plan to buy “when there’s blood in the streets”.
We need to think like bottom feeding fish.
The objective is to buy stuff at the bottom.
There Will Be No Inflation or Recovery Any Time Soon
It’s hard to visualize this but there will be no inflation or recovery anytime soon.
There’s a chance the current situation and economy could be a decades-long event.
We need to spend as little money as possible. The goal is protect our cash and assets (and pay taxes on them).
For now, cash is king. It’s not just a neat saying.
We need to avoid debt and credit like the plague.
Japan is a Mess – But There is a Window of Opportunity
Japan was hit with a catastrophic earthquake, then a tsunami, and then four nuclear reactors exploded, and now radiation is all over the place.
Experts have predicted more than a trillion dollars of Japanese infrastructure has been destroyed.
Panicked selling hit the Japanese stock market and about 1 trillion dollars of market value was wiped out.
A flight to quality has occurred not to gold or precious metals but to U.S. dollars and U.S. government debt, and the German Mark.
Yields on ten-year T-notes have plunged to 3 %.
Gold, stocks, oil, platinum, palladium, copper and silver have all plunged.
Japan was already in a 20 year depression. Japan’s economy was the most indebted in the world (as a percentage of GDP).
The disasters have dashed any dreams of recovery, for decades into the future.
The Proverbial “Game” has Changed
The global depression is not over. There will always be an ebb and flow in the market and the economy.
But specific events like the Japanese disaster and the Greek bailout changes the game forever. We’ve been thrust into the next phase of the great depression.
Depressions wipe out wealth.
But opportunities abound.
The Greek Bailout is Smoke and Mirrors
The Greek bailout is a joke designed to fool the masses. A bailout is impossible.
Greece already defaulted.
Granted, stocks and commodities have rallied recently.
But the MF Holdings collapse is a very big deal.
MF Holdings was convinced Greece would not default. They offered 50 cents on the dollar for the Greek debt. Greece already defaulted.
The market has rallied the past few weeks or months because of the Greek bailout publicity stunt.
Slowly seasoned traders and speculators begin to realize it is all smoke and mirrors – no substance to any kind of so-called “deal”.
Commodities have started down; stock markets around the world have started to plunge too.
Italy is next. They will default.
The European debt wipeout is happening right before our eyes.
How can a savvy gentlemen profit from the European debt wipeout?
One way to profit is with Currency Shares Euro Trust ETF (FXE). You can buy this ETF as you would any share of stock. If the immediate debt problem in Europe is addressed then this ETF will likely surge in value.
Another way to profit is on the other side of the world…away from Europe’s problems is Brazil’s currency, the real, is one option.
The real is gaining against the euro, the Swiss franc, the British pound, Japanese yen. It’s also gaining on most of the other actively traded currencies as well.
Brazil’s huge trade surplus is one reason it’s so strong, and low debt loads. You can buy the real through ETFs like BZF or directly through currency purchases.
Ranking Opportunities
Ranking opportunities in the coming days, weeks and months is not difficult.
All it takes is some wise observation, research and a contrarian point of view.
Remember: the masses are typically late, wrong and indecisive.
As hard times or even Doomsday accelerate we can use the tools available to us and observe, research and be diligent. We can go opposite of the general public or masses.
For example, most people are underwater with debt. Banks have tightened lending practices. Banks are a hard business to get into today. But starting a bank or lending institution is certainly “contrary” to conventional wisdom.
Granted, opening or acquiring a bank may not be an option for most people.
But you can operate as a bank on P2P platforms with the help of sites like Prosper.com.
On Prosper.com you can lend money to people, business owners and entrepreneurs in a secure, regulated environment.
In ranking opportunities I often use eight criteria. I rank each category from 1-10 (10 being the best or highest)
1. Time
How much time is involved? Will you need to spend an inordinate amount of time in order to see a profit?
2. Risk
What is at risk and how much? Drug trafficking could cost you your life and all of your assets. Whereas selling prescription drugs online as an affiliate, in a legal and regulated environment has very low risk.
3. Legal
Is there an opportunity for legal entanglements? Offering medical consultations or advice without a license is illegal. Whereas providing a medical or hospice referral service has fewer legal entanglements.
4. Knowledge
Do I understand the market, product or service? Investing in nanotechnology when you don’t understand what it is, the completion, or players is foolish. Investing in a company with a proven sales record in your field of expertise is smarter.
5. Resources
What is required? Do I need to provide space, vehicles, manpower, contacts, or other physical resources?
6. Physical Requirements
Do I need to be physical involved with a given opportunity, or can I be involved “virtually” or as a silent partner, or investor?
7. Unforeseen Problems
Every opportunity or business has unforeseen problems and issues. These should be addressed up front. If you invest in a gold mining company and they go bankrupt because of problems “unforeseen by you” this should be avoided. Whereas if you invest in a real estate development project in Chile you or your representative can be present and name or company can be on the real estate title.
8. Profit Potential
Does this opportunity provide legitimate upside potential? Most investors or entrepreneurs believe the opportunity they are involved always has an upside profit potential. But the best way to determine if an opportunity, project, venture or start-up business has profit potential is to look at previous investments in a similar market, profitable competitors and calculated probability.
The last criterion not listed is an exit strategy.
How easy will it be to get out of an opportunity, investment or business?
We can use this ranking system to determine great opportunities going forward and during Doomsday.
The Wisdom of Traveling Lite
A billionaire friend once told me, “Traveling lite has become really important to me. Even after amassing a small fortune”.
My friend, P.S., built a fortune in a half dozen industries including self-storage real estate, importing men’s clothing, antiques and medical office buildings.
It dawned on P.S. that having more things than you can use, like cars, homes, planes, race horses, boats and other toys was foolish, and actually sucked energy from your life.
My friend started liquating physical assets in the mid-nineties and by early 2000 he only had two homes, two cars and lots of land.
The principle of “traveling light” has been known and understood by some of the greatest spiritual minds throughout history.
The simplicity of this principle is even better. It’s easy to apply and integrate into your life.
Basically, traveling light means getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need, everything which holds you back, or limits your life in any way.
Most people don’t have a problem getting rid of junk.
It’s a bit more difficult getting rid of stuff when you are emotionally attached to it, like homes, businesses, camps, cars, toys or even partnerships.
In ancient times sages referred to this principle as burning the chaff. It simply means getting rid of the things you don’t need.
Traveling light enables a person to move in this life without being held back.
This doesn’t mean selling or getting rid of everything you own or need.
It simply means getting rid of the “chaff” the stuff that’s not needed.
This will become evident to more people as the difficult times and Doomsday matures. If these things never occur you’ll still enjoy the benefits of traveling light, and never miss “stuff”.
People quickly realize they can live abundantly without junk, trappings and stuff people have told them they MUST have in order to succeed.
Developing In-Demand Skills
The object is to learn valuable in-demand skills, which a person or business owner will find useful.
Maybe you find it easy to strike up conversations with people and are able to develop a network of contacts in an unfamiliar place.
In this case, you could build a database of people moving to a new country. You could be a facilitator and help people get things done.
Everybody has something they are naturally gifted at… something they can use to grow a valuable in-demand skill.
Developing a valuable skill not always easy, it can’t be done overnight.
It’s been said it takes about 2,000 hours of study, learning, and practice to become competent at most things.
When you break this down into smaller chunks it’s not so daunting.
For example, 20 hours a week for two years would be 2080 hours, or 15 hours a week for less than three years would be 2000 hours.
Could dedicate a couple of years of your life to learning a valuable new skill which would set you apart from the crowd and open doors to moneymaking opportunities?
If you want to change your situation, I’m sure you can. I’ve done it many times.
Everything in life, like moving from one situation to another takes some effort.
No one is entitled to anything in life. You have to work for and earn it.
Now is a great time to learn a valuable in-demand skill. I’m here to help you if I can.
High-demand skills needed if things get really bad
Computer programming (Help people and businesses with programming and software challenges, issues, problems and new applications)
Network security (Everyone needs network security. But it is even more crucial in the days ahead. If you understand network security issues and can communicate or resolve issues efficiently you should have no problem acquiring clients)
Translation (New applications for iPhones, iPad, smart devices and even on the web make translation easier than ever. But content, letters, books, and websites need translation services and help)
Application developer (iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Unix, and Linux, etc. If you can develop applications, especially mobile or “cloud” applications you should have a wellspring of eager clients)
Languages (Helping people and businesses with Mandarin, Japanese, German, Spanish and French, also tutoring kids and adults)
Writing (Relevant content is cash. People and businesses need help developing content in dozens of areas including copyrighting, sales, web, Kindle, Nook, smart phones, e-books, how to manuals, asset protection and entertainment)
Personal security (There are an abundance of opportunities in this market, including martial arts training, self-defense, firearms instruction, evasion tactics, body guard services and security services)
eCommerce (Helping people and businesses with money, credit cards and transactions issues relating to the Web, smart phones, P2P, auctions, and programming)
Database administration (Information is stored in a database. This skill focuses primarily on the business sector providing database administration, maintenance, backup, security, employee training and database development)
Tutor (A professional tutor comes to individuals and businesses to teach and train them at their convenience, in a classroom setting or online. The list of subject areas is endless).
Consulting (Help people and businesses with concise, relevant, tipping point ideas and strategies in all areas of business, the arts and personal)
Executive Temp (People are being fired and downsized in droves. Positions are being eliminated. Companies are hiring temporary executives and management. In the worst economy since the Great Depression Robert Half International reported revenues of $3.18 billion with temporary staffing operations in more than 400 locations worldwide. This is a hot rising trend. Also temporary or absentee business owner opportunities.)
Farming and Agriculture (There is a food shortage in many parts of the world, but especially in China, India and Pakistan. Products and services related to farming and agriculture should prosper nicely during Doomsday) - Read Jim Rogers’ books on commodities and farming.
Sales (If you can sell you will never go hungry). Most companies need to increase or maintain sales. If you’re good and you are willing to work as an independent contractor or freelance sales expert you should have more work than you can handle)
Marketing (Marketing paves the way to closing a sale). Marketing is needed on many levels with an emphasis on direct, permission, social media and Internet marketing
Health and Wellness (Doctors, Dentists, Naturopathic Physicians, Holistic, and herbalists)
Travel (People will move, migrate, immigrate, run and enjoy leisure travel – all travel related products and services with a personal edge should perform nicely)
Marksmanship (firearms expert) Training, helping, and advising people and businesses on the safe and confident use of firearms.
Fix It Trades (These skills have been needed since the beginning of time, and will still be needed: Carpentry, electrician, plumbing, heating, solar, geothermal, mechanical engineer, and auto repair)
Help Desk (helping people and business (online and off) with all things digital; computers, laptops, smart phones, servers, web hosting, encryption and software)
Doomsday Reference Library
Resources for Survival Kits, Emergency Preparedness and Information
Survival Kits, Gear and Food
Quake Kare
Quake Kare's survival kits are designed by emergency preparedness experts and contain only the highest quality emergency food, water, shelter, sanitation, lighting, communication, and rescue supplies.
Their Emergency Ration Food Provisions utilize a special non-thirst provoking formula providing survival victims with the optimal balance of calories, vitamins, and minerals to survive for 72 hours.
They also offer accessory emergency kits containing additional emergency supplies designed for specific types of disasters.
For example, if you live in an earthquake prevalent area, you should accessorize your home survival kit with an earthquake kit containing earthquake preparedness supplies specifically designed for protection from a major earthquake
Bear Grylls Online Store
http://www.us.beargryllsstore.com
Bear is a man who loves adventure. After breaking his back in three places in a parachuting accident, he fought his way to recovery, and two years later entered the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest aged only 23. He has since led ground-breaking expeditions across the world.
You can also find all the latest updates from Bear on his website www.beargrylls.com.
Emergency Disaster Systems Inc.
http://www.edisastersystems.com
Emergency Disaster Systems was founded in 1989 to provide earthquake preparedness supplies to communities throughout California. Today, EDS serves communities, governments, industries, and individuals around the world with a variety of innovative emergency preparedness solutions for disasters ranging from fires to winter storms.
LifeSecure
LifeSecure Emergency Solutions offers superior emergency kits and supplies. They help people to respond effectively to emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.
Costco - American Preparedness Emergency Backpack Kit
American Preparedness designed the 7204 emergency preparedness kit to support four people for 72 hours (three days). The contents are packed into a sturdy, easily identifiable, red back-pack. The 7204 contains enough food rations, water and other emergency supplies, such as emergency space blankets, flashlights, water-resistant radio with batteries and emergency ponchos to provide 4 people with the items needed to assist in surviving a natural or man-made disaster.
The Ready Store
They specialize in offering emergency preparedness products which meet the needs of individuals, families, businesses, government agencies, schools and community groups. They offer a wide range of survival kits, food storage and emergency food & water and many other emergency preparedness essentials that meet your needs.
SaveALife.com
They specialize in emergency response products and emergency planning services. They also offer emergency training materials, emergency preparedness policy manuals and dental emergency medical supplies, including emergency drug kits, defibrillators and oxygen systems.
Personal Security
Guardian Self Defense
http://www.guardian-self-defense.com/
Women on Guard
Sabre Red Products
http://www.sabrered.com/servlet/StoreFront
Taser International
Great Call Urgent Response
Survival Shelters
Utah Shelter Systems
http://utahsheltersystems.com/
“All Hazard Shelters” withstand violent earth movement from severe earthquakes; high velocity winds from tornados and hurricanes; invasion from mobs; heavy overpressures from nuclear blast; all types of radiations; wild fires; and air contamination from fallout and chemical and biological war gasses.
ArmoredGuard Underground Shelter
http://www.shelters-of-texas.com/armoredguard.html
The Armored Guard is a deep earth preparedness and survival shelter developed to protect families. The extended stairway puts the Armored Guard three foot below ground level and out of harm’s way.
SafeCastle.com
SafeCastle fallout shelters, storm shelters and safe rooms provide safety and protective in a world of uncertainty and danger. SafeCastle is in the business of providing steel-plated peace of mind.
FORTS – Portable Fold-Out Shelters
FORTS utilize groundbreaking fold-out technology to provide a comfortable, rapidly deployable, and logistically superior portable shelter. FORTS can be delivered up to six units at a time on a flatbed trailer, overseas container, or helicoptered to a remote base camp location. The units can be unfolded and ready for use in less than 10 minutes.
Survival and Preparedness Information
Modern Survival Online
http://modernsurvivalonline.com/
Survival Station
http://survivalstation.org/guides.html
Ready.gov
Survival News Online
http://www.survivalnewsonline.com/
CDC Emergency Preparedness
72 Hours
PEPID (emergency medical information)
Emergency Food Supplies and Information
http://www.emergencyfoodsupplykits.com/
Off The Grid News
http://www.offthegridnews.com/
Financial Products
BitCoin (Secure, encrypted digital currency)
Bitcoin is an experimental new digital currency that enables instant payments to anyone, anywhere in the world. Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority: managing transactions and issuing money are carried out collectively by the network.
Bitcoin Charts
http://bitcoincharts.com/markets/
Bitcoin charts provide financial and technical data related to the Bitcoin network. Bitcoincharts uses daily intervals (UTC) to display data. For example, the volume of a market will usually be zero at midnight (UTC) and increase during the day.
Kitco Precious Metals
An online precious metals store, with live spot prices, expert market commentaries, news and relevant market information. The Kitco website receives nearly a million visits every day. Kitco Metals Inc. is a premier retailer of precious metals.
American Precious Metals Exchange
An online gold dealer actively involved in buying and selling most precious metals including bars, wafers and coins. They carry all U.S. Mint bullion products including gold, silver and platinum American Eagles. They also sell all Krugerrands.
Anonymous Money Transfers
See BlackHatWorld.com
LiqPAY.com
Simple, free device which allows Visa/MasterCard charges for goods and services anywhere with your smartphone or tablet.
Prepaid Gift Cards
Prepaid gift cards have become a new currency. People and companies are using them to buy and sell products and services.
Ten most popular prepaid gift cards:
1. Wal-Mart
2. Amazon.com
3. Target
4. Home Depot
5. Visa
6. Best Buy
7. Lowe’s
8. Costco
9. Starbucks
10. McDonalds
Gift Card Rescue
http://www.giftcardrescue.com/
GiftCardRescue.com makes it easy for people to unlock the value in their unwanted gift cards. The company buys gift cards from those who don’t want them and sells them to those who want them.
Consumers can get up to 90% cash back for their unwanted gift cards and save from 4% up to 30% on discounted gift cards to over 350 national merchants. GiftCardRescue.com guarantees all transactions.
Miscellaneous Products and Services
Scanner Guard Card (Blocks RFID signals)
http://www.scannerguardcard.com/
The Jammer Store (Jamming devices for GPS, cell phone and wireless RF communications)
http://www.thejammerstore.com/
Crisis Cooker (You can prepare hot meals when the power is off. A great backup stove enables you to cook anything, anywhere at any time)
Heirloom Organic (Organic and non-hybrid seed packs)
http://www.heirloom-organics.com/
Urban Survival Tools
http://www.urbansurvivaltools.com/
Adventure Medical Kits
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/
Prepaid Cell Phones (no contracts, tracking, secret apps or billing)
Boost Mobile
Net10
TracFone
Kajeet
http://www.kajeet.com/4u/index.html
Straight Talk
Software
ProxyShell Hide IP Standard (Hides your IP address for laptops, iPads, Netbooks, etc.)
Hide My Ass (anonymous browsing)
Tor Project (Anonymity online)
Hushmail (anonymous, encrypted email)
Lockbin (free, anonymous, encrypted email and more)
MalwareBytes (best anti-malware software)
The Prepper Movement
Millions of people are preparing for what they fear is going to happen in the US and around the world.
These people are often referred to as “preppers”.
There is no shortage of people going to extremes and becoming unglued emotionally, physically and spiritually.
The book is an effort to counterbalance the insanity and “kooks” with comprehensive, relevant information and “tipping point” ideas.
Preparation is absolutely required for doomsday or if things get really bad.
But we can do this with a calm, assertive persistence and passion.
There’s a good chance some of your neighbors may be preparing for what is coming.
Some friends, family or neighbors may try to convince you “the end of the world” is near.
We doubt the world will end any time soon.
Some “preppers” will crawl out of bomb shelters and realize there has been no nuclear fallout, the government is not lining up citizens in firing squads, or placing them in underground detention centers.
Interestingly, a fallout shelter one hundred feet below the surface of the earth might protect you from a nuclear blast, and maybe some of the fallout. But sooner or later you’ll need to make your way to the surface, and this is when the real challenge begins.
We are not ignorant to the atrocities government can and will do to retain power and silence objectors.
However, as in all things, there must be a balance.
Either way, we have provided links to the following extreme prepper information and resources, so you can educate yourself and family, and make wise decisions.
Extreme Military Survival
WeaponsCombat.com
Suburban Suvival
http://suburbanprepper.wordpress.com/
PrepperNation
American Prepper Network
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/
Pioneer Living
Practical Preppers
ExtremeSurvival.net
http://www.extremesurvival.net/
ScienceDaily (Extreme Survival)
The Modern Survivalist
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/
Captain Dave’s Survival Center
2012Supplies.com
Closing Words
Doomsday may never come. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared if things get really bad.
Most thinking people understand something has changed in a very big way.
The old way of doing things has changed.
The “old system” which was built on industrial concepts, ideas and strategies is dying a slow painful death.
The “new system” is built on information, speed, the Ethernet, technology and digital realities.
Sometimes these concepts intersect.
But there’s no doubt the Industrial Age has given way to the Information Age.
It’s interesting this change has occurred at the same point in history where people have predicted an apocalypse, final day, or even Doomsday.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence. I have a sneaking suspicion we are simple at a MAJOR crossroads in human history. But I could be wrong.
What’s more, if Doomsday fails to materialize, there’s a fairly strong probability things may get bad.
We’re already witnessing “bad” things – which I’ve covered in this book.
Back to the changes we can see…..
Analog telephones are dead. Cloud computing is the new, new thing.
Today all kinds of things via “cloud” computing. Newspapers, magazines, Kindle books, Facebook updates and sport scores are delivered via the “cloud”.
The “cloud” simply means information follows everyone, everywhere, with whatever device they may be using.
People are starting to catch on to fiat money too.
The old central bank system controlled fiat money. Fiat money is money which derives its value from government regulation or law, not real assets or commodities.
And because of this folly new forms of currency and encrypted payment systems have arisen; including BitCoin and encrypted P2P transactions, and barter. Barter is now an intricate science.
There has been an obvious shift in power and ideas as in the beginning days of the Information Age.
But most of this information is not new. You bought or borrowed this book for new information and relevant tipping point ideas!
I’ve done my best to deliver new information, tactics, strategies and relevant ideas to help you thrive and prosper in the days ahead.
The coming months and years will be unlike anything we’ve seen in our lives before.
We’re already seen the new shift; violent protests, bankers and brokerages (like MP Global) seizing cash, government crack downs on free speech, travel and the way we do business.
We’re watching the government seize Internet domain names without due process of law. We’re seeing people thrown in jail without legal representation.
In response, professional hackers are breaking into government networks (with ease I might add).
There are widespread global defaults, but this is kept under wraps so people don’t panic.
Real estate has not recovered. And you know this is true because of your real estate investments, friends, family or business associates.
Ethical hacking groups like Anonymous are spreading like wildfire. Many of these groups are penetrating the computer systems and networks of corrupt governments, corporations and news organizations, and revealing the truth of what they find!
Politicians, bureaucrats and government hacks are clueless when it comes to thwarting “ethical hackers”.
The government’s solution to stopping the free flow of ideas and “ethical hackers” is an Internet “kill switch”.
Our safety and livelihood is at stake.
Our businesses are in jeopardy.
Our families are being assaulted on multiple fronts including but not limited to mandatory government training (public schools), over taxation, and limits on free speech and travel.
If you’ve ever petitioned the government with a grievance you know what a joke it is. The system has been compromised.
But this book was written to help you, your family and business!
If there’s a Doomsday occurrence or if things get really bad, it’ll be nice to have concise, accurate information without a political or religious “slant”.
But more important, I wrote this book to help you and your loved ones thrive and prosper in the coming days.
It’s not just about surviving.
You can live in a cave a thousand feet below the surface of the earth, and stay there for two years.
But at some point you’ll need to come to the surface.
If you’re not prepared mentally, physically, financially and spiritually, it’ll be a hard road.
I’m confident this book is different from anything you’ve ever read or seen before.
As I mentioned in the opening, I developed this book over several years with the help of street smart investors, entrepreneurs, teachers and experts in the field of finance, business, personal security, international travel and survival.
In the end, this is the most comprehensive resource on the market to help thrive and prosper in the coming weeks, months and years.
This book is not about a political or religious event. I’m hopeful this book transcends politics, religion and “doomsday philosophies”.
This book is a “How To” manual for living through Doomsday, in the new system, and if things get really bad.
If nothing happens, and Doomsday never materializes, you’ll still be able to thrive, prosper, make money and protect your family.
I hope you enjoyed the ride!
James Tower
Bonus Chapter: Trader’s Guide to Precious Metal Profits
As Doomsday unfolds, or if things get really bad, there will be opportunities of a lifetime in dozens of markets, sectors and industries.
One market in particular is precious metals.
In my experience more money is lost in the precious metals market than any other market.
There are many reasons for the likelihood of losing money, but two of the most prominent are:
1) Following the masses or general public
2) Following or listening to people who have never made money in precious metals.
In this bonus chapter I will provide a short overview of the type of ways to invest in precious metals, as well as a few time-tested strategies for generating profit.
One area where novice investors fall short is failing to have a strategy to remove profits.
Almost everyone knows how to buy precious metals these days, including bullion coins, futures, swaps, ETFs or options.
However, most novice investors do not have an exit strategy.
Whatever approach you choose to invest or speculate in precious metals it’s important to establish an exit strategy. This strategy should include the best and worst case scenarios.
For example, the buy and hold strategy in the old system rarely works with precious metals, with some exceptions for coins and bullion.
Therefore, if you invest in a precious metals exchange trade fund (ETF) you should know the average price per share since the fund inception, the historical low and the historical high prices.
Armed with this information you can enter a trade knowing where the price is in relation to the average, high and low, helping you establish a general exit point.
For example, if you purchase a precious metal ETF near the average price of $5 and the historical high is $10, one exit strategy would be to sell before the historical high, say $8.50.
Granted, the ETF share price could very well exceed the historical high. After you sell at $8.50 and REMOVE profits, you could re-enter the trade at $8.50 and if the price exceeds the historical high you can profit accordingly.
But the objective is to remove profits, and start over again small.
One key component to trading precious metals profitably is probability.
Probabilities, averages and constants are mathematical statistics the largest and most profitable precious metals and hedge funds use to make money.
New Ways to Invest in Precious Metals
Numismatics and Rare Coins
Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. Numismatists are usually characterized as collectors of coins. Numismatics includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the exchange of goods. Rare and historical coins fall into this category.
Bullion Coins
A bullion coin is a coin struck from precious metal and kept as a store of value or an investment. Investment coins are generally coins which have been minted after 1800, have a purity of not less than 900 thousandths and are or have been a legal tender in their country of origin.
Bullion coins are available in gold, silver, platinum and palladium. The only exception would be the Krugerrand and the Swiss Vreneli which are only available in gold. The American Eagle series is available in gold, silver and platinum, and the Canadian Maple Leaf series is available in gold, silver, platinum and palladium.
Exchange-traded Funds (ETF)
ETFs are available for gold, silver, platinum and palladium. They are traded on most world exchanges. They typically track the price of the physical metal. ETFs are also available to short precious metals. In addition, there are ETFs which enable you highly leverage the precious metals market as well.
Futures
Precious metals futures currently trade on various exchanges around the world and over-the-counter (OTC) directly in the private market. In the U.S., gold futures are primarily traded on the New York Commodities Exchange (COMEX) and Euronext LIFFE.
In India, gold futures are traded on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) and Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). Future contract prices are listed on financial websites and on exchange websites. The product symbol for gold futures is GC, and it is traded in a standard contract size of 100 troy ounces.
Options
Precious metals options are option contracts in which the underlying asset is a gold, silver, platinum or palladium futures contract.
The holder of an option possesses the right (but not the obligation) to assume a long position (in the case of a call option) or a short position (in the case of a put option) in the underlying gold futures at a given strike price. This right terminates when the option expires after a market closes or on the expiration date.
Mining stocks
These do not represent the actual price of precious metals. These are shares in gold, silver, platinum and palladium mining companies. If the precious metals prices rise, the profits of the gold mining company may rise. But there are many factors to consider. Share price do not always rise when the price of a particular precious metal increases.
Mint and Commemorative Sets
Commemorative coin programs were created by an act of Congress to honor a person, place or event. Surcharges from the sales of these coins help fund a variety of organizations and projects that benefit the public. Commemorative coins are only available from the United States Mint for a limited time, as specified by public law.
Bars
Bars are a popular way of investing in precious metals. In some countries, like Canada, Argentina, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, gold and silver bars can easily be bought or sold at the major banks. There are also reputable bullion dealers around the world which provide the same service. Bars are available in various sizes.
Certificates
Gold certificates were issued by the US Treasury from the Civil War until 1933. There are denominated in dollars. The paper certificates were used as a gold standard and could be exchanged for an equal value of gold.
Gold certificates offer investors a way of holding gold without taking physical delivery. This is how paper money got its start. But of course, bankers soon realized they could issue paper certificates and not be forced to store or back up certificates with actual gold.
Jewelry
Millions of precious metals jewelry exchanges hands every year. Jewelry is not usually considered a serious investment. It can hold and increase in value.
Unit Trusts
The most popular unit trust is BlackRock Gold & General. They invest in the shares of gold mining companies as well as other commodity businesses. Another unit trust is JPM Natural Resources. Gold mining equities are typically more volatile than the gold price.
The End (I hope not!)
About the author
Dr. James Tower is a pseudonym. It is safer for him to write about sensitive topics, and shield his family, business and charitable activities. Dr. Tower sits on the board of two companies. He writes, teaches and speaks on various topics around the world. Dr. Tower attended schools in the US, England and Singapore. He is an avid world-traveler. James is married with three children.
176