http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/now-venezuela-running-toilet-paper-19190675#.UZTrUUq6j1U

So besides butter, milk and cornmeal, Venezuela is also running out of toilet paper among other basic everyday life staples.  Like food, soap and general toiletries, TP is something that you’re going to use anyway so it’s a good idea to have plenty if you’ve got the room for it.

How did this happen you ask? Well, when commie authoritarian governments take over, these kind of problems are unavoidable. Like the government did in Argentina, the Chavista government decided to fight inflation by controlling and freezing prices. If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. It’s the same way with dictators and authoritarian governments, they think they can force things to be the way they want and completely deny the root causes that provoked the events in the first place.  What do importers and distributors do when dealing with mandatory minimum prices? They stop selling, producing and importing until the prices reflect the reality of inflation once again.

So, two things to keep in mind here people. First, have enough supplies for a few months. When you use up half of it, rotate and restock. Food, yes, but also cleaning and personal hygiene supplies and other toiletries.  Second, communism doesn’t work. Never has, never will. If you ever hear even a hint of prices being forced or controlled in any way, expect trouble and empty shelves soon.

FerFAL

Fernando

1) Following news reports has some photos showing the
EDC kit of a CIA officer arrested in Moscow today:

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/05/russia-spy-ryan-fogle-cia-letter.html?mid=google

2) Has some items like yours.   I can’t make out the black rod
attached to his keyring — looks like a Kubotan:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan

3) Note that the arrested officer is wearing the same type of checked/plaid shirt
as was worn by Raymond Davis –the CIA officer who shot the two motorcyclists
in Pakistan over a year ago.   I suspect that pattern is used to obscure
the print of items carried concealed under it.    However, it can become a
handicapping signature if someone notices that use.

4) Note that translation of the note to the spy being recruited has some
interesting advice on how to do clandestine communications internationally.

What is very strange  is that the CIA note did not include a one time key pad (OTP) for
encryption along with instructions.   Von Neumann supposedly proved that the
OTP is unbreakable,  even by the strongest computers, and OTP has been used
by both the CIA and Russia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_time_pad

Normally, I would think Russian monitors can see the texts of gmail crossing
their border,even if they can’t pinpoint /identify the source.

Nor did the CIA note specify frequencies/times of a shortwave
numbers station for the agent to monitor for more secure , encrypted contact
instructions.  Nor are dead drop locations specified.

The English translation of the CIA note (which was written in Russian) supposedly
was supplied by Russia Today news.  Maybe RT left out the good stuff.   They did leave
the CIA gmail address in, so I expect the CIA will shortly be getting a lot of email
explaining how it can enlarge its penis.

http://rt.com/news/fsb-detain-cia-agent-253/

4) An alternative explanation is that Google is being naughty and has put an encrypted,
backdoor/tunnel into gmail for some customer accounts.   I’m speculating –
hackers would have a better idea of what’s possible.

Don Williams

Thanks Don for the heads up, interesting comments too.

It seems that the shirt is common among spies. Untucked shirts are better for concealing weapons or other items and I suppose it looks like normal casual wear for an American traveling on business on his day off.

Lets take a look at the items:

*150.000 Euros in 500 bills. Three straps in ziplock bags.  Man, that has to be the most useful piece of kit right there. Remember the video I did just a few days ago about 500 Euro notes.

*2 Wigs. Disguise.

*3 Sunglasses.  Disguise, or an obsession with ugly shades.

*Mini Maglite. Not a bad torch if it’s the LED model. It seems to have something on the head of the flashlight. Proably this Mini Maglite, with the anti roll device.

*Knife. It’s a black SOG Flash 2, half plain, half serrated edge. It’s a nice knife both for utility purposes and defense. The handle provides a good grip and enough of a finger guard to use safely for stabbing. The assisted opening system means its more dependable when opening under stress or reduced motor skills. The clip allows for deep pocket carry. All black model.

* Victorinox Classic. All around handy SAK.

*Keychain Kubotan. A simple rod of plastic or metal that can be used as a weapon.

*LED button light. Probably a red Photon II for night map reading.

*Maps.

*Compass.

*Notebook.

*Cellphone. Looks like a rugged Samsung GT-B2710 which is quad band, impact resistant and waterproof model.

*Baseball cap.

*OC spray. A gun would have made more sense than carrying spray alone, but it still has a place.