Month: April 2007


Poll Results: An Exercise in Humility–a Poll on Embarrassing Mistakes

The following are the responses that we’ve received thusfar in our current poll on Lessons Learned: Jim: I didn’t the follow instructions on the bottle and I only took antibiotics until fever broke, then stopped. Fever came back and had to switch antibiotics. I didn’t floss my teeth for years thinking brushing my teeth was enough. Ignored continual bleeding from gums and didn’t visit a dentist for 15 years. When I went I found out that I had advanced gum disease and jaw bone loss far beyond my years. Surgery was required. I’ve been flossing every day now. If I …


Letter Re: Advice on Where to Learn Practical, Tactical Skills

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Dear Jim: As my confidence in the dollar depreciates and my desire for skills increases, I’m wanting to convert FRNs into hands-on knowledge. What weeknight or weekend workshops would you recommend? Are there any places where you can learn Army Ranger skills without joining the military? Animal husbandry, and so on? – Spencer JWR Replies: There is a tremendous wealth of free or low-cost classes available–enough to keep you busy every weekend of the year if you are willing to drive a distance. If you have time and just a bit of money, you can get some very well-rounded training …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Michael Z. Williamson flagged this one: Sean Rakhimov’s recent commentary on silver. The demand side of the silver price equation is inexorable. I still strongly believe that spot silver will rise tremendously in the next few years.   o o o Thanks to all of the recent Ten Cent Challenge subscribers. I’m glad to see that so many of you find SurvivalBlog informative, useful, and worthy of support. My sincere thanks!    o o o Larry LaBorde, was quoted at 321Gold.com, on April 13th: “The United States dollar index has dropped below 82 today. We would do well to remember …



Note from JWR:

Today is the last day of bidding in the current SurvivalBlog benefit auction for several items (including an EMP-proof antique radio, four books, and a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course) that are being auctioned together as a lot:. The auction ends on April 15th. The current high bid is at $425. Just e-mail me your bid. Thanks!


Book Excerpt: Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse

SurvivalBlog reader L.C. recently asked me: “What’s your novel “Patriots” like? Is it like the Jerry Ahern [“The Survivalist”] books?” My novel “Patriots” is hard to describe. It is a fast-paced novel, but it is not at all like Jerry Ahern’s novels. I did my best to weave a lot of practical and tactical information into the storyline. To illustrate, here is an excerpt from one of the later chapters in the novel (titled “Radio Ranch”) that shows the style: Edgar Rhodes had just turned 72 when the Crunch hit. He had lost his wife two years earlier, to cancer. …


Letter Re: U.S. Income Tax and the Galt’s Gulch Retreat Option

James, I am not sure if the majority of SurvivalBlog readers are interested in the following, but I am. It was inspired by your quote of the day for April 13, 2007, by Robert Nozick. Here is a summary of an article at the Tax Foundation’s Summary of Latest Federal Individual Income Tax Data, by Gerald Prante. It discusses the Federal portion of the US income tax burden. As one will see in the following, one productive American family works to support the burden of two American families, 100% of the time. Another productive family pays the bill for ten(!) …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Can you hear the rumble of the implosion? From Foreclosure Radar: California Foreclosure Sales Near $2 Billion in March (15% of all home sales!) Notably, 4,796 homes of the 5,316 homes at the foreclosure sales received no bids. (About 90%.)   o o o SF. in Hawaii flagged this: Scientists predict Southwest mega-drought–Climate models indicate region will be as dry as Dust Bowl for decades    o o o J.M. mentioned that the CMP has some decent prices on surplus .30-06 ammunition. Stock up, because the current ammo shortage is only going to get worse in the next few years! …



Note from JWR:

Tomorrow is the last day of bidding in the current SurvivalBlog benefit auction for several items (including an EMP-proof antique radio, four books, and a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course) that are being auctioned together as a lot:. The auction ends on April 15th. The current high bid is at $425. Just e-mail me your bid. Thanks!


Letter Re: Three Liabilities Addressed: Refrigeration, Sanitation, and Fuel

Jim, This is in response to “Three Liabilities Addressed: Refrigeration, Sanitation, and Fuel” article [by James D.]: Refrigeration is only a big problem for survival when one makes poor choices and is dependent on obtaining fuel for a generator to power a typically inefficient refrigerator. Refrigeration is relatively easy if one has planned ahead and made the right investments in both refrigeration and power generation before a crisis when one can still get the required system components. Most refrigerators and freezers are inefficient, often using 500 to 1,000+ watts per hour. Choosing the right refrigerator, adding insulation to its exterior, …


Letter Re: Free Shipping Special on MURS Radios

Hi Jim, I have been fortunate to acquire another batch of $49 MURS radios. In honor of Patriots Day and the wonderful support from your readers I am able to again offer them a special deal. With the purchase of two or more radios you will get free shipping. Please see this special ordering page for details. This offer will expire when supplies have been depleted so don’t delay. These radios are ideal for spring and summer outdoor activities as well as for use in “hard times” communications. Thanks! – Rob


Odds ‘n Sods:

RBS pointed us to another article on the unintended consequences of the ethanol boom: Wheres the Beef?? It Better Be in Your Freezer   o o o Some serious FFTAGFFR Reader Bill F. recommended this: Shift Happens. Bill’s comment: “[It is] a video with information about extrapolating numbers about our population compared to China and India as well as education and technology rates of change. Stunning!”    o o o Chuck mentioned this essay by Prof. Goose, over at The Oil Drum: A Letter to My Brother: Peak Oil in Greater Detail    o o o Florida Guy sent this: …