Day: May 28, 2007


Letter Re: Firefighting Equipment for Rural Homes and Retreats

Jim As a local volunteer firefighter in Northern Idaho, I would like to offer some advice to current and future retreat owners. Due to response time(s), everyone who can afford it should have the following set up on the property to use during those 15 to 30 minutes until emergency services arrive. You will find that in most retreat areas volunteers are the norm. It may take that long from your call to having equipment on scene. The farther out you are the longer it will be, and in the winter, you may be on your own due to road …


Letter Re: Why Food Prices are Soaring

Jim I enjoy your books (have bought two for others as gifts) and blog site. I came across this article [from Canada] describing another unintended consequence of the extreme liquidity the Fed is using to prop up our housing market/economy- high food prices. Aside from the new ‘miracle’ fuel – ethanol – our government policies are eroding our purchasing power in every sector of our lives. Here is an excerpt from the article: “After steamrolling through a laundry list of base metals, then oil and gas, the global commodity boom is finally hitting us in the gut: at the supermarket …


Two Letters Re: Lock Picks as Survival Tools

Jim, Just a word of caution, at least here in the People’s Republic of Kalifornia (and probably most other locales), mere possession of said tools by somebody not driving around in “Joe’s 24 Hour Locksmith” van could lead you to a peck of trouble by a nosy cop and land you in the clink for possession of burglary tools. Same with nice bolt cutters. Of course in TEOTWAWKI all bets are off be cautious and safe. Of course ‘intent ‘ is the key word, but why risk the hassle? Cordially, Tim JWR Replies: Laws on possession of lock picks vary …


Letter Re: Jericho Fans are Going Nuts Over the TV Series Cancellation

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rawles, I came across this story of Jericho [television series] fans that have sent almost 19,000 pounds of nuts to CBS to protest the show’s cancellation. Borrowing from Jake’s reply of “Nuts” to New Bern[‘s demand for surrender.]. Here is a link to the story. – T.A. From Indiana. . JWR Replies: In their typically resourceful American way, people are expressing themselves in a creative way to be sure that they’ll be heard. If you enjoyed the show, folks might want to at least sign the petition. And if you really love the show, then it …


Odds ‘n Sods:

I recently added a link for the Depression2 blog, over at my Links page. The blog aggregates some insightful commentary, mostly on economics and investing. Check it out.   o o o Bob at Ready Made Resources mentioned that he is brokering the sale of a used fully self-contained P10 underground blast/fallout/storm shelter. These shelters sell for $100,000 new, but this one is used and selling for just $45,000 plus shipping. It is an upgraded model with a Level 4 ballistic protection entry hatch and an oversize water tank. It has been reconditioned (including fresh paint), but it needs a …