Day: December 26, 2008

Note from JWR:

We are having a quiet, snowy Christmas here at the ranch. As you know, I write and edit most of my posts a day in advance, so these posts for December 26th are being composed and posted on the 25th. Sorry that the blog is a bit “light” today, but I’m a bit preoccupied with the Christmas dinner preparations and present opening chaos. All that I can say in my defense is that I haven’t missed a day of posting yet, since SurvivalBlog was launched on September 5, 2005. There are now more than 5,700 archived articles, letters, and quotes. …


Two Letters Re: The Big Chill Causes Diesel Gelling Problems in the Lower 48

James: The blog post regarding diesel gelling is correct for the most part. However there are solutions that are easy and inexpensive. There are many aftermarket additives that will keep your fuel oil from gelling and also raise the cetane level of the fuel. The cetane level is similar to the octane level of gasoline, the higher the better it burns. DieselKleen, Stanadyne and others are good choices. My 6.0L Ford F350 gets a full mile per gallon better mileage with the addition of DieselKleen and I have not had a single engine problem in over two years of operation. …


Two Letters Re: What Are the Best Magazines for Investment?

Jim Here’s my feeling on what pistol mags to obtain. Obviously, if you have a high capacity handgun, it behooves you to have at least ten mags for it. I actually have 30 Glock Model 19 mags since I already have one and contemplate picking up another that a friend wishes to sell. I’m also trying to pick up Glock 17 mags, even though they stick out the bottom of my G19. I really want a Glock 34 long slide 9mm, and figure that the only way I may be able to get mags for it down the road is …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Katie F. suggested this account of surviving and airliner crash.    o o o Several readers mentioned this: “The End of the World As We Know It”: An unexpected, thick layer of solar particles inside Earth’s magnetic field suggests there are huge breaches in our planet’s solar defenses, scientists said. These breaches indicate that during the next period of high solar activity, due to start in 2012, Earth will experience some of the worst solar storms seen in decades.    o o o Aaron R. flagged this one: Liquidity Traps versus Inflation Traps    o o o From Cheryl: Massive …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

This is a coalition to ban coalitions, I ain’t a politician but I’ve got views. Some folks want to ban cars some want to get rid of Fender guitars. Why don’t you do your thing and we do our thing too? Now they want to take my cigarettes and all my good whiskey And these d**n coalitions they are after you and me They want to get rid of my forty fours and all the R-rated films If they only knew how much we’d all love to get rid of them And this is a coalition to ban coalitions, the …