Day: February 27, 2009

Note from JWR:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction is now at $710. This auction is for a large mixed lot, which includes:: 1.) Another “be ready to barter” box of 38 full-capacity gun magazines, from my personal collection in JASBORR. This box includes: 4 – Used original East German 30 rd. steel AK-47 magazines in a “raindrop” camouflage pattern belt pouch, 12 – Excellent-to-new condition original Bundeswehr contract HK91 (G3) alloy 20 round magazines, 6 – Well-used but serviceable condition original Austrian FN-FAL steel 20 round magazines with cartridge counter holes, 10 – Used AR-15/M16 USGI (all Colt made!) alloy …


Depression Proof Jobs for a 20 Year Depression – Part 2: Developing a Home-Based Business

Yesterday, in Part1, I discussed the “safe” and counter-cyclical occupations for the unfolding economic depression. Today, I’d like to talk about one specific approach: self-employment with a home-based business. I posted most the following back in late 2005, but there are some important points that are worth repeating: The majority of SurvivalBlog readers that I talk with tell me that they live in cities or suburbs, but they would like to live full time at a retreat in a rural area. Their complaint is almost always the same: “…but I’m not self-employed. I can’t afford to live in the country …


Letter Re: Real World Observations on Fighting Crime and Criminals

Hello Sir! While visiting your site this morning, I read a letter by someone talking about residential break-ins. While I don’t wish to contradict anything stated in the letter, there are a few points that should be made. 15 years ago, I made the decision to train as a Locksmith. I have my own locksmith business is in it’s 10th year and going strong. I’ve worked in banks, with police and even the DEA. I’ve been at the scene of scores of break-ins, assessing the damage as well as repairing and fortifying the sites. This brings me to the point; …


Letter Re: eXRS Radios and Texting in the Field

James:| A current discussion forum thread {at AR15.com] on eXRS two-way radios is worthy of mention. Also see this description. In searching the SurvivalBlog archives, I only found one post mentioning eXRS Radios. Here is a description of test by a paintball team. What are your thoughts for secure short range comm? Text messaging could have some uses for silent comm. – Craig W. JWR Replies: The eXRS radios are fine in the voice mode, but I am very dubious of the tactical practicality of text messaging, at least once the lead starts flying. Who in their right mind is …


Economics and Investing:

A picture is worth a thousand words: Graph of Four Bad Bear Markets. Based upon house prices, commercial real estate prices, and stock P/E rations, I’d say the markets have another 50% or more to fall, and the painful process may take another eight to ten years. And that is just to reach rock bottom, There may be another 10 years of climbing back up out of the hole that “Easy Al” Greenspan and his successors dug for the planet. (Link courtesy of Jesse’s Café Américain blog, and brought to our attention by SurvivalBlog reader Ben H.) Thanks to Thomas …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Susan Z. sent us this article about barter from Michael Panzner’s blog: Cashless Improvisation    o o o F.R. sent this: Brit Couple Saved After 40 Days Lost at Sea    o o o The folks at Safecastle mentioned that their big 25% off sale on Mountain House canned long-term storage foods is underway. Safecastle Royal members who buy four cases or more (at 25% off and free shipping of course) get a free 35 gram pouch of CELOX traumatic wound coagulant. If they buy 12 cases or more, they get a CELOX pouch and an Optimus Crux lightweight backpacking …