Day: March 14, 2009

Letter Re: Idaho and Washington as Retreat Locales

Hi Jim, I heard that Washington state joined the 10th Amendment movement. Funny, but we moved out of that state in February because it was seemingly so socialistic. Since then we’ve been actively looking for a small farm in Idaho but when I heard that news I wanted to see if you think it advisable to look into eastern Washington too. I’m amazed at all the properties for sale there. You can get so much more for your money there. But I wanted to check with you first. Thanks, – Evan S. JWR Replies: Keep in mind that just a …


Letter Re: Selecting Retreat Properties–Pros and Cons of Buying Remote and Off Grid

Jim: To follow-up on your recent article, a very big “Pro” to buying off-grid land that was not mentioned is that you will not have strangers having access to your property. I am specifically referring to the Meter Reader for the utility company. I have “country” property on the Grid and have to furnish the Meter Reader a key to access the property to read the electric meter. The Meter Reader comes once a month to read the meter. I have not figured a way to deny them access. (Maybe you have a suggestion on how to prevent the meter …


Two Letters Re: Some Thoughts on the Survival Vehicle

Hi James, Regarding the article “Some Thoughts on the Survival Vehicle” – I couldn’t agree more with the choice of an older Ford truck. I love mine. The only part I take exception to is converting permanently from electronic ignition to a mechanical point type distributor. I understand the EMP and other concerns, but there is a caveat readers need to be informed of. Some/most Fords with 302 or 5.0 liter engines in the mid- to late-1980s and on were equipped from the factory with a hydraulic roller lifter camshaft. The roller cams are made of very hard steel, harder …


Economics and Investing:

Matt in Texas sent this “must read” link: Martin Armstrong: Is It Time To Turn Out The Lights? Here is a key quote: “We are standing on the edge of a cliff in the middle of nowhere. … We must ask our politicians a very important question: Where are you going? To date, the answers have been more of a riddle… In other words, we get a paradoxical explanation that is of something that is the opposite of what it suggests. … This Economic Depression is unstoppable, regardless what Government says. … Unless we start to get sane people with …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Kurt sent this: What sells in a recession. Kurt’s comment: “Hmmm, canning and freezing supplies up 11.5%. Maybe some of the sheeple are waking up.”    o o o Simon in England suggested this: “Jericho” gets second life — as comic book. Meanwhile, there is still talk of a Jericho feature film. (You can read the latest gossip at this fan site.)    o o o Responding to my recent mention of creative “bumper attachments” that fit is standard receiver hitch channels, Johnny Utah mentioned this none-too-subtle novelty accessory.    o o o For a limited time, MURS Radios is …