Notes from JWR:

I was recently contacted by a producer for The History Channel who is making a documentary about survivalism. It is an unusual project that will include a subtext docudrama about a family that is fleeing Los Angeles in the midst of a megapandemic. He will be interviewing survivalists in Los Angeles and New York in mid-August. If you live in or near those cities and are willing to do an on-camera interview, please contact Nick Leader, via e-mail. — Last Day! Ready Made Resources is continuing their special 25% off sale on case lots of Mountain House freeze dried foods …




From The Memsahib: On My Bucket List–Looking for a Wife

I am in a very unusual situation. I’m in my mid-40s, but I’m dying. My doctors have told me that I have less than two months to live. So I have been working on my “bucket list.” One of the items therein is finding a new wife for my husband, to marry after I go to be with the Lord. I have always been a cautious shopper, carefully analyzing and deliberating the pros and cons of each acquisition, whether it is a horse, or a piece of land, or just a pair of boots. Finding a new wife for Jim …




Letter Re: Shoot or Don’t Shoot–Moral Implications of the Split-Second Decision to Take a Life

Hi James, Thank you for the work that you do. In reference to this quote: ” As a side note: There is a video commonly shown to police academy students that depicts a real situation where a man armed with a knife attacked an armed police officer from across a room (10-to-15 feet). I have heard that merely viewing that video (and communicating the fact of said viewing) to a prosecutor can result in the dismissal of charges related to shooting a person who is threatening you with a knife. (While you’re armed with a gun). YMMV. Research carefully.” I …




Letter Re: An Outward Bound Prepper’s Perspective

Hi Jim, I’ve been out playing in the Wasatch mountains of Utah and found your e-mail when I got back. You mentioned several people had asked about my note on the significance of carrying large paper clips in your backpack. Ah, where have all the Boy Scouts gone? If you think of all the things you can do or make out of a 5-inch long piece of bailing wire you will get your mind going in the right direction. Some of the uses for a heavy duty paper clip in a wilderness survival situation are; make a fishing hook, make …







Economics and Investing:

Reader David H. reminded me that the text of Murray Rothbard’s book The Case Against the Fed is available free, online. From Kevin A.: Why Monday’s housing numbers are meaningless Nolan S. mentioned this piece on a fundamental change in the gold-to-silver price ratio: DIVORCE! The new ‘retirement’ plan: Just keep working. (Thanks to DD for the link.) Also from DD: Bank of America to cut 10% of branches From GG: China takes baby step to reduce dependence on dollar Items from The Economatrix: Biden: “Long Way” to Recovery Bernanke: About 25 Financial Firms are Systemically Vital Lender Failures Reach …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Luis S. mentioned a great site with web feeds of police and fire department frequencies from all over the US. This is a useful adjunct to having a scanner, especially when choosing GOOD routes that are outside your scanner’s range. It might also be useful as a tool for evaluating retreat locales before you move.    o o o Can you spell: “Agent Provocateur”? (No, not the lingerie company.)    o o o Reader DD sent this sign of the times: Los Angeles Airport parking lot is home away from home for airline workers    o o o Do any …