Day: August 15, 2009

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 24 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) and C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $345 value.) Second Prize: A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing …


A Primer on Gold, by Javaman

I wrote the following essay five years ago. Not only are the issues presented below still relevant today, they’re more critical than ever. This is about the end of your financial world as you know it, independent of a terrorist strike Perhaps one of the most alarming observations is that, up until our present generation, Americans were far more aware of the meaning of money and they carried gold and silver coins in their pockets. Today, the people are much too pre-occupied, distracted, or just plain na?Øve, and they don’t possess the outrage about what is happening to their money …


Letter Re: Correction on Sniping Record for Afghanistan

Hi, The article in the August 14th “odds n’ sods” (Scots Guards Sniper Kills Taliban Leader with Longest Shot) quotes the longest shot on record being this one by Cpl. Christopher Reynolds. Cpl Reynolds says it is the longest shot (confirmed kill) in Afghanistan. Apologies in advance if I am wrong, but the longest confirmed kill anywhere was done by Master Corporal Rob Furlong (Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry or PPCLI) in Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan at a distance of 2,430 meters in 2002. He used a McMillan Tac-50 rifle. The second longest was Master Corporal Aaron Perry (also PPCLI …


Economics and Investing:

Greg C. flagged this: Retail sales dip unexpectedly, jobless claims rise. Greg’s comment: It is amazing how they still keep trying to spin this [continuing decline] as a “recovery.” Bobbi-Sue sent this Der Spiegel piece: Global Banking Economist Warned of Coming Crisis. Thanks to Heather for sending this: US sugar supplies ‘running out’ US food manufacturers call for an easing of sugar import limits, saying they fear the country may run out of supplies. Items from The Economatrix: The Problem with Sticking it to Your Creditors Panel Warns Smaller Banks Face Whole-Loans Threat “We” Broke The Bank Bleak Sales are …


Odds ‘n Sods:

“A. Marine” suggested this educational video on making thermite. (The usual chemistry experiment and welding safety disclaimers apply. Beware that the use of fine brille materials or packing them in a confined space could resulting in an explosion.) See my novel “Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse” for greater detail as well as some, potential welding project applicability.    o o o From reader DD: Ways to lower water usage.    o o o Tamara (of the invariably witty View From the Porch blog), linked to a news story from “Out in the west Texas town of …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3: 21-26