Day: August 17, 2009

Notes from JWR:

I was recently featured in a slightly tongue-in-cheek article in La Razon, a major newspaper in Spain: Survivalistas: preparados para lo peor. — 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 …


Inexpensive Hand Reloading Tools–Part of Budget Preparedness, by D.A.S.

“Everything in life is a trade-off.”  There’s wisdom in that and anyone who wants to be prepared has to make the best trade-offs for functionality and their budget.  Most people who prepare for emergency scenarios, whether it be civil unrest, terrorist attack, EMP, or whatever, include a firearm in their plans. A firearm provides protection and a way to harvest game that is second-to-none.  But firearms require cartridges and there’s the rub.  Unless your last name is Gates, Walton, or Rockefeller, you can’t afford to have 10,000 rounds of ammunition just setting around.  If you have regular job and are …


Letter Re: Comfort and Holiday Foods for Family Food Storage

Mr. Editor, I think someone should mention that one part of food storage schemes that is often overlooked is “comfort foods”. These are foods that can be used as occasional pick-me-ups that can break up a really monotonous and bland diet, when you are [living] on storage foods. It is also important to be able to celebrate special events, holidays, and big accomplishments, with something more than just a bowl of canned peaches. But my question is: What comfort foods do I store, that store well for years? Thanx, – Clifford D. JWR Replies: I agree! Part of keeping harmony …


Influenza Pandemic Update:

Swine flu jab link to killer nerve disease: Leaked letter reveals concern of neurologists over 25 deaths in America Reader DB sent this: KPC: The Other Potential Pandemic–And We’re Completely Ignoring It U.K. Diagnosing H1N1, Dispensing Drugs Online National Guard Drills at High School for Possible Pandemic Riots US Gearing Up for Second Wave of Swine Flu UK: Healthy Children and Those Over 65 Not Swine Flu Priorities Chinese Mainland Reports First “Critical” Case of Swine Flu Peru Detects Swine Flu in Amazon Indian Tribe Brazil Swine Flu Deaths Soar to Almost 200


Economics and Investing:

KAF flagged this: Tax Dodgers Scramble for Options Amid U.S. Crackdown [JWR Adds: Given this development, I predict that the offshore banking crowd may soon embrace some heretofore “outlaw” nations. There are lots of folks that are willing to take more risk in exchange for total privacy.] Karen H. forwarded these: Consumer Prices Fall as Shoppers Hold Back With Lobster Prices Low, Things Get Ugly in Maine Recession Chills Sunshine State Tourism Items from The Economatrix: Shifting Sands Bank on Inflation (The Mogambo Guru) Commercial Real Estate, Construction, and Finance Employment: How Commercial Real Estate Will Drag the California Economy …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Steven C. sent a link to an article about some exciting new developments in sodium-sulphur battery technology: Power Shift; New battery could change world, one house at a time. Hmm… If I were speculator, then I might consider buying some stock in Industrias Peñoles.    o o o Mark P. sent this: Accountant, lawyer, dentist — future farmers? Program partners aspiring farmers with aging pros to preserve way of life. Mark’s comment: “This might be a vehicle for some to make the break with the city and learn those skills they will need as things go from bad to worse. …