Month: August 2009

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. …




Letter Re: Viability of a Well-Stocked Suburban Retreat?

Good Morning! Thank you for the info you provide for all of us in your web site. I live in the Kansas City Area in a beautiful suburb which is one of the nicest cities in the country. till doing okay in the depression too. My work is secure and I do well and I own my own twp-story with basement frame home and have been making it a retreat for the past five years. I have no debt and am 60 days ahead with my mortgage and insurance and utilities. Am I absolutely crazy to try to stay here …


Economics and Investing:

Farmer John suggested this piece by James Quinn: American Idiots. John’s comment: “This is why the government can do what it wants.” Karen H. kindly sent these items: Regulators Shut Down Colonial BancGroup; Largest U.S. Bank to Fail in 2009. JWR Warns: There are many more bank failures to come! Toxic Loans Topping 5% May Push 150 Banks to Point of No Return Sugar May Advance 80% on Supply Crunch, Coleman says [Have you already stocked up?] U.S. Economy: Consumer Sentiment Falls, Prices Steady Items from The Economatrix: Alabama-based Colonial Bank Fails, Cost is $2.8 Billion BB&T Takes Colonial as …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Dan H. and Chris Z. both pointed to where the EMP threat is getting some more mainstream media coverage: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett On Grid Security    o o o F.G. mentioned this news item about the new Terms and Conditions (Ts and Cs) for the Ts and Cs: Britain imposes direct rule of Turks and Caicos isles. F.G. ‘s comment: “The empires strikes back!” [JWR Adds: Did offshore banking privacy play into this decision?]    o o o Global warming update: Wyoming set for Late Summer Mountain Snowstorm. One historical note: Snow has been reported in every month of the …



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 …