Month: September 2009


Note from JWR:

Thanks for all of your prayers, in our family’s time of profound grief. I’m presently doing my best to cope, but I’m still in the “bouts of sobbing” stage. If it were not for the certain knowledge that Linda (my late wife) is in heaven, and awaits reunion with all of Christ’s elect, then I’d be totally distraught. Today we present another entry for Round 24 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. It was written by a US Border Patrol agent. First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of …


Bug Out and Refugee Considerations, by Brad T.

I’d like to shed some light on what it might be like to move across an unfamiliar area without money or adequate supplies. This might come in handy when you have to bug out following a natural disaster or other societal disruption. It might provide tips on how to avoid apprehension or detection while traveling. In addition, it might help you in determining a place for your retreat and anticipating refugees. Finally it might prepare you for some of the emotional and physical stresses you will face if you find yourself bugging out. I live on the US Mexico border …


Economics and Investing:

U.N. calls for replacement of U.S. dollar; Joins Russia, China and G20 with demands IMF step forward (Thanks to Laura H. for the link.) Reader John M. suggested a Market-Ticker link that clearly describes the urgency of the financial situation: Warning: Deflationary Collapse Ahead. Items from The Economatrix: Derivatives Still Pose Huge Risk, BIS Says How the Collapse of Lehman Bros. Averted a Second Depression Geithner Exaggerates US Government Retreat Natural Gas Prices Spike 12% (Even with warehouse tanks bulging!) Stocks Subdued Amid US-China Trade Tension Wall Street Crisis One Year Later: Lehman, WaMu Lead List of Biggest Bankruptcies Wall …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Tamara (of the always entertaining View From The Porch blog), linked to this: The Plow, The Surplus, and The Idiot. Don’t you know how cruel honey is, people? [Sarcasm Mode On: “Oh, those poor imprisoned bees! And wool? Totally cruel, like, all those poor cuddly sheeps and sheeplings, all senselessly slaughtered just for their wool coats. You know, we should just think of them as taller baby fur seals. The barbarity of wool harvesting must be stopped. The world would be a better place., Oh, and Naugahyde, too. All those little Naugas, butchered for their hides, by greedy, cruel capitalists!” …




Influenza Pandemic Update:

UK: Critical Care Doubled for Return of Swine Flu Tens of Millions Could Get Swine Flu in China Scientists Warn Over Swine Flu Potency Maine Governor Declares Swine Flu Civil Emergency Nurse Refuses Mandatory Flu Vaccination Why Won’t Healthcare Workers Take the Swine Flu Vaccination? Scotland: Mobile Morgues for Swine Flu Dead


Economics and Investing:

Wow! Take a look at the latest market tickers for spot silver and spot gold. We might soon witness some profit-taking that could temporarily drive silver back to the $12 per ounce range. But consider that a buying opportunity. The next leg up will probably be in November, when The Chartist Gnome predicts silver over $18 per ounce and gold over $1,070. For those that already have bought metals: Do not attempt to “time” such a volatile market. Just hang on, and as the Gnome says, “Be ready for a roller coaster.” Items from The Economatrix: The Ghost Fleet of …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Marko like this Instructables piece: How to Build Your Own BBQ Barrel. OBTW, all the usual warnings about toxic chemicals and paint apply! It is best to start with a “virgin” barrel.    o o o Inyokern suggested a 18 minute mini-documentary on solar flares from the Discovery Channel, on Hulu. Attack of the Sun    o o o Reader FG sent an article from The Guardian for those who might mistakenly consider the bayonet a useless anachronism. (Although a bayonet on an Enfield SA-80 bullpup rifle must be far from ergonomic.) Speaking of the British school of soldiering, FG …



Note from JWR:

Many thanks for your prayers in this difficult time for our family. I’m still in shock and getting my bearings. Special thanks to Cheryl (aka “The Economatrix”) who is taking up the slack on most of the editing while our family is mourning the loss of The Memsahib.


Economics and Investing:

Monty recommended this piece over at Seeking Alpha by J.S. Kim: The Coming Consequences of Banking Fraud More about insider selling, courtesy of Pete S.: Insiders sell like there’s no tomorrow; Corporate officers and directors were buying stock when the market hit bottom. What does it say that they’re selling now? GG sent this: U.S. Foreclosure Filings Top 300,000 for Sixth Straight Month Items from The Economatrix: Analyst: It’s Too Late to Save Sears The Ripple Effect: What One Layoff Means for a Whole Town Wholesale Inventories Drop in July; Sales Grow UK: Higher Oil Prices Feed Inflation Fear Cash …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Courtesy of reader Trent H. comes the link to this Draft Horse Journal article: A Horse-Powered Produce Farm    o o o Sean M. suggested a PDF on small hydroelectric plants.    o o o Will M. flagged this piece by Grandpappy: Five Different Shelf Life Studies: Two on Canned Food and Three on Dry Food


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Why did she have to go So young I just don’t know why Things happen half the time Without reason without rhyme Lovely, sweet young woman Daughter, wife and mother Makes no sense to me I just have to believe She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting And I know she’s smiling saying Don’t worry ’bout me.” – Alan Jackson, from Sissy’s Song