Note from JWR:

A special two-week 25% off sale on canned Mountain House foods began this morning (Sunday, November 15th) at Ready Made Resources. (One of our most loyal advertisers.) For even greater savings, they are offering free shipping on full (unbroken) cases lots. But because of the higher handling costs, if you “mix and match” cans within cases, shipping will be charged.




Letter Re: Legality of “Law Enforcement Only” Marked Full-Capacity Magazines?

Hello, I just had a quick question, I recently purchased a 100 round BETA C-MAG from a man at a gun show, but there are markings on the front that say “For Law Enforcement/ Government Use Only” . Does this mean I should not have bought it? And what should I do with it if it’s unlawful to have? Please help, – Peter B. JWR Replies: Your drum magazine was produced sometime between 1994 and 2004, during a time when production for civilian sales was banned in the US. But that restriction marking became null and void after the 1994 …




Letter Re: Home Hot Water Heater Tanks as an Emergency Water Source?

Dear Jim, In all the posts I have been reading about storing water, I wondered if a typical home hot water heater could be used as a source of stored water in an emergency or TEOTWAWKI. Containing about 50 gallons in a glass enclosure, could that be considered a source of water, if [civic supply tap] water was not available or had run out? I’d be interested to hear your readers’ responses.- Diane G., Springfield, TN JWR Replies: Yes, the water in your home’s hot water heater is a good source of emergency water, if your utility water is ever …




Two Letters Re: Wound Irrigation in Austere Environments

Hello James, Regarding wound irrigation, wound preps, surgical site prep, etc., folks would do well to purchase a gallon each of Betadine, Povidone, or other generic tamed iodine, in both the scrub and solution formulations. These are not terribly expensive and one likely could talk his/her Veterinarian into getting some for them, as they are not controlled substances. [JWR Adds: They are also available in the vet supply department at some of the larger feed stores, and via mail order and Internet vet supply companies like Jeffers.] These are concentrates and can be diluted, and used on wounds if the …




Economics and Investing:

GG mentioned this in The Wall Street Journal: Widest-ever October budget deficit (more than all of 2006) More Friday Follies, with the link also courtesy of GG: Bank failure toll reaches 123; Regulators close two Florida banks and on in California, costing the FDIC $986.4 million. Gold will stay above $1,000 an ounce forever, says Swiss Dr. Doom. (Thanks to Laura H for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Drop in US Energy Use Drags Stocks Lower Jobless Claims Fall, But Hiring Gains Seem Far Off Buffett, Gates Tell Students Worst is Behind Us. Gee, Happy Days are Here Again. …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Cheryl (aka The Economatrix) mentioned that Sun Tzu’s Art of War (Sonshi’s translation, not the Giles edition) free on-line. Be sure to check out the Strategy Course.    o o o I found this linked at The Drudge Report (a very good news aggregation page that I scan at least once a week): Asteroid passes just 8,700 miles from Earth – with only 15 hours warning    o o o Also from Drudge: Cuba orders extreme measures to cut energy use. An energy saving tip for Papa Fidel: You could save half a million watts, if you just pull the …