Day: January 27, 2010

Notes from JWR:

There is just one full day left in the unprecedented 25% off sale on Alpine Aire freeze dried foods at Ready Made Resources. They are offering free shipping on full case lots. Don’t miss out, as this is a special “test” sale, approved for just Ready Made Resources by Alpine Aire, and might not be repeated. — Today we present another entry for Round 26 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 …


A Simple Off-the-Shelf Solar Power System and Off-Grid Power Tools, by K. in Texas

This article is written for those who have no experience with solar power and would like to set up a simple beginner system. I have been using this system for over a year and have found it to be efficient. My goal was to put together a system which is easy to use and does not require a lot of technical knowledge. EQUIPMENT LIST: 1. BatteryMinder #SCC-015 Solar Charger 12 volt with 15 watt solar panel ($150 from Northern Tool and Supply) 2. BatteryMinder #BC2410 battery clip assembly ($10 from Northern Tool and Supply) 3. Interstate Marine/RV 12 volt battery …


Letter Re: Food Handouts Turn Chaotic in Haitian Capitol

Dear James: I came across article today titled Food Handouts Turn Chaotic in Haitian Capitol. I find it quite amazing that still to this day and age that the government and social aid organizations are so unorganized. I think that they should use the novel One Second After [by William R. Forstchen] as a guide for food distribution. I’ve just finished reading that novel, and it just justifies that all preppers (including myself) are not crazy thinkers we are just making sure that we can take care of our families when something either natural or governmental disaster happens. – A …


Letter Re: Nefarious Uses of Google Earth

Howdy Mr. Rawles, I had two comments to add to the conversation about thieves using Google Earth to steal koi. First, when we typed our address into Google Earth, it popped to a house about a 1/4 mile from us (we checked that fact many times, not just once, so it was not a typo on our part). That was just ducky with the family, as it helped our farm stay invisible. After reading about the koi thefts, I decided to check on Google Earth again. I was so disappointed when it popped right to the farm this time! The …


Economics and Investing:

Reader Jeanan asks: It this a sign of a commercial real estate collapse? Owners: $5.4Billion New York housing complexes go to creditors Robert H. recommended this piece by Paul Mladjenovic: Three Things Everyone Needs to Do with Money in 2010 Our friend Evan describes this as sort of like “doubling down” at a casino: Greece Sells 8 Billion Euros in Notes After Offering Premium GG flagged this Reuters piece: Record number of young Americans jobless Also from GG: Deficits As Far as the Eye Can See Economics Update from JWR: The last I heard, the Economatrix was still snowed in, …


Odds ‘n Sods:

F.R. highlighted a post over at The Sipsey Street Irregulars blog that has a link to a PDF from a 1960s military journal, article, titled “Organized Looting.” Here is the Sipsey Street editor’s comment: “This article by Leo Heiman, a veteran of the Rossokovsy Brigade of Russian Partisans, from Military Review, February 1965 discusses some of the uncomfortable logistics issues guerrillas must face. Read it, consider which of its lessons apply to you and redouble your caching efforts.” JWR Adds: FWIW, the same thing went on in communist revolutions worldwide, throughput the 20th Century, and may explain why so many …