Month: January 2010

Two Letters Re: A Simple Off-the-Shelf Solar Power System and Off-Grid Power Tools

James- Thanks for the interesting article on the Ryobi 12v solar setup. Just wanted to chip in some advice on Ryobi batteries: Of the name brand cordless tools, Ryobi seems to have the worst NiCd battery quality. When used carefully, they will work well for a couple of years. If pressed hard, they will die a much earlier death. I have found that some packs will have a bad cell, dramatically shortening the entire pack’s life after only a few months. I’ve experienced this with 9.6v, 14v, and 18v Ryobi setups. Even the healthier packs, when pushed hard, particularly with …


Influenza Pandemic Update:

Spike In Severe H1N1 in Memphis, Tennessee Children “…the traditional flu season is beginning, which will likely lead to emergence of a new swine H1N1 strain.” H1N1 Fatality Rate in Memphis Children Raises Concern “The flu season in the US traditionally peaks in February or March, so the increases seen in Memphis may represent the start of a dramatic rise in severe and fatal cases. Seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 have virtually disappeared in much of the northern hemisphere including the United States, so pandemic H1N1 variants will likely emerge in the next few weeks.” H1N1 School Closings in Donetsk, Ukraine …


Economics and Investing:

Banking crisis, currency fears. (Thanks to G, for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: 24 States Unemployment in the Red, 9 More Within 6 Months Is the Dow About to Dive 1,000 Points? Pakistan Collapse Could Trigger Global Depression and WWIII Walmart to Cut 11,200 Sam’s Club Jobs Bob Chapman: Are We in an Economic Depression? IRA & 401K Theft Plotted by US Government Doug Casey: Stock Market Set to Crash Home Prices Stabilize Further, But More Drops May Be in Store First-time Jobless Claims Drop Less Than Expected


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Brian B. sent us a link to some news from near Machu Picchu, Peru: The folks in Aguas Calientes are in hot water. Brian’s comments: “Mudslides have blocked all roads and the train tracks leading to the area, stranding up to 2,000 tourists. Locally, some 10,000 residents have been affected and 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Poor weather has hampered rescue and relief efforts. Food and fresh water are becoming increasingly difficult to locate which has led to price gouging ($3.50 for a bottle of water).”    o o o Chuck M. flagged this article from a British newspaper: …



Note from JWR:

There are just a few days 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 …


Beekeeping and Fur Trapping at Your Retreat, by Chris L.

I am a dentist with approximately 20 years experience.  My hobbies are eccentric by many modern people’s standards.  After reading many of the  articles on the survivor blog I thought that I might have a unique perspective to add to the wealth of undervalued information posted on the site.  While reading James Wesley Rawles book I was not surprised to find out that Honey maintains stability for years in storage. This did not surprise me as I am a hobby bee keeper myself.  This in and of itself makes long term storage of honey a wonderful glucose reserve.  Few people …


Letter Re: One Solution for Garden Moles

Hi Jim I’m currently listening to the audiobook of “How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It“, and I’m at the part about vermin control. I have used a very effective way to eradicate moles a number of times, as follows: 1) Locate the extremities of the mole run (i.e. mole hills furthest apart) and uncover both mole hills carefully to expose the burrows. 2) Make two buckets of moist “almost mud” soil to use as caps, place one bucket at each hole. 3) Reverse your vehicle to one of the holes and run a hosepipe …


Two Letters Re: Nefarious Uses of Google Earth

Mr. Rawles, I am a collector for a large bank. Before I go out to repossess (“repo”) a car, motorcycle, RV, etc. I use Google map and Google earth to try to locate my collateral. In most cities and towns Google has paid a company to take street view pictures of your house and property. More often than not, the vehicle is sitting in the driveway or in front of the house and there is a nice picture of it. Also Google earth allows me to see if it is hidden in the back 40. If you look close enough …


Economics and Investing:

From George Gordon (“GG”): Money sent home by Mexicans abroad plunged a record 15.7 percent in 2009 GG also sent us this piece by David Galland: What the Deflationists are Missing From LJ: Don’t invest in Britain: The UK economy sits ‘on a bed of nitroglycerine’, investors warned Items from The Economatrix: New Home Sales Fall 7.6% in December Stocks Fall as Investors Await Fed Decision SEC Tightens Rules for Money Funds Caterpillar 4Q Profit Tumbles; Outlook Cautious Verizon to Cut 13,000 Jobs as Business Cut Lines Signs of Housing “Recovery” Will Fade with End of Stimulus “Daunting” US Fiscal …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Wayne P. alerted me that Canary Islands Press now offers a free downloadable PDF of an older edition of J.J. Luna’s privacy book “How To Be Invisible”. It has a lot of useful tips. I’m not sure how long it will be available, so download your copy soon.    o o o The Baker sent this article that illustrates what I like to call A Neighborhood Watch on Steroids: In the midst of Haiti’s devastation, a community of strangers comes together    o o o SurvivalBlog reader “N.” mentioned that there is a wealth of free manuals available online at …



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 …