Day: May 22, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 28 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include: 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.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com. (A $275 value.), and D.) A 500 round case …


Use the Ground You Live on for More Than Walking, by John Z.

I’ve learned that the best way to obtain much needed resources is to look on the ground. Food We grow a large garden at two sites for my family. We can and preserve what we will use later and eat the stuff from the grocery now while it’s cheap. The fruits and veggies we consume come from the ground. We box in one area, add proper compost, manure, sand and dirt and then till until we get the proper texture for the different plants we grow. All the while the ground is the entire reason for this. Everything we use …


Letter Re: Self-Storage Spaces as Caches

Sir, Regarding Lynn in Washington’s pointer to the YouTube video (as representative of a “secure” lock?), I know of, and have known of, for quite some time, two ‘other’ locks which fit, much better, the criteria of “round” and “disk”. The first “round” lock is manufactured by the American Lock Company. (Yes, that is its real name). Many truck-delivery companies (in New York City, and surrounding vicinity) use this lock on the back doors of their vehicles, and anyone who, honestly, believes they can open this lock with a bolt-cutter is being dishonest with themselves. Picking is also rather difficult. …


Two Letters Re: Healthy Food Storage

Mr. Rawles: I do believe R.J. may have some valid points but the way it is presented was very disturbing. RJ is making it sound as though the food (grains, rice and corn) will cause health problems. We already have health problems with the majority of the population. Hopefully all the preppers are changing their ways eating and living healthier. I do believe that R.J. thinks those of us that are putting food into storage for the future are putting processed food away. That is very far from the truth. Everyone that I have talked to are putting the basics …


Economics and Investing:

E.M.B. sent a link to a useful US Coin Melt Calculator. Michael K. sent us this: South Africa Fights Rand Counterfeits a Month Before World Cup Brett G. suggested this: Jim Rogers: Even More Currency, Market Turmoil on the Way Andrew H. sent this from Richard Russell, the editor of The Dow Theory Letter: You Won’t Recognize America by the End of the Year. Here are a couple of quotes: “Do your friends a favor… Tell them to get out of debt and sell anything they can sell (and don’t need) in order to get liquid. Tell them that Richard …


Odds ‘n Sods:

GCM sent a link to this cool water, gear, and fuel storage product: Rotopax.    o o o G.G. flagged: The Closers: How the pros shut down a failing bank    o o o Reader J.A.B. suggested FindYourSpot.com, a relocation web site that finds “your spot”, based upon 40 to 50 questions are asked about your lifestyle and preferences, and you’re given (immediately) a list of 20-odd locales across America that suits your needs. At the end, they’ll be some questions pertaining to advertising, but never fear, you can click through to the selections. Some locations might be no-brainers for …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“We’re just fragile machines programmed with a false sense of our own importance. And every now and then the universe sends a reminder that we don’t really matter to it, hurtling us into confusion and a panic for answers that will allow us to resume our program again.” – Neil Strauss, Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life