Day: August 19, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 30 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), D.) A 500 round case of …


Budgeting for Family Preparedness, by Allen C.

Having been a wilderness survival and firearms instructor for many years, I never considered the need for a survival retreat until I got married and moved from the country to a small city of about 30,000.  My minimalist lifestyle had allowed me a certain level of financial freedom.  Driving used cars and fixing up a home that had been previously condemned meant I had not made a car payment or house payment in years.  I spent summers running a high adventure camp for the Boy Scouts of America and worked for city the rest of the year as a firefighter …


Letter Re: Finding Utility in Plastic Sodapop Bottles

James, I have just been at the sink filling water bottles. I know you say to leave the sodas alone, and for the most part I do, but occasionally I enjoy a glass of Coca-Cola. Okay, more than occasionally, but we will move on. We also attend family gatherings and church socials where refreshments are served. There are also all those school events coming up, for those still involved in public school where people will have to provide refreshments for different occasions. Instead of the cans of soda, buy the 2 liter plastic jugs. Re-use the jugs by washing them …


Economics and Investing:

US Bankruptcies Reach Nearly Five Year High, up 11 percent from a year ago. Items from The Economatrix: Some Stores Finding Deep Discounts Aren’t Enough Factories Aid Bumpy Recovery, Housing Still Weak Russian Grain Export Ban Starts The Purpose Behind the Engineered Economic Collapse The Dallas Fed Reminds that the Economy is Doing Much Worse than in the Administration’s Worst Nightmare Another Threat to Economy: Boomers Cutting Back


Odds ‘n Sods:

Bob G. recommended this piece over at Warrior Talk: High Risk Operator – Rural Patrolling    o o o This news story from California sent in by Jacob P. illustrates the peril of rural camping in an exposed area: Three arrested in foothills camp robbery. Anyone that plans to bug out to a public park should re-think their strategy.    o o o Leland Teschler’s Editorial: How Much Power Does It Take to Run a Wind Turbine? (Thanks to Don W. for the link.)    o o o EMB flagged this: For Lean Budgets, a Plug-and-Play Solar Array.