Day: October 3, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 31 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 …


Lighting a Fire Under Myself, by Matthew B.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” – Robert A. Heinlein Heinlein’s quote leaves me feeling about half an inch tall and roughly the length of a worker bee. I was raised to trust God, not government, and my education through …


Letter Re: A Little Insight on Diesel Engines

JWR: I second the recommendations in Gary’s letter wholeheartedly. My survival vehicle of choice is a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with faded paint and some cosmetic body damage from its former life as a work truck. Now it is known as the “McDodge”, thanks to the conversion kit from Greasecar.com which has been running in it for about two years and 12,000 greasy miles. I did extensive research when I was deciding what vehicle to purchase and came down to either an 1980s model Mercedes diesel (which have legendary reliability) or the 1994-1998 Dodge diesel with the also-legendary 5.9L Cummins …


Letter Re: The Family Cow as a Measure of Wealth

Dear Mr. Rawles: Whether you are bugging out, hunkering down, or just trying to live well in uncertain times, it is hard to beat a dual-purpose meat and milk cow as a portable and productive asset. The family cow has historically been a family’s single biggest store of wealth. Until quite recently, in places like Ireland and Texas, cattle were the primary measure of wealth even for chieftains and barons. Some say that cattle still are the only measure of real wealth. Is anyone going to argue that wealth is better stored in Federal Reserve Notes, pieces of paper representing …


Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada

Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada Hi Jim, This is in response to Roger C.’s letter “Prospects for Canada in a Societal Collapse.” My guess is southern Alberta would be one of the best places in Canada to be in in a TEOTWAWKI scenario. Albertans generally buck the norm when it comes to Canadian values. Even among the conservative Canadian west, we are far more socially and fiscally conservative. This makes Albertans generally more self reliant, charitable, and less dependent upon government handouts than most other Canadians. We have a stigma for “cowboy culture” here for a reason. Other …


Economics and Investing:

Jon M. in England sent this: Are we heading for a replay of 1930s? Agoura Hills and a $280,000 discount on a once million dollar home. B.B. sent this one: 1099 Supply Shock for Gold Buyers. Perhaps its time to switch to fractional gold bullion coins, and VF slabbed $5 and $10 gold pieces. Steven B. forwarded this: Chinese Economy Next Enron: Chanos video Jim Rogers: Gold to Soar to $2,000 an Ounce in Decade. (Thanks to Brett G. for the link.) Mike H. flagged this: House passes bill aimed at Chinese currency. “How dare they free-float their currency? The …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Supply of some key medications dangerously low. (Thanks to Sarah Connor’s Brother for the link.)    o o o Mike Williamson mentioned that Smith & Wesson is offering discounts or free magazines for active duty and retired armed forces members, on their M&P rifles and handguns.    o o o KAF sent this piece of uber-gloom: It’s the End of the World: Eight Potential Armageddons    o o o New York City residents might find this new blog useful: N.Y.C. Survival    o o o Dirk W. forwarded this: Pentagon Loses Control of Bombs to China Metal Monopoly


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19 (KJV)