Day: December 27, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 32 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 $795, 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 250 round case of 12 Gauge Hornady …


Building a DIY Generator From Salvaged Parts, by David N. in Tennessee

I have long wanted my own generator, but a $500 and up price tag kept me from purchasing one new.  After some internet searching and sleepless nights I found a good tutorial online.  What I liked best about the tutorial is that Brian at epicenter has already worked out the kinks and sells the materials.  I have no connection with epicenter, and the only things I have bought from them were for this project, but what dealings I have had with them were fair and honest.              A co-worker gave me an older Craftsman brand lawnmower for this project. It …


Letter Re: Advice on Obtaining an FFL

Dear James,   Thank you for all that you have done for millions of us who were once asleep and unprepared!   I had a question for you regarding obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL).  I am in the process of starting some home businesses as a backstop to my “office job.”  I have considered getting a FFL and Class 3 license to generate income from gun and ammo sales out of my home.  Is this advisable or does this make me too “high profile?”  I remember the movie Red Dawn!   Thanks and I wish you and your family a Merry …


Four Letters Re: Paper or Plastic? — That is the Question

Sir,                 The question of how much toilet paper one must store is an important issue indeed.  One thing I feel that is often overlooked, and that some readers can personally attest to is that the method of “doing your duty” can play a role in how much paper is required.  I currently live in mainland China , and have for some time now.  The venerable “squatty potty” is much cleaner for the user and therefore easier on the supply of precious paper.  We have three children and as a whole, China does not supply paper in its …


Economics and Investing:

Jeff Gundlach: The US Economy Is A Complete Horror [Slides] (A hat tip to Yishai for the link.) Fresh Humiliation for Eurozone as China says it will bailout debt-ridden nations. (Thanks to Jonathan C. for the link.) Robert Kiyosaki’s commentrary: The Eye of the Recession’s Storm Items from The Economatrix: Bloomberg Counters Gold’s Run With Absurd, Baseless Hit Piece   Treasuries’ Worst Drop In 2010 Driven By Central Bank Sales   Top Economists Debate The Crisis:  “Clinging to the Euro Will Only Prolong The Agony” 


Inflation Watch:

News from England: Cost of the Weekly Shop Set to Rocket Next Year Reader F.B. notes: “I purchase bulk whole grain for animal feed in Kuna, Idaho. I bought Bulk dried corn in January, April & August at $12 per hundred weight, but on Dec 22 it was $13 per hundred. And I bought soft white wheat. It was formerly priced at $11 per hundred. The price at my most recent purchase in December was $1 per hundred.” Bolivia hikes gasoline prices 73 pct; protests hit. Big Freeze Thieves Target Heating Oil As Prices Soar And Families Wait For New …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader L.M.W. mentioned a great money-saving online swap site for children’s clothes and toys.    o o o Coded American Civil War message in bottle deciphered. (A tip of the kepi to Richard S. for the link.)    o o o Also from Richard S. comes a Daily Bell link: Fitzroy McLean on Freedom, International Investing and How to Improve ‘the Space Between One’s Ears.    o o o Den from North Carolina flagged this news item: Converting Plastic Back to Oil. But here again, the EROEI numbers tell a tale of gross inefficiency.    o o o More 2012 …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:11-13 (KJV)