Day: April 6, 2011

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round 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 Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , and …


Getting Others On Board (A Prayer Answered), by Michael T.

The most amazing thing happened to my wife and I. First, some background about us.  I am a retired Master Sergeant from the Army.  I currently work for them in a civilian role in California.  My wife and I decided after my retirement in 2005 that being tied to a home and living in New York City was not in our best interest.  So, we sold everything, bought a heavy duty truck and RV and we left. Well, since moving to California, I found myself having more time to get into some things that I always wanted to.  I wanted …


Letter Re: 40% Silver U.S. Half Dollars

Mr Rawles, I was aware that pre-1965 [dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars] are 90% silver, but I also learned that [some] coins made from 1965-1970 were made with 40% silver. My question is, is there any value to these coins, and are they worth keeping around due to their silver content? Thanks – Andrew A. JWR Replies: The 40% silver composition only applies to Half Dollars from those years. Surprisingly, they are still sometimes found in circulation. (In fact, more so than any other U.S. silver coin.)  Save every one that you can find! See the Coin Roll Hunters …


Letter Re: The Forest’s Sweetener–How to Make Maple Syrup

Jim: As a maple producer I want to comment and expand on a few things regarding The Forest’s Sweetener. The original poster instructs you how to find sugar maples which are the best for sugar content but any native maple tree will work (Japanese maple is not native), I even tap silver maples. When making a spile take special care to have clean hands. Trees heal ia a way similar to humans do (bacteria helps close the wound) and will end your season quickly. A better alternative to people in the Northeast ever considering making syrup is to buy some …


Economics and Investing:

Using the Backyard Grill This Summer Just Got More Expensive. (Thanks to J.D.D. for the link.) Brent S. suggested an article by Robert McHugh: Silver and Gold Will Remain in Strong Uptrends Why Electric Cars are Really Coal Cars. H.M. sent us this: The foreclosure mess isn’t going away. Pierre M. and Chip W. both sent this: Oil could hit $200-$300 on Saudi unrest. Several readers sent this: Feds seek $7 Million in privately made ‘Liberty Dollars’. We are witnessing an absurd inversion of reality: The government, which now prints only worthless and irredeemable fiat, wants to seize Norfed’s genuine …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Lydia sent a link to this piece: Meet the New York hillbillies More city folk than ever are turning their homes into farms. But is living off the land as virtuous as it sounds? The condescending tone was troubling, but that is what we expect from big New York City newspapers.    o o o Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) spotted this press release: Bourque Industries, Inc. Announces Successful Live-Fire Demonstration of New Kryron Ballistics Helmet. (That is superior to the currently-issued Kevlar helmets.)    o o o F.G. sent this: Lawmakers renew push for “rogue websites” bill. …