Day: April 22, 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 …


Living in a Small Town – An Australian Perspective, by Margaret G.

For those of you who are contemplating leaving the city and moving to a small country town, there are quite a few differences that you and your lifestyle should take into account if your new life is to be a happy one. Small towns don’t change too much no matter what country you live in. I live in Australia. I’m retired after working with a variety of state and local government departments over the years. I’ve chosen to live in an old stone church on about an acre of land in a small town of about two hundred people in …


Pat’s Product Reviews: Benchmade Marc Lee “Glory” Knife

Pat’s Product Reviews: Benchmade Marc Lee “Glory” Knife Make no mistake, I like big knives. I don’t care if they are folders or fixed blade knives, I like mine big. I’ve found over the years, that a big knife can do more than a little knife can, in most situations. Don’t get me wrong, small knives have their place, too. However, I’ve just found that a big knife can do just about all I ask of it on a daily basis.   The new Benchmade Knives, Marc Lee “Glory” Knife, was made to commemorate US Navy SEAL, Marc Lee, who …


Two Letters Re: Small Campstove Cooking

Sir, I read R.E.’s article on Small Campstove Cooking with interest. Thank you. I’ve tried a few as well varieties of stoves as well and to date my favorite is the Littlbug. It’s sturdy, stainless steel, comes in two sizes, folds up, it has some adjustments, and can burn solid fuels or twigs very efficiently. Twigs removing the need to carry fuel. Blessings, – Steve B. Jim,   Just a quick note about a comment R.E. made in his article: “Whether a stove unsafe for a small tent would be safe in a home is uncertain. Just remember that carbon monoxide (CO) is lighter …


Letter Re: Increasing Home Propane Tank Capacity

James: I thought I would pass this along-Last night I received a call from my propane provider. They call every year about this time asking if you want to fill your tank. The person was saying that prices were low this time of year .I have a 250 gallon tank and only use around a 100 gallons a year. I said yes and inquired about getting a 500 gallon tank. They said there  was only a $79 tank change fee. I know that each tank only holds 80 percent of tanks stated capacity, so a 250 gallon tank holds around …


Economics and Investing:

At The Daily Bell: Dollar Replacement Beat Goes On … and On Downgrading of U.S. Credit Rating Just Tip of the Iceberg John R. suggested this: Debts Just Don’t Disappear Also from John, some commentary by Gordon T. Long: Bernanke’s QEx Box Meredith sent this: It’s Official: China Will Be Dumping US Dollars Items from The Economatrix: Unemployment Falls in Two-Thirds of US States New Home Construction Increases 7.2% in March Fears of Greek Debt Default Hit Markets Investors Drove Home Sales Up 3.7% in March. (Yes, but for a reality check, look at this price chart.)


Inflation Watch:

J.D.D. flagged this: That’s pricey: 13 items that cost more, or will Latest global food price figures. India food inflation eases slightly. (Now down to 9.18% , annually.) 11 Prices That Will Rise Along With Your Gas. Which Would you Steal, Cash or Groceries? (Thanks to Scott M. for the link.)


Odds ‘n Sods:

Science fiction writer David Brin (the author of The Postman) offers his observations on societal fragility: Our Worst Frailty: An Electro Magnetic “Hit”. (Thanks to G.G.)    o o o Dateline: Nanny State, New York: Summer Camp Tag, Wiffle Ball Will Come With a Warning, Thanks to New York Politicians. “Camps that want campers to play the games will be required to pay a $200 registration fee and have medical staff on hand.” (Thanks to Eric B. for the link.)    o o o B. sent a link to a video about the only remaining B-29 Superfortress that is still …