Day: April 25, 2011

33 Ways to Encourage Atlas to Shrug

Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel “Atlas Shrugged” is enjoying renewed popularity following the release of the new Atlas Shrugged movie. Rand’s story describes a group of American industrialists that lose patience with onerous regulation and taxation, and “shrug”–disappearing from their normal lives to relocate to a hidden valley called Galt’s Gulch. While this tale is fictional, it has some strong parallels to modern-day America. And despite the fact that Ayn Rand was an atheist and favored legalized abortion, she was a good judge of both character and the inevitable tendencies of elected governments. When I consider the regulatory and tax burdens …


Letter Re: Inexpensive Mailorder Eyeglasses

Letter Re: Inexpensive Mailorder Eyeglasses James, Just completed an order with Zenni Optical for a pair of “computer glasses” (as opposed to “reading glasses” for the tech age, I suppose) and I am very pleased.  For $11.90 with shipping and handling. I got a pair of glasses that I was able to customize for computer work.  You can hardly get a pair of generic Chinese-made readers from Wal-Mart anymore for that price.  I plan to make a bulk order of backup glasses for the family from them.  It took a while to get them, but it was within the timeframe …


Letter Re: Controlling Post-TEOTWAWKI Food Odors

Sir, A point I would like to make to those that are living in a city, suburb or rural setting: If you are in a TEOTWAWKI scenario, then I am guessing you have read much of what is here and hopefully feel somewhat ready to take care of you and yours. I would suggest that unless you are able and willing to feed a whole neighborhood–I for one, am not–then please realize what smells have to do with your survival. If you go out your door on any given day you will note what is cooking or burning within a …


Letter Re: Book Recommendation: “Poke Greens for Breakfast”

The book Poke Greens For Breakfast? is a collection of memories of a woman who grew up in rural Arkansas in the early 1900s.  It is an excellent antidote for those who might overly romanticizing of that kind of life.  The author, Walta Sorrels Jennings, belonged to a privileged class.  Her step-father owned land, cattle and businesses.  He hired people.  And life was still a relentless, physical grind.  Step-mothers and step-fathers were the norm due to high mortality rates.  Some girls married at age 13. (The reason given was that they had “kissed”, but likely that was code for intimate …


Letter Re: Taking Knitting Classes

Hi  James, I wanted to share that Jo-Ann’s (a chain craft store) has half-price sign up days for their classes once per month.  The next two half price days are May 7th and June 11th. I am not 100% sure but I think the knitting 101 and crochet 101 basics include supplies. They are under $20 per class, if you sign on the half price days.  They also e-mail out either 40% or 50% coupons once per week. Two months ago they had a $5/off any $5 purchase. I was able to buy several circular knitting needles for $1 – $2 each.   With the 50% off coupon I can get …


Letter Re: Increasing Home Propane Tank Capacity

James, Some localities have tank certification ordinances that virtually prohibit private ownership and therefore supplier shopping. Suppliers certify their own tanks and refuse to fill "un-certified" tanks. Depending on the locality obtaining a certificate can be a hair ball. Those who are considering private purchase of a tank should first inquire among the local suppliers to ascertain if any bureaucratic roadblocks are lurking in the way of obtaining propane fill-ups. – Dollardog


Economics and Investing:

Michael Pollaro writes in Forbes: US government’s fiscal plight, the numbers say it all J.B.G. sent this from The Telegraph: Gold price could rise to $1,700 an ounce More housing market doom: Distressed Properties Claim 40% of Existing-Home Sales. (Thanks to SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate G.G. for the link.) Loyal content contributor F.G. sent this: A Frightening Satellite Tour Of America’s Foreclosure Wastelands Doug C. recommended: Survivalist Ahead of Silver and Gold Items from The Economatrix: Government Cash Handouts Now Top Tax Revenues Obama Warns Spending Cuts Could Trigger Second Recession. “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!“ US Home Foreclosures Soar to …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Ron in Florida suggested this YouTube slide show: How to Make Powdered Eggs    o o o I’m considering doing something special to celebrate SurvivalBlog reaching the 30 Million Unique Visits milestone. That is coming up soon. Any suggestions?    o o o K.A.F. kindly sent this: Five Tech-Related Ways to Reuse an Altoids Tin    o o o Jeff F. sent a link to a bit of data, for those considering retreat locales: The Best and Worst Run States In America: A Survey of All Fifty. Of course, state indebtedness is just one factor to consider. For example, Hawaii …