Day: June 11, 2011

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 35 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 …


Retreat Security Myths, by Grandy

The following are some of my thoughts about our planning when it comes to preparing retreat defenses.  Some will work, others maybe not as well, but I intended it to be motivation for SurvivalBlog readers to start thinking about these issues.  This is written mainly from a TEOTWAWKI standpoint and not your typical short term SHTF event.  But some of these concepts apply to both situations. #1:  The Location Myth More often than not, our retreats are in a somewhat secluded location.  Rural areas are typically the norm and the further away from built up urban areas the better.  But …


Letter Re: Too Late for Precious Metals Investing?

Mr. Rawles: Is it too late to invest in precious metals? Do you still recommend Northwest Territorial Mint? In Christ, – Karen F. JWR Replies: No, it is not too late to invest, but you should watch the market carefully and buy during price dips. Yes, Northwest Territorial Mint is trustworthy.  But I’ve heard that they can develop a backlog of several weeks when the precious metals market is in a particularly frantic period.  Summers are typically slow for the precious metals market, so it is a good time to buy, both in terms of price and no worries about …


Three Letters Re: On Surviving Hot Climates and Relocation

James: This is in response to Deep South Charlie’s comments about the heat in the South. I live in the Deep South, and yes, it is hot, but there are ways to cope. It’s been over 100° F. every day for over a month now, and there has been no rain until recently. But I am not going anywhere. This is my home, and I love it. I believe that the benefits of living in the South far outweigh the drawbacks. First off, there are ways to deal with the heat. People have done it for thousands of years. In …


Economics and Investing:

Several readers sent this piece, highlighted at The Drudge Report: China ratings house says US defaulting: report. “In our opinion, the United States has already been defaulting”. It is beginning, folks: German Rating Agency Feri Downgrades US Government Bonds: AAA to AA! George C. suggested this commentary from Doug Casey: Our Economic Future: From Best to Worst Case Sterling and Euro Fall on Economic Concerns – Gold Rises to Record £950.81 British Pounds an Ounce B.B. sent this: US Is Nearing Even Worse Financial Crisis: Jim Rogers Some other recent quotes from Jim Rogers: “Bernanke Is A Disaster” Who Will …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some Trivia: “The longest recorded unassisted flight by a chicken was 301-1/2 feet.” This leads me to ask: How would one “assist”? Perhaps JATO?    o o o More than a dozen readers have sent me this link: China Wants to Construct a 50 Square Mile Self-Sustaining City South of Boise, Idaho. Although the piece is a bit over-blown, the loss of our sovereignty is nonetheless a scary prospect.    o o o Facebook Knows Your Face: Are Users Too Blasé About New Facial Recognition Feature?    o o o The Radio Free Redoubt podcasts are continuing, on Sundays. The …