Day: July 4, 2011

Notes from JWR:

I have some good news and bad news about the SurvivalBlog 5-Year Archive CD-ROM: The good news is a price reduction: Beginning today (July 4th), we have reduced the price to just $14.96. The bad news is that since Lulu is getting out of the CD-ROM production business, you will not be able to order this CD-ROM after July 31st. (We are evaluating other vendors, and should have it back in production by mid-September.) Buy one to tuck away, just in case the Internet or the power grids ever go away. (I trust that most of you have at least …


Blending In–Unremarkable and Invisible Architecture

Much of my consulting work revolves around either finding retreat properties for my clients, or helping them design or retrofit houses, once they’ve bought a property. I often have to play the “voice of reason” role, especially with houses that will be within line of sight from neighboring properties or from public roads. It is important to have a house that blends in with the style of architecture of your neighborhood. Yes, a Monolithic Dome offers great ballistic protection, but if it is the only one in your county, then it will attract attention. My advice: If you want ballistic …


Pat’s Product Review: Benchmade’s Bedlam Model 860

Pat’s Product Review: Benchmade’s Bedlam Model 860  The Benchmade 860 Bedlam folder could best be described as a “wicked” knife. I like big folders, as most SurvivalBlog readers know. The Bedlam actually looks bigger than it actually is, with its 3.95″ upswept curved blade – it reminds me of the ancient scimitar type blade. Benchmade uses 154CM stainless steel for the blade material, one of my favorites. And, the Axis lock makes for butter-smooth opening and closing, and the blade stays locked solid when opened, too. Most people, who have watched one too many Hollywood movies, believe that a knife …


Letter Re: Securing Windows With Plywood The Fast And Easy Way

Dear Jim: To follow up on the recent letters, we supply roughly half inch thick ballistic steel to stop .30-06 AP threats. (NIJ  Level IV ). The tradeoff is that you are looking at roughly double the weight — 20 lbs. per square foot.  So for the hypothetical 36″ by 36″ piece it adds up to roughly 180 lbs.  Ceramic tile can provide AP or Level IV protection at less than half that weight – but much more expensive. Your point about spall is well taken. I would worry most about the bullet splatter or ricochet from a round plastering …


Economics and Investing:

Reader Burt J. sent a link to a list on the CIA web site, showing positive and negative foreign trade balances. Look who is at the very bottom of the list with the largest trade deficit, by a wide margin. This can’t go on much longer without a currency collapse. Notutopia flagged an article that demonizes perfectly legal incorporation: Special Report: A little house of secrets on the Great Plains. (To some statists, financial privacy and economic freedom are foreign concepts.) Yishai was the first of several readers to send this: Inside the Fed’s Vault: $1 Billion Worth of Unused …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Jeff B. sent this: The Four Most Likely Ways You Can Die if the SHTF    o o o Bob J. found this: The Post-Apocalyptic Clownscape that Was Six Flags New Orleans    o o o Don’t forget that the deadline for the Ready Made Resources Preparedness Video Contest is July 26th. Instructional (nonfiction) videos on any topic related to family preparedness are sought. The prizes are a brand new Rock Rivers Arms (RRA) Elite Comp M4 (AR-15 series compatible ) complete Barreled Upper Receiver and a Trijicon Reflex sight with a combined retail value of more than $1,400. Please …