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 E.) …




Personal Information Hidden in Plain Sight, by C.C.

Information is what makes the World go around, or at least it seems that way at times. Any Government  organization, blog or web site worth a grain of salt will suggest that you keep copies of important documents such as Birth Certificates, Drivers License,  Bank Account Information, List of Medications etc. in your emergency kit. It  is also suggested for people that are going on trips that they have this information available as they travel just in case wallets or purses are lost or stolen. If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen it is going to be to …




Two Letters Re: The Rude Awakening of a Spider Bite

Two Letters Re: The Rude Awakening of a Spider Bite Dear Mr Rawles: Fitzy describes a classic presentation for a staphylococcal furuncle, which in this day and age is often caused by cMRSA (community acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) colonizing a patient’s skin.  These typically start as small “pimples” or “bites” on the skin surface, usually in areas of warmth and dampness, but any area of the body can be affected.  Most cases start as infected hair follicles or in areas of micro-abrasion or injury, not due to bites. It sounds like his doctor started him on doxycycline when bactrim …




Letter Re: Making Good Use of the Hissing Well

Mr. Rawles, A s a distributor of oil and gas parts, it warmed my heart to read R.J.’s article. I would note a couple of things, however. First, when you reduce the pressure of gas you also reduce its temperature. In the aforementioned case, that pressure reduction would drop the temperature by around 10 degrees F. Ordinarily this isn’t a problem, but in the winter an already-cold regulator could seize or internal parts could break. With higher pressures, the problem becomes much more significant. To solve this problem, most installers would use two regulators with some pipe between them. Each …




Economics and Investing:

Loyal contributor F.G. sent this: U.S. banks are now closing faster than they are opening Brett Arends: The next, worse financial crisis Commentary: Ten reasons we are doomed to repeat 2008. (Thanks to John R. for the link.) More FDIC Friday Follies: Three More Failed Banks: Signature Bank and Colorado Capital Bank (both in Colorado) and First Chicago Bank and Trust (Illinois) Three Tea Party-Backed Senators Bet Economic Recovery on Gold Scott E. suggested this from Mines magazine: Sourcing Rare Earths and Critical Minerals Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Sink After Dismal June Jobs Report Silver Bullion Eagle Coins Reach …




Odds ‘n Sods:

The Spin Begins! Peter P. sent two more articles about the ATF’s Gunwalker scandal: Justice Department Obstructing ‘Fast and Furious’ Gun Probe, ATF Director Says, and Democrats to spin Fast & Furious probe into gun-control rally. Included in the comments was a link to another interesting piece: Pravda on the Potomac: Washington Post Again Covers for Government on Gunwalker    o o o The moral decline of the Mickey Mouse State continues: Legislature Passes Mandatory Homosexual History Bill.    o o o Art forwarded this: Sneaky Water Reservoir in Swiss Urban Park is Disguised by Green Grass    o o …