Day: November 7, 2011

Pat’s Product Review: CRKT Tao Pen

Long gone are the days when you could actually carry a pocket knife, or multi-tool on a commercial airline. I remember the day, when you could walk onto a plane, and if you hand a handgun (cased) just hand it to the pilot, who would secure it in the cockpit. When you got to your destination, the pilot would hand your case handgun back to you.   So-called “security” measures started sneaking up on us, at airports, ever so slowly. They started limiting us to pocket knives of a certain blade length and no longer. Then they started banning multi-tools …


Letter Re: 2011 Connecticut Power Outages

JWR; I am 69 year old Connecticut native, grew up on 100 acre farm in Eastern Connecticut during the 40’s and 50’s. [The late October 2011 snowstorm caused a lot of damage and the lengthy power failures upset a lot of people. See: Tempers flare over six days of Connecticut power outages.] I know most of the hardest hit areas, and am also a prepper!  Like most of New England, our state was clear cut during the 1700s and 1800s.  I have seen old photos of our rolling hills with nary a tree to be seen.  As a child on our …


Two Letters Re: Buying Spare Deep Cycle Batteries

Mr. Rawles: I’m a long-time SurvivalBlog reader. There was a recent post about dry batteries and where to buy acid.  I live in rural Ohio, in farm country.  I have had no problem buying battery acid at a local auto parts chain store.  I am always adding to [batteries for] tractors and combines, et cetera.  Never thought of it being hard to get.   Last time I bought it it came in a 6 quart container for around $30. Keep up the great work. – Sheepman Dave James, I frequently get questions regarding long term, reliable, battery backup systems. First some …


Economics and Investing:

Some Words of Advice From Kyle Bass (Guns, Gold, and Nickels–He is definitely our kinda guy.) Charles Hugh Smith chimes in, with guest post over at Zero Hedge: The Collapse Of Our Corrupt, Predatory, Pathological Financial System Is Necessary And Positive. (Thanks to L.M.W. for the link.) Super Committee Can Keep the Change: Dollar Coin Proposal Lacks Momentum Items from The Economatrix: German Economists On Greek Referendum:  “The Euro Zone Could Face Ruin” Federal Reserve Lowers Outlook for US Growth BofA Forecloses on Home Destroyed By Ike


Odds ‘n Sods:

Imbedded-For-Life journalist Michael Yon had some great comments on lights and night vision gear. (BTW, if there was ever a journalist worthy of contributions, it is Michael Yon. He does take PayPal donations. Michael is one of my heroes.)    o o o For anyone considering a retreat in northern Michigan, I just heard about Houseworth Realty, in Alanson, Michigan. Doug Houseworth is a realtor that understands the special requirements of retreat properties.    o o o Finally, after two+ years in limbo: ‘Red Dawn‘ remake to come out next year from FilmDistrict. It looks like it will be released …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled- Farther than ever comet flared or vagrant star-dust swirled- Live such as fought and sailed and ruled and loved and made our world.   They are purged of pride because they died; they know the worth of their bays; They sit at wine with the Maidens Nine and the Gods of the Elder Days- It is their will to serve or be still as fitteth Our Father’s praise.   ‘Tis theirs to sweep through the ringing deep where Azrael’s outposts are, Or buffet a path through the Pit’s red …