Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 38 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) 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 C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 …




Buying Land in the American Redoubt, by G. in Virginia

I have been involved with the buying of land and homes since I was able to carry a hammer or a two by four. While I have worked many different jobs, I have always returned to my love of real estate over the years. Currently, I own several houses, and my proudest achievement, is the acquisition of 40 prime acres in Montana! This is after almost a year and a half of searching in The American Redoubt for the piece I wanted at the price I wanted with the restrictions I wanted. Now that I have my slice I would …




Letter Re: How to Make Lye Soap

As a former soap company owner and operator, I enjoyed the article on soap making (How to Make Lye Soap, posted on November 30, 201.) However, for safety’s sake, I would like to caution your readers regarding some of the statements made in the article: 1. The author’s instructions say to “Heat the water to 110° F. Add the lye to the water.” This is a dangerous suggestion. The chemical reaction caused when lye combines with water causes even room temperature water to heat up almost to the boiling point. Starting with overly-warm water could (and probably would, depending on …




Economics and Investing:

Zimbabwe Bashes US Dollar, Aligns With Yuan. (Thanks to K.P. for the link.) Also courtesy of K.P.: Eric Sprott – Silver Producers: A Call to Action Jim V. pointed us to a great interview with Kyle “20 Million Nickels” Bass, at AmeriCatalyst. He calls default on Greek sovereign debt inevitable and inescapable. Then comes Japan, and in the long run, the United States. He has the numbers to back this up. He also has some interesting comments on the importance of taking physical delivery of precious metals. On balancing the Federal budget, he made this prescient comment: “The bottom line …




Odds ‘n Sods:

One of my consulting clients recently asked me: “Do you carry pepper spray, for bears?” My reply: No, I carry lead spray.    o o o This Glock ad makes it clear that widespread concealed carry by law-abiding citizens would be a very good thing:.    o o o Faster and Furiouser: D.E.A. Launders Mexican Profits of Drug Cartels.    o o o M.E.W. sent this: New Flu Strain, H3N2, Makes Health Experts Nervous.    o o o From reader J. McC.: Check Your Car for a GPS Tracker