Day: March 17, 2012

Note from JWR:

Today we present two more entries for Round 39 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 …


Are We Just Preparing Instead of Preparing and Preventing?, by C.W.S.

Generations of Americans have been vigilant in the past about doing what they believed would provide for their families in times of need.  There has always been a large variation in the types of preparations and the extremes each would go to in these measures.  Why?  Because we are all different people with various backgrounds, influences, upbringings, ethnicities, education and finances.  Some people have lived through the Great Depression, or just hard financial times for that matter. Living through this has instilled a belief upon their families to “put a little away for a rainy day.”  This could mean putting …


Is It Time for Financial Tough Love in Your Family? by Mrs. Lynne

I want to address a common issue these days for “empty nester” parents.  How much and in what forms do you financially help your adult children?  Over the last two years, this has been our experience.  First, let me tell you about us.  My husband is in his late sixties, and retired from law enforcement and is living on a pension.  He was diagnosed with throat cancer last year and with God’s grace and first class medical treatment, he is doing all right.   I have a good job in a medium size city.  I am in my mid-fifties.  We live …


Letter Re: The Perpetual Light

James, The Perpetual Light [marketed by Wiggy’s] is in fact a resale of another company’s product, also made in the Grand Junction, Colorado area.  The other company is UVPaqlite.com.  I’ve had their products for close to six months now and I have been using them the entire time.  Some notes on the lights: 1.  The Glow in the Dark Spots (GIDS) are great to mark emergency gear.  I have one on the ends of several flashlights so I can find them if the power goes out.  I also have one on the end of my bed so I don’t walk …


Guest Editorial: Europe is Toast: Why There are No Good Solutions to the European Debt Crisis

I believe that the Euro Currency and indeed the whole European Union are headed for a Titanic-sized crash. I think this crash will happen in the 2012-13 time frame. I believe that there are no solutions to this crisis without a large amount of pain involved for the people of Europe, and the entire global economy.   First of all, a couple quick explanations are in order. the Euro Currency is the regional currency used by most (but not all) countries in the European Union. the European Union is a political grouping of European nations. There are some E.U. countries …


Economics and Investing:

Matt L. and Pierre M. both sent this: Watch Bernanke’s ‘Little’ Inflation Capsize U.S.: Shlaes Caller ID spoofing scams aim for bank accounts Items from The Economatrix: SurvivalBlog’s G.G. flagged this: David Stockman on Crony Capitalism More JPMorgan Chase whistleblowing. UK Could Lose Coveted AAA Rating, Warnings Fitch. [JWR’s Comment: Since our long term obligations are greater, per capita than that of Greece, our bond rating should actually be much lower.] The Global Economy Is Now More Vulnerable To Oil Prices Than Ever


Odds ‘n Sods:

Dan T. sent a link to a list of the 10 worst tornado states in the country. Dan notes: “I live in Kansas, the #2 tornado state and I’ve never seen a tornado in my life. I’ve seen the results of tornadoes, but have never actually seen one and they excite me more than worry me. I have a basement.”    o o o Don’t miss this informative piece: How big a Garden? How much seed? (Their other articles are indexed here.)    o o o J.B. mentioned that an invasive species law is misapplied to heritage breeds: Michigan DNR …