Day: March 25, 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 …


Prepping on $10 a Week, by S.W. Michigan Fred

Have you seen the latest reality television show, “Doomsday Preppers”, from National Geographic?  I made a mistake a few years ago – after 20 years of successfully resisting the cries and moans of my children, I gave in and allowed cable television to be installed in my house. Should have known better, but as they say, that’s a whole ‘nother subject.  Now, every week, National Geographic brings us “Doomsday Preppers,” Animal Planet serves up “Meet The Preppers,” Discovery beams in another episode of “Doomsday Bunkers” and the new pay-to-view internet network GBTV fires off a round of “American Preppers.”  Can …


Prophetic Words and the Ultimate Prepper Must Have, by Charles D.

I have always been minded to prepare.  From an early age, I was a boy scout, trained to “always be prepared”.  When my wife and I were newly married and living in a large metropolitan area, I felt impressed to purchase a 72 hour emergency kit of MREs, emergency radio, first aid, and radiation poisoning pills.   In the event of a large catastrophe, a city is about the worst place to be, so I wanted to be as prepared as possible.  I recall the Katrina-fueled (no pun intended) gas shortage during 2007 in which the gas stations in the city …


Letter Re: How to Take Control of Your IRA

Jim, I’d like to correct some misconceptions regarding both precious metals and “collectibles”, some of which have been repeated in recent letters from readers.   First, regarding collectibles:  This term has a specific meaning under the Internal Revenue Code.  Its definition is found in 26 U.S.C. Section 408(m)(2), which says:   (2) Collectible defined   For purposes of this subsection, the term “collectible” means—        (A)any work of art,      (B)any rug or antique,      (C)any metal or gem,      (D)any stamp or coin,      (E)any alcoholic beverage, or      (F)any other tangible personal property specified by the Secretary for …


Two Letters Re: Bugging Out Abroad

James: My wife and I traveled through Israel in 2007. For that occasion a lot of travel research and came upon the OneBag web site. OneBag proudly announces that there are two kinds of flight luggage: “Carry-on” and “Lost”. This site is a superb resource of tested information on compact and efficient one bag travel for extended periods. Through them I discovered an excellent US made carry-on/backpack by Mountain Equipment that masquerades as handled carry-on with hidden frame, full size shoulder straps and belly band . Unzipping side zippers reveals the shoulder straps and belly band. The bag converts in …


Economics and Investing:

Sue W. recommended: The Seven Rules of Bureaucracy Gary Schilling: The Japan Train Wreck Is Accelerating. (Thanks to Michael W. for the link.) Robert Prechter’s Dire Prediction For 2012 Items from The Economatrix: Home Sales Show Strength, Prices Rise Oil Prices Rise On Unexpected Supply Drop Mish Shedlock: Highest Price Ever of Gasoline in March Signs Of Recovery Grow In US Housing Market. [JWR’s Comment: With so many delayed foreclosures now hitting the market, we are still nowhere near the bottom, folks.]


Odds ‘n Sods:

Over at Total Survivalist Libertarian Rantfest, our friend Ryan reviews: Selco’s One Year in Hell    o o o I heard that because of some recent storm damage to their bridge, the spring Knob Creek Machinegun Shoot has been cancelled. The good news is that the October 12-13-14, 2012 shoot is still a “go.” OBTW, when attending events like this, I recommend that you wear one of our T-shirts (SurvivalBlog, Bennington Flag, or Long Live Rock n’ Roll)–because you never know who you might bump into.    o o o This Nanny plays favorites: Police to ignore California impound law …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [It is] a faithful saying: For if we be dead with [him], we shall also live with [him]: If we suffer, we shall also reign with …