Day: August 4, 2012

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 42 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 $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any …


Simplify Now, Before TEOTWAWKI, by M.D.M.

I live a self-sustaining and prepared lifestyle, always have and always will. My parents and grandparents lived this way and taught me well. Several years ago, we chose to purchase property for a mini-farm near a university town, so that we could have it all, a self-sufficient small farm near educational and intellectual endeavors for my children. Naturally hidden from view we bulldozed a home site in the woods and built our property up to be self-sufficient, with woods for firewood, fruit trees, garden areas, secret outdoor rooms, caves and everything anyone would want. I worked full time then and …


Letter Re: Experience Canning and Dehydrating Tomatoes

Dear Captain Rawles:  Each year we dehydrate and can a lot of tomatoes.  In past years we used a “Squeezo” device to separate the skin and seeds from the pulp.   A better way is to slice each tomato into about 8 slices, from top to bottom.  Then (over a sink) with one’s fingers strip out the seed pulp and seeds.  This also removes the water surrounding the seeds and pulp.  Put the slices into a blender.  Liquefy for a couple of minutes.  Pour the homogenized tomato into the stockpot to heat for canning. The homogenized skin in nutritious.  By removing the …


Economics and Investing:

Greeks can no longer afford paying expensive bribes. (Thanks to Rhonda for the link.) Fred K. mentioned this ABC News report: U.S. Bridges, Roads Being Built by Chinese Firms H.L. spotted this: Deflation? Don’t Count On It… Also from H.L.: 100,000 Workers in Spain Will Not be Paid Because Regional Government of Catalona is Broke Items from The Economatrix: Confidence Drains Away Debt Crisis Live:  July 31, 2012 Investing In Silver:  States Support Move to Metals as USD Weakens


Odds ‘n Sods:

My brother-in-law sent this useful link: Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels.    o o o Bill Whittle discusses the implications of the NDAA and unchecked government power.    o o o The Castaway’s Guide To Making A Home    o o o T.K. recommended this over at Small Wars Journal: Full Spectrum Operations in the Homeland: A “Vision” of the Future