Day: November 22, 2012

Notes from JWR:

Here in the States, today is set aside as a special day to thank God for his blessings upon us. — Today is also the birthday of the late Eugene M. Stoner. (Born, 1922, died April 24, 1997.) He is well-known to the shooting fraternity as the designer of the AR-7, AR-10, AR-15, AR-180, and Stoner 63. (The AR-15 was the basis of the M16 and all of its variants including the now ubiquitous M4 Carbine.) — Today we present another entry for Round 43 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) …


The Family Cow, by Faith S.

How can a family cow be an ideal addition to your food storage and survival plan? We started our self-reliance plan with gardening.  Then we planted a few fruits and added chickens.   One day we realized that if we had a cow, we could truly be self-sufficient with our food supply.    We now raise family sized milk cows with grazing genetics in Virginia.  This article should persuade SurvivalBlog readers who own two or more acres, of the wisdom of owning a family cow. It should also answer questions we frequently hear. Why a Cow? Owning a cow produces milk, cream …


Guest Article: Reflections on Secession, by Partisan

Sure, I signed my state’s petition to secede.  (Coincidentally but not at all comparable, an ancestor signed the Ordnance of Secession of Georgia.)  Most people correctly realize that these petitions are symbolic of our frustration with and desire to reject federal statist policies affecting all 50 states.  Still, there are those who act as if these petitions are the spark that will somehow ignite nationwide revolt.  In and of themselves, these petitions are a circus detached from reality and they’re a distraction from a real solution. I believe that secession can be a real solution but, as you’ll see, it carries …


Letter Re: Preparations for a Long-Distance Commuter

Mr. Rawles, For those considering the purchase of winter tires, a good web site with demonstrations comparing the performance of different vehicle types (including all wheel drive) with and without these tires from the Rubber Association of Canada. Survival experts have also advised against consuming snow as a water source. Les Stroud, a Canadian survival expert, has demonstrated that if engaged in physical activity, such as walking, the consumption of snow when necessary is safe as metabolic heat offsets the cold snow. Some have survived in Arctic conditions doing this. However, it is still not safe when hunkered down. Best …


Economics and Investing:

An interesting perspective on calculating life insurance coverage or retirement savings: How long do you expect to be dead? Robert Fitzwilson: “History says that once set in motion, fiat money schemes cannot be reversed. Tragedy and collapse are the terminal destinations.” We Have a Shortage of Gold – Eric Sprott Items from The Economatrix: The Twinkie That Broke The Economy’s Back:  Just Two Weeks Since The Election And 100,000+ Jobs Lost US Treasury Secretary Geithner:  Lift Debt Ceiling To Infinity Greenspan On The Cliff:  This Leveraged Economy Was No Accident~Take The Deal~Recession Is Guaranteed Dollar Collapse Update:  7 of 10 …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Real Crimes of Genius: Not so Honest Abe?    o o o G.G. sent: House Tour: Laura And Matt LaVoie’s 120-Square-Foot Home In The Smokey Mountains Of North Carolina    o o o Joseph L. mentioned some new dual-wheel drive motorcycles. [JWR Adds: I’m more of a quad kinda guy. I don’t own a motorcycle, and thus avoid embarrassing myself.]    o o o Reader F.G. wrote to report that the Drone Wars have begun: Flying Camera From Animal Rights Group Shot Down at Pigeon Shoot