Day: October 15, 2013

Notes from JWR:

Several readers mentioned this: EBT card food stamp recipients ransack Wal-Mart stores, stealing carts full of food during federal computer glitch. Keep in mind: A nationwide grid power failure would also mean a nationwide EBT card system failure. If and when this happens, it will not be pretty. For further perspective, see this over at Ace of Spades HQ: I saw DOOM drinking a piña colada at Trader Vic’s and his hair was perfect. And the always insightful Karl Denninger had these comments: No, I Will Not Help, Donate, Or Continue. At 1:20 PM Central Time today, I will interviewed …


Second Chances, by Dirt Surgeon

Introductory Note: I originally composed this story in August of 2011 just months after our family went through a devastating event.  At the time of writing the essay was short, sweet and to the point.  I have reconstructed my family’s journey of the past 24 months to the present. Thanks for all that you and others do by sharing information, educating and inspiring the thought process. It is my hope that this short family history will provoke some to think about their lifestyle, what is important and the effect an event like this has on a family. Four years ago …


Letter Re: EBT Card Chaos Parallels “The Wayward Journey”

Hi James, I just came across the news story about some EBT cards to have apparently unlimited balances leading to the almost cleaning out of a Wal-Mart before the computer glitch was corrected. I bring this up because it is a near perfect parallel to the situation Nathan Hale Jefferson put in “The Wayward Journey” which I reviewed several months back.  He deserves a pat on the back for anticipating this. – Harry


Letter Re: Some Stump Burning Advice

Mr. Rawles, Here is a way to efficiently burn stumps: 1.  Get a 55 gallon steel drum 2.  Remove both the top and bottom 3.  Cut some holes in the lower sides from ground level to about 1/3 the way up. 4.  Place the barrel sleeve over a stump.  Put a few crumpled-up paper sacks soaked in diesel fuel in the bottom and close to some of the holes. Pile all your wood debris in the barrel.  5.  Light the sacks. [The barrel .sleeve contains the heat, creates a draft, and keeps the wood fuel from rolling off.] 6.  Every couple …


News From The American Redoubt:

Here is a great news segment, by Chuck Holton from CBN: Redoubt: Northwest a Haven for Dismayed Americans. There are several brief interviews in this segment including one with Todd Savage of SurvivalRetreatConsulting.com.    o o o Boise Market TalkRadio host pushes petition to bring “Gun Jobs” to Idaho    o o o A family practice medical group is seeking two or three Board-Certified Family Practitioners, in Riverton, Wyoming, right near the center of the state. If interested, e-mail: kstockto@wyoming.com. This is a great opportunity for several like-minded doctors to relocate to the American Redoubt and work at a well-established …


Economics and Investing:

Life imitates art: IMF chief: U.S. dance with the debt limit is ‘very, very concerning’ [JWR’s Comment: Thankfully, she stopped short of saying: “default appears imminent.” Perhaps next week someone from the Deutsche Bundesbank will make some off the record remarks…] G.G. flagged this: U.S. Adds Two Times More Debt than Economic Output in Last Two Years Shenandoah blog: Stasicare. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.) P.W. sent this from Zero Hedge: They’re Coming for Your Savings Also from P.W.: U.S. banks no longer too big to fail says Tucker From The Economatrix: If We Are In An Economic Recovery, …


Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate G.G. suggested this at CBS News: This ain’t your average survival shelter.    o o o Randy F. wrote to mention that a large prepper conference is scheduled in Mesa Arizona on Oct 18th and 19th, 2013. It has been extended to the 20th due to the high expected turnout.    o o o There is also a preparedness show in Atlanta the same weekend.    o o o    o o o The next Life Changes. Be Ready! Preparedness and Gun Expo will be held in in Lakeland, Florida on November 2 & 3, 2013. Advance …