Notes for Sunday – September 28, 2014

Today, we present another entry for Round 54 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,100+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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, DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hardcase to go with your …




Some Notes on Remaining Humble, by Marine in Missouri

One of the many great lessons I have read over and over in this blog is that practice makes perfect. This can apply to any skill set one wishes to consider. I would like to stress the word “read” in the last sentence; reading does not equate to learning, and often in our human hubris we decide that if we think about it, we know it. I think one of the most potent sins the father of lies enjoys tempting us with is the sin of pride. Without going on a diatribe of theological concepts on pride (and I’ve heard …




Three Letters Re: Mosin Nagent Review

Jim, I agree with most of the author’s conclusions regarding the 91/30. It is rugged, dependable, and more than accurate enough for hunting or social purposes. Most will benefit from a thorough cleaning and judicious use of lapping compound on the bearing and camming surfaces of the bolt assembly. (Be careful to completely remove all of the compound and clean and lubricate appropriately following the lapping procedure.) Inspect the barrel crown and recrown if damage is found. The trigger design is simple and straightforward and can be cleaned up in most examples. Pay particular attention that the trigger components do …




Economics and Investing:

Is U.S. Gas Really Expensive, And Will It Get Cheaper? – J.S. o o o Gold to go, anyone? – G.G. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: Peak Debt: Why The Keynsian Money Printers Are Done The Escape Velocity Delusion: Running Out Of “Next Year” Bank of Japan Emerging as Big Japanese Stock Buyer Largest Public Pensions Face $2 Trillion Hole, Moody’s Says




Odds ‘n Sods:

Sandy Hook Advisory Commission calls for tighter regulation of homeschooling of “children with significant emotional, social or behavioral problems” – G.P. o o o What the Global Status Quo Optimizes: Protecting Elites and the Clerisy Class That Serves Them. – JFJ o o o This article takes an alarmist stance on the spread of Ebola. Many of the links are based upon shaky and incorrect evidence. However, the article underscores how fragile the current economy is and identifies many issues that could be a problem in any pandemic situation. Read it with a grain of salt and know that the …







Notes for Saturday – September 27, 2014

Today, we present another entry for Round 54 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,100+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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, DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hardcase to go with your …




Beekeeping for Long-term Self Sufficiency, by T.D.

Several years ago I was introduced to a book called Passport to Survival written by Esther Dickey. This book elaborates on how you can provide for all the essential nutritional needs for you and your family with just four basic ingredients– wheat, powdered milk, honey, and salt. As I thought about these four items, I realized that I had it within my power to provide for one of these four items without much change in my lifestyle and without an excess of effort. I live in the city, so growing more than just a few handfuls of wheat in my …




Letter Re: Monitored Frequencies

Hugh, Mr. TV asked if government agencies monitored some frequencies 24/7. I am an Army Aviator and can tell you that 121.5 VHF is monitored by every aircraft in the U.S. (not just military). The VHF radios in aircraft are designed to automatically receive 121.5, and it will broadcast into the ears of the pilot regardless of currently tuned frequency. Example: I have a tower freq tuned (119.325) and if someone broadcasts over 121.5, I will hear it, but in order to respond, I would have to tune my own radio to 121.5. The same is true for aircraft with …




Economics and Investing:

1 in 4 Americans 25-54 Not Working. – G.G. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: Treasuries Gain on Jobless Claims Amid Demand for Yield U.S. Durable Goods Orders Fall 18.2% in August Is Student Loan Debt Hurting the Housing Recovery?– This is far from the only issue, but it is an issue. Bearish Housing Bets Building on Interest Rate Concerns




Odds ‘n Sods:

One cost of war: U.S. blowing up its own Humvees. – RBS o o o How Gun Control Made England The ‘Most Violent Country In Europe’. – JBG o o o The Number One Threat to the US Above Terrorism. – T.P. o o o Illegal children brought into the country apparently brought this virus in: Virus probed in paralysis cases in 9 Colorado kids – P.M. o o o Woman beheaded at Oklahoma workplace. – T.P. The first reports about this violent act avoided the issue that it was related to Islam, even though it was readily apparent. I …







Notes for Friday – September 26, 2014

The 26th of September is the birthday of the late Jack LaLanne, who was born in 1914 and who died January 23, 2011. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 54 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,100+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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 …




Ten Ways that Purchasing an Older Home is Helping Us to Prepare, by C.F.

When we first purchased our home less than three years ago, it was a charming four bedroom, two bathroom, Dutch colonial bungalow, built in 1920. It was a complete flip, featuring laminate flooring, faux granite countertops, and some, shall we say, interesting additions and subtractions. What I mean by this is that we had a few new walls where there used to not be any and a few original walls that were taken down or partially removed. The home advertised new carpeting, flooring, windows, and siding. Most importantly for us, though, it came with new plumbing, electricity, and mechanicals. The …