Notes for Saturday – April 18, 2015

Today, we present another entry for Round 58 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,000+ 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 hard case to go with …




The Reluctant Prepper, by M.R.

Most of us, “preppers”, know that all our time, money, and hard work will only pay off if we are able to keep, use, and protect what we have. My prepping beginnings came in a somewhat odd way. It began with a small kit to keep in my SUV after following a major news story here in the Pacific northwest about a family from California who got lost in the backwoods while trying to drive from California to Oregon using back roads in the dead of winter. Slowly as the pieces were put together it was learned that the family– …




Letter Re: Strike Anywhere Matches

HJL, With all this talk about Strike Anywhere matches, I have to point out the obvious– that’s old technology. If you want to start a fire (anywhere), use a Benzomatic self-igniting torch. Various models are available at big box stores for between $24.97 and $42.97. I’ve used one to start our wood fireplace for about five years before I had to switch out the gas cylinder. You can set soaking wet wood on fire with one. – G.G. HJL Replies: I can see the benefits of using such a device from the home or vehicle. However, when backpacking, it’s tough …




Economics and Investing:

One of our largest firms involved in oil extraction! Schlumberger slashes 11,000 jobs. – H.L. o o o Why even high earners are struggling to save. – G.G. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: “We’re All Frogs In Boiling Water” Santelli Says After Lacy Hunt Warns “This Is Far From Over” Is May 9 The Grexit Date? – Interesting Take Stocks Slammed – Dow Tumbles 350 Points Into Red Year-To-Date US Rig Count Drops For Record 19th Week In A Row




Odds ‘n Sods:

Conspiracy Theorists, Bloggers Compared To ISIS During Congressional Hearing. – H.L. o o o Your car’s hidden ‘black box’ and how to keep it private. – JBG o o o ‘Intelligent’ Streetlights to ‘Watch’ Florida Residents. – G.P. HJL notes: Currently, this implementation is rather benign, but the company already lists the technology on their web site for a much more Orwellian experience. o o o Dry Wells Plague California as Drought Has Water Tables Plunging 1800′ wells for water! – P.S. o o o Video: Make Your Own $7 Ultimate Bushcraft Axe. – RBS




Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: who shall offer it before the Lord, and make an atonement for her” Leviticus 12:6&7a (KJV)