Day: October 6, 2015

Notes for Wednesday – October 7, 2015

On this day in 1985, the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro was commandeered by Palestinian terrorists. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 61 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case–a $1,700 value. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This …


Sun Tzu and The Art of Prepping, by B.F.

Around 2,500 years ago, a Chinese general named Sun Tzu wrote a treatise called “The Art of War.” I first read it when I was in Officer’s Candidate School back in the 1970s. There are a number of translations and interpretations of the book available today. It is claimed that Marco Polo brought back a copy from his travels in the Thirteenth Century. I have also read where writers say that Von Clausewitz used Sun Tzu’s principles when he wrote “On War” and that (probably closer to the truth) Napoleon had a copy that had been first translated into French …



Economics and Investing:

Just like clockwork, Spot Silver is emerging from the regular summer doldrums. It is noteworthy that the physical market is now very far removed from the spot and futures markets. There is a huge shortage of silver coins and small bars, and dealers are commanding huge premiums above spot. With spot silver now around $15.60 per ounce, you will be lucky to find even generic one-ounce rounds selling for less than $22 each, and U.S. Mint American Eagles are a couple of dollars more. o o o Record ATM Fees Rise Toward $5 o o o Jim Willie: Checkmate! In …


Odds ‘n Sods:

A consulting client in Georgia recently asked me about carry methods for his new Rawles XL Voyager folding knife. Since this knife is quite large (7.3″ long when folded and just over 12″ when locked open), it can be challenging for everyday front pocket carry, using the included pocket clip. And, given the long blade length, pocket carry is not always legal in all jurisdictions. I told him: To get a kydex belt sheath made in your choice of colors and set up for either horizontal or vertical carry, talk to Matt Mann of Trident Concealment. Or if you prefer …



Notes for Tuesday – October 6, 2015

Folks in the Carolinas are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Joaquin, which brought a record-breaking 15 inches of rain in 24-hours in several locales. This being called a “1,000-year rain event.” With the flooding, there are now curfews with “no firearms allowed” in effect in some South Carolina cities. Please keep the Carolinians in your prayers! (Thanks to Reader J.B.G. for the link.) o o o October 6th is the birthday of adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. (Born 1914, died April 18, 2002.) Today is also the birthday of science fiction author David Brin. (born, 1950.) He wrote The Postman, …


A Budget Disaster Response Kit, by R.S.

Opinions regarding civilian possession and use of firearms within our nation vary widely. Many citizens (including most preppers) consider them to be a vital component of personal security while others view them as a scourge upon our country producing thousands of deaths every year. However, among those in the latter camp (at least among my acquaintances) I have noticed a number who have begun to view firearms as a necessary evil in the face of increasing lawlessness and savagery. They still do not like the idea of possessing firearms but have become convinced they must do so as a form …


News From The American Redoubt:

Man fends off grizzly by shoving arm down its throat. (Thanks to “Keeper” for the link to this amazing news story.) o o o Montana Governor Bullock signs anti-police militarization bill o o o Wildfire smoke pollution unprecedented in 2015 o o o New plan offers hope in saving imperiled Wyoming toad o o o Things are at least a bit more common sense in Eastern Oregon: College shooting highlights school safety issues. Here is a quote: “Blue Mountain Community College’s official policy bans weapons on campus, but students with a concealed carry permit are exempt from that ban if …


Economics and Investing:

Vegas Casinos Fight to Buy Their Own Electricity o o o Ron Paul predicts a monumental crash in interview on Russia Today: Bubbles are all over the place. (Video.) Items from The Economics Team: 7 Ways to Sample Living with Less (Becoming Minimalist) Investors Brace for Market Fall (Reuters) U.S. Currency Laundered by Mexican Drug Cartles through the Middle East (Breitbart) The System Designed to Prevent Financial Crisis is Likely to Fail (MarketWatch) Asian Markets Fall as Fears Deepen Over China Slowdown (The Guardian) A reminder: In an economically interconnected world, there is no “containment”!


Odds ‘n Sods:

The 5th National Preppers and Survivalists (NPS) Expo is scheduled for October 10-11, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Louisville Convention Center. o o o The latest Thoughts From Frank and Fern: A Group of Your Own o o o Pat Condell: Goodbye to the First Amendment o o o ‘It’s not the guns’: Donald Trump says arming teachers and students would have stopped Oregon school killer as he defends Second Amendment rights o o o Patrice Lewis: The Stupidity of Gun-Free Zones