Notes for Sunday – December 20, 2015

Today, we present another entry for Round 62 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 that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. …




Water Works- Part 3, by JSP

Hot Water Grid Down or When the Schumer Hits The Fan Let’s all agree that we can survive without hot water. Yet, as some have successfully argued on this blog that when it comes to food “variety is the spice of life”, I would ask why it is important, especially in a survival situation. “Morale” would be my answer. We could all survive on rice and beans, but it would be hard to keep group morale up if after a supper of rice and beans the group only could look forward to a breakfast of rice and beans. My personal …




Letter Re: How to Title Retreat Property

Hello: The article on the importance of maintaining privacy with regard to ownership of property, and particularly retreat property, was very good. One other option, which was not addressed, is to use a trust under state law. Trusts are not generally registered with the state, but they will require use of an attorney in order to be sure it is properly formed, can receive and hold title, is enduring, and can eventually sell property if that becomes appropriate. A trustee may need to be named for the trust, as may beneficiaries, but again none of that is registered with any …




Economics and Investing:

Items from Mr. Econocobas: House Passes $1.15 Trillion Spending Bill: Here Is What’s In It Peter Schiff- Mission Accomplished – A good article from Peter Schiff in regards to the Fed Rate hike this past week. Items from Professor Preponomics: U.S. News The Other Three Rs: Risk Adjustment, Reinsurance and RISK CORRIDORS (Citizens Against Government Waste) Article Excerpt: “…ObamaCare’s risk corridors are designed in such an open-ended manner that the president’s action now exposes taxpayers to a bailout of the health-insurance industry if and when the law fails.” How the Spending Deal’s Risk Corridor Provision Would Affect Obamacare Co-ops (The …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Sent in by T.P.: Flame Thrower Equipped Hobby Drone – Happy Holidays ! – You know you want one! “The next best thing to having sharks with lasers” – JWR o o o Also sent in by T.P.: FAA Finally Admits Names And Home Addresses In Drone Registry Will Be Publicly Available JWR’s Comment: Let me get this straight: I can buy or build, and personally fly an ultralight or a powered parachute with an empty weight of up to 253 pounds with no FAA paperwork or licensing whatsoever. Some ultralight owners have staged solo cross-country flights. (3,000 miles!) But …