Year: 2015

Economics and Investing:

Silver Coin Premiums Soar Above 50% o o o Coming Soon: QE 4 o o o German Central Bank Publishes Gold Bar List. JWR’s Comment: I find it curious that while at the same time that governments and central banks berate gold as a “barbarous relic” that is entirely disconnected from their monetary policies, they seem quite concerned with keeping big piles of it, under lock an key. Items from The Economics Team: Greece Could Return to Bond Markets Soon After a Restructuring of its Debt, Tsipras Says (Wall Street Journal. Subscription required for full text) Question: What does Tsipras …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Anyone considering relocating to Michigan should take a look at this web site: HouseworthRealty.com. Doug Houseworth (yes, that is his real name) has pre-screened two different MLS databases in Michigan, looking for ideal retreat properties. o o o G.G. flagged this: Private database lets police skirt license plate data limits o o o UN delay could open door to robot wars, say experts o o o J.B.G. sent us this link: The ‘doomsday’ weapon that could wipe out 90% of Americans: Eccentric tech millionaire and presidential candidate John McAfee says country is ‘ill prepared’ for electromagnetic attack o o o …



Notes for Thursday – October 8, 2015

October 8th is the birthday of economist and libertarian commentator J. Orlin Grabbe. (Born, 1947, died March 15, 2008.) 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 …


From Debt to Rural Independence, by R.T. in Georgia

You may read that the first thing you should do when prepping to prep is to get out of debt, but there is not much depth beyond that in the description of why you should get out of debt. My family has made a journey from debt to sustainability over the last seven years and absolutely the main thing that enabled that to happen was getting rid of our consumer debt. This is a quick description of one family’s fortune, what God allowed us to do and the opportunities that were made available to us when we took the challenge …


Mike Williamson’s Observations on College Campus Mass Shootings

I received the following forward of an State University of New York (SUNY) e-mail memo from a friend: Subject: Reminder: SA All-Staff Meeting, October 7, 2015 Dear Colleague, This is a reminder of the Student Affairs All-Staff meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in [Meeting room name redacted] At this meeting, we will discuss the recent Town Hall Meeting regarding safety on campus. We will also discuss steps we might take regarding improving the perception of safety on campus. Please be reminded that All-Staff meetings are required events for professional staff; however, all …


Economics and Investing:

Inflation Watch – Butter Prices Hit All-Time Record High o o o Record 94,610,000 Americans Not in Labor Force; Participation Rate Lowest in 38 Years Items from The Economics Team: How Bad Can It Get? …and How Fast? (Zero Hedge) World’s Largest Shipowners Looking to Get Out of Greece (Zero Hedge) Government can’t tax an economy into prosperity! Chinese Execs Feel the Chill (Reuters) Is China growing at 7%? Really???


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Rob L. recommended this book: 52 Prepper Projects: A Project a Week to Help You Prepare for the Unpredictable o o o Jason in Montana suggested this alternative to a crockpot slow cooker, especially for people who live with an alternative power system: The Wonderbag o o o Paul Caron: Supreme Court Justices Get More Liberal As They Get Older o o o “The White House confirmed that President Obama was preparing a series of executive actions on gun control…” It seems to me that there are several possibilities: One might be an import ban on detachable magazine semi-auto …



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 …