Month: September 2016

Notes for Friday – September 23, 2016

Today, we present another entry for Round 66 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. …


The Time Is Short, Stock Up!- Part 2, by J.H.

What Do You Need? (continued) Black Rifle Accessories/Parts As mentioned, I am not a gunsmith by any means. Fortunately for most enthusiasts, however, most issues that develop can be resolved without a professional, and broken/worn parts can be easily replaced yourself. With this in mind, I recommend purchasing one entire bolt carrier group for each of your black rifles. These contain every piece that will commonly need replacement over the course of your rifle’s lifetime. The chance that you will need all of them is slim to none. However, in addition to ensuring you have the necessary parts to repair …


More Letters Re: Paper Maps

Hugh, Hunting and sport shops also sell detailed map books for many states. These maps are designed for hunters and show roads, in great detail, that are often not shown on typical road maps. – M.J. o o o Hugh, A recent reader post mentioned cleanroom paper, pointing out that it is very strong and durable. DuPont Tyvek was originally created as paper for cleanroom use because it does not shed fibers like pulp-made paper does. It was later discovered to be quite useful as air barrier house wrap; Dupont’s patent has expired, so a number of competitors are manufacturing …


Economics and Investing:

Pension Funds Face Day of Reckoning as Investment Returns Lag – H.L. o o o Don’t Believe the Fed; the U.S. Consumer Is Far from Strong – P. o o o Hillary Clinton Proposes 65% Top Rate for Estate Tax – W.C. o o o Video: EU Banks May Need Rescue Funds Equaling Twice ECB Capital o o o SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos page for details.


Odds ‘n Sods:

Puerto Rico battles massive blackout after fire at electricity plant. There are conflicting reports on whether the fire was caused by the outage, or the outage caused the fire. – J.J. o o o Yahoo says at least 500 million accounts hacked in 2014 – DSV o o o Reader W.C. sent in this link: Do WhiteLivesMatter In Charlotte? Do you really need to be on the street while this is going on? o o o Watched. A reminder that you must be careful what you say in a police state. – T.Z. o o o Two fun links for …



Notes for Thursday – September 22, 2016

September 23, 1800 is the birthday of William McGuffey, a college president who is best known for writing the McGuffey Readers, the first widely used series of textbooks. It is estimated that at least 122 million copies of McGuffey Readers were sold between 1836 and 1960, placing its sales in a category with the Bible and Webster’s Dictionary. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 66 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 …


The Time Is Short, Stock Up! – Part 1, by J.H.

The world, as most SurvivalBlog readers understand, is a place full of unpleasant truths and harsh realities. It is not, nor has it ever been, nor (until our Lord returns) will it ever be a place where the lion lies down with the lamb. We are charged to pray for our nation and its leaders and to hope for the best, but we are to prepare for the worst. We would all like to believe, as Abraham Lincoln put it, in the angels of our better nature. I would like to believe in this as well, though the stark facts …


Three More Letters Re: Paper Maps

Hugh, I agree. I bought a new 50 state Rand McNally edition this year, and it is much smaller. As far as state maps, I know the welcome center to PA does offer free maps of PA yet, at least when coming from NJ. Maps are harder and harder to find though, and I agree that we should stock up while they’re still offered free or at local stores. When planning trips, I have often contacted the states we were planning to visit and they sent free information. Most times a state map was included. I do not like GPS …


Economics and Investing:

Silver Price Forecast: Higher Silver Prices For Many Years To Come o o o Nigeria Sues Oil Majors Over $12.7 Billion In ‘Stolen Oil’. The Nigerian government is suing Chevron, Eni, Total, Shell, and Petrobras for illegally exporting crude oil worth $12.7 billion in the years between 2011 and 2014. o o o Retirement Crisis Looms As Average U.S. Household Has Saved $2,500 For Retirement – G.G. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: Bill Gross: I’m Hardly Able to speak After Fed Decision o o o SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Charlotte faces aftermath of protests ignited by fatal police shooting; 12 officers injured – W.C. o o o 9 Weird Things About The NYC And NJ Bombs That Will Make You Say Hmmmm… – J.L. o o o Obama: Submit to World Government – B.B. o o o A sad farewell: I’m spiking the guns here on Sipsey Street Irregulars – D.S. o o o How many guns owned by how many Americans? – B.B.



Notes for Wednesday – September 21, 2016

On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor”. It’s too bad the current crop of politicians are not held accountable for their treasonous acts. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 66 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth …


Making Your Home a Castle Hidden in Plain Sight, by B.T.

Many people do not seek professional advice about home security, because there are many do-it-yourself resources available. This, coupled with a handful of common sense, can get you a long way in home fortification. Let’s talk about how to get these upgrades to work together in a synergistic manner that maintains a low profile but increases your security posture. I have 15 years of military experience, 12 years of law enforcement experience, and four years of experience providing personal security for top U.S. government and foreign officials. I have traveled the world, working with foreign governments, militaries, and police forces. …


Three Letters Re: Paper Maps

Hugh / Jim, In reference to the short article on road maps, I offer two things: Folding paper maps are still available at AAA, free to members or to customers through their travel agency. (Ask a friend or family member to pick a few up for you.) Regarding the Gazetteers, these are the best general purpose map books you can get for the state you live or travel in. They are available at every Mart store for around $20. They are exact copies of topographical maps in your (state) area, including remote and back country areas, which in turn will …