Notes for Sunday – March 27, 2016

March 27th is the birthday of the late Robert W. Ford(born 1923, died 20 September 2013). He was an amazing man who had a remarkable life. His book, Wind Between The Worlds (an account of experiences in Tibet, captivity by the communist Chinese, and his fight against brainwashing), is highly recommended. It is available for free download. Also, in 1794, in response to attacks and kidnapping by the Barbary pirates, the United States Congress passed the Naval Act to establish a naval force consisting of the USS Constitution and five other frigates, which eventually became the United States Navy. (Wikipedia) …




Garden Planning Tips- Part 1, by Sarah Latimer

Well, spring has sprung, the bulbs are coming up, and plants are showing signs of life around us. My daffodils are coming up, the hyacinth are blooming, and lilacs budding. I am yearning for fresh fruits and vegetables from our garden, though we have plenty left from last year’s crop. The surplus is mostly stored in freeze-dried and dehydrated form in either vacuum-sealed jars or mylar bags, but we still have a good amount in the freezer waiting to be eaten or freeze-dried. There are also still some vegetables, like carrots and onions, stored in cool, sandy soil through the …




Letter Re: Advice on Learning Morse Code

Hugh, Learning the Morse code is not particularly difficult, but there are several common pitfalls that typically interfere with the learning process. The best advice I have for learning the Morse code is to get together with someone who is proficient with the code and work one on one with that person. This way, you can avoid developing bad habits that you will have to unlearn later. If such a person is not available, then learning the code becomes a bit more difficult. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the Morse code is an aural language. …




Economics and Investing:

Stuck in the Monetary Mud. All the Fed can do is hope, says Peter Schiff. Sent in by H.L. o o o Fiscal and Monetary Madness. Excerpt: “A world of fiat currencies “managed” by central banks descends into the trap of exponentially increasing debt that leads, slowly or rapidly, toward monetary madness and … Train wreck ahead!” o o o How Oil Can Be Used To Defeat ISIS o o o Youtube: The Central Bankers And Corporations Are Running The Country: John Titus. – Sent in by RBS o o o If your country’s broke, don’t hold all of your …




Odds ‘n Sods:

With the onslaught against your constitutional rights and the example of the Malhuer arrests, now might be a good time to seriously consider the “what if”. 10 Things to Know When Facing Criminal Charges o o o Bill introduced to go after anonymous “burner phones”. Reader S.P. does contract work with a large mobile carrier and says these prepaid phones are the device of choice for drug dealers, hookers, pimps, and more. It is BIG money for the mobile industry, too. Get some popcorn and watch the lobbying begin. The chains of tyranny grow stronger and more numerous with every …







Notes for Saturday – March 26, 2016

Today, we present another entry for Round 63 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. …




How Two People Can Build A Fully Functional Bug Out Cabin For About $10,000 In Just Two Days, by S.T.

There are many builders of sheds that are available all over the U.S. I picked this builder as an example because their products are available in my area and I have seen their products in person. This builder also offers free delivery and setup in my area. Make sure that the exterior paint color and roof color you choose will blend in with the area where your cabin will be placed and will not stick out saying “I am here, so please come and get me”. First, pick your size of ***LINK to http://www.backyardoutfittersinc.com/products/treated-buildings/lofted-barn-cabin-playhouse/***shed. Some options are: 12′ X 28′ …




Letter Re: Sharp Shooter 22LR Reloader

Dear Sir: While looking through a magazine the other day, I came across an advertisement for the Sharp Shooter 22LR Reloader tool. According to the ad, this kit includes everything you need to reload spent 22 shells. Due to the unavailability of 22lr in my neck of the woods, I thought this might be a good option. (I have large amounts of empty shells that I have been saving for another project.) My question is: Have you, or any of the SurvivalBlog readers, had any experience with this tool and kit? Is it an easy process? How reliable are the …




Economics and Investing:

Reader DSV suggested this: Bagfuls of Pocket Change… Handfuls of Heritage – Shanghai Metals Market. o o o Japan Goes Full Krugman: Plans Un-Depositable, Non-Cash “Gift-Certificate” Money Drop To Young People – G.G. o o o Items from Professor Preponomics: Professor Preponomics’ Reading Recommendation Going for Broke: Deficits, Debt and the Entitlement Crisis by Michael D. Tanner US News Commentary: The GOP and Social Security (Cato) Excerpt: “…Social Security’s unfunded liabilities approach $26 trillion. That’s not because of waste or administrative glitches; it’s because of shifting demographics.” Southern Tennessee Medical Center, LLC to Pay $2.48 Million to Settle False Claims …




Odds ‘n Sods:

This is an older YouTube posting, but it is fascinating. Bullet impacts on steel, glass, corners, and both full penetration and non-penetration are included. It is particularly interesting to see solid metal flow like liquid under the extreme pressures produced by the impacts. 1 million fps Slow Motion video of bullet impacts made by Werner Mehl from Kurzzeit o o o If you are a Verizon customer, you may need to pay attention to this one – Breaking News: Massive Verizon data breach – customer info stolen! – DSV o o o Islam is not the problem #BrusselsAttacks – I …




Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“…but this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.” – Jeremiah 7:23-24 (KJV)




Notes for Friday – March 25, 2016

March 25th National Medal of Honor day is officially observed on March 25th of each year.On March 25 1944 RAF Flight Sergeant Nicholas Alkemade survived a jump from a Lancaster bomber from 18,000 feet over Germany without a parachute. His fall was broken by pine trees and soft snow, and he suffered only a sprained leg. This is the birthday of English film director David Lean, (of Doctor Zhivago fame), born in Croydon, England in 1908. o o o You Better Pray You Never Meet America”: NRA’s New Charlie Daniels – Sent in by J.H. o o o Today, we …




My Favorite Materials for Clothing, by B.A.

Not being a survivalist, nor being flush with cash, I am constantly amazed at the number of times people are told to buy the newest and greatest items for their family’s welfare. Sure, if the money was available for the average person to buy the newest “gee whiz” items all of the time, we would never have to worry about TEOTWAWKI, because by the time we have finally gotten through all the fancy gear once, we would be dead of old age. In response to an outdoor sports catalog that I brought over, my mother said to me, “American’s will …