Backup Electric Power Design Considerations, by Duliskov – Part 1

This article covers a complex area, and to keep myself focused I will break it into three sections. In the following I would like to share what I learned while researching and building an emergency power station. The content below assumes that the reader understands the basics of electricity (AC and DC), batteries, and solar power. I have no affiliation with any of the sellers of products I provided links to; the links are for your convenience only. I have no engineering degree and reserve the right to be completely wrong. However, I did build everything that I am writing …


Letter: Rust on a Stainless Steel Colt XSE Government Model

Mr. Rawles: I am an avid reader of your books and site. I purchased a stainless Colt XSE government model, per your recommendation and your use of the Gold Cups. After 3 1/2 months, I began having rusting issues under both grip panels. The unit is on the way back to Colt for repair. The pistol has been stored properly and cleaned after each range session. I think the manufacturing process was flawed, as there have been no issues with my blued model. Have you ever encountered this? If so, what precautions do you take to prevent the issue? Do …



Economics and Investing:

Chinese renminbi becomes directly tradable with the euro. – J.W. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: Gold Bulls Retreat as Short Holdings Rise to Highest Ever September Jobs: Some Numbers Bubblevision Didn’t Mention S&P 500 Companies Spend 95% of Profits on Buybacks, Payouts “Ignore At Your Peril”: A Review Of The Great Deformation


Odds ‘n Sods:

Doctors Target Virus as Link to Solve Polio-Like Illness . – P.M. o o o “Nobody Has Any Idea How Disastrous It’s Going To Be” Warns California Water Expert. – H.L. o o o Mom Gets Shotgun for Mother’s Day, Uses It against Intruder. – J.W. o o o Guy Fires Warning Shot, Gets 20 Years. – B.B. o o o An excellent read on how we got where we are. The History and Danger of Administrative Law. – B.B.



Notes for Monday – October 06, 2014

October 6th is the birthday of Thor Heyerdahl (born 1914, died April 18, 2002). Although his east-to-west theory of Pacific Ocean transmigration was later disproved by genetics studies, his many adventures were still remarkable. Today, October 6th, is also the birthday of science fiction author David Brin, who was born in 1950. He wrote The Postman, which was very loosely the foundation of a movie by Kevin Costner.


Staff Article: Rotation, Rotation, Rotation! – Effective Food Storage Strategies, by L.K.O.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it.” As any realtor will tell you, at least those who recite the cliché, the three most important factors in real estate are location, location, location. The three most important factors in effective and economical food storage might just be rotation, rotation, and rotation. Of course, there are other considerations, but rotation is often overlooked, and it can have consequences for both your budget and your body; spoiled food is not only costly economically, but it can make you and your family sick, or it can even be lethal, in some cases. It …


Scot’s Product Review: Blastmatch

Fire is cool stuff, though I may have said that before. Much like a nine-year-old boy, it needs to be carefully controlled, but when it is, it is indispensable. Getting fire when you want it is pretty easy when you have access to store-bought matches that have been kept dry along with nice dry tinder, kindling, and fuel. The problem with fire is how to get it when you lack matches. All the tinder, kindling, and fuel on the planet won’t do you a whit of good, if you don’t have something to make the tinder hot enough to burn. …


Two Letters Re: Starch in ACUs

JWR Wrote: “By the time the U.S. Army reached the ACU-issue period, starching was not allowed. You can be relatively certain that none of the OCP (“Multicam”) uniforms that you buy surplus have never been starched. Best Regards.” As a guardsman of four years, I have seen starched and pressed ACUs at least a handful of times in direct violation of AR670-1. You would think these were being worn by old timers of the BDU era, but it’s a mixed bag. I have seen these on specialists trying to impress as well as Majors. They are not common by any …


Recipe of the Week: Turnip Greens Soup, by OkieRanchWife’s

I confess I would not have eaten this soup about ten years ago, but since I moved south of the Mason-Dixon Line and west of the Mississippi River I really like this soup. This recipe is also very pantry/emergency-cooking friendly. The only fresh and easily-grown food is the onion. Also, to save on the quantity of chicken broth, drain off the liquid from the beans into a measuring cup (usually about 2 cups) and then add the correct amount of chicken broth to get to 6 cups. Ingredients: 1 lb Hot Pork Sausage (or 1 lb thin sliced Polish Kielbasa) …


Economics and Investing:

I’m not usually one for conspiracy theories, but I have to admit, this is certainly one way to cope with an impending economic collapse without declaring war. Do these ten pieces of evidence prove the U.S. government is actively encouraging an Ebola outbreak in America? o o o Those not in the labor force but looking for a job now rose last month: The funny numbers behind the unemployment rate. o o o Labor Participation Rate Drops To 36 Year Low o o o What to Hold When the U.S. Economic Blimp Deflates o o o Gold Manipulators “Should Be …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some insightful commentary by Ol’ Remus: The Ebola Farce. o o o Citizen journalists don’t need “Press Credentials” — but that badge may help o o o If you raise ANY TYPE of animals for food, this should SERIOUSLY get your attention. Make no mistake, complete government control of your animals IS the end game here. Animal cruelty is now a group A – FELONY. – T.P. o o o SurvivalBlog reader K.B. sent us this message: “Just FYI, the crowds at my local Market Basket grocery store in Metro Boston were huge yesterday. The cashier said he sees this …



Notes for Sunday – October 05, 2014

October 5, 1703 is the birthday of Jonathan Edwards. He died March 22, 1758 and was a prolific Calvinist theological writer. Many of his writings were later collected in the multi-volume book The Rational Biblical Theology of Jonathan Edwards, edited by John Gerstner. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 55 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,000+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for …