Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and B.) Two cases of Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , and …


Getting To Really Know Your Spouse and Yourself: An Unexpected Prepping Setback, by K.S.

Most of us know the value of a good friend in times of trouble and how they can be of help. And most of us either have had a prepping setback, heard of such setbacks, or have thought of what would happen in case of a setback. You can imagine the loss of valuable preps to such things as flooding, storm damage, or even theft. But recently I had a major setback come from a completely unexpected direction. In 1997, through my church, I met a wonderful woman and despite our age differences (she was 21 and I was 34) …


Letter Re: Deep Well Hand Pumps

Mr. Rawles: Thank you so much for enriching our lives with your knowledge.  My question is: I lost electricity this past week for two days.  I had enough water stored for me and my wife for cooking, drinking and flushing toilets stored and for our dogs, too.  But what would I do in a longer duration power outage? I remember my grandfather having an old hand pump on his well that we used to get a drink from on hot summer days when I was a kid.  My question is, where can I get one of these kinds of hand …


Letter Re: Rechargeable Lithium Ion Button Batteries

James, If you like to target shoot to keep your skill level up like me and have red dot scopes then you know how expensive those coin or “button” batteries are. I have been looking for a rechargeable coin battery for a while. Well I found it. There are now CR-2032 LI-ION rechargeable batteries. For $1.75 each (if you buy 10 or more), I think its a deal. The recharger is only $5.75. I hope this will help those who enjoy plinking and are looking to save a few dollars. Service was great and fast shipment. Disclosure: I have no …


Economics and Investing:

John R. sent a link to some great analysis by Rob Kirby: Amaranth Kill Shot: Collateral Damage in a 78 Trillion Dollar Derivatives Book Compliments of J.P. Morgan Chase Also from John, a piece by Claus Vogt: Two Collapse Scenarios Michael P. suggested the latest ShadowStats report: Hyperinflation – 2011 (Updated) Scott M. recommended this segment wherein Neal Cavuto interviews Former Treasury Chief Restructuring Officer Jim Millstein: Debt Ceilings and the Risk of U.S. Default Hedge fund assets top $2 trillion for the first time. (Thanks to Mark W. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Oil Settles Above $111 …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader G.E.C. wrote to note: “I have been surprised to see little mention of Smithfield Hams.  In the South these are called, generically, “country hams”, and are considered a special delicacy.  They are salt-cured, bagged in cotton, and hung without refrigeration.  The original “Smithfield Ham” was tested and preserved well for twenty years.  I’ll be adding several to my supplies.”    o o o Safecastle has introduced a new Solar Laptop Bag, using components that they’ve assembled from reliable makers like Maxpedition. (Their Gleneagle Messenger Bag.)    o o o Keeley flagged this: Second Amendment Rights Once Again at Risk …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If [it had not been] the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed [be] the LORD, who hath not given us [as] a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the …


Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and B.) Two cases of Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , and …


Living in a Small Town – An Australian Perspective, by Margaret G.

For those of you who are contemplating leaving the city and moving to a small country town, there are quite a few differences that you and your lifestyle should take into account if your new life is to be a happy one. Small towns don’t change too much no matter what country you live in. I live in Australia. I’m retired after working with a variety of state and local government departments over the years. I’ve chosen to live in an old stone church on about an acre of land in a small town of about two hundred people in …


Pat’s Product Reviews: Benchmade Marc Lee “Glory” Knife

Pat’s Product Reviews: Benchmade Marc Lee “Glory” Knife Make no mistake, I like big knives. I don’t care if they are folders or fixed blade knives, I like mine big. I’ve found over the years, that a big knife can do more than a little knife can, in most situations. Don’t get me wrong, small knives have their place, too. However, I’ve just found that a big knife can do just about all I ask of it on a daily basis.   The new Benchmade Knives, Marc Lee “Glory” Knife, was made to commemorate US Navy SEAL, Marc Lee, who …


Two Letters Re: Small Campstove Cooking

Sir, I read R.E.’s article on Small Campstove Cooking with interest. Thank you. I’ve tried a few as well varieties of stoves as well and to date my favorite is the Littlbug. It’s sturdy, stainless steel, comes in two sizes, folds up, it has some adjustments, and can burn solid fuels or twigs very efficiently. Twigs removing the need to carry fuel. Blessings, – Steve B. Jim,   Just a quick note about a comment R.E. made in his article: “Whether a stove unsafe for a small tent would be safe in a home is uncertain. Just remember that carbon monoxide (CO) is lighter …


Letter Re: Increasing Home Propane Tank Capacity

James: I thought I would pass this along-Last night I received a call from my propane provider. They call every year about this time asking if you want to fill your tank. The person was saying that prices were low this time of year .I have a 250 gallon tank and only use around a 100 gallons a year. I said yes and inquired about getting a 500 gallon tank. They said there  was only a $79 tank change fee. I know that each tank only holds 80 percent of tanks stated capacity, so a 250 gallon tank holds around …


Economics and Investing:

At The Daily Bell: Dollar Replacement Beat Goes On … and On Downgrading of U.S. Credit Rating Just Tip of the Iceberg John R. suggested this: Debts Just Don’t Disappear Also from John, some commentary by Gordon T. Long: Bernanke’s QEx Box Meredith sent this: It’s Official: China Will Be Dumping US Dollars Items from The Economatrix: Unemployment Falls in Two-Thirds of US States New Home Construction Increases 7.2% in March Fears of Greek Debt Default Hit Markets Investors Drove Home Sales Up 3.7% in March. (Yes, but for a reality check, look at this price chart.)


Inflation Watch:

J.D.D. flagged this: That’s pricey: 13 items that cost more, or will Latest global food price figures. India food inflation eases slightly. (Now down to 9.18% , annually.) 11 Prices That Will Rise Along With Your Gas. Which Would you Steal, Cash or Groceries? (Thanks to Scott M. for the link.)