Two Letters Re: Advice on Two-Way Radio Communications

Good Morning Jim, First, I definitely concur on a BFO award for the horizontally polarized CB antenna idea. I am a relatively new ham. I got my license two years ago, and can highly recommend that as you say, that everyone [in the US reading this] get their license, because it IS so easy now. One thing that I think needs to be pointed out is that with the removal of the code requirements for any license, a General Class license is really no harder to get than a Technician license. The best way to get your ham license it …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Matt S. recommended this editorial: The United Ponzi States of America    o o o It’s time to pray for global warming, says Flint Journal columnist John Tomlinson. (Thanks to Rich C. for the link.)    o o o The “all things vehicular” web store JCWhitney.com (one of our Affiliate Advertisers) has a special underway for free shipping on orders of $49 or more. This could be a huge savings on heavy items. Use Promo Code SAWBBX8 at check out. This offer is valid only through February 7, 2009.    o o o Stephen S. suggested this editorial: If the …



Notes from JWR:

The current high bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction is at $385. This auction is for a large mixed lot, which includes:: 1.) A “be ready to barter” box of 36 full-capacity gun magazines, from my personal collection in JASBORR. This box includes: 12 – Used original Bundeswehr contract HK91 (G3) steel 20 round magazines, 6 – Used original Austrian FN-FAL steel 20 round magazines, with cartridge counter holes, 10 – Used AR-15/M16 USGI (all Colt made!) alloy 20 round magazines, 6 – Excellent condition original Glock Model 19 9mm 15 round pistol magazines (early type, with “U” notch), and …


How to Build an Inexpensive Forced Air Wood Burning Heater, by Marc S.

How to Build an Inexpensive Outdoor Forced Air Wood Burning Heater If wood is available but you are unable to safely utilize it as a heat source due to the fact that your permanent or temporary shelter happens to be a recreational vehicle (RV), mobile home or travel trailer, then this idea may be helpful. On the other hand, it may also have appeal to those who live in a home where a wood burning heater could be safely used but for those who do not want the mess associated with constantly transporting wood and ash. Those with large homes …


Letter Re: The Gray Man in the Coming Storm

If the next few years go the way some are expecting, and the country moves in the direction of an authoritarian socialist state, the gray man will do some things his friends may not expect nor initially agree with: The gray man will put a pro-government bumper sticker on his vehicle, in contrast with the beliefs in his heart. The gray man will smile when the police come to his door to collect his firearms. He’ll happily hand over his registered weapons at the door and thank the officers for their work, while his cache of unregistered weapons is safely …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Dr. K. flagged this for us: Experts, lawmakers concerned that US may be too reliant on drugs from abroad.    o o o The folks at Ready Made Resources have added what could best be called “Son of Blast Match” to their product line. This would be a good item to keep in each Bug Out Bag, and they are even small enough to keep on a key chain.    o o o Ben L. spotted this: Report: Al Qaeda Group Bungled Test of Unconventional Weapon. In British Football, this is called an “Own Goal” error.    o o o …



How to Approach Shooting, by M.J.M.

I am a basic Marine who has been blessed with learning marksmanship from some of the best practitioners in the business of shooting. No, I am not a sniper or a silent but deadly snake eater from a recon unit who is speaking from high atop a lofty pillar to the masses. Simply, I am a regular guy (with very little prior experience) who is well trained in the art of marksmanship who feels comfortable with a gun in his hand. Furthermore, I simply enjoy shooting and am fortunate enough to be able to do it as part of my …


Letter Re: Military Surplus Watertight Containers for G.O.O.D. Vehicle Boxes

Dear Jim: I’m a 10 Cent Challenge subscriber with an idea that may help folks with their storage items. I was out the the shed looking for my box ‘o bullets to catch up on some reloading and came across an empty 81mm rocket box. Sprayed it off with the hose and let it dry and started thinking that it looks like the same height of a #10 can, I tried it and it was. So since I dislike storing survival items in cardboard, not sturdy enough or water proof, started loading it up and lo and behold the Mountain …


Letter Re: Recommendation for the Movie “Defiance”

Hello Mr Rawles, Just a quick comment on the new movie that’s out called “Defiance”. It is rated R since it has killing and some cursing but is based on a true story about three Jewish brothers [named Bielski] who lived in Byelorussia at the start of WWII when the Germans [and their Quisling allies] began to round up and murder entire villages and communities of Jews. They decided to live in the woods that they knew so well and escape and resist the Germans…They met others who had escaped to the woods to hide and began to pool their …


Odds ‘n Sods:

The Wall Street Journal reports on Argentina’s coinage shortage: Argentina Is Short of Cash – Literally    o o o Down Range TV Names Obama “Gun Salesman of the Year”    o o o G.G. flagged this ominous news: America Passes A Milestone! We now have more people employed in government than manufacturing.    o o o On the economic front, Jasper sent this: Tony Blankley: Economic crapshoot ahead. Jasper’s comment: “Note that this article tries to get across how little we really know about how to break the spiral we’re in. When the mainstream media is laying the groundwork …



Note from JWR:

The current high bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction is at $350. This auction is for a large mixed lot, which includes:: 1.) A “be ready to barter” box of full-capacity gun magazines, from my personal collection in JASBORR. This box includes: 12 – Used original Bundeswehr contract HK91 (G3) steel 20 round magazines, 6 – Used original Austrian FN-FAL steel 20 round magazines, with cartridge counter holes, 10 – Used AR-15/M16 USGI (all Colt made!) alloy 20 round magazines, 6 – Excellent condition original Glock Model 19 9mm 15 round pistol magazines (early type, with “U” notch), and 2 …


Lessons from Peru on Third World Living, by Tantalum Tom

I hope this can be useful to people who want a perspective into the Third World way of life. I recently had the chance to interview two people from Peru. One is a man who grew up in the Andes with no electricity, dirt floors, etc. who worked his way to becoming a geography and history teacher. The other is a former Peruvian Special Forces soldier of 15 years. My mother in law’s input is also dispersed throughout this article. Although I have little respect for modern reporters, I found out how difficult it can be to interview someone. When …