Odds ‘n Sods:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog benefit auction is now at $300. This auction is for a scarce pre-1899 Mauser that was arsenal converted to 7.62mm NATO. It has a retail value of $375. The auction ends on May 15th. Just e-mail me your bid. Thanks!   o o o RBS pointed us to this commentary by Dr. Irwin Kellner: End of housing bubble should have been obvious to everyone   o o o $40 Million Worth of MREs Spoiled as FEMA Ran Out of Space    o o o “Hiker” noted this warning issued by John Rubino, about the …



Note from JWR:

We have started a new SurvivalBlog benefit auction. This one is for a scarce pre-1899 Mauser that was arsenal converted to 7.62mm NATO! It has a retail value of $375. The auction ends on May 15th. The opening bid is $50 Just e-mail me your bid. Thanks!


Three Letters Re: Post-TEOTWAWKI Refrigeration Alternatives

Hi Jim, On the subject of refrigerators: I have used a basic model 12 volt DC Adler Barbour Cold Machine marine fridge for 15 years. This is already a 12 volt [DC] machine, so it does away with the need for an [AC] inverter; it is run straight from solar panels via a deep cycle battery bank. When I was building my boat (a.k.a. The Escape Pod) I contracted out the two part polyurethane spray foam insulation job for its steel hull. On that day, I already had my fridge box prepared, and the foam guys sprayed the exterior of …


Letter Re: Is There Any Utility in Bump Firing a Semi-Auto Rifle, for Retreat Defense?

Mr. Rawles: I’ve seen your comments on the pros and cons of registered [Class 3] full autos [in the United States]. But can’t a similar effect be accomplished with a “Tac Trigger” or “Hellfire” [or similar device] for someone like me, who plans to have a marginally-manned retreat? They are banned in California, but here in Arizona, they are legal to own and use. Merci, – G.H. JWR Replies: I don’t consider trigger reset devices particularly effective, because of the way that a shooter has to loosely hold a rifle to get it to bump fire sequentially.This is not conducive …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader H.H. sent us a link to this article with a different view of peak oil at the IBD: Running On Empty? Not Yet   o o o One of the folks over at The Claire Files mentioned the My Fallout Shelter web site. It has some very useful maps on fallout pattern prediction (very scary for easterners!), as well as some free downloadable document on fallout shelter construction.    o o o Not the slightest bit survival or preparedness related, but you gotta love this piece of jet jockey lore, by way of our friend Kit‘s entertaining blog: “ASPEN …




Poll Results: An Exercise in Humility–a Poll on Embarrassing Mistakes

The following are the responses that we’ve received thusfar in our current poll on Lessons Learned: Jim: I didn’t the follow instructions on the bottle and I only took antibiotics until fever broke, then stopped. Fever came back and had to switch antibiotics. I didn’t floss my teeth for years thinking brushing my teeth was enough. Ignored continual bleeding from gums and didn’t visit a dentist for 15 years. When I went I found out that I had advanced gum disease and jaw bone loss far beyond my years. Surgery was required. I’ve been flossing every day now. If I …


Letter Re: Advice on Where to Learn Practical, Tactical Skills

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Dear Jim: As my confidence in the dollar depreciates and my desire for skills increases, I’m wanting to convert FRNs into hands-on knowledge. What weeknight or weekend workshops would you recommend? Are there any places where you can learn Army Ranger skills without joining the military? Animal husbandry, and so on? – Spencer JWR Replies: There is a tremendous wealth of free or low-cost classes available–enough to keep you busy every weekend of the year if you are willing to drive a distance. If you have time and just a bit of money, you can get some very well-rounded training …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Michael Z. Williamson flagged this one: Sean Rakhimov’s recent commentary on silver. The demand side of the silver price equation is inexorable. I still strongly believe that spot silver will rise tremendously in the next few years.   o o o Thanks to all of the recent Ten Cent Challenge subscribers. I’m glad to see that so many of you find SurvivalBlog informative, useful, and worthy of support. My sincere thanks!    o o o Larry LaBorde, was quoted at 321Gold.com, on April 13th: “The United States dollar index has dropped below 82 today. We would do well to remember …



Note from JWR:

Today is the last day of bidding in the current SurvivalBlog benefit auction for several items (including an EMP-proof antique radio, four books, and a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course) that are being auctioned together as a lot:. The auction ends on April 15th. The current high bid is at $425. Just e-mail me your bid. Thanks!


Book Excerpt: Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse

SurvivalBlog reader L.C. recently asked me: “What’s your novel “Patriots” like? Is it like the Jerry Ahern [“The Survivalist”] books?” My novel “Patriots” is hard to describe. It is a fast-paced novel, but it is not at all like Jerry Ahern’s novels. I did my best to weave a lot of practical and tactical information into the storyline. To illustrate, here is an excerpt from one of the later chapters in the novel (titled “Radio Ranch”) that shows the style: Edgar Rhodes had just turned 72 when the Crunch hit. He had lost his wife two years earlier, to cancer. …


Letter Re: U.S. Income Tax and the Galt’s Gulch Retreat Option

James, I am not sure if the majority of SurvivalBlog readers are interested in the following, but I am. It was inspired by your quote of the day for April 13, 2007, by Robert Nozick. Here is a summary of an article at the Tax Foundation’s Summary of Latest Federal Individual Income Tax Data, by Gerald Prante. It discusses the Federal portion of the US income tax burden. As one will see in the following, one productive American family works to support the burden of two American families, 100% of the time. Another productive family pays the bill for ten(!) …