Letter Re: David in Israel on Secure Personal Computers

James,

Here’s a follow-up to David from Israel’s article on Linux. I encourage your readers to heed David’s advice and wean themselves off the MicroSoft Windows operating system ASAP.

Linux Mint Debian is a good OS option. See the Linux Mint Debian tutorial. Here is a description: “This tutorial shows how you can set up a Linux Mint Debian 201009 desktop that is a full-fledged replacement for a Windows desktop, i.e. that has all the software that people need to do the things they do on their Windows desktops”

According to this article, the the Chinese military have already removed Windows from their computers for security reasons:

Another potential replacement for Windows is PC-BSD.

These Windows replacements are free as in freedom and free as in zero cost.

Enjoy! – Rick H.

Letter Re: The Value and Practice of Journaling

Mr. Rawles,
M.E.R. makes good points for the practice of journaling. I, too, encourage the activity. I would add a related activity – logging. No, not cutting trees, but recording activities, events, and details. I do my journaling within my log. I am not big on “my feelings”. I am more about doing what is needed and savoring the feelings later. Better? No. Different perhaps. I have found logging to be extremely valuable. My log has been computerized for decades, but lends itself to the same manual media as presented by M.E.R.

I have recorded diverse events for years. I have records of when things have been serviced or repaired and the cost. I have found this useful for repair/replace decisions. It is helpful to plan for anticipated cost of servicing a piece of equipment. I know the price will be higher but I know by order of magnitude an estimate for the need. I have recorded my planting and harvest for decades. It allows me further planning in what our production will be and what changes may be needed. I have recorded weather events for many years. I have discovered a link between weather patterns and food production in our area. Again, planning is assisted. I have a record of service on equipment. I can quickly find part numbers, contact information for the vendor, etc. This all saves me time, and gets me to a solution much faster.

In the very same log are a wide variety of topics, including ones related to feelings, reactions, and responses. It helps to recall family gatherings and who attended and what was going on at the time. I have included anecdotal memories of significant events, like sitting on my sea bag, awaiting deployment during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It contributes to continuity in the family. We have a record of trips and details to augment the pictures taken. It has been helpful to have a source that is less changeable than my memory.

I am sure there are concerns about whether the computer will be around after everything falls apart. Possibly not. But, doing on paper provides the same benefits as if it were a computerized process. First, it centralizes the recorded information, which is no trivial thing. Second, marginal notes or symbols allow finding particular kinds of entries quickly. (For example: if you recall an event in the early part of a particular year, you can go to that time frame and look for the particular type of entry you are trying to recall.) Third, it is far more reliable than memory. And, it is a self reminder that you have lived and done something in your life. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t important to anyone else. It is important to you. – Jim D.

JWR Replies: I wholeheartedly concur that it is important to journal–or at least record in a calendar–events such as the first frost of each year, late frosts, livestock breeding dates, planting dates, oil changes, bearing re-packings, brake pad replacements, battery servicings, chimney cleanings, and personal loans of cash, books, DVDs, or tools. (The latter is important for maintaining good relations with neighbors, relatives, and fellow church goers!) To some, this sort of minutiae might seem trivial. But if and when we revert to YOYO time, these details may become crucial. And even in the present day, they are helpful in maintaining equipment properly, and keeping track of tax records.

Letter Re: Advice on Backpacking Solar Panels

CPT Rawles:
I realize that you aren’t an advocate of fully-mobile retreating. Yes, I can see the wisdom of having a well-stocked fixed retreat. But since I’m still in college (due to graduate in 2011), my situation is different. Until a get a job, I can’t afford a retreat, and I’m not in any sort of a group. So I’m approaching the whole preparedness thing coming from the viewpoint of “just what I can fit in my car”, with the back-up plan of “just what I can carry on my pack”, or perhaps pushing/pulling a small deer cart, like you’ve mentioned.

My question is: What sort of solar panels can I buy that will charge a goodly-sized base camp battery, for [charging] trays for all my AA, C, D, CR-123, and 9-volt batteries. (These are for my radios, flashlights, and the combination laser/light for my SIG P250 pistol.) I’m a kinda power hog, so I need at least 20 Watts of charging power. I need something that is lightweight, sturdy, compact non-breakable, weatherproof, and affordable. (Like, under $350.) Am I dreaming? Oh, FYI, I’m good with a soldering iron. (I’m a E.E. major.)

Thx, – H.L.G. in Texas

JWR Replies: The panel that I recommend is the Brunton 26 watt foldable solar array. These use amorphous solar cells, so the panels are flexible. These are much less prone to breakage than glazed monocrystalline panels. Add a small charge controller, a 3-to-5-pound gel cell, some Anderson Power Pole modular DC connectors and a couple of battery charging trays, and you will be all set.

Letter Re: From Beginner to Fully Stocked Prepper

Jim:
This was a great article, but I have one technical question that I’m sure others do as well: the author advises using pool shock to create bleach, and then to use that bleach to disinfect water. But what amount of pool shock creates a standard gallon of bleach?

Thanks, Dan.

JWR Replies: This letter in the SurvivalBlog archives describes how one 50 pound bucket of hydrated Sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione “Pool Shock” can be used to treat up to four million gallons of pre-filtered water.

Economics and Investing:

Greenspan Accuses U.S. of Dollar Weakening (Thanks to F.J.D. for the link.)

Sue C. spotted this: Currency Disputes Hang Over G-20 Summit

Amherst’s Goodman: One in five distressed homeowners at risk of losing home. (A hat tip to B.B. for the link.)

John R. sent this: The Scariest Crash Is The Muni Bond Crash

Items from The Economatrix:

Doug Casey On Gold’s New High, The Fed, And The Greater Depression  

Economic Irony:  Creating Bubbles To Maintain Stability  

Odds ‘n Sods:

Jason M. forwarded this collection of photos shows what a combination of resourcefulness, desperation, and stupidity can do: Are you getting the maximum use out of your vehicle? BTW, this sort of vehicular improvisation is not solely a Third World practice.

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Rick H. mentioned: In an exclusive interview with CNN, Dr. August Hanning, a former head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service, said intelligence indicated that al Qaeda had already started planning to launch Mumbai-style attacks in the United States. Any bets on whether American gun grabbers like Chuck Schumer will start shouting for “more gun control” if and when this happens?

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SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson sent this: Heavy lubrication shown to improve M16, M4 effectiveness.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“We hold from God the gift which includes all others. This gift is life — physical, intellectual, and moral life. But life cannot maintain itself alone. The Creator of life has entrusted us with the responsibility of preserving, developing, and perfecting it. In order that we may accomplish this, He has provided us with a collection of marvelous faculties. And He has put us in the midst of a variety of natural resources. By the application of our faculties to these natural resources we can convert them into products, and use them. This process is necessary in order that life may run its appointed course. “Life, faculties, production — in other words, individuality, liberty, property — this is man. And in spite of the cunning and artful political leaders, these three gifts from God precede all human legislation, and are superior to it. ‘Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place.” – Frederic Bastiat, The Law, 1850. p 1, 2

Notes from JWR:

Today’s lengthy and scholarly main post might offend some readers who are not Christians, but so be it. This is another entry for Round 31 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. I disagree with the author, as I feel that his conclusions are too restrictive on what situations constitute Biblically-justifiable use of lethal force in self defense, but he is entitled to his opinion.

The prizes for this round of the writing contest will 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 Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, B.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and C.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 31 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Letter Re: Priority and Redundancy in Retreat Electric Power

In an attempt both to think through the issue and to stimulate other to do likewise, I present my personal analysis of our family’s current and future electric power usage. First some background: We live in a 2,400 square foot two-story home the suburbs of a southeastern city. Currently there are 3 of us, with one child away at school. Our summer temps are as high as 95F and winters can drop to the 20s. Currently is is between 50 and 80, which is great – windows often left open.  

We have grid power, for which we pay $150-300/month. Additionally, I have recently installed 720 Watts of solar photovoltaic on a south-facing roof which gets 6-8 hours/day of direct sunlight. This is tied through a charge controller to a bank of eight L-16 6 volt lead-acid batteries set up in a 24V configuration (4 in series, paralleled with 4 more in series). This system drives a Xantrex inverter and serves mostly as an emergency standby for absolute essentials. The batteries can also be recharged from the grid or from a generator. The generator (5 kilowatt diesel), when running, operates more systems, as well as charging the batteries in the solar system (if needed).  

So, we currently have three layers of electrical power:  

1) Solar running a few lights, television, radio, and the central heat blower motor (we have gas heat) and, most important, the controller for the on-demand gas hot water heater,

2) Generator (perhaps an hour a day) running more lights, computers, router/modem, one window heat/AC unit, refrigerator, freezer and microwave, and

3) Grid – running everything else (washer, dryer, range, central AC compressors).  

A separate system (three 12 Volt deep-cycle car batteries with float charger) powers the CB/ham communication gear.   

Although not nearly approaching off-grid, this arrangement lets us have essentials during a grid failure, with additional luxuries during brief generator runs. During the day, when we require little power, the solar system can run the house with energy to spare, leaving the batteries fully charged for evening use.  

We are overly dependant on piped natural gas; and, although we have reserves of propane for cooking, we would need to provide for heat and warm water in other ways if gas pumping stations were off-line.  Also of interest, our potable water drums are arranged to backfeed into the house’s plumbing after the water main is turned off.  We use a 24 volt DC water pump designed for boating (fed by the battery bank) with a built-in pressure sensor that actuates the pump when water pressure falls (from opening a spigot).  

I would welcome any readers’ comments on better optimizing our power use and prioritizing our demands during emergencies.   In closing, please get you final preparations ready soon – things are deteriorating faster than you think!   – J.B. in Tennessee

Letter Re: The Value and Practice of Journaling

Dear Editor:
That was an excellent article of journaling, but I would like to emphasize the importance of using a notebook made with quality paper. After my father passed away last year at the age of 95, we found his journal that he kept during World War II. He wrote down his thoughts as the plans for the invasion of Japan drew near, as they entered Tokyo Harbor for the surrender, his visits to his Japanese counterparts and their families, the worry about whether they would be attacked as they went ashore, and countless other glimpses into that time. Much of the rest of it concerned his duties as an officer, including details for the ship’s crew voting in an election and who was on what watch.

As we opened the notebook and turned the pages, his journal went from a nicely bound notebook to a collection of loose pages as each page cracked at the binding. It was so brittle with age that we can only scan it in order for others to read it. Had he used (or been able to afford) a journal made with quality acid-free paper, this family treasure would have been enjoyed first hand by future generations. I consider my small stack of acid-free journal notebooks to be an important part of my long-term preparedness. I use a fountain pen with archival-quality ink (made by Noodler’s Ink) to make sure that whatever I may scribble in my journal, it will survive the effects of time for future generations to perhaps learn something from. – Stephen in Florida

JWR Replies. That is sound advice. My only reservation is that fountain pens can develop mechanical problems and leaks. I recommend simply getting a small supply of Micron pens charged with archival ink.

Economics and Investing:

SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate sent this: Markets Alert for Credit Crunch 2.0

German Finance Minister Warns: The US Has Lived on Borrowed Money for Too Long

Chocolate Poised to Become a Scarce, Luxury Commodity

B.B. sent this: World To Fed: Stop Printing All That Money (A hat tip to Kimberly for the link.)

A recent piece over at The Daily Bell: Nouriel Roubini vs. the Mises Institute?

John Embry: Die Was Cast Before Elections. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.)

Bernanke’s Cowardice Has Sealed Our Fate

Items from The Economatrix:

Is The Fed’s Debt-Buying Unconstitutional?

World Economy Faces “Difficult And Dangerous Times”

Holiday Shopping Battle Starts To Get Pitched  

Gold Climbs As Jitters Over Euro Zone Intensify 

Odds ‘n Sods:

Nick in Indy mentioned Pastor Ken Blanchard’s recent podcast #186 “Christianity and Guns.”

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The Prepper Podcast show has some archived discussions of interest to SurvivalBlog readers.

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Kevin S. sent a link to a handy Reference Index for Biblical and Hebrew Terms.

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Five minutes of culture in the City of Brotherly Love: The Opera Company of Philadelphia breaks into “Hallelujah!” at a department store. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." – 2 Chronicles 20:12 (ESV)

Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 31 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will 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 Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, B.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and C.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 31 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.