Month: April 2006

Note from JWR:

I’m not much of a trickster, so I won’t subject you to any April Fool’s Day prank posts. And the winner is…  The winner of Round 3 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest is K.A.D., for his article titled: “Defending Your Home: An Outline of Security for Troubled Times”  The author will be mailed a four day &qout;gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. Thanks to the contest sponsor, we will be repeating the contest, with the same valuable prize. The deadline for entries for Round 4 is May 31, 2006. For this latest round of the contest, special judging consideration …


Letter Re: Varmints in the Garden

Mr. Rawles: I recently attended a forestry conference where Doug Freedman of Harrisburg, Oregon was speaking. He is the owner of RCO Inc., a company that deals with varmint problems on an industrial scale. Here are some of the notes that were taken at his presentation: You start doing some of the math on the breeding numbers these guys could produce and it is flat scary. (Please note that if errors exist, it is due to my rapid note taking rather than a lapse by Mr. Freedman, who is an expert in his field. ) Pocket Gophers: Tunnels: are 80-800 …


Letter Re: Finding a Stable Country for an Offshore Retreat

Jim, You listed some criteria for countries suitable as offshore retreats. Unfortunately, I’m not sure there are any countries that meet all of them, in Central America–or North America for that matter! Having spent a lot of time looking into things, I’d like to share a few observations: -Nicaragua is widely reported as having a low crime rate, plus they now offer the same immigration incentives that used to be available in Costa Rica. It is also noteworthy that most of the Nicaraguan crime is cross-border, into Costa Rica. -Belize has a fair bit of crime, some political instability, and …


Letter Re: Source for IM-179 Radiacmeter Batteries?

JWR, Where can I get replacement batteries for my IM-179 radiacmeter? It takes Mallory BA1312U or Mallory BA1318U batteries.  Thanks, – D.A.B. JWR Replies:  Sorry, but I had no sources listed in my research files, and I struck out with web research. “Phone a friend” failed, so now I think it is time to “Poll the audience.” Lets see what they say. Collectively, there is some amazing knowledge out there, and they haven’t failed me yet.


Odds ‘n Sods:

A Blackwater Brigade for Darfour?    o o o U.K.’s Prime Minister Blair Calls for a Technological Revolution to Combat Climate Change    o o o SurvivalBlog readers in the Great Lakes region should consider getting training from Dave Schleicher of Eagle Personal Protection, in Michigan. Dave is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor who shares his knowledge gained at a wide range of schools including Lethal Force Institute(LFI-I and LFI-II certified), Options for Personal Security (Handgun Skills and Tactics, Carbine, Surgical Speed Shooting), Universal Shooting Academy, Gunfighters, Ltd., Suarez International (Low Light Gunfighting, Close Range Gunfighting, Knifefighting) and E.A.G. Tactical (Combat …