More on “Harder Homes and Gardens”

To start, I’d recommend the “5-” series Army Engineer Corps manuals. You will find some great ideas there. There was also an anonymously penned small paperback book titled  “Defending Your Retreat” (1978) published by Delta Press. I assume that it is still in print. It includes good descriptions on placement of defensive wire, (both concertina and tanglefoot) and one of the best discussions on the use of flares (trip flares and parachute flares) that I’ve seen in print anywhere. The second half of the book is a reprint from an Engineer Corps field manual. IMO, for a retreat house nothing …




Zimbabwe’s Slow Slide Continues

Mismanaged for many years by a horrendously corrupt and inept communist government, Zimbabwe’s economy is sliding into deeper Schumer. SurvivalBlog reader Lyn recommended this article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/printpage/0,5942,17457835,00.html The Australian newspaper reports that the mass inflation continues: “A US dollar now costs $Z61,000 at official rates and $Z85,000 on the black market.” The economy continues to decline, along with farm production. Now starvation is a real threat in a country that once fed much of sub-Saharan Africa. To make matters worse, the infrastructure is crumbling–including sewage treatment plants. The Australian reports that there is the risk of disease–with cholera and amoebic dysentery …




Meanwhile, in Liberia…

For some tragicomic relief, SurvivalBlog reader M.Z. recommended this pictorial article: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=414704&page=1 showing the civil war in Liberia. I surmise that a few squads of soldiers that was trained to aim and use fire discipline could clear the city of this riffraff in short order.




Letter Re: On Brass Recycling

The note from "Christian Souljer" in the Pacific Northwest today (Monday) points out the elevated price available when recycling brass. I was talking to Nikki at River Valley Ordnance (http://www.rvow.com) the other day. [She told me that] brass is high now because China is paying top dollar for brass, including the once-fired brass that RVOW would normally buy from the government to remanufacture for us non- government types. Not so long ago, RVOW was able to buy .223 [U.S. military 5.56mm NATO M16 brass] in 5,000 pound lots; Nikki says it looks like the minimums are going up, possibly to …




Letter Re: Motorcycle Vulnerability to EMP?

Dear Mr. Rawles, Do you have any information on the vulnerability of modern motorcycles to an EMP? I do not currently own one, though thinking seriously about buying one (a model with off road capabilities has a lot of potential as a back-up escape vehicle) . The information I’ve read on the web (about EMP and vehicles) is all focused on automobiles. Sincerely, – James K., Peoples Republic of Kalifornia JWR Replies: Sorry, but that is outside of my base of knowledge. Perhaps one of our readers will chime in with some details.




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

Lest we forget: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan…As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense…With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounded determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God." – President Franklin D. Roosevelt – December 8,1941