Day: July 5, 2006

Note From JWR:

Ordering deadline extension! Thanks to all of you who ordered my preparedness course. Publisher Jake Stafford just wrote me with good news for those who missed the July 4th deadline: “Jim, Our weekend staffer promised a few of your readers that if they mailed payment postmarked by July 5th due to the July 4th postal holiday, they would qualify for the special pre-publication pricing. Now, to be fair to all, we must hold the window open for everyone for the extra day, including web orders at www.readyfortheworst.com. But that window closes at midnight, Pacific time, July 5th.” For those of …


Letter Re: Insulin for Diabetics in Event of TEOTWAWKI

James: I was wondering what your thoughts on perishable things like insulin might be in a worse case scenario…. as it needs to be refrigerated at all times, and even if you were to get a large supply. How long could it last as it deteriorates quicker than pills…and pills might be easier to manufacture after a bad scenario whereas insulin would be very difficult to make. Diabetics would probably have a limited life in a TEOTWAWKI., right? – CWW JWR Replies: Insulin is indeed a problem for those that envision a long term socioeconomic disruption. However, I challenge the …


Letter Re: A New Global Survival Gear Test Web Site

G’day Jim, Just a quick note to make you and SurvivalBlog readers aware that the newly-established Survival Gear Test web site is currently looking for volunteer gear testers from all over the world. The URL is http://survivalgeartest.phpnet.us/. We aim to become the first port of call for survivalists before making equipment purchases. We are non-profit, no BS and receive no money from manufacturers or retailers. We will provide an unbiased, accurate evaluation of equipment that survivalists from all over the world may wish to acquire, without having to wade through advertising spin. Survival Blog readers interested in submitting reviews of …


Letter Re: An Interesting Extra High Power 12 Gauge Single Shot Shotgun

Dear Jim, I found an article about this custom 3-3/4-inch 12 gauge, with energy exceeding that of a .50 BMG. It has extreme power, for very large game or certain anti-armor applications. It’s legally a shotgun, and easier to reload than rifle cartridges. Also, custom projectiles are easier to make. Some of the conversions are on readily available single shot receivers.One advantage is that the converted shotgun will still shoot all standard 12 gauge shells [of shorter lengths.] – Michael Z. Williamson


Odd ‘n Sods

The World Bank estimates that an Asian Avian Flu pandemic could cost up to $2 Trillion Dollars. That is assuming 70 million deaths worldwide. My personal estimation is that their figure is low, since the pandemic itself won’t be the biggest killer–rather, that will be the economic displacement (if not a full scale economic collapse) that will be induced by the pandemic.    o o o The U.S. personal savings rate goes negative.    o o o Asian Avian Flu most deadly in teens and young adults — an eerie echo of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic      o o …