Year: 2006

Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader S.H. pointed us to a web site that describes an interesting house with an extensive 45 foot deep fallout shelter, currently for sale in Blaine, Washington.    o o o Cathy Buckle in Zimbabwe reports on the ongoing currency exchange. (Due to the hyperinflation, they are issuing new bills, sans three zeroes.) This one is a must read!    o o o The Whiskey and Gunpowder e-newsletter mentions: “Lenders see a 10-20% tumble in home prices Yes, you heard right: A 10-20% loss nationwide, according to a poll of American mortgage lenders. And much bigger losses in the …



Note From JWR:

We are pleased to welcome our latest advertiser, Holland’s of Oregon. I have known and done business with Darryl Holland for more than 15 years. As I’ve previously mentioned in SurvivalBlog, we have Holland muzzle brakes on five of our rifles here at the Rawles Ranch. We also have Holland brand nylon cheek rest stock pouches on seven of our rifles. Not only does Darryl make some of the best custom precision rifles and rifle muzzle brakes on the market, but he also teaches perhaps the best long range shooting school in the country. Whether you are a big game …


More Poll Responses Re: Best Places for Retreats in the Eastern U.S. and Overseas?

Dear Jim: Glad you are open to suggestions from those of us East of the Mississippi. For those who are unfamiliar, a great starting point of identifying the places to be and not to be in your state is the work of Bruce Beach and, as recently noted of SurvivalBlog, be sure to see some more recent maps by the folks at SurvivalRing and then consider wind patterns in your area, and the jet stream. Just remember to consider: major military targets, state or federal government centers, nuclear power plants, large power plants and electric generating dams, or any key …


Odds ‘n Sods:

It is nice to see that SurvivalBlog is gaining ever wider readership. The latest hit map shows readers in North Africa, of all places.    o o o I recently mentioned canes and walking sticks for self defense. This product looks very well made.    o o o A reminder that the special Cast Iron Cookware and Soap Combo Pack Offer from PromisedLand Products (Mentioned on July 20th) ends on August 15th. To place your order, send a $300 Postal Money Order with the notation “SurvivalBlog Combo Pack” to: Promised Land Products 382 Adams Lane Dillon, Montana 59725 Phone: (406) …



Note from JWR:

Today is the LAST DAY that you can take advantage of the special sale price for the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course. The 210+ page course with supplementary audio CD, is being offered at a very special price. If sending payment via mail, be sure to have your order postmarked no later than August 11th to get the special blog anniversary sale price.  


Letter Re: Rechargeable Batteries for FRS and GMRS Radios

Jim, Just a note on the popular two-way handheld radios sold in many big box and sporting goods stores in the US. I have been trying to standardize my rechargeable batteries for these little handhelds to the ubiquitous AAs since my scanners and many of our other small lights and some gear run on them. I have four older Motorolas from 3-to-5 years ago for our use around the farm and when traveling with more than one vehicle for any distance. First, I noticed that there has been a gradual switch for these FRS/GMRS radios that once took AAs you …


Letter Re: Push or Pull Carts For All-Terrain Hauling

Jim- As to puncture-proofing ATV tires, cycle or cart tires, check out www.tireballs.com. Individual cell bladders fill the tire in lieu of a single tube (or tire/wheel seal). These are the hot stuff with the off-road racing crowd, and they pound the **** out of their rigs more in a single race than any sane individual will in two lifetimes! One other thought on tires for push-pull carts…knobby all-terrain tread patterns may look cool, but unless those tires are being powered, you’ll be happier with a much shallower tread pattern. In fact, only enough tread to keep the wheel turning …


Letter Re: Pros and Cons of Glock Pistols

Dear Jim, Having considerably less sense than most, I’ll wade into the discussion. More blood has been spilled over the “Glock vs. 1911” argument than practically any other firearms topic. (Possible exceptions include the Revolver vs. Autopistol Great Debate of the 1970s, the 9mm vs. .45 Screamfest of the early ’80s, the .40 S&W vs. Everything Else Howl-O-Rama of the ’90s and eruptions of 10mm, .357 SIG and .45 GAP Mania. I’m sure avid readers of the “gun comics” can speak to other examples.) FWIW, here are my opinions on Glocks, having owned five and having shot thousands of rounds …


Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader “Alfie Omega” spotted this article: New, Simple, Make-It-Yourself Water Filter Promises Clean Water for Millions It begins: “A handful of clay, yesterday’s coffee grounds and some cow manure are the simple ingredients that could bring clean drinking water to developing countries around the globe…”    o o o “Smart Pigs” Don’t Lie: The BP Prudhoe Bay pipeline closure may last for months. Stand by for higher gasoline and home heating oil prices.    o o o Panicky refugees at a shelter in Northern Israel.  



Canes, Walking Sticks, and Umbrellas for Street Self Defense

The topic of striking weapons for street self defense has been brushed on in SurvivalBlog, but has never addressed directly or at length. I highly recommend training to use a cane, walking stick, or a traditional full length umbrella. This is particularly important for our readers that live in gun-unfriendly nations. Ditto for our readers that live in states like California, New York, and New Jersey where is is very difficult for mere mortals to get a carrying concealed weapon (CCW) permit. And even if you are a concealed firearms permit holder, you should learn these valuable skills. Why? You …


Odds ‘n Sods:

The 2010 U.S. census will record GPS coordinates of every household’s front porch. Charming.    o o o Reader JB in Nashville mentioned that another mirror site has been established for the e-book of Mel Tappan’s Tappan on Survival. It is such a great read, I recommend that you also buy a hard copy. New or used copies can often be found through Abebooks.com, BooksAMillion.com, or eBay.com    o o o Reader JCS suggested this site on battery technology on battery technology. He noted, “For a long term survival scenario I’m starting to think that Ni-Cd would be better than Ni-MH …