Note from JWR:

You may have noticed that we now have 27 advertisers. That is gratifying, but it isn’t quite enough to keep us afloat. To supplement the income from paid advertising, we have added a number of affiliate advertisers, way down at the bottom of our blog page. (If these aren’t visible to you, then click your browser’s Reload button.) Please shop with our our paid advertisers, first. (See the scrolling ads in the right hand bar.) But if they don’t have exactly what you are looking for, then you can use the links provided to shop with our affiliate advertisers. (SurvivalBlog …




Letter Re: Selecting the Right Size Home Backup Generator

Jim, The folks out there have some good information re. electrical considerations, codes and such for installing a hookup for a generator for the home. However, unless I missed a post, no one has mentioned how big a generator one may need to power essentials to get by comfortably in a grid down situation for the short term, at least. My family and I live in the eastern US and we are prone to power outages from hurricanes, ice storms and to a lesser extent tornados and heavy snowfall. Since moving to a rural area out near the end of …




Two Letters Re: Folding Fighting/Utility Knife Recommendations?

James: Regarding the recent posts, I want to make a few posts about folding knives. First, while larger folders are definitely better for larger tasks and of course for self-defense, One needs to take time to learn what is legal to carry in their state. My state, for example, only allows a maximum blade length of 3.5 inches. I follow the law, but carry TWO such folders. It would be a massive hassle to get in trouble with an overly zealous police officer. Better to be sure, and know the law. As for folders, I like several Spydercos, such as …




Odds ‘n Sods:

WorldNetDaily reports a TS/SCI Bush Administration briefing to key congressman: North Korea is attempting to weaponize the Asian Avian Flu o o o Oceans in Hurricane Alley Heat Up o o o David in Israel recommended this interesting piece on The Solar Storm of 1859 o o o CNN Reports: Asian Avian Flu Could be Worse than a Terrorist Attack o o o “Hurricane Katrina Effect” Blamed for Rise in Houston Murder Rate










Letter Re: Vulnerability of Fish to Asian Avian Flu?

Regarding the question of fish and infection with H5N1 influenza virus: This is not the first time this question has come across my desk. While it is not wise to say “absolutely never” in biology, I find actual infection of fish with influenza viruses to be extremely unlikely. I’ve never encountered any study to show that fish (or insects, before someone asks) can be infected with or transmit influenza viruses. I am a public health M.D./epidemiologist, not a virologist, so I am prepared to be wrong. But I’d be surprised. The issue is not so much that certain animals are …




Letter Re: One Option for a Vehicular Bug-Out Bag

Jim: I received the following recommendation from a buddy of mine in Houston: “I bought one of these bags for the truck. It is well made and works as a “Oh Sh*t” bag. I put a Glock19 with 8 mags, 2 bottled waters, 2 flashlights, spare batteries, a folding knife, two 50 round boxes of spare ammo and still have room for whatever I come up with. It has a shoulder strap and when adjusted properly, hangs well to the weak-side of body. The pockets are of various sizes and hold well. I take it out of the truck at …




Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader S.C. saw the recent item about 20 liter gas cans and mentioned that there is a great price (just $10 each) on military surplus gas cans at SwissArmyVehicles.com. (See their “Surplus” page.) When you consider that the shipping cost to most locations will exceed the cost of the can itself, you can see that they are a very good deal.    o o o Magma on the Move at Mount St. Helens    o o o First Silver Exchange Traded Fund Beats Expectations    o o o Persian Gulf Officials Discuss Nuclear Emergency Plan    o o o …







Letter Re: Advice of Shotgun Shells and Shot Sizes

Jim, I’m a strong fan of shotguns. Until recently, I was quite happy with whatever load was around the house stacked in the [shotgun magazine] tube for home defense. However, last year I was referred to The Box of Truth web site.The scary part is the comments on bird shot at the bottom: “I saw a gunshot victim, about 5′ 10” and 200 lbs, taken to the operating room with a shotgun wound to the chest. He was shot at a range of six feet at a distance of just over the pectoralis muscle. He was sitting on his front …




Three Letters Re: Request for Advice on Backup Power for a Well Pump

Jim, In regard to the gentlemen asking about his well pump: There is a product called Generlink that is a lot easier to install than a transfer switch. Most well pumps are 220 volt but there are always exceptions. The web site for the item is www.generlink.com and I have heard some electrical coops will install them for free. – Gene in Walla Walla James: A single-load transfer switch can be added to the well-pump line. Cost is about $100 from Northern Tools. Depending upon your local regulations, this may require the services of a licensed electrician. And if your …




Letter Re: The First Survivors–Concerning Spiritual Preparedness

Jim: In previous pieces I have written for SurvivalBlog, I have told of ways to prepare Field Kits, and of Shooting Skills, and other preparedness information. In today’s article I will write a little about spiritual preparedness: The first acting “survivalist” was probably Noah and his family. (Note: I do not take credit for being the first person to come up with this idea). Under God’s direction he built a “Bug out Vehicle” of sorts (Genesis 6:14-16). God gave them a way of escape, and direction to store the things they would need for the coming threat ahead as well …




Odds ‘n Sods:

The ‘Worst case’ bird flu pandemic may have been underestimated. And it is now known that H5N1 can attack other organs — not just the human respiratory tract.    o o o Yevgeny Primakov’s view of the Iranian situation.    o o o SurvivalBlog reader RBS mentioned this article about the prospect of an inflation-proof “forever” postage stamp. If these ever get issued, then I’m stocking up!    o o o By way of Gold-Eagle, Jason Hommel comments on both the rapid expansion of the silver ETF and the threat of Bolivian silver mine expropriation