Notes from JWR:

We’ve completed the judging in the most recent round of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The grand prize winner is: Dr. K., for his two-part article: TEOTWAWKI Medicine and Minor Surgery. He will receive two transferable Front Sight  “Gray” Four Day Training Course Certificates. This is an up to $4,000 value! Second prize goes to Eli, for his article “Real World Observations on Fighting Crime and Criminals”. He will receive a three day course certificate from OnPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for his choice of three-day civilian courses. Third prize: goes to Bobbi A. for her article “Livestock for …




My Initial Experiences with Concealed Carry, by AceHigh

As I started my journey into preparedness, one of the areas I pursued was getting my Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) license (sometimes called Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or Concealed Carry License (CCL)). I thought it might be helpful to Survival Blog readers to share my recent experiences related to obtaining my CCW license and getting to a point where I felt comfortable carrying a concealed weapon in public. I know there is some concern regarding obtaining a license that puts you on record as a gun owner/carrier, but that is the trade off of being able to legally defend yourself …




Two Letters Re: TEOTWAWKI Medical Skills: Thoughts on Becoming a “Woofer” (Wilderness First Responder)

JWR: Richard B.’s post is dead-on about how awesome Woofer training is. I’m WFR-qualified, and I agree that it is a great 10-day/night training program. However, there are a few things that WFR training targets that doesn’t quite cover TEOTWAWKI situations. I’ve also taken Medical Corps (the makers of KIO3 and one of your advertisers) “Care in Extreme Situations” course, and two different tactical medicine classes through Suarez International (their TC3 class includes live fire). One key phrase in the definition of Wilderness Medicine is “more than one hour from definitive care,” and many of their techniques are designed around …




Economics and Investing:

Soros: The Recession Will Last Forever. Thanks to Kevin A. KAF sent this: Dinah Lord: The next financial shoe to drop? Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Economist Tim Lee: Gold: ‘How I am hedging my portfolio against hyperinflation’ (a hat tip to G.G. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Wall Street Rebounds on Last Day of Quarter GM, Chrysler Failing to Recover AIG Crisis Tip of Insurance Iceberg? Obama’s Remarks on US Car Industry Auto Producing State Politicians Stunned By Obama “Tough Love“ Oil Tumbles Below $50 First Time in a Week Morgan Stanley Suggests Major Stock Sale Federal Pension …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Cheryl (aka The Economatrix) found this: Demand for Ammo is Causing Supply Shortages    o o o Tamara, in her View From the Porch blog had some biting criticism of the Flint, Michigan mayor’s suggestion that abandonded neighborhoods be cordoned off and denied police and fire department protection    o o o Collecting Rain Water is Now Legal in Colorado. (Thanks to John L. for the link.)    o o o Damon sent this article: Sen. Kerry makes push for tighter gun control. My question: If these AKs are being bought at American gun shops and gun shows, then why …