Day: December 16, 2009

Notes from JWR:

My sincere thanks to the dozens of SurvivalBlog readers that have made contributions to the Linda Rawles Memorial Fund. The folks who operate the orphanage and school in Zambia have expressed their thanks. Your contributions are doing a lot of good for a very worthy charity! I urge anyone that has not yet donated to go ahead and do so. For readers in the US: If you make a donation before December 31st, it will be deductible for the current tax year. — Today we present another entry for Round 26 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. First Prize: A.) …


Prepping as an Active Duty Servicemember Overseas, by M.B.

As a member of the Armed Forces stationed overseas, and for those civilian government employees likewise stationed, we face unique situations as we attempt to get ready for TEOTWAWKI scenarios. First, when you are stationed overseas, usually for a 12 to 36 month tour, whatever happens back home seems magnified in your mind because you are so far away and feel helpless to do anything about it. Mental preparation is of utmost importance if you get a sense of panic after reading about all the horrible things going on back home.  It is important not to panic when you see …


Letter Re: Advice on Ammunition Storage

Jim, What is the best way to store handgun ammo? I have a military surplus ammo can with a good rubber seal on it. However would it be a good idea to wrap it in plastic before putting it into the ammo box. Also is there anything I should keep it away from while in storage. Thanks, – Motor Oil Man JWR Replies: The two crucial things to remember for storing ammo in milsurp cans are: 1.) Use an ammo can with a nice soft gasket, and, 2.) Drop in a commercially-made silica gel packet (or a homemade equivalent) in …


Letter Re: Infrared Imaging Countermeasures

Mr. Rawles, There are several proven, low cost techniques that can be used against thermal/infrared imagers. But none of them last an extended period of time. While they are not fool-proof they certainly do work well enough to frustrate the US military in Afghanistan. The first method being used is for men to lay down in a small depression in the ground and cover themselves with a heavy wool blanket every time they hear an engine overhead — be it a helicopter or the lawn-mower whine of a drone. This technique is well documented based on visual surveillance of groups …


Economics and Investing:

I found this linked over at The Drudge Report: Democrats plan nearly $2 trillion debt limit hike Damon sent this: Cleaning up after real estate debacle Larry mentioned this BBC piece: Greece ‘faces sinking under debt’ Items from The Economatrix: Bankruptcy of US Now Certain Gold and the Last Real American Dollar Hedge Against Hyperinflation, Hard Assets Should Continue to Appreciate During 2010 Marty Weiss: Stock Market, Gold, Commodities, and Economic Forecasts for 2010 Darryl Schoon: Deflationary Economic Depression 2010, Ready or Not, Here it Comes! Foreign Demand for US Long-Term Assets Slows Greece Defies Europe as EMU Crisis Turns …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader “+P+” sent another article on a theme that I’ve warned about: Police say suspected robbers rammed an SUV into a gun store in Avon, Indiana, and stole some weapons. Large masonry “decorative planters” should be a key part of your retreat’s defensive architecture!    o o o OSOM mentioned a treasure trove of Free Medical Books available to download.    o o o Tamara (writing in her View From the Porch blog) pointed to a piece (by way of the Blunt Object blog) about the Toronto police going ballistic over the apparent sight of a gun held by citizen: …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"We pay too little attention to the reserve power of the people to take care of themselves. We are too solicitous for government intervention, on the theory, first, that the people themselves are helpless, and second, that the government has superior capacity for action. Often times both of these conclusions are wrong." – President John Calvin Coolidge, Jr.