Year: 2009


Economics and Investing:

New climate strategy: track the world’s wealthiest. This is the sort of fallacious logic that foments envy, and inevitably class warfare. Yes, Americans do use a disproportionately large portion of the world’s natural resources. But we also create correspondingly more with those resources. The gross domestic product (GDP) of the US is tremendous. Here is an illustration. (California, just by itself is the sixth largest economy in the world.) Consider this: Why does Kenya Airlines have Boeing 747s in their fleet? Because someone in America builds them. Could those planes be made in Kenya? No, because they have neither the …


Odds ‘n Sods:

H.H. and Hawaiian K. both mentioned this piece over at the Backwoods Home site, by Claire Wolfe: Preparing for Civil Unrest    o o o Randy K. sent us this history lesson: How the potato got hot; The foodstuff was once viewed as unnatural and dangerous. Its rise to a global staple may tell us something about today’s genetically modified crops.    o o o Richard S sent us a link to an amazing story: Do or die; A fellow soldier was impaled by a live RPG. For medics and a helicopter crew, there was only one choice    o …



Note from JWR:

Several readers have asked why I chose the Battle of Bennington Flag as the low key “OPSEC” identifier for SurvivalBlog readers. This was merely because that flag pattern is uncommon enough to stand out, yet it is nothing too controversial. (Versus, for example, a “Don’t Tread On Me” rattlesnake flag!) The Bennington flag does not have any particular historic significance vis-a-vis preparedness. But the flag looks cool, and after all, at Bennington, part of Burgoyne’s army got trounced. By popular demand, I’ve just added Bennington Flag window/bumper stickers to my CafePress Stores. (They are also available by the 10 pack …


Net Producer-Net Consumer Equations for Self-Sufficiency: Getting Out of the Pit

In a recent phone conversation with one of my consulting clients, I was asked why I placed such a large emphasis on living in the country, at a relatively self-sufficient retreat. I’ve already discussed at length the security advantages of isolation from major population centers in the blog, but I realized that I’ve never fully articulated the importance of self-sufficiency, at a fundamental level. In a societal collapse, where you are in “You’re on Your Own” (YOYO) mode, it will be very important to be a net producer of water, food, and energy. This will mean the difference between being …


Letter Re: How Do I Transfer Propane Between Tanks?

Sir, You mentioned the liquid propane dual-fuel vehicle, and said “…if you have a large home LP tank”. So, how do I get the gas from the large tank, to the vehicle.” Is there a pump or some sort of device? Thanks, – Brad S. JWR Replies: There is no need for a pump. Draining liquid propane from a tank, is a self-siphoning process. Talk to your propane delivery man. Tell him that you want to be able to refill your barbeque’s 20-pound tank from you main tank’s liquid withdrawal valve. The adapter fittings are made of brass, and fairly …


Influenza Pandemic Update:

Four Britons Die From Swine Flu; Tips to Help You Fight the Flu “Optimize your vitamin D levels. As I’ve previously reported, optimizing your vitamin D levels is one of the absolute best strategies for avoiding infections of all kinds, and vitamin D deficiency is likely the true culprit behind the seasonality of the flu — not the flu virus itself.” Argentines question government as flu spreads Swine Flu Worries Spark Cambridge Jail Riots Northern Hemisphere Bracing for Fall Flu Carnage Explosion of Swine Flu Deaths in Argentina Homeless People Die After Trial Bird Vaccination In Poland


Economics and Investing:

Reader Paul W. forwarded this piece over at Real Clear Markets: Get Ready for 14 Percent Unemployment GG sent this Wall Street Journal article: Big Banks Don’t Want California’s IOUs DD sent us four articles on unemployment: Unemployed fighting for their benefits A map of weekly unemployment benefits by state and current unemployment rate by state Low income families turning to outside sources to help with necessities Retailers to lay off more workers Karen H. also sent us another raft of articles: Migrants are going to Britain, come hell or high water. “Gazing across the Channel in the direction of …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Ed L. suggested this Wall Street Journal article: Guns N’ Grosses: Arms Makers Fall Back From Obama Surge. Methinks the next year represents a window of opportunity to stock up on guns, full capacity magazines, and ammunition at a discount prices–before MOAB-induced currency inflation kicks in, or worse yet, new civilian disarmament legislation is enacted. I recommend that you systematically round out your firearms battery , preferably with cash purchases from private parties at gun shows.    o o o Be sure to visit Bill Buppert’s new blog, titled Hezekiah Wyman    o o o Steve from Philly spotted this …



Note from JWR:

I was a disgusted to see the large number of U.S. flags being waved at Fourth of July celebrations that were marked “Made in China.” The bitter irony of this is almost indescribable, especially when you consider that a good portion of Chinese merchandise for the American consumer market comes from laogai (“Reform Through Labor”) prison factories. Do America a favor, and buy yourself an American-made flag. OBTW, I’ve chosen the “76” Battle of Bennington flag as the official “OPSEC-conscious” flag for SurvivalBlog readers, to identify themselves to fellow readers. And, also BTW, I just had one of my kids …


Letter Re: Some Thought on Dual-Fuel LPG Vehicles

Dear Jim, I don’t know if this applies to folks in the US, but it may be something for UK readers to consider. My main vehicle is equipped with both petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks, and I will also be installing an LPG system on my secondary vehicle. There are two main advantages to this: 1. LPG is less than half the price of petrol, and although you get a third less mileage than you do using petrol, it still works out cheaper – in fact, in the UK, you can get the installation costs back in around …


Letter Re: Home Heating Oil Price Fluctuations–Time to Buy Low

Hi Jim, Some older neighborhood houses [in the Pacific Northwest] have large oil tanks for heating under driveways, in basements, and buried under yards. Last winter, we saw our neighbors run dry during a rare 2-week snow/ice event that even chained fuel trucks couldn’t get around in. Portland and Seattle are notoriously under-prepared for ice/snow on roads, and actually have a “intentional neglect policy” of letting it melt without salt/de-icer rather than clearing the roads. Prepare to walk on uncleared pavement and stay around home! If the predictions of temporary global oil over-supply are correct and fuel oil drops to …


Letter Re: Escape From (Fill in Your City Here), 2009

Dear James Regarding Matt R.’s letter, I have been a survivalist and self-sufficient minded person most of my adult life. I live at my retreat in a prime western state. I have been reading your site for the last 18 months. I have learned some new useful information (never too late to teach old dog new tricks) from your site. I have also purchased quite a few supplies from your advertisers. For most scenarios my home/retreat is a perfect place to be if the SHTF and I can just stay home. However I do not like to have all my …