Lorraine sent us a link to an informative video clip on how to use a Food Saver to vacuum pack mason type jars. The creative part is in the second half of the video. Don’t miss it. o o o The Risk of Coastal “Pop-up” Hurricanes . (Thanks to Roy D. for the link.) o o o Seth sent us a link to an interesting PDF: Freedom Rankings of 50 States
"Once again, recall the story of banks hiding explosive risks in their portfolios. It is not a good idea to trust corporations with matters such as rare events because the performance of these executives is not observable on a short-term basis, and they will game the system by showing good performance so they can get their yearly bonus. The Achilles’ heel of capitalism is that if you make corporations compete, it is sometimes the one that is most exposed to the negative Black Swan that will appear to be the most fit for survival." – Nassim Nicholas Taleb: The Black …
It was tough to judge the 24 excellent entries in the most recent round of the SurvivalBlog Non-Fiction Writing Contest. The grand prize winner is: Mike U., for his article “Unconventional Wisdom for CCW Permit Holders”, which was posted on May 19th. He will receive a three day course certificate from OnPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for his choice of three-day civilian courses. He will also receive two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried foods, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. 2nd Prize goes to RangerDoc, for “Health, Hygiene, Fitness and Medical Care in a Coming Collapse”, posted on May 8th. …
Dear Mr. Rawles, I read your blog every day and enjoy all of the helpful information that you and your readers post on a daily basis. I just wanted to pass along this information on edible weeds that can be found in ones backyard or about anywhere where plants can be grown. To most people weeds are just that, weeds that need to be destroyed to keep the yard or their property looking nice. But some weeds can also be eaten if a person knows how to identify them and cook them properly. In the event of a worst case …
Dear JWR: As a practicing anesthesiologist, I felt it necessary to respond to Scott N.’s article about TEOTWAWKI anesthesia. First, let me complement Scott N. for the well written article as well as bringing up the issue in the first place. Although it may be interpreted as self serving, I also have to strongly agree with JWR’s admonishment that this is not something to “try at home”. In a sense, we in the anesthesia field have somewhat become victims of our own success. It wasn’t that long ago that the risk of anesthesia (not the risk of the surgery) was …
Mr. Rawles, Regarding the letter “DIY Baking Powder Solves a Shelf Life Dilemma”, Baking soda can be used alone with any acid, whether powdered — like what’s added to baking powder — or liquids like buttermilk (the fermented kind, not the leftover liquids from sweet butter), yogurt, kefir, sour cream, lemon or lime juice, vinegar. Since baking powder is made with baking soda, I didn’t understand why some people claim they don’t like the [alkaline] baking soda taste. But then I found this on the Ellen’s Kitchen site: “The problem with baking soda is that it releases the gas all …
Navy to Try Swine Flu Vaccine on Human Subjects Eton Closed After Positive Swine Flu Test The WHO’s tally of countries where H1N1 has spread does not bode well for next winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Let’s just pray that it doesn’t mutate into a more deadly strain.
Reader DEK sent this: Zoellick Warns Stimulus ‘Sugar High’ Won’t Stem Unemployment Long known as a propaganda outlet, Pravda occasionally gets a few things right: American capitalism gone with a whimper.(This piece was mentioned by more than a dozen SurvivalBlog readers.) Items from The Economatrix: GDP Drops For Second Consecutive Quarter Troubled Bank Loans Hit Record High BofA Lead Director Resigns; More Pressure on CEO Jefferson County, Alabama, Out of Money in Two Weeks After Tax Repealed Financial Markets And Economic Crash, The Next Leg Down Will Be Worse “Make no mistake – we are selling off our future and …
The recent AP wire service article on survivalism certainly has grown some long legs. To date, it has been featured on CBS, ABC, MSNBC, Breitbart, Yahoo News, the Drudge Report, NPR, the Huffington Post, newspapers in more than 40 states, at least a dozen television news web sites, and even overseas in The Jerusalem Post. o o o NOAA Issues New Solar Cycle Prediction. (Thanks to Paul B. for the link.) o o o From reader R.M.: Ideas For Self Sufficient Living During Financially Turbulent Times o o o Jim W., a missionary, recommended a visit to …
"The best things in history are accomplished by people who get tired of being shoved around." – Robert A. Heinlein
I was overwhelmed by more than 80 responses to my recent Seeking Reader Input for “Patriots” Sequels post. I now have more than enough volunteers! (The only subject area where I still need some more input is Belize.) My apologies if I don’t send all of you immediate replies. In many cases, I won’t be replying with follow-up questions until I’m actively engaged in writing those particular parts of the manuscript. My sincere thanks for your input, folks! — Today we present the final entry for Round 22 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. (BTW, I have some others that …
Introductory Proviso from JWR: The following article is intended for educational purposes only. DO NOT attempt to administer anesthesia without the proper training. There is a very fine line between unconsciousness and death, and this path should be tread only by a trained specialist. This is a very delicate art (and science) that requires advanced training, constant practice, and some advanced monitoring equipment. All vital signs must be closely monitored closely. Even for someone with an “MD” after their name, it is EXCEEDINGLY EASY to mess up, and the consequences of doing so are tremendous. (In short: If you are …
Leap in U.S. debt hits taxpayers with 12% more red ink GG flagged this: Silver poised for biggest monthly gain in 22 years; gold rises Items from The Economatrix: Economy Shrinks 5.7% in First Quarter Taxpayers Could Lose Billions in GM Revamp “GM expected to file bankruptcy on Monday.” Ford’s Top Supplier Files for Bankruptcy “Visteon bankruptcy protection filing is another blow to auto supply base.” Bond Markets Defy Feds as Treasury Yields Spike “The US Federal Reserve may soon be forced to launch fresh blitz of quantitative easing whatever the consequences for the US dollar, or risk seeing economic …
Bill N. sent this great tip: Something Down The Drain? Retrieve it Without a Wrench o o o Safecastle’s semi-annual 25% Off Mountain House storage food sale ends on June 5th, so get your order in soon! Buyers will get a free copy of the novel One Second After by William R. Forstchen if they purchase four or more cases of Mountain House foods. o o o From Florida Guy: Mormon lessons in self-reliance can help families survive tough times. JWR Adds: While I’ll never see eye-to-eye with the LDS Church doctrinally, I give them nothing but praise …
“Today, prayer is still a powerful force in America, and our faith in God is a mighty source of strength. Our Pledge of Allegiance states that we are ‘one nation under God,’ and our currency bears the motto, ‘In God we Trust.’ The morality and values such faith implies are deeply embedded in our national character. Our country embraces those principles by design, and we abandon them at our peril.” – Ronald Reagan