Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 26 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $350 value.), and D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Luger, 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP ammo, …




A Preparedness Plan for a Single Woman With Children

I’ve been reading SurvivalBlog for almost a year.  I am thankful for the advice that I receive each day.  I have had a “be prepared” attitude for about 30 years, although the past two years have thrown several speed bumps and roadblocks my way.  Two years ago my son and his family were in a life threatening accident.  I spent almost every penny I had saved toward retirement to help my daughter-in-law recover.  This year I fought for and won custody of three of my grandchildren from my daughter.  So now, instead of planning for TEOTWAWKI for just myself, a …




Two Letters Re: Lessons From The Twilight Zone

Jim, Sean in Malibu mentioned watching the episode of The Twilight Zone called “The Shelter”. Your readers might like to know that the full episode is viewable online [free of charge] at the CBS web site. Best, – Matt R. James Wesley, That episode of of The Twilight Zone a reader mentioned was one of the reasons that prompted me to be very quiet about my preps. I (and my family) use the “need to know” rule. I’m all for charity, but I agree with your approach of doling it out anonymously, through our church. (We’re Baptists.) The characters in …




Economics and Investing:

Reader Thomas B.was the first of several readers to reference this article by Jim Jubak: Anarchy in the UK (and US, too)? Al wrote to mention that just as I predicted, the base metal value of US five cent pieces (“Nickels”) have again risen to above their face value. ($1.01 for $1.00 face value) I stand by my position that nickels are a good hedge against future inflation. If you have sufficient secure storage space, then gradually accumulate nickels! Items from The Economatrix: 10 Jobs That Will Get a Raise in 2010 Greece Faces Intrusive EU Surveillance Amid Reports of …




Odds ‘n Sods:

By way of Tamara’s View From The Porch blog, comes an interesting article about Magpul Industries.    o o o Reader Dean G. reminded me to again mention of the copious links and references made available by The American Civil Defense Association (TACDA). Take a look!    o o o Ferdinand found a little Gerber sharpener mentioned on KK Cool Tools. Ferd notes: “It fits perfectly in my knife sheath’s sidecar pocket and cost just a few dollars. It measures 2-1/4 x 1-3/4 inches, and is easy to use, with one side marked “coarse,” the other “fine,” and a little …