Day: March 19, 2010

Note from JWR:

  Today we present another entry for Round 27 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include: 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 …


Letter Re: Observations from an Ice Storm Survivor

Mr. Rawles: I am writing a brief letter with a few points that may be helpful for your readers, who like myself, find your blog site a valuable resource, one well worth supporting financially. The value of your blog, and advice, is multiplied many times over by the extremely well informed readership you have. There are a few thoughts I could offer that others may find of use: 1. I lived through an ice storm that hit in the late nineties. As many have mentioned, when a calamity hits is not the time to start preparing. I was caught totally …


Letter Re: Questions on Backup Generators

Jim, Thanks for the great blog. I have purchased several items from your sponsors and appreciate your screening them for us. I live in suburban Detroit and am looking to find a small farm. Values are still declining here. Until I can make a move, I’m stuck living in suburbia. Currently I own a cheap gas generator and am looking to upgrade. Should I go with a diesel or tri-fuel generator? Can you suggest some sources? God Bless, – Bob P. JWR Replies: That all depends on how many hours you intend to run the genset. Because they run at …


Letter Re: Affordable Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers?

Hi James, I’m almost through your book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It” for the second time and was wondering if you could recommend some 5-6 gallon stainless steel food storage containers for long term storage? I like the idea of food safe, oxygen-impermeable, and vermin-proof containers. Looking around on the web I found a pharmaceutical supply firm that sells nice ones for well above $1000 each. Also a few wine barrel vendors that were out of my price range. Thanks, – Curtis JWR Replies: One of my consulting clients in a locale where …


Letter Re: Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs–Planned Tactics for TEOTWAWKI

Hello Mr Rawles About a month ago, I read your book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It”, followed a week later by “Patriots“. I quickly realized how unprepared I was for even possible but probable emergencies. I started to ask question of coworkers of what they would do in an emergency. One co-worker was a former motorcycle club (gang) member. He told me that he would get with some of the club members in the area. This could be as many as 50 to 60 members. They would have plenty of “bullets” and plan …


Economics and Investing:

Sue C. sent this: Derivatives debate splits U.S., European regulators China in Midst of ‘Greatest Bubble in History,’ Rickards Says. (I found that article linked at The Drudge Report.) Reader Brett G. spotted this: Roubini Economist: We’re Headed For World of Inflation GG sent this: My Inflation Nightmare Chad S. sent this: Latvia government collapses amid economic crisis Also from Chad: U.S. Hyperinflation Possible by 2015 Items from The Economatrix: Moody’s Fears Social Unrest as Triple A States Implement Austerity Plans Idaho’s Plan to Downgrade the Dollar Hipsters on Food Stamps Sovereign Debt = Subprime Debt China Trims Holdings of …


Odds ‘n Sods:

S.C.W. sent a link to an update on the Ugandan Wheat Rust: Red Menace: Stop the Ug99 Fungus Before Its Spores Bring Starvation. [JWR Adds: Given the fact that the same ship cargo holds are use to transport used for seed as well as wheat used for food, it is nigh-on impossible to stop the spread of Ug-99.]    o o o Quoting the MI5 maxim, Britain is ‘four meals away from anarchy’    o o o Brian B. suggested this troubling article: Pre-Crime Policing. If buying a number of guns or a large quantity of ammo in a short …