Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 31 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 $795, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm …




A Crucial DIY Skill: Ammunition Handloading, by Aaron L.

Would you like to learn a skill during these relatively quiet times that will assist you to obtain, or at least keep,  gasoline, diesel, food and every other commodity the a day after this society falls?   The SurvivalBlog posts regarding TEOTWAWKI may provide you with information regarding  what is the bare minimum you need to strive for in you preparation of the day after disaster strikes.  What if you want to be more prepared?  Do you want to possess a skill that everyone will have a need for the day after the disasters strike? Some people believe that a person’s …




Preparedness for Families with Infants, by Carla S.

If you have children in your family, preparing for potential SHTF scenarios requires extra consideration. All children will need additional comfort and entertainment to adjust to a survival situation. Fortunately, if your kids are old enough to walk, talk and perform a few basic chores, your special preps for the young ones in your family do not need to be elaborate. Older children are capable of eating the same food as adults, they’re usually potty-trained, and they can help themselves in many situations (e.g. getting dressed, feeding themselves, etc.). However, if a very small infant will be in your responsibility …




Letter Re: As Simple as Changing a Tire

Hi  JWR:           Just a quick addition to the comments about changing a tire from an earlier blog article. In a real disaster, natural or military/terrorist, the roads will likely be covered with debris, much of which may cause your Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) tires (that’s plural) to get punctured. I would certainly recommend several cans of some kind of Fix-A-Flat [or aerosol Slime] and a tire repair kit. But, even more important for us preppers who want to be ready for everything possible, we know that our vehicle’s trunk will be filled with all kinds of  emergency supplies.   Recognizing …




Economics and Investing:

Doug Kass: Jaw Dropping Prediction For 2011 John R. mentioned this commentary by Jim Willie: QE2 & The Great Misdiagnosis Ireland Unveils Four Year Budget Details, Riots Imminent The Guardian reports: Belgium joins financial markets’ hit list. (Thanks to Bram for the link.) B.B. sent this “desperation measures” news from Ireland: Pension reserve funds to be spent on banks Items from The Economatrix: China, Russia Quit Dollar On Bilateral Trade   Gold Is George Soros’ Biggest Holding   Silver Shortage, A Sign of Manipulation?   Nutting Professor (The Mogambo Guru) 




Odds ‘n Sods:

Community Outraged Over Man’s 3-6 Year Sentencing in Self-Defense Case. I share their sense of outrage! From what I’ve seen, there was no crime committed. The loonie plaintiff’s history of over 60 convictions in three states was apparently kept from the jury. At this point, the New Hampshire Governor should be petitioned for a full pardon.    o o o Another Random Act of Culture: Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus    o o o Chris G. mentioned this article in Outdoor Life: Shoot the Breeze. “The simplest way to handle a crosswind is to relocate. Reposition directly upwind …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, …