Day: December 18, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 32 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 250 round case of 12 Gauge …


Letter Re: Little Life Lessons in Crisis Management

Mr. Rawles,   I’d like to share some things that happened yesterday at work to really hit home the basics.  (I’m looking to start my own crisis management firm so these really sunk in for me.)  You wouldn’t think of a Library as a hub for disaster, but naturally it just follows people.  Or at least when there are people around, an occurrence becomes a disaster (tree in the woods?).  No place is “safe” from everything.   1) First Aid Kits — This seems so basic to any of us that we would dismiss minor cuts and scrapes from bearing any seriousness.  “No stitches? No problem.”  …


Two Letters Re: New Data on Nuclear War Survival

Mr. Rawles, The U.S. government has released new advice for what to do in the event of a nuclear attack. What’s really disturbing is that with the low protection factors cited, someone essentially needs to come and rescue. On the plus side at least they’re thinking about what ought to be done. – Jake in Massachusetts Dear Editor: It shouldn’t come as a surprise to SurvivalBlog readers but the newest research in the June 2010 document, “Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation” concludes that rate of survival to a nuclear disaster climbs if people shelter in place. I …


Letter Re: Using Wild Yarrow

The Wild Yarrow, Achillea Millefolium, also known as Milfoil, Soldiers woundwort, Nose Bleed Weed, Sanguinary, and Devil’s Nettle is a very useful medicinal herb.       Growing Wild Yarrow: This plant makes a wonderful addendum to a domestic garden in the Spring. Although now cultivated and available everywhere in nurseries, there is still a quaint but practical feeling to include a wild species in a domestic garden for a feel of times past. Red and yellow varieties are used as ornamentals, but by far the most common variety is white. I think the colors are hybrids of the wild white species. Some cautions …


Economics and Investing:

What the New Tax Bill Deal Means for You. JWR’s Comment: I’m very skeptical about what went on in back-room deals to get this legislation passed so quickly, particularly in the U.S. Senate. Were promises made about acquiescence to one or more upcoming treaty ratifications or the DREAM illegal alien amnesty bill? Time will tell, but something seems amiss. The Lumberman sent this: Food Stamp Rolls Continue to Rise. (Nearly 43 million people in the U.S.–14% of the population!) Frequent content contributor John R. sent the next few items: Doomsday for the US Dollar: Post Mortem for the World’s “Reserve …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Mike H. sent me an amazing video by Halvor Angvik, filmed in the Swiss Alps. Okay, I guess that in order to qualify it for inclusion in SurvivalBlog, I’ll title this: High Speed Bug-Out in Alpine Terrain.    o o o Eric in Kansas sent this preview of American street riots, in a few years: Greece riots as fire bombs, stones fly in Athens, and meanwhile there are riots in Rome, following Berlusconi’s no-confidence vote. Oh, and more riots are expected.    o o o Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight: Would-be robber faced many previous charges. (Thanks …