Year: 2010

Seven Letters Re: Community Crisis Planning for Societal Collapse

Mr. Rawles, I read with much interest the article on community planning for a societal collapse. It mirrors my own thinking on the subject and it is an issue I’ve given a lot of thought to lately. The reality of my situation is that I live in a small town (about 1200-1300 population) that lies on one major line of drift and two minor ones. The major line of drift is a major east-west interstate between two medium-sized cities and the two minor lines of drift are a state route that parallels the interstate (on the opposite end of town …


Two Letters Re: Getting Myself Home to Bug Out

James, I want to disagree with anyone who might suggest that during a SHTF event that the highways and byways will suddenly be overcrowded with millions of sheeple trying to get home. I was on the road from work just after the second plane hit the second tower on 9/11. I was pretty convinced that this was an attack as soon as it happened. I had 20 miles in front of me on Highway 270 surrounding Saint Louis, and other highways and it was smooth sailing all the way. Most people were at work by then and while this was …


Economics and Investing:

I spotted this linked over at The Drudge Report: Dow Faces Bouncy Ride to 5,000: Strategist The trillion dollar bailout you didn’t hear about – Commercial real estate values plummet again yet banks hide losses. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.) J&M suggested a piece by Rick Ackerman: Few May Imagine What is Coming Erik M. flagged this: Global outlook casts shadow over Fed retreat. Erik’s comment: “Sounds eerily familiar to parts of Chapter One of a book I’ve read a couple of times.” Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Slip as Caution About Economy Returns Scarcity of Jobs Put More …


Inflation Watch:

Sheryl N. wrote: “There is a nice discussion over at Homesteading.com about the various tricks used nowadays to shrink the content of a package without looking like it, reducing portion amounts but charging the same, et cetera.” Frederick D. flagged this: Health Insurance Costs Expected to Rise Sharply in 2011. (I pity those who bought in to the propaganda that health care costs would go down under Obamacare!) John M. in Florida notes: “I have recently bought quart-sized containers of different brands of yogurt at the grocery store and noticed that the level of yogurt was about an inch below …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader RFJ mentioned an awesome piece over at Instructables: Hidden Door Bookshelf.    o o o Frequent content contributor Damon S. suggested two articles on do-it-yourself hydroelectric power: Homestead Hydropower and Home-Made Water Power for the Homesteader.    o o o Kelly D. was the first of several SurvivalBlog readers to mention this: Two days of food stretched more than two weeks in mine; Determined to stay alive, trapped Chilean miners made two days of food last more than two weeks. These guys have displayed tremendous courage and discipline. May God see them safely home!    o o o Why …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 30 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 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of …


Getting Myself Home to Bug Out, by H. Billy

If the Schumer hits the fan (SHTF) and you’re at work miles away from your home and/or Bug Out Location (BOL) what will you do?  Have you planned your route to get home?  What if it’s not possible to use your route?  Do you have alternate routes?  Getting home to or to your BOL should a SHTF scenario arise will be trying, slow going and stressful enough unless you plan for it properly.  I’m not talking only about physically planning but mentally planning as well.  Giving yourself more options should you need them will hopefully lessen the stress and get …


Letter Re: Hindenburg Omen Theory – Founder Has Pulled Out Of The Market

Mr. Rawles, I’ve been enamored by the so-called Hindenburg Omen that has recently been discussed in the press. I decided to learn more and found this recent article: Hindenburg Omen Theory – Founder Has Pulled Out Of The Market. In this article, the founder of this theory has stated that he has completely pulled out of the market fearing a substantial crash is forthcoming in the near future. I know it’s terribly difficult (and financially painful) for people to pull money out of tax deferred investments. However, I suggest folks seriously consider their options and pray for guidance (and do …


Seven Letters Re: Community Crisis Planning for Societal Collapse

James: Some of the arguments made against J.I.R.’s article reminds me of a scene in Gone With the Wind, in which the southern gentry are talking of coming war and Rhett Butler steps in and tells everybody that the North is better equipped for war; and that all they, the southerners, have is “…cotton and dreams of victory.” Obviously this was met with indignation, but Rhett Butler was right. As preppers we are our own group who thinks we are better equipped for “war” and can also be blinded by our own arrogance. Even amongst the prepper/survivalist groups we must …


Economics and Investing:

Silver Bags See New Demand. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.) Home Sales Plunge 27 Percent to Lowest in 15 Years. B.B. sent this: Unemployed group blasts Geithner’s handling of economy C.P. sent us this: Gold: Safe Haven, Next Big Bubble or Something in Between? Items from The Economatrix: Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: BofA Sees US “Double-Dip” Danger (Danger? Count on it!) Mortgage Lending Falls by 20% on New Recession Risks Three Devastating Tax Waves Will Destroy Many 2011 W-2s Will Include Employee Health Insurance Cost as Income Thousands Still Losing Homes in Tampa, Florida Euro Crisis Has Not Gone Away, it …


Inflation Watch:

Maddie wrote to mention: “I bought my normal brand of 12 double rolls of toilet paper and noticed when I put it next to the others [I had bought previously] that it was shorter. The package went from 501 square feet down to 400 square feet for about 50 cents more. The tissue squares are also now 4″x4”. From G.G.: Inflation may push rates up to 8%. Angela wrote us: “I was in Costco yesterday, and took a look at a couple of staples to gauge price increases. SPAM is up 6% from $1.99 to $2.12 in the last year. …


Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson has a new science fiction novel in his Freehold series now available in book stores and from Internet sellers like amazon.com: Do Unto Others. Mike is a gifted writer, and I’m honored to have him on SurvivalBlog’s masthead.    o o o G.G. sent this item from Britain’s Daily Mail: Do it yourself? Not likely if you’re under 35. More than half are DIY dunces who can’t even rewire a plug and have to rely on parents    o o o When is a Brigade not a “Brigade”? Combat brigades in Iraq under …



Notes from JWR:

Warning! Today’s economic news (see below) will exceed your recommended daily allowance of Doom und Gloom. — Today we present another entry for Round 30 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.) …