Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round 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 Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , and …




Predator-Proofing Your Property, by John L.

It was a morning in January, 2007 here in the Northern Rockies, a place far removed from what most folks call civilization. My wife, children, and I had lived here for thirteen years since escaping the now people-overwhelmed State of Colorado. We had searched for “The Last Best Place”, and to us, there was no difference between the State of Idaho and the State of Montana where that alluring slogan comes from. The “Last Best Place” isn’t actually defined by some line on a map; rather, it’s where you have chosen to be and living in a place that fits …




Three Letters Re: #10 Cans for Ammunition Storage

Hi Jim,   For some time now, I’ve been using spare food-grade oxygen absorbers with my long-term ammo storage in regular ammo cans. I keep a regular supply of O2 absorbers in a Mason Jar that I re-vacuum each time with the now famous Alvin Vacuum sealer / Tilia Mason Jar Adaptor.   Being able to stack ammo cans is also good. Seeing the sides of the cans squeeze towards the center (and hard to re-open): Priceless. This is one of the reasons why 5.45x39mm Russian is my favorite MBR round: The surplus Soviet ammo is already delivered that way! …




Economics and Investing:

James C. sent this: The Countdown Has Begun for the Eurozone Breakup J.B.G. spotted a great piece that quotes John E. Silvia, chief economist at Wells Fargo: US Going Same Route as Greece, Portugal: Economist Malls Face Surge in Vacancies (Highest rate in 11 years.) Raymond V. sent this: Congress Faces $2 Trillion-Plus Debt Decision Items from The Economatrix: World Economy Facing Numerous “Black Swans”, Says IMF US Jobs Report:  Take This Job And Shove It Silver Hits 31-Year High As Demand Increases Up To Our Eyes (The Mogambo Guru) Oil Settles Higher, Tops $109 On Nymex Unemployment Falls In …




Odds ‘n Sods:

I was just included in CNBC’s list of “Most notorious doomsday prophets and cults”. When I was interviewed by CNBC about the 2012 craze I emphasized that I don’t believe that “2012” has any significance, yet they included me in their list alongside Jim Jones and David Koresh. Rest assured that I’m not in the Kool-Aid dispensing crowd. Oh well, Notorious Doomsday Prophet has a nice ring to it. I’ll add it to my resume.    o o o Deidre recommended the digital archives at Duke University as a free resource. They have lots of interesting publications, like this one: …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“All the prophets of doom Can always find room In a world full of worry and fear Tips, cigarettes, And chemistry sets And Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer So I’m goin’ back To my little ol’ shack And drink me a bottle of wine That was mis en bouteille Before my birthday And have me a fantastic time! Rain on a tin roof sounds like a drum We’re marchin’ for freedom today … hey! Turn on your headlights and sound your horn If people get in the way” – Excerpted lyrics from The “Protest Song” parody of Bob Dylan.