Day: May 18, 2011

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 …


Surviving TEOTWAWKI with Infants and Toddlers, by M.A.

As parents of twin infants, we recognize that our situation is far less defensible, far less mobile, and far more vulnerable in general in the event of a societal breakdown. However, we love our boys and they will be extremely useful on the farm one day, so we’ve decided to keep them around anyway. Below are some steps we have taken to prepare ourselves as parents of infants, with their future state as toddlers and children in mind.  Avoiding Separation Being able to sufficiently care for your children is a requirement even in a Great Depression or hyperinflation period. Social …


Letter Re: In Praise of the MAK-90

I would like to talk about the Norinco MAK-90 in 7.62×39 because I believe it to be one of the best combat worthy weapons on the market for the money today. I will cover two parts: The MAK-90 specifically and the AK in general. First I’ll speak to those who already like AKs. MAKs are better than most AKs presently on the market in the U.S. because: 1) It is not a “parts” gun. It is 100% assembled in a foreign arsenal that has been making AKs for decades. This means no canted front sights or other shoddy workmanship. 2) …


Letter Re: Bugging Out Via Boat

Jim, In reference to the article about using boats to bug out I have a few thoughts. The writer was very thorough about his facts and accurate as far as it goes.However, I have a few thoughts. As a former Officer of the U S Merchant Marine (12 years, ending as a 1st Mate, Unlimited Tonnage, Motor and Steam, Any Waters) I have had experience in most marine environments. The biggest drawbacks to using a boat as a primary means of escaping are visibility, fuel consumption, and low speed. The writer covered a lot of this and this reply is …


Letter Re: Finding Work in Your Intended New Locale

Mr. Rawles,   Two major websites not mentioned in your article were LinkedIn and USAJOBS.  LinkedIn is an online HR site somewhat similar to Facebook in that it allows “connections” to be made between users. One major difference: You cannot “connect” with someone who you haven’t either worked with or personally know- the website actually blocks attempts to make “mass connections”.  LinkedIn is an HR manager’s dream, as it not only focuses on a person’s career and qualifications, but also provides an all-in-one-stop shop for potential employees.  Many HR reps I know now either refuse to consider candidates who do not have a …


Economics and Investing:

Jeff Harding warns: The Economy is Sliding Into a Stagflationary Spiral Some talking hipster robot apocalypse, by way of Club Orlov: “What will a post-collapse society look like?” and How can we prepare for the collapse? Rigged-Market Theory Scores a Perfect Quarter: Jonathan Weil. (Kudos to Kevin S. for the link.) Sig mentioned: Three Reasons to Believe in $100 Oil Items from The Economatrix: Silver and Disasters Double-digit Inflation Has Arrived US Builders See Little to Like in Housing Market


Odds ‘n Sods:

R.F. suggested an article over at Slate: The Century of Disasters Meltdowns. Floods. Tornadoes. Oil spills. Grid crashes. Why more and more things seem to be going wrong, and what we can do about it.    o o o Greg C. sent this: Iran to Build Missile Base in Venezuela Missiles Could Hit American Cities; Venezuelan Missile Crisis Looms    o o o Tony D. found a repository of Boy Scouts manuals, for scout masters. (Some rights are reserved, under a Creative Commons license.)    o o o Do you have defensible space around your home? Fire crews gave everything …