Day: September 10, 2011

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 36 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 Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $300 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo, and E.) …


My Road to Preparing, by New-To-Me in Nevada

We don’t have a lot of money, however with everything that is happening in the world today and all of the signs yelling in my face that I better get ready or face not being able to feed my family of 6, I started prepping.  I have taken a class at our local community college on the subject and learned a lot of very useful information.  However I didn’t stop there.  I sought out and purchased numerous books that are on the book list here at Survival Blog and did some extensive research on the subject.  Just recently I decided …


Anthrax Review for TEOTW, by Dr. Bob

Anthrax is a good, scary topic that deserves a brief review.  There are three ways you can get anthrax:  cutaneous, inhalation, and alimentary.  Cutaneous anthrax is by far the most common type, often associated with farming and ranching.  The spores get into the skin through cuts or scrapes and then multiply locally.  The disease begins with a very small pimple that quickly enlarges and often blisters.  It the erodes and leaves and painless necrotic ulcer with a black covering.  The surrounding tissue swells up due to the toxin released by the bacteria and lymph node swelling and pain can occur. …


Three Letters Re: Lessons Learned From a Recent California Power Outage

Dear Jim Yesterday at about 4:00 p.m. there was a massive power outage in the southwest. All of San Diego County And other parts of Southern California were without power for almost 12 hours some still are. I learned a few very good lessons from this experience. I do consider myself a prepper but am limited to how much I can store because I live in an apartment. I had concentrated on food, water, and defense measures for the long run, but had completely ignored some more immediate short term supplies. First and foremost, I overlooked cash. I have been …


Letter Re: Letter Re: An Early Baby Boomer’s Bug Out Bags

Jim: The type of flexible bandages [that were recently mentioned in a follow-up letter to “An Early Baby Boomer’s Bug Out Bag”] can be ordered through Schneider’s Tack Company for about $.99 apiece, in boxes of 18.  I use these all the time and they are great for all sorts of emergency fixes as well as wound care.  The rolls available at the drug stores can run $3.00 or more. Just order Vet Flex bandages, item # 30955, for a case.  SurvivalBlog is the best web site ever. – Kate in Colorado


Economics and Investing:

Cue the the Gianini Requiem: Reports: Bank of America to shutter 600 branches Another Sob Story: Saab to appeal creditor protection rejection. Who would have ever thought that Saab would be bailed out by China? John R. suggested this over at Zero Hedge: ECBCTRL+P: The Next Steps In The European Implosion. The piece begins: “Wondering what is next for Europe? Don’t be. With Jurgen Stark, aka the last real hawk at the ECB, gone, here comes ‘the printing.’” Items from The Economatrix: Fed Says 12 Regions Grew Modestly this Summer The Worst is Yet to Come Only Precious Metals Can …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) sent word of some science fiction becoming science fact: Where Kevlar Fails, a Liquid Succeeds    o o o K.A.F. also sent this: Military, CIA shun 9/11 panel on covert operations. [JWR’s Comment: Yes, but look who has been tapped to be the new DCI. They times, they are a-changin’, at Langley.]    o o o A useful piece, over at Daily Finance: How Much Cash Would You Need After a Terrorist Attack?    o o o While the rest of the States continue to make progress, the California legislature tries a step …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, [and] a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given [me] the heritage of those that fear thy name. Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: [and] his years as many generations. …