Year: 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 …


Raising Rabbits for Meat, by L.L. in Missouri

Would you like to provide a good meal for your family and know where the meat has come from and who has handled it and not have to rely on going to the grocery store to purchase it?  Well that was me a few years ago.  I was concerned about the safe handling practices of store bought meat as well, the cost of the store bought meat.  I really wanted to be able to take pride that I could grow and process my meat and not have to rely on the grocery store.  I already process deer so I thought …


Letter Re: Assuring M1911-Series Autopistol Safety

Jim, First, thank you so much for such a worthwhile resource for prepping and other useful information.   Regarding the recent article on M1911 series pistols, I could not help but cringe when I repeatedly read to release the slide and let it slam on an empty chamber.  It is my understanding that there is no better way to mess up a trigger job than repeated slamming the slide forward on an empty chamber.  The action of releasing the slide without a round being stripped off of a magazine to buffer the force will cause damage to the surfaces of …


Economics and Investing:

Reader C.D.V. suggested this article: World Bank Sees Dollar Reserve Status Ending Over Next Decade. E.M.B. forwarded this: Death Derivatives Emerge From Pension Risks of Living Too Long Richard Koo Explains Why an Unwind of QE2, with Nothing to Replace it, Could Lead to the Biggest Depression Yet Check gambit makes Coos Bay [Oregon] man a felon. (Thanks to D.B.C. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Home Sales Fall Despite Uptick in First Time Buyers Ahead Of The Bell:  Leading Indicators Seen Rising Predicting the Future Gold Price Misses the Point Senate Bill Would Limit Savers Using 401(k)s as …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader “TinCan” sent this, over at Eatocracy: Give squirrel a whirl    o o o I couldn’t help but be reminded of the classic 1931 Fritz Lang film, “M”, with Peter Lorre: Crazy Military Tracking Tech, From Super Scents to Quantum Dots. Here is a quote: “Imagine walking up to a target and patting him on the back with a clear liquid on your hand. He might never notice it, but you’d be able to see — and follow — him from a distance using night vision goggles. Oregon-based Voxtel makes a product, “NightMarks,” that can do just that. NightMarks …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:11-15 …


Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries 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 , …


Minerals, Nutrients and Essential Oils for Survival, by M.G.M.

As my husband excitedly plans how to care for our family if disaster strikes and  how to live on bare minimal amounts of food, I am preparing my heart for caring for my family during hard times.  I know that my job is maintaining the emotional presence of my family during the hard times that we may face. These are things that we can all inexpensively incorporate into our lives now and reap the benefits from.  I am also happy to tell you that these are things that you can use around your house every day, and will also bring …


The Group Think Trap, by Doctus

The world is falling apart around us.  The economy is in shambles and the moral fiber that once made this country great has been reduced to nothing but tattered rags.  The once individualistic American who mistrusted government is now willing to give everything over to government for a modicum of false safety.  The entrepreneurial and innovative American has been boxed in by tough regulations and taxes.  In short, the American spirit is being snuffed out by the modern progressivism that has taken hold of our once great country. Amidst all this doom and gloom and with little prospect for a …


Four Letters Re: Diabetic Preparedness – Storing Insulin in a Grid Down World

Dear Editor: Robert M. should also look at a propane refrigerator such as found in campers.  It only takes enough gas to run a pilot light to keep things cold.  A 20 pound propane cylinder will last us several seasons and also do the cooking.  A  200 gallon tank would last for several years if it were only used to cool your medications.  I have seen used propane refrigerators going for next to nothing when people scrap out old campers.  – Bob P. Hi There, Kudos to the author who wrote about off-grid electric refrigerators for storing insulin; other options …


Economics and Investing:

Photo of an Obamaville. Loyal contributor John R. sent us a capacious pile o’ links: Paul Ryan Speaks on the “Catastrophic Trajectory” of US Debt – ZeroHedge Our Peculiar State of Suspended Animation – Charles Hugh Smith What Will Happen When QE2 Ends? – Dave Cohen Obama’s debt-limit truth-twisting – Stephen M. Meister Kicking the Can to the End of the Road – John Mauldin      Social Security ‘Trust Fund’ to Add $5 Trillion to Debt – Investors.com Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Follow LinkedIn IPO Higher Commodity Rally Sends Stock Indexes Higher Central Banks Snap Up Gold in First …


Odds ‘n Sods:

This post sums up what a lot of people have been thinking: You Might Be A Psychopath If…    o o o The shortages continue: Drugs For Critically Ill In Short Supply. (Thanks to C.D.V. for the link.)    o o o Ay, ay, ay: CDC Warns Public to Prepare for ‘Zombie Apocalypse’. How could the CDC use such absurd, illogical imagery to promote a family preparedness campaign? They must have let a few overpaid publicity consultants run amok. Be very careful when you ask PR people to “Do something bold, to catch attention.” Did they ever! (Thanks to Steve …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” – Psalm 19:7-10 (KJV)


Note from JWR:

A recent Live Science article, “The Draw of Doomsday: Why People Look Forward to the End” mentions SurvivalBlog. But like most mainstream media reports, it both denigrates and misinterprets the value of preparedness. — 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 …


Diabetic Preparedness – Storing Insulin in a Grid Down World, by Robert M.

I have spent time and money on food and water preparation, on preparing my family plan for emergency situations that might last an extended period of time. I have purchased and prepared medical and hygiene supplies, trying to cover as many areas as I could. Even with this much preparation, there was still one other important issue I needed to address. In a true TEOTWAWKI situation, a major concern for me and my family is electrical power. This concern isn’t centered on the ability to watch television, listen to music, or even cook food. Those are what I would consider …