Year: 2011

Three Related Disasters (Part 3), by Joe Refugee From Tokyo

After the first few days, it was possible to get some idea of what had happened. The initial numbers of fatalities had been fairly low, and it was hard to know how many had survived in the coastal towns. As the phone systems and many roads there were devastated, a big effort was going to be required just to scope out the damage. Sadly, it became clear that well over 10,000 lives were lost. In terms of life in Tokyo, though, it was electricity and basic supplies useful during disasters that became somewhat hard to come by. The other major …


Letter Re: Internet Resources on Preparedness and Self-Sufficiency

Sir: Let me start with, my #1 resource for information has been the Internet for over 15 years.  I learn just about everything from this seemingly endless source of ‘how to guides’, to history and nature.  I can literally download thousands of ‘text based’ with the 1,000 gigabyte external memory devices I own.  It is also easier to lug around than just a few hundred books.  My point is, I am not knowledgeable on ‘survival’ and ‘growing foods’.  When the Schumer hits the fan, I doubt I’ll have the Internet as an extremely valuable resource of information to help me …


Economics and Investing:

A “must read” piece by Patrice Lewis, wherein she argues that useful tangibles are the only safe investment, as the Federal government approaches default or mass inflation: Drowning in debt C.D.V. suggested this: Selling America: The view from a bear’s chair. Also from C.D.V. come a link to some advice from Shawn Tully at Fortune that is about three years premature: Real estate: It’s time to buy again. Items from The Economatrix: A Hundred Municipalities Won’t Make It Out Of Debt Times Are Good For Silver Investors What’s In Your Wallet? “Skunked”:  Bill Gross On How “The US Will Likely …


Odds ‘n Sods:

With calving season rapidly approaching, I’ve had two readers that are first-time cow owners ask me about sources for home dairying supplies and books. Lots of mailorder companies sell Bag-Balm, but not many sell butter churns! I recommend the Homestead Store. (One of our advertisers.) For books, I recommend The Family Cow by Dirk van Loon, and Raising a Calf for Beef by Phyllis Hobson. OBTW, there is also quite a bit of good cattle raising information in Carla Emery’s The Encyclopedia of Country Living.    o o o Pete A. sent this from a Colorado newspaper: Prepping for disaster: …



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 …


Pareto’s Law and How I Survived a Real Disaster With a Survival Cache: Learning How to Learn, by David H.

In cold weather climate emergencies, one does not have the luxury of bumbling around with unfamiliar, time consuming, or downright questionable strategies for securing shelter, food and water. One’s gear must not be delicate or high maintenance, and one’s plan must be founded in strategies that have been thoroughly tested and improved upon. If one is ill-prepared or caught off guard, the cold will quickly strip away heat, water, and life.  Among some friends, there is a yearly tradition of heading to Quebec, over in Canada, where we go winter camping for about 2-3 weeks or so. Childhood friends now …


Letter Re: IWB Holsters and Negligent Discharges

Dear Editor: You recently mentioned an article about a negligent discharge, involving a Glock pistol that was carried in a very worn-out holster of the inside-the-waistband (IWB) variety. It was titled: The importance of a good holster. To be fair, IWB holsters are very good. So are Galco holsters. So are Glocks. One must just identify the risk versus benefits of any holster. For whatever reason, the concealed carry crowd forgets that the IWB holster is NOT a tactical holster. The IWB holster is an excellent choice for those in the concealed carry group but it is not the only option. You get great concealment. Quick access …


Economics and Investing:

Why Marc Faber Is Such a Bear. Dimon Says a Hundred Municipalities in U.S. Won’t ‘Make It’ Out of Debt Vacant California – California has over 1 million vacant housing units increasing 54 percent in one decade G.G. sent us this: American’s feather nests with silver Eagles Items from The Economatrix: Solar Sunspot Activity and the Financial Markets   13% Of All US Homes Are Vacant US Economy In The Greater Depression Confirmed By GDP Data       A List Of 28 Things That Will Make You Think There Is Something Seriously Wrong With The Country Jim Rogers Predicts …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Alan W. sent this item: Why North Dakota May Be the Best State in the Country to Live In    o o o J.H. mentioned an article with details on the latest malware threat: ‘LizaMoon’ Mass SQL Injection Attack Escalates Out of Control    o o o One doctor’s view: The Experts Are Dead Wrong on Potassium Iodide for Radiation    o o o Book review: Apocalypse soon? (A review of “How the End Begins: The Road to a Nuclear World War III“)


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” – Romans 10:1-4 (KJV)


Notes from JWR:

Great news! Lulu.com has extended their 20% off sale, for any product, through April 4th. That includes the 2005-2010 SurvivalBlog Archive CD-ROM! So if you’ve been “thinking about it”, here is your chance to save $3.99. Order now! To get the 20% discount, enter coupon code “SPLISH305“, during checkout. — 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.) …


A Single Dad With Kids, Prepping to Our Fullest, by Kurt G.

I’m a single dad (32 year old) of three amazing children, Aaron 12, Sarah 11, and Savannah 3, and this is our journey. In 2008 we had lost everything, my job, our house, our jeep, the truck and pretty much everything else. We did manage to keep our four door sedan as our source of transportation. We were fortunate to have family who had a 2nd home and welcomed us to use it. I had prepped a little here and there for the past10 or so years but was still learning and very naïve to what being prepared really meant. …


Letter Re: Silver Dimes Rather Than Quarters for Barter?

Dear Mr. Rawles: I have read your excellent blog for years and truly enjoy the unique mix of practical advice and news you provide that is not often found elsewhere. I wanted to comment on your recent article titled,  "Precious Metals–When to Begin Reducing Your Holdings."  Your article was quite thoughtful and I would encourage anyone who failed to read it when originally posted on March 29th to go back and read it now. There was a minor point that I did disagree with.  Near the end of the article you wrote, "Here in the United States, pre-1965 silver quarters …


Two Letters Re: Update on Pending Berkey Water Filter Price Increase

Captain Rawles,   I have just received the following update on the Berkey water filtration systems. The Stainless Steel Berkey systems are on a serious backorder as they have been grossly oversold.  The Berkey Light Systems are the only ones that are in stock no matter what the “Estimated Shipping Date” or “Quantity in Stock” notices say online.  Also the previously reported 20%-30% price increase has been changed to 10% due to Berkey not wanting make an already bad economic situation worse, but they will not be able to give away the freebies any longer.  They may consider another “Price …