Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 39 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) 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 C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 …




Get and Use Your Ham Radio License, by Mrs. R.L.B.

Just because there is a sewing machine in my house doesn’t mean I think any of my family members can sit down and sew a dress.  The same goes with your ham radio.  If you are one of those folks who bought one for when the SHTF thinking you will be able to just set it up and use it, you might be unpleasantly surprised. Why not make sure you have a ham radio license and become proficient with your radio?  It’s probably a good idea to dust it off anyway and make sure it is still working.  Some have …




Letter Re: Combating the Darkness Within

Jim, Reading Paul’s “Combating the Darkness Within” article, I can see that he has a scientific mind, lacking faith in God, or maybe even belief! And this is one of the first things you need in the survival mind set, a true faith in God, and guidance from the Holy Spirit, and without this guidance, no matter how prepared your are materially, your chances of making the right decisions when the time comes are questionable at best, without God’s spirit guiding you. This is why you always store a little more than what you need for [charity for] your family, friends and …




Economics and Investing:

Diana W. sent this: Cost to Make Penny and Nickel Rises, Annual Loss Reaches $116.7 Million. [JWR’s Comment: Presently, the U.S. Treasury is in effect giving you some of your taxes back, by minting nickels at a loss. Stock up ASAP, before this window of opportunity closes! (Debased steel nickels are coming soon!)] Mike T. suggested this: Bill Gross Warns Of Financial Market Implosion And The End Of Economic Life As We Know It Bailout concerns mounting for Federal Housing Agency F.G. mentioned some interesting background: Cracking The Credit Card Code Items from The Economatrix: 10 Predictions for Work and …




Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large Michael Z. Williamson found a link to plans for a homemade poultry plucker.    o o o Simon Black: Six Certainties About The Coming Years    o o o A reminder that just until January 15th, Safecastle is offering the maximum allowed discount on all Mountain House can varieties: 25% off. Order soon!    o o o NDAA Follow-up: New law would strip Citizenship of native-born Americans.    o o o Census: Number of U.S. youth shrinks. [JWR’s Comment: The article doesn’t mention the all-too obvious fact: About 1.2 million abortions are performed in the U.S. annually.]