Month: March 2012

Letter Re: Sugar and Salt Storage

Dear SurvivalBlog Editor: I’m running out of storage room for my food storage.  Would sugar or salt stored in mylar bags and food grade bucket with a gasket lid deteriorate if stored in a hot, humid environment, (such as garage)?  Thank you for any advice you could offer. Take care, – Stephanie K. JWR Replies: The beauty of salt and sugar is that they are “self-storing” and can have extremely long useful storage lives (potentially centuries) if they are protected from moisture. Just a bit of humid air and inadequate packaging will turn either of them into solid bricks, fairly …


Letter Re: Some Useful Mapping Web Sites

James, I’m sending you a link to some detailed maps of the world based on detailed data: several basic variables such as average precipitation, temperature variables, population, earth lights (and change in earth lights over time), biomass maps (vegetation) and more. Some linked pages contain data that can be used in virtual globes such as NASA World Wind. If you explore the various links, you can find a wealth of high quality data that could be used in a long term grid down/other scenario where this basic world information could be very useful for travel, and more. This can also …


Two Letters Re: A First-Timer’s Cider Making

Good Day Sir, I would like to add a few comments to that excellent primer on cider making. First, If you skip all of the picking and crushing to buy the fresh unpasteurized sweet cider, be aware that some places (companies and regular people) add potassium sorbate to the final product. This inhibits the growth of bacteria. On top of that, it keeps yeast from growing. The best way to overcome this is to starter. Add your yeast to a small container (with airlock) a cup of water and a half a cup of sugar. Let this ferment for a …


Economics and Investing:

Drockton:  Inflation And Economic Collapse 15 Potentially Massive Threats To The U.S. Economy Over The Next 12 Months European Banks Now Face Huge Margin Calls As ECB Collateral Crumbles. JWR’s Comment: Just as I warned you! This may cause a sharp sell-off of stocks, bonds, and precious metals, as everyone scrambles for cash, to cover margin calls. Look at this as a great buying opportunity. (Theoretically, silver could briefly plunge to $22.52 per ounce.) Keep cash on hand and be ready to pounce on some physical silver. Items from The Economatrix: Three Charts Of The US Consumption Crash Dead Ahead …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Rick B. recommended a complete planting guide for green beans over at How To Gardener. It includes some state specific varieties and planting dates, nutrition facts, planting tips, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, insect and disease information.    o o o A reminder reminder that Ready Made Resources’ sale on Mountain House canned freeze dried foods ends on March 14th, so order soon. You’ll get a 25% discount and free shipping on case lots.    o o o H.B. and several other readers sent this: Utah on verge of passing bill demanding Feds relinquish public land. Unfortunately, the Federal highway funds …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries 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 …


A First-Timer’s Cider Making, by The Gentleman Fahma in New Hamsha

If you live in apple country, you have a wonderful resource readily available for pre- and post-TEOTWAWKI. All it takes is some up front costs for equipment, and your labor and desire. The process is simple. I’m speaking of producing fresh apple cider for immediate enjoyment or trade, and hard cider for delayed enjoyment, stockpiling, or trade. Thus, you can easily acquire a valuable skill for post-WTSHTF. A nice thing is you can gradually ramp up your expense and involvement. You can: Buy the fermenting equipment and use purchased fresh unpasteurized sweet cider, skipping the expensive apple crusher and press …


Communications: Why You Should Get Your Ham Radio License, by M.G.

I admit it. I’m woefully unprepared.  Recent events have caused me to “wake up”, much like Neo in The Matrix who takes the “red pill” and awakens to the painful reality.  When you first awaken it’s overwhelming.  You feel that there is so much to do and so little time. My resources are limited and I expect they will become more so over time.  Rather than succumbing to the paralysis of analysis, and constant study without action, I feel it’s better to begin chipping away at getting prepared.  I suggest you start today and get a toe hold on being …


Two Letters Re: Cap and Ball Revolver Options

Hello James, Thanks for a great site. Here in New York City you can own an antique or reproduction black powder revolver, but if you have caps, bullets and/or powder then you are considered to possessing an unregistered pistol. (A felony.) As you always say: “check your state and local laws .” Thanks, – Richie from New York City   Dear Mr. Rawles, I read with interest the letter about Cap and Ball Revolvers as a workaround for restrictive gun laws.   I have long advocated this to some of my friends and acquaintances,  who, for one reason or another, are …


Letter Re: Your Earthquake Audit

Mr. Rawles: The recent article about conducting a home earthquake audit reminds me of a preparedness step that I took: A little over a year ago I saw an automatic gas shutoff valve displayed at a professional plumbing store. After looking in the cutaway demonstration  valve , I inquired about the cost of the valve, which was around $100. I have kept a wrench next to the gas meter for years, but last year I had to commute 60  miles  away for school. Now with a new prepper mentality  , I wondered what would happen if a big quake did …


Economics and Investing:

Long-time SurvivalBlog reader and contributor R.B.S. sent this: Risky Places To Swipe Your Debit Card Pierre M. sent this from ABC News: Green Firms Get Fed Cash, Give Execs Bonuses, Fail Over at ETF Daily News: The Rising Price of Commodities: The Most Investable Trend Over The Next 20 Years Items from The Economatrix: Gold Price Will Plunge Below $1,000 Bears Claim Gasoline Pump Price In US Climbs For 24 Straight Days Oil Up On Iran Fears; Growth Worry Limits Gain Gold Recovers From Lows As Dollar Retreats


Odds ‘n Sods:

Joseph R. sent this: CONEX Temporary Housing in Japan. (This was the next step, after paper partitions.)    o o o And speaking of Japan: One year after Fukushima – Defining and classifying a disaster. (Now a five part series.)    o o o David T. sent this NPR news story: The Ultimate In Heirloom Wheat Arrives At Seed Vault    o o os Human nature dictates that a lot of preparedness only comes belatedly: Sale of storm shelters on rise after string of deadly tornadoes. (Thanks to Tim J. for the link.)    o o o Seed for Security …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries 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 …