Day: April 10, 2012

Note from JWR:

Today we present two more entries for Round 40 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 $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for …


My Top Five Favorite Plants

Nature is amazing, I love plants. Not only does just looking at them produce a calming effect, they are beneficial to us in every way. From food, to medicine, glue and rope, plants give us everything we need. These are my top five favorite plants because they are amazing, easy to grow or find and have many uses which are especially valid in TEOTWAWKI. Here are my favorite plants found in the wild, and in the garden, and the reasons why. 1. Garlic  Garlic is great for two reasons, it is a food and a medicine. All parts are edible except …


Hot And Badly Bugged, by J.H.L.

Protection from mosquitoes can be difficult but mosquitoes in hot weather are a particularly difficult problem. Years ago I used to know an old leather-skinned Florida Cattleman that never noticed several mosquitoes biting his bare arms; they didn’t even raise a bump. Most of us aren’t that lucky. I was a little allergic back then, a mosquito bite would often make a sore; this is more often true for children. These sores can easily get infected due to the inching and scratching over a long time period. Mosquitoes can also carry serious diseases like Malaria and Encephalitis which might not …


Letter Re: Advice for a Partially Disabled Prepper

Mr. JWR: I am 57, been collecting prepping supplies for the last 5+ years, but was involved in an accident in 2008 where I was disabled. I’m ambulatory, but limited in lifting and such (three inoperable herniated discs in lower back) – I am planning moving to the Redoubt, but fear that my limited abilities will make me less than attractive or welcome to any community or preppers I may encounter. I do have manual skills in building both small items up to buildings, but cannot actually do the work. Is it worth it for me to move there? I …


Letter Re: Sneaky Places to Store More Stuff

Sir: My husband came up with a great idea to store more items out of sight. He is slowly placing our buckets of storage food in the ceiling of our basement in between the floor joists. He cuts a couple 1×6 planks the proper length, and bolts them down securely [with lag bolts] them a few inches apart on the lower "lip" of the joist which is about 1/2", and places the bucket on top of the planks. Once he completes the drop ceiling, all food storage will be safely tucked away out of sight. Should we need the food, …


Economics and Investing:

Surprise, surprise: New Script Calls For More U.S. Quantitative Easing AmEx sent this: New Rules Target Offshore Funds Diana V. sent this: Canada unveils digital currency. Diana’s comment: I hope it will work if the grid goes down! Savings come slowly for hybrid, electric car owners B.B. sent this item: Stuart Varney on why food prices have skyrocketed in past year Derivatives dirty pool: JPMorgan Trader Accused of “Breaking” CDS Index Market with Massive Prop Position. (Thanks to Pierre M. for the link.) NFP Big Miss: 120,000, Expectations 205,000 Unemployment 8.2%, “Not In Labor Force” At New All Time High …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Painkiller sales soar around US, fuel addiction. (Thanks to G.G. for the link.)    o o o Homeland Security Mission Creep: Keeping An Eye On Everyone    o o o James C. mentioned this insanity, across the pond in Nanny State Britannia: Tobacco display ban comes into force in England    o o o Kevin S. mentioned this infographic: Your Chance of Dying.