Day: April 29, 2012

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry 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 any …


Motorcycle BOV, by Jeff H.

I have what I would consider three different Bug Out Vehicles (BOVs): a 4WD pickup, a 4WD SUV and a motorcycle.  The bike of coarse could be placed in the back of the pickup and unloaded somewhere down the road as needed thus greatly extending the range of either individually.  As far as BOVs are concerned there are many advantages to using a motorcycle.  One is good fuel mileage. Another is the ability to go around snarled traffic and other obstacles.  Disadvantages are lack of carrying capacity and the personal protection of being in a big heavy vehicle. As far …


Letter Re: Disasters and the Dreaded Multigenerational Scenario

Dear Jim, We have already seen how the largely bankrupt USA has dealt with the Hurricane Katrina disaster. New Orleans remains partially empty and its population is much lower. Those who had any money left when the hurricane was announced to hit. If they returned, it was to recover a few belongings and collect their insurance checks before ceding the property/ruin back to the FedGov/State. Surrounding areas where the Hurricane spent its fury have been abandoned. The wrecked 9th Ward of New Orleans was not rebuilt. Someday it will flood again, and this time with few people to complain, it will probably turn …


Letter Re: Sport Shooting for Preppers

James, Another thought on going beyond training day in and day out on firearm proficiency. Besides joining a club, hunting is a great way to practice firearms proficiency. There is the obvious aspect of practical shooting, especially when chasing small game and birds but even large game hunting is illustrative. Most people (including myself with five years active duty experience and the associated firearms training) rarely ever shoot at a live moving target. Shooting at a walking elk at 200 yards is a whole lot different than punching holes in paper. I thought I was good and what can be …


Economics and Investing:

Sue C. sent us this: Jim Rogers: US Looks Headed for Recession, Stock Crash in 2013 Also from Sue, this Reuters article: Britain in recession, intensifying government woes Jon in Montana spotted this: Detroit Mayor Bing’s proposed budget slashes government services by 50%. Jon asks: “Is this a sign of things to come, across the country?    John Grgurich: Spain is Struggling with its Debt, and You Should be Worried Items from The Economatrix: New IMF Figures Show at Current Rate Central Banks Will Buy Almost 700 Tonnes of Gold this Year Gas Prices Seen Headed Lower at Pump State …


Odds ‘n Sods:

M.E.S. wrote to mention that he likes the many do-it-yourself ideas at the Penny Wise – Homemade and Handy web page.    o o o Lynn G. sent this news article from England: Carpenter Builds Incredible Egg-shaped Treehouse Hidden From View on Crown Land    o o o R.W. sent something of interest to homeschoolers: University of Minnesota Launches Review Project For Open Textbooks    o o o Richard H. liked this at LifeHacker: DIY Gravity Water Filter.    o o o This has been mentioned once before in SurvivalBlog, but bears repeating: Making a 45-day emergency candle out of …