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 …




Assessing Risk and Analyzing Hazards for Any Scenario, by Kyrottimus

As a former United States Air Force Readiness Troop (formerly known as “Disaster Preparedness” and, I think, now known as “Emergency Management”), AFSC 3E9X1, part of the Disaster Response Force within Civil Engineering Squadron’s “Prime BEEF” (Base Emergency Engineer Force), and having trained heavily with RED HORSE, I was exposed to quite the gamut of “Full-Spectrum Threat Response Plans”. I could go on ad nauseam about the myriad of tasks and responsibilities affiliated with this career field, but I wont. Specifically, this is about the process of performing a Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis. I’m sure as many experts in …




Letter Re: Sunspot 11476 Update

Hi James, At about 12:30 UTC this morning Sunspot 11476 flared at the M4.7 level thereafter remaining at an elevated emission state. As of just a few minutes ago it re-flared, peaking to M1.8. Last night’s read at Solen.info gave the area as 1100 SM and noted significant complexity at at least two points within the spot. This morning’s HMIB from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) platform has in the leading spot a section in which very high positive and negative magnetic gradients are immediately adjacent to each other with strong intermixing occurring. This is almost always a sign that …




Letter Re: A Source for Camouflage Material

Mr. Rawles, While searching around the Internet for camouflage, I came across this web site for Milsim (Airsoft) gamers that has a lot of fairly inexpensive new clothing and tactical items and is searchable by camo pattern.  They have an inexpensive version of Multicam I’m looking at, as well as a number of items in your oft-mentioned British DPM pattern.  I haven’t ordered from them yet, so can’t speak to their service or quality.   Thanks, – Brian  in Colorado




Economics and Investing:

A.K.H. sent this: Testimony cites savings from using steel: House holds hearing on future of coin production. JWR Urges: Get your nickels, soon! Michele Bachmann claims Swiss citizenship. It is always nice to have a Plan B. Mayo downgrades JPMorgan Items from The Economatrix: Baby Boomers:  “A Gray Wave,” Now Permanently Jobless Gas Prices Falling:  Next Stop $3 A Gallon? Oil Falls For 5th Day, Down 2%




Odds ‘n Sods:

Please continue to pray for the fledgling nation of South Sudan. They are now confronted with brewing civil unrest at home, and war with their parent nation, Sudan.    o o o Andrew in England sent this bit of Nanny State Nuttery News: US Self-Defence Expert Barred From Britain. (Nanny says: We mustn’t hit back, children.)    o o o How Do Gardener has posted a complete Planting Guide for Tomatoes that includes state-specific varieties, planting dates, days to harvest, nutrition facts, fertilizing, watering, insect and disease control information.    o o o Reader Tim J. sent this one: Safety …