Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 42 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 …




Technology Today, by KCLO4

Let me premise this by saying I am no expert in the material I will provide. I, like most everyone on this site, is an avid hobbyist in these matters. For some background on me though, I am a Mathematics and Computer Science Major in my fourth year of college, a phone and computer enthusiast, I enjoy white hat hacking and build computers for fun. Maybe not the average prepper, but I get by. I am writing this article as I have found almost nothing on modern technology in the several blogs that I visit on a daily basis, even …




Getting On The Bandwagon — 30 Steps For Mainstream Preppers, by Boreal C.

People who are interested in preparedness seem to love lists.   So, I have compiled a list of 30 steps that may be useful for average families who don’t necessarily have a hideout in the mountains (yet).  This list is by no means all-inclusive and it presumes a basic background in preparedness.  In other words, I hope you have been reading this blog for a long time already!  I am a proud military wife and mother of two grade school students.  I have a master’s degree in chemistry.  We are just an average family trying to get by in uncertain times. …




Letter Re: Armoring an SUV?

Hello, I’m wondering what the best method is to bulletproof my inherited Jeep Grand Cherokee. I’m 16 years old and I have inherited a Jeep Grand Cherokee and I’m planning on bulletproofing it for the coming apocalypse. I was wondering what the best materials and method would be to do so and approximately how much it would cost to do so if you have any guesses. Sincerely,  – Noland JWR Replies: The proper term is “bullet resistant.” The cost of effectively armoring a car is fairly high. To have it be effective, it is not a do-it-yourself job. Either  you have …




Economics and Investing:

The Telegraph reports: Finland prepares for break-up of eurozone. (Thanks to Pierre M. for the link.) Tyler Durden: Why QE Is Not Working Also at Zero Hedge: US Treasury Admits It Conducted A Circular Ponzi Scheme For Years Wall Street’s Teflon Don Jon: Jon Corzine avoids charges Items from The Economatrix: A Surprise Economic Indicator That’s Looking Up Mish:  Syracuse, NY, Headed For Bankruptcy, 100% Certain Prepare For US and Euro Collapse:  The Next One Will Be The Big One




Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Scotty R. mentioned: Chicken of the trees — The rural eastern gray squirrel has long been a valued food source, but what about its urban cousin?    o o o I see that the Spanish edition of my first novel (“Patriotas“) is now available in both paperback and Kindle editions. The cover is a bit garish (and dare I say “Costneresque” or perhaps something like a screen capture from Homefront), but it is nice to see that the novel available in yet another language. (There are now nine foreign publishing contracts in place to produce editions in eight languages …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they mays obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course …