Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 43 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 …




The Useful Cattail by Brian in Pennsylvania

For those of you who are awake and aware of the fact that our current lifestyle is about to change in a big way, this information should appeal to you.  I would like to take the time to present some information that might not be known to everyone. This article is about the Cattail.  That humble plant that some people go to great lengths to rid themselves of.  That is foolish in the extreme in light of the coming collapse.  A person that had a pond with cattails growing thick around the perimeter, or access to one, should consider themselves …




News From The American Redoubt:

Some interesting statistics: Immigration to Wyoming    o o o Farm to Fork movement helps out Idaho.    o o o Another great new flying video from Ttabs: Idaho Elk Country. This one includes some inset still pictures of his recent archery elk hunt. (The unusually hazy skies–most noticeable at 2:30 and beyond–are from some recent large wildfires in Washington and Oregon.)    o o o I’ve just added another church to the list of Reformed churches at the American Redoubt page. It is: The Well, in Boise, Idaho. Reader B.Z., who made the recommendation, notes: “Pastor Matt Marino has …




Economics and Investing:

Hyperinflation Hits Iran Like Weapon Of Mass Destruction. The article begins: “‘Better buy now,’ advised the rice merchant in Tehran. The retired factory guard took him up on the advice, buying 900 pounds of the stuff to feed his extended family for the next 12 months.” G.G., SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate, flagged this: Global Food Prices Set To Soar–Again. [JWR’s Comment: We can expect to see more instability in Third World countries, just like the last time there was a big price shock in agricultural commodities.] Also from G.G.: Big Bank Derivative Bets Nearly Double In Six Years European Economic Depression …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader F.G. suggested this: Coyotes, bears, and lions: the new urban pioneers?    o o o James C. suggested this great little anthology at Popular Mechanics: The 110 Best DIY Tips Ever    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large Michael Z. Williamson sent this: 10 Coldest Temperatures in U.S. History. It is notable that several of these records were set in American Redoubt states, but take a look at the elevations. These are not spots where most folks would want to live!    o o o Claire Wolfe’s latest commentary: Your right to sell your stuff.    o o …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

Now Garm howls loud before Gnipahellir, The fetters will burst, and the wolf run free; Much do I know, and more can see Of the fate of the gods, the mighty in fight. Brothers shall fight and fell each other, And sisters’ sons shall kinship stain; Hard is it on earth, with mighty whoredom; Axe-time, sword-time, shields are sundered, Wind-time, wolf-time, ere the world falls; Nor ever shall men each other spare. Fast move the sons of Mim, and fate Is heard in the note of the Gjallarhorn; Loud blows Heimdall, the horn is aloft, In fear quake all who …