Year: 2012

Odds ‘n Sods:

Joe K. liked this Rodale piece: 12 Low-Tech Tools You’ll Always Use    o o o Reader Jeremy I. sent us an item to file under Emerging Threats: Infamous mountain man burglar caught on video, still roams free. (Do not leave supplies cached in unattended wilderness cabins and expect them to be immune from burglary. It is important to build undetectable wall or floor caches for your valuable weapons, ammunition, optics, and electronics.)    o o o The Knob Creek machinegun shoot and plein air gun show will be held again this coming weekend. One of these years–when my writing …



Notes from JWR:

From SurvivalBlog reader Mark C. I learned that on Wednesday, we lost a true American hero. Command Sergeant Major Basil Plumley died at 92 years of age in Columbus, Georgia. CSM Plumley was a combat infantryman in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. Sam Elliot played him in the movie “We Were Soldiers”. — 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 …


On the Road to Thunderdome, by H.F.

Our culture relies heavily on vehicles and this will likely result in a rude awakening in a TEOTWAWKI situation.  Depending on the circumstances, vehicles, fuel, and/or parts may become insanely scarce and expensive.  This reality has led many preppers to explore various options ranging from alternative energy vehicles to reverting to traditional forms of transportation/heavy machinery (horses for example).   Additionally, those preparing for the worst must consider abnormal conditions that vehicles need to withstand when TSHTF.  This article will discuss TEOTWAWKI vehicles, preparing, and special tactics/considerations in regard to operating them. There are several schools of thought on what is …


Two Letters Re: Wilderness Survival in a Northern Climate

Jim, I read your blog almost everyday and sometimes I get a little irked when someone writes “You can survive without water for three days”. Having been an investigator in a desert climate, I can attest to the fact that a person can die of dehydration in a matter of 4 hours, especially if they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs just prior to going on that hike or riding an ATV into unknown lands. True you can survive longer in northern climates, but you can’t count on going three days without water. It is misleading and can cause …


Economics and Investing:

Eric P. sent this from Der Spiegel: How Monetary Policy Threatens Savings A key quote: “Anyone who can afford it is seeking protection from inflation and fleeing to material assets.” G.G. flagged this: Nine in ten Scots ‘living off state’s patronage’ Also from G.G.: The dollar’s days as reserve currency are numbered Decline, Decay, Denial, Delusion, And Despair (Thanks to R.B.S. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: The Largest Economy In The World Is Imploding Right Before Our Eyes The Inflation Rate Is A Lie Too People Are Flipping Out:  California Is On The Brink Of Collapse And Panic …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Just in time to get people thinking about the consequences of the upcoming election, the movie Atlas Shrugged, Part II will be released on October 12, 2012.    o o o For those with an interest in monitoring the severity of solar flares, J.E.B. in Missouri tells me that the Rice University Web Site site has excellent up-time and has the most consistent and timely, moment-to-moment updating of solar flare data.    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Back Country Editor, Mat Stein, has several book signings and workshops scheduled in Reno, Nevada, on October 13th and 14th.    o o o …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the US Government cannot pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that, ‘the buck stops here.’ Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.” …


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 …


Wilderness Survival in a Northern Climate, by F.D.

I recently learned about wilderness survival in my northern climate. So I thought I would share some of the interesting information that was imparted to me. First off, I highly recommend everyone take a wilderness survival course offered in your area, as it is a wealth of information on the existing elements in your environment, and how to use them to your benefit. First and foremost, if you get lost and you believe someone is coming for you- stay put! Do not try to find the trail that you happened to wander off of or the road that led you …


Two Letters Re: The Aesthetic Pantry: Trading Ornamentals for Edibles

Dear James, In his otherwise excellent article on replacing ornamental species of plants with useful, edible species in landscaping, Matthew C. mistakenly advises getting rid of hawthorns (medium and small size perennial shrubs). Hawthorn is valuable medicinally, tactically, and nutritionally. Hawthorn is one of the most potent heart and blood pressure medications available.  It has been extensively researched, and has been approved by the German Commission E Report.  Unlike digitalis, which is much better known, hawthorn is extremely non-toxic, and is not known to interact with any other medications.  The earliest recorded medicinal use was in ancient Greece. In a …


Economics and Investing:

Trivest, a private equity firm headquartered in Florida, has wisely acquired Wise Foods, a maker of long-term storage foods. I found this over at Gold-Eagle: Unraveling Why A Fed President Just Suggested Doubling QE3 GammaRei sent: The Five Most Surreal Financial Apocalypses from History (Warning: Foul language.) Rich businessmen pulling out of France as tax-hit looms. (A hat tip to K.A.F. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: The Real Unemployment Rate Faber Warns “Everything Will Collapse” Money Printing Trumps Fundamentals Stock Exodus Continues As Investors Yank $5.1 Billion Out


Odds ‘n Sods:

Don J. recommended this: Prioritizing Every Day Carry Gear for Personal Defense.    o o o Ralph N. was the first of several readers to send this Los Angeles Times article: Many drugs are just fine years after they ‘expire,’ study finds    o o o Of interest to folks in western Oregon: The Oregon City Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held Saturday, October 20, 2012. Free admission! 10 am – 4pm. Location: 14340 S. Donovan St. Oregon City, Oregon. Lead speaker : James Roddey, former Director of Communications of the Red Cross 1pm-2pm “Quake Up Call”. Also speaking will …



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 …