Year: 2012

Odds ‘n Sods:

Rick in New York mentioned this latest bit of Bloomberg-inspired insanity: New York OKs nation’s first ban on super-sized sugary drinks    o o o Sue C. was the first of several readers to send this: Gun Sales Hinge on Obama Re-Election: Cabela’s, Other Retailers Prepare for Surge in Demand    o o o G.G. forwarded a link to some Slate commentary that confirms my conjecture about the secret cache of Revlon Equave Hydro Nutritive Shampoo: The Biggest Problem With the Post-Apocalyptic Show Revolution: the Women’s Perfect Hair.    o o o R.B.S. sent this news from Oz: Superbugs spread …



Notes from JWR:

Today we celebrate Constitution Day in these United States. — The first post today is from SurvivalBlog’s Back Country Editor, Matthew Stein. It is adapted from his book When Disaster Strikes: A Comprehensive Guide for Emergency Planning and Crisis Survival.


Approaching Fire or Extreme Fire Alert, by Matthew Stein, P.E.

After living in The States off and on for several years, in 2008 Andrew and Mary Hall moved back to their home in Buxton Australia so they could  be closer to their aging parents. It was a modest three bedroom two bath house with exterior walls of “mud brick” (adobe) that helped keep the home’s interior cool during the hot Australian summers. With large eaves, a metal roof, and adobe style mud brick walls, many would consider their home to be reasonably fire resistant, but its construction proved no match for the forces of nature that turned the neighboring towns …


A Book Review by T.M. from Arkansas: The Original Counter-Argument

The Original Counter-Argument: The Founders’ Case Against the Ratification of the Constitution, Adapted for the 21st Century, by Paul Douglas Boyer ISBN: 978-14477450673 Paperback and Kindle Kindle edition available from Amazon.com 298 pages, appendixes, bibliography, nice size print for those of us who wear eyeglasses. Bad news first: there is no index. (Any nonfiction work should always have an index.) How many times have you heard ‘they-he-she violated my rights’? How many times have you wondered just how many rights are in the Bill of Rights? How many citizens have actually read the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the …


Pat’s Product Review: Propper Brand Outdoor Clothing

I have literally lost count of the number of SurvivalBlog readers I’ve heard  from, who asked “what is the best camo pattern…” Well, there is no easy or absolute right answer to this questions. It depends on the terrain, that you’ll be operating in, as to what camo pattern works best. I have always been fond of the old Woodland camo pattern – but it’s getting harder and harder to find this surplus clothing. Without a doubt, I believe the US Army’s ACU gray digital camouflage pattern is one of the worst camo designs to come along. It doesn’t matter what …


Letter Re: To Arms!

Mr Rawles, I must contest the foolish statement made by Mr. Prentice in his essay, To Arms! Prentice’s labeling Unlawful LEO Activity as a credible threat to the life of civilians is borderline absurd.  Yes, there are bad cops in our police forces. That’s nothing new and those officers should be purged as soon as possible and serve time in jail if needed. Bad cops irritate good cops and ruin the good will honest officers struggle daily to build. But there are bad cops because police officers are not super human genetically enhanced automated machines. We are picked from your …


Recipe of the Week:

Adele Davis Low-Sugar Granola This is nutritionist Adelle Davis‘ recipe, that I copied from a magazine in a doctor’s office waiting-room more than 30 years ago, and have since shared with many dozens of people. In a large pan (a shallow roasting pan is good) combine dry ingredients, mixing well: 5 c. regular rolled oats 1 cup chopped almonds 1 cup raw sesame seeds 1 cup raw sunflower seeds 1 cup shredded coconut 1 cup powdered milk (not instant mix) 1 cup soy flour [or wheat flour] 1 cup wheat germ. In a 2 cup measuring cup, combine 1 c. …


Economics and Investing:

Unlimited monetization: Get Ready For An Epic Fiat Currency Avalanche First corn and now wheat: Weather Woes Sow Worry on Wheat. Stock up your larder before prices gallop! (Thanks to U.E. for the link.) John Embry Expects a Silver Price Explosion Driven by Physical Shortage Items from The Economatrix: German Court’s Backing Bailout Fund to Test EU Resolve on Crisis Fed Seen Starting QE3 While Extending Rate Pledge to 2015 Gary North:  Gold Bugs and Anti-Gold Bugs, It’s a Fight for Civilization


Odds ‘n Sods:

Safecastle’s current “Repel the Chaos” sale has transitioned to Week 4, with the following special offers (ending September 21st): 1.)  Safecastle Royal members who make any single purchase (one weekly incentive per member) totaling at least $450 receive a free Katadyn Vario water filter and a 20-pack of MP1 purification tablets ($117 value). 2.)  Or, make a purchase of at least $1,250 and receive a free Katadyn Pocket water filter. (a $379 value), and 3.)  They are now discounting selected Mountain House can cases up to 33% for a very limited time. Don’t miss out.    o o o Reader …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 42 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest, as well as a guest article. 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 …


Making Your Own Chest Rigs, by Jeff J. in Arizona

Among the different weapons I own I have several Russian WWII Mosin Nagants. I have wanted for some  time to find some kind of chest rig and or web gear to use with these rifles so they could possibly be used as battle rifles. I have several of the Russian surplus ammo pouches that came with these rifles but I wanted something that could hold more stripper clips and was more modern. I searched numerous times on the internet and could never find a dedicated Mosin Nagant chest rig. Finally, I found 1 seller on Ebay who was selling a …


Guest Article: To Arms!, by William Crosby Prentice

The title of this essay could be either a call to action, or a toast to weapons.  Either way, the purpose is to discuss the decision of whether or not, and to what extent, a person should be armed.  The author is biased in favor of being as heavily armed as is legal under any given circumstances, and has a hard time coming up with reasons for not being armed. The Right of Self Defense I would bet that nearly all of those that regularly visit SurvivalBlog will agree that a person has a natural right, independent of and senior …


Letter Re: Scouts and Food Storage Quantities

Sir: Thank you Mr. Rawles for your blog. The recent post about scouting from Louie in Ohio brought back a flood of memories for me and the scouting program of so many decades past. One such memory was from a wise Scoutmaster at the beginning of a 50 mile 6-day hike through Alpine wilderness . He stated that in 6 days we would walk out of these woods a different person than had walked in. Most of the twenty or so young men scoffed at hearing such counsel. Of course we ran out food on day four, we were responsible …