Year: 2012

Notes from JWR:

I’ve previously mentioned the tragic accidental death of Chuck Lamb (the husband of Jenny of The Last Frontier blog.) A Special Memorial Fund has been set up by Wells Fargo bank, to benefit Jenny and her two young sons. The account number is 7348691358. It is in the name “Chuck Lamb Donation Account”. You can make a donation via any Wells Fargo Bank branch. — Today we present another entry for Round 44 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 …


Field Care For Your Newborn, by T.S.H., MD

Modern neonatal care in a fully equipped and staffed hospital connected to a power grid will be all but a memory in TEOTWAWKI. In the event of SHTF where professional medical services are no longer available it is completely up to the parent(s) to assist the newborn in the traumatic transition from womb to world. Knowledge of basic neonatal field care will increase the chances of survival for a newborn. This article is divided into three sections: Pregnancy, Transition, and First 48 Hours. Pregnancy The first section of this article deals with pregnancy. To begin our discussion of field care …


Letter Re: Hemostatic (Quickclot/Celox/ChitoGauze) Agents

James, In a recent TCCC class, more info was covered on why hemostatic infused gauze is preferred over Hemostatic granules.   The concept for Hemostatic agents was first explored with the use of instant mashed potatoes dumped into a wound. The blood soaked the potatoes thickening them up and helping aid the blood in clotting. This was efficient, until it was realized that the potato “granules” were being carried into the blood stream and causing blood clots. Obviously, this is a very bad thing. When the hemostatic agent was first created in a granule form, it did the same thing …


Economics and Investing:

This does not bode well: SEC Ruling: Active ETFs Now Allowed To Use Derivatives Jim W. recommended this “must read” piece: The Fiscal Cliff Is A Diversion: The Derivatives Tsunami and the Dollar Bubble (Paul Craig Roberts) Items from The Economatrix: The Most Critical 48 Hours In The Fiscal Cliff Melodrama Have Begun Without Deal, Unemployment Checks Stop December 29th US Secret Service Bans Sale Of Silver And Gold Liberty Dollars On Ebay Silver Prices About To Implode: Chinese Demand For Silver Has Exploded


Odds ‘n Sods:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) addresses solar flare concerns.    o o o Judy C. mentioned a link for free maps and travel guides for every US state. Judy notes: “Many also link to DOT sites listing closings and constructions. Order hard copy maps for bugout bags and bookmark the DOT info for states on your route when it’s time to Get Out of Dodge.”    o o o E. Holder Channels J. Edgar: Attorney General Secretly Granted Gov. Ability to Develop and Store Dossiers on Innocent Americans. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)    o o o Fred The …



Notes from JWR:

This is the birthday of physicist Albert A. Michelson (Born 1852, died May 9, 1931), the first American to be awarded a Nobel Prize in science, for measuring the speed of light. — Today we present another entry for Round 44 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 …


Some Medical Considerations, by Old Bobbert

Hi James,  Sometimes the easy solution to a serious medical supply problem is hidden right in front of us. I am and adult-onset Type 2 insulin-dependent diabetic prepper. My life depends on a regular and continuous supply of medicines. What will I do when all of the available test strips for my “Accu-chek” Aviva blood tester strips are out of date and will not function in my Veterans Administration-supplied tester? In the military we were taught that the winners  learn to adapt, overcome, and improvise. After the military, as a self- employed father of four, I learned another  basic rule of success …


Letter Re: Automotive Preparedness

JWR; After reading the follow up to automotive preparedness, (I am Toyota fan) I figured I would share a few thoughts. Some background , I use to be a tractor mechanic for several years, repairing all kind of engines, transmissions, and other systems. I have also owned four  1980s-era Toyota trucks since I was in high school  (all 4x4s). I  progressed from no power steering or air conditioning as a kid, to wanting all the extras later in life. I also have many friends and family which have Toyotas that I helped work on. I also have a neighbor that …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods suspends sale of semi-automatic rifles from stores nationwide    o o o K.A.F. spotted this: Luxury Living… with a twist! (He converted a dumpster.)    o o o F.G. sent some surprising news from England: The most violent country in Europe: Britain is also worse than South Africa and U.S.    o o o F.G. also suggested: How to Repack and Store Your AR Ammunition    o o o SurvivalBlog’s own Editor at Large, Michael Z. Williamson liked this review: Wilderness Belts: On the Battlefield, and In Your Life



Notes from JWR:

This is the birthday of Charles Wesley (born 1707 – 29 March 1788). He wrote more that 1,700 hymns. My middle name was chosen in honor of the Wesley brothers. (My family has a strong Reformed tradition.) — Today is also the birthday of Jørgen Haagen Schmith (born 1910, died October 15, 1944). He was better known under the codename Citron, was a famous Danish resistance fighter in occupied Denmark. His exploits were dramatized in the movie Flame and Citron. I pray that I’m never put in the same difficult position that Schmith was in. Wars of resistance are rarely …


Security Issues for Preppers, by R.H.

I have nearly thirty years of law enforcement experience. That experience was gained as a local police officer, a deputy Sheriff and finally as a state trooper.  The last decade or so of my trooper career was spent as a crime scene investigator for a state police agency.  I only tell you this for you, the reader to weigh the opinions and statements that will follow.  This experience serves as my only true “skill” as I’m a terrible carpenter, plumber, cook, welder, gardener or nurse!  What follows is my small contribution to the “how to” lessons for a prepper that …


Letter Re: Self-Defense and Stress: You are Your Own Last Line of Defense, by Jessica B.

James: Jessica B wrote a good article entitled “Self Defense and Stress” and to add to what she wrote about the lack of articles on “…that moment that you find yourself in a stressful, self-defense situation and how to overcome it,” Col. Cooper’s “Four Conditions” immediately came to mind. That great man not only gave use the “Four Rules” for firearms, but the “Four Conditions” for mental preparedness for self-defense, both of which are as perfect as simplifying the complex can be. I assume they have been discussed before, but are worth repeating. From Father Frog’s web site, a good …


Letter Re: Automotive Preparedness

The author has laid out many very important ideas regarding keeping one’s vehicle(s) in working order and having the tools and know how to do repairs “on the fly”. I’d like to add one very important consideration – the MANUFACTURER and vintage of your vehicle. It hit me like “a ton of bricks” when the author mentioned his vehicle was a 1995 Chevy 1500.   I had one!  Without a doubt it was the worst vehicle I’ve ever owned. Brakes were worthless off of the showroom floor. By the 62,000 mi mark when I finally traded it the metallic blue paint had peeled …