Notes from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 49 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $8,500+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) 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.) …




War Games, by Phil S.

The United States Military tests its capabilities and preparedness by exercising its systems, soldiers and supply chains in war games. [These include field training exercises (FTXes), Command Post Exercises (CPXes), and Mobilization Exercises (MOBEXes), Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises (EDREs) and more.]  These war games are used to ensure that their personnel is trained and fit, that the hardware of every sort works as it was intended to work and that in times of duress their supply chain will provide the fighting men at the front what supplies they need in order to be victorious.  I have extended my preparations for …




Letter Re: Why Is Utah Not in the American Redoubt?

James, All your points regarding Utah being unsuitable [for inclusion as an American Redoubt state] are well taken, I would add only a few items and clarify one statement; The plain fact is the Mormon [LDS] church controls the political and economic conditions within the state and they have always wanted to expand that control to a national level. The majority follow (in my view) a completely wrong religious doctrine, in that they practice the corporate teachings of their church, which has very little to do with the Bible. I would also say when push comes to shove 99.9% of …




Letter Re: In Extremis, Compunctions Dwindle

Sir, I know that seeing this attitude is not news to you, but I read this article and thought it may be helpful for the SurvivalBlog readers as reinforces what you and others have long said: that all bets are off in regards to morality and standards by the average Joe who has gone without food for a few days. This tale of post-Typhoon Yolanda includes the gripping quote: “I am a decent person. But if you have not eaten in three days, you do shameful things to survive.”  In any event, I thought you might find the link useful. Thank …




Economics and Investing:

Reader Mark J. mentioned a Silver and Gold Payment Calculator. This is a very handy site for calculating gold and silver coin transactions Starved of gold, Indians may import record volumes of silver IEA: Shale Boom is Only Temporary, we’ll Soon be Relying on Middle East Again Items from The Economatrix: Jim Willie:  Gold Fever: Coming Global Currency Reset Will Double Gold Overnight! 10 Facts About The Growing Unemployment Crisis In America That Will Blow Your Mind We’re in a worse position than in 2008: Marc Faber




Odds ‘n Sods:

Since Toronto’s Mayor Ford is such an out of control individual that I recommend he be nominated for honorary membership in Mayor Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns Gang. He would fit right in.    o o o Safecastle is continuing their last Mountain House cans sale of the year, with maximum allowable discounts, free shipping, and some special loyalty reward bonuses for buyers club members. The sale ends on November 20, 2013.    o o o Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) spotted this: Dressed to not kill: Garrison Bespoke’s bullet-proof business suit    o o o Saudi nuclear …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Not he alone, nor the family that gathers at his table – But all men everywhere, fighting for Freedom’s cause, Are richer for his work. For the food he does not buy is theirs to have… In camps, in ships on every bloody sea, On battle fronts where food is life itself…. And in those dark and hungry lands now being freed – Where food is more than life… Where food means tyranny’s long hoped for end. The seeds of Victory are planted in his garden…" – An unattributed poem engraved on statue dedicated to World War II Victory Gardeners