Notes from JWR:

100 years ago today, the first ship transited the nearly-completed Panama Canal. The original canal construction debts are long gone, but the recent multi-billion dollar canal expansion contracts have had a checkered history. — 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 …




Tips on Selecting and Operating a Generator, by Gary D.

Those of us who plan on “bugging in” during  upcoming times of uncertainty realize the need to plan for possible extended power shortages or blackouts. These preparations can range from a total separation from anything electrical or electronic to a series of sophisticated alternate power sources designed to completely power a survival location up to pre-blackout levels.  Based on the questions frequently asked by members of the survivalist community in numerous forums, the most common item of interest for the temporary generation of power for daily living seems to be the portable generator. Some of the most frequently asked questions …




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

Jim, To be fair, when you referenced the history of changes to LDS doctrine over the years that appears on the anti-Mormon “ldsvideo.org” web site you should have included the LDS’ perspective, which can be found here. – Kelly G. James:  I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks now. I first heard about SurvivalBlog from my father, who attended a preparedness workshop you spoke at in Lakeland, Florida a few weeks back. Your blog has been very informative, and I agree with you on many of the issues you discuss.   I am writing to respond to a letter from Jordan in Utah …




Economics and Investing:

G.G. sent us this: ECB’s Praet: All Options on Table Central Bank Could Adopt Negative Deposit Rate, Asset Purchases If Needed Reader Jeff H. mentioned this satire: The Affordable Horse Act (AHA) R.B.G. liked this piece by Karl Denninger: Obamacare: 106,185 Citi Warns “Fed Is Kicking The Can Over The Edge Of A Cliff” Items from The Economatrix: I will lose my jobless benefits by year end Gas under $3 – coming to a station near you Economy Not As Strong As It Appears




Odds ‘n Sods:

Typhoon Haiyan: Doctors running out of supplies to turn patients away    o o o Fortune magazine: What I saw at the doomsday prepper convention    o o o I heard that Augason Farms is running a 40% off sale on 100 varieties of their #10 cans, if you order $50 or more. The sale is limited to stock on hand. Reader John N. explains: “Go to your Shopping Cart (with items in it), scroll to bottom of the page, look for the “What would you like to do next?” question, then select the checkbox that says “Use Coupon Code”, …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"I am much afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures, and engraving them in the hearts of youth.  I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount.  Every institution in which means are not unceasingly occupied with the Word of God must be corrupted." – Martin Luther