Month: February 2014

Notes from HJL:

Today we present another entry for Round 51 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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, Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value), A $300 gift certificate …


The DIY Food Storage Article, by KSO

When one thinks of SHTF and TEOTWAWKI, The Walking Dead kind of scenario may enter one’s mind. I know it does mine (mainly because I’m obsessed with the show). Realistically speaking, however, TEOTWAWKI will not be because of a zombie apocalypse, but because of many other reasons– natural disasters, economic collapse, a nuclear bomb dropping on us (courtesy of an antsy enemy), and/or a pandemic. In any crisis event, having food stored for a lengthy period of time is essential for survival. There are many food storage options out there, as well as manuals and how-to articles. In this article, …


Letter Re: Cold Weather Survival

Hugh, The poster of this article did a good job overall. One thing that was mentioned in brief was dehydration in cold weather. In the Army, while stationed in Germany on a few tours during the winter, I helped to assist fellow soldiers who were in fact dehydrated due to “not feeling thirsty”. Thirst is a lousy gauge of hydration. By the time you are thirsty, it is too late. One item not mentioned was how to make sure that you have plenty of potable water. In cities, snow melt can be contaminated with the exhaust of automobiles, and if …


Letter: Where’s My Silver

Hello HJL, Just thought I’d let you know I’m a little less than satisfied with Northwest Territorial Mint. I chose them to buy silver from because I knew I could trust a company that your site promotes. While I still trust NTM I feel I should say, however, they should tighten up a little bit. I’ve made four orders so far and received one. I’m quite pleased with that order, but at the same time the turn-around is very long. It took over a month to receive, and yesterday I received an email saying my 2nd order will be delayed …


Economics and Investing:

Rome days away from bankruptcy – CDV Items from The Economatrix: Video: Dr. Jim Willie: Out Of Control Chaos Coming With Shortages Of Gold, Silver, Food, Gasoline Personal Income Faces First Year-Over-Year Drop Since Recession Ended: As Incomes Collapse, Spending Via Consumer Credit Begins To Increase. Spotlight On Economy: Durable Goods Not So Durable? Fed’s Rosengren Sees Significant Job Market Slack


Odds ‘n Sods:

10 Stories From The Cold, Hard Streets Of America That Will Break Your Heart – Cheryl N o o o Several readers have sent in this video: Hazmat Highway to Hell with High Pressure Gas Cylinders. It’s a great introduction to Hazmat and a reason to pay attention when you drive. o o o S.W. sent in this link on How to Open a Can Without Any Tools. While a useful skill to know, there are still areas where it wouldn’t work. I would class this under an urban survival skill. And remember, a P38 easily fits on a keychain. …



Notes from HJL:

I’m running short on recipes, so if you have a favorite that you would like to share with the rest of SurvivalBlog readers, please send it in to me. o o o Today we present another entry for Round 51 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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 …


Random Thoughts on Prepping, by Stymie

In the 1970s as a native Texan living in Houston, I was a listener and reader of Howard Ruff, and I was a devotee of Mel Tappan and Jeff Cooper. I subscribed to Mel Tappan’s Personal Survival and had two of his books– Survival Guns and Tappan on Survival. I even paid to talk to him about preps on the telephone. Then I journeyed to Oregon looking for a place and met the man. I was surprised to see him in a wheel chair, complete with a 45 strapped to the chair. I explained to him about a chapter in …


Letter Re: Clorox Changed Formula

Dear Hugh, It is the “splashless bleach” that is to blame. It is not sodium hypochlorite 8.25%, and if you look on the label you can see that it has a different active ingredient. Look for a “non-splashless” formula. The last one I bought a couple of months ago did say “Concentrated,” Clorox,” and “Regular” on the label. It whitens my sink like you wouldn’t believe! – Pat o o o Hugh, Regarding your questions about Clorox bleach, according to my Registered Sanitarian/microbiologist wife, for disinfecting Clorox Regular brand is the best. Avoid scented and splash proof products; they are …


Economics and Investing:

Market Continues To Purchase “All” Allocated Silver Eagles From U.S. Mint. The market is currently buying 70 Silver Eagles to every Gold Eagle. – Steve Items from The Economatrix: Richard Russell – World To Witness A Terrifying Hyperinflation China Starts To Make A Power Move Against The U.S. Dollar JPM To Lay Off 17,000 Mortgage Bankers In 2013 And 2014, Because The “Housing Recovery” http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/21/news/economy/fannie-profit-bailout/index.html?iid=SF_E_River


Clash in Ukraine:

Bank Run Full Frontal: Ukrainians Withdrew 7% Of All Deposits In Two Days – Cheryl N o o o B.B. sent in this 2 minute video: I Am a Ukrainian. It’s a one sided piece that is obviously propaganda for the resistance. Very well done though. o o o The Ukrainian Gun Owners Association is wanting to modify the Ukrainian constitution to provide protections similar to the U.S. Constitution’s 2nd amendment. – L.C.


Odds ‘n Sods:

Resistance 101: Why You Should Consider Ham Radio For Communications – Cheryl N o o o JWR Notes: LA Police Gear, a company that is best known for selling uniforms, boots, and field gear made in Mainland China has partly redeemed itself in my estimation, by expanding their offerings of U.S.-Made gear, in a separate set of web pages. This is essentially a catalog within a catalog. More companies should do likewise. o o o Sent in by P.H.: An Anti-Gun Surgeon General is A Bad Prescription o o o J.H. sent this in: California Couple Finds Gold Coins Worth …


Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“For, whenever a question arises between the society at large and any magistrate vested with powers originally delegated by that society, it must be decided by the voice of the society itself: there is not upon earth any other tribunal to resort to.” – Sir William Blackstone, Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book I, Chapter 3, pp. 205-206


Notes from HJL:

Today we present another entry for Round 51 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value), 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, Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value), A $300 gift certificate …