Day: February 4, 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 …


Nine Ways To Be More Self-Sufficient (Even If You Live In The City), by K. Sowell

Many people are intimidated by the idea of becoming more self-sufficient or preparing for disaster because of the misconception that you have to live in the country or at least have a bug-out location in order to do so. This simply isn’t true. There are many things urban or suburban dwellers can do to improve their chances of surviving or even thriving in the event of a disaster when leaving is not an option. A little thoughtful preparation can prevent you and your loved ones from becoming victims in an unstable situation, even if you live in the city and …


Guest Article: Taxed Enough Already, by A.H.

How many articles have you read about prepping on a budget? This website and many others have explored the topic in depth. Grow your own food, buy in bulk, cut unnecessary expenses, learn to improvise, and get out of debt. The old saying is “use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without”. We should all be following this advice. At the same time, we should ask the obvious question, ‘Wwhy are so many of us on such a tight budget these days?” One reason may be that your income has decreased, stagnated, or disappeared. If you are …


Letter: Rechargeable Batteries and a Solar Charger

Hello HJL and JWR, I was wondering if you could review and recommend the latest generation of rechargeable batteries available and a solar charger as well. I am leaning towards stocking up on rechargeable AA and AAA and the spacer packs that allow these sizes be used as C and D cell batteries. The vast array of options is overwhelming, and I am hoping someone with the expertise required can help. Thanks for all you do. Take care. – J.W. HJL Replies: I have chosen to use a modular route so that I have the flexibility to charge whatever I …


Letter: Shotgun Security

Dear Sir: I am writing to seek your advise and that of your readers. I live in a metropolitan area, in a nice “safe” suburb where “nothing ever happens”. I have recently become more active in preparing for crisis situations. I have also reevaluated my home security needs. I want to have immediate access to my handgun at night. At this point, if we had an intruder, I would have to get into my closet, open my safe, get my handgun and then try to successfully confront a threat. I have several small children, so leaving a loaded firearm in …


News From The American Redoubt:

T.H. sent in this link to Amend2, a company based in Idaho that makes 30-rnd magazines. They are $15 apiece and seem stronger that Magpul, according to T.H. o o o Here is an clever product, made by a small business in Rexburg, Idaho: The Hot Logs o o o Citizens take law into own hands after cash-strapped Ore. county guts sheriff’s office o o o Itt seems that Idaho could be next state to allow guns on campus – RBS o o o RBS also sent in this video of a man who can skin, gut, and partially debone …


Economics and Investing:

Have These Stocks Already Been Through a Correction? Is This the Correction Investors Have Been Waiting For? Items from The Economatrix: William Broeksmit, Former Deutsche Bank Risk Manager, Found Hanged Bundesbank’s Stunner To Broke Eurozone Nations: First \ Obama To Unveil Treasury IRAs, Or Planning For A Post-Monetization World


Odds ‘n Sods:

B. sent in this link for Sniper Basics For The SHTF Survivalist. Not a bad primer for someone who is just starting out learning this valuable skill. o o o China is confirming limited interhuman infection of H7N9 bird flu. This may be a very important development. – B.B. o o o Ready Made Resources as a limited supply of har-to-find Radar Scattering Camo Netting. o o o B.B. sent another post in on the Connecticut fiasco: How Did ‘Millions’ of High Capacity Magazines Disappear in Connecticut? o o o R. sent in this link on How To Make Disaster …