Day: February 20, 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 …


Family Prepping Made Fun For Kids

Recently, I became a prepper– a term that is still considered taboo to the general public. It often times draws ridicule and judgment from most people, including friends and family. Television has exacerbated this by airing shows on prepping that make its participants look like backwards hillbilly idiots that are getting ready for a zombie apocalypse. Now before anybody gets all up in arms about the use of the term “hillbilly,” I am one. That means I am allowed to say it. (Chuckle) In all seriousness though, because of this awkwardness, a person can have some serious difficulty in helping …


Letter Re: Keeping Warm in an LP/OP

HJL, Belated welcome, sir. I just got finished reading the post and most recent replies regarding heating in an OP/LP, after a fairly lengthy absence. I find I feel the need to remind all and sundry, including my fellow veterans, of the fact that by its very nature and definition, an OP suffers one major distinction from all the other forms of positions spoken of. That is this: An Observation and Listening Post is an outside-the-wire position. It’s not a “defensive line” or “fortified perimeter” fighting position. That means a proper OP is not fortified or improved, as described. Ever. …


Letter: Buying Gas for Storage

Mr. Rawles, I live where they switch between winter gas (Benzine, short molecule chains) and summer gas (pure, long molecule chains). Which is the best season to buy/rotate my gas supply for storage? Also, under normal circumstances premium octane is a waist of money or even bad for my machines, but is it better for storage? God bless – B. HJL Replies: In the past, JWR recommended buying fuel for long-term storage in winter months, because it had extra butane added (for cold weather starting) and hence it had a longer shelf life. However, since 2010 he has recommended buying …


Economics and Investing:

D.B. sent in this article about exposing the Depression the U.S. is in, rather than “recovery”. o o o My Budget 360 has an interesting article on how the stock market is a sham for the average person. Items from The Economatrix: Economy Takes $50 Billion Winter Weather Hit Gold To Scale New Heights On Strong Technical Picture Extending Unemployment Killing Economy


Odds ‘n Sods:

L.G. sent in a link to The Blaze where the CIA has declassified the original OSS Simple Sabotage manual. You can follow that link through to see the complete (cleaned) manual. Bear in mind it will take you to the CIA servers. o o o Those who live where it actually snows in the winter (which lately includes the deep south) may enjoy this video sent in by SDS about Wheel Powered Tracks that will fit on nearly any 4WD. o o o Eminent domain threatens yet another family, this time in Colorado. Interestingly enough, it is not being used …