Month: March 2014


Notes from HJL:

Today’s entry in the writing contest deals with a subject that many of us would just rather pretend doesn’t exist– mental illness. This subject has long been a difficult issue to deal with in our society, and being diagnosed as mentally ill (whether correctly or incorrectly) has long lasting consequences. Because the issue is so complicated, it is often terribly abused by those in authority, leaving no recourse for those who are victimized. It is also an area that we need to prepare for, because it is not going away. During a TEOTWAWKI event, it will only get worse. The …


Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire, But Watch Out For Arsonists, by G.L.

I have a story to tell you. A couple of weeks ago, YouTube decided to suggest in my sidebar that I view a video of Oprah flashing “satanic” eyes. I took the bait. Lo and behold, Oprah closed her eyes and weird snake-like eyes appeared on her eyelids. I spent the next week wondering if there was a chance that Oprah was possessed. Then, a few days ago, I came across another snake-eye video. This time, it was of Justin Bieber in court. Bieber blinked, and the eyes appeared instead of his usual eyes, AFTER he blinked and not on …


Letter Re: Amateur Radio Licensees

Hello Hugh, I’m a ham radio operator, and in my monthly ham radio magazine, QST, I saw a chart of ham radio licensees by year. See http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-showing-steady-growth-in-the-us. It is amazing. Take a look at the chart at the bottom of the page and observe the steep increase in licensees, after four years of decline. What’s the pivotal year? 2008! That coincides with the point in time many of us first took an interest in preparedness, coincident with the acceleration of the political decline in America. It appears that SIXTY THOUSAND people have received ham radio licenses during the Obama administration, …


News From The American Redoubt:

A controversial bill allowing Guns on campus bill passes House committee in Boise Idaho. At the same time, A Boise State University professor makes a public statement: When May I Shoot a Student?. It’s absurdity at its best. – RBS o o o M.J. sent in this article about local folks having access to public roads: Judge rules against Forest Service travel plan o o o Adding to the already contentious issue – THE WOLF EFFECT: Why Anti-Hunters are Dead Wrong about Wolves – K.F. o o o This isn’t a small crack either. It is apparently large enough to …


Economics and Investing:

Truth and Consequences Of Fed Money Printing A serious statistical analysis of Young Worker Deaths at JPMorgan leaves some questions unanswered. – Pam. Items from The Economatrix: As Yellen Said: Jobs Recovery Is Far From Complete U.S. GDP Revised Down, But Hints Of Economic Thaw Emerge Gas Prices Jumping Nationwide


Odds ‘n Sods:

Those sneaky thieves! Apparently the coat hanger trick has moved from the car to the garage door. But you can stop it cold with a simple zip tie: $1 fix could secure your garage from thieves – G.S. o o o Once a country no longer values human life, how long till they descend into this? –Red Reign: China’s horrific nonconsensual organ harvesting and religious oppression unveiled o o o For Valley citrus growers, this season has 2 natural disasters. News of the severe drought continues to rock the system. o o o And the executive orders issued by Obama …



Notes from HJL:

In analyzing the Ukraine, I’m finding interesting facts about an area that I have known little of. To me, it appears that the Ukraine is in a similar position to the U.S. in 1776. Much of the country is pro-Russia and much of it is pro-Independant. While the U.S. government makes much ado (at least with their lips) regarding Putin putting forces on the ground in Ukraine, it appears that there are long-standing agreements in place that allow Russia access to facilities in the Black Sea. P.M. sent in this link showing maps of Ukraine from the New York Times …


Guest Article: Precious Metals Month In Review, by Steven Cochran

Welcome to SurvivalBlog’s Precious Metals Month in review. Every month, we take a look at “the month that was” in precious metals, covering everything from price action to the information that’s driving the numbers. February In Precious Metals Three major factors for precious metals in February were Chinese physical demand; poor economic news in the U.S. (which was blamed on sequential blizzards); and emerging market crises, especially Ukraine. China Chinese gold sales last month hit 246 metric tons – a record for January – but the pace didn’t slow down after the Lunar New Year as expected. Chinese gold buyers …


Guest Article: Jailbreak Your IRA Before It Becomes MyRA, by William Lehr

I am not suggesting the IRA LLC is the bulletproof solution to government confiscation of retirement accounts. However, the LLC investment company does offer another layer of protection. If the government requires a percentage of accounts be invested in treasuries, for example, they may very well come after self-directed IRAs and require them to sell real estate, metals, or any other asset to fulfill the new bond investment obligation. If they come after these specific self-directed IRA LLCs, the individual has the choice to comply or to not comply. Non-compliance certainly has its ramifications, and I am not endorsing it, …


Pat’s Product Review: Magnum Research Desert Eagle 1911C

I’m asked, all the time by readers, and students who take some of my handgun training, what is my “favorite gun.” Well, I think most of the time, they mean “handgun” and not just “gun.” Well, I honestly can’t give a pat answer to that question…usually, whatever I have strapped on my hip is my “favorite” gun – at the moment. And, what’s right for me, may not be right for you. I can’t pick a gun for you, it’s a pretty subjective issue as far as I’m concerned. Folks also ask me what kind of handgun they should get …


Pat’s Product Review: 750 & 550 Parachute Cord From 5 Col Survival Supply

I get contacted by SurvivalBlog readers daily, and I take the time to answer each e-mail, and I have to keep my replies short, because my time is limited. I’m often asked, “what should I carry in my BOB?” and I can’t really give a definitive answer to that. It depends on where you live, you age, your own personal requirements, when do you plan to bug out to, and other factors. Many readers send me a list of all the things they have packed in their BOB, and most are pretty well equipped for many different emergencies. One item …


Recipe Of The Week: Arizona Cowgirl’s Potato Sausage Skillet

Arizona Cowgirl’s Potato Sausage Skillet Recipe. We really enjoy this dish, and it’s a delicious ‘comfort’ food on a cold wintry day! Ingredients are: 4 large baking potatoes, peeled & sliced thin. 1/2 diced sweet onion 1/4 Red or green Bell Pepper, diced Combine the above veggies in a large 12″ skillet with cooking oil. Cook covered on low heat, stirring occasionally. While these cook, add the following ingredients as you prep them: 1 whole smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced thin. 1 small can of diced green chilies. Fresh cut Broccoli, as much as you like. Salt and pepper to taste. …


Letter Re: American Made Tools And Tool Boxes?

Greetings, As always, thank you for the survival blog. It is a wonderful resource. I remember seeing a link or list of American made products, but I can’t find it on the site. I’m starting tool boxes for my young children for either DIY home projects or for survival on the homestead after the SHTF. Do you have any suggestions for quality American made tool boxes and hand tools? Thanks – JR HJL Replies: JWR posted a list of companies that sell American made gear and tools last year. If our readers are aware of any others, we would be …