Month: July 2014

Three Letters Re: Prepping with an Unsupportive Spouse

Hugh, I appreciate this discussion, but it also frustrates me, because the head of my household thinks preparing beyond a few day’s worth is all hype and hysteria. I have put up a number of provisions but am unable to make many of the prudent improvements to our home for physical and energy security. I take my vows seriously, but this tears at me because I know we will likely suffer needlessly when, not if, it all comes apart. (Money is not an issue for us.) I would truly appreciate your wisdom on this “opposite” issue that I’ve never seen …


Economics and Investing:

From Jim Willie of the Golden Jackass Newsletter: Derivatives: Abuse, Props, Risks o o o The 14th one to go this year: U.S. regulators close small bank in Chicago . – G.G. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: U.S. Meat, Seafood Prices Rising on Drought and Disease: USDA US New-Home Sales Plummet in June No Inflation Friday: Dollarized Panama Issues Price Controls For Basic Goods


Odds ‘n Sods:

Parched West is using up underground water: Study points to grave implications for Western U.S. water supply. – H.L. This is a major concern for those prepping in the west. With many city and agricultural wells pulling water from over 1000ft deep, how will your well hold up in the long run if it is only the average 250ft deep? Spend some time studying water at the county extension office to know how you will fare. o o o No more Rem Oil: Gun Lubricant Corrosion Tests. – M.M. I recognize that this test was about commercial lubricant/protectors, but I …



Notes for Saturday – July 26, 2014

Today we present another entry for Round 53 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ 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), 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 …


Why Trying To Start A Garden Now May Be A Little Too Late For TEOTWAWKI, by BPW

Here’s a little about myself. I work in law enforcement. I grew up in suburbia, was a Marine and outdoorsy person, yet I have never really, truly gardened. I can’t. I work full time and own a home (in a development). I have two children, who run me all over the place, and I have never had a green thumb. I do hunt, and I do that well. So, I figured how hard is planting some seeds in the ground and growing some vegetables. Well, my experience woke me up and am I glad that it did, because had I …


Letter Re: Books For Home Schoolers

I saw your list of recommended reading for young people, especially those being educated at home by their parents. I would like to add my own list. Anything by Stephen W. Meader (1892-1977). Meader published 44 novels in his lifetime. The subjects range from entrepreneurial to adventure to American history. The grammar, vocabulary, and storytelling qualities are first rate. His books are set during difficult times, including the American Revolution, the westward expansion, the War Between the States, and the Great Depression. Characters are mostly young men trying to make a living through common sense, hard work, and persistence. Most …



Odds ‘n Sods:

Some excellent video of solar storms that could have wreaked havoc on earth. People wonder why we prep? How a solar storm two years ago nearly caused a catastrophe on Earth. – G.G. o o o Notice that the only way to ensure your phone is “off” is to remove the battery. Sorry, iPhone users.Can the NSA spy on your phone when it’s turned off? – Plain Jane Prepper o o o Al Qaeda Targeting U.S. Infrastructure for Digital 9/11. – G.P. o o o It seems similar to the IRS scandal in the U.S. Hopefully, Revenue Canada backs up …


Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:) then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward: and your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall …


Notes for Friday – July 25, 2014

Today we present another entry for Round 53 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ 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), 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 …


The Fashionably Late Prepper, by G.S.

This article is meant to be read in the future by those visiting this blog on the day after TSHTF. This is for the person who only has access to the basic supplies anyone might have laying around the house. Regular visitors to this blog will ask why I did not recommend using a Berkey water filter (www.berkeyfilters.com) to purify water. It is too late now to get one. This is for the man or woman who just did a google search (because they don’t know about IXQUICK) on how to handle the global economic crisis or what to do …


Letter Re: Prepping with an Unsupportive Spouse

Dear Hugh, I enjoyed this article and several others that I have seen regarding this subject. However, it is rare that you see this subject discussed in reverse. I (the wife) am the prepper and the Christian in our home. My husband thinks I’m crazy. I have a small pantry, a small supply of gadgets and supplies, and have learned to can. I would like to do more with this, but my husband is already disgusted with all the space I have taken up. There are so many things that still need to be done, but many of them require …


Economics and Investing:

Why You May Avoid Beef This Summer o o o Wage growth still muted in latest report on median earnings. – H.L. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: New Home Sales Collapse 20% From May To Dec 2012 Levels; Biggest Miss In A Year EU to Weigh Far-Reaching Sanctions On Russia Japan Trade Deficit Expands After Exports Unexpectedly Drop


Odds ‘n Sods:

Everyone gets a gun: NRA commentator talks ‘gun required’ zones, shooting tests. – JBG o o o Double Standard? Former police lieutenant doesn’t receive jail time for stealing $150K. – P.T. o o o For those considering a move: Animated map of crime in America – J.A. As usual, the American Redoubt shines. o o o The NSA Is Targeting Users of Privacy Services, Leaked Code Shows. – G.S.