Year: 2015

JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

Books Fiction:Code of Conduct (The Scot Harvath Series) by Brad Thor (2015.) This novel was written by one of my favorite authors. It was also recommended by SurvivalBlog reader Ed C., who notes: “I would suggest this novel as a good “think about areal pandemic situation” story – with some thriller novel aspects. This author seems to have “the touch”. He also seems to try to be specific and authentic about government aspects, travel, weapons and other parts of writing a believable story.” Nonfiction: Lost Rights by James Bovard Movies Above And Beyond. The fascinating true story of the international …



Odds ‘n Sods:

75 years later, Norfolk’s FBI Office Still has Three Working Tommyguns. – A hat tip to “T.” for the link. o o o The New York Times reports: U.S. Soldiers Told to Ignore Afghan Allies’ Abuse of Boys. (“At night, we can hear them screaming…”) JWR’s Comment: If history can be any guide, the Pentagon will probably start with this “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy… o o o Safecastle has another Mountain House long term storage food sale in progress. Note that they have some scarce varieties back in stock. o o o Gregg sent us this: Marines test Google’s …



Notes for Tuesday – September 22, 2015

September 22nd in the birthday of the late Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Reid-Daly, who founded and commanded the Rhodesian Selous Scouts. He was born in 1928, and he died August 9, 2010. His history of the Selous Scouts, titled Pamwe Chete, is fascinating to read, but it is a very hard-to-find book. I should also mention that September 22nd, 1290 is the birthday of one of my favorite fictional characters, Bilbo Baggins (in Shire reckoning). o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 60 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $10,000 worth of prizes for this round include: …


The Surveillance State 2015- Part 1, by Kass Andrada

The history of liberty is a history of the limitation of governmental power, not the increase of it. Woodrow Wilson, 1912 The question of whether a surveillance society was looming on the horizon has been growing since Justice Douglas remarked in 1966, “We are rapidly entering the age of no privacy, where everyone is open to surveillance at all times; where there are no secrets from government.” [1] Early in the new millenium, only about 33% of Americans were concerned about their online data as of 2009. [2] Just a few years later, in 2015, polls show 54% disapprove of …


Letter Re: Helping the Maxners

Hugh, It is never possible to insure or prepare for every event. You can only do what you are able and what is prudent. The one thing which should be different about the Redoubt vs. other “preppers” goes back to DeToqueville when our country was young. But the scene is now changed, and gradually the two ranks mingle; the divisions which once severed mankind are lowered, property is divided, power is held in common, the light of intelligence spreads, and the capacities of all classes are equally cultivated; the State becomes democratic, and the empire of democracy is slowly and …


News From The American Redoubt:

Bozeman, Montana: Transient with sword accused of attempting robbery o o o Blackfeet Tribe decides to banish drug dealers o o o ‘Regulatory War’ Fought Over a Wyoming Family’s Pond Didn’t know rocks and sand were pollutants… – MtH o o o Parents Protest Medical Kidnappings in Michigan – D.S. o o o The western states emergency/disaster services, both government and volunteer organizations, are planning for a massive disaster training exercise in June of 2016 (named Cascadia Rising). It is an earthquake/tsunami scenario based exercise that I’ll be talking about more in the near future. Many state-level ARES groups are …


Economics and Investing:

25 Myths Broke People Believe. – T.A. o o o The Petrostate Hex – how fluctuating oil prices affect currency valuations – T.A. o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: Going Back To What Works: Gold Is Money Again – Was aware of what Utah did in 2011 but didn’t know this. Interesting.. Traders Now See Fed First Hiking Rates in 2016 – How many times can these lemmings be fooled? The Fed is not hiking rates unless it did so in a minor way and for a short period of time. It is too dangerous to their credibility to …


Odds ‘n Sods:

From Frank and Fern: A Collage of Comments o o o Muslim riots in Sydney, Australia – RBS o o o ISIS Using Churches as Torture Chambers, Forcing Christians to Convert or Be Killed – D.S. o o o Half in U.S. Continue to Say Gov’t Is an Immediate Threat – G.G. o o o Muslims of America terrorist training compounds – B.B.



Notes for Monday – September 21, 2015

On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor”. It’s too bad the current crop of politicians are not held accountable for their treasonous acts. o o o Camping Survival is currently having a sale on Mountain House. It’s a good time to stock up, but …


Pat Cascio’s Product Review: GLOCK 43 9mm Subcompact

Back in 1987, while living in Colorado Springs, CO, I used to haunt Longs Drugs. It was a huge drug store chain that carried a pretty good selection of handguns, and plenty of ammo was available, too. I only recall purchasing a couple of firearms from them. The first one was a new GLOCK 17 9mm with a 17-rd magazine, which was unheard of, for the most part, back then. Most 9mm handguns had a 15-rd capacity, and then there was that “plastic” frame. Everyone back then just knew that you could sneak a plastic framed handgun on a plane. …


Recipe of the Week: Carrot Soup, by C.S.

Ingredients: 1 small onion, chopped 2/3 cup sliced celery ¼ cup butter Add: 4 cups chicken broth 1/8 tsp. poultry seasoning 1/8-1/4 tsp. nutmeg (according to taste—I use 1/8 tsp.) 3 cups sliced or diced carrots 1 large diced potato 1 tsp. sugar 1 cup of cream (optional) *do not add if you’re going to freeze this soup; wait to add cream until puree has been reheated and just before serving. Directions: In an 8-cup pot, combine butter, onion and celery and saute until tender. Add broth and remaining ingredients, except cream. Cook until all vegetables are tender and soft. …


Letter Re: Helping the Maxners

You actually printed the email from the Maxners who asked for help rebuilding their home and barn? Part of being prepared for disasters is being insured, as in food insurance by stocking up on food. Now, this irresponsible couple asks for others to help them out and you are enabling their behavior. I didn’t agree with your telling readers that Chuck Baldwin’s move to Montana cost more than expected and then telling readers how they could help Chuck financially. Why? He should have “counted the cost” before his move. Now you’re suggesting people help the Maxners out. It’s a miniature …