Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader R.C. writes in with regards to JWR’s comment on purchasing PVC pipe and caps for burying caches on SurvivalBlog. Sportsman’s Guide has some used U.S. Military Surpolus M14A2 cylinders for sale. o o o SurvivalBlog reader G.G. sent in this article on How to Survive Falling Through the Ice from The New York Times. o o o State Supreme Court Rules That Cops Do Not Need Warrants To Enter Homes And Forcibly Seize Evidence – D.S. JWR’s Comment: <Sarcasm On>Oh, well, now that we’ve been told that the polizei were just being friendly “Community Caretakers” when they kicked …







Notes for Wednesday – February 17, 2016

The Zelman Partisans contacted Ted Nugent to inquire about his offensive anti-Semitic Facebook post. This was the best possible outcome from the situation, and it was enthusiastically accepted. This should be an example to us of the dangers of social media. The graphic was indeed anti-Semitic, but whoever posted it for Ted didn’t pay attention. Kudos to Ted for recovering from this misstep. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 63 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system …




How to Prepare a Refugee Bug Out Bag- Part 2, by Charles T.

Cooking Supplies On the road or in a refugee camp you will need ways to prepare food. Preparing food almost always involves heat, usually provided through fire. When thinking about preparing food in a refugee type situation, you need to think a lot farther than you would for a typical camping situation. Anything that runs off gas or some sort of combustible liquid should be disqualified. Why? Because you will run out of fuel and end up throwing it out anyway. Don’t spend money on a fancy gas burning camping stove; it’s a waste, unless you go camping a lot …




Letter Re: Prepping for a Paleo Diet

Hugh, TZ’s article on the Paleo diet vs. the more usual heavy-on-carb diet that preppers typically prep for was exciting for me to read because it addressed many of the issues my husband and I are dealing with. We’ve been formally prepping for the past six years, storing up wheat, rice, beans, etc. Then two years ago we found a great doctor, a Functional Medicine Doctor, who emphasizes the health model vs. the pathology model. He started with extensive blood tests, then based on the results starts you off on a series of supplements and a strict non-carb diet. We’re …




Economics and Investing:

Items from Mr. Econocobas: Larry Summers Launches The War On Paper Money: “It’s Time To Kill The $100 Bill” – This is going to keep being in the public sphere, because I believe it gets us used to the idea. With NIRP banning cash is almost a necessity even though it is not without many consequences. Here’s Why (And How) The Government Will ‘Borrow’ Your Retirement Savings – This is not a new idea even for the U.S., but it is a Rubicon to still be crossed. The Return Of Crisis – From Chris Martenson at Peak Prosperity, as always …




Readers’ Recommendations of the Week:

SurvivalBlog reader T.G. writes in: My first and foremost pick is ‘Alas, Baylon‘ by Pat Frank. Written in 1959, it starts off in the sleepy little Florida town of Fort Repose, a brief family history of the main character, and soon leads up to an accidental nuclear war in the Middle East that goes world wide. The story details how the lights go out and how Fort Reposed goes from 1959 to sometime in the 1800’s as people have to relearn how to do almost everything plus deal with day to day life minus information, a hospital, functioning police, and …




Odds ‘n Sods:

Don’t miss this over at our friend Enola Gay’s always informative Paratus Familia blog: Product Review – Gun Skins. I particularly like the Molon Labe green camouflage. – JWR o o o Spring could bring a fresh surge of refugees. But Europe isn’t ready for them. JWR’s Comment: My intel sources tell me that the social media buzz in the Middle East about European Invasion Part Deux has been building for many months. Emboldened by their success in 2015, I expect the spring and summer of 2016 to be a veritable deluge of uncouth humanity. o o o A sweet …







Notes for Tuesday – February 16, 2016

Today, we present another entry for Round 63 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value), A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. …




How to Prepare a Refugee Bug Out Bag- Part 1, by Charles T.

The idea of leaving home and “living off the land” is a popular discussion point among preparedness-minded individuals. Many think they will grab their bug out bag and set off for a new life somewhere, foraging for wild edibles and having magical adventures on the way as they live out of their untested $200 tactical bag. Let’s be real for a second. There is a word for someone who has lost their home and is now living out of a backpack; it’s refugee! Last I checked, there was nothing glamorous about being a refugee, and if you are planning for …




Letter Re: Constitutional Carry

Hugh, I’d like to make a comment regarding “Constitutional Carry” laws that are in the works around the country. We had one here in Maine pass last year. Ours has conditions mandating the disclosure of carrying should you encounter a police officer. The premise of creating a state law (with conditions, infringements, etc) in order to enforce a Constitutional law is unconstitutional. This is usurping the Constitution at the state level. Even worse, the “Constitutional Carry” law is just another typical state law that can be repealed by any future legislature. I would encourage anyone in any state that is …




News From The American Redoubt:

Militiaman Blaine Cooper claims patriot rancher LaVoy Finicum left his weapons at refuge before leaving on trip that led to his death – RBS o o o The Remotest Place in the Lower 48. (Of course it is in the American Redoubt.) o o o Rare weather event produces spontaneous snowballs in Idaho o o o Montana: Financial despair, addiction and the rise of suicide in white America – Not all is rosy in the American Redoubt. o o o SurvivalRealty.com has a client who as written about life in the Canadian Wilderness.




Economics and Investing:

Deranged Central Bankers Blowing Up The World – S.Q. o o o Financial Crisis 2016: High Yield Debt Tells Us That Just About EVERYTHING Is About To Collapse o o o Items from Professor Preponomics: US News What Energy Bankers are REALLY Saying: “We are looking to save ourselves now!” (Zero Hedge) Excerpt: “…anyone holding out for a big push higher across energy equities as a result of a wave of distressed equity M&A can give up: according to Credit Suisse the next wave of mergers will take place via ‘debt negotiations’, not equity buyout offers….” Warning: Commentary following the …




Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader D.B. sent in this link to an article on the vehicle mounted anti-ambush shotgun arrays used in Rhodesia. Having problems being ambushed? o o o In the relentless march to bring SkyNet into reality: Darpa robot ship. Question is, how long before they decide to arm one? – DMS o o o Reader B.B. sent in the link to a nice video on antique hand cranked sewing machines. This link has a nice instructional video as well as an article. o o o 70 percent of Americans are being treated for a depression they DON’T HAVE, says award-winning …