Notes for Friday – March 31, 2017

March 31 is the birthday of economist Dr. Walter E. Williams, PhD., who was born in 1936. His book American Contempt for Liberty is highly recommended. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 69 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $15,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a …




Every Day Carry for Today’s World- Part 4, by N.M.

If civil unrest escalates to the use of edged weapons, cross bows, or firearms, then body armor may be an option. Concealed armor is usually level 3A and would protect from most handgun rounds and some knives, particularly with slashing motions; it is also easy to wear without being detected. However, it will not protect from sharp projectiles but might reduce their impact. If you are hit with a baseball bat, soft armor does diffuse the impact and may give you a chance. (I’ve been hit across the back with pool cues and hardly felt it, much to the surprise …




SurvivalBlog Resources: The Diabetic Prepper’s Dilemma

Introductory Note: The following is another in a series of articles by JWR that will link to some of the thousands of archived SurvivalBlog articles, grouped topically. Today we address the issue of diabetes, with an emphasis on the particular requirements of preppers. Because 21st Century Americans are collectively both over-fed and incorrectly fed on sugary “junk food”, diabetes now affects more of our citizens than ever before. According the American Diabetes Association, 29.1 million Americans (9.3% of the population) had diabetes, as of 2012. Of those, about 1.25 million Americans (both children and adults) have the dreaded Type 1 …




Letter Re: Equestrian Survival – Part 4

Hugh, The author of this submission Part 4, recommends “saddle soap” be applied to bridles and all leather tack components. Based on 30+ years of equestrian training and almost daily use of leather tack use, I can say without reservation that the absolute worst product to use on leather of any type is saddle soap! Saddle soap contains alkaloids that strip the natural oils and any other oil compounds applied to leather goods of any type during manufacture and/or in the tanning process. If you’ve ever looked at old or antique leather holsters, tack, or saddles and observed many small …




Economics and Investing:

Senators Enzi & McCain Reintroduce The Coins Act JWR’s Comment: After years of inaction—and more than seven years after I first warned SurvivalBlog readers—it looks like the composition of the Nickel coin will be changed. (For all except during World War II, the five cent piece has been 75% copper and 25% nickel.) This next few months will probably be your last chance to get the current composition nickels in bulk quantities at face value. One of three things is bound to happen: A.) The nickel’s composition will change, B.) The nickel will be dropped from circulation, or C.) Least …




Odds ‘n Sods:

JWR Says: I’d like to introduce a new term into the American Lexicon: The Self-Crashing Car. o o o Why Is Everyone Talking About VPNs? – G.P. HJL’s Comment: This is an excellent piece, describing why VPN’s should be important to you and what their strengths and weaknesses are. o o o CAIR Orders U.S. Air Force to Ditch “Anti-Muslim” Counterterrorism Instructor – D.S. HJL’s Comment: And why is it that the U.S. government bows to pressure from a group that reportedly has strong ties with terrorist organizations? Will Trump have the gumption to ignore their demands? o o o …