Notes from JWR:

Because of the apparent likelihood of the U.S. Congress passing the loosely-worded Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), we are in the process of moving the primary web hosting of SurvivalBlog to a dedicated server in Sweden. (The legislation could have far-reaching effects that will go far beyond stopping pirate sites.) Our URL will remain survivalblog.com, but our dotted quad address will be changing. We’d also like to establish a couple of low-bandwidth offshore mirror sites. Any volunteers? (Eventually, we’d like all SurvivalBlog readers to have a list of of four or five dotted quad addresses bookmarked, so that you won’t …


Adaptation to Cold Environments, by D.W.

The human body can do little to adapt to a cold environment. This is in contrast to the body’s ability to adapt and become more efficient when exercising in a hot, humid environment. Cold, wetness, and wind challenge the body to maintain core temperatures above 35oC (94oF). Heat loss or inadequate heat production elevates the risk of physical discomfort, hypothermia, or surface injury such as frostbite. Blood flow bears principal responsibility for maintaining peripheral temperature in cold weather and is the metabolic vehicle for the transportation of oxygen and generation of heat. The one adaptable characteristic that can contribute to …


Three Letters Re: Guns for a Tight Budget Minimalist Survivalist

JWR: When I took the Appleseed training program almost everyone there was using either Ruger 10-.22 or Marlin Model 795 Academy Sporting Goods is running a Black Friday special on the Marlin Model 795 this Friday and Saturday only for $89. That is about $40 off the regular price — a great deal for the money. – Bryan E.   Good Day, Mister Rawles: In regards to the letter advocating bird shot rather than buck shot I humbly offer the following. Of all factors that come to play in choosing ammo for your bug-out, my opinion is that the cost …


Economics and Investing:

Nouriel Roubini: Government Gridlock ‘Ensures’ 2012 Recession. (Thanks to M.E.W. fro the link.) Silver Price Forecast: Why Silver For A Monetary Collapse? Part 1 German Auction ‘Disaster’ Stirs Crisis Concern Items from The Economatrix: China Media Says US Sitting on Debt “Time Bomb” Economy Would Suffer If Tax Cut, Jobless Aid End Economy Means Scaled-back Thanksgiving For Many Oil Price Up On Mideast Strife, Europe Debt Plan


Odds ‘n Sods:

Doubling Up Gets Popular: Tight budgets boost house-sharing. (Thanks to John in Ohio for the link.)    o o o JRH Enterprises is running their annual “Black Friday” sale going on now that includes genuine AN/PVS-14 night vision monoculars for $2,695 and Thermal imaging units that take “AA” batteries available as low as $2,775. They are also offering deep discounts on water filters, medical kits and other preparedness products.”    o o o F.G. mentioned some wasteful, hoplophobic stupidity in Cleveland.    o o o G.G. was the first of several readers to send this: Survival Shop Reports Jump In …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 37 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) 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, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $300 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo, and E.) …


Rawhide and Brain Tanning, by J.M.

In today’s world, you might wonder why working rawhide and brain tanning buckskin skill would be a benefit to anybody, when you can run to the hardware store and buy an unlimited supply of plastic, nylon, fiberglass, and what not to do your jobs. And why would anybody in their right mind want to wear anything made out of buckskin? When you have designer jeans, and all kinds of clothing to buy, in most stores like Wal-mart, K-mart, or even the used clothing stores? One question you might ask is how much of these things will be available when the fiat …


Letter Re: Guns for a Tight Budget Minimalist Survivalist

James, The response letter to Guns for a Tight Budget Minimalist Survivalist by S.M.O. caught my attention.  While S.M.O. makes some valid points, I would like to expound on some of his points and offer some other observations.  I agree that the Ruger Model 10-22 semi-auto .22 Long Rifle carbine is a fine tool for the survivalist.  In fact, I believe that this rifle is such an asset that it should be the first gun that everyone buys.  It has been around for years and has proven itself to be dependable, accurate and reliable.  It is arguably the best quality …


Economics and Investing:

AmEx (American Expat) sent this: Risks of global recession mount.   G.G. sent this: China vice premier sees chronic global recession. And speaking of China, consider this from Chris Martenson: The reasons for China’s imminent bust. Panel Set to Fail to Cut Deficit $1.2 Trillion. K.A.F. sent this: Airline Passengers Asked to Pay Extra $31,000 in Cash for Fuel Items from The Economatrix: Rapid Inflation To Become The Next Financial Crisis For America Prospect Of On-Line Sales Tax Grows Rising Age Gap In Economic Well-Being The Run On Europe Begins As Global Investors Head For The Hills Anger Mounts as …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Over at Mish Shedlock’s blog: EU Bans Claim “Drinking Water Can Prevent Dehydration”; Expect More Such Stupidity if European Nanny-Zone Fiscal Union Forms    o o o K.A.F. sent this: Police Departments Look to Tune Out Scanner Hobbyists    o o o The Survival Mom asks: Could you survive TEOTWAWKI in your state? Here are the Best 5 States and the Worst 5 States for Survival    o o o Ham Radio Purchases on the Rise. The disaster preparedness factor is no doubt a strong contributing factor.



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 37 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) 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, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $300 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo, and E.) …


Experience Building a Missouri Masonry Stove, by Tiasabaki

Thanks for the blog. I have been been one of those avid readers that does not provide very much input, but I have some useful “how-to” information on heating your house in the temperate climate.  I live in Iowa at the current time.   A lot of this is hard to even put into words, because this style of heating is unique, and even more unique as I built the heaters my self.  I recommend anyone trying to do these, to do additional homework before attempting any of this.  I also studied “The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way …


Letter Re: Secondhand Store Bargains, by Rucksack Rob

As most of the readers of SurvivalBlog know, preparing for disasters can be a lifelong commitment and can be most costly, even when buying used or on-sale items.  However, after 30 years of prepping, I find that I do 40-50% of my shopping at secondhand stores, such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, and American Cancer Society, to name a few. If you visit regularly and keep your eyes open, not only will you find a treasure trove of preparedness items, but the employees will get to know you and your products and put them aside and hold them for you …