Letter Re: Uses For Discarded Political Campaign Signs and Wickets

Mr. Rawles, I searched the blog, and found no mention of a tidbit I find useful. Political campaign yard signs made with corrugated plastic and H-style wire posts make very useful target backers for posting targets when you don’t have easy access to your own range. I like to make use of National Forest or National Grasslands, and these work wonderfully. Use a stapler to post the target. The plastic takes quite a beating before it needs to be retired. They also stand up fairly well to wind. Have fun in choosing your targets, and get out and practice! Also, …


Three Letters Re: Trapping Options for the Non-Trapper

J.W.R.: Greeting from a long time reader in Southeast Texas. Regarding the article “Trapping Options for the Non-Trapper” by Pat in Oregon: When I was a child some 60 years ago, my neighbor had a problem with pigeons eating the chicken feed.  She solved the problem with large rat traps, which you can still get in any hardware store.   She baited the traps with the feed and placed them on the fence posts.  She also attaching about two feet of string to the trap and tied it to a nail in the post.  This kept the pigeon from taking …


Economics and Investing:

More folks are catching on to nickels, as an inflation hedge. For example, see this recent piece over at Seeking Alpha: Looking For An Alternative To Gold And Silver? It is noteworthy that Kyle Bass didn’t make all of his millions with foolish irrational investing plays. He is one sharp cookie. James C. sent this from Sovereign Man: How Bankrupt Governments Will Confiscate Your Gold. (Yes, it has happened before in the U.S.: See Executive Order 6102. And the potential repeat of that, BTW, is one reason why I prefer investing in silver rather than gold.) Have you got your …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Several readers sent this: Foreign insects, diseases got into US    o o o “PapaBeagle” wrote to mention that Amazon.com now has some good quality Facet fuel transfer pumps back in stock.    o o o Jeff W. recommended a great article from The Small Wars Journal: One Team’s Approach to Village Stability Operations. Ponder it as future history for a post-collapse United States.    o o o From Nanny State Europa: Children to be banned from blowing up balloons, under EU safety rules. Meanwhile, French multicultural do-gooders are re-writing history. (Thanks to F.G. for the link.)    o o …



Notes from JWR:

I was delighted to see that Amazon has again reduced price on my novel “Survivors” to just $12.39. (They originally had it priced at more than $16, and just before publication, they dropped it to $15.30.) Anything under $13 is a very good price for a 380-page hardback, these days. Meanwhile the e-book (for Kindle, Nook, iBook, and now also in ePub format at the Sony Reader Store) is priced at as low as $10.99. — 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 …


Trapping Options for the Non-Trapper, by Pat in Oregon

Most folks are familiar to some extent with animal trapping but have little experience.  In a TEOTWAWKI world I suggest there are several advantages that trapping will offer almost everyone.  With minimal equipment and some basic experience trapping can offer security, food, and economic opportunities.  Before taking any action please familiarize yourself with your local laws and requirements related to fur-bearing animals and trapping.   I trapped coyotes and bobcat back in my college days with a good friend.  It was a great time but required considerable equipment, preparation, effort, and skill.  Today I still do a lot of trapping, …


Letter Re: Wattle and Daub Construction

James Wesley, A lot of people are restricted in how much money they can spend on a tract of land for a home or a retreat for when TSHTF  or TEOTWAWKI happens, but if you can manage to find even a small lot, like an acre or so and hopefully it is wooded, you can construct a home or cabin of sorts that isn’t really something to be ashamed of.  And also, consider this, something happens, like a tornado or earthquake and your home is completely destroyed as well as your neighbors—you could possibly construct a temporary survival shelter with …


Economics and Investing:

Reader V.L. sent a clip from a television reporter that must have skipped “Reality 101”, in college. (Sarcasm ON: I won’t sleep well at all tonight, now the I’ve been told that my gold “isn’t backed by anything–unlike the U.S. Dollar.”) German push for Greek default risks EMU-wide ‘snowball’ Items from The Economatrix: Euro Crisis Spreads and Puts the World Economy at Risk Detroit’s descent into economic darkness continues, literally: DTE deal pulls out lights in Highland Park–Areas in dark after 1,400 street lights removed to settle bill When?  (When will the next financial crisis happen?) The Top 100 Statistics …


Odds ‘n Sods:

F.J. suggested this money saving tip over at Lifehacker: Slice Your Own Steaks    o o o You’ve heard me mention a family in north Idaho that has a home-based business making washable feminine pads: Naturally Cozy. (Avalanche Lily says that they are very comfortable and very durable even after many washings, and that she uses them regularly.) I just heard that the company recently added two different types of washable incontinence pads for ladies. If there is a lady in your family that currently “Depends on Depends”, then please order them a set of these pads. Someday you may …



An Army Veteran’s Thoughts on Camouflage, by H.R.

In case of TEOTWAWKI, being successful in the art of camouflaging will be a serious matter. It will be necessary for many aspects of life to include; movement, reconnaissance, and ambush. Camouflaging is a multi-tiered animal, including camouflaging your skin, your clothing, your gear, and your weapon. I spent six years in the army as an Infantryman. As a result I personally have spent 26 months of my life in Iraq, and I have been on well over 500 combat patrols: to include raids and ambushes of all kinds. Camouflaging of your outfit or uniform begins with the construction of …


Letter Re: The Sling Shot Channel

Sir: I think you might enjoy Jörg Sprave’s slingshot channel on Youtube.com. His videos on his home made slingshot weapons, I mean he is something else!!  he has a slingshot rifle with scope, a pump action repeating slingshot sort a rifle or pistol device, one that shoots machetes (yikes!!!) and a cannon slingshot, etc, etc, etc.  I like the pump action job.  He even has a tutorial video on how he makes it.  He shoots .50 caliber lead balls and I think it is comparable  to  a firearm for knock down power and penetration.  he tests it on ballistics jell …


Letter Re: Long term Survival Electronics Storage, Tin Whiskering and RoHS Compliance

James, Your readers that store modern electronics long term should be aware of this. There is a problem with all modern electronics that are RoHS compliant. RoHS stands for Reduction of Hazardous Substances. One of its requirements mandates the use of lead free solder in all consumer electronics. This started in Europe and subsequently adopted here in order for the US to sell products outside this country. There is a physical process know as tin whiskering, where by tin will grow microscopic metallic whiskers. See NASA’s web site for extensive research and information. Please do your research on this and …


Economics and Investing:

SurvivalBlog’s G.G. sent this: Census: Housing bust worst since Great Depression Der Speigel asks: What Options Are Left for the Common Currency? EU delays summit to have more time to finalize plans for Greece, banks, bailout fund John R. mentioned this by Marty Weiss: Seven Major Advance Warnings Nine Ways Supermarkets Suck You In R.C. sent this: Colorado empties popular lake to pay its water bill Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Jump on European Pledge to Help Banks Oil Rises to Two-Week High Occupy America: Protests Against Wall Street and Inequality Hit 70 Cities