Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 34 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 Alpine Aire freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $400 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo , …


Minerals, Nutrients and Essential Oils for Survival, by M.G.M.

As my husband excitedly plans how to care for our family if disaster strikes and  how to live on bare minimal amounts of food, I am preparing my heart for caring for my family during hard times.  I know that my job is maintaining the emotional presence of my family during the hard times that we may face. These are things that we can all inexpensively incorporate into our lives now and reap the benefits from.  I am also happy to tell you that these are things that you can use around your house every day, and will also bring …


The Group Think Trap, by Doctus

The world is falling apart around us.  The economy is in shambles and the moral fiber that once made this country great has been reduced to nothing but tattered rags.  The once individualistic American who mistrusted government is now willing to give everything over to government for a modicum of false safety.  The entrepreneurial and innovative American has been boxed in by tough regulations and taxes.  In short, the American spirit is being snuffed out by the modern progressivism that has taken hold of our once great country. Amidst all this doom and gloom and with little prospect for a …


Four Letters Re: Diabetic Preparedness – Storing Insulin in a Grid Down World

Dear Editor: Robert M. should also look at a propane refrigerator such as found in campers.  It only takes enough gas to run a pilot light to keep things cold.  A 20 pound propane cylinder will last us several seasons and also do the cooking.  A  200 gallon tank would last for several years if it were only used to cool your medications.  I have seen used propane refrigerators going for next to nothing when people scrap out old campers.  – Bob P. Hi There, Kudos to the author who wrote about off-grid electric refrigerators for storing insulin; other options …


Economics and Investing:

Photo of an Obamaville. Loyal contributor John R. sent us a capacious pile o’ links: Paul Ryan Speaks on the “Catastrophic Trajectory” of US Debt – ZeroHedge Our Peculiar State of Suspended Animation – Charles Hugh Smith What Will Happen When QE2 Ends? – Dave Cohen Obama’s debt-limit truth-twisting – Stephen M. Meister Kicking the Can to the End of the Road – John Mauldin      Social Security ‘Trust Fund’ to Add $5 Trillion to Debt – Investors.com Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Follow LinkedIn IPO Higher Commodity Rally Sends Stock Indexes Higher Central Banks Snap Up Gold in First …


Odds ‘n Sods:

This post sums up what a lot of people have been thinking: You Might Be A Psychopath If…    o o o The shortages continue: Drugs For Critically Ill In Short Supply. (Thanks to C.D.V. for the link.)    o o o Ay, ay, ay: CDC Warns Public to Prepare for ‘Zombie Apocalypse’. How could the CDC use such absurd, illogical imagery to promote a family preparedness campaign? They must have let a few overpaid publicity consultants run amok. Be very careful when you ask PR people to “Do something bold, to catch attention.” Did they ever! (Thanks to Steve …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” – Psalm 19:7-10 (KJV)


Note from JWR:

A recent Live Science article, “The Draw of Doomsday: Why People Look Forward to the End” mentions SurvivalBlog. But like most mainstream media reports, it both denigrates and misinterprets the value of preparedness. — Today we present another entry for Round 34 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 Alpine Aire freeze dried …


Diabetic Preparedness – Storing Insulin in a Grid Down World, by Robert M.

I have spent time and money on food and water preparation, on preparing my family plan for emergency situations that might last an extended period of time. I have purchased and prepared medical and hygiene supplies, trying to cover as many areas as I could. Even with this much preparation, there was still one other important issue I needed to address. In a true TEOTWAWKI situation, a major concern for me and my family is electrical power. This concern isn’t centered on the ability to watch television, listen to music, or even cook food. Those are what I would consider …


Letter Re: Surviving TEOTWAWKI with Infants and Toddlers

Dear James, I read your blog weekly.  Very good stuff.  Regarding the recent article Surviving TEOTWAWKI with Infants and Toddlers, by M.A., I just wanted to add couple things, being a mom of five.  Having things like Tiefu (for headaches, pains, sinuses), acidophilus (for stomach woes, can be used with infants and will put an end to diarrhea) Otic solutions for inner ear pain (there is no way to sooth a baby in ear pain without this stuff), Vertifree for children and adults with symptoms of vertigo caused by allergies and such.  Castor Oil for muscle pains.  Having the same bracelet …


Two Letters Re: Assuring M1911-Series Autopistol Safety

Mr. Rawles, While I agree, of course, with Steve V.’s assertion that firearms need to be handled safely, people should be familiar with their firearms, and training is a good thing; I very much disagree with the assertion that operating the slide of an automatic pistol the correct way is “an extremely bad habit”. First, his complaints about what happens when racking a slide with thumbs on opposite sides of the slide and facing opposite directions aren’t very valid in my opinion. The notion that a shooter’s hand and arm conceal the pistol making it “hard to see exactly where …


Economics and Investing:

More than a dozen blog readers suggested this must read piece: Hedge Farm! The Doomsday Food Price Scenario Turning Hedgies into Survivalists. Here is a quote from the article: “When asked if this is an end of the world scenario, the hedge-fund manager replied, “It really is. I tell my fiancée this from time to time, and I’ve stopped telling her this, because it’s not the most pleasant thought.” Reader Stephen M. wrote to mention: “One of my favourite indicators as to economic health is the Baltic Dry Index.  It is simply a measure of the shipping costs to move …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Lulu is offering free shipping until the end of May. This includes the SurvivalBlog 5-Year Archive CD-ROM. Use coupon code FREESHIP305.    o o o Lynn G. sent this: US official: growing threat from solar storms    o o o An amazing collection of disaster pictures: Mississippi Floodwaters Roll South. (Thanks to Pierre M. for the link.)    o o o KAF sent this: Equine Herpes Outbreak Hits Western U.S. States    o o o Reader Lynn G suggested: In the bleak light of the Depression: Rare colour photographs of the era that defined a generation



Notes from JWR:

There are now more than 2,100 archived SurvivalBlog Quotes of the Day. My sincere thanks to the many readers that have e-mailed me their favorite quotations. BTW: Please keep them coming! If you have a favorite quotation with a confirmed attribution, then please e-mail it to me. To avoid repetition, please first do a search for the author’s name and a key word from the quote, using our Search box. Thanks! — Today we present another entry for Round 34 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint …