Two Letters Re: G.O.O.D. Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance–Is Your Vehicle Up to the Task?

Sir, I am replying to the recent post on G.O.O.D. Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance. It had almost all excellent information, except the part about coolant, the “reddish eco-friendly” is the only long life coolant that causes problems, it is either DEX-COOL, or a licensed replacement that would be the same color. GM has been having legal problems with it for over a decade. As a former dealer tech I saw the damage it caused, and would also never use it in a car. The long life coolants, as well as the universal type with long life attributes are fine to …


Letter Re: True Self Sufficiency Requires Multi-Generational Teamwork

To The Editor, I am an outdoorsman. I love camping, hiking, and biking. To enjoy these things, I must be in decent shape. I have to work at physical health because I have a desk job. So I exercise regularly. Keeping oneself reasonably healthy is part of being prepared. But I am not so young anymore. I am not old, mind you, in my early 50s, but I don’t consider myself young either. Yet, I am reminded of my physical limitations more often the older I get. I thought of this the other day when I was working in the …


Economics and Investing:

LTD sent a link to an article at Mish Shedlock’s site: L.A. Controller Says City Could Run Out of Cash by May 5th Reader M.S.B. flagged this: Mighty America’s five stages of rapid decline; Jim Collins’ danger signals: But can we halt the collapse of capitalism? Items from The Economatrix: Fed Keeps Eyes Out for Speculative Bubbles Job Openings Rise in Several Sectors in February Stocks Trade in Tight Range After Financials Rise Business Software Maker CA to Cut 1,000 Jobs


Odds ‘n Sods:

Christine sent a link to a fascinating article: Phones in remote Washington come at high cost.    o o o Courtesy of Richard S.: Canada set to repeal registration of hunting rifles, shotguns    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large Michael Z. Williamson offered this: HUD and CPSC Issue Guidance on Repairing Homes With Problem Drywall. Mike’s comment: “Yet more fine quality from Chinese slave labor.”    o o o Kevin A. spotted this: Privacy Lives Report- State of Oklahoma makes millions selling resident’s info. ” Kevin asks: “Do you think any other states might be doing this?” Oh, …



Notes from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 28 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $350 value.), and D.) A 500 round case of …


Meet the Saiga Family, by Brett G.

Your needs when the SHTF will vary greatly, yet some needs rank higher than others. Of course there will be many considerations at any point on your journey, in every circumstance, regardless of the cause (earthquake, flood, volcano, terrorist attack, storm, riots, etc). In any situation the considerations will certainly include a need for food, water, shelter, body armor and helmets, vehicles, fuel, heating, medical supplies, land for security and for growing future food, and such. There is no intention to downgrade the importance of those items – yet it is my intention to get you to think about some …


Letter Re: A True TEOTWAWKI Flashlight

Hi Jim, I just heard about this, and although expensive it sounds like the perfect long term TEOTWAWKI light: The 5.11 Tactical ‘light for life’. It is a Capacitor/LED flashlight. Here are the basic specifications: 90 second recharge time 12 VDC recharging 2 hour run time (step down 90/60 lumen – 1 hour each) 270 lumen peak (90 normal) 135 year life span 100 yard throw Thanks, – Greg W.


Economics and Investing:

Eric S. sent us this: Peak oil production predicted for 2014; Predicting the end of oil has proven tricky and often controversial, but Kuwaiti scientists now say that global oil production will peak in 2014. Steve H. forwarded this: Potential Impact of Japanese Hyperinflation on the US Dollar From GG: China central bank sees dollar strength, global inflation “Ben in Tenn.” spotted this: Forget Greece…watch Cali. Here is a quote: “Isn’t it ironic that according to the Controller of LA’s biggest city, Cali may end up in a liquidity crisis sooner even than Greece. At least Los Angeles has undisputed …


Odds ‘n Sods:

 Alan E. sent us an article about Californians envisioning “The Big One.”    o o o L.S. suggested a web site with some useful resources on Rooftop & Urban Gardening.    o o o I heard about a small company in Illinois called Eden’s Way that is selling a “weed-free” and organic raised bed gardening system that reportedly will produce as much as four times more vegetables than other garden systems.    o o o Lynn G. forwarded this piece by Ronald Kessler: EMP Attack Would Decimate America    o o o Rufus sent this: Finnish post to open love …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 28 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $350 value.), and D.) A 500 round case of …


Letter Re: G.O.O.D. Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance–Is Your Vehicle Up to the Task?, by Barry B.

In a “Schumer hits the fan” (SHTF) scenario where you need to get out of Dodge (G.O.O.D.), will your vehicle be up to the task? Is your cooling system robust enough to handle unusual demands? Are your fancy new wheels hurky enough to withstand off-road conditions? Is your vehicle ready to tow a trailer over rough terrain and for long distances? Is the trailer ready? We don’t get to pick when the SHTF, so keep your vehicle ready! Here are some of my suggestions based on over twenty-five years in the automotive maintenance and repair business. Catastrophic failures often begin …


Letter Re: Advice on Rifle Flash Hiders

Hi, I’ve seen your posts about the L1A1 rifle and I’m asking you for some help. I would like to change the original flash hider, for a new one like the Vortex. But they make only 9/16 x 24 threaded devices with left hand threads [for Metric FALs]. Where can I buy an adaptor, or do I have to transform the barrel? Thanks for your help. – Philippe JWR Replies: The original L1A1 military-issue flash hiders are actually quite efficient. (The only exception is the short Papua New Guinea (“PNG”) variant flash hiders, which has about 20% more flash than …


Letter Re: Dirt Time–Learning Practical Tracking Techniques

Jim, I really enjoyed the article on tracking by James K. Actually, I have enjoyed all of the articles in Survival Blog. I try to test my tracking skill whenever I get the change and have been doing it for almost 60 years now. Besides the ones mentioned in the article another guide that I have found to be valuable is: Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species, by Mark Elbroch. It was published by Stackpole Books in 2003. Unfortunately it was printed in China but of very high quality. (I prefer U. S. made products when …