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 …


Dirt Time–Learning Practical Tracking Techniques, by James K. in Alaska

These are the opening words from the book The Tracker by Tom Brown, Jr. & William Jon Watkins: “The first track is the end of a string. At the far end, a being is moving; a mystery, dropping a hint about itself every so many feet, telling you more about itself until you can almost see it, even before you come to it. The mystery reveals itself slowly, track by track, giving its genealogy early to coax you in. Further on, it will tell you the intimate details of its life and work, until you know the maker of the …


Three Letters Re: Advice on Pistol Holsters

Jim, In response to the question on holsters: A couple of years ago, I read a series of articles by a man recalling his experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He lived in a parish outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. After evacuating his family and letting the storm pass, he returned to repair/protect his home. Upon return, he found a checkpoint had been set up at the entrance to his cul-de-sac by some neighbors that stayed through the storm. His house was one of the 15 or so homes on this closed street. The homes were without power, had …


Economics and Investing:

Mind-Boggling Budget Deficit (The Mogambo Guru) GG recommended this ShawdowStats article published late last year that was previously available only to their paid subscribers: Hyperinflation Special Report RBS sent us this: The Continuing Decline of the Consumer ….More Struggling Borrowers Face Pay Garnishment Items from The Economatrix: Private Employment Fell in March States Delay Tax Refunds to Help Their Bottom Lines Wall Street is Driving Up Oil Prices More Financial Bubbles Ahead in the US Housing Market US Bankruptcy Filings Highest Ever Since 2005 Hoarding Not Hiring–Corporations Stockpiling Hoards of Cash Geithner Delays Currency Report L.A. City Employees Make Impassioned …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some good news: Christian faith: Calvinism is back. (A hat tip to Tom W. for the link.)    o o o Mike M. suggested: Urban Forager; A Bitter Green Bouquet. (Our thanks to Mike M. for the link.)    o o o This recently-posted bio was over-the-top. (I certainly don’t belong at the beginning of that list, or perhaps even on it at all, since I’m from the subsequent generation of survivalists.) I’m only posting it because it includes a clip of one of my interviews where I give some practical advice.    o o o Lisa mentioned that Breadtopia …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his …


Notes from JWR:

I just heard from my editor at the Plume Division of Penguin Books that another publisher has purchased the rights to produce a Korean language edition of my non-fiction book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It”. That is simply amazing. — 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 …


Understanding Hydrocarbon-Based Fuel, by X.

Background Fuel supplies are essential for many aspects of modern society. Complex supply chains rely on hydrocarbon-fueled trucks, trains and planes to deliver food and other supplies in near real-time. Natural gas is is used to heat homes and fuel generators that supply approximately one-sixth of all electricity produced in the US. Large-scale food production is only possible with diesel-fueled farm equipment and synthetic nitrate fertilizers, made from natural gas. It is not hard to imagine that anything more than a brief blip in fuel supplies would result in TEOTWAWKI. We have seen the result of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike …


Letter Re: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Resources

JWR: Reading your blog this morning, I ran across “Odds ‘n Sods” item from Pete A. with a map on concealed carry changes over the years across these United States. Yes indeed, “Let freedom ring!” This link brought to mind several sites that show reciprocity of permits between states. I think you may have shown some in the past, but with changes, an update may be needed. This could be invaluable to your readers who travel and/or are interested in relocating. Also, many states now offer “non-resident” permits. This is an easy method for expanding the areas in which you …


Economics and Investing:

GG liked this article in Fortune: The coming inflation wave Brett G. sent us: ECB Official: World on Edge of Double Dip Recession Patricia in S.F. suggested: 60 Minutes Exposes United States Financial Collapse Items from The Economatrix: Cowboy Economics (The Mogambo Guru) Jobs, Manufacturing Reports Boost Stock Market Rising Factory Output Points to Economic Recovery Geithner Says Unemployment is Terribly High New Credit Report Rules Kicking in on Friday Stocks: Strong Quarter Ends with Loss Biggest Job Gain in Three Years Pushes Up Interest Rates


Odds ‘n Sods:

Michael Yon’s recent photo essay and narrative on water supplies in Afghanistan is fascinating.    o o o Dr. Dean suggested this article: Invest in Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, and Lead, by Skip Coryell    o o o I just heard about a company called BePreparedNow.net They sell non-hybrid vegetable seeds and a few other items. Check them out.    o o o G.G. mentioned this: Survivalism in the Suburbs



Notes from JWR:

Thanks to the generosity of our advertisers, more prizes have been added to the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest, starting with Round 28. These now include two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value), and a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (A $275 value.) — Today we present the first 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 …


A Southwesterner’s Experience in Family Preparedness, by C.F.

I always assumed that I would relax when I retired from my life’s vocation. I have now retired from working; however, there is no relaxation. As I absorb the news of the day my other life long avocation, family survival preparedness, continues to plague my mind. The current probability of a societal collapse looms ever closer. I am sure everyone concerned about their family’s safety understands the problems in America . I have been preparing for over 50 years to self sufficient that my family, including children and grand children, would have the ability to survive hard time and hunger. …