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. …


Letter Re: Frontline Documentary on the Aftermath of the Haitian Earthquake

Sir; I thought this issue of Frontline was good. It had really good footage, and provided lots valuable exposure to real-world disasters. Particularly interesting was the type of medical treatment being employed there immediately after the disaster, amputations with no anesthesia for instance. I’ve decided I need to expand my first-aid kit after watching it. – Jeff M.


Economics and Investing:

It appears that the precious metals bull market is resuming his run. I stand by my long-term predictions. Once again, buy on the dips. Michael W. sent this: Nickel rallies to 21-month high. As I’ve written before: Save your nickels! (They now have a base metal value of just over 6 cents. But just wait until the next Era of Inflation kicks in. Mark my words: Nickels will eventually sell at 3X, or 4X their face value. ) Rob C. mentioned an interesting audio interview with Andrew Maguire and Adrian Douglas. They describe the 100:1 naked leverage being used in …


Odds ‘n Sods:

I’ve only had one speeding ticket in the past 12 years, for driving 32 is 25 zone. Wouldn’t you know, I got it in a locale that I just recently found precisely described at this handy site: The National Speedtrap Exchange. (Thanks to K.T. for the link.)    o o o Interactive US map on concealed carry changes over the years (Thanks to Pete A. for the link.) Let freedom reign!    o o o And speaking of maps, Ben H. suggested the “This is Where We Live” map of the U.S. that was published back in 2006. Be sure …



Notes from JWR:

And the winner is… We’ve completed the judging for Round 27 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The judging was very difficult, since there were dozens of great articles submitted! First Prize goes to Dan in Oklahoma for his four part article: The Home Foundry, Metal Casting, that was posted in February, 2010. He will receive all the of the following: 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 …


Letter Re: Gold and Silver Equal Future Purchasing Power

Jim Wesley: Today it is as difficult for a person to fathom gold at $5,000 per ounce as it was for a person to fathom $1,000 per ounce back in 2002.  After all, hold a Krugerrand, in your hand and try to imagine it being worth the purchasing power of $5,000 – enough to buy a good running, nice looking used car.   Dollar predictions of gold are naturally what a prudent investor considers — today’s Internet articles find predictions ranging from “headed  back down to $500” to “heading up to $6,500 in the coming years”.  I must admit, I have …


Letter Re: Advice on Pistol Holsters

JWR, I have been perusing the articles on SurvivalBlog.com on assembling a set of web gear. The part I am stuck on is selecting a holster. I have an LC-2 web belt that I want to put the holster on, which requires a holster that can be strapped on to the belt since most holster loops won’t slip over the plastic buckle. I’ve looked at the [Bianchi] M12 holster that is issued by the US armed forces for the [Beretta] M9 [and M1911], which is designed to strap onto the LC-2 belt. I also read on your site that you …


Two Letters Re: Some Home Chemistry Tricks of the Trade

James, Just a quick note. [In his article on home chemistry,] RPM suggests acquiring some Pyrex measuring cups and bowls for handling hot liquids & mixtures. Pyrex is no longer made from the low thermal expansion Borosilicate laboratory glass. The trademark name was sold to a Chinese firm and the glassware is now made from regular soda lime glass [you can tell from it’s bluish tint] – and may shatter from rapid changes in temperature. People around the country are being injured from the “new” Pyrex as it literally explodes on their stovetops. This is corporate greed at it’s finest! …