Odds ‘n Sods:

Norman in England mentioned one consequence of the global credit collapse, as reported by The Financial Post: Grain shipments stalled in credit drought (“There’s all kinds of stuff stacked up on docks right now…”)    o o o Bill N. sent us the link to this “must see” video from a DEFCON hackers’ convention: No Tech Hacking    o o o James B. sent us this “signs of the times” news story: National Debt Clock runs out of digits. Speaking of digits, several times in the last six months, I’ve mentioned the Federal Reserve cartels’ web page where they post …




Letter Re: Water Storage and Crash Course Advice

Jim, First off let me say I continue to enjoy everything you post on SurvivalBlog. I believe that, given, recent events, my extended family is coming around and is wanting to finally start getting prepared (let us hope its not too late). Second, in reference to the WaterBOB that someone cited recently: what preferred method of treatment do you recommend in storing the water in the mentioned device for long term? Third, what ‘crash course’ advice can you offer for those who may be too little too late in getting prepared for WTSHTF? Or for those recently converted who want …


Letter Re: Cheap is Good, But Free is Better

Mr. Rawles, I’ve noticed there have been several letters lately about getting prepped on a budget, and several people have suggested watching Craig’s List for good bargains. I’m surprised that no one has recommended Freecycle as a place to find good deals, because everything listed is free. I’m sure it’s been mentioned a few times in Survivalblog over the years, but I think it deserves as much emphasis as Craig’s List, if not more. I think there may be some misconceptions about what is found on Freecycle. There can be a lot more than just old baby clothes and blenders. …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Finally, the much-anticipated Kel-Tec RFB bullpup .308 carbine will begin shipping in December! If I were to buy a bullpup, then the RFB Carbine would be it. Looking for a hedge against a future ban? I recommend that you buy a couple of these before the White House changes hands. If a new ban is enacted, they will likely triple in value.    o o o More economic news and commentary from Cheryl: Wall Street Fluctuates After Emergency Interest Rate Cut — IMF: World Economy Will Slow Sharply, Led By U.S. “Recession” — Asian Stocks Fall Again — US Economy …



Note from JWR:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction is now at $770. The auction for a large mixed lot that includes: A Special Mixed Vegetable Case-Six #10 Dehydrated Food Cans (Retail Price $105.95) This special Mixed Vegetable Case contains six #10 (96-ounce) cans–one can of each of the following: Mixed Vegetable Blend, Green Beans, Sweet Garden Peas, Mixed Peppers, Potato Dices, and Sweet Potatoes and a EZ-Towels 10 Pack Combo (10 bags of 50 towels. Retail value: $99.95). These items were donated by Jan at Healthy Harvest Foods. An assortment of world class loose leaf teas, and a box of …


Like Something Out of a Novel–Some Predictions for 2009-to-2019

The economic headlines in the past couple of weeks have sounded like something out of a disaster novel that I once read wrote. The international financial and equities markets are spinning out of control, with seemingly wider and wider gyrations with each passing day. Since there are so many variables, the end result is difficult to firmly predict, but one thing is clear: It will be neither easy nor pleasant. My current prediction is that the governments of the English-speaking nations and Europe will co-conspire with the banksters to concoct the most grandiose Mother of All Bailouts (MOABs) yet. This …


Letter Re: Males – 15-25 Will Be the Most Dangerous Segment of Our Population in TEOTWAWKI

James, I believe in a TEOTWAWKI situation the most dangerous segment of the roving gangs will be the displaced teenage men. After all those are the ones that are warriors in other countries, not the fat 40’s couch potatoes. They are strong, tough and smart. In essence, we will be fighting our own neighbor’s children. Consider this news article from Arizona: Suburban gang’s rise unnerves authorities. Respectfully, – Robert O. JWR Replies: Sadly, I have to agree with you. OBTW, our friends in England refer them as “Yobs”, “Yobbos”, “Townies”, or “Chavs”.


Letter Re: Getting Started with Home Canning

James, I am acquiring the equipment necessary to pressure can (in jars) meat and produce. A bumper crop from a home garden or a freshly killed animal will be lost quickly if not frozen, dried or canned. I don’t want to make jerky stews, casseroles or burgers, so I’m going to add canning skills to my quiver. After doing some reading, I’ve discovered that nearly anything can be canned! I’ve found people canning burger patties, meatballs, butter, cheese, and bacon in additional to all the normal things you’d expect to see in jars. There are tons of books out there …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader FLS suggested this article: Here comes $500 oil. “If Matt Simmons is right, the recent drop in crude prices is an illusion – and oil could be headed for the stratosphere. He’s just hoping we can prevent civilization from imploding.”    o o o Our prodigious Economic Editor sent us a fresh batch of news and commentary: Fed To Buy Massive Amount Of Short-Term Debt — Stocks Fluctuate After Fed Corporate Debt Plan — UK Bank Shares Dive Again As Panic Spreads — Smaller Banks Still Making Loans — UK Gov’t Takes $100 Billion Stake In Britain’s Top Banks …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another Retreat Owner Profile, which will be added to Profiles static page. BTW, we still have room for several more international profiles (outside the US). I am saving the last few slots in the US profiles section for people that have very unusual home/retreats. (Perhaps someone that lives in an underground house, or someone that lives aboard a houseboat or a blue water yacht.) If you decide to e-mail us your Profile, please closely follow the same format used in the the others. For your privacy, be sure change enough details so that your neighbors won’t recognize …


Retreat Owner Profile–Mr. & Mrs. Tico in Costa Rica

Present home : Farm in Northern Costa Rica Ages : 54 & 57 Two sons 30 & 32, who are living in North Carolina. Income $50,000 USD/year secure (many diverse overseas investments) and a tourism business currently at $120,000 or so per year ( I own a botanical garden) . Additional income from fruit groves and tilapia ponds $15,000/year. Profession : Gunsmith, nursery grower, waterscaper, fish farmer . Vehicles : Two 1970s Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40’s with 2.4 diesel engines, kept in top-notch condition and a 2 cycle Ez-Go golf cart set up [with tires and suspension] for all terrain. …