Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"The economics of disaster commence when the holders of money wealth revolt. It is as simple as that. The government has little or nothing to say or do about it…They do not fly flags or demonstrate in the streets to express their revolt; they simply get rid of their money…The duller the holders of money wealth are, the longer the government can go on storing up inflation but, by the same token, the more cataclysmic must the eventual dam burst be. The Germans [of the early 1920s] were among the dullest and most disciplined of all holders of money wealth, …


Note from JWR:

Last day! Safecastle’s 25% Off Mountain House storage food sale ends at midnight, eastern time (June 5th.). Safecastle Royal members will also get a free copy of the novel One Second After by William R. Forstchen if they purchase four or more cases of Mountain House foods.


Two Letters Re: Walking Tractors and Similar Powered Farming Implements

Hi; The ongoing discussion about tractors is interesting. I was recently able to purchase a fully restored 1952 Ford 8N for $3,500. The tires, front end bushings, everything is new, and the motor is rebuilt. This is a deal of a lifetime to be sure. But, there are plenty of other good deals out there, this is the time to look. Check with farmers to see if they have an extra tractor to sell. Many farms own multiple tractors and if they need money you might get lucky. And if you get real lucky you might find an old one …


Mexican Flu Update:

WHO: Swine Flu Alert Closer to Pandemic 64 countries, 18,965 cases, 117 deaths (mostly US & Mexico) “‘We still are waiting for evidence of really widespread community activity in these countries, and so it’s fair to say that they are in transition and are not quite there yet, which is why we are not in phase 6 yet,’ Fukuda said.” NYC Reports Two New Deaths From Swine Flu Both aged 25-64, 553 total cases, 341 hospitalizations Swine Flu In All 50 States More than 10,000 US residents confirmed infected. Confirmed cases represent about 1 in 20 of actual cases. (JWR …


Economics and Investing:

The welfare state, firmly entrenched: Benefit spending soars to new high (1 in 6 dollars of income come from governments checks. Let’s not forget: Every dollar that is “given”, must first be “taken” from someone.) Thanks to G.H. for the link. Currie sent us this: Latvian debt crisis shakes Eastern Europe. When sovereign debt markets disintegrate, you can expect governments to topple. And it won’t just be pipsqueak nation states like Iceland and Latvia that are at risk. From reader C.S.: Medical bills underlie 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies: study Julian Robertson’s Steepener Swap Play (Shorting US Treasuries) When Julian …


Odds ‘n Sods:

We were thrilled to attend Maker Faire, in San Mateo, California, last weekend. It is an amazingly educational and inspirational gathering, and I highly recommend it, if you ever have the opportunity. (Maker Faire events are also held in Newcastle, England and in Austin, Texas.) These annual events, sponsored by Makezine, bring together an eclectic and often wacky group of creative geniuses. Among the huge roster of exhibitors, I saw lots of practical displays and demonstrations there that have applicability to preparedness–including steam engines, gasifier experimenter kits (GEKs), umpteen human-powered machines (including a way-cool pedal-powered rail car, made with box …



Note from JWR:

I have expanded the SurvivalBlog Bookshelf page. Most notably, I have added some survivalist fiction book lists, and greatly expanded my “Second Tier” list of recommended specialty books. Note that if you buy any items from Amazon.com (even radios, band-aids or Break Free) via our links, SurvivalBlog will earn a small commission. Thanks!


Two Letters Re: Walking Tractors and Similar Powered Farming Implements

James, I just wanted to respond to the recent article on small tractors. In 1981 my wife and I bought 12 acres and started market gardening, selling produce locally. I grew about 3 acres of produce each year and put up hay for animals. Our first big investment at the time was a BCS 725 machine with the tiller and sickle-bar mower attachments. We used that machine, and used it hard. Today it’s 2009 and I just finished cutting hay and putting in my green bean patch, using that 725. It’s still on the original engine, which has never been …


Letter Re: Many Weeds are Actually Edible Wild Plants

Mr Rawles, I read the article “Many Weeds are Actually Edible Plants” with much interest. I am a botanist not a horticulturist. I was trained in the taxonomy of native plants not commercial flowers and such. Taxonomy is the identification of plants. I did three years work at my school’s botany department doing field research continuing the longest prenuclear botany studies of native plants in the US. I was required to be able to identify by sight more than 1,000 native plants. My taxonomic mentor was Mr. Howard Reynolds, Ph.d., University of Nebraska and former Marine Corpsman, in the Pacific …


Economics and Investing:

Frequent content contributor GG sent this: Toxic assets ‘bridge too far’ Also from GG: come this from mainstream (Wall Street Journal) commentator Brett Arends: Is Your Portfolio Ready for Hyperinflation? Germany Blasts ‘Powers of the Fed’ Reader A.C. flagged this: Experts Fear U.S. Will Suffer Zimbabwe-Level Inflation From Trapper Mike: Dollar Declines as Nations Mull Reserve Currency Alternative Items from The Economatrix: Bernanke: Start Work Now to Curb Deficits “Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the panel’s highest-ranking Republican, raised concerns about the budget deficits and the Fed’s own actions to stimulate the economy, including buying government debt. “This can be …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Just one day left! Safecastle‘s 25% Off Mountain House storage food sale ends tomorrow, June 5th. Members will get a free copy of the novel One Second After by William R. Forstchen if they purchase four or more cases of Mountain House foods.    o o o Has Twilight Come to the Sun Belt?    o o o Richard at KT Ordnance mentioned this essay: When Guns Are Outlawed … Only Government Will Have Guns    o o o Marketers Fear Frugality is Here to Stay



Notes from JWR:

The producers of NBC’s Today television show have already interviewed two SurvivalBlog readers, but they are looking for one more family, for a taped segment. They are looking for a “typical suburban survivalist family” somewhere within 200 miles of New York City, for an interview. E-mail: Josh Weiner of NBC. — Today we present the first entry for Round 23 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. 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 …


Survival of the Fittest by Mike Hussle

When it comes to preparedness for disasters, people can be very imaginative. Thinking through every possible scenario, difficulty or danger helps them in choices such as, “what type of firearm is the most practical?” “What medicines is it a good idea to have on hand?” Or, “where is a good place to go if it is no longer safe where I live?” These questions are all sound, practical thoughts for anyone who wants to be prudently prepared for emergencies. One factor, however, largely gets neglected, if not ignored. Perhaps that is because you can’t simply purchase this most central and …