Letter Re: Free GPS Topographical Map Software and Adjuncts

Jim, Maps are something I have a lot of fun with. I wrote up a blog post on free online mapping centered around topographical maps that if you haven’t already encountered these tools you might find it interesting. In a post at Gear Addicts, I cover how to acquire free topographical maps, as well as using the topo maps in conjuncture with programs like Google Earth, and NASA World Wind. Making a free and in some ways superior replacemnt for expensive software by National Geographic and Garmin. Regards, – Grant


Economics and Investing:

Laura H. sent this: In uncertain times, all that glisters is a gold standard Chauncey sent this Five Bailout Absurdities Items from The Economatrix: “Green Shoots” a Mirage in Economic Desert US Taxpayers’ Costs Likely to Rise After AIG-FP Staff Quit Wall Street Holds its Breath as 1st Quarter Results Come In GM Told to Prep for “Surgical Bankruptcy” HSBC Faces Crisis Over US Credit Cards Consumer Prices Drop Unexpectedly in March Swiss Bank UBS Cutting 7,500 More Jobs Singapore Devalues Its Fading Dollar Obama’s Economic Optimism Falls on Deaf Ears US to Reveal Results of Stress Tests on 19 …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Cheryl sent us two items on the continuing big sales runs on guns, ammunition, reloading components,and magazines: The New US Arms Race: Americans stick to their guns as firearms sales soar and Guns And Ammo Availability Overview. JWR Adds: OBTW, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Mr. Herman included a mention of my novel “Patriots” in his article.    o o o Reader Rob A. sent some more insanity from Nanny State Britannia: Family of father stabbed to death by three thugs is denied compensation… because he tried to fight back    o o o “Snow Hater” sent this: …



Note from JWR:

This is the last day to bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction.The high bid is now at $2,510. This auction ends at midnight (eastern time) tonight, April 15th. It is for a large mixed lot, which includes:: 1.) A Warrior Aid and Litter Kit, donated by Ready Made Resources. This is an advanced medic kit package that includes a Talon II 90C folding-handle collapsible litter, which normally retails for $560, just by itself. This truly a “full up” tactical trauma kit! This sophisticated medic kit normally retails for $1,500. 2.) A “be ready to barter” box of 26 full-capacity firearms …


Letter Re: The Importance of Spare Parts and Maintenance for Preparedness

James Wesley: One subject that I think is under rated in preparedness discussions is spare parts. We all are focused on our armaments and basic survival materials to the detriment of being able to continue to use our tools and equipment when they inevitably break. Even in the best-case scenario of a sever depression spare parts will be often unavailable through normal channels. A good example of this is to be found in cars. When I was young in the ‘50s and early ‘60s there was an abundance of cars made in the late ‘20s and ‘30s in remarkably good …


Letter Re: Recommendation for Kinder Goats

Hi First, I just wanted to say I loved “Patriots” and have given it away to many of my friends and adult children. Concerning “Livestock for Survival, by Bobbi A.” Most people are not aware of a small meat/dairy goat called the Kinder [, spoken “Kin-dur”.] It was developed over 30 years ago and has gained great success in competing against it’s larger cousins. This little goat will produce a gallon of milk a day, is much more feed efficient than other breeds, is small so easy to handle (especially the bucks) and is stocky so makes for better meat …


Economics and Investing:

Reader HPD: suggested this piece by Mish Shedlock: Nationwide Tax Revolt is Coming Dave (at Captain Dave’s) mentioned an interesting article on Why our current credit crisis mirrors Weimar, over at the Seeking Alpha site. G.G. sent us this: Bernanke sees signs of economic stability “I can assure you that monetary policy-makers are fully committed to acting as needed to withdraw on a timely basis the extraordinary support now being provided to the economy, and we are confidence in our ability to do so,” Bernanke said in remarks prepared for delivery at Morehouse College in Atlanta.” G.G.’s comment: “Of course, …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Jasper sent this from the Sydney Morning Herald: Warning that Pakistan is in danger of collapse within months. The prospect of a country armed with nuclear bombs falling to Islamic extremists is troubling, to say the least!    o o o Cheryl flagged this: Why You Should Carry a Gun    o o o HPD sent and item from the Bangor [Maine] Daily News: Woodworker crafts furniture to die for. HPD’s comment: “Do-it-yourself funerals at home will be a necessity in a TEOTWAWKI situation.”    o o o Texas Governor Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’ Sovereignty Under 10th Amendment. (A …



Note from JWR:

Just one day left to bid! The high bid in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction is now at 1,860. This auction ends on April 15th. It is for a large mixed lot, which includes:: 1.) A Warrior Aid and Litter Kit, donated by Ready Made Resources. This is an advanced medic kit package that includes a Talon II 90C folding handle collapsible litter, which normally retails for $560, just by itself. This truly a “full up” tactical trauma kit! This sophisticated medic kit normally retails for $1,500. 2.) A “be ready to barter” box of 26 full-capacity firearms magazines, from my …


From The Werewolf: New Flex Fuel Ethanol Motorcycle Now Available in Brazil

Jim, I´m very proud of the new Honda´s motorcycle in the Brazilian market:he first full “flex fuel” bike in the world! You can use gas and alcohol, in almost any ratio. (Well, on cold days, you´ll need 20% gasoline minimum to start the engine…). It´s the ultimate survival bike! I know you don´t read Portuguese, but here is the link. And here is an article about it in English: Honda CG150 TITAN MIX: world’s first flex-fuel motorcycle. Best Regards, – The Werewolf in Brazil


Letter Re: Offshore G.O.O.D.–Do You Have Your Papers?

We all know that many Jews saw the handwriting on the wall in a pre-WWII Germany, but failed to leave, or could they not leave? There was obviously a window of opportunity for most to leave but why did so many miss it? Some were not wealthy, but were able to escape. Some had the money, so why could they not leave? If one only has a few moments in which to leave a foreign country, is the house in order? My sister dwelled on this problem and then looked at her own family. She was the only one with …


Letter Re: Highly Productive Home Gardens

Jim, Take a look at the YouTube videos on the Dervaes family. These folks are a bit granola crunching and leftist/idealistic for me, but there is a great deal to be learned from their efforts. 6,000 pounds of produce from 5,000 square feet of yard is pretty impressive. Admittedly, they have a 365-day growing season and no deer to worry about, but we are adapting the strategies for our own situation. I do agree with them that producing your own food is a profoundly subversive act. If the link does not work work just go to YouTube and then search …


Letter Re: Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: Reinforcing Your Retreat for Long Term Survival on the Cheap

Jim Concerning the article by Q.T. about fence building. A good book on the subject is, “Fences, Gates, and Bridges, and How to Make Them” by George Martin. It includes a longer and more complete explanation, and pictures, of the plash method of fence building. …And a caution! Be careful what plants you choose for building your fences. It can have unintended consequences. Fifty years ago, the local County Agriculture Agents recommended to all the farmers around here, that we plant multiflora rose bushes. The agents said the roses were cheap, would grow fast and they would form an impenetrable …