Note from JWR:

I provided the manuscript to the publisher just a week ago, but Amazon is already taking pre-orders for my new book “How to Survive the End of the World As We Know It“. Penguin Books plans to release it in late September or early October. BTW, that is considered a lightning fast turn-around for one of the big New York publishers. I suppose that all the economic and H1N1 flu headlines have them quite anxious to publish a practical preparedness book. OBTW, I am tentatively planning on a “Book Bomblet” Day, so please hold off on ordering. Thanks!


Three Letters Re: Stocking Up on Prescription Medicines

Jim, In regards to stocking up on prescription medicine your readers may want to use the book “Wilderness Medicine“ by William Forgey, M.D. as a good starting point. A couple of other “beginner books” are “Where There Is No Doctor“ by David Werner and “Where There Is No Dentist“ by Murray Dickson. Amazon.com is running a special on all three books for $42. [JWR Adds: The latter two books are available for free download, but I recommend getting hard copies for your survival reference library.] I took the book “Wilderness Medicine“, to my doctor’s office and discussed the list of …


Letter Re: Prince of Wales Island, Alaska as a Retreat Locale?

Sir: I understand your comments on Alaska’s [poor] potential for survival retreats .Your logic is sound and I have to take seriously someone who has thought about these issues longer than I have. But there is always a but…What about Prince of Wales Island, Alaska? Backwoods Home magazine published an article written by a Jon Stram that I have not got out of mind. The article sold Prince of Wales Island very well, so [for counterbalance] I need an unbiased, expert opinion Thank you, – Russell: JWR Replies: You aren’t the first to suggest that locale to me. it. I …


Mexican Flu Update:

CDC: Up to 100,000 Are Probably Infected in US US Deaths at five, all reportedly with underlying health problems. Globally, 7,000 (which means many more cases than have been confirmed) Swine Flu Cases Continue to Rise But No Pandemic Called Yet “Fukuda notes a pandemic has nothing to do with the severity of the disease, but rather with its geographic spread.” Avian Flu Beaten By Cold Noses WHO eyes swine flu transmission rates, new vaccine


Economics and Investing:

GG sent us this: CBO admits for first time chance IMF may default From The Daily Bell: Jim Rogers: Food prices will skyrocket. Raise rates soon or face inflation disaster, experts warn… Items from The Economatrix: Hot In Recession: Cheaper Wine, Chocolate, Running Shoes, Spam GM, Chrysler Dealership Cull to Cost 100,000 Jobs The Return of the Banker’s Bet $3 Trillion Later… “Could there be a better time to be a bank? Governments are endorsing high leverage and guaranteeing huge parts of the financial system, so you get to keep the profits and palm off the losses on the taxpayer.” …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Thanks to Kevin A. for sending this: Navajos largely unscathed by recession. Hmmm… Owning livestock, living self-sufficiently, and living debt free. Does this sound familiar?    o o o Cheryl sent us this: NRA Thrives Amid Fears of Heightened Gun-Control Efforts    o o o A herd of common sense, from a Cody, Wyoming newspaper: Pioneer spirit needed during tough times.(I was pleased to see that the article quotes my top five states for retreats locales.)    o o o KAF sent us links to two interesting pieces on the 1930s: The Great Depression: ‘We were all in the same …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 22 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. Because of the recent shake-up at Front Sight, the list of contest prizes for this round has been revised: First Prize: 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. Second Prize: A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of $350. Third Prize: A …


Diverters and Pre-Filters for Roof Rainwater Catchment, by Dim Tim

I have had this idea floating around in the back of my mind for some time now, and with all the posts on the subject here lately, I decided it was time to share it with everyone. I hope some of you find it useful. What got me started to thinking about this was a movie on DVD that I watched recently, titled Twenty Years After. (2008) It is about people that have survived a nuke war, the disease and death that follow, and the hope that humanity will still survive. It is not the best post-SHTF movie that you …


Economics and Investing:

Yishai was the first of several readers to mention this “must read” piece: US speeding towards financial crash   Jimmy G. sent this: Stocks still face deflationary collapse: Prechter. I agree that there will be deflation, but only in the short term. I still see Uncle Sugar’s only viable option is inflating their way out of this mess. This leads me to coin a new motto: Never underestimate the ability of governments to print money. Items from The Economatrix: Six Insurers to Get Billions in Bailout Money (JWR Notes: The MOAB won’t stop growing!) GM to Close 1,100 Dealerships Consumer …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Denny Z. sent us a link to a YouTube clip of a comedy classic: Archie Bunker on Gun Control    o o o “John Smith” suggested a You Tube clip of a James Burke “Connections” documentary episode from 1978. Burke’s description of the 1965 New York blackout illustrates the interconnections and fragility of urban society. It is rather prophetic. Given our far greater tecnological dependence these days, it some serrious food for thought.    o o o Cheryl sent this: Another 1,225,980+ Guns Bought By Americans in April 2009 This number is based on just the background checks by FFL …



Note from JWR:

Congrats to M.G., the high bidder in the SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction that ended last night. I’ve decided to at least temporarily discontinue the auctions, since a few readers have complained that my mention of the auction bids is too distracting and “too commercial.” If you’d like to support the blog in other ways, see our Support page. Thanks!


Letter Re: Which Form of Precious Metals?

James, My experience with [US Mint] Silver Eagles is similar to your description [of their lack of widespread recognizability]. I traded 1 silver eagle for some merchandise at $20 USD per Eagle. The person was happy. I explained to them that this was 1 oz. of silver and at the time of the trade it was equal to the amount that I told them. A few days later I went back seeking to trade again and they told me that since the face value [marked] on the coin was $1 USD that it was all the value they would exchange …