Two Letters Re: Livestock for Survival

Jim: I would like to clarify a point in the article, "Livestock for Survival" by Bobbi A. Regarding hens going "broody" – Probably not. There are very few breeds in which the hens will sit on their eggs, and even among broody breeds (such as Buff Orpingtons, which I raise) only a few hens will become broody. The broodiness trait has been intentionally bred out of chickens because a broody hen does not lay eggs. If you plan to raise your own chicks, have an incubator and power source as a backup. Also, a suggestion: I have made arrangements with …


Economics and Investing:

Reader D.D. spotted this: A [GM} Bond Bustin’ Worry From Michael W.: Why gold prices will keep rising – MSN Money Also from Michael W.: What’s a P/E? (And nine other ‘dumb’ questions) Michael’s comment: “The author of this article is too funny, especially when he talks about gold and survivalists. He just does not get it” Items from The Economatrix: Wall Street Begins 2Q Slightly Higher GOP’s Alternative Budget Seeks to Undo Stimulus Spending G-20 Protesters Break Into Royal Bank of Scotland US, UK Fiscal Deficits Cast Long Shadow Over Recovery US Property Prices Down 29% and Still Dropping …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader MPS in Nevada sent this: The True Queen of Frugal    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor-at-Large, Michael Z. Williamson’s latest science fiction novel, Contact with Chaos pits two competing groups from the Freehold of Grainne (that you’ll remember from his novel Freehold ) and Earth against each other during a “first contact” with a sentient species in another solar system. It is now available at Amazon.com. Knowing Mike’s previous work, this promises to be good!    o o o I just heard that Sturm Ruger is now producing 30-round Mini-14 magazines, available to the general public. Ruger’s sales of …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"The time is now near at hand which must probably determine, whether Americans are to be, Freemen, or Slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their Houses, and Farms, are to be pillaged and destroyed, and they consigned to a State of Wretchedness from which no human efforts will probably deliver them. The fate of unborn Millions will now depend, under God, on the Courage and Conduct of this army." – General. George Washington, to his troops before the battle of Long Island, New York


Notes from JWR:

We’ve completed the judging in the most recent round of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The grand prize winner is: Dr. K., for his two-part article: TEOTWAWKI Medicine and Minor Surgery. He will receive two transferable Front Sight  “Gray” Four Day Training Course Certificates. This is an up to $4,000 value! Second prize goes to Eli, for his article “Real World Observations on Fighting Crime and Criminals”. He will receive a three day course certificate from OnPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for his choice of three-day civilian courses. Third prize: goes to Bobbi A. for her article “Livestock for …


My Initial Experiences with Concealed Carry, by AceHigh

As I started my journey into preparedness, one of the areas I pursued was getting my Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) license (sometimes called Concealed Handgun License (CHL) or Concealed Carry License (CCL)). I thought it might be helpful to Survival Blog readers to share my recent experiences related to obtaining my CCW license and getting to a point where I felt comfortable carrying a concealed weapon in public. I know there is some concern regarding obtaining a license that puts you on record as a gun owner/carrier, but that is the trade off of being able to legally defend yourself …


Two Letters Re: TEOTWAWKI Medical Skills: Thoughts on Becoming a “Woofer” (Wilderness First Responder)

JWR: Richard B.’s post is dead-on about how awesome Woofer training is. I’m WFR-qualified, and I agree that it is a great 10-day/night training program. However, there are a few things that WFR training targets that doesn’t quite cover TEOTWAWKI situations. I’ve also taken Medical Corps (the makers of KIO3 and one of your advertisers) “Care in Extreme Situations” course, and two different tactical medicine classes through Suarez International (their TC3 class includes live fire). One key phrase in the definition of Wilderness Medicine is “more than one hour from definitive care,” and many of their techniques are designed around …


Economics and Investing:

Soros: The Recession Will Last Forever. Thanks to Kevin A. KAF sent this: Dinah Lord: The next financial shoe to drop? Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Economist Tim Lee: Gold: ‘How I am hedging my portfolio against hyperinflation’ (a hat tip to G.G. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Wall Street Rebounds on Last Day of Quarter GM, Chrysler Failing to Recover AIG Crisis Tip of Insurance Iceberg? Obama’s Remarks on US Car Industry Auto Producing State Politicians Stunned By Obama “Tough Love“ Oil Tumbles Below $50 First Time in a Week Morgan Stanley Suggests Major Stock Sale Federal Pension …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Cheryl (aka The Economatrix) found this: Demand for Ammo is Causing Supply Shortages    o o o Tamara, in her View From the Porch blog had some biting criticism of the Flint, Michigan mayor’s suggestion that abandonded neighborhoods be cordoned off and denied police and fire department protection    o o o Collecting Rain Water is Now Legal in Colorado. (Thanks to John L. for the link.)    o o o Damon sent this article: Sen. Kerry makes push for tighter gun control. My question: If these AKs are being bought at American gun shops and gun shows, then why …



Note from JWR:

Today we present the final entry for Round 21 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The contest prizes include: First Prize: Two transferable Front Sight  “Gray” Four Day Training Course Certificates. This is an up to $4,000 value! Second Prize: A three day course certificate from OnPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. Third Prize: A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing Round 21 ends on March 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry for Round 22. Remember that articles that relate practical …


Livestock for Survival, by Bobbi A.

With a cynical eye on the rapid downward spiral of events, it seems prudent to plan for a very long time of sustainable living. In this case survival depends not only on your stockpiled preps, but also in your ability to sustain food production past the end of your stored supply. Let’s assume, to begin with, that you have reasonably stocked retreat. I’m not talking a stock to the level described in “Patriots”, but rather one that includes a year (or more) of food, basic ammo, firearms, reliable water, heat and power source … the basics. Now it’s time to …


Letter Re: Should We Still be Saving Nickels?

Dear James, Do you still recommend saving nickels [as you suggested in SurvivalBlog, in 2007]? Thanks for all you do. I’m planning on ordering the new edition of your novel on April 8th, and I’m currently re-reading the original [edition]. May God continue to bless you and your family. Sincerely, – Steve B. JWR Replies: Yes, nickels (American five cent pieces) are still “the pauper’s silver”. Since base metals prices pulled back in advance of current the recession and have remained low, it looks like we may have another one or two years available to amass nickels. (For now, they …


Economics and Investing:

From BNL: ‘Atlas Shrugged’: From Fiction to Fact in 52 Years SF mentioned this: NYSE Runs Out of Gold Bars: What Happens Next? K.A.F. mentioned a photo essay from Time magazine: The Dangers of Printing Money Items from The Economatrix: Stocks Tumble as Automaker’s Plans are Rejected G20 Targets Hedge Funds as Leaders Near Consensus [British] Banking and Finance Sector to Axe 30,000 Jobs in Six Months Fresh Flight From Risk Hit Global Equities London Shares Slide as Global Bull Run Fades GM CEO Resigns at Obama’s Behest Hedge Funds Vow to Fight as G20 Gathers Germans Wreck Global “New …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Our Editor at Large, Michael Z. Williamson, sent us a news story of Nanny State Britannia Run Amok. I was dumbfounded by the descriptions of police holding back neighbors that wanted to bring ladders to rescue the family. This is the same country where homeowners have been charged with felonies for defending their own homes from armed intruders. The whole “only trained professionals” mindset infuriates me. It diverges 180 degrees from the Rawlesian Survivalist view. I believe that all adult citizens should be prepared, trained, willing, and able, to act promptly and decisively in emergencies. Seeing this article reminded me …