Letter Re: Mercenaries a Post-TEOTWAWKI Threat

Dear Jim, Looking at the concept of mercenaries post TEOTWAWKI [mentioned in Ron’s recently posted letter], I’m not convinced there is a valid threat there. There are a lot of myths floating around about Blackwater specifically. I have several friends on contract to them in various capacities from maintenance to pilot to executive protection. The relevant facts are that they are highly trained, highly paid (up to $1000 a day, depending on assignment and location), held to high standards of qualification (must be honorably discharged veterans, no criminal background and with relevant skill sets) and do specifically fall under the …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some interesting economic analysis from Jim Willie’s Hat Trick Letter    o o o Causes of the recent rally in grain futures. If you haven’t done so already, stock you family up on bulk grain storage. Retail prices will likely double soon! See my Links page for a list of recommended food storage vendors.    o o o Russia accused of unleashing cyber war to disable Estonia    o o o Energy Efficient Desalination Takes A Step Forward



Notes from JWR:

My novel “Patriots: Surviving the Coming Collapse” is back in stock, with autographed copies ready for shipment from our order fulfillment partner up in Montana. I’m sorry that I ran out of inventory for more than two weeks. I’ll try not to let that happen again. See ordering details in my mail order catalog web page. I also sell autographed copies through Amazon.com. (Once there, scroll down to “Collectible.”) BTW, that is a bit quicker way to order, since I don’t have to wait for forwarding of a snail mail order. Amazon also takes credit cards. The high bid in …


Letter Re: Where Was That Survivalist “Matchmaking” Service?

James: I’m searching for a link you posted on your blog to a site that listed people wanting to network with other survivalists in their areas. The only thing I remember about the site is that you described it as little known since the hosts didn’t advertise it. I’ve been unable to find it the the SurvivalBlog archives and would appreciate your help in finding it again. Thanks! JWR Replies: For liability reasons, I don’t post “matchmaking” announcements in SurvivalBlog. The post that you remembered referred to this “hidden”(unlinked) web page, courtesy of the folks at SurvivalistBooks.com. I’ve heard from …


Letter Re: Photovoltaic Versus Diesel Power Generation for Retreats

Hi Jim, I was a reader of Patriots before the [Y2K] rollover. Thank you!. Here in the Northern New England, I made the same calculations, and decided to stockpile off road diesel and kerosene. The other major component is used vegetable oil, usually available free from restaurants, who otherwise pay to have it hauled by a recycling outfit. My 20 h.p. Listeroid diesel runs fine on waste vegetable oil (WVO). So does the 13hp Hatz backup generator, along with an ’85 Diesel Suburban and ’82 Diesel Rabbit. Filter the big stuff out using more coarse filters like a pillowcase. Filter …


Letter Re: A Get Out of Dodge Physical Fitness Test

Jim, First of all as a reader of your SurvivalBlog and a purchaser of your “Patriots” novel, your Rawles on Retreats and Relocation book, and a copy of your “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course. I wanted to offer my thanks for your information and insight. I am only a few months into the preparedness way of life but was hit hard this last week by an object lesson that I don’t feel gets the priority needed in some preparedness writings. My current physical fitness was tested as I re-shingled my roof and the realization I had at my lack …


Letter Re: Chemistry Knowledge is One of the Keys to Survival

JWR: I’ve been thinking about a recent Internet writer who argued that we aren’t headed toward the 1890s [technology/infrastructure] (we should be so lucky); we’re headed toward 10,000 BC! (Due to oil depletion and resultant social chaos and die-off). Regardless of “where we land,” it seems that among all the technologies at the disposal of humans, sustainable and not, chemistry is ubiquitous. Everything, or most everything we do or use involves use of chemical technology. The survival issues involving chemistry are obvious: soap, diesel fuel, disinfectants, water purification/decontamination, powder for ammo, etc, beer and wine, to name just a few. …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Our friend Ben sent us: Solar panels find a home with Amish   o o o Tim L. flagged this article for us: Off-grid farming in Canada    o o o From RBS: Global Mergers and Acquisitions Rise 60% to $2 Trillion, Led by Europe Deals and Leveraged Buyouts. It is clear to me that far too may money managers have deluded themselves into believing that the bull market in equities will go on indefinitely. Today’s entrepreneurs will be tomorrow’s contrapreneurs.    o o o At www.safecastleroyal.com, Vic is running a one-time “Food Load-up Sale and Membership Free for All.” …



Note from JWR:

The high bid in the SurvivalBlog benefit auction is at $200. As promised, here is a list of the books included in the current auction lot. There are now 17 brand new books included: 1. Modern Weapons Caching by Ragnar Benson 2. 101 Things To Do ‘Til The Revolution by Claire Wolfe 3. Woodstove Cookery by Jane Cooper 4. A Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow 5. The SAS Urban Survival Handbook by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman 6. The SAS Personal Trainer by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman 7. Breathe No Evil by Stephen Quayle & Duncan Long 8. Guide To Emergency …


Letter Re: Photovoltaic Versus Diesel Power Generation for Homes and Retreats

Jim, I am taking the 10 Cent Challenge and have made a contribution. I have been reading SurvivalBlog for about a month and intend to keep making my contribution for the next foreseeable future..This is an awesome site. I have been wanting a solar array to add to my survival plan, According to the calculations I need to have the capacity to produce about 1KW adjusted to .75 KW. In order to adequately provide for my housing needs, minimal water pumping, lighting, small appliances, computer, phones, network, some TV, battery charging , fans for sleeping. We are in Mississippi along …


Letter Re: 1/20th Ounce Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins

Jim, I know your a fan of silver, but I noted that Canada is producing 1/20 oz gold bullion coins and it seems to be in .999 fine along with all their other Maple Leaf production this year. These are smaller than a US Dime, the 1/10 oz is about the same size as the US Dime. I do business (buy and sell) with these guys but also occasionally buy form a place for cash in the Financial District of SF for cash of course with no paper trail, they give me pretty good price over spot. Cordially, – Tim …


Odds ‘n Sods:

From the CATO Institute: The World’s Greatest Unreported Hyperinflation   o o o Australian water crisis could be worse than thought. Australia, one of the world’s wheat exporters, will actually be importing wheat this year.    o o o Hawaiian K. sent us the link to a:detailed analysis of oilfield depletion, at The Oil Drum web site   o o o “Ready Room” sent us an article about a Russian in-wention: A non-nuclear EMP generator