Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Both Google and Yahoo have been roundly criticized for signing a “Public Pledge on Self-discipline for the Chinese Internet Industry” with the Chinese government, effectively, in the words of Human Rights Watch executive director Ken Roth, going from “an information gateway to an information gatekeeper.” China’s system of Internet censorship and surveillance, popularly known as the “Great Firewall [of China],” Human Rights Watch concluded in a 2006 report, is the most advanced in the world.” – Robin Kirk


Notes from JWR:

The high bid is now at $350 in the SurvivalBlog benefit auction for a selection of 17 survival and preparedness books. Wow! We’re about to surpass 1.5 million unique visits to SurvivalBlog. We’ve also logged 47.4 million page hits. It is gratifying to see that the popularity of SurvivalBlog is continuing to grow, globally. Thanks for helping to spread the word! If you haven’t done so already, please consider adding a SurvivalBlog graphic link to your web site and/or e-mail footer. Many thanks!


Poll Results: List Your Top Five Survival Fiction Books and Top Five Survival Movies

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Here is the first batch of responses to “OSOM”‘s suggested poll: List your top five fiction books and top five fictional movies that help folks learn something useful for survival. OSOM’s comment: “Jim’s novel Patriots has been called a ‘survival manual fairly neatly dressed as a work of fiction.’ I believe that reading fictional tales is critical to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually for hard times, and helps intellectually to work out the variables in different situations.” You will note that several reader sent only book recommendations (No movies.) It is noteworthy that several respondents mentioned the e-novel “Lights Out” …


Odds ‘n Sods:

There is an interesting thread over at the Claire Files Forums on plastic versus steel gas cans.   o o o Reader Bruce C., recommended some commentary by Victor Davis Hansen: Is The Sky Falling on America? Bruce’s comment: “While this article does not present a rock solid case for TEOTWAWKI, it provides an important framework for “survivalists” and “preppers” to maintain as they wonder why the Schumer has yet to hit the fan.”    o o o Fred the Valmet-meister sent us this link on provisioning, Alabama style: Boy Bags Wild Hog Bigger Than ‘Hogzilla’    o o o …




Letter Re: Firefighting Equipment for Rural Homes and Retreats

Jim As a local volunteer firefighter in Northern Idaho, I would like to offer some advice to current and future retreat owners. Due to response time(s), everyone who can afford it should have the following set up on the property to use during those 15 to 30 minutes until emergency services arrive. You will find that in most retreat areas volunteers are the norm. It may take that long from your call to having equipment on scene. The farther out you are the longer it will be, and in the winter, you may be on your own due to road …


Letter Re: Why Food Prices are Soaring

Jim I enjoy your books (have bought two for others as gifts) and blog site. I came across this article [from Canada] describing another unintended consequence of the extreme liquidity the Fed is using to prop up our housing market/economy- high food prices. Aside from the new ‘miracle’ fuel – ethanol – our government policies are eroding our purchasing power in every sector of our lives. Here is an excerpt from the article: “After steamrolling through a laundry list of base metals, then oil and gas, the global commodity boom is finally hitting us in the gut: at the supermarket …


Two Letters Re: Lock Picks as Survival Tools

Jim, Just a word of caution, at least here in the People’s Republic of Kalifornia (and probably most other locales), mere possession of said tools by somebody not driving around in “Joe’s 24 Hour Locksmith” van could lead you to a peck of trouble by a nosy cop and land you in the clink for possession of burglary tools. Same with nice bolt cutters. Of course in TEOTWAWKI all bets are off be cautious and safe. Of course ‘intent ‘ is the key word, but why risk the hassle? Cordially, Tim JWR Replies: Laws on possession of lock picks vary …


Letter Re: Jericho Fans are Going Nuts Over the TV Series Cancellation

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rawles, I came across this story of Jericho [television series] fans that have sent almost 19,000 pounds of nuts to CBS to protest the show’s cancellation. Borrowing from Jake’s reply of “Nuts” to New Bern[‘s demand for surrender.]. Here is a link to the story. – T.A. From Indiana. . JWR Replies: In their typically resourceful American way, people are expressing themselves in a creative way to be sure that they’ll be heard. If you enjoyed the show, folks might want to at least sign the petition. And if you really love the show, then it …


Odds ‘n Sods:

I recently added a link for the Depression2 blog, over at my Links page. The blog aggregates some insightful commentary, mostly on economics and investing. Check it out.   o o o Bob at Ready Made Resources mentioned that he is brokering the sale of a used fully self-contained P10 underground blast/fallout/storm shelter. These shelters sell for $100,000 new, but this one is used and selling for just $45,000 plus shipping. It is an upgraded model with a Level 4 ballistic protection entry hatch and an oversize water tank. It has been reconditioned (including fresh paint), but it needs a …



Letter Re: A New Folding Mo-Ped–a Backup G.O.O.D. Vehicle?

Jim: I have discovered a great mode of backup transportation, the DiBlasi R7 collapsible mo-ped (Also see: http://www.foldingmotorbike.com/). This is a 49cc no-license-required scooter that folds to fit a boat, plane, or car trunk and gets 130 mpg. Their top speed is 30 mph, but it beats walking. Retail is about $2,500 but I have found a deal for $2,000 (with carrying bag) at Wings and Things.(You have to call – no online orders). Cheers, – JB in Tennessee JWR Replies: Safecastle (one of our biggest advertisers) already has a line of folding bicycles. I woudln’t be surprised if they …


Letter Re: Advice on Engine Oil for Motorcycles

James, I’ve been reading your oil/energy columns. Very informative, thank you. It seems I am getting some less than adequate answers to my question posed to my local motorcycle dealers. I have two motorcycle’s (both about 45-50 mpg). Buying ‘motorcycle 20W-50 oil’ or “Harley Davidson [brand] 20W-50″ motorcycle oil is more expensive versus just 20W-50 oil. If you have time, is all 20W-50 the same or should I pay the extra at the motorcycle shop since motorcycle engines run at higher rpm’s and the oil does need to have whatever makes them more resistant to the heat and stresses associated …


Letter Re: Hand Tools–Their Importance, and Sources

Mr. Rawles: In yesterday’s blog, you mentioned that bolt cutters are important to have available. This reminds me of something that my father always taught me: There is no such thing as “wasting” money on tools. With maybe a few exceptions, you can never have too many [tools], because you can use the extra ones as barterables or to pass on to your kids. A lot of things can be improvised, but proper tools can’t [be improvised]. As a prepper, I have a big assortment of tools, mostly hand type. I do have some power [tools], but I consider those …