Odds ‘n Sods:

The U.K. is making contingency plans for mass burials in the event of an influenza pandemic: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4869224.stm    o o o If you have an interest in raising livestock, or even just an interest in healthy eating, take a look at this informative (and quite amusing) parody site: The Meatrix    o o o As reported by the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, on March 28, U.S. Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-La.) introduced H.R. 5013, the “Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006.” This NRA-supported bill would amend federal emergency statute laws to prohibit local authorities from confiscating lawfully owned firearms …



Note from JWR:

Wow!  We just surpassed 10 million hits since SurvivalBlog was launched eight months ago! Of course it’s not as important as unique visits, but even that count is exploding: More than 322,000  unique visits!  Thanks for making SurvivalBlog such a success. Please continue to spread the word. I will be writing SurvivalBlog full time, starting April 7th. To make a living at this, I will need to find more advertisers. I’d greatly appreciate your help:  If you know of a potential advertiser, please call or e-mail them, and ask them to get a banner ad at SurvivalBlog.  They cost as …


Letter Re: New Zealand as a Retreat Locale?

Mr. Rawles, Thank you again for your blog. It is a VERY helpful resource. I plan on becoming a contributor to your site soon. What are your thoughts on moving to New Zealand? Would it be an alternative ‘safe place’ to be located, instead of putting together a retreat here? You have chosen to remain in the states for certain reasons. What are those reasons? Regards, – Luke JWR Replies: The mild climate, low population density, and low crime rate in new Zealand make it quite appealing as a retreat locale. I can say much the same for parts of …


Three Letters Re: Source for IM-179 Radiacmeter Batteries?

Jim: The IM-179 is a really neat little meter unless you need to measure background, but there are other meters for that. I’ve been using the following as replacement batteries for my IM-179: #1 [Replacement for Mallory BA1312U]: Batteries Plus: ALK 1.5V/325Mah Cat # DURPC640A Were $2.99 each UPS #041333040431 Batteries Plus -91 On the battery it says: PC640A China (Ha!) Alkaline #2 [Replacement for Mallory BA1318U]: Batteries Plus DANTR164A Batteries Plus #90 Were $11.99 each On the battery is says: Excell A32 . A164 6.0V Alkaline PX32A EN164A PC164A Hope this helps. Isn’t it amazing how common pieces of …


Odds ‘n Sods:

The folks at The Pre-1899 Specialist tell us that their new batch of 8 x57 pre-1899 Turkish contract Oberndorf Mauser rifles is going fast. This is by far the nicest batch of Turks that they’ve ever acquired. Since they were all made between 1894 and 1896, they are Federally exempt “antiques” –which means no paperwork required for delivery to most states. (They come right to your doorstep, with no pesky 4473 form required!)    o o o Gold and silver aren’t the only commodities on a stratospheric trajectory. Copper and uranium recently hit all time records. Oil is very strong, …



Note from JWR:

I’m not much of a trickster, so I won’t subject you to any April Fool’s Day prank posts. And the winner is…  The winner of Round 3 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest is K.A.D., for his article titled: “Defending Your Home: An Outline of Security for Troubled Times”  The author will be mailed a four day &qout;gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. Thanks to the contest sponsor, we will be repeating the contest, with the same valuable prize. The deadline for entries for Round 4 is May 31, 2006. For this latest round of the contest, special judging consideration …


Letter Re: Varmints in the Garden

Mr. Rawles: I recently attended a forestry conference where Doug Freedman of Harrisburg, Oregon was speaking. He is the owner of RCO Inc., a company that deals with varmint problems on an industrial scale. Here are some of the notes that were taken at his presentation: You start doing some of the math on the breeding numbers these guys could produce and it is flat scary. (Please note that if errors exist, it is due to my rapid note taking rather than a lapse by Mr. Freedman, who is an expert in his field. ) Pocket Gophers: Tunnels: are 80-800 …


Letter Re: Finding a Stable Country for an Offshore Retreat

Jim, You listed some criteria for countries suitable as offshore retreats. Unfortunately, I’m not sure there are any countries that meet all of them, in Central America–or North America for that matter! Having spent a lot of time looking into things, I’d like to share a few observations: -Nicaragua is widely reported as having a low crime rate, plus they now offer the same immigration incentives that used to be available in Costa Rica. It is also noteworthy that most of the Nicaraguan crime is cross-border, into Costa Rica. -Belize has a fair bit of crime, some political instability, and …


Letter Re: Source for IM-179 Radiacmeter Batteries?

JWR, Where can I get replacement batteries for my IM-179 radiacmeter? It takes Mallory BA1312U or Mallory BA1318U batteries.  Thanks, – D.A.B. JWR Replies:  Sorry, but I had no sources listed in my research files, and I struck out with web research. “Phone a friend” failed, so now I think it is time to “Poll the audience.” Lets see what they say. Collectively, there is some amazing knowledge out there, and they haven’t failed me yet.


Odds ‘n Sods:

A Blackwater Brigade for Darfour?    o o o U.K.’s Prime Minister Blair Calls for a Technological Revolution to Combat Climate Change    o o o SurvivalBlog readers in the Great Lakes region should consider getting training from Dave Schleicher of Eagle Personal Protection, in Michigan. Dave is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor who shares his knowledge gained at a wide range of schools including Lethal Force Institute(LFI-I and LFI-II certified), Options for Personal Security (Handgun Skills and Tactics, Carbine, Surgical Speed Shooting), Universal Shooting Academy, Gunfighters, Ltd., Suarez International (Low Light Gunfighting, Close Range Gunfighting, Knifefighting) and E.A.G. Tactical (Combat …



Note from JWR:

Tomorrow we will announce the winner of Round 3 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest, and award a four day “gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. Thanks to the generosity of Front Sight’s Director, Naish Piazza, we will be running Round 4 of the contest, with the same valuable prize. (Worth as much as $2,000 if you were paying cash for a course.) The deadline for entries for Round 4 is May 31, 2006. Speaking of Front Sight, the 26 episode weekly reality TV series entitled, Front Sight Challenge will be aired soon on The Outdoor Channel. Check your satellite …


Letter from “Mr. Coffee” in Costa Rica Re: Finding a Stable Country for an Offshore Retreat

Hi Jim, I haven’t e-mailed you in a long while because I know you are really busy with your blog. I read your site every day and have implemented many of the ideas you and others have shared. Thanks. If any of your readers have specific questions about moving to Costa Rica I would be glad to answer them.  You can share my e-mail address: costaricakelly@yahoo.com. The info you shared in your March 30th blog post about Central America is accurate. I would stay away from the rest of Central America. Panama still has some nice areas up in the …