Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Mark H. sent: Data on MRE Shelf Life Dictates Shorter Shelf Life –New Chart    o o o What Is An “Assault Rifle”? – You’ve Probably Been Lied To. Starting a 5:55, watch him transform a humble Mini-14 into something “Evil” looking–at least in the eyes of Chuckie Schumer and Dianne Feinstein. But we must remember that outward appearances are meaningless: Esse quam videri. (Translated: “To be rather than to seem.”) That should be our byword, whether we are judging the looks of a rifle, or the looks of people. Just because a rifle is black doesn’t make it …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Why do you allow these men who are in power to rob you step by step, openly and in secret, of one domain of your rights after another, until one day nothing, nothing at all will be left but a mechanised state system presided over by criminals and drunks?" –  Die Weisse Rose (The White Rose), Resistance Leaflet 3, 1942


Notes from JWR:

March 24th is the anniversary of the mass escape of Allied POWs from Stalag Luft III, in 1944. Of the 76 men who escaped, just three made “home runs” to Allied territory. In a dastardly deed, 50 escapees who were re-captured were executed by the SS, on orders from the highest echelons of the Nazi government. I had the honor of meeting one of the Stalag Luft III survivors, Colonel Jerry Sage (1917-1993) of the OSS, late in his life. (In the movie The Great Escape, Steve McQueen’s character “Captain Virgil Hilts” was loosely based upon Jerry Sage. Sage once …


Survivalism: A Jewish Perspective, by DystopianLiving

Since I am Jewish, I read with interest “A Prepper’s Holiday” by C.E.B. (posted March 7th), in which the author described what he has learned by observing the Old Testament holidays of Passover and Sukkot. It occurred to me that Jewish history and culture – being largely a five-thousand year track record of survival against all odds – actually has quite a few lessons that would be relevant to SurvivalBlog readers of all faiths. Here are a few. 1) WHEN IN DOUBT, GET OUT In 1941, Adolf Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. At the time, my grandmother and her family …


Letter Re: One Christian’s Plan for When Things Fall Apart

I would like to thank B.H. in North Idaho for his candid discussion of world views and the church.  As a Christian, I have the same beliefs that he has.  And as a Christian, there is no way I cannot feed the hungry and the poor.  Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and the next is to love your neighbor.  That means charity.  And charity entails feeding the hungry.  I may run out of food and die myself, but I know God would bless what I did for others.  As long as I’m doing what God …


Letter Re: Dealing With Mentally Unbalanced Trespassers

James, In Hearthkeeper’s account of the man arrested for trespassing while attacking a chicken run, she mentions that they had decided to “press charges” as it seemed the cops were aware of the guy, but nobody else had wanted to press charges.  Her rationale was that now he would get some kind of evaluation in jail.   Well, he probably won’t.   I don’t work in a jail environment anymore, but when I did it wasn’t that long ago.   What they did was well-intentioned and the right thing to do, but let’s point something out…   Under every state law …


Economics and Investing:

A new “Let’s Rip Off The Russians” plan? Cyprus weighs big bank levy; bailout goes down to wire. Tarrant lawmaker seeks to create Texas Bullion Depository Cyprus Says It’s Close to Bailout Deal as Bank-Deposit Tax Back ‘on the Table’ Is Cyprus deposit levy the first sign of widespread wealth tax? What You Think Is True Might Be False and Costly! Items from The Economatrix: Pictures From a Cyprus ATM Line [Cheryl’s Comment: Imagine if this were Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York, where there are quite a few more people…] The Cyprus Crisis Isn’t What It Seems …


Odds ‘n Sods:

The Role of Biometrics in Future Domestic Conflicts    o o o The television series Revolution is scheduled to resume airing new episodes on Monday, March 25, 2013. While it is not up to par with Jericho or even Terminator – The Sarah Connor Chronicles, it is the only quasi-survivalist game in town on television.    o o o Kensington digs in with ban on ‘mega basements’    o o o J.B.G. sent this from England: Could we face gas rationing? British gas reserves could run dry in 36 hours after freezing householders turn the heating up


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified …


Notes from JWR:

Today is the 238th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “…but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” address at St. John’s Church, Richmond, Virginia. (March 23, 1775.) See today’s Quote of The Day. — Today we present another entry for Round 45 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted …


Leading from the Middle: A Lesson Learned from the Middle East, by Brian H.

In the survivalist/prepper world, one can argue that we are all leaders, yes?  Well, ask yourself, what happens when you thought you were going to be the leader of your compound/ neighborhood/ community but got to the party late and someone else is in charge?  What happens when you can’t or simply aren’t THE leader? You lead from the middle. This article proposes two ways in which you can lead without being the designated leader.  As survivalist/preppers we know a neighborhood or city block is better than one home, while a community is best. Let’s assume the SHTF and you …


Letter Re: How to Prepare for a Home Birth in a Post Collapse Situation

Hi James, I was very concerned about some of the things C.C. recommended in her letter to you for a woman giving birth, post-collapse.  I am a strong believer in natural childbirth.  After my first birth at a hospital with a doctor I swore never again!  I had my next three babies with midwives, two of the births being at home.  I read every book out there over the years on natural childbirth, including several of the ones the above writer listed.  I even trained to be a doula (woman who aids a labouring and post birth woman).  Two things the writer …


Economics and Investing:

If the US markets are considered the “safe haven” amidst all the recent EU turmoil, then why isn’t the US Dollar Index skyrocketing? (Mr. Market has some foresight.) And if the global economy is in “recovery”, then why is the Baltic Dry Index for shipping rates back in the dumpster? (JWR’s Comment: Sounds like more like a “Lohan” recovery to me, to wit: she’s checked into rehab, but there is no willingness to actually change.) US Begins Regulating BitCoin, Will Apply “Money Laundering” Rules To Virtual Transactions I found this linked over at Gold-Eagle: The Dark Truth About The Safety …


Odds ‘n Sods:

Interesting Interview With Duane Liptak of Magpul    o o o G.G. sent: Sun Storm Forecast: Tiny Chance of Havoc    o o o R&N wrote to mention that the reloading primers shortage is getting worse. Both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are sold out of most types of rifle primers.    o o o James C. sent: 36 Sneaky Hidden Compartments    o o o DHS questioned over decision to let Saudi passengers skip normal passport controls. (Thanks to Peter S. for the link.)


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfil the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offence, I should consider myself as …