Letter Re: The History of Societal Collapse and Implications for The American Redoubt

Mr. Rawles, I recently watched a speech given by Jared Diamond, author of the books Guns, Germs and Steel and Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, among others.  It was very interesting and prompted me to write this post (which I first posted over at Guerrillamerica.com.) I’m watching Jared Diamond speak about why societies collapse.   As you may know, Diamond wrote the book Guns, Germs, and Steel and Collapse, among others (and they’re all great).  Here are five factors that Jared says affect the collapse of societies.  I’ll take notes and relate these effects to the American Redoubt …


Economics and Investing:

Sue C. sent: Analysis: As worst euro fears fade, U.S. fiscal cliff looms J. McC. sent: Corn and soybean supplies at an eight year low. Jim Rogers on Quantitative Easing: “We’re All Going To Pay A Horrible Price For This.” (Thanks to Jim W. for the link.) Items from The Economatrix: Former ECB Chief Economist Says ECB is in a Panic, as Czech President Warns the End of Democracy is Imminent Euro Crisis Even Staggers Irish Pubs Consumers Cut Credit Card Use For Second Month


Odds ‘n Sods:

I must mention that there have been several bad reviews of my latest novel “Founders” posted at Amazon.com. Several of them seem to be from people who haven’t even read the book. If you have read the book, then I’d appreciate seeing your reviews. In “Founders”, in response to more than a dozen requests from readers, I expanded the story of Ken an Terry Layton’s cross-country trek with a lot more detail. (Their journey had been just briefly described, post facto, in my first novel “Patriots.”) But now a few folks are hammering me for being “repetitive”–even though I obviously …



Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 42 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, 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 for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for …


Making Sense of Retreat Medical Care Requirements, by Brett H.

Recently I attended a three day class on medical response in hostile environments presented by Medical Corps in Caldwell, Ohio.  The presenters were terrific, the topics important, and the hands on lab sessions made the whole thing come together very well.  I have already had considerable medical training but I left with a better understanding of what may be required in the future. I gained additional confidence in my ability to perform many of the basic and lifesaving medical functions.  After talking to a number of people I realized a few things about medical preparedness could be presented to this …


DIY Acupuncture For When TSHTF, by Rose R.

1

Imagine a scenario where there are no more hospitals, no more drugs, no more pharmacies, no more walk in clinics. No more ER’s or Acute Care Clinics. The OTC medicine’s shelves have been cleaned bare by looters. All the nurses and orderlies and support staff have fled the ruins of the healthcare edifices to be with their families. The modern healthcare system is no more. Now imagine someone you are depending on for your security and perhaps even survival wrenching their back while hopping out of the back of a pick up. Their back muscles seizing up so tight and …


Letter Re: Fabric Choices in Survival Clothing

Dear Sir, In response to Emma C.’s article on Fabric Choices in Survival Clothing, I have two suggestions of where to find fabric at exceptional prices.  The first is the Fashion Fabric Club web site. I have found wonderful wool there for 50-75% what I found at other sites.  I was very pleased with my purchase and they have a great return policy.  Although the disadvantage is not being able to see the fabric in person, it was worth the savings to me. The other location is Zinck’s Fabric Outlet, just east of Berlin, Ohio (in Amish Country).  They have …


Economics and Investing:

G.G. flagged this: Household electricity bills skyrocket Also from G.G.: The Great California Exodus: A Closer Look In the red: From Stockton to Scranton, cities are going broke Kevin S. sent: EU heavyweights call for radical foreign and defence policy overhaul Items from The Economatrix: Financial Markets Tumble On News Of Unrest In Greece And Spain How High Oil Prices Will Permanently Cap Economic Growth Inflation Boogeyman Is Becoming Germany’s Worst Nightmare Nobel Winner Stiglitz Says Time Running Out For Europe’s Leaders Gerald Celente-The First Great War of the 21st Century Has Begun


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some good commentary at Joel’s Gulch: Thus conscience doth make honest men of us all.    o o o Bosko sent this: 15 Fascinating Observation Towers    o o o Diana V. spotted this: Study Reveals That 1 in 10 Teens Suffers from Liver Disease. Eat healthy foods, folks!    o o o Over at Backdoor Survival: The Coming Collapse of the Internet    o o o F.G. sent: Five-star survival: The floating Ark hotel that will protect you against a Noah-style flood. JWR’s Comments: Call me Mr. Dubious with a Capital D. This looks like a clear case of …



Notes from JWR:

My sincere thanks to everyone for making the Book Bomb Day for my latest book, Founders: A Novel of the Coming Collapse such a success. The book peaked at #4 overall, and #1 in the Action & Adventure category. I hope that you enjoy reading it. Here are some some booksellers that stock Founders (in alphabetical order–I’m not stating any preference, folks–feel free to order based on the best price, or from your favorite seller.): Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Powell’s Safecastle. (Their Buyer’s Club price is lower than Amazon’s.) — September 26th is the birthday of the late Jack LaLanne. …


Great Grandmother, The Prepper, by C.J.

I got a call from my mother the other day. She is the mother of six, grandmother to twelve and great-grandmother of three children.  She had just returned from a visit to one of my sibling’s homes.  She said, “You are right!  They are serious about this prepping stuff.  Tell me what to do.”  My mother’s revelation has been a long time in coming.  She is a devout Christian and a Bible teacher.  She believes that Jesus will return and scoop us all up to heaven, hopefully before the tribulation.  She is what she calls a “pre-trib” [rapture] believer.  I …


Fabric Choices in Survival Clothing, by Emma C.

Textiles surround us every day, yet they probably aren’t the first thing to come to mind when gathering survival gear. A quick web search gives lackluster results, focusing more on what kinds of tactical gear would be appropriate than the fabrics and types of clothing to look for and why. Obviously what to look for is based on several things. Do you live in a hot or cold climate? Will you be staying in your home, in a bunker, or traveling around? What’s your budget? And most of all, what makes you comfortable? If you live in cotton, a tight …


Letter Re: Lessons Learned From My Elders

James: As a five year old I lived with my grandparents in a small isolated village in the foothills of the Austrian Alps.  This was about 1953 until 1958.  Rural life had its own rhythm which now seemed more akin to the 19th century.  Small family fields were plowed with the milk cow which was also used to bring in the hay and the harvest.  Everything planted had a use.  Each tree on these small family farms bore fruits or nuts.  Ornamentals were for the well to do- perhaps the village doctor who had a more secure source of income.  …