Letter Re: Internet Service in The American Redoubt

Hello,  I just read your article The American Redoubt — Move to the Mountain States.  I am confused about something.  On one hand you said to not expect high speed Internet then scrolling down further you refer to using the Internet.  There must be some sort of Internet service where you are.    My income is acquired using my computer and high speed Internet.  So does that leave me out?   Thanks for your time. – Deborah T. in California JWR Replies: There is dial-up Internet available in most towns in the Redoubt, but high speed (DSL, or better) is …


Recipe of the Week:

S.A.’s Killer Potato Soup I was given this hand-written, hearty recipe 20 years ago by an Air Force wife. It’s super nutritious including several vegetables, potatoes for carbs, and bacon for protein. When planning meals, I like to think of how to incorporate small amounts of protein (a la Dan Fong in Patriots) for nutrition and flavoring from stored foods such as canned meats and either commercial dehydrated foods or my own stores. This soup features root vegetables and is a great starter or can be the meal along with some good bread. It’s easy to make as nothing needs …


Economics and Investing:

What Happens When the Bond Markets Turn Against the US? A Brief 2,000-Year History of Silver Prices (Thanks to Terry F. for the link.) C.D.V. sent: Kyle Bass: “This Ends in War; The Government’s Never Going to Tell You That It’s Going To Happen.” Items from The Economatrix: Fiscal Cliff Could Put Your Tax Refund On Hold Fewer Banks Fail As Industry Strengthens Fiscal Cliff:  What To Expect If There Is No Deal


Odds ‘n Sods:

First Detailed National Map of Land-Cover Vegetation in U.S. (Thanks to Timothy B. for the link.)    o o o Sale ends December 31st! Ready Made Resources has extended their special pricing on genuine full mil-spec AN/PVS-14 Gen 3+ night vision scopes. They are offering these “grade A” autogated scopes with a free Picatinny rail weapons mount, free shutter eyepiece and free shipping. As usual, these include a head mount and carry case. These have a five year warranty and free annual maintenance for five years. Normally $3,895, these are on sale for $2,795 with free shipping. FWIW, I recently …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Health, love and peace be all here in this place By your leave we shall sing, concerning our King. Our King is well-dressed in silks of the best In ribbons so rare no king can compare. We have travelled many miles over hedges and stiles, In search of our King unto you we bring. We have powder and shot to conquer the lot, We have cannon and ball to conquer them all. Old Christmas is past, twelve tide is the last And we bid you adieu, great joy to the new.” – Lyrics to The King (as sung by Steeleye …


Notes from JWR:

December 30th is the birthday of Rudyard Kipling, in 1865. — Today we present another entry for Round 44 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 …


How to Talk to Your Spouse About Prepping: The Sliding Scale of Possibilities, by Mr. Reasonable Ohio

I’d like to thank JWR and all of you for providing such a mountain of good information!  I am in my 30’s and have a family with several small children in the suburbs, and just started prepping about 18 months ago.  I don’t remember the details of why I got started exactly.  It just came up in conversation with a couple of friends of mine and we got serious about it. I do remember, however, some of the events and conversations that took place to get my wife involved (I mean…at least get her permission!) and so I thought I …


Letter Re: Observations on Bugging Out By Foot

Dear Captain Rawles, Thank you for your fascinating web site! I found the article entitled, “Observations on Bugging Out By Foot, by J. Smith” to be generally interesting and useful with his shared experiences.  Three items within the article bothered me somewhat and you had an editor’s note on at least one of them. I think that using a plastic fake gun and some M-80s to simulate firing will get you killed or at least arrested.  If you are stealthy enough in your travels, you shouldn’t need to brandish a weapon.  Perhaps carrying a take down .22 rifle in your …



Odds ‘n Sods:

Pry: North Korea EMP attack could destroy U.S. — now    o o o F.J. suggested: Turn Your Mobile Phone Into a Survival Kit    o o o The Very Politically Incorrect Truth About The Second Amendment    o o o Intelligence community: U.S. out as sole superpower by 2030



Notes from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 44 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 any …


Is the Average US Soldier Prepared for TEOTWAWKI? by S.A.

They are not personally prepared at all. The average soldier is no more prepared than the average civilian. If this is a concern (you live by a military installation), a curiosity (you have a relative that serves), or if you just want a glimpse of military life, let me tell you why the average soldier is not personally prepared.  I must first establish my credibility.    I have a BA degree from a major university, and various civilian job experiences under my belt, mostly in food service and then social services.  I am an older soldier, low ranking on the …


Letter Re: PTR91 Rifle Reflections

Mr Rawles- Thought I would share with your readers my personal experience with the PTR-91 (KF) on the chance it may help those who are considering this weapon as their .308 solution. 1) I went with a PTR-91 because it was one of the more reasonably priced battle rifles available in the powerful .308 caliber I had heard so many good things about. 2) I bought mine through an online broker one year ago for $950 + $25 transfer fee, which was a great price back then (I see they are going for up to $1,800 now online, thanks to …


Economics and Investing:

Buried in Bloomberg: “Why A Single Leveraged Speculator Can Trigger An Entire Clearinghouse System Default” (Thanks to G.G. for the link.) This Chilling Economic Report Is Getting Passed Around By CEOs Items from The Economatrix: Jobless Claims Fell By 12,000 Last Week Durable Goods Orders Jump In November 10 Fascinating Economic Collapses