Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and …


Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry 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 any …


Training Combatives: The How, What and Why of Acquiring Hand-to-Hand Skills

Disclaimer: the opinion presented below is garnered from my personal experience. I make no claims of omnipotence or omniscience. As with all things, analyze this information and use your judgment to make an informed decision on how to integrate the following material into your personal preparations. When it comes down to it, learning how to avoid a fight and effectively negotiate a resolution is as (or more) important than combatives training. However, I will leave the topic of practical negotiation to others who can espouse the finer points better than I. I was motivated to write this article after gritting …


Letter Re: The Barter Store — Update #2

JWR: To make the most sense of this note, please refer to the SurvivalBlog archives for the December 22, 2011 original post with an update March 29, 2012.   The range of feedback to the post and update ranged from supportive to beyond hostile–which was more or less what I expected. Those critical to the “Barter Store” concept mostly missed the premises–that at least in some smaller, conservative towns/cities, small-scale commerce will help preserve order and civilization; security is handled and will not be a driving issue; that “preppers” have stocked up on and will be willing to sell/trade/barter some …


Economics and Investing:

G.G. sent: Why is Putin Putting Away So Much Gold? Items from The Economatrix: 18 Indications That Europe Has Become A Black Hole Which Is Going To Suck The Life Out Of The Global Economy Lost Middle-Class Jobs Being Replaced With Burger Flipping, Retail Gigs Audit of NY Fed Reveals Technocrat’s Creation And Cover-up of Global Financial Crash Gold’s Coming Rise


Odds ‘n Sods:

Some good advice on “flyaway bag” packing from Scott Stewart of STRATFOR: Evacuations and Contingency Planning. (Thanks to Joseph L. for the link.)    o o o M.K.P. suggested: DIY Solar panels for RV or off grid    o o o A few tactical tidbits can be found here: See What A Real Marines Mission In Afghanistan Looks Like    o o o How “Crazy Survivalists” Make The World A Better Place



Notes from JWR:

I just got confirmation that I will be a guest for two hours with George Noory on Coast to Coast AM, in the wee hours. My segment is scheduled for 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, September 7th, 2012. (That is 10 p.m. to Midnight Pacific time on Thursday, September 6th, 2012.) — Today we present another entry 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 …


Prepping with Fangs: Dogs for a Survivalist, by Dale in Northeastern Tennessee

They can move faster than any man, their loyalty suggests an inborn canine bushido, their senses seem to border on the supernatural, and their situational awareness chart does not include condition white.  They are the creatures you want to sleep at your bedside, walk beside you, and watch your children.  While the choices available for study cover a broad range for the serious survivalist; and the options for raising animals include many worthwhile creatures, consider the canine as an early pick.  Long before we finished moving to our retreat I was already plotting the pros and cons of various parts …


Letter Re: Gun Shopping for Self-Defense

Hello I just wanted to respond to the article by Chief B., and take the process of choosing a handgun a little farther. I’ve been shooting pistols for at least 30 years and teaching approximately for 15 years. I teach from the philosophy that training/practice beats Everything; it beats the caliber size argument, number of rounds etc… There are several things I have learned over the years. If a person (particularly ladies) doesn’t like the feel of a pistol they will not shoot it enough to become proficient. Over the past four years I have found that ladies are doing …


Economics and Investing:

Some of the Really Bad Things That Could Happen if You Do Not Prepare tor the Coming Economic Collapse. (Thanks to Lee M. for the link.) Reader H.L. suggested this piece over at Zero Hedge: In Greece, It’s The Police Vs The Riot Police Mark I. sent: The 29 Ugliest Charts In The World The printing press is running hot, but where is inflation and how will it affect gold? Items from The Economatrix: Bernanke Says Fed Ready to Act But Short on Specifics “The Economy Stole My Retirement” Oil Has Peaked But No Relief at Pump Likely Soon


Odds ‘n Sods:

From the trailer, this one looks even more prescient: Atlas Shrugged Part II. It will be released on October 12, 2012.    o o o Mike M. mentioned that there are some useful links at this Patriot Post page: Disaster Preparedness Resources & Guides    o o o F.G. sent a link to an amazing short video of an African lion hunt. The final sequence shows the importance of shot placement. Now that was a close call.    o o o Speaking of Africa, here is the latest news from Mugabestan: War vets reject draft constitution.    o o o …



Notes from JWR:

This is the birthday of Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault (born September 6, 1893.) Some of us have not forgotten the bravery and sacrifices of the AVG‘s pilots and ground crew. — Today we present another entry 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, …


Gun Shopping for Self-Defense, by Chief B.

I have read article after article on gun reviews, the best pistol to buy, how to fire one, etc.  However, what about those who don’t even know where to start on what type of gun they need? I will give a brief synopsis on where to begin when buying guns for self-defense. First, we need to look at what exactly you will be defending yourself against.  For self-defense away from home, there is no better protection than a pistol. But before you go and buy yourself a sidearm and pack it inside your waistband, be sure you know the legalities …