Note from JWR:

Dr. Cynthia Koelker (our volunteer Medical Editor) has announced a “Survival Medicine Double-Header” with back-to-back Survival Medicine 101 and 201 courses, running from January 27 to February 1, 2014 in St. Marys, Georgia (near Jacksonville, Florida.) There, you will learn basic and advanced techniques for suturing, splinting, casting, office procedures, major trauma, and much more.  You can see details at ArmageddonMedicine.net.

A Global Search: Seeking a SurvivalBlog Managing Editor

I am planning to hire a contracted Managing Editor for SurvivalBlog, sometime in the next two months. While I plan to continue on as Editor, I need some assistance with day-to-day editorial work. This position could be your ticket to living in the Boonies.

The locale for the new Managing Editor position will be “virtual”, meaning that our new hire can live and work anywhere on the planet where there is a stable high speed Internet connection. The pay for this 30 hour per-week contracted position will be up to $40,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s experience. Hiring preference will be given to disabled veterans. Good health, mental stability, an eye for detail, and a commitment to dedicate several years to this position are musts.

Responsibilities:

Work part-time on a flexible schedule, five days per week to:

1.) Schedule, assemble, edit, and post the majority of SurvivalBlog’s daily blog content.

2.) Receive, evaluate, and edit reader submitted letters and articles.

3.) Write topical articles, as time permits.

4.) Perform general correspondence secretarial duties. (Tactfully answering reader and advertiser queries, et cetera.)

Note: The selected candidate must have the desire to maintain the established editorial viewpoint of SurvivalBlog, such as the philosophical, religious, political stance outlined in JWR’s Precepts page and in my other writings.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Attributes

  • Strong editing skills. (This means at least two years of full-time editing experience or four years of part-time editing experience, preferably with an on-line publication.)
  • In-depth knowledge of survivalist/prepper topics and terminology.
  • English as your first language.
  • A keen eye for detail and wise discernment.
  • Excellent grammar, spelling, punctuation, and general journalistic knowledge.
  • Ability to edit writing that comes from amateurs to make it look professional, lucid, and even eloquent.
  • Several years of experience with writing and producing clean HTML-formatted content (either editing raw HTML, or via editing software.)
  • Familiarity with content management system (CMS) software, including Movable Type Pro.
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Word.
  • Willingness to meet daily deadlines.
  • Ability to work as part of a team, remotely. (You will be handing work back and forth to other editors.)
  • Ability to work on several small projects simultaneously.
  • Unfailing tact and discretion.
  • Keen ability to spot fluff, rants, self-promotion, seminar letters, paid link placement, and other attempted outside manipulation.
  • Willingness to conform to SurvivalBlog’s writing and editorial style.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule for five days a week and occasionally six days a week.


Desirable (But Not Crucial) Skills and Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with Dreamweaver software.
  • Familiarity with Fetch or other file transfer software.
  • Familiarity with database software such as SQL.
  • Familiarity with version control procedures and software.
  • A background in the medical field.
  • A background in electronics.
  • An interest in global politics and economics.
  • Solid knowledge of firearms and shooting terminology.
  • Some experience with spreadsheet software, such as Excel.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator software.

This position will be a strictly “work for hire” contracted position with no health benefits, with employment “at will.”
If you are presently available 30 hours a week and meet the qualifications described, then please send a cover letter and a detailed resume (with links to web pages that you have edited, in lieu of portfolio), via e-mail.

Note that because I’m likely to receive dozens or even hundreds of resumes and cover letters, I will probably not be able to send a personal reply to each.

Thanks in advance, to those who respond! – JWR

BHO’s Africa Policy: Confusion and Duplicity Reign

After many years of a “diplomacy and aid dollars only” approach in Africa, the U.S. government has begun active military intervention, north of the equator. Quite disturbingly, while outwardly appearing to be engaged a campaign against Al Qaeda and its allies, these interventions have effectively supported Muslims (particularly the radical Muslim Brotherhood) while abandoning Christians. Witness: Libya, Egypt, and Uganda (against Kony’s LRA.) You’ve all seen the headlines: In 2011, U.S. air power was used in Libya, to back largely Muslim rebels. In late 2013, BHO slashed long-standing military aid to Egypt, indirectly aiding that nation’s Muslim rebels. Hillary Clinton’s State Department has also managed to ruin the formerly friendly relationships with Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, and Algeria. Notably, Morocco’s de facto annexation of Western Sahara which had tacit acceptance from previous U.S. administrations since the mid-1970s is now a source of friction.

While the American No Fly Zone and aerial bombardment campaign in Libya was largely a success (despite some friendly fire mishaps) there were unintended consequences. One of these was that Dictator Gaddafi’s demise caused both a power vacuum and the displacement of many Libyan arms and vehicles, mostly to the south. Since 2010, Al-Qaeda and its allies have been gaining ground in northern Africa, and the change of government accelerated this. The Tuaregs and other rebels now control vast stretches of the interior of Mali and Algeria. Inside the U.S. Special Forces community, the BHO regime’s policies in Africa have been described as “confused, at best.” Green Beret trainers who once assisted pro-western and predominately Christian nations in Africa have been “re-tasked.” They have recently been training Muslims in Libya and Muslims in Mali. While the government of Mali is ostensibly anti-Al Qaeda, the recent history of the region has shown that allegiances can shift rapidly. It is feared that the Malian soldiers that are now being trained and armed by the U.S. might later end up in an alliance with rebel groups. Even the leftward-leaning editors of The Washington Post are troubled by the BHO/Clinton policy changes in the region.

Hillary Clinton’s trans-Sahara gambit has had unintended consequences, and has led many to question the long-term effects. If the end results are better-trained and better-equipped Muslims, then we must ask: cui bono? In a little-publicized campaign, American trainers and technicians have been dispatched to at least nine countries including Ethiopia, Djibouti, the Central African Republic, and Niger. Tons of war materiel have quietly been shifted out of Iraq and into north Africa. Large American drone bases are humming in the Seychelles, Djibouti and Ethiopia. (And theirs eyes are not focused on just Yemen.) Special Forces trainers are operating throughout the region, ostensibly to teach counterinsurgency. But given the proclivities of their students, could that training later be turned toward insurgency?

In a recent e-mail, a SurvivalBlog reader and veteran with recent experience in North Africa noted: “One thing that comes to mind is the embarrassing fact that a few years ago, when all of the separate countries in Africa were asked if they would be willing to provide the US a base to headquarter AFRICOM from, they all basically said, ‘h*ll, no.’ AFRICOM is still headquartered out of Stuttgart, Germany.” He also noted: “I know that when the Chinese go in to extract resources, they actually provide entire infrastructures, such as roads, complete hospitals, schools, etc., while the US’s  influence seems more military oriented, along with “Strategic Communications” (the new term for PSYOPS) than anything else. If anything, I think the US is losing at this game.” The same reader warned of China’s growing influence in Africa. For some background, he recommended the book Winner Take All: China’s Race for Resources and What It Means for the World.

Most recently there have been rumblings that the U.S. might side with the rebels in the fledgling nation of South Sudan. While the troubles in South Sudan are primarily inter-tribal rather than along religious lines, “the great unspoken” subtext is that South Sudan is nominally Christian, while Sudan is Muslim. Some of the old Africa hands see BHO’s rumored stance in South Sudan as intentionally destabilizing, and has the effect of favoring Sudan rather than South Sudan.

I recommend that Americans keep a close eye on foreign policy and military aid shifts in Africa. BHO and Company have their own carefully-calculated agenda, and it is apparently not in the best interest of either the American people or freedom-loving Africans. – JWR

Pat’s Product Review: Maxxeon 330 Pocket Floodlights

I still recall the days when most folks owned and used some type of D-cell flashlights, that held 2 of the big D sized batteries. And, while they were better than walking around in the dark, they didn’t throw a very bright light, nor was the light bright white – at best, they were yellow in color. And, to be sure, those old flashlight – that are still sold today – really used up the battery power in short order. I remember working as a cop, and using the Mag-Lite “police” flashlight, and the model I used (and I still own it) took 3 of the big D batteries, and it had a Krypton light bulb, which threw a whiter light than a regular bulb did. Still, it was lacking in many areas – especially size – it was big, and heavy.

Over the past few years, I’ve tested quite a few hi-tech flashlights, and continue to walk away amazed, at the small size of these flashlights, and the amount of light they put out, and the run-time of the batteries. One of the smallest lights I received recently for testing is the Maxxeon 330 Pocket Floodlight. Now, while this isn’t exactly a flashlight, it is considered a penlight, but not just any old ordinary penlight. I’ve owned quite a few little penlights, that fit in a shirt or pants pocket, via a clip, but none lasted very long, they were cheaply made, and they didn’t throw much light at all.

The Maxxeon 330 is quite a bit different than the run-of-the-mill penlights. First of all, it has 140 OTF (out the front) lumens, and it will temporarily blind a person if you point it at their eyes. Secondly, it takes three AAA batteries – many penlights take one or two AA batteries. Third, this thing is built like a tank, really tough. I also like the Realtree camo coating on the entire penlight – and it has a soft rubber coating and really allows you to keep a good grip on the light. And, we have a pocket clip, that can be slid up or down to adjust it to fit different pocket depths. The end cap is green and it glows in the dark, so this light is easy to find.

The light bulb inside of the Maxxeon 330 is a Cree XP-E, cool white, 3-watt bulb, and it is very bight, as already noted. The custom designed flood reflector creates a huge floodlight beam – no rings, no shadows, no hot spots. The lens is AR coated glass, and is easy to replace if broken – however it is fairly well protected in that, it is recessed back a little from the end of the penlight. The body of the 330 is T6 aluminum – strong stuff. Run time with 3 AAA alkaline batteries is 2 hours to half brightness, and 4 hours of useable light with typical intermittent use – impressive, to say the least.

Overall length of the Maxxeon 330 is 6 1/2 inches – just slightly longer than most pens and pencils and it only weighs 1 ounce – you will readily forget you’re carrying it. It has a click on click off button, and a half-press momentary on. And, it comes complete with three AAA batteries, too.

I’ve been using the 330 for two months, in my backyard – when I let my dogs out for their final “business” run – and my backyard isn’t nearly as big as my huge front yard is – still, it is about 50 feet across and 20 feet wide, whereas my front yard is 25 yards wide and about 200 feet long. My backyard is fenced-in, for a dog kennel. When I let the dogs out – and I have four German Shepherds – it is dark at night – can’t see the dogs without a light source of some kind. The Maxxeon 330 completely lights up my backyard – just like a real floodlight does. Of course, it isn’t super bright at the far end of my yard, still, I can easily see all my dogs, and my guest house that is next door. I can also see through the dense brush and trees behind my house, too.

I work on firearms all the time, either cleaning, repairing or doing “whatever” and I’ve found the 330 to be very useful for seeing inside of  guns – it helps my aging eyes see things they might have ordinarily missed. Quite frankly, this little penlight is a real blessing to me, when working on firearms.

The Maxxeon 330 comes with a one year warranty against manufacturers defects, and it retails for $43.95 – a bit spendy you say might say, for a “mere” penlight? Well, once you get a 330 in your hands, and see how bright it is, you’ll want one…this is no ordinary penlight – this little penlight throws a floodlight of light, and does so for quite a distance. It easily lights up an entire room in my house, too. Be sure to check out the Maxxeon web site for full details and ordering information on the 330 – you’ll be as impressed as I was, and I’m thinking about getting another one or two – for around the house and for the wife’s purse, too. – SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio

Pat’s Product Review: Signal Armor

These days, many people are concerned about their privacy, and I admit to being somewhat concerned myself. I recently took down my Facebook page – after it was hacked three times this year. So, if anyone sees a Facebook page with my name on it – it’s not my Facebook page – someone hacked my original page, and made one false Facebook page that looks similar to the real one, and the second one doesn’t even come close to being like my original. Additionally, I found that it was too time-consuming keeping up with everyone’s newest Facebook page posts.

Also, folks are more than a little concerned about the recent news of the National Security Agency (NSA) spying on our phone calls, e-mails and conversations – and with good cause. While I have nothing to hide in my e-mails, conversations and phone calls, I still don’t like the idea of the FedGov spying on my privacy. And, as everyone knows, anything you say, no matter how innocent it might be, can and will be taken out of context if the FedGov is determined to arrest you for something – it happens all the time.

In the past, I know that my e-mails were clumsily looked at by someone – I’m fairly certain it was the FedGov. Anytime I mentioned the words AR-15 or AK-47 in my e-mails, it took those e-mails several days to reach the intended party they were meant for. However, without those “catch” words, e-mails went right through – with those words, it sometimes took as long as 3 or 4 days for the e-mails to reach whoever I sent them to. I also ran a company, many, many years ago, called Rescue One – and we were registered with InterPol as a private intelligence and investigations agency, and I had offices in Athens, Greece and Cape Town, South Africa – as well as in the US. And we know mail between offices had been opened and read – it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that our mail had been opened and read. Funny thing was, a lot of the work we did was contract work for one of our own intelligence agencies. Whatever!

These days, I’m almost to the point of just tossing my cell phone away, it gets annoying at times, especially with text messages. Whatever happened to good ol’ fashioned phone conversations between friends? Conversation is a dying art, it would appear. And, everyone is probably aware of the continuing news of the NSA spying on our phone calls – it’s in the news daily. And, until now, it was hard to stop anyone from listening to your phone calls.

Signal Armor‘s new zip-lock portable Faraday cage design. Anyone not familiar with Michael Faraday’s design, can research it. Just a short mention here, Faraday invented a “cage” that protects  an implement from static electricity. It can also protect electrical appliances from an EMP attack, too.

The Signal Armor bags consists of four layers, one is a heavy duty outer layer, another is an additional protective layer under the first, and an anti-static protective layer and the zip lock closure. It’s all pretty simple when you exam it. And, it also protects your cell phone by making it waterproof when you place your cell phone inside the bag and zip it closed.

I was intrigued by the Signal Armor concept, and wanted a way to test it. Lacking an EMP attack, I placed a Family Radio Service (FRS) two-way radio in the bag, and zipped it closed. I then tried to take my second FRS radio and attempt to communicate with the first radio – no luck, the signal didn’t get through. I then took my cell phone, placed it in the Signal Armor bag, zipped it closed, and had one of my family members try to call my cell phone – several times – and each time, their calls were immediately sent to my voice mail – no signal got through to my cell phone, when it was inside the Signal Armor bag.

Now, the Signal Armor bag won’t protect all your cell phone calls – because you have to take your cell phone out of the bag to make or receive calls. However, when your cell phone is inside the bag, and it is zipped closed, no one can activate your cell phone and listen in on any conversations you might be having in your home or car. Not a bad start, to assuming some of your privacy back. Of course, when your cell phone is out of the bag, the NSA or whatever government agency will be able to listen-in on your phone calls, or even turn on your speaker, and they can listen to conversations in your room. Still, the Signal Armor bag isn’t a bad idea if you have concerns about your cell phone privacy.

We’ve all probably heard the saying “just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you…” and these days, privacy seems to be a thing of the past for the most part. So, if you want to regain a tiny bit of your privacy via your cell phone, the Signal Armor is a good first step. Someone asked me how well the bags would work against an EMP attack. Well, to be quite honest, I don’t think it matters. If there is an EMP attack, and everyone’s cell phones, cell towers, computers and all electrical products are fried – then what difference would it make if you cell phone still worked? You wouldn’t have anyone you could call. Stop and think about it!

The Signal Armor bags sell for $8.49 and the company is designing larger bags for other purposes and uses. So, if you have some concerns about your cell phone privacy or an EMP attack, then pick-up a couple of these neat little bags. – SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio

Letter Re: Building Your Own No-FFL AR From an 80% Complete Receiver

Dear JWR,
The mere fact that folks such as Carl X. and C. are discussing, researching, and indeed, well informed on the subject of 80% lower receiver completion gives me hope! I can’t begin to express just how pleasing it is that good people are informing themselves on the subject. Anyway, I’d like to clarify a couple of things, if I may?

As C. notes, an inexperienced builder will likely spend at least two hours milling and shaping the fire control pocket. However, a slip of the Dremel does not necessarily mean the blank’s doom. One must remember that the pocket is hidden by the upper receiver, and the only one that will know of the boo-boo is the one completing the lower receiver. Further, said boo-boos can easily be repaired by mixing the polymer shavings with JB-Weld — which is machinable when fully cured — to maintain surface consistency. I’ve been a gunsmith hobbyist for about 22 years now and have my own machine shop, and my own jigs that insure a reliable machining job. But after consulting with a couple of fellow enthusiasts, we’re of the opinion that structural integrity and a uniform surface can be achieved in this fashion. In fact, I proved it with a lower I had lying around by deliberately marring a side and repairing it in that fashion. Again, I stress
patience and the operator WILL be pleased with the end product. EP Armory is that good with their quality control! Completion is a cinch: just remove the white and smooth the ridges flat. Any other fine lapping to make the trigger and hammer smooth is unique to the chosen lower parts kit. One only needs to take their time.

As for legality concerning the 80% lower receiver: the prospective owner should consult their state and local officials until they are completely satisfied that they operating within the constraints of the law! The language in the BATFE’s self-manufactured firearms laws are very clear: the firearm must be self-manufactured, which means ‘build parties’ are technically illegal, although impossible to enforce. Personally, I make every effort to operate within the constraints of the law, and would recommend that everyone exercise solid and legal judgment. After all, some states are ambiguous and sometimes outright hostile on the subject, and protecting one’s family is impossible to do from behind bars. So … research, research and research again! And do make an effort to buy a letter and number stamping kit for serial number application. It also never hurts to have your receipt for the lower laminated and on your person when hunting or target shooting. I’d hate to see a new AR owner detained for hours by an officer that demands to inspect their rifle, and is ignorant of the law! Been there … done that…

Again, it’s good to see folks that are genuinely interested in the subject! Self empowerment is a heck of a morale boost! You’ll save a few bucks and be proud of your handiwork! Not to mention the fact that you’ll end up with a rifle that will serve you well, should the unfortunate need arise…

God Bless and thank you for your interest everyone, – Nomad

Recipe of the Week

C.B.’s Potato Soup Plus

Several years ago while shopping at a Sam’s Club warehouse store, my wife and I picked up a can of “Johnny’s Creamy potato” soup mix. It’s a 2-pound can of dehydrated soup mix that serves 24 with a good shelf life. The can on my stove top is at least a year old and has a 2014 date on it. Follow the instructions for a good potato soup or do what I do I make a serving for 8 (8 cups water boiling and 2 Cups of mix) and then when almost done add a small can of chopped clams, a can of creamed corn, a can of drained whole corn, 4 fried and crumbled bacon strips, half the bacon grease. It makes a good hearty quick meal in 30 min. or less on a cold snowy night.

Some Variations: Add a can of chopped fried spam, more vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, celery seed, clams, and fish for a seafood chowder, canned chicken or turkey or leftover turkey or Ham from Thanksgiving or Christmas. Throw in some cooked rice and cream of what ever soup. When cooked stir in some beaten eggs and then bake it for a casserole.

The ideas are endless and since we live in earthquake country. (The 1964 quake is always on our minds even though we weren’t in Alaska then, we are now.) We keep several cans of this soup mix in the house along with several cans of Spam, Dak Ham and other stuff to mix in with it. I don’t have to worry about it freezing so I have several cans in my go pack also along with the stuff to mix in it (a 29’ Winnebago fully fueled with extra tanks of gas and propane and a separate propane camp stove so we don’t use the coach propane for cooking only for heat in winter and while the water system is winterized I have several collapsible camping water jugs 2/3 full for freezing expansion for melting when my house jugs go dry.)

Useful Recipe and Cooking Links:

Ore-Ida’s Easy Potato Soup Recipes

Food Storage Recipes

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

Letter Re: How To Use Your IRA /401k to Fund a Survival Retreat Property

Hello,
To follow up on a recent letter “How To Use Your IRA /401k to Fund a Survival Retreat Property“, I recommend that people try Equity Trust for IRA/401k management. (I am not employed by these folks nor are any of my family or friends). Their fees approximately 10% of the fees described in the article. With their trust services so there is no need to incorporate. I purchased our retreat in 08′ with my IRA, & have subsequently made other real estate purchases as well. Since then we not only have constructed a guest house but all the underground septic, well/water lines, & power lines with the IRA. Rents on other properties in the IRA are sent back to the IRA. This has worked out great for us.
 
One subject that was not covered is distribution of the assets. If the distribution is real estate and it is in one parcel, that is how it is distributed. You can’t distribute half a house. The value, which is added to your income that tax year, (not in a Roth IRA) could be a hefty tax all in one year depending on the property.
 
Should you incorporate the shares in the IRA they can be valued and sold but I am not sure you can buy them out of your IRA. The reason I say this is should you want (for whatever reason) to sell the property out of the IRA and put the cash back in the IRA it is no problem. However, you or your immediate family cannot be the purchaser. Lots of quirky rules. The main thing is you cannot use the property personally while it is in the retirement account. Using the property can result in a tax penalty or worse.
 
Bottom line is these folks at Equity can do this a lot cheaper and it is not a fly by night company. Having said this, I’ll bet there are other companies doing the same things at completive fees. – Mr. A.

Economics and Investing:

Over at TF Metals Report: Where is the German Gold? (Thanks to J.B.G. for the link.)

Craftsman tool owners take note: Sears enters ‘death-spiral,’ retailer could be gone by 2017: Brian Sozzi. (Warning to dial-up readers: Has an automatically-loading video.)

B.B. sent: IMF: ‘This is Our Last Wake Up Call for Your Savings’

Items from The Economatrix:

“The Biggest Redistribution Of Wealth From The Middle Class And Poor To The Rich Ever” Explained…

Over at Mac’s blog: What if all this prosperity was just an illusion?

What to look for in December jobs report.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader James K. kindly sent: Intense Photos Of Mexican Vigilantes Battling A Drug Cartel For City Control. (Warning to dial-up readers: beaucoup bandwidth required.) Note the that in the first few photos, you mainly see vigilantes armed with .22 rifles and shotguns. But then after the cartel stronghold is defeated and the police are disarmed, some of the vigilantes are armed with AKs, ARs, and even an M-203. This adds credence to what I described in my novels. (Namely, the Butter knife Gun concept.) OBTW, you’ve gotta love the very well-worn M1911 pistol seen in last picture. This being Mexico, it is probably a .38 Super. Since it is being carried hammer down, the owner is apparently not expecting immediate trouble. FWIW, I recommend carrying M1911s in Condition One (“cocked and locked”) at all times.

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SurvivalBlog Editor At Large Mike Williamson recommend a piece on the upcoming Olympic games at the Stratfor site: Sochi 2014: A Security Challenge

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Marcus Hook Pennsylvania Mayor James Schiliro (a MAIG member) is scheduled to be sentenced today, following his conviction on a long list of charges including furnishing alcohol to a minor, official oppression, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful restraint, and false imprisonment. In a bizarre drunken incident, the mayor ordered an on-duty city police officer to bring a young man to his house. While his daughter slept upstairs, Schiliro gave the young man several glasses of wine and tried to coerce him into having homosexual relations with him. According to testimony, Schiliro waved several guns around, and shot one of them into a stack of papers. A local newspaper reported: “In all but the official oppression charge, they found a firearm had been used in the commission of the crime and that it was used in a way that threatened the victim.” The mayor later resigned from office. (As is the norm for criminal MAIG members, he resigned only after being convicted.) Like many others before him, Schiliro was quickly and quietly dropped from the roster of Bloomberg’s anti-gun organization. The group now touts itself as “1,000 Strong.” But their tally doesn’t count the 28+ member mayors who have been charged or convicted of various crimes ranging from theft, corruption, and extortion to pedophilic soliciting. Perhaps their new slogan should be: “Mayors with convictions.”

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C.D.V. suggested: Growing fodder for the homestead. “By the end of Day 7, we had a big green mat of fodder, that had more than quadrupled in weight! It weighed in at 4.3 lbs!”

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Busted! A series of video clips aired by Conan O’Brien makes it clear that public relations agencies are sending out more than just press releases these days–they are sending out “news” scripts. Do not trust what you hear in mainstream media newscasts!

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A recent video from Wranglerstar: Crosscut Saw 3.0

Notes from JWR:

Lindon Farms is having their first ever sale up to 40% off all their freeze dried foods stored in buckets: Entrees, Fruits, Vegetables, and Meats.This sale runs from from January 12 to 24, 2014. I expect many Lindon Farms stocking dealers to be involved. (Check with our advertisers, for pricing. Several of them are Lindon Farms dealers.)

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Today we present another entry for Round 50 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $9,700+ worth of 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 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 of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $300 Gift Certificate from Freeze Dry Guy. G.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. H.) A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com. The current value of this roll is at least $225, I.) Both VPN tunnel and DigitalSafe annual subscriptions from Privacy Abroad. They have a combined value of $195. J.) KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304. and K.) APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit.

Second Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. C.) A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100 foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. D.) $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P.), E.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials F.)A full set of all 26 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is a $270 value, G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value). H.) EP Lowers, makers of 80% complete fiber composite polymer lowers for the AR-15 rifles is donating a $250 gift certificate, I.) Autrey’s Armory — specialists in AR-15, M4s, parts and accessories– is donating a $250 gift certificate, and J.) Dri-Harvestfoods.com in Bozeman, Montana is providing a prize bundle with Beans, Buttermilk Powder, Montana Hard Red Wheat, Drink Mixes, and White Rice, valued at $333.

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security., E.) A MURS Dakota Alert Base Station Kit with a retail value of $240 from JRH Enterprises. F.) Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances, and G.) Ambra Le Roy Medical Products in North Carolina is donating a bundle of their traditional wound care and first aid supplies. This assortment has a retail value of $208.

Round 50 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Skills for the Coming Collapse by Jackie S.

I think we all, at one time or another, need to do a serious self-assessment to determine exactly where we stand in regards to the future and what it will mean to us on a life sustaining basis.  Most people reading this have already done this, to a degree.  After all, you are prepping bacon, beans and bullets, and it is an admirable and necessary pursuit that you are engaged in.  But, what about when (not if) the SHTF?  Sure, you have food, shelter, and the means to protect it, but what about when things settle down and life begins in the new normal?  Have you thought about what you can do to make a living, besides farming, hunting, fishing and bartering excess prep goods?  You might not have enough land to self sustain with farming, hunting will play out after a while with so many pursuing a limited amount of game, you might not be close to a body of water to fish in, and barter goods will eventually run out.  You will need something that is not self-depleting to be able to continue to eat and live.  You will need a skill, or skills, that you can barter for what you need to live.  Not everyone will need this, as some will be able to live well on a farm or ranch.  But for those without livestock or the land to live off of, you need to be able to barter with those who have so you will not be one of the have-nots.  Now, before the SHTF, is the time to self-assess and come to this conclusion.  Do a frank inventory of your skills to determine if what you would have to offer in a grid-down situation would be enough to sustain you and your family on a long term basis.  If you come to realize that you simply don’t have one of these skill, of which there are many, now is the time to acquire one.

As I ponder the coming collapse, TEOTWAWKI, I wonder “How on earth am I going to make a living?”  After all, everything that I depend on as a carpenter/cabinet maker now to make a living will be gone:  electricity grid, lumber yards, hardware stores, paint stores, glass shops, brick yards, metal roofing suppliers and a myriad of other suppliers of raw materials that I use on a daily basis.  How will I survive without all these supporting material suppliers?

I took a step back to get a better perspective of just what I might have to offer in a grid-down situation.  I have spent the last 35 years of my life building and remodeling residential buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial buildings, and building cabinets and furniture.  Before I became a building contractor, I had always had a shop where I gave my imagination free rein to build and create many things.  I developed many different skills during this phase, which began as a young boy and continues today, and used many of these skills when I became a building contractor.  I still like to try new things, things that many people call hobbies, but to me they are a part of my life itself.

What could I do that would provide a living for me and my family?  I am now semi-retired at 68 years old, and it is just me and my wife, so we wouldn’t need much.  The first thought that comes to mind is that I am a Master Carpenter.  While power tools are a great help in my work, my brain works without an electric grid.  I would still be able to do a great deal of carpentry work, cabinet work, and furniture building.  To continue to use power tools I would need a generator, which I have acquired.  After determining the minimum size that I would need based on the requirements of my largest power tools, I bought a 3000 watt generator.  This will allow me to use my table saw, compressor (for nail and staple guns), circular saw, drill, planer, jointer, miter or cut-off saw, and any other power tool I need.  Of course this will last only as long as the gasoline lasts, and then it will be back to the old way of working with hand tools only.  I am searching for a small diesel generator, which could extend its use by several years, as diesel can be stored much longer than gasoline, with the proper additives.  I haven’t had much luck finding one yet of an appropriate size.

In preparation for the day when the fuel runs out, I am expanding my supply of hand-powered tools:  hammers and mallets of all sizes, hand saws, with appropriate maintenance tools, hand drills and hand braces, assorted drill bits for use in these, hatchets, axes, chisels of all sizes, and even an adze.  At an estate sale I found an edge sharpening stone that is foot powered and water lubricated.  It is amazing what one of these old grind stones will do for an edged tool.  I’m also laying in a supply of all sizes of metal files and wood rasps, as well as a cedar shingle splitting tool.

After thinking about it a while, I realized that I had several other options that could provide work.  In the course of my contracting, I learned to lay brick, stone, concrete and hadite blocks and tile of all sorts and sizes.  Roofing installation and repair was always part of the job, as well.  There may not be much call for my skills as an electrician after a year or so, but plumbing will always be needed.  And, as long as materials are available, I can form, pour and finish concrete.  It will be much harder without modern finishing and digging tools, but that is what God gave us a strong back for.

“What else?” I’m thinking.  Well, I taught myself to cut and weld with an oxy-acetylene torch, and to make many things out of scrap metal.  Both of these gases store well, so I’ve put back several tanks of both, along with spare hoses, cutting heads, welding heads, welding rods, and gauges.  I have a 200 amp arc welder that would be useful as long as the fuel holds out.

Along the way, I learned a little blacksmithing, mainly using the cutting torch for heat.  I’ll have to acquire a good forge to continue this, but I can make all sorts of tools for use on the ranch, farm, or grid-down homestead.  I also learned how to make knives of all types, making the handles out of various woods, bone, antler, and metal, and how to work leather to make the sheaths and scabbards, as well as belts, rifle slings, pouches, moccasins and other useful things.  I have a couple of saddle stitching tools with spare needles and quite a bit of nylon cord used to stitch leather goods.  I even have a set of tools for decorating leather, and a tool that cuts leather strings out of a large piece of leather.  I really need to learn how to tan leather, as I think raw hides might be in greater supply than other types of material to make durable goods.

Upon further reflection, I realized that I can carve kitchen tools, such as spoons and forks, make candles out of paraffin or wax (for casting), make candle lamps out of old bottles with cotton string for a wick (for kerosene or lamp oil, or even vegetable oil), make bows, arrows and metal arrowheads suitable for hunting or self defense, make spears for fishing, hunting, or defense, with or without metal heads.  A lifetime of working with my hands, partly as hobby work, can lead to a great deal of serious work when the power is gone.  I thank God daily for those skills that he has seen fit to loan to me, and I use them whenever possible to his glory.

I realize that being 68 years old, I might not have many years to utilize all these skills, but I can teach some or all of them to other people.  I would like to be able to pass them along to younger generations.  So, with that in mind, I plan on setting up an apprentice program of sorts.  Some young people would learn some valuable skills and I would get some physical help.  I figure that after a year or so of a grid-down situation, young people will have forgotten their video games and be looking for something that will help them make a living.  I have two grandsons that I have been working with to teach them some of these useful skills, but I think that there would be room and time for several more willing students.

After this self-assessment, I feel better about my long term prospects for making a living when the SHTF.  It has also led me to see some shortcomings in my preps, allowing me to acquire those materials and supplies that will be necessary but will be in short supply once the supply lines shut down.  All I have to do now is live through this time leading up to TEOTWAWKI.  Continue prepping everyone, keep your powder dry, and God bless these United States.

Letter Re: Storing Ammunition

JWR,
I’ve been reloading for almost 30 years and have tried many solutions for boxing up all the ammo including bulk in zip lock bags as well as just filling ammo cans and of course hard plastic boxes. If it’s made, I’ve tried it and nothing really worked well nor are they very compact. Until now. I have stumbled on RepackBox.com and found their cardstock boxes great. So far I’ve loaded 5.56, 7.62×39, 9mm and .45 ACP. 

What I like is their boxes are made so the quantity will fit most standard magazines…i.e., the 5.56 box holds 30 rounds as does the 7.62×39. The 7.62×51 holds 20…just right to fit your FAL, M1A or PTR91 Their pistol boxes hold 50 rounds.

The only limiting thing is that they only make .223/5.56, 7.62×39, 7.62×51, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. But when I first started buying them they selection was smaller, so they must be expanding to meet demand.

The best part about these boxes is that they hold the ammo tightly. No loose or sloppy ammo rattling around. And as such they pack tight in the green surplus ammo cans for storage. And these boxes are very sturdy. No cheap materials, so they can be reused many times.

Thanks! – GunrTim

JWR Replies: RepackBox.com has been mentioned before in SurvivalBlog. I recommend their products. And BTW, they also sell some handy rubber rifle muzzle covers.

Letter Re: Off-Grid Electronics

James,

EBook readers and many other small electronic devices can be charged/powered by AA batteries using external power packs like these, available at Amazon and from other Internet sellers.

[JWR Adds: And of course there are a plethora of photovoltaic AA battery chargers available. Well-prepared families should have the ability to charge size AA, CR-123, and 9-volt NiMH batteries without grid power. Those batteries will all prove crucial for operating short-range communications, night vision, smoke detectors, intrusion detection, and other gear.]

Also, the DIYBookscanner web site has some resources for book scanning using inexpensive digital cameras and free software.

Regards, – R.L.H. from Ohio