Notes from JWR:

Camping Survival has started a Mountain House storage food sale which runs from December 2nd to December 8th. They are offering 25% off cases of #10 cans, 25% off cases of retort pouches and 15% off buckets. The sale is for full cases only.  They are only selling stock on hand, but they bought a substantial quantity in advance. So rather than backordering anything, it will all ship right out to customers.  Meanwhile, Ready Made Resources is running a similar pre-Christmas sale on Mountain House foods until the 13th of December with 25% to 42% off, free shipping, and on request they are willing to mix and match varieties in six-can cases with the varieties that they have on hand.

—

Today is the birthday of LLNL Physicist Emeritus and Rawles family friend Milo D. Nordyke. Milo is a physicist, linguist, and pianist. He is also a world traveler and an all-around nice guy. He has long advocated the peaceful uses of nuclear weapons (such as Project Plowshare.) For example, he suggested the use of a nuke to stop the BP deep sea oil spill, in 2010. He is a former Director of LLNL’s Center for Studies of Security, Energy and Arms Control. Milo is also a former mayor of my hometown, Livermore, California.

—

Today we present a guest article on satellite phone technology. But first, a review by Pat Cascio, and a book review:

Pat’s Product Review – Cold Steel’s Talwar Fighting Folder

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t carry some kind of folding knife in my pocket – and I’m now eligible to collect social security benefits. I do know that back when I was a kid, there weren’t any lock-back folding knives that I ever recall seeing. I carried a folder for everyday chores, as well as self-defense. And, more importantly, at least when I was around 6-10 years old, I had a folding knife for whittling – a long lost pastime that was sure a lot of fun when I was a kid. A person could spend all day long, just whittling on a tree branch and making a little pile of wood shavings in front of them. Believe it or not, it was fun for a kid – today’s youth have missed out on that wonderful pastime – all they know are video games.
 
These days, I rarely, and I mean rarely carry a folding knife that doesn’t have some kind of blade locking mechanism, and for good reason, a folding knife that locks the blade open is just a lot safer than one that doesn’t lock the blade. And, if you carry a knife for self-defense, a locking folder is a must in my humble opinion. Also, if a knife – any knife – doesn’t feel good in my hand,then I’m not interested in it.
 
Consider the Cold Steel Talwar folder. There are four different Talwar variant models. I received their 4-inch plain edge model for testing, but you can also have one with a serrated blade or in the 5 1/2-in blade length. The Talwar is just one of those folders that once you pick it up, you can’t put it down. It just fits my hand perfectly and feels “oh-so-right” to me. The G-10 handle scales are shaped in such a way, that the knife almost grips you back – hard to explain, but the darn thing just feels great. And, to be sure, I’m rather picky about how a folder fits and fills my hand, and the Talwar just feels like it belongs in my hand. And, it has plenty of handle to hold on to as well – many folders are a bit skimpy when it comes to having enough handle for me to grab. The handle is shaped in a sort of Scimitar shape, with the butt of the handle curving downward, which aids in a strong grip on the folder.
 
Steel on the Talwar is AUS 8A – one of my favorite stainless steels, it’s a very affordable stainless steel, holds an edge a good long time and it’s easy to re-sharpen. Some have taken me to task, when I claim a blade steel is easy to re-sharpen, and I claim no special skills in sharpening knives, but I’ve found this steel much easier to re-sharpen than some of the other harder stainless steels out there. Weighing only 5-ounces, the Talwar isn’t too heavy, nor is it too light – you don’t even know you have the knife clipped inside your pocket. Overall open length is 9-1/4-inches – so you can really reach out there and touch someone – if you have to, in a self-defense situation. Make not mistake, I believe the Talwar was designed and is best used as a self-defense folder. Not that it can’t be used for everyday chores, but there are better designs for chores – the Talwar is best reserved for use against two-legged attackers. BTW, the front of the handle also slopes downward, affording you some protection against your hand slipping forward onto the blade.
 
The locking mechanism is Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock,  and although it appears to be a basic lock back design, it is not – it is much stronger than the ordinary lock back folding knife design. Additionally, it is placed in such a position on the back top of the blade, as to alleviate it from accidentally opening when grasped in your hand in the fencing grip. And, it is certainly a very stout lock. The pocket/clothing clip can also be reversed from one side of the handle to the other, for a blade tip up carry.
 
One thing that I like on the Talwar is the Andrew Demko designed ambidextrous thumb plate – not a thumb stud – on the blade. And, with a very little practice, the Talwar can be drawn from the pocket, and it opens faster than any automatic folder does. When drawing the Talwar, you simply give it a little backwards pressure, towards the rear of your pocket, while drawing the knife upwards – you do this with one swift and fluid move, and the blade pops open when the knife is completely drawn out of your pocket. The little thumb plate actually “catches” on the back of your pocket, causing the blade to start to deploy as you draw the knife out of your pocket. Check the Cold Steel web site, and you’ll see Cold Steel’s owner, Lynn Thompson demonstrating this…it’s actually easier done than explained.
 
Needless to say, and I’ve said this hundreds of times, I believe Cold Steel set the Gold Standard for sharp blades many years ago. Prior to Cold Steel coming on the cutlery scene, it was pretty much a hit or miss proposition when it came to getting a super-sharp knife blade. Cold Steel knives are wicked sharp, right out of the box. Thompson wouldn’t have it any other way.
 
I also like that the Talwar is designed not only for slashing moves, in self-defense, but the blade is designed to stab deeply. Having spent 35 years in the martial arts, I taught knife fighting skills to my advanced, Black Belt students. I’ve also designed several knives over the years, that are still being produced. My heart is in knives meant for self defense – even more so, than for survival. The Talwar is one great folder for self defense use if you ask me. And, the best part is, full-retail is $131.99 – a great buy, in my opinion. So, if you’re in the market for a new folder – one designed for self-defense use, check out the Cold Steel Talwar – I give it my 100% endorsement. The Talwar is just one wicked blade.    – SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio

T.M.’s Book Review: The Downfall of Money: Germany’s Hyperinflation and the Destruction of the Middle Class

The Downfall of Money: Germany’s Hyperinflation and the Destruction of the Middle Class, by Frederick Taylor
© 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62040-236-8 Hardback; also available on Kindle.
416 pages, 25 chapters, appendix, bibliography, and index.

Be assured that I am not an economist, but I do keep the family bankbook balanced. Past that and I am mostly lost in the world of high finance. I read this book in order to answer three questions:

  1. What caused the hyperinflation in post-WWI Germany?
  2. What effect did it have on ordinary citizens and how did they cope?
  3. What lessons are to be learned to better prepare my family’s finances?

This book tackles a complicated financial story in a surprisingly easy-to-read narrative. The author translates economic mumbo-jumbo into everyday language in twenty-five chronological chapters. The Afterword provides a good explanation of how the economy provided fertile ground for extremists of every flavor to grow, and why Adolf Hitler was eventually elected to office.
The Appendix is excellent in showing the steady devaluation of the German mark from 4 marks to one dollar to 4.2 trillion marks to one dollar. It only took one decade of political and economic shenanigans to make the German currency worthless.

All through the narrative I was reminded of what is occurring today compared to 1914-1923. The mark was taken off the gold standard to finance a war; coins were minted of cheap alloys; government debt was incurred that would take generations to repay (Germany paid its’ final war reparation bill in 2010, a full 96 years after WWI began); societal safety nets were expanded by politicians unable to say “No, we do not have the money”; government bureaucracies expanded each year; the policy of allowing inflation was a ploy by highly trained, professional economists to pay war reparations with devalued money (it did not work).

In the worst of times, the city dwellers (golden horde) formed gangs and raided nearby farms for food. They did not offer to pay or work for the food – they looted. Welfare and unemployment fraud were epidemic. Violators were ignored. Politicians responded by raising the monthly checks to prevent riots and to stay in office.

The subtitle of this book is worth remembering: Germany’s Hyperinflation and the Destruction of the Middle Class. The poor in Germany were the first to die from disease, suicide, and starvation. The ultra-rich, in most cases, had the ability to leave the country, or weather the storm. The middle class small business owners, government employees, artisans, and union workers were gradually driven into the ranks of the poor. They first sold their possessions, their children, and then themselves in order to eat. After the hyperinflation was remedied, they remained poor and traumatized. German citizens had purchased 158 billion marks of bonds during the war with the promise of a nice rate of return. In 1923, the government remedied hyperinflation by introducing a new currency. All of the war bonds were then collectively worth fifteen cents. The government stole all that money by merely changing the rules.

So, what does an ordinary citizen do today? Lessons from true German accounts in the book are:

  1. Eliminate all household debt,
  2. Increase your savings,
  3. Increase you stash of material (tangible) assets that will feed, clothe, and protect your family in lean times and are good items for barter,
  4.  Do not have a mortgage, especially if you are a farmer. Thus, your home and land are yours. You have shelter and dirt for growing food.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in history, and for those looking for real life advice on what to do to avoid the approaching economic calamity. It is a hard true story, but well worth your time. Take notes, and read and heed.

Portable Satellite Phones: Communicating Off the Grid, by Jon Aldrich

If you’re reading this blog you are no doubt already well along on preparedness spectrum, finding yourself someplace between never in America and not if but when, more likely you’re nearer the latter.  You’re probably well versed in all aspects of food procurement, preparation and storage, water purification, providing shelter and security for yourselves and your families as well many of the other nuances related to preparing for future contingencies.  There is a world of good information available on all these subjects and more and, for most of it you need look no further than right here on the SurvivalBlog.

One key question is how we will communicate when land lines and cell phones are no longer dependable.  There is precious little available on the traditional information sources relating to communications, especially communications specific to person-to-person private communications.  This article is one person’s attempt to mitigate that void.

Walkie-Talkies and Ham Radios

Whenever interests do seem to drift to communications, walkie-talkies and ham-radios seem to be consensus topics of discussion.  Don’t get me wrong.  Some 2 Meter handie-talkies should be a part of everyone’s inventory, as should a good general coverage short wave radio receiver.  Transmitting via HF shortwave comes with its own set of complications.  It requires course instruction, licensing, a sizeable capital investment in equipment [especially for high power HF] and it may also necessitate significantly compromising one’s privacy and anonymity. (The home addresses for most hams are available online.)  Again, there is already considerable information out on the Internet and in the SurvivalBlog archives, relative to these subjects so I’ll not delve any further into it here. 

 

A Short History of Portable Satellite Communications                         

Satellite communication technology has evolved over the years not unlike the evolutionary progression of other technological innovation.  Take computers for example.  Early computers cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and required a degree from MIT to operate them.  They filled complete rooms, even requiring their own air conditioning systems.  Only the largest of corporations could afford them.  Now computers are small enough to fit in your pocket.  They can be operated by small children and they are affordable by nearly everyone.

Similarly, just 30 years ago a satellite communication terminal would have cost tens of thousands of dollars to purchase, it would have required the same MIT degree to operate and it would have taken several strong backs just to transport it. 

In 1995 the MSAT constellation was launched with a footprint covering North and Central America and with it came the first portable satellite terminal.  Eye popping at the time, the MSAT constellation supported the briefcase sized Mitsubishi ST151, weighing in at 30 pounds and costing approximately $3,500.  While representing a significant breakthrough in satellite communications, the ST151 would dominate the portable satellite terminal market for less than one year.  Hand held, as in “hand held satellite telephone”, was not even in our vocabulary yet.

1996 ushered in a truly revolutionary phase in personal mobile sat comms with the launching of the mini-M terminal, supported by the Inmarsat satellite constellation, the first commercially available constellation with a world-wide footprint.

Priced about the same as the ST151, the mini-M weighed in at less than 6 pounds.   Virtually plug and play, the laptop sized mini-M also supported slow speed data transmission, heretofore unheard of in personal satellite communications.  Perhaps the most significant advancement of the mini-M was the improved quality of the voice transmission.  Also, unlike the 151, which had a North America footprint only, the mini-M could be used virtually anywhere in the world.  As significant a break through as the mini-M was, and it was significant, it would dominate the portable satellite communications market for less than two years. 

In 1998 Iridium launched its worldwide canopy of 66 satellites and rolled out the first handheld satellite phone.  Slightly smaller than the early bag cellular phone, the Iridium handheld would again revolutionize personal portable satellite communications.  Just a few years later that bag sized phone would shrink in size and cost less than $1,000.00.  Iridium, for the first time, made personal satellite communications affordable to the masses.  Now just about anyone who had reason to travel beyond land line or cellular service had an affordable communications option.    

As with the development of many industries, there have been breakthroughs and advances to satellite technology followed by failures and set-backs.  Not every constellation has been successful from the outset.  Competition remains fierce as satellite providers vie for market share.  The ultimate beneficiary of all of this will be, as it always is, the consumer.  There are currently 4 Satellite Networks available, Iridium, Inmarsat, Globalstar and Thuraya.

There are pros and cons to each constellation.  The purpose of this article going forward is to help you evaluate those pros and cons so that you can determine the best choice for you.  It’s not difficult.  There is overlap.  There’s no right or wrong to this process.  It’s just a matter of understanding what’s available and how the choices mesh with your needs.  A comparison chart has been provided which includes technical specs on each phone.

 

 

Models

 

IRIDIUM EXTREME

IRIDIUM EXTREME

ISATPHONE PRO

THURAYA XT

Size

140 x 60 x 27 mm

143 x 55 x 30 mm

170 x 54 x 39 mm

128 x 53 x 26.5 mm

Weight

247 g

266 g

279 g

193 g

Display

Glare-Resistant LCD Display

Glare-Resistant LCD Display

Monochrome Display

Glare-Resistant Color Display

Antenna Design

Retractable Omni-Directional Antenna

Retractable Omni-Directional Antenna

Fold-Out Directional Antenna

Retractable Omni-Directional Antenna

Durability Specs

Military Grade (MIL-STD 810F)

n/a

n/a

IK 03 (for shock)

Ingress Protection

Dust proof, jet water resistant (IP65)

n/a

Dust resistant, splash resistant (IP54)

Dust resistant, splash resistant (IP54)

Network

66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting 485 miles from earth

66 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites orbiting 485 miles from earth

3 Geostationary (GEO) satellites in fixed orbit 22,000 miles from earth

2 Geostationary (GEO) satellites in fixed orbit 22,000 miles from earth

Coverage

Global, pole-to-pole coverage

Global, pole-to-pole coverage

Coverage over 3 regions

Coverage over 2 regions

Mobility

Talk and move freely 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites overhead

Talk and move freely 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites overhead

Talk with regional mobility limitations 3 Geostationary satellites in fixed location

Talk with regional mobility limitations. 2 Geostationary satellites in fixed locations

Phone Registration

Network registration

Network registration

Requires GPS fix and network registration

Requires GPS fix and network registration

Time to Power on and Make Call

Under 30 seconds

Under 30 seconds

72-120 seconds

Up to 1 minute

Ability to receive incoming calls

Capable of incoming call notification

Capable of incoming call notification

Capable of incoming call notification

Capable of incoming call notification

Ability to send/receive SMS Messages 

if antenna extended or retracted

if antenna extended or retracted

if antenna extended or retracted

if antenna extended or retracted

Ability to send/receive SMS Messages

Supported

Supported

Supported

Supported

Ability to connect to laptop

Supported

Supported

Supported

Supported

Battery Talk Time

3.5 hours

4 hours

8 hours

6 hours

Battery Stand By Time

30 hours

30 hours

100 hours

80 hours

 

IRIDIUM

If you know anything at all about hand held satellite telephones no doubt you have heard of Iridium.  It’s become almost a generic term for the product.

The 66 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites comprising the Iridium constellation were commercially rolled out for service in 1998.  Initially the Iridium business model failed and Iridium filed for bankruptcy, going off line for a year or so.  Although hard to see at the time, this may have been a good thing for the industry in the long run in that it resulted in much more competitive pricing and a much simplified model for usage pricing, two things that survive to this day and apply to all handheld options.  Although the Iridium constellation is older the satellites continue to function efficiently. 

Characteristics of a low earth orbit canopy of satellites:

  • Satellite’s position with respect to the users location on the earth surface is continually changing as the earth rotates under the fixed canopy of satellites.  During extended conversations this dynamic can result in the user being passed off from one satellite to the next as one satellite exits proximity and the next enters.  It happens infrequently but this passing off can result in a call being dropped.
  • Quicker set up and registration process when initiating a call.
  • Less latency during conversation.  Latency refers to the amount of time that passes between the time you stop speaking and the time the other party hears what you said.
  • Iridium is a fully duplex terminal meaning, even if both parties talk over each other both ultimately will hear what the other person said.
  • Direct over-head satellite access facilitating usage particularly when operating in populated areas, among buildings or in mountainous regions where clear line of sight to the satellite could be obstructed.  (More on this later when we discuss the comparison with geosynchronous satellite orbits.)
  • Better coverage at the higher and lower latitudes.
  • The Iridium 9555 and Extreme 9575 are unquestionably the most ruggedized of all handhelds.

INMARSAT

Inmarsat is the oldest of the commercial communications constellations having been operational for over 30 years.  It is perhaps the most financially viable of any of the constellations.  Arguably the most powerful of all communications satellites, Inmarsat’s three new F4 birds, in service for just over 3 years, enjoy the longest remaining “projected” useful life of any constellation in operation.

Unlike the LEO Iridium constellation, Inmarsat’s high earth orbit (HEO) satellites orbit the earth at 22,000 miles directly over the equator.  The users position with respect to the satellite remains fixed, much the same as television satellites do.  Consequently the Isatphone Pro remains attached to the same satellite for the duration of the call.   No system is perfect so, while the Isatphone Pro may occasionally drop a call, it will not be caused by transferring a call from one satellite to the next.

Because all satellite terminals require clear line of sight between the antenna and the satellite, issues can arise which affect the ability to see the bird.  This is particularly true if operating at extreme high or low latitudes where clear line of sight to the satellite might be obstructed by the horizon or even buildings or terrain. 

Another feature, which might be considered a double edged sword, is the fact that the Isatphone Pro requires a GPS fix prior to operating.  Obviously this can be advantageous in an emergency situation when it would be helpful to automatically transmit your position via SMS.  There is also the possibility of compromising security in the event the user does not want his position known.

The Isatphone Pro is the most recent addition to the handheld market, having rolled out commercially just over three years ago.  It’s compact design, affordable price point and ease of use has contributed to its commercial success. 

GLOBALSTAR

I’ll mention Globalstar only briefly.  Re-launched in 2006, the LEO Globalstar constellation initially endured a myriad of problems and equipment failures resulting in a reputation for unreliability.  I know that Globalstar is diligently working to re-establish its credibility in the marketplace. [JWR Adds: On August 28, 2013, it was announced that after a one billion dollar investment, Globalstar has resumed full operations, with their second generation constellation of satellites. So it is now functionally comparable with Iridium. Time will tell if they’ve successfully worked all of the kinks out. Most industry analysts are confident that they have.] 

THURAYA

The Thuraya constellation consists of two high earth orbit (HEO) satellites in similar orbits to those of Inmarsat.  Since there are only two satellites (compared with Inmarsat’s three) Thuraya cannot provide worldwide coverage.  The Americas are not within the Thuraya footprint.  Thuraya covers most of Europe, Northern Africa, Asia and Australia.

Thuraya is not without its attributes.  It supports high speed data.  The actual handsets are considerably smaller than either the Iridium or Isatphone Pro.  Thuraya handsets are comparably priced with the Isatphone Pro. 

None of us know what is going to happen, if it’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, how long it’s going to last or how bad it’s going to be.  Neither do we know how much warning we’ll have, if any.  We only know this can’t end well.  We prepare for the worst but we hope for the best. 

Now I know that preparing is about establishing self-reliance, off the grid self-reliance.  Don’t need anyone for anything.  Yet man is not an island.  We are social animals and that is not going to change regardless of what does or does not happen.  It may have to take a back seat for a while but we’re not going to change. 

Imagine for a moment, not being able to personally communicate with anyone outside of shouting distance.   Just because things might go to hell in a hand basket doesn’t mean we no longer will need to communicate with our kids on the other side of the country, or our parents in Florida or Arizona not to mention our “group”… which just may not be where we need them to be when it hits the fan.  Again, if we had a clear road map as to how this will all ultimately go down, well, we may not need a lot of things.  But we don’t.   

Handheld satellite telephones (even the more expensive models) are a fraction of the cost of ham radio equipment.  They require no license or registration.   They require no formal instruction in fact, if you can operate a cell phone you can operate a sat phone.  Perhaps most importantly, they allow for personal and private one to one communications with anyone on the planet, at any time, for any reason.

I know we’re not all in same place on the preparedness spectrum and it can be almost impossible to talk with family or friends who may not yet see the world as we see it, but people change.  We did.  They will too. 

Make a list of those folks with whom you would like to remain in contact.  It may be a short list to start but it will grow as more and more people become enlightened.  Exchange satellite phone numbers with each other.  Establish a list of contacts.  Consider the possibility of someone maintaining a discreet list of like-minded satellite phone owners.  It’s not far-fetched.  It may be a new idea to many of us but not to all.  Lists like this already exist all over the country.

About the Author: I’m a survivalist and an entrepreneur with a passion for blue water sailing.  My wife and I founded International Satellite Services in 1996 while living on a remote island in the Northwest Caribbean. Our company provides portable satellite Internet and voice solutions for individuals and businesses operating in remote areas off the grid.  We provide services via the Inmarsat, Iridium, Lightsquared and Thuraya Satellite Networks.

Letter Re: HK 9X Series Rifles Handling for Left-Handers

Dear Captain Rawles,
I have not trained with a PTR-91 but have only handled them in a Cabela’s store. I really like them and am especially fond of the wood stock versions, my wife even likes how they look in wood furnishings ( a key attribute in making a major purchase) The sights are even nice.
One thing I haven’t figured out is how, as a lefty, to manipulate the far forward mounted charging handle. Even with a 37″ sleeve on a 6′-3″-tall lanky guy I just can’t reach that far to charge the weapon while still mounted to my left shoulder.
Is there is some training protocol, short of completely taking the weapon off shoulder and cheek weld and off target to rack the bolt?
Or is it entirely not necessary in changing mags to even access this lever?
I came away with the feeling it was a dedicated right handed weapon.

JWR Replies: As a left-hander, you will have to break your cheek weld if you completely empty a magazine on a HK 9(X) series rifle.  (HK 91/93/94 and clones thereof.) Mel Tappan and others have advocated loading the last two or three rounds of each magazine with tracers, as a visual mag swap reminder. (One proviso: tracers are not legal to shoot in some localities. Consult your state and local laws.) With enough practice on rifles that are equipped with a “paddle” magazine release, magazines can be changed for either the right or left shoulder shooters without breaking your cheek weld. And if you switch magazines often, then you won’t have to touch the charging handle at all. Granted, remembering to do so is easier said than done, in the heat of combat. (An aside: By God’s grace, I’ve never been in a gunfight, but I’m confident that regular practice and accumulated muscle memory will carry me through.)

As for the second part of your question: What if you are left-handed and do shoot the rifle completely dry? If you practice, then you can learn to pivot an HK rifle about 60 degrees along its axis without removing from your shoulder, then cycle (or slap) the charging handle with you right hand, and then quickly pivot it back. If you practice this “snap pivot” enough times, then it will become ingrained muscle memory.  It seems that the difference between average shooters and the Miculeks of the world for any particular weapon manipulation is about 3,000 consistent repetitions.

Recipe of the Week:

Robin H.’s Bread Pudding

This is a simple, easy to make recipe for a quick dessert or breakfast item. It is my mother’s version of Bread Pudding.

1 large mixing bowl
1 loaf of cheap, sandwich sliced bread (or your leftover breads that haven’t been eaten yet)
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbs vanilla extract
Milk
9×9 ish sized baking dish

Take your bread and tear it into pieces and place into mixing bowl.
Dampen with a splash of water to wet the bread, don’t soak it.
Add in your 2 eggs and vanilla and sugar and stir around to mix the sugar up.
Add enough milk to make it the texture of soupy chowder.
Pour into greased baking dish.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Test top with fork. It should be thick and soft and not mushy.
You’re done!

You can add fruit to it or cover it with evaporated milk. Or toss some butter on top while it is still hot. I even make it with less sugar, place it into small dessert dishes, then make a cream to top it out of milk and sweetened condensed milk.
It is inexpensive, easy, quick (3 minutes to make) and feeds quite a few. Growing up poor in the mountains of NC it was nice to have a hot dessert that was good the next morning cold for breakfast.

Useful Recipe and Cooking Links:

The best bread pudding recipe

Puddings From Scratch

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

Odds ‘n Sods:

New Tactic – Gun Haters Post No-Guns-Allowed Stickers on Storefronts without Consent

   o o o

Billionaire Bunkers: Beyond the Panic Room, Home Security Goes Sci-Fi (Kudos to J.B.G. for the link.)

   o o o

“When a right devolves into a privilege…”, this happens: Australian police find 328 guns, 4.2 tons of ammo at farm. The Aussie police say: “These firearms are very disturbing.” But I say: “This distrust of the citizenry is very disturbing.” (Thanks to Mark X. for the link.)

   o o o

The folks at Homestead Drying Racks have announced a big sale on drying racks and their DVDs. They are offering 10% off the drying racks and 50% off on the DVDs. The sale on the racks ends on Dec 8, and the sale on the DVDs ends on Dec 15th.

   o o o

Molon Labe: The Battle Cry Of Free Men

Note from JWR:

It was 90 years ago today that an international commission led by Charles G. Dawes was established to investigate the German economy, which was still in throes of the Weimar Republic hyperinflation. Dawes was the man who had planned Germany’s painful war reparations. (Which of course were part of what triggered the hyperinflation.) He would soon be Vice President, serving under Cal Coolidge. Dawes had a second life as a well-known music composer. He was also co-recipient of the Nobel Prize.

Writing Contest Winners for Round 49

Today we are announcing the winners of Round 49 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.

First Prize goes to TX ER DOC, for So, You Bought Fish Antibiotics. Now What?, posted on November 20, 2013. He will receive: 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, and I.) VPN tunnel, DigitalSafe and private e-mail annual subscriptions from Privacy Abroad. They have a combined value of $265.

Second Prize goes to Stephanie M. for Your Retreat’s Privy, posted on November 13, 2013. She will receive: 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 FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 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 23 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $210 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize goes to Michael B. for From Just Surviving Life to a Life of Survival Preparedness, posted on November 2, 2013. He will receive: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.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security., F.) A MURS Dakota Alert Base Station Kit with a retail value of $240 from JRH Enterprises , and G.) A Nesco / American Harvest Gardenmaster Dehydrator with an extra set of trays, and the book The Dehydrator Bible, from Mayflower Trading. (A $210 value.)

Honorable mention prizes ($30 Amazon.com gift certificates) go to the authors of these 14 fine articles::

Note all prize winners: I will need updated e-mail addresses for the Honorable Mentions, and both e-mail and snail mail (UPS & USPS) for the top three prize winners.

New Writing Contest Prizes

To expand the already more than $8,400 worth of prizes, five more companies have very generously announced that they are donating prizes for Round 50 (et sequitur) of the writing contest:

1.) 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.

2.) APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit.

3.) EP Lowers, makers of 80% complete fiber composite polymer lowers for the AR-15 rifles is donating a $250 gift certificate.

4.) Autrey’s Armory — specialists in AR-15, M4s, parts and accessories — is donating a $250 gift certificate.

5.) 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 a retail value of $208. Their bandages are made in Mexico, but use U.S.-grown cotton. For each contest round, they are providing:

20 rolls of 1” Heavy Elastic Tape: $24
1 box of 2” Midlastic Elastic Bandages (10/bx): $17.20
1 box of 3” Midlastic Elastic Bandages (10/bx): $21.20
1 case of 2” Roll Gauze (96/cs): $17.92
1 case of 3” Roll Gauze (96/cs): $24.40
1 case of 4” Roll Gauze (96/cs): $29.76
1 case of 6” Roll Gauze (48/cs): $24.64
1 box of 3” Supra-Grip Self-Closure Elastic Bandages (10/bx): $17.20
1 box of 4” Supra-Grip Self-Closure Elastic Bandages (10/bx): $21.20
1 pack of Extra Large Swab Applicators (50/pk): $10.39  

Total Retail Value: $207.91

Together, these new prizes bring the combined value of the top three prize packages to around $9,400!

All of the contest sponsors deserve your business. Please visit their web stores often!

I should also mention that one former prize has been dropped: The Commence Fire emergency stove. The owner of the company tells me that they are moving on to other projects. And by the way, the rights to produce this proprietary stove design, its web sites, and the tooling needed to make it are presently available, for anyone interested in launching a small business.

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.

Two Letters Re: Homemade Soap Making Instructions

Mr. Rawles,
I’ve been making my own laundry soap for a couple of years now and I’ve found that Zote works a little better than Fels Naptha or Ivory.  Our whites have been whiter since we switched from Fels Naptha to Zote.  I estimate that I’ve spent perhaps just s $15 on laundry supplies over the past two years.  That’s much better than $10 to $12 for a bottle of liquid detergent!

Keep up the good work and God bless your efforts. – Emily S.

Mr. Rawles,
I would like to add to the suggested recipe for laundry detergent presented by JDC in Mississippi.  Having used this same recipe for several years, I can attest to its effectiveness for laundry.  However, I have found a couple of improvements necessary for optimal cleaning.

I found the homemade detergent to leave my whites looking dingy over time.  Also, unlike commercial detergents, this one causes towels to develop an unpleasant odor.  An informal survey of friends who also use this recipe indicated this problem existed for all of us, regardless of the water source or the bar soap used.  Several of us were on municipal water and several use well water.  Different bar soaps were also used.  Some used essential oils, others did not.  We all experienced the same dingy whites and stinky towels. 

Through trial and error, we found a solution that works.  After making the batch of detergent, I store it in a closed 5-gallon bucket and from this bucket, I fill an old detergent bottle for use.  Before adding the detergent to the bottle, I pour in ½ cup of blue-colored liquid commercial laundry detergent.  This adds enough bluing to keep the whites from turning brownish-gray and adds enough fragrance to keep the towels from souring.  My personal preference is the All brand, but others have found success with Tide or Wisk. 

Also, I’ll offer a word of caution based on a lesson I learned the hard way.  For this project, the bucket should be new.  The detergent will absorb odors from the plastic container.  I made the mistake of making my first batch in a thoroughly cleaned pickle bucket that had no discernible odor from its prior contents.  As the weeks progressed, the detergent drew out the odors from the plastic, causing the laundry to smell of pickles.  With kindest regards, – Virginia Mama

Six Letters Re: Source for Custom-Made Web Gear

Mr. Rawles,
My name is Matthew Gibbs. I read through your blog from time to time and find it very informative! I am also an avid reader of your books. They have taught me a lot and really got me thinking. Due to this eye opening thought process. I have managed to wake up several others to some of the things happening in the real world. I thank you for some of the recent changes in my life. (for the better)
 
Anyway, long story short. This evening when reading through your blog, I found a post you made regarding builders of custom products.

I run a small home business in western Nebraska called GBS Holsters. GBS Holsters produces high quality custom Kydex holsters, mag pouches, and knife sheaths. All products are made to order one at a time by hand. I take pride in producing the best possible gear for my customers. The time is taken to give the perfect fit and finish they need.
 
I also have a Facebook page. If you like what you see, and if it applies to the readers of your blog as you see it, please pass my contact info on.
 
Thank you for your time. – Matthew Gibbs

 

JWR,
While I have not used any of their gear, I have seen and heard much good on this company from various trainers such as James Yeager & Cory & Erika. See: Original SOE Gear.

Regards, – Corey G.

 

JWR:
BravoConcealment.com offers Kydex holsters made to order. I just  bought one from these guys out of Texas, it’s an excellent piece, I highly recommend them. – Ash

 

Hi Mr. Rawles,
I just saw your post on SurvivalBlog regarding custom gear and thought I’d chime in with this site for DIY tactical gear makers. The DIYTactical.com web site and forum dedicated to the DIY tactical gear maker crowd and frequently there are offers to do custom work for people. The forums at DIY Tactical are found here. Note that readers might have to scroll through the posts to find forum members who do custom work however at the bottom of the forum page there are listed sponsors who may do custom work.

Thanks for all you do! Happy Thanksgiving! – Jeff H.

James,
The company 101 Holsters is great for kydex work. The company is veteran owned and operated. – J.J.T.

 

Hi CPT Rawles,
My wife and I were just doing our morning reading of SurvivalBlog this morning and came across the article titled “Letter Re: Source for Custom-Made Web Gear”.  In it, your response was that if any readers do those certain types of custom work, to let you know and you will post contact info to connect us with customers.  Two things: First is that I am a disabled vet who does custom Kydex work, as well as makes custom outdoor gear, specifically high tech, four season, emergency shelters that work down to 0* F and set up within 2 minutes.  If anyone wants to contact me they may feel free to do so via email at d.w.brownfamily@gmail.com. The second issue is more important however, and is something I have been considering mentioning to you for the past couple of months.  

For the years that we have been reading and contributing to your blog, you have consistently emphasized two particular issue:  Vote with your feet and get moved to the Redoubt, and develop home-based business.  I agree wholeheartedly with both.  As we purchased property in northern (far northern ) Idaho last year, we are now working on step two, developing home-based (aka “cottage”) business ideas due to the lack of job opportunities in the area, which is what lead to the kydex and gear manufacturing start-ups.  We are finding however that the most difficult thing about this is connecting to the people who want our products.  

I am convinced that a great many of the people who read your blog, especially the type who are even going so far as to uproot their live and seek relocation to the Redoubt, are also the type of folks, who both realize the importance of, as well as want to support local business for “Redoubters”.  I know I would.  The problem is however that there is no centralized, easily accessible location for them to connect, at least not that I have been able to locate.  You have the perfect venue for creating a cottage industries or co-op type corner to be able to do this.  In your readership you certainly have the right combination of home based producers of prepper related products and services, and people with a need for those products and services, who I suspect, would prefer to buy not only American made, but made in the Redoubt as well, if they could only connect.  Why there are always reasons that can be found not to do something, I personally prefer to focus on solutions and benefits vs problems.  I’m not exactly sure what it would take to create some kind of “Redoubt Cottage Corner” or “Co-Op Corner” somewhere on your site, nor is this quick email intended to flesh out such an idea.  Instead, I was hoping to bring an idea to your attention for consideration.  It would be something that I sincerely believe would benefit your readership as a resource for both those of us needing things, as well as those of us providing things, in an economically difficult area.  In essence: Redoubters helping fellow Redoubters.  Supporting our own, if you will.  I’m sure that such an endeavor could also be established so as to benefit SurvivalBlog as well, after all that would only be reasonable right?  If such an idea is something you would consider supporting and give a place to get started, I think you would see something amazing happen, and be doing a real service to a lot of good folks. If not, perhaps you would consider polling your readership to see if there is interest in such idea, and provide a way to connect those of us interested in creating such an arrangement somewhere.  As always, we take your opinions very seriously and would be quite interested in hearing what you think about this. Best wishes to Avalanche Lily and the entire crew at the Rawles Ranch! Highest Regards, – Dan B.