"Civilization, as we know it, is largely the creation of psychopaths. All civilizations, our own included, have been built on slavery and mass murder. Psychopaths have played a disproportionate role in the development of civilization, because they are hard-wired to lie, kill, cheat, steal, torture, manipulate, and generally inflict great suffering on other humans without feeling any remorse, in order to establish their own sense of security through domination." – Andrzej Lobaczewski, in "Political Ponerology: A science on the nature of evil adjusted for political purposes"
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Note from JWR:
Today we present another entry for Round 48 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The 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.) Two BirkSun.com photovoltaic backpacks (one Level, and one Atlas, both black), with a combined value of $275, H.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and I.) 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.
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 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 22 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $200 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).
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.) 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., E.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).
Round 48 ends on September 30th 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.
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The Most Important Preparation You Can Make, by T.M.
Because you are reading SurvivalBlog, I am going to assume you are already well on your way to becoming more self-sufficient. And since I am making that assumption, I will also assume you are making the proper preparations to live that lifestyle. You are acquiring guns and the proper, good quality ammunition, although now impossible to find at a decent price, if you can find it at all. It’s also important to remember the often forgotten parts such as cleaning supplies for your weapons and training such as self-defense, gunsmithing, and ballistic information. You are storing food that is good quality and also long lasting food such as freeze dried. Along with food are water, water storage, and purification tools. Heirloom seeds are another important survival tool. I think this is one of the things that is often overlooked by many these days. On a side note, if you do the math, you pay many times more at the Big Box stores for little tiny seed packets compared to what you would pay by buying the seeds in bulk. When you buy the seeds in bulk, it is imperative that you store the seeds in a dark, dry, and cool place. Be sure to rotate them according to date and use up the old ones or donate them. I always say teach a man to grocery shop for a meal, but teach him to garden and he’ll feed himself for life.
So then what can I offer you in preparation for your survival and your freedom? When I first read JWR‘s books, I realized he had one item of preparedness right that I feel many people overlook. One thing that is so important, that without it, I believe you are in deep trouble.
No, it’s not guns, silver, water, or food. It is much more important than any of those. It is my belief that the most important “survival” item a person can possess is salvation. Some of you may be thinking “Oh no, here we go again, another preachy thing that someone has been trying to talk me into for years.” But please, just hear me out.
I’m not trying to sell you anything, nor am I trying to condemn you. I believe not many people in the “church” today have done a good job of explaining things. Or I’m also willing to bet we “the people of the church” have hurt, betrayed, condemned, or have tried to sell you on something it seems like we don’t live by ourselves. Therefore to you people on the fence or non-believers, I would like to apologize. I would also like to try to explain why I believe some of us people of faith have hindered your growth, or downright turned you away from coming to know what Jesus Christ has truly done for everyone.
First off, I am no expert. I myself have only read the Bible a few times. I do however study it every day and have for several years. I am a 36 year old husband and father of four boys. I am merely a self-proclaimed auto technician “master” who over the past 18 years of working on cars, has spent the last six years studying and listening to the Bible and any radio sermons or podcasts I can find. So enough about me, here’s what I can offer. Or perhaps I should say what God has to offer you. I believe in what the Bible says. I believe that the world is in a “fallen” or evil state. I believe that the Bible is 100% accurate in everything it claims. I believe that all people are sinners and that we are in need of a savior. I believe that Adam and Eve were made in the image of God. Not that God looks like us necessarily, but that they were made spiritually alive and the day they ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they spiritually died. They did go on to die a physical death hundreds of years later. So now that this is a fallen world and we all are in fact sinners and born spiritually dead. I do believe God manifested in flesh, came to Earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead in order to make your salvation possible. But most of all I would like you to understand God’s perfect love and the acceptance he has for you. I don’t believe you can start understanding, until you understand his forgiveness. Jesus died for you without you asking him to. He also died without you doing anything for him. Because of what He did, God now perfectly loves and accepts you. If you accept and acknowledge that you are a sinner and you are in need of a savior, He will accept you into his kingdom. God forgave you because of his perfect love for you.
I truly believe that seeking a relationship with God and realizing that you can only be saved because of what Jesus did for you, is the best preparation you can make for yourself and your family. While it is important to be responsible, take care of your family, and have the necessary tools and items, the time here is like a blink of an eye compared to eternity. Once you start to understand your God’s love, you will have the most freedom you can experience here on Earth. And once you understand God’s love and forgiveness, you will not be bound by this Earth nor the people or government on it. It is the one and only survival tool that follows you everywhere. It never wears out or needs replacing. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor you are, because it’s 100% free. It is the true prep for your future. It is my belief that if you invest in your relationship with God, it will pay you back more than anything or anyone can. I know without a doubt, if you seek him, you will find him. You may not always find ministries that have pure and good intentions. And you may not get true doctrine taught. If anyone says or teaches that it’s Jesus plus this or that, you may want to question their teachings. It is Jesus… it is only Jesus. What he offers is available to you all. No matter what race, class, age, no matter what you have done. No matter how bad you think you have sinned, he waits for you. I think once you start to understand Jesus and what he has done for you all, you will begin to understand his love and the completeness of his forgiveness. I came to Christ many years ago, but only in the past few years did I understand the complete forgiveness we all have received. Only through this will you start to know God’s love. So when I think of survival, true survival, I can think of no better way than living for eternity with God. What better prep can you offer your friends and family? So I beg you all, please consider God as your most valued “prep”.
God will never leave you nor let you down. Trust me, if you seek him, you will absolutely find him. I’m not asking you for any money or trying to sell you anything. I only want you to experience God’s love, forgiveness and friendship. I know of many free resources for anyone who wants it. After a lot of consideration, I decided not to post them. I’m not affiliated with any one church or resource, and I don’t want people to think I’m drumming up donations for these people. But if anyone has questions on anything Biblical or wants any resources, I’d be happy to help in any way I can.
So the ball is truly in your court. God waits for every single one of you. So if you want to be saved, it is very simple. What must you do? Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:30-31). Why do you need to be saved? We are all infected with sin (Romans 3:23). We are all born into sin (Psalm 51:5). We all choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Sin is what caused us to be spiritually dead…”unsaved”. Because the penalty of sin is infinite and eternal, only Jesus could pay the penalty. Jesus has fully paid for all of our sins and has already done all of the work necessary for your salvation. Just receive what he has done for you. Believe in faith what Jesus Christ alone has done for you. Believe in him and you will never perish (John 3:16). Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6). Growing to know Christ is a wonderful journey that will fulfill every need your heart has and in every step of the way, you can be confident that God loves you (Matthew 28:20).
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Letter Re: Question on Preparedness Course
Jim:
I’m planning to get the “Rawles Gets You Ready Preparedness Course.” Does it have any details on the shelf lives of foods like beans, rice, canned goods, and vitamins?
Thanks So Much, – K.S.
JWR Replies: Yes, and in fact the shelf life appendix (in tabular format) is quite extensive, spanning 15 pages. You can of course print out a hard copy, for your reference binder.
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Odds ‘n Sods:
Troll culture has reached the border of free Michigan: Labor Day ‘Mackinac Bridge Walk’ will feature warrantless bag searches. (Thanks to F.G. for the link.)
o o o
The Buzz on a Bumper Crop of Yellow Jackets. [JWR Adds: My readers throughout the Inland Northwest have confirmed my own local observations that this summer has been light on mosquitoes, but heavy on yellow jacket wasps and bald faced hornets. ]
o o o
News from Nanny State Britannia: A knitting group said it was no longer allowed to meet at a library because its needles are “dangerous” and its members are too noisy. (Thanks to Andre D. for the link.)
o o o
I see that Walther is still concentrating on what they’ve always done best: pocket pistols.
o o o
Speaking of pocket rockets, most folks have already heard about the factory recall of Springfield 3.3 XD-S pistols in certain serial number ranges. (Thanks to Nick G. for the link.)
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Jim’s Quote of the Day:
"Men cannot give a meaning to history that they themselves lack, nor can they honor a past which indicts them for their present failures." – R. J. Rushdoony (Biblical Philosophy of History, p. 135)
Notes from JWR:
September is the annual Kilted to Kick Cancer Month. That was a wise move guys, not picking January. (Brrrr!) September is of course also National Preparedness Month.
—
Today we present Part 4 of a four-part entry for Round 48 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The 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.) Two BirkSun.com photovoltaic backpacks (one Level, and one Atlas, both black), with a combined value of $275, H.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and I.) 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.
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 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 22 of the books published by PrepperPress.com. This is more than a $200 value, and G.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).
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.) 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., E.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).
Round 48 ends on September 30th 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.
Stuff Hitting the Fan: A Position Paper – Part 4, by R.L.
(This is the conclusion to the article series that began on Friday.)
Appendix A
The following is essentially a “wish” list; however the items that are in bold are relatively important. The tools and medical areas would be for a complement for 1-10 people. The sundries area covers a family of six. The food area is for one person for one year, multiply (or divide) as you see fit. There is extra food included for charitable impulses. Coordinate purchases among the group if you plan to congregate. I live in Georgia, so the clothing and supplies are tailored for that area; make modifications to the list to accommodate your particular AO or preferences. The weapons list really is a bare minimum. The anvil included in the lists is a clue that I plan on bugging in, rather than bugging out. (Bugging out, while it may become necessary, is just a fancy way of saying “refugee.”)
TOOLS
Shovel, round point (2) Shovel, square point
spade Hoe (2)
Entrenching tool Machete
Pick Mattock
Wheelbarrow
Post hole digger
Axe, double bit Axe, single bit
Hatchet, framing Chainsaw,
16″ bar Chainsaw blades
Hard hat/face shield/ear muffs Peavey
Log dogs (4) Froe
Steel wedges (6) Splitting maul
Block and Tackle (2) Crowbar, large
Crowbar, small Pry bar, small
pinch bar Pulleys, large (6)
Pulleys, medium (6) Pulleys, small (6)
Chain hoist Chain, 30′
Come-along
12 lb sledge hammer 8 lb sledge hammer
4 lb engineers hammer 4 lb cross peen hammer
40 oz ball peen hammer 40 oz straight peen hammer
40 oz ball peen hammer 32 oz cross peen hammer
24 oz framing hammer (2) 20 oz bricklayers hammer
16 oz nail hammer (4) 14 oz Mallet
16 oz ball peen hammer 12 oz Warrington hammer
Tack hammer
24″ Jointing plane 12″ Jack plane
9″ Smoothing plane 4″ block plane
Compass plane Rabbet Plane
Radius plane Chamfer plane
Adze, large Adze, small
Broad axe Draw knife
#80 Scraper holder Spoke shave (2)
Scrapers (3) Wood chisels, 2″-1/4″
Corner chisel, 1/2″ Corner chisel, 1/4″
Framing Chisel, 1″ Framing Chisel, 2″
Socket Slick, 2″
10 tooth crosscut saw (2) 8 tooth crosscut saw
5 tooth rip saw Hack saw (2)
Mini-hacksaw Dovetail saw
Compass saw Keyhole saw
Coping saw Coping saw blades (50)
Back saw 1-man timber saw
12″ Bow/hack saw 12″ blades (20)
30″ bow saw (3) 30″ blades (20)
Bow saw Bow saw blades, Asst.
Frame saw
Brace, large Brace, med
Brace, corner Bits, 2″-1/4″
Twist drill (2) Twist drills, (2 sets)
Brad point drills Screw starter bits
Pencils, carpenter (40) Pencils, regular (40)
Chalk line (2) Chalk, 1 gal
Marking chisel
Combination square Compass
Dividers Framing square
Speed square Plumb bob, brass (2)
25′ tape (3) 100′ tape
Folding rule 4′ level
2′ level Torpedo level
Line level (2) Water level
Pipe clamps, 6′ (8) C-clamps, Asst. sizes (20)
Wood vise, 12″ (3) Hold downs (7)
Work bench Shaving Horse
cat’s claw nail belt, leather
nail belt, cloth (4) Wood glue (3 gal)
Wood glue, small bottle glue brushes, 18
Nail sets, 4 Mason’s trowel
Putty knife (3) Sandpaper
Sanding block Peg sizer
Box knife (3) Straight blades (100)
Hook blades (20) Saw set
Bicycle tire pump Traps (Asst.)
Plumbing fittings, valves, pipes, etc
20d nails (100 lbs) 16d nails (100 lbs)
8d nails, box (100 lbs) Wood screws (50 lbs)
Fence staples (50 lbs) 1-3/4″ Roofing nails (50 lbs)
8d finish nails (40 lbs) 1 3/4″ lead head roofing nails (30 lbs)
4d finish nails (20 lbs) Concrete cut nails (20 lbs)
16d double headed nails (10 lbs) Wire brads (3 lb)
Tool box, mechanical 1/2″ drive socket set
3/8″ drive socket 1/4″ drive socket set
Screwdriver set Asst. bits for 1/4″ drive handle
Extra #2 Phillips Extra 5/16″ flat screwdriver
3/16″-2″ box end wrench set (2) 4mm-23mm box end wrench set
Pliers, side cutting (3) Pliers, slip joint
Pliers, linesman Pliers, needle nose (2)
Pliers, electrical Vise grips, Asst. (6)
Crescent wrench set (3) Water pump pliers (3)
Fence pliers (2) Scissors (2)
Staple gun T-50 staples (3000)
Glass cutter (2) Sharpening stones, Asst. (6)
India ink (1 pt)
Anvil Forge
Stump vise Manual powered blower
12V DC blower Hardies/mandrels
Mechanics vise, 8″ Wire brush (3)
Leather work gloves Leather apron
Coal, 700 lbs Files, Asst. (20)
Solder irons (2) solder, 5 lb
Tongs (7) Pipe wrench (2), 14″
Tin snips (3) Sheet metal flattener
Swage block Oil, 2 gal
Shears Tap and die set
Punches, chisels Grinding wheel
Hacksaw blades (50) Oxy-acetylene rig
Propane torch Propane bottles (50)
TRADING SUPPLIES
Clorox Disposable lighters
Soap Salt
Pepper Candles
Nails, 16d, Needles/thread
Fish hooks Coffee
Kerosene
WEAPONS, Long guns (minimum)
Centerfire bolt-action rifle (w/ scope) 12 or 20 Ga. pump shotgun, full stock
.22 rifle .177 Pellet rifle
WEAPONS, Handguns (minimum)
.357/.38 – 4″ bbl
Ammunition
.Centerfire ammo (200) 12 or 20 Ga rifled slugs (50)
12 or 20 Ga #0 buck (100) 12 or 20 Ga #4 (100)
12 or 20 Ga #7-1/2 (100) .22 LR HP high-vel (1,500)
.177 pellets (1,000) .357/.38 HP (200)
Other Weapons
8″ knife Survival knife (1)
Swiss Army Knives (2) Power pliers (1)
Single recurve bow w/ arrows Cleaning kit, base
Cleaning kit, field (2) Solvent, 2 pints
Oil, 4 pint Grease, 4 med tubes
Eye goggles (2) Ear protection (5)
Bow strings (2) Holster
Extra magazines (where required) Spare parts, springs, sears, pins, etc.
Spare scope
FISHING GEAR
5′ spinning outfit, med action (2) Tackle box, med spinning gear
Net Trot line hooks, 200
SUNDRIES
Cast iron Dutch Oven (2) Cast iron frying pan (3)
Pots (4) Cast iron griddle
Bread pans (7) Coffee pot
Meat grinder Grain grinder (2)
Metal grate for outside oven Copper pads
Kitchen knives (7) Asst. utensils
P-38 can openers (7) Asst. dishes
Hand water pump Tripod
Bell 20 yds Cotton cloth
Canning Supplies (300 jars w/ lids) Wool blankets (12)
4″ foam pad, 84″ x 60″ (6) Pillow ticking
Pillow (6) Sleeping bag (6)
Pup tent (2) Cabin tent
ALICE pack w/ frame (2) Day pack (4)
Large pack w/ frame Compass (4)
Area map (6) Binoculars (2)
BIC lighters (24) Ball bearings, 50
Stick matches, 30 boxes
Survival Kits (6)
Swiss Army pocketknife
razor blade
bic lighter
magnesium starter
twine
hooks
line
sinkers
container
button compass
space blanket
Water purification tabs (100)
LC-2 belt (2) LC-H suspenders (2)
Canteen w/ cup w/ holder (4) Shotgun pouch (4)
LC-2 first aid kit (6) LC-2 butt pack (2)
Compass pouch (2) G-3 mag pouch (2)
BAJA waterproof bags (6) LBE rubber bands (20)
Trioxane bars (100) Survival cards (2)
Light sticks (48) Signal mirror (6)
Sewing kit
needles, Asst., 100
thread, Asst., 50 spools
buttons, Asst., 100
pins, 500
Watch Zip-lock bags
Kerosene Lamps (7) Kerosene lantern, (3)
Funnels (3) Gas lantern
Propane lanterns (2) Propane stove, 2 burner
Propane stove, 1 burner Propane tanks, 5 gal, 3
Adapter kit for lantern/stove LP 2 Propane adapter
Candles (70) Extra wicks/globes/mantles
LED flashlight (3) Red lenses (3)
D cells, Ni-Cd (12) AA cells, Ni-Cd (21)
12 volt battery, Storage (2) Solar charger(s)
Extra bulbs (6) Radio, shortwave w/ antenna
Radio, AM/FM Scanner
CB base station SSB CB handhelds, 3, SSB
Sound powered phones, 6 IR Detectors, 3
Phone cable, 700 ft. Phone jacks
Asst. coaxial adapters Hand powered DC generator
Gas powered DC generator, 12V 12/3 Copper Romex wire (500 ft)
Twist connectors (700) 16 Ga stranded wire (700 ft)
Jumper cables (3) Butane operated soldering iron
Butane canisters (7)
General purpose electronic repair items
transistors
IC’s
Switches, GP
resistors
caps
fuses
CB crystals
solder wick
solder/flux
Soap bars (300) Soap, liquid, 3 gals
Toothpaste, tubes (12) Tooth brushes (12)
Floss, dental (20) Towels, hand (7)
Towels, bath (12) TP (300 rolls)
Boots, hiking (2 pr ea) Boots, Shoe-pacs w/ felt liner (1 pr ea)
Shoes (2 pr ea) Socks (20 pr ea)
Poncho w/ liner (1 ea) leather gloves (3 pr ea)
Work gloves, (12 pr ea) Mittens (1 pr ea)
Underwear (12 pr ea) Pants, (4 pr ea)
Shirts, (4 ea) T-shirt, (6 ea)
T-shirt, (6 ea) Shorts, (4 ea)
Parka (1 ea) Jacket (1 ea)
Travel vest Hat, floppy
Belts (2 ea)
Paper, 8.5 x 11 (3,000 sheets) Area Maps
Manila folders (50) pencils/pens (4 ea) w/ refills
Gum erasers 3X5 cards, 200
Books (many) Bibles (10)
Coffee cups (6) Guitar
Strings (3 sets) case
Wood burning Stove Leather sewing needles
Tarp, 12’x16′ (1) Tarps, 12’x10′ (2)
40 gal tub (2) Washboard
Broom (2) Mop (2)
Bucket, metal (7) Bucket, plastic (7)
Gold pan Figure-8 breaker bar
K1 Kerosene, 25 gal Unleaded gas, 55 gal
White gas, 5 gal Gasoline can, 5 gal (10)
Water cans, 5 gal (3) Sta-Bil gas stabilizer (for 55 gals)
55 gal drums, 4 Gasoline pump, manual
Wire mesh Baling wire, 1000′
Fencing, 100’x 5′, 6 rolls Chicken wire, 100’x 3′, 6 rolls
Hardware cloth, 1/4″ (20′) Hardware cloth, 1/2″ (100′)
Rope, 3/4″ braided nylon (200′) Rope, 1/2″ braided nylon (400′)
Rope, sisal, 1/4″ (1000′) Rope, Parachute cord (700′)
Mason’s twine (700′) Heavy-duty Mason’s twine (700′)
Twine (2000′) Waxed lacing (1000′)
2″ Nylon strap, 20′ Cement, fire clay, (100 lbs)
Portland Cement, (2100 lbs) Tin roofing, 1000 sq ft
3/4″ Plywood, 3 sheets 1″ plastic pipe, 100 ft
Solid drain pipe Diverter valve for pipe ???
Burlap bags (100) hose clamps, 25
Stove pipe, 25′ Stove pipe elbows, caps, terminations,
Sheet metal, 4’x4′ (7 pcs) Asst. nuts, bolts and hardware
Spray bottles, 3 Hydraulic bottle jack, 12T (2)
PVC, 3/4 X 16′, 24 pcs PVC crossovers, 12
PVC T’s, 12 3/4″ copper pipe, 100′
1″ copper pipe, 20′ Misc copper fittings, 30
30 wt tar paper (10 rolls) Plastic sheet, 10 mil, 3 rolls
Screen wire (100 ft roll) Glass panes, 1′ x 1′, 20 pcs
Glazing putty, 2 1 pt cans Cheese cloth, 1 roll
Clorox, 30 gal Ammonia, 1 gal
Lye, 3 gal Iodine, 21 oz
Silicon sealant RIT dye, earth colors (4 pkgs)
Axle grease (3 lb) Bar oil for chain saw, 5 gal
10W-40 Motor oil, 24 qt 30W Non-detergent Motor oil, 24 qt
Dextron II Automatic Tran fluid, 4 qt Mineral spirits, 4 qt
Acetone, 4 qt Oil to mix w/ gas for saw, 2 qt
WD-40, 2 gal Locktite
PVC glue, 3 bottles Boric acid, 2 qt
Sevin dust (100 lbs) Linseed oil (3 gal)
Turpentine (3 gal) Electrical tape (12 rolls)
Duct tape (30 rolls) Dichotomous earth, 50 lbs
FOOD
Hard Red Wheat, 100 lbs Dent Corn, 100 lbs
Rice, 100 lbs Spelt, 30 lbs
Barley, 30 lbs Pinto beans, 60 lbs
Kidney beans, 10 lbs Millet, 10, lbs
Lentils, 10 lbs Great Northern beans, 10 lbs
Pasta, 70 lbs Cheese powder, 10 lbs
Cheese, 10 lbs Flour, 10 lbs
Dried Potatoes, 5 lbs Dried Onions, 10 qts
Dried fruit, 20 qts Dried vegetables, 30 qts
Coffee, 20 lbs Oil/Crisco, 7 gal
Powdered milk, 30 lbs Beef stock, 7 lbs
Salt, 20 lbs Pepper, 2 lbs
Soup, 70 pkgs Canned tomatoes, 70 cans
Peanut butter, 10 lbs Sugar, 20 lbs
Kool-Aid, 30 pkgs Honey, 3 gal
Corn syrup, 1 gal Powdered butter, 3 lbs
Cocoa, 3 lbs Yeast, 3 lb
Baking powder, 3 cans Baking soda, 7 boxes
Vinegar, 1 gal Chili powder, 3 cans
Garlic powder, 3 cans Soy sauce, 1 bottles
Italian seasoning, 1 cans Vanilla extract, 3 bottles
Maple Syrup, 3 bottles Lemon juice, 1 gal
Ascorbic acid, 2 lbs Molasses, 1 bottle
Additional canned gods can be substituted for grains above
5 gal plastic food buckets, 25 5 gal lids, 25
1 gal metal food cans, 30
Seed, non-hybrid
Corn
Squash
Tomato
Carrot
Zucchini
Cabbage
et al
Vitamins (300) Coffee filters, 100
Rennet Whiskey, 3 gal
MREs, 30
MEDICAL KIT
Bag, main Bag, surplus
Ace bandages (7) Large bandages (21)
Burn dressings, (4) Butterfly sutures (40)
Triangular bandage Band-aids, Asst. sizes, 300
Wooden cotton swabs, 100 Adhesive tape, 1″ and 2″ (10 rolls)
Alcohol wipes, 100 2×2 gauze pads, 200
4×4 gauze pads, 100 Cotton balls
BP cuff Stethoscope
Otiscope Teaspoon
Thermometers, 3 Flashlight, AA x 2
Chemical ice pack Measuring cup
Snake bite kit Rubber gloves (24 pr)
Soap, 3 bars prescription glasses, 2 pr
Hypodermics (3) 100 proof Grain alcohol (3 qts)
Needles Lidocaine
Hemostats (7) Needle holders (2)
Scissors (3) Scalpels (3)
Lancets Wire cutters
Pliers Tooth extraction pliers
Dental mirror Dental pick
Hacksaw blade Suture materials, Asst. (20 sets)
Surgical tubing, 20 feet IV sets
Catheters Plaster of Paris
Space Blankets (3) Suction device
Urine Test Kits (2) Pregnancy test kits (3)
Magnifier/30X microscope AA Batteries (4)
Magnet eye patches (3)
Cotton bats, 7 boxes Safety pins, pkg 100
Tweezers (5) Toenail clippers
Lighter
Zinc oxide Alcohol, 2 qt
Iodine, 7 oz Betadine, 4 qt
Liniment, 1 qt 1% hydrocortisone, 3 tubes
Hydrogen peroxide, 2 qt Tylenol, 250
Aspirin, 700 Nyquil, 1 bottle
Baking soda, 7 box Salt, 1 box
Calamine lotion, 1 bottle Activated charcoal, 24 oz
Decongestant, 3 bottles Imodium AD, 12 pkg
Oil of cloves, 7 bottles Benadryl, 3 bottles
Benadryl cream, 1 tube Alka-seltzer, 300 pkgs
Pepcid AC, 100 Vaseline, 1 sm jar
Oral-jel, 3 tubes Dental filling material, 2 tubes
Lice Rx (Permethrin) Rehydrating solution
Ammonia inhalant, 7 Epidrine pens, 3
Codeine or Demerol, 100 tabs Anti-biotic ointment, 21 tubes
Anti-biotic, oral, 300 tabs Anti-fungal cream, 3 tubes
Moisturizing cream, 3 tube
Bag, personal size (2)
Ace Bandage
Band-Aids, 12
Anti-biotic ointment, 1
Large Bandage, 1
Butterfly Bandage, 3
2X2 gauze, 7
Aspirin, 12
Whiskey, 1/2 pt
Letter Re: Some Off-Grid Living Techniques
Mr. Rawles,
Thank you for a great blog site. I’d like to share some techniques we use every day at our off-grid homestead that would be applicable for grid-down living
With 280 watts of solar panels in the southern plains, a good Xantrex controller, three marine deep-cycle batteries and an inverter we power a 9 cubic foot freezer-turned-refrigerator fitted with an analog temperature controller, a portable dvd player used nightly for movies and documentaries, 1 to 3 small fans in summer, a netbook computer, and a couple of compact fluorescent lights along with charging cell phones and cordless tools and even running a sewing machine on sunny days.
In our experience a homemade composting bucket is the best choice for human waste disposal and if properly constructed and maintained can even be kept and used in the house. An outhouse works but I have yet to visit one that was particularly pleasant (read – I usually come out blue in the face or gagging.) Chemical toilets are just plain gross as well. Separately-collected urine makes a great garden fertilizer. [JWR Adds: Readers are warned that the risks of using composted human feces for garden fertilizing far outweigh the benefits.]
We have used a bio-sand or slow sand filter for water filtration exclusively for several years. They are used the world over and work well for biological contaminants. One can be constructed for $100 or less. Ours is housed in a plastic 55-gallon drum. Plans and information are available on line. Google “bio-sand filter”
Off-grid clothes washing is much facilitated by pre-soaking clothes for an hour or so up to overnight with 1/2 cup ammonia added to the water (if adequate water supplies are available.) Ammonia is a great clothes cleaner and really cuts grease plus it takes much less water to rinse out. Gray water containing ammonia seems to cause no harm to garden plants. Borax, on the other hand, can kill or damage plants. The little pressure washers, plungers and other gimmicky laundry aids have been a waste of money for us. A washboard, a scrub brush (for jeans) and elbow grease will get clothes clean just as easily. In a long-term grid-down situation lye leached from wood ashes will clean clothes. One thing to remember in considering SHTF clothes washing strategies is that without adequate rinsing clothes both stay dirty and attract even more dirt from the soap trapped in the fibers. It may be that an ammonia/water or lye water soak and one quick rinse is the best option. Bedding can be freshened between infrequent washings by hanging it in the sun and the breeze.
Five gallons of water is easily enough for a bath even for a woman who wants to shave, condition hair, etc. For example: wet down a little, wash hair without overdoing the shampoo, wash body, rinse. Apply conditioner (again, don’t overdo it), shave and scrub feet and nails with the water that’s accumulated in the bottom of the tub, rinse again. You’re done in 5 gallons and most likely will have a little water left for a final rinse of the rag. An oval, shallow black poly stock watering tank makes a great bathtub that even a child can move and empty. – Judy B.
News From The American Redoubt:
A great new Ttabs ultralight flying video has been posted, showing some touch-and-gos: Elk River, Idaho.The last gorgeous minute of the video relates the enormity of the forested expanse that lies east of the more agricultural Palouse Hills region.
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The Couch Bunker (made in Spokane, Washington) attracted some attention down at the Fort Worth, Texas Hunting show. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)
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Buck Knives–a company that wisely relocated from California to Post Falls, Idaho, several years ago–is continuing to prosper. They have released many new American-made products in 2013, most of which are made in the American Redoubt: The Clearwater Series Fillet Knives (named after the Clearwater River in north-central Idaho), the Micarta Harvest Series, the Survival/Tactical Knives Buck/Hood Thug (based on the designs of the late Ron Hood), the Reaper, the Intrepid L & XL, the Sentry, the Everyday SpitFire, and Camping/Hiking Stowaway Kit, and the Endeavor. I should mention that Buck is an example of a company that dabbled with offshoring, but decided to move the majority of their production back to the United States. That is commendable.
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All (libertarian) roads lead to The American Redoubt. The logical development of one man’s relocation thought process is described here: State of Bliss.
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Some news from Idaho: Tax Commission eyes 12-year-old raspberry seller
Economics and Investing:
Jim Rogers – US & Syria War, Printing Money = Market Collapse. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)
G.G. sent: Labor Participation Rate Hits 34 Year Low
I noticed that spot silver was solidly over $24 per Troy ounce in London trading on Monday, and gold was bouncing around $1,390 per Troy ounce. If there is war in the Middle East, we can expect to see substantially higher metals prices. This might be a good time to further diversify out of Dollars and into physical silver.
Items from The Economatrix:
Syria Crisis Could Send Oil Toward ’08 Highs: Schoenberger
Peter Schiff – Don’t Bet Against Gold! The Price Will Only Go Up!
Odds ‘n Sods:
F.J. suggested: Make a Reaping Hook
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Reader Joe S. found a great resource for anyone with an interested in First Generation Cummins 5.9 Liter Six-Cylinder Diesels: 1989 – 1991 Ram Diesel Engine Specs
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Attention southpaws: I heard that Autrey’s Armory has announced a special for SurvivalBlog readers on Rock River Operator carbines in left hand configuration. They have
8 of these available. Full retail on these is $1,360, but Autrey’s sells these for $1,175.99. But if you send an e-mail and mention that you saw them mentioned in SurvivalBlog, they will knock off a further $100.) They have four flat tops and four Dominator mounts, for EoTech additions.
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M.E.R. sent us this: Texas Official Preparing for Independence
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Jim’s Quote of the Day:
“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.” – Benjamin Franklin
Note from JWR:
This is the last day of the sale on New Gen 3+ Pinnacle autogated ITT/Exelis PVS-14 night vision monocular/scopes with five year warranty, at JRH Enterprises. In addition to all the standard accessories, JRH is also including for a free weapons mount and and free shuttered eye guard with this unit, all for just $2,595.