Pat’s Product Review: Montie Gear Slingshot

Although my body is growing older, my mind is still stuck at age 27 – and at times, my mind is even younger than that. I hope this never changes, once the mind grows old, then the body will grow even older – faster! While I can’t do the things I used to do (physically) when I was much younger, there’s still a lot of “fun” left in me.
 
I grew up in Chicago, and like most kids at that time, and in my neighborhood, we were pretty poor, except back then, we didn’t know we were poor. We entertained ourselves in a lot of different ways. Back then, the television only had four stations, so there really wasn’t much to watch compared to today, where people have hundreds of different television channels to watch, and complain that “there’s nothing on…” As a kid, my friends and I often played marbles – we could play for hours on end. We also fashioned home made slingshots from tree branches. Most of the time, those slingshots didn’t even last a day. And, for ammo, we used rocks – we never ran short of ammo in those days. Yeah, and like most kids my age back then, we got into a little trouble with our slingshots by shooting out windows of abandoned buildings. I guess that wasn’t so bad, compared to the trouble kids get into these days – like taking guns to school and killing their classmates. Nope, back then, we didn’t get into nearly the trouble kids get into today.
 
When I grew older, I purchased a store-bought slingshot – made out of some kind of hardwood, and it lasted a good long time. The only thing that needed replacing from time-to-time, was the rubber band used for propelling the ammo, more often than not, the rubber band was made out of an old tire inner tube (remember those days, when we had tubes in our tires?). I’ve also had some other better made slingshots pass through my hands over the years, and they were really a lot of fun, and very well-made, too.
 
Montie Gear has a new slingshot called the “Y-Shot” and I’m here to tell you, hands down, this is the best-made slingshot I’ve ever run across – PERIOD! The all-aluminum frame is made out of 1/2″ thick aluminum plate, cut with a water jet at 50,000 PSI for unrivaled strength and low weight. Then, Montie Gear either powder coats the Y-Shot in different colors, or leaves the aluminum bare – with a grayish oxidized color to the finish.
 
I’m gonna give you the run down on the specs, right from the Montie Gear web site: “The slingshot features a tapered flat band and leather pouch assembly. The tapered flat band has a 16-pound pull weight at approximately a 28″ draw. The band has a tapered shape and is made from Thera-Band material for a fast shot and long life. The leather pouch and tapered band assembly come from A+ Slingshot in California. The handle is wrapped with 550 test weight paracord for comfort. The paracord also provides a source of very strong cord, should you need it in the field.”
 
This slingshot is ready for hunting (small game) or target practice. Don’t hesitate to use ammo up to a 1/2″ ball bearing or .44 cal lead ball ammo with this baby. My Y-Shot only came with 30, 1/2 steel ball bearings – which I shot up in only a few minutes, shooting at empty soda cans and empty milk jugs. Darn!I had to run to town, to the local big box store, and purchase a couple hundred more ball bearings – and in no time at all (again) I was out of ammo. Next day, I went to town again, and purchased a good supply of ball bearing ammo from the local big box store, so I’d have enough ammo to last me through several days of target shooting.
 
I’m here to tell you, that with only a little bit of practice, I found myself hitting empty cans at 25-yards without any trouble at all. I even placed some cans out to 50-yards, and about a third of time, I’d hit one, and they were hit with authority enough to make ’em go flying too. I didn’t do any small game hunting because I haven’t picked-up my hunting license for this year. However, I believe that the Montie Gear Y-Shot slingshot is capable of taking small game like squirrels and rabbits, as well as larger birds like turkeys, too…and we have a lot of wild turkeys are my rural country road. The slingshot would also discourage someone from coming very close to your property, with a well-aimed shot to the body or leg. Now, I’m not saying that you should purchase a mere slingshot for personal defense. However, if someone were trying to sneak on your property, and they took a hit from a steel ball bearing, they’d sure know that they weren’t welcomed. It would also keep pests out of your yard, too – stray cats or dogs.
 
I honestly believe, that there is a place in a Prepper’s arsenal for a good slingshot. It would be great for taking birds and other small critters for the stew pot – and you can do it silently, too. What’s not to like about this? And, ammo is plentiful, if you only use rocks as ammo. However, rocks are not nearly as accurate as ball bearings or round lead ball ammo – be advised! I personally wouldn’t want to take a hit from a steel ball bearing launched from the Montie Gear Y-Shot slingshot. I saw what it did to aluminum cans and milks jugs – they were easily penetrated out to 25-yards.
 
Now, while you can go to the local big box store, and buy a pretty decent slingshot, you won’t find one as nearly well-made as the Y-Shot is, or one that will hold up for a lifetime. Were there any negatives about the Y-Shot? Yeah, It only came with 30 ball bearings – I’d like to see at least a hundred included in the package. I’d also like to see at least one spare rubber band and pouch included – because sooner or later, the rubber band is gonna break on you. Full retail price on the Y-Shot is $99.95 – a bit spendy, to be sure. But if you compare this slingshot to ALL the others, you’re gonna see the difference, and it’s a big difference, too. The Y-Shot is outstanding and will give you a lifetime of pleasure – so long as you don’t run out of ammo. And, you will run out of ammo very fast – it is very addictive shooting the Y-Shot – trust me, the little kid in me is telling you the truth.
 
So, if you’re in the market for the world’s best slingshot, look no farther that the Y-Shot. Is it worth almost a hundred bucks? Yeah, to me it is, and I think you’ll also agree, if you get one, that it’s worth the money. Just make sure when you order your Y-Shot from Montie Gear, that you get some more ball bearings and a couple extra rubber bands with the leather pouch.
 
I’ve tested a lot of firearms and knives over the years, and to be sure, they were all a lot of fun. But I don’t recall when I had more fun testing a product, than the fun I had with the Y-Shot slingshot. It’s fun to shoot, silent and accurate…and it’s capable of taking small game and birds for the stew pot when the SHTF if need be. If it sounds like I’m more than a little excited about this product, I am. It brought out even more of the little kid in me. And, if I had this slingshot when I was a kid, I would have been king of the block, and would have been known as an “Ace” with it. Check this slingshot out on the Montie Gear web site and you’ll probably get one.

Essential Medical Skills to Acquire: Suturing, Part 1, by Cynthia J. Koelker, MD

In the introduction to this series of article I gave a brief outline of the medical skills that a layman should acquire when preparing for TEOTWAWKI.  One of the most needed skills is suturing and other forms of wound closure. 

Lacerations are frightening, especially to young children.  One’s sense of wholeness is violated, often out of proportion to the actual injury.  Even adults view minor cuts as emergencies, when the truth is, most would heal (though perhaps with more scarring) with little intervention beyond cleansing and bandaging.  Pain and fear may cause as much discomfort as the actual wound.
The primary goal of intervention is to speed healing with a good cosmetic outcome.  Healing is accelerated when the wound edges are in contact with each other and infection is prevented.  That’s just about all that suturing does.  The God-given wound repair mechanism is what really heals the body.  The secondary goal of treatment, which is often equally important, is instilling confidence in the patient that he or she will be fine.  The ability to provide gentle, professional wound closure earns the skilled caregiver a great deal of respect in the injured party’s eyes.

The most common lacerations patients experience are relatively superficial.  In my work in urgent care I rarely encountered an injury that required complex closure techniques, though deep lacerations certainly do occur.  The incidence of minor to major lacerations is at least 100:1, likely much higher.  By minor, I mean no deeper than through the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not penetrating to muscle, tendon, or internal organs, and not involving the eyes or other special organs.  Therefore, learning how to suture a standard laceration is the place to start. 

Before discussing suturing I’d like to stress that other wound closure techniques are often quicker and may give equally good results.  When the edges of the wound are practically touching each other, with no tension to stretch them apart, taping is an excellent choice.  When speed is of the essence, taping or stapling is often the best option.  Several staples can be placed in the time it takes to numb a wound – and hurt little if any more than an injection of anesthetic.  Anyone who doubts this should purchase a surgical stapler and try it out personally (I have). 

Both surgical staplers and suture material are available online without a prescription, though the quality is often not equal to professional equipment.  Don’t bother with the super-cheap stuff except perhaps to practice – it will certainly be inferior for human use.  Outdated veterinary sutures are fine for knot-tying or practice on a chicken breast, but at least the ones I’ve purchased have dull needles.  (More on this in the next article.)  If you are going to practice suturing, needle choice is paramount.  Sewing needles have tapering points, which actually do not penetrate the skin well.  Surgical needles have tiny knife points, labeled cutting or reverse cutting.  A tapered point is fine for practice on foam, fabric, or perhaps a chicken breast, but requires too much pressure for penetration when used on actual skin.  Practicing on a pig’s foot will yield a simulation more comparable to suturing human skin than does chicken skin or foam.  They don’t stay fresh long, though, so be sure to refrigerate your practice pig’s feet and use them within a few days of purchase. They also freeze well, and after practice you can cook them up for your dogs if desired (but beware of the distinctive smell). 

To date the best sutures I find online available to the layman are the brand Unify.  The 4-0 size is appropriate for most lacerations; 3-0 works well for larger or deeper injuries, whereas the 5-0 is good for facial lacerations or the tender skin of children.  A suture length of 18” is generally sufficient, and easier to work with than the 30” material.  The silk suture is easier to tie so that knots slip less easily, but nylon slides through the skin easier, causing less trauma when positioning knots or removing stitches.  As a single filament, nylon also produces less wicking action and therefore less likelihood of infection.
If you do not or cannot obtain surgical suture, purchase nylon or silk thread from your local sewing supply store.  Prior to use you can dip it in alcohol to sterilize. 
Before suturing a wound you must make sure it is clean.  Clean is a relative term – no wound is completely clean, and some are assumed contaminated whether they look clean or not, especially human and animal bites.  Human bites and cat bites will get infected nearly 100% of the time and so should not be sutured.  Dog bites generally should not be sutured, either.  Closing a dirty wound provides a cesspool for bacterial growth – i.e., a warm, moist, dark environment with foreign bodies (sutures) that bacteria can cling to.  Cuts inflicted by sharp objects (knives, razors, wire) can usually be rinsed clean with soapy water and sutured (as long as no rust is present).  Any wound where infection is suspected should not be sutured.

After the wound is cleaned, establish a sterile field for your sterile instruments, or at least a clean field so your suture is not dragging over dirty clothes or adjacent skin.  If you don’t have a sterile field, at least use a clean towel to cover any contaminated areas.  I’ve never used aluminum foil, but I think it would be a good option, or possibly plastic wrap or even wax paper.  Paper that tears when moistened would be less than ideal. 
The topic of anesthesia for suturing will be covered in a separate article, but for now I’ll just mention that it certainly is possible to suture without numbing, especially an adult patient.
Once the patient is prepared, establish a work area so that you can work in a relaxed, comfortable position at a comfortable angle.  You may need to move your chair or the patient’s orientation.  If you try to suture while leaning over the patient you will certainly regret it part-way through as your neck or back begin to ache or your hands begin to tremble (as most doctors know from experience.  Please learn from our mistakes.)
The goal of suturing is to bring the edges of the wound together clear down to the depth of the wound, with no gaps in between where the wound can separate.  The depth of the wound determines proper needle size as well as suture width and spacing.  Specifically, the radius (R) of the curved needle should equal the depth of the wound, which is also the distance the suture should be placed from each edge, as well as how far apart the sutures should be spaced.  Half this distance (R/2) is a good spacing to place the first stitch from the end of the laceration.  As you’ve cleaned the wound you’ve estimated the depth and decided on the proper size needle and suture.

When suturing, it is best to use a needle holder with smooth edges rather than a hemostat with small teeth or ridges.  The flat edge holds the needle more securely.  When inserting the needle into the skin, grasp the needle holder in your palm (not with your fingers in the finger holes), making sure the needle is directly perpendicular to the skin to enable it to reach the full depth of the wound.  (Beginners usually direct the needle in at an angle rather than directly perpendicular.  Palming the needle holder assures much better control.) 
Each suture should be placed half at a time, that is, start from the right side and have the needle come up in the middle of the wound; then reposition the needle and insert inside the laceration, directing your needle up and out to the opposite side of the wound.  (Left-hand dominant individuals often sew from the opposite direction.)  Proceed from one end of the laceration to the other; usually it is best to start at the point furthest away from the operator and work toward the operator for best visibility.  When the laceration lies well-closed, make sure the knots are positioned all on one side for easier removal and less crusting.  Apply Bacitracin antibiotic ointment (optional) to a sterile (or clean) dressing and cover the wound (as opposed to applying the Bacitracin directly to the wound, which risks contamination of your tube of medication and also may cause discomfort for the patient). 
 
As I write this I realize that a picture is worth a thousand words, and not everyone learns well from text alone.  Doctors don’t suture their first laceration without an experienced physician supervising their work, and preferably neither would you.  If at all possible it would be ideal to receive hands-on training from a medical professional in your area.  Alternatively, I offer this at my own SURVIVAL MEDICINE workshops, as mentioned previously (see www.ArmageddonMedicine.net for upcoming classes). 

In the next article I will expand on the above with SUTURING, PART 2. 

About the Author: Cynthia J. Koelker, MD is SurvivalBlog’s Medical Editor, the author of the book Armageddon Medicine, and the editor of www.ArmageddonMedicine.net   

Guest Article: Effective Small Team Tactics for the Coming Collapse, by Max Velocity

I have been a soldier for all my adult life: infantry, special operations and as a civilian security contractor. More recently, I have got into prepping for the survival of my family. I have been working slowly at it, and reading and researching a lot of the publications and related blogs. Given my background, I have a head start in the security area, but many have huge head starts over me in the other desired and required skills that will be essential to survival. I have a lot to learn and a lot to catch up on. However, I would like to contribute my two cents worth where I can.

The more I read, the more I form the opinion that certainly not all, but perhaps “some” or “many” preppers out there are making the simple mistake of thinking that with the subject of security, they can simply “tick the box”. Preparing for the protection of your family cannot be simply taken care of by having guns; not in the same way that hunger can be taken care of by stocking food. It is simply not sufficient to exercise your right to bear arms and own guns, without being tactically proficient. Even for the good shots, that is not the same as being able to perform tactically. The kind of tactical challenges that you will face post-SHTF will be in a different league to, for example, confronting an intruder in the dead of night with your handgun or shotgun. Think marauding gangs of looters, going from house to house, raping and killing. Even if you have a remote retreat, you will need tactical know-how at some point. I also believe that there will not only be a need for family and friend units to protect themselves, but if the collapse is ongoing for some time there will be a need to create tactical teams to conduct necessary operations to protect your area of operations and retreat from whatever threats emerge.

Reading through forums and articles I see many of the same questions out there about what techniques to use, how to defend yourself, your loved ones and your home, and similar. I hope to answer these questions. Also, the book takes you from tactics for survival of yourself and your family, including vehicle movement and defending your home, through to small unit tactics. These small unit tactics require the training of tactical teams and would form the basis of a group that you would use to conduct operations post-SHTF to defend your location, compound or small town. This compendium of infantry, special operations and close protection tactics would also allow you to carry out an effective American Insurgency against invading enemies, foreign or domestic, into the post-SHTF vacuum.
 
As an example, as part of my career in the military and security, I spent five years serving as a security contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This included working on contract for the US Government in Iraq, a year of which was based out of Fallujah, the rest variously based out of Baghdad and country-wide, and also two years working for the British Government in Helmand Province and Kabul, Afghanistan. These roles were operational security roles that included exposure to multiple training methods and operational schools of thought, as well as both high profile and low profile mobile operations across Iraq and Afghanistan. In my book, I have incorporated a lot of the techniques and experience that I learned in both high and low profile movement in these combat theatres into techniques that you can apply to moving your family and conducting any type of post-collapse vehicle movement.
 
If you find yourself packing up your family in a “get out of Dodge” situation, then there are a number of factors to consider. The number of vehicles and personnel in your convoy will have a knock on effect to tactical potential, which will is discussed in more detail. However, to introduce the concept here: one vehicle gives you limited load carrying ability and no redundancy. If you are a standard type family you likely have a couple of cars. Take both. If you have the ability to take three cars and have a driver and security in each, then take them because you will 1) spread out your personnel so that there is less risk with the destruction of one vehicle 2) increased redundancy if one vehicle breaks down or is immobilized 3) increased your tactical options, which we will cover in detail in the chapter on vehicle operations, and 4) greatly increased your load carrying ability, perhaps without having to use a trailer which will benefit mobility.
 
One of the big threats faced in Iraq and Afghanistan is the Improvised Explosive Device (IED). We hope that this will not be a primary threat in a WTSHTF situation in the Continental United States, and the manual does not concentrate on them for this reason, but they may either be used in a limited fashion by certain groups or become a widespread threat in an insurgency type situation if one develops, for whatever reason. Here are a few interest points on IEDs:
 
IEDs come in various sizes and the effectiveness of an IED depends on large part as a function of size and placement, as well as accurate targeting. IEDs can be connected in a “daisy chain” and usually placed to match the anticipated spacing of vehicles in convoys, to cause maximum damage. IEDs can be initiated in a number of ways:
 
• Command Wire (CWIED). A physical connection between the initiation point (Firing point (FP) and the CWIED itself (Contact Point)); the need for this connection can aid in detection of the device and the FP.
• Remote Control (RCIED). The RCIED is detonated remotely using any one of multiple options. It can be anything from a cell phone to a garage door opener. This increases the enemy’s options for placement and FP, without the need to be physically connected to the device. This can make it harder to detect the device.
Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED). Simply put, the IED is inside the vehicle. This type of IED will usually be remotely detonated, or can be on a timer (exception: see SVBIED, below). The VBIED allows for mobility and placement of large IEDs. However, they can be detected: a simple example can be a car that is packed with Home Made Explosives (HME) and therefore the suspension is weighed down, making the vehicle suspicious as it sits parked at its placement point.
 
Off-Route Mine: (A targeted IED capable of defeating armored vehicles)
 
• The off-route mine is very effective and can defeat many types of armor. It uses the “Monroe effect”(shaped charge) to create a molten jet of metal that will pierce armor, causing damaging effects inside the vehicle as it passes through. The Monroe effect places explosives in behind a metal cone or dish: on detonation, the cone inverts and melts into a stream of metal. This is the same effect used by a standard RPG, with the exception that an RPG detonates on contact with a vehicle, whereas the Explosively Formed Projectile goes off several feet away by the side of the road.
• The effect of the device can be devastating but usually limited in scope. It will pass through armor, and there have been multiple circumstances of these devices causing traumatic lower limb amputation of personnel in the driver and front passenger seats of vehicles, but personnel in other compartments being left unscathed.

Victim Operated Improvised Explosive Device (VOIED). This type of IED is detonated by the actions of the victim. In order to be effective the IED will usually target a location that is known to be used by coalition forces. VOIEDs can be anti-personnel or anti-vehicle. The type of location targeted would usually be somewhere that locals could avoid, but that forms a channel for military personnel or vehicles. These devices, or the corresponding safe routes, may also be marked, often in unusual ways, similar to the way that mines are often marked in the Balkans i.e. piles of rocks, sticks, cloth tied to markers etc.
 
About The Author: Max Velocity is the pen name of a former Special Forces soldier and private security contractor. He is the author of the nonfiction book Contact!: A Tactical Manual for Post Collapse Survival.

Letter Re: National Forest Road Closures in Arizona

Jim,
My wife and I were heading back from cabin in the Northern Arizona mountains Saturday (July 7) afternoon and were stopped by a nice elderly lady who worked for the Forest service (vehicle
parked across from her) on a forest road. She handed me a new Coconino National Forest map and said “if the roads are not shown on this map then it is closed and that each year they will come out with a new MVUM (motor vehicle use map) and the same applies. So, if the road is not shown, then it is consider closed. I said why not put up closed signs or barriers so we can see and she said they will just get moved or destroyed. She also said it is your responsibility to know which roads are closed via their maps. Rather than sit on the road questioning/argue with her (just the messenger) I figured I would look over the map when I got home.

After getting home I looked over the map and its purpose (written rules) and what it says: Violations of 36 CFR 261.13 are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months or both (18 U.S.C. 3571(e)). This prohibition applies regardless of the presence or absence of a sign.

It’s a National Forest and they will close forest roads (no signs/marked) which they deem and we are responsible to know by it not being shown (drawn) on their maps. Just out diving I do not look at a map. I just take whichever road is there and drive. I do not make new ones or drive across fields unless to retrieve downed game which is authorized. I could see if they were doing it for reclaiming the forest to it’s natural order or fire restriction however if you read into the rules and such (on the map) it outlines a lot more plus where you can camp. A lot of roads are missing from this map (Flagstaff, Arizona area) so if you hunt, camp or sight see look out because it is already in effect, as of April 2012.

Again, it is our National Forest (tax dollar funded) and they are going to tell us what roads to drive and where we can/can’t camp? Whether you agree/disagree with off road travel, camping and quads this is pure crap.
Install barriers (post/rocks) up on areas you wish to reclaim not just delete the road from a map (only theirs) which will change yearly and make it the public’s responsibility to know. I am sure this is happening in other
national forest however I just happened to be traveling through Coconino National Forest. I am writing to the forest heads and our congressmen because soon we will lose all rights of our National Forest! It’s just the beginning of our limited use of our forest in which we pay for along with their paychecks!

For more information, see this editorial in The Arizona Republic Friday, July 13, 2012: Rules a burden for hunters. – Regards, – Steve E.

Letter Re: Avoid Becoming a Refugee

Dear Editor:
The “off-road” gear carriers described in Avoid Becoming a Refugee are neat, but check out this fascinating article about the Chinese wheelbarrow. Its wheel is dead center (instead of at the end like European barrows) enabling it to carry three to six times more weight. Frequently passengers with luggage would be transported by just one person. These were the primary freight movers of their day (much like tractor trailers are
used today) but had the advantage of being able to negotiate extremely narrow “roads.” I really enjoyed reading this history and have tucked this knowledge in the back of my mind in case I’d need it one day. Regards, – C.D.V.

Economics and Investing:

Six charts that show the Welfare State run amok. (Thanks to SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate G.G. for the link.)

Doug C. sent this: Is Bankruptcy Coming to a City Near You?

The looming student loan bubble – Almost half of all student borrowers were not making payments. 1 out of 4 in debt repayment past due on student debt.

G.G. sent this: Gold for Oil: Turkey has exchanged nearly 60 tons of gold for several million tons of Iranian crude oil, despite its promises to uphold Western sanctions on Iran’s energy sector

Items from The Economatrix:

Inflate Or Die

Four Reasons To Be Even Less Optimistic About The Global Financial System Than You Were Last Month

Consumers Gloomier On Jobs, Finances

Buffet:  US Economy Growth Slowing, Europe Slipping “Pretty Fast”

Odds ‘n Sods:

I am weary of hearing police officers now referring to the general populace as “civilians.” I’ve noticed that this misnomer has become commonplace in the new century. Even some journalists are parroting this condescension without any comment or correction, sometimes egregiously. I’ll present the facts here as clearly and concisely: The police and sheriff’s deputies are our employees and they are civilians, too. The police are civil servants that help protect our property rights and civil rights, under civil law. (And hopefully with civility.) In contrast, military or “martial” law is the task of the Military Police and they are the only police who can call us civilians. It is noteworthy that under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, Federal military personnel (with the exception of the Coast Guard) are prohibited from policing the citizenry. Please immediately correct any civilian law enforcement officers that mischaracterize their relationship with us. Continued misuse of such terms can gradually shift perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Be vigilant of encroachments on our liberty!

   o o o

James C. sent this: Traffic fence in China collapses like row of dominoes: China’s state broadcaster has released surveillance video showing a fence dividing traffic in the city of Jinhua falling like a giant row of dominoes. (Something tells me they used what Lectroid John Parker would call a “very baaad design.”)

   o o o

Kellene Bishop asserts that two years food storage is insufficient: A Seven Year Famine

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Reader Chris M. mentioned this analysis by Scott Stewart of STRATFOR: The Other Consequences of Fast and Furious. JWR’s Comment: FWIW, I’m dubious about this claim that ARs built from 80% complete receivers are showing up in significant numbers in Mexico.

   o o os

My wife (Avalanche Lily) suggested this article: The Corn Is Dying All Over America

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"We are in danger of being overwhelmed with irredeemable paper, mere paper, representing not gold nor silver; no sir, representing nothing but broken promises, bad faith, bankrupt corporations, cheated creditors and a ruined people." – Daniel Webster (1782-1852)

Note from JWR:

Today we present another two entries for Round 41 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), and F.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo.

Second Prize: A.) 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. B.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. C.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $300, D.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and E.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value) and F.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 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.), and E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security.

Round 41 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

The Survivalist Mindset: A Biblical Case for Preparedness and Self-Defense, by Brian D.

One of the first and most important steps in successfully being prepared is having the appropriate mindset to do so.  This being the case, it is important that each person reconcile their Christian convictions with their convictions regarding preparedness and self-defense, resulting in their being of a single mind.  It is only in resolving these beliefs that a person can be effective in choosing to act one way or the other in a time of crisis.  Many people of Christian faith and even those who do not share a faith in Jesus Christ, question if the practice of preparedness and/or willingness to consider the taking of another person’s life in self-defense contradicts God’s will and Christ’s teachings as expressed in the Bible.  These are weighty and very important questions which should in no way be taken lightly.  Each person should consider carefully and make a clear decision about their convictions on these topics before they can decide if a preparedness lifestyle is one that they can embrace.  Since we are admonished by scripture to stand ready to provide an answer to anyone who questions the reason for our faith and hope, I have been compelled to search the whole Word of God and provide a clear rationale for my convictions in this area of my faith.  For those who may be wrestling with their own convictions on these topics, I offer the following references and perspectives.

Is a Preparedness Lifestyle Evidence of Our Lack of Trust in God?
I began my study of this topic by asking myself the question, “shouldn’t we trust in God for our sustenance, instead of stocking up on food and supplies?”  In response to this question, I say that the scriptures teach us to not worry about tomorrow, or in other words, we should not be fearful of the future or seeking to gain material possessions for the sake of worldly wealth and status.  However, having a lack of fear about the future is not the same as choosing to take no action about being prepared for the future.  When considering God’s call for us to be good stewards of that with which He has entrusted us, we must be thoughtful and shrewd in order to avoid losing what we have been given through neglect of thought and/or action.  Rather, we must judge the circumstances of the present times and be thoughtful about the future in order to be counted as good and faithful servants.  One of the Scriptures’ most vivid examples of taking proactive steps to be prepared for uncertain future events is Joseph’s leadership in Egypt, which was prompted by God and carried out through the practical actions of faithful people.  The plan of preparedness was given to Joseph by God and relayed to Pharaoh in Genesis 41:33-36, when Joseph said “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh, to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.”  Like Joseph, we are to put our trust in God and not the things of this world, while also being good stewards of those things with which he has entrusted us through taking thoughtful and decisive actions.

When Christ spoke of the signs that would announce the coming of the end times, He painted a grim picture of the urgency with which people will need to take action and flee from danger in order to be spared from the full force of the coming destruction.  In Matthew 24:15-22, Christ said “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house.Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.”  In heeding these words, we see that Christ is admonishing us to be ready to flee from the coming evil at a moment’s notice.  He also makes it clear that we will not have time to get our affairs in order after we become aware of the pending danger, but must be ready to act immediately.  Under these circumstances, it would seem prudent to have made preparations in advance for being able to respond decisively should such a situation present itself within our lifetime.  If we are to care for the needs of our families, as we are instructed to do in 1 Timothy 5:8, which reads “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” it would make sense that we should have provisions ready for taking care of their basic needs, should such a time come that it is necessary for us to “flee to the mountains.”

Are Christians Called to be Pacifists or Defenders?
In accompaniment with being good stewards we are also charged with the responsibility to guard against wickedness.  This responsibility is made clear in both Proverbs 18:5, “It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.” and Proverbs 25:26, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”  In addition to fighting the spiritual battle, this means that we are to care for the people and possessions with which God has entrusted us for the good of our family and neighbors.  For as it says in Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice.  Defend the oppressed.  Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”  We cannot care for our families and neighbors if our food, clothing and shelter has been stolen or destroyed by evildoers, nor have we cared for our families and neighbors if they have been raped, abused or even murdered by those people who have chosen to embrace evil. 

The first case recorded in the Scriptures of the righteous actively defending their family and neighbors was that of Abram going to rescue his nephew Lot, the others with him and their possessions.  This account is recorded in Genesis 14:14-16, which reads, “When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.”  The life of Abram, later renamed by God as Abraham, is an excellent standard against which to judge our actions, as a man who walked with God and was the patriarch of the Jewish nation, about which it is recorded in Romans 4:3 that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 

Beginning with God’s first commandments and working forward through the Scriptures we find that the Old Testament law describes killing in self-defense as acceptable, but killing in vengeance as murder.  The sixth commandment, as handed down from God to Moses and the Israelites, is stated in Exodus 20:13, “You shall not murder.”  Note that God specifically stated that “murder” was prohibited, not that “killing” another person was forbidden.  This is an important distinction when considering how God used the Israelites to fight against evil men and nations.  Understanding the appropriate use of force is further clarified by the Lord when He states in Exodus 22:2-3 that “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.”  In this instance, a person cannot fairly judge the actions or intentions of someone who is doing wrong under the cover of darkness, and so is justified in the use of lethal force as protection for themselves and their household.  However, in the light of day such actions can be more fairly judged and the level of defense must be appropriately proportioned, since acting in vengeance is not justified.  Another example of using lethal force in the defense of another person is the early life of Moses.  While defending one of his countrymen who was being brutally beaten, Moses killed an Egyptian, as is recorded in Exodus 2: 11-12. “One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”  So Moses killed a man, who was threatening the life of another person, yet he was not punished by God, rather he was later blessed by being chosen to lead God’s people.  Another admonition for a just defense against the violence of evil is stated in Proverbs 24:10-11, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!  Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”  A further example of appropriately defending against the physical attacks of evil people is the leadership and actions of Nehemiah while in Jerusalem.  As they were doing the good work of rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem, men whose hearts were filled with evil devised schemes to murder the Israelites in order to stop them from rebuilding.  While they trusted in God to lead and protect them from this threat, Nehemiah was a good steward of the lives and resources that had been entrusted to him by arming the people and posting an active defense.  These preparations both exemplify his faith in the Lord’s protection and his acting responsibly, which thwarted the plans of the wicked.  This story is recorded in Nehemiah 4: 11-23, which reads “Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.’  Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us.’  Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.’ When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!’ So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, ‘Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.’ Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”

Now that a thorough list of Old Testament examples has been provided to clarify the appropriate actions of self-defense and the defense of our families and neighbors, some might ask if the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament brought about a change to any of these precepts.  Let me begin my response by stating that God’s precepts do not change from the Levitical Law to the teachings of Jesus Christ.  It is clearly stated throughout the Scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, that God is consistent and unchanging.  This can be seen in 1 Samuel 15:29, stating that “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”, Hebrews 13:8, which says that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”, and in James 1:17, which reads “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  It is vital to the Christian faith to understand that what Jesus Christ the Son taught is consistent with the actions and commands of God the Father.  With the clear understanding that there is no duplicity between the words and actions of God and Jesus Christ, we can then look at a teaching of Christ that is sometimes misconstrued to be advocating for pacifism, appearing on the surface to be at odds with the Old Testament law.

Among Christ’s many teachings during the Sermon on the Mount, it is recorded in Matthew 5:38-39 that He spoke the words “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”  These words have been misunderstood as an admonishment for Christian pacifism.  However, the Jewish leaders and people of the time were known to be misusing the Scriptures to justify vigilante type vengeance and an abuse of power.  Instead of leaving it in the hands of individuals, God had clearly established judges and other civil authorities for the enforcement of justice.  Christ’s example was not an attack against self-defense from a credible threat, rather a slap in the face is an example of an insult, for which we should not repay in kind, but instead show grace and mercy that we might win them over by shaming them through comparing their actions to our own.  This is illustrated by the words of Paul as he was quoting Proverbs, when he said “In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  We need to use discernment in order to judge whether a person’s actions are harmful of only superficial items and our emotions, or if they are intent on the type of evil that results in true violence or even murder.  While Christ taught that we should not presume to know the underlying intent that drives a person’s actions, Christ did instruct us to judge a person by their visible actions, as He said in Matthew 7:17-20, which reads “Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Someone intent on murder will not be pacified by grace and humility, for their first action will be the taking of a life, not an insult.  So, acting in self-defense of a person’s life is not impairing our Christian witness, nor is it acting out of vengeance, but it is taking appropriate action to protect the innocent and not give way to the wicked.

My Conclusions
I believe that the God of both the Old and New Testaments has made it clear to us through His word that we are to be prepared in spirit, mind and body for our Lord Christ’s return.  In doing this we are called to be good stewards of the possessions and lives with which He has entrusted each of us.  We are to avoid evil whenever possible, repay evil with good in consideration of our Christian witness, but also defend against the kind of evil that would murder and destroy that which is good.  In summary, I believe that we should be forward thinking and resourceful as we store up for the difficult days to come like the example of Joseph, defend our walls and those living inside of them like the example of Nehemiah, and practice love by providing for those in need like the example of Jesus Christ.

The Adventures and Misadventures of the Newbie Texas Prepper, by Patty H.

Well I must say after prayer and a heart to heart with the Almighty and many undisputable news about our economy I have felt the need to start prepping.  Oh and where to start? Wow was I ever overwhelmed at the prospect of starting prepping for an economic collapse or other unfortunate event.

First, telling the hubby. I got laughed at. Yes, I was down. But I found SurvivalBlog.com, where I got started with baby steps. So off to the grocery store I went. I started a little bit at a time, buying rice and canned items on sale.  Then the adventure begins!

Storage– Now in Texas most of us do not have basements or root cellars. The weather is ever changing. The hot humid weather just doesn’t allow for good conditions. Basements flood out, have seepage or root cement cellars crack due to the ground that shifts constantly in our area especially. We suffer from heat, extreme humidity and we mildew and mold a lot. If you do decide to purchase a pre-made one, you must have a dehumidifier. Your best bet would be to have a good, dark cool closet in your house.  Some people have put there root veggies under the house wrapped in newspaper with chicken wire to keep varmints away. It will keep the potatoes fresher longer (unless your house is on a slab, then find a good cool, dark spot in the house away from everything, do not store on carpet–use cardboard, or cardboard boxes,etc). So I have designated space in a closet or two.  I also purchased some extra shelving, etc.

Canning- You must practice your canning before TSHTF. Believe me, don’t wait till it happens to decide to get the pressure cooker out and learn how. Get it out now. Practice, just like anything else, you have got to learn it. It is not easy at first. Enlist help in the older generation, a grandma, aunt, etc. Make sure your stove can use the pressure cooker. Mine was a smooth top. Not all smooth top ranges can use all pressure cookers.  You can also purchase a separate burner or use the Coleman Stove. Make sure you check the cans after a couple of months and see if they show signs of mold or anything. Make sure you did them correctly. Taste test some.  Practice making meals with some of the food you have stored.

Grains- Storing grains won’t be hard if done correctly. Remember Texas is humid, all year long, even in winter.  Make sure area is cool.  Use those O2 absorbers, they will be very helpful. If you don’t you prepare well you will have rancid grain and weevils (nasty pests). Make sure you plan for possible rats or mice too (sticky traps or regular traps). From my experience flour doesn’t store well. Wheat stores much better. Best get a good grinder. Storing rolled oats for oatmeal is also excellent.

Water- There are many lakes and tanks (ponds) to fish or gather water on, but these are usually on someone’s land. So be careful or you could have the barrel of a gun pointed at you if you trespass. Most Texans band together in a crisis. If you have something to trade or barter and are friendly, most likely you will find a friend. Also, if you are storing water, be careful of the containers. The cheap plastic milk like containers don’t last long if not stored properly. They leak and make a mess! Buy water storage barrels or water storage tanks if possible.

Power- So far, we have bought a wind up flashlight that will charge our cell phones. It also has an AM/FM radio. We are also installing solar panels for energy. In Texas, we get plenty of sunlight so that will not be a problem.

Security– Guns and Ammo.  In, Texas of course Guns. But with that knowing how to use them properly. So we are all taking a gun safety course. [JWR Adds: For those in humid climates I recommend buying as many stainless steel guns as possible, and frequently cleaning and inspecting your guns for any signs of rust. (Mark your calendar if you are the forgetful sort.) Your gun vault or hidden firearms wall cache should be equipped with a Golden Rod dehumidifier. That small investment will save you much grief, later!]

Weather– in Texas, you need to be prepared for all types of weather.  Sometimes in December you get 80 degree days and in April you may get snow. The old saying “Yup, if you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes — it’ll change!” Our weather is definitely one of a kind. In the summer it is very hot. The difference in our heat as compared to other I think is the humidity. You could get a heat stroke very easily. So without air conditioning to which we are all accustomed, it would be quite a change. In the summer, in Texas it gets very hot. Do not cook indoors.  Consider installing heat reflective film on your windows or get them tinted before TSHTF. This will cut down on your electric bill and save money right now! We did it and it really does help.  Use shelters like overhangs, patio overheads and awnings to prevent the stream of sunlight through the windows on the sides of your home that face south and west.  Ice down or soak a bandana in cold water and wear around your neck. Keep hydrated. Avoid tea, caffeine and alcohol. You don’t want to end up with a heat stroke. Okay, winter time. Good thing is we don’t have too many really cold days but we do have some. The best thing would be to have a wood stove in the winter to heat the house.  Our roads are not made for ice. Have extra chains for your truck or SUV in case of those rare icy/snowy days. Be able to cover plants and/or bring them in.

Gardening– Gardening in Texas can be a challenge, but can be done all year because of our mild winter.     We have never been able to grow potatoes in our area due to fire ants. But now with the new container gardening, potato gardening is so much easier! Texas A&M has terrific information on container gardening for Texans. Another good site for Texas container gardening and hot climates is: CentralTexasGardening.info

I have also been doing the square foot garden method using cider blocks as I have a bad back and this method has proven to be easier to maintain. I use the holes in the cinder blocks to plant herbs.  An excellent site is Raised-bed-gardening.org. There are also tons of YouTube videos that show different ways people have done their cinder block gardens.  I had difficulty getting seeds going at first. So I consulted with some masters of gardening, and they told me to use seed starting system, which is no more than a little divided tray. You use a soilless growing mixture, pre-made you can buy. I bought a tray at Wal-Mart with directions on it, also Gardeners.com has directions. It gets your seedlings up and going then you can transplant.  You see ours kept getting eaten up by grasshoppers or bunnies. So really watch them after transplanting.  July-September grasshoppers are bad in Texas. They strip everything. You may even want to purchase something to drape over them.  Trees are also a good investment.  Peach, plum, and apricot trees grow really good around here. You will need several to cross pollinate with each other.  Grasshoppers love these too. The best thing to do is to stock up on Demon pesticide. If you would see how these little pests strip everything, you would be wise to do so, it is worth gold. 

Mosquitoes –   Bug bites bleh…mosquitoes.  They are bad here.  We all have our jokes about our mosquitoes as big as birds.  If you have Off or bug repellant, use it. If you have failed to and are eaten up by the little bloodsuckers, then take cotton balls dipped in witch hazel and rub over affected area. Calamine lotion will help some too. Try not to scratch! (Texas-raised kids like me heard that a lot!) a good plant for repelling those nasty buggers is lemon grass.  This grass is rich in a substance called citral, the active ingredient in lemon peel. This substance is said to aid in digestion as well as relieve spasms, muscle cramps, rheumatism and headaches. Lemon grass is also used commercially as the lemon scent in many products including soaps, perfumes and candles. A related plant, (Cymbopogon nardus) is the ingredient in citronella candles sold to ward off mosquitoes and other insects

Also people put up Purple Martin bird houses to attract Purple Martins. They love some mosquitoes and it’s a Texas tradition of sorts for people to put up Purple Martin houses to get rid of the little buggers.

Remember to always to do lists. Check and recheck that you got everything on it. Talk to family members that are not prepping, but don’t get the Bible out and preach, yet. Just tell them everything that is going on. Let them know it’s better to be prepared and if nothing happens will at least you are ready for when something does. Pray for them. Ask the Lord to put it on your heart what to say.

Letter Re: A Digest of The Best of SurvivalBlog

Dear Mr. Rawles,
I am the owner of a small (but growing) family emergency preparedness web site, reThinkSurvival.com.

I thought you might be interested in a web page I’ve been keeping updated for some time now that lists my selections for the Best SurvivalBlog.com Posts.

The page includes well over 400 links! I figured it might be useful to your new readers and help my readership as well.

I do appreciate your time and all that you do for us. Thank you, – D.B.

Letter Re: Residential OPSEC With Utility Workers

The article about OPSEC with utility workers reminded me of some of the deterrents listed in the book, Secrets of a Superthief by John MacLean. The author was a very successful thief until he violated one of his own rules and was caught. In his book he details what vulnerabilities he looked for in a victim, and how he performed his thefts. Chances are you have taken precautions but reading his book will real to you the
chinks in your armor. The book leaves you feeling vulnerable, and is a wake-up call to fortifying your defenses against theft or unlawful entry by undesirables.

The book is out of print and copies are snatched-up as soon as they become available on the secondary market. I highly recommend the book. – Rick B.

Economics and Investing:

Dominique de Kevelioc de Bailleul: Gold Prices: Brace For Bizarre QE3 Hail Mary and Hyperinflation

Gold to Hit $2000 on Fed Easing: Merrill

John Embry – Hang On Because The Chaos is Going to Accelerate

Jim Rogers: Duck and Cover, Your Cash Is NOT Safe; Buy Physical Gold

Where are the markets heading? The chartists are uncertain. (JWR’s Comment: It is difficult to predict manipulated markets. In the era of Quantitative Easing (monetization), ALL markets are manipulated to some extent.)

Items from The Economatrix:

We Are Near An Epic Collapse In Confidence

Higher US Unemployment In A Year:  Pimco’s Bill Gross

Jobless Claims Fall As Plants Put Off Retooling

The Ripple Effect Of California’s Bankruptcies

Odds ‘n Sods:

The editors of Prep-Blog.com have been posting for six months now. There are some interesting insights, so be sure to go check it out.

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Reader P.D. sent this, by way of the SurvivalAcres web site: Mountain House has issued a press release that details the difference in residual oxygen levels in their packages versus those of a competitor. Facts are facts.

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Speaking of Mountain House, the unprecedented contemporaneous deep discount sales on Mountain House freeze dried foods in #10 cans by Safecastle and Ready Made Resources both end on July 18th. Order soon.

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John Galt reports: The EPA is Preparing New Regulations for Wood Stoves and Fireplaces (Thanks to H.L. for the link.)

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Gun Sales Skyrocket As D-Day For Gun Control Looms – No Coincidence?