Letter Re: Low Cost Merino Wool Clothing

Dear SurvivalBlog Readers:
I would suggest as an alternative to buying wool clothing is to shop the fabric stores for Wool Fabric and practice your sewing skills. I have found 100% wool on clearance for as cheap as $1.99/yard with the average width of 54 inches In Shopping for wool fabrics, you will find a lot of blends. I recommend not purchasing anything with more than 30% mix of synthetic material (example: 70% wool/ 30% nylon). I also find that blends with natural materials to be completely acceptable (example: 50% wool/50% silk). As a note: synthetic materials and fire do not mix! Synthetics melt and burn quickly because most are made from oil byproducts.

Also, do not be put off by color! Wool takes dye beautifully. So if you find an ugly turquoise or pink 100% wool fabric this can easily be dyed a darker color although I suggest staying close to the same color family. If you are dyeing the fabric dark brown or black then color does not matter. If you want to go an extra step, Dharma Trading makes a dye remover that does not hurt the fabric like bleach would. Once the color is removed, the fabric could be dyed whatever color you need.

Some favorite online shopping sites for wool are Fabric.com and FashionFabricsClub.com (shop the clearance sections for the best deals)

I make my own patterns for pants, pullovers, jackets and shirts but if you need a starting place, wait till Hancock Fabrics has their patterns on clearance for 99 cents per pattern.

Hope this helps. – Miss Liberty

Letter Re: Filling in the Gaps on Firefighting and Emergency Medicine

James:
After reading Filling in the Gaps on Firefighting and Emergency Medicine by Nate I would like to add a few things about what he said. I myself am a volunteer firefighter. I started by wanting to be more active in the town that I had just gotten a house in. Now that I have really become actively prepping, I see more and more good to being involved with it. The training is great and free. Further, after reading books like “One Second After“, I see where it puts me in a place where I can help get things going in a productive way when the SHTF. I hope to be able to help my community should TEOTWAWKI happen. My plan is to stay in my town and do what I can. The way I see it is I am in a place to set up town security and what not already being in a service position. I also would encourage people to get involved in this.

However in regards to how Nate described putting out fires I would have to disagree bases on what I have been taught and seen. Most of what he stated I would agree with and was well written except that when attacking an interior fire with an 1.5-2″ hose I have been taught and seen where spraying a large amount of water at the base of a fire can and most likely cause a thermal imbalance. What I mean by that is the water hits the fire and turns to steam. This will put the fire out but the steam created rises and then pushed all the heated air and gasses back on top of you. This disrupts the thermal balance of the room (hot air on top cooler air on bottom). This in-turn cooks anyone in the room especially if they are not wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE). This would seem to be unlikely unless they are firefighters and can keep their gear at home. The way to get past this would be to spray a narrow fog (water pattern set to a 30-40 degree angle) and start by spraying short burst (3-5 seconds — one Mississippi two Mississippi…) wait a minute to see were the fire is and then spray at the base when the steam has had time to dissipate. This will help from upsetting the thermal balance of the room and keep everyone safer. The trade-off as I see it is that it would potentially take a little longer to do, but in my opinion it is worth not getting cooked. After it is put out clean up and checking for fire extension into the walls and ceiling is extremely important.

Although I will openly admit I do not have the experience of a paid firefighter or of people in larger departments this is just what I have been taught and have seen through live fire training. – J.J.H.

Economics and Investing:

Jon M. was the first of several readers to send this: Global employment crisis will stir social unrest, warns UN agency

Reader M.E.W. forwarded this: Foreclosures sell at 26% discount

Danny B. sent us this: Bad Spending Habits, Lack Of Savings Leave Consumers And Baby Boomers In Financial Crisis

Thanks to Susan H. for sending this: How risky are uninsured bank deposits?

Items from The Economatrix:

Peak Gold Is Upon Us

Buy Gold Young Man, Buy Gold

Economy Gets Lift From Government Aid

More FDIC Friday Follies: Regulators Close Small Florida, Washington Banks

Aging Work Force Inspires Utility Worker Training

Inflation Watch:

Is The Federal Reserve Out Of Control? Markets Around The World Brace For Impact As The Federal Reserve Powers Up The Printing Presses

Reader A.S.W. notes: “I just returned from a Sam’s Club warehouse store in Florida. Their Maker’s Mark brand of toilet paper went up $3 per package. A week ago it was $14 now it is $17. And regarding sugar, the shelves at Wal-Mart and the Aldi [supermarket] were wiped out so I had to get a 50 pound bag at Sam’s. This also went up $3. a week ago it was $25 now it is $28.”s

Puru Saxena: Deflation: Reality or urban myth?

Bank of England’s Adam Posen calls for more quantitative easing.

Enjoying the Weak Dollar? You Could Live to Regret It

Odds ‘n Sods:

Evan W. pointed me to a simple soup can organizing idea.

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buy

Sue C. suggested this item from a South Carolina newspaper: James Islanders arming themselves

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G.G. was the first of several to mention this: Chaos in Sainsbury stores as computerised tills crash Shoppers in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose supermarkets around the country faced chaos on Saturday after a computer glitch left them unable to pay for their shopping. And meanwhile: Tourists left without cash as currency company falters.

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Chad S. sent this item from Nanny State Nouveau Penal Colony Australia: Buy now and show proof — or pay later. Whatever happened to the presumption of innocence? Here is the code reference: Unexplained wealth orders. This, by the way, comes from the same legislators that banned many of the most capable firearms from private ownership and banned “fortifications” to homes. It is high time to Take The Gap!

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Merkel calls for calm as rail protest turns into riot. (A tip of the hat to frequent content contributor K.A.F. for the link.)

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 31 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) 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 $400, B.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and C.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 31 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Lighting a Fire Under Myself, by Matthew B.

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.” – Robert A. Heinlein

Heinlein’s quote leaves me feeling about half an inch tall and roughly the length of a worker bee. I was raised to trust God, not government, and my education through high school and college covered several areas of study so that I thought I could learn just about anything.  Quickly adapting to a changing environment? No problem!  I was ready.

There was even some anecdotal evidence that I could handle whatever was thrown at me.  Two month-long trips to the Amazon jungle left me none the worse for wear.  I picked up Spanish while floating down the river and learned that all gear is not created equal (Seychelles’ Advanced flip-top water filtration bottle makes Amazon River water safe for gringos to drink, while EMS’ Atwater-Carey Sleep Screen mosquito netting makes your feet a mosquito’s smorgasbord even if you’re wearing socks!).  I relied heavily on SteriPEN’s handheld UV water purifier while traveling through India, Nepal and Myanmar, which meant I could utilize whatever water the locals were drinking without any gastrointestinal discomfort.  Visiting these developing nations opened my eyes to what it truly took to sustain life: mostly air, water, and some bananas.

When my older brother recommended that I visit SurvivalBlog.com, I was mildly interested but still self-satisfied enough to think that I was better-prepared than 95% of the people around me.  My brother further evidenced his desire to prod me in the right direction by putting together a little emergency kit with some basic first aid supplies, a signal mirror, and a Light My Fire Firesteel flint.  I never thought something as small as that flint could be such a blight and a blessing, but it changed the way I look survival preparedness.

I decided to take my Firesteel on a camping trip with my wife and five kids.  We had never camped as a family before and the kids are young, so I decided to keep it tame and get a campsite at a nearby State Park.  Setting up the tent was fun(ny) and we had a good time roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and singing songs around the campfire. 

Once we got all the kids relatively settled in their sleeping bags, I decided to relax by the fire and fiddle with my Firesteel flint.  At first, I approached it rather laconically.  We didn’t need a fire since we already had one going and were getting ready to hit the sack, but it turned into a challenge as I made strike after strike without being able to get any tinder to catch fire. Lots of sparks. No flames.

What made it worse was that the striker I was using had a rough edge that quickly tore into my right index finger, leaving it raw and painful.  I switched hands and kept at, thinking that any moment my kindling was going to burst into flame.  The rain that doused our fire also put out my hopes of getting a fire going with that flint.  I gave up and retired to my sleeping bag.

As I lay in the tent nursing my wounds (literally), I realized a couple of things:

First, Always test the equipment you are going to use in emergency situations (Try it before you rely on it).  I know how easy it is supposed to be to use one of these flints.  I’ve seen the YouTube video of the ten-year-old girl starting a roaring blaze in just one try. But just because it can work or should work doesn’t mean it will work for you.

Secondly, The duct tape my brother had so thoughtfully included in my emergency kit would have made a great cover for the handle of the flint striker!  Always keep your eyes open and your brain in gear.  It could spare you some discomfort, or save your life! I’m just glad my family was happily in our tent instead of waiting on me to get the fire going for our evening meal.  They need me to be thinking clearly, to be prepared.

And so, eventually, I became very grateful for that experience with my Firesteel (I think it’s a good product, by the way, and they have a new striker with a rubberized grip).  It humbled me and taught me to evaluate and test the tools I am planning on using when my family will need them most: TEOTWAWKI.  It taught me that there were some critical areas in which my specialized training won’t cut it. Like being a worker bee, when what’s needed is a fully-capable human being.  I can’t afford to be buzzing around when my family is relying on me to provide for them and protect them, come what may.

Letter Re: A Little Insight on Diesel Engines

JWR:
I second the recommendations in Gary’s letter wholeheartedly. My survival vehicle of choice is a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with faded paint and some cosmetic body damage from its former life as a work truck. Now it is known as the “McDodge”, thanks to the conversion kit from Greasecar.com which has been running in it for about two years and 12,000 greasy miles. I did extensive research when I was deciding what vehicle to purchase and came down to either an 1980s model Mercedes diesel (which have legendary reliability) or the 1994-1998 Dodge diesel with the also-legendary 5.9L Cummins engine. As expressed by Gary, these were originally a heavy equipment engine, Dodge just decided to wrap a truck around it. I acquired mine in 2008 with 222,000 miles on it for $4,000. It’s not pretty but the drive train is in great shape. The engine is totally mechanical, no microchips whatsoever. It will withstand any EMP event that doesn’t physically destroy the truck. I have since learned that the automatic transmission does have chips, so perhaps the whole system is not as bulletproof as I thought. Here in farming country in rural Texas, these trucks are ubiquitous, don’t stand out at all, and the mechanics know how to work on them. Every time I drive into a city I get some interesting looks, however.

Let me take a minute to highly recommend the Greasecar conversion kit. It came with all necessary components, and I had it professionally installed for about $1,000. The kit was about $2,000. Yes, I have now spent quite a bit more on the truck than I paid for it initially. For those who are not familiar with Waste Vegetable Oil/Straight Vegetable Oil (WVO/SVO), it’s a close cousin to biodiesel but without the chemistry. You convert the truck once instead of converting each batch of fuel. The conversion kit adds a secondary 40-gallon fuel tank in the cargo bed, so if the factory tank is full of diesel I have 70 gallons of fuel on board total. Very comforting considering the truck gets around 18-20 mpg on the highway. Diesels have a higher thermal efficiency due to the much higher compression ration than gas engines (around 16:1 for the Cummins 5.9L). Other companies also sell quality conversion kits and parts (the Frybrid company comes to mind). I assure you that the ’94-’98 Dodge/Cummins trucks like oil just fine. The power and mileage are essentially unchanged, I’ve never been able to notice any difference. About 3-to-5 minutes after you start the truck on diesel, the controller senses that the engine temperature is adequate for running oil and all you hear is a very small click as the two solenoid valves change over. I have experimented quite a bit and I find the engine doesn’t mind changing over at temperatures as low as 120°F if you’re driving on the back roads as I am. If you need power for merging on to a highway I would wait until about 140 degrees or the engine will complain and you’ll get smoke.

Since late 2008 when fuel prices went back down, I have been burning diesel and stockpiling the oil. I now have about 800 gallons stored in 330-gallon IBC “cube” containers. It’s my form of “oil futures”. The oil is reported to last for numerous years stored like that, but I can’t say from firsthand experience. All of my oil is recycled fryer grease that goes through an extensive multiple step filtering and settling process. By the time it goes into the tank it’s crystal clear and golden. It definitely does smell like whatever was fried in it, and the older oil has a noticeable tang of rancidity, but the truck digests it just fine. In fact, the fuel tank itself is also heated so theoretically one could actually burn solid fat like lard or tallow in it. Animal fats, being more saturated, actually store better and oxidize less. Personally I haven’t tried it due to the difficulty in filtering and setting fats that would be solid at normal temperatures.

Back in 2008 I was already doing my disaster planning and R&D, well before I had heard of this site or read any of JWR‘s books. I arrived at the Dodge/Cummins truck in combination with WVO/SVO as the best solution for durability, survivability, and sustainability. I have a couple hundred acres of farmland and I am experimenting with peanuts and sunflowers to see if it will be feasible to grow my own fuel. Both of my tractors are diesel, but I have not tried running them with oil or an oil blend. I suspect I could easily run a 50/50 blend in any weather and probably 100% oil in the Texas summer with no problems. By my calculations, around 20 acres should suffice to grow a year’s worth of fuel for all the equipment, unless I’m using the oil to generate electricity.

In addition, the conversion is very stealthy. I did not apply the large “Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems” rear window logo graphic that came with the kit. Unless you look very close the fuel tank looks much like a tool box or one of the bed tanks common around here for fueling heavy equipment. Of course, if you get behind me on the highway there’s no mistaking the French Fries smell. – Stew in Texas

Letter Re: The Family Cow as a Measure of Wealth

Dear Mr. Rawles:
Whether you are bugging out, hunkering down, or just trying to live well in uncertain times, it is hard to beat a dual-purpose meat and milk cow as a portable and productive asset.

The family cow has historically been a family’s single biggest store of wealth. Until quite recently, in places like Ireland and Texas, cattle were the primary measure of wealth even for chieftains and barons. Some say that cattle still are the only measure of real wealth. Is anyone going to argue that wealth is better stored in Federal Reserve Notes, pieces of paper representing a debt owed to a private bank by a government’s treasury and guaranteed solely by taxing authority? Unlike fiat currency, a milk cow produces wealth. The dollar destroys wealth, having lost more than 95% of its purchasing power since the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1912.

Milk, Butter, Whey, and Cheese

Many people believe that raw, unpasteurized milk, has health benefits beyond that of the commercial milk available in stores. All I know is that raw milk tastes better, and our kids will not drink the stuff from the store. Our one milking shorthorn easily keeps her calf plus 7 teenage boys, 6 adults, 4 dogs, and dozens of chickens very well fed, with plenty left over for cheese.

Meat and Leather

A cow needs to keep having calves to produce milk, and these babies (definitely the males) start life as veal and end up as fine grass fed organic steaks, chops, ribs, roasts, and burger. Do you know where your beef comes from? We do. And what is more satisfying than wearing a leather jacket, belt, and boots made from your own stock. Now that is a real investment dividend.

Motive Force

Many people do not realize that the only difference between cattle and oxen is that oxen are cattle trained to pull a load such as a cart (for bugging out?), a well pump, or a plow.

Getting Started

One thing our family has proven is that one need not have grown up on a farm, or graduated from an agricultural school to own a dairy cow and produce milk and beef. If you have enough property to keep a horse, you can own a cow. However, the one thing you absolutely need is commitment. A cow must be milked twice a day. Either by you, a calf, or a very, very, good friend. Various breed associations (e.g. The Milking Shorthorn Association) can put you in touch with a breeder. If you are inpatient, like we were, buy a cow with her calf, or a cow that has already been bred.

Hamby Dairy Supply can provide you with stainless steel buckets, teat wipes, teat dip, filters, test kits, and sanitizer. If you have the means, the Surge Bucket Milker is a great thing. Specialty Bottle sells wide-mouth milk jugs and lids. Just wash them in the dishwasher after each use. Cheese making supplies and instruction books can be found at Cheesemaking.com. If you have questions, start at the Keeping a Family Cow message board.

Regards, – Ragnar in Texas

Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada

Letter Re: Defensive Firearms Options in Canada

Hi Jim,
This is in response to Roger C.’s letter “Prospects for Canada in a Societal Collapse.” My guess is southern Alberta would be one of the best places in Canada to be in in a TEOTWAWKI scenario.

Albertans generally buck the norm when it comes to Canadian values. Even among the conservative Canadian west, we are far more socially and fiscally conservative. This makes Albertans generally more self reliant, charitable, and less dependent upon government handouts than most other Canadians. We have a stigma for “cowboy culture” here for a reason.

Other more socialist areas of the country not used to living off government life-support would undoubtedly degenerate into cannibalistic Golden Hordes, but I think most places in western Canada, Alberta especially, would fare much better.

Provincial enforcement of Canada’s very strict federal firearms legislation is more lax in Alberta than in any other province where registration and licensing laws are often hyper-enforced, and law abiding citizens are brutalized by jack-boot, politically motivated police forces. A testament to this is the fact that in the whole of Canada, there are six “walk in” shooting range businesses that I know of, where unlicensed citizens can shoot guns under supervision of a range safety officer. Four of these are in Alberta. The number of “private” gun clubs is also very high and Alberta boasts a very healthy, rural, law abiding firearms community. The Calgary Police Chief (Calgary being the largest city in Alberta, and one of the largest in Western Canada) also a vocal opponent to the Canadian government’s firearms registration system, although not “pro-gun” he is certainly not as much of a civilian disarmament advocate as some of the police chiefs across Canada.

The Canadian firearms market is strange. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Chinese-manufactured Norinco firearms that would may be banned in the US are not in Canada. This is a huge benefit for Canadian gun owners, as again, stringent gun laws and ridiculous import taxes make all firearms 25 – 50% more expensive than in the US. Relatively well made and inexpensive Norinco firearms have flooded the Canadian market, and IMO, the newer model Norincos including SKS, M14, AR-15, 1911 and SIG-Sauer clones are excellent hunting, sport shooting or collecting guns (as are the only lawful reasons for owning firearms in Canada). Also a distinct difference from US law is that shoulder stocks and carbine kits can be added to handguns without the same restrictions imposed by the ATF, so RONI, HERA, CAA, and FAB [brand buttstock] kits can easily convert a handgun into a decent shoulder fired carbine. But forget about suppressors or silencers.

Of course, in Canada, there are no magazine restrictions on any rimfire caliber firearms anywhere in Canada so 25 round, 50 round (or larger if you can find them) for Ruger 10/22, Remington 570, Smith and Wesson 15-22 or AR-15 with .22 CMMG (or similar) conversion kits are a must. As for the magazine restrictions on center fire, semi-auto firearms – the law says a magazine must either be limited to hold 5 rounds (if designed for a rifle), or 10 (if designed for a handgun). There is no law saying magazines designed for guns classified as handguns cannot be used in a compatible rifle or carbine, as in the case of the Beretta CX4 Storm, Rock River Arms LAR-15 or Ruger Charger [JWR Adds: The rimfire exception might also make the KelTec PMR30 pistols chambered in .22 Magnum rimfire attractive to Canadians. A review of these pistols by SurvivalBlog Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson will be posted in SurvivalBlog next Friday.]

Modifying magazines to hold more cartridges than legally allowed makes it a prohibited device, and a criminal offense. But commercially available magazines for most firearms are usually factory manufactured, standard capacity magazines lanced with a simple roll pin that could be removed using a drill, punch, and pair of needle nose pliers. However, it is illegal to do so in Canada.

I hope that helps a bit with any Canadian survivalists doing a bit of research into the Canadian market. To date, the biggest online community for Canadian gun nuts is CanadianGunNutz.com. There is a survivalist section on that message board as well in case anyone is interested. Regards, – CTH

Economics and Investing:

Jon M. in England sent this: Are we heading for a replay of 1930s?

Agoura Hills and a $280,000 discount on a once million dollar home.

B.B. sent this one: 1099 Supply Shock for Gold Buyers. Perhaps its time to switch to fractional gold bullion coins, and VF slabbed $5 and $10 gold pieces.

Steven B. forwarded this: Chinese Economy Next Enron: Chanos video

Jim Rogers: Gold to Soar to $2,000 an Ounce in Decade. (Thanks to Brett G. for the link.)

Mike H. flagged this: House passes bill aimed at Chinese currency. “How dare they free-float their currency? The prices at Wal-Mart will go up for my constituents!”

Items from The Economatrix:

Economic Collapse Update: Acceleration In Autumn

Median Household Income Is Falling In Almost Every Major American City

Smuckers to Close Two Plants, Cut 150 Jobs (And the recession is over?)

Euro Teetering On Edge, Austerity Inevitable

Rage Over Austerity; Strikes Cripple Europe

House Price Declines “Inevitable”

Odds ‘n Sods:

Supply of some key medications dangerously low. (Thanks to Sarah Connor’s Brother for the link.)

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Mike Williamson mentioned that Smith & Wesson is offering discounts or free magazines for active duty and retired armed forces members, on their M&P rifles and handguns.

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KAF sent this piece of uber-gloom: It’s the End of the World: Eight Potential Armageddons

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New York City residents might find this new blog useful: N.Y.C. Survival

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Dirk W. forwarded this: Pentagon Loses Control of Bombs to China Metal Monopoly

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ [feet], and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19 (KJV)

Note from JWR

Today we present another entry for Round 31 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) 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 $400, B.)A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and C.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 31 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.