Today we present the first entry for Round 30 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...

We've complotted the judging for Round 29 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The winners are: First prize goes to Old Dog in Wisconsin for Getting My Lists Together, posted on July 15th. He will receive all of the following: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will...

I'm going to say something shocking: gardening with annuals is expensive in terms of inputs: time, seeds, fertilizer, and land. You many exceptional but I'd bet that many would starve or be forced to leave home if you had rely on gardening (whether due to inexperience, crop failure, or lack...

I distilled the following from another forum: See the EMPCommission.org links. The auto testing results are on page 112 of that report. They tested a sample of 37 cars. Here is a summary of the results: Most cars will not even stall. In a test, where cars were subjected to...

Dear JWR: In response to the posting by Tamara W., I would like like to furnish an addendum. The post references an "Internet Kill Switch" which has recently been signed into law. As I am sure that you and most of your Internet savvy readers are aware, there are...

From G.G.: The Aftermath Of The Global Housing Bubble Chokes The World Banking System. Also from G.G.: "This debt is like a cancer," says Erskine Bowles, co-chairman of President Obama's debt and deficit commission Richard S. spotted this: The Irish Leave the EU. Do you recall my prediction of higher...

F.J. sent us this item: Risk of Earthquakes in the U.S. Midwest May be More Widespread Than First Thought    o o o E.M. sent a link to a surprisingly even-handed New York Times video piece about an Appleseed shoot.    o o o Matt S. suggested a site with...

"The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring for...

You look at the economy, and you are alarmed. You see the direction the world appears to be headed, and your eyes glaze with near panic. You realize you must prepare for disasters and shortages, but you are overwhelmed by the scope of the project and wonder how you...

Hello- I must first thank you, Mr. Rawles, for your advice. I truly believe it will one day save my life. Also, the amount of knowledge I have gained from all of the contributors to SurvivalBlog is astounding! My profession is in the animal industry, so I am familiar...

Jim, In addition to stores of long-term food in #10 cans (Mountain House and cans from the LDS cannery), I keep about a six month supply of "grocery store" canned and boxed food and a multiple-year supply of OTC medicines. A lot of this stuff goes unused because I'm...

Sir: I have several friends in China under different guises, work or school visas for instance, but their main purpose is evangelism. When we e-mail them we have to be very careful about what we say because the Chinese government reads incoming e-mails. For instance "I'm praying for you"...

Several readers mentioned this: IMF Says U.S. Financial System May Need $76 Billion in Capital G.G. suggested a piece by Niall Ferguson: Sun Could Set Suddenly on Superpower as Debt Bites. China Becomes Second Biggest World Economy Reader "AmEx" (American Expatriate) spotted this: Fed's Bullard:Worried About Possible Deflationary Outcome For...

Reader Mike P. forwarded a link to this BBC News article: Greek police clash with hauliers amid crippling strike. Mike's comment: "The truckers' strike is in its fourth day, gas stations are empty, and the government is implementing emergency measures originally intended for wartime or natural disasters. Does any of...

"A pistol defends your property and your person from unanticipated and barely anticipated threats from thieves and robbers. With it, you can control your immediate environment. A rifle defends your freedom from oppressors and tyrants. With it, you can enforce your will." - Gabe Suarez...