Turf

If you have the space and time to store them, it can't really hurt.  I mean, at least they will be worth what you pay for them (except maybe for inflation and then melt will become more of a factor).  There is a lot on this subject at survivalblog.com (just use the search function).  Personally, most of my "investment" money at this point is in guns in ammo...almost always can get close to the value back out (if not more), can have fun with them when I have them, and if everything goes to crap, they will be worth a good deal (only issue is ammo looses some of the value when you shoot it haha)

I am sure many people know this already but for those that don't, James Rawles (author of Patriots) runs survivalblog.com and there is a link on that site to the survival bookshelf which has lists of recommended survival books fiction, non-fiction, and children (as well as movies), and he will sometimes mention a blurb if it contains material unsuitable for children (for the parents out there).  On a related note, I liked the Enemies Foreign and Domestic series but I believe it was the second or third book that contained a paragraph that is going to take a lot of mental scrubbing to get out. 

Hey guys.  Just found this, skimmed it, and figured I would chime in.  I am blessed in that I also can rely on my dad (not to mention many other family members) for dental care.  As to comment on rather having a doctor, I am glad to hear it as I am in medical school but I do not think this would always be the best option.    If you ever go to a Remote Area Medical Clinic or on a medical mission trip, you will see the dentists about worked to death while the doctors (I can say this because I have worked with them and hope to be one) are many times sitting around twiddling their thumbs or giving prescriptions that will last the person a month or 2 but can't fix the underlying problem.  The doctors I have worked with are amazing people, but there is only so much you can do without equipment, pharmacies, labs, etc.  The dentist on the other hand may be able to drastically improve your quality of life in a short amount of time with relatively few tools (you may lose a tooth but you also lose the pain), and dentists are very knowledgable about many aspects of medicine that you would not expect (they deal with infection, hemorrhage, nerves, etc., etc.).  Now while you may only have limited dental issues, a dentist would be a great asset to any group to be able to handle dental issues, some medical issues, and be able to barter services.   I don't want to beat up too much on doctors because even though some are extremely specialized, all are receive some training in what most would consider core medcine (child birth, emergency, etc.)  Just saying don't pass over the dentist (or doctor) if you can help it.   Now, as to what you can do now.  Best thing you can do is take care of your dental health (brush, floss, see dentist regularly) and even spend the money to get your teeth their best.  You may have all the MREs you need, a great garden, pond full of fish, and the ability to get all the meat you want, but if you have an abcess you can't get rid of, well, thanks for preparing for the rest of us.   Also, ask your dentist about "mini" dental implants.  Some think these are "temporary" implants but I think the research is out to 20 to 25 years on these guys doing just fine and they are cheaper, less invasive, and take less time than "regular" implants.   Hope this helps.

And if Romney had won and someone was giving him a hard time, you wouldn't be trying to defend whatever crap he said...and if he won and actually tried to put through some solutions that might actually work (arming teachers), you would be saying how unrealistic that is...if...if...if   The "if" game is a weak arguing postition and really unnecessary.  And biasisly pointing out bias doesn't make much sense.  Kind of like the non-conformists (conforming to nonconformism) or the post modernist "you can't know anything" (how do they know that).   Really though, if Romney had said the same thing as Obama, I would have been worried (although not to the same degree).    Not trying to be "too" much of a jerk.  Just trying to point out that all this, "you guys are just a bunch of poo poo heads" talk really isn't going anywhere.

Looking for the best all around C02 pistol. Things I am looking for are most shots per c02 cannister, reliability, most shots per magazine/loading, and would prefer one that shot both pellets and bbs. As I am more concerned about stretching the cannisters, I am not looking for a blowback unless somehow it doesn't affect the c02.

Thanks for the tip. I will be looking into that.

I have been considering getting some oil or kerosene lanterns but don't know really where to start. The Walmart ones looked a little to fragile. Any suggestions of good brands?

Repost: Got a lot of great suggestions in the survival/preparedness forum but figued I would open it up here for everyone's benefit (as well as mine) I was thinking about getting my family some gifts that could be helpful in a survival situation/teotwaki scenrio that would also be fun to have for camping/everyday use. I am looking for gifts for my dad, mom, 2 sisters (both adults), brother-in-law, and under 5 year old nephew. All like guns fine and somewhat interested in survival (girls less than guys). Family has just started a small garden. Guys are pretty set on run-of-the-mill knives (nephew will be when he gets old enough, haha). I am looking for gifts that they can keep and won't use up (not really looking for ideas on ammo, food, etc) The tentative idea right now is to get everyone eno doublenest hammocks with slapstraps (although I would have to come up with an idea for one of my sisters that already has one, I would still need something for the little guy, and it is getting a little pricey). Price range is around $50-$80 each ($300-480...wow, seems like a lot more when I add it up, haha). I am also trying to get something I can get everyone at once for their "big" gift as I don't have too much time to shop around. I want some ideas for my family, but I think this would be a good place to list any ideas for any age range, level of interest, and price range. When you list suggestions, try to at least list a price range (if you know it) to make it easier for everyone.

I was thinking about getting my family some gifts that could be helpful in a survival situation/teotwaki scenrio that would also be fun to have for camping/everyday use. I am looking for gifts for my dad, mom, 2 sisters (both adults), brother-in-law, and under 5 year old nephew. All like guns fine and somewhat interested in survival (girls less than guys). Family has just started a small garden. Guys are pretty set on run-of-the-mill knives (nephew will be when he gets old enough, haha). I am looking for gifts that they can keep and won't use up (not really looking for ideas on ammo, food, etc) The tentative idea right now is to get everyone eno doublenest hammocks with slapstraps (although I would have to come up with an idea for one of my sisters that already has one, I would still need something for the little guy, and it is getting a little pricey). Price range is around $50-$80 each ($300-480...wow, seems like a lot more when I add it up, haha). I am also trying to get something I can get everyone at once for their "big" gift as I don't have too much time to shop around. I want some ideas for my family, but I think this would be a good place to list any ideas for any age range, level of interest, and price range. When you list suggestions, try to at least list a price range (if you know it) to make it easier for everyone.

I think it is a pretty safe investment in that if it does become supervalued, you have what you need. If nothing ever happens, you still have the money you put into it.

If you are looking for a high quality, light, powerful slingshot to add to your backpack, arsenal, hunting gear, etc., you've found it. After reading Pat’s Product Review on survivalblog.com about the Y-shot and checking it out on the Montie Gear website, I figured I needed to give this slingshot, well, a shot. I was impressed and let my family and friends try it out as well. Before I get into my views, I will let you know what I observed from when I let other people try it out. One of the most common first reactions to handing my friends the slingshot was, “Whoa, that is light. I was expecting it to be heavier.†I don’t know if it is the design used, the materials, a combination of the two or what, but this slingshot is light. For the backpackers, preppers, or someone who just wants to walk the property and plink a bit, this is a definite plus. The next most common reaction was, “Man, that is powerful!†One friend in particular was very impressed with the power. He was testing it at a campground, and because he hadn’t realized what kind of punch the Y-shot had, he was afraid of what could have happened if he had been careless with his aim…(I had warned him about how powerful it could be but I guess he didn’t believe me until he tried it for himself). After that, he kept going on about how hard it could shoot. I agree with my friends’ evaluations. As I mentioned earlier, it is light. Also, I am 5’6†with “T-Rex†arms, and I can get more than enough power. It comes pre-wrapped in paracord (a benefit most of us can appreciate) and with high quality ball bearings to shoot. Another benefit is that there is an arrow rest addition available. My friends didn’t get an opportunity to try it out, did have the opportunity to try out the arrow rest. This thing was a lot of fun and easy to set up (and remove). I am not too good with it yet but it is fun and a great way to make use of those arrows you haven’t got around to re-nocking. So why would you want to spend the $100 on this slingshot? Well, if the above reasons don’t convince you, think about the durability. By brother-in-law pointed out that the arms of this slingshot will be able to take a lot more damage than the those tiny, thin arms of slingshots you get at the big box stores. I can easily see a situation where you drop your backpack and snap off the arms of the Walmart slingshot but it is going to take a lot to affect the arms of the Y-shot. I also have to say something about Montie Gear itself. I emailed the company with a question and expected to get the same, “thank you for your interest but…blah blah.†However, after a few hours, I received and email from…Montie. He was very helpful, addressed my issue and was a pleasure to deal with. I was very impressed with the customer service and subsequent emails with other members of the company have been just as impressive. While I do not know if you will get the opportunity to deal directly with Montie, every time I dealt with the company I felt taken care of. In summary, if you want a high quality, light slingshot that is going to give you the power you want and not let you down when you need it from a company that cares about its customers, the Y-Shot is for you.

Budget would probably be around $100 (pushing it) but really I just kind of want a range of what is good. I would like to know what everyone considers to be the "best" folder under 3 inches as well as some other "really good" options. I would prefer to stick to name brand mass production as of now. Just wanting a good EDC knife that won't freak out the "no guns or dangerous weapons" folks. That being said, I am still partial to spring assisted. I am considering the Benchmade tanto mini griptillian right now and just wanting to see if anyone has any other suggestions, recommendations, ideas, etc. as well as if anyone has any info on the griptillian (Is it spring assisted? Is it really worth the money? Is one design superior to another? etc).

Looking for a folder with a blade under 3 inches and am looking for suggestions.

Thanks for the info. Yeah. I guess my blur would be out. I guess the "any" school rules wouldn't apply to private universities. If they did, no one seemed to care at my undergrad. Whole different ballgame now though. Howevever, to muddy the water some more...would lethermans be classed as a dangerous weapon? I can see an attorney having a field day with the "unneccessary switch-blade" like action of the spring assissted blur, but I think they would have a hard time making my leatherman tool out to be dangerous weapon (although I am sure they wouldn't mind trying).

I have bought a lot of different folders and like a lot of them. However, I don't even remember how many years ago I got my Kershaw Blur (tanto) and it is still going strong. I used to keep a SOG Trident in my truck for even better access (in between the seat cushions) and for the added benefit of a seat belt cutter when you locked the blade. I would still be carrying it in the truck if I didn't go to a school on federal land where guns AND weapons are prohibited (still haven't bee able to find someone who can tell me just exactly what the "weapons" includes but I don't want to risk federal court at this point).

Don't know if they have it for the iphone or not, but some aps on my droid that are helpling me keep track are "myfitnesspal" and "impetus." MyFitnessPal helps keep track of calorie intake (as well as fat/protein/carbs/sodium/etc. if you want to watch that) and can be accessed by phone as well as computer. Impetus is an interval timer that allows you to set up basic programs (i.e. it will beep every 30 seconds) to help you keep track of things like stetching without having to count the seconds in your head. It also allows you to set up advanced programs (not completely intuitive but I figured it out) that help with circuit training (i.e. It gives me a countdown to get ready...will make a certian noise every 30 seconds...give me a 10 second rest...then start again with a different noise to let me know it is time to work again...will continue to do this for 8 cycles...give me a 1 minute rest...then start the 8 cycle over again...and after 4 of the 8 cycles it plays another sound (or song if you prefer) to let me know I am done). I chose impetus over other interval trainers I found because it did allow you to customize your own workouts (even advanced) and will allow you to pick from your ringtones to decide what you want to hear for the indicator to workout, rest, start, finish, etc. Also, there might be an advanced version, but I have the free version and it works fine for me so far.

Looks like some great info. Thanks.

I usually keep a $5 Mcdonalds gift card in my wallet and try to keep an inexpensive Bible in my truck to give to the beggars. I know they won't be getting beer with that gift card. Sure they might be able to use what food cash they have for beer now, but at least they will have to get food with what I gave them. Also, I don't want them to go buy beer and drugs with the money, but if you give someone some cash to get something to eat and they spend it on booze, you still did a good thing...if they choose to spend it unwisely, it is on them.

Survivalblog.com is a great resource. They have articles from the users of the site ranging from those in the thinking about stage all the way up to people that could live comfortably for the rest of their lives if everything goes down tomorrow. Literally years of articles are stored in a searchable archive on the site.

I frequently keep a few extra packets of salt and/or pepper at fast food restaurants that allow you to serve yourself (don't get ridiculous). I don't think you will be preserving much with what you save but a little bit of salt after your 20th day of squirrel and acorns or your 50th mre, a little salt and pepper might go a long way.

Have not had to use it yet but in my tin (a work in progress), I have some safety pins. Primary uses would be to replace zipper tabs on equipment (tent, jacket, backpack, etc) and might be able to be used as a fishing hook if necessary. I am sure you can come up with some other uses. My kit also has a full size bic lighter in them as well. It takes up a lot of space and I may wind up doing away with it eventually, but I am sure I will be glad I have it if I need it. I know you already said you have a magnesium fire starter, and I would keep that in there as well. Just thinking about the saying, "Two is one and one is none." When it comes to fire, you don't want to take the chance that you might have to take a chance, haha. Also, ideally, I want to make a medical tin, a survival/hiking tin, and an everday carry tin that is a combo. That being said, cough drops might not be on top priority for a survival kit but would be a great addition to a medical/edc kit (however, I have asthma, started coughing one night and my inhalers wouldn't work...cough drop did the trick. Althougth I don't think they would stop a normal asthma attack, they stopped that coughing fit. So it just depends on your situation. Also along the medical vein: band aids, vaseline (for chapped lips or starting fires), and moleskin might be some things to consider.

I bought/traded for an esee 6 on Craigslist and the previous owner had self "woven" a paracord belt attachment point throught the sheath. Definitely an unlooked for perk. There is a lot of cord on there. Also, for survival tins, survivalblog.com has articles (both general and extremely detailed). Just go to the site and search for altoid, altoids, or survival tin and you should get a lot. Hope this helps.

Just got back from the movie and bkelm said almost exactly what I would have said (in so many words). I want to say to that the theater was almost entirely full and very few left when the SEALs' names were scrolling (I too thought it was a little disrespectful). Anyway, ditto to the original review.

Went to see "The Grey" the other day and was sorely disappointed. The previews seemed to show a great action/survival movie. In my opinion, what was delivered was an artsy, liberal movie with a hang up on particular curse words and containing undertones of propaganda against "evil" corporations (particularly oil) and an outright disrespect for God (some of the worst language directed toward God that I have heard in a long time). Oh, and to top it off, there was little action and if you know you need a fire when it is cold, you're already up to speed with the survival aspect. I know I definitely don't need to look to Hollywood for sound advice, but I hoped they would present an interesting idea or two. I feel cheated and hope that this review will save some of you the disappointment (and the money).

Are we sure about this? I mean, most laws do have a somewhat reasonable "grandfather clause." Seriously though, I know I should know it by now but I keep getting surprised about the unamerican ridiculous laws I keep discovering. Coming back from a mission trip to Honduras we went through a Texas airport, there was some question about the legality of the souvenir knives some of our members had bought. I looked up Texas law on my phone and among some of the other ludicrous restrictions, spears, swords, and even a bowie knife...a bowie knife were listed as illegal weapons. If todays laws were on the books back in the day, we wouldn't be saying "Remember the Alamo!" because all the defenders would be in prison.