Letter Re: Hoarding Gold and Silver

HJL,

I think Marks point was very Americanized and fits in with American beliefs that people have come to value dollars over gold and silver. If you look to people in other countries, you will see that silver and gold is considered and valued as money.

In Africa years ago people were panning for gold and bought bread with the small nuggets that they found. In Asia silver and gold are considered a valuable currency to use as a hedge and to keep your wealth.

In Europe with their history, it was considered a good thing to save silver and gold along with the local currency. My Italian step-mother years ago told me to always save real silver and gold that it could get you out of harm’s way, that you could bribe a guard to escape or buy food, or buy the last ticket of passage on a train or ferry or even pay your taxes when they came for your house after collapsing the currency. Her family knew of previous times when this has happened. Why do you think Hitler took all of the clothes from his prisoners?

Mark did say himself that people paid with their diamonds, silver, and gold for food from his relatives. There might have been a reason why those people were on the road that he doesn’t know about and away from their homes and food. – R.R.

HJL Adds: We also don’t recommend using precious stones. It’s difficult to know exactly what the value of a precious stone is worth, especially in a TEOTWAWKI situation. For instance, we know that diamonds are highly overvalued in today’s market, so you will probably loose value if you use them to store wealth. Even colored precious stones are difficult to trade with unless you have an “expert” on both sides of the transaction. PM’s are much simpler to deal with.

Economics and Investing:

The IMF has given the go-ahead to the Chinese renminbi to be used as one of the worlds Main Currencies. The Euro and the British pound take the brunt of the move while the U.S. dollar remains steady at 42%. However, the move has deeper political ramifications. As the author of the piece states:

“As the renminbi becomes more deeply woven into the global economy, it undermines the ability of the West to impose financial sanctions on countries accused of human rights abuses and other violations, like Sudan and North Korea. Such countries can increasingly carry out transactions in renminbi.”

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Why I’m Closing My Bank Accounts While I Still Can – D.S.

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Items from Professor Preponomics:

Stress Test Pressure May See UK Banks Cut Dividends (Wall Street Journal)

Brazil’s Economic Tailspin (Reuters)

Finland’s Problem Isn’t the Euro (Wall Street Journal) Commentary: Well…the problem isn’t “entirely” the Euro.

Erdogan Busted! The ISIS Oil Pipeline Through Ceyhan (Contra Corner)

Iran’s Mines Could Bring In More Cash than Crude (Bloomberg)

Investors are Terrified by the “3rd Wave” of the Financial Crisis (Business Insider)

Fate of Obamacare Co-ops in Question After Half Collapse (Fox News)

Huge Economic Warning Sign from the Midwest (Business Insider)

Chicago PMI Suggests US Manufacturing is Still Gloomy (Market Watch)

Hillary Clinton’s Proposals Total $1B in New Government Spending (Washington Free Beacon)

Odds ‘n Sods:

For the more technical among us, this is an interesting tale of how Tor got hacked and made onymous. – Send in by P.S.

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Reader G.P. sent in this link to the Washington Free Beacon reporting ‘Unprecedented’ Support For Islamic State Within U.S.. It’s a scary situation when the world chooses to stick its collective head in the sand over the evils of Islam. A simple Google search provides an abundance of information and people apparently can’t be bothered to do that.

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Another “Read my lips” situation: Obama Pledges Executive Action on Gun Control – Link sent in by B.B.

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The Glenn Beck show had an interesting segment on prepping. Which category of prepper do fall into? (And isn’t interesting that the election of Hillary Clinton as president is classed equal to an apocalypse.)

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An anonymous reader sent in the link profiling a piece of equipment we’ve been watching for the past few months: goTenna | Text & GPS on your phone, even without service.. It looks like they will be shipping in time for the holidays.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“Man, no doubt, owes many other moral duties to his fellow men; such as to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick, protect the defenseless, assist the weak, and enlighten the ignorant. But these are simply moral duties, of which each man must be his own judge, in each particular case, as to whether, and how, and how far, he can, or will perform them.” – Lysander Spooner

Notes for Tuesday – December 01, 2015

Book Release Day! – Land of Promise

I’m pleased to announce that my latest novel, Land of Promise, is now available for ordering, both as a Kindle e-book and as a trade paperback. (An audio book and a Nook book will follow, in a few months.)

This is the first novel in a planned six-book series that I’ve dubbed the Counter-Caliphate Chronicles. The first book is set 30 years in the future, after the advent of an Islamic Caliphate that controls most of the world’s land mass, 60% of the world’s population, and nearly all of the planet’s oil and natural gas reserves. Though this book series will certainly appeal to fans of my Patriots novel series, be advised that it does not tie in to the storyline or characters in my earlier series. But like in the Patriots series, I have squeezed a lot of “practical and tactical” survival skills into the fictional storyline of Land of Promise. And yes, it has a glossary. The book’s Foreword was written by the outstanding voice of liberty Bill Buppert (founder of the ZeroGov forums), and there is an Afterword written by the inestimable Hugh J. Latimer (SurvivalBlog’s Managing Editor).

Because this novel includes some predictions of new technologies, it could be classified as science fiction. But to me, it is more of a “message” piece. In the Patriots series, the message was to wake up individuals about emerging threats and the need for family preparedness. But in the Counter-Caliphate Chronicles, the message is to warn the citizens of all of the Christian western nations about the threat of Jihadist Islam and to strongly encourage the establishment of nations of refuge for persecuted Christians. I’ve also stressed the importance of individual liberty. In essence: As long as a new nation needs to be established, then it ought to be a free nation! The level of individual freedom that I describe in the fictitious Ilemi Republic is bound to be controversial, but so be it. I am a Christian libertarian and unashamed of my beliefs.

Without writing any plot spoilers, I can tell you that the novel has plenty of drama and excitement. There are many characters that are based on real-life individuals. And the trends fulfillment that it describes is all-too believable. (This ties in to the recent news headlines.) This novel sets the stage for a series that will span the world and show cataclysmic events, all shown from the perspective of individuals who live through these turbulent times.

For today only (book release day–December 1st), the Kindle e-book is priced at just $2.99. But the price will go up to $3.99 tomorrow. So please order your copy today. The 351-page trade paperback edition is priced at $11.99, but that price is not expected to change significantly in the weeks to come.

Lord willing, the second novel of the series, titled Piece of Resistance will be released in November of 2016. I’m presently writing the manuscript of that book. It leverages off of the detailed groundwork in Land of Promise and describes the involvement of Ilemi citizens in supporting a war of resistance in totalitarian Islamist-ruled Nigeria. This novel includes most of the characters introduced in the first book, and reemphasizes the need for both religious liberty and a dedicated nation of refuge.

I am confident that you will enjoy reading Land of Promise. – JWR

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The winners of Round 61 of the writing contest are being judged and will be announced tomorrow, December 2, 2015.

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SurvivalBlog would also like to thank Quantum Harvest LLC who ran into a problem procuring parts for their Model 120 Series Solar Generator that they were providing for the writing contest (A $340 value). They instead upped the ante and replaced it with the Model 175 Series Solar Generator (A $439 value). Way to go Quantum Harvest!

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Today, we present the first entry for Round 62 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul pmags 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304, and
  10. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. Twenty-five books, of the winners choice, of any books published by PrepperPress.com (a $270 value),
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  9. Safecastle is providing a package of 10 LifeStraws (a $200 value)

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A $245 gift certificate from custom knifemaker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. 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,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit,
  8. Montie Gear is donating a Precision Rest (a $249 value), and
  9. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).

Round 62 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Attaining Food in Urban Locations (From Land and Sea)- Part 1, by Cracker Makk

If it has hair, feathers, or scales, it is edible. In the desperate times that lay ahead, people are going to have to make a choice. They’ll either become self-sufficient and revert back to the practices of our ancestors (the hunter/gatherers) or stand there with their hand out and wait for something that isn’t coming. You need to learn how to keep your body nourished and feed the ones you love. The truth is there are food sources everywhere around us that are easily obtainable with a little patience and technical know-how. However, many people in this country have become lazy, and the thought of catching something themselves and eating it is considered taboo or distasteful. Many people have become so dependent on the system to provide them food that they have no idea how to acquire it for themselves. Whether it is food and water, clothing, houses, or phones, you name it, someone with their hand out is getting it at the expense of the American tax payer. Eventually this will come to a grinding halt. When the lazy ones, as I call them, stop getting their free stuff and shelves are empty at the stores, they will not know what to do. They will not know how to acquire food and will start looting every chance they get. They will soon discover their tangibles no longer have any value, and they will be left to starve; and starve they will. Hopefully you won’t.

My uncle was in the 101st and 82nd airborne divisions in the U.S. Army. He did three tours in Vietnam, was shot four times, blinded in one eye, and had his throat cut ear to ear and yet lived. On his last tour he was the only one in his group to make it back still breathing. I spent most of my childhood with him, camping, hunting, and fishing. We camped on islands in the Marcasis, south of the Florida Keys, down in the everglades, on cypress heads in the swamps, and even in some protected wildlife areas where we weren’t supposed to be. We never took food with us, only the means to obtain it and some very basic survival gear. These trips made me appreciate nature and taught me how to live off the land. They gave me a sense of empowerment that I hope to convey to you in the following paragraphs below. With that said, I want to be straight here. If you are someone who won’t even try certain things because of the way it looks and can’t think outside the box, then don’t waste your time reading this; it won’t be useful to you. Some of the food sources mentioned here may not be one’s first choice, but in a worst case scenario drastic times require drastic measures and could mean the difference between starving to death and staying alive. If you want to live and even thrive on all of the food sources that are out there, then stay with me. I will share with you the skills that will help you keep food on your table and have an edge that most people know nothing about.

Most of us realize that the time bomb is fast approaching. Our economic system is manipulated, the nation’s debt is overwhelming, our mainstream media is suppressed, and political corruption is rampant among our leaders. If history has shown us anything, it is that broken systems are unsustainable and a major change is imminent. Unfortunately no one knows what will be the tipping point or when this event will take place, but be assured it is coming. For some individuals it will be hard, but for many others it will be catastrophic. When the shelves at the food stores are empty, what will you do? Are you self-sufficient? Are you prepared? Regardless, I am going to share with you the techniques I learned from my uncle on catching birds, squirrels, turtles, alligators, and many others from land as well as fresh fish and other edible seafood sources using a mask, snorkel, fins, and a spear gun. These tips along with a little practice will keep food on your table when your neighbors are starving. The main objective here is to open your mind to food options when the present ones are no longer available. But let’s be clear here; your survival will depend on you. You do not have to be an avid outdoorsmen or professional spear fisherman to put food on your table. You just need the will to survive and the knowledge below. Be creative and find a way to “make it work”. No matter what your case is, there is always a way to make it work. Think about this for a minute and let it sink in. Let’s get started.

LAND

PIGEONS / GULLS

There are many different species of birds that are very good eating and easy to find. Obviously, a BB gun or pellet Rifle is recommended for birds in residential or commercial areas (since we are talking about urban areas here), but depending on the circumstances the sound of a 22 or a shotgun may be commonplace at that particular time. Birds which have become quite accustomed to human activity, like pigeons, will be one of the easiest animals to get close to, simply because they associate humans with food. Pigeons have large, meaty breasts and can be found in groups. It should also be noted that their gizzards and hearts are very tasty as well. (Pan frying is recommended.) Pigeons are found close to stores, under bridges, and in heavily traveled areas. They are very comfortable being around people and can be caught using a small dip net, pool skimmer net, or cast net. If a pigeon is in view, walk over to it slowly and in a non-threatening way. One of the keys to catching live animals is not making eye contact. You will hear me emphasizing this numerous times during this article with many species, especially fish while hunting underwater. One very successful tactic to catch a pigeon is to pick up something you see on the ground (dummy bait) and pretend it is food. The bird will be watching you; mark my word on it. Make sure you have a few different items and throw one of the items on the ground out of its range. Make sure the bird sees you do it. Before the bird knows that it’s not food, throw another piece a little closer to him but in reach for you to scoop him with the net. Make sure you go from top down. Be accurate. You may only get one chance at it, but you will get close enough to get him.

Another easy target are seagulls. They are simple to catch using a fishing pole and a small hook. Although seagulls are found on the beaches most of the time, they are also found in large numbers around parking lots, dumpsters, landfills, and standing water. They will eat most anything, just like a pigeon, and can be lured using anything that has an odor to it. Be creative, and think outside the box. There are earthworms in the soil close to flowers. They can also be found in dark dirt areas where the soil is moist. Keep in mind, birds such as seagulls associate humans with food as well, and even if they don’t have a liking for worms, they will be drawn to whatever you throw out at them. The trick is getting them to put it in their mouth. Once they do that, set the hook and hold on for the fight. If you have more than one fishing pole, make sure you keep the gull on the ground out in view of the other gulls. They are usually in groups, and they are very competitive by nature. Once they see one gull on the ground, they will figure it has found food and many more will come a calling. Get your other hook ready and set it once he puts the bait in its mouth. We used to catch them using small pieces of hot dogs and bacon. (You can use anything that has an odor.) Keep in mind once you catch one and clean it (removing the feathers, feet, head, and wings) you will need to gut it by removing all the inner organs. Those organs are very useful when it comes to bait for more seagulls, pigeons, alligators, opossums, raccoons, cats, dogs, turtles, or for catching fish, so do not discard any of them. A little later I will teach you a very simple way to put these innards to work and catch some of the best eating creatures available. The best way to keep the inner organs for later use is to freeze them. However, if freezing them isn’t an option for you, then simply wrap them in a small air tight container and bury it in the ground at least 24 inches deep, where the temperature is much cooler beneath the soil and the innards will keep for twice as long as they would above ground.

MUSCOGEE DUCKS

Muscogee ducks are another animal that are acquainted with human presence and very easy to catch. They are fed by people all of the time, and the hungrier they get the closer they come to man. They can be caught using a dummy bait (a rock, stick, or piece of paper) held out so they can see it. When they come right up to you to eat it, simply grab them by the neck. I used to catch them exactly like this when I was six years old. There is no doubt you can do it, too. You can also catch them in a cast net, which is by far the easiest way. Muscogee ducks may not look very appealing, but they taste just like a chicken. I know everyone always says that, but it’s true. So why not eat it if your life depends on it. It is a food source that is very easy to harvest, and they are found close to parks, lakes, ponds, and even ditches that have standing water in them. Move in a non-threatening manner, and avoid eye contact with the animal as much as possible.

DOVE

One of my favorite birds to eat is the dove. They love millet, rice, sunflower seeds, peanuts, grass seeds, ragweed, corn, and pine cone kernels. If you have any of these items on site, try baiting an open area with the specific item and wait for the dove’s arrival. It may take up to two weeks for them to find it. However, if it rains and washes your seeds away you will need to rebait your area. The key is getting it where you have seen other doves previously. It is important to note that doves need to ingest a certain amount of shell rock every day to help them with their digestion and Ph balance,` so you may want to locate an area that fits this criteria to insure positive results. Shooting them with a small caliber rifle is ideal, but if things are real bad and you don’t have access to a firearm then there is another option I have used with much success. There are many breeds of doves– mourning, turtle, white wing, and ring neck, to name a few. They are all delicious to eat. They’re also related to the pigeon and do at times interbreed. They can be trapped, especially in the warmer months of the year and when water is scarce. You will need a tarp and some screen mesh. The main objective here is providing them with a water source that does not disperse into the soil and stays wet. Doves like shallow areas to drink from, and they don’t like to get their feet wet. The first step is to lay the tarp down on the ground in a low spot. You will need a low spot so that when you pour the water on it, the water stays in the pocket and doesn’t run off the tarp. (Because the water will be covered by screen, this will slow the evaporation process, and the water will stand for longer periods of time. If you don’t have a frame or anything structural to support your screen, the screen can be laid over a large hanging branch. Remember, it does not have to be perfect; you just need something that is enclosed and holds water with a small entrance at the bottom. The bird must be able to see the water inside. You must make sure that the screen encloses the entire tarp all the way to the ground with additional screen laying on the ground. It should resemble the shape of a tent, when you are done. It does not have to be large; six feet by six feet would be sufficient. Lay something with some weight on the excess screen around the entire perimeter of the tarp, ensuring that the screen is not going to blow up from the wind. It needs to be firm so when the bird goes in to drink the water and gets caught inside the enclosure, he is not able to free the screen lose at the bottom when he starts to fly. The bird won’t realize he can’t get out until he starts flapping his wings and comes in contact with the interior edges of the screen enclosure. There must be an opening at the bottom that the bird can see. (Eight inches by eight inches would be ideal.) This is a great way to catch all types of birds. Remember they need water just like we do, and when rain is few and far between, a water trap will work time and time again. One of the keys to removing your catch is running toward the bird once it is inside your trap. The bird’s natural instinct is to fly straight up, and once it tries to fly you’ve got him. Do not try and grab him by undoing the enclosure. Grab him from the outside, keeping the bird inside of the screen. Keep in mind, unlike other birds, doves do not bite; they are a very sweet mannered bird. Also remember to always be humane; take its life fast when you catch one.

News From The American Redoubt:

Feds extend comment period on plan to close areas to mining. – Sent in by RBS

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You will struggle reading this poorly written article, but it contains important information about Montana Ranchers acting as frontline guards, watching the Canadian border for illegal crossings.

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Car insurance study settles it: Montana has worst drivers

And this article from 2001 provides some background: Montana: No Speed Limit Safety Paradox

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Spokane: Some continue to feel affects of windstorm damage

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Idaho: Ex-elk ranch employee charged with stealing elk semen

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1st large-scale exercise set in military air training area

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This news story from Montana is odd: Bodies of elderly woman and her son found after eerie disappearance

Economics and Investing:

IMF to make Chinese yuan reserve currency in historic move – Sent in by G.G.

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Items from Mr. Econocobas:

China’s Yuan Approved by IMF for Special Basket Currencies– My question is, say the Yuan makes up 10% of the SDR, where does that 10% come from? The U.S. Dollar or who? How does that effect that currency(s) that is reduced?

Hyperinflation Watch: Kazakhstan Unveils New 20,000 Tenge Banknote

Items from Professor Preponomics:

Negative Interest Rates in Switzerland Have Economists Proposing Scary Scenarios: Should Cash Be Abolished? (Business Insider)

Trouble is Brewing in the Paper Markets for Gold and Silver (FXStreet)

It’s Getting Worse in Houston (Business Insider)

Here’s a Good Reason to Pay for Your Holiday Gifts in Cash: Sophisticated Malware Designed to Steal Your Data and Money (Market Watch)

Fed’s Tarullo to Biggest Banks: Stress Tests Likely to Get Harder (Wall Street Journal)

Why Defense Acquisition Has a Need for Speed (Heritage)

NYSE Boots National Bank of Greece (24/7WallSt)

How Hedgies Plundered Greek Banks (Contra Corner)

Greek Bank Stress Tests Leave Something to be Desired (Forbes)

Odds ‘n Sods:

Slaves sold for $10: Yazidi Women Tell of Rape and Enslavement at Hands of ISIS

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Reader D.S. sent in this article profiling the abusive nature of the nations healthcare when it comes to employees who don’t comply with mandatory flu shots which are highly controversial.

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Along those same lines, here is an example where the government is now mandating vaccines containing mercury in children and exempting the producers and health workers from any and all consequences…All in the name of child safety.

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In Sweden, 14,000 illegal immigrants disappear without trace. Meanwhile: No Apartments, No Jobs, No Shopping Without a Gun Thanks to B.B. and J.R. for the links.

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T.A. submitted this handy link that helps explain the difference between dehydrated foods and freeze dried foods.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“Your personal philosophy is more important for you than mine! You are the master of your own life and if you don’t agree with my views, great, define, understand and implement your own. The biggest thing you can do is understand that you are in control of your life and that what you do matters. Those two factors have the greatest impact on individual survival across every demographic you can imagine.” – Jack Spirko of Survival Podcast

Notes for Monday – November 30, 2015

Just one more day ’til the release of “Land of Promise”! Tomorrow (December 1st) is the day to order your copies of either the Kindle edition or the trade paperback!

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I was saddened to hear of the passing of economist Richard Russell, at age 91. His Dow Theory Letters newsletter had been published since 1958. I started reading his newsletter back in 1987. Our condolences to his family. He coined the phrase: “The trend is your friend.” His market analysis was always sound, and he never lost sight of the importance of maintaining what he called a “core holding” of precious metals, for every individual investor. A veteran of World War II (as a USAAF B-25 bombardier), Russell typified his generation. He–and his prescient market analysis–will be missed!

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Don’t forget that the Homestead Store is still offering the 10% off sale of all of their drying racks.

Pat Cascio’s Product Review: Springfield Armory XDm Compact .40 S&W

Make no mistake, I’m a huge fan of Springfield Armory firearms– all of them. When the XD handgun first came out, I picked one up; it was in .40S&W. At first appearance, it looked very much Glock-ish to my way of thinking. However, once home, I tore the gun down and examined it. While some of the parts look like Glock parts, none of them will interchange with a Glock. None!

Something very rare for me is to carry any one particular handgun for two years, which is what I did with the XD .40, only changing to a different gun when doing an article about it and then only carrying the different gun for a week or two. Then, I went back to the XD .40 on my hip. The only minor complaint I had about my XD .40 was the finish on the slide. It appeared to be parkerized, but it wasn’t very durable. Weekly I would wipe the gun down, but it still developed some rust spots on the slide no matter what I did to it. Happily, Springfield Armory has gone to Melonite for the finish on many of their guns in the XD line-up, with the exception of the stainless steel slide models.

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Under review today is the Springfield Armory XDm Compact Model. And, with it comes some improvements in handling over the basic XD model. There is a different process for breaking the gun down for cleaning, and I won’t bore our readers with that. The information can be found on the Springfield Armory website. The ergonomics of the XDm guns are better feeling in the hand, compared to the XD models. The grip is thinner and just feels better all the way around. The slide is a bit slimmer, too. The gun just feels “all-that-much better” in my hand than the original XD model.

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I elected to review the .40 S&W XDm, because I’m a big fan of the .40 S&W caliber for many uses. Let’s take a quick look at the XDm Compact. It comes with a dual recoil spring set-up, making it a bit easier to retract the slide when chambering a round or clearing the chamber. The sights are of the three dot white variety, that are fast to pick-up. The gun weighs 28 ounces, but it feels a little heavier than that, to my way of thinking. It weighs a little more with the X-Tension mag inserted in the gun. (There’s more on this shortly.) I have the stainless steel slide version, and it hasn’t shown a hint of rust in our usual rainy climate. The barrel is 3.8 inches in length, so the gun is easy to conceal. The frame is black textured polymer, and it really provides a great feel under any weather conditions, and I shoot rain, shine, or snow when testing a gun. If I plan on shooting “that” day, I go shooting, no matter what the weather calls for. The XDm Compact in .40S&W comes with one 11-rd mag and one 16-rd mag, with the X-Tension on it. Of course, we have all the other goodies that comes with many of the Springfield handguns– a holster, double mag pouch, cleaning rod, magazine loader, and different back straps, so you can fit the gun to your hand. They are quick and easy to change. Just punch out pin and pull the back strap off and slide the new one on. The entire set-up comes in a very nice, lockable polymer case for easy transport to the range or storage of the XDm.

My only minor complaint with the Compact model is that the 11-rd magazine doesn’t give my pinky finger any place to go. Oh sure, if I squeeze my hand up on the gun, I can get half of my pinky on the grip. However, it’s easier to just replace the flat magazine base plate with one from Pearce Grip. It then gives my pinky something to hold onto, and it honestly doesn’t add all that much more to the gun when it comes to concealment. With the 16-rd mag, with the X-Tension on it, there’s no problems getting all my fingers wrapped around the grip frame of the gun, and the X-Tension 16-rd mag also comes with different X-Tensions that you can swap out to match the different sized back straps. A lot of thought went into this design process, and we can thank Dave Williams, who heads up the Springfield Armory Custom Shop, for many of these innovative designs. I also love the aggressive checking on the front strap as well as the back straps, which make for a sure hold on the gun under any conditions.

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As mentioned, the XDm Compact comes with a double mag pouch that threads through your belt, which I like. However, the holster is a paddle style and I don’t like this set-up at all. It has nothing to do with Springfield Armory. I just don’t like paddle holsters. They tend to move around and not stay in place. When I put a gun on, I want it to be in a particular spot on my belt for the sake of muscle memory, so I don’t want the gun and holster sliding around. I ordered a leather belt holster from DeSantis holsters. However, I ordered one of their “E” models, and it is a loose fit. I should have known better. I’ve ordered some of their “E” holsters before. (Maybe “E” is for economical?) They also were very loose fitting; it sits in my holster drawer! Instead, I carried the XDm Compact in a Blackhawk Products generic belt slide holster, which can be adjusted to fit a lot of handguns. The XDm rode high and tight against my body. If your holster isn’t holding your gun tight to your body, you’re doing something wrong when it comes to concealment.

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The XDm comes with a full-time ambidextrous magazine release as well as a grip safety and a trigger safety, which is in the face of the trigger. There is a slide release/lock on the frame and then the take-down lever. All in all, the gun is pretty “clean” and doesn’t have anything you don’t need. Trigger pull is double-action only, and it is smooth to my way of thinking. Breaking at five lbs, it “rolls” as you pull the trigger; I like it! The magazine release is a bit stiff with fully loaded magazines, and I’d rather have a mag release a bit too stiff, as opposed to one that can accidentally release a mag on you. However, once one round is fired and you want to take the mag out, it is much easier to release than when the mag is full. That’s just something to be aware of. Again, I’d rather have a stiff mag release than a mag release that is too loose.

The grip safety doesn’t take any thought to depress, if you are holding the gun in a proper. It’s just that simple, unlike some 1911 handguns that you sometimes have to think about or the grip safety isn’t properly adjusted and you go to fire the gun and it won’t fire because the grip safety isn’t fully depressed. While it is a “manual” grip safety, it is really more like it’s passive. You just don’t have to think about it when you take a proper grip on the gun.

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I had a great selection of .40S&W ammo on hand for my testing, including some +P loads. I’m told by those in the know, at Springfield Armory, that their XD line-up of handgun can handle all the +P ammo you want to shoot through them, or as much as you can handle.

From Black Hills Ammunition I had their new 155-gr JHP fodder, their 180-gr JHP, and their 140-gr Barnes all-copper TAC-XP hollow point rounds. From Buffalo Bore Ammunition I had their 140-gr Barnes all-copper TAC-XP hollow point load as well as the same in 125-gr. I love their 200-gra Hard Cast Outdoorsman load. it’s the load you want to carry if you are out in the boonies and might face dangerous 4-legged critters. I also had their 155-gr JHP +P, 180-gr JHP +P, and 180-gr FMJ +P loads.

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Right off the bat, I’ll say, there were no malfunctions of any type with any of the ammo, even when I mixed different brands and bullet types in the same magazines. No problems at all. Accuracy testing was done at 25-yards, even though this gun only has a 3.8-inch barrel. I knew it could do what I wanted it to do at 25-yards. I used a rolled-up sleeping back over the hood of my pickup for a rest. No groups exceeded three inches in my testing. The Buffalo Bore 125-gr and 140-gr Barnes TAC-XP loads are not rated +P, however, you know you touched off a relatively warmish round. I liked the Buffalo Bore 200-gr Hard Cast Outdoorsman load a lot. As I mentioned earlier, this would be my choice if I were out in the boonies and might come face-to-face with a bear. This round will shoot through more than 30 inches of flesh, muscle, and bone. WOW!!!

The overall winner, if you will, in the accuracy department was the Black Hills 140-gr Barnes TAC-XP all-copper hollow point load. If I did my part, I could shrink those groups down to 2 1/2 inches, again, if I were on my game. There were no losers in the accuracy department. All loads tested were plenty accurate enough for self-defense use, every one of them!

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As an aside, I lined up ten 1-gallon milk jugs that were filled with water, put a one by four board behind them, and fired the Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman load into it. It went straight through all the water jugs and the board. Tthis round will penetrate, deeply!!! A lot of shooters believe that a FMJ load will penetrate deeper than a Hard Cast bullet will. That’s simply not true. The Hard Cast bullet tends to “cut” though whatever it goes through, whereas the FMJ loads tend to slip and slide through material. A person would be smart to keep the last few rounds in their spare magazine loaded with the Hard Cast rounds, in case you have to fire through light cover to get to an attacker. It’s just something to think about.

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Now, for the really good news. If you purchase any handgun from Springfield Armory between Sept 1st and the end of the year, you can get two more free mags, a double mag pouch, and an outstanding handgun case that holds two handguns and plenty of spare mags. Just verify online that you recently purchased the gun and fill out the claim form, and in no time at all those freebies will be headed your way. This is more than a hundred dollar value, on top of the great gun.

I wouldn’t hesitate to carry the XDm Compact .40 for self-defense in the right holster. I have 100% confidence in this gun. Then again, Springfield Armory don’t make no junk. I know, I know, that’s not proper grammar, but still…

The XD line of handguns is actually produced in Croatia and imported by Springfield Armory, and they hit several home runs with this line-up. I didn’t want to list retail, because the actual street price on this gun is all over the place, but even if a person paid full retail, they’d be getting a great handgun for just about any needs.

– Senior Product Review Editor, Pat Cascio

Recipe of the Week: Christmas Cheese Ball, by L.H.

This one is a super simple recipe that has stood the test of time. Everyone was making it in the late 70’s/early 80’s, and we’re still making it and delighting company and get-togethers all these years later.

Ingredients:

  • 2 blocks (8 oz. ea.) cream cheese
  • 1 bunch green onions, minced
  • 1 small pkg. (7 oz., or 1/2 of a 16-oz. pkg.) ham lunchmeat, diced small
  • generous dash of Accent (optional)
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped pecans snack crackers

Directions:

  1. In mixing bowl combine cream cheese, onions, ham lunchmeat bits, and Accent (if using).
  2. Mash well with hands or spoons, and shape into a ball.
  3. Place pecans on plate or cutting board and roll ball in pecans to coat.
  4. Cover and let set at least 6 hours, or overnight, for flavors to meld.

Serve with buttery (Ritz-type) snack crackers.

o o o

Useful Recipe and Cooking Links:

A SurvivalBlog reader sent in this link on using canning lids to make perfectly round pancakes.

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

Letter: Hoarding Silver, Gold and Diamonds

Hugh,

I remember when I was young and would sit for hours listening to the depression stories that the old people would tell. One thing that stuck in my mind was that the only time that precious metals or stones were worth much was during times of plenty when you could buy products with them. I watched my grandfather open his safe from time to time, and he would show me the gold and diamonds he had in it from years ago. Seems that when urban dwellers who were rich ran out of food, they would come to trade and paid extravagantly for it. He knew eventually the economy would come back on track, and he kept taking whatever precious stones and metals he could for the food he raised and ended up a rich man. He also had a very high-end grand piano in the parlor that no one knew how to play. LOL

My point is that having precious metals or stones and relying on them will only ensure that after you survive a long-term major catastrophic event that you will probably be poor, and the guy with the food will end up rich. No, the “hordes” of city dwellers didn’t over run the hinterlands in those days. I talked to many people who went through the depression, and they said they were too beat down to fight or steal. Ten percent of the population or more died of famine or famine-related disease. Prepare for war. Pray for peace. God bless. – Mark

HJL responds: JWR and I have long taught that you can’t eat PMs. If your basics are not covered, you shouldn’t be storing them, as your efforts should be moving towards feeding and caring for your family. Once you attain a comfort level (whatever your goal was, whether three months, six months, one year, or a deep larder), then you can worry about PMs. PMs, with few exceptions, are not intended to give you the option of having barter or trading tools during times of shortages. They are designed to hold and maintain the value of wealth through the hard times and later. Coming out on the other side of hard times, when valuables trade is re-established, is when PMs are most useful, as your grandfather was wise enough to know.

During the depression, the cities were seen as the locations with the greatest resources so people flocked to the urban centers, abandoning the rural and migrant lifestyles. Now that the greater population is urban, the rural areas will be seen as where the resources are, especially if the supply trucks stop rolling or there is no power.

One other thought– hoarding is when there is a shortage and you are grabbing and storing all you can to the detriment of everyone else. Prepping is when you are storing up in times of plenty, to be used when there is a shortage. The man who chose to visit Disneyland or take a vacation while you spent your resources on preparing for the hard times would like to call your prepping “hoarding”, but that is only because he wants to enjoy the fruits of his labor in times of plenty and the fruits of your labor in times of shortage.