Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, a recap of the tumultuous early August stock crash.

Precious Metals:

Spot gold hit another all-time high this morning in Asian trading.  When I last checked, it was at $2,511.20 per Troy ounce. (Up $42.80.) The more heavily-manipulated silver market has some catching up to do. The silver shorts may soon be in a panic.

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Gold Is Back Over $2,500 As Money Starts Going Back Into ETFs.

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At Zero Hedge: PBoC’s Gold Conduit Revealed: Chinese Central Bank Did Not Stop Buying Gold In May.

Economy & Finance:

‘Magnificent Seven’ Losses Approach $3 Trillion Amid Weeks-Long Selloff.

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10 Imploding Stocks Cost Investors A Staggering $2.6 Trillion.

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World’s Richest Lose $134 Billion in Stock Slump, Led By Bezos.

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Charles Hugh Smith: The Great Unwinding: Is There Any Way to Come Out Ahead?

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And at Zero Hedge: “Travel Trends Deteriorating” As Consumer Downturn Worsens.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The desire to confirm the legitimacy of the facially valid firearms permit that
Soukaneh presented did not—with nothing more—provide Andrzejewski with
probable cause for the half-hour or longer handcuffed detention that occurred. It
is uncontested that Soukaneh presented Andrzejewski with a gun license, the
legitimacy of which Andrzejewski himself admits he had no reason to question.
Moreover, Andrzejewski concedes that he was informed of the facially valid
license before Soukaneh told him that he had a gun and specified its location.
Andrzejewski does not allege that the permit appeared abnormal in any fashion
or that Soukaneh engaged in any suspicious or threatening behavior. On the facts
before us, Andrzejewski does not provide an articulable reason why he, or any
other reasonable officer, could conclude that there was probable cause to believe
that Soukaneh possessed his firearm unlawfully in violation of Section 29-38(a).
To find otherwise would consign those validly carrying firearms pursuant to a
license to automatic detention because it would effectively presume that gun
permits are invalid until proven valid, or that lawfully owned guns are per se
contraband until proven otherwise. Such a finding would effectively render
armed individuals’ Fourth Amendment rights meaningless when they are
lawfully carrying firearms.” – From the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Soukaneh v. Andrzejewski, August 12, 2024.

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — August 15, 2024

On August 15, 1620, the Mayflower set sail from Southampton, England, with 102 Pilgrims.

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On August 15, 1901, Arch Rock, a hazard to San Francisco Bay shipping, was blasted with 30 tons of dynamite.

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I recently took delivery of a batch of 10 antique Swiss Schmidt-Rubin Model 1896/11 rifles. An importer kindly hand-picked all antique (1898 or earlier) ones for me. (There were just 10 antique ones out of about 200 that they had on hand.) The 1896/11 model can shoot the modern high-pressure 7.5 x 55 ammunition.  Four of these rifles sold immediately, so as of this morning, I have just six left on hand.  These are being sold “luck of the draw” rather than with photographs and detailed descriptions of each. I expect them to sell out in less than a week, so get your order in soon.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, 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.

Prepper Outreach – An Example, by PrepperDoc

Most movements or organizations require some form of “outreach” in order to grow – or even to avoid getting smaller! Perhaps one of the only group to gain ever larger adherents without any form of outreach…..is the cemetery! Political parties, private schools, certainly retail establishments, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies all understand that outreach is part and parcel of growing their income and influence in a society.

The survivalist/prepper movement has traditionally left outreach to the purveyors of related products. Preferring anonymity and eschewing public recognition, leadership and followers alike have avoided any form of outreach.

But Christian love and compassion demand that those of us who understand the possibilities of any nation in such a fractured and dangerous world, speak out and encourage others to be better prepared for the safety of their families, children, and grandchildren. This is just Christian love in action.

So I would like to recount, in some anonymity, some great new leadership that materialized in an undisclosed city, and the growth that resulted. This is only the story of a beginning, but it is an important one that might pass on courage to budding leadership in other cities.Continue reading“Prepper Outreach – An Example, by PrepperDoc”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, news of another huge data hack.

3 Billion Hit in Huge Data Breach on Dark Web

Reader C.B. sent us this disturbing news: 3 billion hit in catastrophic data breach exposing full names, addresses and SSNs on dark web. The article opens:

“A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Jerico Pictures Inc., also known as National Public Data, alleging a massive data breach that exposed the personal details of nearly 3 billion people.

The complaint, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, details an incident on April 8, where a hacker group called USDoD allegedly released a database labeled “National Public Data” on a dark web forum. The group claimed this database contained sensitive information from 2.9 billion individuals and attempted to sell it for $3.5 million.”

Appeals Court: Physicians Have Freedom of Speech

Reader D.S.V. sent this: Appeals Court Rules Physicians Can Assert Their First Amendment Rights.

UK Police Threaten US Citizens Over Online Posts

UK police commissioner threatens to extradite, jail US citizens over online posts: ‘We’ll come after you’. JWR’s Comments:  I have a news flash for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley: Any vestige of pretended jurisdiction over Americans by the Crown and its officers ended on October 19, 1781, when General Cornwallis surrendered. So, go Foxtrot Oscar.
Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“There is no means by which anyone can evade his personal responsibility. Whoever neglects to examine to the best of his abilities all the problems involved voluntarily surrenders his birthright to a self appointed elite of supermen. In such vital matters blind reliance upon ‘experts’ and uncritical acceptance of popular catchwords and prejudices is tantamount to the abandonment of self-determination and to yielding to other people’s domination. As conditions are today, nothing can be more important to every intelligent man than economics. His own fate and that of his progeny are at stake.” – Ludwig von Mises

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — August 14, 2024

On August 14, 1040 at the Battle of Bothnagowan, King Duncan I of Scotland (pictured) was killed in battle against his first cousin and rival Macbeth. He was not murdered in his sleep as described in Shakespeare’s play. Macbeth did not succeed Duncan, as King.

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August 14th, 1945 was Victory In Japan (“V-J”) Day.

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American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is one of the long-time prize sponsors of our writing contest. They’ve just announced a new course on DVD (or online) that should be of great interest to SurvivalBlog readers: Survival Gunsmithing. This course has more than 10 hours of instruction. It will be priced at $397. But for just a limited time, it is being sold at 50% off.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, 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.

 

Vacuum Sealers: For More Than Just Food, by 3AD Scout

We have had a Vacuum Sealer for over two decades having received it as a wedding gift. Although we originally used it for food storage over the years we have found other things to vacuum seal for survival. Here are some of our thoughts and experiences on vacuum sealers

For Prepper Food Storage

When we first got our vacuum sealer I started sealing up white rice. I did packages with two cups of rice and then placed them inside a five-gallon food-grade bucket. As time went on we started to seal up five cup packages as well. The two-cup packages are great to grab for a side dish, whereas the five-cup bags would be for dishes where rice is part of the main dish. The other purpose for the two-cup packages is so we can hand out to those in need. We also printed off and cut out cooking instructions for the rice that we store inside the buckets for people who may not know how to cook rice without a microwave. Although having the two and five-cup vacuum sealed pouches are great for rotation purposes, we are not able to fit as much rice inside the five-gallon buckets as we do when we use one large Mylar bag inside a five-gallon bucket.Continue reading“Vacuum Sealers: For More Than Just Food, by 3AD Scout”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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This video echoes my long-standing advice to my consulting clients on camouflagling aboveground LP/OPs built from repurposed prefabricated concrete cisterns or septic tanks: How To Build The Best Place To Hide!

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Radio Apocalypse: HFGCS, The Backup Plan For Doomsday.

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A WND column by fellow blogger Patrice Lewis: 8 steps to take to prepare for a Kamala presidency.

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At Reason: Lawsuit Claims Indiana Unconstitutionally Seizes Millions in Cash From FedEx Packages Every Year.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“But we can still rise up,
And be the nation again that stood against them,
Proud Edward’s army,
And sent them homewards,
To think again!”

– The last verse of the Scottish National Anthem

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — August 13, 2024

On August 13, 1642 Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens discovered Mars’ southern polar cap.

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Today is the birthday of screenwriter, director, and producer, Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980). His many films spanned five decades.

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Today is also the birthday of sharpshooter, entertainer, and folk heroine Annie Oakley (1860–1926.)

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, 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.

Solar Powered Water Pumps: The Shurflo 9325, by Tunnel Rabbit

This article is in response to a question that I received from another blog reader, that was forwarded to me by the SurvivalBlog staff.

Reader O.S. had written, to ask:

“I would like to ask a question regarding your Aug 4th, Survival Blog article in the water section.  You mentioned an “inexpensive Shurflo model number 9325″.  I would like to confirm that the model number is exactly the one you are noting.  The reason is, the best price I can find online is $895 at this location:

https://thesolarstore.com/shurflo-9300-submersible-solar-water-well-pump-12-24v-model-9325-043-101-p-500.html

Other dealers have even higher prices.  When you noted “inexpensive”, it led me to believe that perhaps the model number is incorrect?  Would you mind confirming the model number is correct?”

The photovoltaic-powered water pump that I recommend for large gardens was indeed the Shuflo Model # 9325.  It is the model that replaced the original and time-tested Shurflo 9300. That is its pedigree. I had used the term “inexpensive” in the context of the cost of other deep-well water pumps that are considered to be proven. There are less expensive Chinese clones, but I cannot recommend them for deep well applications. Be sure to perform the usual due diligence before purchasing it and understand its design limitations. At a minimum, I would also purchase several rebuilt kits to support the Shurflo 9325 for a decade of operation.Continue reading“Solar Powered Water Pumps: The Shurflo 9325, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, some details on Eastern Montana’s population density and economy.   (See the Montana section.)

Idaho

US Forest Service firefighter flown to hospital after being struck by tree.

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Paddock Fire burns over 187,000 acres, containment at 5%, evacuations downgraded.

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‘Hayden Lake Hero’: 14-year-old saves mom and son after their car flew 200 feet down embankment

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“When you’re dealing with a bankrupt sovereign – like the U.S. government – you’re dealing with a very powerful wounded bear. You have to be very careful because you can’t know what the beast is going to do.” – Porter Stansberry

Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 12, 2024

August 12, 1833, the town of Chicago is incorporated. (Population 350.)

On August 12, 1867, President Andrew Johnson defied Congress, suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

And, on August 12, 1908, Henry Ford’s company built the first Model T car.

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We are seeking entries for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, 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.