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, we look at the unfolding commercial real estate market collapse. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

Key segments of the silver market to see 42% growth through 2033 – Oxford Economics.

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It bears mentioning that spot and futures silver prices have recently started going through some larger price swings. Last Tuesday, spot silver jumped 3.45%. And then on Wednesday, it was up another 1.47% to $23.63 USD per Troy ounce. And then on Thursday, it was up another 1.19% to $23.98 USD per ounce. But I still consider silver a relative bargain — so stack it deep.  But be sure to shop around to get the best price, since dealer premiums vary widely.

Economy & Finance:

Bank of America “Near Insolvent”? Bank Run Possible? (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.)

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Is Social Security Safe? The CPI Changes Since the ’70s Are Raising Concerns.

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Reader C.B. sent us this: New Biden ‘Joint Employer’ regulation is a boon for unions.

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New USDA poultry rule slammed as ‘Bidenomics causing record inflation’.

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‘Cashless Society’ Would Leave Millions Struggling. (A hat tip to D.S.V. for the link.)

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — November 16, 2023

On November 16, 1960, Actor Clark Gable, who epitomized the American ideal of masculinity for three decades and was known as the “King of Hollywood,” died of a heart attack, days after finishing work on The Misfits (1961).

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November 16, 1632, Swedish King Gustav II Adolf died during the Battle of Lützen, though his forces were victorious; his cause was skillfully directed by his chief adviser, Axel Oxenstierna.

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An Important Note: There are just three weeks before the December 7th, 2023 deadline for comments on ATF’s “Engaged in the business” rule.  PLEASE politely post your objections to this unconstitutional rule.  In your comment, make two points very clear:  There is NO valid jurisdiction (“Federal Nexus”) for ATF to regulate private party INTRAState sales of used guns that are no longer in INTERstate commerce. Furthermore, per the Bruen decision, there is NO pre-1791 analogous gun law that anyone can cite. (Bruen‘s “History, text, and tradition.”)

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 109 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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 Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  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 Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $850,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 109 ends on November 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.

Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 3, by J.M.

(Continued from Part 2.)

I’ve also got a smaller kit with just some very basic tools that fits in a wallet-size pouch (except for the Shomer-Tec saw) and weighs just 2.2oz, not including the .7oz trauma shears since I’m already carrying those in my FAK. It consists of:

  • Wazoo tube wire saw w/1 extra titanium split ring (for handles)
  • Shomer-Tec diamond bow saw
  • Lever Gear Toolcard Pro (wrenches, cord cutter, additional screwdrivers, pry bar)
  • Big Design Titanium Pocket Bits (I replaced the OEM split ring with a titanium one)
  • Small 2” file from old multitool (on same split ring as driver bit)
  • CRKT Micro Tool & Keychain Sharpener
  • 4” trauma shears (in my medical kit)

Continue reading“Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 3, by J.M.”

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, we look at immigration and population growth.

U.S. Population: 400 Million by 2060?

Reader C.B. sent this: Census: Mass Immigration Set to Drive U.S. Population to 400 Million by 2060.  JWR’s Comment:  If the Bidenistas succeed with their scheme, then will assure themselves of a national Democrat majority that could last for decades.

Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border

PragerU: The Wrap Up Special Report: Crisis at the U.S. Southern Border.FY 2023: The Worst Year on Record For Illegal Immigration

FY 2023: The Worst Year on Record For Illegal Immigration

EXPERT INSIGHT: FY 2023: The Worst Year on Record For Illegal Immigration. Here is a quote:

“By every measure, FY 2023 was the worst year of illegal immigration ever recorded. For starters, the 2.45 million illegal aliens encountered at the southern border in FY 2023 surpassed the previous record of 2.37 million illegal alien encounters in FY 2022. The Biden Administration is also responsible for the third-highest annual total with 1.7 million illegal aliens apprehended at the southern border in FY 2021—a period that includes the final few months of the Trump Administration. By comparison, 2.37 million illegal aliens were apprehended at the southern border over the course of the entire Trump term, which equals an average of fewer than 600,000 apprehensions per fiscal year.”

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The biggest hypocrites on gun control are those who live in upscale developments with armed security guards – and who want to keep other people from having guns to defend themselves. But what about lower-income people living in high-crime, inner city neighborhoods? Should such people be kept unarmed and helpless, so that limousine liberals can ‘make a statement’ by adding to the thousands of gun laws already on the books?” – Thomas Sowell

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — November 15, 2023

November 15, 1315, the Swiss Confederation achieved its first great military success against the Austrian Habsburgs at the Battle of Morgarten.

On November 15,1630 Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who discovered three major laws of planetary motion, died in Regensburg, Germany.

On November 15, 1904 American inventor King Camp Gillette was granted a U.S. patent for the first razor with disposable blades.

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I just watched the 2023 documentary film Police State, by Dinesh D’Souza.  I highly recommend watching it!

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 109 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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 Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  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 Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $850,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 109 ends on November 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.

 

Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 2, by J.M.

(Continued from Part 1.)

Some Theory

While most people instinctively understand the concept of ‘pick up something heavy and hit them with it’, it’s useful to understand some of the theory behind weapons in order to make more informed decisions about what to carry and how effective it can be. The goal of most weapons is to apply energy to the target, whether through simple impact force, penetration, explosion, chemical reaction or other methods. For impact weapons, Newton’s Law of motion say ‘Force = Mass x Acceleration’, which roughly translates to the heavier something is and the faster it’s moving, the more force (energy) will be applied to the target. However, physics also tells us that the heavier something is the more energy will be required to transport it and get it moving. Hitting someone in the head with an anvil will stop most threats, but carrying an anvil around and throwing it at someone is probably beyond the ability of most people, so we need to optimize the amount of weight we can effectively carry around and use. Force is typically measured in units such as foot-pounds (ft-lb), which is what I’ll be using for this article. (Note: I realize that the science of measuring force and energy is a lot more complicated than I discuss here, but I’m just creating a basic framework for later discussions).

Another useful concept is that of the surface area over which the force is applied. For example, if you take a 4’ x 4’ sheet of ¼” plywood and whack someone over the head with it, you’ll probably only annoy or mildly disorient them. If you take that same mass (weight) and concentrate it down into a metal ball and hit them in the head with it at the same speed, you may crack their skull or knock them unconscious. Penetration weapons like spears, darts, knives, etc. take this concept to it’s ultimate end, applying a large amount of force into a very small area (the tip), allowing it to penetrate skin, tissue and organs. The force applied over a given area is usually measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or Pascals (Pa), and I’ll be mentioning psi in this article.Continue reading“Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 2, by J.M.”

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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To begin, SurvivalBlog reader H.L. sent this: New Report Details How the Federal Government Partnered with Universities to Censor Americans’ Speech.

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2A Victory: Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Biden ATF ‘Ghost Gun’ Limits – Rules Agencies Cannot ‘Write Laws’.

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And more good Second Amendment news in this video from Armed Attorneys: Nationwide Injunction: ATF Brace Rule Stopped by Court. (The meat of it starts at the 2-minute mark.)

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Reader C.B. liked this recent post by friend-of-the-blog Patrice Lewis: Harvesting potatoes.

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SaraSue sent this snippet:

“The first piglets to be born on this farm made their debut.  Their mom handled it all, overnight, without any assistance.  Although, if I had spent the night in the barn with her, I might have been able to save the one that didn’t make it.  I’m not one to stay up all night with birthing animals – some people do.  I don’t.  My philosophy is that if they are healthy, they should be able to do what nature intended for them.  I do everything I can to make sure their environment is a good one, and check on them often.  The ones that made it are lively and healthy.  I am thankful.”

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Rep. Massie tried to stop automobile “Kill Switch” technology but was blocked by fellow Republicans.

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‘The First Amendment Is Done’: Tucker Sits Down With Internet Troll Convicted For 2016 Election Meme.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — November 14, 2023

On November 14, 1851, Harper & Brothers published Herman Melville‘s masterpiece Moby Dick.

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On November 14, 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly began her around-the-world race against the record of the fictional Phileas Fogg, hero of Jules Verne‘s Around the World in Eighty Days; she completed the journey in slightly more than 72 days.

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There are a half-dozen new listings of interest this week over at SurvivalRealty.com site. Here is just one of them: Atlas E Missile Base – Sprague, Washington (567th Missile Wing, Site 4).

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 109 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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 Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  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 Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $850,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 109 ends on November 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.

Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 1, by J.M.

Whether you’re attacked by a mugger walking down the street, suddenly caught in a horde of “mostly peaceful” Antifa thugs, or trying to to make your way home through streets filled with desperate people after a massive grid-down event, there are always going to be potential scenarios where you have to fight to protect yourself and your loved ones. Unfortunately, the world is becoming increasingly less permissive regarding the use or possession of any kind of weapons for self-defense, with liberal government officials seeming to care more about the rights of the criminals than the victims. It’s gotten so bad that in some locales you stand a chance of being arrested for even using harsh language against someone that’s threatening or attacking you. The goal of this article is to discuss some possible self-defense weapons options for scenarios where you’re at risk but you can’t carry or don’t have access to any kind of firearm, knife, club, etc. that you could use to protect yourself.

Note that I’m not referring to ‘hidden’ weapons like belt buckle knives, guns that look like a cell phone, or any other method of hiding something you’re not legally allowed to possess in the first place. Those types of devices most likely get you in more trouble than carrying a regular weapon, since they show your intent to violate the law. I’ll be focusing on items and devices that are generally legal to possess and carry on a day-to-day basis, many of which you can even carry on airplanes, but can be re-purposed for self-defense weapons, as well as weapons you can improvise in an emergency.Continue reading“Alternative and Improvised Weapons – Part 1, by J.M.”

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 of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, news of the death of former astronaut Frank Borman. (See the Montana section.)

Idaho

Judge blocks enforcement of Idaho ‘abortion trafficking’ law.

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The U.S. Project Meant To Debut Revolutionary Nuclear Reactors Just Fell Apart. (Our thanks to reader C.B. for the link.)

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Boise: Wild horses ready for greener pastures.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — November 13, 2023

On this day in 2015, terrorists staged coordinated attacks in Paris and its environs, the deadliest occurring at the Bataclan theatre and concert hall; in all, at least 130 people were killed and more than 350 were wounded.

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You may recall my mention of my old friend and colleague Eugene Robinson, and his nonfiction book, Fight.  Well, now Eugene’s autobiography has been released. It is titled: A Walk Across Dirty Water And Straight Into Murderer’s Row: A Memoir. Both books are available through Books-A-Million, and also easily found at eBay.

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Today’s feature article is a review written by staff Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.