Making It Count – Part 1, by Pat Cascio

Editor’s Introductory Notes: Several months ago, I asked our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio, to write a serialized autobiography, and scan some photos, to accompany it.  In reading this, you will learn that Pat has had a remarkable life, with the opportunity to “wear many hats.”

The title of this series is an homage to the “Make It Count” tagline that Pat has habitually used in signing his letters and e-mails. Pat’s life has indeed counted for something. His influence has helped shape the lives, improve readiness, and provide spiritual guidance to countless others. Pat touched the lives of thousands in the U.S. Army, while keeping the peace on our streets, in Rhodesia’s bush country, countering international terrorists, teaching in dozens of martial arts dojos, writing for nearly a dozen publications, and even teaching in church pulpits. Pat is quite a guy. In his autobiography, you will see his rapid growth from an immature troublemaker from the streets of the south side of Chicago into a well-traveled and knowledgeable renaissance man who is worthy of emulation.

Rest assured that this five-part article series is not Pat’s “Swan Song”.  He intends to continue writing a few SurvivalBlog field gear reviews, as long as his health allows it. – JWR

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I was born in November of 1951. Since I’m now in my seventh decade of life, it gets harder to remember a lot of details. Additionally, in the past year, I’ve suffered from several strokes and my thinking process has slowed down a lot, and my typing skills have degraded. I used to type 100+ words per minute. But now I’m down to about 30-to-35 words per minute, with a lot of typos that have to be corrected. That is frustrating, to say the least.

Growing Up In Chicago

My formative years up to about age 10 years of age, weren’t much different than that of a lot of kids my age. However, I was raised by my grandparents from the time I was six weeks old. My grandparents had already raised nine kids of their own. As I was told, my mother just wasn’t ready to settle down and raise a child – she had just turned 17 two months before I was born. I don’t know any of the details of her divorce from my birth father, other than that she remarried when I was two years old. At the time, and I didn’t realize it, my birth father lived next door to my grandparent’s apartment building for several years. It wasn’t until 1979, that I met my birth father for the first time. And it wasn’t a pleasant meeting.

I lived in a very tight-knit community in Chicago, and everyone knew everyone. I was raised in the area called “Bridgeport” and it was known as one of the toughest areas of Chicago – I haven’t been back there for a lot of years – who knows it might still be “that” tough. Bridgeport was a mix of races, but we got along. I last visited Bridgeport in 1992 – and not much had changed since I lived there. Most of my old friends still lived there in 1992, and many still do.Continue reading“Making It Count – Part 1, by Pat Cascio”

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 wildfires and the partial relief of rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Hilary.

Region-Wide

Reader H.L. sent us this: The US States Losing & Gaining Population The Fastest.  JWR’s Comments: Idaho and Montana were near the top of the list of the “vote with your feet” influx, for good reason.  I anticipate that this self-sorting will accelerate in the 2020s and 2030s.

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September 1, 2023 Outlook Period – National Interagency Fire Center.

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Hurricane Hilary will help bring rain back to the Inland Northwest. The article begins:

“With fire season in full swing, the Inland Northwest desperately needs rain more than ever. The remnants of what is to become a historic hurricane is likely to give us some next week.

Hurricane Hilary is a powerful storm in the East Pacific. Around midday Friday Hilary was a Category 4 storm with sustained winds up to 145 mph. Hilary is expected to make landfall somewhere along the Baja Peninsula in Mexico before tracking north into the United States as a tropical storm. Hilary would be the first tropical storm to reach Southern California since Nora in September of 1997.

East Pacific Hurricanes normally track out to sea, but when there’s an opening, these storms will curve to the north. The movement of the heat dome that was over the West Coast into the Great Plains is one such opening.

Hilary is expected to bring once-in-a-generation rainfall to the desert regions of the Southwest. In some places two to three years worth of rain could fall. Extreme, life-threatening flooding is likely in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.

As Hilary moves inland it will be torn apart, leaving behind a vast region of tropical moisture that will ride the winds up to the Northern Rocky Mountains. These remnants of Hilary are what could bring the Inland Northwest some much-needed rain.”

Idaho

Weather Alert: record amounts of rain expected with remnants of Hurricane Hilary.

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Linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: Idaho Mom Exposes Graphic Sexual Content in School Libraries.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“It is hopeless for the occasional visitor to try to keep up with Chicago—she outgrows his prophecies faster than he can make them. She is always a novelty; for she is never the Chicago you saw when you passed through the last time.” – Mark Twain

Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 21, 2023

In 1986, Lake Nyos in Cameroon erupted with an estimated billion cubic yards of carbon dioxide gas. The gas had apparently been accumulating in the crater lake, held down by the weight of the water. When it finally erupted, the gas cloud smothered and killed every living animal, including insects, in its path until it dissipated. Outsiders learned of the disaster when they approached the villages and found animal and human bodies on the ground. The best estimate is that 1,700 people and thousands of cattle died.

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Today’s feature article is by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

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We are seeking entries for Round 108 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.  More than $840,000 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 108 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.

 

Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard in .22LR, by Thomas Christianson

The Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard is the ultimate in the “concealed” aspect of concealed carry. It folds into a tiny 3.38 x 2.06 x 0.5-inch package that looks something like a small cell phone, pager, or other electronic device. It unfolds into a diminutive derringer-style, single-shot handgun. It is a lot of fun to play with, and that is what I recommend it for: as a range toy and novelty. It has significant limitations as a tool for self-defense. But even the most limited tool that someone will actually carry with regularity is more helpful than a better tool that is left back at home in the gun safe.

Background

I have seen advertisements and read reviews for the LifeCard for a number of years now. It seemed like such a clever and fun idea that I wanted to give it a try. I contacted Trailblazer Firearms, and they were kind enough to provide me with a sample for testing and evaluation. A little more than a week later, a small (approximately 6.9 x 5 x 1 inches) box arrived at my FFL.Continue reading“Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard in .22LR, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Fruit or Berry Cobbler Cupcakes

The following recipe for Fruit or Berry Cobbler Cupcakes is from SurvivalBlog reader Mike in Alaska.  It is his variant of a recipe that he found elsewhere.  Note: This recipe was originally developed for use with peaches or nectarines. It will also work for many types of berries.

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/4 c. white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 c. sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/4 c. ripe fruit or berries, chopped.
Directions
  1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 F.
  2. With a fork, whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl, and set that aside.
  3. Beat butter and the two sugars in a large bowl for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until blended.
  5. Mix in the flour mixture that you set aside.
  6. Fold in the fruit.
  7. Fill cupcake liners or greased tins half full.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees F for approx. 25 minutes or until a test toothpick comes out of cupcake clean.
SERVING And STORAGE

Can be served after slight cooling. These will keep in a refrigerator for a day or two, but there are usually none left over!

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

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, another look at “shrinkflation”. (See the Inflation/Deflation Watch section.)

Precious Metals:

At Kitco: Key Downside Levels in Gold & Silver.

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A video link, at Gold-Eagle.com: Jim Willie Previews The Upcoming BRICS Meeting.

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Reader H.L. mentioned this, over at Zero Hedge: Poland Continues To Aggressively Buy Gold.

Economy & Finance:

Michael Burry Reveals Massive Bets Against Stock Market.

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MSN: China fuels US bond rout by slashing holdings to 14-year low as Washington-Beijing tensions drag on.

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H.L. sent this New York Post news item:  Workers making more than $100K laid off at alarming rate as number of US millionaires plummets.

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Steve Bannon’s War Room: A Rolling Credit Event and the Implosion of the Chinese Economy Drowning in a Sea of Debt — Chinese Bankruptcies And Biden’s Overspending Are Sending Global Capital Markets Into Crisis.

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Visualizing The $105 Trillion World Economy In One Chart.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — August 20, 2023

August 20, 1935 was the birthday of former Congressman Ron Paul. He retired from the House in 2013. Dr. Paul is to be commended for fighting the good fight for many years.

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August 20th, 1866 is the day that president Andrew Johnson formally declared the Civil War over.

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

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We are seeking entries for Round 108 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $840,000 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 108 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.

Ruger Precision Rimfire in .22 WMR, by Thomas Christianson

Last Spring, our church had a range day in conjunction with our Mission Conference. We knew our missionary speaker liked to hunt and shoot. We created an opportunity for people in our church family who also like to hunt and shoot to hang out with the missionary in an informal setting. There they could enjoy some shooting together prior to a short message from God’s word.

My friend “Welly” brought his Ruger Precision Rimfire in .22 WMR to the range day. I was really impressed by some of his shooting. It seemed like Welly just could not miss.

A few months later, Welly offered me the chance to borrow the rifle to review it. I eagerly took him up on his kind offer.

First Impressions

When I took Welly’s Ruger Precision Rimfire out of its case, the first thing that impressed me was how substantial it is. At 6.8 pounds, it is relatively heavy for a rimfire rifle. There is a lot of well-machined, nicely-fitted, solid steel in this design. The pistol grip and the adjustable comb were just about the only synthetic parts that I noticed at first glance. Fit and finish were excellent, with good materials, quality assembly, and no blemishes or tool marks.

The next major impression I had of the rifle was that it looks like a cross between an AR and a bolt action target rifle. The pistol grip, the design of the safety, the shape of the frame around the magazine, and the style of the handguard surrounding the barrel all reflect common AR design elements. The bolt action and the Quick-Fit Precision Rimfire Adjustable Stock both reflect common target rifle design elements. It looks like an AR and a target rifle got married and started a family. The Ruger Precision Rimfire is their firstborn.Continue reading“Ruger Precision Rimfire in .22 WMR, by Thomas Christianson”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

Truth Be Told, Both Of Them

Are “Rich Men North of Richmond”

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provide that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

 

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.”  –  2 Corinthians 7 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — August 19, 2023

On August 19, 1960, American pilot Francis Gary Powers was sentenced to 10 years’ confinement by the Soviet Union for espionage following the U-2 Affair, but in 1962 he was later released in exchange for the Soviet spy Rudolf Abel.

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August 19th is also the birthday of Philo Taylor Farnsworth (1906-1971). Farnsworth was an American inventor who is best known for his image pickup device that formed the basis for the fully functional and complete all-electronic television system. Among his many other inventions was the Farnsworth-Hirsch fusor, a small nuclear fusion device that remains a viable source of neutrons. At his death, he held over 300 patents, mostly in radio and television.

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We are seeking entries for Round 108 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $840,000 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 108 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.

Lessons From A Hard Disk Crash

In place of another feature article that I had planned for today, I’m posting a recap of a recent laptop computer problem, with some lessons learned.

Macintosh PlusTo start, I should mention that I’ve been a Macintosh user for my home computers since 1986. My first Mac was a Macintosh Plus, purchased just after I got off of active duty as an Intelligence Corps officer. This was before I was ever married.  I’ve owned a whole succession of improved Macs since then.  Since the turn of the century, most of those have been alloy-case MacBook laptops. I’ve always been fairly good about keeping backups, and that has saved my bacon, on several occasions. In recent years, I’ve used the Time Machine backup utility, with 1-Terabyte large form-factor hard drives in a Sabrent quick-change  desktop hard drive docking station. With two vertical slots, this docking station vaguely resembles a bread toaster, so I naturally nicknamed it “The Toaster.”Continue reading“Lessons From A Hard Disk Crash”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug-out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in the Odds ‘n Sods Column or in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

Early in the week, we had an extended family outing at the Silverwood theme park, near Athol, Idaho.  That was a lot of fun and gave us our annual “fix” of rollercoaster rides.

I made some more progress on firewood felling, hauling crosscutting, spitting, and stacking. I did so much chainsawing that I ended up with some sore fingers. So I took a pause for a few days in any additional sawing and splitting.

Now, Lily’s report…Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”