Using Effective Encryption, by ShepherdFarmerGeek

So much has been written by greater minds than mine about secure communication in a crisis. There are many publicly available resources and information on SurvivalBlog and elsewhere.

Shifting letters in a message a certain number of characters is nothing new (Caesar Cipher, used in the last century B.C.). Using the SAME count to shift letters is a guaranteed way to have your encryption broken. Using different numbers to shift each letter in a message (a One Time Pad) – when your recipient has the same list of numbers to decrypt the message – is theoretically unbreakable, if you do it right.

This approach will only work if you have a list for the sender and a list for the recipient that is truly random. You can copy blocks of random numbers from several websites on the Internet [probably risky], or you can pretty quickly make your own table of random numbers with 10-sided numerical dice. Like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Chessex-CHX25408-Dice-Opaque-Black-White/dp/B077YC6JY1

This spreadsheet below (SFGshift) has been built to shift letters in a message. You type in the letters of your message, one letter per cell vertically, then you type in the numbers from your block of random numbers vertically. And the spreadsheet outputs letters that have been shifted the correct amount. Write down the encrypted letters and send that, either by email, or texting, or reading it letter by letter over the radio, or any one of several other methods.

When you’re done, you can select those two columns (message and numbers) and delete them, or just don’t save your changes when you close the spreadsheet, so the spreadsheet is clear for your next message. You can do the letter shifting by hand, of course, it’s just maybe a little faster to get your computer’s help (I wouldn’t do so on a computer connected to the Internet…). Or you can use a wheel like this:

https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/secret-codes-for-kids/

The spreadsheet here:

SFGshift

…can shift letters any number of characters, but for simplicity’s sake, I recommend simply using SINGLE digits from your block of random numbers.Continue reading“Using Effective Encryption, by ShepherdFarmerGeek”

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, we focus on Washington’s pending magazine ban and conflicting drought forecasts.

Region-Wide:

Atmospheric river causes waterways across the Inland Northwest to rise.  An excerpt:

“Some of the heaviest rain in Spokane in years is one sign of the tremendous amount of water that’s been dumped across the Inland Northwest so far this week. Now that water is expected to swell rivers to flood stage in some areas and close to record flows in others.

Heavy rain in the North Idaho mountains is already pushing the Coeur d’Alene River to minor flood stage. A Flood Warning is in place from Cataldo to Harrison until the river lowers this weekend. Further south, the St. Maries and St. Joe rivers are expected to push the river at St. Maries close to minor flood stage this weekend. Not only are these high river flows because of the heavy rain, but the melting snow because of the rain and high temperatures over the past few days.”

o  o  o

Meanwhile, we read: Climatologists: Drought to worsen in Oregon, Idaho this year. A quote:

“At a news conference hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, water and climate experts from Oregon, Washington and Idaho said parts of the region should prepare now for severe drought, wildfires and record-low stream flows that will hurt salmon and other fragile species.

Drought covers 74% of the Pacific Northwest and nearly 20% is in extreme or exceptional drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. An unusual ridge of high pressure off the U.S. West Coast scuttled storms in January and February that the region normally counts on to replenish water levels and build up a snowpack that feeds streams and rivers in later months, the experts said.”

Idaho

Liberal journalist Nick Geranios strikes again: Rural Idaho town part of trend: Conservatives seeking space.

o  o  o

Senate passes Texas-style anti-abortion bill.

o  o  o

Idaho bill would end most property taxes on main residences.

o  o  o

Child marriage becomes a legal loophole in custody fights.

o  o  o

Idaho State Liquor stores pull Russian vodkas off shelves.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — March 7, 2022

March 7, 1944 was the birthday of Townes Van Zandt, a gifted Texan singer/songwriter. (He died in 1997.)

March 7, 1707 was the birthday of Stephen Hopkins, (Governor of Rhode Island) one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

—

Today, a review written by our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio.

Springfield Armory Emissary 1911, by Pat Cascio

It is always exciting when Springfield Armory comes out with a new M1911 handgun. They never cease to amaze me, with the new and improved 1911s they are able to produce. It was with great anticipation, that I waited for the new Emissary. Unfortunately, Springfield closed down for two weeks, for inventory – and that was right at the time I placed my request for a sample of the Emissary. It was a long, long two week wait, for my sample to get shipped. Was it worth the wait? You know it was!

The Model 1911 has been around since, well…1911 – and the design shows no signs or becoming obsolete in any way, shape or form. If anything, this grand old gun design is more popular now, than it ever was. I can’t begin to count the different companies producing a M1911 – just a guesstimate, but I believe we probably have 50 or 60 different companies producing a 1911 in some form. In the Philippines alone, I believe there are at least 3 companies manufacturing 1911s, and my information says that the Philippines, produces more 1911s than any place else. And, to be sure, they are turning out some very good 1911s, at some competitive prices.

Back in the mid-1980s, I had an early M1911 from Springfield Armory – it was a Plain Jane model – basically a mil-spec version – nothing fancy about it at all. However, that gun just wouldn’t function out of the box – it had feeding problems, with all of the ammo I tired. Having been trained as a military armorer – one of my various MOSes, I knew how to make a 1911 run. In short order, I had that Springfield up and running like a champ. Over the years, I’ve owned almost all of the various 1911 models that Springfield has made – only a few I didn’t own – too expensive for my blood. However, they were all great guns.

Recently, I received the Springfield “Ronin Operator” model, and to me, it was the end all, do all 1911  I fell in love with it immediately – it’s a great Commander-sized, lightweight carry gun. I didn’t need any more 1911s. Well, I was wrong. When I received a press release on the new Emissary, I told my wife, I had to get one – even after I said I had “enough” handguns – and I do.

The Emissary .45 ACP is a full-sized, Government Model, that means it has a 5-inch barrel/slide and it is manufactured out of all-steel…it’s a heavy gun that comes in at 40-ounces unloaded. The slide is a bit different, in that, it has a triangle-type profile instead of rounded – I like it a lot. We have a front night sight that glows green during the daylight, and the rear is the new Springfield “U” shape white outline – not a night sight. The top of the slide is serrated, to reduce any daytime glare that can plays havoc with your sighting the gun. On either side of the slide – fore and aft, there are several deep and aggressive serrations, and you can get a great grip on these serrations when you need to chamber a round, to confirm a chambered round (“press check”), or unload the pistol. The slide is forged blue carbon steel and finished in a high luster blue.Continue reading“Springfield Armory Emissary 1911, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Traditional Welsh Mutton Stew

The following recipe for Traditional Welsh Mutton Stew is from reader E.J.:

Ingredients
  • 2-1⁄2 lbs of boned mutton or lamb.
  • 4 large potatoes
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 medium carrots
  • 1 sprig of fresh parsley
  • 2 cups water
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper  to taste)
Directions
  1. Cut the meat into large chunks.
  2. Peel the vegetables and cut into thick slices.
  3. Chop the parsley.
  4. Choose a pot with a well-fitting lid and place the ingredients in layers, starting and finishing with potatoes.
  5. Pour in the water and season to taste.
  6. Cover and put on a very low heat for about 2 1/2 hours until the meat is tender and the potatoes have thickened the liquid.
notes
  1. This stew may also be made with lamb, in which case it requires only 1-1/2 hours cooking time.
  2. Can be made in a crock pot to let it cook all day or even overnight, it lets the flavors blend extra well.
  3. If using mutton it is best to let it cook on low for 8 hours, with lamb only 5 hours is needed.

—

Do you have a favorite 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 and slow cooker recipes, and any 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. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the cascade of events for ag commodities. (See the Commodities section.)

Precious Metals:

As the Ukraine invasion crisis deepens, I anticipate that the upward stair-stepping in silver, gold, and platinum prices will continue. In my estimation, of the three, it is spot and futures silver prices that have the greatest potential to double, in the weeks to come – JWR

o  o  o

Gold and silver on target to test next levels.

o  o  o

Miners Surge After Monthly Gold Close Above $1900.

Economy & Finance:

You may have missed this zinger in the WSJ, last week: If Russian Currency Reserves Aren’t Really Money, the World Is in for a Shock.  JWR’s Comments: This could mark the end of Dollar hegemony.  The implications of the end of the Dollar’s Reserve Currency status will be monumental. We may have just turned that corner…  It is also noteworthy that several of the major market indices just dropped into “Death Cross” territory. If the Dow follows the NASDAQ 30 DMA cross, then beware!

o  o  o

The AP reports: Russians start feeling the heat of Ukraine war sanctions.  (Thanks to H.L. for the link.)

o  o  o

At Zero Hedge: Credit Suisse Rats On Morgan Stanley & Goldman In Federal “Block Trading” Probe.

o  o  o

Gov. Reynolds signs Iowa flat tax bill into law.

o  o  o

$1 Trillion in Puts… What to Expect the Next 40 Days.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“If you wish to know how libertarians regard the State and any of its acts, simply think of the State as a criminal band, and all of the libertarian attitudes will logically fall into place.” – Murray Rothbard

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — March 6, 2022

Today is the birthday of Georg Johann Luger (March 6, 1849 – December 22, 1923). He was the Austrian designer of the famous Luger pistol and the now ubiquitous 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge.

March 6th was the birthday of Leroy Gordon “Gordo” Cooper Jr., born in 1927 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This U.S. Air Force pilot and astronaut was aboard Mercury 9 and Gemini 5. Cooper had his exploits well documented in Tom Wolfe’s book The Right Stuff, and in the well-done film of the same name. Cooper died at age 77 from heart failure at his home in Ventura, California, October 4, 2004.

Coincidentally, this is also the birthday of Valentina Tereshkova (born 1937), a Soviet cosmonaut and the first woman in space (aboard Vostok 6). She was born in Maslennikovo, USSR.

—

Today, a review written by our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio.

—

We are now in the middle of Round 99 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 99 ends on March 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.

Taurus GX4, by Pat Cascio

It appears that the micro 9mm wars are still far from over. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and trying to outdo one another. I’m a huge fan of the micro 9mm handguns. We can have anywhere from 10 rounds all the way up to 13+ rounds in a sub-compact handgun/ These are just great for concealed carry – and the best thing is, they are all very shootable – more than accurate enough for self-defense.

Taurus is the latest gun maker to jump on the itty-bitty 9mm Parabellum pistol bandwagon, and they are coming on strong, too. When I first received a press release on this new model – GX4 – I knew I wanted one. Unfortunately, I no longer have any contacts at Taurus – they changed companies that handle their PR work, and I presently can’t get any samples to test and write about. And, the GX4 took more than four months to appear on local FFL shelves – but it was worth the wait.

Anyone who has followed my writings over the past 30 years, will know that, for many, many years, I was not a fan of Taurus handguns. They simply weren’t made for the long haul – they weren’t even “fitted” – they were simply assembled seemingly with no care if the guns even fired. A large detective agency I worked for, issued mostly Taurus revolvers to their uniformed officers, and I was the Investigations Manager, and I also maintained the firearms for the company. I spent a lot of time repairing all those .38 Special revolvers – so much so, that I kept an inventory of the most parts that failed in those guns.

I’m happy to report, all this changed at least 20 years ago, and Taurus is now producing some excellent firearms, and have even come up with some innovative designs of their own. My own wife, claims that she “collects” Taurus handguns – but only those that fit her hand. Her CCW weapon in her purse, is a Taurus G2c – she was carrying the PT111 for a long time, and I tried to get her to take a G3c, but she liked the way that the G2c felt in her hand. She is deadly accurate with it. She has habitually carried a spare 17-round magazine to spplement the 12-round magazine in the pistol.

The local FFL discount store in our neck of the woods, got two of the GX4 guns in, just an hour before we stopped in to pick up some ammo – if they even had any. My wife came out to the truck, and told me about the GX4, and I sent her back in to get one of them. I haven’t been in any stores since this pandemic started – I’m at a triple risk of dying if I caught it – so my wife does all the shopping. Sad to say, we had just spent over $1,000 on survival foods in the previous two weeks, so our funds were very low. Retail price on the GX4 is just a hair under $400 – this store had those guns marked for $299.97 – a great deal. Put it on a credit card, of course.Continue reading“Taurus GX4, by Pat Cascio”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — March 5, 2022

This is the birthday of Howard Pyle (1853-1911) an influential American book illustrator, painter, and author. He was the mentor of many great American artists including Thornton Oakley, Frank E. Schoonover, Allen Tupper True, and of course his most famous student: N.C. Wyeth.

March 5th is also the anniversary of the Boston Massacre. (March 5, 1770. ) It was one of the key precipitating events for our War of Independence.

—

I’ve had several frantic e-mails from readers, asking for advice on “iodine tablets”  for use as thyroid blockers, in the event of nuclear fallout. What you’ll need is Potassium Iodide or Potassium Iodate, NOT plain Iodine. Also, be advised that these are recommended for use only AFTER an attack, and only for people age under age 50.  Note that US government studies showed that for those over age 50, the thyroid damage risks outweigh the rewards.

Several of our long-term advertisers sell both Potassium Iodide and Potassium Iodate tablets.
KI4U.com and Ready Made Resources are both highly recommended vendors.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 99 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 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  5. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  6. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  7. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  4. 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).
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. 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. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $100 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $725,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 99 ends on March 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.

Silent, Secure Communication – Part 3, by P.J.

(Continued from Part 3. This concludes the article.)

TACTICS FOR DELIVERING A DROP

To place a drop without someone noticing that is what you are doing takes practice. You will need to practice like mentioned prior, as sleight of hand skill goes a long way to placing a drop. Gently setting a rolled-up newspaper into a trash can where another person picks it up just walking by might work when everyone’s head is buried in their phones, but certainly will get you found out if someone is observing you. Here are some cardinal rules for prioritizing drop tactics, if you cannot perform the former, adhere to the latter:

1.) No witnesses, large area.
a. Easy to conceal the drop, with a wide area to avoid a “brute force discovery”.
b. Allows a custom selection of drop locations, with minimal risk of being discovered (both parties).

2.) No witnesses, smaller area.
a. Easy to conceal the drop, but a higher risk of “brute force discovery” (think tearing apart a bedroom).
b. Smaller spaces only have so many places to hide something.
c. Camouflage must be heavily adhered to.
d. Being an are where witnesses are not usually present, using tactics like prying the edge of a duct vent or piece of wood molding can be used effectively. Think of a public bathroom, ever see things pried or ripped apart? This is often because criminals use this tactic too to hide drugs, so use discretion on the location that you choose.

3.) Witnesses, large area.
a. Drop must be tactfully placed, and reasonably camouflaged
b. Timing is important when depositing. If you place something when everyone is “busy” doing something (like during rush hour traffic or when a light changes on the crosswalk), they are much less likely to notice the placement action.
c. The more people, the more eyes…and hence the more tactfully the drop must be placed.
d. Larger area allows more space between you and others, use foliage and structure to your advantage to momentarily break the line of sight when making a drop.
e. Make your pause to deposit seem intentional. 15 minutes cloud gazing will calm the soul (and allow you to carefully place that USB drive under the lip of the bench you are sitting on).

4.) Witnesses, smaller area.
a. Drop must be very tactfully placed, and well camouflaged
b. Timing is important when depositing, but it is likely that you cannot hide something efficiently.
c. This scenario is where acting and “dressing the part” come into play. Hiding in plain sight is a must in this scenario, and both the drop and retrieve must be seamless.
d. Some tactful depositing roles could be:
d.i. A bricklayer filling in some broken mortar as a “building restoration volunteer” (and depositing a drop while doing the job.
d.ii. Tending to a semi-public space landscape (you can volunteer for these things anyway!) and placing drops in bushes during your pruning or under rocks when weeding.
d.iii. A window washer or graffiti cleaner that “accidentally” leaves a marked rag or brush behind. Sometime a good person will notice and return it immediately. Gauge your timing.
d.iv. Trash collectors, garbage attendants, trash pickers…all great opportunities to handle things nobody wants to touch and plan for your easy collection of drops.
e. In most cases, volunteering for things will open doors for you to deposit drops with practically zero suspicion. Depending on the viewability of the drop and retrieve, you will have to gauge your involvement with these type of activities as a requirement.

Continue reading“Silent, Secure Communication – Part 3, by P.J.”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make 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 this column, in the Odds ‘n Sods Column, and in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

I’m now back at the ranch, following a week-long inventory buying trip.  I had a mechanical problem with my vehicle, and this delayed my return by a day. I’ve re-started the shopping cart system for Elk Creek Company. But it may be a few days before I get most of the recently-purchased antique guns added to online listings.

I had an interesting trip. I attended a gun show in Kerrville, Texas, and visited a few gun stores. I found a few interesting pieces including a pre-warning LNIB Ruger Old Army, a Ludwig Loewe Chilean Mauser Short Rifle, a Remington Rollingblock 7×57 rifle, and an Iver Johnson .38 Double-Action with a special-order long barrel.

I also had the pleasure of attending a nightclub gig by Henri Herbert and his band, in Austin. There was a very friendly crowd there, but no place to sit!  The place was packed. The club had an old-fashioned honky-tonk vibe, but of course sans cigarette smoke, these days. I believe that Henri Herbert is incredibly talented and destined to stardom.  If you get the chance, then I highly recommend that you go see him live. Please check out his YouTube videos. One of them deservedly had 59 million views.

One observation: When I travel through oil country, I usually see the majority of the oilfield  “cricket” pump jacks at stripper wells are usually sitting idle.  But not on this trip!  Just anecdotally, I’d say that about 70% of the cricket pumps that I saw were in operation, bringing up crude.  With oil now pushing $100 per barrel, it is no wonder that even marginal wells are being put back into production.

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”