The Thin Veneer

41

Editor’s Introductory Note: This is a re-post from the early days of SurvivalBlog, back in August, 2005. Blog Years are like Dog Years. To explain: SurvivalBlog has been published since before most people had even heard the word “blog” for the first time. A piece this old has probably never been read by 90% of the current SurvivalBlog readership. So we feel fairly safe in re-posting it. BTW, we recommend that any new readers take a look through the archives of SurvivalBlog’s first year, to come up to speed on our jargon, core beliefs, and unique acronyms. – JWR

o o o

In my lectures on survival topics I often mention that there is just a thin veneer of civilization on our society. What is underneath is not pretty, and it does take much to peel away that veneer. You take your average urbanite or suburbanite and get him excessively cold, wet, tired, hungry and/or thirsty and take away his television, beer, drugs, and other pacifiers, and you will soon seen the savage within. It is like peeling the skin of an onion—remove a couple of layers and it gets very smelly. As a Christian, I attribute this to man’s inherently sinful nature.

Here is a mental exercise: Put yourself in the mind set of Mr. Joe Sixpack, Suburbanite. (Visualize him in or near a big city near where you live.) He is unprepared. He has less than one week’s food on hand, he has a 12 gauge pump action shotgun that he hasn’t fired in years, and just half a tank of gas in his minivan and maybe a gallon or two in a can that he keeps on hand for his lawn mower. Then TEOTWAWKI hits. The power grid is down, his job is history, the toilet doesn’t flush, and water no longer magically comes cascading from the tap. There are riots beginning in his city. The local service stations have run out of gas. The banks have closed. Now he is suddenly desperate. Where will he go? What will he do?

Continue reading“The Thin Veneer”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

8

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. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on Barn Find Cars. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

First up, at Gold-Eagle: Money Managers Left Gold Shorts At A Record Pace

o  o  o

At the Silver & Gold Summit: Gold’s Rally Had Nothing To Do With Stocks Falling – Rick Rule

o  o  o

This Metal Is Your Best Bet Right Now Says Commodities Trader

 

 

Economy & Finance:

CNBC: Fed indicates it’s staying the course on rate hikes despite growing criticism from Trump

o o o

WEF on record job openings: There’s ‘one of the biggest mismatches in history’ in the US economy at the moment

o o o

Evidence is now clear: Operation Choke Point hurt lawful businesses

 

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. This week the focus is on buying an arm-braced Remington Tac-14 shotgun. (See the Gear section.)

Books:

Idaho for the Curious: A Guide

o  o  o

Never Cry Halibut: and Other Alaska Hunting and Fishing Tales

o  o  o

The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure

 

Movies & Television:

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

o  o  o

Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party. This fascinating Dinesh d’Souza documentary is available on DVD, or for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.

 

Continue reading“JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

1

“Strength is the outcome of need; security sets a premium on feebleness. The work of ameliorating the conditions of life — the true civilizing process that makes life more and more secure — had gone steadily on to a climax… And the harvest was what I saw.” – H.G. Wells, The Time Machine

SurvivalBlog’s New Classified Ads

SurvivalBlog’s editors are pleased to introduce a new classified ad service, designed specifically for individual preppers to list your personally-owned items and artisan skills/tools for exchange, sale, or as wanted. These classified ads are a way for the prepper community to reach other preppers with items that are valued by our community. Whether no longer needed because of an upgrade or excess supply or if created craftsmen/artisan pieces produced on the homestead, items can be listed by individuals for just $5 for 30 days.

Banner and text advertising are still available for professional services and companies. The new classified ads are intended for the use of individuals, NOT businesses.

To place a listing in the classifieds, use our automated service, where you provide a short description, contact information, and a price. Note: Do not put a Dollar sign ($) in front of the price in the “Price” field.  The want posting system does that automatically. Please put a WTB, WTS, or WTT in front of your ad title. (Those stand for Want To Buy, Want To Sell, or Want To Trade.) You will also have the option of including up to six photos of the items listed in your ad. Then, it is up to you to handle inquiries directly. Like newspapers, SurvivalBlog is merely a conduit for connection and does not vet these items, advertisers, or the buyers. Remember, SurvivalBlog is a family-friendly site and the ads must fit within its parameters.

The prepper community now has a resource that is just for us with items that are most likely of interest to us, making this a win-win service. We are pleased to offer this service to the SurvivalBlog community because working within our community to make the exchange makes a lot of sense. Just remember to watch your OPSEC but still help out your “neighbors” through fair and informed exchange. This can be a win-win for many.

Note that SurvivalBlog is not responsible for any aspect of the transactions, products, or services that result from ads placed through the classified service. It is merely a listing service. Caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies in all transactions everywhere, including through SurvivalBlog Classifieds. However, it is our experience that the prepper community is a preferred environment in which to conduct business. Most folks here are polite and reputable.  Enjoy this classified ad service!

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s New Classified Ads”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

23

Here is SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies of interest to preppers that are located in the region. The emphasis this week is on California Expats. See the Idaho section.)

 

Idaho (California Expats)

Boise and Reno Capitalize on the California Real Estate Exodus. JWR’s Comment: The leftist editors at Bloomberg of course focused on interviewing a liberal transplant. What they ignored is that more conservative politics and more wholesome moral values are equally strong magnets as lower house prices. The majority of those moving to Idaho are conservative, and they also tend to have larger families. It must be mentioned that the hardcore left-wingers leaving California are not significantly attracted to Idaho. They consider it Enemy Territory. To them, places like Boulder, Taos, Portland, Sedona, Santa Fe, and Austin remain much more attractive–that is, if they can find work there. Most of them only move to Idaho as a last resort. I can foresee that the Birkenstock Brigade will continue moving to the Liberal Artsy Boom Towns until their self-created Prius and Tesla traffic gets too thick to bear.

o o o

The long-running Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival will be reprising at the University of Idaho, February 22nd and 23rd, 2019. The U. of I. jazz festival got its start in the 1960s. Hampton played there in 1984, with much acclaim. Then, the festival was re-named in his honor, the following year. Hampton passed away in 2002, but the concert and jam session series is still going strong. Get your tickets early!

o o o

With mid-term election is just one week away, I encourage votes for Republicans Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson, as well as the full slate of Republican legislative candidates. I also encourage Idaho voters to vote NO on Proposition 2 (Medicaid Eligibility Expansion.)

o o o

Gone without a trace: Idaho Co. Sheriff gives reason for calling off missing people search. Here is a key quote: “In his ten years as sheriff, he tells CBS 2 that at least half dozen people have gone missing never to be found. ‘The majority of the time they come from out of country and are not familiar with the area. It is tough country,’ said Sheriff Giddings. ‘There’s thousands of acres of forest and they are in the middle of it.’ Idaho County is the biggest is the state at just over 8,500 square miles — all of it rural, rough terrain — dense forests, steep mountains, and raging rivers.”

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

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

29

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Dicks Sporting Goods is finally taking one on the chin.

ATF

ATF Unhinged: Prosecutions Made Up Out of Whole Cloth – You Might Be Next…

JWR’s Comment: With this situation in mind, I recommend that anyone who has an arm-braced gun also equip it with a pistol grip mounted to the lower that incorporates a storage compartment. That way you can carry copies of the ATF letter(s) in a Ziplock bag stowed inside the grip at all times. That way, if there is ever a legal dispute with the ATF, that letter will be a de facto part of the chain of evidence. An officer separating that letter from the gun taken as evidence would be solid grounds for Title 42 Sec 1983 (Deprivation of Rights) civil lawsuits–against both the agency and against the agents, as individuals.

The Ultimate Van

Video: Engineer Builds Ultimate DIY 144″ Sprinter Van | Shower, Hot Water, Guest Bed, Bikes & More!

Valley Food Storage

Valley Food Storage, one of SurvivalBlog’s advertisers has just announced that they are under new management. However, they promise that while there are big changes going on behind the scenes, nothing will change for their customers. You’ll still get high-quality, nutritious food and the same great service. They also promise that there are lots of exciting things on the way.

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

Pepper Ball LifeLite, by Pat Cascio

12

Not all threats need to be met with lethal force, because sometimes a threat can be handled by less force. Today, we check out the Pepper Ball LifeLite.

Threats

No matter what type or where threats come from, they are always a dangerous thing. My own wife works as an elementary grade school teacher. Though in a rural area, danger can spring up at any time. Don’t believe for one moment that “it can’t happen here” or that it can’t happen. It does all the time, no matter where you live or work. We’ve all heard the former saying when there is another school or workplace shooting. It does happen all the time. Don’t kid yourself that you are safe any place, not even in your own home.

Not Everyone Wants To Carry a Firearm

Not everyone wants to carry a firearm. Furthermore, not everyone is legally able to carry a firearm, because of rules and regulations at their place of business or due to state and/or local laws prohibiting it. Plus, even if you are licensed to carry a concealed weapon, it doesn’t mean you can carry it into every situation. Sometimes, your hands are tied by stupid laws and rules at a workplace. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to go unarmed. There are alternatives.

I Remember the First Pepper Spray

I remember when the first pepper spray came out. It was, I believe, when I was in 5th grade. One of my uncles was a Chicago police officer, and he was selling pepper spray by the case full. Being the smart kid that I was, I bought case after case of pepper spray from my uncle and even sold many cases to the teachers at the school I attended. These days, there are still some locations where you can’t even legally carry pepper spray, Mace, or any other similar types of self-defense products.

Continue reading“Pepper Ball LifeLite, by Pat Cascio”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The four sprang forward affrighted. No hand had ever been laid upon them except in love; they had been nurtured ever so tenderly; and as they grew, their confidence in man became a lesson to men beautiful to see. What should such dainty natures do under such indignity but leap as from death? Forward they sprang as with one impulse, and forward leaped the car. Past question, every experience is serviceable to us. Where got Ben-Hur the large hand and mighty grip which helped him now so well? Where but from the oar with which so long he fought the sea? And what was this spring of the floor under his feet to the dizzy eccentric lurch with which in the old time the trembling ship yielded to the beat of staggering billows, drunk with their power? So he kept his place, and gave the four free rein, and called to them in soothing voice, trying merely to guide them round the dangerous turn; and before the fever of the people began to abate, he had back the mastery.” – Territorial Governor Lew Wallace, in his novel Ben Hur, A Tale of the Christ

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. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on cryptocurrency stability. (See the Cryptos section.)

Precious Metals:

Gold and silver lived up to their “safe haven” reputation last week, amidst some genuine “pucker factor” stock market chaos. If you were invested in stocks, then you would have lost around 2.5% last week. But if you were in gold, then you would have gained a bit. I believe that spot gold may be north of $1,400 per troy ounce by the end of November if the stock market turbulence continues. One indicator: Watch China.  If the Chinese stock market continues to tank, then gold should do well.

o  o  o

Gold Keeps Modest Gains As U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rise By 5K

o  o  o

Gold Is Doing What It’s Supposed To As Equities Correct – Analysts

 

Cryptos (Cryptocurrency Stability):

With seemingly all eyes on volatility in the equities markets last week, mostly ignored was some apparent short term stability in the crypto world, to wit:

$100 Doldrums: Bitcoin’s Price Is Stuck In Its Tightest Range Since 2017

JWR’s Comments: Could this indicate a “base” building for another big pre-winter run-up, like we witnessed last December?  (December of 2017.) One thing seems fairly certain to: If there is a major U.S. stock market collapse, then a lot of panicky people will be pouring money into both precious metals and into cryptos.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

Preparedness Notes for Sunday – October 28, 2018

This is the birthday of Eliphalet Remington (October 28, 1793 – August 12, 1861), who designed the Remington rifle and founded what is now known as the Remington Arms Company.

o o o

SurvivalBlog would like to welcome one of our newest advertisers, Ammo.com. Be sure to check out their products and take advantage of their special 10% discount for SurvivalBlog readers, for orders of $200 or more.

o o o

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

This has been another entry for Round 79 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $11,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any 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. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  6. 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).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 79 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.