Texas Property Tax Protest Season – The Month of Discontent, by Joel Ho

Editor’s Introduction: Property tax bills are skyrocketing nationwide. With inflation, bare land values are up, house construction costs are up, and house prices are up. Even if property tax rates remain the same, the relative tax burden on individual landowners and homeowners is increasing.  Many Americans are trapped in a quandary: They see residential real estate as one of their only viable hedges against relentless inflation. But as their home prices escalate, so do their taxes. Together, the combined stresses of higher interest rates (with consequently higher monthly mortgage payments) and higher property taxes are making home buying unaffordable for Gen Z, Gen Y (Millennial), and many Gen X families. – JWR

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Many homeowners in Texas exercise their right to dispute the property taxes set by their appraisal districts every year. This Texas administrative process is called a property tax protest, with the protest deadline to file this year set at May 15. I wanted to share some tips for people for this property tax season and help people outside Texas understand the system before moving. I do love Texas, but I wish somebody had told me everything that I know now.

For reference, Texas’ cost of living is truly very low (my average electricity bill $65/month as a single male, while running A/C at 70F 24/7 and batch cooking, in a 1,100+ sq ft home). Gas, as of April 2025, is $2.65/gallon, and water is $35 a month (I don’t use much water). There is no state income tax in Texas. However, the property tax cost is sky-high – for a $400,000 house, a rough estimate could be $8,000-to-$9,000 in average property taxes. In fact, Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the US, with averages ranging from 1.6%-2.65% of market value or more each year.Continue reading“Texas Property Tax Protest Season – The Month of Discontent, by Joel Ho”

April, 2025 in Precious Metals, by Everett Millman

Welcome to SurvivalBlog’s Precious Metals Month in Review, where we take a look at “the month that was” in precious metals. Each month, we cover gold’s performance and silver’s performance and examine the factors that affected the metal prices.

WHAT DID GOLD AND SILVER DO IN APRIL?

The prices of gold and silver diverged from one another during April. Their price ratio (GSR) is still at a five-year high above 100:1.

Both metals started the month off slowly. After two uneventful days, on Thursday, April 3rd gold slid 0.8% and silver tumbled $2.07 lower (-6.1%). Friday, April 4th was an even sharper decline as silver lost another $2.26 and gold fell 2.5% on the day to $3,037 per troy ounce.

The next week brought the first signs of the divergence that later became a trend. Spot gold tanked 1.8% lower on Monday, April 7th, yet somehow silver gained 45 cents to stay a hair above the $30/oz mark. All of the metals (including platinum, palladium, and copper) jumped higher on Wednesday, April 9th. Gold rallied nearly $100 on three consecutive days between the 9th and 11th, and spot silver saw two days that it rose over $1 during that stretch.

Wednesday, April 16th was the most volatile day of the month: the gold price surged 3.3%, yet silver added a modest 40 cents. This wasn’t gold’s peak yet; after trading sideways for a few days, the yellow metal gained another 2.8% to a new record high above $3,420/oz on Monday, April 21st. (Silver rose just 15 cents the same day.) When gold corrected 2.65% lower on Wednesday, April 23rd, silver was actually up nearly $1.10. This divergent price behavior between the two metals isn’t unheard of, but it’s nonetheless curious how many times it showed up recently.Continue reading“April, 2025 in Precious Metals, by Everett Millman”

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 a recent widespread grid power failure.

A Huge Southern Europe Power Outage

Reader F.J. was the first of several readers to mention this in the UK Daily Mail: Huge power outage strikes Spain, Portugal and France: Entire cities plunged into blackouts, transport networks shut down and internet is cut off in scenes of mayhem. F.J.’s Comments: 

“Can never be too prepared?  EDC, Bug Out, Bug In, Tools, Water, and Food. You never know when the rug can be pulled out from under you. Luckily, it doesn’t appear that anyone was hurt or killed.  Life support systems usually have some sort of UPS built-in.  [A major power failure] might be very inconvenient for the ‘totally clueless We, The Sheeple’.”

JWR Adds: Some more details on this incident are reported here: 6 Days After Celebrating ‘100% Renewable Power’, Spain Blames “Rare Atmospheric Phenomenon” For Nation’s Largest Blackout In History.

and,

Photos: Millions without power in Spain, Portugal after ‘induced atmospheric vibration’.

Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake: Greater Severity

Reader C.B. sent this: Cascadia subduction zone earthquake could be even worse than feared.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Once its biggest self-celebration, May Day now signals Mayday for global communism. Just a half century ago, it seemed irrepressible, now communism is just reprehensible, with the relevance of a renaissance festival. Ironically, it is the Left who most want to forget… before the lesson behind communism’s demise can be more broadly applied.

In the 1960s, the whole world seemed to be going communist. It held half of Europe, much of Africa, almost all of Asia, and seemingly the entire world’s intelligentsia. Only “benighted” pockets held out. Fifty years later, the situation has reversed – now communism is closeted away.

Save for a crackpot dictator in North Korea and a mid-twentieth century relic in Cuba, there are few places unabashedly embracing its doctrines. While it still holds nominal title to the world’s largest country, it does so only in blatant self-contradiction. China’s communist rulers have held onto the government, but only by letting go of the economy. And where communism and capitalism exist side-by-side, there is no longer a question which will win.

Where once world domination was its avowed goal, now isolation from the world is its only hope. Cuba is literally an island and North Korea a figurative one. Where once it grabbed headlines from illusory accomplishments, it now takes a petty tyrant’s saber-rattling tantrums to garner attention.” –  J.T. Young

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — April 30, 2025

On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America at Federal Hall in New York City.

On April 30, 1897, English physicist J.J. Thomson announced that he had discovered the electron, which helped revolutionize the knowledge of atomic structure; he was later awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.

April 30, 1777 was the birthday of Carl Friedrich Gauss, who is widely considered the world’s greatest mathematician.

Camerone Day is celebrated on April 30th every year — the Foreign Legion’s most important holiday.

Today is the birthday of sci-fi novelist Larry Niven (born April 30, 1938). Along with Jerry Pournelle, he co-authored the survivalist classic Lucifer’s Hammer.

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Today, we present a guest article from our friend Hub Moolman.

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We are seeking entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. 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.

How The Stock Market Signals a Major Silver Rally, by Hubert Moolman

The most significant Dow peaks in the last 100 years were in 1929, 1966, 1973, and 1999. The 1929 peak was a nominal major peak as well as a major peak as measured in terms of gold (Dow/Gold ratio peak).

The 1966 and 1999 peaks were major Dow/Gold (D/G) peaks, whereas the 1973 peak was a major nominal peak. There has always been an interesting relationship between these peaks and silver rallies. After all of these peaks of the Dow there were significant silver rallies that followed.

Below, is a long-term chart for sold and the Dow:

 

 

Continue reading“How The Stock Market Signals a Major Silver Rally, by Hubert Moolman”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our 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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No more large power banks! Travelers Hit with New TSA Ban as Agency Forbids Common Item in Checked Luggage.  JWR’s Comments and Clarifications: The writer neglected to mention some key details. According to the TSA website, In carry-on bags only: “Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.”  For USB-voltage devices, given Ohm’s Law, (to wit: 27,650 MiliAmpHours (MAH) equates to 99.5 Watt Hours. (Higher voltage with the same battery capacity would mean that the Watt-Hours would be in excess of 100.) Oddly, according to the FAA, there is no limit on the number of separate spare laptop batteries or battery banks that you carry onboard at the same time, but they must be ones for your personal use — not for resale.  So, presumably, carrying them in their original factory packaging could get them flagged as contraband.

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Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies.  JWR’s Comments: It is noteworthy that she repeatedly announced that she was not suicidal.  No worries, folks. “There’s nothing to see here, move along.”

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Reader H.L. mentioned this MSN slideshow: How Many Bald Eagles Are in Each U.S. State?

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — April 29, 2025

On April 29, 1769, Scottish engineer James Watt‘s patent for a steam engine with a separate condenser was enrolled. (Patent 913.)

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April 29, 1852:  The first edition of Peter Roget‘s Thesaurus was published in Great Britain.

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On April 29, 1903, a limestone slide at Turtle Mountain dropped 30 million cubic metres (82 million tons) onto the town of Frank, Alberta, Canada, killing 70-90 residents.

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And on April 29, 1905, two inches of rain fell in just 10 minutes in Taylor, Texas.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. 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. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail 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.

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More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. 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.

The Least Invasive Real ID, by St. Funogas

With the Real ID requirements finally going into effect as of May 7th, a US passport card is the best option for those interested in maintaining as much privacy as possible. A passport card offers more flexibility and maintains your privacy to a higher degree than a driver’s license. For those who consider their home address at the top of their privacy list, nothing beats a passport card.

I’m no expert in this field but I’m basing this article on my own personal experiences and testimonies of friends. The reader is strongly advised to do their own research before applying any of this information to state and federal IDs and to assess any risks that may be involved and the severity of any possible penalties. The standards for state-issued IDs vary from state to state so be sure to research the requirements of your own state.

Many people still don’t have a Real ID of any sort, so it is advisable to obtain one in order to be able to get through airport security or enter a courthouse, among others.

It may pay to read between the lines in this article to see if there are other ways you can apply the information.Continue reading“The Least Invasive Real ID, by St. Funogas”

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, a revised eruption risk assessment for the Yellowstone Caldera.  (See the Wyoming  section.)

Idaho

First glow-in-the-dark flower made commercially available to the public.

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Lori Vallow Daybell reacts to guilty verdict in her first Arizona trial. (She received multiple life sentences, in July, 2023.  This conviction could add another life sentence.)

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Mountain Home man arrested in sex trafficking investigation.

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Judge denies Kohberger defense team’s request to strike death penalty because of autism diagnosis.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — April 28, 2025

On April 28, 1937, the first trans-Pacific flight by a commercial passenger airliner was completed when Pan American Airways’ Martin M-130, China Clipper, arrived at Hong Kong. The flight had departed San Francisco Bay, California, on the 21st of April with seven revenue passengers and then proceeded across the Pacific Ocean by way of Hawaii, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam, Manila, Macau, and finally Hong Kong.

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April 28, 1965: US Marines invaded the Dominican Republic. They stayed until October 1966.

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Today’s feature is by SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson.

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We need more entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 ends on May 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. 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.

 

 

American Hat Company Range Hat, by Thomas Christianson

A range hat is designed to allow over-the-head, earmuff-style hearing-protection to be worn comfortably over the hat. It accomplishes this by forgoing two features that are common to most baseball caps. Those features are a fabric-covered button (squatchee) on the crown of the hat and the hatmaker’s buckram reinforcement of the front two panels of the hat. Without the squatchee and the buckram, a ranger hat is better able to conform to the shape of the wearer’s head under the muffs.

The American Hat Company version of the range hat is made of lightweight, ripstop cotton with a comfortable sweatband and a velcro adjuster in the back. It is just as comfortable for everyday wear as it is for range wear. As an added bonus, the hat is made in the USA.Continue reading“American Hat Company Range Hat, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Super Easy Trail Mix

The following recipe for a fairly healthy Super Easy Trail Mix is from SurvivalBlog reader T.W..  She recommends: “I suggest you buy most of the ingredients in bulk, to cut down on the cost of the mix.”

Ingredients
  • 1 c. of your preferred low-salt nut(s), mixed (I like almonds and pecans)
  • 1 to  1-/12 c. of chocolate chips, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces candy (can be omitted if you are on a diet)
  • 1 c. of Animal Crackers (or other small crackers) and/or small pretzels. (I like cheese-flavored ones)
  • 1 c. of your preferred dry breakfast cereal or low-moisture granola/museli.
  • 1 c. of dried fruit(s) or raisins (Be sure that it’s a low-moisture fruit, or it will make your trail mix a sticky mess!)
Directions

Just pour all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir them well with a large mixing spoon or spatula.

STORAGE & Trail Servings

Store the mix in an airtight container, like Tupeprware.

Dispense into small, very sturdy ziploc bags, for the trail. Pack all of those small bags inside a larger (gallon-size) ziploc bag, in case one of the small ones bursts.

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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!