The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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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 “JWR”.  Today, we focus on censorship.

Google Makes Greenpeace Co-Founder Vanish

The Ministry of Truth is hard at work: Google makes Greenpeace co-founder ‘vanish’. (Thanks to DSV for the link.)

The Evolution of Body Armor

Our own Editor-At-Large Michael Z. Williamson penned this for the Baen Books web site: The Evolution of Body Armor.  Here is a snippet from his fascinating article:

“Moving into the 1990s, though, materials science improved again. We finally enter the era of modern body armor. Aramid fiber—Kevlar or Spectra, tough enough to stop virtually all pistol calibers—backed up with ceramic or steel plates capable of stopping most rifle bullets at least once, and if there isn’t time to swap out during an engagement, usually survivable for about eight hits on the torso plate. The newer plates are rated for a single hit from armor piercing ammo, with good survivability for a second hit.

Compared to the early armor with its mid 50 percentile protection, we actually now get close to 70 percent survivability, against much more powerful threats than our Bronze Age counterparts. Then, of course, we have far better medical technology.”

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — March 25, 2019

This is the birthday of English film director David Lean. He was born in Croydon, England in 1908, and died in 1991. He is best known for his films Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Doctor Zhivago.

National Medal of Honor day is officially observed on March 25th of each year.

On March 25 1944 RAF Flight Sergeant Nicholas Alkemade survived a jump from a burning Lancaster bomber from 18,000 feet over Germany without a parachute. His fall was broken by pine trees and soft snow, and he suffered only a sprained leg. He died on June 22nd, 1987.

CRKT/Ruger AR Cleaning Tool, by Pat Cascio

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I do a lot of AR-15 shooting these days, either testing guns for articles, or just for my own shooting pleasure. One thing that I don’t especially enjoy, and never have, is AR cleaning. Because they use a gas tube rather than a gas piston, they require frequent cleaning. And they aren’t one of the easiest rifles to clean. Today, we’re looking at the AR cleaning tool, from CRKT and Ruger. Several years ago, Ruger commissioned CRKT to produce some cutlery for them – under the Ruger name, and it has been a great relationship.

The first time I handled an AR-15 type of rifle, was in October 1969, and it was the then US military combat rifle, in the form of the M16. I remember how happy I was to be issued this light-weight rifle, compared to the big and heavy  M14 I carried in Basic Combat Training, and the recoil was nothing compared to that of the M14 with its 7.62 NATO round that kicked a bit hard for a scrawny 17 year old kid. And, to this day, I still remember the white glove inspections, when it came time to turn-in our M16s to the unit armorer, after we thought we had thoroughly cleaned those rifles. No matter how clean we thought we cleaned those M16s, the armorer always found something that needed more attention. I wised up to their inspections. I was more than content with my cleaning jobs, and I’d go to turn in my cleaned M16, only to be told it was still dirty. Well, I’d wait until much later, when the armorer wanted to close up for the day – and I’d then return my “re-cleaned” M16 – and guess what? Yep, it passed the inspection, without me cleaning it again.

Continue reading“CRKT/Ruger AR Cleaning Tool, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Avalanche Lily’s Scratch Chocolate Cake

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Avalanche Lily’s Scratch Chocolate Cake

This is a standard, time-proven American recipe. It is a favorite in our family.

Ingredients

2 Cups white flour (sifting the flour is optional)

1 Cup Cocoa Powder

2 tsp Baking Soda

2 Cups Granulated Sugar

2 Eggs

2 Cups Hot Water

2 Rounded TBSPs of Butter

 

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Thoroughly mix all ingredients into a batter

Oil (or lard) coat the interior of a 8″x16″ glass baking dish.

Pour batter evenly into the baking dish

Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.

Decorating and serving Suggestions

Allow cake to cool 20 minutes before frosting.

Can be served warm or cold.

Frosting is optional.

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

 

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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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 SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we focus on the predictions of economist Marc Faber.

Precious Metals:

Gary Christenson: Self-Destruction: Cheerleading The Process

o  o  o

Worldwide Major Central Banks are Accumulating Their Gold Holdings

 

Economy & Finance:

Jon C. was the first of several readers to send us this news: Shopko announces closure of all stores

o  o  o

Marc Faber: Huge Asset Bubble Will be Deflated, Recession Started Last Year – Money Printing Coming. Here is a quote from the video interview:

“When I started to work in 1970 on Wall Street, the stock market capitalization of the U.S. as a percentage of GDP . . . was between 25% and 30%. Now, the stock market capitalization alone is 150% of GDP, and when you add the bonds to it, we are at 300%. It’s a huge asset bubble compared to the real economy. I think no matter what they do, this asset bubble will be deflated, and it will be very painful. The asset holders are the powerful ones here, and they don’t want it deflated. . . . The question is would it have been better economically to go into the hospital in 2008/2009 and clean up the system rather than to essentially inject the sick patient with more opioids to keep him alive? It’s going to get much worse the next time it happens.”

And, in describing the asset bubble re-inflation following the 2008 debacle, Faber said:

“You can print money for a long time, but it doesn’t end well.”

o  o  o

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — March 24, 2019

Today, March 24th is the birthday of Dr. Arthur Robinson, who was born in 1942.  He is a co-founder of the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine (OISM). He is an outspoken critic of the Global Warming Theory.
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Pastor Chick Baldwin has published an Open Letter alerting American gun owners about Senate Bill 7, the Extreme Risk Protection Order and Violence Prevention Act of 2019—otherwise known as a national “red flag” gun confiscation bill. This is very dangerous legislation. It denies citizens of Due Process and the age-old right to face their accusers in court. Most of the Red Flag hearings will not have the accused present to speak in their own defense. If enacted, Red Flag laws could be used as political weapons against anyone whom leftist and statists disagree. Much like SWATing, Red Flag raids can be launched against almost anyone, and will undoubtedly result in the deaths of innocents. PLEASE contact the two senators that represent your state, and urge them to oppose S.7!

The Global Economic Reset Begins With An Engineered Crash, by Brandon Smith

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Editor’s Introductory Note:  This selected article was first posted at the excellent Alt-Market.com site. It is re-posted with permission.

—

For a few years now, since at least 2014, the phrase “global economic reset” has been circulating in the financial world. This phrase is used primarily by globalist institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to describe an event in which the current system as we know it will either die out or evolve into a new system where “multilateralism” will become the norm. The reset is often described in an ambiguous way. IMF banking elites will usually mention the end results of the shift, but they say little about the process to get there.

What we do know is that the intent of the globalists is to use this reset to create a more centralized monetary system and micro-managed global economy. At the core of this new structure would be the IMF along with perhaps the BIS and World Bank.  It is a plan that has been supported openly by both western and eastern governments, including Russia and China.

As noted, the details are few and far between, but the IMF describes the use of open borders and human migrations during the reset as a means to transfer capital from various parts of the world. It is a novel if not utterly insane way to transfer wealth that only makes sense if you understand that the globalist goal is to deliberately conjure a geopolitical catastrophe.

Continue reading“The Global Economic Reset Begins With An Engineered Crash, by Brandon Smith”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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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 “JWR”.  Today, we focus on concealed carry of firearms by private citizens.

Constitutional Carry Versus Control

Some cogent commentary from Reid Henrichs: Constitutional Carry vs Control – The Winds of Freedom

Sprawling Ugandan Refugee Camps

Mike Williamson (our Editor At Large) recommended this detailed piece that documents the grinding poverty of Africa’s huge refugee populations: In Uganda, a unique urban experiment is under way. Their dependence has become multi-generational, and their “camps” are transforming themselves into permanent cities. There have been Sudanese refugees continuously in Uganda for more than 35 years. And a few of these refugees crossed into Uganda during the first Sudanese civil war (from 1955 to 1972.) Much like the Palestinian “refugees” in Israel, after two generations, they can no longer be considered legitimate refugees. By definition, if a whole chunk of a nation’s population is born in a country, then they are permanent residents, not temporary guests.

 

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” – Ephesians 1: 1-14 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — March 23, 2019

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This is the birthday of acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. He directed 30 films. His samurai films (many starring Toshiro Mifune) such as Yojimbo, Sanjuro, The Hidden Fortress, Rashomon, The Seven Samurai, Kagemusha, and Ran are considered legendary in the cinema world.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 81 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 Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  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. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 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 81 ends on March 28th, 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.

Editors’ Prepping Progress

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To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. Steadily, we work on meeting our prepping goals. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities. They also often share their planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, property improvements, 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 the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

JWR Reports

This week, after a break of several months, I finally made my way to a gun show. Getting there was a five hour drive, which is not unusual in the American Redoubt. I found a few items on my want list, including some .450 Bushmaster ammo, some primers, a few magazines, and most importantly a few AR-15 lower receivers. Of the latter, I got a mix of stripped and complete lowers.

One item on a table at the show made me laugh for a moment, and then frown: A gent was selling a new-in-the-box bumpfire stock. Those will become “machineguns” and a felony to possess on March 26, 2019, under a horribly unconstitutional ATF ruling. It is quite troubling that there is no grandfather clause. Perhaps that dealer sold it to someone from Washington State, where they cut loose some State funds to pay $150 for each one turned in for destruction. (Up to five per owner. Presumably you must have a Washington driver’s license to qualify.) I assume that this 11th-hour Washington “buy up” was partially a CYA move, since they had earlier legislated an unconstitutional taking.

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

Scavenging and the Law, by JRRT

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There’s a lot to criticize about survival-themed movies, to the point where the only value most of them have is just to get all of us thinking about “what if,” and to entertain us in the process. But the trope that bothers me more than any other is the portrayal of scavenging. In survival movies, the heroes find caches of cool stuff, help themselves to fully stocked but deserted grocery stores, and appropriate vehicles. Survival almost looks fun! Who hasn’t fantasized about being able to have free reign to grab whatever they want from store shelves? As enjoyable as it is to watch movie heroes find Hummers with duffel bags full of sweet guns, I believe it does a lot to harm right thinking about survivalism. I’m going to outline a code of ethics for scavenging, and then discuss why scavenging is probably the most stupid possible survival strategy.

There are already some ancient laws that deal with abandoned property. The legal elements of abandoned property are that 1) the owner intended to leave the property, 2) but is in a condition that it is apparent that he has no intention to return or claim it. I’d modify this to add to this a Reasonable Man standard which so often comes up in law. Would a reasonable man consider it likely that the owner is going to return? I want to add this because it could be many people initially plan to return, but eventually it becomes clear they never will. These questions could be pretty opaque if large swathes of the country turn into a no man’s land. Let’s consider a few scenarios.

Continue reading“Scavenging and the Law, by JRRT”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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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 “JWR”.  Today, we focus on California’s 1862 Megastorm.

Beating Facial Recognition

Worth reading, at American Partisan: A Few Ideas on Beating Facial Recognition.

Also see: Facial recognition’s ‘dirty little secret’: Millions of online photos scraped without consent

A Sequel to California’s 1862 Megastorm?

Here’s what a ‘very likely’ sequel to California’s 1862 megastorm would look like. Here are two quote:s

“That singular storm, called the Great Flood, unleashed 10 feet of rain and snow over California in 43 days at the end of 1861 and the start of 1862. The precipitation formed an inland sea that stretched 300 miles down the Central Valley and as much as 60 miles wide. At least 21 people died, the state declared bankruptcy, and, Cox says, ‘it drowned so many cattle’ that California changed from a predominantly ranching economy to the agricultural salad bowl we know today.”
and,
“But even the most humdrum ARkStorm predictions are hair-rising. One in four buildings in the state would flood. Rivers would swell and even coastal communities would be inundated, as floodwaters rushed to the shore too fast for the ocean to absorb them—a situation similar to the long, slow leak Houston saw after Hurricane Harvey. The biggest challenge is the sheer number of people in the path of destruction. The 1860 census recorded just 379,994 in California; today there are almost 40 million. The USGS team estimates at least 1.5 million people would need to evacuate, and still there would be “a substantial loss of life.””
Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”