Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest 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 the future of cryptocurrencies. (See the Cryptos section.)

 

Precious Metals:

It is noteworthy that when I last checked, spot silver was at $14.73 and gold was at $1,207 per troy ounce. That is a ratio of 81.94-to-1.  A ratio this high is unusual. We saw roughly this same silver-to-gold ratio in June of 2003 and again in December of 2008. (The lowest ratio in the past 10 years was in April of 2011, with a ratio of just 31.5-to-1.) For those with any interest in ratio trading, I believe that now is great time to swap gold for silver. In my estimation, the upside for silver is substantially better than for gold.

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Money, Fake Money And Sound Money

 

Cryptos (Future of Cryptocurrencies):

This was published back in April, but is still largely accurate: Cryptocurrency regulation in 2018: Where the world stands right now

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Cryptocurrency Regulation Update (August 2018)

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Video at CNBC: Ten experts debate bitcoin’s recent declines and the future of cryptocurrency

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

JWR’s Recommendations of the Week

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Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. This week the focus is on 80% SIG P320 Trigger Group Modules. (See the Vlogs & Instructional Videos section.)

Books:

Bob Brownell’s Gunsmith Kinks

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The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition)

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I’ve mentioned this very practical book before: What to Expect When You’re Expecting

 

Movies & Television:

My old friend Fred The Valmetmeister recommended this BBC documentary: Empire Episode 1: A Taste for Power

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The Ninth Day.  The true story of a Catholic priest from Luxembourg who was imprisoned at the Dachau death camp. Available on DVD, and also for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.

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Patriot Games. Available on DVD, and also for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.

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Preparedness Notes for Tuesday – August 28, 2018

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August 28, 1833 is the anniversary of the abolishment of slavery throughout the British Empire.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

This has been another entry for Round 78 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 transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  5. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site.

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, 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).

Round 78 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.

Thirsty Are Those Who Do Not Prep- Part 1, by The Grumpy Gunfighter

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As a prepper who has lived in an off-the-grid home in the arid southwest desert for the past 20 plus years, I am no stranger to the challenges of obtaining safe and reliable sources of water. My family and I have used a professionally drilled well for our water. However, the unfortunate reality is that the water table in our region is dwindling. Years of historic drought in our area, coupled with the significant increase in the population, have made it apparent that water scarcity will continue to be a growing issue. We prep and have taken action so that we won’t find ourselves thirsty in the event of a crisis.

I wrote this article to hopefully inspire you all who also live where water is scarce to consider the importance of planning for clean drinking water. This applies even after the collapse of our modern water infrastructure.

Water is Life

Without access to clean drinking water, survival is impossible. It doesn’t matter how many bullets, bandaids, beans, and batteries you have stored up. If you and your family can’t hydrate, you may not last a week.

Continue reading“Thirsty Are Those Who Do Not Prep- Part 1, by The Grumpy Gunfighter”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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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 Alien Gear Holsters. (See the Idaho section.)

 

Idaho (Alien Gear Holsters)

I noticed that Alien Gear Holsters (of Post Falls, Idaho) has greatly expended their Shape Shift line of injection molded holsters. Their new pocket holster design is particularly nifty.

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US denies liability after boy is sprayed by its cyanide trap

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Federal agencies approve central Idaho wilderness area plans

 

Montana

Building the Virtual Gold Rush: New facility offers power, internet and ventilation for miners looking to invest in cryptocurrency

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Conviction overturned after chemist testified while on meth.JWR’s Comment:  I concur with the judge assigned to the trial. This is just about the ultimate in hypocrisy.

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Fires disrupting visitors at Montana’s Glacier National Park

 

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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 “HJL”. The hunger stones have appeared again.

Smart Meters

An appeals court has ruled that the “smart meters” being used by the utility companies in Naperville, Illinois constitute a “search” under the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment which establishes the “right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” However, they determined that the search was “reasonable”. At issue is the meters propensity to report on a minute-by-minute bases rather than the traditional monthly basis. While the updated readings can help the utility company better plan it’s provisions, the data can also be used to determine other information about the residents that the utility company just shouldn’t have.

School Bus Conversion

Reader A.D. sent in the link to this blog that SurvivalBlog readers may find interesting. This is a family of six that sold their home and converted a school bus into an RV to chase their dreams. They outline the conversion of the school bus along with the floorplan they used. It is an interesting read. I have several friends who have changed their lifestyles to be more mobile and use the tiny house concept as their base. Personally, I don’t like the migrant lifestyle, but if you do, you should check this site out.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“In Western Europe since Roman times, private property was considered sacrosanct. The principle enunciated by the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca that kings rule by the will of the people became fundamental to Western civilization, together with private property, which was the main source of productive wealth.” – The Late Richard Pipes

Rock Island Armory 1911 CS FDE, by Pat Cascio

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Imported from the Philippines, this Rocky Island Armory 1911 CS FDE is one hot-selling, Officers-style 1911 handgun. And, it is a a bargain to be had.

More Than a Little Familiar With 1911s

Long-time readers will know that I’m a real sucker for a good 1911-style handgun. They also know that if a gun isn’t a bargain, a real bargain, I’ll pass it up. I’ve owned more than a few custom 1911s over the years, and they were fine pieces of work. They were super-accurate, with more accuracy than I could begin to squeeze out of them, and just a genuine work of art and a work of love. I’ve also owned more factory-made 1911s than I can begin to remember. Most were really good guns and well worth the money. So, I’m more than a little familiar with 1911s of just about every make and model. Additionally, the 1911 is one of my all-time favorite handguns to work on– gunsmith.

Policy to Think On A Purchase For a Day or Two

A trip to my local gun shop in Albany, OR revealed something new: a 1911 CS FDE Officers-sized pistol, in .45 ACP, of course. The price was just oh-so-right, too, but I had to think on this one for a couple of days, though. I asked the counter person if they had more than one in stock. I was told “yes”. So, there was a good chance I’d be able to get one, if I thought on this for a few days. It’s sort of a new “policy” with me as of late to do this.

Continue reading“Rock Island Armory 1911 CS FDE, by Pat Cascio”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest 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 Ultra-Rare Cars. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

We’ll start with this from Clive Maund: Gold Market Update – COTs, Sentiment Super Bullish As Fed Set To Reverse Course…

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A new video, over at Kitco: Gold Vs. Housing: Which Is More Affordable?

 

Stocks:

Robert Shiller: What should investors do when the stock market is soaring?

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Moving on to some useful data from ABG Analytics: Oversold and Overbought Large-Cap Stocks: Weekly Update

 

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“This drill is an old chestnut among some shooters but I hadn’t heard it before. Goes like this. Get yer gear and yer sighted-in serious gun, go to the range, set yer target, get in position, aim and fire one shot. You’re done. Don’t touch that dial, nudging zero is a whole different exercise. This is a ‘know thyself’ thing. Mark yer target and go home.

Do this over time, every weekend or every other day, or what ev-ver, no matter the weather: rain and misty, cold and windy, or warm and still. Whether yer rested or groggy. The idea is, a follow up shot may matter, or not, but the first shot will always matter. And you won’t get to pick the weather.” – Ol’ Remus in Yer Ol’ Woodpile Report

Preparedness Notes for Sunday – August 26, 2018

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August 26, 526, is the official anniversary of the invention of toilet paper by the Chinese. We celebrate this, though not because of its convenience. In fact, it has many shortcomings, some which are described within the articles and letters of SurvivalBlog. Our celebration of it is primarily because we now have an official metric of just how hard core of a prepper you are as well as a metric for just how economically unstable your country is.

Gunsmith Training: Pistolsmithing- Week Three, by R2

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This week, I continued in the AGI gunsmithing course, focusing on pistolsmithing. I’m really enjoying the course, though it is considerably different that what I had expected.

Call From Gene Kelley

Interestingly enough, I received a call from Gene Kelley, the president of AGI, to talk about the past articles and where I was going with the article series. Gene is a really nice guy, though obviously a driven person. The conversation only lasted a few minutes, but it’s worth noting that I did not receive pressure from him to say nice things about the course.

One thing that he did ask me to clarify was that AGI positions itself to compete against the brick and mortar schools rather than other online schools. While I have no experience with other online schools, I have had some dealings with brick and mortar schools, and I would tend to agree with his assessment that his course competes very effectively with them. At this point, I would have to admit that the intellectual knowledge passed on through the primary instructor– Bob Dunlap– is far superior to any other gunsmith (or gunsmithing school instructor) that I have had an opportunity to converse with.

The only real drawback is that you don’t have someone who hands you the next gun to work on. You’re going to have to do the legwork yourself to gain access to lots of firearms. But let’s face it; if you want to be a self-employed person, you’re gonna have to do this kind of legwork anyways.

Methods Used To Teach

I’m beginning to grasp the methods that are being used to teach too. Much of the functionality is common between firearms, and you really do need to follow the course DVDs in the order presented, as instructors build upon and continue to refer to previous videos. When Bob is profiling a new firearm, he often does not repeat instructions that he has previously given but rather tells you what video you need review in order to get that concept. I like that approach, as you have access to those videos and time is not wasted repeating things that you may not need. If you do need a refresher, you can always go grab that specific video. Now, we’ll move on to the course…

Continue reading“Gunsmith Training: Pistolsmithing- Week Three, by R2“