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

Dear SurvivalBlog Readers:

We had cooler weather in our part of the American Redoubt for the past week. We are now at the peak of gardening season, and harvesting most of our crops in great abundance. We picked and froze more red raspberries. We also picked, blanched and froze broccoli and green beans. The zucchini squash is now being harvested and either chopped and frozen or given away to neighbors and friends. At this juncture I should mention that the standing joke in our region is that the only reason people lock their car doors when they go to town is to prevent their friends from leaving them sacks of zucchini, without their permission.

The firewood splitting and stacking is now nearly complete. It always feels good to stack that final poke of wood, and feel truly ready for winter.

May you all have a very blessed and productive week.

Many Blessings to All, – Jim Rawles and Avalanche Lily, Rawles

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

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”. Google and Mozilla both make the news today. Neither will make you happy.

Google Tracking

According to reader J.B., Google tracks your movement whether you like it or not. Even if you explicitly refuse to allow Google to obtain and keep this information, it would appear that they just ignore your request and do it anyways. The Associated Press investigation found that despite the fact that many apps on Android and iPhones have a check mark that allows you to refuse to share this data with the app, Google obtains it anyway. It’s possible, though laborious, to delete the stored information, but there are approximately two billion devices that do this.

Gun Control

Reader H.L. sent in this article profiling a politician who was arrested and charged with murder for shooting and killing her former campaign manager. It turns out that this politician had promised to push for stricter gun control. Authorities are not even sure where she obtained the firearm that she used to kill with. How ironic. She pledged to reduce gun violence and is now charged with furthering gun violence. Even if she is mentally/criminally insane, has our politics been reduced to this level of hypocrisy?

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

2

I, even I, am he that comforteth you:
who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die,
and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;
and forgettest the Lord thy maker,
that hath stretched forth the heavens,
and laid the foundations of the earth;
and hast feared continually every day
because of the fury of the oppressor,
as if he were ready to destroy?
and where is the fury of the oppressor?
The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed,
and that he should not die in the pit,
nor that his bread should fail.
But I am the Lord thy God,
that divided the sea, whose waves roared:
the Lord of hosts is his name.
– Isaiah 51:12-15 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday – August 17, 2018

1

While salmon fishing near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory on August 17th, 1896, George Carmack reportedly spotted nuggets of gold in a creek bed. His lucky discovery sparked the last great gold rush in the American West. His two companions later agreed that Skookum, Jim–Carmack’s brother-in-law, actually made the discovery.

o o o

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.

The Gunfighter’s Guide: Lessons Learned the Hard Way- Part 2, by The Grumpy Gunfighter

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This article is a compilation of lessons I have learned, either from real world events or through lessons taught to me by the men and women I served with. Their advice has saved my life on a few occasions, and perhaps this gunfighter’s guide, also developed from lessons learned the hard way, may do the same for you one day.

In part 1, I covered three main topics– cars and guns, the scorpion vs. box jellyfish philosophies, and close quarters battle takeaways. Today we will move into fighting in larger spaces, specifically the backwoods and move onto other topics also.

Some Backwoods Fighting Tips

Stay off the crest of ridgelines when moving. Although the high ground is best in a firefight, it is important not to silhouette yourself against the skyline.

Use Bounding Overwatch When Moving Under Fire

Use the bounding overwatch method when moving under fire. Bounding overwatch is a technique where one team member stays in cover and scans for enemy fire or movement while your teammate runs to the next usable piece of cover. That teammate will then scan and provide you covering fire while you move to the next covered firing position.

Stay Low in Flat, Heavily Forested Areas

When in flat heavily forested areas, stay low to the ground. Staying low often allows you to see movement of legs through the brush while keeping your position concealed. If your head is constantly popping up over bushes, your movement is often easy to spot.

Continue reading“The Gunfighter’s Guide: Lessons Learned the Hard Way- Part 2, by The Grumpy Gunfighter”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

6

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 New Zealand banning foreign home buyers.  (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

 

Precious Metals:

Allen Sykora: With Silver Tanking, How Badly Will Miners Hurt?

o o o

Przemyslaw Radomski: Gold Price To Soar Above $6,000 Per Oz.

 

Cryptos:

Another Top-5 Cryptocurrency Exchange Plots Move to Malta’s ‘Blockchain Island’

o o o

Ripple Endorses ‘Preferred’ Crypto Exchanges for XRP Payments

 

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

7

“The thing is, I know a lot of actors, and, just look in their eyes. They try to be happy but you can see that they’re not. And you see them out partying, trying to fill that void. I did it, I was partying myself to death, trying to fill that void that I had. You see it in all the actors out there trying to fill that void by drugs, alcohol, all the things that are not going to cure that void that they have in them, until they really find their faith. The actors I meet that have their faith, you can see a brightness in their eyes. And the ones that don’t have it, you can see that darkness in their eyes. So, I just say try it. Try your faith. Just try it out and see if it works for you – I know it will and it worked for me.” – Chuck Norris

Preparedness Notes for Thursday – August 16, 2018

On August 16th, 1841, President John Tyler vetoed a second attempt by Congress to re-establish the Bank of the United States. In response, angry supporters of the bank gathered outside the White House and burned an effigy of Tyler.

o o o

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.

The Gunfighter’s Guide: Lessons Learned the Hard Way- Part 1, by The Grumpy Gunfighter

20

For me shooting has been away of life. I can vividly remember the first time my father handed me a .22 rifle and the awe it inspired in me. Its wood stock had been worn smooth by generations of men in my family who had owned it before me. Its presence had felt like a warm handshake in my grip that welcomed me into a skill that has served me well over the years.

That old .22 must have made quite an impression on me because after two police departments, some time in the military, and several shooting competitions later, I am still hungry for knowledge to help hone my skill set. This article is a compilation of lessons I have learned, either from real world events or through lessons taught to me by the men and women I served with. Their advice has saved my life on a few occasions, and perhaps this gunfighter’s guide, also developed from lessons learned the hard way, may do the same for you one day.

Guns and Cars

A Terrible Place To Get Into A Gunfight

A soft skin (unarmored) vehicle is a terrible place to get into a gunfight. It is basically like sitting still in a tin can. If you can’t easily escape by driving away, get out so you can move.

The engine block is the only place on a car that may stop a bullet. Your best bet is to crouch near the front wheel well, putting the engine block between you and incoming rounds.

The Difference Between Cover and Concealment

Know the difference between cover and concealment. Cover is anything that can stop incoming bullets; concealment only shrouds you from the view of the enemy. Cars are largely seen as concealment.

Continue reading“The Gunfighter’s Guide: Lessons Learned the Hard Way- Part 1, by The Grumpy Gunfighter”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

14

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”. You might be surprised at who is behind your Real ID.

Strategic Relocation

Kit Perez has started a new series on relocation, over at the American Partisan blog. It is titled: Strategic Relocation: Are You Missing Out?

Venezuela

The latest numbers of Venezuelans fleeing because of lack of food and shortages of medicine are placed around 2.3 million according to the U.N. Of those interviewed, lack of food seems to be the primary reason they are leaving, but the U.N. is emphasizing that the severe shortages of medicine and medical supplies is a factor as well. They note that over 100,000 Venezuelans are living with HIV/AIDS and are at risk. Meanwhile, it appears that a number of Venezuelans have found refuge in Scotland. Apparently Aberdeen along with several other communities have become a tiny oasis for refugees fleeing the social and economic strife. Thanks to G.P. and H.L. for the links.

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

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday – August 15, 2018

2

On August 15, 1961, two days after sealing off free passage between East and West Berlin with barbed wire, East German authorities began building a wall–the Berlin Wall–to permanently close off access to the West. For the next 28 years, the heavily fortified Berlin Wall stood as the most tangible symbol of the Cold War–a literal “iron curtain” dividing Europe. The wall has now been torn down for longer than it stood, but the scars in memory are still there.

o o o

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today features 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.

Utilizing a Self-Directed IRA: A Case Study in Investing Outside of Wall Street- Part 2, by J.J.

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In a conversation with a successful and well off friend, I discovered that it was possible to invest outside of Wall Street. I had experienced the extreme fluctuations of economic bubbles and wanted something more secure as I planned for retirement. After learning more about his approach, I took baby steps to reevaluate my own investment approach to move toward a self-directed IRA. In part 1, I shared the first step toward a self-directed IRA for investing outside of Wall Street to achieve greater safety and diversification and now let’s move forward.

Following the Wisdom of a King

In the book of Ecclesiastes– one of King Solomon’s books of wisdom in the old testament– Solomon gives us investment advice, not only for our wealth but also for how to spend our lives here on earth. The wealthiest man to ever live directs us to diversify in chapter 11, verse 1-2. In verse 4, he chides us to get off our butts and get the work done.

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”

Don’t let the noise and apprehensions of the day keep you paralyzed like a deer in the headlights, keeping you from diligence in your work. Mostly, though, the preacher Solomon extolls us that all of life here under the sun is vanity and striving after the wind. Only a life devoted to God and knowing Christ can give Life, and to the fullest, in our days here on earth, under the sun.

Baby Steps Out the Door

I determined to move 40% of my overall balance into a self-directed IRA. The only current investment target for my self-directed IRA was gold and silver. I would pursue farmland and multifamily housing only if I could find what I felt was a purchase with good value.

Continue reading“Utilizing a Self-Directed IRA: A Case Study in Investing Outside of Wall Street- Part 2, by J.J.”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

2

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 economic crisis in Turkey.  (See the Economy & Finance section and the Forex section.)

 

Precious Metals:

Gold price logs first gain in 4 sessions, but still near 1½-year low as Turkey turmoil fades

o o o

Jim Wykcoff: Good Sign For Gold Bulls: Gains Despite Greenback Rally

 

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 White Ox Work Gloves. (See the Gear section.)

 

Books:

Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values

o  o  o

Fall and Winter Gardening: 25 Organic Vegetables to Plant and Grow for Late Season Food

o  o  o

To Kill a Mockingbird. It is amazing that a novel that has been in print for so many years is presently ranked #21 at Amazon.com!  This book gives new meaning to the term “perennial classic.”

 

Movies:

The Ninth Day. Available on DVD or for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.

o  o  o

Sahara. Consider this purely entertainment–not a tactics lesson!

 

Continue reading“JWR’s Recommendations of the Week”