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 investing in Fiddleback Forge custom knives. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

 

Precious Metals:

First off, these observations by Peter Hug: Gold Continues To Search For Direction

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Gold Still ‘Fantastic’ As All Currencies Are Losing To U.S. Dollar – America Silver

 

Forex:

The Indian rupee is under pressure — that may signal economic trouble ahead

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Next at The WSJ: Italy Sparks Global Fear of Fresh Euro Crisis

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Dollar at 10-month high against euro as ‘Quitaly’ fears rise

 

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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 the EOTech Holographic Weapon Sight. (See the Gear section.)

Books:

Undergrounds in Insurgent, Revolutionary and Resistance Warfare: Second Edition (U.S. Army Special Forces Reprint)

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Building a Log Cabin in Alaska in Four Months: Using the trees from two acres of land

 

Movies:

Here is the sequel to a movie that I mentioned in this column last year: Idaho: The Movie 2 . The scenery is breathtaking.

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The Ballad of Lefty Brown. A well-made western, filmed on location in Montana.

 

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Preparedness Notes for Tuesday – May 29, 2018

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On this day in 1780, the treatment of Patriot prisoners by British Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his Loyalist troops lead to the coining of a phrase that defined British brutality for the rest of the War for Independence: “Tarleton’s Quarter.”

Tarleton and his Torries proceeded to shoot any an all Patriots that had surrendered after the fall of Charleston. The Patriots lost 113 men. The slaughter of the surrendered troops became a propaganda victory for the Continentals and Carolina civilians who had been terrified of Tarleton and their loyalist neighbors now rallied to the Patriot cause.

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We have a new acronym today: GPDR. Nope, it doesn’t stand for General Data Protection Regulation. Rather, it means: Globalist Pukes Disrupting Readers.

Terms of Temerity: Why The Left Loathes The Words We Use

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Five years ago in SurvivalBlog, I posted The Leftist Lexicon: Translating Statist Rhetoric Into Plain English, by Ray X.  Then, a few months later, I posted a brief essay that I authored. It was titled: Incendiary Words: Of Detonations and Denotations. In the latter essay, I warned that our language was being twisted by leftist terminology and that we need to hold fast to the proper, objective, and accepted meanings of words.

Most recently, I’ve noticed that the assorted leftists, statists, globalists, and collectivists who dominate the American mass media now sneer at conservatives, Christians, and libertarians when we dare to even use certain words. They consider this use signaling, or an act of utter temerity. Their condescending disdain for our proper use of the English language and the objective meanings of words seems to shout: “How dare you use that word?”

First, The OBLIGATORY Trigger Warning:

The following content may upset liberally-educated, emotionally immature, or emotionally unstable individuals. Seek a safe space, preferably with puppies and coloring books.

Terminology Clarification

One introductory note about terminology, for our foreign readers: American liberalism isn’t what’s termed libéralisme in France and other French-speaking countries. It is much closer to what is called social democracy in France and throughout the rest of Europe.  In this essay I will generally use the word leftist rather than liberal.

Here are 100 specific examples of words and phrases that leftists seem to loathe–at least in their original denotations. I will also summarize their thought processes, and many of their attempts to push alternative definitions:

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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 the right to open carry in the American Redoubt. (See the Eastern Washington section.)

Region-Wide:

Yet again, the American Redoubt region shines: Map of U.S. Murder Rates, By County.  Here is a quote from the article: “One should not put much weight on this purely ‘cross-sectional’ evidence over one point in time and many factors determine murder rates, but it is still interesting to note that so much of the country has both very high gun ownership rates and zero murders.”

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Finally, after several years, I finally have a demographic map where the Redoubt region did not fare well: Mapping The Tsunami Of Suicides Across America. (Thanks to T.Z. for the link.)

 

Idaho

A well-established car parts dealership in Orofino, Idaho has expanded their line to include many guns and gun parts: Olive’s Auto Parts.  One customer that I know who lives near Orofino quipped that they should change their name to Olive’s Semi-Auto Parts! Phone: (208) 476-5576

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Boar’s Head Highland Butchery, in Weippe, Idaho has seen great growth in their business. They now have a mobile slaughter truck and trailer. Their clientele has expanded to include regular customers in Clearwater County, Lewis County, Nez Perce County, Latah County, and Idaho County. They cut and trim meats just like you get from your  local grocery store. Get your cattle and hogs in before the fall rush!  Phone: (208) 435-4900

 

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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”. Apparently, a UK judge believes that knives are too sharp now.

Prepping in America

Reader H.J. sent in this article on what preppers are prepping for in America. Interestingly enough, unlike what Doomsday Preppers would have you believe, evidence of paranoia is pretty slim. Most folks are motivated by the media’s non-stop coverage of natural disasters and well as a government that encourages people to prep.

I could have helped the author out here. In our case, it’s not about TEOTWAWKI, EMP, earthquakes or anything else. It’s simply following through on the promise I made to my wife and family that I would take care of them no matter what. When any hardship comes, I will still feed and clothe my family and make sure that they have a safe place to lie down. I don’t care whether it’s a terrorist attack or simply losing my job. I will take care of my family. That’s pretty much what responsible people have been doing for thousands of years.

Knives are Too Sharp

Reader T.P. sent in this article on a judge in the U.K. who has proposed filing down the points of kitchen knives as a solution to the country’s soaring knife crime epidemic. In his words:

“It might even be that the police could organise a programme whereby the owners of kitchen knives, which have been properly and lawfully bought for culinary purposes, could be taken somewhere to be modified, with the points being ground down into rounded ends,”

I suppose the next step will be to mandate that all car batteries are sealed AGM batteries so the average person can’t access the acid in them too? I wonder what will happen when they realize that a knife used in nefarious ways is far more damaging when used in a slash than a poke?

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Preparedness Notes for Monday – May 28, 2018

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Today, Memorial Day, is a day of solemn remembrance in the U.S. of the many who have given their all for our freedoms. We always thank those who are serving in our military and their families who have also made sacrifices, but today most of all we want to honor those who gave their lives.

Just a Common Soldier

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George Washington, a young lieutenant colonel in the British Army and future president of the United States, led an attack on French forces at Jumonville Glen on this day in 1754. This battle was later credited with being the opening salvo in the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763).

In the biography His Excellency: George Washington, historian Joseph Ellis recounts Washington’s first combat experience. Washington and 40 colonial troops had been encamped near the French garrison at Fort Duquesne when he received an urgent message to rescue Indian allies in the area who were threatened by French forces. In his official report of the encounter, Washington described how his troops, aided by warriors under the Indian leader Tanacharison, surrounded a detachment of 32 French soldiers near the fort on May 28 and, within 15 minutes, killed 10 of them, including the garrison’s commander, wounded one and took another 21 prisoner.

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Don’t forget! This is the final day of Ready Made Resources’ awesome sale on their HP+ ITT 3rd Gen autogated PVS-14 Night Vision for $2895. (This unit has manual gain.) They are also having a sale on their Photonis White Posphor 4G unit with a 10 year warranty for only $3175.

Stevens Model 320 Security Shotgun, by Pat Cascio

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Not all shotguns are created equal. Some are meant for sport hunting, and some are designed for self defense. Today we’re checking out the Stevens Model 320 Security shotgun.

Shotguns

A lot of people find most shotguns pretty boring, and I might just be in that crowd these days. There are so many different models and makes of shotguns out there, and many look the same as the next one or the one before it. Most folks who purchase a shotgun do so with the thought of upland bird hunting or water fowl hunting. I have no problem with that at all. It’s a great sport to get involved in.

Home Protection

Then there are preppers and just plain ol’ home owners who want something a bit “more” for home protection than what a handgun affords them. They chose to go with what we used to commonly call a “riot shotgun”. I’m not quite sure how the short(er) barrel shotgun earned that title, other than I know more than a hundred years ago police were using the short barrel shotgun to quell some labor involved riots that turned into street warfare. Still, many police departments issue a short barrel shotgun, usually with an 18-inch barrel for officers to carry in their patrol cars. It is a force multiplier when you are in a solo patrol car. And it is comforting to have this “partner” close at hand.

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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 investing in restored tractors. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

 

Precious Metals:

First up, at Zero Hedge: Gold Surges To Record In Turkey and Other Emerging Markets as Currencies Collapse

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Gold & Silver Are Up On The Week But Was It Enough Or Was It Too Weak?

 

Forex:

Next, at Newsmax: Jim Rogers: Dollar Losing Global Status as US Debt Soars

 

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Preparedness Notes for Sunday – May 27, 2018

On May 27, 1813, former President Thomas Jefferson wrote former President John Adams about the loss of their mutual friend, Dr. Benjamin Rush. Reflecting upon the loss, Jefferson wrote, “We too must go; and that ere long. I believe we are under half a dozen at present; I mean the signers of the Declaration.”

Dr. Rush was instrumental in the reconciliation of Jefferson and Adams by initiating correspondence between the three of them. Both Jefferson and Adams continued to correspond until their deaths on July 4th, 1826– the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which all three had signed in 1776.

Also on this date, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney of Maryland issued Ex parte merryman, challenging the authority of President Abraham Lincoln and the U.S. military to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in Maryland.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today features another entry for Round 76 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. Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value), and
  8. 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 76 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.

Hitchhiking After SHTF, by J.B.

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Many of us have spent a lot of time thinking about how we would get home if things hit the fan while we are away from home, and hitchhiking hasn’t been on top of the list. The majority of us would have our vehicle there to hopefully drive ourselves back. What many people have not spent much time thinking about is how they would get home if the car wouldn’t start, if the car broke down on the way home, or if you had flown to a location and can’t get a flight back. I want to share my experiences that could be useful to some of the readers.

Dangerous

Disclaimer: I do not suggest using these methods unless necessary. They could be extremely dangerous. The risks should be weighed, and the decision should be made after much thought and prayer.

Who I Am

Let me tell you who I am. I’m a college student attending a school for gunsmithing. I attend a college that is three hours away from my parents’ home. Previous to starting college here, I bought and sold cars. After starting college, I still had one back home that needed to be sold. I decided to bring it back to sell here and decided to hitchhike back, to avoid anyone having to make the six hour round trip. It was not the safest or best idea to make, but I took precautions and tried to be careful.

My Hitchhiking Adventure

In my hitchhiking adventure, I started my trip back after getting out of class at the end of the week. Having never done this before, I soon learned that it is much harder than in the movies. I had a small sign that I tried a few different things on. At first I didn’t have much luck. A classmate brought me the first 30 minutes of the trip and dropped me off. I walked about a mile to the interstate where I waited for around two hours before I got the first ride.

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