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 makers of the Linda pistol. (See the Idaho section.)


Idaho (Linda Carbine)

Baby Boom generation shooters like me surely recall the Wilkinson Arms 9mm “Linda” pistol and the “Terry” carbine. First produced in the late 1970s, these well-crafted guns were made in Nampa, Idaho. They had a profile reminiscent of the CZ Model 25, and similarly used a telescoping bolt. The Wilkinson brand name was sold and the tooling moved, several times.  The latest incarnation of these guns is a “Linda” carbine that is quite true to the original design. The new guns are manufactured in Murphy, Idaho under the leadership of master gunsmith Patrick McFarland.

The new Lindas still use slightly-modified Browning Hi-Power magazines. The only differences I can see are a slightly more angular forend, and adoption of the now ubiquitous 1/2-28 muzzle thread. They are so close to the originals that nearly all the parts interchange. They even use the original type font for their rollmarks. There is diehard collector appeal for the originals, and the newly-made carbines are catching the eye of the Millennial generation. Some things never change, and sometimes that is a good thing. But I am hoping that they decide to put a Linda pistol back into production, this time with an SIG-style arm brace, or a Tailhook arm brace. To use a bit of Baby Boom parlance: That would be Bitchin’. (Translation for Millennials: That would be Sweet.)

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Grand marshal dies just days before Boise Veterans Day Parade

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No one wanted to serve on the Latah Town Council in May; now 5 percent of the town is on the ballot

Montana

The second annual Red Pill Expo will be held June 22nd and 23rd, 2018 at The Commons, in Bozeman, Montana. (“Take The Red Pill” is of course a meme from The Matrix.) The first year it was held, 600 people attended. In 2018 is expected to be even bigger. Some of the guest speakers from 2017 will be returning. But there will also be lots of new faces.

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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 Saudi Arabia and Iran power struggle is beginning to heat up again.

C&S Saddlery

I just heard the Clay of C&S Saddlery will have tables at the upcoming Big Reno Gun Show. (November 10, 11, 12.) He wil be taking orders on his custom-made leather holsters and magazine pouches. His latest mag pouch design is a variation on the classic Milt Sparks Six Pack. He will be making those with either dividers for six M1911 .45 magazines, or for three Glock Model 21 .45 magazines.

Bundy Trial – Government Misbehavior

Ryan Bundy was mocked by the government when he asked about a camera being used by the federal government during the standoff. Now, after three years and two previous trials in which the existence of the live camera was repeatedly denied by the government, a National Park Service Manager revealed in court that it was used. The government has deliberately lied about evidence they were supposed to disclose. Practically every other motion made by the defense has been denied. However, the judge is allowing a motion to dismiss based upon the revelation of this evidence to proceed.

Saudi Arabia Turmoil

The next hotspot is brewing. Yemen’s air force on Saturday targeted an airport in Saudi Arabia’s capital with a ballistic missile which was intercepted by Patriot anti-missiles. Saudi Arabia and Yemen have been embroiled in a low intensity war for two years. Yemen has devolved into tribal chaos and forces desiring the toppling of the King (and family) have taken hold. This is not the first time Yemen has struck at the capitol city though. It was certainly more accurate than most other attempts. It should be noted that Saudi Arabia makes regular air excursions into Yemen to strike at terrorist forces. Thanks to H.L. for the link.

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Preparedness Notes for Monday – November 06, 2017

November 6th is the anniversary of the day that B-24 Liberator co-pilot Al Millspaugh was shot down over Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, in 1944. He ended up in a Luft Stalag, until 1945. I got to know Al at some John Birch Society chapter meetings back in the late 1970s. Hearing his stories was fascinating. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the California Air National Guard. He passed away on November 24, 2014 in Kelseyville, California. My 2014 novel Liberators was in part dedicated to Al Millspaugh.

 

Cold Steel’s Chef’s Knife, Commercial Series, by Pat Cascio

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Surviving the kitchen with the Cold Steel Chef’s Knife is our topic today.

People Talking About “Surviving”

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard it repeated; people are talking about “surviving” whatever it is that is coming our way. More often than not, I hear people telling me they are going to bug out to the mountains or the wilderness and survive there without giving it any thought or preparations. I’m sorry, if you believe that you are living a lie or a fantasy, or you are misguided. I used to live in Chicago, and I couldn’t tell you how many times I heard people say if “something” happens, they are heading to the “hills”, the mountains, or some place remote, without even having can of beans to eat. It’s not real. Wake up!

Misguided People Plan To Bug To Mountains

I hear from preppers all the time. Many of my friends are preppers, too, and some of them are misguided in their belief that they will bug out to the “mountains”. Well, I live in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and I’m here to tell you it is very rugged terrain no matter how you look at it or how well trained and equipped you might be. It would be my last resort for surviving “whatever” may come my way.

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Recipe of the Week: Italian Pot Roast, by G.L.

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Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 pound beef chuck roast
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 (1 1/2 oz) package spaghetti sauce mix
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped

Directions:

  1. Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper and then dry spaghetti seasoning mix.
  2. Place in a crockpot and top with chopped tomatoes.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or until meat is tender.
  4. Slice and serve on hot spaghetti; spoon sauce over all.

Makes 6 to 7 servings.

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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 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 Antiquarian Books. (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

Precious Metals:

Moor Analytics: Gold Downside May Finally be Exhausted

Commodities:

Why Are The British Paying So Much For Energy?

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Next, some commentary from OilPrice.com: BP Boosts The Bullish Case For Oil. 
In a clear sign that BP has adjusted to oil’s new normal, the company is buying back shares to cover its dividend payout amid the price crash
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Preparedness Notes for Sunday – November 05, 2017

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

This has been another entry for Round 73 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 Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value), and
  8. 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 73 ends on November 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.

Is Stealing From The Corporation Really Stealing?, by S.C.

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Every day I encounter people, at my workplace, at my church, with friends going out to dinner, et cetera, who are doing something I find questionable, to say the least. For some reason, otherwise ordinarily honest people who you could trust if you left a stack of twenty dollar bills out on your table do not consider that taking money or goods from a corporation is stealing at all. This has been driving me crazy for the last several years as I see more and more people doing it.

Thou Shalt Not Steal

I go to what I would consider a “strict” church, and my preacher never preaches on matters such as these. All he seems to talk about is how if you drink or cuss you are going to hell. Well, shouldn’t we start with the Ten Commandments and then work our way down from there, namely “Thou shalt not steal”? Okay, I’m not a big fan of drinking or cussing, I have to admit. But why are those the number one priority?

Lying On Hours Worked

I know people who lie on the amount of hours they work every week just to get some overtime. They need some extra money, so they falsify their hours in order to get those extra dollars on their paycheck. How is that not stealing? I think that is stealing from every other employee in the company through lost raises, lost profits, bonuses, et cetera. Oh yeah, they will justify it by things such as “I am underpaid.” My response is, you agreed to work for the dollar amount you are working for when you took the job, and by staying at the company you are agreeing to work for the amount you are being paid.

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Letter: Prepping with Cancer

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Hugh,

I’ve just started chemotherapy and would like to ask your readers about resources for preparing while working through cancer? – J.

HJL’s Comment:

Having been through that exact same scenario myself, I can tell you that I didn’t change much. I was more careful in what I chose to eat (and store for future eating) and I learned more about taking care of myself while avoiding things in our society that are detrimental (like fast food), but overall, my goals stayed pretty much the same.

During chemotherapy, you will most likely be exhausted so plan accordingly. Learn to be flexible in what you plan. I’m sure that many more of our readers have also been through health crises like this.

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 Lone Wolf concept has got to go. Today there are a number of articles showing the absurdness of this philosophy when describing terrorist actions in the U.S.

Reason #5048 to Leave Public School

Fox news is reporting on a 29 year-old High School English teacher in Florida who was arrested for having sex with a 17 year-old student. Apparently the teacher sent a text to a third party claiming she “cheated” on her friend. When the person asked if she meant “sex”, the teacher confirmed it. When authorities met with the student, he confirmed the story. The school district said she was hired in 2014 and had a clean record.

Pets on the Menu

Reader H.L. wrote in:

“Every American who wants Socialism or Communist needs to read and see the photos on the internet of what both forms of government do to the people. Only the free market can provide enough wealth for citizens, and yes, enough extra wealth for people to help others. American schools teach that Capitalism – the free market – is bad, and that sharing and giving to everyone, even those who are lazy and do not want to work, is taught. That is how a free country dies, just as America is dying now! When knowing where prosperity comes from – the free market – is not taught, it rarely ends well.”

Unsurprisingly, while Venezuelans eat their pets to keep from starving, Maduro is caught eating an empanada on live TV, flaunting the fact that he certainly isn’t starving.

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The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” – 2 peter 2:4-9 (KJV)

What We Have Done So Far- Part 2, by N.F.

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In part 1, I provided the foundation of our move to Northern Arizona, where we have lived for five years. I defined the seven most important elements I would like to see in the property, and these seven items form the building blocks for a sustainable life that we are trying to live. I’ve already covered our water plan, which is the first, and began discussing our food plan. Now, let’s continue with the food plan as we wrap this article up today.

Chickens

When we first arrived here, we were befriended by many people, one of which was really insistent that we must have some chickens. I kept telling him I wasn’t ready for animals. He persisted and one day told me of someone he knew who was selling six-month old pullets for $5 each. We bought 20, built a coop and a 50 x 50 foot yard, and as of today we have 40 or so laying hens. The wife has a couple of local restaurants that buy as many eggs from us as we can provide. I have learned how to butcher chickens, and although I am by no means very good at it I get better every time I do this.

Rabbits and Other Meat

We also ended up raising and harvesting rabbits. This is something I plan to expand next year. Also, our goal next year is to do either perma culture fish farming or to get a few sheep. That will probably be the extent of the meat we raise here, as we don’t really have the space for cows. I have, however, left the back part of our place undeveloped. It borders a swamp and a neighbor’s mature orchard. It is also an ansectoral home for a dozen or so deer that spend most of the year at or within a short distance of our property. I am by no means a deer hunter and I have never killed anything larger than a wild turkey. I have, however, come into possession of a recurve bow and am becoming proficient in its use, so there is always that.

Continue reading“What We Have Done So Far- Part 2, by N.F.”