Horizontal Relationships: The Key to True Independence- Part 1, by J.E.

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Within our relationships, as preppers, let’s look at the concept of true independence. It applies to us in our preparedness pursuits and in life in general. While we, of course, avoid many dependencies, what may surprise you is that it requires we cultivate certain dependencies.

Fourth of July or Independence Day?

Here’s a question: Do you wish your friends and family a “Happy 4th of July” or a “Happy Independence Day?” For me, I always make a point of calling this holiday “Independence Day”. I want to remember and remind others that all the fireworks; red, white, and blue; and backyard cookouts are about one thing and one thing only– the celebration of and thankfulness for our independence.

The Concept of “Independence”

Unfortunately, I have been dismayed to find that many people don’t like the word “independence”. “No one can be independent,” they say. “We all rely on others.” Independence is even used sometimes as a pejorative term.

As we celebrate our nation’s 241st birthday, I’d like to take a moment to speak up on behalf of this less-loved word. I’d like to present an idea about what independence truly is and explain how we can work to achieve it.

Continue reading“Horizontal Relationships: The Key to True Independence- Part 1, by J.E.”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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Here is the special 4th of July Edition of SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies in the region of interest to preppers. Today’s focus is on Constitutional Liberty organizations and events in the American Redoubt.

Idaho

Some very special congratulations to Enola Gay. She is the Editrix of the outstanding Paratus Familia blog.  They found a buyer for their Shouse, and they’ve moved to their Dream Retreat/Ranch property, which is elsewhere in The American Redoubt. If you’ve never read Enola’s blog, you are missing out. I highly recommend working your way through her blog archives!  She has also written a couple of great books. Every “dialed-in” prepper family should have copies of The Prepared Family Cookbook and The Prepared Family Guide to Uncommon Diseases.

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On to this Redoubt News mention: The second Spirit of America Rally was recently held in Post Falls, Idaho.

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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”. Central & South America news starts us off today.

Central & South America

Venezuela’s collapse continues unabated. At the beginning of the year the U.S. Dollar was worth an abysmal 3,000 Bolivars. Today, it takes nearly 8,000 Bolivars to buy one dollar. As the economy spirals out of control, the citizens are suffering through shortages of food and medicine. Now even government controlled police officers are defecting. Last week one police officer pilot and accomplices stole a government helicopter, flew it over the Supreme Court building, firing shots and lobbing grenades. A public statement made by the pilot demanded that Maduro resign.

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Reader G.P. sent in this article on how much of Central America has been rocked by major power outages. Millions of people from Panama to Costa Rica to El Salvador have been without power. According to reports, a downed Panamanian transmission line adversely affected the power supply for much of the region. The power grid is tied between multiple countries and a failure in one can severely affect all. Something to consider if you are considering this area.

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

Kershaw’s Dividend, by Pat Cascio

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Today, we are talking about Kershaw’s Dividend. It’s a small folder.

My General View on Small Folding Knives

I’m not really big on small folding knives. Bigger folders can, well, do more chores better than most smaller folders. I like a folder with a blade between 3.5 inches and four inches in length. A blade length of 3.75 inches seems about perfect for my every day carry use. But that’s just me, I guess.

However, I won’t turn my nose up at a well-made, well-designed smaller folder, not in the least. I appreciate cutlery, period! All knives have a use. Keep in mind that the knife was man’s first tool. And a knife is first and foremost a tool. Any other uses are secondary. I know, I know. We all fantasize about going toe-to-toe against the bad guys, armed only with a folding knife. Excuse me? I’d rather run than fight, if at all possible, when it comes down to using a small folding knife to defend myself. But I have, in the past, used a folding knife in a self-defense situation. But, it’s not my first choice!

Continue reading“Kershaw’s Dividend, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Meaty Spanish Rice, by J.C.

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Ingredients:

small chopped onion

  • 1 lb ground venison (or beef, lamb)
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups salsa (my pint jars of homemade salsa are great)

Directions:

  1. Brown meat in skillet on medium heat.
  2. Add onion and uncooked rice. Stirring frequently. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa.
  3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

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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 collectible knives.  (See the Tangibles section, near the end of this column.)

Precious Metals:

First, there is this monthly newsletter: Sprott Precious Metals Report – June 2017 (PDF)

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Next, is some commentary by Steve St. Angelo: When This Massive Bubble Pops… What Will Happen To The Precious Metals?

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The Editors’ Quote of the Day

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“And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Gear System: Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 2, by Max

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Today, we are concluding this article, which is a follow-up to the recent “The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load, and Weight Considerations”. Part 1 disclosed the basics of the gear system and began detailing them. We are continuing with the details, and then covering the practical use of our gear and the importance of physical conditioning.

THE DETAIL (continued)

Chest Rig / Plate Carrier:

You must avoid the temptation to “go large” with this item. With the available huge admin pouches and the like, this is particularly something you want to avoid below your armpits or right on the front. However, you will need sufficient ammunition, which is why light and fast is never really light and fast unless you can balance it with light enough, and sufficient PT ability to be fast.

In the photo at top, there are three mags on the PC. (It has room to go up to five or seven, if you feel so inclined.) There can be two in the Lite Belt, one on the rifle, and two on the back of the Lite Hydration carrier. I use the figure of six to eight mags as a good basic rifle load-out, with a possible resupply for a potential contact situation on your back or in your vehicle. See the recent article “The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load, and Weight Considerations” for more on that.

Continue reading“Gear System: Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 2, by Max”

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”.

Careful Where You Swim

Reader H.L. sent in this article on toxic algae that killed two dogs in California. Apparently, this sort of situation is not all that uncommon. If you are not aware of it and you swallow the water, you’re in trouble. It’s worth noting that most camping filters do not remove the toxins. Purification tablets as well as boiling also do not remove or neutralize the toxins.

Violation of Rights

The ACLU has sued South Dakota over the use of a forced use of a catheter to take a urine sample from a 3-year old boy who was being tested for exposure to drugs as part of a child-neglect investigation. I can certainly understand why the state felt the need for the drug test. I am troubled by the fact that the victim was only three years old. There are other methods of testing for drugs that are used all the time. It’s worth noting that Social Services threatened to take the child away if the mother did not allow the test. It’s worth noting that the child tested negative.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things”  – John 3:10-12 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday – July 01, 2017

July 1st, 1863 is the anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg.

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California’s draconian gun ban was just blocked by a federal judge, days before it was to take effect! Judge Roger Benitez ruled that the law was likely unconstitutional. This is a temporary injunction to give the courts time to consider the pending lawsuits.

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Happy 150th Canada Day to all those north of the 49th parallel!

Guest Article: Gear System- Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 1, by Max

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This article is a follow-up to the recent “The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load, and Weight Considerations”.

Questions

I get many questions about gear setup. It is also a perennial topic on the MVT Forum, and of course across the Internet. It’s an important subject. Many people ask me specific questions about my gear setup and make/brand of equipment items. And so here I will attempt to give some guidance, but not in terms of specific brands of gear. This is what I am trying to do when I set up my equipment. It is also important to note that gear is no use without training, and the focus by so many on gear is often either 1) part of the process of getting ready for training, or 2) a dead end pursuit that has limited purpose.

Be in the first group. You must actually use your gear, and see what works for you, and not fall for that common mindset that gear can be bought, tried on, and then left on the shelf for a rainy day. I will therefore talk a little about physical readiness and actual use of gear, as part of this article.

Gear Discussions

For questions on gear brands and specific examples, there are plenty of experts on the MVT Forum. I urge you to start discussions there. Why this post? Because I want to help those who are genuinely attempting to set up a gear system as part of a training and readiness program. And on the flip side, I will attempt to wake up those who are simply bluffing themselves in terms of their physical and training readiness and their ability to even function in their chosen gear when necessary.Continue reading“Guest Article: Gear System- Philosophy, Set Up, Use, Fitness & Mindset- Part 1, by Max”