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Episode-811- Listener Feedback and 2012 Kick Off

The Survival Podcast Posted on by

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Well 2012 is here and while the tin hatters may feel it is all over now I am pretty excited to see where TSP goes in our 4th year on the air.  Today we return as promised to the old format, listener feedback on Monday, listener calls on Friday and no more than 2 guest spots maximum during any given week.

Join me today as we discuss…

  • Two letters from listeners about where they are headed in 2012
  • Jacks NFL Playoff Picks – (Just for fun)
  • A listener asks what exactly is capitalism
  • Monsanto has some problems with GMO corn, what does it mean
  • Wood chips for hugelkultur?
  • 5 Winners of the NukAlert Give Away from AlertsUSA
  • Meet me on March 24th in North Carolina
  • Can Ron Paul win Iowa and if so what does it mean
  • How the “Great Recession” is impacting meals at home
  • What’s up (or more accurately down) with silver prices
  • What is my contingency plan if the internet goes down long term

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

Comments

Episode-811- Listener Feedback and 2012 Kick Off — 44 Comments

  1. Welcome back, Jack! I am revved up about getting my preps going again in 2012. Been slacking a little on food storage; indeed, we’ve been using our seed corn, as it were. But thanks to you, I’m excited and rarin’ to go again.

  2. If the internet goes down long term… Shortwave. I have not listened yet so maybe you said that… You can get an amateur radio “HF” transceiver for a few hundred dollars that will allow you to either transmit on AM or you could use SSB for a long range and specific audience… (other people with ham radios). You could even do this in “net” form and have conversations say at the end of the transmission maybe. This would be illegal without a licence and if done as a straight up broadcast but if the internet was down totally there may be bigger fish to fry by then. Perhaps get something in place just in case.

  3. hey jack
    just responding to your why I don’t cook question.
    well my reason I’m sure isn’t unique but probably rare.
    I’ve been married for 17 years now to a wonderful woman who, as her profession, works in the food trades. she is a chef/manager at one of the big chain grocery stores, and also dose some occasional catering on the side, she is amazing in the kitchen. and I don’t mean the fancy stuff you see on the cooking shows, I mean functionally I’ve seen her cook for a local gun club at one of there regular events for 100 plus people, with a hot plate and a couple of warming stations, because there stove went out.
    she can put together a dinner from stuff out of the pantry that I’m not even sure what it is.
    By now your probably saying why doesn’t this jerk help her out and cook for her once and awhile? well evidently, and I didn’t know this when I was a bachelor, I’m useless in the kitchen. if I can’t open a can and heat it up I’m lost. and she has some kind of freaky radar, if I pick up a spatula I hear an instant “what are you doing, and gimme that”
    so I stay out of her kitchen and she stays out of my garage {a.s.e. mechanic} also I can only look longingly at the grill.
    thank and happy new year

  4. Something I posted on the TSP forums:

    I am currently reviewing to take my technician class amateur radio license which is not hard to pass and plan to set up a self healing HSMM/Hinternet Mesh Network with other amateur radio users in my area including some family members for communications and experimental purposes. You can set up HSMM using cheap commodity access points/wifi routers like Linksys WRT54Gs. Over HSMM you can then set up a server to host rudimentary Web, email, chat, voice (VOIP/Asterisk) and video that everyone can access.

    http://hsmm-mesh.org/

    http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CCAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhsmm-mesh.org%2Fimages%2Fhsmm_docs%2FHSMM-Update-Hamcom2010.pdf&rct=j&q=HSMM-Update-Hamcom2010.pdf&ei=pfzDTeT7CMeUtwfZhIikBA&usg=AFQjCNGRPjHxX6Heah0r2N3929DMcTXftg&cad=rja

  5. Hey, I’m a Coloradoan, and in a family of Broncomaniacs, but yeah, Denver is gonna get plastered to the turf next week. Doesn’t help that the refs are doing a terrible job. If Tebow can get horse-collared and thrown about like a rag doll without penalty, then yeah, we just never had a chance. Of course, I’d love to see Fox fired… soon…

  7. I am a man living with a woman and I DO NOT cook but I think I SHOULD and part of my 2012 prepping plans are to get more involved in the kitchen.

  9. The whole deal with the NDAA, it’s that the bill even EXISTS that is the problem.

    Didn’t get my house by the river…..got one with almost NO lot so now I have the challenge of window gardening. But, it’s a good solid house with lots of storage and many other positives. Gotta take the bad with the good. And turn the bad INTO good!!

    As for the gold and silver….I sure will be thankful to be back in a profit range again because right now I’M NOT.

    Ron Paul 2012! On the ballot or not, he has my vote.

    • @Veronica, you stated,

      “The whole deal with the NDAA, it’s that the bill even EXISTS that is the problem.”

      That I agree with fully.

  11. Jack, the short segment on capitalism was good, and I hope that you can do a whole show on the subject. Before you jump into it though, know that Rand did a similar defense about 45 years ago in her book “Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal.” Here’s a link to the wiki page summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capitalism:_The_Unknown_Ideal
    If you do a show on the subject, this book – whatever your take on it – is bound to come up. For my money, it’s a worthwhile book just for the chapter by Alan Greenspan on what a disaster the Fed has been and advocating for returning to the gold standard. (Yeah, he actually wrote that, but it was a long time ago.)

    • Thanks for the link. The idea of Greenspan as a “good guy” is really intriguing. The Road to Roota theory states that as well … I just have a hard time believing it. Maybe he was at one point way back when and then sold out?

  12. I am a man who does almost all the cooking at my house. I actually have a deal with my wife, I cook, she cleans the dishes, then I put them away. Works great!

  14. Re: Ron Paul possibly winning Iowa. The chances of this are really, really good and they’ve already laid the framework for discrediting it by saying that the Iowa caucus doesn’t matter anymore and/or Iowans aren’t capable of making the right decisions. I think part of this has to do with the media taking more of an interest in deconstructing the process because it’s for all practical purposes just a Republican affair this year. I also think that a another small part of it is the fact that if you mention Paul’s name, you’re guaranteed a slew of hits on your story of people coming to his defense.

    If Paul wins, expect to see a lot of downplaying of the caucus and the voters. If Romney wins, expect to see a lot of talk about how it proves how electable he is. I don’t know how they’ll react to Santorum winning (which isn’t out of the realm of possibilities).

    Check this video out for examples on how the media is treating the caucuses this year compared to 2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=soHAOVZzXtA

  15. @Jack,

    In regards to Ron Paul and Iowa. We talked briefly about this a while back, when he was hovering around 3rd place. I think he can win Iowa. However, I don’t think that indicates a sea-change in America’s attitude towards what Rep. Paul Stand for. First, as you know, Iowa isn’t an election, it is a Caucus, which has a lot of weird little manipulations involved and depends highly on very intense “ground game” as I understand it.

    You mentioned the scrutiny that he will be subjected to (which has already started when his numbers rose to the top in Iowa). Very true, and I’ve heard others sort of moaning about that. Well, like it or not, that’s reality. If we’ve learned anything from the last election cycle wouldn’t it be, that “image” or PR is what drives these elections as much as anything? Would President Obama EVER have been elected if not for a massive PR campaign in his favor?

    Ron Paul has views that are RIPE for a PR Disaster. Please note, I’m not saying his views are a disaster (some may be problematic), but that they can quite easily be made to appear very unacceptable to the general electorate. Take the things you and I might like about him, and present that to someone who has ZERO knowledge of these concepts (bred out by years of our current system), and they have little chance of coming out on Paul’s side.

    I just don’t think that a sufficient number of citizens have the foundation for understanding Paul’s position. All they’re going to hear is the sensationalized stuff, and being plain-spoken, I think Paul leaves himself vulnerable to that sort of media-manipulation/PR.

    It may not be fair, but that’s the environment that I think surrounds Presidential elections. I don’t think that Ron Paul will survive that, and he’s going to have the entire spectrum of the political establishment working him over.

    I think America really has moved towards Ron Paul overall, but not nearly enough. It’s been a baby step, and I think there would need to be leaps. That’s my honest assessment at least.

    • The nice thing about Ron Paul is that his success is not contingent on winning. I’m not saying that winning isn’t huge. What I’m saying is that if Romney doesn’t win, he just blows away like dust on a history book.

      • @Andrew,

        I have to disagree. I think Ron Paul’s significance in this race just took a steep nose-dive. What I’d always hoped for is that his MESSAGE regarding the Fed and Monetary policy would gain traction. I think it has, but only in a minor way.

        I hate to say it, but I think that third place in Iowa for Ron Paul is a “loss.” That is in terms of gaining the nomination. Could he gain a lot in New Hampshire? Perhaps, and may be he will. Who knows with this crazy race. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise, because the Negative Ads are going to blaze away between Santorum and Romney now (with Gingrich in there).

        I think this “win” in Iowa for Romney is a big deal. He has downplayed Iowa, with New Hampshire as his stronghold. Iowa wasn’t a must-win for him, but he got it (even if narrowly), and I think Santorum is playing catch up.

        I hope Paul stays around and takes this opportunity to focus on the Monetary issues and the danger that represents, because the baby step our country has taken in understanding that isn’t enough. A third place spot might be good for that purpose.

        • @KAM, Projections are that delegates will be spread among the top 3 finishers at 6 each. This means that the result isn’t third place for Paul, it’s a three way tie in what really matters – delegates. So don’t go putting so much faith in the “third place finish” story.

          There are several sources for this, here’s one: http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/IA-R#0103

          This is an interesting read as well, showing where all of Romney’s money is coming from vs. Paul’s:
          http://www.conservativeactionalerts.com/2011/10/federal-records-show-romney-campaign-bought-and-paid-for-by-big-banks/

        • @metaforge,

          Well, Iowa delegates aren’t what I’m talking about and not why the Iowa Caucus is such a big deal (or made into one). That is where you get a boost and a lot of attention, and a third place isn’t going to get you much there.

          In my view Paul needed a major boost to move forward, because all this talk about “we’re where we want to be” starts to get meaningless when voting is actually taking place. I don’t think Paul’s winning Iowa would have been an indication he was going to win the nomination, but I think winning there would have meant more to Paul than to Romney. Similarly, Santorum’s close 2nd coming from single digits is also a big deal (for him).

      • @KAM well you’re welcome to have your “view”, but I’m giving you hard numbers that Paul won just as many delegates as the other two. I’m not talking gut instincts, I’m talking math. Opinions are like …. you know… everyone’s got one. 😉

        • @metaforge,

          Yes, I’m sure your math is correct. What I’m saying is that distribution of a small amount of delegates from Iowa isn’t what is why Iowa is considered important. It is highly unlikely that this race is going to come down to a delegate count between multiple contenders fighting it out come convention time. So, no, “what really matters” at this point is not delegate count. If that “math” bolsters Paul supporters and keeps them fighting–great, glad to hear it.

          This whole thing is a big PR/Media/Perception fight more than anything else, and my opinion of what Iowa means in terms of that and this race is that Paul gained very little, and perhaps lost some ground. You’re right–everyone has opinions, but in the end we will see whether mine ends up being accurate or not.

          But my comments came on the heels of Jack’s musings about getting excited about the potential of Paul’s candidacy. In terms of that, I think Iowa was a setback. Also–just my OPINION, but I think Paul has a tougher road to travel in this whole thing, and third place isn’t going to get him the platform he needs to break out.

          I’m glad Paul is in the race, and I hope it results in people starting to think about the issues he raises, but this candidacy is a long shot–always has been, so while I’m not discouraging anyone from supporting him, or to give up, I have no unrealistic expectations about the political realities that shape this race.

  16. Jack,

    I really don’t prepare much in the kitchen unfortunately. But that’s not my doing, my wife runs the kitchen like the soup nazi from Seinfeld. She likes everything a certain way, and I’m laid back and not so fussy. So I grill, make jerky, and make chili. I always give her a hard time though when she’s away on business that somehow I didn’t starve in her absence and managed to feed myself. I laugh even if she doesn’t.

  18. As a Ravens fan, thanks for the congrats. Sorry we’ve been a thorn in your side – clearly the Steelers have been a thorn in ours as well. In this strong division, it is a big deal to go 6-0. Having said that though, I disagree with your Bengals pick – Houston beat them in Cincy a few weeks back, I think they do it again in Houston. Cincy backed into the playoffs – never a good sign – and Houston rested starters this past Sunday. Your Steelers will destroy Denver.

  19. Welcome Back! Around 12/29 I started getting withdrawals. Couple of items.

    First and foremost, Go Pats. One of the only things I cringe at on TSP is that Jack is a Steeler’s fan. I like a lot of their players and Tomlin but as a franchise there is something that doesn’t sit with me.

    Second, I am a male and do all the cooking and cleaning at my house. I love working in the kitchen and am wicked anal about cleaning it. In return my wife does ALL the laundry, from washing, drying folding and putting away. I think it’s an even trade (I may even come out ahead).

    Again, welcome back!

  20. I’ve always been irked by the “we get the government we deserve” idea. First of all, “we” don’t, as in we in here. That’s the point right? So, we get the government “they” deserve. But is “they” really the vast majority? I didn’t even believe that though it’s been hard to argue. But this guy (below) really does study that kind of thing and this synopsis agrees with my feeling. We get the government that a certain percentage want because they use the structure of dictatorship to extract from the rest of us because we aren’t as organized as they are. At least in the US we have two competing “dictatorships.”

    http://www.economist.com/blogs/prospero/2012/01/quick-study-alastair-smith-political-tyranny

  21. Hi Jack,
    Welcome back! I just wanted to follow up on today’s show and let you know that I would love to see a full show on capitalism.
    Thanks!
    Jen

  22. Jack- I love the light sprinkling of humor in today’s show. You don’t need to convert to a comedy routine, but the little bit of humor you injected today did a lot to lighten the mood of the show.

    Yes, I do a bunch of the cooking. Most of it has been in cast iron cookware on top of the wood stove in the winter and BBQ in the summer. There is just something about cooking with fire that must appeal to men. Maybe we are genetically programmed that way? 🙂

  24. A note on pure capitalism-
    I think the only pure capitalism left is the black market. No subsidies, no croney-capitalism, no picking favorites by governing bodies. What we have in stores and the general marketplace has ventured FAR away from “pure” capitalism.

    Welcome back, Jack.

  25. I’m nitpicking, but with respect to whether the market went up or down, it is IMHO better to look at the S&P 500 (broad gauge of market) rather than DOW (hand picked banker favorite 30 big boys). The S&P was actually down a small bit, and the NASDAQ was down fairly significantly, from beginning to end of 2011. So with that, and the DOW up a bit, it argues for calling things flat overall.

  26. Jack, after listening to this episode I only have seven words to say to you….

    HERE WE GO, STEELERS, HERE WE GO!!!!

  27. On the subject of the concept that GMO food is relatively safe except for the fact that they spray it will copious amounts of Pesticide (usually twice in a season), herbicides (sprayed often) and fungicides (depending on the crop), I have to disagree. Check this out. Arpad Pusztai, long story, so here’s the condensed version, found himself doing a study of rats on potatoes in the UK. He fed rats a control of straight potatoes, he fed a group of rats these same potatoes with BT sprayed on them and he fed a group of rats the potatoes that had been genetically modified to contain BT within it’s cell structure. Only the rats that ate the GM potatoes were going sterile after the 5th generation and had serious intestinal issues among other health concerns. In otherwords, in this, one of the few publicized studies on GM foods and mammals, he found that the genetic modification is killing these rats and we the people are the human guinea pigs.

    A good link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81rp%C3%A1d_Pusztai

    Also, I do just about ALL of the cooking in my household and I really appreciate your cooking shows and your recipe suggestions. Every little bit helps!

  28. Speaking of wood chips, I buy them about $4-10/ton(depending on the quality) at our local land fill. When planting trees last year I put in wood chips and coffee ground(I collect a few pound a month from work, and freeze them until I need them); this was to hopefully prevent any early nitrogen deprivation. The hole was made with an 8 inch hand held auger to about 3 feet deep. Then I mulched thick around the trees. The trees did great so far and I did not have to water them after a first few initial weeks.

  29. Jack, Thanks for the info about the film Back to Eden! We tried to watch it on the internet, but we don’t have the greatest connection so we looked at buying it. WOW! It’s only $15 including S&H! We would donate that for giving this info and devotion free on the web.
    Do you think you could get an interview with Paul Gautschi?

    • @MuddyFork, what almost always seems to work best is for our listeners to contact the perspective guest and tell them why you want to hear them on TSP, let them know our audience is huge, in this case that in fact you heard about them on TSP and give them the link to the guest survey.

      http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/guest-submission

      Guests I have chased big and small names seldom are home runs guests that respond to the above tend to be stellar. Examples of guests that came in this way include Steven Harris, Rob Mies, Joel Salatin and Mike Gasior. Gasior by the way will be on again soon to tell us why we actually should be mad as hell at Wall Street.

      The best guests all seem to come in this way or find us on their own, the ones I have to sell on the show just never seem to fit in. A few were worth it anyway like Vaynerchuk but overall when I chase we get people in the wrong “mode” some how. I am not sure why it is just what happens.

      I think for some reason when you guys go after them they tend to LISTEN to a few episodes and understand the tone of the show better.

  30. Jack,

    I’m one of the zero cooking guys. The Reasons are fairly simple.

    A) I hate doing it. Dishes too. This is mostly because I supported first myself, and then my ex-wife and kid, and then my wife on food prep and dishes for about a decade.
    B)Working in food service amazingly doesnt mean you know how to cook. I went from my parents house, where mom did the cooking to living with my first wife, who knew how to cook. I suspect that this is the reason why so many guys don’t cook. They were never taught how, and moved from mom to their wife.
    C) Wife is vegetarian. Grilling for yourself just never seems worth it.
    D) division of labor. Spending all my time working the 100 acres leaves me exhausted from sun down to sun up. Manual labor isn’t an office job (Which Ive had) My wife doesn’t go through my garage putting things in the wrong place, doing jobs she doesnt know how to do, etc, etc, etc, and I don’t do the same to the kitchen.
    My joke for our house is “My domain ends at the linoleum.”

    Its probably not entirely fair. (Although as I point out, she NEVER has to clean rat traps or clogged septic systems, or get covered in diesel sludge or roofing tar), And its certainly not PC. (My SF bay area friends are horrified when I tell them I have no idea where anything in the kitchen is), but for now its what seems pragmatic..

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