For many new shooters, ammunition can be an intimidating topic to understand. The various types and terminology can often make it confusing, resulting in misconceptions to easily develop. This not only leads to incorrect information being shared but can also give ammunition an unfair and dangerous reputation. To set the facts straight, here are five common ammo myths that you should be aware of. 

Ammo Myth #1: All Ammunition Is The Same

One of the most dangerous assumptions about ammunition is the belief that all types are the same and intended to be used in any firearm. Ultimately, the main factor that separates ammunition from one another is caliber. Every firearm’s chamber, barrel, and action are built with specific dimensions, requiring ammo that matches those measurements. 

Purpose is another key factor that separates ammunition. Due to differences in penetration, cost, and design, ammunition used for training, hunting, and self-defense differs from one type to another. A bullet’s design can also make ammunition distinct, as its weight, type, and the material used in its construction can vary.  

It is crucial to recognize that using the wrong ammunition in a firearm is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or damage to the firearm. To ensure you are using the correct cartridge, it is recommended to check for the caliber stamp or engraving located on the firearm’s barrel or receiver. If the stamp or engraving is unclear, you can also refer to the owner’s manual. 

Myth #2: Ammo Has A Short Expiration Date

When properly cared for, ammunition can actually last decades, even 50 years or more. However, factors such as high humidity and drastic temperature changes can make ammunition prone to corrosion, primer failure, and powder degradation. This means storing ammunition in a cool, dark, dry area is essential to extend its lifespan and preserve the cartridges. Examples of suitable storage include a climate-controlled gun safe, an airtight container, or using desiccant packs. 

Myth #3:Cartridges Will Explode If Dropped

One misconception about ammunition is that it is likely to explode if dropped. For a bullet to fire, the firing pin must make a direct strike onto the primer. Most cartridges that are accidentally released tend to fall tip first, protecting the primer from impact. However, in a rare event acartridge does fire after being dropped, the casing may split open, and the bullet will move at a lower frequency. Ultimately, you may hear a single loud pop, but no explosion will occur. To prioritize safety, It is highly recommended to always handle ammunition with care. 

Myth #4: Ammunition is Waterproof

Most ammunition is water-resistant, not waterproof. Modern cartridges are built with sealants around the primer to help keep gunpowder dry. These sealants can be made from lacquer, wax, or polymer. If a cartridge has been briefly exposed to either rain or a puddle, it is often still useable. Just be sure to dry the ammunition and inspect for any damage before use.  

Ammunition that has been fully submerged in water for a prolonged period of time can ruin primers and powder, resulting in failure to fire. To prevent a safety risk, it is best to properly dispose unusable ammunition by either contacting a local police department, a hazardous waste facility, or a local gun range. Never discard damaged ammunition in the household trashcan. 

Myth #5: Larger Bullets Are Better

One benefit of larger bullets is that they offer greater stopping power and penetration capabilities, which can lead to the impression that a larger caliber is automatically better than its smaller counterparts. However, factors such as mass, velocity, and bullet design play a fundamental role in determining how effective ammunition can be. Smaller, lighter bullets tend to offer less recoil, flatter trajectories, and higher velocities, making them an option worth considering. 

Another often overlooked factor is shot placement. A smaller-caliber shot to the heart, lungs, and central nervous system, can be ten times more effective than a larger-caliber round that hits a non-vital areas. 

Parting Thoughts

Ammunition is a fundamental component of firearms, which means that educating yourself on the common myths and misconceptions about ballistics is essential. Once you understand that not all ammunition is the same, that is can last for decades, is unlikely to explode if dropped, it iswater-resistant, and that larger calibers does not always mean better, you are off to a strong and successful start. 

The post Busting 5 Common Ammo Myths appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.

One of the keys to being successful in life is a strong work ethic.  No matter where you find yourself, if you are willing to work hard you are more likely to get ahead.  This is something that I have studied for many years.  Tom Brady, Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice were all born with physical gifts, but so were countless others.  The primary reason why Tom Brady, Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice are now considered to be some of the greatest athletes of all-time is because they simply worked harder than everyone else.  When Tom Brady came out of college, he didn’t have a gun for an arm and he was very slow.  He was not a highly regarded prospect, and so he was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL draft.  But once he got into the league, he worked like mad, and eventually he won seven Super Bowls.  If he had not been willing to work extremely hard, he could have easily faded into obscurity without ever accomplishing much of anything.

Have you noticed that a lot of young people today don’t want to work hard?

There are a lot of employers that specifically avoid hiring those that are fresh out of college because they have a reputation for being lazy.

Of course the reason why they are not inclined to work hard is because they have never been trained to work hard.

If kids do not learn self-discipline when they are young, they are not likely to learn it as adults.

That is why it is vital to create a structure that makes self-discipline a part of their normal routine.

Recently, a man named Carol Randolph Jr. shared a chores list that he was expected to complete as an 8-year-old boy in the early 1990s…

A chore list from a Philadelphia household in the early 90s has been praised by users on social media.

The list, posted on Threads by Carl Randolph Jr., (@fatcarl_sp) lays out daily, weekly and monthly expectations that began when he was just 8 years old.

His father, Carl Randolph Sr. wrote instructions for making the bed, completing homework, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, vacuuming, wiping down furniture, and even washing down the exterior of the house with a hose, weather permitting.

Carl Randolph Sr. was a single father, and so having a very strict routine was very important.

And by having all of the household tasks on a regular schedule, it ensured that everything ultimately got done…

What percentage of parents have a list of chores this extensive today?

Needless to say, that number would be really, really small.

So where did Carl Randolph Sr. get his work ethic?

Well, it turns out that he served in the U.S. Navy…

Before school, Carl Jr. was expected to make his bed, eat breakfast, check homework for “neatness and completeness” and be out the door before 6:50 a.m. In the comments, he clarified that his father was in the Navy.

Dishes could not be left in the sink. Trash had to be taken out and liners replaced. Even leisure time was conditional—earned once obligations were met. The tone is firm but not punitive, focused less on control and more on preparation.

“We had fun doing these duties, but he didn’t play about getting business done or breaking rules,” Carl Jr. said.

In those days, virtually anyone that served in the U.S. military was going to develop a very strong sense of self-discipline.

Of course much has changed since that time.

We have gotten soft as a society, and our system of education is completely failing our young people.

Just look at what is happening to ACT scores for college-bound seniors…

The level of education that our young people are receiving in our public schools is a joke.

And many of our young people have no moral foundation whatsoever.

Earlier this month, an 11-year-old boy in Pennsylvania shot his own father to death…

An 11-year-old boy faces homicide charges after shooting and killing his father in Perry County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

WGAL News 8 obtained court documents that reveal new details about what happened the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Duncannon Borough.

Officers responded to a home on South Market Street around 3:20 a.m. for an “unresponsive male” and found Douglas Dietz, 42, dead from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the documents.

I haven’t even told you the worst part yet.

It appears that he shot his own father to death because his Nintendo Switch had been taken away…

Clayton said he found the key in his father’s drawer and unlocked the safe in an attempt to find his Nintendo Switch, which was previously taken away from him, according to the documents.

Clayton admitted to “removing the gun from the safe, loading bullets into it and walking over to his father’s side of the bed,” the affidavit stated. “He pulled back the hammer and fired the gun at his father.”

We have raised an entire generation of ultra-coddled young people that are completely addicted to entertainment and that have never learned to fend for themselves.

As a result, one out of every five 30-year-old men in the United States still lives at home…

This is during a time of acute anxiety and curiosity about young men in America. Much ink has been spilled about their loneliness, their jawlines, their physical fitness and about being “performative males.” The prolific podcaster Scott Galloway’s book “Notes on Being a Man” jumped to No. 1 on the New York Times advice bestseller list when it was published in November and sparked fresh discussion about the “masculinity crisis.” (On “Today,” Savannah Guthrie asked Galloway why “this particular cohort — young men — have fallen so far so fast” as an infographic citing Galloway’s book noted that 1 in 5 30-year-old men still live at home.)

We wouldn’t be in this mess if we had taught our young people the value of hard work.

When I was born, it was very common for a 25-year-old man to already be married and own a home.

Today, it is extremely rare to find a 25-year-old man that is both married and a homeowner.

There was a time when Americans were known for their work ethic.

Sadly, those of us that have been around long enough to have experienced that are getting older with each passing day.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post A Chores List For An 8-Year-Old Boy From The Early 1990s Demonstrates How Far Our Society Has Degenerated Since Then appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

The U.S. Mint obviously expects the price of silver to keep rising.  When I first learned that the U.S. Mint was selling one ounce silver coins for 169 dollars, I thought that it must be a mistake.  So I went to the U.S. Mint’s official website, and sure enough the report that I had heard was accurate.  Of course the U.S. Mint always sells their coins at a premium, but this is ridiculous.  Are they expecting the price of silver to blow way past the $100 mark in 2026?  If so, that will cause enormous imbalances in the global financial system.  There have been repeated attempts to suppress the price of silver in recent weeks, but they have all failed.  A global scramble for physical silver is underway, and the paper games that were once so effective just aren’t working anymore.

Last week, the U.S. Mint suspended sales of silver coins temporarily so that they could update the prices.

Everyone knew that sizable price hikes were coming, but nobody was prepared for the colossal price increases that were ultimately unveiled…

The Mint temporarily suspended silver sales earlier this week to implement the price changes. Products started coming back online yesterday with the new pricing. The 2024 Uncirculated Silver Eagle that retailed for $91 is now $169. The 2023 version also jumped to $169 from its previous $91 price point.

They are free to charge whatever they want.

And even at these exceedingly elevated prices, many people will gobble these coins up.

But it is still difficult for me to believe what just happened.  The following image comes directly from the official website of the U.S. Mint…

I recently described the relentless rise of the price of silver as being “unstoppable”, and on Monday gold and silver both surged to brand new record highs…

Gold and silver prices climbed fresh peaks on Monday, as investors flocked to safe-haven assets on intensifying tensions, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose extra tariffs on European countries over the control of Greenland.

As I write this, the price of silver is sitting at $93.52 an ounce.

In Asia, it is selling for even more.

Supplies of physical silver have gotten very tight, and it is used in thousands upon thousands of important high tech products.

In fact, CNBC is telling us that at this point over half of all global silver demand “comes from manufacturing”…

Unlike gold, which is held largely as a store of value or for jewelry, silver is more closely tied to industrial activity. More than half of global silver demand comes from manufacturing, driven by its use in electronics, solar panels and electrification, according to data from the Silver Institute.

Without sufficient supplies of silver, our high tech economy would crash.

So last summer the U.S. officially designated silver to be a “strategic metal”, and that started the wild scramble that we are experiencing now…

Last summer, the U.S. officially declared silver a strategic metal. Since then, silver prices have surged, confirming suspicions that both China and the U.S. are stockpiling heavily. Silver is indispensable for building AI data center infrastructure and electric motors.

And when China decided to implement very strict restrictions on the export of silver, that raised the stakes to an entirely different level…

Earlier this month, China released a list of 44 companies approved to export silver under the new measures in 2026 and 2027. The new rules in 2026 also restrict exports of tungsten and antimony, materials dominated by China’s supply chain and widely used in defense and advanced technologies.

While China hasn’t explicitly announced a blanket ban on silver exports, the state-run Securities Times on Tuesday cited an unnamed industry insider, who said the new policy formally elevates the metal from an ordinary commodity to a strategic material, placing its export controls on the same regulatory footing as rare earths.

The U.S., China and everyone else are trying to ensure that they will have sufficient supplies of physical silver in 2026 and beyond.

Those that have been attempting to artificially manipulate the price of silver have no control over that.

No matter what paper games they play, nothing is going to stop the global scramble for physical silver that is currently playing out.

That is wonderful news for silver investors, but those that are holding shorts are in for a world of hurt.

On another note, we are now experiencing the most powerful solar radiation storm to hit the Earth in more than 20 years…

Powerful solar activity released by the sun is heading for Earth and it’s likely to create dazzling auroral displays in unexpected areas Monday evening and early Tuesday morning. It could also disrupt satellite-based communications and GPS accuracy.

A solar radiation storm, ranked at a level four out of five on a severity scale, is being tracked by the National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center, or SWPC.

“An S4 severe solar radiation storm is now in progress – this is the largest solar radiation storm in over 20 years,” SWPC shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The last time S4 levels were observed was in October, 2003. Potential effects are mainly limited to space launch, aviation, and satellite operations.”

Originally there was not too much concern about this storm, but it appears that it is quite a bit stronger than they were initially projecting…

Hopefully this storm will not cause too much damage.

But I think that the fact that the giant ball of fire that our planet revolves around has been acting so strangely in recent months should deeply concern all of us.

The behavior of the Sun has been a major topic of mine, and a large enough solar storm would have the potential to absolutely fry our power grids.

Of course most of the population is not interested in such talk.

They just want to hear that everything is okay so that they can go back to enjoying the party.

But signs that the party is ending are all around us, and I believe that the months ahead are going to be filled with all sorts of nasty surprises.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post What Are They Not Telling Us? Why Has The U.S. Mint Suddenly Raised The Price Of One Ounce Silver Coins To $169? appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

EOTECH has been a leader in tactical and commercial optics since it opened its doors. One of my favorites in their lineup has always been the Vudu series. It is a bomb proof optic with exceptional glass. Today, EOTECH has announced a new version. New Super Short 4-12×36 Vudu Scope.

Super Short 4-12×36 Vudu Scope – New From EOTECH

EOTECH is now adding to its family of super short optics, with the release of the Vudu 4-12×36 First Focal Plane rifle scope. The 4-12x shares similarities to EOTECH’s wildly popular 3-9×32 launched in 2025, but its first focal plane design gears this optic to the more tactical or professional user.

The 4-12x’s overall length is only 7.1″, making this optic ideal on even the shortest rifle or AR-pistol designs. The scope body is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum to be a compact, lightweight, but still incredibly durable package that is fog, water, and shock resistant. Its 36mm objective lens allows for excellent light transmission, even in low-light, dusk, and dawn conditions.

Wide Power Band

A wide power band on the eyepiece makes transitioning from low to high magnification quick and easy, and a substantial boss feature on the power ring makes it even faster. An adjustable diopter allows for precise focus for the individual’s vision.

The scope’s turrets offer .1 MRAD adjustments and are both capped to protect from inclement weather or inadvertent adjustments. And, once the scope is zeroed, the turrets can quickly be reset to zero.

A rotary dial located on the left side of the optic provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings to help in dusk and dawn lighting conditions. A CR2032 is located next to the rotary dial, providing roughly 300 hours of operation. The 4-12x sports the same XC high-density, low-dispersion multi-coated glass as its predecessors for excellent light transmission and scene clarity.

Mounting Interface

But what makes the 4-12x stand out from other magnified optics is its mounting interface. To minimize the overall length, EOTECH reduced the tube area typically used for mounting rings. Instead, a machined interface located at the bottom of the scope will adapt to the included EOTECH mount, or any aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts, and mount directly on a mil-standard rail. This provides a 1.53″ height above more, clearing most rear iron sights.

The first focal plane is preferred by more tactical users because the design allows quick range estimation and trajectory compensation at any magnification. In this design, the reticle and its sub-tensions maintain their size relative to the target image. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers an optional ring mount that can be attached to the slim, front tube section to mount an EFLX or other compatible micro sights. It can be positioned at the 12 o’clock position or at 45-degree offsets to give you immediate transitions for close or moving targets.

Super Short 4-12×36 Vudu Scope

In the tactical world, size and weight are major factors in equipment decisions. The super short 4-12x is small in size, lightweight, packed with features, and ideal for any shooting situation.

For more information, visit EOTECH.

EOTECH Vudu 4-12×36 Riflescope Specifications

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The post Super Short 4-12×36 Vudu Scope – From EOTECH appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.

Did you know that more stores were closed in the United States last year than ever before? More than 8,000 stores were permanently shuttered in 2025, and it appears that 2026 will be even worse. U.S. consumers have very little discretionary income to spend these days, and empty stores litter the landscape. If you live in a relatively prosperous area in our “K-shaped economy”, there may be just a few empty stores where you live. But if you live in a depressed area of the country, you may be faced with constant reminders of our retail apocalypse because there are abandoned stores virtually everywhere that you go. The wealthy are still spending lots of money at retailers, but things have gotten very tight for the rest of us. As a result, we are witnessing a tsunami of store closures that is unlike anything that has ever happened in the entire history of our nation.

Coresight Research is reporting that a whopping 8,234 stores were permanently closed in the United States in 2025…

Data shared with Daily Mail last month shows 8,234 US stores permanently closed last year – a staggering figure that marks a fresh blow to brick-and-mortar retail.

That’s 12 percent more than last year’s total of 7,325 closures, according to Coresight Research, and the highest number ever recorded.

We set the bar really high in 2024, and then we smashed that number by 12 percent in 2025.

Is that a good sign for the U.S. economy or a bad sign?

Needless to say, if the U.S. economy really was in good shape thousands of stores wouldn’t be closing.

And the number of store closings is a figure that government bureaucrats have no way to manipulate.

Stores either stay open or they get closed.

The fact that so many are being closed says a lot about where things are heading.

And this month there have been all sorts of signs that America’s “retail apocalypse” is getting even worse.

For example, Francesca’s has suddenly announced that all locations will be permanently closed and all inventory will be liquidated…

Nationwide women’s clothing brand Francesca’s has begun the process of closing all store locations, Women’s Wear Daily reports.

A customer service representative told the outlet the company was “liquidating our inventory and closing soon.” Francesca’s didn’t confirm the news publicly or provide any further details.

The company, which began in Houston in 1999, lists more than 450 locations across 45 states on its website. As of Monday, the site was advertising “last chance” warehouse clearance sales.

Francesca’s says it employs more than 3,400 associates.

Over 450 more stores are gone.

Just like that.

Meanwhile, the parent company of Value City Furniture has decided that now is the time to permanently close all 89 of the stores that it runs…

The parent company of Value City Furniture announced it would be closing all of its stores after nearly 80 years in business.

American Signature Inc.’s decision comes after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2025, according to The Street.

A press release from the company stated that liquidation sales started on Jan. 10, 2026, at the company’s 79 Value City Furniture stores and 10 American Signature Furniture locations.

Value City Furniture was an institution when I was growing up.

I can still remember the television commercials.

But now in the blink of an eye it is gone.

This is what the economic environment is like in 2026.

Macy’s was once a retail behemoth, but it is currently closing 14 stores as part of a plan to shutter approximately 150 locations by the time we reach the end of this calendar year…

Macy’s announced that it’s closing more than a dozen additional stores in 2026 as it pushes forward with plans to shutter underperforming locations to boost profitability.

Approximately 14 stores are slated to close during the first fiscal quarter as part of its “Bold New Chapter” turnaround strategy, which includes shuttering about 150 underperforming locations by the end of 2026.

But at least Macy’s is doing better than Saks.

Earlier this month, Saks Global made headline news all over the globe when it announced that it would be filing for bankruptcy…

Saks Global – the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman – filed for bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, marking a low point for the nation’s biggest luxury department store conglomerate.

The firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which indicates a need for new ownership as debt impedes operations. Stores will remain open, but some locations may shutter as part of the reorganization.

I don’t know how a turnaround is going to be possible.

The company has been churning through hundreds of millions of dollars, but things just keep going downhill.

Of course just about every retailer that is dependent on mall traffic is hurting these days.

In fact, one of the most popular stores for plus-size women’s apparel has been rapidly shutting down locations…

A popular mall merchant continues closing “underperforming” locations as it aims to shutter hundreds of stores.

Torrid, a retailer of plus-size women’s apparel, announced in August 2025 it had closed 57 stores towards its plan to shutter 180 stores for the year. More recently, individual store closings are continuing, including a Connecticut location that is shutting down this month, The Street reported.

When I was a teenager, going to the mall was the thing to do.

But who has the money to shop at the mall at this stage?

Yes, the wealthy still have lots of money to spend, but the middle class is evaporating right in front of our eyes.

GameStop once thrived selling video games to middle class kids, but now they plan to close over 470 stores in 2026…

GameStop is closing more than 470 stores nationwide to start 2026.

While the Texas-based video game retailer has not released a list of which stores are closing, the GameStop website lists hundreds of locations as closed. A spokesperson for GameStop did not respond to a request for the full list.

Unless some sort of a miracle happens, we are going to shatter the all-time record for store closings that we just set in 2025.

The numbers don’t lie.

We really are in the midst of a horrifying retail apocalypse.

So I would encourage you to visit your favorite stores while you still can, because more of them could suddenly disappear at any time.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Empty Stores Everywhere! America’s “Retail Apocalypse” Is Already The Worst In History, And There Are Signs That It Is Getting Even Worse… appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

This article was originally published by Frank Shostak at Natural News. 

What is probability? The probability of an event is the proportion of times the event occurs out of a large number of trials. For instance, the probability of obtaining heads when a coin is tossed is 0.5. This does not mean that when a coin is tossed 10 times, five heads are always obtained. However, if the experiment is repeated a large number of times, then it is likely that 50 percent will be obtained. The greater the number of throws, the nearer the approximation is likely to be.

Alternatively, say it has been established that, in a particular area, the probability of wooden houses catching fire is 0.01. This means that, on the basis of experience, on average, one percent of wooden houses will catch fire. This does not mean that this year or the following year the percentage of houses catching fire will be exactly one percent. The percentage might be one percent or not each year. However, over time, the average of these percentages is likely to be 1 percent.

This information, in turn, can be converted into the cost of fire damage, thereby establishing the case for insuring against the risk of fire. Owners of wooden houses might decide to spread the risk by setting up a fund. Every owner of a wooden house will contribute a certain proportion to the total amount of money that is required in order to cover the damages of those owners whose houses are damaged by the fire. Note that insurance against fire risk can only take place because we know its probability distribution and because there are enough owners of wooden houses to spread the cost of fire damage among them so that the premium will not be prohibitive.

In his writings, Ludwig von Mises labeled this type of probability as a class probability. According to Mises,

Class probability means: we know or assume to know, with regard to the problem concerned, everything about the behavior of a whole class of events or phenomena; but about the actual singular events or phenomena we know nothing but that they are elements of this class.

Thus, the owners of wooden houses are all members of a particular group or class that can be affected in a similar way by a fire. We know that, on average, one percent of the members of this group is likely to be affected by fire. However, we do not know exactly who or when it will be. The important thing for insurance is that the members of a group must be homogeneous as far as a particular event is concerned.

Is Probability Distribution Relevant in Economics?

In economics, we do not deal with homogeneous cases. Each observation is a unique, non-repeatable event, which is not a member of any class—it is a class on its own. Consequently, no probability distribution can be established. Again, probability distribution rests on the assumption that we are dealing with a particular repeatable event.

Let us take, for instance, entrepreneurial activities. If these activities were repeatable, with known probability distributions, then we would not need entrepreneurs. After all, an entrepreneur is an individual who arranges his activities towards finding out consumers’ future wants. Now, individuals are consciously pursuing various ends. These ends never stay the same. Hence, a given good that is on the high-priority list of consumers at present could be out of favor in the future. Thus, individuals’ requirements are never constant with respect to a particular good.

Since entrepreneurial activities are not homogeneous, this means that the probability distribution for entrepreneurial returns cannot be formed. For instance, in year one, an entrepreneurial activity yielded a 10 percent return on investment. In year two, another entrepreneurial activity produced a return of 15 percent. In year three, a third entrepreneurial activity secured a return of 1 percent. And, in year four, a fourth entrepreneurial activity generated a return of 2 percent—the average of these returns is 7 percent. By no means, however, does it imply that we can establish a probability distribution of returns on the basis of one that can be established for the risk of fire or for obtaining heads in tossing a coin.

The returns in various years are the result of specific entrepreneurial activities. These activities are not homogeneous and repeatable and cannot be regarded as members of the same class. Profit emerges once an entrepreneur discovers that the prices of certain factors are undervalued relative to the potential value of the products that these factors, once employed, could produce. By recognizing the discrepancy and doing something about it, an entrepreneur removes the discrepancy (i.e., eliminates the potential for further profit).

The recognition of the existence of potential profits means that an entrepreneur has a particular, subjective knowledge that other individuals do not have. Having this unique knowledge means that profits are not the outcome of random events. Mises labeled this as a case probability, which he defined as,

Case probability means: We know, with regard to a particular event, some of the factors which determine its outcome; but there are other determining factors about which we know nothing.

Mises held that the case probability is not open to any kind of numerical valuation. Human action cannot be analyzed in the same way that one would analyze objects where the class probability is relevant.

To make sense of the data in economics, one must scrutinize it not by means of statistical methods but by means of trying to grasp and understand how it emerged. The assumption that mainstream economics makes that probability is valid in economics leads to absurd results. For it describes not a world of human beings who exercise their minds in making choices, but mechanistic, non-choosing, non-acting machines.

The employment of probabilities in economic analyses implies that the various pieces of economic data were generated by a random process similar to tossing a coin. Random means arbitrary (i.e., without method or conscious decision). However, if this had been the case, human beings would not have been able to survive for too long. Human beings must act consciously and purposefully; they must plan their actions and employ suitable means.

Subjective versus Objective Probability

Now, if numerical probability cannot be established in economics objectively, what about subjective probability? The moment one moves into the subjective assignments of numbers, one could say anything. One could say that, based on personal feelings, there is a high likelihood of a recession in a few months’ time. Alternatively, one could say that he feels that the stock market must correct very soon. This way of stating things is derived from personal experience or some knowledge that an individual has.

This is part of the case probability (i.e., we know, with regard to a particular event, certain things, but there are other determining factors about which we know nothing). For instance, we know that an increase in the money supply will unevenly exert in the future an upward pressure on the prices of goods. We, however, cannot be certain that prices will increase since there could be other offsetting factors about which we know nothing. It will not be of great benefit to arbitrarily assign numerical probabilities here.

Conclusion

Contrary to popular thinking, numerical probability is not applicable in economics. The numerical probability is relevant in the world of objects where homogeneous cases are observed. In economics, we do not deal with homogeneous cases. Each observation is a unique, non-repeatable event caused by a particular action by individuals. Consequently, no probability distribution can be established. Human action cannot be analyzed in the same way that one would analyze objects. To make sense of historical data, one must scrutinize it not by means of statistical methods but by means of trying to grasp and understand its true nature.

The assumption that mainstream economics makes that probability distribution exists and can be quantified describes not a world of human beings who exercise their minds in making choices, but machines.

A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
✅ Key features to look for when buying one
✅ How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
✅ Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

Let’s dive in (but first)…

Manual Firewood Splitters

Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

1. Kindling Cracker

???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

2. Kindling Cracker XL

???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep Your Work Area

✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

2. Position the Log

✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

3. Apply Force

✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

4. Remove & Repeat

✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

Let the tool do the work!

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Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

✅ You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

✅ You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

✅ You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

✅ You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

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