Odds ‘n Sods:

The best Presidential Press Conference, Ev-ah! Be sure to read through the transcript, with Rush Limbaugh’s comments. I believe Rush is right: Trump is successfully bypassing the “lamestream” press and talking directly to the American people. It is as if he’s channeling Ronald Reagan. Of course, the mass media will claim that he was ranting and has run off the rails. But he’s now shown that he can be a fine communicator. o o o Terrifying arsenal of weapons among dozens seized in Met’s gun amnesty – T.P. HJL’s Comment: “We make men without chests and expect from them virtue …







Notes for Thursday – February 16, 2017

February 16th is the birthday of Edgar John Bergen, (1903-1978) an American actor, comedian, and radio performer, best known for his proficiency in ventriloquism and his characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. He is also the father of actress Candice Bergen. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 69 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $15,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: 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. A Gunsite Academy Three …




Everyday Carry and the Musings of an Old Guy, for a Post-Apocalyptic World, by OldRonin

A big part of the prepper culture revolves around guns and gear. I must confess, I’m gun and gear poor! I can just about outfit an infantry squad as I write this! My bonafides are as follows: In my youth, I was an Army Airborne Ranger (Ranger class 9/78, assigned to the second Ranger Battalion, 2/75th). Currently, I am a more than 29 year serving police officer and soon to be retired. I’ve done patrol, investigations, FTO, supervision, and I was a SWAT guy at one time. I have also been a “use of force” instructor and have taught rifle, …




Two Letters Re: Wertz Family Farm

Good morning, I just thought I would be another to drop you a line and mention that you will not go wrong with Wertz Farm Market. I grew up with and actually lived with one of the sons through college. They are old school Christian Conservatives who work hard and serve the community all year round. I was truly astounded and beyond happy to see them get mentioned on your site. – AJM o o o Dear HJL & JWR, You posted on 1-26-17, a short item about Wertz family farm. I looked them up and decided to place an …




Economics and Investing:

Big Brother is watching you: Jim Rogers prophesizes death of cash & total government control of spending o o o Fed president says US banks have “half the equity they need” o o o Can Saudi Arabia Carry OPEC Through Spring? The unexpectedly high compliance rate of the OPEC production agreement has been in the headlines this week, but the distribution of this compliance is far from equal. o o o Yellen Hides Behind Trump Uncertainty, Will Hike As Appropriate o o o SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos page for …




Odds ‘n Sods:

This headline comes from our “Enlightened” feel-good socialist neighbors to the north: Man who beheaded passenger on Greyhound bus granted freedom. – JWR o o o Backwoods Home Magazine will cease publishing its print magazine at the end of 2017. The decision was dictated by simple economics. Thankfully, there will still be a digital edition. – JWR o o o Some recent snail mail correspondence with a consulting client included my recommendation for this goodie that could prove incredibly useful in a Get Out of Dodge situation: The Receiver Mount RV Cargo Luggage Carrier Basket. o o o This new …




Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Self defense is moral clarity itself, a fundamental and honorable imperative. Political violence is not, it’s an attractive luxury for well fed malcontents. Beware, aggression often poses as preemptive self defense. Notice our serial warettes started in 1947 when the War Department became the Defense Department. No President has asked Congress to declare defense.” – Ol’ Remus, writing on his Yer Ol’ Woodpile Report blog




Notes for Wednesday – February 15, 2017

February 15th: I’d like to wish Mike Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large) a Happy Birthday! o o o America lost a great hero this week: LTG Hal Moore passed away. o o o Today, we present another entry for Round 69 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $15,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: 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. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or …




The New Dawn Approaches, by W.G

We have all seen the shows and read the countless articles on survival, prepping, et cetera. They all offer very valuable information one should retain. This day and age, we can turn on the news and view ethnic cleansing and genocide happening as we watch. Towns, families, cultures are under attack and being annihilated. It is safe to say we not only need to prepare for natural disasters but government-funded ones as well. We can stockpile weapons, ammo, food, water, et cetera, but all that is pointless unless you have the proper mindset. What is the proper mindset? Total contempt …




Letter Re: Bugging Out West of the Mississippi

Dear Editor: Regarding “Bugging Out West of the Mississippi”, I had never seen the need for the advice in this article, after all, we do have a GPS. But after an extremely challenging trip recently from the Great River Eastward to the coast, we got tangled up trying to get through Indianapolis. Before the return trip I planned the route similar to the advice in the article. I am now in the process of putting together 3-ring binders with detailed maps on how to get through any large metropolis that is between us and any long distance destination. Thanks C.L. …




Economics and Investing:

A Bloodbath Looms Over Oil Markets. Oil prices have been stuck in a narrow range since OPEC announced its deal, and with an extreme number of long bets in the markets downward risk for oil is piling up. o o o Free Markets at Home Are the Solution to Companies Moving Abroad o o o Items from Mr. Econocobas: US Wholesale Inflation Sees Biggest Monthly Gain in 4 Years Fed Chair Yellen: ‘Unwise’ to Wait too Long to Hike Interest Rates – To be honest I’m not sure what to think. Fed President Bullard came out just this past Sunday …




JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

Books: Survival Hacks: Over 200 Ways to Use Everyday Items for Wilderness Survival, by Creek Stewart Desperate Sons: Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and the Secret Bands of Radicals Who Led the Colonies to War The Seventh Plague: A Sigma Force Novel, by James Rollins Movies: Last of the Dogmen The African Queen Television: Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles Band Of Brothers Music: O Brother, Where Art Thou? Movie Soundtrack Marty Robbins: All-Time Greatest Hits Instructional Videos: Bushcraft Dump Pouch (Make Your Own) Canadian Prepper: After the Collapse: Surviving in Canada- (SHTF Canada- West Coast/BC)–Part of a video series …




Odds ‘n Sods:

From NPR: Leaving Urban Areas For The Political Homogeneity Of Rural Towns o o o Don’t forget the Shelley Idaho Emergency Preparedness Fair on February 18th if you live near Shelley, Idaho. o o o Mike Williamson, SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large suggested this for those who live in AW challenged states: Kalashnikov to make a Pump-Action AK Rifle o o o The Christian Mercenary: When This Gets Ugly – B.B. o o o Wondering how far apart Hollywood and the average American are? How about this: Here’s what happened to Joy Villa’s album sales the day after she wore Trump …