Month: May 2017

The Editor’s Quote of the Day

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“Gianforte is a westerner about my age. Growing up I learned that if someone got in your face they were asking for a quick shot in the face or to be picked up by the collar and shoved against the wall or the floor. We learned to be polite or else we spent time in the dentist chair. I am an Idahoan (for you easterners that is just west of Montana) and that is the culture I grew up in. Back then no one would have called for the police unless the person beat down was from California or the …


Notes for Sunday – May 28, 2017

George Washington, a young lieutenant colonel in the British Army and future president of the United States, led an attack on French forces at Jumonville Glen on this day in 1754. This battle was later credited with being the opening salvo in the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763). In the biography His Excellency: George Washington, historian Joseph Ellis recounts Washington’s first combat experience. Washington and 40 colonial troops had been encamped near the French garrison at Fort Duquesne when he received an urgent message to rescue Indian allies in the area who were threatened by French forces. In …


Debunking the Myth of Canned Food Expiration Dates, by T.L.

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Canned Goods Even if you’re not yet a prepper, you likely have at least some canned food goods on your shelf with an expiration date on them. Perhaps you have even taken up canning your own food. Either way, canned goods are a common staple. That is the case for good reason. However, do you really know the truth about canned food shelf life? I’m surprised by how many people seem to have a deep trust of those “magical dates” on canned foods. But what are those dates anyway? What do they mean? Myths to Debunk Various Types of Canned Food Dates …


Letter: Venezuela Update

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Hugh, I own a shipping store and just received this today from DHL, a primary international carrier. I found the content interesting as providing some insight as to what a failing government considers to be threats in the hand of its citizens! – R.B. Prohibited Items Into Venezuela Date: May 26, 2017 Due to ongoing unrest in Venezuela, this emergency security directive is to be put in place effective immediately in all facilities: The following is an updated list of items that are prohibited in being shipped to Venezuela (VE) under any service offering. Please note these are in addition …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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Middle East Syria has effectively ceased to exist. You now have a situation in which the local regime has very little control or even influence in how even domestic matters are resolved in the country. The foreign powers (Russia, Iran, United States, and others) are now making it clear that no settlement or agreement will be taking place without their involvement and approval. The government takes its orders from Russia and Iran, and the coalition supports the rebel leadership making the current situation the status quo. Syria is now merely a fractured country in which no side can win because …


Editors’ Quote of the Day

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday – May 27, 2017

Traditionally, many of SurvivalBlog’s advertisers have Memorial Day sales and this year is no exception. KeepShooting has some great deals on surplus military equipment like the Military Style Wool Blankets in OD, black and gray. This are excellent emergency blankets to have in your vehicle. Take a look at their other specials too! Ready Made Resources is giving away a Baofeng ham radio with the purchase of any night vision device or thermal device (excluding the pocket scope). This is a $63 value.


Ten Tips for Going Off-Grid, by A.U.

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My husband and I recently bought a piece of property with some family members in the hope of transitioning to off-grid living. For those who might not be familiar with the concept, going off-grid means creating a lifestyle that does not rely on public utilities (water, electricity, et cetera). There are many different reasons people choose to go off-grid. Some of the most popular reasons are: to decrease environmental impact, to prepare for disaster, or a desire to be independent and self-sustained. We jumped into our endeavor with almost no knowledge or experience. We have had to learn some things …


Editors’ Prepping Progress

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As preppers work to make progress to achieve prepping goals, we took some actions this week too. The SurvivalBlog editors made some plans earlier in the week and now reflect upon these. Below, the editors share what we each accomplished. Please write to us in the comments and tell us what you did this week to get your preps in place and to be ready. JWR Hello SurvivalBlog Readers, This week the weather in the northern American Redoubt was cool, cloudy, and mostly dry. Our prepping accomplishments are as follows: Jim got a nice start on the plumbing project. He …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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NBC From reader G.P. we learn of this article describing why you should never get in a car if dealing with a nearby nuclear explosion. It’s not something that we want to think about, but if you have survived a surprise nuclear explosion, sheltering in place is probably the best thing you can do. A car offers miserable protections from the fallout, not to mention dealing with the crowded road conditions of others fleeing the scene. The article offers some information about using basements and office/school buildings as protection. However, it does make the assumption that the blast is in …


The Editors’ Quote Of The Day

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the Lord) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel. And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a …


Preparedness Notes for Friday – May 26, 2017

SurvivalBlog Non-Fiction Writing Contest We are still looking for articles for the SurvivalBlog Non-Fiction Writing Contest. If you’ve been wanting a shot at the $11,000+ worth of prizes, now is your chance! We will consider just about any article from your experience, but How-To articles get preference in the judging. If you have an idea that your thinking about, write it up and send it in. If you are looking for some possible writing subjects, here are a few to consider: Family Fallout Protection Non-Traditional Gardening Crops and Techniques 2 Meter Radio Basics Understanding VPN and Choosing The Right Service …


Guest Article: The Genesis Of The “Bubble’s Bubble”

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The financial services industry is headed for the greatest debate in recent history. Regardless of what occurs from here –a continued stock market bullish trend or reversion to long-term averages which chronicles back to 2000 levels, the confines of discussion, the heated verbal and written volleys tossed deep from the roots of philosophical differences will forge a permanent rift between the steadfast buy-and-hold brethren and the stewards who manage risk by preserving capital (the dreaded group with a market escape plan), through the forthcoming bear cycle. The stakes are higher than I can recall. Future generations: Those we are depending …


Review of Max Velocity’s Defensive Concealed Handgun Class

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I am in my 50s and have been carrying a concealed handgun on and off since 1990.  Consistently every day for the last six (6) years.  I have read a number of books by Massad Ayoob, John Farnum, Jeff Cooper and others. I’ve studied a number of instructional DVD’s as well. I also practiced what I thought were the correct ways to draw and shoot. My training even included how I thought through the reasons behind why I carried a concealed weapon.   But I had a nagging fear that I couldn’t shake that I’d missed something or things weren’t as they …


Economics & Investing for Preppers

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Shale oil production is now in the headlines. 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 quirky “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor): Precious Metals: First, over at Gold-Eagle: Arizona Ends Income Taxation On Gold And Silver Coins. So here is JWR‘s Comment:  Other States that presently tax bullion coins should follow suit. o o o Hubert Moolman just published this commentary: Silver …