The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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 “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at chaotic South Africa Acetaminophen – Not Worth the Risk DSV sent us this: Acetaminophen – Not Worth the Risk, by the Children’s Health Defense Team. An excerpt: “Despite its ubiquity, …







Preparedness Notes for Monday — July 29, 2019

July 29, 1805 was the birthday of Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville. He died 16 April 1859. He is best known for his oft-quoted treatise: Democracy In America. — I just heard from my #1 Son that there are three new retreat property listings at SurvivalRealty.com that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers: Idaho: Motivated Seller Backcountry Cabin. (Near McCall, Idaho.) Montana: 40 acres with nice cabin and surface H20. (Near Drummond, Montana.) Oregon: Riverfront Mountain Home, 4-Bedroom (In Adams, Oregon) — Today we present another review by our tireless Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio.  




Mossberg MC1sc Pistol, by Pat Cascio

I can honestly say that I’ve only been to a few dances in my lifetime, but I don’t ever recall coming to any of those dances late.  As a matter of fact, I hate coming to anything late – very rare for me to arrive past the starting time of anything – just something in me, that doesn’t allow it to happen. More often than not, I arrive early to anything. So, why do I keep hearing that the Mossberg MC1sc pistol has arrived “late to the dance” with their subcompact 9mm pistol? I don’t know, better late than never …




Letter: Converting Edison Lamps to 12 VDC

Jim, Would you mind offering a link for a 12-volt bayonet mount adapter [for standard 120 Volt AC floor and table  lamps to use automotive interior and tail lights] that you referenced in your novel Patriots? Thanks, – Marc JWR Replies: Marc: Sadly, those bulb adapters are no longer cataloged by Real Goods. These days, with the profusion of inexpensive LEDs on the market, I would instead opt for Edison base 12 VDC LED conversions. This makes sense because LEDs draw so much less current than traditional automotive filament bulbs, and they have a much longer service life. NOTE: These …




Recipe of the Week: Anne’s Oatmeal Cookies

Anne kindly sent us her favorite recipe for delicious oatmeal cookies.  It works well with bulk storage oatmeal. There are variations for cinnamon, chocolate chips, raisins, and walnuts. Ingredients 3 cups rolled oats (Standard, steel cut, but not “quick” oats) 1 cup butter, warmed to room temperature 1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed 1/2 cup white sugar 2 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt Optional Ingredients 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1-to-2 cups raisins or chocolate chips, or 1-to-2 cups chocolate chips, or 3/4 cup chopped …




Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news 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 SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the effect of legislation on the price of photovoltaic power panels. (See the Commodities section.) Precious Metals: Adam Taggart: We’ve Arrived At The End Of The Road o  o  o Goldfinger, Silver and Gold o  o  o Chartist Hub Moolman: Gold Price Analysis 2019: Who …







Preparedness Notes for Sunday — July 28, 2019

July 28th is the anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, in 1914. This war irreparably changed geopolitics. Officially, the war lasted until November 11, 1918, as did our involvement. But American troops were still running around shooting Russians until 1920. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 83  of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A $3,000 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 …




A Beginner’s Handgun Journey, Part 2 by The Novice

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the two-part article.) Firing from a Rest When comparing the accuracy of various ammo, it was usually helpful to fire from rest rather than offhand. This involved putting a couple of dense foam blocks on a table, and resting the frame of the gun just in front of the trigger guard on the blocks. It helped to have my arms extended in front of me just like I was firing offhand, but with the gun resting on the foam blocks for extra stability. At first, I sat by the table in a chair while …




The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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 “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at the now ubiquitous red light camera. Browser Extensions are Stealing Data By way of Peter X.: My browser, the spy: How extensions slurped up browsing histories from 4M users. The …




The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet …




Preparedness Notes for Saturday — July 27, 2019

July 27th is the birthday of Captain Samuel Whittemore (born in 1694, died February 3, 1793). He was an English-born American farmer and soldier. He was eighty years of age when he became the oldest known colonial combatant in the American War of Independence. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 83  of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A $3,000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the …




A Beginner’s Handgun Journey, Part 1 by The Novice

About three years ago, I decided to buy a handgun. Rifles and shotguns are useful tools in many situations, but in some situations a handgun works best. The decision to buy a handgun led me on journey of discovery. The things I learned may be useful to those who are beginning a similar journey. They may also be entertaining to those who are already farther along the way. The Hi-Point C9 As I evaluated various handgun calibers, I decided that 9mm would best meet my needs. The round is powerful enough for self-defense, reasonably priced, and readily available. Out of …




Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year. We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready! Jim Reports: Most of last week was dominated …