Year: 2020

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 13, 2020

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December 13th is the birthday of Sergeant Alvin York. — By way of Pat Cascio, I just heard of the passing of Professor Bradley J. Steiner, at age 74.  He was legendary in the martial arts world. Our condolences to his family. SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 92 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course …


Christmas Tree Farming for Fun & Profit, by W.W.

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‘Tis the season to sell “choose and cut Christmas trees.” This time of year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas is when “choose and cut” Christmas tree growers sell to the public. The farm is alive with families combing the hillside to find that special tree to take home and decorate. About 35 years ago while living in suburbia, my next-door neighbor suggested we buy a piece of land and grow Christmas trees. His line of reason went something like this. “We plant the trees and come back in 10 years and sell them all.” We didn’t pursue his idea. Little did …



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — December 12, 2020

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I just heard about the Supreme Court’s December 11th rejection of the Texas v. Pennsylvania et al case. That was very discouraging. If they weren’t willing to step in to correct an obviously corrupted vote-counting process, then I don’t hold out too much hope for the survival of our Republic. The Democrats have demonstrated that they can now rig elections at will. So what are the chances of ever having another Republican president? And what chance is there of holding on to a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate?  Be prepared to have your gun rights trampled, your nation’s borders …


3D-Printed Freedom – Part 2, by A.M.

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(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) — What is the actual material you are printing with? Filament. It comes in a roll, usually 1 kg, and is 1.75mm thick. It is what is extruded out of the nozzle onto the print bed and makes your object. Filament comes in many different materials. The most common and inexpensive filament is poly lactic acid (PLA). Better yet is PLA+. Both of these are made from corn as a feedstock, and do not use petroleum as an input. So if supporting corn growers of America as opposed to oil companies is …


Editors’ Prepping Progress

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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. Note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in the Comments. Let’s keep busy …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“After Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king. (He had previously become king of Greece.) [2] He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth. [3] He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. When the earth became quiet before him, he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up. [4] He gathered a very strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and princes, and they became tributary to …


Preparedness Notes for Friday — December 11, 2020

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Happy birthday to actress Teri Garr (born 1944.) She was unforgettable for her role in Young Frankenstein. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 92 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for …


3D-Printed Freedom – Part 1, by A.M.

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Editor’s Introductory Proviso: The following article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. State and local laws vary widely, so be sure to consult them before you buy, print, or build! — “The class which has the means of material production at its disposal, has control at the same time over the means of mental production, so that thereby, generally speaking, the ideas of those who lack the means of mental production are subject to it.” – Karl Marx Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not a Marxist, I just love the confused look that I …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

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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. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at rising lumber prices. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Interview with Phil Streible: All-in gold doesn’t make sense; silver, oil are the real winners o  o  o Frank Holmes: The Debate Between Gold And Bitcoin Intensifies Economy & Finance: Biden names liberal econ team as pandemic threatens workers o  …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — December 10, 2020

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This evening marks the first day of Hanukkah. I wish all our readers a joyous Hanukkah season! — On this day in 1942, my great uncle Lt. Robert I. Kinsella was killed when his B-24 bomber (part of the 90th Bombardment Group, Heavy, 320th Bomber Squadron), flying from the Iron Range Airfield in Northern Queensland, Australia went down in the South Pacific. — And on December 10, 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict demanding that he recant or face excommunication.


Top Concealed-Carry Handguns, by Deputy Dave

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Choosing a handgun is a very personal decision, and I hope that this article will provide information that will help make that decision easier. I want to start by saying that I have been an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor for the last 20 years as well as a part-time law enforcement officer. I have been carrying concealed for close to 30 years, almost all of it with a Glock 19. I have taught more than 2,500 students the course needed in Michigan to obtain a Concealed Pistol License. Since June 2020, the demand for my concealed carry class has been …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

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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, some advice on storing clarified butter. Are Your Smart Phone Apps Tracking You? Peter sent this from The Wall Street Journal: Homeland Security Watchdog to Probe Department’s Use of Phone Location Data Patrice …