Month: June 2021

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — June 30, 2021

June 30th is the anniversary of the tragic death of 19 firefighters in the Yarnell Hill Fire. (In 2013.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 95 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 …


Pistol Lasers and Red Dots, by Francis

Introductory Note: I’m Francis The Semi-Prepper. Two of my articles have been featured in SurvivalBlog: The Semi-Prepper, Part 1, dated May 26, 2020 and Part 2 dated May 27, 2020 and, Abandoning Home, by Francis dated Aug 11, 2020 I reference these as they include my background and beliefs. I’m trying to be proactive but I’ll never be a full prepper. I am constantly thinking and trying to do what I have to do to be prepared for the ominous times coming and to pass onto our grandchildren something of value. We already know the Lord but the Lord helps …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — H.L. sent this troubling news reported by American Greatness: Deprogramming of January 6 Defendants Is Underway.  JWR’s Comment: This self-flagellating rhetoric reminds me of the public humiliation “Struggle Sessions” that were a staple of the Cultural Revolution in mainland China under the brutal genocidal rule of Chairman Mao and his henchmen. o  o  o My wife Avalanche Lily suggested …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 29, 2021

29 July 1805 was the birthday of Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville. He died 16 April,1859. He is best known for his lengthy treatise: Democracy In America. — Two noteworthy new listings, over at SurvivalRealty.com: On the Pend Orielle River: Homesteading with a view!! and, 134 acres minutes from Downtown Missoula. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 95 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 …


Basic Clock Repair and Few Thoughts on Time, by St. Funogas

In The Novice’s recent article Timekeeping When the Grid is Down, he asked for someone with a better knowledge to write an article for TEOTWAWKI clock and watch repair. While we’re waiting for that person to step up to the plate, and I hope they do, I thought that I’d offer some of the clock-repair basics I’ve learned in the past eight months. I’ve always loved any kind of windup time piece. Some combination of the beauty, intricacies, and the mechanical aspects of clocks captured my imagination at a young age. Once I used my birthday money to buy $2.50 …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, a special edition of the column with a round-up of publishing companies in the American Redoubt. Idaho Many SurvivalBlog readers are already familiar with Backeddy Books, in Boise. I highly recommend their books The Last Of The Mountain Men and Idaho For The Curious. From …




Over The Counter Pain Relief, by Pat Cascio

I’m not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be. This article covers some of the Over The Counter (OTC) pain relief medications that I’ve used and continue to use. I’m not giving medical advice, just my opinions on this subject. I live in pain – all the time – and I’m sure many of our readers can appreciate where I’m coming from on this subject. For at least 60 years, I lived in pain from my right hip. It was x-rayed dozens of times over the years, and every doctor said the same thing “osteo-arthritis” and nothing more could …


Recipe of the Week: Egg Croquettes

The following recipe for Egg Croquettes is from The New Butterick Cook Book, by Flora Rose, co-head of the School of Home Economics at Cornell University. It was published in 1924. A professional scan of that 724-page out-of-copyright book is one of the many bonus items included in the latest edition of the waterproof SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick. The second production run of the 15th Anniversary Edition (2005-2020) USB stick should be available for ordering on July 4th, 2021. The first batch sold out quickly, so don’t miss out! Ingredients 2 cups chopped eggs, hard-cooked 1 cup thick white sauce …


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. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we ponder where the price of Bitcoin will bottom. (See the Forex & Cryptos section.) Precious Metals: Interview: The Biggest Buyer of Silver on Earth 2021. o  o  o Stefan Gleason: Central Banks to Keep Buying Gold. Economy & Finance: At the CBS News web site: What’s behind the push for a …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — June 27, 2021

Today is the birthday of Leroy James Sullivan (born June 27, 1933), an American firearms inventor. Jim Sullivan has designed several “scaled-down” versions of larger firearms. He also designed the Beta C-MAG double snail drum magazines. Today is also the birthday of Paul Mauser, (June 27, 1838 – May 29, 1914). He was a German weapon designer and manufacturer. His strong and reliable bolt action design was used by many nations. The U.S. Springfield Model 1903 is based on the Mauser Model 1898, and in fact the U.S. government famously lost in a patent infringement lawsuit. Ironically, the U.S. government …


On Leadership, by Old Bobbert

Editor’s Introductory Note:  This is the 30th article written by Old Bobbert that has been posted in SurvivalBlog.  In all, he’s written more than 97,000 words for SurvivalBlog, and we are grateful! — True leadership is a status conferred by knowledgeable persons whose choices reflect their recognition of ability, experience, integrity, character, and a full commitment to a common cause or endeavor. Being chosen as a leader generally is a result of a decision that they will be supported and enabled by the leader to be successful and secure in the common group efforts. Often the new group members have …