Month: June 2022

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 nationwide shortage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Diesel Exhaust Fluid Shortage Worsening First up, over at High Plains Journal: Diesel Exhaust Fluid shortage a scary reality for the supply chain, …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — June 15, 2022

Following a revolt by the English nobility against his rule, King John put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter” on this day in 1215AD. This document, essentially a peace treaty between John and his barons, guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation’s laws. Although it was more a reactionary than a progressive document, the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations. — We are continuing our summer sale, at Elk Creek Company. We’ve reduced …


When Hunger Happens, by The Domesticated Ranger

When The Schomer Hits The Fan (WTSHTF) and food becomes very scarce, it won’t take very long before people find themselves quite literally starving. And I don’t mean “starving” the way that teenagers say it! To a teenager, they think they are starving if it’s been more than three hours since they’ve eaten a significant meal. When I refer to starvation, I mean that the body has consumed all of its stores of fat and is now consuming its own muscle mass for energy. I have been there. Back in 1995, I was a student in the US Army’s Ranger …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, 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. — Tim K.  spotted this article from The Kitsap Sun: A Bangor sub just transferred its crew without returning to port. Here’s why that matters.  My old friend Sandy, who served on a U.S. Navy nuclear sub back in the early 1980s had this comment about the article: “This doesn’t sound unusual at all.  I was …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Any single man must judge for himself whether circumstances warrant obedience or resistance to the commands of the civil magistrate; we are all qualified, entitled, and morally obliged to evaluate the conduct of our rulers. This political judgement, moreover, is not simply or primarily a right, but like self preservation a duty to God. As such it is a judgment that men cannot part with according to the God and Nature.” – John Locke


Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 14, 2022

On June 14, 1982 Argentina surrendered to Great Britain, ending the 74-day Falklands Islands conflict. On June 14, 1834, sandpaper was patented by Isaac Fischer Jr., of Springfield, Vermont. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 101 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 …


Review: Pi-Hole Network-Level Ad and Tracker Blocker, by TavernSandwich

Most privacy minded people do a decent job locking down their computers, phones, and other devices. I hope you’re reading this article on a secure browser (like Firefox with UBlockOrigin) over an encrypted VPN connection. If you are, congrats on being a reasonably savvy internet user! But what about the other people on your network? Are your family members and guests as privacy-minded? It’s rare to find a household where every single person shares the same level of dedication to staying safe online. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could extend some level of protection to the people sharing your …


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 follow-up on a mountain lion attack in eastern Washington. Region-Wide The Great Scenic Loop Of Idaho And Montana.  This video illustrates just how lightly-populated most of Idaho and Montana still are! o  o  o AmRRON Amateur Radio Network is Streaming Live on Sunday Nights …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The sharp division between gun culture and gun control culture is the border of an affected distancing from life’s realities. Gun controllers aren’t necessarily physical cowards, but they are moral cowards. The same sorts of people who think guns are ‘icky’ also don’t want to know where their meat comes from or to see the soldiers who come back from the wars. These are things that they pay other people to do because it preserves their illusions about the world and about themselves. America is becoming a nation split between those hard workers who take responsibility for dealing with life’s …


Preparedness Notes for Monday — June 13, 2022

On June 13, 1777, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette landed in the fledgling United States. — Here comes the back-stabbing RINO “compromise” that I warned you about!  Senate Group Reaches Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill. Please contact both of your state’s U.S. Senators and ask them to vote against this legislation package. We should remind them that RedFlag/ERPO laws are unconstitutional and unacceptable. The Federal government should not be funding them! The self-identified (“willing to negotiate”) backstabbers are: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) …


Generac GP 6500 Portable Generator, by Thomas Christianson

When high winds sweep through our area, it is not unusual for electrical service to be interrupted, sometimes for days at a time. For more than eight years now, a Generac GP 6500 gas-powered portable generator has provided my family with a reliable and effective way of dealing with the challenges of occasional, short-term power outages. The Backstory Nine years ago, my wife and I fled suburbia for a log home in the woods. There we provide most of our own utilities. We provide our own water with a well, our own sewage treatment with a septic tank, and our …


Recipe of the Week:  Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

The following traditional recipe for Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings is from reader S.T.. Ingredients 1 broiler or fryer chicken (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), shredded or chunked 3 cups water 1 cup chopped onion 4 celery stalks, sliced 3 medium carrots, sliced 1 teaspoon celery seed 2 teaspoons rubbed sage divided 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 cups of commercial biscuit mix 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley Directions (Chicken) Place chicken and water in a Dutch Oven. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until chicken is tender, about …


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 look at higher crude oil and fuel prices. (See the Commodities section.) Precious Metals: Silver hits a strong support zone. o  o  o India’s May gold imports surge 677% to $5.83 billion. Economy & Finance: Hedge fund redemptions accelerated in March. JWR’s Comments: This is just the beginning of a trend. …