Month: December 2022

Gas Station Economics, by SwampFox

Fuel prices have been rising for a couple of years, and this past summer’s high cost was frustrating for almost everybody. Who profits, and why is the price so high? How does a gas station make money? How many steps are involved in getting oil from the ground, turning it into fuel, and putting it in your tank? It is more complicated than you might think. First, oil has to be found and removed from the earth. Drills, pipes, pumps, lots of metal, and heavy labor. Every part of that carries a very high cost that is passed along to …


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, some news about a Mountain Lion that was seen wandering the streets of Pocatello. See the Idaho section.) Idaho Mountain lion spotted in Pocatello. o  o  o Moscow Police seeking information on white Hyundai Elantra seen near quadruple homicide crime scene. o  o  o Idaho …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Our duty to the whole, including the unborn generations, bids us to restrain an unprincipled present-day minority from wasting the heritage of these unborn generations. The movement for the conservation of wildlife and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose, and method.” – Theodore Roosevelt


Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 12, 2022

On December 12, 2019, the British General Election was won by Boris Johnson‘s Conservative Party in a landslide win with 80-seat majority. Scottish National Party also won 48 of 59 seats in Scotland. — Today’s feature article was penned by SurvvalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson. — We are in need of entries for Round 104 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $775,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 104 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and …


Crosman P1377 Air Pistol, by Thomas Christianson

In April of 2022, due to continued high ammo prices, I decided to try out the Crosman P1377 Air Pistol as a training tool. It has a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $72.30. The one I purchased online cost just $49.99, with free shipping. Pleasant Memories I have fond memories of the Crosman 760 air rifle that introduced me to shooting. I shot more BBs and pellets through that rifle than I can count. I enjoyed target shooting in the basement of my parent’s home with just two pumps, or hunting birds, squirrels, and even possum in the woods and fields …


Recipe of the Week: Asian Chicken Fried Rice

The following Asian Chicken Fried Rice recipe is from reader Helen O.  She notes that it is an ideal way to use some of your long-term storage foods. Ingredients 2 cups cooked white rice, cooled ½ cup finely diced onions (you may substitute rehydrated dried onion) ¼ cup rehydrated freeze-dried or air-dried green peas 1 cup rehydrated shredded carrots (or fresh) ¼ cup oil or shortening 1 Tbsp. peanut butter ½ cup chopped cooked chicken. (Canned chicken will suffice) 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 eggs, or equivalent in dehydrated egg powder Spices to suit your taste, including garlic, tumeric, dried …


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 focus on full-capacity magazines as a tangible investment. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Gold/Silver: Are you positioned for another Silver squeeze? o  o  o India ATM Now Dispenses Gold Coins. o  o  o Kelsey: Demand For Gold – No New Highs. Economy & Finance: Brace for a recession in …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 11, 2022

On December 11, 1994, Russian troops invaded Chechnya to suppress the rebel Chechen government led by Dzhokhar Dudayev. This began what is commonly called the First Chechen War. — I just got word of the passing of Colonel Joe Kittinger.  What an amazing man! He will be missed.  My condolences to his family. — We are seeking entries for Round 104 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $775,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 104 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there …


Major Economic Contraction Coming In 2023 – Followed By Even More Inflation, by Brandon Smith

Editor’s Introductory Note:  This article was first published by the Birch Gold Group and is reposted with permission. — The signs are already present and obvious, but the overall economic picture probably won’t be acknowledged in the mainstream until the situation becomes much worse (as if it’s not bad enough). It’s a problem that arises at the onset of every historic financial crisis – Mainstream economists and commentators lie to the public about the chances of recovery, constantly giving false reassurances and lulling people back to sleep. Even now with price inflation pummeling the average consumer they tell us that …


JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR: Meme Text: Biden’s Brilliant Diplomatic Deal: Trading a Low-Level Drug Criminal for a Global Terror Logistician Who Enabled the Deaths of Thousands News Links: Lawmakers rip Biden leaving Paul Whelan behind in Brittney Griner prisoner swap: ‘It’s shameful’. Viktor Bout: Russian arms dealer known as the ‘Merchant of Death’ swapped for Brittney Griner. There Were 17 Americans in Russian Prisons. Only 1 Mattered to the Left. A Matt Christiansen video essay: Griner or Whelan: Did Biden Have a Choice? | NBC’s Stealth Edit Strikes Again. Video: Russian TV Mocks Biden for Choosing ‘Black Lesbian …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — December 10, 2022

On December 10, 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict that had demanded that he recant or face ex-communication. And 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. There were no survivors. — Today’s feature article was penned by SurvvalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson. — We are in great need of entrries for Round 104 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More …


Mass Casualty Trauma Kit, by Thomas Christianson

Recently, the Safety and Security Team of my church had the opportunity to evaluate the Mass Casualty Trauma Kit assembled by Mountain Man Medical, of Colorado. Overall, the Team found the kit to be a quality item. The kit was smaller than the team initially expected based upon the “mass casualty” label. Further research revealed that the kit is designed to be used in tandem with a number of other kits, based upon the peak occupancy of the facility being supplied. With excellent components and a price of $219.99 the Mass Casualty Trauma Kit offers good value for the money. …


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 your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in this column, in …