Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 21, 2023

In 1986, Lake Nyos in Cameroon erupted with an estimated billion cubic yards of carbon dioxide gas. The gas had apparently been accumulating in the crater lake, held down by the weight of the water. When it finally erupted, the gas cloud smothered and killed every living animal, including insects, in its path until it dissipated. Outsiders learned of the disaster when they approached the villages and found animal and human bodies on the ground. The best estimate is that 1,700 people and thousands of cattle died. — Today’s feature article is by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson. — …




Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard in .22LR, by Thomas Christianson

The Trailblazer Firearms LifeCard is the ultimate in the “concealed” aspect of concealed carry. It folds into a tiny 3.38 x 2.06 x 0.5-inch package that looks something like a small cell phone, pager, or other electronic device. It unfolds into a diminutive derringer-style, single-shot handgun. It is a lot of fun to play with, and that is what I recommend it for: as a range toy and novelty. It has significant limitations as a tool for self-defense. But even the most limited tool that someone will actually carry with regularity is more helpful than a better tool that is …




Recipe of the Week: Fruit or Berry Cobbler Cupcakes

The following recipe for Fruit or Berry Cobbler Cupcakes is from SurvivalBlog reader Mike in Alaska.  It is his variant of a recipe that he found elsewhere.  Note: This recipe was originally developed for use with peaches or nectarines. It will also work for many types of berries. Ingredients 1 1/2 c. flour 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 c. unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 c. brown sugar 1/4 c. white sugar 2 eggs 1/2 c. sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/4 c. ripe fruit or berries, chopped. Directions Pre-heat your oven to 350 …




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. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, another look at “shrinkflation”. (See the Inflation/Deflation Watch section.) Precious Metals: At Kitco: Key Downside Levels in Gold & Silver. o  o  o A video link, at Gold-Eagle.com: Jim Willie Previews The Upcoming BRICS Meeting. o  o  o Reader H.L. mentioned this, over at Zero Hedge: Poland Continues To Aggressively Buy Gold. Economy & Finance: Michael …