Month: August 2023

Making It Count – Part 3, by Pat Cascio

(Continued from Part 3.) I dated one girl at our store and her sister who worked at the other store, and they didn’t seem to mind it in the least that I was dating them both. Yes, I was a horrible womanizer, and I’m ashamed of myself for that. If I could only change the past – that is one of the things I would change. One girl I was dating worked in the back room, in accounting. I didn’t even know her name when I first asked her out – and didn’t really care. Sadly, I ended up marrying …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is 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. In today’s column, another look at the threats posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI Poses Extinction-Level Threat to Humans CBS reports: AI poses extinction-level threat to humans, study suggests. The article’s …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — August 23, 2023

On August 23rd, 1305, in London, William Wallace (pictured) was executed for treason, condemned for leading Scottish resistance forces during the first years of the long and ultimately successful struggle to free Scotland from English rule. — August 23rd is the anniversary of the declaration of the independent state of “Franklin” in Eastern Tennessee by the settlers there in 1784. Unfortunately, the Continental Congress rejected it, so the state of Franklin never became a reality. — On this day in 1833, Britain abolished slavery in its colonies and 700,000 slaves were freed.    


Making It Count – Part 2, by Pat Cascio

(Continued from Part 1.) Went I turned 13 years of age, I attended Luther South High School – a private Lutheran school. All the rest of my friends either attended a public high school or a Catholic high school. We didn’t associate with each other much after that. On a good day, it would take an hour and a half to get home from that high school – during bad weather it would take a lot longer. And many times I had some “interesting” bus rides home. I had to travel on public buses through a rough neighborhood and I …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: 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. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — This came to us by way of Whatfinger.com: Man Stranded For 3 Days On Uninhabited Bahamas Island Is Rescued By Coast Guard. o  o  o Ferd spotted this news: Missing Tennessee couple found after eight days in Alaskan wilderness — just two miles from car. Ferd’s comments: “Overconfidence and ‘familiarity’ breeding contempt …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — August 22, 2023

Today is the anniversary of the founding of the London Armoury Company, in 1851. It was founded by Robert Adams (1810–1870). He patented the first successful double-action revolver in 1851. His revolvers were used during the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, the U.S. Civil War, and the Anglo-Zulu War. — August 22nd, 1992 was the second day of the Incident at Ruby Ridge. FBI sharpshooter Lon Horiuchi wounded Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris, and murdered Weaver’s wife, Vicki. It should be noted that in 1994, after being acquitted by a federal court, Weaver filed a federal civil rights case against …


Making It Count – Part 1, by Pat Cascio

Editor’s Introductory Notes: Several months ago, I asked our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio, to write a serialized autobiography, and scan some photos, to accompany it.  In reading this, you will learn that Pat has had a remarkable life, with the opportunity to “wear many hats.” The title of this series is an homage to the “Make It Count” tagline that Pat has habitually used in signing his letters and e-mails. Pat’s life has indeed counted for something. His influence has helped shape the lives, improve readiness, and provide spiritual guidance to countless others. Pat touched the lives of …


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, news of wildfires and the partial relief of rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Hilary. Region-Wide Reader H.L. sent us this: The US States Losing & Gaining Population The Fastest.  JWR’s Comments: Idaho and Montana were near the top of the list of the …



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 …