Day: December 4, 2023

Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 4, 2023

On December 4, 1679, English philosopher and political theorist Thomas Hobbes, who was perhaps best known for his political philosophy, died at age 91. — December 4th is the birthday of Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, (born 1912) an AVG “Flying Tiger” volunteer pilot for the Chinese Nationalist government, WWII Marine Corps aviator, and Medal of Honor recipient. (He died January 11, 1988.) A proto-Redoubter, Pappy Boyington was born in Couer d’Alene, Idaho and was raised in Spokane, Washington. — A Reminder: Jonathan Rawles — my #1 Son who operates SurvivalRealty.com — has mentioned that they have recently revamped their Agent Directory, …


Therma Max Waffle Base Layer, by Thomas Christianson

Recently, I have been testing a Therma Max Waffle Base Layer. I have found it to be warm and comfortable for everyday wear during cold weather. It is one of many excellent modern base layer options. Rodney Dangerfield, The Great Escape, and The Maquis For a couple of hundred years or more, base-layer-like garments in cotton or wool were popular among people who actually had to work outside during cold weather. Of course, they weren’t called a “base layer.” They were called “long johns” or “long underwear.” People wealthy enough to stay inside near the fire were less enthused about …


Recipe of the Week: Southern California Biscuits

The following recipe for Southern California Biscuits is from one of the 11 bonus books that will be included in the upcoming edition of the waterproof SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick:  GOOD HOUSEKEEPING’S BOOK of MENUS, RECIPES, and, HOUSEHOLD DISCOVERIES. (Copyright 1923). This 255-page book has hundreds of recipes. The 2005-2023 SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick should be orderable by January 25, 2024.  These sell out quickly each year, so mark your calendar. Ingredients 2 cupfuls bread flour 4 teaspoonfuls baking-powder 3 tablespoonfuls shortening 1 teaspoonful salt 8 cupfuls milk 2 tablespoonfuls butter or margarine Orange marmalade (for filling) Directions Sift together …


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, we examine the recent rally in the gold and silver markets. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: Gold prices ignore Powell’s hawkish stance as prices surge to session highs above $2,050.  JWR’s Comment:  Yes, the metals are indeed looking bullish!  I noted these figures, from after-hours trading on Friday evening (December 1st, 2023): Gold …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“I believe that a man — a healthy, walking, talking human being — is the ultimate viral biological weapon. A man with strong convictions can spread those convictions to others, in a geometric progression, much like a virus. All that it takes is just one man, one driven man, to awaken a hundred men, and they in turn recruit a thousand, who recruit ten thousand, and then an entire nation. What is needed is awakening to the fact that the people vastly outnumber their oppressors and that they can quickly overthrow them. Once it begins to spread, a truthful idea …