The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright …


Preparedness Notes for Friday — March 7, 2025

On March 7, 1530 English King Henry VIII‘s divorce request was denied by Pope Clement VII.   March 7, 1644: Massachusetts established the first two-chamber legislature in the colonies. — March 7, 1707 was the birthday of Stephen Hopkins, (Governor of Rhode Island) one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. — March 7, 1944 was the birthday of Townes Van Zandt, a gifted Texan singer/songwriter. (He died in 1997.) — Today we present a guest article from a SurvivalBlog reader that is not part of the writing contest judging. — We are seeking entries for Round 117 of …


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 impact of new tariffs. Precious Metals: Central Bank Gold Buying Remained Strong to Kick Off 2025. o  o  o Silver Extends Rally Amid Risk-Off Sentiment. o  o  o Gold’s Price Disruption Eases as Trump Tariff Trade ‘Exhausted’. o  o  o A Jim Willie interview video: SWAP IT ALL, TODAY! My Last Message To …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — March 6, 2025

The Dutch painter Paulus Moreelse passed away on March 6, 1638. According to the Infogalactic Wiki: “He was a Dutch painter, mainly of portraits. Moreelse was born in 1571. He lived most of his life in Utrecht. “He was a pupil of the Delft portrait painter Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt, who had himself been a pupil of Anthonie van Blocklandt. He took a study-trip to Italy, where he received many portrait commissions. Back in Utrecht, in 1596 he became a member of the zadelaarsgilde (Saddler’s guild), which then embraced the painters as well. In 1611, along with Abraham Bloemaert, he …


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, more about the protracted war in Ukraine. Finland’s President Warns Ukraine with a History Lesson Reader Robert W. sent us this: Address by President of the Republic of …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — March 5, 2025

Today is the birthday of Jan van der Heyden. (5 March 1637, Gorinchem – 28 March 1712, Amsterdam). He was a Dutch Baroque-era painter, glass painter, draftsman, and printmaker. Van der Heyden was one of the first Dutch painters to specialize in townscapes and became one of the leading architectural painters of the Dutch Golden Age. He painted a number of still lifes at the beginning and at the end of his career. He was also an engineer and inventor who made significant contributions to the firefighting technology of his day. Together with his brother Nicolaes, who was a hydraulic …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our 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. — Reader Tim J. spotted this fascinating video, filmed in eastern Washington: Special Operations vet commutes by Flying Car from rural off-grid home. Here is a link to the ultralight maker’s website: Pivotal.  JWR’s Comment: Sadly, if heavier batteries are installed to allow longer range, this shifts this novel aircraft from the unlicensed …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — March 4, 2025

On March 4, 1756, the Scottish portrait painter Henry Raeburn was born in Edinburgh. He died in 1823. The image above is his portrait painting of Colonel Alasdair McDonnell of Glengarry, circa 1812. — On March 4, 1782, Johann Rudolf Wyss, Swiss folklorist and writer (of Swiss Family Robinson fame), was born in Bern. (He died in 1830) — On March 4, 1955, the first radio facsimile, or fax transmission, was sent across the continent. — Today we present a guest article from a SurvivalBlog reader that is not part of the writing contest judging. — We are seeking entries …


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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today’s column has an emphasis on proposed and recently enacted legislation in the Redoubt states. The image above shows the interior of the Idaho state capitol building. Idaho Idaho Governor Signs School Choice Tax Credit Bill. o  o  o Idaho legislation, by bill number. o  o  …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — March 3, 2025

On May 3, 1849, the Gold Coinage Act authorized $20 Double Eagle gold coin and the $1 Gold Liberty coin in the United States. — Today is the birthday of bluegrass musician Doc Watson. (He was born in 1923 and passed away in 2012.) His guitar work was phenomenal. — This is also the birthday of both Alexander Graham Bell and actor James Doohan, in 1920. He played Montgomery Scott in the Star Trek television series and films. He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. He passed away on July 20, 2005. — A Newsletter Update: The March, 2025 edition …


Lightning Strike Fire Starter, by Thomas Christianson

The ability to start fires is foundational to survival. Fire provides warmth, light, hot food, the ability to signal, and a host of other practical and psychological benefits in the field. As a result, I recommend that an individual carry at least three fire-starting tools in their bugout bag, survival kit, or on their person while out in the field. These fire-starting tools may consist of things like matches in a waterproof case, a lighter (butane, liquid fuel, or plasma), a permanent metal match, a magnifying glass, or a ferrocerium rod. Because of its durability, stability under storage, and reliability …