Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — October 12, 2022

On October 12, 2000, while preparing to refuel in the Yemeni port of Aden, the USS Cole, a U.S. naval destroyer, was attacked by suicide bombers associated with Al-Qaeda. There were 17 sailors were killed and 39 others were wounded. — Just before finishing up this group of posts, I heard some sad news: Legendary Hollywood Actress Angela Lansbury Dies at 96. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 103 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: 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. — And then they felt an immediate backlash: PayPal Reverses Course, Says Company Will NOT Seize Money From People for Promoting ‘Misinformation’. JWR’s Comment: Their prevarication was both a public relations disaster and a financial disaster for PayPal. Few folks will ever again trust their intentions. They’ve revealed their long-term goals: It reminds me …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — October 11, 2022

Today is the birthday of novelist William R. Forstchen (born, 1950.) He is best known for his survivalist novel One Second After. — The recent brouhaha over PayPal’s announced — and then “Oh, it was all a mistake” rescinded — $2,500 fines for Politically Incorrect Bad Boys led dozens of SurvivalBlog readers to cancel their PayPal accounts. I can fully appreciate and understand why they would do so. With their recent policy change debacle, the PayPal management team lost any remaining shreds of credibility. To maintain the continuity of Ten Cent Challenge subscriptions and advertising payments, I’ve just signed up …


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, a roundup on demographic shifts in The American Redoubt. National and Region-Wide Trends Most Conservative States 2022. o  o  o Americans are fleeing to places where political views match their own. o  o  o The 10 U.S. states where income has risen the fastest since …




Recipe of the Week: Venison Backstrap With Berry Sauce

The following recipe for Venison Backstrap With Berry Sauce is from SurvivalBlog reader Dave W. The berry sauce is made separately and poured on only at serving time. Ingredients 3 lb. venison (one whole backstrap from a large deer, or two from a smalle deer) 3 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground pepper 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 6 oz. berries (blackberries are best) 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1 lemon 4 cloves 2 star anise (optional) thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional) Directions – For Meat Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine salt, pepper, …


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 look at the volatile precious metals markets. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Video: Gold and Silver Shortage Update: Demand for Physical Gold & Silver is ‘Off the Charts’. o  o  o Gold Forecast: With the USDX Rallying Again, Are Lower Gold Prices in Sight? o  o  o Neils Christensen: …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — October 9, 2022

On October 9, 1000, Leif Ericson discovers “Vinland” (possibly at what was later named L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada) reputedly becoming the first European to reach North America. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 103 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course …



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — October 8, 2022

October 8th is the birthday of economist and libertarian commentator J. Orlin Grabbe. (Born, 1947, died March 15, 2008.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 103 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value), Two cases of Mountain House …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness …