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, news of the FBIs’s “lost” gold coins. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: Stewart Thomson: A Blowoff For Rates & A Surge For Gold. o  o  o Several SurvivalBlog readers sent this: FBI sued after allegedly losing hundreds of thousands in rare coins during raid. An excerpt: “The Institute for Justice filed two lawsuits …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — September 28, 2023

On September 28, 1781, the Siege of Yorktown began, eventually leading on October 19 to the British surrender by General Lord Cornwallis and the end of the American Revolution. — On September 28, 1542, explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed near what is now San Diego and became the first European to set foot on the west coast of what would become the United States. — On September 28, 1066, William The Conqueror invaded England, landing at Pevensey Bay, Sussex. — And on September 28, 2008, SpaceX successfully launched Falcon 1, becoming the first privately owned company to send a liquid-fueled …


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, we look at Gavin Newsom’s ongoing war on the Second Amendment. Gov. Newsom Signs 20% Total ‘Sin Tax’ On Guns & Ammunition Linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — September 27, 2023

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, having fled Philadelphia, held a session in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, making the city the capital of the American colonies for just one day. — Today (not counting the change in dates due to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar) is also the birthday of Samuel Adams. He was an American statesman, political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 108 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The …


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. — Federal judge again strikes down California law banning high-capacity gun magazines. JWR’s Comments:  Sadly, this decision includes a one-week stay, so there probably won’t be a repeat of “Magazine Freedom Week”.  There will surely be an appeal filed by California, within a few days. This case has dragged on for nearly five …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Let us assume that, for whatever reason, you have decided to begin making reasonable and prudent arrangements so that if you choose to, or if circumstances make it necessary, you can live self-sufficiently, relying completely for your survival upon yourself, whatever inner strength you are in touch with, your natural environment and your skills. Your first consideration will probably be finding a safe place — a personal haven. Obviously, the location you choose should afford an environment which is not hostile to life; the climate should provide a reasonably long growing season and not be excessively demanding on you physically. …


Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — September 26, 2023

On September 26, 1962, the television series The Beverly Hillbillies debuted on CBS, becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1960s. — On September 26, 1820, American frontiersman and hero Daniel Boone died in St. Charles, Missouri. — And, on September 26, 1580, after nearly three years at sea, English Admiral Francis Drake arrived in Plymouth Harbour, England, completing his circumnavigation of the world. SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 108 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are …


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, we focus on lower mule deer numbers in Wyoming. (See the Wyoming section.) Idaho Judge reserves decision on cameras in courtroom for Bryan Kohberger trial. o  o  o Mother and father of six Rexburg children die of cancer within nine months of each other. o  …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 25, 2023

On September 25th, 1777, Philadelphia, then the American capital, was occupied by British forces during the American Revolution. — On September 25th, 1789, the first Congress of the United States approved 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. — Today’s feature article is a review written by SurvivalBlog staff Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.


Recipe of the Week:  Winter Squash Soup

The following recipe for Winter Squash Soup is from SurvivalBlog reader R.I.S..  It is best made with Butternut Squash. Ingredients 5 medium leeks (white part only), sliced 2 tablespoons butter 4 cups cubed peeled butternut squash 4 cups chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 1 green onion, thinly sliced Directions In a large saucepan, saute leeks in butter until tender. Stir in the squash, broth, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until squash is tender, 10-15 minutes. Cool slightly. In a blender, …


Governments Start Calling For Price Controls – Rationing And CBDCs Come Next, by Brandon Smith

Editor’s Introductory Note:  In place of our usual Monday column on Economics and Investing news items, we are re-posting, with permission, this insightful piece by Brandon Smith.  Both his Alt-Market.us site and his premium newsletter The Wild Bunch Dispatch are highly recommended. – JWR — Last month in the middle of the surreal “Bidenomics” hype I published an article titled ‘Nothing Is Over: Inflation Is About To Come Back With A Vengeance.’  I outlined the misconceptions surrounding CPI and how it is not an accurate model for the effects of inflation.  I also noted that the index had been manipulated …