Gold’s Shine vs. The Long Shadow of War in Ukraine, by Arkadiusz Sieroń

The war in Ukraine brings multiple negative consequences, not only to the world economy. Russia’s invasion also has a wide impact on the gold market. The Consequences Are Vast The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for more than three months. After the withdrawal from the north of Ukraine, Russia has focused on the east and south of the country, aiming to take full control of Donbas and to create a land corridor between it and Crimea. The consequences of a Russian invasion into Ukraine are far-reaching in many areas. The war is a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people died, …


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 inflation and automatic cost-of-living escalator clauses. (See the Economy & Finance section.) Precious Metals: Higher interest rates — with a yield curve that has again gone inverted — and a surge in U.S. Dollar strength triggered a 4.15% drop in spot silver and 2.96% drop in spot gold, on …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — June 16, 2022

Today is the birthday of pioneering economist Adam Smith, in 1723. He was born in Kirkaldy, County Fife, Scotland. He died July 17, 1790. — Just four days left! We are continuing our pre-summer sale, at Elk Creek Company. We’ve reduced the prices on all of our percussion replica guns, and nearly all of our pre-1899 cartridge guns. With the recent dip in the spot price of silver, this is a great time to buy. Note that we have our prices listed in both pre-1965 silver coinage  and in current rapidly-inflating Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs.) The last day of the …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— 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. Today, we look at the nationwide shortage of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Diesel Exhaust Fluid Shortage Worsening First up, over at High Plains Journal: Diesel Exhaust Fluid shortage a scary reality for the supply chain, …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — June 15, 2022

Following a revolt by the English nobility against his rule, King John put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter” on this day in 1215AD. This document, essentially a peace treaty between John and his barons, guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation’s laws. Although it was more a reactionary than a progressive document, the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations. — We are continuing our summer sale, at Elk Creek Company. We’ve reduced …


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. We may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — Tim K.  spotted this article from The Kitsap Sun: A Bangor sub just transferred its crew without returning to port. Here’s why that matters.  My old friend Sandy, who served on a U.S. Navy nuclear sub back in the early 1980s had this comment about the article: “This doesn’t sound unusual at all.  I was …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Any single man must judge for himself whether circumstances warrant obedience or resistance to the commands of the civil magistrate; we are all qualified, entitled, and morally obliged to evaluate the conduct of our rulers. This political judgement, moreover, is not simply or primarily a right, but like self preservation a duty to God. As such it is a judgment that men cannot part with according to the God and Nature.” – John Locke


Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 14, 2022

On June 14, 1982 Argentina surrendered to Great Britain, ending the 74-day Falklands Islands conflict. On June 14, 1834, sandpaper was patented by Isaac Fischer Jr., of Springfield, Vermont. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 101 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 …


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 follow-up on a mountain lion attack in eastern Washington. Region-Wide The Great Scenic Loop Of Idaho And Montana.  This video illustrates just how lightly-populated most of Idaho and Montana still are! o  o  o AmRRON Amateur Radio Network is Streaming Live on Sunday Nights …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The sharp division between gun culture and gun control culture is the border of an affected distancing from life’s realities. Gun controllers aren’t necessarily physical cowards, but they are moral cowards. The same sorts of people who think guns are ‘icky’ also don’t want to know where their meat comes from or to see the soldiers who come back from the wars. These are things that they pay other people to do because it preserves their illusions about the world and about themselves. America is becoming a nation split between those hard workers who take responsibility for dealing with life’s …


Preparedness Notes for Monday — June 13, 2022

On June 13, 1777, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette landed in the fledgling United States. — Here comes the back-stabbing RINO “compromise” that I warned you about!  Senate Group Reaches Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill. Please contact both of your state’s U.S. Senators and ask them to vote against this legislation package. We should remind them that RedFlag/ERPO laws are unconstitutional and unacceptable. The Federal government should not be funding them! The self-identified (“willing to negotiate”) backstabbers are: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) …


Recipe of the Week:  Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings

The following traditional recipe for Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings is from reader S.T.. Ingredients 1 broiler or fryer chicken (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), shredded or chunked 3 cups water 1 cup chopped onion 4 celery stalks, sliced 3 medium carrots, sliced 1 teaspoon celery seed 2 teaspoons rubbed sage divided 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 cups of commercial biscuit mix 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley Directions (Chicken) Place chicken and water in a Dutch Oven. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cook until chicken is tender, about …


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 higher crude oil and fuel prices. (See the Commodities section.) Precious Metals: Silver hits a strong support zone. o  o  o India’s May gold imports surge 677% to $5.83 billion. Economy & Finance: Hedge fund redemptions accelerated in March. JWR’s Comments: This is just the beginning of a trend. …