Preparedness Notes for Thursday — February 3, 2022

Today is the birthday of painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894–1978.) This is also the birthday of writer James Michener (1907–1997), known for his very well-researched epic novels, such as Centennial. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 99 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, …


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 U.S. Freshwater Reserves. Amateur Radio Gear Being Sent to Tonga Frequent content contributor Tim J. sent us this item: Amateur radio equipment being sent to Tonga. Highway Funding Bait-and-Switch Reader …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — February 2, 2022

February 2nd is the birthday of Ayn Rand (born Alisa Zinov’yevna Rosenbaum in 1905), died – March 6, 1982) She is of course remembered for her novel Atlas Shrugged, which is considered a Libertarian classic. While I sharply disagree with her views on religion (since she was an atheist), I admire both her skill as a writer and her ability to articulate some core precepts of human liberty. — UPDATE: The first batch of 1,000 waterproof SurvivalBlog archive USB sticks sold out quickly, and they’ve all now been mailed out. The second batch of 600 sticks (now in transit to …


Writing Contest Winners Announced: Round 98

We’ve completed the judging for Round 98 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. Here are the results: First Prize First Prize is awarded to J.M., for An Ultralight Get Home Bag Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 — posted January 18-22, 2022.  He will receive these prizes: 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 …


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. Reader A.K. sent the following advice for the owners of cells phones with non-removable batteries: “In case anyone is interested in blocking their cell phone from being able to be located or who they meet with pinpointed or even used to determine if they’ve been around others with Covid- I tried this out with a friend …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — February 1, 2022

Today, we recognize the birthday of Christian economist Dr. Gary North. (Born, 1942.) North is a prolific writer on Christian Reconstruction and economics.  He recently announced that he is in failing health, and that he has published his final book. Please pray for his restored health. We also remember February 1st, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present the first entry for Round 99 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The …


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 the new movie Last Survivors. (See the Montana section.) Region-Wide You know that a new term associated with a trend is firmly established when both poles of the political sphere start using it. See: The Boise Tent Protest community remains undefeated. It …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“It is one thing to secure to each man the unhindered power to pursue his own good; it is a widely different thing to pursue the good for him. To do the first efficiently, the State has merely to look on while its citizens act; to forbid unfairness; to adjudicate when called on; and to enforce restitution for injuries. To do the last efficiently, it must become an ubiquitous worker—must know each man’s needs better than he knows them himself—must, in short, possess superhuman power and intelligence. Even, therefore, had the State done well in its proper sphere, no sufficient …


Preparedness Notes for Monday — January 31, 2022

On this day in 1872, American author Pearl Zane Grey was born. He was best known for his popular adventure western novels, including Riders of the Purple Sage, which was his best-selling book. On January 31, 1606, Guy Fawkes was scheduled for execution for his part in the Gunpowder Plot against Parliament and King James. As he was being marched up the steps to his gallows, he fell and broke his neck and died, depriving his executioners of any satisfaction. In recent years, Guy Fawkes masks have become a symbol of resistance to big government, worldwide. — The first batch …


Recipe of the Week: Aberdeen Beef-Bacon Pie

The following Aberdeen Beef-Bacon Pie recipe is from reader L.C. Ingredients 1/4 pound sliced bacon, diced 3 pounds beef stew meat, in 1-inch cubes 1 cup chopped onion 1-1/2 cups sliced carrots 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 pie crust (see standard recipes, or use a store-bought crust) 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 375°. In a fry pan or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. Brown the …


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 further examine the effects of rising inflation. (See the Inflation Watch section.) Precious Metals: Silver Price Prediction 2022: David Morgan (GoldCore). o  o  o Interview: Failure of U.S. to protect Ukraine from Russia will embolden China and crash markets – Anthony Scaramucci. Economy & Finance: Kim Khan at Seeking Alpha had …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“There can be no socialism without a state, and as long as there is a state there is socialism. The state, then, is the very institution that puts socialism into action; and as socialism rests on aggressive violence directed against innocent victims, aggressive violence is the nature of any state.” – Hans-Hermann Hoppe, A Theory of Socialism and Capitalism: Economics, Politics, and Ethics, (2007)


Preparedness Notes for Sunday — January 30, 2022

January 30th, 1925 was the birthday of Douglas Engelbart, who invented the computer mouse. Actor Eugene “Gene” Allen Hackman was born January 30, 1930. January 30th is the birthday of historian Barbara Tuchman. (Born 1912, died February 6, 1989). — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 98 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 …