Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — December 29, 2021

I just heard of the death of the highly-decorated CMDR Richard Marcinko, at age 81. He was the first commander of SEAL Team 6. He had an amazing career, and he surely will be missed. — 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 can be used for …


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. — Here is some cause for concern: Man finds Apple AirTag tracker on his Dodge Charger.  Note that these could be used by would-be thieves, would-be burglars, would-be rapists, stalkers, assorted psycopaths, or out-of-control government officials–with or without a warrant. The cost of an Apple AirTag is expected to drop below $25 in the next two years. …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — December 28, 2021

Today, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 is the 80th birthday of Jerry Wigutow — the founder (and still the owner and operator) of Wiggy’s. It is one of the last American sleeping bag manufacturers. All of his company’s outstanding products sold under their brand name are still made by hand in Colorado. Happy Birthday, Jerry! — December 28, 1793 is the day that Thomas Paine was arrested in France for treason. The charges against him were never fully detailed, but he was tried in absentia on December 26 and convicted. Best known as the author of Common Sense, he moved to …


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 again focus on the Greater Idaho Project. The image above shows the election results in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, with an overlay of the proposed expanded state lines for Greater Idaho. (See the Region-Wide section.) Region-Wide The Atlantic reports: Modern America’s Most Successful …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 27, 2021

On this day in 1979, in an attempt to stabilize the turbulent political situation in Afghanistan, the Soviet Union sent 75,000 troops to enforce the installation of Babrak Karmal as the new leader of the nation. The new government and the imposing Soviet presence, however, had little success in putting down anti-government rebels. Thus began nearly 10 years of an agonizing, destructive, and ultimately fruitless Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan. — Today we present a review written by our stalwart Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio.    


Recipe of the Week: Traditional English Shepherd’s Pie

The following recipe for Traditional English Shepherd’s Pie is from reader Bruce M. Bruce writes: This is a pretty basic recipe. It consists of minced/ground lamb, yellow onion, carrots, salt, pepper, & English garden peas; thickened slightly with flour; placed in a baking dish; topped with mashed potatoes & slices of cheddar cheese; and baked in a 350°F oven until the mashed potatoes are browned, and the cheese melted. In recent years, ground beef has been used as a less expensive substitute for lamb. In addition, dairy products can be substituted for the mayonnaise, and vegan cheddar cheese. With 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 discuss investing in limited production and vintage motorcycles. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Silver price 2022: Here’s how silver can outperform gold as it plays catch-up next year. o  o  o Asian Metals Market Update: Physical Gold And Silver Remain Long-Term Safe Havens. Economy & Finance: A few weeks …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 26, 2021

On December 26th, 1776, after crossing the Delaware River, Washington led his men against Hessian mercenary soldiers garrisoned at Trenton. After a brief battle, nearly the entire Hessian force was captured, with negligible losses to the Americans, significantly boosting their flagging morale. And on December 26, 2004 – The Indian Ocean region Tsunami took more than 250,000 lives. — 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 …



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — December 25, 2021

To those who are celebrating the Advent of our Lord and Savior, the team at SurvivalBlog wishes you a peaceful and meaningful Christmas. For those who choose to celebrate our Lord through the biblical feasts, stay safe out there during this holiday season. Our prayer is that each and every one of you enjoy the family time and stay safe on the roads. — 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 …


Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in this column, in …