SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: 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. Bluesman wrote to mention: “Today I had our 325-gallon propane tank refilled at $2.39 per gallon. We have owned the tank for 4 years and I inquired about buying a larger used one.  The driver mentioned that steel propane tanks were very difficult to buy at this time. He said by ordering now we may have it delivered next March …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — September 21, 2021

On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold met with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word “traitor”. It’s too bad the current crop of politicians are not held accountable for their treasonous acts. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for …


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 death of Gabby Petito. (See the Wyoming section.) Idaho Idaho’s unemployment rate continues to drop o  o  o Labor shortages are still impacting Idaho industries. This is why. o  o  o COVID-19 surge forces health care rationing in parts of West.



Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 20, 2021

On September 20, 1995, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to discontinue the national 55 MPH speed limit. This allowed the states to again decide their own speed limits, without fear of losing Federal highway funding. On this day in 1519, Magellan left Europe on his voyage of discovery. — Today we are posting another review by our veteran Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio.


Recipe of the Week: Zucchini Soup

The following recipe for Zucchini Soup is from reader M.N.R.  He says: “Super easy. No exact measurements needed.” Ingredients Onion  (I prefer a sweet onion such as Vidalia) Garlic to taste (I use 2 cloves sliced into tiny pieces) Two large potatoes (I use Yukons because they’re ready) Lots of sliced zucchini (A great way to use up those oversized zucchini) Water Salt to taste Directions Put all ingredients in large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Boil until everything is soft. Pour everything into a blender. Blend on high until thoroughly blended (a minute?) Yummy creamy zucchini soup! …


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, I describe ratio trading, in your tangibles portfolio. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: There should be a bounce-back in precious metals, from the drops on the mornings of Thursday and Friday, last week. I try not to let short-term market volatility bother me. I’m more of a “Long Haul” metals …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The end of capitalism will be due to the unbelievable amount of debt that is currently being created. This will create monster inflation that will destroy every currency. The only currency that cannot be destroyed is gold. When investors realize this, we’ll have the makings of the greatest bull market in gold ever seen.” – Richard Russell, Editor of The Dow Theory Letters


Preparedness Notes for Sunday — September 19, 2021

On this date in 1796, George Washington addressed the nation in his farewell address as President. And on September 19th, 1778, the Continental Congress passed the first budget of the United States. While the budget may have passed, the states responded poorly to the call for taxes to fund the government, and the government resorted to printing paper money to cover debts. In effect, the first budget was a failure, due in large part to the states not responding to the demands of Congress and the depreciation of fiat paper money. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry …



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — September 18, 2021

The 18th of September is Chilean Independence Day. On this day, in 1810, Chile declared independence from Spain. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 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), A course certificate from onPoint Tactical …


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 …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the Lord said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the Lord: and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when …