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 expected lower grain crop yields, because of the jump in fertilizer prices. Soaring Fertilizer Prices: Millions More Undernourished Reader C.B. sent us this disturbing news: Soaring fertilizer prices could see …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“There is a difference between resistance to specific commands and resistance by means of revolution to dethrone and replace an existing ruler. A tyrant is one whose habit of tyrannical actions strikes at a fundamental good of human society; his actions are akin to an unprovoked war against the people. Thus, he is a man warring against the nation, and since any nation can defend itself against national threats, the nation can conduct war against him. A just, violent revolution is a type of defensive war.” – Stephen Wolfe, The Case For Christian Nationalism


Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — January 4, 2023

On January 4th, 1896 Utah became the 45th state of the Union. One condition for statehood was that a ban on polygamy had to be written into the state constitution. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 104 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, …


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. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — L.R. (a close friend of mine) recommended this thought-provoking essay: Lovers of Truth and Lovers of Lies: Seeing new lessons for today in Mel Gibson’s iconic portrayal of ‘The Patriot’. o  o  o The ultimate “down the memory hole” irony? Amazon Secretly Removes “1984” From the Kindle. o  o  o Reader C.B. sent …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — January 3, 2023

On January 3, 1924 the Pharaoh Tutankhamun mummy was located near Luxor, Egypt, where King Tut’s tomb was discovered two years prior. This stone sarcophagus, which inside contained a mummy of Pharaoh Tutankhamun of Egypt. — For those who have asked about ordering the 2005-2022 edition of the SurvivalBlog Archives USB stick: The new edition is being “built” now, and should be orderable by January 22nd, 2023. Please mark your calendar to look for the Archive USB stick ad that week. Shipments will begin in February. SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 104 of the SurvivalBlog …


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. In today’s column, news of an arrest in the Idaho multiple stabbing murders case. (See the Idaho section.) Idaho A suspect has been arrested in connection to the University of Idaho murders. Over at Fox News: Idaho murder suspect: Who is Bryan Christopher Kohberger?  A quote: …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — January 2, 2023

On January 2, 1999, major snowstorm struck the Midwestern U.S., leaving 14 inches of snow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 19 inches in Chicago, Illinois, where temperatures plunged to -13 °F (-25 °C); 68 deaths were reported. On this day in 1936, the first night vision electron tube was revealed in St. Louis, Missouri. And January 2nd, 1776 is also the anniversary of the first revolutionary flag to be displayed in the American English colonies. — Today’s feature article is a product review written by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Thomas Christianson.


Recipe of the Week: Powdered Milk Granola Bars

The following recipe for Powdered Milk Granola Bars is from reader S.S.. Dry nonfat milk is used in a glaze topping. Ingredients 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) butter (Note: Fresh butter is preferred — using reconstituted butter from butter powder can be tricky with this recipe.) 10.5 oz. marshmallows (miniature marshmallows melt more readily) 6 cups of granola or other dry breakfast cereal. Kids like Cheerios, but granola is much more healthy. 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1 Tbsp. powdered sugar 2 Tsp of tap water Directions Butter or PAM an 8-inch square pan or a loaf pan. In a large pot over medium heat, …


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 Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at crashing home sales. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: Reuters: Supreme dollar rules the roost in gold market. o  o  o Central banks buy gold at fastest pace in 55 years. “Analysts are pinning China and Russia as big buyers.” Equities: ‘Worst Year Ever’ For Stocks & Bonds – Global …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Attempts to resist modern life in practical ways are often derided as LARPing or live-action role playing—that one’s anti-modernity is superficial, imaginary, and made possible by modernity itself. There is some element of truth to this. Modern homesteading, for example, often requires supplemental income from modern sources. But many of the things ridiculed as LARPing are simply good choices for living well in this world. A woman who makes food from scratch from her own garden is not only offering her family healthy options but also exercising praiseworthy skills and passing those skills on to her children. The variety of …


Preparedness Notes for Sunday — January 1, 2023

This is the birthday of Jacob Snider (January 1, 1811 – August 18, 1866.) He was an American mechanical engineer and inventor. He invented and patented a method of converting existing muzzle-loading rifles into breech-loading rifles, notably the Snider-Enfield. This is also the birthday of John Cantius Garand (January 1, 1888 – February 16, 1974.) He was born in St. Rémi, Quebec. John Garand designed one of America’s best-known battle rifles, the M1 Garand. — Today’s feature article was written by JWR.


Low-Cost and No-Cost Preparedness

Many SurvivalBlog readers have contacted me, lamenting that they don’t have enough money to prepare.  My response? Re-prioritize how you spend your time and money. The following suggestions are primarily based on my own experience. Avalanche Lily and I do our best to live a frugal life. Please prayerfully consider and implement some or most of these suggestions, as new year’s resolutions. Here are some suggestions for spending less money: Pray. Prayer costs nothing, and it helps focus your mind on your priorities. Chief among these should be your family, friends, fellow church congregants, neighbors, and co-workers. Study. Used books …