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 increasing risk of a second civil war in the United States. September 17th: Great Lakes Prepping Expo The announcement: “After being unable to hold the show for two years …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — August 31, 2022

The Harrier jump-jet fighter-bomber had its first flight on August 31, 1966. It was designed to fly from combat areas and aircraft carriers and to support ground forces. It was originally built by Hawker Siddeley Aviation, and also later produced by McDonnell Douglas, in the United States. — Today’s feature article was written by SurvivalBlog’s Senior Editor, JWR. — We are still seeking articles for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 102 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail …


WIN: Whip Inflation Nonconformably

In recent months, I’ve had several consulting clients ask me about how they might protect themselves from the ravages of inflation. The official rate of inflation is now at 9.2%, but everyone knows that the real-world rate is somewhere north of 14%. I’m offering some concrete suggestions that I will relate in this essay, but first, let me digress into some history: According to the Wikipedia article about the WIN campaign: “[President Gerald] Ford had taken office in August 1974 amidst one of the worst economic crises in US history, marked by high unemployment and inflation rising to 12.3% that …


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. — First up, over at Redoubt News, there is this pointed and downright poignant essay: Baby Boomers Don’t Recognize America. o  o  o Reader R.D. spotted this: He turned his weed-filled yard into a low-water jungle of fruit trees. o  o  o Mrs. Alaska wrote: “I loved your update to your retreat location suggestions. …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — August 30, 2022

August 30th is the birthday of the late Joachim Rønneberg, a hero of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. He was born in 1919. His exploits earned him the War Cross With Sword, Norway’s highest military honor. In April 2013, Rønneberg was presented with a Union Jack during a ceremony at the Special Operations Executive (SOE) monument in London to mark 70 years since the successful Gunnerside heavy water plant sabotage mission. Rønneberg died in 2018, just one year short of his 100th birthday. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 102 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. Today, a special listing of preparedness and storage food companies in the American Redoubt. Idaho Walton Feed, in Montpelier, is one the nation’s largest long-term storage food packagers.  Whether you want just one 5-gallon bucket or a truckload, they probably have what you are looking for. …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 29, 2022

August 29th is a mournful day, as we remember the anniversary of the death of “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” – Isaiah 40:3. John, the Baptist, who heralded the first coming of our Lord and stood true to his belief in the face of death, was beheaded on this day in 29AD. — In 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run in Virginia began. The same day marked the founding of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. — …


Recipe of the Week: Butternut Squash and Beef Stew

The following recipe Butternut Squash and Beef Stew is from reader K.D.. Ingredients 3 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 2 pounds stew beef, cut into 2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup cooking wine (Marsala is preferred, but you may substitute Madeira, Port, or Pinot Noir wine.) 1 pound butternut squash, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes 3 to 4 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste 1/2 teaspoon …


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 study the news of announced layoffs and planned layoffs. (See the Economy & Finance section.) Precious Metals: Gold to Silver Ratio Still Favors Gold.  JWR’s Comments:  When I checked on Friday, the ratio was a whopping 90.22-to-1. For those who invest in precious metals for the long haul (multi-generationally), this is …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — August 28, 2022

August 28, 1833 is the anniversary of the abolishment of slavery throughout the British Empire. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 102 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 for the prize …