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. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at modern-day alchemy. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: Gold And Silver Coin Premiums – How Low Can They Go? o  o  o At Gold-Eagle.com: Gold’s Days of Extreme Volatility. o  o  o Turning mercury into gold? Nuclear reactors may revive ancient dream of alchemy. JWR’s Comment: What the author of this …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — July 31, 2025

July 31st, 1703: Novelist Daniel Defoe was placed in a pillory for the crime of seditious libel after publishing a politically satirical pamphlet. But he was pelted with flowers, and cheered by his supporters. — On July 31, 1958, the Anti-Chinese uprising began in Tibet. — July 31st, 1921, was the birthday of Army Air Corps veteran David Thatcher, one of the Doolittle Raiders. — And today is also the birthday of free market economist Milton Friedman (born 1912, died November 16, 2006.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is 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. In today’s column, we look at Smart Meter surveillance. When Smart Meters Turn Into Spy Tools SurvivalBlog reader D.S.V. set us this: When Smart Meters Turn Into Spy Tools. Here is …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“[T]he drive of the Rockefellers and their allies is to create a one-world government, combining super-capitalism and Communism under the same tent, all under their control … Do I mean conspiracy? Yes, I do. I am convinced there is such a plot, international in scope, generations old in planning, and incredibly evil in intent. ” – Congressman Lawrence P. McDonald


Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — July 30, 2025

On July 30, 1619. the House of Burgesses in Virginia was formed. It was the first elected American governing body. — Today we also remember the birthday of author Reginald Bretnor. He was born Alfred Reginald Kahn on July 30, 1911, in Vladivostok. He died on July 22, 1992 in Medford, Oregon. In addition to penning many witty science fiction novels and short stories in his characteristic style, he also wrote nonfiction articles for Mel Tappan’s P.S. Letter — Today’s feature article is a guest piece by our friend Brandon Smith, the Editor of Alt-Market.us. — We are now seeking …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: 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. — SurvivalBlog reader D.S.V. recommended this article in Better Homes and Gardens: 12 Critical Supplies You Should Keep in Your Storm Shelter at All Times. o  o  o A massive magnitude 8.7 earthquake hit the Kamchatka Peninsula yesterday. This triggered tsunami warnings as far away as Huntington Beach, California! — An English-dubbed 2024 …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — July 29, 2025

On July  29, 1279, five emissaries dispatched by Kublai Khan from the Mongol Yuan dynasty were beheaded in Hakata, Japan. Their gravestones can still be seen in Kamakura at Tatsunokuchi. — July 29, 1805 was the birthday of Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville. He died April 16, 1859. He is best known for his lengthy treatise: Democracy In America. — On July 29, 1930, a record high of 115°F (46°C) was recorded in Holly Springs, Mississippi — a state record. — Reader C.B. passed along some sad news: Tom Lehrer, Song Satirist and Mathematician, Dies at 97.  One of my favorites …


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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about two additional life sentences for Lori Vallow Daybell. (See the Idaho section.) Idaho The War Bonnet  Round-Up will be held July 30 to August 2nd, 2025 in Idaho Falls. o  o  o Two more life sentences for Doomsday Mom Lori Vallow Daybell. o  …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — July 28, 2025

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary decided against mediation and declared war on Serbia. This was the first declaration of war, beginning The Great War, which was later named World War I. — On July 28, 1932, U.S. Army troops, using tanks, cavalry, and tear gas demolished and burned the shantytown set up near the U.S. Capitol by unemployed Bonus Army protestors. — Today’s feature is a review written by SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson.. — Just a few days left: A fan of SurvivalBlog is one of the organizers of a real estate raffle for a 32-acre parcel of waterfront …


Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Chicken Wings or Legs

The following recipe for Crock Pot Slow Cooker Chicken Wings or Legs is from SurvivalBlog reader and slow-cooker fan Tony D.. Ingredients 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or less, to suit your taste) 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder (or less, to suit your taste) 1 teaspoon salt (or less, to suit your taste or a low-salt diet) 3 pounds chicken wings and/or legs (drumsticks) 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce/. (I’ve tried several brands, and they all worked well.) Directions Mix the paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Place the chicken wings or drumsticks in a 6-quart slow cooker. …