2020: A Year of Perfect Hindsight

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As we begin the year 2020, I’d like to reflect on what I’ve seen and experienced, since I was born in 1960. In my novel Patriots, a couple of my characters used the now-cliched phrase: “Hindsight is 20/20.” But I must say that in many ways that it truly is. With the benefit of some hindsight, I have formulated a few observations for 2020 — a year of 20/20 hindsight: Technology When I was growing up, computers were enormous lumbering beasts that were primarily batch-programmed with Hollerith punched cards. I had the advantage of attending Livermore High School, where those …


JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

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Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. The focus is usually on emergency communications gear, bug out bag gear, books and movies–often with a tie-in to disaster preparedness, and links to “how to” self-sufficiency videos. There are also links to sources for both storage food and storage containers. You will also note an emphasis on history books and historical movies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This week the focus is on snow gear. (See the Gear & Grub section.) Books: Snow Travel: Skills for Climbing, Hiking, …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“Foolish liberals who are trying to read the Second Amendment out of the Constitution by claiming it’s not an individual right or that it’s too much of a public safety hazard, don’t see the danger in the big picture. They’re courting disaster by encouraging others to use the same means to eliminate portions of the Constitution they don’t like.” – Alan Dershowitz



Why Trade Deficits Matter, by Lyn Alden

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Editor’s Introductory Note: This article is a guest post that I selected from a contrarian economist and investment advisor. It first appeared at the Lyn Alden Investment Strategy web site. — Due to the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, as well as between certain other nations, the concept of a trade deficit is now front and center in financial media. This article takes a look at why trade deficits (eventually) matter, and how they can factor into an investment strategy. Key Terms Defined Trade Deficit Simple Example Modern Trade Deficit Explanation Why I’m Cautious About the …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt: A Special Message

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This is the final News From The American Redoubt column for calendar year 2019. I’m taking this opportunity to briefly express my thanks and give recognition to some of the key leaders and promoters of the American Redoubt movement. They include: Pastor Chuck Baldwin of Liberty Fellowship, Kalispell, Montana Alex Barron of the North Idaho Republican Party central committee. He is the founder of the Charles Carroll Society, and now a candidate for the Idaho State Senate. His campaign deserves your support. Don Bradway. Shari Dovale and the Editors of Redoubt News The Editors of The Inland Northwest Report John …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 30, 2019

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December 30, 1865 was the birthday of Rudyard Kipling. His writings are now favorites among British, Australian, and American officers and NCOs deployed to Afghanistan. — Today we present another review by our Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio. But first, some breaking news (with commentary): Armed church members shoot active shooter inside packed Texas church during a livestreamed communion. JWR’s Comment:  Chalk up one for the Good Guys. Without their prompt response, this probably would have been another bloodbath.


LA Police Gear: Clothing, by Pat Cascio

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“Clothes make the man (or woman)” and I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say that, or where it came from. However, I believe, they are talking about dressing-up, as in a suit coat and trousers, for a man; or in the case of a woman, perhaps a really nice-looking dress. The last time I had my suit on was when my oldest daughter graduated from college – about 18 years go – I doubt it still fits me, and I know that I don’t own a pair of dress shoes to go with it. I’ve held …


Recipe of the Week: Vincent’s Italian Beef Roast

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Reader “Sis” kindly sent us this Italian Beef Roast recipe. Vincent’s Crock Pot Italian Beef Roast Ingredients 2-to-4 lb beef roast, whole. 10 pepperchinis diced, with seeds 1 jalapeno pepper, diced 1/3-to -1/2 tsp. Oregano 1 Tablespoon Cooking Oil 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/2 tsp. Fresh Ground Black Pepper 2 Cups of Water Directions Put roast in an electric crock pot or a covered broiler pan. Baste the roast in oil. Sprinkle the seasonings on the roast. Gently pour in two cups of water. Cook in a covered crock pot on a low setting for 4-5 hours or until tender. SERVING …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

This is my last Economics & Investing column post for calendar year 2019, so today I’m posting my 2020 recommendations: Stocks: Minimize. The unprecedented 11+ year U.S. economic expansion cannot continue indefinitely. So far, the banksters have kept “the everything bubble” expanding by means of artificially low interest rates. At some point in the near future, the bubble will deflate, and possibly pop spectacularly. Keep in mind that 2020 is a presidential election year. If The Powers That Be (TPTB) want to see President DJT ousted, then they can do so with an orchestrated crash. If they merely allow interest …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 29, 2019

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Today is the birthday of inventor Charles Goodyear (1800–1860.) This is also the birthday of actor Jude Law (born 1972.) You will remember him from Enemy at The Gates and Sky Captain. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 85 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The more than $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A $3,000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

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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 feature an article that describes some secret military bases, such as Pine Gap, Australia. (Pictured.) Mike Williamson: The Virginia Debacle, Summarized Over at our own Michael Z. Williamson’s personal blog (The Sacred …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself …