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, the emphasis is on some recent bear news. Region-Wide: Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones and Estimated Range. o  o  o This writer obviously didn’t solicit any opposing opinions: Wildlife Activists Urge Continued Grizzly Bear Protections. Idaho: Island Park man shoots grizzly in defense-of-life. o  o  o …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — June 17, 2024

On June 17, 1579, English navigator Francis Drake landed on the coast of California at Drakes Bay, and named it “New Albion”. Sad News: I just heard of the untimely passing of George “GEO” Cox.  You may know of him by way of his very informative YouTube videos, posted under “Iridium242“.  Many folks in Nevada knew GEO as a founding member of the Nevada Shooters Forum. What a great loss to both the prepping and shooting communities. He will be missed! Today is the birthday of Dean Charles Ing (June 17, 1931 – July 21, 2020). He was an American …


Recipe of the Week: Schwabisch Potato Salad

The following recipe for Schwabisch Potato Salad is from SurvivalBlog reader Kurt W. Kurt says:  “This recipe comes from the border region between Germany and France.  It uses vinegar rather than mayonnaise, so it makes it safer to bring for summertime picnics and church luncheons.” Ingredients 2 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice 3/4 cup finely minced yellow onion (about 1 small) 1/3 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons …


SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic depicts Persistent Poverty, by county. Sadly, there is a high correlation with Indian Reservation lands and former plantation lands with depleted soils. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.) The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.       — Please send your graphic ideas to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — June 16, 2024

On June 16, 1779, Spain declared war on Great Britain in support of France and the United States, starting the Great Siege of Gibraltar which went on to last 3 years, 7 months and 2 weeks. — Today is the birthday of pioneering economist Adam Smith, in 1723. He was born in Kirkaldy, County Fife, Scotland. He died July 17, 1790. — I heard that Good2GoCo.com has ceased doing business. My apologies to anyone who received Good2GoCo purchase credits as part of their SurvivalBlog writing contest prizes and didn’t have the opportunity to spend them. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today …


JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR: Meme Text: Disney+’s Newest Star Wars Series The Acolyte Has Been Touted As The “Gayest Star Wars Ever” “I Felt A Great Disturbance In The Force… As If Millions of Voices Suddenly Cried Out: What Have You Done With This Franchise?“ News Links: Fans Think New ‘Acolyte’ Episode Changes ‘Star Wars’ Lore As Supposed Lesbian Witch Plot Goes Viral—But Others Say It Makes Sense. ‘The Acolyte’ Showrunner Concurs It’s The “Gayest Star Wars” And That R2-D2 Is A Lesbian. The Acolyte is getting review bombed on Rotten Tomatoes by angry fanboys. Notes From JWR: …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — June 15, 2024

On June 15, 1762, Austria began issuing the first sovereign paper currency, in Vienna. — Following a revolt by the English nobility against his rule, King John put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter” on this day in 1215. This document, essentially a peace treaty between John and his barons, guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation’s laws. Although it was more a reactionary than a progressive document, the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by …


Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both 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 the Odds …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, …


Preparedness Notes for Friday — June 14, 2024

Because of a change in direction at Trident Media Group (my partner publisher) my novel Land Of Promise, will only be published in trade paperback by Amazon.com for one more month, at just $11.99 per copy. The last day of the sale (and of Amazon Print on Demand ordering capability) will be July 12, 2024. Thereafter, it may only be available as an e-book. I will try to get it back in print within a few months, but I can’t make any promises.  So order your copy (or copies) soon! — On June 14, 1846, the California (“Bear Flag”) Republic …


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, a look at pre-1965 “junk” silver coins. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: The recent dip in the spot silver price to below $30 USD per Troy ounce signals a good opportunity to do some buying and stacking. I believe that this dip will be brief, so take advantage of it. Buy physical silver and …