Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — December 24, 2024

On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies. — December 24, 1818: The Christmas carol Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”) composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria. — And on December 24, 1889, Daniel Stover & William Hance patented a bicycle with a back-pedal brake. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists …




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 of more Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cases.  (See the Montana and Washington sections.) Idaho Jury issues decision in defamation trial centered on comments made to East Idaho News. o  o  o Avian Influenza confirmed in Treasure Valley, testing being done in CJ Strike area. …







Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 23, 2024

December 23, 1788: Maryland voted to cede a 10 square mile area for the District of Columbia. — December 23, 1907: The first all-steel passenger railroad coach was completed by the Pullman Company, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. — Today’s featured article was written by SurvivalBlog staffer Tom Christianson. — We are seeking entries for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. …




Recipe of the Week: Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing

The following recipe for Old-Fashioned Sausage Stuffing is from SurvivalBlog reader R.E.. Ingredients 1 pound mild pork sausage 2 cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup milk 7 cups dry bread cubes, coarse 2 large eggs 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon salt or salt to taste 1/4 teaspoon pepper Directions Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble sausage until it is no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain sausage, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings; set sausage aside. In same skillet, cook and stir celery and onion in reserved drippings over medium …










Preparedness Notes for Sunday — December 22, 2024

December 22, 1790: The supposedly impenetrable Turkish fortress of Izmail was stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies during the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792). — The December 22, 1989 Cold Wave: Recorded temperatures included: -6°F in Tulsa, Oklahoma; -12°F in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; -18°F in Denver, Colorado; -23°F in Kansas City, Missouri; -42°F in Scottsbluff, Nebraska; -47°F in Hardin, Montana; and -60°F in Black Hills, South Dakota. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest …




JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR: Meme Text: The House Continuing Resolution: “Oh, But You’re Also Getting a Hefty Pay Raise!” News Links: Donald Trump rejects bipartisan plan to avoid a government shutdown, sets up debt ceiling battle. Members of Congress rolled a pay raise for themselves into big must-do spending bill. What’s going on with the CR – Tim Burchett. Government shutdown highlights: Congress votes to keep government open, sending bill to Biden. Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then …




The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man …




Preparedness Notes for Saturday — December 21, 2024

The Winter Solstice has finally arrived. Those of us who are gardeners can now look forward to longer days and a Spring planting date.  Patience, folks! — On December 21, 1784, John Jay became acting US Secretary of State. He served in that office from 1789 to 1790. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 …




The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast …




Preparedness Notes for Friday — December 20, 2024

December 20, 1192: On his way home from the Third Crusade, English King Richard the Lionheart (Richard Cœur de Lion) was captured near Vienna by troops of Leopold of Austria. He was released 1194. — On December 20th, 1606, the Virginia Company loaded three ships with settlers and set sail to establish Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 …




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, another look at Equities markets. (See the Equities section.) Precious Metals: On Wednesday (December 18, 2024) “the bell rang” when spot silver dipped down to below $30 per Troy ounce. To restate my position from my recent investing columns: Silver is a bargain, anywhere below $30.50.  So stack it deep! – JWR o  o  o …