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 finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Directions
  1. Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot and cover with cold water until water level is 1 inch over the potatoes. Set over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until a fork or paring knife can be inserted into potatoes with very little resistance, 10-15 minutes.
  2. Strain potatoes and set aside.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving as much rendered fat in the pan as possible. Pour out all but about 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan.
  4. Add onions to pan with bacon fat and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. Place potatoes, bacon, onions, parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
SERVING

Best served immediately, while still warm. But it is suitable to chill and use for picnics.

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

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.

 

 

 

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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.

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Today is the birthday of pioneering economist Adam Smith, in 1723. He was born in Kirkaldy, County Fife, Scotland. He died July 17, 1790.

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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.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 113 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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 $2,000.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  3. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 113 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Warrior Poet Rifle 1 — A Course Review, by N.C.

I have previously written a review of the Warrior Poet Society streaming service. And, after much deliberation I bought the expensive (to me) in-person training for “Rifle 1”. What follows is my experience, some suggestions and lessons I learned.

The Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR) Summary

Warrior Poet training is excellent value for your money. I have zero regrets paying the money, Scottish genes notwithstanding. It has already made me a better shooter and set me on a path to get even better. I’ve seen other casual shooters changed for the better after trying Warrior Poet training. I hope to become like them and I will work so that I will be.

I received no products, discounts, or benefits from this positive review. I did ask the lead instructor if there were things he would prefer I leave out or make sure to include in my After Action Report and he said: “No, just give your honest opinion” and so I will.

Coherent Cumulative Curriculum

Warrior Poet’s curriculum is built around the idea that loving protectors may, with ethical and legal restrictions firmly in mind, have to use force to protect life. This means a gunfight, and to get better at gunfighting you must at least simulate gunfighting. The 1 and 2 level courses are aimed at giving you the fundamental skills to shoot, move, and utilize cover so that you can then simulate gunfights at their level 3 force-on-force courses.

The curriculum is specialized. They are teaching you how to use AR-style rifles, quickly, at close range, while in and around structures. They emphasize rifle use in what many consider pistol distances because they believe that is the use case most relevant to prepared citizens. The longest shot inside your house is probably the longest shot you will face. If you are primarily interested in reaching past that distance this course will be of limited value to you, although they are exploring a separate more long-range rifle course which piques my interest. For now, the rifle curriculum is focused on close range.Continue reading“Warrior Poet Rifle 1 — A Course Review, by N.C.”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Gay Star Wars MemeMeme 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:

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 I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

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, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” – Luke 7:11-23 (KJV) 

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — June 15, 2024

On June 15, 1762, Austria began issuing the first sovereign paper currency, in Vienna.

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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 later generations.

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Some breaking news: Supreme Court wipes out ban on ‘bump stock’ firearm attachments.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 113 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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 $2,000.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 113 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Prepping With My Non-Prepper Neighbors, by 3AD Scout

I do not belong to an organized and/or trained Mutual Assistance Group (MAG), but I might have a structure that may be just as good. That is, I have neighbors who are skilled and resilient. These neighbors might not be ready to survive a nuclear apocalypse but their lifestyle gives them an edge over many others when it comes to surviving the end of the world as we know it (TEOTWAWKI).

Who are these neighbors? Like any community, our little neighborhood is made up of all types of people. The main thing in common is, the vast majority have some type of ability to grow and/or raise their own food. Some might have a backyard flock of chickens, another may have goats and a garden while others might have a full-fledged dairy farm. My neighbors have many skills, and many make a living off those skills. A while back, I went to an auction at an Amish farm, and out by the mailbox were signs advertising the corn brooms, cider pressing, and maple syrup that the owners offered. You can see many of my neighbors working on repairing tractors or perhaps an old 1990s pick-up truck. Our neighbors are young, old, and everything in between. But all can bring something to the table when SHTF. So how do I prepare with these non-prepper neighbors?Continue reading“Prepping With My Non-Prepper Neighbors, by 3AD Scout”

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 ‘n Sods Column or in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

I’ve been gradually recovering from my recent cold.  I now have just a lingering cough on occasion, but my stamina is still not back to normal.  But at least I’m able to make progress on hauling composted soil, wood cutting, and wood splitting.  I also did some rototilling this week.  I’m confident that I’ll be back to normal, next week.

We had great fun hosting three of our grandsons for three nights, this week. We did some hiking, fishing, outdoor survival skills training, canoeing, and an overnight campout in the adjoining National Forest.  Among our other activities, I gave the boys a lesson on garden tool sharpening and oiling. I used a round-point shovel, a full-size scythe, and a hand scythe, as examples.

Now, Lily’s report…

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

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, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.

All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee; The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” – Isaiah 60: 1-14 (KJV) 

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!

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On June 14, 1846, the California (“Bear Flag”) Republic was proclaimed in Sonoma, declaring independence from Mexico, in a bloodless coup, dubbed The Bear Flag Revolt.

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On June 14, 1834, sandpaper was patented by Isaac Fischer Jr. of Springfield, Vermont.

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During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution on June 14th, 1777, stating that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” The national flag, which became known as the “Stars and Stripes,” was based on the “Grand Union” flag– a banner carried by the Continental Army in 1776 that also consisted of 13 red and white stripes.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 113 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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 $2,000.
  2. 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),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 113 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

—

But first, a publishing announcement…

The War On Human Life – Part 3, by J.B.H.

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)

Societal Matters

We have less control regarding societal matters than the previously discussed personal matters. But I do believe we can influence some of these things at least within our own families. If enough families change, society changes.

The First Step

The first step is adjusting how we view these problems. For instance when we view the issue of homosexuality, many view this primarily as a moral failing or disgusting or that they simply don’t like it or it is just a personal choice? These things may be true but, how many view it as an existential threat to the continuation of their own family line should it arise in their own children or grandchildren? How many view it as a threat to our society’s health and perhaps continuance if we are unable (unwilling?) to reproduce at a rate that allows us to continue? Homosexuality is a very real threat to your DNA and to the continuation of your civilization. The transgender movement is the same.

China pursued their One Child policy for decades. This was a policy against life. Now they are reaping the problems associated with this policy. Their society is aging with fewer and fewer people to take care of their elderly people. Japan is facing similar issues. Both countries are facing big problems in the coming years. We could face the same issues just for different reasons. Some would say we already are facing the issues.
So the first step in change is realizing the seriousness of these problems. These are life and death problems for our families and society.Continue reading“The War On Human Life – Part 3, by J.B.H.”

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 stack it deep! – JWR

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An excellent video primer: Buying Junk Silver for Beginners. Note from JWR: Unless you are already quite familiar with pre-1965 “junk” silver, then you should probably watch this video twice.

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At the UK Globe & Mail: Silver’s Bright Future: Green Energy Fuels Demand Surge.

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Gold is getting harder to find as miners struggle to excavate more, World Gold Council says.

Economy & Finance:

Reader D.S.V. spotted this: 63 US “Problem Banks” Are Nearly Insolvent, But You Can’t Know Which Ones.

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Biden’s team asks CEOs how to further boost the economy while Trump says business is on his side.

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Global economy will slow for a third straight year in 2024, World Bank predicts.

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At the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: U.S. Job Market Sees Supposed Strong Growth Amid Rising Unemployment: Economic Indicators Point to Mixed Signals.

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Why Is Xi Not Fixing China’s Economy?

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.” – James Monroe, Second annual message to Congress, November 16, 1818