Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — October 22, 2024

On October 22, 1575, the Mexican State of Aguascalientes (one of 32 Federal Entities of Mexico) was founded. The full name of the state is Estado Libre y Soberano de Aguascalientes. Literally, Aguascalientes means: “Hot waters”. JWR Adds:  My maternal grandfather Dewitt Creveling was born December 3, 1903, in Aguascalientes, Mexico. He was the son of an ex-pat American mining engineer.  He liked to say:  “I was born in hot water, and I’ve been in hot water all my life.”

On October 22, 1934, infamous criminal Charles (“Pretty Boy”) Floyd was fatally shot in a field near East Liverpool, Ohio, by FBI agents.

On October 22, 1797, André-Jacques Garnerin, an inspector in the French army who encouraged the use of balloons for military purposes, made a balloon ascent in order to give his first exhibition of parachuting, when he jumped from a height of about 3,200 feet (1,000 meters).

This is the birthday of painter and book illustrator N.C. Wyeth (1882–1945). It is also the birthday of actor Jeff Goldblum (born 1952), who had unforgettable roles in Buckaroo Banzai and in the Jurassic Park and Independence Day films.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 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 $2000.
  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 $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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 gun 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 $925,000 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. Round 115 ends on November 30th, 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.

Our Hurricane Experience in South Carolina, by K.U.

We live in a rural county about 60 miles from Augusta, Georgia. The night of September 26th, 2024 was one we never thought we’d experience so far inland. A full-blown hurricane was upon us (winds were recorded at 80-100mph in our county).

We awoke early on the 27th to no power and 1 bar of very spotty cell service. We built our house on a hill and made sure that no trees were nearby, so our house had minimal damage. We had some water come in and down a wall from the chimney, but plan to fix that with a different kind of deflector that moves and protects water intrusion from wind.

We were finally able to reach family by standing in the field to obtain a cell phone signal. Our daughter, her husband, their kids and our son all moved out to stay here. They were in Augusta and the devastation was apocalyptic. They had no power, no internet and no water. Around 50% of the homes had very large trees on them. Sadly, our rental house and our daughter’s rental house included. We are actively dealing with insurance claims and contractors so our renters can have a safe place to live.Continue reading“Our Hurricane Experience in South Carolina, by K.U.”

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, a look at fall colors, throughout the American Redoubt region.

Idaho

Clip – Idaho Falls fall foliage! (Scroll forward to 1:40.)

o  o  o

An injured hunter rescued by helicopter.

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Video: Driving a Beautiful, Unknown Road into the Idaho Mountains.

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Man leads wild police chase through Silver Valley yards.

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ISDA continues to battle Quagga Mussels in the Snake River, hot-wash stations here to stay.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

Preparedness Notes for Monday — October 21, 2024

October 21st, 1805: In one of the most decisive naval battles in history, a British fleet under Admiral Lord Nelson defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar, fought off the coast of Spain. At sea, Lord Nelson and the Royal Navy consistently thwarted Napoleon Bonaparte, who led France to preeminence on the European mainland. Nelson’s last and greatest victory against the French was the Battle of Trafalgar, which began after Nelson caught sight of a Franco-Spanish force of 33 ships. Preparing to engage the enemy force on October 21, Nelson divided his 27 ships into two divisions and signaled a famous message from the flagship Victory: “England expects that every man will do his duty.”

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Seed for Security, LLC has announced its Retirement Sale.

  • Electronic orders will be accepted until November 30, 2024.
  • Mail-in orders will accepted until November 15, 2024.

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We are running a 2-week-long sale at Elk Creek Company.  Until October 28th, 2024, all of our pre-1899 shotguns have their prices deeply discounted. Most of these can fire modern 12 gauge 2-1/2″ or 2-3/4″ shotgun shells. Take a look!

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Today’s feature article is a review that was written by blog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

 

Rock River Arms LAR-BT3 in 6.5 Creedmoor, by Thomas Christianson

The Rock River Arms LAR-BT3 in 6.5 Creedmoor provides an accurate, well-crafted, and robust firearm with moderate recoil and a generous magazine capacity chambered for a versatile and highly effective cartridge.

If you are looking for a semi-automatic rifle with more power than one chambered in 5.56 NATO, less recoil than one chambered in .308 Winchester, and a magazine capacity greater than 10 rounds, the LAR-BT3 in 6.5 Creedmoor might just hit the sweet spot for you.Continue reading“Rock River Arms LAR-BT3 in 6.5 Creedmoor, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Stew with Kale and Butternut Squash

The following recipe for Chicken Stew with Kale and Butternut Squash is from SurvivalBlog reader D.G.. It serves four adults. This is a tasty stew with a distinctly smoky flavor.

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces (2 links) spicy chicken sausage, diced
  • ½ Spanish onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (I like to use fire-roasted tomatoes if available for extra smoky flavor.)
  • ½ bunch of kale with center ribs removed, chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 3 cups cubed butternut squash (cut to ½-inch cubes)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt
Directions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken sausage and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the sausage and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic smell is apparent.
  3. Add the smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, ground cinnamon, and cayenne (if used) and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
  4. Add the tomatoes, butternut squash, kale, and chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the chicken thighs, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 25 minutes.
  5. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the saucepan to a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into small pieces.
  6. Scoop about 1 cup of butternut squash from the pot and mash it with a fork. Note: Don’t panic if there’s some tomatoes and kale in the mash, it’s all going back in the pot, anyway.
  7. Return the shredded chicken and mashed squash to the saucepan and simmer, uncovered for another 10 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed, to suit your taste.
SERVING

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot.

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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: Map showing Personal Income From Government Transfers (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

Note that this includes government employee paychecks, military pensions, and Social Security.

The thumbnail 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.

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”  – John 10: 14-18 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — October 20, 2024

On October 20, 1906, Dr. Lee DeForest demonstrated his electrical vacuum tube. (Radio tube.)

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October 20, 1803: U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.

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Today is the birthday of shootist Ed McGivern (born 1874, died December 12, 1957.) He was born in Nebraska, but was a long-time resident of Butte, Montana. His book Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting is fascinating reading.

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October 20th is also the birthday of actor Viggo Mortensen (born 1958.) He lives somewhere in the American Redoubt. On his ranch is his horse-for-life “TJ”–one of the five paint horses used in the filming of the movie Hidalgo. Most SurvivalBlog readers probably know him best for his starring role in The Road.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 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 $2000.
  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 $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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 gun 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 $925,000 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. Round 115 ends on November 30th, 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.

U.S. Military Tent Stoves – Part 5, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 4. This concludes the article.)

This photo shows the area behind the stove that is about 18 inches away. It could have been safely installed at only 12 inches away, yet because there was the space available and to help improve the airflow at the closest point, 6 inches, this was a good use of the additional distance. In addition, we can see the welds around the stove pipe collar on the wood stove and the welds at the juncture of the lower half and the pan that supports the grate.

The bottom of the stove becomes so hot that it will scorch a wood surface. The thicker the wood, the less likely it might ignite. Using sheet metal to protect a 3/4 inch wood is sufficient, however we might wish for additional assurance that the installation is a fire-safe one, and there is more than one way to get this done. For example, a 12″x 12″ paving brick, or a set of 3 red bricks is more than ample,. But there is almost an endless list of ways that increase the height of the stove as it would be used for cooking, or to allow the stove to attach to an existing chimney pipe. The stand in the photo that the stove sits upon is very stable and lightweight. It could be made taller or wider, or both. The top of the stand is comprised of 2 layers of aluminum flashing that are attached to the frame with screws without a wooden floor below it and suspends the stove without other structural support directly underneath that could be possibly scorched or charred. And this allows the heat from the bottom of the stove to escape below. Another stand is a metal frame in the form of a cube, and another option uses the base and legs of a small barbecue, or three cement blocks stood upright. There are many other ways to make a practical stove stand, including a steel framework.Continue reading“U.S. Military Tent Stoves – Part 5, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR, based on a suggestion from SurvivalBlog reader John H.:

Meme Text:

The Latest Tall Tale From Tampon Tim:

“And Then There Was That Time That I Forced Those Tanks To Stop, On One Of My Many Trips To China…”

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:

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:

Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” – Acts 26:1-18 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — October 19, 2024

On October 19, 1926, John C. Garand patented his en bloc clip-fed semi-automatic rifle. Later, in refined form, this design was adopted as the U.S. M1 Garand rifle.

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October 19th is the birthday of three notables: The late Alexander Zeisal “Zus” Bielski (born 1912), investor Jim Rogers (born 1942), and James Howard Kunstler (born 1948). Kunstler is well known to SurvivalBlog readers as the author of the novel World Made by Hand and the nonfiction book The Long Emergency. A fictionalized portrayal of Zus Bielski is seen in the movie Defiance. This movie was loosely based on the excellent book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec.

—

We are running a 2-week-long sale at Elk Creek Company.  Until October 28th, 2024, all of our pre-1899 shotguns have their prices deeply discounted. Most of these can fire modern 12 gauge 2-1/2″ or 2-3/4″ shotgun shells. Take a look!

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 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 $2000.
  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 $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

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 Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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 gun 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 $925,000 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. Round 115 ends on November 30th, 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.

 

U.S. Military Tent Stoves – Part 4, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 3.)

Army Tent Stove Modifications

As the M1941/H-45 assembles with one half that sits on top of the lower half to make it ready to use. It can be made about 8 inches lower in height of its is assembled size for transport as one half can sit inside the other. The H-45 when assembled uses 3 nut and bolt attachment points on the outside of the stove to secure the pan to the top half. This is a worthwhile improvement as it would be possible to knock the top half off should some take a hard fall onto the stove, and knock the top half off exposing the fire inside. This would not be good. It would be better to secure the bottom to the top in a permanent way.

The ability to bolt the H-45 stove halves together, and disassemble it is one of the important advantages of the H-45. Not only for transport, but also to replace a lightly constructed grate that was placed inside as a substitute for the heavy and durable iron grate that is available for these stoves. Those are hard to find for sale. Original iron grates sold separately for the M1941 are expensive, yet available and are perhaps worth the purchase price.  Certainly, if coal will be used. With a sturdy grate in place, it will last a lifetime of wood-burning service. That might be just a decade of regular seasonal use, without it.Continue reading“U.S. Military Tent Stoves – Part 4, by Tunnel Rabbit”