Tom Christianson sent this important update: Smithsonian posted this report: Sun Launches Its Strongest Solar Flare of the Year So Far, Causing Radio Blackouts Around the World. (The May 18, 2025 photo above is courtesy of NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. NASA / SDO.)
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On May 19th, 1515, George, Duke of Saxony sold Friesland for 100,000 gold guilders to Charles of Habsburg, Duke of Burgundy. He was later named Emperor Charles V.
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On May 19, 1796, the first game law was approved in the United States. The law created penalties for hunting or destroying game within Indian Territory. It bears mention that modern American fish and game laws make “living off the land” nearly impossible, at least outside of Alaska.
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Today’s feature piece is a review written by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.
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We still need some entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 118 ends on May 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. 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.