Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 19, 2025

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.

KA-BAR Dozier KA4065, by Thomas Christianson

With a price of only $20 at the time of this writing at the Dozier Knives website, the KA-BAR Dozier KA4065 Folding Knife is the best value for an everyday carry (EDC) knife that I know about today.

The knife has a three-inch hollow ground blade made of AUS 8A stainless steel that is 0.11 inches thick. The blade can be deployed with one hand ambidextrously by using a thumb notch. A lockback latches the open blade securely in place. The unlined Zytel handle provides an excellent grip surface. It is light and thin and easy to carry.

The knife was designed by Bob Dozier, and manufactured in Taiwan (Free China.)

If you need a good EDC knife but are short on cash, this is the one to buy.Continue reading“KA-BAR Dozier KA4065, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Raspberry Streuseled Muffins

The following recipe for raspberry streuseled muffins is from SurvivalBlog reader V.F.. She writes:

“With raspberry season coming up, I thought that I’d share this recipe that was e-mailed to me by a good friend, two years ago. I have successfully doubled this recipe with no problems.”

Ingredients
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Slightly heaped 1/2 cup measure of granulated sugar
  • 1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
  • Half a medium lemon
  • 1 large egg
  • 2/3 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 8 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries (will measure from 1-2/3 to 1-3/4 cups.)
Directions for the Streusel

In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugar, pinch of salt, and 1 cup of the flour until it forms a clumpy mixture. Next, scoop out 1/4 cup and set it aside in a small bowl, since this will be your streusel topping.

Directions for the Batter

Finely grate the zest of your lemon half into the large bowl with the remaining streusel in it, then juice the lemon half over it too. Add the yogurt and egg and whisk to combine as smoothly as you can, but if the batter doesn’t fully even out, don’t worry. Sprinkle the surface of the batter with baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and whisk to thoroughly combine, going several times more around the bowl than would usually seem necessary. Add the remaining 2/3 cup of flour and all of the berries and stir gently, just until the flour disappears.

Heat your oven to 375° F.

NOtes on Prepping your Muffin Tin

Very lightly coat the top surface of your muffin tin with nonstick spray or swipe it with butter. This ensures any muffin spillover releases easily. Line 6 cups with parchment muffin liners. If you’re using a 12-cup pan, space them out and pour about 1 tablespoon of water in each empty cup, which will keep the empty pockets from burning.

Pouring And Baking

Divide batter between six prepared muffin cups; go ahead and heap it as much as is needed. Divide reserved streusel between muffin tops and use your fingers to push any that lands on the muffin tin back to a nearby muffin.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted from the top to the center of the muffin comes out batter-free. Let them cool completely in the pan.

STORAGE

These store quite well, either in their baking pan or on a plate, uncovered. (If you cover them, then they will get mushy tops.)

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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: A map showing forest cover density across the continental U.S.. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

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Please send your graphics or graphics links 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:

“For a man’s house is his castle, et domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium [and each man’s
home is his safest refuge].” – Sir Edward Coke, The Third Part of the Institutes of the Laws of England (1628) Chapter 73, p. 162

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 18, 2025

May 18, 1291: After 100 years of Crusader control, the last Crusader stronghold of Acre (now known as Akko, Israel) was reconquered and destroyed by the Mamluks under Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil.

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May 18th, 1825 was the birthday of Daniel Baird Wesson, of Smith and Wesson fame.

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On May 18th, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington erupted, causing a massive avalanche and killing 57 people. Ash from the volcanic eruption fell as far away as Minnesota.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $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 $350 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 TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail 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.

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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.

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 6, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 5. This concludes the article.)

Field Phone Line Circuits: The Platoon Hot Loop

This method can to be used if the layout of LP/OPs is favorable. This method of connecting phones is referred to as the Platoon Hot Loop, yet the connection can be made to string the phones together, not in a circle but all along a singe line be it straight or in a circular shape that resembles a perimeter.

The ‘loop’ is actually the electrical path created the connections made in a series in the same way Christmas tree lights were once supplied with power.  And we know what happens when one of the bulbs burns out: The whole string goes out. The technique uses a single wire pair that can connect many phones in series.  The limit of phones is actually determined by the ringing power that can be supplied by any one of the phones that are on the line.  Too many phones will require more power than is available from the weakest magneto that generates up to 90 VAC with sufficient amperage to ring a few other phones without assistance from a switchboard.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 6, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

Punster Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s Fame (Creator of The “Cherry Garcia” Flavor) Was Arrested for Disrupting the Senate

But He Faces No Charges For His Crimes Against Hugh Manatee

Hugh Had No Comment

News Link:

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder arrested after disrupting Senate hearing with pro-Gaza protest

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 he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.” – Mark 4:21-34 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — May 17, 2025

On May  17, 1756, Britain declared war on France. This was later known as the Seven Years’ War or the French & Indian War.

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On this day in 1769, George Washington launched a legislative salvo at Great Britain’s fiscal and judicial attempts to maintain its control over the American colonies. He brought a package of non-importation resolutions, drafted by George Mason, before the Virginia House of Burgesses. This initiated a chain of events that led to Britain’s House of Lords demanding that men involved in the extra-legal Massachusetts convention of towns be tried in England. Britain’s plan backfired and created an American identity where before there had been none.

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And on May 17, 1884, Alaska became a US territory.

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Please pray for the folks that were in the path of the recent tornadoes. At least  23 people were killed.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $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 $350 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 TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail 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.

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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.

 

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 5, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 4.)

The Swedish M37 field telephone is an example of a good middle-of-the-road approach that is relatively lightweight, affordable, adequately durable, and mostly found to be in good operational condition.  These are not as sophisticated and suitable for silent operation as either the TA-312 or the TA-1, yet they can be fitted with a 12 VDC grain of wheat sized red LED that pulses when an incoming call is made to the phone or a peizo buzzer that softly chirps and closely duplicates the TA-312 reduced volume ‘ringer’ merely by connect either to the terminals.  Disconnect the mechanical ringer after installing the LED or piezo buzzer, or use cotton balls stuffed inside the bells to greatly muffle the sound to an almost inaudible level.

For the to common man, a single set of two field phones, one at the base station and the other at the primary lookout site could prove to be invaluable. If all other communications are inappropriate or to risky to use under a future threat situation, and when all other communication means and methods fail, the field phones will continue to operate.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 5, by Tunnel Rabbit”

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:

Lily and I cleaned out the sheep shed. That mixed sheep manure and hay bedding was hauled via wheelbarrow to one of our compost piles near the main garden.

I helped an ailing neighbor, by cutting and stacking most of his annual firewood supply.

The lambing season for our fiber flock has been complete for more than a month. But lambing has just begun with our other sheep flock — the one with a larger breed, dedicated to milk and meat. Lily will give you the details in her part of the weekly report…

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.

Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.

For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” – Zechariah 4 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday — May 16, 2025

On May 16th, 1527, the city-state of Florence was declared a republic.

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On May 16, 1997, Zaire’s president, Mobutu Sese Seko, ended 32 years of dictatorial rule, giving control of the country to rebel forces.

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May 16, 1903: The first transcontinental motorcycle trip began in San Francisco by George A. Wyman. He arrived in New York on July 6, 1903.

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Today is the birthday of clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader Woody Herman. (Born 1913, died Oct. 29, 1987.)

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $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 $350 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 TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail 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 $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.

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 4, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 3.)

Applying P.A.C.E. to a Commo Plan

For every communication requirement, always have an alternative or substitute option to accomplish the same task. For example, hand and light signals and whistles are appropriate alternatives for a security operation.

As a last resort, a signal fire, fog horn, or air raid siren could be for emergency communications.  However, I should let the user make the final decision.  Stay off the beaten path as much as possible and increasingly so as the threat conditions escalate.  As threats learn and evolve, so should we.  Continually improve your security operation and commo plan that is an essential adjunct to your primary job, security.

Technique is More Important Than the Radio Specs

How one uses their communications equipment is more important than the equipment itself. For example, I can use directional antennas on two scanners or suitable receivers on both sides of a communications circuit to listen to very low-powered 1/4 to 1/2 watt FRS radios at either station as far apart as 5 miles away. Low Level Voice Intercept (LLVI) attempts would be mostly defeated. Only a drone directly overhead could DF the signal. The cost of this equipment would be minimal.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 4, by Tunnel Rabbit”