Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — January 13, 2021

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This is the birthday of actor and shooter Robert Stack (1919 -2003.)

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 92 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 course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (a $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Front Sight Lifetime Diamond Membership, providing lifetime free training at any Front Sight Nevada course, with no limit on repeating classes. This prize is courtesy of a SurvivalBlog reader who prefers to be anonymous.
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, that have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. 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).
  4. Naturally Cozy is donating a “Prepper Pack” Menstrual Kit.  This kit contains 18 pads and it comes vacuum-sealed for long term storage or slips easily into a bugout bag.  The value of this kit is $220.
  5. An assortment of products along with a one-hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  4. A transferable $150 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!

Round 92 ends on January 31, 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.


32 Comments

  1. Why are field phones important? Using an $20 RTL SDR Dongle, I can almost instantly see radio traffic and within seconds have the frequency. Within a 5 mile radius with a good antenna on a hill, I can hear 1/2 watt signals and and see weak signals at a greater range. Radios are useful, but also a liability. I’d much rather use a phone if I could. Also, with a field phone, discipline is not critical and much more information can be exchanged.

    Field Phones & DIY Telecomm for bad times
    https://youtu.be/eHEWMmIbXS0

    1. I hope you watched Steve Pieczenick on Alex Jones today (1/13/2021). One week to go, Pieczenick says Trump will see to the arrests of the whole Biden ~ Pelosi crew; Trump will become President for his second term. … Steve Pieczenick is doubling down on his earlier predictions.

      I’m hoping Pieczenick is right. I’m going to get some Fresh Food preps, at the store today. Gee Whiz, I live in such a Blue Zombie area, their fangs are blue. Crazy times ahead for sure.

      1. I will catch the AJ show tonight. Too busy prepping. Pieczenick’s prediction are at this time very bold. There is no reason to bluff, and he looses all credibility if he is incorrect. There are those such as Mike Adams and Pieczenick who see the potential for Trump to pull me (a rabbit) out of the hat, and those such as Alex Jones and Skoulsen who would consider these claims to be unrealistic, and even ”hype”. I can see why Adams speculates, and sees 3 possible outcomes, 2 of which are optimistic. As an old chess player, the third possibility, that is resignation, is the most likely, but only 1 if 3 possibilities. I do not believe Adams is hypster, but he is likely overly optimistic. That does not mean that he or Pieczenick could not be correct. I simply do not have enough information and believe it is best to assume the worst and pray for the best. I do pray hard for the country and Trump while preparing for the Tribulation. Even if Trump some how pulls me our of a hat, he could only postpone the inevitable just a bit longer, and I hope he does. Not even 1 percent of Christians are ready. I spoke with a young Amish man this afternoon. We had a nice long chat. Even the Amish are not ready. I pray for more time. I might be ready, but I am likely too old to make it, and we need the young to be prepared.

        1. The Trump supporters are NOT NOT NOT violent and rioting around the USA. … It was verys mall group of people causing problems and damage at the National Capitol. Someone threw a fire extinguisher and killed a policeman. … [The problems at the Capitol have been instigated by Antifa]

          All of sudden, there is a large force of National Guard inside Washington DC. (I saw where the Mayor of Washington DC complained about it.) The President of the United States has the legal authority to call the National Guard into Washington DC.
          ……. I also read where, some of the National Guard was given ‘live’ ammunition. Plus, a tall fence was erected around the Trump Hotel. (Does that sound like something to keep Trump voters away?)

          Something might be up! We’ll see this week. ~ I’m going to the grocery store again today to buy some more short-term preps. We’ll know by the 20th of January, if Pieczenick is right or not!

          1. I was impressed with Pieczenick’s confidence. His reputation will be ruined if he is incorrect. It is right out of a Tom Clancy novel kinda of stuff. I would not want to be accused of being overly optimistic, but I cannot rule out this, or several other plausible scenarios.

  2. I’ve been a faithful reader of this blog for many years. Thank you, JWR & Co., and the multitudes of readers who contribute. Reading the articles AND comments have educated me on many topics. Again, thank you all!

    Curious if anyone tracks specific food product prices and tracks them? If so, how often do you track? Do you use the same store for price confirmations?

    My goal is to track specific food products throughout the year. At years end, I will figure out the percentage increases and see what , if any, certain groups have increased.

    If anyone has done this, I’d appreciate any advice. Anything shared would be greatly appreciated.

    Agape!

    1. I’ve never kept actual records, I go on memory. I primarily grocery shop at three locations. I shop these stores for quality/price of meat and produce, having the selection of other products that I need/want. I also know which location has the best prices for particular items. For example, last winter hamburger was $3.29 lb. In Feb it went to $2.99, after pandemic and lockdown it went to $3.69, the following month $3.89, by midsummer $3.69, in the fall $3.29, this month back up to $3.69. I am good with numbers and usually purchase the same items on a regular basis. Several ways to keep records easily that I can see, on a smart phone making a list, keeping paper on hand when shopping or by using your store receipt. One other thing to consider is the size, ounces of quantity etc. One way to increase price is to reduce quantity of a product for the same price.

    2. Yes I do every day! All 240 legs worth! We raise beef cattle they get fed every 3 days depending on weather conditions. I know its not exactly what you meant but I have seen a large rise in salt block prices, some of our bagging and wrapping plastics have risen about 5%. I think the worst rise is in machinery parts.

      1. My apologies for feeling gabby this morning (old age itis). … We’re lucky some people like farming and ranching; we would all starve to death, if they also wanted to just sit around, playing video games and watching TV ~ like a lot of us.
        Sitting inside all the time; a lot of people never hear the Meadow Lark sing. … For some people out farming and ranching, hearing the Meadow Larks is the only reward for all the work and long hours.

        A lot of us wouldn’t know what a salt block was, once the cows start licking on it.
        [People living out in the boonies can attract deer and critters to watch, with a salt block. … Of course as they say up in the hills, “Anyone that stops to smell the flowers around here, will soon be covered in deer ticks.” +Plus, check the game laws.]

        City Slickers like me, that would like to know more about Salt for Animal Feed and Salt Blocks can view this site:
        1. cargill(dot)com/animal-nutrition/brands/other-feed-ingredients/champions-choice-salt

        And to know more about Salt production in some areas:
        2. rockthelake(dot)com/buzz/2017/12/cargill-salt-mine-cleveland/
        “The Cargill salt mine: an other world under Lake Erie”

        “Down, down, down. In three minutes, the skip drops nearly 1,700 feet below Cleveland. Then the giant metal door swings open, and you’re deposited in an other-world, with walls, ceiling and floor made of salt.”

        “The mine can produce 4 million tons of rock salt each year, but because of mild winters, the last two years the mine has produced about 75 percent of an average year. Last year, five Ohio counties produced about 4.5 million tons of salt. (Ohio is the fifth biggest producer of rock salt in the country.) The Cleveland mine produced the most.”

        “The mine could be anywhere in the Great Eastern Salt Basin, under a huge area stretching from Michigan to New York, through Ontario. Under Lake Erie, though, Cargill has to lease land from only one owner – the state of Ohio. Plus, Cargill can ship the salt all over the Great Lakes.”
        *******
        *******
        A political statement by me (GGHD). The Communist and Socialist countries die, because of Economic Central Planning. …. They don’t allow people to make their own economic decisions, and sometimes pause for a moment, just to hear the Meadow Lark sing.

        1. GGHD, you are offering balm to my tender heart…pause for a moment, just to hear the Meadow Lark sing.

          I was out cross country skiing with a dear friend today. Pausing to hear the snowflakes land.

          I make it a point to read what you post, every time.

          Carry on

      1. Now is the time for us all, including this site’s owner, to register our displeasure with big tech by taking our business away from companies that are suppressing our First Amendment Rights.
        Not only do we have to STOP USING Google, Facebook, Apple, Twitter and Amazon. We also have to remove our investments that are in those companies. Most of us who have pensions and IRAs as a part of our retirement savings would be unpleasantly shocked to see that companies who actively support 1A suppression, BLM, antifa and the CCP are usually the bulk of our investment funds’ components.
        Call your broker, maybe they have alternative investments that are in agreement with our values. If not, it might be a good time to skip those potential gains that will come with Biden-hype IF there is a Biden administration.
        It’s YOUR money, you do not have to support the people who want to silence you, first, before they move on to other groups or more extreme tactics.

        2. BinWY, you are singin’ my song. I think you posted something about buying local the other day. When we lose our fear, they lose their power. For me losing my fear has to do with maybe spending a little more or making a little less on my investments. Truly, that is a small price to pay for liberty.

          Carry on

  6. Highly recommend this overview.

    Joel Skousen 2020 Year End Analysis
    21,536 views•Premiered Dec 5, 2020

    https://youtu.be/g7uorqpUJBY

    ———–

    Recommend this business as the best for information and supplies for the Dankoff and other solar water pumps. If I am forced to relocate deep into the woods, then I would want to take this pump with me.

    They believe this pump will pump about 600 gallons per day.

    Dankoff Slow Pump
    https://www.humboldtsolarwaterpump.com/dankoff-solar-water-pump-model-1303-24/

    1. Tunnel Rabbit-

      Even outside the USA, we are being warned to stock, water, food, candles etc ( ahem…..self defence items? ), trouble and shortages are expected. Not good times. God IS in charge and knows the outcome. I know which side is right. I am on his side.

      1. In Europe, even the availability of shotguns could dry up. In the American-led guerrilla war in the Philippines during WW2 they improved and used slam fire shotguns using 3/4 inch plumbing pipe as shotgun barrels. This pipe is available in Europe. 12 gauge shotshells fit in this pipe. While in Denmark, I made some homemade shotguns, complete with firing pin. The Slam Fire Filipino version is best however, and plans are available on the net. There is even video on YouTube of persons developing this type of shotgun and demonstrating. Shotshells are a relatively low pressure cartridge, and the walls of modern steel plumbing pipe is adequate.

  7. From the covid-crazy files…

    1) in New York, a proposed bill A00416 “Relates to the removal of cases, contacts and carriers of communicable diseases that are potentially dangerous to the public health.”

    (Yes, it is just as draconian as it sounds. Also, don’t forget: racism is also a threat to public health! And if you disagree with the established GroupThink — for example, if you choose to see individuals as precious INDIVIDUALS in the image of their Creator, and judge them by their character and actions rather than seeing skin color first and making all judgments based on ‘intersectionality’ — then you are racist!)

    https://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A00416&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y

    2) Students in LA will be required to get the vaccine if they want to return to in-person classes. (The CHILD students. Y’know, the ones who were deemed lowest risk? The ones on whose age group the vaccines haven’t even been tested yet? The ones who have the longest lives ahead in which to suffer through any medium- or long-term vaccine effects? Yes, those students.)

    https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-01-11/beutner-says-students-must-be-vaccinated-to-return-to-campus

    3) If one mask is good, more is better, right?? So sayeth the New York Times. (Usually I post links directly to the original articles, but I do not have, and refuse to create, a NYT account. So I was only able to scan the first half of it briefly before their Login blocker popped up. But NTB has the gist.) Oxygen? Who needs that, anyway?

    https://notthebee.com/article/new-york-times-seriously-suggested-that-we-should-wear-two-masks-at-once-to-fight-covid

    ——
    This morning my husband informed me that he had heard that the #1 bestselling book on Amazon right now is….drum roll, please….1984! When I just now checked on their website to verify it, 1984 is now at the #2 spot. Andy Ngo’s new book “Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy” is now #1. I’m half surprised that Amazon hasn’t banned them both. I guess there’s still time, after they make their $$$.
    (Also, for anyone with little grandkids, it seems there is a new Little Blue Truck book out for Valentine’s Day. Little Blue Truck is adorable despite being rhythmic and sing-songy enough to stick in the skull. I have at least two of the others memorized, lol.)

    1. Oh, speaking of ‘low risk’:

      Tuesday, I visited a new physician to re-new some scripts.

      Honestly, I thought the doctor was a millennial!
      I thought that, but our initial exchange verified something else… the youngster suffers from today’s popular mental illness… the doctor is a ‘hypochondriac’!

      The kicker:
      * as an obstinate old cuss with an utter disbelief in any alleged illness with the suffix ‘-19’, I wear a dual-filter respirator — rated for fumes, dust, and VOC vapor — as a show of my disdain.
      According to the OSHA label, my respirator effectively filters every type of airborne particle (except perhaps indignant glares).

      Before the (millennial) physician would agree to enter the exam room:
      He ordered me to remove my respirator… and wear an office-supplied ear-hanger cloth pleated ‘face-mask’… rated at zero-zero-zero effectiveness.
      Yup, zero-zero-zero effectiveness… because the caution label on the dispenser clearly says “NOT DESIGNED TO BE EFFECTIVE AGAINST ANY AIRBORNE VIRUS”.

      Do you sometimes feel like you are the only sane person within throwing distance?

      Oh, remember I said this was a new physician for me?

      Well.
      The (millennial) counter staff insisted all the patients wait outside in our vehicles… nobody allowed to infest their precious waiting room, nobody allowed to mill around exhaling near their precious entry.
      I am not kidding.
      I drove over in one of our farm trucks, but they about had a conniption fit after I told them I took the bus and I am too old to stand in the rain in the parking lot.

      After consulting with all the various (millennial) staff in the back-room, they reluctantly offered me a compromise:
      * “We will grant you a one-time exclusion to wait inside this time…” as long as I sat way over in the far corner facing the wall.

      Bless their hearts.

    2. Bear,

      I am confused at this statement: (Yes, it is just as draconian as it sounds. Also, don’t forget: racism is also a threat to public health! And if you disagree with the established GroupThink — for example, if you choose to see individuals as precious INDIVIDUALS in the image of their Creator, and judge them by their character and actions rather than seeing skin color first and making all judgments based on ‘intersectionality’ — then you are racist!)

      Are you telling us that is what the state of New York is making a part of their law?

      Carry on

  10. This guy scared the heck out of me. I am surprised he didn’t blow himself up. Rule No. 1
    WHEN YOU SMELL GAS; STOP THE ENGINE IMMEDIATLY. He actually drove a vehicle with a gas leak into his shop. Cool, now the shop can burn along with the leaking vehicle. Gas is flammable, gas vapor is EXPLOSIVE! This is a very good how not to do something video . Things can go upside down rather quickly and I understand that self immolation is kind of painful. Stop the engine, find the leak and fix it where it is at, or tow the vehicle to where it can be repaired!!!

  11. In Ohio, the Ohio Department of Health is running radio commercials featuring nurses (supposedly) who work in hospital ICUs, telling how heartbreaking it is to care for COVID patients, when they are put on respirators, when they die alone. The message is to take the virus seriously, wear a mask, etc.

    I have to wonder, are they really nurses, or are they actors? And left unsaid is why these people die, in addition to their co-morbidities: because they were put on respirators, instead of being given more effective, less dangerous treatments. Oh, and the hospitals got money for putting them on respirators. Blood money, IMO.

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