Year: 2023

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — July 27, 2023

On July 27, 2003, British-born American entertainer and comic actor Bob Hope, who was known for his rapid-fire delivery of jokes and one-liners, died at age 100. — July 27th is the birthday of Captain Samuel Whittemore (born in 1694, died February 3, 1793). He was an English-born American farmer and soldier. He was eighty years of age when he became the oldest known colonial combatant in the American War of Independence. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 107 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic …


A Low Power Communications Station in a Bucket – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2.) Photovoltaic (PV) Power Power can be supplied by an internal or external source. For long-term fixed installation, a single wire pair can deliver power from a 12 to 24 vdc from a PV panel to a battery stored inside, or placed outside, or directly to the voltage step-down converter inside. A Baofeng battery eliminator can accept the higher voltage of a PV panel and step it down to 7.4 volts that the transceiver requires. However, there is no battery present to be charged and consumed after sunset, whereas with the voltage step down covert charges the …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at fighting shotguns. Some Defensive Shotgun Wisdom Reader B.G. suggested this piece written by Sheriff Jim Wilson: Thoughts On The Defensive Shotgun. Nine Best Home-Defense Tactical …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — July 26, 2023

On July 26, 1956, the Italian passenger liner Andrea Doria sank after colliding with the Stockholm off the coast of Nantucket in the Atlantic Ocean; 51 people were killed. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 107 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: 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. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or …


A Low Power Communications Station in a Bucket – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.) Transceiver Selection These are various sizes and types of radios. For the purpose of size comparison, the photo illustrates why we should choose the smaller-size transceivers that will allow one to pack as many as possible into the metal can that is housed inside the 6-gallon bucket. The metal can is needed for protection from EMP, and as an additional protection from the environment when stored inside, or outside the bucket.) The smallest in size is the tiny Anytone Smart which is a 10 Meter FM, and 16-watt PEP CB AM/FM that has 400 channelized frequencies …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — U.S. Army’s New Advanced Enhanced Night Vision Goggles Look Like Predator’s Vision. o  o  o Biden Administration Rule Would Ban Nearly All Portable Gas-Powered Generators. o  o  o SurvivalBlog reader Jerome X. sent us this troubling news: At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed. o  o  o I just heard …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — July 25, 2023

July 25, 1898: U.S. forces under General Nelson A. Miles invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War. — On this day in 1797 Horatio Nelson loses more than 300 men and his right arm during the failed conquest attempt of Tenerife (Spain). — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 107 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: 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. A Gunsite Academy Three Day …


A Low Power Communications Station in a Bucket – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

Introduction This five-part article is about a low-power communications station that fits into a 6-gallon plastic bucket that can be operated in or out of a bucket, or perhaps two buckets. Included are tips to help maintain the station, and improve its effectiveness. Some can afford to buy better equipment, and some will also be interested in gathering Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). I believe that SIGINT will become essential in the future. This example was put together on a tight budget, so I can afford to make several communications stations, and still perform SIGINT and use digital modes. We should assemble …


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 of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, we focus on another Yellowstone bison goring incident — this one with a happy ending. (See the Wyoming section.) Idaho Idaho Fish and Game partnered with local landowners to control deer population and prevent disease spread. o  o  o Hayden fire continues to grow. o  …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — July 24, 2023

The late Jerry Ahern passed away on this day, July 24th, in 2012. His survivalist novels created an entire genre. — Just a few days left! Get your article in for Round 107 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $825,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 107 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 …


Remington Vantage Pellet Gun, by Thomas Christianson

I recently picked up a Remington Vantage pellet gun at a garage sale for $50. The most surprising thing about that purchase was that my wife, “Kari”, called the gun to my attention. Kari cannot be described in any way as a gun enthusiast. She tolerates guns as a necessary evil, but steadfastly refuses to touch one herself under any circumstances. So I was shocked when she not only drew the pellet gun to my attention, but also supported the purchase and even carried the gun to the car for me while I carried the much heavier box containing her …


Recipe of the Week: Tuna-Potato Cakes

The following recipe for Tuna-Potato Cakes is from SurvivalBlog reader M.S.. She says that this recipe is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Ingredients 12 oz of canned tuna, drained Juice of half a lemon 12 oz russet potatoes (2 medium russet potatoes, or about 2 cups mashed potatoes) ¼ cup milk (optional, to make the potatoes easier to mash) 2 large eggs (beaten) ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped) ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup bread crumbs DirectionS Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash and dry potatoes. Use a fork to …