Year: 2024

Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 30, 2024

On September 30, 1880, American amateur astronomer Henry Draper took the first-ever photograph of the Orion Nebula.  More recent images have of course been more dazzling, but Draper’s was the first.   — On this day in 1938, the short-lived Treaty of Munich was signed by Hitler, Mussolini, Daladier, and Chamberlain. This treaty forced Czechoslovakia to cede territory to Germany. — I just heard of the death of Kris Kristofferson, at age 88. First known for his music, and later for his acting, he was among America’s Larger Than Life crowd. I first became aware of him as an actor …


Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson

The Benelli Nova and Supernova series of pump shotguns utilize steel-reinforced polymer receivers. This makes the guns strong, durable, and weather-resistant. Polymer-framed handguns are as common as flags on the Fourth of July. Polymer-framed shotguns are much less common. After testing the Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, I am surprised that this is the case. I was highly impressed with its balance, fit and finish, and silky smooth operation. I am surprised that the Nova has not carved out a commanding share of the shotgun market since its introduction in the mid-1990s in the way that Glock has …


Recipe of the Week: Saltine Cracker Crumb Chicken 

The following recipe for Saltine Cracker Crumb Chicken is from SurvivalBlog reader L.A.. Ingredients ½ c. butter or margarine 1 sleeve of saltine crackers, crushed to crumbs ½ c. bread crumbs (Panko crumbs are best, but any others will do.  Or substitute more cracker crumbs, if you don’t have any bread crusts.) ½ tsp. garlic powder 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (+/- to suit your taste) ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp black pepper 4 medium-sized boneless and skinless chicken breasts Directions Place each chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper. Pound each breast to around 1 in. thickness using a …




Preparedness Notes for Sunday — September 29, 2024

Please pray for everyone who was in the path of tropical storm Helene, and now dealing with the after-effects of the storm. — On September 29, 1916, American oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first billionaire.  In terms of purchasing power, that would be the equivalent of $28,880,366,972, in inflated 2024 Dollars. — On September 29, 1668, the English expedition to Hudson Bay led by Frenchman Médard Chouart Des Groseilliers arrived at Nemiscau (Rupert) River aboard the Nonsuch. This was the beginning of the Hudson Bay Company. — The famous and controversial Twilight Zone episode “The Shelter” (Episode …


The Final Countdown: Last-Minute Readiness Checks – Part 2, by Michael X.

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) Water List This is an item for the first three days. This is super important and needs to be one of the first items confirmed. Check locations and condition of water sources: Bottled Water/Stored water containers Well water (power dependent) Lake water – are there containers to carry and larger containers to store lake water? Is there a rainwater collection option available? Is the Berkey/Filtered water system ready? Can the tub be successfully filled with water from the system before the power goes out or the line pressure is gone? Can I …


JWR’s Meme Of The Week: 

Today’s meme, created by JWR, was based on a concept that was suggested by SurvivalBlog reader John H. Meme Text: Liberals Now Call Themselves Progressive… Just Like Untreated Cancer 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:

“Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.  Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — September 28, 2024

On this day in 48 BC, Pompey the Great was assassinated on orders of King Ptolemy of Egypt after landing in Egypt. — On September 28, 1066, William The Conqueror invaded England, landing at Pevensey Bay, Sussex. — And on  September 28, 1781, and estimated 9,000 American troops and 7,000 French troops began the siege of Yorktown. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 114 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 Final Countdown: Last-Minute Readiness Checks – Part 1, by Michael X.

Hypothetically, (of course), assume for a moment that the proverbial fan has been hit. Now you have three days….or two weeks….or two months…until the consequences of the event hit where you are. Good luck guessing how long it takes to hit you. Are you as ready as you can be? Are you sure? How do you know? How and when it hits you, whatever it may be, may be based on three key things: the type/cause of disaster, your proximity to the disaster or populated areas, and the stability of your systems (electricity, water, fuel, and human support systems). THE …


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 …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” – Psalm 119: 40-45 (KJV) 


Preparedness Notes for Friday — September 27, 2024

On September 27, 1822, French scholar Jean-François Champollion announced that he had deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics using the Rosetta Stone. — We are running a 3-week-long sale at Elk Creek Company.  Until October 11th, 2024, all of our Pietta brand blackpowder revolvers and all of our M1891 Argentine Mauser rifles are deeply discounted. Take a look! — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 114 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 …


Prepper Group Training: Indigenous Guerrilla Teams – Part 2, by Bulldog

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) The Challenge To understand why I feel we are lacking in our preparation of these men and women, let us look at only one necessary skill set, team radio communications. Certainly we could agree that it represents one of the key core elements critically necessary to prepper and survivalist groups. Yet, in most cases it is overlooked or minimized by group leadership. Instead, we relegate programming to the “commo guy” and hope that after stuff hits the fan (SHTF), group members will somehow magically demonstrate more interest. Please understand that I am …