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 [1]. The prizes for this round include:
First Prize:
- The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC [2] are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon [3]. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
- A Gunsite Academy [4]Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course [5] (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” [6] 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 [7] (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) [8] is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses [9]. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course [10].
- HSM Ammunition [11] in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
Second Prize:
- A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training [12], that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord [13] (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com [14] (a $287 value).
- Two sets of [15]The Civil Defense Manual, [16] (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company [17], 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:
- A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters [18] (a $305 value),
- 3Vgear.com [19] is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag [20], a Posse EDC Sling Pack [21], and a Velox II Tactical Backpack [22]. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC [23] 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.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company [17], 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 [24] 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 [25]. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.