On May 27, 1813, American forces captured Fort George, Canada.
—
Today is the birthday of American author and abolitionist lecturer Julia Ward Howe [1], who was best known for writing Battle Hymn of the Republic. She was born in 1819 and died in 1910.
—
May 27, 1905: The Japanese fleet destroyed the Russian East Sea fleet in the Battle of Tsushima. This was the only decisive clash between modern steel battleships in history.
—
I just heard some sad news: ‘Duck Dynasty’ founding father Phil Robertson dies at 79 [2]. May he rest in peace. Our condolences to his family. – JWR
—
SurvivalBlog Writing Contest
Today we present another entry for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest [3]. The prizes for this round include:
First Prize:
- The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC [4] are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon [5]. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2,000.
- A Gunsite Academy [6]Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course [7] (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” [8] 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 [9] (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) [10] is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses [11]. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course [12].
- HSM Ammunition [13] 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 [14], that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord [15] (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com [16] (a $287 value).
- Two sets of [17]The Civil Defense Manual, [18] (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company [19], 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 [20] (a $305 value),
- 3Vgear.com [21] is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag [22], a Posse EDC Sling Pack [23], and a Velox II Tactical Backpack [24]. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC [25] 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 [19], 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 [26] 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 [27]. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.