Day: February 20, 2026

Preparedness Notes for Friday — February 20, 2026

On February 20, 1472, the Orkney and Shetland Islands were ceded by Norway to Scotland as part of a dowry payment. (Pictured are some of the Shetland Islands.) — February 20, 1824: The first description of a dinosaur: ‘Megalosaurus or Great Fossil Lizard of Stonesfield’ was pesented to the Geological Society of London by William Buckland, beginning dinosaur mania — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 123 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A Gunsite Academy Three-Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, …


Mobile Device Battery Management – Part 2, by J.M.

(Continued from Part 1.) Rechargables Rechargeable batteries come in a much wider variety of chemistries than primary ones, including nickel–cadmium (NiCd), nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) and various lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium Polymer (LiPo) chemistries. It’s important to understand the ‘Li-ion’ and ‘LiPo’ aren’t specific chemistries, they’re categories of chemistries that use Lithium as one of the components of the electrolyte. Li-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, are usually cylindrical, and common chemistries include: Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2, LCO): Known for high energy density and used in portable electronics like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. It has a nominal voltage of 3.60V with …


Economics & Investing Media of the Week

In Economics & Investing Media of the Week we feature photos, charts, graphs, maps, video links, and news items of interest to preppers. This week, another look at the penny shortage. The thumbnail below is click-expandable.   Economics & Investing Links of Interest More retailers impacted by penny shortage: How they’re responding. Reader H.L. sent this: Copper Prices Hit a Record $13,000 per Ton in January 2026. During the annual Lunar New Year/Spring Festival, the Shanghai metals markets will be closed from February 15, 2026 (Sunday) to February 23, 2026 (Monday). They will open as usual on February 24, 2026.  …