Category: Contest

The Urban Versus Rural Chasm, by MacHam

When doing research for this fascinating topic I found so little in the way in empirical research. The question I asked over and over again is: How could such a vast swath of America be ignored for so long? Yet no one asked these questions. Using very current 2020 United States census data you will see that 52% of America lives in unincorporated communities. Then coupled with the fact that 8.4% of America lives in small-town USA, that is cities and towns under 10,000 people. So a qualified majority lives their lives in relative political obscurity. I hope with some …


Get Out of the Cities – Part 2, by SaraSue

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) In Part 1, I discussed the primary reason for getting out of the big cities: It is just not safe. The main reasons I have been told that people hesitate on moving to a rural location is not knowing what to do for a living – getting a job. The money thing. Secondarily, the inconvenience of being far away from customary activities. Thirdly, fear of the unknown. There are many reasons why people can’t fathom moving away from the big city. Making money If you can’t “take your job with you”, for …


Get Out of the Cities – Part 1, by SaraSue

If you’re on the fence, then please get off of it and make your move. I realize how scary that sounds because I’ve done it. I realize how insane it sounds to walk away from a job with really good benefits and a retirement account. Again, because I did it. I did it for health reasons several years ago, but the current situation is no different – there is a need, a demand, a situation at hand (unconstitutional mandates?), that requires finding a spot far away from the madness and its influences. I was scared spitless at the time – …


Consider Where We Are – Part 2, by APD-4

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) The Unravelling era by definition had no peak or pinnacle and one finds it hard to pick out sentinel events. The normalization of alternative lifestyles, education and mores was reflected in the government by its multiple scandals (Monica Lewinsky/Clinton), and in the preeminence of the Entertainment industry. The lack of regulation would lead to various economic bubbles (real estate, Internet start-up) and deference to Big Business (repeal of the Glass-Steagal Act). Meanwhile, the 1993 WTC bombing attempt, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 2000 presidential election would portend a coming storm. A …


Consider Where We Are – Part 1, by APD-4

Consider where we are, in our nation’s history. We are no longer at a crossroads as a nation. We are in decline as a nation and society. This can seem a blunt assessment, but it needs to be said and understood if anyone is to successfully prepare for the future. Although no one has clairvoyance, and it is still possible to turn our nation and society around to a path for prosperity, there are undeniable facts that support the assessment that the U.S. is in deep trouble and in decline. Many of you are all too well aware of this …


Tree Propagation Through Air Layering – Part 3, by T.S., PhD

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.) The EU database listing for Salix states as a fungicide it is useful against leaf fungus and powdery mildews[EU]. The recipe for making a Salix solution: “30 L of natural or rain water is brought to simmering in a stainless steel tank with cover, at 80°C infuse 200 g of Salix spp cortex for 2 hours. After cooling down, and filtration with a stainless steel sieve, adjust pH to 6.2 and proceed the dilution by 3 with water. Use within 24 hours to avoid bacterial contamination [EU].” Some recipes refer to the …


Tree Propagation Through Air Layering – Part 2, by T.S., PhD

(Continued from Part 1.) How to air layer In this part of the article, I will describe the steps to air layering and then provide details and alternate methods to accomplish the same tasks for each. (see Figure 1 for a pictorial overview) 1. Identify where to make the air layer 2. Remove leaves, girdle, and make an incision near a node 3. Apply rooting hormone if you have it 4. Cover the incision with moist soil and protect from the elements How to air layer: Identify where to make the air layer Twigs/branches ideal for air layering should be …


Tree Propagation Through Air Layering – Part 1, by T.S., PhD

It’s summer and you find yourself in a TEOTWAWKI situation. You wish you had access to more trees or shrubs that produce food. You realize things won’t be back to normal anytime soon, so investing the energy and time now seems like a good idea for the payoff in calories of fresh fruit or nuts a few years into the future. Propagation by seed is one easy way to get more trees, but you’ll have to wait until late summer or fall to harvest seeds, and then let them cold stratify (i.e., simulate winter conditions via subjecting them to cold …


Processing Chickens on Our Homestead, by Ozark Redneck

Growing up, we had chickens and I dreaded butcher day. Momma would get a fire going and put a huge pot of water on for scalding the chickens to remove the feathers. Dad had two cord loops one for their feet, which I held and one for the neck, which he held while he used a hatchet & a chopping block to dispatch the bird. If you have butchered chickens this way you know where the saying “she is running ‘round like a chicken with it’s head cut off” comes from. That scene and the smell of scalding chickens in …


Oviedo M1893 Mauser Short Rifle – Part 2, by The Novice

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) The First Range Session I went to the range behind my barn, placed the Caldwell Lead Sled 3 and the homemade lead sled on a table at the position from which I wanted to fire, and then placed the rifle on the Caldwell sled. I removed the bolt, and bore-sighted the rifle on the bottom center target. I then checked the aim point of the iron sights, and found them to be in the same general ballpark. Next, I pounded a t-post fence post in the ground at the back of the …


Oviedo M1893 Mauser Short Rifle – Part 1, by The Novice

A couple of years ago, I submitted an article to SurvivalBlog for the non-fiction writing contest. I wrote the article because I had a story to tell. I thought that SurvivalBlog readers might find it interesting or entertaining. I had so much fun writing that first article, that I just kept on writing more. Over the course of the following months I submitted a half dozen or so additional articles. Then, in June of 2020, something wonderful happened: I won third place in the writing contest. Among other great prizes was a transferable $100 purchase credit from Elk Creek Company. …


Escape Southern California – Part 2, by Eastern Sierra Sage

(Continued from part 1. This concludes the article.) Regions: California is a wonderland, because it has many diverse areas. I classify this state as having eight different diverse areas. (“Where I’m from, is where it’s at”!) “SoCal” 1) Southern California littorals: This includes San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County. 2) The “Inland Empire” Kern County San Bernardino County, Riverside and Imperial Counties. Please Note: Most Californians would not classify Kern County as the inland Empire. I do because it is in-fact, Inland, separated by a coastal Mountain range and …


Escape Southern California – Part 1, by Eastern Sierra Sage

Covid-19 continues to plague us. Wildfires have destroyed Millions of Acres of beautiful forests and natural areas. The earthquakes in the East Sierra have been numerous and very unsettling. The Political situation in the “Peoples Republic” has become increasingly more radicalized to the left and somewhat comical, as I write this, the gubernatorial recall of Gavin Newsom is one week away. For the purpose of this article, I will orient the reader to the unique qualities that this state has to offer, as well as its unique detriments t. Most people who are familiar with California refer to it as …


Flatten The Curve for Hunting Deer – Part 2, by Behind The Counter

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.) The topics that I’ll deal with in Part 2 include: • The size, shape, location, and contents of a deer’s vital zone, • Legal, ethical, and practical considerations using your defense rifle for hunting, • Other caliber options available for your AR-15 platform including .300 Blackout, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, .224 Valkyrie, .22 Nosler, .350 Legend, and the new kid on the block 6mm ARC. Let’s begin by understanding where to aim. HOW BIG IS A DEER’S VITAL ZONE? Well, it depends. A deer’s vital zone area is easy to visualize. Draw …


Flatten The Curve for Hunting Deer – Part 1, by Behind The Counter

Do you remember how long it was supposed to take to “flatten the curve”? Weeks not years. In this article, it takes a second or less to flatten the curve. To flatten the curve for hunting deer, we will follow the science. No masks required. This is primarily the science of external ballistics with a nod to terminal ballistics. The curve is the trajectory or arcing line of flight that a bullet takes when it leaves the muzzle of a firearm on its way to a down-range target. Because the barrel is pointed slightly above the line of sight, the …