“Wherever Law ends, Tyranny begins.” – John Locke, 1690
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Preparedness Notes for Thursday — December 26, 2024
December 26, 1776: During the American War of Independence, after crossing the Delaware River, George Washington led US troops to defeat the Hessian mercenaries in the Battle of Trenton, New Jersey.
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Twenty years ago today, on December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean region Tsunami took more than 250,000 lives.
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December 26, 1947: Heavy snow blanketed the Northeast, burying New York City under 25.8″ of snow in 16 hours. That same day, Los Angeles set a record high of 84°F.
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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest
Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
- A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” 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 (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
- HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 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, that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
- A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
- Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, 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 (a $305 value),
- Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC 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, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.
—
More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail 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.
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Why I Still Have Dairy Cows, by SaraSue
I have been a milkmaid now three, going on four, years. Of all the things I’ve tried on the farm, the dairy cow is one I hope to have until I am so old I can’t carry a bucket of milk. I don’t have any cows “in milk” right now, as a planned winter break. I have two cows pregnant with Spring calves, and one heifer (a young cow who has not yet been bred back or calved). This is the first time I’ve taken a milking break in three years and I’m having dairy withdrawals. I tried purchasing milk from a neighboring milkmaid, but the milk wasn’t as fresh as I am used to and I was very disappointed. I finally broke down and purchased all the needed dairy items from Costco since some family members are coming to the farm for the holidays. I had not purchased dairy products in three years and the prices were somewhat shocking. My purchase spurred me to do some “dairy cow math”, and I thought I would share it.Continue reading“Why I Still Have Dairy Cows, by SaraSue”
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The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods
SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at robotic warfare.
All-Robot Force in Ukraine
SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson spotted this article (with accompanying video): Ukraine deploys all-robot battleforce for the first time as deadly tech is launched at Putin’s troops in Kharkiv assault.
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Ukraine Kamizaze Drones
Ukraine releases footage of North Korean troops being wiped out by kamikaze drones in latest disaster for Kim Jong Un’s forces sent to help Putin. The article opens with this:
“Graphic footage shows the moment a Ukrainian special operations crew targeted a North Korean position in Kursk with kamikaze drones in the latest disaster for Kim Jong Un‘s forces sent to help Putin.
Dramatic video showed the drones circling troops as they scrambled to get away in an open field in Kurshchina, shared by the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram today.
Twelve vehicles were also destroyed during skirmishes in the open field, including three buggies, the military claimed.
The crew said it had killed 77 and wounded as many as 40 North Korean soldiers over a three day period of fighting in the region.
More than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have already been killed or wounded in Russia‘s war with Ukraine, South Korea‘s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) assessed today.”
JWR Adds: Other recent news reports suggest that as many as 3,000 North Koreans might have already been killed or wounded in Ukraine.
One-Third of US Military Could Be Robotic by 2039
Back in July, Defense News reported: One Third of US Military Could Be Robotic by 2039: Milley.
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The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
“I am afraid the ordinary citizen will not like to be told that the banks can, and do, create money…And they who control the credit of the nation direct the policy of Governments and hold in the hollow of their hands the destiny of the people.” – Reginald McKenna, British Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — December 25, 2024
We send our best wishes to both our readers who celebrate Christmas and to those who celebrate Hanukkah and the Biblical feasts. May God grant his blessings on our nation in the new year!
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On December 25, 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, completing the Norman conquest of England.
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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest
Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
- A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” 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 (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
- HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 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, that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
- A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
- Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, 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 (a $305 value),
- Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC 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, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.
—
More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail 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.
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Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 2, by Rural Pharmacist
(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)
My thoughts on the kit, it is a good grouping of valuable broad-spectrum antibiotics. I would like to store larger quantities. I think the kit could be purchased cheaper through a local Doctor/Pharmacy if available for you.
A good emergency antibiotic kit should include the previous mentioned drugs; Augmentin 500mg or 875mg, Azithromycin 250mg Z-pack, Ciprofloxacin 500mg tablets, Doxycycline 100mg, and Metronidazole 500mg.
I would add:
Amoxicillin 500mg capsules; a broad-spectrum antibiotic, easier on the stomach than Augmentin, good for dental infections, and upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, usual dosage is 500mg 3 times a day for 10 days.
Clindamycin 150mg capsules; a gram negative, more specialized antibiotic if drugs like Amoxicillin fail. Good for bacterial infections, strep throat, dental infections, given with Quinine Sulfate for Malaria. Usual dosage is 150mg to 300mg every 8 hours for 10 days.
Cephalexin 500mg capsules: a good broad-spectrum antibiotic works well with skin infections, or wounds. A good follow up after a dose of IM Rocephin 500mg mentioned in Dr. Forgey’s kit. Bacterial infections dosage is 1000mg every 6 hours, strep throat 500mg every 12 hours x 10 days, UTI 500mg every 6-12 hours for 3-7 days, Skin/sutures infections 250mg to 500mg every 6 hours for 5-7 days.
Cefadroxil 500mg capsules or Cefdinir 500mg: A good substitute for Cephalexin, same indications, but dosed 500mg every 12 hours for 7-10 days, requiring less quantity for each round of therapy.Continue reading“Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 2, by Rural Pharmacist”
SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets
Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.
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A new video from Ian McCollum: SIG P320 Flux Legion / Flux Raider: The Best Pistol-PDW System Yet.
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Congo says mystery disease behind dozens of deaths of women and children finally identified as severe malaria. JWR’s Comment: When I first heard about this new disease outbreak, it reminded me of the “Ebola DRC” pandemic that I fictitiously created for my novel Land Of Promise.
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Photographs reveal first glimpse of uncontacted Amazon community.
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Dr. Ryan Cole, on X/Twitter: Unvaccinated Are the Healthiest People According to Cohort Study Looking at “Unvaccinated” Americans “There are approx 100,000 adults in America who’ve never received a vaccine in their life…the data is clear, showing the unvaccinated are the healthiest people.
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A boy in north Georgia went for a walk down the road. It landed his mother in jail. JWR’s Comments: News stories like these make my blood boil. The Nanny State has run amok!
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
“First of all, we should know that Islam means ‘submission,’ not peace. This does
not imply mere voluntary submission but includes a forced submission where subjects
will not comply. Historically Islam is not known for its peace movements, but for a
uniquely Arab word we all know as ‘jihad,’ which means an offensive war intended to
lead to the conversion of the infidel to Islam or his annihilation.” – Dr. Thomas Ice
Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — December 24, 2024
On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812 between the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies.
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December 24, 1818: The Christmas carol Stille Nacht (“Silent Night”) composed by Franz Xaver Gruber was first sung at St Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, Austria.
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And on December 24, 1889, Daniel Stover & William Hance patented a bicycle with a back-pedal brake.
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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest
Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
- A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” 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 (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
- HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 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, that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
- A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
- Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, 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 (a $305 value),
- Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC 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, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.
—
More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail 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.
SurvivalBlog Writing Contest
Today we present another entry for Round 116 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 chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
- A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
- A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” 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 (a $350 value),
- American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
- HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 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, that has a combined retail value of $679
- Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
- A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
- Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
- A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, 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 (a $305 value),
- Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
- A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC 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, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.
—
More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail 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.
Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 1, by Rural Pharmacist
I am a registered pharmacist licensed in both an American Redoubt state and a state in the Ozarks. I own my pharmacy in a small town in a rural area. I have had many discussions with patients about larger than normal supplies, rotating stock, ‘vacation supplies’ and various ways to accumulate a stockpile of prescription medicines. The content in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.
Having your personal pharmacist on board with your prepping list of medications, is probably the cheapest way to accumulate a stockpile. I have compared prices at JASE Medical and HoneyBee Pharmacy which both have been mentioned in previous SurvivalBlog articles on stocking up, and both charge more than I would. Your options are limited if your doctor or your pharmacist won’t cooperate. These online firms do give you a choice. If just your doctor won’t cooperate, then check the tele-health doctors via the Internet in your state. After Covid-19 many of these tele-health doctors are still available to consult with and send prescriptions to your pharmacy. I would ask for a year supply, especially on the cheaper generics that you are taking regularly, see if they can be dispensed in the original unopened bottle with the expiration date showing.
Your goals and future dictate what to stock. If you are a health-care professional teaming up with other health-care professionals to provide a mini-clinic after the ‘crunch’, your goals will be different than a family of 4 just trying to secure the basics. In a previous article the author mentions the book “Wilderness Medicine” by Dr. William Forgey but did not elaborate on his suggestions for Over-The-Counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medicines to have available. Continue reading“Prescription Drug Preparedness – Part 1, by Rural Pharmacist”
SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt
This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news of more Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) cases. (See the Montana and Washington sections.)
Idaho
Jury issues decision in defamation trial centered on comments made to East Idaho News.
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Avian Influenza confirmed in Treasure Valley, testing being done in CJ Strike area.
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Coeur d’Alene Police: Snowman who hugged teenager not a threat to the community.
Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
“Pa did not like a country so old and worn out that the hunting was poor. He wanted to go west. For two years he had wanted to go west and take a homestead, but Ma did not want to leave the settled country.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
Preparedness Notes for Monday — December 23, 2024
December 23, 1788: Maryland voted to cede a 10 square mile area for the District of Columbia.
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December 23, 1907: The first all-steel passenger railroad coach was completed by the Pullman Company, in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
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Today’s featured article was written by SurvivalBlog staffer Tom Christianson.
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We are seeking entries for Round 116 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $935,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 116 ends on January 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail 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.
Winchester Model 190, by Thomas Christianson
A very popular firearm of half a century ago, the Winchester Model 190 is a tube-fed, semiautomatic, .22 rimfire rifle that is no longer in production. It was manufactured from 1967 to 1980 in New Haven, Connecticut. Altogether 2,171,263 of the rifles were made, including the 290 version which had a Monte Carlo stock. I am not sure if this number includes the models that were sold by Sears as the Ted Williams Model 3T.
The Model 190 has a 20-inch barrel, a cross-bolt safety at the front of the trigger guard, and a two-part beech stock.
The barrel of the rifle that I tested is stamped to indicate that the rifle is chambered for .22L and .22LR. Many owners indicate that the rifle will also reliably cycle .22 Shorts if kept clean enough.
Although generally not quite as accurate as some more modern production rifles, the Model 190 is more than accurate enough for pest control, small game hunting, and similar tasks. It is also great for training, and is fun to shoot.Continue reading“Winchester Model 190, by Thomas Christianson”