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 the current dock workers strike.

East and Gulf Coast Ports Strike, Stranding Billions in Trade

Over at left-leaning CNBC: East and Gulf coast ports strike, with ILA longshoremen walking off job from New England to Texas, stranding billions in trade. (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.)

FEMA Seizing Donated Relief Supplies

SurvivalBlog’s Editor-At-Large Michael Z. Williamson forwarded this X/Twitter post link: This is why Appalachians don’t trust the government. This is why we don’t want TEMA FEMA here. They show up after 5 days to only cause problems. Mike says:

“There are lots of reports like this, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Neighbors and churches will help you. The government will provide bureaucracy.”

Some Californians Face Having No Home Insurance

Homeowners in blue state face having no home insurance as State Farm issues grim warning. The article begins:

“California‘s biggest insurer has issued a bleak update for homeowners and businesses amid a growing crisis in the state.

State Farm says its fund used to cover claims in California will run dry by 2028 unless it can charge as much as 52 percent more to insure properties.

That would mean the company would not be able to pay for repairs in the event of another wildfire in the state like those in recent years. In fact, the company says such an event would bankrupt it.

The bleak warning came in filings submitted to the California Department of Insurance on September 10, as part of a standoff between State Farm and the regulator. State Farm insures 3.1 million homes there.

Earlier in the summer, State Farm bosses gave the department an ultimatum – let them raise home insurance rates for millions of citizens, or they will ax cover entirely.

Given State Farm writes a fifth of policies, this would be a huge blow. It is not simply a case of Californians moving to a new supplier – rivals are making the same moves.”

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — October 2, 2024

Solar Flare Update: An X7.1 category solar flare was detected on Tuesday.  It is unknown whether the flare’s CME will be a direct strike or a glancing blow to Earth.  The main effects are expected between Friday and Saturday, October 4th-5th. I recommend disconnecting antennas and putting all of your spare radios and other sensitive electronics into Faraday containers for at least a few days.

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On October 2, 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier first visited the Iroquois settlement of Hochelaga. (Later named Montreal.)

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October 2, 1835: The story of the “Come and Take It” flag began at the Battle of Gonzales. This was the first military engagement of the Texas Revolution. The retrieval of a cannon that had been loaned to the Gonzales colonists by the Mexican government in 1831 to defend themselves from hostile Apaches and Comanches was the issue. A Mexican Army Corporal and a few soldiers were sent to reclaim the cannon. “Come and Take It” was the motto adopted by the Texas rebels defending the cannon.

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On October 2nd, 2002 the Beltway sniper attacks began. A series of coordinated sniper attacks occurred in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The attacks lasted three weeks and resulted in the killing of 10 people.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. 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),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $925,000 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 115 ends on November 30th, 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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But first, the results of the most recent writing contest judging, for Round 114.

Writing Contest Judging Results (Round 114)

We’ve completed the judging for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.

First Prize goes to N.C., for Basic Sewing: Cloning Clothes. (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, posted August 9-11, 2024.)

His prizes will include:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. 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),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize goes to 3AD Scout, for Preparedness Logistics – Part 1 and Part 2, posted September 12-13, 2024.

His prizes will include:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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 goes to J.M. for Field Intelligence Collection. (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6, posted August 20-25, 2024.)

His prizes will include:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

Honorable Menton Prizes (transferable $100 FRN purchase credits toward the purchase of any antique or percussion replica gun from Elk Creek Company) go to the authors of the following 13 articles:

Note:  I will need USPS and UPS addresses from the Top Three prize winners. Thanks! – JWR

More than $925,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 115 is underway and ends on November 30th 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.

Practical Furniture for End of the World – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)

Table Project #2 was just the Project #1 design retrofitted with heavier lumber that supports seating for up to six people. It is very comfortable. This design is very sturdy and the table is stable enough that three people can sit on one side without tipping the table. The design lends itself to quick disassembly so that it can be loaded into a full-size 8-foot pickup bed.

 

Table #3 is similar to Project #1, although its legs are different. There is no cross beam, so standard chairs can be pushed completely underneath the table and out of the way. It too can be modified to improve its utility if desired as can be seen in the next photo and Table #4.

 

 

Continue reading“Practical Furniture for End of the World – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This 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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Officials warn that EVs could catch fire if inundated with saltwater from Hurricane Helene.

o  o  o

A Patrick Feeney video interview with Tucker Carlson: Do This With Your Family and the Apocalypse Might Not Be So Bad.

o  o  o

News from Nanny State California: Newsom Signs Bill Banning Single-use Propane Cylinders.

o  o  o

White House Says Iran Missile Attack on Israel Is Imminent.

o o o

“Arm Yourself” – Persecuted Former FBI Specialist Urges Americans To Stock Up On Food And Prepare For Hardship.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“In common with all Protestant or Jewish cultures, America was developed on the idea that your word is your bond. Otherwise, the frontier could never have been opened, ’cause it was lawless. A man’s word had to mean something.” – Orson Welles

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — October 1, 2024

On October 1, 1880, John Philip Sousa (pictured) became the new director of the U.S. Marine Corps Band.

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On October  1, 331 BC, the army of Alexander the Great defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela.

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Please keep the folks inside of Tropical Storm Helene’s devastation in your prayers.  We’d appreciate reading “After Action” reports from SurvivalBlog readers in the area. There are certainly some lessons to be learned. – JWR

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present the first entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. 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),
  3. 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),
  4. 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.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. 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).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. 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:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $925,000 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 115 ends on November 30th, 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.

Practical Furniture for End of the World – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

Because I only have a small cabin, when doing large-scale canning, I use my outdoor kitchen that includes a deep stainless steel sink. While there is relatively inexpensive used furniture for sale at thrift stores and online places such as Craigslist, most of it does not meet my standards for that which is rugged or sturdy construction and durable when exposed to a long duration of many years exposed to the elements. This means that it is better if we can make our own, especially if we can not purchase it in the future bad times ahead. Furniture can be considered an adjunct necessary for many of our tasks and chores. Without this furniture, the work could not performed as efficiently or at all.

In this article are several photos of furniture that I put together over the past summer. This furniture can be used indoors or outdoors. It is basic and multi-purpose and can be modified to fit the location or the function. Rugged outdoor furniture would be needed for large gatherings such as a barbecue with the neighbors or as workstations. Or it might be needed to establish an outdoor kitchen to avoid heating up the house during the summer.Continue reading“Practical Furniture for End of the World – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

October, 2024 in Precious Metals, by Everett Millman

Welcome to SurvivalBlog’s Precious Metals Month in Review, where we take a look at “the month that was” in precious metals. Each month, we cover gold’s performance and silver’s performance and examine the factors that affected the metal prices.

WHAT DID GOLD AND SILVER DO IN SEPTEMBER?

It was yet another month of solid gains for silver and gold, including fresh all-time highs for the latter. As we enter the fourth quarter of the calendar year, the precious metals continue to reinforce the conviction that they are experiencing a durable bull market.

Both metals started the month lower on the first trading day of September. Silver slumped below $28 per ounce on Sept. 3rd and again on Sept. 6th. Thanks to big rallies on Thursday, Sept. 12th and Friday, Sept. 13th, the argent metal did not fall below the $30/oz mark for the rest of September. Spot silver prices peaked as high as $32.60/oz during intraday trading on Sept. 26th, the highest level in nearly 12 years.

Gold spent the first two weeks of the month treading water around the $2,500 level. It surged to new record highs above $2,600/oz in the days following the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, posting back-to-back gains of more than 1% during a single trading day on both Sept. 19th and 20th. Gold managed another such performance on Sept. 24th, jumping 1.1% higher.

The new all-time high closing price for spot gold ($2,673.50) came on Sept. 26th. Each of the two metals closed the month modestly lower from their peaks. Gold settled just above $2,630/oz while silver ended the trading session north of $31/oz on Sept. 30th.Continue reading“October, 2024 in Precious Metals, by Everett Millman”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American

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, an update on the upcoming University of Idaho Quadruple Murder trial.

Region-Wide

Three Redoubt States in the top 10 for gun sales per capita in the U.S.A..

Idaho

New judge sets expectations in case against man charged with killing 4 Idaho university students.

o  o  o

Sandpoint teen dies in Spokane following injuries from severe storm. A quote:

“A 17-year-old student died from injuries sustained during a severe windstorm that struck the region on Wednesday.

According to a press release from the Lake Pend Oreille School District, the teen, identified as Charlie Miller, was a senior at Lake Pend Oreille High School and had previously attended Kootenai Elementary School and Sandpoint Middle School.

The school district reported that Miller was struck by a tree during the storm and was rushed to Sacred Heart in Spokane, where he died from his injuries.”

o  o  o

Private firefighting company opens location in Post Falls.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The greatest obstacle to being heroic is the doubt whether one may not be going to prove one’s self a fool; the truest heroism is to resist the doubt; and the profoundest wisdom to know when it ought to be resisted, and when to be obeyed.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne

Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 30, 2024

On September 30, 1880, American amateur astronomer Henry Draper took the first-ever photograph of the Orion Nebula.  More recent images have of course been more dazzling, but Draper’s was the first.

 

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On this day in 1938, the short-lived Treaty of Munich was signed by Hitler, Mussolini, Daladier, and Chamberlain. This treaty forced Czechoslovakia to cede territory to Germany.

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I just heard of the death of Kris Kristofferson, at age 88. First known for his music, and later for his acting, he was among America’s Larger Than Life crowd. I first became aware of him as an actor when I watched the 1987 television miniseries Amerika. So now Willie Nelson is the last surviving member of The Highwaymen. Kris just made it to Heaven’s Gate. (Seriously, he did become a Christian, and he wasn’t shy about talking about it.)

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Today’s feature article is a review by our own Tom Christianson.

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Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest ends today, but we are seeking entries for Round 115. More than $900,000 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. You can start writing an entry for Round 115 and e-mail it to us. 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.

Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson

The Benelli Nova and Supernova series of pump shotguns utilize steel-reinforced polymer receivers. This makes the guns strong, durable, and weather-resistant.

Polymer-framed handguns are as common as flags on the Fourth of July. Polymer-framed shotguns are much less common. After testing the Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, I am surprised that this is the case. I was highly impressed with its balance, fit and finish, and silky smooth operation. I am surprised that the Nova has not carved out a commanding share of the shotgun market since its introduction in the mid-1990s in the way that Glock has established a commanding position in the handgun market. I am surprised that shotguns with polymer receivers have not become more or less the industry standard.

Perhaps shooters are not as open to innovations in shotgun design as they are in handgun design. Perhaps pleasant memories of youthful hunting experiences have frozen us in time, binding us to fixed ideals of what a shotgun should be like? If so, that is a shame, because the Nova is superior in almost every way to the shotguns of my youth.Continue reading“Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun in 20 Gauge, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Saltine Cracker Crumb Chicken 

The following recipe for Saltine Cracker Crumb Chicken is from SurvivalBlog reader L.A..

Ingredients
  • ½ c. butter or margarine
  • 1 sleeve of saltine crackers, crushed to crumbs
  • ½ c. bread crumbs (Panko crumbs are best, but any others will do.  Or substitute more cracker crumbs, if you don’t have any bread crusts.)
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (+/- to suit your taste)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 4 medium-sized boneless and skinless chicken breasts
Directions
  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper. Pound each breast to around 1 in. thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Pre-heat oven to  375 F.
  3. Melt the butter in a small sauce pan or in a microwavable dish.
  4. Combine the crushed crackers, bread crumbs, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large ziploc bag.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into melted butter covering both sides. Drop the buttered chicken breast into the crumb mixture.
  6. Close the bag and roll the chicken breast around in the bag to coat all sides with crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle some of the remaining cracker crumbs onto the top of each chicken breast.
  8. Bake at 375 F for approx. 40 minutes or until the center of the chicken pieces are no longer pink and the juices are clear. (Internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F.)

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!