Preparedness Notes for Sunday — June 18, 2023

Today is the 70th birthday of Pastor Douglas Wilson. Born in 1953, he is the pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho and a prodigious author of books and articles on Reformed theology.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 107 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  4. 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).
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $825,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 107 ends on July 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.

Communications For a Dystopian Future – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

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

Antenna Selection Advntages

For COMSEC, it is always the best policy to use the lowest power setting that still allows reliable communication. Using the best antenna for a particular situation is often overlooked as it is much more convenient to increase the power until we can be heard. If our equipment is low power then we can use a high-gain directional, or omnidirectional antenna to compensate. And using a better antenna to listen to weak signals increases our effectiveness.

In a communication circuit using common 1/4-watt FRS transceivers, I can reliably communicate up to 4 miles in my terrain using these very low power transceivers by using one high gain directional antenna, and a scanner, or a modified FRS transceiver as receiver. Normally, the range might be only 500 yards. The range can be greatly increased if both stations used receivers connected to high-gain directional antennas. As a receive-only antenna, it does not need to be tuned using an SWR meter, but only cut to the approximate length. Common 59-Ohm coaxial cable from a satellite television system can be used. This antenna can be constructed with minimal amount of effort, materials, and skill. Yet it will greatly improve our communications. We could lose most of our equipment, yet find the material just about anywhere, and get back on air. Perhaps I’ll discuss how, in the future. Using common off-the-shelf equipment, and our knowledge and skills makes us more effective as “Indians”, and more resilient.Continue reading“Communications For a Dystopian Future – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

On Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

Greta Thunberg’s “Five Years” Will Have Passed.
Apparently, Only Rationalism Has Gone Extinct

Note From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” – Luke 12: 4-15 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — June 17, 2023

On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill began.

June 17th is the birthday of Libertarian economist Harry Browne. (June 17, 1933 – March 1, 2006.)

This is also the birthday of musician Red Foley (born, 1910, died September 19, 1968). His patriotic song Smoke on the Water topped the music charts for 13 weeks in late 1944 and early 1945, and charted for 24 weeks. This song, which describes the doom of tyrants, would be considered quite politically incorrect these days.

And it is the birthday of Dean Ing. (June 17, 1931 – July 21, 2020). He was a science fiction and techno-thriller novelist. His novel The Ransom of Black Stealth One (1989) was a New York Times bestseller. He was a former member of the Citizens’ Advisory Council on National Space Policy. He wrote more than 30 novels, and co-authored novels with his friends Jerry Pournelle, S. M. Stirling, and Leik Myrabo. I had the privilege of meeting him at a science fiction convention in the early 1990s.

And June 17th is also the birthday of novelist John Ross, who was born in 1957. He is best known as the author of the novel Unintended Consequences.
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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 107 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  4. 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).
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $825,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 107 ends on July 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.

Communications For a Dystopian Future – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

Introduction

As the conditions for worldwide famine, pestilence, and war increase, we can anticipate that the Third World will suffer first, and many residents will be forced to flee elsewhere, looking for resources.  A flood of illegal immigrants will rush unabated through our now undefended southern border.  Desperate tens of millions, and potentially, hundreds of millions in the future, who would come from around the world into the U.S via our southern border in the next few years as risks escalate. This scenario is based on the work of Micheal Yon:

Cometh the Horsemen: Pandemic, Famine, War | Michael Yon | EP 27  (Dr. Jordan Peterson interviews Micheal Yon, who is a well-known combat correspondent.)

With the growing prospect of large, well-armed, and equipped roving Third World gangs, whose stock and trade is organized gang violence, there will be an increasing need to draw on a community for the purpose of mutual defense. A few families alone would likely not be enough of a deterrent to repel such a fighting force. Most of these gangs will live off the land and develop their ability to make violence.  Some of these gangs will be controlled and supplied by drug cartels taking advantage of our failed border to conquer large swaths of what was once the United States.  As our border is undefended, our country is rapidly becoming degraded into Third World, and possibly failed State status with this flood of illegals.Continue reading“Communications For a Dystopian Future – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug-out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in the Odds ‘n Sods Column or in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

Two more calves were born last week, with no assistance. We are so thankful that our cows have all been “easy-calvers.” The first calf born this week is a quite vigorous little heifer. On Thursday, we rodeoed her into the milking parlor and dehorned her.  As usual, we used the “dehorning paste and duck tape” 5-hour method that was taught to us by our friend Patrice Lewis of the great Rural Revolution blog. The full round-the-head wraps of duct tape keep the cows from licking off the paste from their calves. Next week, we’ll be dehorning the other calf.

Earlier in the week, with the help of our #2 Son, we dug 450 feet of trenches with a rented Ditch Witch. So, now we will finally have underground-piped water to our orchard (no more cobbled-together hoses!), and an underground powerline to our remodeled shop.

I was a bit shocked (pardon the pun) at the present-day price of 10-gauge underground-rated 3-conductor power cable.  A 250-foot roll cost $349. Ouch. This shows how much copper has gone up  — or should I say how much the Dollar has gone down, in recent years.

As long as the trench to the shop is there, I’m also laying two underground-rated Cat 6  Ethernet cables.  That could come in handy, if we ever add a security system, or need Internet for some future office or other accommodation out in the shop. By the way, I plan to lay down at least six inches of soil between the power cable and the Ethernet cable, to minimize inductive power coupling or 60-cycle hum on the smaller cable.

Now, Lily’s report…Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday — June 16, 2023

On June 16, 1903, the Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford and 11 associate investors.

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Today is the birthday of pioneering economist Adam Smith, in 1723. He was born in Kirkaldy, County Fife, Scotland. He died July 17, 1790.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 107 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  4. 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).
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $825,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 107 ends on July 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.

An Honest Look at My Farm – Year 2, by SaraSue

We are coming up on the second-year mark of developing this small five-acre farm.  I share my experiences in hopes it will help others.  I’ve had some great successes and some disappointing failures.  I am in the process of reviewing my own work to see where I can change processes for more success in year three.  I’ve learned so much I can’t even write it all down.  I’ve worked too hard, of course.  I’ve spent too much money, guaranteed.  I’ve often had to do things over, trying to save money, only to spend two to three times what I could have originally spent to do it right the first time.  But, not in all cases.  I have had to learn the hard way on many things, even though I do research a lot before I start on something.  It’s just that you don’t know what you don’t know, and even if you read about it, or listen to someone tell you about it, you don’t always “get it” until you try it.  I’ve had to hire help, and that was expected. Finding the right help has been a challenge. All in all, I’m ready for year 3 come what may.

The Failures

The biggest failure was to not have a well inspection prior to purchase.  Water is life on a homestead.  And that wasn’t entirely my fault.  The water issues were not disclosed and even when I had requested a well inspection, I was put off.  Only later to find out that the homeowner called the well company and told them “not to worry” about it – he had it handled.  Yes, it was fraud.  I’ve written often about the lack of and poor quality of the water.  Those problems have been solved, but at great expense.  The new well produces more than I’ll ever need, and only due to prayer and the grace of God does that well produce more than any well in this area.  My other failures pale in comparison.

The garden failed the first year with the exception of growing potatoes and a few squash.  Mostly due to lack of water, a very dry Spring, and my falling ill at the same time.  I’m having the very same problems this year – time to rethink my entire garden strategy.  I have located neighboring farmers who grow amazing produce though!

Predators killed off half my Cornish Cross meat bird flock and I ended up taking the remaining birds to a local processor which negated any cost savings in growing my own.  Cornish Cross birds “stink” to high heavens and who flies in the heavens?  Hawks and turkey vultures.  Those chickens didn’t stand a chance.  The failure was not having them secured properly.

I bought animals before I was ready for them, namely goats and meat rabbits.  I ended up giving them all away.  I didn’t build proper housing for the rabbits, and I knew nothing about goats.  Goats, by the way, are “browsers” not “grazers”.  They will eat every bush, and the tree leaves they can reach, before they will ever “mow the lawn”.Continue reading“An Honest Look at My Farm – Year 2, by SaraSue”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, we look at the Federal Reserve’s decision to pause raising interest rates.

Precious and Base Metals:

What Changed? Even BlackRock Is Now Advising Its Clients to Look At Investing In Gold.

o  o  o

At Kitco.com: Gold weakens after FOMC pause, as statement still leans hawkish.

o  o  o

Podcast: The Brics Growing Influence on Silver.

o  o  o

California family finds 1 million copper pennies in old home. JWR’s Comments:  That equates to $10,000, face value. Their copper bullion melt value is now $25,162.28. Note that in 1982, both copper and zinc pennies were minted. Folks should keep their copper pennies, as a hedge against further inflation. It is wise to hang on to your pre-1982 pennies, and any nickels of any mint date.

Economy & Finance:

From CNBC: Fed holds off on rate hike, but says two more are coming later this year.

o  o  o

Stocks wobble as Fed skips a rate hike but forecasts more: Stock market news today.

o  o  o

A primer from PragerU: The Bankrupting of America — describes the National Debt.

o  o  o

From the left-leaning Bloomberg: Rural Voters Seek Economic Plans From Democrats They Gave Up On.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Many of the greatest tyrants on the records of history have begun their reigns in the fairest manner. But the truth is, this unnatural power corrupts both the heart and the understanding.” –  Edmund Burke

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — June 15, 2023

On June 15, 1864, Arlington National Cemetery was established when 200 acres (81 hectares) of Confederate General Robert E. Lee‘s estate in Virginia—which had been seized by the U.S. government—was authorized for a national cemetery.

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Following a revolt by the English nobility against his rule, King John put his royal seal on the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter” on this day in 1215AD. This document, essentially a peace treaty between John and his barons, guaranteed that the king would respect feudal rights and privileges, uphold the freedom of the church, and maintain the nation’s laws. Although it was more a reactionary than a progressive document, the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations.

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 107 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795.
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  4. 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).
  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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. Montana Survival Seed is providing a $225 gift code for any items on its website, including organic non-GMO seeds, fossils, 1812-1964 US silver, jewelry, botany books, and Montana beeswax.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $800,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. We recently polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 107 ends on July 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.

Useful Tools For The Homestead, by Hollyberry

I love reading about homesteading back in the late 1800s thru the 1940s. I also like to study photos from earlier times, especially kitchens to see what they used. Back then there was no microwave, Kitchenaids or food processors. What you had was what you had and it better be durable as there was no Walmart around the corner to replace what you just broke. Most household kitchen countertops today are cluttered with all kinds of machines designed to make our lives easier. Today’s homesteader can spend a lot of money on “essential” tools only to sell them off for pennies at the next yard sale. Having been a homesteader for over 15 years, I will go over some of tools, appliances, and gear that have worked well for us.

Let me state right at the beginning here that I have not received any money or anything of value from the companies or products that I will be speaking about. My evaluations and opinions are based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary! My goal is just to help out others. If I can save you time and money all the better. There are a lot of gadgets out there designed to save us time and money but some do not live up to their expectations and can be quite costly. Please learn from my mistakes!

IN THE KITCHEN

Let’s face it, this is where all the action happens. This is where everyone gathers around the table and visits. It’s the heart of the home and homestead. There are many gadgets out there that are designed to “help” us out and shortcut time and effort. Some of these gadgets require more time assembling, disassembling and cleaning that it would take for me to take a knife and cutting board and just get the job done. Good cutlery is absolutely necessary in our home. Years ago when mom asked what I wanted for Christmas, my reply was a set of Henckels knives. Mom did some research and got us the Henckels set with the 2 -Man logo on it. The two man logo represented the Zwilling line of knives. Zwilling is made by Henckels and is the higher end of their products. I was impressed by mom’s research as I was not even aware of this. I gave one of the knives a “test run” on a turnip. I have had turnips I could have used a chainsaw on they were so hard. The Henckel knife cut through that turnip like it was butter. I stopped, counted my fingers, no blood (a good sign) and was stunned at the difference a good quality knife versus a Walmart special can do! A good fillet knife is also essential in our kitchen. Rich saw a YouTube video about building a rotary sharpener from an old grinder motor. Our knives are surgically sharp now.Continue reading“Useful Tools For The Homestead, by Hollyberry”

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, news of another El Niño weather pattern.

It’s Official: World Enters El Niño Climate Pattern

SurvivalBlog reader Tracy M. spotted this, over at FoxNews: It’s Official: World Enters El Niño Climate Pattern. The article begins:

“Sea surface temperature anomalies in critical parts of the Pacific Ocean have warmed enough for NOAA to declare an El Niño event to be underway.

An El Niño is one of three possible phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and forms when sea surface temperature anomalies reach 0.5 °C or warmer than normal values. NOAA says their latest measurements recorded the anomaly at 0.8°C above average.

It is the first time the world has plunged into El Niño territory since 2019, and if past events are a telltale sign of what the future has in store, the global climate pattern will significantly impact the weather.

Some experts have dubbed El Niño to be the world’s ultimate “master weather-maker” as its influences impact everything from animal migrations to the amount of billion-dollar disasters reported around the globe.”

Gentle Cleansers Kill Viruses as Effectively as Harsh Soaps

Reader C.B. found this, at MedicalXPress: Gentle cleansers kill viruses as effectively as harsh soaps, study finds.

A 13-Year-Old Kept Her Siblings Alive for 40 Days in the Jungle

Michael R. sent this: How hero Lesly, 13, kept her siblings aged 9, 4 and just 12 months alive for 40 days lost in the jungle: Brave teen secured camps with hair ribbons, knew the safe fruits and even ground flour to eat.

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