Commo for Family, Group, or Community – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

Long-term survival necessarily requires a community that can sustain itself.  As I have no family, I am more focused on this objective than those who must be concerned with a family to feed.  However, this topic should be of more concern to those with progeny to consider.  Without a plan in place and in action now, we might as well be planning to fail. A plan, any plan, is better than no plan.  The process of continually planning is also more important than any one plan,  As a rule, we should be continually be assessing a changing environment and discovering new information, and continually learning, and henceforth, we should be continually improving our plans. Hopefully, this article can supply the reader with a template they can use on a larger or smaller scale plan.

Location, Location, Location

Being located and involved with a community that is mostly like-minded, and has the necessary resources, is essential. If we have studied Group Dynamics, then we know that the smaller the group, the stronger the sense of community, and the greater cohesion. A larger community is less desirable than a smaller community in any assessment if the smaller community also processes the necessary resources, and the correct mixture of skills and knowledge.  I’ve noted over the decades, that the further away from the land are we, the less down-to-earth we tend to be, the more egocentric, and the further away from God we become.

As important as any other factor in my calculus is that an agrarian society of the correct size would have the strongest sense of community, and enough horse sense to work together, and the necessary resources. Unfortunately, my neighbors are not predominately Amish, or agrarian, yet survivalists represent an abnormally high concentration and percentage of the demographic. If we are not located in such a place, then a community communications plan is of less importance. In any case, the article can be helpful to those who only have a smaller number of group members to work with.Continue reading“Commo for Family, Group, or Community – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

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 of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, a report of heavy April snowfall in Casper, Wyoming. (See the Wyoming section.)

Region-Wide

Wallowa County voters respond to ‘Greater Idaho’ ahead of May election.

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Oregon residents may secede over ‘east-west’ political divide: ‘Not a unified state to me anymore’.

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10 Most Conservative Cities in America. JWR’s Comment: Not surprisingly, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Great Falls, Montana made the list.

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Yet another attempt by a left-leaning newspaper to make the American Redoubt movement look racist: Idaho at the epicenter of American Redoubt, white Christian nationalism movement. JWR’s Comments:  Once again, a journalist has slapped on the false “racist” label, ignoring facts. These journalists never mention the blacks and Asians involved in the movement. Nor do they ever mention that since the very beginning when I launched the movement, I have encouraged both conservative Christians and Jews to relocate to the Redoubt region. Shame on Bob Kustra and The Idaho Statesman newspaper for publishing this attempt to unfairly tar the American Redoubt movement.

Idaho

Idaho becomes second state to make gender-affirming health care for minors a felony.  JWR’s Comment: Note the way that the writer at the left-wing site The Hill phrased this article.  Bias in the mass media is pernicious.

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A Welcome Rethink on Ranked-Choice Voting: Idaho joins other states in banning the confusing election system. This Wall Street Journal article begins:

“Progressives want to impose the system known as ranked-choice voting around the country, which is a good reason to pause and ask why. That now seems to be happening, as Idaho becomes the latest state to put the brakes on a confusing system that has produced dubious outcomes.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little in late March signed a bill prohibiting county election officials from using ranked-choice voting (RCV) in any local, statewide or federal election.”

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Idaho Gov. Brad Little signs bill banning employers from requiring coronavirus vaccines.

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Sources: ID from Idaho killings found in Kohberger home searches.

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Jury set in Lori Vallow-Daybell trial.

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Idaho state fishing record shattered by 5-year-old girl one cast at time.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

Preparedness Notes for Monday — April 10, 2023

In its third year of operation, the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine Thresher (SSN-593) tragically went down 60 years ago today, with the loss of all hands: 129 men.

April 10, 1827 was the birthday of General Lew Wallace.

April 10th, 1796 was the birthday of James Jim Bowie, who died March 6th, 1836 at the Battle of the Alamo.

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A reminder:  For anyone who is interested in investing in a recession-proof business, the Harvest Guard canning lids plastics company is being offered for sale.

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Today’s feature article is a review written by the SurvivalBlog staff’s Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

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I’m still recovering from my illness. Hopefully, I’ll be back to my full roster of regular posts tomorrow.  Thanks for your patience, folks. – JWR

Siege Stove Titanium Gen 4 Flat-Pack, By Tom Christianson

The appetizing aroma of roasting venison wafted enticingly from the twig stove in front of me. The sound of sizzling meat coming from the folding grill on the top of the stove reinforced the attraction. I rotated the grill from time to time to allow the venison steaks to cook evenly on each side. After about 20 minutes, the steaks appeared to be fully cooked. I removed the folding grill from the stove, opened it, and cut one of the steaks with my EDC knife to make sure it was fully cooked. It proved to be well-done. I used my knife to spear each steak to move it from the folding grill to the serving plate. I then took the steaks inside for dinner and thus completed this most enjoyable aspect of Siege Stove testing.

Background

I really like twig stoves. They are light, they are easy to use, and I have a virtually unlimited supply of fuel growing in the woods around my home.

On June 11, 2021, SurvivalBlog published my review of a couple of twig stoves. They were both pretty good stoves. I then ran across Pat Casico’s April 8, 2019 review of Siege Stoves in SurvivalBlog. The Siege Stove titanium flat-pack sounded especially interesting. So when Mr. James Fisher of Siege Stoves recently invited me to test their titanium flat-pack stove, I jumped at the chance. Five days later, a package containing the stove arrived in the mail.Continue reading“Siege Stove Titanium Gen 4 Flat-Pack, By Tom Christianson”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

If Inflation is Under Control…

Then Why Does Their Acronym Keep Getting Longer and Longer?

News Links: 

Ontario NDP urges legal protections for drag shows.

You never thought totalitarianism would look like this.

2SLGBTQQIA+ people are ‘running out of letters’

JWR’s Comment:  When a country’s law reaches the point where it criminalizes making “harmful remarks” about perversion, then the law and the nation itself has become truly perverted.

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” – Matthew 28:1-7 (KJV)

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:

I’m still down with a cold.  I hope to be back to posting the full roster of blog posts by Monday or Tuesday. Lily will fill you in on what has been going on at the Rawles Ranch.Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.

Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.” – Psalm 22: 1-19 (KJV)

JWR: A Bit of Sick Leave

I’ve come down with what seems to be a bad cold.  I’m hoping that this isn’t the dreaded Omicron variant of the WuFlu.

For the first time ever in 18 years of writing and editing SurvivalBlog, I’ll be taking a few sick days, to recuperate.  Don’t worry, folks. I’m only 62 years old and I’m doing all of the right things:  Plenty of fluids, bed rest, extra Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and Zinc.  I’m also taking a five-day course of 12 MG Ivermectin tablets.

As I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon, I’m still sick abed but now actually feeling a bit better. Sadly, this nasal-throat-chest crud has already robbed me of several days of productive writing and editing time.

Thanks for your patience! – JWR

P.S.:  On another note, you may have noticed that gold hit a one-year high on Tuesday.  (Spot Gold up 2% for the day to $2,037.60, and Spot Silver up 4.7% for the day at $25.16.)  There were some pull-backs on profit-taking, with gold back down to around $2,020. But silver was still at a solid $25.18 on Thursday afternoon.

I told you so.

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — April 6, 2023

Today is the birthday of famous American newsreel and radio journalist/narrator Lowell Thomas.

This is also the birthday of novelist Vince Flynn. (Born April 6, 1966, died June 19, 2013.) His death at age 47 was a loss to the literary world.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 106 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. EBL is providing an EBL Voyager 500-Watt Power Station with deep cycle lithium batteries, providing reliable 120 Volt AC and DC (12 Volt and USB) power for emergencies or outdoor use. (A $399 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 Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  4. 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.
  5. 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 $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 105 ends on May 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.

Moving to the Country: If Not Now, When? – Part 3, by St. Funogas

(Continued from Part 2. This concludes the article.)

Financial Concerns, Taking a Vow of Poverty

In my case, retiring early and cashing out most of my 401k took a leap of faith to say the least. It helped that I was debt-free and willing to put up with almost any inconvenience and suffer financially if necessary if it meant finally getting to live my dream life in the country. That was my primary goal above all else. How to get by if the funds ran dry was only a secondary concern that I’d deal with later if necessary. That’s how bad I wanted to make it happen. If I had to stock shelves at my local grocery store until my social security checks started rolling in, so be it. If I had to live off my preps for five years, what an opportunity!

For those who want their own little place in the boonies but think they just can’t make it happen, I can’t stress enough this mindset of taking a leap of faith, tossing convenience to the wind, adopting the attitude of sucking it up, toughing it out, and doing whatever it takes to make it happen. If it becomes your primary goal in life you can make it happen. And I’m not just parroting Vince Lombardi here. There are much cheaper ways to build a residence than I did, I just had a certain kind of house in mind since way back when. Sheetrock and paint are much less expensive than wood walls inside. Some people can start out in a mini house and then upgrade later, then generating income by renting the mini as an Airbnb. The norm before mortgages were invented was to build a very small one- or two-room house when the family was small, designed to be added on to later. An addition was added as the family grew, and often a second addition later on, if needed.Continue reading“Moving to the Country: If Not Now, When? – Part 3, by St. Funogas”

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 near-record snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

California’s Historic Snowpack: More Flooding Ahead?

ABC television: California’s historic snowpack and the runoff’s potential impact on farmland.

“After historic snowpack levels in California, the concern now is for how fast the snow melts and the rate of runoff’s impact on farmland.”

How a Solar Storm Took Out a Fleet of Starlink Sats

SurvivalBlog reader C.B. sent this: Now we know how a solar storm took out a fleet of Starlinks.

An Attempted Kidnapping Using a Roadblock

Peter sent us this: Detectives release sketch for attempted kidnapper after woman is attacked at roadblock. JWR’s Comments:  Be armed and vigilant folks. Generally, you should stay in your vehicle, and don’t forget that it too is potentially a weapon.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Ever since the decline of the Arabian Empire, more than a thousand years ago, generals, sultans, and califs have attempted to unify the peoples of Arabia, and particularly of the province of Hedjaz, because it contains the two sacred Mohammedan cities. None were successful, but where they failed, Thomas Edward Lawrence, the unknown unbeliever, succeeded. It remained for this youthful British archæologist to go into forbidden Arabia and lead the Arabs through the spectacular and triumphant campaign which helped Allenby break the backbone of the Turkish Empire and destroy the Pan-German dream of world dominion. The way in which he swept the Turks from Holy Arabia and temporarily built this mosaic of peoples into a homogeneous nation, now known as the Kingdom of the Hedjaz, is a story that I should have failed to believe had I not visited Arabia and come into personal contact with Lawrence and his associates during their campaign.” – Lowell Thomas, from With Lawrence in Arabia