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 Smart Meter surveillance.

When Smart Meters Turn Into Spy Tools

SurvivalBlog reader D.S.V. set us this: When Smart Meters Turn Into Spy Tools. Here is an excerpt:

“California’s robust privacy protections are facing a critical test as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and community advocates press forward with a lawsuit to dismantle what they describe as an illegal and biased surveillance operation run by Sacramento’s public electric utility.

In a legal filing submitted last week, the EFF laid out evidence that the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), which serves more than 650,000 customers, has spent over a decade monitoring detailed home electricity data and funneling it to police without a warrant. The organization calls this an unconstitutional “dragnet surveillance” program that unlawfully invades household privacy on a massive scale.”

U.S. Birth Rate Has Hit an All-Time Low

As reported by CBS News: U.S. birth rate hits all-time low, CDC data shows.
Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“[T]he drive of the Rockefellers and their allies is to create a one-world government, combining super-capitalism and Communism under the same tent, all under their control … Do I mean conspiracy? Yes, I do. I am convinced there is such a plot, international in scope, generations old in planning, and incredibly evil in intent. ” – Congressman Lawrence P. McDonald

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — July 30, 2025

On July 30, 1619. the House of Burgesses in Virginia was formed. It was the first elected American governing body.

—

Today we also remember the birthday of author Reginald Bretnor. He was born Alfred Reginald Kahn on July 30, 1911, in Vladivostok. He died on July 22, 1992 in Medford, Oregon. In addition to penning many witty science fiction novels and short stories in his characteristic style, he also wrote nonfiction articles for Mel Tappan’s P.S. Letter

—

Today’s feature article is a guest piece by our friend Brandon Smith, the Editor of Alt-Market.us.

—

We are now seeking entries for Round 120 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 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. 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.

Lefties, Illegals And Minorities Are Finally Experiencing “Consequence Culture”, by Brandon Smith

Travel back in time to the year 2021 and you might find yourself in the middle of a bizarre debate over the virtues of “cancel culture”. At the time the political left was aggressively trying to secure long term power within the US through a multi-pronged psychological offensive – A war on the minds of the masses designed to force Americans into submission.

A big part of their strategy relied on the fundamentals of Cultural Marxism: The combination of Marxist mob tactics, artificial consensus and the exploitation of minority grievances as a vehicle for controlling speech. This was the rise of the “woke movement” to the halls of government.

The root of their power was not martial. In fact, the political left is weak and largely astroturf with minimal ability to project power in a physical way. If conservatives wanted to destroy them tomorrow the task would be relatively easy. We don’t because many of us still have hope that our problems can be solved through peaceful discourse.

What the leftists did have at their disposal was a massive institutional apparatus of government agencies, corporations, Big Tech, and NGOs. The full might of the establishment cabal was on their side, which meant they had the means to enforce “cancel culture” and silence their ideological opponents.Continue reading“Lefties, Illegals And Minorities Are Finally Experiencing “Consequence Culture”, by Brandon Smith”

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.

—

SurvivalBlog reader D.S.V. recommended this article in Better Homes and Gardens: 12 Critical Supplies You Should Keep in Your Storm Shelter at All Times.

o  o  o

A massive magnitude 8.7 earthquake hit the Kamchatka Peninsula yesterday. This triggered tsunami warnings as far away as Huntington Beach, California!

—

An English-dubbed 2024 documentary from the German Welt: INSIDE THE PREPPER MOVEMENT: Preparing for Disaster and Ensuring Survival.

o  o  o

A very useful video: OSINT At Home #9 – Top 4 Free Satellite Imagery Sources.

o  o  o

Reader Tim J. sent us this: Introducing the U.S. Marine Corps Attack Drone Team.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — July 29, 2025

On July  29, 1279, five emissaries dispatched by Kublai Khan from the Mongol Yuan dynasty were beheaded in Hakata, Japan. Their gravestones can still be seen in Kamakura at Tatsunokuchi.

—

July 29, 1805 was the birthday of Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville. He died April 16, 1859. He is best known for his lengthy treatise: Democracy In America.

—

On July 29, 1930, a record high of 115°F (46°C) was recorded in Holly Springs, Mississippi — a state record.

—

Reader C.B. passed along some sad news: Tom Lehrer, Song Satirist and Mathematician, Dies at 97.  One of my favorites of his was Wernher von Braun. Reader C.B. noted:  “I particularly liked his ditty called The Elements. One of those songs that stick in your head all day long.”

—

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 119 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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),
  2. 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),
  3. 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.
  4. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 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. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. 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. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 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. 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.

Preventing Bicycle Tire Flats: A DIY Kevlar Method, by B.C.

I’ve been trying to get a puncture in my bicycle tires for over two years now. So far, I’ve failed miserably.

Background History

I’ve been a bicycle rider since I was a kid, but I didn’t get serious until I got a job in a midsized town at the ripe old age of 21. Work was not within walking distance. I didn’t want to buy a car to commute to work and I held off buying one until I was in my mid-twenties. That really helped my bank account, and I got lots of exercise. The local weather was generally fair and rain free, so I had many days where cycling was a joy. I mostly stayed on blacktop roads and simple daily chores like grocery shopping could be mostly managed on the bike. Even after I bought my dad’s old car, I would choose to ride my 10-speed bike over driving.

I did have trouble with a nasty invasive plant that produced steel hard seeds that had spikes worthy of a caltrop. The seeds abounded in many grassed areas. The local bike shop sold a thick flexible plastic insert for the tires that solved the problem.Continue reading“Preventing Bicycle Tire Flats: A DIY Kevlar Method, by B.C.”

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 about two additional life sentences for Lori Vallow Daybell. (See the Idaho section.)

Idaho

The War Bonnet  Round-Up will be held July 30 to August 2nd, 2025 in Idaho Falls.

o  o  o

Two more life sentences for Doomsday Mom Lori Vallow Daybell.

o  o  o

Over 100 gallons of berries seized from suspected commercial pickers in Boundary County.

o  o  o

A RICO lawsuit has been filed in Boundary County, Idaho: Wittwer et al v. J&D Development, LLC et al. Here is some news reporting on the lawsuit: Two Idaho brokerages, agents named in RICO suit.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Some things are believed because they are demonstrably true. But many other things are believed simply because they have been asserted repeatedly—and repetition has been accepted as a substitute for evidence.” – Thomas Sowell

Preparedness Notes for Monday — July 28, 2025

On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary decided against mediation and declared war on Serbia. This was the first declaration of war, beginning The Great War, which was later named World War I.

—

On July 28, 1932, U.S. Army troops, using tanks, cavalry, and tear gas demolished and burned the shantytown set up near the U.S. Capitol by unemployed Bonus Army protestors.

—

Today’s feature is a review written by SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson..

—

Just a few days left: A fan of SurvivalBlog is one of the organizers of a real estate raffle for a 32-acre parcel of waterfront land in northwest Montana that looks quite retreat-worthy.  I generally shy away from raffles and any sort of games of chance.  But because this raffle will benefit a good cause (an animal shelter in that area), and because the property would be quite suitable for building a retreat, I’ve decided to give this fundraiser some publicity in SurvivalBlog. The raffle ends on July 31, 2025. For details, see: DreamPropertyRaffle.org.

—

We now need entries for Round 120 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 119 ends on July 31st. 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. 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.

Purefire Fire Starters, by Thomas Christianson

Purefire Fire Starters use an integrated magnesium rod to provide a durable, compact, long-lasting, waterproof source of shavings for highly effective tinder for the ferrocerium rod with which it is mated.

The Survival Model has a hollow handle in which the striker, additional tinder, or other survival essentials can be stored. The Folding Model, as its name indicates, can be folded into the handle, making it more compact and thus easier to store and carry.

Both models are handmade in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. When the magnesium and ferrocerium are both fully exhausted, they are eligible for replacement with the buyer paying shipping only.

Each model costs $34.95 at PureFireTactical.com. I highly recommend them.Continue reading“Purefire Fire Starters, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Chicken Wings or Legs

The following recipe for Crock Pot Slow Cooker Chicken Wings or Legs is from SurvivalBlog reader and slow-cooker fan Tony D..

Ingredients
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or less, to suit your taste)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated garlic powder (or less, to suit your taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or less, to suit your taste or a low-salt diet)
  • 3 pounds chicken wings and/or legs (drumsticks)
  • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce/. (I’ve tried several brands, and they all worked well.)
Directions
  1. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
  2. Place the chicken wings or drumsticks in a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and toss them to coat the spice mixture.
  4. Lay the chicken pieces out as flat as possible in your crock pot.
  5. Pour over the 1½ cups of the barbecue sauce and smooth it, to cover the tops of the chicken pieces.
  6. Cover and cook on your crock pot’s “high” setting for 2-4 hours, or “low” for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.  Note: If you will be away from your kitchen for 8 hours, add 1/4 cup of water, and only use the “low” setting.

—

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!

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic: US Continental Land Cover. (USGS 2024 data, in a graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

—

Please send your graphics or graphics links to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.