Preparedness Notes for Thursday — June 26, 2025

On June 26, 1794 the Battle of Fleurus was a major victory by forces of the First French Republic under General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan over the Coalition Army (Great Britain, Hanover, Dutch Republic, and Habsburgs). It marked the first use of a military reconnaissance balloon.

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June 26th is the birthday of Marine Corps Lt. General Chesty Puller (born 1898, died October 11, 1971). Perhaps America’s finest-ever maverick officer, Puller was part of what I call the Even Greater Generation.

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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.

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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.

Another Look at Your BOB and INCH Preps, by Dr. Rick

In my most recent article which was posted on June 23, 2025, we looked at and evaluated your EDC and GHB equipment in the framework of survival priorities. Hopefully, you found that information useful. In the preceding article, the focus was on individual preparedness for drastic situations. Now we are going to look at two very different situations. In the two situations presented here, the focus is on family or group preparedness. Both involve evacuation. In this article, we will be looking at your BOB (Bug Out Bag) and your INCH (I’m Never Coming Home) kit using the same survival priorities framework.

There are significant differences between Bugout and INCH situations. In a Bugout scenario, you are planning to return home. (“When” that return will occur is the unknown.) In an INCH situation, there is no thought of ever returning. Your BOB and INCH survival priorities should mirror your other survival priorities, except that the equipment is different. Those suggested priorities are shown below, but the items needed to satisfy your priorities are vastly different.Continue reading“Another Look at Your BOB and INCH Preps, by Dr. Rick”

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 a possible asteroid strike on Earth’s Moon.

A Possible Asteroid Strike on Earth’s Moon in 2032?

SurvivalBlog reader C.B. sent this: Earth’s satellites at risk if asteroid smashes into moon: Study.

ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills

SurvivalBlog staffer Tom Christianson sent this, from Time: ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study.

Suspected Killer Labeled a Doomsday ‘Prepper’

Randy E. sent us the link to a piece in USA Today: Suspected killer of Minnesota lawmaker is a doomsday ‘prepper’ with ‘bailout’ plan.  JWR’s Comments: The mainstream media is always quick to label any criminal suspect a “prepper” or “survivalist” if they A.) have any military training, and B.) they elude authorities in a lightly-populated rural region or a National Forest.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“L’immoralitè est la base du despotisme comme la ventu est l’essence de la Rèpublique.”

(Translated: “Wickedness is the root of despotism as virtue is the essence of the Republic.”) – Maximilien Robespierre (1758-94) In the Convention, 7 May 1794, as cited by A. Cobban, in: ‘Aspects of the French Revolution’ (1968)

 

 

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — June 25, 2025

On June 25th, 1530, German Protestant princes forced Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (pictured) to hear their Confession of Faith — a statement of Lutheran theology, now known as The Augsburg Confession.

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On June 25th, 1798, the US Congress passed the Alien Act, allowing the president to deport dangerous aliens.

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June 25th, 1876: Native American forces led by Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull defeated the U.S. Army troops of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer in a bloody battle near southern Montana’s Little Bighorn River. The Battle of Little Bighorn–also called Custer’s Last Stand – marked the most decisive Native American victory and the worst U.S. Army defeat in the long Plains Indian War.

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I’m sad to report that Quantum Harvest — one of our long-time writing contest prize donors — has gone out of business.  This means that we are now looking for another writing contest prize donor.  If you own a company that has a product or service of interest to SurvivalBlog readers, please let me know if you’d like some publicity.  Thanks!  –  JWR

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We are running a one-week sale on all of our pre-1899 sporter rifles at Elk Creek Company. There are some very deep discounts. Order yours, soon. They can be mailed directly to your doorstep or your P.O. box, in most states.  This sale will end on Monday, June 30th.

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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.

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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.

A Lesson in Price Versus Real Value, by Nurse Michele

I have a story to tell that I believe your readers will enjoy. And it serves as a perfect object lesson for any person that doesn’t understand the difference between money and currency and/or an excellent example of how the dollar (and all currencies) lose value. I’m including two pictures that I have taken and you are welcome to share on your blog along with the following short tale about a gift that has been passed down to me.

My mother, recently gave me a gift that was originally given to her for her 25th wedding anniversary. Well, let me back up a bit…Continue reading“A Lesson in Price Versus Real Value, by Nurse Michele”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.

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A news link posted at our friend Commander Zero’s Notes From The Bunker blog: Shooter killed by staffers at Michigan church, police say; at least 1 person wounded.

And here is some follow-up from the anti-gun PBS: Gunman killed after shooting into Michigan church, where his mother is a member.

JWR’s Comments: Note that the PBS reporter failed to mention that the “security staff ” were volunteer armed citizen church members.  Oh, and we can add Ford F-150 pickups to our list of viable self-defense tools. Any large mass in locomotion is a potentially useful lethal force.

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Reader H.L. sent this: Here’s Drone Footage of 150 Amish Men in New York Moving a Barn.

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North Carolina’s Democrat Governor Josh Stein Vetoes Constitutional Carry. (A hat tip to D.S.V. for the link.) JWR’s Comment: How predictable!

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Map shows where US nuclear fallout shelters are located if cities are attacked.

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Trump says both Iran and Israel violated the ceasefire.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Liberty is liberty, not equality or fairness or justice or human happiness or a quiet conscience.” – Isaiah Berlin (6 June 1909 – 5 November 1997), from ‘Two Concepts of Liberty’ (1958) p. 10

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 24, 2025

On June 24, 1374, a sudden outbreak of St. John’s Dance caused people in the streets of Aachen, Germany, to experience hallucinations and begin to jump and twitch uncontrollably until they collapsed from exhaustion. There is now conjecture that this strange outbreak was caused by rye bread contaminated with ergot fungus — a mycotoxin.

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June 24th is the birthday of rifle-toting abolitionist pastor Henry Ward Beecher. (Born 1813, died March 8, 1887.) He and his adherents from his church smuggled so many Sharps rifles to Bleeding Kansas that the Sharps rifles picked up the nickname Beecher’s Bibles. The Infogalactic Wiki states: “Several of his brothers and sisters became well-known educators and activists, most notably Harriet Beecher Stowe, who achieved worldwide fame with her abolitionist novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

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And on June 24, 1853, US President Franklin Pierce signed the Gadsden Purchase, buying 29,670 square miles (76,800 square km) from Mexico for $10 million.  (That equates to about $1.72 per acre.) This area is now known as southern Arizona and New Mexico).

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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.

Another Look at Your EDC Gear and Your GHB, by Dr. Rick

There are two essential survival kits that deserve another look — both because of their importance and the confusion and misunderstandings that so often surround them. These kts are similar, but they are not the same. What sets them apart is their individuality and their applications. One size does not fit all. There’s no established list to bide by. To be successful, both bags/kits must be customized to meet each user’s individual needs.

EDC stands for “every day carry.” In other words, with you all the time, always ready. The idea has been in the survival community for many years. Essentially, EDC is what you have on your person to help you with everyday tasks and minor emergencies. In most examples, EDC is simply a collection of inadequate, unrelated survival items carried loose in your pockets or in a candy tin. I’ll explain shortly.

GHB stands for “Get Home Bag.” But “Home” can be different destinations – your family home, your Bugout Location (BOL), or your selected meet-up location. You carry your GHB on your person or with you. Your GHB should be able to sustain and protect you while you get safely to your destination when all the chips are down and your GHB is all you have. Its sole and specific purpose is your survival. In fact, Lofty Wiseman calls it a “Survival Kit.” It is not meant to be tactical, nor is it a “BOB” (Bug Out Bag.)Continue reading“Another Look at Your EDC Gear and Your GHB, by Dr. Rick”

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, an update on a 2024 Sandpoint, Idaho arson attack.

Idaho

Idaho Arsonist Gets 15 Years for Torching Lawmaker’s Business. Here is an excerpt:

“On July 4, 2024, the Army Surplus store in Sandpoint, owned by State Rep. Cornel Rasor (R – Westmond), was burned to the ground. Initial rumors were that perhaps a firework had hit the building and started the fire. However, police later said that arson was suspected in the fire.

Meyer was eventually identified as the suspect and arrested. She was initially deemed unfit to stand trial, but after undergoing a court-ordered evaluation at Idaho State Hospital North, it was determined that she was fit to stand trial. Meyer then changed her plea from not guilty to guilty.”

JWR’s Comments: The image above is a still from a video shot by Casey Whalen, courtesy of X/Twitter.

Mr. Rasor’s surplus store in Sandpoint was apparently the inspiration for the fictional “Grogan’s War Surplus” store in the humorous books by the late Patrick McManus.

o  o  o

Man drives wrong way on Interstate 84 during police chase, arrested after SWAT standoff.

o  o  o

State claims Kohberger defense is seeking a ‘perpetual continuance’ ahead of murder trial.

o  o  o

Ryan Lewis wins Ironman 70.3 in Coeur d’Alene.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — June 23, 2025

On June 23, 930, the world’s oldest parliament, the Icelandic Parliament — the Alþingi — was established.

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To reiterate and expand on my note posted yesterday: My e-mail inbox has been full of queries from readers about the USAF bomber strikes on Iranian nuclear weapons development sites. Folks want to know if this might mean WW3. For some articles on that topic, see our June 19th Odds ‘n Sods column.  There could indeed be some escalation.  There is certainly the risk of an Iranian sub-critical  “dirty bomb” being detonated, most likely at an American container seaport. And there is a heightened risk of cyber attacks and sleeper cells attacking in American cities, and at critical infrastructure sites all across the country. Our three national power grids are at particular risk, so be ready for extended power outages.  Be vigilant and be armed, folks! – JWR

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We’ve started a one-week sale on all of our pre-1899 sporter rifles at Elk Creek Company. There are some very deep discounts. Order yours, soon.   They can be mailed directly to your doorstep or your P.O. box, in most states.  This sale will end on Monday, June 30th.

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Today’s feature piece is by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

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We are in need of entries for Round 119 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.

Smartwool Run Mid Crew Pattern Socks, by Thomas Christianson

Smartwool Run Mid Crew Pattern Socks are outstanding for everyday use and for field wear. They are comfortable, durable, attractive, resist odor, wick moisture away from the skin, and remain pleasant to wear even under extended use. They are also good for running in.

At the time of this writing a pair of these USA-made socks cost $22 .

This pair of socks has become one of my favorites, along with the other Smartwool socks in my drawer. I highly recommend them.Continue reading“Smartwool Run Mid Crew Pattern Socks, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Super Stuffed Zucchini Squash

The following recipe for Super Stuffed Zucchini Squash is from SurvivalBlog reader V.F. , who says: “The exact proportion of ingredients is not crucial — use them in proportions that suit your taste.  An egg is included to bind the breadcrumbs to the other ingredients.”

Ingredients
  • Zucchini, medium-size.
  • 1 large Egg (or two medium eggs)
  • Coarse breadcrumbs (preferably freshly-made.)
  • Parmesan cheese (You can substitute other cheeses, such as Mozzarella.)
  • Minced Garlic (optional, to taste)
  • Cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • Pine nuts (optional)
  • Lemon zest
  • Thyme
  • Oive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Pesto sauce (optional.)
Directions
  1. Wash and slice the raw zucchini lengthwise into halves and hollow out the flesh, leaving “boats” with a 1/4-inch thick rim inside each half. Do not discard the removed flesh.
  2. Prepare the filling. Chop any large pieces of scooped flesh and transfer to a kitchen strainer. Press out any excess moisture, and then add the zucchini flesh to a bowl with the egg, breadcrumbs, cherry tomatoes, thyme, lemon zest, cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and salt. Stir for a minute until everything is well combined.
  3. Preheat your oven to 475°F.
  4. Stuff the zucchini halves. Place the zucchini shells in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil and then spoon in the breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Bake at 475°F oven until the zucchini is tender and the filling is golden brown.  (About 16 to 18 minutes.)
SERVING

Just before serving, you can optionally add some pesto sauce on top. Serve these hot.

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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!