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 Blackout Risks.

X-Class Solar Flare Sparks Worldwide Disruptions

Reported this morning: X-class solar flare sparks worldwide disruptions, with more storms expected as sunspot turns toward Earth.

Interior Secretary Warns U.S. at Risk of Spain-Style Blackouts

Over at Zero Hedge: Interior Secretary Warns U.S. At Risk Of Spain-Style Blackouts.

and,

At Reason: Spain’s Grid Collapsed in 5 Seconds. The U.S. Could Be Next.  Here is a key quote:

“When a power plant trips offline or demand suddenly spikes, the power grid has no cushion; it must respond instantly or it unravels. That’s where inertia comes in. In coal, gas, and nuclear plants, massive turbine rotors spin at thousands of rpm. Even when power is cut, they keep turning, releasing stored energy that slows frequency shifts and buys precious time—seconds to a minute—for backup to kick in. It’s not backup power, it’s breathing room. Like the flywheel on a Peloton, it keeps things steady even when input falters.

Once frequency drops too far, automatic protection kicks in. Plants shut down. Substations isolate. The grid severs its own limbs to survive. If imbalance spreads faster than recovery can respond, the collapse cascades. Entire regions go dark—not for lack of power, but lack of time. Even the right answer, a minute late, is no answer at all.

That’s what happened in Spain. On April 28, solar energy was generating nearly 18 gigawatts of electricity—more than half of the national demand. Within an hour, more than two-thirds of it disappeared due to what authorities called a “technical fluctuation.” Grid frequency plummeted. France tried to send emergency power across the intertie, but the imbalance tripped the connection. In five seconds, the entire Iberian grid collapsed.”

Ice is Rebounding at Both Poles

Trafer H.L. suggested this report in The New York Post: Surprise! Ice is rebounding at both poles — climate is more complex than we know.

The Secretive Government Unit Planning to Dim the Sun

Reported by The Telegraph, in England: The secretive government unit planning to dim the sun.

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

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — May 14, 2025

On May 14, 1607, English colonists established the first permanent English settlement in America at Jamestown. Unknown to them, they had landed amidst the worst drought in eastern North America in 800 years.

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May 14th, 1686 was the birthday of Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who invented the thermometer.

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May 14, 1853: Land surveyor, newspaper publisher, and inventor Gail Borden patented his process for condensed milk.

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And on May 14th, 1948, in Tel Aviv, Jewish Agency Chairman David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the State of Israel, reestablishing the Jewish state after nearly 2,000 years.

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A special editorial note:  About six months ago, I tried to set a rule for myself, in linking to articles at other websites.  I began noticing that articles were using AI-generated artwork, as article header illos. I dislike that, so I decided to avoid linking to any that featured that sort of artwork.  But now, six months later, that practice has become the norm. So, I’m forced to concede on this one, lest I have hardly anything to link to, in another year.  Sad, but true. But at least take heart in the fact that we won’t use AI-generated artwork in any SurvivalBlog articles, except those specifically about the use of AI, and its impact.  – JWR

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $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. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.)

I’ve busted other Ham buddies who were not FCC compliant with an embarrassing phone call.  It is a fun and a useful exercise and practice of a poor man’s version of what is referred to by the military as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). Intelligence of any kind, from Human Intelligence (HUMINT) to SIGINT is needed, because intelligence gathering in general is essential to our security operation.

Intelligence from all sources should drive our security operations.  I (and others) will be listening for radio traffic as that is the easiest form of intelligence available to the survivalist.  As with a rifle, if you can see it, you can hit it.  Therefore, it is also true that if I can hear it, then the source is potentially dangerous. I would suggest performing some SIGINT before sending out any patrol, if I was capable of doing so.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

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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SurvivalBlog’s Editor-at-Large Michael Z. Williamson sent us this first-hand evidence of audio keyword snooping by social media, via a persistently listening smartphone:

“I recently drove to Atlanta for a memorial service on aSaturday morning. On the way, I had a phone call with my ex and mentioned a real estate firm, Noble Investments, that a friend works for. I have no connection with Noble.

Then, at the memorial service, I spoke with the founder and leader of the mortgage boot camp I went to in 2005.

Just now, I get a ping from LinkedIn with two posts for me to view. The first, from Noble. The second, from the very mortgage girl whom I spoke with on Saturday.

Oh, just a coincidence. I’m certain of it.”

o  o  o

SurvivalBlog reader B.G. sent this news: Outrage as Connecticut Father Arrested and Charged for Killing Bear Threatening His Two Children. B.G.’s Comment: “He broke the ‘TRIPLE S’ rule and is now paying the price.”

JWR Adds: For those not familiar with the acronym, SSS stands for: Shoot, shovel, and shut up.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“You only have power over people as long as you don’t take everything away from them. But when you’ve robbed a man of everything he’s no longer in your power—he’s free again.” – Aleksander Solzhenitsyn, from The First Circle, 1968, Chapter 17

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 13, 2025

On May 13, 1916, the Lafayette Escadrille, an American aviation unit under French command comprised of volunteers to fight for France, saw its first combat at the Battle of Verdun.

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May 13th is also the birthday of firearms engineer Theodor Koch (born 1905, died 1976.) Koch, along with Edmund Heckler and Alex Seidel salvaged tooling from the bombed-out Mauser factory at Oberndorf, and with it founded Heckler und Koch.

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We are pleased to welcome our newest text advertiser, the Stakeholder Prepping Podcast. Fascinating stuff with some expert advice. Listen in! – JWR

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $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. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail value.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

 

Communications Options for the Common Man – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

We live in uncertain times where tens of millions of foreign invaders comprised largely of military-aged males have recently and in organized fashion crossed our borders. They were assisted by U.S. government-funded NGOs south of the border. We certainly should wonder about their intent. And there are many other significant threats that we should be concerned with particularly as the world is rapidly becoming unstable, both economically and geopolitically.

At some point in the near future, World War 3 will break out and the economy at home will suffer greatly, causing riots in the streets that would further destabilize this country and foment a communist-styled insurrection.  With tens of millions of foreigners who have not assimilated, and who are mostly supported by our social welfare system, we are sitting on a ticking time bomb. And there are other plausible scenarios as well.  Expect the unexpected, and we will not be disappointed.Continue reading“Communications Options for the Common Man – 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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, news about a bison goring incident at Yellowstone.  (See the Wyoming section.)

Idaho

Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th to transition from armored to mobile combat team.

o  o  o

Young man arrested with Meridian Police officer’s knee on his neck is found guilty.  JWR’s Comment:  Watching the video, it is apparent that excessive force was used when the officer lost his temper.  He should have been denied Qualified Immunity.

o  o  o

(Video) Exploring Idaho: A journey beneath the surface.

o  o  o

‘I refuse to live my life in fear’: Elizabeth Smart addresses recent Wanda Barzee arrest.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“If a sovereign oppresses his people to a great degree, they will rise and cut off his head. There
is a remedy in human nature against tyranny, that will keep us safe under every form of
government.” – Samuel Jonson

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 12, 2025

On May 12, 1215, English barons served an ultimatum on King John.  This eventually led to the creation and signing of the Magna Carta. (Pictured.)

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On May 12, 1921 a lengthy solar storm began, dubbed The Great Geomagnetic Storm of May 1921.

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And on May 12, 1926, the Airship Norge became the first vessel to fly over North Pole, led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and piloted by the craft’s Italian designer Umberto Nobile.

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The Sale Ends Tonight! The special 10-day sale on all the Elk Creek Company percussion gun inventory ends tonight at Midnight, Eastern Time. Most of these are revolvers for which cartridge conversion cylinders are readily available. This includes a group of minty Ruger Old Army revolvers (now just five left) that I’ve not yet photographed. Many of those are “Pre-Warning” vintage.  We also have special pricing on all of our blackpowder hunting rifles. Most of those are .50 caliber rifles in the quite practical Hawken configuration. Take a look at our Percussion category.

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We need a few more entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

ALPS Evolution Merino 150 Long Sleeve Shirt, by Thomas Christianson

Made of 100% superfine Merino wool, the ALPS Evolution 150 long-sleeve shirt is the most comfortable woolen garment in my wardrobe. It is also one of the most versatile garments that I own. The fabric is thin and breathable enough to be worn in summer, when it can provide 50+ UPF of protection from the sun. When used with a number of other layers in cooler weather, the shirt helps to hold body heat in while allowing moisture to escape.

The fabric from which the shirt is made is naturally odor resistant and dries quickly after washing. Its “riverstone” color blends well with natural backgrounds, making it well suited for pursuits that benefit from low visibility such as waterfowl hunting or bird watching.

With a price at the time of this writing of $59.99 at https://alpsmountaineering.com , the shirt is not inexpensive, but it represents a good value for the money. There is also a short sleeve version of the shirt available for $49.99. Sadly, as i discovered, they are made in mainland China.Continue reading“ALPS Evolution Merino 150 Long Sleeve Shirt, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week:  Zesty Corn-From-The-Cob

The following recipe for Zesty Corn-From-The-Cob is from SurvivalBlog reader F.C..

Ingredients
  • Sweet Cob Corn, Boiled
  • Olive Oil
  • Lime Juice
  • Red Onion or Walla Walla Sweet Onion, Chopped
  • Cilantro, Chopped
  • Hot Sauce (Optional)
  • Black Pepper, Ground Optional)
Directions

Just cut the kernels off of boiled sweet corn, then toss them with a light coat of olive oil, lime juice, some chopped cilantro, some chopped Red or Walla Walla Sweet onion, and optionally add a dash of hot sauce and/or a light sprinkle of black pepper. Make all of the ingredient proportions suit your taste.

SERVING

Serve it hot or cold.

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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!

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic:  A world map, as issued by the government of Brazil. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

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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.

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“It is a popular delusion that the government wastes vast amounts of money through inefficiency and sloth. Enormous effort and elaborate planning are required to waste this much money.” –  P.J. O’Rourke