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, another mountain lion attack.

Mountain Lion Attack Kills 21-Year-Old in California

A Fox News article linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: Mountain lion attack kills 21-year-old man, injures younger brother in California. And here is a television news segment.

JWR’s Comments:  This incident was essentially a case of “death-by-carry-ban.”  If those young men had been able to carry holstered pistols, then the outcome might have been quite different. But California effectively has a concealed carry ban, a vehicular carry ban, an open carry ban, and an under-age-21 pistol carry ban. Granted, open carry is officially legal for those 21 and older in California’s rural areas outside of city limits, but that right is rarely exercised, for several reasons. These include: Social(ist) stigma, the fear of being reported to the police, and the state’s vehicular carry ban that makes it very difficult to legally transport a handgun to get to an outdoor recreational activity. Prayers, please, for the family of the victims.

US Warns of Cyberattacks Against Water Systems

From SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson: US Warns of Cyberattacks Against Water Systems Throughout Nation.

The Ultra-Rich and Their Bunkers

From CBC News: From luxury bunkers to tactical vehicles, the ultra-rich are preparing for the Big One. The article begins:

“In December, Wired magazine revealed that Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and one of the richest individuals on the planet, was building a $100-million US compound in Hawaii.

The fact that Zuckerberg is undertaking a nine-figure renovation is hardly revelatory. The more telling detail is that the compound includes a bunker — 5,000 square feet, to be specific, with concrete walls and an escape hatch.

What does this tell us? It’s a sign that at least some of the ultra-rich are anxious about global events and are making contingency plans for the Big One — whatever form that may take.”

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

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — March 27, 2024

On Good Friday, March 27th, 1964, south-central Alaska was struck by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake that was the strongest quake ever registered in the United States.

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Today’s feature article was too short for consideration in the judging in Round 111 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.

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More than $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 111 ends on March 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.

What Would Robinson Crusoe Get at WalMart?, by A.B.B.

Let’s suppose that you are Robinson Crusoe at TEOTWAWKI. If you have one last opportunity to go to a store, then what would you get? Where would you get it? Bic Ligters? Vitamin C tablets? Water purifiers? Your answers to these questions will predetermine your actions on TEOTWAWKI.

My wife and I have decided to each carry cash, a 1 oz gold Krugerrand coin on our persons and twenty dollars face value of 90% junk silver in our book bags for the foreseeable future. If or when something hits, minimally the credit card systems will go down. Cash will become instantly worthless. If it starts with a Cyber attack or an EMP, most people will be clueless about what is happening. Most will be frozen because of indecision. Hesitancy kills. This is the moment to take decisive action.Continue reading“What Would Robinson Crusoe Get at WalMart?, by A.B.B.”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This 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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From reader G.G.: The Best Multi-Tool for Every Job.

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Department Of Justice Announces “Federal Red Flag Center” Shortly After Omnibus Passes, Congressman Says. (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.)

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Reader C.B. sent this: FCC launches crackdown on signal jammers sold by Amazon, others.

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FEMA makes profound decision to pay for major new feature in schools, hospitals: ‘Creating more energy independence’.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” – Justice William J. Brennan

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — March 26, 2024

On March 26th, 1913, Dayton, Ohio was almost destroyed when the Scioto, Miami, and Muskingum Rivers reached flood stage simultaneously.

On March 26th, 1812, an earthquake now estimated at 7.7 on the Richter scale destroyed 90% of Caracas, Venezuela and killed an estimated 15,000–20,000 people.

And, on March 26th, 1995: The Schengen Treaty went into effect.

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There are several interesting new listings at SurvivalRealty.com.  They include:

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 111 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contesSouthern Oregon Creekfront Mini-Farm and Home | $575,000 | 15551 East Evans Creek Road, Rogue River, OR, USAt. 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 $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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 www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  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. 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. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 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.
  3. 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)
  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 $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 111 ends on March 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.

 

The Deuce and a Half as a BOV, by B.F. 

I am often amused at the articles in both mainstream publications and in the preparedness press that talk about using surplus military vehicles as “bug out vehicles” (BOVs). Sometimes these vehicles are basically stock, other times they are highly customized packages priced at $100,000 or more. In any event, I believe they are off the mark in their suggestions, although they do make for enjoyable reading.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like surplus military vehicles. I own (or have owned) several including an M35A2 Deuce and a Half with winch. an M818 semi-tractor, an M1009 CUCV, an M998 HMMWV, and an Air Force J20 Jeep ambulance with winch. I also have several trailers including an engineer equipment trailer, a 5/4 ton utility trailer and an artillery ammunition trailer.

In addition to the vehicles I own, Uncle Sam was kind enough to let me play with quite a few others during my 23 years of service including: M151A2 jeep, M109 van, M880 pickup, M887 contact truck, M1008 pickup, M820 van, M816 wrecker, M817 dump truck, M113 APC, M551 AR/AAV, D7 Dozer, M920 MET, and even a Bridge Erection Boat. While I don’t consider myself to be an expert on military vehicles by any means, I feel I do have more experience than many people do with them.Continue reading“The Deuce and a Half as a BOV, by B.F. “

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, we focus on the impact of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. (See the Region-Wide section.)

Region-Wide

This recent Dr. Steve Turley segment discusses the American Redoubt movement in general, and Pastor Doug Wilson in Moscow, Idaho, in particular: Leftists Freak Out as Patriots Build a New Christian Nation!

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Crook County latest Oregon county to put Greater Idaho question on voters’ ballots.

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A report from the left-wing Inlander tabloid: New data from Idaho and Washington helps debunk some myths about who’s moving here, and whether they came as self-identified political refugees or for the quality of life.  Here is an excerpt:

“We can even get into the demographics of folks coming from each city. Like the single voter who moved to Kootenai County from Ontario, Oregon, isn’t affiliated with a political party and is between the ages of 30 and 49. Or the two voters from San Martin, California, who are both older than 70 years old and registered as Democrats in Kootenai County.

Because of this we can debunk a myth while telling you something you probably could’ve guessed. All these new Idahoans aren’t Democrats coming to liberalize the Gem State. In reality, most of the people moving to Idaho are Republicans. In the case of those Californians, almost 80% of them registered in Idaho as Republicans. (By contrast, only 58% of the state’s nearly 1 million voters are registered as Republicans.)”

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10 Most Conservative US States 2024: Republican Bastions.

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Readers who subscribe to a potential Earth pole shift will find this piece from Ben Davidson at Suspicious Observers of interest: Safe Zones and Disaster Zones.

Idaho

Why Idaho just closed a loophole that would allow state agencies to steal residents’ home equity. (Thanks to reader C.B. for the link.)

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A video from William Kirk, wherein he discusses several pieces of pro-gun legislation that will likely soon become law: Idaho, the Last Bastion of Freedom in the Western Time Zone.

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An interesting biographical sketch: William F. Jasper, Idaho Native: A Man for Our Time. JWR’s Comments:  I met Bill Jasper when I was living near Orofino, in the 1990s.  He had by then already moved to Sacramento, but he fairly regularly came home to visit his parents, Morris (“Gene”) and Dolores (“Rusty”), and they were friends of mine. I have a lot of respect for Bill and his principled approach to journalism.

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Idaho population could hit 2 million any day now, passing Nebraska. Thanks, California!

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Idaho manhunt ends with two mystery murders and white supremacist and accomplice captured.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“If we don’t stop immigration – this torrent of immigrants coming in – we’re not going to be America anymore because most of the people coming in have no experience with limited government. They don’t know what that is.” – Phyllis Schlafly

Preparedness Notes for Monday — March 25, 2024

On March 25, 1306, Robert the Bruce was crowned Scottish king at Scone. He freed Scotland from English rule, winning the decisive Battle of Bannockburn (1314) and confirming Scottish independence in the Treaty of Northampton (1328).

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This is the birthday of English film director David Lean. He was born in Croydon, England in 1908. He died in 1991. He is best known for his films Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Doctor Zhivago.

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National Medal of Honor Day is officially observed on March 25th of each year.

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GunMag Warehouse (one of our original affiliate advertisers) is running a big “March Magness” sale, with lots of deep price reductions. For example: 10 Packs of Black Magpul PMAG GEN 2 AR-15 30-Round Magazines for just $98.99. Stack them deep! To find this deal, at their website, paste: “SKU: 10 PACK MAG571” in their search box.

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We are now down to less than 120 of the waterproof SurvivalBlog 2005-2023 Archive USB sticks on hand.  There will not be another batch produced this year, so get your order in soon! 

And a reminder:  There are still 12 USB stick orders dating as far back as January that are “on hold” awaiting payment by check.  If we haven’t received those checks by April 12th, your orders will be canceled. Sorry!

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

Spüt Reactive Targets, by Thomas Christianson

Reactive targets can significantly enhance firearms training. They accomplish this by providing immediate feedback and by creating greater interest by making the training process more entertaining.

Immediate feedback enhances firearms training by establishing a closer tie between the shooters’ actions and the results of their actions. For example, imagine that someone shoots three rounds at a paper target. He then examines the paper, and sees that two of the shots hit near the point of aim, while the third did not. It may be difficult for the shooter to determine which of his three shots was the one which did not hit near the point of aim, and then to remember what he did differently on that shot that contributed to a different result. With a reactive target, on the other hand, the shooter can see how the target responds to each shot, and thus can immediately determine which actions may have contributed to or detracted from successful shot placement.Continue reading“Spüt Reactive Targets, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Rice Omelet

The following simple recipe for Rice Omelet is from Good HouseKeeping’s Book of Menus, Recipes, and Household Discoveries (253 pages, copyright 1925, now in public domain). That is one of the 11 bonus books included in the 2005-2023 edition of the waterproof SurvivalBlog Archive USB stick.

Ingredients
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoonful paprika
  • 1 teaspoonful salt
  • 1/2 cupful cooked rice
  • 1/8 teaspoonful pepper
  • 2 tablespoonfuls chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoonfuls bacon fat
Directions

Beat the yolks of the eggs until lemon-colored; add the seasoning, rice, and chili sauce. Mix well and fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites and turn into a frying pan or omelet pan in which the bacon fat has been melted. Cook slowly until delicately browned on the bottom, then set in a 300-degree F. oven until the top has set. Loosen the edges with a knife or spatula, and fold over. Turn out on a hot platter.

SERVING

Serve at once. Enough to serve four.

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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 is an ad that ran in gun magazines in the early 1960s. It certainly illustrates the ravages of mass currency inflation. Notably, if anyone living in 1965 set aside either guns or silver coins minted before 1965, they would have kept up with inflation fairly well. It is mostly paper currency and electronic “dollars” on deposit that have suffered inflation — not our tangibles.

It is fitting that this graphic illustration of inflation is being posted on April 1st — April Fool’s Day.  Most Americans keep getting fooled by inflation and the alleged “money” in their wallets.  The Treasury Department stopped minting real money 1964. They’ve been fooling Americans ever since.

Also take note that before the dastardly Gun Control Act of 1968, guns could be mailordered directly. Hopefully, with the Supreme Court’s recent Bruen decision, our right to free commerce in arms will be reaffirmed. I won’t feel truly free until guns and ammunition are available for sale in vending machines.

(Graphic courtesy of SurvivalBlog reader Daniel K.)

The thumbnail image below of the entire ad is click-expandable.

 

 

 

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