A Simplified Disaster Network – Part 1, by J.M.

Having an operational computer network running in a post-SHTF world may seem frivolous to some people. But if you have any plans to use computers, tablets, or cell phones as part of your post-disaster operations, it can provide the capability for those devices to communicate, share data and synchronize their activities. It can also provide some support for important things like WiFi security cameras and WiFi sensor monitoring.

In a previous article (parts 2, 3, 4, 5) on SurvivalBlog I discussed how to set up a mobile WiFi/Ethernet network running a local cloud server (NextCloud) in a box for use in disaster scenarios. Since then, I’ve discussed the article with a number of friends and acquaintances and they all said they like the idea but thought that setting up and managing a NextCloud server was way too complicated for someone who is not a techno-geek like me. They wanted to know if there was a way to do something similar that was less complicated but still provided some useful functionality beyond just letting systems communicate with each other. I took the challenge, did some research and came up with what I think is a fairly decent alternate simplified solution.

The Hardware

As with the previous version the core of the network is a GL.iNet WiFi travel router. For this simplified solution I chose the newer GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX), which is a significant upgrade over the GL-MT1300 (Beryl) I used in my previous article – a faster dual-core CPU, double the RAM memory, 8 times as much NAND flash and significantly faster WiFi speeds. It also supports the new WiFi 6 standard (IEEE 802.11ax), which can provide significant bandwidth improvements if you have laptops or mobile devices that support it. Like its predecessor, it can run various network applications directly on the router, but the performance improvements make doing so actually usable. It’s also powered with a 5V 3A USB-C port (not USB-C Power Delivery (PD)), so you can run it from a USB power bank that has at least one port that can provide 3A. It is fully capable of running various network applications directly on the router, which we’ll cover shortly. The GL-MT3000 lists for around $85, but it’s occasionally on sale for around $60.Continue reading“A Simplified Disaster Network – Part 1, by J.M.”

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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Reader D.S.V.  forwarded this: French court orders windfarm to cease operations for a year because the turbines caused the death of a golden eagle.  JWRs Comments: Conservative estimates indicate that wind turbines kill hundreds of raptors and hundreds of thousands of other birds each year here in the United States, and there is hardly a murmur of complaint or concern from environmentalists.  This is because pointing out an inconvenient truth doesn’t match their Green Energy Can Do No Wrong agenda.  Oh, and tangentially, let’s not forget that electric cars are more likely to squash pedestrians than gas or diesel engine vehicles.  But the same selective Greenie logic applies…

o  o  o

The Techno-Utopians Who Want to Colonize the Sea.

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Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The public welfare demands that constitutional cases must be decided according to the terms of the Constitution itself, and not according to judges’ views of fairness, reasonableness, or justice. I have no fear of constitutional amendments properly adopted, but I do fear the rewriting of the Constitution by judges under the guise of interpretation.” – Hugo L. Black

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — April 22, 2025

On April 22, 1864, the US Treasury began minting a 2-cent coin. This was the first appearance of the “In God We Trust” motto.

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Today is the birthday of actor Eddie Albert (born Edward Albert Heimberger April 22, 1906.) He died May 26, 2005, at age 99.) For his actions in the battle of Tarawa, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device.

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This is also the birthday of the late Charles Rankin Bond, Jr., who was born in Dallas on April 22, 1915. (Died, 2009.) He was one of the last of the AVG Flying Tiger pilots.

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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 $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. 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 $250 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.

Your Last Day, by SaraSue

On Monday I seemed extra tired while trying to get morning chores done, and it took longer than normal.  I struggled milking the cow and carrying the milk in.  I felt dizzy, a little short of breath, like walking underwater.  I tried to shake it off, but it wasn’t shakin’.  After morning farm chores were slowly finished, I sat in a lounge chair and put my feet up.  I pretty much stayed there all day.  At least, until, it was time for afternoon chores, and I didn’t milk the cow.  Just couldn’t do it.  Went to bed early and slept really good.

Tuesday morning I was still draggin’ my wagon, up early, thinking about that milk cow.  The dizziness was worse, and my heart had started pounding, flip flopping, hard to get a good breath, rushing water in my ears, nausea, the feeling of fainting, but that cow had to be milked.  I was hanging on to a post in the milking area, trying not to blackout, and all of a sudden I realized… this is not good.  At all.  You need help.  Your grandkids aren’t going to miss the cows as much as they miss you.  Pay attention for cryin’ out loud girl!!  I prayed for strength and got that cow turned back out, leaving the milking equipment on the ground, got back in the house, got my feet elevated, and started messaging family, realizing that my next call had to be 911.  Oh, how I hate calling 911 for an ambulance ride.Continue reading“Your Last Day, by SaraSue”

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 over-reliance on GPS vehicle navigation.  (See the Central & Eastern Oregon section.)

Idaho

From the left-leaning Idaho Statesman: It’s a dire time’: Bernie Sanders, AOC draw 12,000-plus to Idaho rally.

JWR’s Comments:  From their fawning description, you would think that Idaho has a huge number of  socialists.  But in fact, in a state that is 45.2% registered Republicans, Democrats make up just 12.2% of the electorate. And of those, only a fraction are hard-left Bernie/AOC-style socialists. Most Idaho Democrats are gun owners, and many are pro-life. Donald Trump took 66.9% of the Idaho vote in the November, 2024 election. Oh, and I must mention that it has been well documented by analyzing cellular phone data that a huge throng of Bernie’s rally attendees are paid placeholders who are bussed in from out-of-state. The Dems are quite obviously and expensively gaming this elaborate multi-state grandstanding charade. And, as any experienced gamer should know:  Pay no attention to non-player characters (NPCs).

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Linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site: Idaho Governor Signs Bill for Ivermectin to Be Sold Over the Counter.

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Protest in Boise for Idaho teen with autism, shot by Pocatello Police.

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Protesters in Boise demand police deescalation training.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“It is my belief that there are ‘absolutes’ in our Bill of Rights, and that they were put there on purpose by men who knew what words meant, and meant their prohibitions to be ‘absolute.’” – Hugo L. Black

Buck 0722 Spitfire Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson

The Buck 0722 Spitfire Folding Knife is a rugged, well-conceived, American-made design that is hampered somewhat by stiff blade deployment.

The Spitfire has a shaving-sharp, 3.25 inch blade made of 440HC stainless steel; a nicely-machined, anodized aluminum handle; a robust locking back; and a thumb-hole deployment notch. The knife weighs 3.2 ounces.

At the time of this writing, the knife had a manufacturer suggested retail price of $49.99 at www.buckknives.com. That is an excellent price for a good, American-made knife. If they can figure out a way to smooth out blade deployment, this will be an outstanding knife. With the stiffness that currently characterizes its deployment, I can only give it a qualified recommendation for people with a measure of patience and strong thumbs.Continue reading“Buck 0722 Spitfire Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Berry-Pecan Platter

The following recipe from SurvivalBlog reader Granny M. is for her Berry-Pecan Platter.

Ingredients
  •  3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup rough-chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups each of chopped fresh strawberries, whole blueberries, and whole raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Mint garnish
Directions
  1. Place berries in a bowl and fold in one cup of sugar and lemon zest. Refrigerate until well chilled.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add butter and 2 cups of sugar over medium high heat. Stir constantly until butter turns a caramel color. The pan will be very hot — be careful!
  3. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Carefully fold in the heavy cream and pecans.
  5. Line a heat-proof, buttered bowl with plastic wrap, overlapping ends about 1 inch.
  6. Place the mixture in a bowl.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until mixture hardens.
  8. Remove plastic wrap cover.
  9. Using the overlapping ends of plastic wrap, turn the hardened mixture onto a flat surface with a serving dish under it.
  10. Invert until the hardened mixture is free-standing on the plate.
SERVING

Remove the remaining plastic wrap just before serving. Fill with berries. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

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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: Every US County that has been hit by an F5/EF5 Tornado. (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:

“Not only every juror’s right but his Duty … to find the Verdict according to his own best Understanding, Judgment and Conscience, tho in Direct opposition to the Direction of the Court.” – John Adams

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — April 20, 2025

On April 20, 1918, Manfred von Richthofen, aka The Red Baron, shot down his 79th and 80th victims, marking his final victories before his death on the following day.

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April 20, 1920: Tornadoes killed 219 people in Alabama and Mississippi.

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And on April 20,1993, Uranus passed Neptune, as it does once every 171 years.

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Today’s feature article is a guest post by fellow blogger and American Redoubt resident Brandon Smith. It is reposted with permission.

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We are seeking 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.

How The Woke Postmodern “Faith” Glorifies Evil, by Brandon Smith

It’s not as if it was ever a secret: The very core of the woke movement is fundamentally rooted in evil. The general definition of “evil” being a conscious act of deception and destruction, the deliberate victimization of others for the sake of personal power, pleasure, and gain. When I try to imagine what a religion of evil might look like I consistently come back to the far-left woke movement along with its rabid mantras, agendas, and self-righteous narcissism.

The majority of human beings have an inherent sense of good and evil; we often refer to this condition as conscience or moral compass. The intuitive inner voice that guides us and warns us when we stray into “the dark side” is a product of archetypal knowledge – What psychologist Carl Jung described as a set of inborn complexes or symbols that tap into our deepest emotions and sense of identity. All our social interactions are in some way affected by these archetypes.

These ideas are universal. They have been present in nearly every culture in every part of the world at every point in time in the world. Societies with zero social interaction and separated by thousands of years and thousands of miles all have these symbols and principles present in their mythology, academia, and ideologies. The building blocks of everything from language to mathematics to religion and morality are influenced by inherent psychological imprints present in our minds from the moment of birth.Continue reading“How The Woke Postmodern “Faith” Glorifies Evil, by Brandon Smith”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

Six Wealthy Women Take An 11-Minute Space Junket “For The Beautiful Earth”

And They Release 498 Tons Of Carbon And 1,812 Tons of CO2

News Links:

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.