Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — May 7, 2024

On May 7th, 1997 1997 the science fiction film “The Fifth Element” written and directed by Luc Besson, starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich was released. At that time it was the most expensive European film ever made.

On May 7, 2020, during the COVID pandemic, US unemployment claims hit 33.3 million or 20% of the workforce, versus 3.5% unemployment two months earlier, which had been a 50-year low.

On May 7, 1915, RMS Lusitania was sunk by German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland; 1,198 lives lost.

On May 7, 1792 Captain Robert Gray was the first European to discover Grays Harbor (Washington state)

On May 7, 1946, Sony Corporation, a major Japanese manufacturer of consumer electronics products, was founded by Ibuka Masaru and Morita Akio.

And on May 7, 1867 Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel patented dynamite in England. This was the first of three patents he would receive for the explosive.

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Today, an update on a mission school project, in Thailand.

Update: A Worthy Charity in Thailand

An Update: For several years, I have been supporting and recommending a Christian mission school and orphanage in northern Thailand. One of our good friends has volunteered to work onsite there several times in the past three years, so I can vouchsafe that this is a worthy charity with genuine needs.  The orphanage/school Center is called Baan SuFan. (That is Thai for: “Home Of Destiny.”) The school and dormitories are located near Chiang Rai, Thailand, which is fairly near Thailand’s borders with Burma and Laos. This is commonly called The Golden Triangle region.

The majority of the Baan SuFan students are orphans or are from broken homes from Hmong and Mien refugees. These are minority highland tribes that have undergone decades of massive repression that has been genocidal in scale, especially in Burma (Myanmar). There is currently a civil war raging in Burma. Not surprisingly, there are now large numbers of Hmong and Mien refugees in northern Thailand.  Though the Thai government has shown them great compassion, these are still stateless people who live on the margins of society, living a hardscrabble hand-to-mouth existence. Legally, as “non-resident” refugees, they cannot seek employment in Thailand.

Genuine Needs

The Baan SuFan school operates on a shoestring annual budget.  Many of the school’s facilities dating from the 1960s are worn out. For example, four of their six aging washing machines are broken, so the children and staff have mostly been washing their clothes by hand.  To keep their costs low, they have developed gardens, poultry pens, and beehives to provide vegetables, eggs, meat, and honey to help feed the students and staff. The school also sells some of their extra honey and some handmade Hmong needlecrafts to generate cash for the school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The school has recently expanded to nearly double the number of dormitory residents. This necessitated buying many new bunk beds.  Thanks to SurvivalBlog readers, all of that bed purchase expense has now been paid off.

 

 

 

Other recently completed work:

1. A new roof was built to expand a parking area for ministry vehicles. (Locally funded.)
2. Garden nets were put up to provide 50% sunlight cover to reduce the effects of excess heat on the crops.
3. New garden beds were built to expand the amount of food produced at the Center.
4. New waste bins were built to keep the Center neat and tidy.

 

 

 

They also had to replace their burned-out water pump. That was paid for by a generous SurvivalBlog reader in Upstate New York:

 

 

 

 

But then the pump shed roof was recently damaged by a basketball that went in an unexpected direction.

 

 

 

A lot of the infrastructure at the Center is now 40+ years old:

 

 

 

According to the Center Director, Inkhian Chanthima, here are their current needs that are above and beyond their normal monthly budget:

  • The Purchase of four replacement washing machines to make things easier and free up more time for the students to focus on homework and getting a good education. (They are still washing most of their clothes by hand.)
  • Paint for the outside of the buildings, to tidy things up.
  • Hardware and labor costs for building repairs.
  • The water pump shed needs a new roof.

Total:  $4,012 USD.

Please prayerfully consider making regular donations and perhaps a special donation to cover some of their current needs through the Baan SuFan donation page, with multiple donation options.

A Renewed Prayer Request

Note: Even if you cannot afford to help, then please pray!  I am making these prayer requests:

1.) Please pray that the financial needs of Baan SuFan Center are met, internationally.

2.) Please pray for peace, reconciliation, freedom, and a true Christian revival throughout the Golden Triangle region.

Thanks!  – JWR

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, coverage of the state-level pushback against the ATF’s new “Engaged In The Business” FFL Rulemaking.

Idaho

Idaho joins 21-state lawsuit opposing new ATF firearm sale regulations.

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La Grande Hotshot firefighters safe after tree hit fire truck at Little Yamsay Fire.

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Charm, shovel, pick from Chad Daybell’s property shown to jurors.

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Caldwell man, linked to 2022 gang-related murder, arraigned on felony charges.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“In our desire to have government become our benefactor and sustainer, we have allowed it to become our taskmaster and overlord. As a result, we have become little more than well-fed, well-entertained slaves to the state. Freedom, as envisioned by our forefathers, is gone.” – Pastor Chuck Baldwin

Preparedness Notes for Monday — May 6, 2024

This is the birthday of Maximilien Robespierre, born May 6, 1758. After rising to prominence in the radical Jacobin Club, he dominated the French Republic during the Reign of Terror, overseeing the executions of counter-revolutionary suspects. He was overthrown and executed on July 28, 1794.

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On May 6, 1954, English athlete Roger Bannister became the first man to run a sub-4 minute mile, recording 3:59:4 at Iffley Road Track, Oxford.

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

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I had been holding a reserve of 15 of the waterproof 2005-2023 SurvivalBlog Archive USB sticks, just in case any orders were lost in the mail. Since nearly all of the stick mailings have now had their delivery confirmed, I’ve updated the available inventory from zero to 15.  This is your final opportunity to buy a stick until January, 2025.

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We are in need of entries for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. 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 112 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.

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Military Surplus LLC is continuing their sale on a new batch of U.S.G.I. .50 ammo cans. These are genuine M2A1 U.S. military issue, in near-new condition. They are selling packs of 4 of these cans for $80.00 shipped to CONUS. Given the present-day shipping costs, that is a bargain! The supply of these cans is limited, so order yours soon.

Sentry Tuf-Cloth Cleaner/Dry Lubricant/Protectant, by Thomas Christianson

Sentry Tuf-Cloth provides a conveniently-packaged, non-toxic, lint-free cloth for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting cutlery, firearms, tools, and other metal objects.

It is made in the USA, and is available in vapor barrier foil pouches or in plastic jars in either a standard version or in a marine version that is designed for more corrosive environments. The Tuf-Glide CDLP (clean, dry-lube, protectant) solutions that impregnate the cloth are also available without the cloth in pen applicators or in spray bottles of various sizes.

At the time of this writing, the standard and marine Tuf-Cloths in the foil pouch were priced at $11.99 from www.sentrytactical.com . The standard Tuf-Cloth in a jar was also priced at $11.99, with the marine version in the jar being priced at $12.99.

After testing the standard version in the foil pouch and the marine solution in an 8 ounce spray bottle, I would recommend either product for cutlery such as hunting knives or EDC knives which may occasionally come into contact with food. I do not recommend the products for firearms or for other items that need significant protection from corrosion or for cutlery that comes into regular daily contact with food. Under extremely dry and dusty conditions, Tuf-Cloth may provide superior lubrication performance in comparison with oils that may attract grit. My testing did not include the aforementioned dry and dusty conditions.Continue reading“Sentry Tuf-Cloth Cleaner/Dry Lubricant/Protectant, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Butter Pecan Pound Cake

The following recipe for Butter Pecan Pound Cake is from SurvivalBlog reader V.F..  To make this properly, you will need a Bundt cake pan.

Ingredients For The Cake
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
Ingredients For The Butter Pecan Filling
  •  1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  •  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients For The Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 F.
  2. Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to create the filling.
  8. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Sprinkle the pecan filling evenly over the batter.
  9. Top with the remaining batter.
  10. Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and pecan filling together to create a marbled effect.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
SERVING

Slice and enjoy your delicious Butter Pecan Pound Cake!

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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!

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Liberty means to exercise human rights in any manner a person chooses so long as it does not interfere with the exercise of the rights of others. This means, above all else, keeping government out of our lives. Only this path leads to the unleashing of human energies that build civilization, provide security, generate wealth, and protect the people from systematic rights violations. In this sense, only liberty can truly ward off tyranny, the great and eternal foe of mankind.” – Dr. Ron Paul

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — May 5, 2024

On May 5, 1893, The Panic of 1893 caused a large crash on the New York Stock Exchange.

May 5th is the birthday of Adrian Carton de Wiart, known as Britain’s “Unstoppable Soldier.” This eccentric Belgian-born soldier served in the Boer War, First World War, and Second World War; was shot in the face, head, stomach, ankle, leg, hip, and ear; survived two plane crashes; tunneled out of a prisoner-of-war camp; and bit off his own fingers when a doctor refused to amputate them.

This is also the birthday of Pat Frank (1908-1964). This was the pen name of newspaper journalist Harry Hart Frank. His 1959 novel Alas, Babylon is a survivalist classic. His personal life was marred by alcoholism, but his writing is admired and still surprisingly popular, today. (Alas, Babylon is still in print, after 65 years!) As an homage to Pat Frank, one of the settings in my novel Expatriates is Mt. Dora, Florida, which was fictionalized by Pat Frank as Fort Repose in Alas, Babylon.

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Today’s feature article was too short to qualify as an entry for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. 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 112 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.

Food for Thought, and Food for a Defense, by Tunnel Rabbit

We should be working with our neighbors to secure our local areas using the resources of a small and like-minded community.  Here in remote Montana, where most of my neighbors have large banners hanging on their fences declaring support for Trump, the odds are higher that this community recognizes that they have a mutual liberty interest and will work together at various levels.  This is the kind of community we should live in.

Security will be job number one.  Establishing a simple-to-use radio communication system to replace a telephone system as a first step can be the core of a community security operation.  If our plan is to hole up in our property and defend ourselves as if it is were The Alamo, then we are less likely to be successful against large roving gangs that will eventually be picking off neighbors, one by one. They will employ a well-proven tactic called Concentration of Force.  But we can make this tactic less effective if we can be well organized and draw on the manpower and resources of a community.  We can use a layered defense that is projected as far outside the community as is practical.  We should use patrols to extend our defensive space and to deny the enemy key terrain and the ability to organize an attack upon us.  Our radio communications plan for a security operation can be developed separately and designed and used to be as secure as feasible.Continue reading“Food for Thought, and Food for a Defense, by Tunnel Rabbit”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

When I Was Young, I Had Recurring Nightmares That I’d Find Myself at School Wearing Pajamas

But… Now It is an Established Fashion

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.

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — May 4, 2024

May 4th is now informally known as “Star Wars Day”, because of a silly play on words: “May The Fourth Be With You.”

May 4th 1943 – A patent for helicopter controls was obtained by Igor Sikorsky. Sikorsky invented fixed-winged and multi-engined aircraft, transoceanic flying boats, and most famously, helicopters.

On May 4, 1415, Christian reformers John Wycliffe and Jan Hus were condemned as heretics at the Council of Constance. The death of Hus inspired the later Hussite revolution in Bohemia.

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Today we present a guest article on the silver markets by Hubert Moolman, selected by JWR.

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We are in need of entries for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. 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 112 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.