This article is a compilation of practical preparedness tips, insights, and lessons learned. It starts with what I call inner resources, or mindset and moves toward the hard, practical items. I offer a rather broad field of experience, including military/industrial electrical work, Christian hospitality in organized retreat settings, hospice/end of life care, and some alternative power experience. I’ll close the article with a Christian exhortation as we head into this Christmas season. Mindset You can break the preparedness mindset down into: homesteading, military, social, domestic categories, etc; or synthesize it into one grand holistic prepster/survivalist perspective. Just don’t flunk the…

On December 2, 1914, the Austro-Hungarian army occupied Belgrade, Serbia. — December 2, 1950: The “I, Robot” collection of sci-fi short stories by Isaac Asimov was published by Gnome Press. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present the first entry for Round 122 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: 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), A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches —…

In 2025, a younger generation of mobsters is redefining organized crime through high-tech methods, including illegal bookmaking and cryptocurrency scams. The alleged involvement of Gen Z individuals in a recent online betting operation, financed by reputed mobster Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, highlights this shift, as family ties steeped in crime continue to influence younger participants like 25-year-old Joseph Magno. Moreover, these modern mobsters leverage technology for activities such as money laundering and identity theft, replacing the traditional violent intimidation tactics of their predecessors. Experts point out that with the rise of digital communication, evidence for prosecutions often comes directly from…

Authorities are actively searching for a suspect in a Stockton mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three children, and left 11 others injured. The incident occurred at a banquet hall during a family celebration on November 29, and Sheriff’s deputies are urging anyone with information to assist in the investigation. In response to this tragedy, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter, with contributions from local officials to enhance support for the case. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support the family of…

The 2025 Wisconsin Gun Deer hunting season has officially come to an end, prompting local deer processors to ramp up operations. With a successful bow and gun season this year, facilities like Maplewood Meats in Green Bay report a significant increase in deer being processed, focusing on high-quality products such as snack sticks and summer sausage. Plant Manager Brad Van Hemelryk expresses optimism about surpassing last year’s processing levels, underscoring the growing popularity of deer hunting in the region. As hunters turned in their game following the final day on Sunday, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is expected to…

A social media influencer with a history of unscrupulous wildlife-related behavior is under new scrutiny for falsifying her residency to hunt big game in the Cowboy State.The woman, Samantha Strable, gained notoriety earlier this year for grabbing a baby wombat off the side of the road in Australia—a move that brought on a slew of public outlash from her social media followers. In the now-deleted video, she snatches the animal and runs back to her car with the mother in pursuit. She holds the squirming wombat for about a minute, then lets it go back into the roadside ditch.In addition…

Gary Carlton Moore III, 26, is accused of killing 26-year-old Diamante Tre’von Neal at Patrick Henry Mall, with court documents revealing that he disarmed the victim before the shooting. Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage that shows a physical struggle between the men, during which Moore takes Neal’s weapon before shooting him multiple times as Neal attempts to retreat. Moore, who has been charged with second-degree murder and several firearm-related offenses, claims he acted in self-defense after Neal allegedly threatened him. The situation escalated quickly, culminating in a tragic outcome that left authorities and witnesses shocked, as Neal was discovered lying…

A 32-year-old man was arrested in Hanover after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle, where a loaded, illegal handgun was discovered underneath his seat. Police responded to reports of a driver appearing unresponsive in a traffic lane on November 27, only to find Rudy Angel Orellana Garay exhibiting signs of alcohol impairment when they arrived. The investigation revealed a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 handgun without a serial number, leading to multiple weapons-related charges against Garay. This troubling incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearms on the road and the potential dangers of impaired driving. Read full story…

Four teenagers are in custody after they allegedly stole a vehicle and fired shots at a police officer on Interstate 5 in Seattle. The incident began when officers attempted to stop a stolen Dodge Durango, which the driver maneuvered erratically before fleeing. Although police decided not to pursue at first, they later discovered the vehicle parked in South Seattle, where an occupant shot at an officer, striking a witness’s vehicle with bullet fragments. The arrested include three girls and a 16-year-old boy, all charged with multiple offenses, including first-degree assault and possession of a stolen vehicle. As two other juveniles…

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal gun bans, a move he claims is necessary to protect Second Amendment rights. This legislation reflects growing tensions between state and federal authorities over gun control, especially in the context of President Biden’s ongoing push for reform. Under this new law, Montana aims to assert its stance against federal regulations regarding firearms, ammunition, and magazines. Gianforte’s action signals a significant shift in the state’s policies towards federal gun laws, drawing attention to the broader national debate surrounding gun rights and regulation. Read…