Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. The focus is usually on emergency communications gear, bug out bag gear, books and movies–often with a tie-in to disaster preparedness, and links to “how to” self-sufficiency videos. There are also links to sources for both storage food and storage containers. You will also note an emphasis on history books and historical movies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This week the focus is on Trijicon ACOG optics. (See the Gear & Grub section.)
Books:
I’ve previously mentioned this fascinating book by Jared Diamond: Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies [1]
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Dave Canterbury’s guidebook is bound to become a classic: Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival [2]
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Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It [3]
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Movies:
Unlikely Heroes [5]. A documentary on Jewish resistance to the Third Reich during WWII, narrated by Ben Kingsley. On DVD, or free, if you have Amazon Prime.
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Charlie Chaplin: Modern Times [6] (The Criterion Collection)
Instructional Videos:
On DVD: The Art of the Dynamic Handgun [7]
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Basic Training Films [8]. On DVD, or free, if you have Amazon Prime.
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As usual, Tim J. found a couple of great videos:
Pickled Eggs — Preserving the Perfect Snack [9]
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The Outsider: Toughest Salvage We’ve Hauled! 1700 lb Steel Roofing over Rough Trails / Log Cabin Update- Ep 13.6 [10]
Music:
It is odd, seeing these musicians play in an empty music hall that is normally packed full: Opry Livestream – Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent & Host Bobby Bones [11]. I should mention that some great gospel tunes start at the 29:55 mark.
Vlogs & Blogs:
Reader Tunnel Rabbit suggested the Gridlessness [12] video series, from Canada, available on YouTube. Avalanche Lily and our kids have been binge-watching it. Lily says: “Highly recommended!” From their YouTube channel description:
“Sick of the same old stuff? We didn’t want any part of it so we dumped the system and built a little cabin in the woods of northern BC, Canada. We enjoy everything outdoors; hunting, fishing, gardening, raising animals and just general homesteading. We love building stuff and developing new skills (some of which are actually very old).”
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It sounds like this gent has been reading some knowledgeable writers and reached some sound conclusions: Bear Independent: The 7 Threats – What Comes Next? [13]
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By way of Tam’s great View From The Porch [14] blog, came this piece reported by CNN that got me laughing almost uncontrollably: A 64-year-old man accidentally ejected himself from a fighter jet at 2,500 feet [15].
Gear & Grub:
These are still the gold standard for non-electronic day/night optics: Trijicon ACOG 3.5 X 35 Scope Dual Illuminated Chevron .308 Ballistic Reticle, Red [16]. This is what we use on our AR-10s, here at the Rawles Ranch. Whether you buy one via Amazon or from Palmetto State Armory [17] (one of our affiliate advertisers), SurvivalBlog will get a little piece of the action. Thanks!
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Case Club Waterproof 5 Pistol and 18 Magazine Case with Silica Gel [18]
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Recommended by a SurvivalBlog reader “Cabot”, over in our now very popular Comments section: Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant Coffee, Medium Roast, 7.05-Ounce, 200g [19]
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With the recent well-publicized closure of two Smithfield plants, it might be wise to stock up on canned hams: Dak Premium Canned Ham 16oz Fully Cooked, Ready to Eat (2 Pack) [21]
Make a Suggestion
Want to suggest Recommendations of your own? Then please send them to JWR [22]. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact [23] form.) Thanks!
Comments Disabled To "JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:"
#1 Comment By Tunnel Rabbit On April 22, 2020 @ 8:14 am
Yes, I have also found that YouTube channel, Gridlessness, to be addicting as well.
Glad you-guys liked it. It is indeed refreshing.
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#2 Comment By Avalanche Lily On April 22, 2020 @ 1:51 pm
Love it! Spent about five hours watching them between the date you posted until yesterday. Those girls are so confident and serious. Their Dad is so jolly. I love watching them hunt, fish and build things. Definitely highly recommended to watch Gridlessness.
#3 Comment By wormlady On April 22, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
Just watched 3 episodes of Gridlessness. So fun!
#4 Comment By Avalanche Lily On April 22, 2020 @ 7:54 pm
😉
#5 Comment By Tunnel Rabbit On April 22, 2020 @ 9:52 pm
The commentary between the Dad and his good buddie, Jeff, is also entertaining. The girls are very serious, or determined and focused in most of the videos, but that is probably why they getting it done. I would hope that they are more relaxed off camera. Not all of them will be tom-boys. They certainly seem to have a recipe for success on YT, and off grid life.
#6 Comment By MtH On April 22, 2020 @ 12:04 pm
Yeah, $12.50 per pound for canned ham delivered. Not bad. Costco Spam was on sale recently for about $14.00 for 8 ea. 12 oz cans. Now it’s about $18.00.
#7 Comment By Survivormann99 On April 22, 2020 @ 3:47 pm
At CVS Pharmacy these canned hams are $4.39 each. As recently as five years ago, they would go on sale about once a month 2/$5.00. I haven’t paid attention to prices lately.
#8 Comment By GW in TN On April 22, 2020 @ 12:55 pm
Regarding Smithfield: They have 39 processing facilities in the U.S. Only two are shutdown. Here is a link to their operations.
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#9 Comment By CORD7 On April 22, 2020 @ 1:04 pm
Back before their production of scopes was PC’d ~ every one was stamped with scripture.
Probably one of my favorite optics (each it’s own purpose) for ease and fast acquisition of target.
And the bonus of God’s word… lasered on your optic.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Getting one – highly recommended!
Having a relationship with God – #1
LuvYerBro
#10 Comment By Amy On April 22, 2020 @ 1:05 pm
FWIW, I routinely buy those Dak hams at drug stores and Dollar General-type stores, usually $3.00 each.
#11 Comment By Survivormann99 On April 22, 2020 @ 3:49 pm
I think that I have seen Celebrity canned hams (Canadian mfr.) at Big Lots for $3.00.
#12 Comment By sirlancelot On April 22, 2020 @ 2:07 pm
Believe Smithfield was bought out by the Chinese and they plan on processing the pork in China of all things and then shipping it back to the States.
Wife and I have talked about joining a co-op getting it a good size freezer and buying locally. Kind of frightening what they’ve been with the food supply.
#13 Comment By Farmer’s Wife On April 22, 2020 @ 3:42 pm
You are absolutely correct, Smithfield Foods is a Chinese-owned processor. Go local, it’s always the best option if you can!
#14 Comment By RKRGRL68 On April 22, 2020 @ 3:29 pm
I picked up my large meat order from the little grocery store on Monday. The owner was extremely appreciative of my order & told me that it helps tremendously. Also, we talked about prices of meat & poultry going up a lot in price but he was very kind and gave me a great price on my order. He also said thank you to me for asking about him and his family instead of being snotty and demanding to know when they will be restocking items. Apparently he’s been attacked verbally by other folks in town for not having what they want!!
So even here in my tiny little town, people are disrespectful and have adopted the it’s all about me, give me what I want attitude.
It’s stunning how rude people can really be.
I appreciate all of you here and I hope you all have a Rockin great day!
#15 Comment By St. Funogas On April 22, 2020 @ 9:40 pm
Hey RKRGRL68, now you went and done it! You showed some kindness and now he’s going to remember you and be sneaking free samples into your cart and giving you discounts on your stuff that you aren’t even aware of. I hate when that happens! 🙂
#16 Comment By RKRGRL68 On April 22, 2020 @ 9:58 pm
St. Funogas
I know right!
I try to be cognizant of the people that are really genuinely good people and This brings me a great deal of Joy.
The store owner did remember that I had ordered some spectacular Prime Rib for Christmas. I also think he appreciated a pleasant conversation versus the snotty crowd
Rock on
#17 Comment By VT On April 23, 2020 @ 4:53 pm
RKRGRL68 FYI,the chidems are trying to slip a state bailout/pension bailout through disguised as Panicdemic money. The billions they are asking for is to prevent a wholesale collapse of local and state government,state and Chicago teacher pensions,state pensions and another downgrade of state bond ratings. Research and contact state officials about it. Fed has already set up to buy special muni bonds that no one else would touch.
#18 Comment By RKRGRL68 On April 23, 2020 @ 9:50 pm
VT,
I’m checking out all that info. Did you hear the news conference today? This Governor Pugsley ( Pritzker) and his sidekick Larry (Lori) Lightfoot are something else.
I’ve downloaded the Illinois constitution and I am in the process of reading it. I’ve already discovered that this is the fourth version of the constitution and that this version has been in effect since 1970.
Rock on
#19 Comment By vickie On April 22, 2020 @ 4:29 pm
Lets tally this up. $1,139.99 rifle scope,$21.16 for 7.05 oz. instant coffee,$24.80 for 2 pk. of 1 lb. DAK canned ham. Total of $1,185.95. Seriously? Who wouldn’t want a piece of that action.
That same money will buy a significant amount of food or a little bit of PM.
Just sayin.
#20 Comment By Tunnel Rabbit On April 22, 2020 @ 8:49 pm
Hi Vickie,
At one time in my life I could afford nice things, but now I can get by on $50/month. I can appreciate both worlds. It’s good to have a technological advantage when lives are at risk, so I’ll spend money on that. It is also nice that I do not need much and am no longer a slave to the system. When the government requires forced vaccinations, and the Mark of the Beast, my life will change less than it would for most people, or little.
#21 Comment By Spotlight On April 22, 2020 @ 9:08 pm
RT- I’d love to see an article on how you get by on so little…#22 Comment By Tunnel Rabbit On April 22, 2020 @ 10:53 pm
Unfortunately it would be difficult and as spring is here and I’ll be distracted. And I’d rather not discuss the unfortunate circumstances that humbled and required me to learn by doing. Most are not interested in such things anyway. It is a way of life that most can not relate to, or imagine, a way of life that was I was forced by bad health to adopted.
Not unlike Job, I’ve been stricken by a number of afflictions that required that I depend upon the Lord for everything. And the Lord provided, and showed me the way, and this extreme frugal life style that I continue to embrace and learn about, even as my health has improved in part. I still can not physically work a full day, or every day. As a Christian soldier who needs little to sustain himself as the Lord’s provision is adequate, I may continue to survive and hold the ground, preserving His word and people during the Tribulation ahead, should I still be alive. I recommend that all should place their trust in the Lord, and not things, and embrace a frugal life. John the Baptist had nothing for himself. What we believe, or would like to have, can be very different from what we really need to be healthy and happy.
The closer we can get to a frugal and sustainable life style, the better we will be able to with stand the challenges, and the Great Tribulation in the years ahead, that is fast coming upon us. It is latter than we think. It may occur in my life time, even if I believe I only have at most, 10 years yet to live. I was able to predict years in advance my last heart attacks, and odds are this clay jar has an expiration date on it. Perhaps I will not be burdened and can avoid the Great Tribulation, but only if the Lord sees fit. He kicked me backed last time I was knocking on His door. What I experienced was absolutely wonderful, and frankly far more desirable than anything this world has to offer.
Seek him and his Holy Ghost will be a far better guild and shield, more powerful than any other weapon you got. Ask for a humble and repentant heart, and listen carefully for, and do test His small quiet voice that would guild us. Eventually when the Holy Ghost comes on you strong, you will know it and you will flow with it, and it can work powerfully through you, and you will be amazed.
#23 Comment By David ‘n’ Goliath On April 23, 2020 @ 3:36 am
Very interesting TR. It all sounds too familiar. Last fall I was making anywhere between $150 to $250 per month and now I’m down to about $30 per month. One month I made 52 cents per hour, which is my all time record. Just beans and rice for most meals with a part bag of cracked corn. I have one winter squash left from my small garden last year. This year it will be bigger. If the Rockefellers paid me a million dollars to find one thing that I disagreed with you on in your blog comment they would still have their million dollars. To put it another way if they offered it too me I would tell them that “The wages of sin is death” or “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and loose his own soul?” (To the other SB readers if those two quotes are unfamiliar to you I would suggest that you diligently find The Book in which they are written and study up on it.) Amen Brother!
#24 Comment By Deb On April 23, 2020 @ 4:49 am
Couldn’t agree with you more, TR! I always remember to pray for you. Thank you for your wise words!
#25 Comment By RED On April 22, 2020 @ 5:25 pm
Up-Date
Wife’s DR. office is only open 3 days a week now her 4 girls have had the hours cut back to 20 a week She has seen more cases last week
She has been having meetings every day with the county and two times a week with the hospital really nothing new as of yet
Are live stock auctions are still closed hard to find small animals sheep ect.
I did pick up a load of lumber from a Amish guy that cut it for my barn really nice lumber 1 1/4 in. thick from 4 to 12 inches wide
Also may be getting some Hair sheep from his brother My son wants them for his farm
Hams here are $2.89 for one pound canned Spam cost more then the ham
Pastor Paul Begley has an event coming up on May 1,2 MEGAQUAKE 2020
Earthquakes, asteroids, volcanic activity, severe weather events on the rise! Why? Listen to experts in science, government & the Bible!
Mike from around the world we be talking
Cost is kind of high at $70 but you can down load it and maybe split it with a few people
#26 Comment By Florida Dave On April 22, 2020 @ 9:36 pm
Question Regarding the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 Riflescopes.
Are these scopes truly worth the price and for those who have used them, what are your thoughts?
#27 Comment By BinWY On April 22, 2020 @ 11:54 pm
Hopefully they are better than the Eotechs I tried. I couldn’t figure out why those wouldn’t hold a zero, then saw the recall due to temperature sensitivity issue. I took the refund money and bought Vortex, had more left to buy more ammo, and never regretted my decision. I know, you get what you pay for, and all that. Sometimes though you actually DO get what you pay for. I’ve never heard a complaint about the ACOGs but that kind of money buys me a few replacement Vortex optics and a quality BUIS. Being non-military I’m very realistic about my chances in a shootout with anyone but a videogame warrior. I just think my money can be better spent right now. Even that stimulus money will probably go to a few upgrades on my Scout instead of my arsenal.
#28 Comment By WIHunter On April 23, 2020 @ 12:58 am
Dave,
Well worth the price. I have an ACOG and an Accupoint. The Accupoint is mounted on a 416 that has been shot a lot. The scope has been rock solid. The ACOG is on an AR. Also rock solid.
#29 Comment By RG On April 23, 2020 @ 1:45 am
The ACOGs are really rugged scopes. I wish they made a 6x though as 3.5x seems a little low power for a 308 rifle. The one thing to keep in mind is they use no batteries but tritium and they do loose brilliance over time (15-20yrs). I have a couple of Trijicon RX06-10 reflex sights with tritium. After 14 years I could detect the loss. They were sent back to Trijicon to be “Re-lamped”. 15-20yrs seems like a long time but I just checked and I re-lamped them in 2016. Seems like yesterday. $184.00ea to re-lamp.