JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

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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 is also an emphasis on links to sources for storage food and a variety of storage and caching 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 the film music of the late Maestro Ennio Morricone. (See the Music section.)

Books:

Good news! The 2021 edition has been released: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2021

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41st Edition: Blue Book of Gun Values

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The Declaration Of Independence, United States Constitution, Bill Of Rights & Amendments

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This book was written by a SurvivalBlog readers:  How to Build an Igloo – and Other Snow Shelters. (Norton Books, 2007.)  The author wrote me with this description:

“It is available through Amazon and other sources.  The book was written based (at time of publication) on nearly a decade of instructing snow shelter construction.  This year will be my 21st year of instructing a family-friendly igloo building workshop at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont.  Annually the event draws well over 1,000 participants from throughout New England.

In the book and through workshops, I emphasize two things: “make friends with winter” and “appropriate structure for given snow conditions”.  The workshop and book are intended for a wide audience — from  wilderness/outdoor enthusiast, hunter, snowmobiler, and family groups/homeschoolers.  I emphasize safety, and team building.  I also emphasize that this activity, while a great winter survival education, it is a fun low/no cost activity that a family can perform together — right in the backyard. It can be used as a platform for teaching other survival skills, self-reliance, teamwork, etc.”

Blogs and Web Pages:

New way of cooking rice removes arsenic and retains mineral nutrients, study shows. (Thanks to C.B. for the link.)

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From Jim L.: Preserving Apples: How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

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Jim also mentioned Freegle. It is a site in the UK that matches up people with extra stuff with those looking for stuff. Update: There does not yet appear to be a U.S. version.

Instructional Videos & Vlogs:

DIY in-wall gun storage behind sliding mirror with parts list

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US Army Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) and how Soldiers actually use it. (Warning: Has some foul language.)

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Tim J. mentioned this practical video: We’re Not Catapulting The Pig

Music:

Reader George S. suggested: Susanna Rigacci – Once Upon a Time in The West Ennio Morricone 2002 Arena Concert 1. George notes:

“If you have never heard Susanna Rigacci’s version of the gun battle song in the Good the Bad and the Ugly, the YouTube link below will Blow Your mind. I get tears and goose pimple every time I listen to it which seems to be everyday now since I stumbled upon the video.

The gentleman conducting the Orchestra is Maestro Ennio Morricone who wrote the scores and just passed away July 6th, 2020.

By the way Susanna sings in six different languages. I’d love to here her sing Ave Maria and Amazing Grace.

 The first video (from my searching) is my favorite as it shows her singing (close up) the most. WOW.

She sings a first song starting at (Time 0:45 – 2:28) and then an unfortunate commercial break. After the commercial starts what seems to be a new song.

Then at (Time 6:40) another commercial and then it’s time to Buckle your seat belt for “The Good The Bad and The Ugly” (Time 6:40 – 9:45). The Best instrument in the Whole Orchestra is Susanna by far.

Makes me wonder how incredible the music in heaven will be. Her voice makes me think of 1 Thessalonians 4:16“

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And as long as we’re mentioning Morricone: Once Upon a Time in the West – The Danish National Symphony Orchestra & Tuva Semmingsen

and

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – The Danish National Symphony Orchestra

Gear & Grub:

Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24 Backpack – Military Inspired Tactical Pack, 24L, Foliage. American made!

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American-Made worsted wool and cotton clothing: Rambler’s Way

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VISM by NcStar Gun Case Rifle Case/Shooting Mat/Green. Note: These drag bags are made in China. There is an American-made alternative (sewn in Puerto Rico), but they cost $422.

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Under new company ownership, Neccos are back! The packaging looks identical. I just did a taste test and found that the flavors are just slightly stronger than the originals. They have the same yummy chalky consistency, but they seem to be a bit less fragile. My compliments to the new company. They got it right! And congrats to my readers who bought the original Neccos low, and then sold them at the top ($150+ per case of 24 rolls.) But now they are back to “commodity” pricing, and suitable for long term Sweet Tooth/Comfort Food storage. Unlike most other candies–but like the originals–the new Neccos surely have a shelf life measured in decades, with no discernable degradation–if properly stored in sealed containers with a desiccant pack.

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And speaking of long shelf life: Mountain House Scrambled Eggs with Bacon | Freeze Dried Survival & Emergency Food, #10 Can — Gluten-Free

Featured Antique Gun of the Week

Our featured antique gun of the week is an engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless First Model, with ivory grips.  Like most other pre-1899 guns, it can be mailed or shipped directly to your doorstep without any paperwork or FFL dealer involvement. (Be sure to check your state and local laws before ordering.) Take a look at the many recently-added guns at the Elk Creek Company store.

Make a Suggestion

Want to suggest Recommendations of your own? Then please send them to JWR. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) Thanks!


16 Comments

  2. There is an online firearms classified ads list called armslist. I found out about it recently. I checked out the one for Arizona as that is where I live. You can search by community like for example like Tucson. I was looking for ammunition ads. There were quite a few postings including ones with 9mm and .223. The prices are high but at least there is some available if one wants to check out the ads. I have been in AZ for several years and did not know about this website. My comment is mostly directly
    to Arizona readers. Good hunting.

    2. I’ve had some good luck on Armslist picking up deals. It’s not an auction like gunbroker but there is always negotiation with the sellers. Some are gun shops so totally legit and many will ship. Some are private sales and done face to face. There are scams. I was looking at a Kimber .45 with a super price. Emailed the seller several times with no response and the ad is still up. I really don’t know what is in it for them. But it was a definite time waster for me.

  4. Igloos & Cold Weather Clothing,

    Great Posts…

    Here are a couple of supplemental videos on a simple cold weather survival kit:

    Mors Kochanski 2 Kilo Survival Kit
    (YouTube Video, 11:50)
    Ranger Survival and Field Craft
    Aug 30, 2020
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suZyT0BICXM

    Mors Kochanski 2 Kilo Survival Kit is designed for survival students in order to learn basic survival skills that will aid the student in Hydration and Sleep. The items are easy to use and reliable as well as replaceable. Contained in a large bush pot the kit is ideal for the novice practitioner or for an emergency kit. Enjoy!

    Survival Kit with Mors Kochanski
    (YouTube Video, 7:01)
    Karamat Wilderness Ways
    May 21, 2012
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwPYNHeoPM8

    2. For those not familiar with Mors Kochanski, he is the real deal. Love all his videos. (His name was Morris but was mistakenly written down as Mors when he and his Mother emigrated).

    3. Excellent comments. My sweet spouse came back from a winter retreat with the news that she had learned how to build a quinzee. Simple and quick. However, you do require snow.

      boyslife.org/…/how-to-build-a-quinzee-snow-shelter

      A quinzee is a simple shelter made by hollowing out a big pile of snow. They can take several hours to build, but are an effective way to stay warm when camping in the winter. Here’s how to build one.

      I reckon we will practice this winter.

      Carry on

  5. Mystery Ranch makes outstanding gear. I have several of their products, some I have beat the dickens out of, and they still perform magnificently. I carry their Vehicle IFAK every day, packed to the gills with medical gear. The rucksack I have is the same one issued to MARSOC, and is without a doubt the best rucksack/backpack I’ve ever used. I wish I’d had it when I was on active duty! Highly recommended!

  6. Might I recommend buying several copies of the Holy Bible? In case the overlords start trying to make it disappear. Like they are already doing to some people on social media

    1. Duane… TY so very much for sharing that thought… my wife and I have done that as a part of our preparations… we firmly believe the home church will happen….might I also suggest commentaries as well … Matthew Henry… Adam Clarke… Albert Barnes … John Gill… C.H.Spurgeon … Jameson Faucett Brown…we are truly in a spiritual battle and must put on the armor of God Almighty

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