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.
—
A powerful image is seen in this map at Fox News: California counties shed thousands of taxpayers to other states.
—
First up, from our friend Anthony (“Armed Scholar”): Huge Decision Finds ATF Frames/Receivers Rule Unconstitutional & Permanently Blocks Restrictions!
—
Over at Bearing Arms: New Jersey’s War on 3D Printed Guns Heads to SCOTUS. (A hat tip to D.S.V. for the link.)
—
A reminder on two upcoming gun shows: I will have four tables at both of the following Idaho gun shows. I’ll be bringing most of the Elk Creek Company inventory with me. Feel free to bring any of the books that I’ve authored, for me to autograph for you. Thanks, – JWR
- Coeur d’Alene, Idaho October 3-4, 2026 (Kootenai County Fairgrounds)
- Lewiston, Idaho, November 21-22 2026, (Nez Perce County Fairgrounds Pavilion)
—
Mike in Alaska mentioned a recent AMRRON video: Washington Wildfires – A Quick SITREP on Comms in Wildfire Season.
The much-anticipated post-apocalyptic movie The Dog Stars will be released on Friday. (August 28, 2026.) It is based on the novel by Peter Heller. The film was directed by Ridley Scott. It features actors Margaret Qualley, Josh Brolin, Jacob Elordi, Allison Janney, Guy Pearce, and Benedict Wong. I’m hoping that it does Heller’s novel justice. By the way, it is obvious that Ridley Scott see this film as a “message” piece: Sir Ridley Scott warns his new post-apocalyptic movie could become our reality very soon.
—
Why Grip Strength Is a Surprising Predictor of Longevity. (A hat tip to D.S.V. for the link.)
—
A new essay by Brandon Smith: Pillagers vs Producers: There’s Only Two Ways To Save The Western World.
—
Reader C.B. sent this promising news: Plastic waste has been turned directly into hydrogen fuel – no sorting required. JWR’s Comments: I wonder what the Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROEI) equation looks like for this process. That would be calculated excluding the energy required for the original plastic production, but including the energy required to generate the sodium hydroxide. If the EROEI is a net gain, then this would be a fantastic innovation.
—
Here is a new Garand Thumb video: How To Setup A Fighting Rifle From Start To Finish.
—
Connecticut Amended Law to Avoid Religious Exemption Suit, Parents Allege.
—
T.C. suggested this instructional video: Chicken Feather Arrows?
—
Reader Noah B. had this suggestion:
“You recently mentioned Instructables. There is a somewhat similar site, Repair Cafe, that specializes in how-to info on repairing items that might otherwise be discarded. In some areas, there are actual brick-and-mortar repair cafe sites, where people can take items and learn how to repair them.”
—
Droids Demonstrate Precision Marching at World Humanoid Robot Games Opening. (JWR’s Comments: It seems that George Lucas saw this coming. Or, did the Chinese see the Trade Federation Droid Army in the Star Wars Episode I movie, and imitate art? Either way, it is a little spooky.)
—
Two recent JWR podcast interviews: Massive Crash In Real Estate & The Destruction Of America — James Wesley Rawles. And: James Wesley, Rawles: The Future’s Claim.
—