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 we shift the focus more toward potential Christmas and Hanukkah gifts. Pictured is a Goal Zero Nomad 7 folding portable PV panel.
Books:
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Freehold: Resistance. (A sci-fi anthology edited by SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large, Michael Z. Williamson.)
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The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know but Don’t Know to Ask
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I’ve mentioned this new book by Donald Trump, Jr. once before: Triggered: How the Left Thrives on Hate and Wants to Silence Us
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Blockchain Bubble or Revolution: The Present and Future of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
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Movies:
Saving Private Ryan (Sapphire Series) Blu-ray
The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Series (Limited Edition Blu-ray + Digital)
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The Bourne Ultimate Collection [Blu-ray]
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And on YouTube: MERV – Post Apocalyptic Sci Fi Short Film
Instructional Videos & Vlogs:
Reader Tim J. suggested this: Developing a Comms Plan for a Prepper Community
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Wranglerstar: Installing A Rixen Hydronic Furnace In Transit Van – ESPAR
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Two Years Alone in the Wilderness | Escape the City to Build Off Grid Log Cabin. (Excerpts from a lengthy, instructional, and quite detailed series of YouTube videos.)
Gear & Grub:
HP Chromebook 14-inch Laptop with 180-Degree Hinge, AMD Dual-Core A4-9120 Processor, 4 GB SDRAM, 32 GB eMMC Storage, Chrome OS (14-db0030nr, Snow White). Note: I recommend the Chromebook as an inexpensive document reader/composer, and for playing music — imported via USB sticks. I have used one as a sort of super iPod and super Kindle — but both offline. Like any other laptop, they are vulnerable if connected to the Internet. But if they are kept air-gapped, they are secure. Just leave the wireless feature turned off.
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Goal Zero Nomad 7 Foldable Solar Panel 11800. Measures: 6 x 9 x 1 in (Folded)
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Consider combining a compact PV panel (such as the aforementioned Goal Zero) with one of these little gems that can ower your cell phone or tablet for up to 11 days on one charge: RAVPower Portable Charger 32000mAh Battery Pack 6A Output, USB Power Banks for iPhone 11/Pro/Max/ 8/ X/XS, Galaxy and More (3-Port, 2.4A Input, Triple iSmart 2.0 USB)
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Teri Garr was even better in “Oh God”.
Jim, I’ve started looking for a replacement laptop and wonder why you recommend the Chromebook? Chromebooks look like an inexpensive solution for basic tasks but from the test reviews I’ve read, being Google controlled there are privacy concerns
I just added this clarification: I recommend the Chromebook as an inexpensive document reader/composer, and for playing music,– imported via USB sticks. I have used one as a sort of super iPod and super Kindle — but both offline. Like any other laptop, they are vulnerable if connected to the Internet. But if they are kept air-gapped, they are secure. Just leave the wireless feature turned off.
I’m surprised by your pick of Jumanj, with it’s negative portrayal of hunters. Ruined what otherwise was a good movie.
Shawn James video series of him building his cabin off grid is a really good series.
Great watching on these short gloomy days in the PNW.
Consider the Fire tablet. I prefer the 10″ but the 7″ works just as well and is incredibly affordable. Using a micro SD you can store tons of videos, books and music. The battery lasts longer than most laptops and the USB charging is easier to accommodate when away from home. I used to take my laptop when I traveled to use email and get online now I use my Fire. The last plane trip I watched a movie (I have about 60 of them on the SD card) and watched four old TV shows (again I have about 50 TV shows I downloaded from YouTube) to kill time.
The goal zero 7watt doesn’t really have enough umph to charge much. I have a few of them and it barely can charge an iphone. Yes you can trickle charge a battery but there are a ton of companies who make 21watt panels that aren’t that much bigger in physical size and provide a better charge. I have 3 from Anker and 1 from another company.
But yes somethign like that makes a great gift. EVERYONE needs to have at least one small portable panel to charge phones, batteries and other USB devices.
Found some DYI videos on how to dump the Chrome and install a particular Linux OS that works on this machine. BTW, here is recent Bill Holter interview:
https://youtu.be/VWlDf-vSeQw
As I sit here listening to and watching Celtic Women sing Christmas songs, I’m thinking you might enjoy them, too. They perform many different songs.
I send thanks to my friend Cecelia for sending me the original link. I am a blessed man.
The link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw38pGhPXIk
Carry on
One of my Favorites Thank you.
I needed this
and now enjoy this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lb8t5pWv0U
Love Teri Garr . Always had a crush on her 🙂
Sadly she had contracted MS a few years back. Last thing I saw her doing was some time ago.
Great documentary traveling Pacific Coast Highway in her native state of California.
Even in her later years she was still very attractive.