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, tools, 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 we’re highlighting a SentrySafe fireproof document safe. (See the Gear section.)
Books:
Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach their Kids About Money. I’ve mentioned Kiyosaki’s bestselling book a few times in SurvivalBlog. It has a 4.5-star rating and incredible 37,400 ratings logged, on Amazon!
o o o
The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition)
o o o
From famed historian Barbara Tuchman: Stilwell and the American Experience in China: 1911-1945
o o o
I haven’t yet read it, but this book had great reviews: The Art of Resistance: My Four Years in the French Underground: A Memoir
Movies:
A Breath Away. Lily and I both enjoyed this French near-future disaster film, with a twist. Available on DVD or for free streaming to those with Amazon Prime.
o o o
I’ve mentioned this documentary once before: Battle For Warsaw. JWR’s Comments: There were two uprisings against the German occupation of Warsaw: The Jewish Ghetto uprising (April 19 to May 16, 1943) and then the general uprising in 1944. The latter (detailed in this film) lasted for 62 agonizing days. During the latter, the Soviet Red Army mostly just waited and watched from a distance.
Instructional Videos & Vlogs:
Reader Tim J. suggested this 32-minute video: Winter Survival – Survive an Overnight On the Open Prairie like a Hunter! (Ranger Survival and Field Craft)
o o o
o o o
Reader AK. like this video from Bushradical: Hand Pump Well, off-grid, self-reliant water, everything you need to know
o o o
Peter suggested a recent video by Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre with some comments: “It’s a rambling video but there are some real truths in it.” SURVIVING 2021: 10 Tips to Prepare for Socialism in America. Peter’s Outline, With Comments:
- Start preparing. Things such as supplies, food and water, packs for your vehicles. Get your preps in order.
- Crime and violence. Expect it to continue and to be politicized (e.g. the robber becomes a political activist).
- Economy. Socialism does a wonderful job of wrecking an economy, increasing inflation, and destroying a currency. Expect inflation.
- Keeping your views to yourself.
- Looking after your children. Beware the brainwashing in school, propaganda from socialist governments. Find out what their teacher said, what is in their homework (watch out for hidden propaganda). You cannot shelter your kids from the entire world. Talk to your kids, teach them how to quietly identify and question.
- Start your own business.
- Become harder, tougher, stronger. Especially mentally. You need to be more resilient as things become more difficult.
- Stay healthy in all aspects. Mental health. Physical health, exercise, and staying in shape. Eating well. Relationships – with your spouse, with your kids, with your family.
- Moving to a State with people that have similar values.
- Be ready to bug out if it comes down to it. It’s easier to make the jump if you already have an idea of how you would do it.
Web Pages & Blogs:
One of our absolute favorite homesteading/preparedness blogs is Rural Revolution, edited by our good friend Patrice Lewis. She and her husband Don recently downsized and relocated to a different part of the American Redoubt. They masterfully did so (with the aid of Divine Providence) at the winter solstice in a lull between storms. Our congratulations to Don and Patrice! If you haven’t already done so, I recommend bookmarking Rural Revolution, and visiting it often. You’ll be glad that you did.
o o o
Our own Michael Z. Williamson suggested this piece about flint and pyrite fire starting: Paleolithic Stone on Stone Fire Technology
o o o
At American Partisan: Care and Feeding of the Chainsaw, by American Yeoman
o o o
And another at American Partisan: Badlands Fieldcraft: 10 Minute Farraday Cage (NC Scout)
o o o
Grey Bearded Green Beret: Sniper Ghillie Suit Construction
o o o
Here is a thought-provoking new blog: You’re It
Music:
The Fisherman’s Friends: No Hopers, Jokers & Rogues
o o o
Generald Wilson sings ‘God Bless America’. (But never forget Kate Smith.)
o o o
Gear:
I heard these mentioned over at the American Partisan site: 12V 5000W Air Diesel Heater LCD Display Display 2KW-5KW for Car Truck Motor-Home
o o o
One of our recent purchases, here at The Rawles Ranch: Winnerwell Woodlander Medium Tent Stove | Tiny Portable Wood Burning Stove for Tents, Shelters, and Camping | 800 Cubic Inch Firebox | Precision Stainless Steel Construction | Includes Chimney Pipe
o o o
o o o
Protect your important paper and your backup hard drive: SentrySafe CHW20221 Fireproof Box and Waterproof Box with Key Lock 0.28 Cubic Feet, Charcoal Gray. (Best stowed inside of your “fireproof” gun vault.)
Featured Antique Gun of the Week
Our featured antique gun of the week is a Colt M1892 .38 Long Colt revolver that was converted to the 1894-pattern. 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 or via our Contact form.) Thanks!
Re: the 5kw Diesel Air Heater – I live in Iowa and use the 8kw model of this heater in a foam-insulated 30 X 45 pole barn shop to keep the building from freezing at night. Fuel burn is about 4 gallons over 3 nights, shop temp typically 55-60 at 5pm with outside temp falling to 15, shop temp will be 45-48 at 7am, instead of maybe 35 previously. Two ceiling fans up in the roof truss made a huge improvement.
the question I have has nothing to do with the above article, now with the dems controlling the house and senate, how long will it be before there are statures Karl Marx, Lenin, Mao, Casto, stalin, and all of the rest of the comminists leaders in the capital rotundra? How long before all the non believers will have to go re-education classes ? Just wondering
I believe Schumer said it best. Buckle up.
Was Schumer standing near a fan with boxing gloves when he said it??
As we buckle up, let us remember this: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. –Galatians 3:28 NRSV
Carry on
I do not know the answer to that, but I do know we now have bigger problems.
But, it did just occur to me, if you spray paint a statue of a commie red, does it enhance the message, or do you need to choose a different color? Inquiring minds might want to know….
Such a sad and distressing day for the nation… Just last night it seemed Vice President Mike Pence believed he could take some level of action to protect the public against what the evidence demonstrates was massive election fraud. How could it be that he would issue any statement that he could not take action while President Donald Trump was speaking to supporters outside the capitol building? What in the world is going on here? The timing of such a statement, especially after what appeared to be an expression of support just yesterday doesn’t add up — what changed? It doesn’t make any sense.
Pence is a Globalist and a Jesuit! They are all on the same team!! Evangelicals have been deceived! THIS IS PART OF THE GREAT DECEPTION OF THE LAST DAYS! Trump WAS a Democrat in the past. He is a RINO! Does a tiger change it’s stripes? Truly? THEY ALL ARE ON THE SAME TEAM! IT’S ALL BEEN THEATRICS! PRAY NOW! FOR INTENSE PERSECUTION COMES!
Satan and his followers want us to kill and destroy each other! Why are we falling for it? Don’t! Don’t give them the satisfaction! Our warfare is prayer, and defense at home and in our neighborhoods. We should not be killing one another! PRAY!
Persecution is coming fast now! The time to choose God’s ways or Satan’s ways. The Separation of the tares and the wheat. Here it comes. Get ready. Pray that you will be worthy to escape all things!
Don’t take that vaccine. The vaccine is part of the separation between those who are truly of Christ and those who will follow Satan for economic survival.
Today was a “setup” in ways i hope will be clear soon. It’s too easy to believe what we want so things arrive at our desired outcome and then end up disappointed…”Hope deferred makes the heart sick” Proverbs 13:12.
Your admonitions have constantly held the line of faith in scripture and understanding of mortal man’s failings. THANK you for speaking of your convictions even when we would prefer the scenario to be more palatable.
(Still hopeful to see the article you had thought to write about these uncertain times in our world. Reliable sources to bring more clarity in girding our loins so to speak, are always a help.) Don’t know how you do everything you do in the busy lives you live!
Hmm, if I could only speak what I really know and think! Maybe we could thwart the enemy longer. May all things be revealed and exposed, soon. the line is definitely being drawn.
Agreed… Our first petitions should always be in prayer. …and through our faith, we also grow into both courage and conviction. Violence does not strengthen the case of any argument. Our earthly strength comes in the form of our speech, and in advocating (even arguing) for our values in the arena of ideas.
This is where politics should be decided — in the arena of ideas — and in free, fair, honest, and lawful elections. Unfortunately, we did not see free, fair, honest, and lawful elections. The evidence of election fraud is ever mounting and quite overwhelming.
I will continue to speak. I will not give in. I will not give up. I will not give an inch. For all my remaining days, I will speak — and I will advocate for what I know is true and right. I respect that not everyone shares my views, and understand the value of diversity of opinions. Having said that, I will not succumb to threats, and I have zero tolerance for bullies.
How Vice President Mike Pence could fail in his responsibility to the Constitution and the Republic in such a grave manner remains difficult for me to understand, even as I accept that this is occurring right before my very eyes. …and I do believe he has failed us, although not single-handedly. We have certainly been failed by many.
On another concern, but related also to today’s events at the capitol building… Before rushing to any judgment about who was involved in today’s violence, let the facts come out (okay, so assuming the facts actually do come out and this is something to wonder about in the current environment). The affiliations of those parties should be revealed, and may surprise some. What the media wants us to believe is likely to have little relationship with the truth. Different this time? I doubt it. We’ll see.
Dear dear Telesilla,
You are always so sweet, level-headed, articulate, fair and kind. I appreciate you very much. Be patient and watch. I wish the deception wasn’t so. I wish we could trust these leaders, but we cannot. But only time will tell you that.
May our Lord God give you his peace tonight.
Lily
AL…could you possibly keep it to a scriptual summary? Please? Have anticipated your sharing since you mentioned it.
Over 40 years ago my personal studies in scripture kept pushing me off the theological beaten path i was raised on. It took years to finally admit my disagreement with what I had been raised with. Doctrine was lining up but there were several theological thoughts that had been taught as gospel that i No longer could support.
Ever since, it has been a slow process to study and learn, knowing just because it’s got a wool coat on doesn’t make it a sheep. Studying with likeminded believers is a rare pleasure…
No catholic could be doing what Pence did and couldn´t be guilty of heresy and i believe Idolatry, especially a member of the Societa Jesu would know how forbidden and wrong that would be
Wondering if JWR or SB community can recommend a satellite phone, there are three different systems. They would be used for emergency comms with my kids who each live on east and west coasts in case cell and internet are down. (They are in college/military, so HAM is not an option.)
Thank you in advance for your responses.
J&M in the Redoubt
The government controls the satellites. Gee I wonder how fast they will disable the phones in an emergency?
I’ve brought this satellite… (In an article I haven’t published yet?!?) Satellite technology is getting more and more affordable. We should build and launch our own!
1) If just texting is all you need then you might look at the Garmin INReach series — they use the Iridium satellite network. Could be particularly useful if west coast is hit by earthquakes — fiber optic lines connecting cell phone towers often severed by such events. Plus they can send SOS to Search and Rescue with GPS lat /long.
https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/personal/
2) In addition to cost of unit you have monthly charge for subscription , which depends on how many msgs you want to send. Still, relatively cheap compared to voice sat phones.
https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/personal/#subscriptions
Thank you.
PS Garmin used to have a basic Inreach SE that was about $250 new. Some are available on Ebay used for around $125 — I think the $350+ price some sellers are asking for new ones is excessive. You can get the current , more advanced model for that on Costco.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
I used to give all my teenage relatives $50 for Christmas each year. When they got to be teenagers, I sent them all a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad with a note that said to write to me when they finished the book and I’d send them them the $50. Six of them claimed the prize. Not too many years later when they were grown and had jobs, two of them started investing in Idaho real estate and another two in Las Vegas when both of those markets were cheap compared to now. The fourth started investing in precious metals when silver was cheap. Needless to say, they are some of the most well off from their high school graduating classes and were putting their money in smart places while their friends were buying cars and cool toys. I don’t know how many times they’ve thanked me for giving them Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
If anyone has teenage grandchildren, nephews, or children, this book makes an excellent gift. For anyone older than teenagers, this book is a must read.
I appreciate the tip, StF. I plan to recommend this book to the twenty-somethings in my world.
I have just picked up a book that has been sitting around quite awhile. About twenty-five years ago, I was one of several speakers at an event sponsored by Veterans for Peace. One of the other speakers was a man who I quickly grew to trust, Jim Northrup. He told me about the book he had written called Walking the Rez Road. He was Ojibwa and said the book was about surviving the war (Vietnam) and surviving the peace.
It is only now that I am reading Walking the Rez Road and am so grateful to Jim for writing it. If he were still alive, I would tell him so.
Here is a link to a small, wonderful bookstore where you can find Jim’s book: https://birchbarkbooks.com/all-online-titles/walking-the-rez-road-stories
Carry on
Hmmm…the YouTube video of ” Winter survival-Survive an overnight on the open prairie like a hunter” , does not seem to be available.
This is working for me right now for the winter survival video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–30Rn3n74M
J&M,
You are correct that there are three major satphone service providers. Iridium, Inmarsat and Globalstar.
I have no experience with Globalstar, therefore the following comments do not apply to their service.
Inmarsat uses three sets of geostationary satellites to cover 90% of the planet (I-4, Alphasat and I-4 Asia). Because the satellites don’t appear to move relative to earth, the signal is usually more stable, especially if you are moving. It is this reason that many commercial airplanes and ships use Inmarsat – the signal is better while in motion, especially at higher speeds. The major downside to Inmarsat is that if you get closer to the poles (above or below 70 degrees of latitude), the signal drops out.
Iridium uses a constellation of 66 satellites in Low Earth Orbit. They appear to move relative to your position on earth, and during a call you may use multiple satellites. I have experienced substantially more “dropped calls” with Iridium while in motion and switching satellites. That being said, the entire globe is covered, without the coverage “holes” that Inmarsat has.
Because I travel extensively worldwide, I use an Iridium “Extreme” 9575. Besides the occasional dropped call (especially when in-motion), I am very pleased with it. It is small, rugged and portable. Service is VERY expensive on any platform, and you will want to shop carefully. If you feel you need one, getting a ten-digit “US” phone number is an additional charge to your service (Iridium and Inmarsat both have their own numbering system).
I would like to see some proof from Mr. Donovan that “the government controls the satellites”. Both Iridium and Inmarsat are private companies that operate worldwide networks. Iridium is American (based in Virginia), while Inmarsat is British (based in London). If the Iridium and Inmarsat networks were shut down, commercial aviation and shipping would go back in time by 50 years, for both industries utilize satellite service extensively.
Hope this helps you make your decision…
Thank you for such a detailed response and recommendation. You have really helped me make a decision!
Blessings,
J&M
Regarding “You’re It” – how many will make the decision of I’m it?
If Vice President Mike Pence is unwilling to protect the Republic from election fraud, he should resign — immediately. It’s hard to imagine who could be advising him — but I do not believe he is being well advised. At a minimum, he could refer the elector slates back to the states in question for clarification from the state legislatures. In fact, multiple state legislators have made these requests.
Meanwhile — it’s hard to say whether or not the Democrats legitimately won the run-off races for the two Senate positions. The Republican candidates certainly made critical errors in their campaign strategies. However… News reports all kinds of suspicious activity (absence of monitors, voting machine problems, and more).
How about honest, fair, transparent and legal elections. Win, lose or draw… We should all support election integrity. Political proposals must compete in the arena of ideas. If Democrats hadn’t cheated, they would welcome true audits. …but that’s just not where we are in all of this. It’s all just so terribly disgusting. If they succeed in this theft, I anticipate that we’ll hear them talk about election integrity — after the fact, but that will have no real meaning — at least not for me.
Now — how the RNC can be at a resort on a retreat to discuss the future of the party is absolutely beyond me. It’s something akin to the bankers who went on their expensive conference travel during the worst of the financial meltdown as so many people were losing their jobs, exhausting their savings, and losing their homes.
It may be time for a new political party. I for one will be watching. I hope President Trump leads the way.
I second the suggestion to listen to Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre’s interview, and also to read his book “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” about the 2001 currency collapse in Argentina. He has a very different worldview about survival than here on Survival Blog, geared more towards surviving in a densely populated area. As you read his book, it’s like reading about the currency collapse only vaguely outlined in “Patriots”, only it happened in real-life, and also how eerily it is to our wonderful politicians putting us all on the hook for billions of dollars in handouts to foreign countries (i.e., those “covid relief for Pakistan gender studies” is really lining their pockets just before the rest of us take it on the chin).
On a different note, I was at the Stop the Steal protest on January 6th and its appalling how badly the mainstream media is LYING about what happened, while simultaneously failing to mention how many people were really there. I’ve got videos, though I don’t dare share them since the Alphabet Agencies are looking for patsies and I’ll be damned if they use anything that I might have inadvertently caught to railroad some poor slob who was INVITED IN behind the barriers.
If you want to see a fair and even-handed vlog that documented the fact the police LET PATRIOTS INTO THE BUILDING, Sarah Corriher (Crusader Girl) caught that on film, as well as has a good timeline of everything.
https://tv.gab.com/channel/sarahcorriher/view/they-did-it-for-america-5ff87e0e492d3a6b28a92621