SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This 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.

This video echoes my long-standing advice to my consulting clients on camouflagling aboveground LP/OPs built from repurposed prefabricated concrete cisterns or septic tanks: How To Build The Best Place To Hide!

o  o  o

Radio Apocalypse: HFGCS, The Backup Plan For Doomsday.

o  o  o

A WND column by fellow blogger Patrice Lewis: 8 steps to take to prepare for a Kamala presidency.

o  o  o

At Reason: Lawsuit Claims Indiana Unconstitutionally Seizes Millions in Cash From FedEx Packages Every Year.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“But we can still rise up,
And be the nation again that stood against them,
Proud Edward’s army,
And sent them homewards,
To think again!”

– The last verse of the Scottish National Anthem



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — August 13, 2024

On August 13, 1642 Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens discovered Mars’ southern polar cap.

Today is the birthday of screenwriter, director, and producer, Alfred Hitchcock (1899–1980). His many films spanned five decades.

—-

Today is also the birthday of sharpshooter, entertainer, and folk heroine Annie Oakley (1860–1926.)

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



Solar Powered Water Pumps: The Shurflo 9325, by Tunnel Rabbit

This article is in response to a question that I received from another blog reader, that was forwarded to me by the SurvivalBlog staff.

Reader O.S. had written, to ask:

“I would like to ask a question regarding your Aug 4th, Survival Blog article in the water section.  You mentioned an “inexpensive Shurflo model number 9325″.  I would like to confirm that the model number is exactly the one you are noting.  The reason is, the best price I can find online is $895 at this location:

https://thesolarstore.com/shurflo-9300-submersible-solar-water-well-pump-12-24v-model-9325-043-101-p-500.html

Other dealers have even higher prices.  When you noted “inexpensive”, it led me to believe that perhaps the model number is incorrect?  Would you mind confirming the model number is correct?”

The photovoltaic-powered water pump that I recommend for large gardens was indeed the Shuflo Model # 9325.  It is the model that replaced the original and time-tested Shurflo 9300. That is its pedigree. I had used the term “inexpensive” in the context of the cost of other deep-well water pumps that are considered to be proven. There are less expensive Chinese clones, but I cannot recommend them for deep well applications. Be sure to perform the usual due diligence before purchasing it and understand its design limitations. At a minimum, I would also purchase several rebuilt kits to support the Shurflo 9325 for a decade of operation.Continue reading“Solar Powered Water Pumps: The Shurflo 9325, by Tunnel Rabbit”



SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, some details on Eastern Montana’s population density and economy.   (See the Montana section.)

Idaho

US Forest Service firefighter flown to hospital after being struck by tree.

o  o  o

Paddock Fire burns over 187,000 acres, containment at 5%, evacuations downgraded.

o  o  o

‘Hayden Lake Hero’: 14-year-old saves mom and son after their car flew 200 feet down embankment

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“When you’re dealing with a bankrupt sovereign – like the U.S. government – you’re dealing with a very powerful wounded bear. You have to be very careful because you can’t know what the beast is going to do.” – Porter Stansberry



Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 12, 2024

August 12, 1833, the town of Chicago is incorporated. (Population 350.)

On August 12, 1867, President Andrew Johnson defied Congress, suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton.

And, on August 12, 1908, Henry Ford’s company built the first Model T car.

We are seeking entries for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pen, by Thomas Christianson

It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. The written word can change hearts, while force can only impose unwilling submission.

Pens have so many practical uses that I habitually keep one with me, as everyday carry (EDC).

The pen that I am currently carrying is the Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pen. It is a truly rugged and reliable writing instrument, with the amazing ability to accept at least 127 different brands and models of ink refill cartridges.

The titanium exterior of the pen tolerates a remarkable amount of abuse with minimal signs of wear and tear. The 0.44-inch grip is extremely comfortable to write with.Continue reading“Big Idea Design Bolt Action Pen, by Thomas Christianson”



Recipe of the Week: Lily’s Maple Mint Fridge Pickles

The following simple recipe for Maple Mint Fridge Pickles is from Avalanche Lily. Note:  This is not a canning recipe.  It is meant for immediate use.  Storage life in the refrigerator is approximately one week.

Ingredients
  • Three to four medium-sized cucumbers — freshly-picked from the garden — sliced
  • Medium fresh onion, diced
  • One cup and a half of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Three to four Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
  • Five large fresh Mint leaves, chopped fine
  • Pinch of mustard
  • One teaspoon of coriander seeds (leave them whole)
  • One teaspoon of fennel seeds (leave them whole)
  • Pinch of crushed clove
  • Salt, to taste
Directions

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for several hours, and then serve.

You can add any other spice that you like with your pickles.  I did not have any Dill, otherwise I would have added it.

SERVING

Serve with anything you like to eat with pickles.

Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!



SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic shows global oil production. (Graphic courtesy of Econovis.com, via Reddit, using Energy Institute Data.)

The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

Please send your graphic ideas to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Sean eternos los laureles,
que supimos conseguir.
Coronados de gloria vivamos
¡O juremos con gloria morir!
¡O juremos con gloria morir!”

In English:

May the laurels be eternal
that we were able to fetch
Let us live crowned in glory
Or let’s swear to die with glory!
Or let’s swear to die with glory!

– The last verse of the Argentine National Anthem



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — August 11, 2024

The Eiger Peak in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland was first summited on August 11, 1858, by an international trio: Christian Almer and Peter Bohren of Switzerland and Charles Barrington of Ireland.

On August 11, 1857, N. H. Wolfe and Company, the oldest flour and grain company in New York City, failed. This failure shook investor confidence and began a slow selloff in the market which continued into late August. Several other failures followed, and this cascaded into what was later called the Panic of 1857.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 114 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  5. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

More than $900,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 114 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



Basic Sewing: Cloning Clothes – Part 3 , by N.C.

(Continued from Part 2.  This concludes the article.)

Front And Back Seams
Figure 17

Now you have two separate pieces and each piece (left and right) has one completed French seam. You can pick front or back for the next seam, I will show with the back. To join them into a single 4-panel piece of cloth use the same French seam procedure. The only difference is to start at the top and only go down the sharp angle Figure 17.

 

Figure 18

Right sides out, pin from the waistband area down to the sharp angle. Sew with a running stitch. Flip the piece. Pin the piece. Sew with a backstitch. Flip the piece. You’re done and have a single long piece of cloth with four panels. It’s the same procedure as the longer explanation above, nothing really changes because of the curve. Figure 18 shows the second line of stitching and also shows the backside of the backstitch.

Continue reading“Basic Sewing: Cloning Clothes – Part 3 , by N.C.”



JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

So, Which of These is Worse?

Driving Drunk, at 96 M.P.H. in a 55-Zone?

Or Deployed War Veteran Exaggeration?

Or Rivaling Commie Kammie, for Leftist Views?

News Links:

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

 



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

And charged them that they should not make him known:

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.

Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?” – Matthew 12: 14-23 (KJV