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.

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I’ll start today’s column with a video about our kind of guy, serving as a representative, in Washington, DC.: Off the Grid with Thomas Massie.

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A Practical Tip From JWR:  To avoid confusion with your family’s pairs of mud boots, use a quick blast of spray paint on the rear spine of each boot, using a contrasting color for each pair. In the long run, this will prevent mixing up pairs — especially those pairs that are close to the same size.

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I highly recommend the Ghostnet communications protocols that are being formalized by S2 Underground. There is a new video update available. Going digital offers the best communications security and data connectivity for a collapse situation. Buy the gear, print out (and laminate) the reference pages, and get regular practice with your friends, neighbors, and relatives! – JWR

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Reader F.J sent this item: Stranded windsurfer rescued after spelling out ‘HELP’ on Santa Cruz-area beach.

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Reader C.B. sent us this sign on the times: Tupperware Announces Closure of Last U.S. Factory, Moves Production to Mexico. JWR Adds:  Whenever I go to thrift stores, I always keep my eyes peeled for large-volume Tupperware boxes — bread boxes in particular. They have umpteen uses. In addition to storing food items, they can also serve well for ammunition and small tool storage. Just throw in a packet of silica gel desiccant, and you’ll be good to go.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — June 18, 2024

On June 18, 1682, English-born Quaker William Penn founded Philadelphia, in the Pennsylvania Colony.

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On June 18, 1767 English sea captain Samuel Wallis sighted Tahiti. He is considered the first European to reach the island.

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June 18th is birthday of Pastor Douglas Wilson. Born in 1953, he is the pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho and a prodigious author of books and articles on Reformed theology.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 113 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 $2,000.
  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 $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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 Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  4. 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 firearms 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.

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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. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 113 ends on July 31st, 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.

Extending The Life of Flooded Lead Acid Batteries, by Tunnel Rabbit

The following described method is for those of us with more time than money. But this may be an increasingly valuable skill in a prolonged austere environment. Note that this pertains only to 12 VDC flooded lead acid batteries, including semi-sealed or “maintenance-free” batteries. This will be a succinct tutorial.

This is an old-school method, a technique of a bygone era. It is nothing new, but old school and time-tested. I have more than 40 years of experience in the automotive world. I’ve known about this since the early 1980s. My success rate is now at 70 percent, yet how I define what is a success is highly imprecise, or generous. Given the high cost of a typical automotive battery is now between $150 to $175, and given that in an austere environment any battery that contains a useful amount of electrical power, that battery has more value than what is considered serviceable today. If it can hold enough power to run a single transceiver for several weeks, then it is useful in my book.

To restore a battery to near new or to a level that it will reliably start a vehicle in cold weather, then my success rate is about 50 percent. I have also restored 10-year-old deep cycle flooded lead acid batteries used for a PV System from completely “dead” to a good condition where the resting voltage is 12.6VDC and its capacity is about 90 percent of what factory fresh batteries provide. Large deep-cycle batteries are now quite expensive. In the last month, I’ve recently restored 20 batteries back to serviceable levels. This means that I have saved a significant amount of money and I now have a stockpile of batteries for the coming collapse of society. Many of the batteries were purchased at an automotive parts store for just the price of a “core” charge — which is based on the scrap value of lead.Continue reading“Extending The Life of Flooded Lead Acid Batteries, 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, the emphasis is on some recent bear news.

Region-Wide:

Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones and Estimated Range.

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This writer obviously didn’t solicit any opposing opinions: Wildlife Activists Urge Continued Grizzly Bear Protections.

Idaho:

Island Park man shoots grizzly in defense-of-life.

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Idaho Wardens Kill Bear In Crowded Park; Is Region In For Another Busy Bear Year?

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Published in February: Idaho pushes for grizzly delisting.

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Judge could soon set trial date for man charged in killings of 4 University of Idaho students.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — June 17, 2024

On June 17, 1579, English navigator Francis Drake landed on the coast of California at Drakes Bay, and named it “New Albion”.

Sad News: I just heard of the untimely passing of George “GEO” Cox.  You may know of him by way of his very informative YouTube videos, posted under “Iridium242“.  Many folks in Nevada knew GEO as a founding member of the Nevada Shooters Forum. What a great loss to both the prepping and shooting communities. He will be missed!

Today is the birthday of Dean Charles Ing (June 17, 1931 – July 21, 2020). He was an American author, who usually wrote in the science fiction and techno-thriller genres. His novel The Ransom of Black Stealth One (1989) was a New York Times bestseller. He was a former member of the Citizens’ Advisory Council on National Space Policy. He wrote more than 30 novels, and co-authored novels with his friends Jerry Pournelle, S. M. Stirling, and Leik Myrabo. His novel Pulling Through was one of my inspirations for writing Patriots.

On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill began.

June 17th is the birthday of Libertarian economist Harry Browne. (June 17, 1933 – March 1, 2006.)

This is also the birthday of musician Red Foley (born, 1910, died September 19, 1968). His patriotic song Smoke on the Water topped the music charts for 13 weeks in late 1944 and early 1945, and charted for 24 weeks. This song, which describes the doom of tyrants, would be considered quite politically incorrect these days.

June 17th is also the birthday of novelist John Ross, who was born in 1957. He is best known as the author of the novel Unintended Consequences.

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Because of a change in direction at Trident Media Group (my partner publisher) my novel Land Of Promise, will only be published in trade paperback by Amazon.com for one more month, at just $11.99 per copy. The last day of the sale (and of Amazon Print on Demand ordering capability) will be July 12, 2024. Thereafter, it may only be available as an e-book. I will try to get it back in print in trade paperback format within a few months, but I can’t make any promises.  So order your copy (or copies) soon!

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Today’s feature article is a review penned by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christainson.

Gerber E-Z Out Skeleton Plain Edge Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson

The skeletonized spine of the Gerber E-Z Out Skeleton Plain Edge folding knife provides a strong but lightweight blade for this excellent folding knife. Like the Spyderco hole, the cut-outs in the blade provide the thumb with a consistent friction point for reliable ambidextrous one-handed deployment without snagging on clothing or impeding the cutting action of the blade.

The 3.25 inch, 420HC, saber-grind, drop-point blade comes out of the box shaving sharp. Two Kraton SoftGrip inserts provide the slender but sturdy polycarbonate handle with an excellent grip surface.

Priced at $47 at the time of this writing at www.gerbergear.com , the knife provides an outstanding value for an American-made knife.Continue reading“Gerber E-Z Out Skeleton Plain Edge Folding Knife, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Schwabisch Potato Salad

The following recipe for Schwabisch Potato Salad is from SurvivalBlog reader Kurt W.

Kurt says:  “This recipe comes from the border region between Germany and France.  It uses vinegar rather than mayonnaise, so it makes it safer to bring for summertime picnics and church luncheons.”

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3/4 cup finely minced yellow onion (about 1 small)
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
Directions
  1. Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot and cover with cold water until water level is 1 inch over the potatoes. Set over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until a fork or paring knife can be inserted into potatoes with very little resistance, 10-15 minutes.
  2. Strain potatoes and set aside.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving as much rendered fat in the pan as possible. Pour out all but about 3 tablespoons of fat from the pan.
  4. Add onions to pan with bacon fat and cook over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, mustard, 2 teaspoons of salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  6. Place potatoes, bacon, onions, parsley, and chives in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
SERVING

Best served immediately, while still warm. But it is suitable to chill and use for picnics.

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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 depicts Persistent Poverty, by county. Sadly, there is a high correlation with Indian Reservation lands and former plantation lands with depleted soils. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail image below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

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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.

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — June 16, 2024

On June 16, 1779, Spain declared war on Great Britain in support of France and the United States, starting the Great Siege of Gibraltar which went on to last 3 years, 7 months and 2 weeks.

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Today is the birthday of pioneering economist Adam Smith, in 1723. He was born in Kirkaldy, County Fife, Scotland. He died July 17, 1790.

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I heard that Good2GoCo.com has ceased doing business. My apologies to anyone who received Good2GoCo purchase credits as part of their SurvivalBlog writing contest prizes and didn’t have the opportunity to spend them.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 113 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 $2,000.
  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 $359 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

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. 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. 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 firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. A $300 gift certificate from Good2Goco.com, good for any of their products: Home freeze dryers, pressure canners, Country Living grain mills, Emergency Essentials foods, and much more.
  3. 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)
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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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. Refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 113 ends on July 31st, 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.

Warrior Poet Rifle 1 — A Course Review, by N.C.

I have previously written a review of the Warrior Poet Society streaming service. And, after much deliberation I bought the expensive (to me) in-person training for “Rifle 1”. What follows is my experience, some suggestions and lessons I learned.

The Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR) Summary

Warrior Poet training is excellent value for your money. I have zero regrets paying the money, Scottish genes notwithstanding. It has already made me a better shooter and set me on a path to get even better. I’ve seen other casual shooters changed for the better after trying Warrior Poet training. I hope to become like them and I will work so that I will be.

I received no products, discounts, or benefits from this positive review. I did ask the lead instructor if there were things he would prefer I leave out or make sure to include in my After Action Report and he said: “No, just give your honest opinion” and so I will.

Coherent Cumulative Curriculum

Warrior Poet’s curriculum is built around the idea that loving protectors may, with ethical and legal restrictions firmly in mind, have to use force to protect life. This means a gunfight, and to get better at gunfighting you must at least simulate gunfighting. The 1 and 2 level courses are aimed at giving you the fundamental skills to shoot, move, and utilize cover so that you can then simulate gunfights at their level 3 force-on-force courses.

The curriculum is specialized. They are teaching you how to use AR-style rifles, quickly, at close range, while in and around structures. They emphasize rifle use in what many consider pistol distances because they believe that is the use case most relevant to prepared citizens. The longest shot inside your house is probably the longest shot you will face. If you are primarily interested in reaching past that distance this course will be of limited value to you, although they are exploring a separate more long-range rifle course which piques my interest. For now, the rifle curriculum is focused on close range.Continue reading“Warrior Poet Rifle 1 — A Course Review, by N.C.”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Gay Star Wars MemeMeme Text:

Disney+’s Newest Star Wars Series The Acolyte Has Been Touted As The “Gayest Star Wars Ever”
“I Felt A Great Disturbance In The Force… As If Millions of Voices Suddenly Cried Out: What Have You Done With This Franchise?“

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:

“And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” – Luke 7:11-23 (KJV)