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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A Special Request From JWR: I’d like to ask a favor: I’m hoping that there is a SurvivalBlog reader who has a spare full carton of 25 (or perhaps two cartons) of the LONG USPS  “Game and Puzzle” Large Priority Mail boxes.  (See photo, above.) For my Elk Creek Company mailorder biz, these are the type of boxes that I often use when I mail out long-barreled percussion revolvers, long-barreled Stevens single-shot target pistols, and some long bayonets — and I have just a few of these boxes left.

UPDATE on April 26th:  A couple of generous readers have promised to send me (in aggregate) 76 of these boxes.  So that fills our needs for the foreseeable future.  There is no need for anyone else to send any more. Note that if there are any other cartons of boxes that are already en route to me from other readers, then I will keep my promise of postage reimbursement and the gift of an archive USB  stick for each 25 boxes sent. Many thanks, folks!

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Reader George S. wrote:

“Just a thought on the article that was titled: “Our Black Swan Event”

It looks like there’s an Access Opening on the Top of the Cistern. If it is Big Enough for someone to Climb Down In, then they could clean the inside with maybe a Mild Chlorine or Whatever Mixture to keep Algae and other Unhealthy Stuff Off the Walls.

If this is possible, maybe E.R. can cut and install a Nice Looking (Cedar Access Hatch) Over the Entrance to the Top of the Cistern.”

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Reader Mike in Alaska recommended this useful illustrated article: Dry Canning Flour.

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Robert W. spotted this: New sodium battery that can be charged in seconds developed.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — April 23, 2024

On April 23, 1936, singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, known for his soaring voice and for his carefully crafted ballads of loneliness and heartache, was born in Vernon, Texas.

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The oldest US public institution, Boston Latin School, was founded on April 23, 1635.

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“Shane”, directed by George Stevens and based on the 1949 novel by Jack Schaefer, starring Alan Ladd and Jean Arthur premiered on April 23, 1949.

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There are several interesting new retreat property listings over at SurvivalRealty.com. These include:

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present Part 1 of a four-part entry for Round 112 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 $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.

  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 $875,000 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 112 ends on May 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.

Weapons of Mass Deception – Part 1, by R.G.

This article is primarily about Israel versus Iran, and how Muslims seel to subjugate non-Muslims. If this is boring to you or you are tired of listening to Middle East news, then please skip to more entertaining things. But if you know the significance of events in the Holy Land as it relates to preparedness and what triggers the coming events that we need to be aware of and prepare for, then please read on.

I lived in Iran in the 1970s. It was a turbulent time in the US with soaring inflation, a nationwide 55 MPH speed limit, and a weak president overseeing it all. This was also a turbulent time in Iran as events there were leading up to the soon overthrow of the Shah and the insertion of the radical Islamic Ayatollahs into power. While there I was not a practicing Christian but I was seeking understanding of where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going to end up. This led me to study the Quran and ponder why so many people believed it to be the final Word of God. I also learned of the schisms inside Islam, primarily between Sunni and Shia sects. But underlying these schisms was a deeper division of liberal vs literal interpretation of the Quran and its associated Book of Sayings (Hadith). The Ayatollahs of Iran preach a strict, literal interpretation, including much deception, that has led 45 years later to where we are now concerning events in the Middle East and particularly how it affects Israel, Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount.Continue reading“Weapons of Mass Deception – Part 1, by R.G.”

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, we focus on a wandering Grizzly. (See the Wyoming section.)

Idaho

Annual Sheep Crossing: Watch out, it’s a ‘Lambush’.

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Tobacco companies pay Idaho in a multi-million-dollar settlement.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“I mean, my friend, to let you know how deeply I am impressed with a sense of the Importance of Amendments; that the good People may clearly see the distinction, for there is a distinction, between the federal Powers vested in Congress, and the sovereign Authority belonging to the several States, which is the Palladium of the private, and personal rights of the Citizens. I freely protest to you that earnestly wish some Amendments may be judiciously and deliberately made without partial or local considerations—that there may be no uncomfortable Jarrings among the several Powers; that the whole People may in every State contemplate their own safety on solid grounds, and the Union of the States be perpetual. . . . Your Letter requires a further Consideration I will at present only express my astonishment at the strange, and absurd opinion of our former republican Connecticut friend —Tempora mutantur, et hic mutatur in illis.” – Samuel Adams, in a letter to Richard Henry Lee, dated August 24, 1789.

Preparedness Notes for Monday — April 22, 2024

On April 22, 1889, the Oklahoma land rush began.

Today is the birthday of actor Eddie Albert (born Edward Albert Heimberger April 22, 1906.) He died May 26, 2005, at age 99.) For his actions in the battle of Tarawa, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device.

Today is the birthday of the late Charles Rankin Bond, Jr., who was born in Dallas on April 22, 1915. (Died, 2009.) He was one of the last of the AVG Flying Tiger pilots.

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Going,  going… We are now down to just 30 of the waterproof 2005-2023 SurvivalBlog Archive USB sticks. I’ve reduced the price on those remaining sticks to $28.95, to ensure they will sell out quickly. I expect them to sell out by Thursday or Friday of this week. Consider this your last chance until late January 2025, when the next edition should become available. There will be no more produced this year!

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I just noticed that Military Surplus LLC has a new batch of U.S.G.I. .50 ammo cans for sale. These are genuine M2A1 U.S. military issue, in near-new condition. They are selling packs of 4 of these cans for $80.00 shipped to CONUS. Given the present-day shipping costs, that is a bargain!

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We are in need of entries for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $875,000 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 112 ends on May 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.

Ergodyne Skullerz 8945f(x) Bump Cap Insert, by Thomas Christianson

This past summer, I was limbing a felled tree. As I leaned forward to cut a low limb, I smacked my forehead against the stub of a higher limb that was hidden by the brim of my cap. I saw stars for a moment, and could feel blood seeping from my forehead. To add insult to injury, my wife, Kari, said, “That was stupid. You should have been wearing a hard hat.”

Neither the bump on my head nor Kari’s comment scored very highly on my happy meter.

The Bottom Line, Up Front

The Ergodyne Skullerz 8945f(x) bump cap insert is an inexpensive and comfortable solution for converting a typical baseball cap into piece of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Although the insert will not provide the same level of protection as an industrial safety helmet, I have found that an insert that I actually wear provides a higher level of protection than an industrial safety helmet that is hanging on a nail in my pole barn.

JWR Adds: This goes along with my philosophy that a piece of PPE or EDC gear that you wear or carry daily is vastly superior to one that is so large, heavy, or cumbersome that it gets left at home.  This same principle applies to self-defense handguns. It is generally better to carry a compact 9mm or even a .380 ACP that is on your hip every day of the week than a big .44 Magnum cannon that is only toted on special occasions.

Available at the time of this writing for $12.95 from www.ergodyne.com , the 8945 is well worth the price.Continue reading“Ergodyne Skullerz 8945f(x) Bump Cap Insert, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week:  Lily’s Einkorn Vanilla Muffin Bread

The following recipe is egg and dairy-free for Einkorn Vanilla Muffin Bread was developed by Avalanche Lily. This bread can made either in a muffin tin or a standard bread pan.  Cast iron is preferred for either method.

Ingredients
  • 3 Cups freshly-ground Einkorn flour
  • 3 Tablespoons Olive oil
  • 3 heaping Tablespoons honey
  • 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
  • One Cup to a Cup and a half HOT Water
Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 425 F.
  2. Mix all ingredients together into a thick wet muffin batter.  One will need to add the Hot water slowly while stirring to see how much one needs to achieve wet muffin batter consistency. The hot water is used to melt the honey. Our honey has crystalized into sugar.
  3. Oil cast iron bread or muffin pans with olive oil.
  4. Pour in the batter.
  5. Bake 25-30 minutes.  Keep an eye on it during baking testing with a toothpick.
SERVING

Serve with homemade strawberry jam or fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Variations

I use this recipe minus the Vanilla as a base for many different kinds of muffins and breads: apple/cinnamon, blueberry, raspberry, chocolate chip, cherry, etc.  If one omits the honey or drastically reduces it, you can make savory breads, such as garlic or herbs, etc.  Enjoy!

STORAGE

I store leftover bread in the refrigerator in a waxed cloth bag.

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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 U.S. Railroads, By Ownership. (Map graphic courtesy of Reddit and U.S. Department of Transportation.)

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.

Today’s graphic is

 

(Graphic courtesy of  SurvivalBlog reader _______)

(Map 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 — April 21, 2024

On April 21, 1918, Manfred, Freiherr (Baron) von Richthofen, Germany’s top flying ace in World War I, was shot down and killed during a battle near Amiens, France.

April 21st, 1828, Noah Webster published the first American dictionary.

April 21st is Aggie Muster Day, for all Texas A&M graduates. Aggie Muster celebrations/meetings are held as far away as Japan, Germany, and Afghanistan. April 21st was selected as the day to celebrate Muster since that is the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, where Santa Anna’s army was defeated by the Texian Army led by Sam Houston.

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Today’s feature article is a guest post that was too short to qualify as an entry for Round 112 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.

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More than $875,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing 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 112 ends on May 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.

Preserving Chicken Eggs, by Mrs. Alaska

Egg laying is partially predicated on the season. Our hens, of various breeds, are always most prolific layers in the summer months. In the autumn, when they molt (shed their feathers and grow new ones) they do not lay at all for 6 to 8 weeks. During the cold winter months in Alaska, they shiver in the chilly coop, laying maybe half as often as in the summer. It is only in March, when we have 12 hours of daylight, that they venture out into the snow and start to lay regularly again.

Therefore, I learned various ways to save eggs to eat during the molt and all winter long.

Note: In the USA, people who buy eggs at a supermarket are purchasing eggs that are washed, which removes the bloom, which is a clear thin coating that the hen naturally produces as she lays to protect the egg from bacteria and dirt. This is why, in this country, eggs are stored in the refrigerator.

In the many other countries that do not wash the shells first, shopkeepers store eggs on room temperature shelves, and millions of shoppers store them at home this way, too, up to about 21 days, depending on ambient temperature.Continue reading“Preserving Chicken Eggs, by Mrs. Alaska”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

Remember: In The Gospels of Mark and Luke, a Demon-Possessed Man Referred to Himself

With The Plural Pronouns “We”, “Us”, and “Legion”

News Link: University of Oregon: Understanding Pronouns

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:

“As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.

Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

I and my Father are one.

‘Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.”  – John 10:15-31 (KJV)