Preparedness Regrets and Priorities, by N.C.

We all have our own ideas of how much risk we’re running and what type of disaster seems the most likely threat. Your answer to that will depend largely on where you are. Doubtless, my focus would certainly be different if I lived in Germany and it would be different if I lived in Ukraine or in New Zealand. Since I live in the United States the one that has cost me more than a little sleep is the prospect of a civil war in the US. It used to be that this was an extreme subject, raised only rarely with those on your side (left and right both). Now? It’s a commonplace question/topic on news sources of all stripes and that change fills me with dread. I try to be upbeat and think that the violence and conflict might only be as bad as the labor unions and corporations (and their hired guns) in the times before the First World War. With an economic depression chaser. That’s me being optimistic.

Which is to say I am very inclined to agree that all signs point to “bad times ahead” but another question niggles at me: “when?” After all, survivalists have been around a long time now. Certainly, they had things to worry about in the 1950s. The very real possibility of thermonuclear war was nothing to sneeze at but that was 70 years ago. If you were in a position to prep back then you are staring down the business end of your 90s now. Similarly, I have read accounts of monks around 1000 AD who believed that end times were nigh if not here already. Those men had good reason to believe what they did but they are long gone. The old world is still turning.Continue reading“Preparedness Regrets and Priorities, by N.C.”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: 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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We’ll start off today’s column with this from SurvivalBlog reader B.G.: 17-Year-Old Hero Swoops Into Action After Officer Is Shot Right in Front of Her – Unmatched Bravery.

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C.B. was the first of several readers to send this:  Vaccinated Americans a majority of COVID deaths for first time in August: analysis.

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Viral Documentary “Died Suddenly” Banned On Twitter- Stew Peters Responds.

Here is a link to the documentary, over at the Odysee video site: Died Suddenly.

JWR’s Commentary:  Well, we can now dismiss any hopes that Elon Musk-era Twitter would become a Free Speech platform.

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Over at The New American: Protests and Quarantine Camps: Covid Tyranny Is Roiling China.

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They’re Going to Try to Put Gun Ban Language Into HR8404.

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Some fundamentals, explained, for a general audience: How Long Would Society Last During a Total Grid Collapse? (A hat tip to reader A.K. for the link.)

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — November 29, 2022

Today is the birthday of writer Clive Staples (“C.S.”) Lewis, who was born in 1898 and died 22 November, 1963.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 103 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. 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).
  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. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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Just one day left!  Round 103 ends tomorrow — November 30th. We are now queuing articles for Round 104. 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.

The Prepper Potential of an Old Cell Phone, by Mr. Zipph

Over the years, I have read many articles on communications in a grid-down situation. Those articles typically focus on using ham radios or CB radios to communicate with other like-minded folks in a TEOTWAWKI scenario. I have also read articles focused on the importance of gathering and accessing important information that you would need if the Schumer hiints the fan (TSHTF). These articles typically discuss the importance of having hard-copy books and printed planning information, contact information, and other important information that would be valuable to have.

I first suggested the importance of a cell phone in preparedness efforts in a previous SurvivalBlog article: Preparedness Planning: The Business Trip. During that trip, I brought my iPhone which is my Everyday Carry (EDC) phone. Since I wrote that article, I prepared a second phone that could function as a backup, serve as an offline repository of information, and could also be utilized for communications in the event that I could obtain access to wifi, if my EDC phone was not available. At first blush, this exercise may seem to be a low priority in preparedness planning. However, I believe that it could be a helpful preparedness tool while traveling.

Many people have proposed that important documents and information should be kept on a flash drive. However, accessing that information would require that you have a computer in which to insert the flash drive. A cell phone is extremely portable. Wouldn’t it be easier to access it directly from a phone on which you have stored that information on the SD Card? This could be helpful if you were bugging out in a hurry. If needed, you could remove the SD card and plug it into a computer.

Scenarios where it might be useful:

  • Your primary cell phone is owned by your employer and you want to keep your preparedness life separate from your work life
  • A natural disaster causes widespread regional electricity and cell service outage
  • A grid down event while traveling
  • As a backup in the event that your EDC phone is stolen, lost or broken
  • As a backup in the event that authorities illegally confiscate your EDC phone

Continue reading“The Prepper Potential of an Old Cell Phone, by Mr. Zipph”

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 of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, we present a special collection of videos on winter sports and travel.

Idaho

Coeur d’Alene: Remote Sledding in North Idaho.

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2021 Solo Backcountry Idaho Mule Deer Hunt Matt Tillotson.

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‘Crazy cowboys’ and ‘crazy skiers’ team up in skijoring, Idaho’s wildest winter sport.

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One More Ridge – An Idaho Mule Deer Hunt.

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Stanley Throws The Best Winter Party in Idaho.

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First aired in 1991: Winter Solitude — Outdoor Idaho.

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What Is Idaho Like in Fall and Winter?

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SKI Magazine ranks three Idaho resorts among top 30 in the west.

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Ronnie Renner Snow Biking in Idaho Backcountry.

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

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Little more can reasonably be aimed at, with respect to the people at large, than to have them properly armed and equipped; and in order to see that this be not neglected, it will be necessary to assemble them once or twice in the course of a year.” – Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 29 January 9, 1788

Preparedness Notes for Monday — November 28, 2022

On November 28th, 1520, Magellan finally reached the Pacific Ocean after navigating the dangerous straits on the southern tip of South America that now bear his name. He became the first European explorer to reach the Pacific from the Atlantic.

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Today’s feature article was authored by our Field Gear Editor Emeritus, Pat Cascio.

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This is Cyber Monday — known as a day for deep discounts. Be sure to look for special pricing from our advertisers.  Please patronize our paid banner advertisers first. But if they don’t have what you are looking for, then see our lengthy list of affiliate advertisers.

Pistol Magazine Loaders — A Must For Some Shooters, by Pat Cascio

Getting old is no fun! Back in the day, I was able to load any type of magazines, with thumb power only. Sadly, along with old age, comes certain disabilities. To wit: I have terrible osteoarthritis in various parts of my body – not the least is lower back pain, that at times is debilitating to say the least. Next are my hands, and especially my right hand and fingers – they are misshapen. My trigger finger is the worst. But thankfuily, I can still pull a trigger!

Over the years, there have been efforts to produce manual magazine loaders, that are supposed to make loading some magazines a lot easier. Most of these were junk, but they still sell for some reason. Some years back, I tested and reviewed a magazine loader that was pretty impressive – it was similar to a reloading press, however it was a bit too big to lug around, especially out to the range.

Glock provides a simple plastic magazine loader with their double-column magazines, and it works fairly well. Whenever I get a new Glock, I load up the magazines that come with the gun, and let them sit for a couple weeks, after that, the magazines are a lot easier to load to capacity. As well-made as the Glock magazine loaders are, they tend to break if you apply too much pressure trying to get the rounds loaded.Continue reading“Pistol Magazine Loaders — A Must For Some Shooters, by Pat Cascio”

Recipe of the Week: Roasted Squash Seeds

The following recipe for Roasted Squash Seeds is from SurvivalBlog reader Mrs. Alaska. She writes:

“Why throw out the seeds of winter squash like butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and pumpkin?  You can roast them for a tasty seasonal snack. Or you feed them to poultry or save them to sow, next year.

For personal eating, I consider pumpkin seeds too woody a texture to be palatable (but I love pepitas, which are hulled pumpkin seeds).

The smaller, thinner seeds of other squash have a better texture and good flavor.  Here is how to roast squash seeds.

1)      Scoop out the seeds.

2)      Dump them into a tepid/warm salt water solution.  1 tsp per two cups of water is fine.

Note: The salinity slightly flavors the seeds but more importantly, breaks down the phytic acid (that preserves seeds until germination) so that the nutrients in the roasted seeds will be more bio-available to humans.  The soak also helps separate some of the slimy pulp from the seeds.

3)      Several hours later or the next day, pour the seeds into a colander.   Rinse, to help remove more pulp and to remove salt if you do not want that as a flavoring agent.

4)      Let the seeds dry out overnight.  You can’t roast wet seeds.  (I leave them in the colander in a cold oven). Do not dry them on a paper towel.  They will stick to the fabric.

COOKING:

In The Oven:

  1. Spread the dry seeds in a pan with sides (because some may pop and jump when hot).  Drizzle LIGHTLY with oil (olive, sesame, other) and sprinkle with flavoring agents of choice, such as salt, cayenne, Italian herbs, curry, cumin, etc.  Mix well.  Spread out in a single layer.
  2. I have read recipes that suggest roasting at 350 or 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. However, this is too hot and too long for seeds more delicate than pumpkin.  I prefer a slower oven – about 325 degrees.  Stir/check color and scent about every 10 minutes.  Since I dry them overnight, I cook them in the oven while I am making breakfast.

On Your Stovetop:

  1. Same as above: single layer, drizzled with oil and flavorings, stirred occasionally, monitor timing and temperature.  I do not do this anymore because of the occasional seeds that pop out of the pan.  Not a big deal.  Just my preference.
  2. The roasted seeds will crisp up more when cool.

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Mrs. Alaska blogs at: Alaskauu1.blogspot.com

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Do you have a favorite 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 and slow cooker recipes, and any that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at multi-trillion-dollar losses for tech stock and cryptocurrency investors. (See the Forex & Cryptos section and the Economy & Finance section.)

Precious Metals:

Gold Passes the First Bullish Test.

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Silver Demand On Pace For Record Year.

Economy & Finance:

Tech’s reality check: How the industry lost $7.4 trillion in one year.

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Der Spiegel: Star Economist Nouriel Roubini on the Global Crises “World War III Has Already Effectively Begun”.

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At Zero Hedge: Two Largest Railroad Unions Split Over Labor Deal As Christmas Strike Looms.

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Fed minutes show most policymakers want to slow the pace of interest rate rises ‘soon’.

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At Marketwatch: The U.S. economy is losing speed, S&P surveys show.

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The Constitution of the United States was made not merely for the generation that then existed, but for posterity- unlimited, undefined, endless, perpetual posterity.” – Henry Clay

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — November 27, 2022

Today is the birthday of SurvivalBlog’s Field Gear Editor, Pat Cascio. (Pictured.) He is now home from the hospital. Please pray for full restoration of his health.

November 27th is also the birthday of Ludwig Loewe (November 27, 1837 – September 11, 1886) was a merchant, manufacturer, philanthropist, and a member of the German Reichstag. Loewe’s companies became involved in the production of armaments, employing famous designers and creating many notable guns. Ludwig Loewe Company of Berlin produced large numbers of Mauser bolt action rifles, most famously used in the Second Boer War. Since Loewe was Jewish, many Loewe-made guns are stamped with a Star of David. The Loewe Company became part of the DWM conglomerate in 1897. Hence, all “Loewe” maker-marked guns are Federally-exempt pre-1899 antiques.

And this is also the birthday of sci-fi novelist L. Sprague de Camp (1907-2000).

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 103 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. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  5. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  6. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.

Second Prize:

  1. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three-day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  2. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  3. 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).
  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. 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)
  2. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  3. 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 $750,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. Round 103 ends on November 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.

21st Century Life: Controlling and Redirecting Anger, by SaraSue

I’m sure quite a lot of us, tens of millions for sure, maybe a couple hundred million, were slapped across the face a little while ago by the highest officeholder in our land. Anyone who disagrees with the gub’mint is a domestic terrorist, apparently. Also, the “Red Wave” that wasn’t? Or, if you don’t fix the root of the problem, you will get the same result. Sometimes throwing mud against the wall, wishing some of it will stick, is an ineffective use of your time and energy. I’m not saying that voting is a useless exercise. I’m just saying that the problems we are facing are going to need more than voting. In the meantime, don’t let your rage rule you. I’m not telling anyone what to do with their anger, but I’ll tell you what I do.

First, I always turn to humor and enjoy sharing a couple of choice memes that explode across the Internet after something obviously unjust occurs. Mocking the absurd fulfills the useful purpose of blowing off steam. Secondly, I pray for God’s intervention regarding the direction our country is headed. The anger remains, so thirdly, I get moving. I don’t drink it out. I don’t yell it out. I don’t hang out on the Internet and discuss it ad nauseum. I don’t pick fights or go on a rampage or “join a militia”. Those of us who are students of history are well aware that genocide often follows demonizing groups of people. We’ve been through years of being demonized – for our faith, for our choices, for demanding our rights. We must be prepared – via calm, methodical, deliberate, serious actions on our part so that we can survive what is coming. I have a unique ability to laugh in the middle of doing serious tasks. The work seems lighter that way.Continue reading“21st Century Life: Controlling and Redirecting Anger, by SaraSue”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text: 

Sam Bankman Fried Was Biden’s Second Largest Election Campaign Contributor

This Explains Why This Ponzi Schemer Will be a Guest Of Honor at The New York Times DealBook Summit, Instead of Locked Up In Jail

News Links:

The New York Times to Host Annual DealBook Summit on Nov. 30.

DealBook Summit (Event details, and $2,499 ticket sales)

Howls Of Outrage After New York Times Confirms SBF To Speak Alongside Zelenskyy, Yellen

Some Background Sam Bankman Fried’s financial recordkeeping, fund co-mingling, breach of fiduciary trust, and larcenous wrongdoings: FTX Disaster – 7 Unbelievable Bankruptcy Discoveries.

JWR’s Comment: I suppose that they’ll have to be careful about not being photographed shaking hands with this crook.