SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

Our 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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No more large power banks! Travelers Hit with New TSA Ban as Agency Forbids Common Item in Checked Luggage.  JWR’s Comments and Clarifications: The writer neglected to mention some key details. According to the TSA website, In carry-on bags only: “Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery.”  For USB-voltage devices, given Ohm’s Law, (to wit: 27,650 MiliAmpHours (MAH) equates to 99.5 Watt Hours. (Higher voltage with the same battery capacity would mean that the Watt-Hours would be in excess of 100.) Oddly, according to the FAA, there is no limit on the number of separate spare laptop batteries or battery banks that you carry onboard at the same time, but they must be ones for your personal use — not for resale.  So, presumably, carrying them in their original factory packaging could get them flagged as contraband.

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Virginia Giuffre, Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser, dies.  JWR’s Comments: It is noteworthy that she repeatedly announced that she was not suicidal.  No worries, folks. “There’s nothing to see here, move along.”

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Reader H.L. mentioned this MSN slideshow: How Many Bald Eagles Are in Each U.S. State?

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — April 29, 2025

On April 29, 1769, Scottish engineer James Watt‘s patent for a steam engine with a separate condenser was enrolled. (Patent 913.)

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April 29, 1852:  The first edition of Peter Roget‘s Thesaurus was published in Great Britain.

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On April 29, 1903, a limestone slide at Turtle Mountain dropped 30 million cubic metres (82 million tons) onto the town of Frank, Alberta, Canada, killing 70-90 residents.

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And on April 29, 1905, two inches of rain fell in just 10 minutes in Taylor, Texas.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 118 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 TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  3. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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 gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. 3Vgear.com is providing an ultimate bug-out bag bundle that includes their 3-day Paratus Bag, a Posse EDC Sling Pack, and a Velox II Tactical Backpack. This prize package has a $289 retail 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 $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

The Least Invasive Real ID, by St. Funogas

With the Real ID requirements finally going into effect as of May 7th, a US passport card is the best option for those interested in maintaining as much privacy as possible. A passport card offers more flexibility and maintains your privacy to a higher degree than a driver’s license. For those who consider their home address at the top of their privacy list, nothing beats a passport card.

I’m no expert in this field but I’m basing this article on my own personal experiences and testimonies of friends. The reader is strongly advised to do their own research before applying any of this information to state and federal IDs and to assess any risks that may be involved and the severity of any possible penalties. The standards for state-issued IDs vary from state to state so be sure to research the requirements of your own state.

Many people still don’t have a Real ID of any sort, so it is advisable to obtain one in order to be able to get through airport security or enter a courthouse, among others.

It may pay to read between the lines in this article to see if there are other ways you can apply the information.Continue reading“The Least Invasive Real ID, by St. Funogas”

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, a revised eruption risk assessment for the Yellowstone Caldera.  (See the Wyoming  section.)

Idaho

First glow-in-the-dark flower made commercially available to the public.

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Lori Vallow Daybell reacts to guilty verdict in her first Arizona trial. (She received multiple life sentences, in July, 2023.  This conviction could add another life sentence.)

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Mountain Home man arrested in sex trafficking investigation.

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Judge denies Kohberger defense team’s request to strike death penalty because of autism diagnosis.

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

Preparedness Notes for Monday — April 28, 2025

On April 28, 1937, the first trans-Pacific flight by a commercial passenger airliner was completed when Pan American Airways’ Martin M-130, China Clipper, arrived at Hong Kong. The flight had departed San Francisco Bay, California, on the 21st of April with seven revenue passengers and then proceeded across the Pacific Ocean by way of Hawaii, Midway Island, Wake Island, Guam, Manila, Macau, and finally Hong Kong.

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April 28, 1965: US Marines invaded the Dominican Republic. They stayed until October 1966.

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Today’s feature is by SurvivalBlog staff writer Tom Christianson.

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We need more entries for Round 118 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

 

 

American Hat Company Range Hat, by Thomas Christianson

A range hat is designed to allow over-the-head, earmuff-style hearing-protection to be worn comfortably over the hat. It accomplishes this by forgoing two features that are common to most baseball caps. Those features are a fabric-covered button (squatchee) on the crown of the hat and the hatmaker’s buckram reinforcement of the front two panels of the hat. Without the squatchee and the buckram, a ranger hat is better able to conform to the shape of the wearer’s head under the muffs.

The American Hat Company version of the range hat is made of lightweight, ripstop cotton with a comfortable sweatband and a velcro adjuster in the back. It is just as comfortable for everyday wear as it is for range wear. As an added bonus, the hat is made in the USA.Continue reading“American Hat Company Range Hat, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: Super Easy Trail Mix

The following recipe for a fairly healthy Super Easy Trail Mix is from SurvivalBlog reader T.W..  She recommends: “I suggest you buy most of the ingredients in bulk, to cut down on the cost of the mix.”

Ingredients
  • 1 c. of your preferred low-salt nut(s), mixed (I like almonds and pecans)
  • 1 to  1-/12 c. of chocolate chips, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces candy (can be omitted if you are on a diet)
  • 1 c. of Animal Crackers (or other small crackers) and/or small pretzels. (I like cheese-flavored ones)
  • 1 c. of your preferred dry breakfast cereal or low-moisture granola/museli.
  • 1 c. of dried fruit(s) or raisins (Be sure that it’s a low-moisture fruit, or it will make your trail mix a sticky mess!)
Directions

Just pour all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir them well with a large mixing spoon or spatula.

STORAGE & Trail Servings

Store the mix in an airtight container, like Tupeprware.

Dispense into small, very sturdy ziploc bags, for the trail. Pack all of those small bags inside a larger (gallon-size) ziploc bag, in case one of the small ones bursts.

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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: Percentage Of Americans Who Always Lock Their Doors. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

 

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Please send your graphics or graphics links 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:

“I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side, and to consider what I enjoyed, rather than what I wanted :  and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts, that I cannot express them ; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it, who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.” – Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — April 27, 2025

The Battle of Carbisdale was fought on April 27, 1650: The Royalist army under Marquess of Montrose invaded mainland Scotland from Orkney Island. They were defeated by a Covenanter army.

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On April 27, 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act.

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And on April 27, 1805, US Marines attacked the shores of Tripoli.

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Today’s feature article was too short for inclusion in the judging in the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.  More than $950,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 118 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. 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.

A Covid Experience: Three Years Later, by Tom In Alaska 

It was October 31, 2021. I was living in Arizona with a full season of cool weather hiking on the calendar. The first (and last) walk of the season was delightful. The temperatures were on the warm side and a steady breeze was kicking up the omnipresent Arizona dust.

I arrived home in the evening filled with the satisfaction of a good first day but told my wife that my throat was slightly sore from the “blowing dust”

Waking on November 1st with a 102 F fever was an omen. The next day I immediately drove to the local Urgent Care and was diagnosed with Covid. My thought was, okay, I’ll be sick for a while but the vitamins, zinc, healthy diet, and penchant for walking would allow for an easy recovery. Wrong!

I remember leaving the Urgent Care facility, entering my vehicle, and then nothing more than that until several days after being removed from a ventilator.

Continue reading“A Covid Experience: Three Years Later, by Tom In Alaska “

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

The Feds Are Deporting Members of Tren de Aragua
But is The Bigger Threat Trini Le Dogua?

Relevant 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 when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.

And when ye come into an house, salute it.

And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.

And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” – Matthew 10:1-22 (KJV)