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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A paper published by ScienceAdvances: Microplastics in the bloodstream can induce cerebral thrombosis by causing cell obstruction and lead to neurobehavioral abnormalities. JWR’s Comments: It was not until centuries later that one of the key contributing factors to the fall of the Roman Empire was identified as their extensive use of lead water pipes. Perhaps the history books of the 22nd Century will mention our global over-use of plastics — as well as food additives, vaccines, and gluttony — as the origins of the global health decline plaguing the 21st Century.

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Why Congress Needs To Swiftly Pass Concealed-Carry Reciprocity.

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Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large) has released a free short story for you to enjoy. It has been released through the website of one of his publishers: Skjaldmóðir by Michael Z. Williamson and Jessica Schlenker.  Mike says: “There will be a different version next month, in a different dialect for comparison. This was originally published in Fantastic Hope, four years ago.”

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For just the next two weeks and while supplies last, Next Level Training (one of our loyal long-time advertisers) is offering their SIRT Performer Bundle at a discounted price of $199. (That is 36% off the normal price.) The bundle includes a SIRT 110 (Glock clone) Performer laser training pistol, a G-Spot Fire Starter Kit, and a Training Knife. No coupon or coupon code is needed. Supplies are limited, so order soon.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“What you want to watch are the lenders, not the borrowers. The borrowers will always be willing to take a great deal for themselves. It’s up to the lenders to show restraint, and when they lose it, watch out.” – Michael Burry

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — February 4, 2025

On February 4, 1555, reformer and Bible translator John Roger was the first Protestant martyr (of nearly 300) under the reign of Mary I, when he was burned at the stake at Smithfield, London. Queen Mary was also known as Mary Tudor, and derisively nicknamed “Bloody Mary” by many non-Catholics. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.

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On this day in 1789, George Washington became the first and only president to be unanimously elected by the Electoral College. This was repeated again on this same day in 1792.

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February 4, 1924: Norway swept the medals in the Nordic combined event at the inaugural Chamonix Winter Olympics; Thorleif Haug won his third gold of the Games ahead of teammates Thoralf Strømstad & Johan Grøttumsbråten.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 117 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. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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. 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 117 ends on March 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.

Supplies for Staying Clean WTSHTF – Part 1, by SaraSue

I have often thought about the things I stockpile that have come in very handy in day-to-day living. Many of these are considered quite traditional or old-fashioned.  These are things I never previously kept or used in any quantity, but now do.  I thought that I would share, so you can add it to your preps if you haven’t already.  In a WTSHTF scenario, keeping things, and yourself, clean becomes imperative.  In disasters, most people die from disease and illness after the disaster.  If you could easily and quickly attend to cleanliness, illness will be less of an issue.  I’ve written short descriptions of my most used products that are readily available and most very inexpensive.

Hydrogen Peroxide

I buy Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) by the case, although a case is only 6-8 32oz bottles (3% solution).  You can purchase it in larger quantities and stronger solutions, then dilute it.  Generally, HP is available inexpensively at Walmart and most drug and grocery stores.

It is a great disinfectant and healer.  I have poured it on open wounds such as when my dog tore up my forearms, spider bites (Brown Recluse specifically), wasp stings, poison ivy, fungus on my feet from wearing boots constantly; even used it to heal an infected tooth that was very painful.  In that case, I soaked some paper towels (you can use a washcloth) with HP, laid it on the infected tooth area, and bit down on it for 20 minutes, and repeated that several times a day for a few days.  It healed the infection for immediate relief, but didn’t solve the underlying problem of a bad tooth.

I use it when brushing my teeth by adding it to the toothpaste, and it’s excellent when you have a cold and need to swab the germs out of your nose and mouth.  It has cured an ear infection by using just a drop in the ear canal for a few nights.  Sometimes the skin on my hands and forearms break out in Eczema from constant hand washing and chafing, which causes the skin to break and blister allowing bacteria to enter.  It’s very painful to pour HP on those wounds, so diluting it and soaking the area kills the bacteria.  Then I use a simple mineral cream to heal the wounds.  No need for steroid creams.Continue reading“Supplies for Staying Clean WTSHTF – Part 1, by SaraSue”

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, news of avalanche warnings in Idaho and Montana.

Region-Wide

It’s the mildest winter in 10 years, but will it stay that way?

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Greater Idaho Movement: Another bill surfaces in Oregon Legislature. The article begins:

“Will the Oregon Legislature gain ground this session on shifting the Oregon-Idaho border? In addition to a bill that will be floated by House District 60 Rep. Mark Owens, R-Harney County, to study the bigger picture of such details as state infrastructure, the Senate is considering a bill that would see Oregon and Idaho governments talking about it.

Senate Joint Memorial 7 was passed to the Senate Committee on Rules after it was introduced, had a first reading and was referred to the president’s desk on Jan. 13.

SJM7 urges Oregon and Idaho to start discussions due to 13 counties in eastern Oregon having approved related ballot measures — though it’s worth noting that some of those measures are only to talk about the issue, not to act on it.”

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BLM, Forest Service announce grazing fee prices.

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The border-spanning region dubbed the Crown of the Continent ecosystem.

Idaho

Boise man sentenced for drug trafficking will spend 20 years to life behind bars.

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State Highway 21 closing Friday evening due to high avalanche risk.

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Mortar caused the evacuation of Idaho Falls Regional Airport earlier this month.
Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Is the economy going to collapse if we continue down this road? Yes. Should Americans be self-reliant? Yes. Absolutely. … I think loving our neighbors is being prepared to give them food. Loving our neighbors is being prepared to protect them.” – Former Washington Representative Matt Shea

Preparedness Notes for Monday — February 3, 2025

On February 3rd, 1947, a North American record low temperature was set at -81°F (-63°C), at Snag in the Yukon Territory. Snag is a village located on a small, dry-weather sideroad off the Alaska Highway, 16 miles east of Beaver Creek, Canada.

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We are happy to announce a new writing contest prize sponsor, starting this month with Round 117: 3Vgear.com. Take a look at their great line of more than 100 outdoor and preparedness products.

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As predicted, the 2025 tariff war has begun.  If you are planning to buy anything imported from Mexico, Canada, or China, then jump on it now, before prices rise.

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Today’s feature article is a review written by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.

Innovyx Scales for Swiss Army Knives, by Thomas Christianson

By adding a pocket clip to my venerable Victorinox Mechanic Swiss Army Knife, Innovyx Carbon Hex 91mm Plus scales greatly improve the utility of that knife. The improved scales also provide a more secure grip surface than traditional Swiss Army Knife scales.

Innovyx offers other Swiss Army Knive scales in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and materials as well at a variety of different price points. They are made in the USA.

The carbon hex 91mm plus scales with a pocket clip cost $34.98 at the time of this writing at Goinnovyx.com. I am very happy with mine, and highly recommend them.

Background

I like Swiss Army Knives. They come in a wonderful variety of configurations. They are beautifully machined. They have a size and weight that just feels good in my hand. They were used by McGuyver. There is a lot to like.

For more than half a century, the Swiss Army Knife was the definitive multi-tool. Then beginning in 1983, the Swiss Army Knife began to become gradually eclipsed by the development of the Leatherman multi-tool and its host of imitators.

The modern everyday carry (EDC) knife also began to offer the Swiss Army Knife some stiff competition on the cutlery marketplace. The modern EDC knife offers three features that are lacking on the traditional Swiss Army Knife: a pocket clip, a locking blade, and provision for one-handed (preferably ambidextrous) deployment. A bladed multi-tool like the Leatherman Skeletool that incorporates these three key features may be considered an EDC knife for the purposes of this discussion.

Last Spring, I had the opportunity to review the Swiza D03 which modernizes the Swiss Army Knife concept with the addition of a locking blade. During the testing of that knife, I found the absence of a pocket clip on that knife to be so disruptive that I terminated my testing early.

I recently found out that Innovyx makes scales for Swiss Army Knives and that those scales can include an optional pocket clip. That sounded exciting, so I contacted Innovys to see if they would provide me with a sample for testing and evaluation. They were kind enough to agree. About a week after they created the order, a plastic padded envelope arrived in my mailbox.Continue reading“Innovyx Scales for Swiss Army Knives, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week:

The following recipe for Rice Croquettes is from SurvivalBlog reader Mrs. Alaska. She writes: “These are fast, easy, and tasty way to use up leftover meat and vegetables. These croquettes can be deep-fried or pan-fried.”

Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 c cooked rice
  • 1/2 c flour
  • 1/3 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 TBS melted butter or oil
  • 2 eggs or 5 TBS powdered egg + 5 TBS water
Directions
  1. Combine ingredients. The texture will between a dough and a batter. If too dry, add water or oil. If too wet, add more flour.
  2. Add in some combination of the following, in the proportions that you like:
    – Diced cooked meat (like ham or sausages or bacon)
    – Diced onions and/or other vegetables
    – Whole corn or peas
    – Herbs and spices (Maybe Italian herbs with parmesan and mozzarella, or Mexican herbs and spices for a spicy version).
  3. Form into a preferred shape, like golf ball-sized balls or finger-shaped pieces.]
  4. Roll the croquettes in bread crumbs.
    If the mixture feels so loose that it might fall apart while cooking, then freeze it for 20 minutes.
Frying Notes

Because the meat is pre-cooked, these croquettes cook very quickly. You only have to fry to brown the outside and melt the cheese within. The flatter the pieces, the faster they cook (about 3 minutes), turning once or twice. If my finger-shaped pieces are ½ inch high, I melt about ¼ inch of Crisco in a large frying pan. Heat the cooking oil on medium to medium-high until a “first test” croquette cooks nicely. Then add the rest of the croquettes, with space between them so the sides can get crisp.

SERVING

Serve plain or with a sauce, such as a chipotle mayonnaise or a Ranch dressing.

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Mrs. Alaska and her husband live off-road and off-grid in the interior of Alaska.  She is the author o fLog Cabin Reflections. Her blog is: Alaska Bush Life, Off-Road, Off-Grid.

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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 is a map showing the percentage of military veterans, by state. The high percentage in Alaska surprised me.  (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:

“The power vested in the American courts of justice of pronouncing a statute to be unconstitutional forms one of the most powerful barriers that have ever been devised against the tyranny of political assemblies.” – Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — February 2, 2025

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed on February 2, 1848. It ended the Mexican–American War. Mexico lost 55 percent of its territory to the US, including California, Nevada, and Utah in exchange for $15 million.

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February 2nd is the birthday of Ayn Rand (born Alisa Zinov’yevna Rosenbaum, in 1905).  She died on March 6, 1982. She is of course remembered for her novel Atlas Shrugged, which is considered a Libertarian classic. While I sharply disagree with her views on religion (since she was an atheist), I admire both her skill as a writer and her ability to articulate some core precepts of human liberty.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present the first entry for Round 117 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. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  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. 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 117 ends on March 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.

 

 

Join Or Die: What Can You Contribute?, by Michael X.

Okay, it’s here: The Stuff has Hit The Fan (SHTF). You are either ready or you are not. Time is limited.

Even if you are the most ready of anyone, you probably still can’t do it all, in isolation from others. In getting to where we are at this moment, many of us think we have done a very good, even great, job of prepping. Prepared people read and watch the news critically, identify what they think the most likely problem is that will occur, and prepare for it (plus many related issues). They use information sources like SurvivalBlog to get the lists of items that are needed. They “hoard” those items in their stashes. They read books that suggest how to prepare, how to build skills, and how to live a more homesteading lifestyle without the comforts of today’s modern conveniences. They train and practice.

I know that I won’t live forever, and very possibly might not make it all the way through to peace on the other side of the first round of SHTF. When skeptics ask me what I am preparing for (since, in their minds, nothing bad will happen and it’s all fine…or the government will take care of them…or, we are all going to die immediately anyway), I say that I want to live long enough to see how things shake out. I refuse to give up in the first round.Continue reading“Join Or Die: What Can You Contribute?, by Michael X.”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

We’ve Just Learned That The Only Truly Unforgivable Sin

Is Leaving The Democrat Party

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:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” – Matthew 5:14-22 (KJV)