The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at the rise of diabetes.

537 Million+ Diabetes Cases, Worldwide

International Diabetes Federation: Global Diabetes Cases Are Climbing. Here is a quote:

“The regions with the highest estimated numbers of adults suffering from the disease are the West Pacific and South East Asia.

The African continent is expected to see the largest increase in the number of people living with the disease, with the International Diabetes Federation predicting a more than 130 percent increase in cases by 2045.

In Europe, just over 61 million adults were estimated to have diabetes in 2021, a figure that is expected to reach 69.2 million by 2045.

The International Federation highlights that globally, diabetes is now among the top ten causes of death…”

JWR’s Comment: It is noteworthy that this organization is primarily funded by pharmaceutical corporations.  Perhaps Coca-Cola, Pepsico, and Fanta should also be sponsors, since they helped create this 21st Century plague on humanity.

Apple Intelligence on iPhone Update

At The Hill: Latest iPhone update enables Apple Intelligence automatically: How to turn it off.

Plans To Build An Iron Dome For America

From reader H.L.:  Five Takeaways From Trump’s Plans To Build An Iron Dome For America.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“I don’t personally consider myself Dr. Doom. I call myself Dr. Realist, even though it’s less exciting and more boring than being called Dr. Doom. If you are consistently saying ‘the world is going to end,’ who is going to listen to you?” – Nouriel Roubini

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — February 5, 2025

On February 5, 1644, the first American livestock branding law was passed, by Connecticut.

—

February 5, 1953: Sweets rationing imposed in WWII ended in Britain.

—

Today is the birthday of Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim (5 February, 1840 – 24 November, 1916). He was an American–British inventor best known as the creator of the first automatic machine gun, the Maxim gun. Maxim held patents on numerous mechanical devices such as hair-curling irons, a mousetrap, and steam pumps. Maxim also claimed to have invented the lightbulb.  He was the father of Hiram Percy Maxim, who founded the ARRL.

—

The primary SurvivalBlog server was down for several hours this morning. It has been restored. Thanks for your patience.

—

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.

—

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 2, by SaraSue

(Continued from Part 1. This concludes the article.)

Bars of Soap and Healing Ointment

I stockpile bars of soap because there are so many uses for a good bar of soap.  I use several different kinds of soap bars, but the nice thing about them is they are compact and you can stuff them into numerous places for safekeeping.  You can grate them to make a liquid detergent for washing just about anything, yourself included.  Bars of soap are probably the cheapest, and most easily storable form of soap you can buy.  There are many, many, recipes online for making laundry detergent, liquid dish soap detergent, etc.

When the skin gets dry and cracked, it’s important to cover those cracks and get them healed up as quickly as possible to avoid infection.  By “cover them” I mean thoroughly coat them in a mineral cream or the tried and true Vaseline (petroleum jelly).  This prevents entry of more bacteria and will heal the cracks.  I use a mineral cream because it is the most effective for me (brand: Nivea), but Vaseline is cheap and readily available.  A little goes a long way.  You can purchase bottles of mineral oil inexpensively and coat your hands in the oil before bed, or glove your hands in cotton or nitrile gloves during the day.  You can make your own soaps and salves with tallow (beef fat), plus a few more ingredients, if available to you.  The reason I suggest the above is that today’s common “hand cream” is not effective.  You need something more heavy-duty.Continue reading“Supplies for Staying Clean WTSHTF – Part 2, by SaraSue”

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.

—

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.

o  o  o

Why Congress Needs To Swiftly Pass Concealed-Carry Reciprocity.

o  o  o

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.”

o  o  o

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.

—

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.

—

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.

—

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.

—

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?

o  o  o

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.”

o  o  o

BLM, Forest Service announce grazing fee prices.

o  o  o

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.

o  o  o

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

o  o  o

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.

—

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.

—

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.

—

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.

—

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.

—

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.

 

 

 

 

 

—

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