Prepper's Pantry: Hanukkah Treats

I meant to get this post out last week, but life intervened. However, while it's too late for Hanukkah this year, hopefully our readers can take part in the tradition of eating fried foods at this time next year.

One of the main elements of Hanukkah is the miracle of the oil: only one day's supply was available, yet it burned for eight days. In recognition of this, foods fried in oil are common in Jewish homes during the holiday.

Potato Latkes
Diverging from that tradition in the interests of health, these latkes are baked in the oven instead of fried in oil. We've found it best to use a smooth cooking sheet, not grooved, as the additional surface contact seems to help the latkes hold together.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes (about 10 oz each)
• 1/2 small chopped onion
• 1 egg or 1/4 Cup egg substitute
• 1/4 Cup matzo meal
• Minced garlic to taste (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine egg (or egg substitute), matzo meal, onion, garlic (optional), salt and pepper.
2. Grate the potatoes. Squeeze out any excess moisture. Combine with the egg mixture. (Note: Do not grate potatoes ahead of time.)
3. Pre-heat oven to 400°F. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Place twelve 1/4 cups of latke mixture on sheet and flatten; coat with cooking spray. Bake until pancakes are crisp, 30 minutes, turning over after 15 minutes.
4. Serve with sour cream, apple sauce, or try some with each.

Sufganyot

These little jelly doughnuts take some effort, but they are totally worth it and make for a special treat. Don't sprinkle the powdered sugar on them until just before serving, though, or it will be absorbed by the doughnut and disappear.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the baking sheet and rolling out the dough
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup warm whole milk (105°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), at room temperature
• 6 cups (1 1/2 quarts) vegetable or canola oil, for frying, plus more for coating the bowl
• 2/3 cup smooth jam or jelly
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Special Equipment

• 2-inch round cutter
• If none are available, a drinking glass of the same size can be used
• a candy/fat thermometer
• a 12- to 18-inch pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip to fill the donuts.

Instructions

1. Place the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine. Add the yolks and milk and mix, using the hook attachment, on low speed until a shaggy dough forms (about 1 minute). Add the butter, increase the speed to medium, and mix until the dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic, about 5 minutes.
2. Coat a large bowl with oil. Form the dough into a ball, place in the bowl, and turn to coat in the oil. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).
3. Lightly flour a baking sheet; set aside. Punch down the dough, transfer to a lightly floured work surface, and roll until about 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2-inch round cutter, stamp out as many dough rounds as possible and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Gather the dough scraps into a ball and roll out again, stamping rounds until you have 30 total on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place until puffy and about 1/2 inch thick, about 30 minutes.
4. Place the vegetable or canola oil in a Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350°F on a candy/fat thermometer. Meanwhile, line a second baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over the paper towels; set aside. Place the jam or jelly in a piping bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip; set aside.
5. Using a flat spatula carefully transfer the dough rounds, one at a time, into the oil. Fry about 6 at a time, leaving at least 1 inch of space in between and keeping the oil temperature at 350°F. Adjust the stove’s heat as necessary to maintain a constant temperature. Fry until the bottoms are golden brown (about 1 1/2 minutes). Carefully flip with a fork and fry until the second side is golden brown (about 1 1/2 minutes more.) If air bubbles appear in the donuts, pierce with the tip of a paring knife. Remove with a slotted spoon to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough rounds.
6. When the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to puncture the side of each to form a pocket in the center. Place the tip of the piping bag into the pocket and pipe about 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly inside. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

These treats aren't restricted just to Hanukkah; they can be made any time of year to add a little brightness when needed.

Happy Holidays and bon appetit!

Prepper Christmas: Stocking Stuffers

It's coming up on Christmas at Blue Collar Prepping, and the staff got to talking about what to get that hard to shop for prepper in your life. Since I love gadgets and getting new toys, I wanted to do my gifting suggestions in two parts: stocking stuffers and larger gifts. The things I recommend are things I personally have experience with, and would happily buy for folks in my life.

Flashlight

Streamlight Microstream

As much as I joke about electricians being good in the dark, I don't actually have natural night vision. I've gone through countless flashlights over the years, and the little Streamlight Microstream is one of my all-time favorites.

• It's slightly smaller than two AA batteries end-to-end, meaning it fits wonderfully in my jeans pocket. 
• A single click on the tailcap switch gives a 50 lumen beam that is bright enough for about 90% of the situations I find myself in, with a runtime in excess of 3 hours. 
• Double-clicking the switch bumps it up to 250 lumens, which is incredibly bright for a light of this size. In high-power mode, the battery lasts about 1.5 hours. 

It's not the cheapest light out there, but it's tough and reliable. Mine gets pulled out of my pocket several times a day, and it shows minimal wear after over a year of daily carry.

Pocket Knife

I'm specifically talking about what's commonly called a Swiss Army knife, and I have a couple favorites here. 

Personally, I carry a Gerber Armbar Drive, and have for a couple years. Depending on your tool needs, the Scout and Trade versions are also excellent options. It's rare for a pocket knife like this to have a locking blade, but the Armbar series use a solid liner lock with a stout sheepsfoot blade.

Gerber Armbar Drive

However, the classic that comes to mind when folks say "Swiss Army Knife" is the Victorinox Tinker. While the traditional scale color is red, these are available in a variety of other colors as well. My personal tastes lean towards the Evolution, with sculpted scales for a svelte look and a bit more comfort and control in use. 

Victorinox Evolution

Either of these knives are available with an increasing number of tools. These added tools come with a sharp increase in both cost and size, making them more cumbersome to both carry and use, so I tend to lean towards the more basic models.

If you're having trouble deciding, Victorinox knives have a wider range of tools in roughly the same total size, but the Gerber has a far superior cutting blade. If your intended recipient does a lot of cutting, then the Gerber is a better option. I reviewed my Armbar Drive a while back, and you can read that review here.

Lensatic Compass

While any compass can point you towards magnetic north, a lensatic compass is far more functional for actual navigation. This metal-case unit from Stansport is actually an upgrade from the plastic-cased model I've been carrying for almost 20 years.

Stansport Lensatic Compass

Hand Warmers

I happen to live where it gets cold, and I don't always have the luxury of working in places with functioning heat. If that describes someone in your life, a set of electric hand warmers can be an absolute game changer. I keep mine in my hoodie pocket, and they make it so pleasant when I stick my hands inside.

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Hopefully I've given you some useful ideas for stocking stuffers for the prepper in your life. Next time, I'll share one of my favorite ideas for an under-the-tree (or Festivus Pole) gift.

Lokidude

A Prepper's Hanukkah

Hello, fellow Preppers. Hopefully all of you had a pleasant and filling Thanksgiving, Ours was very nice, and our refrigerator is full of leftovers we will consume over the next week or so, including at least one batch of Turkey Soup.

Now we are about to enter the December gift giving holidays. Since this time can cause some amount of stress, I've decided to put together some gift lists to help make shopping easier. So for your consideration, here's a list of eight item categories (with examples) for yourself or the prepper in your life.

LED Keychain Flashlight

Being Jewish, I celebrate Hanukkah, which is also called the Holiday of Lights. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to start my list with a flashlight.

Aurora A1

Only slightly larger than a AA battery, the Aurora A1 packs a lot of light in a small, inexpensive package. It's rechargeable through a USB-C power port (USB cable not included), and the listing claims it can reach full charge in as little as 60 minutes.

The Aurora A1 has five light settings: Moonlight, Low, Medium, High, and Strobe, as well as a lockout mode to prevent unintentional activation.

Don't tell My Wife, but she's getting one of these for her purse light this year.

Emergency Keychain Car Escape Tool

This time of year is also frequently one of travelling, whether to the mall for shopping or out of town to visit family, and a constant risk when on the road is some form of motor vehicle accident. While the likelihood is generally low, and the chance of getting trapped in a vehicle is even smaller, this inexpensive tool makes for an excellent insurance policy.

ResQMe Keychain Car Escape Tool

Combining the ability to both cut a jammed seatbelt and break an inoperative car window in a small and convenient package, every vehicle should have at least one of these devices accessible to the passengers and driver.

Knives

Speaking of cutting, a good knife is a treasure. We've all sung the praises of Morakniv and their budget friendly offerings; I keep one in my car kit. 

Morakniv 511

For something a bit nicer, the Ontario Knife Company Rat-3 comes highly recommended and still doesn't break the bank.

Ontario Knife Company Rat-3

Self Adhesive Bandages

Anyone who's dealt with long term storage has probably had the experience of finding some item which was supposed to have a sticky side end up being not so sticky. This happened to me recently when I tried to put up a new Command Hook and the adhesive on the tape strips had de-volatized, but that's a minor inconvenience compared to bandage tape that won't stick. 

Self Adhesive Bandages

I keep a roll of these Self Adhesive Bandages in various places. As added bonuses, they neither pull hair out nor leave sticky residue when removed.

Back to Basics

No gift list would be complete without at least one book. With over 4,000 reviews and an average 4.7 star rating, Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills is high on my wish list.

Back to Basics

With chapters on everything from buying land, to building a house, to planting and harvesting, this book covers a lot of ground.

Ties that Bind

This isn't a Father's Day post, so I'm not going to recommend any actual ties, but rather items that can be used to secure other things. Traditional rope has its place, but tends to be bulky. These two offerings are quite strong (1,100 and 2,200 pound test respectively), and being flat, a larger quantity can fit in a smaller space.

Rapid Rope

Redback Strap

I'm A Frayed Knot

If I'm going to talk about tying things, then the next logical gift will be knot references. While there are an almost infinite variety of knots, most people need fewer than a dozen. These two references each include instructions on over a score of knots.

Knot Tying Kit

The Knot Tying Kit includes a portable plastic card with diagrams, as well as two lengths of rope, and a couple of carabiners for both practice and to clip the cards to a piece of equipment. As mentioned in my Pocket Survival post, I keep one of these in my jacket pocket. 

Useful Knots Book

The Useful Knots Book contains information of tying and using a number of knots and includes information on terminology and rope care as well.

Walk the Line

Socks are a traditional Hanukkah present, but I couldn't bring myself to do that to our readers. Instead, I can wholeheartedly recommend these insoles. They were suggested to me by a podiatrist and make a world of difference when I have to spend a day on my feet standing on concrete floors. 

PowerStep Insoles

One important detail to remember is that insoles should be changed out every three to six months.

So there you have it: eight gift ideas for preppers for the eight days of Hannukah. May you have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season, and I hope you get gifts you enjoy!

Happy Holidays

The year is winding down, winter is setting in (if it hasn't already for you), and a new year approaches. December holds dozens of different holidays for different groups; the list varies by how far you want to stretch the definition of “holiday”.

The Winter Solstice, when the tilt of the Earth gives the northern hemisphere the shortest day and longest night, was on December 21st this year. We recognize it as the first official day of winter and look forward to the lengthening hours of sunlight that lead to spring, but pagan and ancient cultures have noted the changing of the seasons for millennia as a way to keep track of time. The changing of the moon and length of daylight are easy to keep track of, so most early calendars are based on them. As an aside, quite a few religious holidays “wander” on the Gregorian (solar) calendar that is commonly used in Western countries because they were first recorded using lunar calendars, and the two systems don't match up perfectly.

Here in the United States, Christmas is the big holiday of the season but everybody celebrates things in their own way. Presents and parties, gathering with friends and family, and time off work are all common ways to celebrate the birth of the Christian Savior. Like most things in America, it has become commercialized and is used in marketing, but the “reason for the season” hasn't changed. Enjoy it in your own way. Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, Los Posadas, Omisoka, Bodhi Day, Krampusnacht, and about a dozen other holidays fall in the month of December. Look them up if you need another reason to celebrate something.

New Year's Eve, the time for getting out the new calendar and starting a new year, is fast approaching. Some cultures celebrate the new year as a time of rebirth and new opportunities, which makes sense from a practical standpoint: it's good to have a definitive starting and stopping point to things as it makes life a bit more predictable.

Celebrations are important to us as humans; we have a need to commemorate births and deaths, changes of seasons, “holy days” or holidays, and various other important dates. Doing so reminds us of what has gone before and shows us that there is a way forward. While it is fun to gather with friends and family, the important thing is that we have those friends and family. Remember those who have passed and celebrate the achievements of the young, give encouragement and comfort to each other, and be willing to accept it from those who love you. Even if the SHTF, we're still human and need to stay that way.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

PS: December is a busy month for everyone, so be kind to those you meet.

Holiday Special

Someone told me a big gift-giving holiday is coming up soon. I think they must have been confused? After all, Hanukkah is already over. 

However, in the spirit of giving, I put together a list of items that should fit under any prepper’s Menorah.

1. Speaking of candles, while one of these 120 Hour Emergency Candles may not last eight days, they come in a handy package that will, plus two. Days that is, not Grinches.

https://colemans.com/emergency-candle-120-hr-2-pack

2. Hanukkah is the festival of lights, and even the best flashlight is pretty useless if the batteries are drained. I have a variety of flashlights that take Lithium 123 batteries, so I always try to keep some spares on hand.

https://www.brownells.com/emergency-survival-gear/emergency-electronics/batteries/sf123a-lithium-batteries-prod24982.aspx

3. While I’m not a fan of coffee, staying alert and active can make the difference in a survival situation. Scho-Ka-Cola comes in both milk and dark chocolate versions.

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/scho-ka-kola-100-g-tin-can-wholemilk-blue/21923

4. Keeping warm in the winter is a priority, and in the outdoors the best way to do that is with a fire. While there are many different ways to start a fire, sometimes it’s good to go with the classic Magnesium Fire Starter.

https://colemans.com/fire-starter-magnesium

5. When needing to jot down a note, it’s good to know the pen will work no matter the weather conditions. This one comes with a sturdy cover/cap for a compact rugged package.

https://colemans.com/fire-starter-magnesium

6. Of course, having a pen isn’t much use if there’s nothing to write on. A good all-weather pad takes care of that concern.

https://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/books-amp-videos/books/logbooks-amp-scorebooks/all-weather-side-spiral-notebook-prod113311.aspx

7. Winter won’t last forever, and when it’s over the bugs will return. Having a way to keep them off our face can be a great blessing. This Head Net goes over any hat and will keep most bugs at bay.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/coghlans-mosquito-head-net

8. The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without a nice pair of socks. While too heavy for summer use, these merino wool socks are comfortable, moisture wicking, and will keep your feet warm even when wet.

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-hiking-socks-merino-wool/56433

So there we are. A list appropriate in content as well as number!

No matter what you celebrate, may you all have a blessed holiday season.

Stocking Stuffers for Preppers

Not actually Erin.

Picture by KJ Photography

& is used with permission.

By the time you read this, you have seven days until Christmas Eve, and some of you haven't yet finished your shopping. In spirit of Christmas, I shall offer you these prepping-themed gift ideas, good for stocking stuffers or Secret Santa exchanges. 

It's probably too late for things ordered by mail to arrive in time, but this is the season of miracles, after all!

https://amzn.to/3e5caE8

Everyone needs a good flashlight! I recommend the 300 lumen mini Cree LED flashlight by UltraFire. It uses a single AA battery, is super-efficient, has a zoomable focus and at only 4 inches long it fits comfortably in pockets and purses. You can buy a pack of three for $14, which is less than $5 per flashlight. 

http://amzn.to/2iAIcuY

Everyone also needs a good fixed blade knife. I’ve talked about Mora knives before, and they’re still the best-kept secret in the knife world. They’re amazingly ergonomic, don’t need sharpening out of the box, and come in a variety of colors including military green, tactical black and magenta. They range in price from $15 to $20 depending on which color you get. 

https://amzn.to/3yzDxzO

Speaking of knives, sometimes they get dull. The Lansky Quadsharp is a great way to quickly sharpen dull knives, with 4 popular angles in one compact package for $17. Its sister, the C-sharp, is a ceramic honing tool in the same shape. 

http://amzn.to/2zZnewS

https://amzn.to/3E4TFKz

Worried about loved ones getting lost or succumbing to the elements? There’s a company called SOL for “Survive Outdoors Longer” and they make a panoply of  survival tools for use when you’re the other kind of SOL. A two-person survival blanket costs $16 and will keep them warm and dry, while the $19 Waterproof Scout Survival Kit holds a variety of useful gear, including a rescue whistle and signal mirror. 

Classics are timeless for a reason, and when it comes to classics that reason is because they're reliable and efficient. the one-liter wide-mouth Nalgene bottle ($13) is one of them, and another is a 20 oz  stainless steel cup ($14) which fits over the end of the Nalgene for nested storage. 

https://amzn.to/3q5vAP0

If you're looking for stocking-sized stoves, then take your pick of either the Esbit ultralight folding pocket stove ($13) or the Redcamp mini alcohol stove with cooking stand ($16). FYI, the Esbit comes with fuel tabs, but the Redcamp does not come with alcohol. 

https://amzn.to/3E991h8

Finally, I don't know if this is any good or not, but I saw it on sale for $10 and with over 17,000 reviews and a 5 star rating I figured it was worth a sawbuck. The Stanley Adventure Camp 24oz Kettle with 2 Cups seems like a useful piece of kit from a reliable name brand, and the price ($10) is certainly right. 

https://amzn.to/3p6dI7d

Good hunting to all, and to all, a good prep!

Thanksgiving 2020

Since I usually write on Thursdays, I get every Thanksgiving. It looks like I'll get Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve this year as well.

Thanksgiving is an American holiday, a celebration of harvest and a day for giving thanks to whoever or whatever you credit with the blessings you've accumulated over the year. It doesn't matter if it's a deity or three, or just the person who puts food on your table. Maybe it's yourself for getting out of bed every morning and making sure you're taking care of yourself. Be thankful and give thanks to the sources of good in your life.

This year has been a mess on a lot of levels, but we should all be able to find something to be thankful for. Family, friends, food, shelter, or just surviving another year, it doesn't matter what you're thankful for as long as you can recognize that you do have blessings in your life. If you can't think of anything to be thankful for, drop me a note and I'll see if we can't find at least one blessing in your life.

Look around and see how many things went right this year instead of focusing on all of the things that went wrong. A now-departed friend used to always say that "No matter how bad your life is, someone out there has it worse," and we'd look for those poor souls. Working in 100°F heat in an open field with no shade? Yeah, at least I'm not cleaning porta-potties at a construction site in the same heat. Driving across three states for 16 hours to get to a job with no radio or air conditioning? At least I'm not stuck behind a desk in a windowless cubicle farm. Boss is a jerk and an idiot? At least I have a job that pays some of the bills while I'm looking for a better one.

Life is what you make of it. Learn from the bad parts and cherish the good parts; it'll help you be mentally prepared for the next bad part that comes along.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you next week.

Peace on Earth

Goodwill to all... except for those who mean us harm.

Photo courtesy of Oleg Volk and used with permission. 

Stay prepared, friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chaplain Tim has the day off to spend time with his family like the rest of us. Regular posting resumes tomorrow.

In the meantime, please enjoy these two holiday favorites written by the
Chaplain:

• If you're interested in history, The First Thanksgiving: Prepping Lessons from the Pilgrims will be of interest. 
• If you've eaten too much and are regretting your decisions, last year's post on Fasting may provide you with a reason to skip dinner (or at least say no to that second slice of pie). 

Whatever you do, have a great day filled with fun, good, fellowship and family.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2018

All of us at Blue Collar Prepping wish you and your loved ones a merry, safe, and prepared Christmas.

In the spirit of both the holidays and this blog, please enjoy this Survivopedia article titled 13 Survival Lessons From Santa, The Ultimate Prepper. 

https://www.survivopedia.com/lessons-from-the-prepper-santa-claus/

The staff has the rest of the year off. Happy holidays and see you in 2019!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chaplain Tim has the day off to spend time with his family like the rest of us. Regular posting resumes tomorrow.

In the meantime, please enjoy these two holiday favorites written by the
Chaplain:

• If you're interested in history, The First Thanksgiving: Prepping Lessons from the Pilgrims will be of interest. 
• If you've eaten too much and are regretting your decisions, last year's post on Fasting may provide you with a reason to skip dinner (or at least say no to that second slice of pie). 

Whatever you do, have a great day filled with fun, good, fellowship and family.

Prudent Prepping: Thanks Giving

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

Corny or not, this is a good time for reflecting on all the good things that have happened to me and all the good people I have in my life.

THANKS
Some names listed here don't read this blog, but many do. Some have reasons listed, but many don't and that's okay too.

In no particular order or importance:

• I am very thankful to be on Blue Collar Prepping with this group of writers. I'm always excited to read what is put up. I count you as friends.
• I am extremely thankful for Erin Palette and her very patient work to make my writing readable.
• Evelyn and D.R. for the couch and mail box.
• Darryl, Sean and Jonathan for answering questions that clarified much.
• John and Ella for being such a good fit. He got lucky!
• Shane, Jenn and Cassie for the dinner invites and for how mad you get when I bring things!
• Bubba. Sir! Yes Sir!
• Jason Rennie for the free books. Like my To Be Read pile wasn't large enough.
• Mark for signing my books, for my first Red Shirting, and for writing in such a cool universe.
• Rick for shipping me an OOP copy of a book AND signing everything!
• MadMike for OOP books and signing them, as well as the commentary on Facebook and the blog.
• The ILoH Larry Corriea for putting out so many great books and hysterical fisks.
• The Mata family for all the prayers sent to me. Gihigugma tamo tanan.
• Janelle and Don. Thanks for the quiet.
• Myeong
• Liza
• Susan Lee for calling me 'DB'.
• Kitty and The Kid, I WILL touch the iPad!
• Van and all the Saturday group. Being 外人 is fun!

I am especially thankful for all the new friends I've made this year, and for all the people who have commented on my writing offering corrections and praise. Thank you.

I could go on all night and even then I'd miss someone, so if you aren't here, please know you are memorable to me.

Thank you.

GIVING
I really went through my stores and stripped out a bunch more stuff that wasn't close to outdated to make room for incoming goodies. I still have a good three-day supply in each bucket, but now the duplicated items are gone. 

I spent $10 extra this week at the grocery store on food to go in the Food Drive barrels. I also wrote a check to the Food Bank for a turkey.

I don't have a picture to show my progress, but I didn't make it to the end of the month for Movember; my beard was just way too itchy to last. Everyone said the third week would be less scratchy, but I couldn't stand it. Regardless, $25 dollars that I would have spent on a haircut and shaving went to Prostate Cancer research instead. 

The Takeaway

• I hope I am as good a friend back to the people who call me Friend. 
• If not, I will try harder.

The Recap

• A donation of $25 to support men's health and Prostate Cancer research.
• A total of $30 in food and cash to my local Food Bank.

Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

All of us at Blue Collar Prepping wish you and your loved ones a merry, safe, and prepared Christmas.

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/daGL1

The staff has the rest of the year off. Happy holidays and see you in 2018!

GunBlog VarietyCast Radio #175 - 'Twas the 'Cast Before Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good podcast!

• It will be Christmas Eve when this podcast drops, so in order to get everyone into the proper spirit, Beth performs a reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas... but with a twist!
• A minister foils an Orange County church break-in by shooting out the tire on the fleeing suspect's car. Sean takes a look.
• You thought they just wanted to steal your data, but  now there's malware that turns your computer into a Bitcoin miner for someone else. Barron tells you how to avoid having someone steal your computer's processing power.
• When you find yourself in a hole, you should stop digging. Miguel is here to talk about how to get your mind off your problems and find inner peace.
• Those who want tighter controls on firearms ownership are always telling us that gun owners agree with them, so when Dave Workman and Alan Gottlieb wrote a widely-published article seeking that common ground, you’d expect that it would start an instant dialog with “Gun Safety Advocates.” Our special guest today is Dave Workman, here to tell us about the whole lot of nothing they heard from the the other side.
• In Episode 171, Tiffany chatted with firearms trainer Aqil Qadir about using affinity groups to help connect separate firearms cultures. This week, she talks to Aqil about his law enforcement background and how we might begin to mend the frayed relationship between many black communities and police.
• Not to be outdone by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Erin tells us the story of the Nativity from a prepper point of view.
• This week Weer’d takes on part two of the Jordan Klepper interview on Kickass Politics where he plugs his Comedy Central special “Jordan Klepper Solves Guns”.
• And our Plug of the Week is the Survival Blanket 2.0.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and subscribing. You are subscribed, right? We are available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, and Google Play Music!

Listen to the podcast here.
Read the show notes here.

Thanks to LuckyGunner and Remington for their sponsorship, and a special thanks to Firearms Policy Coalition for their support.

Blue Collar Prepping Transcript: 

The Prepper Nativity

Since Beth has entertained us with a Gunnie version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, I thought I would tell the story of the Nativity from a prepper perspective.

"In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world, and everyone went to their place of birth to register."

So Joseph, who was not yet a prepper, packed up his belongings and placed his pregnant wife Mary upon their donkey, and traveled from his home in Nazareth in the province of Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea. It is unclear whether Mary was a native of Nazareth and registered there before traveling to Bethlehem with her husband, or if wives had to register with their husbands, but the fact remains that The Government required Joseph to register in person rather than by mail, because bureaucracy. And this was the first example of “Registration Leads to Confiscation”, as we shall later see.

We don’t know much about Joseph, but we know that he wasn’t very good at planning and was probably on estranged from his family, because in the time it took him to reach Bethlehem -- some sources say it would take 4 days, some 8, some 10, so let’s just assume the average and say it took them a week to get there -- not only were there no places for a man and his heavily pregnant wife to stay, but he also didn’t have any family whom he could ask for hospitality. Instead, he had to beg for shelter and was allowed to sleep in the stable of an inn only because the innkeeper took pity on his pregnant wife. From this we learn the dual values of “Bug out as soon as possible to avoid the rush” and “Cultivate a prepper tribe so that you will have a place to stay after you bug out.”

And lo, Joseph didst register, a process so boring that it’s not even mentioned in the scripture. I expect it was like the DMV, only without electricity.

And Mary did give birth to her son Jesus, the Immanuel, and God did blow their OPSEC by making a big presentation with choirs of angels singing to shepherds who then went into the town to look for a baby. And believe you me, a bunch of shepherds and their flocks milling about a stable in a crowded city is going to attract attention, and that’s even before the little drummer boy started making noise, pa-rum pa-pum-pum. Fortunately, nothing bad came of this, probably because, well, GOD, but it just goes to show that even a well-meaning relative can let slip the details of your bug-out location to strangers… but more on that, later.

And because Mary and Joseph were devout Jews, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him at the temple to be circumcised. As a point of interest, Bethlehem is only six miles from Jerusalem, so they probably used their Get Home Bags rather than their Bug Out Bags to make the trip. And then they returned to Bethlehem for reasons which are unclear, but probably involved more paperwork for registration because Joseph needed to add a dependent to his W-4.

And then the Magi, three wise men from the east, showed up at their home bearing gifts of money, aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, and a bitter medicinal resin used as an antiseptic and analgesic, which Joseph added to their Bug Out Bags. These funds and medicine were good to have, because when God blew Mary & Joseph’s OPSEC, the magi saw the star and followed it, passing through Jerusalem and telling everyone in King Herod’s court that they were going to see a newborn king who was going to overthrow Herod.

Like all governments, King Herod didn’t want to give up any power, so he declared that all boys under the age of two were to be killed. And lo, registration led to confiscation and destruction.

Fortunately for the holy family, God realized that He had blown their OPSEC and gave them a warning that their current Bug-Out Location wasn’t secure. By this point, Joseph has become a good prepper, because at the first sign of danger he assembled their Bug Out Bags, put Mary and Jesus on the donkey, and got the heck out of dodge.The gold and the incense (a luxury item) were likely used to buy supplies and facilitate passage to Egypt, and the myrrh was used in their medical kits when the became sick or sore.

And thus, the holy family didst bug out to Egypt, outside of Herod’s jurisdiction, a distance of at least 40 miles to the border. And they stayed there until Herod died and it was safe to return. From this we learn the value of outliving our enemies and keeping track of foreign affairs.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

GunBlog VarietyCast Radio #174 - What Caliber for Taylor Swift's Husband?

'Cause baby, now we've got bad blood
You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done
’Cause baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!

 -- Taylor Swift, "Bad Blood"

• Beth and her husband are getting ready to shoot a 3-gun "buddy match". What is it? What kind of gear do you need? How do you practice for it? Listen and find out!
• Where do they find each other? It sounds like a random shooting, but the records make it sound like more is going on. Sean takes a look.
• Barron runs the websites for several pro-gun blogs, including the website for this podcast. He recently dealt with a bizarre issue where the websites were basically spamming people. He walks us through the thought processes necessary to effectively troubleshoot what turned out to be a rather complex problem.
• Miguel is on assignment.
• In this week's Main Topic, Sean and Erin analyze the CNN article "How an 'ugly,' unwanted weapon became the most popular rifle in America".
• Tiffany is on assignment.
• Holidays are naturally the most wonderful time of the year... except when they aren't. Erin has some practical tips on how to manage holiday stress and depression.
• Jordan Klepper, former Daily Show member and current host of “The Resistance” on Comedy Central made a special titled “Jordan Klepper Solves Guns” and it’s filled with anti-gun nuttery. Weer’d is here to set him straight.
• And our Plug of the Week is the NeuYear Monday First Large Wall Calendar.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and subscribing. You are subscribed, right? We are available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, and Google Play Music!

Listen to the podcast here.
Read the show notes here.

Thanks to LuckyGunner and Remington for their sponsorship, and a special thanks to Firearms Policy Coalition for their support.

Blue Collar Prepping Transcript: 

Dealing with Holiday Stress and Depression

Hey there, preppers. It’s widely believed that suicide is more common around the holidays, but that’s a myth; the peak is actually during  late spring and early summer. However, regardless of the myth I’ve been having a rough time lately, and so probably some of you have as well. This week I’m going to give you some tips for avoiding or dealing with holiday stress and depression. 

1. Keep your expectations balanced. Or, as I like to put it when I’m feeling cynical, “Embrace the suck.”  Acknowledge that you won't get everything that you want, that things will go wrong, and that sometimes you won't feel like singing Christmas carols. Try to internalize the belief that  everything doesn't need to be perfect, so don't worry about things that are out of your control.

2. Don't try to do too much. Fatigue, over scheduling, and taking on too many tasks can make you miserable. Women especially think they have to do everything this time of year. Instead, ask for help from your family delegate as much as possible; it can be fun making Christmas preparations a family event. Learn to say “no” if you need to; by choosing to do less,  you will have more energy to enjoy the most important part of the season - friends and family.

3. Stay warm. Research has shown that warmth improves mood. If you’re sad or lonely, treat yourself to a warm bath or cup of hot cocoa, or snuggle up under a cozy blanket with a pet or loved one. 

4. Be aware of Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder. Many people suffer depression due to a lack of sunlight because of shorter days and bad weather. Using a full spectrum lamp for twenty minutes a day can lessen this type of depression. There’s a link to one that I recommend in the show notes. 

5. Understand that it's appropriate to mourn if you're separated from or have lost loved ones. If you can't be with those you love, make plans to celebrate again when you can all be together. Spend time alone to reflect and grieve, if necessary, because keeping feelings inside can lead to depression, stress, or poor health. So allow yourself to feel, but don’t isolate yourself; get out of the house and find some way to join in the festivities or otherwise do something nice for yourself, like having a quiet dinner at a favorite restaurant. 

6. Watch your diet and remember to exercise. It's normal to eat more during the holidays, but be aware of how certain foods affect your mood. Refined carobohydrates like sugar, or refined starches like white bread and crackers, can cause your energy levels, and therefore your mood, to rollercoaster up and down. Instead, eat more protein which slows the absorption of carbohydrates in your blood and increase the release of dopamine, and take a walk before or after -- or both! -- a big holiday meal.

7. Don’t play the shame game. Embarrassment about finances can lead to taking on more debt than you can afford. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. One thing I have done is told them that since I can’t get them anything, they aren’t obligated to get me anything either. It works about as well as you’d expect, but it makes me feel better because I know they chose to get me a gift anyway. 

8. Practice forgiveness, understanding, and avoidance. If some of your relatives always upset you, they are unlikely to change, so don’t set yourself up for frustration by trying and failing. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. Be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

And if you can’t accept them for who they are, don’t let them push your buttons. You can accomplish that by not giving them the chance; get out of the house to get away and adjust your attitude. Go for a walk or drive and admire the decorations, or go see a movie. I know for a fact most movie theaters are open on Christmas Day. 

• Seasonal effects on suicide rates - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_effects_on_suicide_rates
• NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp - http://amzn.to/2ClOJ5m
• Mood Food: Can What You Eat Affect Your Happiness? - https://www.healthline.com/health/mood-food-can-what-you-eat-affect-your-happiness