the dissident frogman · time to take sides

In many ways, John "Lofty" Wiseman's SAS Survival Handbook is like the Bible: you're not really supposed to read it linearly, but rather refer to it for support and answers no matter the little page number at the bottom.

Truly a great book—both are actually and, come to think of it, the Bible is also about survival.

I recently found myself reading the Polar Regions part of the Climate & Terrain chapter, out of sheer curiosity since I definitely have no immediate intention to go freeze my sensitive parts in these parts, and I found this most delicious cartouche offering a gourmet advice in the Food: Hunting and Trapping section:

Polar Bears

Confined to the high Arctic — in Europe only resident on Spitzbergen — they have a keen sense of smell and are tireless hunters on sea ice and in the sea. Feeding mainly on seals, with some fish, they swim well and can stay submerged for two minutes. Rarely found on land — though in summer they may feed on berries and lemmings. Like many cold-climate animals, they are larger than their warmer-climate relatives. Most are curious and will come to you — but treat these powerful animals with respect and caution.

Always cook meat: muscles always carry Trichinosis worm. NEVER eat polar bear liver which can have lethal concentrations of vitamin A.

In bold, the facts on polar bears that Al Gore, "He Who Claims Polar Bears Can't Swim", famously ignore. I, for one, learned something even more important and will make sure to cook the meat and avoid the liver of the next polar bear on my menu.

The SAS Survival Handbook truly is a mine of practical knowledge. Right after the bit on polar bear comes this:

When food is scarce animals will steal it — so cache it carefully. If there are signs of would-be thieves look out for them — they could be your next meal.

Practical, focused and informative: that is so my kind of books.