Odds ‘n Sods:

Susan Z. sent us this article about barter from Michael Panzner’s blog: Cashless Improvisation

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F.R. sent this: Brit Couple Saved After 40 Days Lost at Sea

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The folks at Safecastle mentioned that their big 25% off sale on Mountain House canned long-term storage foods is underway. Safecastle Royal members who buy four cases or more (at 25% off and free shipping of course) get a free 35 gram pouch of CELOX traumatic wound coagulant. If they buy 12 cases or more, they get a CELOX pouch and an Optimus Crux lightweight backpacking stove (see further details at the manufacturer’s web site), and they will receive rebate vouchers to use in subsequent transactions.

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A reader in Hawaii wrote me to ask: “I want to buy a 3 in 1 machine. Does anyone have any experience with them? Perhaps a brand to recommend or stay away from?” JWR Adds: Since I don’t have a background in machining, I’m hoping that someone knowledgeable will e-mail me with some recommendations. Up until last year, I probably would have recommended the Shopmaster. But they recently transitioned the new “Patriot” model, which ironically is made in Mainland China! To the best of my knowledge, all the 3-in-1 machines marketed by Harbor Freight are also made in China. Any suggestions, folks?