Odds ‘n Sods:

Texas imposes rolling blackouts as mercury drops. (A tip of the hat to Sue C. for the link.)

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DocLiberty and Yishai both recommended this gem: The Real Life Civilization-Building Kit. “For two years, a group of engineers has been working on the Global Village Construction Set, a collection of 40 DIY machines that can build a small, modern civilization anywhere with sun, soil, and water. Sounds like hard work.”

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Kevin W. suggested this CNN piece: A scene of violent chaos in Cairo. Kevin’s comment: “What lesson can be learned by preppers? Violence and brutality do not require guns. Gun control does not control people’s behavior. If goons want to wreak havoc, then they do.

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The folks at CampingSurvival.com just created a special 8% off coupon for their best-selling colloidal silver product. If you use the coupon code, “rawles”, then your price is just $11.91 each. This offer is good until 2/18/2011 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon, promotion of freebie.

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Reader “Home’s Cool Mom” found this article interesting:  Joe Bastardi Predicts Colder Weather in Three of the Next Five Winters. Her comment: “If this is true, and the climate is beginning a colder phase, perhaps this should be factored into seed/plant/tree purchases for the garden and orchard. Growing seasons may be shortened and varieties for cooler zones than at present may need to be selected.”