Day: April 11, 2015

Notes for Saturday – April 11, 2015

April 11th is the birthday of John Milius, who was born in 1944. He both wrote the screenplays and directed the films Dillinger, The Wind and the Lion, Big Wednesday, Conan the Barbarian, Red Dawn, Farewell to the King, and Flight of the Intruder. He also wrote the screenplays of the first two Dirty Harry movies as well as the first draft of the screenplay for Patton (before Francis Ford Coppola turned it into a vaguely anti-war commentary laced with references to reincarnation). Milius is JWR’s favorite Hollywood writer and director, in part because he stands for everything that Hollywood …


The 100-Year Geomagnetic Storm and The Electric Grid – Part 2, by Tango Delta

Defense Strategies If you’re not ready for TEOTWAWKI, you’re probably asking, “Can’t we do something to keep the grid from going down?” The answer is “yes”. There are two approaches– early warning and hardening of equipment. In theory, early warning relies on the ACE and DSCOVR satellites, located one million miles from the earth, to measure the intensity and polarity of a storm and then issue warnings, which utilities would use to take steps to protect their equipment. In reality, large storms are too fast, allowing maybe 15 minutes of warning. Nuclear plants are supposed to be in “cold shutdown” …


Letter Re: Strike-anywhere Matches

HJL, I have just a quick follow-up to the recent Odds & Sods note about how bad current Strike Anywhere matches have become. Instructables has directions for making your own. HJL responds: Given the scarcity of Strike Anywhere matches where I live (and the poor quality), I’m inclined to try this. If anyone else does, make sure you follow reasonable safety precautions, including ventilation. Given that you are working with wet materials, the danger should be minimal in all aspects except the removal of the phosphorus from the box. Remember that phosphorus is toxic; you should minimize contact with your …



Odds ‘n Sods:

Officer Feared for His Life, so He Shot & Killed This Family’s Tiny Miniature Pig. – H.L. o o o Video: Bill Whittle – Take Them at Their Word. – M.H. o o o Doctors Say Tick Borne ‘Powassan Virus’ Is Worse Than Lyme Disease. – T.P. o o o Video: Obama’s EPA making California drought crisis worse? – M.F. o o o Kuwait Reintroduces Compulsory Military Service For Citizens. – H.L.


Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” Leviticus 9:22-24 (KJV)