The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods – a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Today’s focus is on physical security

Security

Worried about privacy but not really trusting commercial VPN ^[1] offerings? Reader P.S. sent in this link on building your own VPN ^[2] using some commonly available software and a hosting service. Building your own VPN is easy. Just follow the step-by-step directions. It can also give you superior performance.

Physical Security

Reader D.F. was looking for an inexpensive way to build a garage and ran across this product. BallistiCrete ^[3] claims Level 4 protection when applied thick enough (anecdotal stories claim up to .50BMG). BallistiCrete is easily applied to gypsum board walls. It can also provide security in fairly hostile environments. You can apply it by spraying or hand troweling. It will also cure in only five days.

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Islamic State jihadists are beginning to wear ballistic protection ^[4] that can be purchased for only about $250 and will stop the currently issued 5.56 mm NATO round. While the Army claims that they are on top of it with the design of a new bullet that can penetrate the armor, the intermediate solution is to replace the M4 with an H&K 417 chambered in 7.62 mm NATO for the squad designated marksman. This intermediate solution is also viable for preppers. While we do like our M4geries, do you have a 7.62 mm NATO weapon in your personal arsenal? (Thanks to D.B for the link.)

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Reader G.G. informs us that the American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) has introduced flawed legislation ^[5] parallel to the Knife Rights’ Knife Owner Protection Act (KOPA – H.R. 84). Why are they introducing this watered down and dangerously ineffective alternative. The AKTI is apparently based on the flawed, court-eviscerated Firearm Owner Protection Act (FOPA). KOPA was written with the failures of FOPA in mind. The AKTI apparently lifts considerable verbiage from FOPA.

Politics

Texas politics are apparently going full tactical contact. Texas State Representative Matt Rinaldi tweeted ^[6] about the protests that erupted in the Texas capital building over Gov. Greg Abbott’s new law cracking down on “Sanctuary Cities”. One of his Democratic opponents allegedly assaulted and threatened him. Apparently Rinaldi claimed to have called ICE on several protesters who claimed they were illegal aliens. Thanks to T.P. for the link.

Health

Reader DSV shared this article from Natural News on how Walmart, Costco, kroger, Publix and Albertson’s all received failing grades ^[7] for selling meats loaded with antibiotics. It is quickly getting to the point where you have to raise your own meat products to ensure what goes into them.

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There is good reason that chefs have been cooking with bay leaves for thousands of years. Not only do they add flavor and seasoning, they actually have considerable health benefits ^[8]. Bay leaves are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They also work wonders for digestive issues. Why then do we remove them from the foods that we cook them in? One word – texture. They are pretty gross by themselves.