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”. The water shortage in South Africa continues to get worse.

Lost Domesticated Plants

Archaeologists have discovered several seed caches throughout the Americas that indicate certain plants had been domesticated that are now just growing wild and considered wild edibles. This is an interesting development and brings up several concepts for food production that you have to wonder about. In today’s world of GMO crops, can they be domesticated again? How hardy are they compared to modern seed? This might be something to think about. Thanks to F.M. for the link.

Parasites

Reader J.C. sent in this article on an increase in parasites that children have picked up on the playground. No, we’re not talking about politics here. This is roundworms and the eggs are shed in feces by stray dogs (and cats) and get ingested by children playing in the dirt. The parasite can interfere with breathing, liver function, eyesight and even intelligence. Since the parasite infection has not been much of an issue in the past, little research has been done on it and most doctors are unaware of it. Yet another reason to get out of the city. While the parasite lives everywhere in North America, it is especially prevalent in conditions where there is congestion of both humans and animals. Obviously, poorer communities are hit harder with it.

No Body Cameras

Reader T.P. sent in this article on a disturbing, but unsurprising move by the FBI in the LaVoy murder in 2016. The FBI apparently requested the Oregon State Police SWAT team to not wear body cameras. These are normally required by SWAT team members to be worn during operations. As a result, there is serious question as to the testimony of FBI agent W. Joseph Astarita because he claims he did not fire at the truck, yet forensic evidence claims that he did. In another “anomaly”, the State Troopers normally record the interviews of police officers that are involved in shootings, but they did not do so on this occasion.

German Arms Ownership is Up

While the government of Germany continues to play games and import immigrants into communities, the population is beginning to say “enough!” Small arms ownership is up nearly 85% in two years as over one million undocumented immigrants have flooded the country. Gun crime is relatively rare in this country, but the population is beginning to arm themselves claiming self defense. The number of crime suspects classed as immigrants is up over 52.7% in just one year. While the population continues to feel uneasy (we believe rightly so), the government is claiming that the problem is overblown by the media and social media. One official is quoted as “No one should be afraid of these people.”

Water Shortage

Cape Town, South Africa has officially tightened the water limits to 50 liters per person. This city that was once on the front of Africa’s green movement implemented the restrictions this week. This is after the city implemented an 87 liter restriction just a month ago. Officials are predicting that if the drought continues and the water levels continue to fall, South Africa’s second most populous city will be out of water by April 16th. It’s estimated that only 55% of residents are adhering to the water restrictions exacerbating the conditions. The city is looking to upgrade their water system, but it can’t be done in time. In a rather unerving statement, one official expressed the opinion that the city can no longer ask residents to stop wasting water. They must be forced. Thanks to H.L. for the link.

Gated Communities

Speaking of South Africa, Lauren Southern continues her series on the African state with a four minute video blog entry on the gated communities. Here in America, gated communities are often used to isolate unwanted people from homes, giving an exclusive feel, but there, they are a matter of survival. People no longer rely on the police because they are incapable of keep up with the violence. Even your average middle-class home is replete with 8 foot brick fences topped with high voltage and/or razor wire and plastered with armed security response signs. This is probably a pretty good example of a state that is further along the slippery slope that the U.S. is currently on with it’s gang and race related violence in the cities. Thanks to T.J. for the link.

Puerto Rico

Reader H.L sent in this article on the worsening conditions in Puerto Rico. January was one of the deadliest months in recent years with 78 killings reported. Victims have been the result of the usual gang/territory violence but also very disturbing incidents like the 20 year old woman found kneeling and burned to death. The homicide rate is currently 20 killings per 100,000, compared to the U.S. mainland at 3.7 per 100,000. Police have issued warrants for only a handful of suspects in these violent killings. In typical government fashion, the official statement is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason for the killings.

Non-Recommendation

We don’t normally give out non-recommendations, but reader D.B. wrote in to warn other readers from Netflix’s new show “Altered Carbon”.

“Avoid this Netflix Original garbage raunchy scifi. One step away from X rated porno. Definitely not for kids.”

o o o

Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who watch news that is important to them. Due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” news. We often “get the scoop” on news that is most likely ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!