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”. Rio de Janeiro provides an excellent example today of why vigilantes are frowned on.

War on Cash

Reader DB shared an email that that he received from Wells Fargo Bank with us that is truly disturbing. The bank has decided that they will no longer allow anyone who is not a signer on a bank account to deposit cash in that account. The person wishing to deposit money can transfer money or deposit a check, but not cash. In addition, anyone depositing cash must present a valid ID (which may include a Wells Fargo ATM or debit card). At least here, you can still purchase a Postal Money order using cash with no ID and they will accept that as a deposit.

Monitoring Gun Purchases

Reader P. shared this article that show how credit card companies are exploring ways to track and monitor gun purchases by applying a new classification code to the merchant that sells firearms. There is still ongoing discussion on how the new code would apply and to whom. For example, does Walmart have to have the new code or does it just apply to your local gun store. The WSJ reminds us that banks have at times, already blocked purchases that they deem risky and have stopped doing business altogether with politically unpalatable groups. Note that Citigroup is already restricting gun purchases to users who are over 21 years-old.

Communications Brevity

Reader T.J. sent in this article discusses using a brevity matrix when using public forms of communication. These sorts of codes were popular back with sending cables/telegrams where charged by the word. While they do not offer true security, the obfuscation does offer some privacy from the casual listener. But you can easily take the generated code and apply a one-time-pad (OTP) encoding to it much easier than a normal email – Especially if you are doing the coding by hand.

Corrupt Hospitals

It would appear that the hospital that recently fought to end your Alfie Evans’ life support was once caught selling children’s organs for profit. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in London was the subject of a report by the Guardian newspaper in 2001 because they were selling body parts to pharmaceutical companies in return for financial compensation. The body parts were extracted from live children and included things like thymus glands removed from youngsters who were undergoing complex heart operations. Note that while the hospital bears some serious responsibility for the murdering young Alfie, the brunt of the responsibility lies in the socialized medicine system that the British have. Thanks to DSV for the link.

Corrupt Schools

A 19 year old Broward County student, Kenneth Preston, has written an investigative article focusing on the corrupt nature of the Broward County’s school board and superintendent. The article is well researched and documented and shows a pattern of corruption that led to the serious lapses in security that allowed the Parkland shooting to continue on for much longer than it should have. The article details how the board has been self serving and has used the incident to publicly ask for more money when the money that they have been given has been squandered. I highly recommend reading this article. Thanks to reader C.H. for the link.

Vigilantes to Gangsters

One of the reasons vigilante justice is frowned upon is the propensity for the vigilantes to abuse any form of authority they create for themselves. The American West is filled with stories of such vigilantism gone wrong. Now we can see a modern day version of this same thing. According to this article sent in by reader G.P., the vigilantes in Rio de Janeiro have transformed themselves into feared gangsters. Though seldom mentioned by the government officials, they are becoming more brazen, even to the point of slaying prominent politicians. The vigilantes have taken on a paramilitary function and operate outside the rule of law. This is why solutions that are inside of existing law are always preferred.

Folding Bicycle

Reader G.P. sent in a video review of the Vilano Urbana compact folding bike. It’s a 20 inch wheel bike that is sized for adults. This might be something that you want to look at to keep in the trunk of your car if you have to commute and you are concerned about getting back home in the case of public road disruptions.

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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!