This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters.
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To begin, there is this video, that breaks down the UK government’s tyrannical pandemic masking and lockdown over-reaction: Paul Joseph Watson – We were right [1].
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Please take the time to watch a very thought-provoking video essay from Patriot Nurse: The United States is Going to Break Up: Why It May be Good [2]. JWR’s Comments: There are “national divorce” noises now coming from many directions. For example, consider this speech (and backdrop!) that would have made Leni Riefenstahl proud: Joe Biden Addresses ‘Threat’ of ‘MAGA Extremists’ in Prime Time Speech [3]. While referring to a “battle for the soul of the nation,” he applied the inflammatory label of “semi-fascists.” It was quite a stretch to slap that label on folks who want free enterprise, liberty, and smaller government. (By definition, fascism means instituting a large, powerful government that diminishes individual rights, civil liberties, free enterprise, and democracy. A fascist state also tightly controls industry and agriculture.) Hmmm… There is nothing quite like a sitting President essentially declaring half of the nation’s populace enemies of the state via the gross misuse of a loaded word.
It is obvious that Ideological lines have been drawn. So, this leads me to ask: When will corresponding geographical lines be drawn? For a preview of the possible geography of a Balkanized America, see the county-by-county 2016 Presidential Election Map [4] as a reference. The urbanized Blue Counties have the bulk of the population, most heavy industry, nearly all tech industry, plus naval bases, seaports, and fisheries harbors. But the more rural and lightly-populated Red Counties have most of the mineral resources, most oil and natural gas fields, 3/4ths of the hydroelectric power, and most of the farmland and ranch land. Oh, and let’s not overlook the location of the ICBM missile fields and most of the SAC bomber bases. – JWR
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I also recommend a very useful new instructional video from S2 Underground: Basic Tactical SIGINT: Tracking Aircraft and SDR Scanning [5].
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Tim J. suggested this essay: Lessons From the Bitter End: What General Wrangel Means for Americans Toda [6]y.
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The Sun is definitely now on the rising side of the solar cycle. A very large solar flare erupted on the far side of the Sun, on Monday, September 5th. Avalanche Lily found us this video clip of the event [7]. The plasma reportedly impacted Venus. But if it had been Earth-facing, then there could have been considerable disruption. Remain vigilant and prepared, folks! Be sure to keep your spare electronics stored in galvanized steel trash barrels with tight-fitting lids. That is a poor man’s Faraday cage.
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The U.S. Senate is back from their recess, and there are rumors that they might try to push forward a Senate version of the dreaded “Assault Weapons” and magazine ban that was passed in the House (H.R. 1808.) There also this bad news: Sen. Burr Recovering From Hip Replacement Surgery, Will Miss Votes [8]. That means the 50-50 split in the Senate will become 50-49, in favor of the Democrats. Please contact the two U.S. Senators from your state and urge them to Fillibuster any and all gun legislation!
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From reader H.L.: Buying canned whipped cream will now require ID in New York [9].
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H.L. also sent us this link: This Is America: Send Your Carburetor to Riley’s Rebuilds Where Teen Girls Make It Good as New [10].
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In Colorado: Thousands of Xcel customers locked out of thermostats during ‘energy emergency’ [11]. JWR’s Comments: This adds weight to the advice that I’ve given to my consulting clients: Avoid “smart” tech. By this, I mean Smartphones, Smart Meters, Smart Televisions, Smart House controls/security systems, and so forth. There are now even Smart Toasters with Bluetooth control. Nearly all of these “advances” diminish our privacy and diminish any control of our personal living environment.
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‘Synthetic milk’ made without cows may be coming to supermarket shelves near you [12]. (Thanks to reader C.B. for the link.)
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Reader Ellen S. had queried:
My new job is across the river from my home. If the worst happens the three bridges may be closed or unavailable. Do you have any recommendations for a self-inflating raft for my car?
“Tempest 2″* responded:
“I have no experience with inflatables, but much experience with sea kayaks. My recommendation is this – if you can put something on top of your vehicle:
Get one of the small, inexpensive, sit-on-top polyethylene kayaks available everywhere for around $150. Strap it to the car, and leave it there 24/7/365.
It probably won’t get stolen, but if it happens just get another – they’re inexpensive enough to not worry.
These are light, easy to use, and intended for beginners. You can strap some gear on, and they offer a lot more reliability and flexibility than any inflatable.
SurvivalBlog readers can imagine other potential uses, plus they’re also handy and fun before TSHTF.”
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Over at American Thinker: The FBI: Campaign Arm of the Democrat Party [13].
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SaraSue sent us this snippet:
“My dairy cow’s milk production has been dropping. The calf is very robust at 4 months old. Even though I separate them at night so I can milk in the mornings, I was barely getting a half gallon of milk. I consulted some seasoned milk cow families and they asked for pictures. I was told that the milk cow was losing “condition”. In other words, she was getting too skinny and it happened pretty fast. The calf is taking a toll on her body weight. I was advised to up her dairy ration (grain given at milking time, otherwise she is grazing good grass) and start restricting the calf’s nursing time. I was given tips on “gentling” the calf since she acts like a wild hyena around me. Most advised to continue letting the calf nurse for a few more months – at the least to 6 months old – just not as much as she wants. I am working on halter training the calf, which I should have done much earlier, and rethinking where they graze and how the separations can be managed so mama cow can get some relief. The good news is that mama cow doesn’t mind me fooling with her calf right in front of her. A testament to our relationship. Mama cow is not haltered, and comes when I call. She will follow me when I ask her to. She is very sweet and gentle most of the time. She will be going in to heat this coming week OR she is bred (A.I.). Only time will tell. It would not be good to be nursing a calf, carrying a calf, and being milked for the family if she’s not in good condition.
Speaking of potatoes Lily, I never finished harvesting my potatoes. I cannot seem to find the time to get them all out of the ground!”
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Another from C.B.: US Coast Guard cutter denied entry into Solomon Islands port sparking concerns of China’s growing influence [14].
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Swedish Study Shows the Vaccine DNA Passes on to Children [15].
Please Send Us Your Snippets!
Please send your snippet items for potential posting to JWR [16]. or AVL [16]. You can do so either via e-mail or via our Contact [17] form.