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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We’ll start off today’s column with this from SurvivalBlog reader B.G.: 17-Year-Old Hero Swoops Into Action After Officer Is Shot Right in Front of Her – Unmatched Bravery.
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C.B. was the first of several readers to send this: Vaccinated Americans a majority of COVID deaths for first time in August: analysis.
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Viral Documentary “Died Suddenly” Banned On Twitter- Stew Peters Responds.
Here is a link to the documentary, over at the Odysee video site: Died Suddenly.
JWR’s Commentary: Well, we can now dismiss any hopes that Elon Musk-era Twitter would become a Free Speech platform.
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Over at The New American: Protests and Quarantine Camps: Covid Tyranny Is Roiling China.
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They’re Going to Try to Put Gun Ban Language Into HR8404.
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Some fundamentals, explained, for a general audience: How Long Would Society Last During a Total Grid Collapse? (A hat tip to reader A.K. for the link.)
Over at Low Tech magazine: When Lethal Weapons Grew on Trees. (Thanks to Mike R. for the link.) Here isa brief excerpt:
“The bow and arrow is a missile (or ranged) weapon for striking from a distance. Simple missile weapons are launched using unassisted bodily force, for example, thrown stones, throw sticks, or hand-cast spears (“javelins”). Complex missile weapons interpose a launcher between the human and the missile. Such weapon systems include the bow as well as the sling, the blowgun, the spearthrower, and the firearm. In the hands of a skillful and muscular archer, the (pre)historical bow was a powerful and accurate weapon. The firearm replaced the bow because it was easier to use, not because it was technically superior.”
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Reader Tim J. suggested this video: Five Longterm Wooden Bushcraft Camp Tools for Surviving in the Wild. (Ranger Survival and Field Craft.)
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Two news stories illustrate how big city problems are migrating to the fairly small rural town of Grants Pass, Oregon: GP Man Jailed for Entering Home, Eating Food and Stealing US Air Force Coat. And, Deputies Investigating Theft of 60,000 Rounds of Ammo from Home near Grants Pass.
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Avian flu outbreak kills record 50 million birds.
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Targeting serial returners to stem a growing problem for retailers. A pericope:
“Overstreet and his co-authors say in a newly published study that consumers are more likely to shop elsewhere if they view a return policy change as unfair or breaking a promise. They’re also more likely to complain to friends and family. But retailers may be able to retain customers and protect their reputations if they specifically target “serial returners” with the policy change.
Serial returners include people who order multiple sizes, colors or models of a product to choose one and send the rest back. Last year, a Narvar study found that more than half of online shoppers in the U.S. buy more than they intend to keep. Another shopping behavior that’s contributed to the growth in returns is known as wardrobing or retail borrowing. Someone buys something for short-term use (e.g., a bassinet for a newborn, speakers for a one-time event) and sends it back before the return window closes.”
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Andre found us this article: USU leads international space mission to shed new light on Brazil’s vexing GPS problem.
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Reader J.S. wrote:
“I just finished reading a fascinating book your readers may appreciate: Weapons of Mass Instruction, by John Gatto, a former public school teacher of 30 years and former Teacher of the Year, is a remarkable examination of the history, intention, effects, and alternatives to the current system of public education in this country. Rather than being an emotional or irrational tirade or a hit piece against teachers, he really digs into the primary source material of the history of how we got here, and illustrates his points with contemporary case studies. Highly recommend it, not just for those readers with kids, or who may one day have kids, or have close relatives or family with kids, but also for all of us who live in a civil society where so many of us are products of a system that doesn’t necessarily have our best interests in mind.”
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Reader C.H. mentioned this useful adjunct to the Electronic Frontiers Foundation (EFF) website: Atlas of Surveillance. C.H. Says: “I thought it may be of some general interest to the SurvivalBlog readership. Pretty simple: Enter your location and see what surveillance capabilities your local agencies are using.”
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To file under: “No Great Surprise”: Tablet computers make preschool children’s play less creative, study finds. (Thanks to SurvivalBlog reader C.B. for the link.)
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At Revolver: Breaking Report: The Brazilian military stands with Bolsonaro… is prepared to invoke Article 142.
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Reader J.L. wrote to ask me about the recent “minor offense” marijuana convictions blanket pardons by both the Biden regime and Oregon’s Democrat Governor Kate Brown. He questioned why I characterized Brown’s action as “defiance” of Federal law.
My Reply:
“Possession of marijuana is still a crime under federal law. And note that the marijuana disqualification question is still on the ATF Form 4473. Lying in an answer when completing a Form 4473 is still a crime.
Biden has effectively pulled the DEA back to the borders and they are no longer enforcing marijuana laws inside of states where it has been legalized — mostly Democrat-dominated states. They don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Instead, the DEA is concentrating on stopping the big shipments of drugs into the country. Marijuana will probably continue to be illegal until the Feds find a way to create a tax revenue stream from it. Then, magically, it will become ‘perfectly legal’.”
Probably within the next two years, Congress will legalize marijuana, and institute a Federal tax on sales. As a libertarian, I have no objection to legalization. But we must recognize that we will face the risk of “buzzed” drivers as well as drunk drivers, out on the road. Drive defensively, folks. – JWR
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B.G. suggested this video: IDF “The Ruger” — The Most Controversial 10/22 Ever.
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Several readers suggested this: Why Protesters in China Are Using Blank Sheets of White Paper.
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And lastly, a miracle survival story: Dramatic moment man, 28, is hoisted out of Gulf of Mexico in the dark – 15 HOURS after he fell off Carnival Cruise ship: US Coast Guard said he gave his name but was suffering from hypothermia.
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