James:
To catch up on several topics…
On Satellite Internet:
As you all probably know from previous letters, I do both motor home living and the ranch, out in the country without common city amenities. For the last 10 years or so, I’ve been using Direcway satellite for the internet and TV at both locations. I put in a real T-1 at work back in 1996 and honestly, other than the fact that uploads do take a little longer through the satellite, I don’t see any obvious difference at home via satellite. Perhaps it’s the fact that I have a fixed IP [address] at each location. Beats me, but I’m happy. I even run my web page out from one of the motor home servers. Pretty cool, actually, I can even access the remote control camera at either location from anywhere I can get Internet.
Just my two cents worth regarding satellite.
Mossberg 500s:
I looked at the mag feed conversion awhile back, but didn’t do it. I figure the 500ATP with the long tube has always been adequate in the past. Maybe they’d be nice for use with an auto-shotgun but then I never did see anything beneficial regarding the “Street Sweeper” other than Hollywierd Bravo Sierra. With a shotgun, mags just seem like something else to have to carry. The military 12 pack shell holder for the belt is pretty workable. I comfortably carry two on a web belt.
Liquid Fuel Lanterns:
I got the PetroMax/BriteLyt lantern and it’s ok, but I still like my Coleman Peak 1 better. It’s my opinion, and I feel comfortable with it, that the PetroMax style should not have gasoline used in it. Just my decision and if others want to use gasoline in them, good for them. I think most people should have a couple Petromax style, a couple normal railroad style kerosene, a couple of Aladdin’s and some coleman gas lanterns as well. All in all, they are actually inexpensive and each is suitable for particular purposes. Similar to different calibers need different needs too. The particular thing I like about the little bitty Peak 1 is that I can turn it full bright or all the way down to run all night, which is kind of like an electric lamp.
I just wish somebody made a neat brass lampshade for the Peak like they do for the PetroMax. I have to admit I really LIKE the lampshade.
Liquid Fuel Stoves:
In addition to my Optimus and MSRs of many years, I still use my Military issue Coleman Peak 1. Nice if you have gas, ok if you have kerosene or diesel, JP8, etc. Lately, I’ve been using two others. One is a low pressure Kerosene, a old Perfektus and the other is a 10 wick stove, both about the size of a coffee can.
The Optimus, MSR and Peak 1 have lots of heat but they are noisy. The Perfektus is the first low pressure kerosene stove I’ve ever used and it’s a pleasure. Just a quiet blue flame same as the kitchen gas stove. Now here’s the surprise. I like the 10 wick stove best. No pumping. Just light it and wait couple of minutes and go for it.The stove looks really cheesy but what a joy. If you get yellow under your skillet, you’ve got it cranked up too high. Between the 10 wick stove and 2 Lodge cast iron skillets (made by John Lodge in South Pittsburgh, TN.) I made the best shrimp scampi and linguini with garlic sauce that I’ve made in a long time… WOW!
Butane Lighters:
I’m pretty sure it’s been brought up but here it is again. BUY a CASE of butane lighters. Cheap and great barter. Even seen a smoker who has cigarettes and no flame while stuck four miles up a trail?
Now I need some advice. What was the name of that book, circa1962, written about a nuclear war on the USA and was set in northern Florida?
Just can’t pull it up. Anyway, that’s what lead me to the next thing: The fellow in the book had, on a whim, put away a canned ham for a special time.
So, remembering that, I went looking for canned hams that don’t require refrigeration. You know, like a big SPAM can only tastier.
All I can find in Safeway, Albertsons, King Supers, Walmart, etc. is a Hormel Black Label ham (three pound) in a white plastic container with a metal top and it has to be refrigerated. So what’s up with this?
Even the FDA site you listed showed these hams with just a two month usefulness if unopened and refrigerated. (Not good for storage, eh?)
All the clerks I asked knew what I was looking for but were surprised that they no longer carry them.
The FDA site also listed the non-refrigerated canned hams I was looking for as good for two years at room temperature and longer if kept cooler.
So who out there has a good site for canned hams in real “all metal” cans that taste good and aren’t too expensive? Help?
One last request, any good leads for MCW/LRP meals? They sure disappeared from the market. Best Regards, – The Army Aviator
JWR Replies:Yes, the efficacy of storing cheap butane lighters has been mentioned by several SurvivalBlog contributors including the gent that wrote the article on Flea Market shopping, as well as David in Israel in his recent article of fire starting.
I believe that the novel that you were referring to was Alas Babylon, by Pat Frank. It is a bit dated, but I still highly recommend it. BTW, that book is included in my “must read lists” at The SurvivalBlog Bookshelf web page.
Perhaps some of the SurvivalBlog readers will be able to answer your questions about the canned ham issue, as well as a source for MCWs and/or LRPs.