Category: Odds ‘n Sods

The Varkman sent a picture that tells a thousand words: This is why astronomers build telescopes in the mountains of Chile. (Looking at the map, you can see why I prefer the western U.S. of A. for retreat locales. The relative lack of light pollution in The American Redoubt region shows just how lightly populated it is here. OBTW, here’s a direct link to the large .PNG image.    o o o Avalanche Lily alerted me to this: The NSA Is Building the Country’s Biggest Spy Center (Watch What You Say)    o o o For those that were captivated …

Todd M. wrote to mention that it should come as no surprise that several of the American Redoubt states are among the the states with the least expensive gasoline, including Idaho, Montana, and low cost champion, Wyoming.    o o o [Warning! Graphic video.] Stuff happens, unexpectedly. So I recommend that you get right with Christ, today.    o o o Resistance to antibiotics could bring “the end of modern medicine as we know it”, WHO claim. (Thanks to R.C. for the link.)    o o o K.A.F. flagged this: How to Live in Your Car. (Don’t miss reading the …

Dan T. sent a link to a list of the 10 worst tornado states in the country. Dan notes: “I live in Kansas, the #2 tornado state and I’ve never seen a tornado in my life. I’ve seen the results of tornadoes, but have never actually seen one and they excite me more than worry me. I have a basement.”    o o o Don’t miss this informative piece: How big a Garden? How much seed? (Their other articles are indexed here.)    o o o J.B. mentioned that an invasive species law is misapplied to heritage breeds: Michigan DNR …

Daniel S. suggested: How to make a Millipede Survival Paracord Bracelet. This new weave is very quick to unbraid!    o o o Reader H.S. in Arkansas wrote to ask about a source of boxes to re-package loose (bulk-packed) eastern European military surplus 7.62x39mm from “spam cans” as a well as 7.62×51 NATO that has been de-linked. He said that he wants to be able to have it look presentable, for eventual barter and resale purposes, in attractive boxes. I immediately recommended RepackBox.com. I’ve personally used their products, and they are excellent. These very professional looking die-cut single-wall white cardboard …

Ah, the amazing world of social networking. There are now niche web pages for every interest. I discovered that most states now have web pages specially tailored to help corrupt, gun-hating politicians keep track of their old friends, like this one. (To keep tabs on Bloomberg buddies like former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Now awaiting trial under a 38-charge felony indictment for an additional set of corruption charges, with a possible sentence of 30 years.) These sites are handy for planning future meet-ups and hang time. For example, this page will let you know that former Mayor Larry Langford has …

J.K. sent this: Three American Redoubt Cities Top List of America’s Top Micropolitan Areas: Bozeman, Helena and Gillette    o o o And speaking of Bozeman: Urban chickens not causing flap    o o o A bit of bad news: I’ve heard that SI Defense as well as CMMG have both dropped production of their AR-10 variants that could use ubiquitous HK G3 magazines. Oh well, Plan B will be for me to buy a few Rock River LAR-8s. Those are AR-10 variants that can use L1A1 and FAL magazines. That way, I’d have AR-10 magazine commonality with my L1A1s …

Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 14, 2012) is the last day of Ready Made Resources’ sale on Mountain House canned freeze dried foods. They are offering 20% off and free shipping. The sale ends at midnight Eastern time, so order soon!    o o o The Free Film Girl has created a list of freely downloadable public domain survival and preparedness-related videos that might be helpful.    o o o Homeless by Choice: How to Live for Free in America. (Thanks to SurvivalBlog’s Poet Laureate G.G. for the link.)    o o o This has some terse, straightforward wording: House Concurrent Resolution …

M.H. sent this video: Life in a CONEX. Note that building codes in many states would restrict this, but in most of the American Redoubt states, there is no building code outside of city limits.    o o o And speaking of the advantages of the American Redoubt, read this: Jeff Knox praises ‘losers’ of Brady Center’s national scorecard.    o o o Can you spell shrapnel, boys and girls?” Family’s surveillance cameras rolling as tornado hits West Liberty. (Video is from the March 2, 2012 tornado in West Liberty, Kentucky. Thanks to Jay in Missouri for the link.) If …

US Government Admits It Has Seized Hundreds Of Domains Registered Outside The US    o o o Jonathan B. mentioned an article about the Raspberry Pi, a microcomputer with many potential applications.    o o o J. in Boston wrote to mention that another near X-Class solar flare is in progress. J. notes: “The current Solar activity is curious. 11429 has simplified significantly and I’d be surprised if in fact it turns out that the source of the the flare at midday on Saturday. The only other current candidate for this would be the emerging 11420 (returning). If so then …

12 states on path to [concealed carry of] guns with no permits. (Thanks to B.B. for the link.)    o o o Cry havoc! Reader H.M. mentioned a company that gives new meaning to the familiar old Shakespearian phrase: The Dogs of War.    o o o A personal request from JWR: For our collection here at the ranch, I’m looking for an antique Swiss 7.5mm Schmidt-Rubin Model 1896/11 rifle with a serial number below 236,500. It must be offered by a fellow private party here in the United States. I’m only looking for one with a nice bore and …

AmEx (American Expat) sent a PDF link to an expert analysis (published by Virginia Tech) on the potential impact of a major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault Line. This is food for thought, and cause to do a bit of padding and strapping down.    o o o FBI director: Have to check whether targeted killing rule is outside US only. It is not very reassuring, seeing men like this seated in high places. Let’s add Robert Mueller to the same list as Eric Holder. They must be forced out of office with a public outcry, as soon as …

Reader Rick B. recommended a complete planting guide for green beans over at How To Gardener. It includes some state specific varieties and planting dates, nutrition facts, planting tips, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, insect and disease information.    o o o A reminder reminder that Ready Made Resources’ sale on Mountain House canned freeze dried foods ends on March 14th, so order soon. You’ll get a 25% discount and free shipping on case lots.    o o o H.B. and several other readers sent this: Utah on verge of passing bill demanding Feds relinquish public land. Unfortunately, the Federal highway funds …

Joseph R. sent this: CONEX Temporary Housing in Japan. (This was the next step, after paper partitions.)    o o o And speaking of Japan: One year after Fukushima – Defining and classifying a disaster. (Now a five part series.)    o o o David T. sent this NPR news story: The Ultimate In Heirloom Wheat Arrives At Seed Vault    o o os Human nature dictates that a lot of preparedness only comes belatedly: Sale of storm shelters on rise after string of deadly tornadoes. (Thanks to Tim J. for the link.)    o o o Seed for Security …

Jeff R. was the first of several readers to send us this: Blast it or paint it: Asteroid to threaten Earth in 2013?    o o o Fellow ham radio DXers might find this of interest: International DX Convention, Visalia California, April 20-22. (Thanks to Mrs. R.L.B. for the link.)    o o o A reminder that the free “SurvivalBlog Reader” App is available for those that use Android phones.    o o o I recently had a talk with one of my teenage sons about how he will eventually find a good wife. I of course stressed the importance …

Several readers mentioned this over at Wired: 1 in 8 Chance of Catastrophic Solar Megastorm by 2020 Dr. Cynthia Koelker is leading a disaster medicine training conference March 29-31, 2012 in Akron, Ohio.  Tuition is $350 for three full days of hands-on training. The trainers will include Dr. Koelker, Tom from Midwest Native Skills Institute and Jim from Ohio Farm Museum. The training is oriented to training laymen that will be the only source of medical care available, without access to hospitals, doctors, or other health care professionals. Classes will include Clinical Procedures Without Electricity, Suturing and Minor Surgery Splinting and Casting, and …