Category: Odds ‘n Sods

Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) recommend this National Geographic documentary: Witness: Disaster in Japan. Mike’s comments: “This is an excellent presentation.  The first 30 minutes is raw footage from cell phones, local cameras and news, with almost no commentary.  There are English subtitles.  Watching six minutes of magnitude 9.0 shaking and collapse, followed by 20 minutes of blasting waves demolishing buildings and sweeping everything inland in a filthy black crush, is very sobering. The sheer level of devastation is a reminder that natural disasters dwarf anything that we might do ourselves.”    o o o How about Gas …

Disaster in the Deep South: Death toll from severe storms rises to 17    o o o C.A. in Oregon mentioned: Price of Tomatoes Has a Lot to Do With These Thefts    o o o F.J. suggested this, over at Lifehacker: Download Emergency Medicine Manuals for Free    o o o Sun’s Storm Season Finally Heating Up. (Thanks to Steve S. for the link.)

Americans Saving Money By Purchasing Old Military Equipment. (A tip of the hat to Sue C. for the link.)    o o o Timothy R. flagged this: New Bill is Direct Threat to Ham Radio    o o o Frequent content contributor Pierre M. sent this: Yellowstone Supervolcano Bigger Than Thought. Be sure to follow the infographic link.    o o o Safecastle is conducting a non-fiction video and article writing contest that will last from March until the end of 2011. SurvivalBlog writing contest winners are automatically included in the judging. Safecastle is giving away more than $12,000 worth …

Joe D. sent some insight on retreat locales: West Texas becomes ever more lonely as population drops. Since domestically-produced oil may spark a post-collapse renaissance, finding West Texas land with a reliable water well might be a good idea.    o o o Commentary from Laurel, over at the Faith and Heritage blog: A Good Children’s Book Is Hard to Find    o o o Claire Wolfe comments on the botched Mt. St. Helens evacuation, in Backwoods Home. (Thanks to The Other J.R. for the link.)    o o o The folks at Backyard Food Production are again offering a …

Trapper Mike sent this: Future farm: a sunless, rainless room indoors    o o o Pierre M. sent us a link to an interesting site on van modifications–showing real world experience with both four wheel drive and photovoltaic power systems.    o o o Bill in Virginia sent this: Hanging out at the Sensible Preppers Conference (in South Carolina.)    o o o F.H. recommended this article: North Dakota the First to Pass New Tactic Against Federal Debt    o o o G.G. liked this one: Feral chickens have proliferated in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina

Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) accurately predicted this recent Doublethink news from England in his first novel: Extinguishers banned as a fire safety hazard.    o o o Speaking of Michael Z. Williamson’s novels, Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore is starting the advance order for “Rogue.”  Please note that Mike’s novels contain adult situations, language and violence, so they are not suitable for juveniles. “Rogue ” is a sequel to “The Weapon“, but can be read as a stand-alone work. This is the first hardcover edition, and comes with a tipped in (glued) sheet printed by Baen, and …

“T.” wrote to mention a useful article at Lifehacker: Make a Map Book Using Google Maps    o o o Reader F.G. sent a news article about the new British Army issue: ‘Stunglasses’ that can resist a shotgun blast from 16ft to be issued to 92,000 UK troops    o o o Bob Mc.C. recommended this thread over at M4Carbine.net: Some thoughts about defending your retreat. (Six myths of retreat security.)    o o o C.D.V. spotted this: Stranded Japanese farmer, 75, found alone in Minami Soma, city rocked by tsunami, earthquake    o o o News from Nanny State …

Christopher Y. sent us a news item about England’s NHS to file under Dulce et decorum est: Socialized Medicine Director Dies Waiting for Operation    o o o Pat Buchanan asks: Is tribalism the future?    o o o I just heard that Emergency Essentials has some Iosat Potassium Iodide Tablets in transit that are scheduled to arrive early next week. They wrote: “After we have filled all backorders, a limited quantity of additional tablets will be available. Order today and you’ll be put into the queue for this shipment. We’ll stop taking orders after this shipment is sold out. …

Reader R.W.M. sent an interesting report on violent crime ratings per state: “U.S. Peace Index”.       o o o Stephen M. spotted this: Oklahoma sees driest four months since Dust Bowl    o o o My wife Avalanche Lily suggested this article about home dairy goats in the cities and suburbs: A Pet That Makes Milk. (Well, “pet” is probably not the best term, since bucklings are traditionally sold for eventual butcher, and retired does usually go in the chest freezer.)    o o o Reader J.H. suggested Conservapedia, “…as Yin for Wikipedia’s Yang”.He also mentioned that it is …

Ol’ Remus posted an insightful analysis of my American Redoubt proposal.    o o o STRATFOR reports: How to Tell if Your Neighbor is a Bombmaker. (Thanks to Flying Mike for the link.)    o o o Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) sent us this: Swedish couple have honeymoon from h*ll. “A newly-wed couple on a four-month honeymoon were hit by six natural disasters, including the Australian floods, Christchurch earthquake and Japanese tsunami.” (This news story serve as a reminder that travelers should always carry a few key preparedness items. Just be careful of what is packed in …

I was just included in CNBC’s list of “Most notorious doomsday prophets and cults”. When I was interviewed by CNBC about the 2012 craze I emphasized that I don’t believe that “2012” has any significance, yet they included me in their list alongside Jim Jones and David Koresh. Rest assured that I’m not in the Kool-Aid dispensing crowd. Oh well, Notorious Doomsday Prophet has a nice ring to it. I’ll add it to my resume.    o o o Deidre recommended the digital archives at Duke University as a free resource. They have lots of interesting publications, like this one: …

Michael W. spotted this: Suburban Survivalists: ‘I Just Want to Be Prepared’. (It includes mention of the training offered by OnPoint Tactical.)    o o o This Is What Happens When Establishment Control Of The Media Cracks For A Moment. The analyst’s commentary starting at just before four minutes into the segment is particularly biting.    o o o My wife (“Avalanche Lily”) enjoyed this piece posted over at the excellent Paratus Familia blog: TEOTWAWKI and Relationships.    o o o Sven S. spotted this: Japan crisis spurs survival planning by U.S. Mormons    o o o The Prepper Podcast …

Lydia sent a link to this piece: Meet the New York hillbillies More city folk than ever are turning their homes into farms. But is living off the land as virtuous as it sounds? The condescending tone was troubling, but that is what we expect from big New York City newspapers.    o o o Michael Z. Williamson (SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large) spotted this press release: Bourque Industries, Inc. Announces Successful Live-Fire Demonstration of New Kryron Ballistics Helmet. (That is superior to the currently-issued Kevlar helmets.)    o o o F.G. sent this: Lawmakers renew push for “rogue websites” bill. …

Families get new feathered friends, and future of better eggs, at chicken swap. (Thanks to Greg C. for the link.)    o o o Regarding OPSEC, reader Mike C. reminds us that some of those “handy tools” can be used against us: YouGetSignal.com.    o o o K.A.F. flagged this op-ed piece: Sunday Reflection: From ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case?’    o o o North Carolina bill threatens to criminalize naturopaths, homeopaths, herbalists, midwives, aromatherapists as felons. (A tip of the hat to Marilyn R. for the link.)    o o o Bret F. flagged this: Idaho Radio Shack owner adds gun …

With calving season rapidly approaching, I’ve had two readers that are first-time cow owners ask me about sources for home dairying supplies and books. Lots of mailorder companies sell Bag-Balm, but not many sell butter churns! I recommend the Homestead Store. (One of our advertisers.) For books, I recommend The Family Cow by Dirk van Loon, and Raising a Calf for Beef by Phyllis Hobson. OBTW, there is also quite a bit of good cattle raising information in Carla Emery’s The Encyclopedia of Country Living.    o o o Pete A. sent this from a Colorado newspaper: Prepping for disaster: …