Category: Odds ‘n Sods

This news story from U.S.A. Today sounds like something out of a novel I once read wrote: More families, friends move in together. They even refer to it as “doubling up.” A hat tip to Jeff S. for sending us the link.    o o o I recently placed a small order with L.L. Bean Company. When it arrived, I was disgusted to see that they are now selling some clothes that are made in mainland China. My advice is that if you place an order with them only do so by phone, and insist that they omit any items …

The 25 Most Dangerous Cities In America. Note how population density creates an inverse relationship with my Recommended Retreat Areas. These are the proverbial “Opposite ends of the spectrum.”    o o o RFJ mentioned that Murphy’s Laws of TEOTWAWKI from the Survival Cache gear site got re-posted to Lew Rockwell’s site.    o o o The Rawles Gets Your Ready Family Preparedness Course is only rarely offered at a discounted price. Until Monday December 13th, the publisher is running a special sale. Don’t miss out on the chance to get a copy for yourself, or to give one as …

J.D.D. sent this inaccurately titled article: U.S. Army Unveils ‘Revolutionary’ XM25 Rifle in Afghanistan. It is actually a 25mm grenade launcher, not a rifle. This seems to be sort of Niblick: The Next Generation.    o o o The odious S. 510 food bill looks like it may come up for a vote in the full Senate. Please contact your Senator and insist that this piece of bad legislation be stopped.    o o o Our friend Patrice over at the Rural Revolution blog suggested this article about EMP: Report warns Obama about ‘new’ Dark Ages. “Airplanes would fall from …

Long-time content contributor Chad S. sent this: People trampled at Target store as Black Friday mob rushes in. Chad’s comment: “I just saw this story, Jim. Can you imagine how bad this would be in a Schumer-hits-the-fan scenario, when people actually need stuff?”    o o o I’m already a fan of Glock re-set dry practice training triggers (like those produced by Southwest Shooting Authority. As I’ve previously mentioned in SurvivalBlog, I prefer using these for dry fire, both for safety and so that you don’t get into the bad training habits that are created when you constantly rack the …

Community Outraged Over Man’s 3-6 Year Sentencing in Self-Defense Case. I share their sense of outrage! From what I’ve seen, there was no crime committed. The loonie plaintiff’s history of over 60 convictions in three states was apparently kept from the jury. At this point, the New Hampshire Governor should be petitioned for a full pardon.    o o o Another Random Act of Culture: Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus    o o o Chris G. mentioned this article in Outdoor Life: Shoot the Breeze. “The simplest way to handle a crosswind is to relocate. Reposition directly upwind …

What separates humans from lemmings? Not much, evidently: Fear of bridge collapse set off Cambodia stampede. The death toll was more than 350. This, by the way, isn’t an isolated incident. For example, see this article from 2006, and this one from 2004.    o o o John B. spotted this: Obama’s Jeffersonian Muslim Revisionist Lie.    o o o It is not preparedness related, but watching the Gray Eagles P-51 Mustang video put a lump in my throat. (Thanks to Steve S. for sending the link.) I would have loved to have seen some details on how the wrecked …

JRH Enterprises is extending their annual Black Friday sale through Saturday, with sale prices on many items including new Third Generation AN/PVS-14 night vision units as low as $2,895. I can attest from my own experience that you will not be disappointed with these scopes, when used either hand-held or mounted on a rifle.    o o o Cheryl N. (a.k.a. The Economatrix) sent this: Survival, Evasion…Vacation?      o o o Emergency Essentials has announced a big one-day “Black Friday” sale with bargain prices on storage foods, wheat grinders, and more.    o o o In The Daily Bell: …

Kia Introduces Soul Flex at Brazilian Motor Show. It will burn 100% ethanol, 100% gasoline, or any mixture in between. I hope this model also gets marketed in the United States. It should sell strongly in the Corn Belt states. OBTW, an ethanol-burning variant of the Kia Sportage is also planned.    o o o States’ rights battles rage in Old Dominion. Here is a brief quote: “Del. John O’Bannon, R-Henrico, filed a bill at the request of his constituents that would create a “Don’t Tread on Me” license plate. And Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, filed a bill that would …

Although the “No Code” Technician license is often suggested for novice ham radio operators in the U.S., it is important to go ahead and learn Morse Code. It takes very little power to enable good communication over long distances. There are many propagation situations where voice is unintelligible, but Morse can still get through. The folks at Code Quick have one of the best teaching methods. They’ve had great success in teaching most folks in just two weeks.    o o o R.F.J. sent this gem: IKEA Hack: MALM with Storage Boxspring. This is great way to create a hidden …

Anyone considering buying any British or NATO military surplus uniforms, hats, or boots will find these charts useful.    o o o JRH Enterprises is having their annual Black Friday sale beginning now, with sale prices on many items including new Third Generation AN/PVS-14 night vision units as low as $2,895. We have one of these at the Rawles Ranch (a Gen3+) and we absolutely love it.    o o o For the “Why Am I Not Surprised?” Department: Obama Taps Chicago ATF Official to Lead Agency. Of course he’s from Chicago. Of course Chicago is hardly a Lily White …

I’m scheduled for a two hour interview on the EMPact Radio podcast on Wednesday. That should be interesting.    o o o Something tells me that there will be some bargain prices soon: Solar Panel Makers Face Supply-Glut `Armageddon’: Chart of Day. Thanks to reader Chris S. for the link.    o o o Seen over at Paratus Familia: A novel concealment holster for women.    o o o J. in the Great White North recommended this five minute video: You Can Eat Dandelion    o o o I just finished reading Jerry and Sharon Ahern’s new sci-fi novel, Written …

I was doing some web wandering and found this: British national builds a ‘tsunami-resistant house,’ powered by solar energy    o o o Reading this synopsis, I would surmise that the script writer for the upcoming “modest budget” guerilla film Remnants must read SurvivalBlog. Watch the latest trailer. Oh, and their clip of “Merle’s Basement” may strike a chord. (Thanks to C.H. for the link.)    o o o Scott F. recommended this web page for some details on suturing: Operational Medicine 2001 Field Medical Service School Student Handbook.    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson …

Following some very expensive lobbying, S.510 passed a cloture vote in the U.S. Senate earlier this week. What a huge disappointment to see this bad legislation will probably be passed. The big question is: How will that bill and the considerably different H.R. 2749 (the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009) from over in the House be reconciled? Please contact your congresscritters and ask them to do their best to get this legislation stopped.    o o o Reader Ron L. noted: “What happens when you have a displaced populace? Disease. Then unrest. It’s happening now in Haiti.”    o …

Reader P.D. notes: “Emergency Essentials appears to be temporarily out of stock most of their super pails. Meanwhile, Walton Feed just went from one week wait to a two-to-three week wait on food orders. Shortages seem to be progressing.” JWR Adds: The long term storage food industry is small and easily overwhelmed by macro level events. It is wise to stock up now. If you wait until after the next crisis, then you may be out of luck. If you are asking: “What crisis?”, then you haven’t been paying attention. The chance of a big financial meltdown in the near …

The folks at Everlasting Seeds have added a new product. They call it their “EverGreens” assortment, specifically prepared for sprouting, although they could be used for planting just as easily. The “EverGreens” assortment two pounds of Organic Alfalfa seed, a half pound of Organic Waltham Broccoli seed, and a half pound of Organic Radish seed. They are running a special just for SurvivalBlog readers for only the next week: A 10% discount for the new “EverGreens” product, and a 5% discount on all their other products. This EverGreens assortment is not yet described at their web site, so either e-mail …