Category: Odds ‘n Sods

Trent H. sent a link to Pack and Saddle Shop’s horse packing tips.    o o o Troy H. sent these links, about an energy-independent farming own in Germany. He comments, “These folks already generate their own heat and electricity (enough in fact to sell surplus wattage back the grid!), and seem well positioned for long-term independence. A ‘covenant community’ or ‘retreat township’ model might benefit from these sorts of systems.” There are two articles, an overview, and a detailed photo essay, with more technical details.    o o o From the British Medical Journal: Surgeon performs self-apendectomy in Antarctica. …

SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson sent us this New York Times story:. Here is a quote: “She said a Coast Guard helicopter flew over the United Nations compound and could see that there were people there trapped under building debris. Thousands of residents were seen assembled outside the gates at a government facility in the city, and large groups were also assembled in other streets and public areas. The pilot of her ship’s helicopter reported seeing people working in several areas to dig out survivors. But for the most part, she said, the city appeared to be waiting …

News from across the Atlantic: Panic buying hits supermarkets as shelves stripped of essentials over snow fears. (Thanks to Chad S. for the link.)    o o o A SurvivalBlog reader took the initiative and had a small batch of subdued Battle of Bennington flag shoulder patches custom made. This is the same flag used on our OPSEC hats and T-shirts, but in subdued brown and black colors. He told me that he now has just 50 left, that he is now selling right near his cost, at $2.75 each. Contact:: opsecflag@verizon.net to reserve yours!    o o o Who’s …

“N” mentioned this excellent YouTube video: “Concept U.S.K.” – Surviving Urban Disaster    o o o The latest from the White House: President Obama Signs Executive Order Establishing Council of Governors; Executive Order will Strengthen Further Partnership Between the Federal and State and Local Governments to Better Protect Our Nation. Hmmm… In Beltway speak “partnership” or “cooperation” often mean “control.” This could considerably degrade our 10 Amendment protections!    o o o Veteran economic and preparedness commentator Howard J. Ruff warns: Things We’ve Forgotten. (Thanks to GG for the link.)    o o o Attention Oklahomans! Tibbs’ law makes it …

Global Warming Update: Snow hits southern Spain as big freeze sweeps Europe    o o o Brett G. forwarded this: U.S. agrees to timetable for UN Gun ban    o o o Tom Baugh, the author of the book “Starving The Monkeys” posted a review of my novel “Patriots” from an interesting perspective. In my defense, I can say: Yes, most of my friends (upon whom the main characters in the novel were based) were quite successful right out of college. And yes, all but one of us intentionally delayed having kids for several years after getting married. I was …

Ed B. mentioned this: Obama TSA Nominee Erroll Southers Calls Pro-Life Advocates Terrorists in Videos. (And tars survivalists with the same broad brush.) Ed’s comment: “Apparently Christians and Pro-life advocates are more dangerous than Al Qaeda. Oh and then he throws in the survivalist angle too. So if you’re prepared, you’re a danger.”    o o o Julie flagged this: Sun may soon send magnetic storms toward Earth    o o o Our friend Bill Buppert recommended this article Protect Your Family.    o o o Simon in England mentioned that Survivors – Series 2 will premiere on BBC1 tonight …

Dane S. suggested a handy winter preparedness page, over at LifeHacker.    o o o Garnet spotted this: Heavy snow halts planes, trains and cars in Europe. I hope that folks there have their fuel, gear, and food squared away!    o o o The latest from Nanny State Britannia: Myleene Klass warned by police after scaring off intruders with kitchen knife.To quote the article “The youths approached the kitchen window, before attempting to break into her garden shed, prompting Miss Klass to wave a kitchen knife to scare them away.” “When they [the police] arrived at her house they …

By way of Tamara’s View From The Porch blog, comes an interesting article about Magpul Industries.    o o o Reader Dean G. reminded me to again mention of the copious links and references made available by The American Civil Defense Association (TACDA). Take a look!    o o o Ferdinand found a little Gerber sharpener mentioned on KK Cool Tools. Ferd notes: “It fits perfectly in my knife sheath’s sidecar pocket and cost just a few dollars. It measures 2-1/4 x 1-3/4 inches, and is easy to use, with one side marked “coarse,” the other “fine,” and a little …

As a follow-up to previous mentions in SurvivalBlog, Nanci M. suggested this article: Finding Dolly Freed.    o o o Reader Trent H. spotted this interesting article: An Amish Entrepreneur’s Old-Fashioned Approach; Without electricity, a car, or a cell phone, Amos Miller turned his dad’s Pennsylvania farm into a $1.8 million national food retailer. Oh, and speaking of locally-grown foods, Jason W. sent us the link to Well Fed Neighbor.    o o o Yishai flagged this: IDF to blanket Israel with gas masks. Yishai’s comments: “To show the chemical threat is real, and to point out to your readers …

Attention SurvivalBlog readers in California: I just got this from the NRA’s legislative arm: Right-to-Carry Bill Scheduled to be Heard Next Week! Please Contact the Members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee Today! Assembly Bill 357 is scheduled to be heard by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety on Tuesday, January 12. AB357, sponsored by Assembly Member Steve Knight Republican, District 36), would create a “shall issue” concealed handgun permit system in California. Under current law, an applicant must show cause as to why they should be issued a permit to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense. AB357 would remove …

Rob C. mentioned this item: Barton Biggs: 1 in 10 Chance of Anarchy in the U.S. That should get insurance actuaries quaking in their boots, and SurvivalBlog readers loading stripper clips!    o o o Reader Paul B. mentioned The Photographer’s Ephemeris. Paul’s description: “This is a free application that, although designed for photographers, would seem to have many uses for people hunting, fishing, or otherwise engaged in outdoor activities, [including the tactical variety.] Basically, you put in the date and your location and it pops up a google map showing you the direction of sunrise/sunset/moonrise/moonset, time for twilight (civil, …

Dave B. suggested this New York Times article: Broadband, Yes. Toilet, No.; Alaskan Couple Turns Yurt into Shelter in the Wild    o o o Tom from MA suggested St. Dalfour Gourmet-to-Go products. He commented “They are small tins with meals in them which bear a striking resemblance to the French RCIR rations. I’m wondering if they are made in the same plant? I found them next to all of the other tinned meats and tuna. They have a 2-3 year ‘best by’ date and seem to be a good addition to any bug out bag, or just as a …

Panic room saved artist Kurt Westergaard from Islamist assassin. (Mentioned by numerous blog readers.) Every home and retreat should have a stout room that can be a place of temporary refuge against home invasions.    o o o Dale W. was the first of several readers to mention this: Court upholds police pointing gun at lawful carrier. [JWR Adds: This is a bad legal precedent, but the main underlying problem is prevailing attitudes. If you don’t live in a region where open carry is legal, and where concealed carry is considered normal, then you are living in the wrong state–or …

GG flagged this interesting piece: Can farming save Detroit?   o o o Reported, in all places, The Los Angeles Times: Ron Paul’s ideas no longer fringe; With the economy still struggling, the lawmaker’s libertarian views are getting serious attention. (Thanks to Andrew B. for the link.)     o o o Paul D. sent an interesting article that compares ammunition to money.

Bobbi-Sue sent a link to some crunch leading indicators with individual and regional railroads in accessible graphs.    o o o GPS-led travel goes amiss; Three Oregon parties rescued    o o o Super C. sent a link to some informative text and video about about unexpected immersion in cold water.    o o o Reader Mike O. sent us this: Packing Heat in Helsinki; Why do Finns own so many guns? This piece in the liberally-biased Slate, fails to mention several key facts. Among these: 1.) Although firearms ownership is widespread in Finland, its violent street crime rate is …