Category: Odds ‘n Sods

J.K. recommended the publications of Astragal Press. They emphasize “early tools, trades, and technology” J.K. commented “I ran across them a while back while researching my slide rule collection. There’s several books on blacksmithing and woodworking with traditional tools that I’m planning on adding to my preparedness library, in case I end up having to operate in a long-duration ‘low-tech’ environment.”    o o o G&K sent a story from Fox News: The Nazareth Hardened Home.    o o o Mike Williamson sent a link to a clever improvised ox roast.    o o o Ted B. sent a link …

Reader Brett F. recommend this piece: Loaded for bear, or wolves–both as a data point on the wolf pack population explosion in the western US and for some good points on gear to carry when in the back-country.    o o o Jim W. sent us a tidbit for the “Global Warming ” file: Big freeze kills at least 80 across Europe    o o o Reader G.G. wrote to mention that appears that Richard Daughty (aka The Mogambo Guru) has retired from journalism. There is a fan site attempting to get Kitco, Daily Reckoning, Agora, and The Asia Times, …

There is just one day left for the BulletProofME.com body armor sale, with 20% to 30% off helmets, and Interceptor Tactical Vests as low as $590.    o o o On the Lifehacker Blog: Use a Crock Pot to Make Homemade Candles    o o o Tricia R. recommended the book “Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things” from Reader’s Digest.

Reader Joe G. sent a link to a story on a house that is so “green”, it produces surplus electricity.    o o o Ed C. sent us this link to at start-up company in Polson, Montana. Gearpods is offering containerized survival gear, mostly in Nalgene style water containers, from day pack kits to shelter systems.    o o o Reader Johnny G. sent this link: S.F. bank’s startling interest: 79 percent. And SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson sent a link to a similar story, from Fox News.    o o o John F. suggested this story on …

Henry L. suggested this article over at Market Skeptics: 2010 Food Crisis for Dummies    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson spotted a blog post about a warning poster at Fort Benning. Mike’s comment: “We’re terrorists, apparently.”    o o o From Ferdinand: Man kills bobcat with bare hands during north Phoenix attack. He comments, “Even if it isn’t a complete collapse, things like this will become more common. Being defenseless–having to use your bare hands qualifies you as defenseless–is a death sentence, in my opinion.”

From John S.: Happiest U.S. States Pinned Down. Note the correlation with my Recommended Retreat Areas ranking.    o o o Chuck M. flagged this from The Guardian: Why Britain faces a bleak future of food shortages    o o o Reader M.S. mentioned some analysis from Washington’s Blog: Officials and Experts Warn of Crash-Induced Unrest

A Year End Reminder, from Bill in Missouri: “Let the IRS help you restock your pantry every year. Take your food that is nearing its expiration to a local food pantry and donate it to them. It will be used before it expires, and you will walk away with a donation receipt which is tax deductible. Food banks are always in need of donations, especially now that the unemployment level is so high. This is a win/win for you and the food bank, and a loss for the IRS.”    o o o Michael Williamson, SurvivalBlog’s Editor-at-Large forwarded this story. …

Cheryl sent a link to a piece by Claire Wolfe, in Backwoods Home magazine: Circle of Friends: The Importance of Other People In Our Preparedness Plans    o o o Dan in Colorado mentioned this supplier of some hard-to-find food items, such as honey locust beans: Wild Pantry.    o o o Tord mentioned that there is yet another Robin Hood film is in the works. This one is directed by Ridley Scott (who created Blade Runner, Blackhawk Down, and Gladiator.) It stars Russell Crowe, and it has a big budget, so it will mst likely be worth watching.

Reader “+P+” sent another article on a theme that I’ve warned about: Police say suspected robbers rammed an SUV into a gun store in Avon, Indiana, and stole some weapons. Large masonry “decorative planters” should be a key part of your retreat’s defensive architecture!    o o o OSOM mentioned a treasure trove of Free Medical Books available to download.    o o o Tamara (writing in her View From the Porch blog) pointed to a piece (by way of the Blunt Object blog) about the Toronto police going ballistic over the apparent sight of a gun held by citizen: …

Man with master’s degree lives in Moab cave without money. (Thanks to Rick W. for the link.) For further reading, here is a link to Suelo’s web site.    o o o Lowell sent this: North Yellowstone Wolf vs. Rocky Mountain Elk    o o o Reader “MMA” forwarded a link to news article with some OPSEC implications of infrared technology: Suspect still at large after extensive air and ground search

SurvivalBlog’s British-born Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson catalogued another article on the descent into Nanny State Britannia: Three -inch pocketknives illegal in the UK.    o o o I was just introduced to a great dry firing trigger kit for Glocks, made by Southwest Shooting Authority. These provide a very realistic feeling trigger pull and trigger reset. Unlike those made by their competitors, the Southwest dry practice kits have a 90 day warranty, and are useful for up to 50,000 trigger presses. Installation and removal are a breeze. (It takes less than a minute for anyone that is familiar …

Gun laws are getting looser across much of US. (Thanks to Garnet for the link.)    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson found an interesting article for advanced home machinists: The Making of a Rifled Barrel.    o o o BulletProofME.com, one of our most loyal advertisers, is running a 20% – 30% off sale on Kevlar helmets and Interceptor Tactical Vests, ending December 23rd.    o o o Kathryn D. told me about a line of SPF 30 clothing that is ideal for people that live in sunny climates. Kathryn’s comments: “The pieces are permanently …

FEMA Suggests Disaster Readiness Christmas Gifts. (Thanks to Lisa E. for the link.)    o o o The Suburban Survivalist suggested a good video of Mike Rowe (of “Dirty Jobs” television fame) speaking about what he’s learned of the value of work.    o o o On a recent trip to a more populous region, I noticed that some people just don’t know how to drive in the snow. Even with chains on, the Nervous Nellies creep along at 5 to 10 m.p.h. on straight and level roads. These folks even cause accidents, by forcing those approaching them from behind …

Solar Storms Ahead? (Thanks to Donald G. for the link.)    o o o Rob at MURS-Radio.com (one of our loyal advertisers) wrote to let us know that he is running a special offer just for SurvivalBlog readers, until December 17th. By using the code SB5OFF at checkout customers will receive 5% off their total order (before shipping). There is no minimum order and the code can be used multiple times. Any order placed on or before December 17th will be shipped to arrived before Christmas.    o o o A cousin mentioned this collection of links over at Mouseguns.com: …

Reader J.K. sent this one to file under “Emerging Threats”: Two burglaries today used vehicles to smash into buildings. J.K.’s comment: “This serves as evidence that vehicles can/will be used as modified ‘entry tools’”.    o o o My old friend Peter K. (now living in Germany) mentioned this web page that helps explain the current shortage of loaded ammunition and reloading components: Why Can’t I Find Sierra Bullets?    o o o For those of us that take buying American-made products seriously (or at least Not Buying Mainland Chinese), Ron B. suggested this site: MadeInUSA.org