Category: Odds ‘n Sods

Reader CPK pointed us to a video clip of an amazing snow vehicle concept from the 1920s that ought to be revived.    o o o Courtesy of Cheryl: Record October Cold Has Folks Scrambling to Winterize.    o o o Reader Phil E. suggested a fascinating account of Jews hiding out in caves in the Ukraine, during WWII, to survive the Holocaust. Greater detail can be found in the book The Secret of Priest’s Grotto: A Holocaust Survival Story.    o o o H.H. sent us this news blurb from oh-so-politically-correct western Oregon: Apartment residents told to take down …

Nona mentioned that the North Dakota State University Extension Service has plans for everything from bee hives and rabbit hutches to deep well water systems for your house, to vegetable cellars. You can download the 8-1/2″ x 11″ format plans as free PDF files, or order 18″ x 24″ blueprints for $4.    o o o The new AsaMom web site (“A Sisterhood of Mommy Patriots”) has been growing at a phenomenal rate, thanks in part to a prominent mention on the Glenn Beck program. Check it out.    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson spotted …

World Rice Stockpiles Hit as Yields Drop    o o o UN: World hunger has been increasing for a decade. Thanks to Bob for the link.    o o o SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson sent us this glimpse of the the Third World: In India: Forget the Diamond Ring, Brides Want Ceramic. “…since a “No Toilet, No Bride” campaign started about two years ago, 1.4 million toilets have been built here in the northern state of Haryana, some with government funds, according to the state’s health department… “I won’t let my daughter near a boy who doesn’t …

SF in Hawaii mentioned a low cost source for poly water tanks.    o o o Several readers wrote to tell me about a dated, yet interesting article: In 2008 Afghanistan firefight, US weapons failed    o o o Some congressmen get it: Tax Policy, Economic Growth and American Families. Too bad that they don’t hold a majority. (Thanks to JHB for the link.)    o o o Reader Michael A. asked me to remind folks that John Pugsley’s now classic book on practical tangibles investing The Alpha Strategy is available for free download in PDF.

Reader FG sent this: Terror struck four generations in deadly home invasion. F.G’s comment: “You must be armed at home, folks!” Meanwhile, The Other Jim R. sent me this home invasion news story. He noted: “This one was in New Hampshire, which is not exactly ‘big city’.”    o o o Cheryl alerted us to this: “Large Insect” Sparked Missile Truck’s Crash.    o o o Cops’ Rising Use of “Stop and Frisk” Questioned

GS in the State of Jefferson sent us this: Schwarzenegger signs ammunition sales bill. A thumbprint and detailed personal information before completing an ammo sale? BTW, this new law includes .22 Long Rifle ammo! What insanity. Once again, my advice to SurvivalBlog readers is to get out of California. It is a lost cause. Vote with your feet!    o o o Exercise can extend survival even in ‘oldest old’ (Thanks to Roxie for the link.)    o o o Ralph U. sent this one: Cold temperatures threaten Idaho seed potato crop

Reader Steve B. is a broker in the wholesale canned foods market. He wrote me to mention: “As a result of the recent tsunami, canned tuna production in Samoa will be severely curtailed for many months.” We all know what the law of supply and demand dictates. So stock up now, while prices are still low!    o o o For American viewers that missed it, Survivors: Series 1 (2008–the remake of the Terry Nation 1970s British series) is now available via Netflix.    o o o Speaking of England, reader LJ spotted this: Apocalypse city: Welcome to the ‘estate …

Why does society loathe well-prepared individuals? See: Soldier suspended from school. My, things have changed since I was in high school 1970s. In that era, many of my classmates carries a Buck Folding Hunter pocketknife in a leather belt pouch, and nobody said “boo” about it. (Thanks to LSC for the news link.)    o o o Could Food Shortages Bring Down Civilization?    o o o Don’t forget that Safecastle’s final Mountain House sale for 2009, ends today (October 11th). They are offering 25% off on all Mountain House canned long-term storage foods Don’t miss out on the sale …

From Ben M.: Warning over global oil ‘decline’    o o o 2012 Survival Conference Rocks Scottsdale October 17, Teaches You to Survive Mayan Apocalypse. [JWR’s comment: These folks have a downright goofy motivation, but I can’t knock them for preparing. I suspect that just like those that prepared for exclusively for the Y2K date rollover, their preps will languish, starting in 2013.]    o o o Development plans for the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) have been accelerated by three years. Hmm…. I wonder why? Some mullahs should be mulling this over.    o o o Regular content contributor Damon …

Morgan spotted this: Brazil’s Motorists Invest in Armor    o o o Attention New Yorkers: Don’t miss the Doomsday Film Festival, October 23-25, 2009.    o o o Penny was the first of several readers to send me this: SWAT raid on food storehouse heading to trial; Family sues over confiscation of supplies, computers    o o o Mystery ‘Police’ Force Has Small Montana City on Edge. (A hat tip to KAF.)

Reader Jim F. mentioned this fascinating Wired article: Missile Silo Fixer-Upper Now Swanky Bachelor Pad    o o o A reminder that Safecastle’s final Mountain House sale for 2009, ends on October 11th. They are offering 25% off on all Mountain House canned long-term storage foods. Order soon!    o o o Feds sued to keep out of state’s gun affair; Complaint filed seeking affirmation of Montana Firearms Freedom Act. (Thanks to Clem in Wyoming, for the link.)    o o o Paint Horses for Sale: SurvivalBlog reader “Tota” wrote me: “Recently I lost my job. I have a herd …

Reader JM3 found a “kicked up” MRE cooking video.    o o o I heard that Ready Made Resources is having a sale on REC Solar SCM-220 220 watt photovoltaic panels. These panels, made in Norway, are excellent quality, and you can’t beat the price–especially when you consider the normal cost of shipping, which is free.    o o o Reader “OSOM” recommended some concealed carry wisdom from Massad Ayoob: 10 Commandments of Concealed Carry.    o o o Thanks to Tom W. for finding this item: Criminalizing Everyone

John McC. mentioned an interesting (albeit slow-loading) environmental threat map site.    o o o I heard from a reader in Wyoming about some newly-manufactured herdsman-style trailers equipped with wood stoves. They look like a good option for extended camping situations, or a way to house extra families that show up at your retreat at the 11th Hour.    o o o Damon pointed us to a Washington Times editorial: The coming war with Iran.    o o o India floods leave 2.5 million homeless, 250 dead. (My thanks to Eric C. for the link )

Reader FG flagged this news story from Texas: Soldier who stole night vision goggles sentenced. ” FG’s comment: Be very careful about any “super deals” on US mil spec night vision gear. It may be stolen Government issue.”    o o o Reader Bill D. spotted an interesting two-part article yesterday on “The Brussels Journal” web site dealing with the downfall of Bronze-Age civilization and some of the implications for our own times. Bill’s comment: “It’s very heavy on the ancient history but very much worth a read.”    o o o FG mentioned this article on cyber terrorism, from …

A reader in Florida mentioned a full-service homeschooling support group: Family Tree Private School.    o o o Larry W. flagged this Der Spiegel article: Russian Weapons Industry: Kalashnikov Manufacturer Faces Bankruptcy    o o o Ban Handguns? US Supreme Court Taking New Look. JWR’s comment: The outcome of this case may be significant for SurvivalBlog readers that live in gun-deprived states like New Jersey and California. If the Supremes hold that individual states can restrict the right to keep and bear arms, then that should be time to vote with your feet, and move to a gun-friendly state.    …