Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large Michael Z. Williamson sent me a link to a collection of photos showing Chinese military’s obsession with parades and ultra-precise formations. It reminded me of a quote from Jean Larteguy (The author of The Centurions and The Praetorians.): “I’d like France to have two armies: one for display, with lovely guns, tanks, little soldiers, fanfares, staffs, distinguished and doddering generals, and dear little regimental officers who would be deeply concerned over their general’s bowel movements or their colonel’s piles: an army that would be shown for a modest fee on every fairground in the country. The other would be the real one, composed entirely of young enthusiasts in camouflage battledress, who would not be put on display but from whom impossible efforts would be demanded and to whom all sorts of tricks would be taught. That’s the army in which I should like to fight.”

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Gary S. sent us an article with some G.O.O.D. possibilities: New Google Earth Shows Hiking Trails

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Mike M. sent us this news story from California: Welfare cards good in Casinos. Mike’s comment: “I don’t even know where to start! This is this sort of thing that got me to vote with my feet and move out of California. Because I know that this sort of ridiculous welfare state mentality is quickly spreading across the U.S., I’m thinking about the viability of expatriating!