A Response to Going Analog, by M.G.

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Selectric Typewriter Security Issues

Back in the 1970s IBM was required by at least one of its customers to make some options available for Selectric typewriters because they discovered the Selectric design was susceptible to electronic eavesdropping that could determine what the typewriter was printing. As it turns out, mid-’70s electronics were capable of detecting not only the unique electronic signature of individual typewriter motors but also measuring the load incurred by that motor during character selection from the main power feed outside the building. So, it’s possible that even using a mechanical electric typewriter for written communications may not be as secure as we think.

Typebar typewriters, both electric and manual, do produce a typeface “signature”; so actually does a Selectric typing element– the “ball”. However, it’s trivial to change elements. Were someone to use a Selectric for secure communications I’d suggest, depending on the level of security required, one typing element be reserved and used only for that purpose. The elements are metal-coated plastic and will burn, although there will be some metal remaining, assuming it is not melted.

Regarding Selectric-type ribbons, you have pointed out that the correctable film ribbon can be very easily read; so can the correction tape. Even the fabric ribbons can be read, although it’s much more work than the film ribbon. As an FYI, typewriters of all types will leave impressions on the platen (the rubber roller the paper goes around), with typebar machines, especially manuals, leaving the strongest impression. I do not know how long those impressions remain readable, but I know some impressions can be readable in limited form for a day.

Continue reading“A Response to Going Analog, by M.G.”

Letter Re: Search Engine Privacy and Security

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Good day Sir,

I want to reference to a topic which could prove of great importance. A situation where the loss of personal liberty and freedom occurs. There are some that believe that we are in that situation currently.

I browse the Internet for news and factual information, much like earlier times when a person would pick up a newspaper. I have in the past used “Google” as my primary “Search Engine”. To my understanding and experience, my search results are cataloged and referenced. When I do searches through “Google”, I am bombarded by advertisements that seemingly reference my previous search preferences.

An example

Case in point. I had been doing a search for cold weather sleeping bags, and nearly every site I visit contains an exact advertisement to a choice that I in fact have already purchased.

I have recently switched over to the “Epic privacy browser”. Their site states their browser does not divulge your personal IP Address to your Internet provider. To my understanding, your personal “IP Address ” is the same as a person’s mailing address.

Continue reading“Letter Re: Search Engine Privacy and Security”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. Texas is showing America how it’s done with the aftermath of hurricane Harvey. There are some amazing stories of normal people helping others through some tough times. Sadly, there are also the expected stories of crooks taking advantage.

Electronic Security

A researcher recently revealed that a server containing over 711 million email addresses was breached exposing account logins and passwords. You can check if your account was possibly one of those in this breach (or others) by using the web site https://haveibeenpwned.com/ . However, it is important to note that just because your email address (or account login) was compromised, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your email was hacked.

The site will let you know which data breach your account was affected by. You can then make sure that your password for that site has been changed. (you do use different passwords for different sites, right?). Many sites require your email address to be used for your account login, but unless your computer/mobile device itself is hacked or the databreach involved your email provider, your email address hasn’t been hacked – just the account listed was hacked. Thanks to DSV for the link.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

Editors’ Quote of the Day:

Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.” – Daniel Webster

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday – August 30, 2017

August 30, 2014 is the 95th birthday of Joachim Rønneberg, a hero of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. His exploits earned him the War Cross Wtth Sword, Norway’s highest military honor. In April 2013, Rønneberg was presented with a Union Jack during a ceremony at the Special Operations Executive (SOE) monument in London to mark 70 years since the successful Gunnerside heavy water plant sabotage mission.

Radiation Issues In Nuclear Blasts- Part 2, by Dr. Bones of doomandbloom.net

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This is the second part of this article on radiation issues in nuclear blasts. We’ve defined radiation and various types of bombs as well as radiation’s effects on living things. Today, we’ll look at what we can do to prepare for radiation exposure, treat its effects, and more.

Radiation Sickness

The medical effects of exposure are collectively known as “radiation sickness” or “Acute Radiation Syndrome”. A certain amount of radiation exposure is tolerable over time, but your goal should be to shelter your group as much as possible.

Terms For Measuring Quantities of Radiation

To accomplish this goal, we should first clarify what the different terms for measuring the quantities of radiation mean. Scientists use terms such as RADS, REMS, SIEVERTS, GRAYS, BECQUERELS, or CURIES to describe radiation amounts. Different terms are used when describing the amount of radiation being given off by a source, the total amount of radiation that is actually absorbed by a human or animal, or the chance that a living thing will suffer health damage from exposure:

  • BECQUERELS/CURIES – these terms describe the amount of radiation that, say, a hunk of uranium gives off into the environment. These measurements are named after scientists who were the first to work with (and die from) radioactivity.
  • RADS – the amount of the radiation in the environment that is actually absorbed by a living thing.
  • REMS/SIEVERTS/GRAYS – the measurement of the risks of health damage from the radiation absorbed.

Continue reading“Radiation Issues In Nuclear Blasts- Part 2, by Dr. Bones of doomandbloom.net”

Economics & Investing For Preppers

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Here are the latest items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on underfunded pensions. (See the Economy and Finance section.)

Precious Metals:

First up, over at Bloomberg, we read: Gold Is Shaken by a Mysterious 2 Million-Ounce Trade

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Also this at Gold-Eagle: Gold Prices This Week And Next Week’s Forecast

Stocks:

On to stocks: Greenspan’s warning went deeper than the stock market

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How the Dow is being rattled by North Korean missiles, Harvey floods and low volumes, in four charts

Commodities:

IEA: OPEC Must Extend Cuts To Balance Oil Markets

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Next, some commentary from Alan Brugler: Storm Clouds

Continue reading“Economics & Investing For Preppers”

JWR’s Recommendations of the Week

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Here are JWR’s Recommendations of the Week for various media and tools of interest to SurvivalBlog readers. This week the focus is on can sealers.

Books:

Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself–While the Rest of Us Die

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The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam

 

Movies:

Dunkirk (now in theaters)

 

Music:

Ricky Skaggs: Soldier Of The Cross

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The Best of Mary McCaslin: Things We Said Today

Continue reading“JWR’s Recommendations of the Week”

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday – August 29, 2017

Please continue to pray for everyone in Texas and Louisiana that are being pummeled by massive rains from tropical storm Harvey. It has been predicted that some folks will be stranded in their homes for many weeks because of flood damage to roads and bridges. This certainly brings the importance of food storage and water filtration into focus!

August 29th is a mournful day, as we remember the anniversary of the death of “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” – Isaiah 40:3. John, the Baptist, who heralded the first coming of our Lord and stood true to his belief in the face of death, was beheaded on this day in 29AD.

In 1862, the Battle of Bull Run in Virginia began, along with the establishment of the  U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Radiation Issues In Nuclear Blasts- Part 1, by Dr. Bones of doomandbloom.net

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Although many don’t view a nuclear event as a likely disaster scenario, it’s important to learn about all the possible issues that may impact your family in uncertain times. Given the instability in the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere, the issue of nuclear blasts and the radiation they emit is a timely subject.

Understanding the Definition of Radiation

The quick definition of radiation is energy given off by unstable matter in the form of rays or high-speed particles. The following is some basic chemistry paraphrased from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (US NRC): All matter, including you, is composed of atoms. Atoms are made up of various parts; the central nucleus contains minute particles called protons and neutrons, and the atom’s outer shell contains other particles called electrons. The nucleus has a positive electrical charge, while the electrons have a negative electrical charge. Neutrons are, well, neutral. These entities work within the atom toward a stable balance by getting rid of excess atomic energy (called radioactivity). Unstable nuclei want to become stable and may emit energy; this emission is what we call radiation.

Types Of Nuclear Weapons

Until the recent missile launches by North Korea, most people were concerned about the use of “dirty bombs“ by terrorists. A dirty bomb is not technically a nuclear weapon. It uses conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material in the general area. Usually, the effect of the explosion causes more damage and casualties than the radioactive elements.

Continue reading“Radiation Issues In Nuclear Blasts- Part 1, by Dr. Bones of doomandbloom.net”

SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

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Here is SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies of interest to preppers that are located in the region. The emphasis this week is on solar eclipse videos shot in the American Redoubt States.

Idaho

Idaho officials reject bait hunting plan targeting wolves

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Behind the Scenes with Freedom Munitions. (They are in Lewiston, Idaho.)

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If you are looking for top quality yard play equipment for your kids, check out this family-owned Idaho company: Backyard Fun and More.

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Video: Total Solar Eclipse 2017 from Idaho Falls
Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. I love “scientific studies”! Apparently coffee is the key to long life and happiness.

Occupy D.C.

Reader T.P. sent in this article detailing a movement that started in Charlottesville and is marching to Washington D.C. over a 10 day period. They expect to end the march on September 6th and the march will then turn into an occupy movement. There is no scheduled end date for the occupation. Of course, since it’s a snowflake march, you can bring bags and they will shuttle them for you so you can have access to them at the end of each day. We are still not sure what the goal of the march is. They claim anti-white supremacy, but it sounds more like an anti-Trump rally. I wonder who can take 10 days off of work to do this? Do they even have a job?

Firewood

Reader S.P. sent in this nineteen minute video on identifying different types of wood along with instructions on which ones are best to use and which ones to avoid for cooking. If you are considering using wood for heating or cooking, you’ll want to watch this video to get an idea of what resources are available in your area and what you can use them for.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:”

Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take arms, but citizens who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their daily life and who are willing to consciously work and sacrifice for that freedom.” – John F. Kennedy.