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”. By now, you should be taking your electronic security seriously in your preps. Today features a couple of stories that underscore how important that concept is.
Electronic Security
SurvivalBlog reader G.G. sent in this article about an electrician in Australia that was sacked in his job due to an anonymous letter sent to his firm. Australia’s Fair Work Commission, the workplace tribunal, determined he had been fairly sacked after his company heard that the man blocked his whereabouts by placing his PDA into the foil bag of “Twisties” (similar to America’s Cheetos). This blocked the phones GPS ability so his employer didn’t know where he was. In reality he was playing golf (over 140 times in two years) while on the job.
I’m not sure what part of this story is most disturbing/interesting. Is it that he used a low tech device to confound high tech? Is it that he was unethically hiding from work and getting paid to golf? Perhaps that he worked for an employer that needed to track employee’s whereabouts? Is it all the snacks he had to consume to achieve his goal of playing golf?
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Do you think public access WiFi is the best way to get connectivity? Starbucks had to take action against one of it’s franchises in Buenos Aires because they were hijacking connected computers to use their processors to mine Bitcoin for them. When you sign on to most public WiFi hot spots, you have to accept a Terms of Service policy and this action apparently put the renegade software on your computer. Does this mean that you shouldn’t be using public WiFi? Probably not, but you shouldn’t trust it and you should keep your computer software up to date. Thanks to Texan for the link
Carrington Event
Apparently the Carrington Event was not an isolated storm as previously thought. Reader P.S. sent in this article that shows on September 10, 1770, there are records that the sky above China, Korea and Japan turned red. For eight nights in a row, the glowing red auroras lingered. Researchers believe that a giant magnetic storm, which rivaled the one of the Carrington Event in size, was the cause of the strange lights. The evidence was basically lost to history until recently when a historian/astronomer at Osaka University in Japan investigated historical records looking for mentions of auroras.
Why You Need a Wood Stove
Mike Williamson, SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large, sent in this article on Italy declaring a state of emergency after a deadly gas explosion in Austria. The deadly blast ripped through Baumgarten gas hub plunging Europe into an energy crisis. Baumgarten is a key distribution and reception hub for gas exports and imports, including from Russia, Europe’s biggest gas supplier. Italy is currently having rain, snow and extreme cold weather and there is now a lack of gas for heating for a number of days. Mike notes that wood is usually available for free from tree removal. Even if you don’t use Wood heat as your primary heat, you should have a backup available.
Stray Bullets
Normally, the fighting in Rio de Janeiro is done by commando-style police and heavily armed drug traffickers, but a growing number of victims are not. Firefights are erupting in densely packed poor favela neighborhoods leaving thousands of people with no where to hide. The buildings are not designed to be bullet proof. In the first six months of 2017, over 632 people were shot by stray bullets in Rio state, many of them children. Reader H.L. notes that Brazil is regressing and basically functioning like a third world nation at this point.
Retreat Now!
Survival Realty has a really nice retreat that was just reduced in price. For $248,000, the price of a normal home in many areas of the country, you can own 15 acres with an 8 acre pond/pasture and a 2900 square foot home. The owner consulted with JWR for his advice and created a serious prepper retreat location with all of the amenities a prepper might want, including a large greenhouse and an established garden plot. The pond has been used for irrigating the garden when needed so water is not an issue when you don’t get rain. This is a “must see” location
Venezuela Style Collapse
The Bank of England is warning that if the government keeps borrowing money it would lead to a UK economic crash in the same way as Venezuela’s. The bank rarely comments on government finances, but Philip Hammond announced a ₤25 billion spending spree. The hope is the infrequent commenting of the Bank will underscore the critical nature of the situation and dissuade the chancellor from loosening the purse strings too far. Thanks to G.P. for the link.
Your Own M17
SIG Sauer has announced that they will sell the M17 Modular Handgun System on the civilian market as well as the government contracts. Currently, SIG is stating that they will release about 5,000 of the full size variant to the civilian market in early 2018.
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Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via ourContact form.) These are often especially relevant, because they come from folks who watch news that is important to them. Due to their diligence and focus, we benefit from fresh “on target” news. We often “get the scoop” on news that is most likely ignored (or reported late) by mainstream American news outlets. Thanks!
One question I haven’t see asked or answered on the Australian electrician is: Was this a company phone? If he was blocking his personal phone, I cant see an issue (not excusing his skipping out to play golf). If it was a company phone and they discovered he was blocking the GPS to prevent recording locations, I can see why they asked for the golf course records.
I had previously read someplace else, that it was a work provided phone and for this very reason, concerns about employees stealing time ~
Hope the S. Chicago retreat owner selling that property is moving out of The State. Grew up there, moved back once (mistake) and now drive out of my way to avoid even crossing the state line.
M17, blah blah blah
Its a Sig P320 with a ami safety.
I’ve shot both the Sig and the G19, there is nothing not to like.
Except SHTF Glock 19 parts and mags will be more common. Plus Glock parts interchange (a lot!)
(hint don’t get the gen 5, the parts don’t interchange)
I am guessing the M17 civilian will be $200 more than the P320 or the G19, just guessing
From a friend, who worked at a major US arms supplier, re. the M17:
‘too many parts, too complicated, armorers hate it’.
Anecdotal, I know, but he maintains it’s first-hand feedback, as he was involved in the early stages of the program as a supplier technical advisor.
The M17/320 will have advantages over the Glock in that after the Military has them in general use, Police departments will follow suit. Making finding surplus parts and such easier.
Well maybe but I wouldn’t count on it. When was the last time you saw a policeman carrying a Beretta? Just sayin’.
In the mid-80s, right after the military adopted them.