The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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”.  Air-conditioning without electricity is the name of the game.

Recycled Air-Conditioning

Reader G.P. sent in this article on how villagers in Daulatdia, Bangladesh are using recycled plastic bottles to cool their huts by as much as 10 degrees without using electricity and all the while providing fresh air in the home. The process works similar to how you can feel the difference in air temperature when you blow on your hand with an open mouth verses pursed lips. It’s an idea to consider when you live in an area that really needs air-conditioning.

Venezuela

A Mad Max scenario unfolded in Venezuela as bikers chased down a semi-truck with molotave cocktails to steal its payload of sugar. As an aside, You also get a good view of the condition of the 4 lane highway and its man-eating potholes. Bernie Sanders socialism at its prime. Thanks to reader W.W. for the link.

Survival Shovel

Reader Cervus-Venator sent in this Amazon link to a survival shovel that he keeps in his truck to help him dig out of situations. He’s been very pleased with its performance and its price. I’ve had to dig out a time or two myself and I usually keep a full size spade in the truck, but I like this little one. I think I’ll try it.

Data Breach

Verizon recently had a data breach that exposed six million people and possible as many as 14 million cellphone users. A contractor to Verizon stored customer service data on an Amazon S3 server and accidentally left it set to “public” rather than “private”. Even if you are not a Verizon customer, you may want to change your phone PIN because the contractor also works with other carriers. Verizon is just the only one admitting the breach right now. Thanks to DSV for the link.

Free Speech in America

So you think that you have the right to free speech in America? Reader H.L. sent in this article from The Rutherford Institute on how the Police State’s answer to free speech is brute force. As violence escalates in the streets, the police gear up and are faster on the trigger. The people respond by getting more resistive and violent. It’s a downward spiral. It’s a hard perspective to read, but it fits the situation.

Random Violence

The New York Times is reporting that a men on a scooter in London threw acid in the face of another and then stole his vehicle. This was then followed by four other attacks in rapid succession. It appears that this wasn’t motivated by race or religion, but by simple theft. They were apparently trying to steal other scooters. They succeeded in stealing only two. Two boys, 15 and 16 have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Avocadoes

It looks like the price of avacodoes is about to increase significantly. The small female redbay ambrosia beetle has killed nearly 300 million redbay trees and could devastate the Florida avocado industry. The insect is not native to North America. It also can affect others trees as well. Controlling the beetle is proving difficult and efforts are now being focused on killing the fungus that the beetle introduces to the tree.