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 “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, we look at another bear spray fail.

Another Fatal Bear Attack in Alaska: Bear Spray Fail

In The Anchorage Daily News: Wildlife officials kill 4 bears as they investigate fatal mauling near Hope.  Here is an excerpt that underscores the need to carry both pepper spray and lead spray: ”

“There were no witnesses to the attack, located in a remote, hard-to-reach area, the agency said.

“An empty bear spray canister with the safety removed was found at the location of the attack, and it appeared that bear spray had been discharged at the site,” the statement said. “No attractants, such as a dead moose or a food cache, were found in a search of the area during the investigation.””

Gun Sales in Key Swing States Up Nearly 80% in 2020

Linked over at the Whatfinger.com news aggregation site, there is this at Fox News: Gun sales in major swing states up nearly 80% this year: Will it have any bearing on election outcome?

Data-Trackers Turn from Cookies to Phone Sensors

Reader C.B. sent us this: Data-trackers turn from cookies to phone sensors. Here is a snippet:

“As Google moved earlier this year to ban third-party cookies on its Chrome browsers and Apple plans to restrict tracking in its next iOS build, Abhishek Sen, cofounder of a British analytics startup NumberEight, says companies are looking beyond cookies as they explore new avenues to tap into consumer behavior.”

Is Denmark Beating COVID with No Masks?

Reader D.S.V. spotted this at Principia Scientific:: Denmark: No Masks, No Distancing & Defeating COVID19. Here is an excerpt:

“Denmark wasn’t hit by COVID as badly as other countries in Europe, like Italy and Spain, but it nonetheless went into lockdown in March. When the government started removing restrictions, it prioritized opening schools over bars and restaurants. The rules were strict at the time amid concerns there would be outbreaks.”

Seattle’s Surge in Homelessness

Peter suggested this one: Homeless camps growing in Seattle as city pledges changes to Navigation Team.  Peter’s Comment: “…and the Seattle City Council voted last night to override the Mayor and defund the Police. What could possibly go wrong…?”

Losing a Home Over a Six Cent Tax Error?

Reader D.S.V. spotted this: Elderly New Jersey homeowner nearly loses home — over 6 cents in back taxes. The article begins:

“The city truly nickeled and dimed her.

An 89-year-old New Jersey woman who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease nearly lost her home because of a measly 6 cents she owed in back taxes.

The tiny debt, which she neglected to pay on her 2019 taxes, then accrued to more than $300 in interest by last week — prompting officials in Ocean Township put Glen Kristi Goldenthal’s home up for sale on Sept. 9, NBC New York reported.”

Mike Bloomberg Pays $16 Million in Fines to Buy Votes

Reader D.S.V. sent us this: Billionaire Mike Bloomberg Pays $16 Million in Fines of Black and Hispanic Felons to Enable Them to Vote.

Gold Mining in Alaska, Circa 1949

Just for historical interest, take a look at this documentary made in 1949: Alaska Gold. I found this film quite fascinating. But I should mention that one scene made me cringe: Seeing them handle chunks of mercury amalgam with their bare hands.

You can send your news tips to JWR. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact form.) Thanks!




25 Comments

  1. This was originally mentioned on the blog last week – I would like to give everybody an update: The Story was “Costco” removes “Palmetto Cheese” after insensitive remarks by the Pawleys Island, SC Mayor. He made his remarks after two innocent people were shot after a car accident. The details of the accident were not fully disclosed in the local media – we had to read the details in a media source outside our local area. The Local Media reported: “Two people, a man and his stepdaughter, were shot and killed by the person that rear ended their car as it was turning. I guess that this would lead you to believe that the stepdaughter was in the car with him. This is what really happened: The man that was shot and killed was driving along and turned at an intersection and was rear ended, the perpetrator (who was at fault) was a thug with a criminal record – the thug just happened to be black. The Victim’s stepdaughter was working at her Father’s business across the road from the accident and along with a family friend ran across the road to see if they could help. According to reliable sources (sorry, I’m not liberty to give you the complete details) the young lady was Executed by the perpetrator – not just shot! The perpetuator ran after killing them but was later captured. Basically the Pawleys Mayor gave an update on the murder to the public and he wanted to know where the public outrage was over this killing as it was basically being over looked. I also would like to know where the public outrage was/is.

    Well, after hearing this I had a supply run already scheduled to go to Costco and I made a point to buy some “Palmetto Cheese” because I knew what was coming. Recently The Sheriff in Spartanburg County, SC made some very true comments about an incident two of his deputies were involved in and then the public outcry stated – They wanted his apology, there were calls for his resignation because of his insensitive remarks. The Sheriff knew he had spoken the truth and said: “He had nothing to apologize for.” So, as expected here came the calls for apologizes and resignation. Everything he spoke was true and sometimes the truth hurts. Instead of having the Backbone to stand by the truth and work to bring positive change, He capitulated – He had nothing to apologize for, he spoke the truth!

    I will no longer buy “Palmetto Cheese” not because of the Mayor’s remarks but because he didn’t have the backbone to stand by his remarks and uphold the truth.
    (have not been able to find the book at my Costco)

  2. I guess 44 Mag bear spray is the best after all. If he had the chance to use bear spray, he could have used a weapon. Sad outcome. Condolences to his family & friends.

  3. Old Backpacker,

    Just as you did, has everyone noticed how often when you read about an ugly incident that there is a comment about the perpetrator that includes “…who happened to be _______?” Odd how that happens.

      1. I saw that article too and my blood began to boil. This is Marxism speaking: to suggest that political opponents be put up against a wall and shot dead. This is the active philosophy and life outlook of many in our government, in public education, and most notably in the Antifa/BLM movement. I automatically thought that when someone tells you who they are, believe them.

        Mr. Rawles listed his priorities of tangibles with firearms and ammo being prominent. I think it’s critical we all pay attention to that list.

  4. Concerning the elderly woman who nearly lost her home over a 6 cents tax bill payment, just think of how many people at City Hall who reviewed the records and processed the paperwork did so without ever thinking that a travesty was being committed. That is what passes for public service in this country.

    These bureaucrats are people who can’t be bothered to do what everyone else recognizes as being the “right thing.” Their philosophy is “not my problem.”

    Right now, there is a substantial element of this country that wants social workers on standby to be dispatched to the scene of trouble with every cop. Yet, no one is held accountable after travesties like this homeowner’s situation occur. Just another day at City Hall–unless the press gets wind of it.

    This is why government employees and teachers unions are held in low regard by most clear thinking individuals. They simply choose the road that is best for them, with a distant, secondary consideration being the welfare of the people they are supposed to serve.

  5. All of the outfitters I’ve talked to up here in AK agree that there is no handgun round adequate for big Browns. Basically, you would have to feed the bear your off hand forearm and hope he doesn’t rip it off before you could put the muzzle of the pistol under his chin and pull the trigger. I have a Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 shooting Buffalo Bore max load of 340 gr at 1,350 fps, and feel woefully undergunned when heading out into the bush. I’ve been tent camping out near Hope several times, including during the salmon runs, and that awareness of the prowlers can niggle at you all night long. We may have great brains, but human bodies are woefully weak from a nature standpoint. If we don’t use that brain, we don’t tend to last very long out in the bush. There are a lot of people that don’t use their brain and end up bear food.

    Since I’ve had to do a lot of business this year in Seattle, I’ve noticed that the issues they’ve been having tend to stay confined to mostly a few certain local areas. You prepare and you use your brain and you can avoid the usual troubles. As we’ve seen in Seattle and Portland, bear spray is not always effective there either, so you plan accordingly. Fortunately, I can still come to these towns prepared, just as I would be in Hope. I am reminded of an old Beatles tune, Hapiness, is a warm…

  6. There has to be more to this story. There is no way 6 cents can go to $300.00 just in interest. It would take many lifetimes. These have to be fees, not interest!

  7. I doing ‘okay’ in the first three quarters of the ‘S’ list, but more would be ‘more better’ (bad English intended), especially if I owned some river bottom land. Waay too pricey for me. I also invest in non-tangibles such as skills which are the least expensive to acquire, needing only time. And without certain skills, our ‘insurance policy’ as defined by guns, gear and equipment, ain’t much use. This hearkens back to the old and apropos surf board analogy.

  8. The situation in Seattle is worse than many realize. The loss of the Navigation Team and now at least 70 officers (per latest news reports) will only continue to add to the Seattle situation. This is bad enough that the prosecutor’s office is essentially not prosecuting any “low level” crimes so petty theft/shoplifting (a primary crime often caused by the homeless in Seattle), vehicle prowling and other misdemeanor crimes and not being charged. Offenders (often homeless/transient) are in a “catch and release” system as the King County Jail (citing “covid response”) won’t accept the offenders. The city is awash in graffiti, petty crime and garbage. Violent crime is on the upswing and businesses are leaving the downtown core, if not Seattle all together. The ill sighted “head tax” corporations are expected to pay have big names like Amazon looking at other locations (such as the city of Bellevue, across Lake Washington and managed well, with a staffed police department and business friendly council). The city is failing to maintain infrastructure which is leading to serious issues (see West Seattle Bridge or the Magnolia Bridge). Contrary to what some in the media may say, there is flight from the city that is outpacing incoming, particularly with families. There is a great deal local and national media will not cover about Seattle. The lone spark was a local news program that gave the reporter who narrated it, a huge amount of grief (“Seattle is Dying” – can be found on YouTube). I live near Seattle and I will not shop or do business in the city of Seattle, even at favorite stores with long historical pedigrees (like Filson). The city is a far cry from what I moved to in the early 90s and even then, it was removed from it’s historical positions were. It was livable when I arrived after my military service but it certainly isn’t now.

    1. Johnny S. This news about Seattle is very sad, although not unexpected. Wanted to relay thanks for the reporting you’ve shared. Information from real people who have real connections to places and people is more insightful than anything that can be covered by more corporate news media. Stay safe!

  9. Bears… the one thing that scares me to death. I am considering moving further into the deep, dark, recesses of the Redoubt, as far away from “trouble” as I can manage. The Bear thing is holding me back. I don’t really know how to educate myself on Bears and it sounds like my rifle or handgun won’t be anywhere near effective. Any suggestions friends? OR… (bright idea) can someone write an article about effectively dealing with them?
    Thank you.

    1. Can’t speak to brown bears, but we carry a .45 for black bears… Our bears are not usually aggressive, and so we’re probably in a different environment than the one you’re describing. What we do know is that serious round is required to stop a bear. If you’re going to live in bear country, be sure you have an appropriate firearm. Hoping there are others on the forum with experience in this part of the world who can offer safety/prevention measures to help!

    2. SaraSue,

      Think like a hunter!
      The bears are your food, the bears are an instant source of nutrition for your family.
      A couple-three bears will fill your freezers with sausage, roasts, and steaks.

      The bears are not your enemy, the bears are ‘supper coming to you’.
      We think this way about ‘vermin’ such as the yuge rodents called Nutria, as well as thieving crows and gophers.

      Heck, any time we visit Mexico, we hope some chucumcabra swing by for supper!

      (Of course, this free WorldWideWeb advice does not apply to vegantarianists and/or professional victims (some overlap).)

      PS:
      Blacks climb trees, browns knock the tree down.
      Avoid fighting on their turf on their terms at a time of their choosing.

      PPS:
      The AR-15 platform is known as ‘versatile’.
      Shot placement is key.
      You might be surprised at the persuasion ability of a few 5.56 to the face of a bear…
      After the first meat is stopped, reload while scanning for more meat.

      The bears are fast learners and quick adapters.
      They will move far away from turf owned by an apex predator.

  10. Re: “Is Denmark Beating Covid With No Masks?” Here’s an extract of an article written in an NIH journal, Elsevier Public Health Emergency Collection, May 13, 2020, which fills in the “rest of the story.”

    “As mentioned earlier, the Danish government was among the first countries in Europe to act and act firmly against the virus by declaring a national lockdown and closing its borders. The country’s approach was more drastic and differed greatly from its neighbour and” old enemy” – Sweden, where relatively few measures, except ‘social distancing’ were imposed on public life. Denmark banned large public gatherings, closed down all unnecessary venues across its cities, heavily discouraged the use of public transportation and all manner of travel unless absolutely essential. Daycares, schools and universities were very quickly shut down and air travel was severely restricted – and while these restrictions have become the ‘new normal’ across the continent, Denmark was among the first countries to impose such restrictions.

    Moreover, the Danish health care system is very equitable and free for everyone, independent of health insurance, and with a tradition of a large public sector of high quality hospitals and clinics, with relatively few private clinics. This aspect was also a contributing factor to the impressive pace and flexibility with which the entire health care system was able to prioritize and reorganize medical departments, isolation wards, and hospital beds, as well as doctors and nurses, to be optimally prepared to isolate and treat admitted patients.”

  11. Members of the SB community may also really enjoy reading Dr. Dan Eichenbaum’s work. He is dedicated to liberty, and writes often on the subject. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Dan serves on a local commission, writes for his blog, and hosts a radio show with interviews. Much of his work combines perspectives on the present with references to history. This particular article remembers the heroes of Benghazi.

    https://drdansfreedomforum.com/remember-benghazi/

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