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 China’s latest coronavirus lockdown, in tightly-packed Shanghai.
Red Sun: China’s Assault on Taiwan
A piece by Alex Adkins, over at American Thinker: Red Sun: China’s assault on Taiwan. (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.) This article begins:
“Strategic relations between China and Taiwan are at their lowest point in 40 years. China views Taiwan as a province, while the government of Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state. The Nationalist Chinese government has ruled Taiwan since 1949. Following the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-Shek, the Nationalist leader exiled to Taiwan and formed his own government there. In the early 1980s, China devised a governmental solution that allowed Taiwan to have autonomy known as ‘One country, two systems.’“
Ukrainian Americans Supplying Home-Country Warfighters
This article is fascinating reading: One Seat in Coach, 36 Suitcases, and Enough Kevlar to Fight a War: The Ukrainian Americans supplying an army on their own.
Shanghai COVID Lockdown: Millions Remain Trapped
CBS News reports: Shanghai COVID lockdown lifted for some, but millions remain trapped as China sticks to strict “zero-COVID” policy. Here is a quote:
“Shanghai officials reported more than 23,000 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday. The vast majority of them are asymptomatic, but despite that, and some limited easing of the restrictions, the government has largely stuck to its strict lockdown and isolation measures — even as it battles public anger, food shortages and a major impact on business.”
New Lockdowns: Chinese Stockpiling Food
And C.B. sent us this, from the WSJ: Chinese Stockpile Food as Covid-19 Concerns Ripple Out From Shanghai.
The January I-95 Backup: What Went Wrong
Reader H.L. sent us this: Months after disastrous I-95 backup, new report details what went wrong. H.L’s Comments: “Would it have been worse, if some of the vehicles were EV and there being no charging stations available, they would have further clogged the roads? I believe yes – worse! At least with a gas vehicle, one can carry some full gas cans, refuel and stay warm!”
Invasion of Ukraine: More European Private Firearms Ownership?
Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons: What Does the Invasion of Ukraine Mean for European Private Firearms Ownership?
Russia Jamming GPS in Ukraine
Reader D.S.V. was the first of several readers who mentioned this: Russia is jamming GPS satellite signals in Ukraine, US Space Force says. JWR’s Comments: This matches Russia’s long-standing warfighting doctrine for major wars: Deny the enemy’s use GPS, while utilizing Glonass. It is interesting to see them do so in a smaller conflict.
Grounded USMC Pilots Speak Out
Over at Breitbart: ‘I’ve Been Grounded’: Six Marine Pilots Speak Out Against COVID Vaccine Mandate. (Thanks to D.S.V. for the link.)
Building Bushcraft Earth Hut
On YouTube: Building complete and warm survival shelter — Bushcraft earth hut, grass roof & fireplace with clay. JWR’s Comments: Adding a modern sheet of plastic in a layer of the roof would of course make this hut much more weatherproof. So add a roll of Visqueen to your “worst-case” wilderness bugout tools kit.