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”. Of major concern this week is the radioactive cloud that has been detected over much of Europe. This indicates some type of a nuclear accident, possibly in Russia. I can’t help but think of Chernobyl.

Space Debris

Reader G.P. sent in this article that maps out the danger zones that the runaway Tiangong-1 Chinese space station could smash into this coming year. While most European countries don’t have to worry, the danger zone covers a band around the earth that covers Africa, the Middle East, Australia, most of South America, most of the United States lower than New York and a whole lot of Ocean. It is hoped that the station will burn up in the atmosphere, the possibility of larger sections will survive and reach the surface. It should be noted that no human has been killed by space debris in the history of spaceflight.

Viral Meningitis Outbreak

Washoe county in Nevada has reported 47 cases of viral meningitis since July 15 of this year. Of the 47 cases, 43 required some from of hospitalization. Seventy-five percent of the cases were 17 years-old and under and 50% of them were school age children. Some basic hygiene preparations can help you avoid contracting this disease. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands and avoid bounce houses and inflatable slides.  You should also avoid close contact with those who are sick, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. When was the last time you cleaned that doorknob? You might also consider disinfectant wipes to wipe down that grocery cart at the supermarket.

Radioactive Cloud

A radioactive cloud has been detected over Europe and is suspected of coming from a nuclear facility in Russia or Kazakhstan. France’s nuclear safety institute picked up faint traces of ruthenium 106, which is produced in a nuclear reactor and does not occur naturally. Faint traces have also been detected in Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. While not a danger to human health or the environment at this time, it does bring back memories of Chernobyl. Experts noted that given the levels detected, it would have been a major release at the source requiring evacuation or sheltering people in a radius of a few kilometers.

AI Threat

Reader G.P. sent in this article outlining the threat of Artificial Intelligence. As militaries move towards using AI in the controls systems of their destructive capabilities to decrease the reaction time to threats, they may be introducing a completely new threat matrix. One rogue programmer could hijack an entire offensive capability putting entire civilizations at risk. When looked at from that perspective, AI can be classified as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Putting life or death situations in the hands of an autonomous program that cannot make decisions based upon a moral or ethical code is a human rights issue. Skynet anyone?

Antifa Threat Report

Reader J.B. informs us that World Net Daily is offering a free in-depth report on the rise of Antifa. This lengthy report reveals the origins of the Alt-Left group and what its world views are along with the reasons that it appeals to some people and why freedom-loving Americans should take their threats seriously. You probably already know most of what’s in the report, but it does put all the pieces together nicely.

True Democracy

You’ve heard that democracy is basically two wolves and a sheep voting on what’s for dinner. Reader E.B. notified us that there is now a Star Trek spoof called “The Orville” that demonstrates this principle very well. In the episode “Majority Rule” everyone has to wear a badge with an “up” or “down” button. Every act a person performs is viral and the individuals can vote by pressing one of these buttons. If a person received more than a million “down” votes they are guilty of a social crime and are also corrected via an electronic lobotomy. If you know of someone who thinks “Democracy” is good, have them watch this episode (Ep. 7 – Majority Rule). Thanks goodness we are a Federally Constituted Republic. Now if only we could get our leaders to actually pay attention to that Constitution.

Rand Paul Beatdown

Neighbors are now casting doubt on the media’s talking point of Rand Paul’s beatdown (resulting in his hospitalization) being due to a landscaping dispute. Police are not giving any reason for the dispute and Rand Paul’s neighbors relate that he is a model neighbor. Reader T.J. wonders if America has reached a level of incivility comparable with the lead up to the American Civil War.

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Please send your news tips to HJL. (Either via e-mail of via our Contact 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!