Remember those strange underwater dog photos that went viral last month? Turns out the photographer is getting the success he deserves (which often doesn’t happen with ‘Net phenomena) and sharing his goodness with shelter dogs. (Tip o’ hat to F.) Unlike, for instance, killer PETA. The most over-crowded and hectically run big-city pound is better for animals than those creeps. The true prices of things. This came from S. with a one-word comment: Eeeewwwwwww. Elegant solution: post-earthquake container housing. (H/T MSJ.) One of those small, strange stories that comes along every once in a while (and makes writers want to…
Category: Preparedness
From a recent comment section: Here’s advice from a guy who found himself on the receiving end of other peoples’ hurricane bug-outs. A family of six chronicles how and why they live on $28,000 per year. Its governor willing, South Dakota will join the states that have (something close to) constitutional carry. Naturally, the brave defenders of the people object. Maybe with good reason. “Quietly, Quietly, the Revolution Arrives.” I’ve been saving this up to use in a related ramble of my own. But it’s getting around and Wendy’s essay is too brilliant to neglect. Here’s the latest mini-clip from…
Real world disaster preparedness. The other day in comments, clark posted this link to a Katrina survivor’s experience and observations. Very much worth a read. I particularly liked this page that sums it all up. Simple, clever experiment reveals why we need to keep moving for health’s sake. One of the reasons, anyhow. Murphy’s Law. Your chances of a screw-up can now be calculated. Except … er … doesn’t Murphy’s Law ensure that the calculations are likely to be screwed up? “Hijacking the General Welfare Clause.” Historical research from wonderful new blogger AgoristDon. Better than a cop? Deer saves woman…
… that I just bought these at Wal-Mart? The nearest Wal-Mart, in what passes for the local Big City, is one of the older, smaller ones. When I was there two weeks ago, they didn’t have any such thing as this. Then yesterday I got an excited email from a friend, saying she’d spotted a large — but diminishing — array of storage foods on Saturday. Had to see for myself. Sure enough. They had everything from bulk buckets of oatmeal and wheat berries to #10 cans of fruits, vegetables, soup mixes, TVP, and more. “Had” is the operative word…
This is seriously interesting, considering the source. But seriously, Wyoming, an aircraft carrier? And a military draft? You Wyomegians — and I know there are a few who read this blog — are you sensing some tongues stuck in cheeks here? (H/T Jesse Walker on Twitter.)
Did you know there’s an organization called Dogs Against Romney? And that one of its members just got stopped by a cop for doing (in effigy) what Romney once did to his family dog? A courageous colonel busts hierarchy to tell truths about Afghanistan. (Tip o’ hat to M.) “Take that, Hobbes!” “Less lethal.” Yeah. In other words — more likely to be casually fired at people who irritate the cops. Help wanted at the TSA. 🙂 Oh, what to think? It’s a crime and a shame when innocent owners have their assets seized. But can they be called “innocent”…
Good for people who’ve suffered brain injuries that affect speech. Bad in the long run for privacy. National Geographic is usually pretty good. But it appears their new series, which starts next week, sets out only to portray us all as loons. So much for progress. (Tip o’ hat to H.) Here’s a perfect example of the long arm of the U.S. government. Might not agree with this guy 100%. But bless his noble heart. (Nice backgrounder on him, too.) I’ll soon be reading his book. And here’s another doctor with courage — though it may be too little, too…
“Why can’t they just hire a lobbyist like everyone else?” That should go down in history along with “Let them eat cake.” Anybody familiar with this? Useful or not? Libertarianism and science fiction. Yeah. Just gets creepier. And creepier. And creepier. (But remember, not inevitable and potentially monkeywrenchable.) This looks interesting. (Tip o’ hat to C^2.) Bastards. But as always, always, always — ya gotta laugh at ’em. (Tip o’ hat to Kevin in comments.) (Kudos to The Usual Suspect.)
Happy Friday the Thirteenth! Here’s one brief example of what SOPA could (and eventually would) do to ordinary Internet users. I think I’d like this poor old fella. For you analytical types: Here’s a survival planning guide that’s based on understanding different types of emergencies. (Tip o’ hat to D.) Claire: a foster Great Dane, then and now.* Some pix are hard to look at, but they get better. (Tip o’ hat to SR.) Today’s hot rumor: Jake MacGregor (The Advisor) may return soon after a too-long hiatus for family and health problems. Hope to have word shortly. —– *…
What happens when a corporation gets just a bit too uppity in its definition of IP. I suppose as times get harder, we can expect more of this sort of thing. Shudder. But if it can be made harder on the forces of tyranny … (Some notes on guerrilla warfare) “Complex Systems, Dysfunctional Industries, and Catastrophic Collapse.” Preparedness. Basic. Fascinating. They haven’t found the suspect, two decades later. But they’ve found his seventeenth century ancestor. Yeah. Right. According to this I’m supposed to go to either Switzerland … or the U.S. How about you? Good going. Excellent calm way to…