Cat on Ruegen dead with H5N1 bird flu...

...But o problem for humans, we are told, as, so they say, no human has ever caught bird flu from a cat.

The question is not as to whether humans can catch bird flu from a cat but rather, and this is not a question anymore but fact, the virus has crossed the species barrier. How did the cat get it? Cats do not catch and eat swans but smaller birds and mice. So, what has happened? Because we are also told that bird flu will only affect fowl, such as ducks, gees, chickens and some other exotic birds. Which small birds, that would be prey for a straying cat, have now caught it and that would mean that the danger is much greater than what we are being told. Once again TPTB have decided that the people are sheeple and have to be treated like mushrooms, being kept in the dark and fed with horse manure. The virus now has crossed the species barrier and this means that it is mutating or has already mutated. A cat is a mammal and I don't know of cats living very close to birds. Something does not add up. Just some food for thought as I do not have any answers.

Veshengro
Bird Flu in Germany

It would appear that we are not being told the truth as to the extent of the bird death from H5N1 bird flu on the German Island of Ruegen in the Baltic. A contact on mine in Germany not all that far from there with friends on the island has told me of the entire island being a bio security zone with the Bundeswehr (German Army) in full NBC gear collecting the dead birds by the truck load. The talk is of a full pandemic. So, why are we being told that only ONE swan had died? One can only wonder. Talk in the headlines of the London Evening Standard of late morning of Friday, February 24, was of food and water rationing to be enforced in case of a bird flu outbreak and all public transport to be suspended in London. Either they know something or someone is overreacting.

Veshengro

UK ID Card

UK ID Card

Or

How the sheeple are being lied to

The ID Card Bill, which soon, I am sure, the way TPTB work in this, and other countries, will be law and sooner or later forced upon every subject of her Britannic Majesty (please everyone wake up to the fact as well that there is no such thing as a British Citizen but that all are subjects of His or Her Britannic Majesty and not much more than serfs - Charlton Heston, President of the US NRA was right in that), to have such a card, probably even with an RFID chip in it identifying where the bearer of this card is at any given time, as it will be compulsory, do not for one moment think not, to have said card on one at all times. The bill has been introduced to the sheeple that it would prevent terrorism and ID theft. In truth it will neither. It has nothing whatsoever to do with preventing terrorism, ID theft or even benefit fraud but everything with people control. People control, plain and simple, nothing else. Terrorism is a smoke screen behind which they all have begun to hide and if that does not work to convince the sheeple then they use other "benefits" in order to have people accept such measures. This was also what was being done in Nazi Germany in the 1930s and everything came in increments and this is the same in the UK and the rest of the EU and in the United States. Let those over there not for one moment that this will not also come to them. They already have their version of the Gestapo though called Department of Homeland Security. Those who cannot see that may want to consider what the Gestapo's main office was called; the Reichssicherheitshauptamt, the Security Main Office of the Reich (roughly translated) - in other words, the Department for Homeland Security of the Third Reich. I know that there are some who have seen the similarities and some have even created rather interesting and poignant posters to that effect and, yes, I know, presently we still have a freedom to do such things under the various constitutions but, and here comes the but… how long will we be permitted to continue to do so. Already now the governments, yes even and especially the US government (and I am sure the UK one as well), appear scared of the blogger and blogs and the private individuals and NGOs' use of the Internet, as can be seen by the fact that a recent exercise of the US security forces was dealing with the threat, yes, threat posed by bloggers as regards to the information they can spread to the people without government censors being able to put a lid on it early enough. Why? Does anyone really believe that our free press is free? You must be joking! However, the blog-sphere is and that is a problem for the governments, even so-called free and democratic ones as those of the USA and the West per se.

Currently all the restrictions that we are being faced with in the UK and elsewhere also come, like they came to Nazi Germany, in increment, a bit at a time. In Nazi Germany, like now, there were incidents of fake terror (the fire in the Reichstag for which a mentally challenged young Dutchman was held responsible who also, conveniently, happened to be a Communist), the same fake terror as has happened throughout the ages whenever governments wanted to oppress their own people. It was always done in the name of "state security". I advise people to get a-hold of a copy of the document entitled "Fake Terror"; it sure is an eye opener as to what may be going on. It is the same, as regards the increment of things, with the disarming of the people in the UK. Always it is "for the good of the children" whether it was the banning of all handguns (and restricting of other firearms and shotguns) and then the law about knives. The truth is that they had even, initially, a number of years back, envisaged of outlawing, sort of, all knives and to have us use the nylon ones. Oh dear! All of Europe is already laughing about our restrictive laws appertaining to knives and for instance that the Boy Scouts are no longer permitted to carry even folding knives (in case they hurt themselves with them - duh?). I remember when they used to wear sheath knives (and rather large ones at times) and even hatchets (God forbid - they didn't did they?) on their belts when hiking. When I was on official business for a number of years on the European mainland, and especially in Germany, they still carried the Scout "dagger", which was a direct copy of the Hitler Youth one, made indeed by the very same company/ies that made those then, and no one blinked an eyelid when the Scouts, called Pfadfinder (Pathfinders) over there, "marched" thru a town or village with every boy having a big knife on their belts.

Only on Monday, February 13, 2006, the discussion began again about handgun possession in the UK; in this instance as regards to the British Olympic shooting team(s) who cannot train in the UK because of the ban on keeping handguns and have to travel abroad for training. During a radio program that was dealing with that a woman who apparently had lost someone in the Dumblane shooting incident (which would never have happened had the police done their job and on top of that were British civilians permitted to own and carry firearms, for had any of the teachers been armed and trained Hamilton would never have gotten to where he got to) that we should not allow handguns in civilian hands not even in the hands of our shooting teams; rather, the woman argued, the law needs to be tightened up further. Duh? How much further can it be tightened up? Why do they not understand, and that is civilians and politicians alike, that you do not combat gun crime on the streets of the UK cities, towns and villages by taking even airguns away, etc. but by actually legally allowing law-abiding civilians carry handguns and defend themselves and their neighborhoods. Criminals do not go into a gunstore and purchase a firearm that way. They use the Black Market and ALWAYS have done so. You do not remove guns from the streets by making possession of firearms for the general public illegal. The only way you get guns off the street is by eliminating the criminals - period!

Oh dear! We have come rather a long way here considering we started about the ID Card legislation going thru the British Houses of Parliament, but I believe that all that was said links with it. The ID Card is a means by the government for people control and not in any way, shape or form any tool intended to combat either terrorism, ID theft or benefit fraud. We have enough ID presently that could prevent any of those. As to ID theft: the ID card will not stop it. Rather the opposite. It will also make it much more difficult for anyone whose ID has been stolen to rectify the matter. All this card is intended for is absolute control of the government as to us as individuals, to our movements, etc.

Think!

Product Review - LED Lenser V8 Turbo


LED Lenser (Photon pump) V8 Turbo












Product Details:

Crystal reflector tube system. LED Lensers reflector tubes are lined with Italian crystal and precisely shaped to "pump up" the light produced by the LED for a broader, more powerful beam.
High intensity light chip.
24-carat gold contacts - gold is a superior electrical conductor, which minimizes energy lost at the contact points and maximizes energy that goes into light production.
Solid metal casings - most competitors have plastic.
High Wattage LEDs - LED Lenser uses only the highest wattage and the finest quality LEDs. We laboratory test our lights to determine precise milliwatt output.
Batteries included 4 x AG13.
Length: 7cm.
Weight: 38 grams
Lifetime guarantee.

Price: approx. GBP 9.99
Agents in the UK: Ledco Ltd. www.ledco.co.uk

Manufacturers: Zweibrüder Optoelectronics GmbH www.zweibrueder.com

The "Photon pump" V8 Turbo is a small but extremely powerful miniature flashlight of the LED Lenser Optoelectronics range. Seeing that my own example was not a sample but was given to me as a FREE gift at a tool and DIY exhibition for attending I was, obviously, wondering as to what quality this would indeed be, as, let's admit it, most advertising gifts are not necessarily quality and I must say that I am extremely surprised. Obviously the little light is the standard product with the exception that, in my case, it bears the logo of the exhibitions it was to commemorate.

The light of the flashlight is to powerful that the warning not to look directly into the light is something that should definitely be heeded. I did not heed it and I had problems with my vision for a while after. Self-inflicted injury for sure and as the warnings were clearly visible on the package I had no one to blame for it by my own stupidity. According to the "fact sheet" the light is visible for 2,000 meters and though not having tested it I do not doubt it in the least as indoors and out it outshines a seven-LED flashlight of mine.

The body - small as it is - is of solid metal, is galvanized, so it appears, and I must say that I was rather surprised as to the weight of this little device.

Featured in the Frankfurt Museum for modern Art and a winner of two prestigious design plus awards, the V8 turbo is a design classic. Shook proof and water resistant. The innovative LED light chip lasts for up to 100,000 hours making this the ultimate key ring accessory.


If all of the flashlights produced by Zweibrüder Optoelectronics in Germany, who are behind LED Lenser, are of the same quality as this little light that was given to me by a representative of the British agents at the show mentioned then one cannot go wrong investing in one or more of their flashlights.

This small little light designed, theoretically, to be carried as a key ring attachment, really packs an unbelievable punch as regards to brightness and distance of beam and does make an ideal small light to add to anyone's survival kits and such. The only disadvantage, I guess, is the fact that the batteries are not one of the common garden variety but rather button batteries of the type mentioned in the specifications. However, the little unit given to me not only came fitted with a set of batteries but had a spare set included in the blister pack as well. That should at least provide somewhere in the region of 500 hours of light.

Reviewed by Michael Veshengro Smith ©

PRODUCT REVIEW - TU 05 "BELT KNIFE"

PRODUCT REVIEW

Toerags Untility Equipment T.R.U.E.
TU 05 "BELT KNIFE"

Toerags LTD
8a Wharfdale Road

Service Rd

Westbourne

Bournemouth

Dorset BH4 9BT

England

Tel: +44 (0)1202 766333


info@toerags.com
www.toerags.com













The term "Belt Knife" for this little 2-inch liner-lock folder with one-hand opening stud on the blade and steel clothing clip may be somewhat of a wrong and exaggerated term but, folks, I did not name it thus, the manufacturers did. The name, obviously, stems from the ideas that the knife would be attached by means of the clothing clip to a belt and worn thus via the clip, I find, being rather strong, works best on clothing, like the watch pocket of a pair of jeans, for instance.

First of I should also say that I did not receive this little blade from the manufacturer for review purposes but, actually, purchased it. This is no big deal really at only £6.99 in a store near my home. I had seen the T.R.U.E. range in their window display for some time and had intended for some time to buy one of those little blades just for the heck of it, so to speak. I am glad I did.

I cannot tell the reader where the blade and knife was actually made as no manufacturing country is given. All it says on the blade is "stainless". However, for the price it is a very well-made little piece of kit. The blade is a Bowie-style hollow ground that take a nice keen edge and it appears to sharpen up best on a steel than anything else. The handles appear to be brushed aluminum with rubber inlays. No rivets have been used throughout instead the blade pivots on a screw rivet that also holds the clothing clip, which means that it can be retightened should this be necessary, and the scales are held on also with small Hex screws recessed into the scales. There is no wobble in the blade and the liner lock holds very solid indeed. Seeing that the slots of the main screw rivet had the marks of a screwdriver having been used I would assume that those knives are actually hand-assembled and checked.

The knife comes in a cardboard "presentation" box with a 10-year warranty and I can only say that I am rather impressed, and I do not impress easily, with this little blade. I am currently putting it thru its paces in using it here and there at work and elsewhere. Already out of the box the edge on the knife was not bad at all but with a little help on a smooth carborundum stone and a an old style steel it got even better.

All-in-all, having now had the occasion to wear and use it regularly I can say that it is a useful little blade and comes in handy for many tasks, especially seeing its one-hand opening facility.

© Veshengro 2005

Put a Light in your Cabin

The humble Bottle Lamp, the one that you make for yourself from scrap, is probably one of the easiest and cheapest ways to put some light into the darkness, whether that is in your home during a power outage or in a cabin or cave. It is also something that the homesteader who needs to be frugal but needs some extra lights can make use of. At the same time one recycles old glass jars and short squat glass bottles.

Some vendors of survival goods and equipment do sell what I would call a 'glass jar' with a wick, which burns lamp-oil, and call it
a "survival candle", but those things ain't no candles as such at all; they really are nothing but bottle lamps. And bottle lamps you don't bother to go out and buy and spend good hard-earned dollars on; you make 'em yourself.

In other places similar lamps were used in days gone by, and in some case that ain't even that long ago as in the case of the homesteads, the squats, and outstations, in the outback of the big island continent of Australia. There the Bushmen (in no way to be confused with the Bushmen of South Africa) used to use such lamps in various ways and they were known among some of them as "slush lamps". I have made such a small lamp from and empty (obvious, you say) glass bottle (see picture) that contained once an orange drink called "Orangina" and have used it on many an occasion when the light went out or when I was living in places without electricity. But there are also various other small bottles with metal screw top lids that you could use and which are equally suitable for conversion into a bottle lamp. The metal screw top is important, though if you haven't got one on the bottle then that isn't the end of the world yet either but I'll come back to that one later on.

The little bottle lamp that I made for myself took about ten minutes to make, and no more than that, after I had drunk the drink and cleaned and dried it. I made a hole in the center of the metal screw top and fitted a hollow rivet into it and afterwards I made a wick for it from a strip from an old 100% cotton T-shirt. It does work. You can use kerosene, JP4 high-grade aviation fuel as that used by helicopters, coal oil, lamp oil like citronella and such, as well as liquid paraffin. If you find a little glass jar or a bottle that is nice and suitable to be made into a bottle lamp but it hasn't got a metal screw top then don't despair. Use a 2p coin (that is a British copper coin of 1inch diameter) or a metal disc of similar size and especially one that fits well over the neck of the bottle in question, drill a whole thru the center, put your homemade wick thru this hole and, using this coin or metal disc in place of the metal screw top, your little lamp is ready to light your home.

Only small bottles can be used for making bottle lamps. The wick cannot draw the kerosene up from, for instance, the depth of a big bottle such as a wine or whiskey one. Ideally the bottle should be short and squat; no more than 5 ½ to 6 inches high and the wider, e.g. the squatter, the better. Whiskey pocket flask, the so-called quarter bottles, that can often been found laying about having been thrown away by some wino, are fine in height but their bases are too small and you would have to make something into which you could firmly "plant" the bottle so it won't fall over once it is alight.

The Walking Stick


"What d'you want to talk about walking sticks for?" You ask. "I don't have problems with walking and I am not some old guy, am I now", you say. That may be so but a third leg while hiking comes in very handy how ever old or young you are.


A walking stick is, however, very useful indeed even if you can walk well and are still young. How many of you, when playing around in the woods and especially when going on a walk or hike there have not picked up a dead branch laying on the ground or taken from a standing tree or have even cut a sapling in order to use as a walking stick? Most of you, I should think. So you already know how useful as stick can be as an aid in walking and hiking, whether on smooth ground or traversing rough terrain and making a hike easier and much more fun. A purpose made walking stick is even better still than one that has been quickly improvised. Therefore we are here this time talking about making walking sticks and the various kinds of those. Some time ago we talked about making a quarterstaff like the old Boy Scout Staff and this time we will be talking about the somewhat shorter walking and hiking sticks and staffs. Those are sticks that are still nearly as useful as the Boy Scout Staff, the Quarterstaff, only they do not make people in town and subdivisions give you strange looks. They still can be used as a formidable weapon if necessary but what we want to concern ourselves first and foremost here is for their use as third leg.

My most favorite walking stick is probably one of my thumb sticks, very closely followed by my knobkerrie made from Ash wood.

A little history of the walking stick

From the very earliest days people traveling on foot thru wild and inhospitable places would have used sticks picked up from the wayside hedges to support and protect themselves. In places where wild animals, bandits and outlaws roamed, a stout stick provided a useful weapon, while on uneven terrain it could provide a good and strong support. Such a stick did not need to be anything fancy and decorated; a stout, straightish, branch pulled from a tree, or found on the ground often was enough, but for the traveler it was crucial.

Early travelers sticks were long stout staffs, unlike the short walking sticks that are common today. Only such a stick could provide adequate protection against assailants along the road. The short stick was only adopted when road travel became safer. Country people adopted the fashion of the shorter walking stick not for protection (?) but as aids when walking, so the historians claim. I personally though do not agree with this belief by the historians. The shorter walking stick was adopted because of restrictions being encountered over the use of the Quarterstaff, which the long stout staff was being classed as in the 17th and 18th Century and therefore as a weapon and, the country people not wanting to be without their sticks and staffs reduced the size of those and passed them for "canes". All such sticks were made by the people themselves from locally found woods such as ash, beech, applewood, cherry, blackthorn, oak, and others.

Even though a walking stick or hiking staff may not be a real necessity for survival and backwoods living they are, as mentioned, very useful in various ways and to make good walking sticks and hiking staffs and knobkerries are good projects to undertake during the long winter evenings.

Veshengro