Urban Survival by the Area 51 Guy
MIB
[info]ticom
http://freesleeping.blogspot.com/

Adventures in Hacking Invisible Worlds
MIB
[info]ticom
I went down to the local ham store and techie hangout today. It's a little place behind the owner's residence, and while there is a decent-sized sign out in front you probably wouldn't think of stopping in there. Yet this very place is my first stop when I'm looking for something unusual and often I either find what I'm looking for or get a very good lead towards finding it. Their primary business is not ham radio-related and the only consistent time they are open to the public is Saturday morning for about three hours. In those three hours however you see more old-school techies than you ever will attending a year's worth of 2600 Meetings.

I started working again on the Hacking Invisible Worlds concept again. Looks like we may see a book in the not too distant future... I haven't visited (REDACTED) in a few months and figured it was about time, so I called "JR" and found out he was open today. I drive down, walk inside, and after the usual greeting ritual with the other "regulars", start looking around to see what new stuff came in since my last visit. Even with Ebay and other online venues for offloading one's surplus, the old school techies of the area still go to (REDACTED) to get rid of their excess stuff. I noticed a cardboard box that had some TV tuners, other assorted circuit boards, and some rather extensive documentation in it. Curious, I start investigating further. TV tuners are useful items in themselves, but after examining the docs and other boards I quickly realize that I had stumbled across one of these, albeit partially completed. A quick consultation with "JR" and I soon found out that the price was right. The box went home with me.

A spectrum analyzer is one of the primary tools for hacking invisible worlds, and the second piece of equipment you should buy after a good wide-band receiver setup.

Walk at Black Rock Lake in Thomaston, CT
MIB
[info]ticom
Took the family for a quick walk at Black Rock Lake in Thomaston this afternoon after work, and saw this fellow in a puddle on the trail.
Read more... )

From the Dutchman
MIB
[info]ticom
http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/2009/06/cyber-communications-control-halt.html

Is it safe?
MIB
[info]ticom
http://smallestminority.blogspot.com/2009/06/security-theater.html

Field Day
MIB
[info]ticom
Field Day is this weekend!

http://www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/

"ARRL Field Day is the most popular on-the-air operating event in amateur radio. On the fourth full weekend in June, tens of thousands of amateur radio operators gather for a public demonstration of our service. Field Day is part educational event, part operating event, part public relations event – and ALL about FUN!

Amateur radio is about knowledge and growth. It is a hobby and service that truly offers “something for everyone.” Amateur Radio embraces both the old and new. While CW may no longer be a testing element, it is still a strong and favorite operating mode for many. Tens of thousands of operators are embracing digital technologies, from RTTY to newer digital modes like PSK31 and Olivia. Phone operation, probably the largest segment of the hobby, also has new frontiers to be explored with digitized voice, VOIP, and IRLP. And this is why Field Day – the largest annual on-the-air operating event – is so exciting. It gives all – the old timer and the newcomer, the brass-pounder and the computer assisted operator – the chance to share and teach the broad range of modes and technologies we find in our hobby.

Field Day is truly the time in which we bring amateur radio to Main Street USA. By setting up in parking lots, malls, Emergency Operations Centers, parks and even at home, amateur operators learn skills that will allow them to better serve their communities. Setting up in these public venues gives added public relations value – their friends and neighbors can see and experience the fun and public service capability that their “ham radio” neighbors bring to the community."

NYFD
MIB
[info]ticom

Coda
MIB
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Read more... )

 


The Lone Wolf
MIB
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No man can cut out new paths in company. He does that alone.”

- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

The creator lives for himself. He needs no other men. His primary goal is within himself”

- Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

All things considered, after studying preparedness and watching the rise and fall of many survivalist groups and so-called “militia units” over the past twenty years, I advocate a Lone Wolf survivalist philosophy. This means that your core group consists of you, your significant other (if you have one), and perhaps your parents and siblings if they think along the same lines as you and you are so inclined to include them. The majority of the rest of the population you deal with as a trader1 in that the context of the relationship is businesses-oriented, the mutual beneficial trade of products and services. Friends fall into a category somewhere between the two, depending on how close the friend is, but it still comes down to you and your family if you have one.

In many ways, the Lone Wolf philosophy is superior to that of being in a group, as it is better suited for the gradual decline that has been the current trend for decades. You basically choose your own path, and can rise to your own level without interference from group think. Lone wolves are free from the stagnation and loss of focus that all too often occurs with survival groups after a couple years when the much-heralded total collapse fails to occur within the group majority's arbitrary and hazy time line.

Read more... )

Fifteen Years Ago..
MIB
[info]ticom
Holy shit. Can't believe it was that long ago.
http://www.2600.com/offthehook/mp3files/1994/072794.mp3

"Thomas Icom talks about intercepting pager traffic and demonstrates different types of pagers."

Notes
MIB
[info]ticom
Been watching the events in Iran with much interest, and taking notes in the event a similar situation unfolds over here. Unlike some other countries, however, it is far easier for Americans to make the necessary preparations provided they wake up and take note of that peculiar smell before it's too late.
  • Get yourself a shortwave receiver and a police scanner suitable for your location. These are going to be your best sources of news and information if when the grid goes down.
  • Get some secure (read: encrypted) communications equipment so you can stay in touch with fellow travelers if when the grid goes down. The bad guys will be monitoring the airwaves (SIGINT), so why make it any easier on them?
  • Useful items such as night vision gear, gas masks, and body armor are readily available now. Get them while you can. You're going to need this stuff.
  • Thirty caliber is the way to go with your primary rifle, even if you just get a $125 Mosin-Nagant. You will need to have better range and penetration than what .223/5.56mm and pistol calibers offer.

Writing Tools
MIB
[info]ticom
http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/06/toolbox_writingplanning_tools.html

Sensor Pack 900
MIB
[info]ticom

http://www.adafruit.com/blog/2009/06/21/adafruit-sensor-pack-900/

Very educational.

SIGINT News
MIB
[info]ticom
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/13/europe39s-telecoms-aid-with-spy-tech/?feat=article_top10_read

http://www.survivalblog.com/2009/06/letter_re_cuban_spy_ring_arres.html

http://www.survivalblog.com/2009/06/going_the_extra_mile_in_amateu.html

MIT Flea Visit
MIB
[info]ticom
Worked at DogSolitude late last night. Decided this morning that despite the rain we were still going to the flea. Came into Cambridge right around Noon. Light drizzle, but the parking garage was still packed with attendees and vendors. Lots of interesting stuff, but nothing made its way home with me. [info]lakota_hecate and the Contessa were more successful. We met up with a fellow former l0pht member and his family, took a stroll, and had lunch at Harvard Square. Place hasn't changed much in the 12 years since I lived in Boston.

The MIT flea generally has a pretty good selection of interesting tech to make it a worthwhile visit if you live within a couple hours of Boston. So far this season has been especially fecund. Next one is July 19th.

http://www.mitflea.com/
http://w1mx.mit.edu/flea-at-mit

The Flea
MIB
[info]ticom
MIT Hamfest is tomorrow.
http://www.mitflea.com/
UPDATE: Weather forecast indicates 70% chance of rain.

A Rifleman Went to War
MIB
[info]ticom


There was one copy at Harrisburg today. Book vendor there said that as of late the title has all of the sudden become very popular.

Been a while since I read it. Started re-reading it at the show today. This one is a must-have.

Unfortunately there are no copies for sale here this weekend, but you should still stop by and visit. Good selection of firearms, ammo, and tactical gear here.

On Scene: Harrisburg, PA Gun Show
MIB
[info]ticom
We pulled the van into the building and opened the door to Hank Williams, Jr telling us "A Country Boy Can Survive". By far one of the easiest shows I ever set up. Kudos to the promoter!

About half of the vendors were set up by the time we left last night, and from what I saw up to that point it's going to be an awesome show!

Come visit us:
http://www.maacpsse.com/maac.html

Morning Muse
MIB
[info]ticom
‘It is enough,’ he said. ‘Go, children of the Lenape, the anger of the Manitou is not done. Why should Tamenund stay? The pale faces are masters of the earth, and the time of the red men has not yet come again. My day has been too long. In the morning I saw the sons of Unamis happy and strong; and yet, before the night has come, have I lived to see the last warrior of the wise race of the Mohicans.’
- James Fenimore Cooper, The Last of the Mohicans

FYI
MIB
[info]ticom
http://community.livejournal.com/peakoil_prep/124749.html

Noticed a few LJ friends are there. Peak oil is not high on my list, so to speak, but suggest the rest of you check it out too. Lot of applicability across the board.

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