What if you get stuck in the wilderness (jungle or urban) and you don’t have compass? How would you find north? WikiHow shows you how to find true North – without a compass. They cover a number of methods, from the shadow tip (observing the shadow on a stick), using an analog watch, and using the stars and the moon at night. It’s good to practice these methods and get it right – before you need it.
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Despite the continuing media coverage of 9/11, and two major hurricanes last year (Katrina and Rita), most American cities and states remain unprepared for catastrophes, says the Homeland Security Department.
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What happens when you can no longer go to your favourite DIY shop and buy a spare part? Well, you make your own parts. Having your own machine shop doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Dan Delcolo shows us how to assemble a $200 machine shop.
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The first storm of 2006 has been named, and Tropical Storm Alberto is already heading towards Florida with 70 mph winds. Scientists have predicted the 2006 season could produce as many as 16 named storms, six of them major hurricanes.

Make sure your disaster prep is ready, and good luck!
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Burning Man is an annual experiment in temporary community dedicated to radical self-expression and radical self-reliance. This year, it will be held in the Black Rock Desert, 120 miles north of Reno, Nevada from Monday, August 28th to Monday, September 4th. If you’re planning to go this year, the organizers have some advice for you.
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What happens when you run out of bullets, and you need to hunt? Why not learn how to make your own bow? This project at Instructables teaches you how to make a bow for under 20 bucks. You need a minimum amount of materials and tools.
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This is my current EDC (every day carry) as of 6/6/06. Left to right:
- Palm Treo 650 smartphone in a Vaja leather case
- whistle
- 6 feet of 550 paracord
- Victorinox Pioneer Swiss Army Knife
- Fenix L1T 3-Watt LED Flashlight
- NITE Tritium Glow Ring
- Arc AAA Keychain LED Flashlight
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We’ve already shown you how to make an ultralight pack – now how about a making messenger bag? Blogger federico (who is a biker) has great diagrams, instructions and photos on how to make your own.
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The availability of safe drinking water could mean the difference between life and death. The SteriPEN UV Water Purifier uses ultraviolet light to rid drinking water of bacteria and other dangerous elements without the need for chemicals, boiling or other harsh treatments.
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The Finer Edge is an online magazine dedicated to knives. Published monthly, this magazine is offered in PC (.exe) and PDF formats. The June issue has just been released and it features articles on the Spyderco Schempp collaboration, Bill Moran, Ed de Pauw, Rick Dunkerley, The Solingen Knife Show, and a Products Worth Mentioning Section. It also has knife gallery with lots of beautiful pictures.
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