Category Archives: go-bags

What do these two technologies have in common?

What is/are the relationship(s) between the technologies pictured here? We’re not trying to be unfair, so we’ll explain that one image is of a pilot climbing into an F-16, and the other is of a whistle.

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They differences, of course, are intuitive: The F-16, while still being manufactured for export to selected countries, is no longer being purchased by the United States military, but those still in service are intended to remain in service until 2025, which speaks volumes about the complexity of military aircraft design and the consequent length of the design cycle. The F-16 is unquestionably a weapons system or platform: there are many cofigurations of armament, electronic countermeasure, complex IFF systems (“Identify Friend or Foe,” an automated means of reducing friendly fire incidents on the one hand, and thereby permitting faster action by pilots who are, by using IFF, at less risk of accidentally attacking an ally, a colleague, perhaps even a friend and comrade); training is complex and demanding; because of its complexity and maneuvering ability, the F-16 is unforgiving of error.

The whistle, the WW-3 Res-Q™ Whistle, has a single function: to call for help and direct help towards the signaler (so perhaps two related functions), and its characteristics include:

  • Loud, shrill, dual tone audible from great distance
  • Unique flat design prevents holding water
  • Required by SOLAS 83
  • Meets USCG/SOLAS requirements
  • Aids in land or sea rescues
  • Use on life jackets, vests, foul weather gear, ring buoys, rafts, keychains, etc.
  • Developed for the U.S. Navy; used by NASA, major airlines and shipping companies
  • Complete with 18-inch (45.5 cm) lanyard

Its only safety defect is its greatest virtue: users and persons near them may experience discomfort or transient hearing loss because it is so loud. It’s simple to operate; as Lauren Bacall said in the film Key Largo,

“If you want me just whistle. You know how to whistle don’t you? Just put your lips together and blow.”

Lauren Bacall, The Complete Films of Humphrey Bogart; found at  Lauren Bacall Quotes Page, via GoodReads.com

So what do they have in common?

  1. The same parent company, Cobham plc, makes both components and subsystems for the F-16 and other very complicated pieces of tech costing millions of dollars, as well as the Res-Q-Whistle, which often retails for under $3 USD. It’s hard to imagine that there’s much of an economic motive for Cobham in selling these whistles, but we’re glad they have them on the market.
  2. The pilot stepping into the F-16 probably has the Res-Q-Whistle in his survival gear which, because its most likely use is after ejection and parachuting and consequently has carefully rationed space, says something about the perceived value of the whistle. Insofar as we know, the $2 whistle must be purchased separately, and is not included in the price of the more expensive F-16 subsystems and accessories.

 

Thanks to RFCafe.com for providing the link which led to this piece.

Toolmonger: go-bags, emergency supplies and tool storage

Toolmongerhas an excellent discussion – don’t just read the post, read the comments, Toolmonger’s  readers are an outstanding crowd – about the best ways to store and transport tools.  Box vs. Bag: How Do You Carry Your Tools?  This discussion is easily applicable to go-bags, or any emergency supplies for emergency response, evacuation, or rebuilding. The same storage principles are useful for paramedics, electricians or soldiers: if perfect, the result is the right tools for a given set of tasks, as light as possible, and easily accessible. Of course, it’s impossible to predict every possible problem – but that makes it even more useful to have sets of tools pre-arranged per task.

 

Apple, Blackberry, and Classical Physics

In “The World Will Not End, and Other Predictions for 2012,”  I wrote “Apple and IBM will continue to thrive. Microsoft will grow, slightly. Dell and HP will thrash. A share of Apple, which sold for $11 in December, 2001, and $380 in Dec. 2011, will sell for $480 in Dec. 2012.”

Apple has already spiked to 427.75. If I’m proven wrong it may be because I underestimated Apple’s projected future value.

What about Research in Motion, RIMM? They invented mobile e-mail, with the first “Blackberry” in ’98 or ’99. When you got paged, you could write a response, send it, and it would be received almost immediately. It was tied to email, integrated with Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Notes. I remember it well. As a database administrator on Wall Street I carried one for two years. In my current professional role I have carried one for six and managed a Blackberry Enterprise Server, along with other servers. In the late 90’s it was basically a pager with a keyboard and software that did e-mail. Today, you can also take pictures, browse the web – gives new meaning to the word ‘crawl’-  listen to music, make phone calls.

But what will be the value of Research in Motion next year? Still around $8.5 B? Down to $6.2 B? Back up to about $30 B? If they don’t change, I imagine the value will be $4.0 to $6.0 B, or they will be a division of another company, such as AT&T, NorTel, Winstream, HP, or a private equity firm.

Here’s the basic financial data on the companies:

Basic Data on Apple and Research in Motion
Stock Price Mkt Cap EPS P/E 52 Wk Low 52 Wk High
AAPL 419.81 390.18 27.67 15.17 310.5 427.75
RIMM 16.17 8.47 4.24 3.81 12.45 70.54
Table 1

At first glance the company looks like a tremendous investment: RIMM is a $8.7 Billion company with no debt, earns $4.24 per share (EPS), has a Net Profit Margin of 17.13, and the stock only costs $16.17 per share (as of close of trading Friday, January 13, 2012). The ratio of stock price to earnings (P/E) is 3.81. Their network is secure and robust. A Blackberry handheld should be on the belt of every first responder. They are lighter and probably as secure, more reliable, more robust than the Motorola units carried today, and they also do instant messaging, virtually instant e-mail, and come with a built-in camera. They don’t belong in your “go-bag;” they belong on your belt.

At second glance, an analyst put the intrinsic value at $22.00 per share or $12 billion (up from $16 per share and $8.7 Billion) saying “the network is worth $12.50 per share, their patents are worth $7.50 per share, and they have $2.00 per share in the bank.

Compare this to Apple. A $390 Billion company, Apple has no debt, EPS of 27.67, NPM of 23.95, and the stock only costs 419.81 per share. The P/E is 15.17.  Apple also makes an instant communications device, but it doesn’t have it’s own network. Research in Motion does. So if the AT&T, Verizon, or other network is down you will still be able to send a “PIN to PIN,” “BBM” or E-Mail with a Blackberry, but not with an iPhone. On the other hand, there is an iPhone app that turns the camera flash into a flashlight.

These are summarized in Table 1, “Basic Data,” above and Table 2 “Other Financial Information,” below. (Note: all data are from Google).

Other Financial Information
Debt to Assets Return on Avg Assets Net Profit Margin
AAPL 0 27.06 23.95
RIMM 0 29.56 17.13
Table 2

The data also show that Apple, with a price of $419.81 is close to it’s historic 52-week high of $427.75, while, at $16.17 RIMM is close to it’s historic 52-week low of $12.45. Looking at the chart from last year, Apple was steady from January to July (and you could have lost money by investing in it at $360 in January and selling at $310 in July) but increased after July. Research in Motion, on the other hand, dropped pretty steadily from February 17, 2011 to December 20, 2011.

What’s next for APPLE and Research in Motion? What was it that Newton said? “A body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.” I have a lot of confidence in Apple. It’s in motion. Rumors about the iPad 3 are that it will be lighter, faster, and have better graphics. They will make improvements on the iPads, iPhones, iPods, iMacs, Mac Books, iOS, OS X, the applications software, and who knows, they may even get Apple TV right this year. (They will, sooner or later.)  As far as Research In Motion; some of their products – the Blackberry hand-helds and Blackberry Enterprise Server software are terrific. However, I would have a lot more confidence in the company’s future if I was an “Outside force” hired to act upon the body. (I would also kill to work at APPLE.)

Lifehacker: 10 must-haves for Tech Friendly Go-Bags

We very much like Whitson Gordon’s  Top 10 Gadgets You Should Have In Your Go Bag – it’s certainly an outstanding and well-reasoned Go-Bag list for a tech-savvy person who has to relocate. We’d only add what not only belongs in every go-bag – but, as the 9/11 Commission recommended, the one always-carry item for everyone ought to be a compact,  rugged, LED flashlight. Here are some excerpts – with our additions and comments:

10. Cable Shorteners of the biggest annoyances the traveling geek encounters is a tornado of tangled cables in her backpack. If you need to neatly organize your cables, grab some cable shorteners like the stylish, cheap Applecores. MacBook users will also love the Quirky PowerCurl wrapper for their AC adapter (though make sure you’re wrapping that cord correctly), and a simple binder clip makes a dandy headphone wrapper for the traveling music junkie.

In our experience, the weakest link in cable systems are delicate connectors at the ends of cables – particularly the spring-clips on RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors, and recent experiences with micro-USB connected have led us to believe that the best practice for storing and transporting cables is not only wrapped for shortening, but also in containers to protect the integrity of connectors and cable.

 

 

I’ve had good luck with

Cool Tools "Everyday Carry" (EDC) contest

Everyday Carry Contest on Kevin Kelly’s Cool Tools. This is what we might refer to as “”A” gear (always with you), even more critical than what you might keep in a “go-bag,” particularly if you don’t drive everywhere.

The tools you have with you are the ones that are going to get used, and so it is with great pleasure that we are announcing our newest contest seeking the best everyday carry (EDC) tools. The diversity of tools that people carry with them whether on keychains, in pockets and/or bags never ceases to astonish. From Moleskines to Leathermen, and flashlights to Buffs, the shear number of tools we have to choose from is overwhelming. That’s where you come in. Send us reviews of your everyday carry tools, and explain why they have made the cut. There is no limit to how many you can include, and feel free to submit EDC tools from specific situations like camping or biking. Just remember every tool should be reviewed with the following five parts in mind: 1) a succinct description of what the tool is, 2) how it changed your behavior, 3) why Cool Tools should run the item, 4) why it is superior to other things, and 5) why we should believe you. Submissions will be accepted until Tuesday, April 19th. As usual, the author of the most publishable review gets to select a prize from the Prize Pool and will be published the following week. So tell us all about the tools you have with you when it counts! via Cool Tools.

We note that “EDC” is a new term for us – we’re used to the U.S. military “A” gear (never left out of arm’s reach during operations), which “EDC” sounds close to – and of course the “go-bag,” A/K//A the Bug-Out Bag, the “Diddi Mau” bag (Vietnamese for, in effect, “leave without delay,”) and other synonyms.

Trunk Organizer/Storage Bin – usable as go-bag/jump bag from Lee Valley Tools

Lee Valley is offering this Trunk Organizer/Storage Bin for only $13.50 (USD).  My personal experience with Lee Valley has always been good.

Lee Valley Trunk Organizer/Storage Bin

From Lee Valley’s description:

This is a product anyone can use. We designed this soft-sided interpretation of the ubiquitous milk crate after finding similar products to be overpriced or poorly executed. This one has hinged rigid panels to give the sidewalls support, while allowing the two-compartment container to collapse into a compact 3″ thick bundle, making it easy to store (and easy for us to ship!).

Made from a tough woven polyester, it has padded handles and piped edges, and measures 23-1/2″x13″x7-1/2″ when open. The coated interior surface helps to contain any spills, and makes it easy to clean. It is ideal for use in a car or truck, holding all sorts of items to keep them from sliding or rolling around as you drive, particularly for keeping grocery bags upright. In the home, it?s as useful as a basket for both storage and transport of anything from woodshop offcuts to children?s toys.

via Trunk Organizer/Storage Bin – Lee Valley Tools.

Some caveats: There’s no lid, so it’s either got to end up on the top of things – or at least without anything on top of it.  On the  other hand – for quick hauling of anything – perhaps to and from a  vehicle, or other hastily assembled packages, one or more might do well kept in their folded state.  My calculations suggest about 2291 cubic inches; corrections or confirmations from readers welcome.

And here are some additional images:

BAGGU

BAGGU. – sturdy bags which fold into minuteness; not designed for hauling large loads over long distances; but kept within a go-bag – an easy way to have a reserve carrying capacity.

We’ve only bought the one  – and so haven’t subjected it to a testing-the-limits regimen.But ours has been holding up well..

StatPacks Clearance Sale

StatPacks Clearance Sale: a wide selection of StatPacks paramedic and other responder bags – from the larger (largest?) Manager, marked down from $300 to $150 – down to smaller modules.

Good deals – and from what we’ve seen of StatPacks – for reasons not clear to us, other brands seem to dominate the market in New York – they’re very sturdy.

Be careful about drawing inferences about New York’s purchasing policies. Please recall that on September 11th, 2001, our firefighters went into the Twin Towers with radios known to have been defective by municipal authorities and the manufacturer.

StatPacks clearance sale – with free shipping for domestic customers until June 30th.

Unplggd/Apartment Therapy: 5 flashlights

Unplggd has a flashlight roundup

– several are plugin-constant standby – one solar powered, one hand-cranked. All worth a look. However, I’m not giving away my Safe-Light anytime soon , and in fact have been considering purchasing them in bulk. Have done some stupid things – like drive long distances without a flashlight or jumper cables – but I change batteries about once a year.

They’ve got a number of variations on the same idea – if you’re going to carry one, though, I’d recommend The Safe-Light Super Bright With Coloured LED- in red – as the best way to see and

maintain your night vision in an emergency.

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ChannelLock 6-in-1 emergency tool

From the indispensable folks at Popular Mechanics. Seems worth having in a go-bag. Since we’re of the belief that “go” should be organized in groups, with great attention paid to weight – we’re reluctant to suggest one in every go bag – but one or two in every group seems sounds.

The six features are:

  • side-cutting electrician pliers. According to Popular Mechanics, “Cut into both its jaws is a heavy-duty cross hatching that grips with a vengeance.” That is, powerful pliers, and

  • wire-cutting capability

  • gas shut-off wrench – and on the same handle

  • a pry bar.

  • On the opposite handle, a spanner wrench and

  • a glass punch for breaking through car windows

Channellock 6-N-1 Rescue Tool from Popular Mechanics’ Best of the 2008 National Hardware Show. by Roy Berendsohn.

Kevin Kelly on Mosquito Netting

In watching the deluge in the Midwest, I’m remembering a description of the post-Katrina proliferation of dragonflies – a fortuitous turn that stopped the mosquito population from getting out of control. One robust response is mosquito netting, and this piece is from his excellent blog Cool Tools:

I hate mosquitoes. Serious gut-tightening allergic aversion. One bite at night and I am awake for hours, and I’ll itch for days. They’ll always find me, too. I’ve learned to ignore what natives say; there are mosquitoes around, and they do bite. When I travel in any remotely warm place, I pack my own mosquito netting. It weighs only a few ounces and can scrunch up small. It’s cheap, and lasts forever. I’m still using one I bought 30 years ago for $2. I like the boxy four-cornered variety to fit over a bed or sleeping bag. I tie a 6-foot long string to each corner; that usually enables me to attach the string somewhere to keep the net elevated at night. I tie it to trees if I am camping without a tent.

I haven’t figured out why more people don’t pack their own. Mine has saved my life more than once. Mostly by allowing me to sleep soundly, but also because with it I avoid mosquito-borne diseases in areas they are common. Studies have shown that sleeping in a net is more effective at preventing malaria than taking prophylactic drugs. I insist my family use netting while we travel in the heat overseas. A quick search led me to Coleman as the least expensive source for a one-person camp-style box net.

I’m afraid that mosquito netting may be added to the list of things that FEMA won’t provide – although if FEMA puts itself out of business by zeroing out that list, we’ll be forced to address the issue – federally and otherwise.

"Moflow" water pack from Polarpak via Boing Boing Gadgets

From Boing Boing Gadgets:

The “Moflow” water pack from Polarpak looks like a traditional back-mounted water carrier, but the inclusion of an air pump adds two useful features: you don’t have to suck on a hose to get a sip of water, as biting on the tip gives you a blast of pressurized liquid; the air pressure in the reservoir helps keep the water from sloshing around. You can add a shower head attachment as well for a little backwoods rinse down.It looks like a wonderful addition to the standard design, but I’d worry that the little hand pump, which isn’t integrated into the system, would be easily lost.

It’s selling at a suggested $32, but you’ll still need to purchase a backpack with a standard hydration pack slot.

polarpak_moflow.jpg

Product Page [PolarPak.com]

From Joel Johnson  at Boing Boing Gadgets .

The existence of a “standard hydration pack slot” is, in our view, a very helpful innovation, and we’d like to know who came up with it. We hope to start reviewing light packs with these slots as candidates for g0-bags/jump bags – and the presence hydration slot should count for a lot.

Go-Bags – several lists and thoughtful comments from Jim McDonald

has an interesting and practical post about go-bags – it’s an annotation and exegesis of lists he’s posted on his Emergency Kits page. Here’s McDonald’s explanation of his “Urban Bag”:

Urban bag

If you’re just going away for a little while, or you only need to get home from the office, and you’re in a built-up area, this has the supplies you need. If you can grab nothing else, grab this one. If you only have ten seconds, grab this one.

(Along with what’s in your pockets. I assume some pocket change, subway tokens, a pocket knife, ID, and so on.)

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