HOW TO BUILD A TORNADO SHELTER AS EXPLAINED BY OTHER PEOPLE (NOT ME)

I am not an expert at evading tornado dangers, but I do know that, like many of you, I want to be. So I've compiled a list of resources to help us both achieve maximum tornado safety with the minimum amount of work.

You can boil down the Tornado/Storm Shelter into two basic groups: A) Your basic homemade installation and B) professional prefabricated units. The first may be cheaper and more attractive, but the second route is probably easier pending your cash situation.

It should be noted that I am not an expert. I cannot and do not vouch for the accuracy or safety of any of the options presented here. It's merely a list compiled to help you research the right solution for your specific needs.

A) Here are some hints, tips and plans to build your own shelter:

OFFICIAL FEMA safe room construction plans from FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm by FEMA.gov

How to build a tornado shelter by DoItYourself.com

How to build your own 10x6 storm shelter/safe room for under $2,000 by the SurvivalistBlog.net

How to build a low cost Earthbag tornado shelter by the NaturalBuildingBlog.com

B) Here are some sources of prefab units, most made in the USA:

FamilySAFE Shelters
Purveyors of steel above and below ground tornado shelters.

SECUREALL Tornado and Hurricane Shelters
Suppliers of steel aboveground safe rooms.

Cozy Caverns Storm Shelters
Manufacturers of custom full steel below ground shelters.

The Refuge by Fiberglass Creations, Inc.
Manufacturers of fiberglass below ground shelters.

Tornado Master Severe Weather Shelters
Producers of above and below steel or concrete shelters.

Survive-a-Storm Storm Shelters and Tornado Shelters
Builders of steel above and below ground residential storm shelters, survival bunkers, community safe rooms and bulletproof panic rooms.

Flat Safe Tornado Shelters
Makers of flat lid, in floor shelters made from hot dip galvanized steel or Fiber Reinforced Plastic/Polymer.


Verdict: Heads down and spirits up. Good luck out there, people.



Image: US Air Guard responds to Moore, Ok Tornado via US Air Force Material Command.

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DISCOVERIES: THE ALL-NEW 2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 ALL TERRAIN 4x4

This is America. In America, we love trucks.

And, as an American, I am officially duty bound to love trucks, too. None more than the all-new 2014 GMC Sierra All Terrain. (Much to the detriment of his marriage... -ed.)

To the standard - and completely revamped - GMC Sierra platform, the All Terrain ups the ante with loads of off-road hardware. We're talking functional stuff, like on upgraded Z71 off-road suspension with Rancho® Tenneco shocks, Hill Descent Control, front recovery hooks, an automatic locking rear differential and a comprehensive transfer case shield - not to mention, beefy 18-inch wheels wrapped in meaty, red-blooded off-road tires.

Style-wise, like all lawyers, I tend to judge a book by it's power tie, so the dapper HID/LED headlights, exclusive available ebony interior and unique exterior appearance package don't disappoint.

No, the All Terrain is not as stupid dramatic as the Ford Raptor or the Ram Power Wagon, but it also doesn't look quite as stupid rolling up to lucrative Client lunches... which definitely makes it tops in my roster.

'Merica.

Proud byproduct of Flint, Michigan/Roanoke, Indiana.

Verdict: The 2014 GMC Sierra All Terrain is all over my mind... And I like it.

Image Ref: GM News, © General Motors.

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REVIEW: LIBERTY BOTTLEWORKS

They don’t teach you this in law school but proper hydration is the first step to success... whether in the field or the courtroom.

Given that it’s unfashionable (and unsustainable) to tote around a vending machine twenty-ouncer and that there are too many re-usable of bottles to choose from, how do you find something that stands out? BPA-free is a given these days, but then what?

Help is on the way.

How about an American-made, 100% aluminum bottle that comes in hundreds of styles? How about one with a lifetime warranty that can be recycled when you finally wear it out? How about one made by a company that donates time and money to organizations like the National Park Service and Keep America Beautiful?

That’d be Liberty Bottleworks.

24 ounces of "hells, yeah."

These aluminum bottles will set you apart from the hordes of Nalgene devotees and can accompany you anywhere you don’t have to pass through a metal detector. The unique three-stud closure system takes a minute to get used to, but so far has stood up to the rigors of billing 70 hours in a single week.

Sound advice.

Should said 70 hour week make you a little shaky, Liberty also offers a convenient available “sport” lid (not shown) that can be used to regulate water flow and minimize spillage... lest your your fancy clothes suffer.

Personally, I'm a Chugga...

Beyond excellent build quality and finish in all four bottles we sampled, Liberty bottles are extremely versatile. While they prefer water, our extensive testing has confirmed that they can be used to carry potable liquids of almost any type.*

*Wink

The Verdict: American manufacturing may be down, but Liberty Bottleworks' proves we're not out yet.

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MAKE YOUR EDC MADE IN THE USA

Guys take their Every Day Carry seriously, as well they should. But how does one keep it local in today's "Made in China" Amuricah?

Here's my "Made in America" kit for today:

• Leatherman Skeletool CX
• Mag-lite XL50
• Wolverine 1000 Mile 744LTD Wallet
• Triple Aught Design FAST pack

It's capable. It's ballin'. And it mostly gets through security at the courthouse...

Mostly...

(Mistakes were made. And now he needs a new Leatherman. Wups! -ed.)

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FIVE RON SWANSON-THEMED GIFT IDEAS RON SWANSON WOULD PROBABLY APPROVE OF

Christmas and the assorted associated gift-giving holidays are fast approaching. So what do you get that red-blooded, meat-noming, government-mistrusting relative or coworker (probably with a heart of gold) who just so happens to want for nothing he/she can't craft with their own two hands?

Most likely you won't find it a Walmart Black Friday Sale stampede. No, you have to dig deeper than the shallow baubles and flat screen televisions that the commercialized military industrial complex prefers to peddle down your throat. You, sir or madame, need a gift of Ron Swanson magnitude. As such, I present to you the top Ron Swanson gifts worth giving this holiday season. Now, go forth and consume, Patriot!

Gift #5 - Ron Swanson Inspired Flattened Bottle Cap Magnets

AS SEEN ON: Snug-A-Bug Blankets via Etsy.com
KEY ATTRIBUTES: Bacon, Eggs and Beer
PRICE: $4.00 USD
MADE IN: Canada, America's 51st State.
SUITABLE FOR: Overpowering less enlightened refrigerator art

Gift #4 - Turf & Turf Ron Swanson Print 8x10

AS SEEN ON: Bill Main via Etsy.com
KEY ATTRIBUTES: Who doesn't love meat with a side of meat?
PRICE: $18.00 USD
MADE IN: California, USA.
MEAT LEVEL: Set to eleven.

Gift #3 - DIY Ron Swanson Cross Stitch Kit

AS SEEN ON: Bombastitch via Etsy.com
KEY ATTRIBUTES: The best gifts are the ones you can do yourself
PRICE: $13.00 USD
MADE IN: Texas. Just Texas.
SUITABLE FOR: The wife (Or civilized men who appreciate the beauty of fine needle works. -ed.)

Gift # 2 - Parks and Recreation Clear Alcohols Poster, Size A2

AS SEEN ON: CreativeSobriety via Etsy.com
KEY ATTRIBUTES: Words of wisdom
PRICE: $40.00 USD
MADE IN: Bloody England (I'll let this one slip. -ed.)
IGNORE: The metric measurements. Because they're metric.

Gift #1 - "Ron Swanson's" Mustache Comb Second Edition, Possibly Carved by the Man Himself

AS SEEN ON: Offerman Woodshop
KEY ATTRIBUTES: Mustache grooming, Ron-ness
PRICE: $75.00 USD
MADE IN: America, baby. Just like G. Washington intended.
ALSO SUITABLE FOR: Father's Day

Did I make the call, or did I drop the ball? Sound off in the comments below or hit me up on Twitter.

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EXPEDITED REVIEW: WOLVERINE 1000 MILE 744 LTD Wallet

To celebrate the launch of the new 1000 Mile 744 LTD limited-run boot, Wolverine issued an exclusive, special edition wallet. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one.

The wallet is a simple affair, essentially two rectangular slices of Horween "Essex" leather impeccably stitched together on three sides forming a pocket. Stamped with the marque of the brand, the piece offers just enough space to stash a couple cards and a few bills.  Minimalist, yet classic, it's perfectly suited to the design ethos of the entire 1000 Mile line.

The pros: It's attractive, made in the USA and totally balla'.
(Plus, it smells nice. -ed.)

The cons: I didn't get a pair off 744's out of the deal.

THE 1000 MILE 744 LTD WALLET VERDICT:
While it's not an everyday carry, the 744 LTD wallet is my new go-to when I want to travel light and look good.

(None of which really matters, because you can't buy the wallet anyway. That said, you can grab the 744 LTD boots at any of the fine retailers listed here, which is almost as good. Just act fast, Wolverine only made 1000 of them.  -ed.)


Special thanks to Wolverine 1000 Mile for providing us with this great example of American craftsmanship.



Image Referece: Wolverine 1000 Mile

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DISCOVERIES: JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK SPECIAL EDITION

Take a stroll through the executive parking lot. What do you see? Mercedes? Bavaria's finest? A Lexus or three? With nary an American badge in view, all I see is a travesty.

Fortunately, Jeep® has seen fit to oblige the domestic 1% (especially us down-and-dirty, hoity-toity types) with a true American contender: the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk(TM) special edition.

By their own words, it's "the most awe-inspiring, most extraordinarily capable Grand Cherokee ever conceived." Tall words, yes. Insanely over-promising words, also yes. But judging by the following truncated list of bitchin' features, I'm inclined to agree. Check it:

• Quadra-Lift® adjustable height suspension
• Quadra-Trac II® full-time four wheel-drive with low range
• Selec-Terrain® traction control with five driving modes
• Off-Road Adventure Group II
• Skid-plate and rock-rail protection
• Flame-red front tow hooks
• Goodyear Silent Armor Kevlar® Tires
• Slush mats
• Anodized silver-painted interior trim
• Leather trim wrapped steering wheel
• Suede/leather trim seats with red accent stitching
• Black hood applique (For "glare reduction," no doubt... -ed.)
• Ginormous badging
• General badassery

Finally, you can flaunt your American-bred off-road cred about the country club without derision - or the flies in your teeth style - that comes with dropping your janky-arse trail rig at the valet. And, if the prestige of the hefty equipment-induced MSRP doesn't do it for you, the pride points just keep coming...

Actually imported from Detroit.

As a primary benefactor of Uncle Obama's benevolence, each and every one of these bad boys rolls off the Connor Avenue assembly line in Detroit, Michigan. Making this particular Grand Cherokee variant the product of American knowhow, grizzled union craftsmen and jingoistic flag-waving determination. Just the pedigree needed to smash through G-Wagons and LX-whositiswatsits with pride in your chest and a giant Trailhawk badge on your arse. Go us. 

(Bonus points if you can ID the controversial song in the above ad. -ed.)

The Verdict: The things we make, make us. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is a pretty awesome thing we make.

MSRP: Starting at $41,995

Get more here: The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

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DISCOVERIES: 8 BIT BOOKS

As an irrational iPhone 5 mania sweeps the nation and my inbox runneth over with lolcats, isn't it about time we stepped back to a simpler time? When "social" meant face time, not Facebook. When "notes" meant paper and a fine ballpoint pen. When 8-bit music was 8-bit music because it was actually 8-bit music...

Well, lo-fi friends, look no further than the simple irony of 8 Bit Books on Etsy.com. Fight back against digital doom with notebooks crafted from actual, de-constructed Nintendo cartridges.

From Mario Brothers to Skate or Die, from Fester's Quest to Wrestlemania, they're all here in a form practically guaranteed to grind any status meeting to a halt. (Not to mention, catch the 80's-bred eye of Jill from Accounting. Wink. -ed.)

Per the pictures, craftsmanship looks like it could err a little on the loose side. However, if you're looking for the ultimate irony, that patina of love - with a delicious dash of hand-crafted sawce - will give your Super Mario super doodles even more old skool street cred. And who doesn't like that?

Best of all, these babies aren't Chinese reseller leftovers. Oh, no, they're recycled for your anti-hero hipster pleasure in greater Detroit, USA. (Or what's left of it, anyway... -ed.)

Iconically Ironic.

This is where the words go.

Make it so.

 The Verdict: If irony is art, frame these biznitches and toss 'em on your wall. Or use 'em to take notes like your grandpappy did... with a damn pen. You know, whatever....

Price: Averaging between $12-$15

Get 'em here: 8 Bit Books on Etsy

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CAPTION THIS: AWKWARD BABY V. MITT ROMNEY

CAPTION THIS: AWKWARD BABY V. MITT ROMNEY

Politicians on the stump love to kiss babies. It's an American tradition. But sometimes this horrible campaign trail cliche goes horribly, horribly wrong. Kind of like this:

Spotted on the campaign trail, it's  Mitt v. Awkward Baby. In the most awkward encounter possible, who will win? Who will lose? Who will take this friggin' baby away from Governor Romney before it gets any worse?

Leave your (no doubt) hilarious captions in the comments below, or share 'em on Twitter, baby.

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BREAKING: FITOCRACY REVAMPS SITE, BRINGS THE HAWTNESS

In a move guaranteed to send a few Paleo's into fits of stone age rage, Fitocracy, the premiere social fitness tracking app for web, Android and iPhone, launched a new site today.

Per their blog post, the new look is designed to help you make your fitness goals a reality. After a cursory surf, it's clear that the cleaner aesthetics and smart new sharing tools should help enhance your social connections with other fit-minded, interest-sharing friends. But the biggest difference you'll notice is the addition of photos and videos - a feature that's been sorely lacking, for better or worse, since launch.

Once you get past the sexy, sexy pictures and tasty, tasty new interface, you'll also notice sundry improvements to the dashboard, profiles and tracking features that should help you hit your goals with gusto.

While some might grumble, as a long-time Fitocracy fan, I welcome the changes. Here's hoping it continues to help me change, too.

10 props for victory!

The verdict: This calculated move by Fitocracy to unseat web fitness king bodyspace.com makes it even easier than ever to blast your bi's with your buddies and share your gun show with the world.


Fit? Lawyer? Ready to rock? Join the Post-Apocalyptic Lawyers on Fitocracy >

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UPDATE: It's your last chance at The Avengers Deuce and a Half

Good news if you missed buying The Avengers Deuce and a Half we reported on awhile back: There's one more gigantic S.H.I.E.L.D. truck out there just waiting to find a proud home in your driveway. (Probably dwarfing your house. -ed.)

According to the eBay auction, this particular hero S.H.I.E.L.D. Deuce and Half was actually used in the film. And it's the last one they're selling, so you better make haste with a quickness and a vengeance. 

Per the seller, the beefy 2 1/2 tons of sexiness you see here is rust free, boasts 10 matching tires at 90% or better and runs perfect. Beyond those mouthwatering why buys, according to Wikipedia, the medium duty M35A2 is rated to up to 10,000 pounds of cargo. Plenty of room for your army of Ironettes (not included). Plus, as an added bonus while you're hauling assloads of ass, you can feed its late model turbo diesel multi-fuel engine on pretty much any leftover fluids lying around the bunker: diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, heating oil and - in a pinch - gasoline. Hell, maybe even the tears of your fallen super enemies. (Unsubstantiated.)

Because it's ostensibly still military hardware, the terms of sale require an export license from the State Department if you're shipping it overseas. So make like Thor's Hammer and smash your credit line wide open before you miss out on this Avengers prop awesomeness for good.

Hit the jump for more photos, details and to place your highest/best bid, fanboys.

Check it here: Ebay.com - The Avengers Deuce. M35A2 Military 6x6. Last One.

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Discoveries: Eat To Grow Home Protein Delivery

I was hungry for Meat...

But I was too busy filing briefs to drive to my local food megastore to pick some up. Faced with this conundrum, the simplest, most obvious solution was turn to the web, where I stumbled upon this: Eat to Grow home protein delivery. A company that DELIVERS MEAT TO YOUR HOUSE.

Protein rich beef. All-natural chicken. Low-fat bison burgers. Omega-3 seafood. All-natural turkey. Whatever kind of Meat you're looking to char and consume, they'll ship it to you safely packed in a styrofoam box large enough to serve as a makeshift lifeboat for a family of eight.

Seriously, lifeboat. Check it out.

Billed as "Performance Food Delivered," the program was originally designed for bodybuilders and fitness competitors. (It appears to be endorsed by famous(?) fitness hotties and world-renown(?) swole gigantors.) But I see no reason the average, exercise-doing, Meat-loving American can't get in on the action - particularly if you pair your Meat selection with the proper microbrew.

Apparent Pros:

• Meat
• Meat delivered to your door
• Meat in convenient meal-sized packages
• Meat of the natural, organic variety
• Meat approved by hottie fitness hotties
• Also, Meat

Apparent Cons:

• I am not a gigantor
• (Justifiably) Expensive

Did I mention Meat?

Do NOT attempt.

Did I mention hottie fitness hotties?

Why, yes. I did.

Case. Closed.

Price: Varies

Check it out here: Eat to Grow





Image Source: Mat_the_W, used under Creative Commons.

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Discoveries: SylvanSport Go Camping Trailer

I love Airstream trailers. I mean, who doesn't? But, these days, the odds of anybody save Brad Pitt busting out the phat cash to haul home even the smallest Bambi are slim to none. That's why I was so hyped when I came across the SylvanSport Go.

Sure, it doesn't pack air conditioning, flat-screens, exotic woods and a sexy aluminum skin, but it has something else going for it. It's a true camper's camper. Everything you need is here: A popup tent. Two beds. A table. A weatherproof stowage box. And the luxury of energy-efficient LED lighting. All on a super cool looking ultra-light 640 pound frame.

Plus, if that wasn't enough to set the Go apart, it packs one more trick up its sleeve. That 640 pound frame transforms. Configuring to carry nearly any sort of sporting gear you'd ever need. Bikes, kayaks, skis - even ATV's - in a package that's easily towable by your average suburban station wagon crossover.

So it's not an Airstream. But with versatility, usability and affordability this breakthrough, the SylvanSport Go might just turn a few heads anyway. (Brad Pitt notwithstanding...)

Price: $7,995 (Loaded with the Adventure Accessory Package)

Check it out here: SylvanSport



Image Source: SylvanSport

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