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A new trilogy from the NYT Bestselling combination of Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer:
Lavender’s Blue (25 July 2023)
One In Vermillion (19 September 2023)
Slideshow: Shadow Warriors
On all ebook platforms.
The Line: all other platforms
The Gate: all other platforms
Omega Missile: all other platforms
Omega Sanction: all other platforms
Section Eight: all other platforms
GEAR LINKS
The following are web and app links that appear in The Green Beret Preparation and Survival Guide. First are apps, then survival gear. auto gear. Survival Library. Gladiator and Jeep Links are near the end. Solar is at the end.
For Amazon links, they are affiliate and all profits are donated to the nonprofit Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which educates the children of deceased Special Operators. If you find a link that doesn’t work, or goes to a dead page, please let me know at bob@bobmayer.com
APPS and Web Pages (free unless otherwise noted)
Location Apps Topographic Map. Gaia with 20% discount
https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=bob-94
CDC App Center For Disease Control (Apple) (Android) Of limited use, but better to have than not have.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cdc/id487847188
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.cdc.general&feature=search_result#?t=W10
Medical Apps Red Cross First Aid (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red/id529160691
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.fa&hl=en
Medical Apps CPR and Choking (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/resuscitate-cpr-aed-choking/id363393502
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.heart.microlearning&hl=en_US&gl=US
Location Apps Family Locator-GPS Tracker for Android. GPS Tracker for Android.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.life360.android.safetymapd
Location Apps Emergency Alert System for Apple.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/silent-beacon-emergency-alert/id933730960
Location Apps Road ID eCrumbs App for Apple and Android.
Location Apps Google Earth (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-earth/id293622097
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.earth
Disaster Apps Red Cross Hurricane App (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa&hl=en
The Wildfire APP: Apple Android
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fires-wildfire-maps-and-info/id1143862825
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.davidgrossapps.wildfire&hl=en_US&gl=US
Wildfire Status web page: https://www.esri.com/en-us/disaster-response/disasters/wildfires
Disaster Apps Earthquake Alert for Android. Quake feed for Apple.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joshclemm.android.quake&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quakefeed-earthquake-map-alerts/id403037266
Disaster Apps Weatherbug (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/app/weatherbug-forecasts-radar/id281940292
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aws.android
Disaster Apps Disaster Alert (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/disaster-alert-pacific-disaster/id381289235
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=disasterAlert.PDC
Disaster Apps FEMA (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fema/id474807486
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.fema.mobile.android
Miscellaneous Apps Flashlight (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/flashlight-o/id381471023
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ihandysoft.ledflashlight.mini
Knots 3D ($4.99) (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/knots-3d/id453571750
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nynix.knots3d
Miscellaneous Apps Wild Edibles ($5.99) (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wild-edibles-full/id431504588
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromo.dev58263.app71191&hl=en_US&gl=US
Miscellaneous Apps Scanner Radio (Apple) (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scanner-radio-deluxe/id498405045
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.scannerradio
FEMA flood map search to determine this by entering your address:
https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search
FEMA safe room guidelines web site: https://www.fema.gov/residential-safe-rooms
List of nuclear power plants: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/map-power-reactors.html
National Geographic 1:24,000 maps: http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads
USGS maps: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/
Home facts: http://www.homefacts.com/
Red Cross on line First Aid Courses: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/first-aid-training/first-aid-online
Gaia App (with 20% discount for the PRO version which I recommend): https://www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=bob-94
EQUIPMENT
Pre-packaged Grab-n-Go Bag
EVERLIT Earthquake Emergency Kits Survival Kit 72 Hrs 2 Person Bag with supplies for 2 people for 72 hours: https://amzn.to/2Z2BFRo
Premium Family Emergency Survival Bag/Kit – a basic bag with supplies for 4 people for 72 hours: https://amzn.to/2HeIaFM
Items for building your own Grab-n-Go bag
First aid kit: M2 BASICS 300 Piece: https://amzn.to/2KDaYKg
Curaplex Stop the Bleed Kiy with CAT tourniquet: https://amzn.to/42zGvSq
Quikclot bandage, First Aid bandage, rolled splint: https://amzn.to/2VbgcAb
Recon Tourniquet: https://amzn.to/2Lzt1jt
RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency: https://amzn.to/2Hf3JWX
Licorne Solar Charger 36,800 mAh. https://amzn.to/3wN6uJe
Mountain House Classic Bucket: 24 Freeze Dried Meals: https://amzn.to/3p3mWnP
Emergency rations—2 packs from the following:
Grizzly Gear: https://amzn.to/2Lzqk1l
ERbar: https://amzn.to/2SfllW4
DaTrex 3600: https://amzn.to/2LzqtBV
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2CxAY5G
Water Purification Tablets: https://amzn.to/2TJ1AYF
Water 6 bottles (500ml) or Datrex Emergency Survival Water Pouches (24 packs of 125ml): https://amzn.to/2ZdJY88
4 Gallon Portable Water Container with Spigot, Water Storage Camp Water Jug for Camping Outdoor Hiking 15L https://amzn.to/3Lxqabf
Compressible water containers: https://amzn.to/2Lzj1qC
Katadyn Water filter: https://amzn.to/2V7PIjb
Water purifying tablets: https://amzn.to/2LAqndh
Sawyer Products Squeeze Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3Cra9Om
Lifestraw: https://amzn.to/2V8udyM
Survive Mate water bottle with filter: https://amzn.to/3NgtJno
Bottle Bright Bottle Cleaning and Disinfecting tablets: https://amzn.to/3OOCAhi
550/parachute cord: https://amzn.to/2CxSneD
Stormproof lighters: https://amzn.to/2Cv8yt7
Windproof matches: https://amzn.to/2SkR2x9
Waterproof Lighter USB Plasma with flashlight: https://amzn.to/3iN2luB
Heating tabs; very useful as fire starter: https://amzn.to/3qqcMxI
Portable stove and fuel: https://amzn.to/2Lzj59Q
OdoLand 6 pcs Cookware mess kit and stove: https://amzn.to/2GxjXh7
Canteen with stove and cover: https://amzn.to/3IXgghw
Fuel for stove, GasOne Camping Fuel: https://amzn.to/3lykCgP
Mylar survival blanket: https://amzn.to/42zPq6K
Emergency bivy sack: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
550/parachute cord: https://amzn.to/2CxSneD
Sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest Prolite: https://amzn.to/2VbWKUf
Battery powered headlamp: https://amzn.to/2RdecZk
Survival whistle: https://amzn.to/3ph41p4
Signal Mirror: https://amzn.to/2BGKOAy
VS-17 signal panel: https://amzn.to/2Sqqzyz
Folding Saw: https://amzn.to/2LwcHQF
Fishing Kit: https://amzn.to/2BC36TK
Redneck Convent Versatile Snare Wire: https://amzn.to/2Lwd6Tb
SOG Tomahawk Survival axe, also is a weapon: https://amzn.to/2BDuAbv
SOG SOGFari Machete (per Area Study): https://amzn.to/2CxTgE4
Collapsible Snow Shovel (based on Area Study): https://amzn.to/2rWOKc9
Pocket chainsaw: https://amzn.to/2BI7YqC
Compass: https://amzn.to/2GAOycI
Assorted zip ties along with Handcuff zip ties: https://amzn.to/2Rdar61
Rand McNally Road Atlas. https://amzn.to/36IVqA9
National Geographic Maps: http://www.natgeomaps.com/trail-maps/pdf-quads
USGS Maps: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/
Get a waterproof map case to put your topo maps in, with dummy cord. https://amzn.to/34yYE6N
Katadyn Water Microfilter: https://amzn.to/30UAvGz
Platypus Gravitywork High Capacity Water Filter: https://amzn.to/36N18Bi
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: https://amzn.to/2V4uUJf
Rain jacket: https://amzn.to/42vSD6x
Watch cap: https://amzn.to/2LvL5uX
Boonie Hat: https://amzn.to/2QKgI9X
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2LvsWx8
Blanket and Go Time Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
Large, Heavy Duty Tarp: https://amzn.to/3nxMZxw
FIRE: starting and protection
Storm proof lighters ( least 1 each home, GnG, car) https://amzn.to/2Cv8yt7
Waterproof Lighter USB Plasma with flashlight: https://amzn.to/3iN2luB
Storm proof matches (GnG, home): https://amzn.to/2V5tEWe
Emergency ladder in all bedrooms above the first floor sufficient to reach the ground from a window.
First Alert 2-Story Escape Ladder: https://amzn.to/2V65M4Z
First Alert 3-Story Escape Ladder: https://amzn.to/2SdhatX
CAR
Pre-packaged Roadside emergency kit (shown below and check the site to see what it holds. This contains some of the items below) https://amzn.to/2CylcaV
Fire extinguisher: https://amzn.to/2V4u8fz
Reflective warning triangles: https://amzn.to/3di51PF
Red Warning Flasher: https://amzn.to/31Y3rfd
Blanket and Emergency bivy sack: https://amzn.to/2IebWy0
Life Hammer: https://amzn.to/2A8HL4r
Collapsible Snow Shovel (based on Area Study): https://amzn.to/2rWOKc9
GoTreads Emergency Traction: https://amzn.to/2ShCnCV
Poncho: https://amzn.to/2LvsWx8
Road side flashing lights: https://amzn.to/2CF8nvt
Battery powered siphon: https://amzn.to/2SegtAI
Multipurpose tool: https://amzn.to/2Lzt3bh
and/or Leatherman Crunch tool: https://amzn.to/2BD3lxR
Emergency Battery Charger/Starter: https://amzn.to/2SGbkDh
Flat tire inflation canister: https://amzn.to/2CvN7s6
Personal Vest:
Blackhawk Omega Crosssdraw Mag Vest: https://amzn.to/2HeET9L
Israeli Battle Dressings: https://amzn.to/2LzJSm6
Survival Knife: https://amzn.to/2LwgGfQ
Compass: https://amzn.to/2GAOycI
Survival and Sustainment Library: Click on title to go to Amazon page.
When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability and Surviving the Long Emergency by Matthew Stein. A great resource of information for long term skills.
SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman. Redundant to some information in this book, I have it because of the images of plants and other matter.
Peterson Field Guides put out a series of books about plants. Two keys are:
Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs of Eastern and Central North America
Unfortunately those two books aren’t available in eBook and having a plant guide on your cell phone you can easily bring up is very useful. I have:
Wild Edibles: A Practical Guide to Foraging, with Easy Identification of 60 Edible Plants and 67 Recipes by Sergei Boutenko
Basic Fishing: A Beginner’s Guide by Wade Bourne is very useful. Remember, that the Donner Party never even attempted to fish in the nearby lake, even though it had trout in it.
The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signs That Protect Us From Violence by Gavin de Becker is a classic that applies to more than just survival situations.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is a classic story of survival that is great to read with your kids to introduce them to survival situations and information.
The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide by Amy Alton. This is the premier book for survival medicine when a doctor or hospital is not available.
GLADIATOR and JEEP
A JCR half rack on top of the cab https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTRK.html
JCR full-bed rack. https://www.jcroffroad.com/product/JTBR.html
Swingcase truck storage. https://amzn.to/3PIHYj1
5 inch vinyl fencepost: https://amzn.to/3zlPVW0
Smittybilt Seat Cover. https://amzn.to/3PCyCWg
Rotopax. https://amzn.to/3IRZOOt
Tyger shovel. https://amzn.to/3cvD6Qa
Battery Booster. https://amzn.to/3v2dbpG
3 inch memory foam camping mattress: https://amzn.to/3aX9omE
46″ hose carriers. https://amzn.to/3PIsYSq
Spot X Satellite Messenger. https://amzn.to/3cvDDl8
Solar:
Licorne Solar Charger 36,800 mAh. https://amzn.to/3wN6uJe
Yeti 500: https://amzn.to/3HEQaQG
Rechargeable deep cycle battery: https://amzn.to/3PAogak
Read it HERE
When Rupert Murdoch bought the NY Post in 1977 it coincided with the Son of Sam case. This changed journalism forever.
New York Minute
From the beginning to the Revolution
Staten Island Peace Conference
How the Revolution could have ended in 1776.
New York City. 1977. Ex-Green Beret William Kane has crossed the line he vowed never to: killing. But for every action there is a reaction and there are forces after him for revenge, chief among them the IRA. The CIA hasn’t forgotten about him either after his involvement in covert ops in Vietnam.
There is an elite team of IRA soldiers in New York City and they’ve gotten their hands on some powerful weaponry. What is their target? When will they strike?
As the long hot summer of 1977 drags on and the Bronx burns, Kane does some burning of his own, unraveling secrets from his past and helping those who need his particular brand of justice while tracking the terrorists.
His problem: where is his new line?
Who can he really trust?
Kirkus Reviews: “Action packed entertainment.”
Amazon Reviews: “Reacher and Kane should hook up sometime!”
Music of 1977
What was the #1 album of 1977? The #1 song? Was disco dying? What about punk? What bands came on the scene? What new songs that have stayed with us?
Read it HERE
How did the replacement for “Death Avenue” become one of the largest tourist attractions in New York City?
The Green Beret Affair
During the Vietnam War, Special Forces often worked with the CIA on covert intelligence gathering missions. One of those units was Project GAMMA. On 6 August 1969, the commander of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 7 other Green Berets were arrested and charged with the murder of a Vietnamese double agent.
A BLOOD DEBT MUST BE PAID WITH BLOOD
This is the message pinned to Will Kane’s door with a Bowie knife. And it doesn’t take long before the first of the Hard Flint Brothers arrives to make good on the threat.
Kane barely escapes with his life, but things go downhill from there, with five more Brothers having sworn to take his life in vengeance for his killing of one of their own.
Then there are the women in his life:
Caitlyn, a mysterious woman who has several identities and knows more about Kane than she should. Who does she work for? What does she really want from him?
Sofia Cappucci, daughter of a mob family boss who has higher aspirations and wants Kane’s help in achieving them, whether he’s willing or not. She has him negotiating with Roy Cohn, infamous criminal lawyer.
Toni Marcelle, the sister of his West Point room-mate and Ranger Buddy. She has her own set of problems.
But lurking behind it all, Kane is beginning to feel the presence of something bigger, an organization more secret than the CIA or FBI. One that has ties stretching back to World War II and involves the highest levels of power and seems particularly interested in him.
Kirkus Reviews: “Sinewy writing enhances this already potent action fix. An adrenaline cocktail from start to finish.”
Movies of 1977
What was the #1 Movie? Star Wars? Saturday Night Fever? You’ll probably never guess what was #2. Who won best actress? Actor?
View it HERE
What book was the #1 seller? Top ten? What authors are still publishing? What books do you remember from that year?
View it HERE
If you approach the main branch of the New York Public Library head on along 41st Street, before you can pass Patience and Fortitude, the lions that oversee the stairs,
you will notice a number of bronze plaques set into the sidewalk.
When I was growing up, 41st from the Park Avenue viaduct to Fifth Avenue was mainly a backstreet with service entrances to business facing the much busier 42nd Street.
Death lurks below.
Will Kane finds a body underneath Hell Gate Bridge. Where this gruesome discovery leads him is a world even he, a New York native, never dreamed existed. Not even in his worst nightmares.
No one knows the full extent of the labyrinth that lies below New York City. It’s a world unto itself. People, mostly homeless, have made inroads to the more accessible parts for shelter. But there are others who prowl the darkness for their own evil reasons.
He learns this isn’t an isolated incident and that murders are being committed in horrendous ways; and they seem to be just the tip of the iceberg that can be seen. The police, not able to control the streets above, care little about what’s below and the missing. It’s up to Kane to find out who is behind this. And as he literally digs deeper, he realizes it reaches to the highest levels of New York City.
Ex-Green Beret Will Kane has undiagnosed Asperger. He is a high functioning autistic, like a number of exceptional people, especially in the arts. Except his art is death and he is very, very good at it. Now he faces his greatest challenge yet.
“The best anti-hero since Jack Reacher.” Amazon Review
Kirkus Reviews: “Sinewy writing enhances this already potent action fix. An adrenaline cocktail from start to finish.”
Read it HERE
What happened that year? Who won the Super Bowl? Top book? Top movie? Man of the year? Why did a floating pig stop flights into Heathrow?
View it HERE
Who won the Superbowl? World Series? First NFL draft pick? NBA champions? Triple Crown? What do you remember from that year?
No, Mash was not #1 for the year. In fact, it wasn’t ranked in the top 5. What shows were launch with big hopes and failed? What shows debuted? What famous shows ended in 1977?