Spock's Pickled Brain

A key part of living after the apocalypse is to use defunct objects for new purpose. I guess the fancy term is "upcycling" but whatever it's called it does tend to make sense. Without new parts being made and resources dwindling, it makes sense to hold onto the parts that endure, even if they can't be used as they were first intended. And after awhile the original purpose can be lost, only to be reincarnated in artwork, jewelry, and talismans. I always wanted to experiment with some of these ideas, and so I made a necklace using some old hardware. This has probably been done to death, and there are plenty of much more inventive projects found on Pinterest or other parts of the internet (any searches including "industrial" "hardware" and "jewelry" will show you a mountain of projects). But for my post-apocalyptic build here's what I made. Possible Materials -Washers -Hexnuts -Crimp sleeves -Other assorted hardware -Found ob...

1. Alas, Babylon (Pat Frank) I'm a fan of this book for two main reasons. One is that is portrays an apocalypse scenario in my home state, so it makes it that much more realistic to me. And two is that for a nuclear apocalypse it has enough family and community supporting these characters that it's not a depressing read. This book follows Randy Bragg, a man of leisure living among the citrus groves and pastureland of central Florida of the 1950s. When his brother sends a coded message signaling that nuclear war is near, Bragg becomes the rally point for extended family and his neighbors. Escaping the immediate destruction from nuclear blasts, he and his community must band together against the rising tide of after effects, including everything from fallout, loss of infrastructure, disease, and bandits. Bucking the lone wolf trend of a lot of post-apocalypse fiction, this books relies on the characters working together. It also has some commentary of the uselessness of tra...

On the unpredictable roads and torturous wastelands of a post-apocalyptic landscape, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve. And if you're short on sleeves or whatnot, this upcycled leather cuff will do in a pinch. Equally at home in several genres, including steampunk and post-apocalyptic, this traveler's cuff features a handy exterior pocket to store a knife, a hidden interior pocket to keep valuable papers and maps safe from the casual eye, and a detachable compass to help you find your way. Materials -Old leather purse -Purse strap with clip -Miniature compass -Snap fastener Tools -Needle/thread 1. Gather the materials This is a pretty simple materials list. I used the remains of a thrift store leather purse I'd used for the Dresden shield bracelet project for the cuff material and strap. I found a miniature compass in the paracord project section at the craft store, 3 for about $3. Really you can salvage it from a lot of random keychains and stuff,...

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) In a wasteland ruled by the unforgiving environment and psychotic warlords, life is unpredictable, violent, and usually short. Enter Max, a lone survivor haunted by his dead family and captured by the War Boys of the cruel Immortan Joe. When Furiosa, one of the dictator's commanders, frees Immortan Joe's wives and flees, Max is unwittingly catapulted into the conflict. What follows is a high-octane chase pitting Furiosa's crew against a series of bandits, killers, and weirdos. If they're to succeed it will take as much grit, resourcefulness, and bullets as they can muster. It wouldn't be a list on post-apocalyptic films without including at least one of the Mad Max films. And though I love the western-style siege warfare of Road Warrior and the zany world-building of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome , the most recent film is perhaps my favorite. The plot is tight and streamlined, the characters layered and compelling, and the action...

1. Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival) I see a bad moon a-rising I see trouble on the way I see earthquakes and lightnin' I see bad times today 2. John the Revelator (Depeche Mode) John the Revelator Put him in an elevator Take him up to the highest high Take him up to the top where the mountains stop Let him tell his book of lies 3. Armagideon Time (The Clash) A lot of people runnin' and a-hidin' tonight A lot of people won't get no justice tonight 4. Radioactive (Imagine Dragons) I'm waking up to ash and dust I wipe my brow and sweat my rust I'm breathing in the chemicals 5. Hammer to Fall (Queen) Here we stand or here we fall History won't care at all Make the bed, light the light Lady Mercy won't be home tonight 6. Losing My Religion (R.E.M.) That's me in the corner That's me in the spotlight Losing my religion 7. Long, Long Way From Home (Foreigner) I was inside looking outside The millions of fac...

For me one of the iconic characters of urban fantasy is Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden. Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is the protagonist of the prolific urban fantasy series Dresden Files. As the only wizard listed in the Chicago phonebook, Dresden is constantly getting entangled with vampires, werewolves, faeries, trolls, and countless other supernatural beings. He is also the snarkiest SOB out there. Some favorite quotes? "Harry Dresden. Saving the world, one act of random destruction at a time." - Mean Streets "'I still can't believe,' Michael said, sotto voce, 'that you came to the Vampires' Masquerade Ball dressed as a vampire.'" - Grave Peril "In the name of the Pizza Lord. Charge!" - Summer Knight "In the action business, when you don't want to say you ran like a mouse, you call it 'taking cover.' It's more heroic." - Dead Beat "Murphy hung up and I said, to the s...