Check this out! http://www.stevethomashome.com...

It's hard to believe that there is not a single VSAT connection available or even a HAM radio with someone running Linux and broadcasting/receiving packets. Weather data would be my first concern. I wonder how many of the elders remember how to navigate and read the weather the old fashioned way?

Wow, I hadn't really thought it through that far. I was just thinking of trying to find an alternate way of saying - "Whatever rolls your socks up and down!" And now I know about rule #34. What I am really afraid of is that there will be another human centipede sequel. Just when it couldn't get any worse!

Yeah, but imagine all the freaky bastards that are now standing in line!

that thousands of little script kiddies are already toiling away in sweat shops?

tipping over vending machines!

Not to stray off topic, but while I was initially glancing at the headline I formed a different sort of context and thought it was worth sharing. Why not see how well we would fare by attempting to do so right now? In an apocalyptic scenario - the colder it is, the faster you figure out how to stay warm without being too choosy about what needs to be done. We don't all live in cozy climates like that of San Diego. Besides if a nation had the option to be a bit more self sufficient it would be a strategic advantage. I don't care to rehash the nuances of alternative sources because I think I have enough of a grip on the subject that going in to it would be counter productive. It boils down to how much can be produced at x amount of expense. I would like to think folks would keep the nuclear option as far back on the back burner as it could go, but it will always be an option. Since it will always be an option the thing to do is to wonder if nuclear energy could be produced safer. I am not a geologist or nuclear engineer so I pose a question: Is it possible to operate a nuclear reactor deep under ground - far below any underground aquifer? Meltdowns would be easier to contain I assume. However, cooling would be design challenge. Why not use the heat generated as an artificial geothermal source where at least some folks wouldn't have to consume as much energy running a hot water tank or boiler? In all the arguments about global warming I have yet to hear somebody mention or try to quantify the excess heat produced by the inefficiency of air conditioners and heaters lost to the atmosphere. Even without the nuclear option our waste heat could be harnessed to make it easier to heat water. Sounds like a good infrastructure to share amongst a community. Neither have I heard of sodas, liquid crack energy drinks, (I'm not judging - it just sounded funny), or beer being a source of CO2 but now I'm getting too far out in left field.... Another source of waste energy that could be better tapped is methane from decaying organics which is currently harvested commercially in anaerobic digesters. I guess the big polka-dot elephant in the room is the oil cartels. Maybe I'm just naive, but I'm bored of hearing arguments about dependence on foreign fuels, oil profits, fracking woes, environmental devastation and bought out shelved technologies - it's gotten too damn stale. Somebody care to lend some perspective?

What type of climate do you live in? If you experience a spring snow melt, you may also want to invest in a sump pump to avoid submerging your efforts - also set up a moisture alarm. Perhaps also consider a sealed case filled with mineral oil, (Google it - there are lots of folks who have accomplished this). If you are worried about corrosion, consider using zinc anodes - you can get them from a marine supply - yes, aluminum will corrode. Don't supply power from below, keep the power line elevated, consider hard wiring instead of using a plug and strap it to the floor joists with minimal droop on a dedicated 15A circuit with GFCI protection. Consider using something to circulate the oil internally - you want to keep heated oil making contact with the chassis surface. Peltier junctions attached externally can help on warmer days. Use heat sinks and brush off spider webs as necessary. You could even set the junctions up to run with some sort of thermostat. Consider suspending the case from the floor joists and well off of the ground in case of possible sump pump failure. Consult a qualified electrician with your design considerations - you don't want to negate your homeowners/renters insurance with an install that isn't up to code or inadvertently lose life and/or property.