Okay, so on another thread we are discussing alternative uses for items that can help us survive, what we've referred to in the past as "MacGyverisms".

So the zen of our art, then is not only about knowing what works, but also about making what is available work to our benefit. Given the vast knowledge and creative talents of our group, maybe we could list off some alternative uses for everyday things that others might not realize. This could be big so let's limit each post to one or two really good citations eh?

Mine are:

Using a CD/DVD as a reflector/signaling device, and

Making a cutting tool by breaking glass.

Okay, who's next?

I have very dry skin, so I use the PJ off my cotten balls for skin care, also use the out side shell of some 550 cord for laces on my boots. ZEN

Used my eye glasses the other day to start a fire while on a small hike in the woods nearby.

I once used those sticky nylon patches in a tent repair kit to patch a tear on the seat of my old jeans in the middle of my shift at work, until I could have time to go home and sew them up later.

Well, this one time... it was a pretty crazy situation, and we needed a solution fast, so we, um,

Used a nalgene bottle for a martini shaker.

And my heart was full of joy...
J

The late great writer/lecturer Alan Watts told a very young Chris the folllowing story on his houseboat during a lecture. In old Kyoto a buddhist monk and samurai boarded a small ferry to cross one of the many lakes. A very big, very drunk samurai also boarded, and after a few moments challenged our monk to a duel. Our monk had two duties; to uphold his own samurai honour and also promote peace and harmony. He told the drunk, " look, if we fight here people will get hurt. Boatman, take us over to that little sandbar. I'll fight you there" The boatman complied. the drunk was in such a hurry to fight he leaped from the vessel onto the sand. Our monk quickly grabbed the ferrryman's pole and pushed the boat back onto the lake, leaving the drunk to sober up. He honoured both duties; defeating his opponent through gile and protecting innocent life, including the drunk's. The lesson here is a simple hiking staff in our kit can preclude the need for all those tactical knives that throw our compasses and bank balances all out of wack. You can also change the TEE VEE channel with it if a good Kurasawa flick is coming on and somebody was watching Wheel of Fortune. Conserving energy is also a survival tenant.

I like to polish the back side of my ipod for use as a mirror / signaling device.

I hadn't heard that one, Chris- that's even better than the tea master.

In the days before cell phones my buddy and I were shooting in the desert and he locked his keys in his truck. He used his truck's antenna like a Slim Jim and got the door opened. I was suitably impressed.

1. using jumper cables to attach an umbrella to my chair to make shade.

2. using a plastic grocery bag as a disposible bib for the baby (okay, DW came up with that one).

-Blast