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There are plenty of species where the males compete for dominence, and kill and bully competitors. Most-if not all- of the negative aspects of human nature are just an extension of instincts we share with many animals, only amplified by our use of resources and technology. I'm sure there are...

Aften a brief pigeon population boom then bust once they have eaten everything edible into extinction.

My not-so-intelligent brain reckons ranking intelligence would be very difficult- what aspects ought to be compared, and what is the benchmark? Humans are frequently credited as being intelligent, yet have major flaws like destroying and poisoning their environment which surely counts against...

No, we don't need the fishing hooks and wire saw, but I stand by some activities warranting a survival kit. It might help to define 'survival kit' as 'emergency lifesaving items additional to first aid kit'. That nicely rules out everyday carry. Hillwalking for example, it would include items...

I disagree. If some warm/waterproof clothing plus phone/cash/card is a 'personal survival kit', so is my bed and duvet which isn't life support some nights in winter but other nights stops me freezing, and this thread becomes essentially pointless.

Now leading a team on a two year research project into the optimal way to heat a tin of baked beans....

Evidence if ever needed about the abundance of silly degree courses!

Save the aggro, scramble them. Just as good cold as boilies.

Arrgh! And boiling eggs is supposed to be the simplest, straightforward, foolproof first step in learning to cook!

Survival to my mind is when you have to start relying on wits and skills and a few select items to remain alive. Survival is not a broken rucksack strap or an attack of hunger. Perhaps the muddying of definitions is partly due to people putting together kits of everyday equipment and calling...

If you're in an urban or semi-urban environment, you are by definition in an area surrounded by people who would be able to help and shelter you, and quickly summon medical attention if needed. Actual 'survival' in an urban environment is only really going to be an end of the world fantasy...

Some people do, others retain the British English expressions. In some cases they are frankly better. I have a frying pan made from mild steel. I have a knife made from tool steel. In American English they would both be described as 'carbon steel' i.e. not stainless. Grouping all non-stainless...

Interesting, what are the quality issues with the Petromax fire kettles?

Another vote here for the Petromax, a proper screw on lid so you can carry water is a huge benefit. If you can't be trusted not to leave it in and blow yourself up, you can always leave the bung at home.

I'm very surprised the market hasn't been flooded with a half-price version marketed straight from China. Only a matter of time...

@Paul_B My thoughts, but more elegantly put!

I'm not sure if there is confusion the two-There is concurrent discussion on the concept of optional tips, a closely related subject. I've stated I don't like either of the practices. I won't stray further into other concepts I dislike along the same lines, such as charity representatives...

No, nor would we give presents to the cleaners, the library staff, the exam invigilators, the IT technicians or any other of the 3000-odd staff without which the university wouldn't have functioned. All such a bizarre concept, rewarding people for doing thier paid job as they should. I hope we...

A lot of household CO alarms only sound when there is immediate danger to life, and don't warn you of background levels which still don't do you any good. Worth monitoring things closely- very small diamater flues used in tent stoves are not great for gas flow, so plenty of heat does need to be...

It seems a really odd concept giving paid employees extra money for doing their job, and a daft hangover from the past. As a student I never felt obliged to hand my lecturer some cash for making things particularly interesting, nor would I give the meter reader a fiver for greeting me cheerfully...