Collecting rain drops

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I thought this was a great diagram of how to build your own rain water collection system for your home. Provided of course you have rain gutters and an HOA that would allow this. Even so this is a very cool idea. I might try this as a project with the kids on a weekend where I hear, "I'm bored" Of course where I live it would have to be on a smaller scale.

I think, given that this collects rain gutter water, you may have to filter it to make it potable. I am thinking of the cute little birds that are chirping outside right now, possibly pooping in the gutters. Still a great idea!

Has anyone tried this or made something similar and had success?

Starting Fire with Water?

I know how to start fires in many different ways; from matches, to flint and steel, and bush craft methods like a bow drill or saw. But I have never tried to start fire like this, and I am not sure how useful this would be in a wilderness scenario. It could possibly be useful in an urban scenario or maybe just to wow the kids or some geeky friends. In any case check this out.