Semper Preparatus

I don't for a minute believe that the LMC doesn't already have the base defenses at the vast yet secure real estate holding known as Fort LMC in tip-top condition, ready for any kind of disaster, be it natural, civil or military. However, if he's still short a couple flashlight batteries and some generator diesel and duct tape, or even if he isn't, now's the time to cowboy up:

From May 25 to 31, the state of Virginia is offering residents a break on sales tax. By law, you can purchase anything from battery-powered flashlights to a $1,000 portable generator and receive a tax break at the counter.

Among the items on the list: auto, boat, cell phone or house batteries; tarps; bungee cords or rope; tie-down kits or ground anchor systems; duct tape; smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; bottled water; manual can openers; battery-powered radios; cell phone chargers; first aid kits and more.

The small item list includes a price cap of $60. The large ticket item list includes a price cap of $1,000. Consumers can use manufacturer's coupons to reach the price cap.

Here's the link to the Great Commonwealth's Department of Taxation Hurricane Holiday page, where you can view the complete list in .pdf format. It almost makes one think that God created hurricane season just to give guys an excuse to hit Wal-Mart at the end of May. The only things I don't see that would make the list absolutely complete are rum and charcoal.