Shortwave

"Everyone should have two radios, in case one breaks." - Lou Reed.

Given the choice between access to the internet and access to shortwave radio, I'll take the latter. Hands down.

Used shortwaves turn up often at yard sales and flea markets. When you encounter them for dirt-cheap prices, nab 'em all. I'll buy any extras you don't want - seriously. Talk to me.

Or you can peruse eBay for various used shortwave radios.

Or, failing that, you could just buy a brand new, sturdy and dependable Hammacher Schlemmer and perhaps apply some cosmetic changes to give it that retrocognitive style we all know and love.


Then, open a bottle of absinthe, recline in the dark, and listen to what's really going on out there.

Zenith Trans-oceanic radios are popular with retro-enthusiasts of all flavors, especially Dieselpunk fanciers, and are a personal favorite of mine.