Recently, I picked up an old tube-type AM/clock Philco radio. I only
purchased it because it was in pristine shape, and they were
practically giving it away. The clock-face doesn't light up, but it
performs otherwise as new. In regards to any dire-straights type
scenario, food, shelter, water, and such would be of priority. Any
listening device might give useful clues as to the state of things in
general. Darren