Letter Re: Time Out

Hugh,

In reference to the excellent article Time “OUT”, by K.T., it is important to note the difference between “automatic” and “self winding” watches. Over the past couple of decades some companies have produced “automatic” and “kinetic” watches that charge an internal battery when the watch moves. These watches are different than “self winders” that wind the mainspring with an internal pendulum when the watch is moved. When the battery starts to go in these new automatics, it is very cost prohibitive to fix. Also, I’ll repeat what K.T. stressed in his article about buying quality mechanical watches– the cheap ones are a shadow of what a good watch should be.

Sadly, the quartz movement was much better before the EPA removed mercury from batteries. The old Hg batteries would sometimes last longer between changing than mechanical watches would last between cleanings.

Best regards, K.L.

o o o

Hugh,

Good article on mechanical watches with the glaring omission of the Ball “Hydrocarbon Engineer” watch. I own several Rolex’s but wear the Ball brand watch around the ranch driving fence posts, slopping animals, and digging in the sand. The best Rolex does not have the impact resistance of the Ball, and it has 28 tritium vials marking the numbers, sapphire crystal, titanium/stainless band, and auto wind. Note that sapphire crystals don’t take welding splatter well and will pit, so don’t wear one while welding or grinding. Ball has been around since 1892 and led to the phrase “Being on the ball”. I’ve been a believer – O.T.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“There are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachment of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpation.” – James Madison

Notes for Sunday – August 10, 2014

Today, we present another entry for Round 54 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,400+ worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value),
  2. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  3. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hardcase to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel which can be assembled in less then 1 minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  4. Gun Mag Warehouseis providing 30 DMPS AR-15 .223/5.56 30 Round Gray Mil Spec w/ Magpul Follower Magazines (a value of $448.95) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt. An equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions.
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear,
  7. A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value),
  8. A $300 gift certificate from Freeze Dry Guy,
  9. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  10. A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com, (currently valued at around $180 postpaid),
  11. Both VPN tunnel and DigitalSafe annual subscriptions from Privacy Abroad (a combined value of $195),
  12. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304,
  13. TexasgiBrass.com is providing a $300 gift certificate.

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. Acorn Supplies is donating a Deluxe Food Storage Survival Kit with a retail value of $350,
  4. The Ark Instituteis donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package–enough for two families of four, seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate– a $325 retail value,
  5. $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P),
  6. A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials,
  7. Twenty Five books, of the winners choice, of any books published by PrepperPress.com (a $270 value),
  8. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value),
  9. Dri-Harvestfoods.com in Bozeman, Montana is providing a prize bundle with Beans, Buttermilk Powder, Montana Hard Red Wheat, Drink Mixes, and White Rice, valued at $333,
  10. TexasgiBrass.com is providing a $150 gift certificate,
  11. Organized Prepper is providing a $500 gift certificate, and
  12. RepackBoxis providing a $300 gift certificate to their site.

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  6. Ambra Le Roy Medical Products in North Carolina is donating a bundle of their traditional wound care and first aid supplies, with a value of $208, and
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit, and
  8. SurvivalBased.com is donating a $500 gift certificate to their store.
  9. Montie Gearis donating a Y-Shot Slingshot and a Locking Rifle Rack. (a $379 value).

Round 54 ends on September 30st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Balancing Prepping and Prophecy, by D.V.

Our faith influences our actions and course in life; our understanding of that faith can change the course of both action and life. If we are not careful, we will passionately study one rail on our train track, with lesser attention to the other rail; the result is not only fighting within our self, wasted energies, and veering off course but also a potentially significant train wreck, instead of efficient stewardship.

It is not my intention here to sway you to one prophetic view or another, and I won’t even mention here what mine is, other than to say that I am a believer in Jesus Christ’s work on my behalf. Some background, though, is needed. I am the editor and founder of a Christian website focusing on discernment, and providing research for over eleven years in this ministry, with Christian writing experience for over eighteen years. I have seen a very, very wide gamut of opinion, takes, interpretations, positions, et cetera on prophecy and the correlating decisions that those particular views would logically call for from an individual.

Regardless of your prophetic views, I highly encourage many aspects of prepping, and I practice it myself. The Bible is full of great examples, such as Noah, Joseph, Obadiah, Agabus, who balanced God’s provision and providence with man’s responsibility. The primary focus that I want you to consider is this: Is your focus in one area blinding you or hindering you from balancing both? Is it possible to be so focused on secular and mechanical methods and solutions that we miss a tempering hand of faith directing those efforts? On the other hand, is it possible that a limited understanding of prophecy is already directing our efforts but in the wrong direction? Or, do we have a careful regard to make sure and solid our understanding of prophecy so that all of our efforts work hand in hand for greater impact now and in eternity?

Think on this: How much money have you spent so far on your efforts? How much have you already intended to spend? How much time have you spent searching the Internet, books, shows, and elsewhere to gain a fuller knowledge of prepping? How much time have you spent trying to beat it into someone else’s head that they need to prep, too? When we look back down our train tracks and see what kind of mileage we have already burned through, and what potentially lies ahead, it makes an incredible difference if our wheels are not aligned. Internal torque and frustrations, inefficiencies, and overheating are just some of the physical and spiritual fatigues that can impact our life and that of those around us. Our train has passengers; where are we taking them? Is our train currently in good shape? You are the engineer, and this is time for routine maintenance and diagnostics.

Here is a brief checklist of potential problem areas that need to be checked:

1) Have you read the manual? I’m not talking about having read through it, hop, skip, here, and there at church. Reading your favorite section over and over again doesn’t count, either. Just like any manual, there’s the easy-to-understand stuff, how-to-get-started stuff, how-to-have-fun stuff, neat stories, bios, and anecdotes, and so forth. It’s the here’s-how-to-break-it-down-and-clean-it sections that get glossed over, along with the very important routine maintenance section with the fine print. When your engine locks up is not the time to figure out how to change the oil. What are the best operating procedures? How do I run at maximum efficiency? What are the rpms we should be running this at? Are there load and weight restrictions? Is there a help center for advice? What are the manufacturer’s tips? What’s the warranty cover? Is there a maintenance log? I think you get the point. The Bible is not just our manual for church; it is the manual for our life– every aspect of it. If we gloss over certain sections, we can quickly run into trouble, and if we are not doing routine diagnostics, we might not even be aware of brewing trouble.

Like any piece of equipment, until you have read the manual about operating it at certain speeds or functions, you should throttle back until you know how to properly approach that operation wisely. We should always make sure we are operating according to the manual’s directions.

2) Can you cite the manual?

If you’re going to run with your little red wagon, you better make sure you are running it right. Having the wheels come off later looks mighty big. I don’t pretend to have arrived. I make mistakes every single day, and sadly, I fail God every day. However, I get back up, I say, “That was stupid”, and I look in the book for guidance of what I should be doing. The biggest mistake that we all can run into is when we cite something else besides the manual.

This also happens to be the largest single mistake that I regularly see taking place, regardless of prophetic position. When I honestly ask people to give evidence why they hold to a certain position, I usually get a 60-40 mix of Bible verses along with memes, quips, and a thought(s) they heard someone else say. The problem is that that 40% meme marshmallow is built into their foundation; if that meme, Facebook quote, or witty-saying-by-so-and-so is taken out, then there isn’t much credibility to look at or consider.

If you study to get your certification in any subject, you will always be tested against what the textbook or manual says… and nothing else. Outside opinions are irrelevant to the foundational understanding of any subject. Once we have a sure foundation, we can use witty sayings or quips to echo the thoughts we have already established. So, here is the question for you, and this is the same diagnostic that I always try to use: Can you pass a test citing no other evidence besides what the manual states? Could you write out a solid evidential defense from the manual of why you are operating a particular focus in your life in a certain manner? You say you believe such-and-such about prophecy, and that throttles and colors all your actions toward prepping (time, money, relationships, energies, et cetera). Great. Since so much is at stake then, prove to me you are going in the right direction.

Have you set aside time and studied to answer that question and to make sure of the conclusion? If that question was given to you as a pop quiz, would you fail? Would you have to hit the books hard and frantic to actually learn what you only had a shallow understanding of, previously? Would half of your report be crossed out– every part that cited opinion, memes, banter, or man’s precepts?

In my reviews of various people’s defenses for their position, I’ve found that as soon as you start highlighting the portion of their foundation that is marshmallow and inadmissible, they have to resort to banter, personal attacks, and so forth. I always have to ask and check myself to make sure my positions are not being propped up by some pet opinion or witty meme found on Facebook. Are all the points and foundations that I am basing my life and actions on found solely in the manual– Scripture? If not, then my boiler may bust, my wheels wobble, and a thousand other things that will ultimately keep me from arriving at the destination and goal that I would have arrived at had I paid proper heed as a wise steward. I can burn through a lot of coal, spin my wheels, and blow a lot of steam, yet go nowhere meaningful. Only when we are properly engaged, can we gain traction to move forward in the purpose and plan that our Engineer designed for us. The greatest tragedy would be to succeed in something that does not matter.

3) Can you pass the test?

Any redneck (I are one!) can shoot guns, but there is a world of difference between them and someone trained to strip that gun down, clean it, and reassemble it blindfolded. One knows how to make a lot of noise; the other one passes inspection. We will all have to give account of our stewardship one day. Pleading ignorance will not be an option. Whenever we as preppers want to know about some new aspect or skill, we’ll hunt a thousand reviews, articles, forums, and tutorials before we settle on committing to a hefty purchase or significant time investment. Why? Because so much is at stake, if we make an uneducated commitment. Well, have you made as rigorous a search in making sure and solid the position that colors all of your time, energies, life, and focus?

Part of making sure any defense (legal or tactical) is to ruthlessly examine flaws and potential weaknesses. This is the biggest problem that I see in most people’s prophecy position defense– they have not cross-examined it, nor invited peer-review. The same preppers who will research a thousand inputs into why they should or should not do such-and-such, often do not take the exact same rigorous steps to determine if their life should follow such-and-such faith position; it is super easy to identify them, too. It is the same way you differentiate between someone who wants to learn and someone who would rather have their pet opinion on any matter: start examining and digging through their position defense.

Someone who has done their homework, research, and due diligence on any subject will not be intimidated by someone else taking a magnifying glass to it. They may be curious to see what you see, or what you are comparing it to (the manual versus your own opinion). However, in general, they are comfortable with it being examined because they have looked into it the best that they could. Someone who has only a shallow understanding of a subject gets really nervous under cross examination, and they soon have to resort to bluster and banter to make it look like they know what they are talking about. We see this in many areas of life.

So, can your position (that you are basing much of your effort and energies around) stand cross-examination? Have you explored potential weaknesses in your position? Have you invited peer-review and constructive feedback? Have you deliberately sought out what others perceive as major contradictions and errors with your position? Have you rigorously examined their points to see if any of them had validity? If any are found, are you quick and humble to adjust accordingly? Can the position you hold as a deciding factor in your life pass the test?

4) Have you proven all things?

Scripture commands us to prove all things; hold fast that which is good (I Thess. 5:21). Opinions, memes, quips, prejudices, denominational standings, and man’s precepts are not accepted evidences as proof; only Scripture is. It is a two-part command– prove what is good, and let go of what is not good.

Part of passing any test is first knowing what the questions are. I suggest you set aside a fast– not of food (although you may do that) but more importantly of distractions– television, movies, games, and frivolous activities. Part of passing any test is study time and quiet hall, too. Pray and ask God for wisdom and that He will open your eyes to behold wondrous things out of His Word, that He will direct you to the best resources, and that He will give you discernment. Those who truly want to learn will get instruction.

Get some paper, your Bible, and Bible study helps and resources; come to a determination of what you are going to hold to. Write out the statement of the major view of prophecy that is influencing and coloring many of your life actions. If possible, break it down into specific sub-points if applicable. Then, do your research, finalizing only on Scripture as the foundational evidence. You may even break it all down into evidential degrees: what Scripture is clear and weighty on a matter, what passages may be circumstantial, and what passages you are unsure of. It also helps to have another category for opinion or thoughts that you have heard used for/against for additional study to see what lies behind their use. Cross-check and look for weaknesses, and make sure those evidences are being applied in a proper manner as well. Examine all the premises; eliminate any marshmallows. Compare notes with others. Once you have gathered your position and supporting material, open it to cross-examination by a panel of people you trust to give you an indifferent, constructive critique.

Only once we have proven what is true (not who is true), and let go of what is not proven, can we make decisions in life with the proper perspective, throttle, and even destination and goal. It has been said that unguarded strength is double weakness. Yes, it is possible to be strong in one area and field intellectually, yet have it all misdirected by the area we did not make sure. It is my prayer that you will read the manual, cite the manual, pass the test, and prove all things as you seek to serve Christ first and highest, above all.

John 7:24 – “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

Two Letters Re: Toledo Water Crisis

Hugh,

The WHO article you mentioned says there’s another way to purify water tainted with microcystins, and it’s one of my favorite water purification methods because it can also be used as a wound cleanse, an antiseptic solution, an anti-fungal treatment for the hands and feet, a cholera disinfectant, a treatment for canker sores, a fire starter, and even a snow marker for an emergency signal. On top of all that, it’s less expensive per pound than calcium hypochlorite.

What is this wonder chemical? Potassium Permanganate (KMNO4) 98% 1lbPotassium Permanganate, also called “permanganate of potash” or “Condy’s crystals.” Read more about its survival uses here.

Some disadvantages: Calcium hypochlorite will purify about 100 times as many gallons. So you’re best buying lots of hypochlorite for most of your bulk needs and a little bit of permanganate for special cases, like mitocystins or bug-out bags. Permanganate is good for a bug-out bag, due to its multiples of uses, though you will want to mind the storage recommendations and warnings, such as flammability, so use a proper container.

More disadvantages: A little bit can quickly stain almost anything, and it seems like permanganate is more oxidizing/reactive/flammable than hypochlorite. However, I’m no chemist; do your research.

I’ve contemplated placing a few crystals in a coffee straw then sealing it with a lighter, then placing the straw inside one of those Altoids Smalls tins re-purposed as an EDC survival kit. Provided it meets the storage recommendations, I just might do it. – CDV

HJL Adds: If you are going to contemplate storing Potassium Permanganate, make sure you read the MSDS sheet. Pay particular attention to Section 10, “Stability and Reactivity”, and do not use a storage container that can potentially become shrapnel, such as glass. KMnO4 is such a strong oxidizer that if the right conditions exist, it can produce gas fast enough to simulate an explosive property.

o o o

Good morning, Hugh,

You posted today about water filtration and purification regarding the Toledo, Ohio water crisis, and pointed out that calcium hypochlorite is effective against mytocystin in the water.

Two questions: First, is there a good way to store calcium hypochlorite to prevent its degradation? I buy the 1-pound plastic packages, rather than 5 or 10 gallon buckets, because it’s easier to use, and if something happens to one package I’ve lost one pound, not five or ten. The container (a plastic box with lid) in which I store them reeks of chlorine because the plastic bags HCH comes in are slightly porous. My concern is corrosive fumes leaking/escaping from the plastic tub and causing problems with other stored items.

Second, you mentioned sand filters. I’m hoping you share your research on them with us. Sand filters sound like a possible simple and inexpensive means of initial water purification. Thanks – N.O.

HJL Responds: The only practical storage container is chemically resistant plastic, as CaOCl2 is highly corrosive to zinc (galvanized metal), corrosive to most metals, and mildly corrosive to glass. For long-term storage, you need better containers than what the product is usually sold in. The thin, standard food-grade, plastic buckets are still somewhat permeable to the chemical. Polyethylene will give you the best performance with thicker walls being better.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Medical examiner rules James Brady’s death a homicide. – T.P.

This one leaves you scratching your head. Do they really expect to try a man who was already found not guilty 33 years ago?

o o o

Thousands Of Gallons Of Water Stolen From Small Town’s Fire Department – JBG

o o o

How to Build the Ultimate Survival Shelter – RBS

o o o

(Warning: Graphic) ISIS Sweeps The Middle East In A Method Reminiscent of Genghis Khan – B.B.

After seeing ISIS in action, I am beginning to understand God’s command to Moses and Joshua in ancient times to wipe them out. This truly is an abomination to all that is good.

Article quote: “Never again has morphed into never mind.”

o o o

Woman takes matter into own hands during home invasion – T.P.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” – James 2:14-16 (KJV)

Notes for Saturday – August 09, 2014

August 9th, 1831 is the birthday of James Paris Lee. Lee, who died February 24, 1904, was a Scottish-Canadian and later American inventor and arms designer, best known for inventing the bolt action that led to the Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield series of rifles.

o o o

Harrison Tactical Gear has upgraded their online checkout system and can now give SurvivalBlog readers a 10% discount on anything in their online store. Just use the code “survivalblog14” during checkout to automatically receive the discount.

o o o

Today, we present another entry for Round 54 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $12,400+ worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course (a $1,195 value),
  2. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  3. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chromlined barrel and a hardcase to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR type rifle to have quick change barrel which can be assembled in less then 1 minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  4. Gun Mag Warehouseis providing 30 DMPS AR-15 .223/5.56 30 Round Gray Mil Spec w/ Magpul Follower Magazines (a value of $448.95) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt. An equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions.
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear,
  7. A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value),
  8. A $300 gift certificate from Freeze Dry Guy,
  9. A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo,
  10. A roll of $10 face value in pre-1965 U.S. 90% silver quarters, courtesy of GoldAndSilverOnline.com, (currently valued at around $180 postpaid),
  11. Both VPN tunnel and DigitalSafe annual subscriptions from Privacy Abroad (a combined value of $195),
  12. KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304,
  13. TexasgiBrass.com is providing a $300 gift certificate.

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A FloJak EarthStraw “Code Red” 100-foot well pump system (a $500 value), courtesy of FloJak.com,
  3. Acorn Supplies is donating a Deluxe Food Storage Survival Kit with a retail value of $350,
  4. The Ark Instituteis donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package–enough for two families of four, seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate– a $325 retail value,
  5. $300 worth of ammo from Patriot Firearms and Munitions. (They also offer a 10% discount for all SurvivalBlog readers with coupon code SVB10P),
  6. A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials,
  7. Twenty Five books, of the winners choice, of any books published by PrepperPress.com (a $270 value),
  8. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value),
  9. Dri-Harvestfoods.com in Bozeman, Montana is providing a prize bundle with Beans, Buttermilk Powder, Montana Hard Red Wheat, Drink Mixes, and White Rice, valued at $333,
  10. TexasgiBrass.com is providing a $150 gift certificate,
  11. Organized Prepper is providing a $500 gift certificate, and
  12. RepackBoxis providing a $300 gift certificate to their site.

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  6. Ambra Le Roy Medical Products in North Carolina is donating a bundle of their traditional wound care and first aid supplies, with a value of $208, and
  7. APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit, and
  8. SurvivalBased.com is donating a $500 gift certificate to their store.
  9. Montie Gearis donating a Y-Shot Slingshot and a Locking Rifle Rack. (a $379 value).

Round 54 ends on September 30st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

This Was Yesterday, by G.P.

Today was no different than any other. The sense of peace was in the morning breeze. Some of the most beautiful birds were singing, as if they wanted the world to know they are blessed with no worries. The morning dew gives the air an almost sweet smell of perfume. Kids are briskly walking down the street, so they limit the chances of missing their bus. Parents are rushing off to work in an almost robotic manner. News stations are broadcasting news, and radio stations are playing music. Smiles, frowns, tears, and fears fill the faces of society. Many people are in one community, but they all share the burdens of the next man. While trying to please the self-image of the world, they never even get close to the standards of acceptance.

Nobody noticed that 5,000 more children had been escorted across the border throughout the night. Amnesty is taking its toll on North America, and the effects have southern states carrying the burden of hospitality. Vacant schools and vacant businesses are becoming the temporary homes for the immigrant overflow in the United States. Winter is coming, and food shortages are inevitable. The media speaks of the great things we are doing for our guests, but the economy tells the truth of the matter at hand. Schools are being over run with non-English speaking students. Cafeterias are not able to keep up with the free and reduced lunch requests that are being made for the new immigrants. Social services have no answer for the growing number of housing applications. This fallout was caused by the food stamp shortage, and the influx of emergency EBT card request. Pandemic level respiratory infectious diseases have spread like a wild fire in the dry plains. Teachers are unable to have productive classes, due to the unmanageable numbers in the classrooms. “No worries,” they tell you. “Today was no different than any other.”

The stock market has fallen below a comfortable level. Banks have set one hundred dollar restriction at every ATM. Doors to every bank have been locked, and they are no longer taking withdrawal request. Automated responses have been set up for all of those who have worries about their money. The banks promise this will be resolved soon, but the lost look on the employees’ faces lets you know there is no solution in sight to these monetary problems. Debit cards are declined at every register, gas pump, and clothing store. Credit cards are not being read or accepted any longer. Media calls it a glitch in the banking system. A rumor of a North American Identification Card offers relief to those who follow the political news stations. Droves of people rush to their local social security offices, waiting on their chance to register with the New North American Union. “No worries,” they tell us… “Today was no different than any other day.”

New signs pop up all over the city. The signs cohere the community to sell your guns for food. Government EBT cards are being bartered for ammunition. People are growing fearful of how fast things are changing in the world. Dysfunction has now hit the homestead, and those who proclaimed to be preppers are ready to bugout. Traffic lights are not working properly, but I am sure it’s because of the rolling blackouts we have been experiencing. Tactical officers have been patrolling the inner city streets. No one finds it weird that there is a military presence in our neighborhoods. Local police say they need help with traffic congestion, but their aren’t any police at the malfunctioning lights. A few months ago, I noticed a lot of small tanks on a train, which were traveling into an unknown location in the middle of our city. If I didn’t know better, I would think the town was preparing for martial law. Maybe I am paranoid by the build up F.E.M.A. trucks. “No worries,” they said… “Today was no different than any other day.”

No one really paid attention to all the practice public service announcements. Since these practice alerts came on every week, they were ignored today. The message told all citizens to not be alarmed by the military presence. ATM machines will be turned off and traffic lights were being shut down. A curfew was now in affect for all citizens. Identification cards were not an option any longer. Everyone must be registered within the next 48 hours. Anyone not registered will be transported to local FEMA centers, so they could receive the extra help they need to fill out their paperwork. Cognitive dissonance has taken full affect. Citizens are complying with all the rules that are being set in place by this newly formed authority. Although things are quickly becoming uncomfortable for everyone, with much practice they have learned to trust authority of any kind. A few people have unplugged themselves from this false sense of reality, and these few have begun to rise up. Many don’t need a reason to act out upon emotions. Those citizens, who live for chaos, don’t need a reason to destroy their own property. Why would you take pride in things you never pay taxes for? Fires begin to spring up everywhere. Traffic is made up of citizens trying to get home from work and others trying to pick their kids up from school. Cell phone towers cannot keep up with the load of distressed people trying to reach friends and loved ones. Things are reaching the point of no return, but today is no different than any other day.

Everyone thought they had things in place for this day, but they will soon see that preparing was only the tools for building the foundation of being ready. Many preppers never practiced taking different routes home from work. Others were shocked when their cars ran out of gas on the jammed packed highways. FEMA trucks are taking hundreds of children away, because their parents couldn’t reach them in time. Children were not prepared to walk home from school by themselves. Some were two miles from home when the FEMA trucks took them away. Parents could have gotten out of their cars and walked to their children’s schools. Trust in government entities reassured their emotions and helped convince them they would see their children again. Families are being separated, the stock market is steadily falling, and growing unrest is sweeping the streets. Local authorities are loosing control of this once-quiet city. Looting and pillaging has become widespread in the inner city communities. Sirens are screaming and helicopters are filling the skies. The National Guard has been called in to block all highways and bring order back to the south. The bullhorns hooked to SWAT vehicles warn citizens to return to their homes and lock their doors. Citizens are threatened with charges of treason and tyranny for not following the rules of FEMA. They tell the masses not to worry, because today is no different than any other day. Many of us prepared for these days, but no amount of preparation can ready you for the day everything comes to a halt. All of your bags are ready and your ammunition supplies line the walls awaiting civil unrest. Are you truly prepared? Are you truly ready? The seal has been broken and the locusts have come to devour the lands of the United States. Here are twelve things overlooked by most, who say they are prepared for the end.

  1. Traffic will be unrelenting and congested. Have a backup plan for retrieving your children from school and daycare. Everyone should know where to meet in case of any emergency.
  2. Communications will be limited. Cell phones are given to children for emergency communication. Most adults don’t have any other means of communication. In a martial law scenario all means of cellular communication will be lost. Have other short wave communications.
  3. Food will be limited for all in inner city residences. Rural communities will not feel the effects at first. Once a run on food has begun, the rural areas will be squeezed out of deliveries. Looters will target food trucks, water trucks, and fuel trucks. You need to have food and fuel storage readily available.
  4. The dollar is steadily losing its power in the market. Banks will feel the pain of the dollar crash. This will start a crash in the markets and spark a run on banks. Don’t think for one minute banks are not prepared for an emergency shut down. ATM’s will be shut down and banking centers will be closed. You need to have some type of monetary savings in a safe place. Never rule out having silver, gold, and other bartering materials. These may save your life.
  5. Schools will be forced to go on lockdown. Some schools will have their children bused to safe houses and FEMA centers. You need to check with your schools safety board, in order to know their plan of action. Don’t assume that teachers will stay with their students when SHTF begins. Teachers have children and families, as well. In the case that teachers and principals start leaving their post, secondary authorities will be called in to establish parental decisions for the children at school.
  6. The inner city will become a battleground for gangs and cartels. Once local city law enforcement has crumbled, unruliness will spread through the streets. This may be hard to visualize, but many riots were birthed through championship celebrations. Imagine what will become of a riot birthed out of hunger and panic.
  7. Pandemics have already been swept under the rug. Many illegal immigrants are coming with various diseases, both viral and bacterial. Once widespread sickness begins to move from person to person, it will be hard to come across vaccines and medicines. Mutated viruses will be hard to control. Secondary bacterial infections will cause panic by themselves. This will cause many to seek quarantine from others who are sick. I am almost sure the CDC will be called in for this problem. If you are caught in this mess, you could risk being split from your family members.
  8. We always think you have everything, until the true test of times present themselves. When we reach “zero hour”, sporting goods stores will be highly dangerous. Everyone knows that camping gear are found in these places. Inner city thugs will try to seize the opportunity to create lawless situations at these establishments. You need to have a list of pertinent preps you and your family will need to bug out of a hostel area. Taking this warning lightly can cost you valuable time bugging out, more over put the lives of your family in danger.
  9. Ammunition has been under attack to create issues for the major middleman suppliers. One local company has been rumored of having advanced knowledge of the gun law crisis and using it for its advantage. This major supplier bought thousands of rounds of commonly-used caliber ammunition, so they could jack up prices during the ammo shortage. This was a trusted company of my community, but loyalty ran short in a time of crisis. Nothing will stop companies from selling ammo at astronomical prices, when SHTF begins. Even if you know everyone who works behind the counter, they will still expect you to pay the higher cost per round. Everyone is closely monitoring the urgent stock piling of ammunition. Your neighbors look in your trash bins. Your postal workers pay close attention to the firearms parts and ammunition being mailed to your home. Your bank monitors your spending, and they say it’s so they can send you suggestions for discounts. Don’t believe that your ammunition stock piling is unnoticed and discrete. No matter the discreteness, you have to prepare for the next crisis that will raise the cost of ammunition. An executive order has already been set in place to ban some Russian ammunition and firearms. These things will double in price within the next few months.
  10. Loyalty is something that you can’t attach a price. In the Bible, Judas sold out The Son of God for a bag of silver. You have to ask yourself what a hungry man or women would do to you for food and shelter. Loyalty cannot be prepped or stock piled. It is not found in a book and cannot be learned in a classroom. Loyalty just is. Loyalty is going to be one of the most sought after preps after SHTF. Many will turn on each other for food and shelter. Silver coins will buy bread with one hand and give information to marauders in another hand. There will be those who will plan to prey on prepper groups. Preppers have two worries– marauders and lack of loyalty. You can gauge the level of loyalty of those around you by evaluating your past interactions with these people. If you have a friend who has shown themselves untrustworthy in minor situations, you might need to reevaluate choosing them as SHTF partners. This is why you tell no one about your preparations. Trusting non-loyal people can cost you your life…one day.

Letter Re: Vitamins in a Grid Down Situation

Hugh,

I would like to add these sources to the author’s:

Vitamin D – the article is missing a crucial and easy to set up source– fresh shiitake mushrooms. “A fresh shiitake boasts about 100 IU of vitamin D per gram, but if you dry it in the sun, it creates 10,000 IU. If you dry it upside down in the sun and let the gills absorb the sun, a gram will provide 20,000 IU. The mushrooms are so full of D, in fact, it’s important not to eat too many dried shiitakes, as vitamin D overdose can occur with chronic consumption of 40,000 IU of vitamin D per day.” http://www.rodalenews.com/growing-shiitake-mushrooms also http://www.fungi.com/blog/items/place-mushrooms-in-sunlight-to-get-your-vitamin-d.html

Vitamin C – add pine needle tea and dandelion to the article’s source list http://survivingtheoregontrail.com/blog/pine-needle-tea-high-in-vitamin-c-for-drink-antiseptic-uses-for-hair-and-body/. The entire dandelion plant is edible, and the leaves contain vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium, iron, manganese, and potassium. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/08/the-five-healthiest-backyard-weeds.aspx

Omega 3 – add wild Purslane as a good source for Omega 3. Purslane tops the list of plants with omega-3 fats.

Other healthy backyard “weeds” are:

Lamb’s-quarters. Lamb’s-quarters are like spinach, except healthier, tastier and easier to grow.

Plantain. Not the better-known banana-like plant with the same name. It has a nutritional profile similar to dandelion.

Stinging Nettles. If you handle them so that you don’t get a painful rash from the tiny, acid-filled needles, these are delicious and nutritious, cooked or prepared as a tea. – S.C.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Tying into the storyline of of JWR’s novel “Expatriates”: Former Australian army chief: “Australia is involved in the early stages of a war which is likely to last for the rest of the century”

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Many Americans Renounce Citizenship, Hitting New Record – G.G.

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Yet another reason why I advocate homeschooling: Fremont Sex-Ed Textbook With Topics On Bondage, Vibrators Along With Explicit Diagrams Has Parents Riled Up. – P.M.

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Homeland Security inspector is arrested after Craigslist sting operation caught him ‘trying to have sex with mother and her underage daughter’. – T.P.

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Feds Bend CDC Rules for Sick Illegal Immigrants . – G.L.