Another one bites the dust – Allendale County Bank fails – G.G.
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Ration Cards, Block Long Food Lines as Inflation Rate in Venezuela Hits 60% – G.P.
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Items from The Economatrix:
Durable-Goods Orders Climb 2.6% In March
Schadenfreude: Economists “Stunned” By Housing Fade
Marital Value in the Free Market
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Did you notice the communications blackout in parts of the world? Sun Unleashes Major Solar Flare (Video). – L.M.
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It’s not particularly efficient when you consider all the energy used to produce the ice to run it, but it’s easy and I can think of several times a small personal cooler would have been nice: Chill Out This Summer with a Homemade Air Conditioner. – R.M.
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Report: Putin Ceases ‘High-Level’ Contact with Obama Administration. – G.P.
Hugh Adds: A few things strike me as odd about this whole thing.
I’m seeing shadows of WWII here. If we are talking appeasement, we can see that that didn’t work too well with Hitler. Why would we try it with Russia? If we are talking economic sanctions, that didn’t work too well with Japan either. We forced their hand into attacking the U.S. by trying to crush them with sanctions. I realize that this is an over-simplification of the situation, but something just isn’t making sense to me here.
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Buying MREs makes a prepper a terrorist? Homeland Security Encourages Businesses to Snitch on Preppers as Terrorists. – M.H.
“The future of human liberty … means the future of civilization.” – Henry Hazlitt
The format is basically complete on the blog, as of today. We still have a small bit of cleanup to perform regarding fonts and such, as well as a few articles that did not import very well. I’ll be taking care of those little niggly details over the coming weeks. For those who are on mobile devices though, you should be aware that the site performs differently than it did before. Rather than showing the whole page that you have to zoom and scroll around on, this format is termed “responsive”. Depending on the size of your display screen, the format will re-flow itself. If there isn’t enough screen room, the sidebars will automatically drop to the bottom of the blog. Whereas the old format had quite a few blog entries on the primary screen before pagination, the new format will only display 10 at a time. It should load faster and reformat quickly to your screen. Since you can no longer zoom on the page, those with 20/20 eyesight will not be able to zoom for a tiny font anymore. Rather, the font will remain the same (unless your browser changes it), and the text will re-flow. If you want more width as you read the blog, just turn your mobile sideways.
Also, since you typically read as you scroll downward, you may not notice just how far you scrolled down when finished. You can quickly return to the top of the screen by simply pressing the floating arrow button in the lower right corner. For those that like to print each article out, we now have a print link at the top of each entry that will reformat the screen for clean printing (similar to the old permalink) and will bring up your print dialog, if you have one.
The blog is now running on its new home, and we will soon have a seamless backup in place to keep the backup server updated. Thank you for hanging in there with us. – HJL
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Today we present another entry for Round 52 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include:
First Prize:
Second Prize:
Third Prize:
Round 52 ends on May 31st, 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.
The next part of my personal development of a preparedness-based lifestyle started with acquiring goods. Whether you are living with your parents, in a dormitory, or on your own, you have the ability to stock up on preparedness essentials. The main areas I have found easiest to begin with include information, food, water, and medical/sanitation supplies. Some areas that followed include tools, heat/light sources, communication, and firearms. Remember: Don’t get overwhelmed; it can take awhile to acquire various goods, but they will provide comfort and help you survive in the future, no matter what stage you are in. Something is better than nothing.
Food
Most kids from the ages of 16 to 19 will have adequate space to store goods. Whether it is in a closet, cabinet, or in a dresser, there are various places to store food at home or in a dorm. The easiest place to start is at your local supermarkets, with the purchase of common household condiments, canned food (meats, fruits, vegetables), and other easily prepared meals. Teenagers tend to buy junk food, which is a waste of money and full of “empty” carbohydrates. There are many cheap options available including things from peanut butter to cans of chili and bags of rice. Make sure to stock up a variety of goods, with proper nutritional value. Many canned goods and condiments are cheap, easy to store, and have shelf lives of up to five years. I have personally lived off peanut butter and canned tuna, while working on a trail crew for months at a time. While some might argue these food choices are unhealthy, I look at levels of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is amazing what the human body is able to adapt to.
The next levels of food storage you will run into include freeze-dried/dehydrated goods, grains, and food bars. These methods of food storage are harder to come by and a bit pricier (depending on your personal connections), but they are widely available and have longer shelf lives than store-bought goods. You can find them available from many sources, including Internet websites. A personal favorite is emergencyessentials.com. Remember to do your research and pick foods ideal to your personal situation/beliefs. It is great to get involved locally with various organizations that host classes and meetings regarding canning and preserving. Find out what is around your local area.
Here is an included food list similar to what I started with:
Water
Water is undoubtedly the most precious possession in your preparedness plan. Storage comes in many shapes and styles, such as cheap yet durable plastic containers. One great method is the used of plastic camping-style containers from five- to seven-gallon capacities. My favorite storage container is a clean 2-liter pop bottle, which can be found at your local recycle center. These are easily transportable and storable, and have varying yet great storage lives. Water will be used in a crisis for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. A general rule is one gallon per person per day, but decide yourself what you think is necessary. Make sure to also have ways of purifying water, as you may need to in a disaster situation. Everything from household bleach to water purifiers can be used. Do your research, and decide what best fits your needs.
Medical/sanitation Supplies
While I am still currently growing in this field of preparedness, some key areas include a well-stocked first-aid kit and necessary sanitation supplies. A first aid kit is crucial to have, and there is no “one size fits all” kit. Put together your own first aid kit to the best of your knowledge, and continually add to it. Make sure to stock up on medications and vitamins as well. Sanitation will be an important factor in a disaster and could mean the difference between life and death. Some great items to start with include bleach, paper goods (towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products), and personal cleanliness products. Some great items to have include soap, baby wipes, and various personal care products. Remember, a downed water supply will mean no showers, no flushing toilets, and no running water. Think ahead and prepare.
Tools
Once you evolve further into your preparations, you will become familiar with the use and storage of tools, heat/light sources, forms of communication, and firearms. Remember, knowledge is the key here, and stored items will prove difficult to use if you are not familiar with their purposes. In a drawn out disaster situation, you will need basic tools for common repairs. Think ahead. Will you need to board up doors and windows? Will you be able to change a flat tire on your vehicle? Will you have to perform an emergency repair on a firearm? A good set of basic tools is a great place to start, and prices will not “break the bank”. If teenagers put their earnings towards survival preparation rather than video games, makeup, electronics, and unnecessary purchases, our generation would benefit greatly.
Heat and Light
Another area of preparation includes heat and light sources. When the power shuts down in your dorm or apartment, will you be able to see in the dark and stay warm? Basic items such as flashlights, lanterns, candles, and sources of fire starting are essential to have. Make sure to store extra layers of clothing, a winter sleeping bag, wool blankets, and hand warmers for the winter months. These items are easily purchased and storable for years.
Communications
A form of communication will be crucial for a teenager away from home. You need to be able to contact family members during a time of crisis via cell phones and various types of radio communication. Find out what is available and fitting to your budget in the wide array of today’s technology.
Firearms
Firearms are important for defense in a crisis situation. Your fellow dorm mates or city dwellers will become desperate and even violent in times of fear; be prepared. Depending on your state laws, at the age of 18 you are legally allowed to purchase “long arms”, such as shotguns and rifles. A great place to start for a teen would be the purchase of a home-defense shotgun. Some great and reasonably priced models include the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870. Once you begin learning more about firearms you will discover the beauty of a reliable shotgun. Depending on local laws, an ideal shotgun would have an extended magazine tube for multiple rounds and be in 12 gauge form. A 20 gauge has less recoil and would be a better fit for smaller teens. Further down the line you will start looking into rifles and assault rifles– an endless topic saved for other articles. The purchase of a handgun is legal at the age of 21 years old; start to get an idea of what is available. You also must be 21 years of age to purchase certain ammunition; check your local laws. Also, in some states it is legal to be “gifted” handguns from a parent or grandparent, with varying carry restrictions. Remember to research and learn all you can. A firearm, which you are comfortable and over-familiar with, can save your life one day.
Other Considerations for Teenagers
Find out if your college or local community college offers any courses of interest that would come in handy someday. Some courses to look into include basic automotive, woodworking, welding, Emergency Medical Technician, Wilderness First Responder, tracking skills, and gunsmith training. You can also find community sources that will help you learn about home food preservation, livestock care, gardening, and various other useful skills. Become part of the community and stay aware of local/ world events. Make sure to maintain a strong and positive family life, and remember that your “friends” can become completely different people out of fear and desperation. Swap your videogame and party time for time to gather knowledge and practice skills. Try to get fellow students interested in preparedness, but be careful not to let out important information about your personal preparations. Don’t look at your storage preparations strictly for emergency purposes. Somewhere down the line, you will eat that can of chili; you will put those tools to use; and you will protect yourself with that firearm, regardless of a natural disaster or economic collapse.
Within our lifetime of the next 60+ years, we will definitely see drastic changes in our country and around the world. Preparedness is not only a fun and educational hobby, it is a lifestyle, and the younger you start, the better. It’s a scary world out there, full of unthinkable and startling possibilities. We are approaching inevitable times of change, and we must carry on the legacies of our families and this great country. A preparedness-based lifestyle will not only benefit you during times of crisis but throughout your normal life as well. Stored goods are only a small part of preparation. YOU are the most important part of the big picture. Be strong, mentally and physically, and learn all you can.
Hugh,
I’d like to tell you about a product I recently bought at Costco the other day. I have no stake in the company. It’s from Sunforce; it’s a 80 LED solar motion light. It has 900 lumens output from 80 white LEDs. It has a separate solar panel that’s connected by a 15 foot cord to a battery pack in the light fixture. It has a motion detector and a three position switch: on, off, auto. I charged the batteries for three days, per the instructions for the initial charge. I put the switch in “on” position, and it ran for about three hours. The output was not bright enough in my opinion to use as a outdoor security light (its intended purpose), but it would be a perfect backup indoor light. I now have one mounted to an inside wall with the solar panel in sitting inside one of my windows. I have it on “auto”, so when I come down the stairs at night it comes on. I’m going to continue testing it to see if there are any long-term issues, but so far it looks like it will be a perfect unit to have when the power goes out. Oh, and the best part is that it’s only $30. Also, for past discussions on American made tools, I am a machinist, and it’s hard to find American made cutting tools. One source I’ve found is Borite boring bars, made in the Detroit area. They don’t sell directly to the public but through dealers, like the big catalog companies like MSC. I’ve found the cheapest prices through an online dealer called OnlyAmericanMadeTools.com. Again I don’t have any connection to this company either. Thanks for all the great info that I’ve gotten from this site. – C.L.
Fruit of the Loom to close Jamestown plant, lay off all 600 workers. They are still going to be making t-shirts and underwear. They will just be made in Honduras from now on. – J.W.
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Why would the world’s largest nation want this “ancient relic”? China Takes Steps To Further Conceal Gold Holdings . – J.W.
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Items from The Economatrix:
Housing Won’t Save Broader Economy
An interesting take on a traditional celebration: Survivalist Seder. – G.G.
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The Volatility of War, the Promise of Gold. – B.R.
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Firearms applications surge, swamp registration system. – G.G.
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U.S. judge rules search warrants extend to overseas email accounts. – G.P.
This is really about giants like Microsoft and Google storing e-mail deliberately out of the reach of the U.S. government, but it is a typical government overreach. The U.S. is now asserting dominion over foreign governments.
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The Vicious Cycle of Apathy Towards Tyranny in Amerika. – J.W.
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:36,37 (KJV)
Spring and Summer Survival Medicine Classes are now open for registration at www.armageddonmedicine.net. All workshops will be taught by Dr. Koelker, Medical Editor for SurvivalBlog, and will be held in Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, California, Virginia, and Alabama. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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Today we present another entry for Round 52 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $11,000+ worth of prizes for this round include:
First Prize:
Second Prize:
Third Prize:
Round 52 ends on May 31st, 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.
As our world and economy continue to change, I can’t help but wonder what is in store for my generation in our years to come. Interacting with my fellow peers, I realize many of them have no idea about what is going on in our world. Only within the past few years have I realized how under-prepared a majority of teens my age truly are. Whether it be a lack of education of world events or simply a matter of non-interest, it saddens me that my generation, “the leaders of tomorrow”, have little to no sense of preparedness. The world is changing rapidly, and the next generation must be prepared for the unthinkable.
Raised in a small town of approximately 15,000 people, I went from a public grade school to a public high school. My first interactions regarding preparedness and our uncertain future came about from my father’s personal interest in the matters. Starting at the age of about 15, I became fascinated with the idea of a post-apocalyptic world. No doubt much influence came from “zombie” based films directed at viewers my age. I started reading every fictional post-apocalyptic type novel I could get my hands on. I read everything from Stephen King’s The Stand to Pat Frank’s Alas, Babylon, and I constantly pondered the idea of a total world collapse. Moving out of my “what if” stage to my “when” stage, I transitioned to non-fiction books based on preparedness. I read a plethora of survival/preparedness books from old army survival manuals to books on home food storage and off-the-grid lifestyles.
Ever since my interest in preparedness began, not a day goes by when I do not practice or learn new useful material. My interest in survival, preparedness, and protecting my future has changed my life in many ways, and I know it can change the lives of others my age. This interest has helped me obtain a healthy lifestyle in which I have proudly lost over 50 pounds and maintained my dream body ever since. My preparedness-based mindset has also kept me motivated and at my top level of performance, which dramatically improved my self-esteem, confidence, and performance in school and other activities. My views and preparedness-based lifestyle have also helped me obtain jobs and save money– a common weakness among my generation.
I would like to share some information with my fellow followers of SurvivalBlog, who will hopefully pass it on to their own children or grandchildren. I have noticed a majority of readers and posters of this great website are older, and I would like to see more support from younger generations. I saw an opportunity to possibly help my generation realize what is going on in the world around us and find interest in preparedness, as I have.
Influence
Parents and adults in positions of power arguably have a great influence on younger generations. It is easy to get your children involved in preparedness at young ages, and some material should present itself at different maturity levels. It is a great start in younger years to get children familiar with hands-on learning, such as the raising of livestock, food canning processes, firearm safety, home safety (natural disaster/intruder plans and actions), and similar areas related to preparedness. Remember, at younger ages the attention levels dwindle, so make sure to introduce new concepts in a hands-on learning environment. As the child ages and matures, introduce them to materials including fiction and non-fiction books involving world history, times of disaster, and world collapse. Forget the idea of a negative and grim outlook being programmed into children; rather give them a thoughtful and informed outlook. Chances are they will maintain interest in preparedness and the “what if” factor in life.
The teenage years are often a more difficult time for parent interaction, as this is when we are figuring out emotions and all that “fun” stuff. Remember as a parent to maintain a positive relationship with your child and allow them to have their own space and make their own decisions. Continue to ensure their interest in preparedness, and make sure they are involved in your own continuing interest and preparations. Have them help you work on your home preparedness. Take them to informative classes and out shooting, and also frequently practice and go over your personal disaster plans with them. Decide an appropriate age to introduce them to Internet websites to further their knowledge of preparedness topics. Obviously, they will be interested in certain topics more than others; remember that this is natural.
My intent of this article is for parents to get their children interested in preparedness and world events, and for the children themselves to spark interest among their peers. Remember to drill the concept into kids that your family’s preparedness is PRIVATE. Failing to do so could spark interest among your community and could cause trouble in the future. I would like to pass on some information about preparedness to people my own age. This is preparedness from the view of a teenager.
A Time Of Change
It may be hard to ponder, but our generation is the future. The next chapters of this great country will undoubtedly be greatly influenced by us. However, due to ever-changing world events, we do not always have control over what tomorrow brings. Fortunately, we do have the power to prepare for unthinkable and inevitable events. A small majority of the next generation is beginning to “wake up” to our changing nation and world. From natural to man-made disasters, our generation has seen what unimaginable and chaotic events happen in the world, and the worst is yet to come. A quick look at world news shows times of crisis all over, and deeper investigation brings forth a startling wakeup call. Our nation is approaching many possible disastrous events, and NOW is our time to prepare. Whether it is a devastating terrorist attack next week or a drawn out socio-economic collapse over the next few years, our generation will take the greatest blow. We will see the world change dramatically within our next 60+ years, and our generations before will just have caught the beginning of what is to come. It is no longer a question of “if” but rather “when”.
Beginning your preparations as a teenager is not as difficult or costly as it sounds. It is actually a better time to begin adapting, while you’re young, to a preparedness-based lifestyle. The target group this article is based on ranges from the ages of 16 to 19, but preparedness is a life-long tradition. You may be overwhelmed by the rapidly changing world, but you have the ability to ACT. A good foundation for a life-long follower starts with the right mentality. YOU and only you can decide where you go in life and how you react to situations, opportunities, and other people. Positive family lives as well as a strong belief in religion are great corner stones to success, as well as the belief in yourself. Needless to say, a large majority of our rebellious generation take part in activities strongly frowned upon. The use of drugs and alcohol as well as participation in crime are unfortunately very common in our generation. Do not stoop to these levels, as they will get you nowhere in life. Self-destruction and carelessness sweep across our youth and are passed along through peer pressure. STAY STRONG. Remember that your family relies greatly on you, and you are the future.
The next aspect of preparedness is physical capability. When a healthy lifestyle is introduced early, it is easily maintained throughout life. Sadly, obesity plagues the youth of our country, arguably due to poor parenting. Your physical health plays a major roll in your survival and preparedness. Some great ways to start a healthy lifestyle young are to acquire healthy eating habits as well as involvement in athletics. School sports are not only a great way to become fit and stay in shape, but are also great learning experiences regarding leadership, commitment, and teamwork. Some great activities to take part in regarding preparedness would be any type of self-defense athletics.
Another major part of preparedness is knowledge. There are countless books, videos, and other sources for learning preparedness information. Not one book covers everything, so make sure to learn all you can in various fields of preparedness. Some good places to start in teen preparation include food and water storage, medial/sanitation storage, healthcare, defensive skills (unarmed and armed), communication, and forms of heat and light. SurvivalBlog has an excellent reference list for you to start with. Learn all you can.
Well Hugh,
After promoting Mr Bundy and his militia followers as heroes perhaps you should mention the fact that the guy is a racist pig. – Marc F.
Hugh Replies: What you are seeing is a classic example of Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals”. I am surprised that you have not been able to see this coming. Alinsky’s Rule 7.5 is “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counteract ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, which then reacts to your advantage.” Also, Rule 7.13 is “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. In conflict tactics there are certain rules that [should be regarded] as universalities. One is that the opposition must be singled out as the target and ‘frozen.’…”
The first clue is that the comments from the media are completely disconnected from the government’s oppression of the local ranchers. When taken out of context, they create an atmosphere that no politician wants to be connected to. If you think about it, it’s a pretty good tactic to use considering that Cliven Bundy (and friends) did the impossible and made the Federal government back down.
I have tremendous respect for Cliven Bundy. Whether I would like him as a person or not is irrelevant. My wake up call on the seriousness of the situation began with the passing of the Patriot Act and came to a crescendo with the Boston Marathon bombing. I watched video after video of innocent Americans having their front doors kicked in and, hands on head, paraded out to the street while their home was illegally searched. Of course, all it would have taken was one family to stand their ground with a shotgun or AR-15 for the abuses to have been stopped cold, but no one wanted to be that first person to stand up to the Federal governement’s abuses because they feared that they would be martyrs. Cliven Bundy stood up, and many American patriots answered the call. He may not have won the war yet, but the battle was huge and not a single shot was fired.
So what is the issue then? Is he really a racist? Probably not. He is a rancher. What he needs is a publicist or attorney who will speak for him or at least vet his “prepared statements” for potential media pitfalls.
Truth in Media has a decent article showing the full textual content of Cliven Bundy’s comments, and they sure appear different than the media wants you to believe. Radio Free Redoubt also has a statement concerning Bundy’s comments that will help you understand what He wanted to say and why he needs a publicist or attorney.
Cliven Bundy did the impossible with the help of American Patriots. Don’t let the marxist media steal that accomplishment away from the people!
Guest Post: Demography + Debt = Doom
Items from The Economatrix:
Exactly Like 7 Years Ago? 2014 Is Turning Out To Be Eerily Similar To 2007
The Middle Class In Canada Is Now Doing Better Than The Middle Class In America
Sales Of Existing Homes Slowest Since July 2012
Why Companies Are Wary To Hire Long-Term Unemployed
Spotlight On The Economy: Is The Recovery In Business Investment ‘Durable’?
The twin dangers of the Ukraine crisis. – G.P.
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Cottage Mom sent in this link: preserving food without refrigeration.
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Everything You Need to Know to Rebuild Civilization from Scratch – M.A.
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Video: Watch Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr.’s FANTASTIC speech at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. – B.B.
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“Hawaii joins California as another anti-Constitution and anti-Christian state, both with an anti-American bias. Are you beginning to get the point why government ‘educational’ enclaves are dangerous to your liberties?” – ANOTHER university stops students from handing out Constitution. – B.R.
“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.” – Psalm 117(KJV)