Survivor Mindset: One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure, by J.A.P. in New Mexico

We have all heard the old idiom: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This basically means that something that one person considers worthless may be considered valuable by someone else. This could not be further from the truth in the mind of any survivor. You could branch out into every aspect and area of survival with this mindset at your core. Water, food, fire, shelter, and security can all be obtained with this in mind.
 
I believe that in a survival situation and in everyday life that everything around you is valuable and has multiple uses. I also believe that everyday life is survival. From the moment of your birth until right now, you are in a survival situation. If this weren’t the case you would not be here. It is just that in an actual “survival situation” that the stakes become higher. It is how you perceive things around you, and how you choose to use them that will give you the edge in a “survival situation”.
 
Preparing and being prepared for any and all situations is something that I highly recommend. However, this may not always be conceivable, or you may not have certain items with you at the time of need or when disaster strikes. In certain survival situations you may not be resupplied for a great length of time or not at all. It is imperative in those moments that you and I think outside of the box. Virtually everything around you and I has multiple uses and purposes, but it is up to you and I to use our most important survival weapon and tool to discover those other uses for those items. This weapon and tool is our minds.

For years I have slowly integrated all parts of a “survivor’s mindset” into my wife and kids, but I always try and reinforce keys aspects to them, and one of those main aspects is the mental ability to “improvise”! For a long while I had shown my son that there are multiple uses for any single item or thing he comes across. I have also shown him many survival techniques over the years. To drive this point home to my 12 year old son I took him to a picnic campsite up in the mountains. The point of the trip was to show him that he could survive even if he lacked certain items. He didn’t know what we were taking the drive for until we got there.  After arriving at the campsite I told him, “Pretend right now that you were in a survival situation or that you got lost up here in the woods. What would you do?”

To my amazement he just gave me a grin, stopped and sat down. He then thought about what I had just said for a moment. Next he pulled everything that he had out of his pockets and took inventory which consisted of the following:
A survival whistle which had a compass, magnifying glass, and thermometer.
And a stick of bubble gum
He then looks at me and says, “It’s not much is it?” I told him, “Nope it sure isn’t” He then said, “Well, I suppose I can do what you taught me to do.” “And what’s that?” I asked.
“I can forage around and see what I find.” he said.

He first walked around the campsite and found a plastic bag, 3 metal bottle caps, a lighter with no fuel but flint still sparked, a used 3 foot piece of multi-strand white rope, a torn piece of paper, and a large coffee can. He then walked along the nearby creek with me in pursuit. Along this creek he gathered up an empty plastic water bottle, a glass bottle, a tangled wad of fishing line which had 2 hooks attached, a small bait container with cotton and 2 weights inside.  On the way back to the campsite he found a broken piece of a vehicle side
mirror on the road.

Then my son took inventory of what he had again. I then asked him, “What can you use that stuff for?” How will all this stuff help your situation?”
“For food I could try using the hooks and weights to catch fish with bugs as bait, or at worst I could try making lures with the hooks and metal bottle caps,” he said
“I know I’ll need water and I could collect it from that creek using the plastic or glass bottles. Maybe after I got a fire going or I found some charcoal around the campsite I could make a water filter. I’d have to use the plastic water bottle for that. The coffee can would be for boiling the water and cooking food.
“For fire I think I could try putting some sparks on that cotton as long as it’s dry and hopefully it will turn into a flame.” I also have this piece of paper to help me along with the magnifying glass on my survival whistle.
“Shelter would have to be made using the rope or rope strands and maybe tying branches together to make a simple shelter.” He kept on glancing up at me as if to see if I approved, but I kept quiet. I wanted to hear what he would come up with. I was thinking in my mind as he talked,” Not bad, not bad at all kid!”
He continued:
I guess the fire would give me some sort of safety and security. I could use the broken piece of mirror for signaling or use my whistle to try and get someone’s attention.
For the rest of the afternoon I watched as he put his plan for each aspect of survival into action. He succeeded in every one of them by himself. (Keep in mind all local and state laws were kept during this exercise.)
At the end of the day he said, “The plastic bag is pretty much useless.” “What are you going to carry all this stuff around in?” I asked. “You’re right dad. I guess there is no such thing as trash!” he said. We both laughed as he enlightened us with that final comment. Not only did my son gain additional confidence that day but we also picked up what most others would consider trash or litter and we cleaned up that area.

My son was absolutely right in saying “there is no such thing as trash”, and in a survival situation there isn’t! Everything becomes useful. In our day to day lives we throw things away in the garbage all the time. Have you ever stopped to think what other uses those items might have? It is absolutely mind blowing all the ideas that will flood to your mind if you asked yourself this question every time you open the trash can to throw something away! You could save yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars in thinking like this. I’m not telling you to be a messy, disorganized hoarder, of course not. What I am saying is to stop and readjust your way of thinking about everything around you and their potential uses. In a  TEOTWAWKI scenario you will be glad that you started thinking this way. There is no such thing as trash! It’s all treasure in some form or another. It’s just up to you how you use and apply those items into your situation. By all means start preparing. Educate yourself and your family about survival, prepare your survival kits and bug out bags, and store up emergency supplies and food but remember this simple yet effective core idea that there basically is no such thing as trash. You can recycle and reintegrate almost anything back into your inventory and situation to help you. You can combine what others consider junk items together and make useful things to help you and those around you. For example if you needed an alternative source of power you could make a simple generator using a motor, an alternator, electrical wires, a V belt, a cast iron pulley, and some mounting brackets.  However keep in mind that you may have to obtain these items from different places and different items. The motor could be obtained from a lawnmower, the alternator from an old car, the pulley from a beaten down belt driven air conditioner, etc. What others have considered to be their trash could now become your treasure! In its simplest form this would be a DC charging system but with the addition of a DC to AC power inverter it also becomes an AC generator system with battery back up. In simpler survival ideas using this mindset you could make a simple water filter using a plastic water bottle, sand, and charcoal, a thrown away soda pop can could be used to start you a fire by polishing the bottom and using it like a reversed magnifying glass with the sun. There are endless ideas, tools, weapons, and survival supplies that can be made or obtained with items around you.

In a  TEOTWAWKI scenario the average person who is not prepared and survival minded is limited by their supplies. Society has too many people accustomed to turning on the faucet and expecting water, going to the nearest store when their pantries and refrigerators supplies run low, going to a restaurant when they get hungry, and filling up their vehicles with gas when needed. These people sadly will not be ready for a TEOTWAWKI situation. The ease of society I believe has weakened and blinded the average person into thinking that the comforts and convenience of everyday life will always be there when needed. It’s not impossible for the average person to pull together and survive this type of situation but it will be that much harder for them since they are so accustomed to the ease of societal living. It’s not a matter of if something of this scale will occur but just a matter of when. For the survival minded person, survivalist, or prepper at least you will be that much more prepared than the average person. However, please keep in mind that if the economy collapses, or there is a nuclear catastrophe, a world wide viral outbreak, etc, etc, that known commerce will come to a halt. Supplies as we know it will come to a halt. At least those who have prepared will have a greater chance versus those who have not. Never deceive yourselves into thinking that you have prepared supply wise for everything, and indefinitely. At some point you will have to resupply something. You will either have to barter and trade, or forage for what items you need. Keep in mind that God gave us all our most important piece of survival gear and it sits right above our necks. Our brains and our minds are an awesome tool if we are willing to see through the right lens. Most of the world has been explored by man. Man by nature leaves things behind either by throwing them away or seeing things as junk and abandoning that stuff for others. How you see that stuff and what you do with it can help you greatly.

Over the years I have used the term survival extensively but I don’t want you and I to just hang by a thread surviving. I don’t want you and I to just survive. I want you and I to THRIVE.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of survive is:

  1. to remain alive or in existence: live on
  2. to continue to function or prosper

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of thrive is:

  1. to grow vigorously : flourish
  2. to gain in wealth and possessions: prosper
  3. to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances

These two words sound the same but quite surprisingly they are different. I would rather thrive than just survive. I don’t just want to exist or continue on but rather I want to flourish and prosper despite my circumstances. My friends we need to think outside the box. We need to improvise when necessary. I believe the key to thriving rather than just relying on supplies and surviving is the ability to improvise. These two sayings go hand in hand and they are:
Necessity is The Mother of Invention and One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure. Both require you and I to think outside the box and realize that if you really need something that you will find a way to do it or acquire it. The items you need could be right in front of you and you may not yet realize it. Some uses for things may be obvious but they may require a little elbow grease to get them working. For example a few weeks ago on my way to the city dump I noticed a wheelbarrow on the side of one of the large dumpsters that was going to be thrown away. Upon inspecting the wheelbarrow all it needed was a new tire and handles and maybe a new paint job. After asking permission I immediately took it with me and fixed it up. The cost was about $5 for a can of spray paint since I already had a tire for it. It looked and functioned like new. I just saved myself at least $145-$150 for this particular brand of wheelbarrow. See not only can you apply this concept in a survival situation but in your day to day life. The money you save in day to day living using this way of thinking could be used for additional supplies and gear, bills or a vacation.

In summary when something thrusts us into a major survival situation you and I will already be thinking this way and you and I will go from just surviving to thriving. This article could go on describing hundreds of thousands of things around you in a survival situation that may help you but it is up to you and your ingenious and inventive mind to figure those things out based on your particular needs. Remember if my 12 year old son can put this mindset into action then so can you and I. It’s not the one with the most toys and ready supplies who wins in the end but the one who can use his or her mind and faith that will endure to the end. Thank You for taking the time to read this article and as always, “Take Care, Be Prepared and May God Lead and Guide You in every situation that you face!”

Letter Re: Observations on the Price of Milk

Dear Editor:
In the 1880s milk sold for $0.56 per quart or $2.24 per gallon which at the time was 0.112 oz of gold per gallon of milk.

To put that in perspective today, it would cost $190 for a gallon of milk.

So if you had a cow producing 1 gallon per day 10 months out of the year, it would have been the equivalent of having $57,000 / year in revenue today. (You have significant capital and labor costs gathering hay and water for just one cow not to mention the distribution costs and short shelf life).

At that same point in time, rent would cost $16 per month (equal to $1,360 today) and you could have paid your rent with the equivalent of less than 2 gallons of milk per week.

With prices like these it is no wonder that every family had their own cow which would have cost $70 dollars or 4.3 months of rent or $6,000 in today’s dollars.

So today a cow costs $2,000, raw milk costs $10 / gallon and industrial milk costs $4 / gallon. This shows you just how much our economy has grown in the past 130 years, the relative price of milk has fallen to 5% or less of what it use to cost.

This also shows you how valuable a cow and the milk it provides would be if the global food distribution system were to have any significant problems as a result of hyperinflation. – Daniel L.

JWR Replies: While a comparison of prices before the days of electric refrigeration might not be completely fair, your illustration at least shows the long term erosive effects of chronic currency inflation. It also gives a glimpse of what people might be willing to pay for milk in the event of a grid-down collapse–when reliable refrigeration will presumably once again be scarce.

Nine Letters Re: Concealed Carry Permits–Pros and Cons

Jim:
I too live in an open carry state where it is also allowed in private vehicles and have chosen not to apply for a concealed carry permit. According to the most recent CDC data, West Virginia has the greatest proportion of homes with at least one gun East of the Mississippi and the fifth highest in the entire country. During a recent discussion with a local LEO, he didn’t even look twice at the 9mm on my hip. We even have two rifles on our flag and the mascot of our flagship university is authorized by state law to fire his muzzleloader on the football field.

Another concern is that in many states allow public access to lists of concealed carry permit holders. Property crimes went up 11% last year according to the DOJ and if the trend continues we may see thieves targeting homes from available lists of licensees like concealed carry and ham radio. – Allen C.

James:
I have the following comments on the letter: “Concealed Carry Permits – Pros and Cons:”
 
Most people that frequent James’ web site would agree that carrying a weapon, openly or concealed, is our natural right, and a plain language reading of the Second Amendment makes it clear that this right was intended to be unencumbered in the United States.  I have no ethical or moral objection to those who chose to exercise their natural rights without consideration of the current legal climate.  If you do that, however, please make sure you have to understand the risks of becoming part of the criminal justice system.
 
I have CCW permits in five states, which through reciprocity entitles me to carry in most jurisdictions.  I originally obtained my CCW in my native California because open carry, while at the time legal, was not practical for me, and I did not want to violate the law in order to carry concealed.  For professional and family reasons I am not able to move right now, and many people find themselves in this situation.
 
If you live in a Constitutional Carry state – lucky you! – and you do not travel regularly outside the state, then don’t bother.  In this situation there are two things to consider:
 
(1)     When you obtain a CCW they make you take training, and that is a good thing.  For most of my life I had ignored pistols – I spent my time and money trying to be a better rifleman – but being forced to take the very limited CCW training got me started, and I am now a combat pistol training junkie – and I think that the training does make me more qualified to be an armed citizen on a day-to-day basis. So if you begin to carry please dedicate yourself to becoming better trained.
 
(2)     Secondly, don’t think that you are actually escaping the notice of local, state or federal governments by not having applied for a CCW permit or recently purchased a firearm.  In fact, a police officer friend of mine comment that we are fast approaching the time when you will attract more attention by not being “part of the system,” and that it might be easier to escape negative attention by going ahead and becoming one of the rabble that has some sort of record, albeit a “peaceful” one.
 
(3)     And lastly, even if you don’t travel regularly, you might want to do so but without sufficient notice to get your local CCW, so why not get it and have it in case you need to jump in the car and head out?
 
Good luck! – Bill C.

Dear James,
When a police officer pulls over a car in the Redoubt, he/she calls in the license plate and in reply, dispatch tells the officer that the occupant has a carry permit.  This allows the officer to know that the owner is carrying but is a vetted non-felon.  Now whether the car has it’s owner driving is another question.  Most officers I talk to, (I’m an ex-cop) assume that the occupant of any car is carrying.  There is a survival benefit to that thought as a cop.  Remember that having a CCW means you have to tell the officer up front anyway in most states.  It’s a good idea even if it’s not required by law to inform the officer.  

You, having a CCW allows a gun dealer, not to have to run a background check on you if the national “instant” check system is down.  If the phone system isn’t working and the internet is down, even if you throw silver coins at your dealer, they can’t let you take home guns without a CCW.  In Wyoming (not necessarily all states), The dealer can sell you a gun as long as you present me a CCW (even an out of state one) without having to do a background check.  So if the system isn’t working, you can still get a last second purchase before the infra-structure stops working completely .   If the whole system goes hard down and resets, I doubt that many dealers will worry much about the existing rules and continue business as usual albeit with somewhat higher prices.  If we can’t renew their stock, things will get expensive fast so get your defensive preparations settled sooner than later. 

Acquiring a CCW requires one to have a training certificate in most states.  That is a good thing because most people need a training course (or 5 or 6) under their belt before strapping on a Glock.   I would say that 2 out of 10 people that buy guns, have a clue how to use them.  The other 8 should get trained fast.  What you do under stress mimics your lowest level of training.  Get your training up to snuff please soon.   

Getting a Wyoming Resident CCW and a out of state Florida CCW will give you 40 states to carry in.  Only Illinois is the hold out at this point.  The reciprocity map to look at is at:  http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

BTW, congratulations, Wisconsin is now a “Shall Issue” state and they even have reciprocity with some other states.   Ye,s Freedom is marching on. – F.B. (15 miles from asphalt)

Dear JWR,
After reading the letter about the pros and cons of a CCW permit, I thought I would weigh in with my comments. To start out, I agree that carrying a concealed weapon is a right that some sort of government entity does not have the right to give permission to do. That being said, however, in Nevada here, and especially Clark County where Las Vegas is, the consequences of getting caught carrying a concealed pistol without a permit can be quite severe. I am sure you could fight a conviction in court, but that could be costly and take much money and time for an unknown and possibly bad outcome. I have held CCW permits in four separate states including Montana, Utah, Arizona, and now Nevada. Quite frankly they were all very painless to obtain. The hardest portion was shelling out the money (Almost $100 here in Nevada for the government fees alone!). I know some people are afraid of the government having your name and the fact you carry a weapon, or at least the ability to do so (Most people I know and the ones I have met in classes, don’t carry a gun on a regular basis or at all. That in itself is a topic worth discussing: the mental mindset to go from sheep to sheepdog and consciously choose to be able to protect yourself and others!). Some will tout open carry as a way to go about without a CCW permit. I do believe open carry has its place. On a hike in the woods, yes, to open carry. Work around the ranch, yes to open carry. Wal-Mart on a busy afternoon, probably not. I do want people to become more comfortable with guns in our culture and to respect them. Not fear and shun them. I do believe open carry in urban centers can bring unwanted attention and negative attention, whether it be from a anti-gunner or prospective criminal. Concealed keeps them unaware and you in total control. The pros of the permit do outweigh the cons in my opinion. My having the resources available to defend myself is paramount. If I have to get a permit to do it, I will. In the meantime I will fight for Constitutional Carry laws ()where citizens don’t need a permit to carry a gun, concealed or not. As you said, Freedom is on the march! God willing we will have our rights restored as they should be. – Steve in Nevada

 

Hi Jim,
I find it amazing that after decades of people fighting to prevent the government from having a list of gun owners and their guns that people now line up and pay the government to get on that list.  The government is changing how people think.  With a CCW card people are thinking of it like a drivers license, which is a privilege not a right.  We are already seeing how things like the TSA are changing what Americans are now putting up with and accepting as the new “norm”.

Some people think that when they buy a gun from an FFL dealer that they are on the “list”.  They are not.  Your on the form in the files of the firearms dealer.  This is why in the original “Red Dawn” movie the Cuban commandeer tells his men to go to the sporting goods store for the firearms 4473 forms  to find out who has guns.

Once the government has a list and then decides to outlaw gun ownership (UN small arms ban possibly) they will have a pretty good start to confiscate these weapons.  You also have to deal with LEOs who don’t think you average citizen should have a gun.  Now that our law enforcement agencies have become more militarized this is more frequent than you think.  When a LEO runs your plate or automatically scans it as he drives by you, it tells him all kinds of information, including if you have a CCW.  So if you are trying to stay under the radar the fewer lists you are on the better. Keep your powder dry, – Karl G.

 

Good Day James,
I wanted to touch on the pros and cons of CCW permits in North Carolina.
 
The county I reside in requires certificates issued by the Sheriff’s office. It’s a cumbersome process that requires one to go downtown, apply and pay a fee ($5 per certificate up to 3 maximum). After a background check that takes a few days (5-10 if memory serves) the certificates are available for pickup at the same downtown location. Once these are in hand, firearm purchases are cash and carry. Re-apply as needed.
 
This method allows one to carry openly, which means non-concealed (including car glove boxes, consoles, under seat etc).
 
However a CCW permit, while more costly eliminates all of the above, with one exception. A class is required ($80-$120), and certification is granted. That document is then taken to the same downtown office where a major background check is performed, for a $90 fee. Once passed, the permit is ready for pick up and finger prints will be taken.
 
Once this permit is in hand, firearm purchases are cash and carry. The firearm maybe concealed (law permitting) including those car compartments mentioned above. the permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed without going through those steps again.
 
I saw the benefit, mostly, in the ease of purchasing firearms, including private sales (not legally required, but may sellers will not sell without one). Being able to keep the firearm car compartments was also a big “selling” point for me. 
 
No doubt agree it is not as ideal as the American Redoubt (and other areas). However, at least in the Tar Heel State,  I believe having one certainly out weighs the consequences of going without it. – Drew D.

Dear Mr. Rawles,
I am a long time reader, first time commenter. I live in Colorado which is a shall issue state, which means that the local sheriff must issue a CCW as long as the applicant passes a CBI background check, (like we were common criminals). Along with running a family business, I am also the chairman of the board of directors of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO), Colorado’s only no compromise gun rights group. I personally believe the requirement to have a CCW is not only unconstitutional, but infringes against my right for self protection endowed by my Creator. That being said, I have a CCW because of my vocal opposition to ANY restrictions on our gun rights and the fact that I prominently open carry about 50% of the time. As far as others (family and friends) getting a CCW, I take a different position. I personally believe that concealed means concealed. Which means that no one knows if you are carrying. The state keeps a record of CCW holders, which means that LEO and other agencies have knowledge of who has been issued a “privilege” to carry. I have known of several woman who have been the subject of harassment and even solicitation by male LEO’s. (most of those have resulted in the firing and prosecution of said LEO) The last thing I would want is for that “type” of LEO to know if my daughter/wife/sister/friend, was carrying a firearm.
 
This is just my 2 cents. – Bluebleeder5.56

James:
First off, Thanks for your years of guidance and information. God bless you and your family.
I think there are numerous correct responses to Greg S about having a Concealed Carry Permit. I am in Tennessee and have had my permit for three years. I do not have to register my guns with the state. I can use the permit to buy a gun from a dealer, immediately with no three day cool down period. Also, I can buy from a private individual and show it to him to to ensure that I am not a felon. Making a private sale of a weapon can open people up to liability if it’s to the wrong person.

I have the majority of my weapons from private sales, but I keep a few “on the books” in case of a “U.S. gone wrong” gun banning and collection from big brother. Then I can turn my registered ones in and say, “See, I am a good, obedient citizen”, and stay under their radar. – John S

James,
Thanks for soliciting input on  this topic.
I have been living in Minnesota for many years now. As a recent CHL holder (less than two years), I can only add that the benefits of being able to legally carry in my home state and elsewhere far outweighs waiting for TSHTF before anyone starts carrying full time for the first time. Just like moving to your retreat pre-shtf, and learning self sufficiency skills before, carrying a sidearm will desensitize you and your family to you being armed. Case in point, my wife is opposed to owning, carrying, shooting guns herself. While she tolerates my indulgence, she has become used to me always being armed. This fact will lessen my family members from the trauma of firearms when TSHTF and it’s game on.
I don’t like having to beg for a permit with a recognized right, but it beats living in California, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, etc.

Thank you James, and all the other contributors for my education and growth. Worth every minute I spend learning!
Sincerely, – F.W. in Minnesota

News From The American Redoubt:

Wind production exceeds hydro in Pacific Northwest for the first time Tuesday.

   o o o

Reader Dave T. suggested a link to some unexpected statistics on economic equality. They show that several of the Redoubt states are among the highest scorers on an index of economic equality. Dave’s comment: “That kind of yeoman population is what our founders saw as the democratic ideal, and it’s the kind of atmosphere I would want to raise kids in if mine were still young.”

   o o o

Spokane High school Player Kicks 67-Yard Field Goal. (That distance, by the way, is four yards longer than the NFL record.) If that young man doesn’t already have an academic scholarship, I predict that he’ll be offered numerous athletic scholarships.)

   o o o

I heard about a new blog and podcast that would be of great interest to traditionalist Catholics who live in the Redoubt, or those who plan to move to the Redoubt: The Charles Carroll Society.

   o o o

Some Idaho items, courtesy of reader R.B.S.: news: Idaho lawmaker’s wife hurt in gun room explosion. And here is a follow-up news story that suggested as possible cause of the explosion. With new geology map, Idaho rocks. (And here is where you can order a copy.) And lastly: Idaho’s low wages and agricultural roots play a role in workers holding multiple jobs.

   o o o

Here is a link to the latest newsletter from Oasis Montana. (A photovoltaics and off-grid appliances dealer located in Stevensville, Montana.)

Economics and Investing:

Is A Debt Jubilee The Next Big Meme?

The World Is Moving Closer To A Full-Blown Currency War Just Like The Great Depression of The 1930s.

Repo Man Goes to Ghana to Tow Away Argentinean Navy’s Flagship

Eric G. sent: 10 nations that control the world’s gold

Unless We Act, High-Frequency Trading Will Crash The Stock Markets

Items from The Economatrix:

Existing U.S. Home Sales Decline As Supply Drops

Weekly Jobless Claims Drop Proves To Be Short-Lived

Morgan Stanley Posts Loss in Q3 on Debt Valuation Adjustment

Odds ‘n Sods:

I just heard about a new company that makes an interesting hidden storage compartment that fits between standard 16 inch-spaced wall studs: TacticalWalls.com 

   o o o

Another great post over at the popular Paratus Familia blog: Reloading in the Living Room

   o o o

Reader R.B.S. sent: The tsunami debris washed from Japan to Oregon

   o o o

F.G. sent this article from an Australian newspaper: In gun-loving America, the Kalashnikov conquers

   o o o

Yet another Self Reliance Expo announcement. (They certainly are popular, these days!) This one will be in Mesa, Arizona, on Oct. 26-27, 2012, at the Mesa Convention Center.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"There is no instance of a country having benefited from prolonged warfare." – Sun Tzu, “The Art of War”, Section II (Waging War), Item 6. (From the Lionel Giles’ translation.)

Note from JWR:

Ready Made Resources has started their last sale of 2012 for Mountain House long term storage foods. They are offering 25% discounts and free shipping for Mountain House foods in #10 can. The sale will run from October 22nd to November 5th.

Medical Prepping in Three Months: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Family — Part 1 of 2, by Dr. Cynthia J. Koelker

Today I offer part 1 of a 3-month medical prepping guide for your family, group, or community.

Please note the following abbreviations:
ORG = organizational concerns
OTC = over-the-counter products
Rx = prescription products
ED = education and skills

The supplies listed under OTC can all be purchased without a prescription, though some are only available online.  For prescription items, assess what your group has and what each member is likely to be able to acquire. 

The three-month period is divided into 13 weekly tasks, divided according to topic, making the project more readily manageable. 
For more detailed information on medical prepping, please visit www.armageddonmedicine.net. 

Week 1

ORG

ASSESSMENT

Identify each member of your group and begin a medical chart or notebook to include each individual

p Identify current and probably future medical needs of each member, including reproductive concerns
p Identify current medical training and abilities within your group
p Identify needed medical training within your group (First Aid, CPR, suturing, casting, special concerns)
p Identify transportation concerns
p Designate one or more go-to individuals who will be responsible for the medical needs of your group
p Determine an approximate budget for your medical prepping and how costs will be distributed
p Schedule weekly to monthly meetings to assess your prepping progress

OTC

WOUND CARE and MEDICATIONS DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN QUANTITY

Begin purchasing items with a long shelf life:

p Dressings, gauze, Band-Aids, Telfa pads, medical tape, Coban, Ace wraps,
p Kotex for large wounds
p Wound cleaning supplies including antibacterial soap and/or Hibiclens, clean or sterile water or saline
p Wound closure supplies including suture kits, suture, staplers, staple removers, and Steri-Strips
p Thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, adult and pediatric scale

Begin acquiring medications that cannot be purchased in bulk, and continue purchasing these as desired throughout your preparation period

p “Real” Sudafed (pseudoephedrine – requires signature; can only be purchased in small amounts)
p OTC Insulin, if needed
p OTC Primatene Tablets (or preferably Mist, if available)

Rx

MEDICATION-DEPENDENT PERSONS

Medication-dependent persons should assess their long-term needs and make a list of needed long-term prescription refills to request from their physician.  This is best done in person, per Week 2, below.

p Diabetics should also request testing strips, lancets, needles, and other supplies from their physicians.
p Hypothyroid patients should consider stocking up on nutraceutical desiccated thyroid, and/or locate an adequate source of mammalian thyroid tissue to make their own.
p Asthmatic patients should request nebulizer medications in quantities of 100 vials.
p Oxygen-dependent persons should obtain a concentrator and reliable power supply.

ED

RECORD-KEEPING

p Obtain or create forms for medical record keeping

 

Week 2

ORG

OPTIMIZING YOUR HEALTH

Schedule needed appointments for each member, as appropriate, to include the following:

p Medical concerns, including current, recurrent, acute and chronic problems, as well as reproductive status
p Dental exam, cleaning, and restorative work
p Vaccines (Tdap, influenza, pneumonia, MMR, chicken pox, shingles, hepatitis A and B, as needed)
p Vision (make sure to get a copy of your eyeglass or contact prescription to order extras online)

OTC

ORTHOPEDIC CARE

Order the following in quantities sufficient for the ages and size group you’ll be caring for:

p Casting supplies:  Plaster rolls, stockinet, cast padding, gauze rolls, Ace and/or Coban, bucket for water
p Pre-formed splints and braces (for wrist, knee, ankle)
p Slings
p Crutches for adults and children, walker, cane, wheelchair

Rx

PAIN MEDICATIONS

p Those who suffer from back pain, arthritis, or other chronic or recurrent painful condition should request a small quantity of Tylenol #3, Vicodin, or tramadol from their personal physician, perhaps 15–30 tablets.  Note:  it is currently a felony to share these with other individuals, but should society collapse, a physician in your community could re-allocate them to a needy individual within your family or group.

ED

SKILLS TRAINING

Schedule needed training identified in Week 1

p First Aid
p Special concerns (such as diabetic training, catheter care, fluid administration)
p Suturing
p Splinting and casting
p CPR (primarily useful for near-drowning victims and obstructed airways, otherwise rarely successful)

 

 

Week 3

ORG

RECORD-KEEPING

p Make a medical chart or page in a notebook for each member of your family or group.
p Discuss confidentiality issues and how you plan to keep private information secure.
p Designate who should have access to your personal health information and who should not.
p Discuss consequences for breach of trust.

OTC

NUTRITION and EYECARE

Acquire the following items, as appropriate for your group:

p Vitamins, including folic acid for pregnant women, Vitamin B12 for the elderly, Vitamin K for newborns
p Salt, sugar, water, and fruit juice for Oral Rehydration Solution
p Calcium and Vitamin D for all when milk/calcium and sunlight not accessible
p KI (potassium iodide, for potential radiation exposure)
p Order extra inexpensive glasses and/or contacts online
p Order pinhole glasses online and obtain multiple pairs of inexpensive reading glasses
p Purchase OTC eye meds including contact solution and Alaway or Zaditor for allergic eyes

Rx

ANTIBIOTICS

p Have all group members begin requesting antibiotics from their personal physicians, one at a time, to include the following: amoxicillin or penicillin, doxycycline or tetracycline, erythromycin or azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate or cephalexin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin.  Upcoming travel outside the US is commonly a legitimate reason to procure antibiotics for potential use.  In some countries, these are sold OTC as well.
p If this is unsuccessful, see “Infection” in Week 4, below.

ED

SKILLS PRACTICE

p Practice suturing on a pig’s foot, chicken breast, turkey, or hot dog. (Online videos available)
p Practice working with plaster, making splints and casts. (Online videos available)

 

Week 4

ORG

PRINT RESOURCES

Order appropriate books to build your library including:

p Survival medicine book, such as Armageddon Medicine
p General medical book such as a used copy of a textbook of Family Practice and/or Emergency Medicine
p PDR (Physician’s Desk Reference) – an older/used copy is fine
p General pediatric textbook – a recent used textbook is fine; also get a copy of Dr. Spock’s classic book
p General obstetrics textbook – a used textbook up to about 30 years old is fine
p Wild edible plant reference
p Medicinal plant reference

OTC

INFECTION

p Johnson’s Baby Shampoo for eye rinse
p Topical Bacitracin antibiotic cream or ointment
p Topical antifungal cream such as Lotrimin or Lamisil (or generics)
p Antibacterial soap and/or Hibiclens
p Pepto-Bismol for traveler’s diarrhea
p Distilled vinegar for ear rinse and possible vaginal douche
p Veterinary injectable Lincocin and Penicillin for life-threatening infections
p Refrigerator with power supply for Penicillin and certain other meds (Insulin, certain liquid antibiotics) (and consider a “pot-in-pot” refrigerator/cooler)
p Oral “fish” antibiotics (amoxicillin or penicillin, doxycycline or tetracycline, erythromycin or azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanate or cephalexin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin)
p #11 and #15 scalpels for abscess incision and drainage

Rx

TOPICAL ANESTHETIC FOR SUTURING

p Request Lidocaine (with and without Epinephrine) from your personal physician.  If he or she refuses, ask if they would be willing to order it and keep it on hold for you at their office, if you paid for it ahead of time, and only for a TEOTWAWKI scenario. 
p Otherwise, obtain additional OTC topical anesthetic such as tattoo cream.

ED

SUTURING, ANESTHESIA, and INCISION & DRAINAGE

p Search internet for videos of “Local anesthesia” and “Suturing” – then watch and practice
p Search internet for videos of “Abscess, Incision and Drainage” – then watch and practice

 

Week 5

ORG

BUILDING YOUR COMMUNITY

p Identify others within your greater community who may be of potential help, should the need arise, including nurses, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, chemists, pharmacists, biologists, medical assistants, physician assistants, midwives, paramedics/EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement officers, medics
p Decide whether to contact these individuals now and whether to consider inviting them to join your group

OTC

PAIN MEDICATIONS

Since these are very inexpensive, purchase 1,000s for treatment and/or barter

p Aspirin
p Tylenol
p Ibuprofen
p Naproxen sodium
p Topical anesthetic cream (lidocaine, for example, tattoo cream, Solarcaine)
p Sedating antihistamines (Benadryl, Nyquil)
p ? Poppy seeds

Rx

IV FLUIDS

p Ask your local physician if he/she is willing to prescribe IV fluids for your group, or possibly order them for you (pre-paid) to be held at their office if and until the need arises. (Suggested fluids: D5-Normal or ½ Normal Saline and/or Lactated Ringer’s Solution)
p If not, order the 250 or 500 mL products available online (at inflated prices)
p Don’t forget 21 to 25 gauge butterfly needles and IV administration kits (available online OTC)

ED

FLUID REPLACEMENT THERAPY
p Educate yourself about Oral Rehydration therapy and rectal fluid administration
p Download protocol for hypodermoclysis, several of which are available free online
p Procure an adult and pediatric balance scale (non-electronic), vital to monitoring weight and fluid status

 

Week 6

ORG

IDENTIFY POTENTIAL RESOURCES

p Identify potential resources for additional medical supplies, should society collapse, including pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, medical supply houses, hospitals, clinics, medical offices, dental offices, veterinary offices, libraries, schools, universities, etc.

OTC

RESPIRATORY and ALLERGY

p Antihistamines: Benadryl (diphenhydramine), loratadine, cetirizine, chlorpheniramine, Nyquil
p Decongestants: Sudafed PE and pseudoephedrine
p Primatene Pills and/or Mist
p Saline nose spray
p NasalCrom nose spray
p Nebulizer machine, nebulizer chambers with tubing, and power supply
p Bicycle pump for nebulizers if no electricity
p Rapid strep kit
p Peak flow meter and charts

Rx

EPINEPHRINE

p Request an Epi-Pen from your physician for emergency use.  If anyone in your group is allergic to bees or has had an anaphylactic reaction to another allergen, this should be no problem.  If you expect to travel outside the US in the near future, this might be reason enough for your doctor to grant your request, even if you do not have known allergies. 
p If an Epi-Pen cannot be obtained, scour your local pharmacies and mega-stores for Primatene Mist, which is no longer being manufactured, but sometimes can still be found lingering on the shelves.

ED

DERMATOLOGY and RASH IDENTIFICATION

p Procure a used, inexpensive copy of a good dermatology book with a color picture atlas
p Or make your own by downloading images (one good source is DermAtlas.org)

(Part 2 of this series, covering Weeks 7–13, will be published in the near future.)

About the Author: Cynthia J. Koelker, MD is SurvivalBlog’s Medical Editor. Her web site is www.ArmageddonMedicine.net

Pat’s Product Review: LED Lenser Flashlights

When the power goes out, the lights go out – simple as that! Many people will then reach for a flashlight, only to find, that the batteries are dead, or dying – assuming they can even find a flashlight at night, when the power goes off. I have to admit, in my younger and dumber days, I fell victim to this many times. Living in a rural area, especially during the winter months, our power goes out several times due to trees falling over on power lines. Last time, we were without power for several days, in the winter when a huge snow storm knocked down hundreds of trees onto power lines. We have electric heat, too – but we keep a kerosene heater on-hand, and it really heats our house nicely – thank you!
 
Look, let’s be brutally honest here, old-style D-cell flashlights, that cost a buck or two just don’t cut it any longer – they don’t through much light, and they aren’t very durable, unless you go to some of the better “police” flashlights, even those aren’t as good as they should be. Over the past half dozen years or so, technology has really gone wild when it comes to small flashlights, that throw a tremendous amount of light, using nothing more than A, AA or AAA batteries – which are still fairly inexpensive. When my wife and I were first married in 1979, I worked two full-time security jobs, one of which was, patrolling around the wooded areas around Trojan Nuclear Power Plant (now dismantled and gone) all night long, with a K-9 companion. I carried a “lantern” style flashlight, the ones that take those big and expensive rectangular 6 Volt batteries – that only lasted an hour or two. Needless to say, it didn’t throw a good amount of light, and I was buying batteries several times a week – and it was big and bulky to carry and handle. I would have paid anything to have had one of the new hi-tech flashlights that are available today.
 
Leatherman Products recently purchased a company called LED Lenser which is producing some very affordable, hi-tech, super-bright, small flashlights. I received three samples for test and evaluation for this article, and I’m totally impressed with them all. Up first is the LED Lenser M7. is only 5.39″ long and weighs a mere 6.81-oz, and runs on 4 AAA batteries. We’re talking a little flashlight that throws as much as 220 lumens (with a boost to 235-lumens), at a distant of 650-feet. Living out in the country, I had ample opportunity to test the brightness of all the LED Lenser flashlight samples sent to me, and I’m here to tell you that, the M7 does as advertised – I can easily light-up the distance of two football fields. Power time for the M7 at 220 lumens is 1-hour, however, there is another setting on it that gives you 30-lumens that will last for 11-hours. Yes, you read that right eleven hours – and that will easily last you all night long in your dark home at night when the power goes out.
 
The LED Lenser also has Rapid Focus which allows you to go from reading to searching by using the thumb on your holding hand to simply slide the bezel away from you (pushing forward) in one seamless movement.  Many flashlights you have to use two hands to adjust the focus, assuming you have the feature on your flashlight. I could easily light-up my entire front yard by focusing out, instead of focusing in, for a tighter light. The M7 is made out of aircraft grade black anodized aluminum for a lifetime of rough use, too. The M7 also has what is called “Smart Light Technology” and this gives your 8 different sight functions, including a strobe for blinding and disorienting someone who might be a threat to you – and this works as well in daylight as it does in the dark, too. Ok, I have to admit it, but I did have to go to the instructions that came with the M7 to figure it all out…I was playing around with this light, and it kept doing “different” functions for me, and I couldn’t figure out what I did wrong. You don’t need a PhD to figure it out, but you really need to read the instructions and practice.
 
One more feature I’d like to mention is the Advanced Focus System is the patented combination of reflector and lens to create a light system that provides both a focus beam for long-range and a homogenous split-beam for u-close reading – easier to see than explain, but it’s one of those “gee, why did I think of that” things. Also the M7 comes with 4 AAA batteries (nice) and a polymer clip-on “holster” that allows you to carry the M7 on your belt or pants. There’s a small lanyard ring on the butt of the flashlight, right next to the push-button on/on button. You can also lock the flashlight head so as to not move it from long-distance to up-close reading. I really like the M7, it will get the job done if you are in law enforcement or a home owner who needs to see what went “bump” in the night. While not really designed as a non-lethal weapon per se, it will easily temporarily blind an attacker with the bright 220 lumens that it emits – giving you time to escape or find a weapon with which to defend yourself with. Full-retail on the M7 is $100. Yes, that is a little bit spendy, but I’ve had other hi-tech flashlights, that easily cost more than twice this amount, that didn’t have the features the M7 has…it’s a best-buy in my book for a flashlight that has so much to offer.
 
Next up is the P7  that is only 5.24″ long, and weighs in at 6.77oz, and it also takes 4 AAA batteries (included). Now, the P7 doesn’t have all the same features as the M7 does, it doesn’t have 8 different functions, and you may not need all those functions. However, you do get 175-lumens, with a power boost up to 210-lumens for a one hour run time. Or you can power down to 27-lumens for 13-hours, if you don’t need a super-bright light all the time. The P7 also has the Advanced Focus System as well as the Rapid Focus, plus the Dynamic switch that Pros want to switch at lightening speed and adjust brightness equally fast. This baby would make a great flashlight for around the camp fire, walking the dog in low-light or whatever chores you have that require added light. At only $60 full-retail, its worth checking out.
 
The last LED Lenser I received was the P3 AFS P  – and this little power house is my favorite of the samples I received. The P3 is small, really small at only 3.66″ long, and it weighs a mere 1.48-oz. We’re talking small, very small! The P3 has 75-lumens, and a one hour run time on a single AAA battery. Yes, one hour at 75-lumens with one AAA battery! And, believe me, this is a lot of light in a little package. The end of my driveway is about 80-feet from my front door, and I could easily light-up that area, as well as across the road to the mailboxes, and onto my neighbors pasture with this little light. Again, it is made out of aircraft grad black anodized aluminum, and it has the Rapid Focus feature as well as the Advanced Focus System. It comes with a battery, and a small Nylon carry pouch that you can slide onto your belt and have this little baby with you all the time. There is also a key ring attached, so you can add your house and car keys to it. There is also a pocket/clothing clip, if you want to carry it attached to your pants or shirt pocket.
 
Without a doubt, the P3 is a keeper, and anyone and everyone can benefit by having one of these itty-bitty flashlights on their person, in a purse or any place. You will have a hour of light in an emergency, and we’re talking 75-lumens of light, not 15-20 lumens that the average 2-D Cell flashlights give out – that don’t throw the light very far, and they don’t last very long. And, it really isn’t a problem to carry a spare AAA battery in a coat pocket, either. Full-retail on the P3 is only $40.00 and this one is the best-buy of the three I tested, in my humble opinion, and I like the fact that it is soooooo small and handy, you can have it with you all the time, even clipped to a shirt pocket or pants pocket.
 
Back to my days patrolling around Trojan Nuclear Power plant…I couldn’t tell you the number of times I had to use a flashlight to light-up an area when I heard something go bump in the night, or when the interior guard company could call on the radio and report an alarm went off on the fence surrounding the plant. I worked for a different company than the one providing security inside the plant. There were usually two of us patrolling around the outside of the plant – usually in wooded areas. We worked from sundown until sun-up – we’re talking a long shift, walking all night long with a K-9 partner, with no back-up other than our K-9 partner or the other officer – and it might take them 20-minutes to reach me if there was a problem. One of the biggest “problems” we had was the head of security at the plant, he was always “testing” us, to see if he could sneak into the plant. That never happened, we caught him every time, and would hold him on the ground with our K-9 partner barking and on high alert, until our other human partner could assist. I would have loved to have had one of these LED Lenser flashlights back then. It would have been much easier holding someone at gunpoint, with a smaller, hi-tech and super-bright flashlight, than with an old “lantern” style flashlight. I could have seen a lot farther in the dark with a super-bright flashlight, too. And just think of the money I could have saved by buying AAA batteries over the old big rectangular flashlight batteries.
 
On more than one occasion, I shinned by flashlight on a momma black bear that roamed the woods where we patrolled – and she had a cub with her. So, we were always on alert for the momma black bear and her cub. The LED Lenser flashlight shinned into her eyes might have given her cause to roam some other area. In short order, I started carrying a Remington Model 740 .30-06 semi-auto rifle, as a back-up to my .38 Special revolver after my first encounter with the momma black bear. We also had packs of feral dogs that caused us a lot of problems – again, a super-bright flashlight, like one of the LED Lensers would have been nice to have on-hand. A good flashlight can make all the difference in the world!
 
Look, if you’re still using a dollar 2 D-cell flashlight from the dollar store, get rid of it – simple as that. Get yourself a hi-tech flashlight, that throws a lot of light, is light-weight and will give you a lifetime of service. Your life and the life of a loved one might just depend on a really good flashlight. When I hear something go bump in the night, or one of my German Shepherds starts barking, the first thing I reach for is a flashlight – then a firearm, before I go investigating in the dark. A person can’t hide from the bright light emitted by the LED Lenser – even the small P3 with the 75-lumens. Once you go hi-tech flashlight, you’ll wonder why it took you so long. You can pay a LOT more for a hi-tech flashlight than the LED Lenser line-up has to offer – by why pay more? Check out the complete line-up of LED Lenser flashlights on their web page, and I’m betting good money, you’ll find more than one you’ve simply gotta have. BTW, all LED Lenser flashlights are also waterproof, too! – SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio

Letter Re: Concealed Carry Permits–Pros and Cons

Hi James:
I’m just wondering what you and your readers think about concealed carry permits? When the SHTF, do I want to have a permit and be within the bounds of the law, but also be “registered” with the government? So far, all the weapons I have are hand-me-downs, so haven’t had to do a background check for purchasing a new weapon, but needing a new handgun, so unless I find a private sale, that may soon change. Any thoughts or advice? – Greg S.

JWR Replies: My view on this topic is undoubtedly biased, since I live in a western state where open carry without any permit is legal, as is carrying a loaded gun in privately-owned cars and trucks. So my view is: why pay a fee to seek permission for something that is our pre-existing right and hence should already be legal?

FWIW, I predict that Idaho and Montana will soon follow Wyoming’s “Constitutional Carry” lead and legalize concealed carry inside of city limits with out any permit. (Freedom is on the march!)

For those who live in more regulated states, getting a permit might make sense. And even for me, it might make sense so that I could carry concealed when traveling out of state. (Under interstate reciprocity agreements.)

I’d appreciate feedback from the blog’s readership. I’m sure that opinions must vary widely.

Recipe of the Week:

Judy N.’s Only Whole Wheat Bread

Preppers are always looking for a way to use their Wheat Berries.  Here is a recipe that does not require you to grind your wheat more than once. 

Step 1:  Mix together the following:
1 package Dry Yeast                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

1 ½ cups Warm Water                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

1 Cup Warm Milk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

1 Tablespoon Honey                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

1 Tablespoon  Molasses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

1Tablespoon butter                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Allow  the yeast mixture to sit for 5 minutes

Step 2: Mix in a separate bowl:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
4 Cups coarsely ground wheat flour   (plus extra for Kneading)

1 teaspoon Salt

Step 3: Blend the yeast mixture with the flour mixture. Mix until you have a smooth dough (if the fixture is liquid add coarse ground wheat flour – if the mixture is too dry add warm water.)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Step 4:  Remove Dough from bowl and place on a floured work space. Knead it thoroughly, using as much whole wheat flour as necessary so the dough is not sticky when finished.

Step 5: When dough has been kneaded to a smooth spongy consistency, place it into an oiled bowl, cover and allow to proof in a warm place for 40 minutes or until doubled in size,

Step 6: Punch down in bowl until air has been forced out.  (Once or twice)  Cover and allow dough to rise for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Divide dough and for into 2 or 3 round hearth bread loaves, place on a cookie sheet dusted with corn meal.  Cover and allow increasing about ½ to 2/3 in size. 

Step 8:  Right before the loaves go into the oven make a wash of egg, milk and water. And brush the top of the loaves.  Also make a slash or two with a very sharp knife.  The brushing of the egg mixture will give the loaves a great crust and the slash will allow the bread to bake more thoroughly. 

Step 9: Bake in a preheated oven of 400 degrees F for 30 to 45 minutes.  (If the bread is getting to dark in color, lower temperature to 375 F.)  To check the loaves are done, tap on the top for hollow sound. 

Chef’s Notes:

If you can resist temptation allow loaves to cool on a cooling rack.  If not enjoy with butter and honey while still warm from the oven. And share!

Useful Recipe and Cooking Links:

Patrice Lewis recently posted: Orange roast chicken

There are lots of great recipes posted over at SurvivalistBoards.com

Currently Available as Free Kindle e-Books:

Tiny But Mighty – Lentil Recipes

31 Gourmet Casseroles – The Gourmet Casserole Cookbook For The Foodie

Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

Economics and Investing:

Keith Weiner: ‘I Don’t Think The System Can Survive, We’re On The Road Now Where The System Collapses, Everybody Will Be Killed’

Matt H. recommended this 4-minute video (auf Deutsche, but with English subtitles): A Grim But Realistic Prognosis Of What Lies Ahead For The European Union. (Dictatorship ahead?)

Items from The Economatrix:

Not Just Gas!  Check Out The Drastic Price Increases On 21 Everyday Items

GE, McDonald’s Give Wall Street A Black Eye On ’87 Crash Date

Firm Dollar, Weak Euro Crimp US Industrials’ Sales

“Fiscal Cliff” May Be Bigger Than You Think

Odds ‘n Sods:

Sales have been brisk for the Rawles Gets You Ready Preparedness Course. (Available again, after being out of print for nearly three years.) It is now sold only via digital download, but priced quite affordably.

   o o o

G.G. flagged this: Disaster shelter offers full kitchen, flat-screen TV

   o o o

SGT mentioned an interesting report on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs and the U.S. Military, published by the BATFE. The report is mixture of good hard intel plus some innuendo, and a couple of implausible logical leaps. (For example, the supposed founding of the Hells Angels motorcycle club by veterans of the 303rd Bomber group is a myth that even current club members are quick to admit. The bikers just liked the name.) The key lesson from this report for SurvivalBloggers: Watch out for the 1-percenters in your area. Come TEOTWAWKI, they will be ruthless and unrestrained. (Note, however, that the other 99% of bikers pose no particular risk–they are just everyday folk.)

   o o o

Reader Michael R. mentioned yet another reason to squirrel away plenty of ammunition, now: Syrians Place Booby-Trapped Ammunition in Rebels’ Guns

   o o o

Reader P.T. found a gent in Weatherford, Texas who is selling food grade buckets in great condition in 4, 5, and 6 gallon sizes with lids.  I bought 20 of the 6 gallon buckets with lids from him for $1.50 each and and he threw another one in for free. He keeps them in his garage so they are well protected.  He stated that he can always get more and had several hundred on hand when I stopped by.