Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it." – John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776

Notes from JWR:

We’re down to just three days to release (and “Book Bomb Day”) for Founders: A Novel of the Coming Collapse. Thanks for your patience.

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Today we present another entry for Round 42 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and G.) A $200 gift certificate, donated by Shelf Reliance.

Second Prize: A.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. B.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. C.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $300, D.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and E.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value) and F.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), and E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security.

Round 43 begins on October 1st, so please start 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.

Tactical Map Usage and Scouting, by Robert B. in North Carolina

Know your environment – getting the maps ready now

In a world full of google, yahoo and portable navigators, the art of using maps kind of gets lost. In a SHTF situation, you will probably not have much of a technological tool kit for navigation, or planning. Knowing how to use maps from a tactical perspective then becomes critical skillet. Sand tables are not the most portable item to help identify and understand a terrain, but using plastic layers over a map can be very portable, and useful for viewing an environment. The layers I talk about below are a starting point, you can add whatever you want or remove those that are not important to you.

On a side note the Army has an excellent manual that contains instructions on mapping: Combined Arms Operations in Urban Terrain (ATTP 3-06.11/FM 3-06.11) don’t let the title fool you, “Urban” to the Army is a settlement 2,500 people or more.

  • Using maps and clear plastic layers
    • Map Basics
      • Start with a basic terrain map of area; if you are in a rural or homestead area include one of nearest town. 
      • I recommend hard copies for all, but you can start using downloads from google/yahoo maps, and using the terrain and other options. This map should have both land elevations and man made structures on it.
      • Also available are software tools such as Visio, OmniGraff, and some near free diagram generating software programs, if you choose to create your own maps from a computer first.
      • Don’t forget to think three dimensionally – subways, sewers, basements, high-rises etc.
      • When mapping out layers, it is key to have an index including category (layer name), location (grid, street, landmarks), common name, and supplemental information for that specific item documented and easily referenced.  Having a number next to the item on a map will also aid in the lookup.
      • Check colors for map layers against your chemical light sticks, or your red or blue flashlight filters – make sure you can read them at night [under a poncho].
      • Mark layered items with icons based on categories: triangle for first responder buildings, x’ed boxes for restaurants, etc.
      • Have a map protractor to help identify distance, and bearing 
    • Creating overlapping layers: 
    • Use clear plastic layers for each of the following to aid in area understanding. Using plastic layers allows for easy removal or adding, one onto of the other, to gain a better understanding of the environment, and to remove clutter from information that is not currently important. For neighborhood resources you might want to think about not using a corner to corner overlay, but for known locations this might not be a high risk.
      • Infrastructure layer – highway, streets, service roads, hiking paths, fire breaks, electric line easements, bridges, dams, main water pipes, electric power lines and sub stations, water towers and primary connection pipes, and local/state evacuation routes. 
      • Subterranean layer – If town, urban or congested: subterranean infrastructure such as water and drainage pipes, location of manhole covers, underground garages. If marking subterranean infrastructure and you do not know if two manhole covers are to the same pipes use a different line from known when mapping. 
      • Areas of Gravitation layer: these include any stationary location where you think people might congregate during a SHTF. Remember, in the world of google maps, many of these locations will have a street view. For high risk/high congregation areas you might want to include a side folder of street view images.
        • First Responder locations: local fire stations, police stations, hospitals and clinics, national guard posts
        • Food distribution centers:  supermarkets, restaurants and other stores
        • Fuel: public gas stations, public works fueling locations
        • Hardware and tools: Home Depot/Mom&Pop hardware stores, automotive shops, electrician shops, etc.
        • FEMA (possible and known): state fairgrounds,  sports centers, high schools, large fields, etc.
        • Population centers: apartment buildings, townhouses, high density neighborhoods, etc. 
      • Wild Game layer – location of game, type, time of day and time of year where spotted. Animals tend to move in cycles, so keeping note throughout the year is a great reference point. Don’t just go by location during hunting season for post SHTF.
      • Environmental layer –  including time of year changes for common drought and flood locations, seasonal water holes, streams, marshes, and ponds. Also mark down farms, ranches, common hunting areas, etc. Also any area with a clearing of more that 100m square (potential helicopter landing site). If possible, note changes in background colors, locations of good concealment and at what time of year.
      • Neighborhood resources –see “Neighbors skills and immediate neighborhood resources” below.
      • Technology layer – using both google/yahoo maps and a car navigation system place the starting point on the major highways around your town, and see what routes it will take you to your local hospital, supermarket, and police station. If traffic stopped, how would you expect to continue on foot? These are bound to be hot roads and short cuts.
      • Keep blank layers – also non-permanent markers for use with the blank layers. 
      • Remember, when using a hard copy of a map on a table, you can use other items for mobile reference points, and adjust as they move.
    • Using maps to generate “hot zones.”  
      • Depending on population you may choose to adjust the distances for red, orange and yellow zones, however I recommend using rifle ranges, likelihood of population congestion and probability of violence as the main lines of demarcation.  Remember, in a city and congested suburban, line of site dictates rifle range, not always ballistics.
        • Red Zone:  draw a circle around any object in the “areas of gravitation” layer. Depending on your environment, it should be around 700 meters to 1 mile. Do the same around highways, streets, and other areas of traffic out to 200 meters on both sides of the road. If roads have a line of site from them to any item in the areas of gravitation layer, mark those red too, out to 200meters on both sides of the shortcut. Remember, when people are walking, they will take shortcuts. 
        • Orange Zone: these are the areas that people start ‘grouping’ together on their way to or from an area of gravitation – easements where power lines are, should not be forgotten. Also any potential helicopter landing sites not covered in a area of gravitation layer. I map these out to 2 miles from any red zone. 
        • Yellow Zone: this is basically anything not covered in Red or Orange.
        • Personally, I color coordinate these areas based on Jeff Cooper color code, that way when planning movement, it is clear what alert level someone should be at.
    • Identify possible areas of interest and possible scouting routes
      • For areas where you might not have a choice, but to go to, it might be best to outline potential ingress/egress routes, ORP’s, location for security halts, all within the context of “hot zones”. At least in a pre-SHTF environment, you can print out pictures of possible routes ahead of time. Having a layer for each objective could be very useful. Most common areas to map out a scouting route are:
        • Hospitals/Clinics
        • Food distribution centers
        • hardware and tools
        • Fuel
        • High ground / observation points
        • Around your retreat

 

  • Neighbors skills and immediate neighborhood resources
  • Most of this is more applicable to suburban landscapes, however knowing ahead of time who has what experience will aid in any kind of SHTF organization. Each of these items and locations should be on a map layer. I really want to be clear on this though. The intent is to identify key people for skill set training and possible organization and consolidation of efforts.  
  • Identify neighbors skill sets
    • including location/address on map being marked.
      • Medical: nurse, doctor, dentist, veterinarian, pharmacist, health care workers 
      • Electrical 
      • Automotive
      • Engineer  
      • Green thumb; raise livestock; gardens – even just ornamental gardens.
      • Hunters/Fisherman  
      • Hikers, campers, those used to living without normal public services
      • Prior Service (ex and current military/law enforcement)
      • Armed to various degrees
      • Teachers 
      • Canning, and non-refrigerated food preservation skills
      • This list could just keep going on, but those are the main points
  • Identify neighborhood resources
    • Location of private/public wells, rivers and other water sources including pools
    • Location of common areas for cultivation
    • Natural food sources: fruit and nut trees, berries, etc.
    • Natural barriers for use in defense
    • Manmade barriers 

 

Collecting information post SHTF

Future “current” information is the one thing you can’t stock up on. Deciding on when and where to collect information from your surrounding area, and what risk it is worth, is bound to be a major area for debate. OPs only let you know when someone is about to or has discovered where your group is. The only way to really avoid the “detection” is to put small teams out at a greater distance.  This also allows for possible flanking maneuvers, or spoiler attacks, beyond the immediate defensive location. It also requires an exceptional level of stealth, and perseverance. Far from complete, here are a few tips on scouting/ reconnaissance: 

  • Post SHTF Map updating considerations
    • When updating maps post-SHTF, mark any changes with a date/timestamp – even if it is on a notepad only. Historical changes may present a pattern over time that will be useful. 
    • For defining routes, keeping historical records becomes even more important. Over time you might loose track of previous routes and start creating a pattern of action that becomes easily predictable by the op-for.
    • Identify the following while planning a route: security stops, objective rally point, should the objective rally point (ORP) be compromised or team dispersed a fallback rally point, return path different from initial ingress, and extraction points if applicable (with redundant positions). Also, identify bearings/distance between different points. 
    • Document using a range card from an identified point. Each team member should do this once observing the objective. This allows for comparisons between different scouting trips, and changes during sleep cycles.
    • When scouting an area and observing people use the S.A.L.U.T.E. format:
      • S – Size – how many people
      • A – Activities – what they are doing – what direction are they moving? is a guard moving between two points and if so how often? etc.
      • L – Location – grid location or other reference points you are using
      • U – UNIT – if applicable, unit, uniform or other group identification
      • T – Time and date
      • E – Equipment – weapons, personal gear, and vehicles
  • Post SHTF Scouting Rules 
    • Never use goggles/scopes/binoculars with the people being observed between you and the sun – (always try and have the sun either directly above or behind you). Glare off of the glass may give away your position. Keeping at an angle or using a KillFlash can be good, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it. Just be careful not so silhouette yourself.
    • Know your pace count: for slow movement, normal and fast walking
    • At night, try not to look directly at something being observed with the naked eye, there is a night blind spot that will interfere with looking at an object if you stare at it. Look at the objects sides and around it to see the object more clear.
    • Also at night, always give yourself at least 30min to get used to the lack of light before moving around.
    • If it looks good to you, it looks good to someone else too: a bush next to a thick tree is more likely to have someone behind it than a bush by its’ self. Note that professionals understand this – so that could be a cat and mouse game.
    • Never observe from the crest of a high point, this will create a silhouette 
    • After identifying an objective to scout try and see if from a defensive viewpoint – where would you be worried about someone approaching? Where would you place the highest number of people in a defensive perimeter? What area would you think only a nut would try and move through? Then as long as it isn’t a vast open field, be the nut.
    • Cary what you need, not necessarily what makes you comfortable – weight makes long walks harder, short runs much slower, and in time you will focus on your overloaded pack more than what is going on around you.
    • When scanning an area try and look deep into the shadows, scan very slow. Look for the slightest difference. Start with a rapid scan, for the obvious: left to right up to 100 meters deep then back to the left in a S formation. Then the same for the next 100 meters deep, and so on. Followed by a slow scan: same process but much more time is spent on each pass – looking for items out of place.
    • Always move from one position of cover and concealment  to another. Know your next position before you take your next step.
    • Always know where you are and how to get out. Egress should be planned with positions of defense along the way.
    • Always use camouflage from the immediate area. Don’t rely on just generic patterns such as BDUs or Multicams  
    • Someone must always be awake and alert (three person minimal is best)
    • There is no downtime on a patrol
    • Birds will give you away: avoid nesting and perching birds
    • Know your rifle inside and out: know how to range with your glass and front site, know your drops for your ammo, have basic gunsmith skills at least for the rifles you own.
    • Know the military movement techniques and use them (bounding and traveling overwatch, ranger file, rolling egress, etc)
    • Develop good hand signal communication with your team
    • Crossing lines – i.e. leaving and returning to your location where friendlies are on watch, is one of the most dangerous tasks for a patrol, scout or otherwise. Practice this, and have a proper challenge and response with identified return routes known to both sides of the line (that change per patrol).  
    • There are two really big give-aways when scouting: sound and movement. Consider a deer. God didn’t make them in a camouflage pattern yet can still be unnoticed with it’s counter-shaded brown even against a green background. Chances are, you noticed it because a tail flicked or light reflected from it’s eyes. Our eyes are designed to be attracted to movement more than from any other giveaway that is natural in color. Slow, graceful movement, and lack of sound are the two most critical methods of not being detected; it’s even more important than camouflage and counter shading. 
    • No glass on a rifle used for scouting – flaps make target acquisition too slow, and glass reflects light. Use iron sights or [deeply hooded] binoculars. [JWR Adds: A Killflash sleeve requires no flap.]
    • Remember the time-honored Rules of Roger’s Rangers.

The Art and Science of Situation Analysis, by Judy C.

One of the most important skills to master in any crisis scenario is situation analysis.  The preliminary situation analysis is a valuable tool in planning and preparing, while the on-scene analysis will help focus your planned response.

Developing a Preliminary Situation Analysis: Hard Factors

Hard factors are unlikely to vary much from crisis to crisis. Factors such as geography, climate, nearby population, and natural resources will be determined by your chosen location. The only way you can change hard factors is to move to another location. One of the advantages of the American Redoubt is  the set of hard factors the region embodies.

Example: Hard Factors in a Personal Crisis Plan

The planner lives in a rural county in west central Florida, USA.  Location is a safe distance from hazardous coastal weather threats and population centers.  Climate is sub-tropical, so winter heat is not an issue. Nearby population is mostly lower middle class, with large winter influx of snowbirds. Natural resources include ample water, fishing, wildlife for hunting, and sun for solar power. Other hard factors may include access roads (cul-de-sacs may discourage thieves looking for easy escape options), immediate neighbors, and neighborhood “image” (I personally believe that high-end  neighborhoods will be more likely targets for criminals.)

Seasonal and other Predictable Variables

Depending on the location, there may be seasonal or other  variables in hard factors.  In our example, seasonal weather isn’t a major issue, but the presence of snowbirds could be an important variable to consider. If snowbirds’ homes are vacant, they may be easier prey for looters in a crisis. If snowbirds are present, their age and conspicuous possessions may also make them an easy mark.

Soft Factors in a Personal Crisis Plan
                   
Soft factors include factors that you control. Because you control them, you can identify weaknesses and bolster strengths. For example, a wheelchair ramp may indicate a physically weak target. A large dog  blocking the ramp can counter that. (Another large dog barking inside reinforces the image of strength) Compare one neighbor’s shiny new Hummer and professional landscaping  to  the tipped-over gas grill and rusty 10-year-old minivan across the street. Which home is the more likely target? In a crisis situation with civil unrest, you don’t want to be in the nicest house in the neighborhood.
   
Your basic preliminary situation analysis will give you a head start on the Crisis Situation.  It then becomes a simple matter of adding in crisis-specific factors and developing a tentative procedure for planned response. 

While many preppers anticipate armed hordes of vicious urbanites escaping cities in a social crisis, most experts believe that crisis transportation will be limited.  Your greatest threats are more likely to originate within a 20-mile radius of your home.

On-Scene Situation Analysis Factors

Definition of the situation is the first step in the on-scene analysis.  Factors include permanent damages, temporary damages you will need to resolve (roof leaking in hard rain), and temporary damages someone else needs to resolve (roof missing after tornado). Are you in the aftermath of a one-time occurrence (such as a major storm) or at the onset of a continuing crisis (such as a pandemic).  Potential resources include internal ( your prep storage), extended family or friends, neighborhood, community, state, and federal assistance.

Borrow a term from business and do a SWOT analysis–Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Build on strengths; overcome weaknesses, be prepared to optimize opportunities, and be alert for potential threats.

A few years ago, Hurricane Charlie devastated our neighborhood. There were a lot of strangers around afterwards. While a few were looking to sell overpriced cleanup “services”, many were unpaid volunteers–luckier neighbors and off-duty LEOs offering a hand in clearing streets and fixing leaks.  It would have been a mistake to classify every stranger as a threat. 

Properly utilized, the situation analysis can help you deal rationally with a crisis situation. You may have noticed that I never mentioned guns or ammo or any of the dozens of expedient weapons we have on hand just in case some idiot manages to get past the dogs. One of the primary purposes of the situation analysis is to help you avoid confrontations whenever possible so you can devote your attention to overcoming the crisis.

Situation Analysis: Threat Demographics

While TEOTWAWKI may bring threats impossible to predict, other emergencies can be mitigated by recognizing threat factors.  There are three components of the Threat Demographic Analysis: history, local crime trends, and personal observation.

First, look at the history of crisis situations in your immediate area.  In the hurricane example, the overpriced cleanup scam artists were nearly always male, Caucasian, middle-aged strangers. Most had out-of-state tags and appearance ranged from scruffy homeless types to too-clean con-men types. They didn’t have business cards, local references, trade license or bonding information.

A second component of the threat demographic is local crime trends.  Most local newspapers print local crime statistics. Many local law enforcement web sites display photos of convicted criminals (may be a good idea for follow-up if a listed criminal is near your neighborhood).  Set aside qualms about “profiling” or “prejudice”. If 80% of the crimes in your community are being committed by Hispanic or African-American  males aged 18-25, then that factor should be considered in your threat assessment.

Finally, personal observation can go a long way in identifying potential threats.  A lot of law abiding people (and more than a few LEOs) know where criminal activity is concentrated in the community. Be aware of encroaching gang activity and suspicious situations.  Vacant foreclosed homes can quickly become “clubhouses” for illegal activity. 

Again, doing a preliminary demographic analysis of potential threat factors can help you respond quickly and effectively when TSHTF.       

A natural reaction at the onset of a crisis is panic. Reviewing your preliminary situation analysis and plugging in current facts helps you focus on proactively dealing with the crisis in the most effective way possible.

Letter Re: Protractors for Field Engineering

Jim:
Now I know some folks aren’t going to think of a protractor — digital, analog, or constructed — as a survival tool.

But in the USAF survival school certain “angles” were reinforced as survival angles. Support a load with an equilateral triangle. Making a 30-60-90 frame to support a trench. An isosceles to ensure that snow and rain shed away from a survival shelter. And, squares for identifying your location to rescuers. (Sinces traight lines are out of place in nature. )

Of course as an engineer, anytime you build, angles come into play with load. A good analog carpenter grade protractor, a slide rule, and some knowledge can mean a big difference in the grid down situations. – F.J.

JWR Replies: One other important angle to measure in field engineering is the angle of repose–the maximum slope at which uncompacted soil or sand can be made into a mound before it sloughs. This may prove crucial when designing defensive earthworks or even your next root cellar.

Letter Re: Mental Preparation for Lethal Force

Hi Jim,
That was a well written and informative article by Mark B. on preparing yourself to use deadly force. As a retired police officer and firearms instructor I can tell you that Mark gives solid advice. We can also look at history for lessons on what’s important in prevailing in a gunfight. I’ve been involved in a few myself and I’ve spent a lot of years figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I’ve studied the old west, taken many courses, read countless books and analyzed my own experiences and how I survived. It can be distilled down to these things in this exact order:
1. Mental Determination to win
2. Accuracy (the old adage, you can’t miss fast enough to win is certainly true)
3. Speed
4. Aggression
The fastest draw or the first shot off isn’t what counts. Hits in vital areas count and continuing the fight until the threat is gone. Practice under stressful and physically exerting conditions. As Bill Jordan said about gunfighting, “there’s no second place winner” . Do a web search on “Bill Jordan Border Patrol” if you don’t know who he is. He spoke from experience.
Thank you, – Carl L.

Economics and Investing:

By way of Tam at the View From The Porch blog comes this account of multiple mass inflations in Argentina: “¡Qué Quilombo!” Here is a key quote: “What seems peculiar about Argentina’s case is the government’s Herculean effort to ignore the immutable laws of economics in their pursuit of grand larceny. The country has seen five currencies in just the past century, averaging a collapse every twenty years or so. In 1970, the peso ley replaced the peso moneda nacional at a rate of 100 to 1. The peso ley was in turn replaced by the peso Argentino in 1983 at a rate of 10,000 to 1. That lasted a couple of years, and was then replaced by the Austral, again at a rate of 1,000 to 1. To nobody’s surprise, the Austral was itself replaced by the peso convertible at a rate of 10,000 to 1 in 1992. During the past four decades, when all was said and done, after the various changes of currency and slicing of zeroes, one peso convertible was equivalent to 10,000,000,000,000 pesos moneda nacional.”

Some commentary from George Schultz, et al: The Magnitude of the Mess We’re In

Athens Municipality Runs Out Of Cash; Suspends All Operations

F.G. sent: Gary Schilling: Why There’s No Housing Recovery And Prices Will Collapse Another 20%

Items from The Economatrix:

Stagflation in Extremis and the Explosive Rise in Gold

Former Goldman Sachs Analyst:  War to Erupt In 2012, Dow to Fall to 5,000

Bernanke Briefs Lawyers on Fiscal Cliff

Jobless Claims to Leading Index Show Weakness

Odds ‘n Sods:

SurvivalBlog reader “Shrike” mentioned a beautiful little film about the production process of an axe by master toolmaker, John Neeman…

   o o o

A link courtesy of SurvivalBlog’s Editor At Large Mike Williamson: Is this photo and diagram from South Korea legitimate? It is captivating, nonetheless.

   o o o

Reader R.B.S. sent: Blackouts Spur $18 Billion Power Grid Upgrade: Corporate India

   o o o

The folks at InformedChristians.com have now produced a thought-provoking timeline chart, showing one potential chain of events in the near future, leading to global socioeconomic collapse and World War III. This “fast track” view of collapse is similar to the views expressed by many SurvivalBlog readers. Their chart is keyed to interpretations of Biblical prophecy, such as Daniel Chapter 7, Luke Chapter 21, and Revelation Chapter 17.

   o o o

Commandos for Jesus: Meet the former Green Berets delivering aid to some of the most blighted corners of Burma, and saving souls along the way.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” – James 3:1-10 (KJV)

Notes from JWR:

September 22nd in the birthday of the late Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Reid-Daly (born 1928, died August 9, 2010) who founded and commanded the Rhodesian Selous Scouts. His history of the Selous Scouts, titled Pamwe Chete, is fascinating to read, but it is a very hard-to-find book.

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The queue for Round 42 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest is now almost full, even if I post two articles per day. Any articles that are received from now on will be posted in Round 43.

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Today we present another two entries for Round 42 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any of their military surplus gear, E.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $300 value), F.) A $250 gift certificate from Sunflower Ammo. and G.) A $200 gift certificate, donated by Shelf Reliance.

Second Prize: A.) A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training. Together, these have a retail value of $589. B.) A FloJak FP-50 stainless steel hand well pump (a $600 value), courtesy of FloJak.com. C.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $300, D.) A $250 gift card from Emergency Essentials, and E.) Two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value) and F.) A Tactical Trauma Bag #3 from JRH Enterprises (a $200 value).

Third Prize: A.) A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.), B.) A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206, C.) Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy. This is a $185 retail value, D.) A Commence Fire! emergency stove with three tinder refill kits. (A $160 value.), and E.) Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security.

Practical Defense Skills When Left with Little or Nothing, by Suburban 10

TEOTWAWKI may leave you alone with nothing. Nothing but your knowledge of what is available to you as a means of survival and defending yourself. Hopeful you have enough skills to find essential items required to survive. Time is limited and for an active person foraging for food, protecting themselves and seeking safe shelter. Without these life essentials, this is (on average) how much time you have to survive: Air -3 minutes, Shelter at O degrees Celsius – 3 hours, water – 3 days, food – 30 days. Take care of these and half your battle of survival is won!

When I was a child I saw my father beaten until bloodied by a crazed man in a shopping mall parking lot. My dad went to aid a fellow patron and left with his glasses broken, bloody nose, and torn clothing. Being about 5 years old I could do little to help him. He didn’t even call the cops and we never spoke about it again. Humans can be absolutely ferocious and can inflict a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

I walk my dog daily in my suburban setting. About once a year we are confronted by loose dogs. Most all dogs attack my dog and not me. My dog and I have chosen to run most of the time, but on occasion they must be confronted. I have pepper sprayed dogs, kicked smaller ones and last month we out ran a 200 pound Rottweiler that (lucky for my dog and I) was very out of shape. Human and dogs are mammals and when they are desperate and fearful they can and will harm you.

Mammals have triggers that set in motion reactions to events and circumstances in which they encounter. An injured, cornered and fearful animal is one of those dangerous encounters. A desperate, hungry, fearful human can be one of those dangerous encounters. JWR’s emphasis on charity is a good and reminds us what it means to be human. The most important aspect of being human is being civil. Even in our fairly civilized world you can be still be taken advantage of or robbed of your belongings.

So what’s my point here…If all or most my prepared supplies were not on my person or near by (which could happen) what would I have to work with to survive. I may be hunted, I may be hungry, I may be tired and I may need to defend myself. TEOTWAWKI will bring out the best and worst in people. We need to see the good in all people, but be very aware of the evil in the world, especial a desperate world. And if people get desperate and are scared there is bound to be confrontation and unpleasant encounters.

I have thought about the simplest form of defense for a human. Presently and throughout history. No matter what weapons and situation you are confronted with, I believe there are 10 basic actions that can balance the scale of survival in your favor. Hopefully you are well stocked at home or your retreat as well as having properly equipped your vehicle and legally well weaponized your body. But if you are not… then lets get to the very basics and add on from that point. Naked is definitely a challenging place to start and I definitely do not want to start there.

I hope these ten promote discussion between you and yours.

1. To Trust- your inner power. If you feel that something doesn’t feel right…THEN IT ISN’T RIGHT! I believe humans have lost a sixth sense. A sense that was much more prevalent in the humans of pre-history. A time in history before we filled our minds with vanity, commerce and material values to survive. Get in touch with your inner power. Feel your way though a situation by opening your eyes and all your senses in order to take in the entire scene. Avoid confrontation at all cost in order to conserve energy and resources. Your may have minutes to change your path or maybe just a few seconds. If it feels right…act. Double check your approach if you have time, think through outcomes in your mind. Trust yourself and visualize a positive outcome.

2. To Run- run means escape, escape means freedom, freedom means survival. Yes you may be shot at, but you are a moving target. Set up your moment to run. Buy time if you can, look for opportunity set a goal for success. For example, If confronted straight on. “I have money in my sock!” Reach down to get the money out of your sock. You are now in a track and field starting position, turn and go! Run today for fun and good health and it may be your greatest weapon of all… free to fight another day.

3. To Hide- Chinese proverb “Better to hide then run”. Running gives you distance, but running can keep you visible. Hiding can make you invisible, because you may not be able to get distance. As Kids at night we would throw snowballs at cars just to get chased. I had adults walk right past me often as I crouched motionless in one of my well planned hiding spots. What hides you? The darkness, objects you can get under, an object you get on top of, you decide. A good hiding place is a short term solution to evade capture and move forward to a safer destination or double back to an original starting point.

4. Your Hands- hands can be trained to act as weapons. A finger held stiff applied to soft tissue of the adversary can slow or even stop the aggressor. Imagine the pain of a thumb in the eye. As a college student my brother was holding down someone in a large brawl when he was cold cocked in the nose. It was broken… end of fight for him. The hand to the nose is what I believe is the most import point of contact for self defense. Aim for the nose. It is the center of the face and makes a good target. Did you ever bump your nose? Eyes water, you can’t see a thing and it hurts! To train hit something often to get your hand quick and strong. If these hands get tied it’s game over. I would fight to the death before I would ever let someone tie my hands.

5. Legs – Stay in good shape so you can use them. If you are knocked off your feet all is not lost. Check out Native American Ground Fighting and you will see the advantage of good strong legs. Swift feet can gain great distance. Exercise those legs, because without good legs it’s more difficult to defend yourself.

6. A Stick – Smack it hard on the ground, then firmly against a tree. “Strong and light is good for a fight”. One end tapered and one end thicker to hit with force. A good walking stick is a good weapon as well. I work out with a 3 foot 1 inch thick round dowel. I stretch with it and practice defensive maneuvers many of which I learned while studying martial arts. I choose this size because it is much like a cane which is what I will be using in my elder years.

7. Stones – Humans have stoned each other to death as mentioned in the Bible. A stone the size of a golf ball can be hurled effectively. A pouch of stones is a pouch of weapons. Stone lashed to a stick is a club. It worked for our ancient ancestors! Throw snowball this winter and work on your aim.

8. Improvised weapons. I saw a girl in bar when I was in college wail a man in the head with her pocket book so hard he fell to the ground. What ever you can find, whatever you can make. Improvise! Be creative in anyway possible to destroy your foe. Think of what could be done with the following objects: sand, tightly rolled magazine, keys, your thumb, a water bottle, belt with buckle, stick, stone, rock, hairbrush, etc. I always try to have something on me that can work as a weapon. Year round my 18 inch ice scraper is right next to the driver seat in my van. Better to have something within reach, then nothing. Legally I like fold out utility pliers with an assortment of small tools embedded in them including a knife. Leatherman is the best brand in my opinion. Non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray and Tasers are often legal depending on the city or state.

9. Knife – The glint and shine of a sharp object can be a strong deterrent. Never ever does anyone or anything ever get that knife out of your hands. I am not a knife expert but I do practice what I have been taught. A knife to me is synonymous with survival. Leading up to # 10 I can’t resist this old saying: “Don’t bring a knife to a gun fight”.

10. A Gun – The equalizer. The ability to hold several people at bay while you get to a safer environment. Try not to shoot anyone here in New York. The bad guy’s lawyer will have a field day. It is your God given and constitutional right to protect family and friends from those evil doers who have threatened you in your home or on your land. It can even protect the evil foe from doing harm to others and himself. The only way to accomplish that is to have the ultimate equalizer in your well trained hands. Practice often and enjoy the terrific sport of riflery. The NRA offers wonderful programs for the beginner.

Our objective is to work together with like minded people to strengthen ourselves against anything that may do us harm on the way to achieving our goals.

The Survival Mindset, by M.C.J.

The healthy human mind doesn’t contempt the what if’s in reference to survival. Why should it? The very thought of such a thing does not factor in a persons average day. Especially given how people live there daily lives going about life on the railway to the normalcy train. That redundant moment in time when all is the same and sane . Waking up to conduct a normal work day of work and routine. Having a decent breakfast or rushing off fast grabbing a bite from either the microwave or the nearest fast food outlet, just to beat the morning “rush hour” traffic. Getting oneself done and ready to take on the average ordinary day of doing 9-5 and earning a decent paycheck. No. The healthy human mind doesn’t see the potential for collapse on both the economic or societal scale, let alone contemplating the very realistic notion that it all could come to a crashing end over night. Such a thing is anathema to “normal” thinking. Where is the Mindset for that contingency? How does one get ready to handle such a catastrophic change? More importantly, how does one cope with it? Good questions.
Having been an 0311/8152 in the USMC back in the time of the Berlin Wall collapse to Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Restore Hope Somalia gave me a unique perspective on the matter. Let me state that you do not have to be in the military to gain the Mindset. You do not have to be a member of any three lettered alphabet soup agency. You already possess it and are not aware of it.  The Mindset was brought about for me by seeing the world for what it truly was.  That of a beautifully terrifying place is one not aware of his/her surroundings and a place of varied cultures and beliefs that should not be taken for granted. Having the Mindset will help you get through the toughest of times. It will equally help you empower those around you that are not in the know of what is going on, giving them the strength of mind to carry on and to survive. Having been to Third World countries, I got the chance to truly take stock in how good I lived and how much we have taken for granted. Having asked myself, “What would America do were it in this position?” “Could we survive a nuclear attack?” “What if the Grid went down? “EMP?” These were the thoughts that ran through my head. It was enough to drive anyone insane, yet I maintained the Mindset in that no matter what may happen or that would come my way, I will survive. Being 41, divorced with two little girls the need for having a strong and healthy Mindset is evermore imperative. The way one achieves this is through setting one’s spirit right in the Divine , that will help out in tremendous ways. Let me state for the record that I am not a Bible-thumper. The word of the Almighty and His promises of things to come rings true and He will sustain you, but like that old saying, God helps those who helps themselves. That’s where your ability comes in through the strength of your will to see you through. You don’t have to be Hercules or  Sampson to have this. You simply have to be the real you. We all have that potential to do this.  Improvise! Adapt! Overcome! These three very important words of the Marine Corps have seen the Marines through many bloodied tight spots all around the world. The human mind is a very powerful weapon and as such it should be nurtured through good actions and deeds not only one’s self, but to others. Being positive regardless of the circumstance and/or situation  will see you through. The process is not an instant thing, it requires determination of will and spirit to make things happen in your favor and for that of your loved ones. What you project will invariably have a direct impact on those around you. Self-Esteem and empowerment will help you make the right choices in getting prepared.

Decisions are based on independent research of the various topics that are affecting you. The imploding economy. Increased social unrest and dissatisfaction with the “order of things”. The GWOT. The machinations of the Elite and so forth. Being pressed by these things can take a heavy toll on the human mind and thus create much anxiety, restlessness, and tension. How do you fight back? How do you win? The Mindset will see you through, by right of appropriate action, i.e., (listening to like-minded independent media, talking to others who feel as you do, looking for alternatives to see you through the uncertainties, etc…) you will avoid being a part of the mirror-shade masses that would rather live in denial. Equally, you also have avoided becoming part of the hyper-paranoid minded people that are on the verge of mental breakdown. Clarity of thought will see you through the murkiness and useless banter of the mainstream media and other groups out there that say being a “prepper” is bad and other negative connotations that they label folks us as. As far as I am concerned, being level-headed and cool under the pressure is key to survival, in any situation. Making the right choices is not always the coolest thing to do in terms of wanting the more expensive name brand items, but getting what is essential to your survival and that of your family should be first and foremost. You may find yourself in a rut in not having the necessary funds to get what you really want, but if you have enough to get a decent water filtrations system for example, you have taken the first step in making that right decision. Having the Mindset does not make one an uber-survivor of all things, but rather it makes one the ideal survivor by allowing one to discern what one needs and does not need. The old saying of you can never have too much of something is true in some respects, but not all. A gluttonous mind is a wasteful thing. A timid mind is a fragile thing. A balanced mind is right in all things. Knowing when to say when in terms of getting what you need for survival is important and how to utilize the items purchased is of great import too. It is the arrogant mind that buys and buys getting the latest in whatever is on the market, yet never bother to learn, train, or utilize the procured items until the actual time of need. That leads to unnecessary consumption of energy and time. Such a mindset would be costly to not only the individual, but also to loved ones in need. The balanced mind would do well to practice with and train with all relevant equipment and materials purchased. Through repetition and use of the items, one becomes familiar with things. This familiarity will lead one to accomplishing the needed goals in a timely fashion. No hesitation. No doubts.  This in turn leads to self-empowerment of the mind. A most positive outcome to a hectic situation. Having avoiding any further complications. Decisions of this nature will almost always produce a positive and uplifting result. Decide to invest in getting what you know will be right for you, not everything that is out there will be for you, take a solid recon of where you live. The environment. Is it feasible to live out in the area? Can you make it work for you? Will you have to relocate? If so, then where to? These questions should have crossed everyone’s mind at some point in time and rightful decisions have to made to accommodate the “what ifs”. Decisions. Decisions. Making the right choice comes down to having a good solid mindset.

Knowledge is power as the saying goes. Good solid practical know-how will see you through many things both simple and complex. Not everyone is survival expert, I am not. My expertise lies in land warfare and certain aspects of unconventional warfare, but that is no excuse for me not to have some knowledge readily available and on-hand should I need a reference to how to determine if a plant is edible or poisonous or how to treat a burn. These issues are of importance and should not be left on the back burner. I carry my PUSH pack with me wherever I go and in that pack I have the SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman. Talk about convenience! Everything I need in a small little book and for my backup I have Les Stroud’s SURVIVE! I’m not making a sales pitch here gang, just some pretty good honorable mentions because I may have to utilize their knowledge one day. Chance favors the prepared mind. Having such books or as I call it, Tomes of Survival on hand will definitely increase your chances of survival in any given situation. Read the book from front to back and read them at differing times so that the knowledge inside is retained  in your mind. If you’re not familiar with issues like Land Navigation, then either purchase a manual on it or download the U.S. Army LandNav manual in PDF or take the time to learn the basics of survival from a person that teaches the skill set. If there is one thing that is in absolute abundance and is generally free of charge, that is knowledge. Fishing. Learning how to signal. Marksmanship. Archery and Targeting are very good applied knowledge.  If one likes communications and radio, then obtaining a ham license is the way to go, something I am endeavoring to get. Knots and ropes is important from everything when it comes to building shelters and makeshift items to making traps to get wildlife for sustenance. Sailors knots are a good to know, a book on knot tying or a U.S. Navy Blue Jackets Manual is a good reliable source on knots and how to tie them. Cutting up one’s catch is no easy feat and that takes time and repetition, if one is not careful in the cutting and slicing of their catch, one could accidentally cut an organ that would contaminate the catch, thus ruining the meal and starting the entire process over for the hunt again. That means time lost.  The bottom line here is simply, knowledge gained and applied gives great rewards. Knowledge acquired for the sake of it and not put to use, can lead to potential disaster.  Having the right knowledge makes for a solid mindset.

Skill set is important. Having a set of general skills or specialized skills in a survival situation will see you or your family through some tough times. Adaptation is key here. A person with a mechanical or electrical skill set would have the ability to make jury rigged devices run to produce power for a house or vehicle. Marksmanship skills are definitely a plus for hunting and/or defense. Knowing how to hit a target at distance takes more than just aiming the weapon and shooting. Learning the why’s and how’s of a round travels downrange, the various shooting positions, breathing techniques, and trigger discipline makes one not only better marksman, but also makes one better appreciate the overall value of the skill. Remember the basics of marksmanship: Aim. Breathe. Relax. Squeeze (NOT pull the trigger!). Shoot.  Communications/Oratory skill set is somewhat undervalued and should not be taken as such, the power of speech, to convey intentions makes a world of difference when it comes to bartering for goods and merchandise or how about the potential for outbreak of hostilities? Good oratory skills combined with a competent mindset can potentially diffuse hostile actions. Writing skills are good as to keep a record of events for historical reasons. Skill sets can really be of benefit. Technical skills are good from anywhere to making fuel preservatives for stored petrol to field expedient antennas to receive emergency communiques from ham operators. Mountaineering is excellent, who would ever think that an accountant could be a competent mountaineer, but such people do exist and should not be frowned upon. Intimate knowledge of the terrain and where to step and climb could mean the difference between life and death. By taking the time to learn something new, one’s ability to adapt has increased exponentially.  There is always some new to learn when it comes to survival and it is best to take advantage of the learning while the chance is given. 

Preparedness  is the overall important factor when in the survival mindset. Going about your daily lives is good and well, but being knowing that you are prepared as best you cane be with the resources given will make all the difference in the world.  As having the survival mindset, you should already have at the minimum all the basics you need at any given time. A basic reaction pack. This small, but very necessary pack should have  a survival tin/kit with all that suits your basic survival needs. Whether it is a pre-packaged survival kit or a hand-made one, this kit should have all that you need based on the environment that you are currently living in and/or where you anticipate in operating in. A small book on survival, as I mentioned in the Knowledge part, a book like the SAS Survival Guide or SURVIVE! would be good books to have on hand as easy reference guides in case anything is missed. A dedicated flashlight for signaling and moving into dark areas or reading maps at night. A map of the region you are in and a solid compass. Other items of interest that would be of value to you is a small radio (i.e., C. Crane Radio’s CC SW Pocket) it is a handy shortwave am/fm radio. Good to have on hand.  Gloves  are a good item to have stored in your pack. Notepads, pens, and pencil. Making an illustration of a landmark or drawing a hasty map of a particular area might be helpful for future references. 550 Paracord at least 15 to 25 feet. Butane lighter (the perfect mini-torch). Other items that suits your basic needs. Your grab and go pack should be packed for at least 72 hours out in the field. An evacuation pack should just about everything you need to survive and make it out in the field. In terms of food, not everyone can afford the gourmet foodstuffs or the emergency food stocks. Worry sets in and anxiety wreaks havoc on the mind, especially with knowing what is coming our way. The alternatives to this are canned goods and/or my favorite, MRE (Meals-Ready to Eat). Having these items can go long ways and are pretty easy to ration if done right.

Caution and Discretion. Being in the survival mindset means that you don’t panic. To do that will inhibit your ability to function. Reality checks tend to bite, but having a level head and prayer will carry you on and bring about stability. Stability grants one the sense of clarity. In that clarity, your mindset will run smoothly. Water is important. Having a decent portable water filtration system will save you from much pain and unneeded medical issues. Knowing that you are prepared on the basic level will help you function well for those unpredictable moments, if you have longer time to prepare your homes and your family for such uncertainties, then you are good to go. When it comes to being prepared, it pays to keep things on the down-low. Sales and advertising to people you know, but are not tight with the risk for being compromised becomes great. The times that we are living in and about to experience will be unprecedented, people that you know to be good, but are not prepared will be coming your way for your stocks that you have set for you or your family. No matter how prepared you are in terms of food you must remember that the items you have will be in limit. Once everything stops flowing life will be going back down into the basics of things as it were in Pre-Industrial America. The people who have the major one up on us in this arena are those that live in third world countries. Taking things for granted and having that sense of having it all and never running out will be a very hard deal for those that live in that denial mindset. Such a mindset is extremely dangerous. Good people can live in denial. We see it every day. When good people go bad is when you will have a lot to deal with. The desperation that sets in. The chaos. Violence will be the order of the day in most areas. Some communities will be like miniature forts. Being in a good strong mindset will permit you to do what is right and to ensure your survival and that of your loved ones. Be every watchful of what’s going in your community, city, and state. Look to the independent media for unbiased information on what is going on in the world. Most people have lived under the false premise that what happens in one corner of the world will not affect our corner of it. That’s plain wrong. That’s bad thinking. Two world wars have invalidated that mindset. The world economies is where to look and from there, if interpreted right, you can figure out what might be coming your way. We have all be affected by this very issue and now things have gotten pretty delicate. Foreign troops in CONUS in unprecedented numbers. U.S. troops being placed on the lines fighting not being aware of what is truly happening back here at home. Seismic/Volcanic activities on the rise. Ecological issues. The list goes on. All of these issues comes into play for that one word: PREPAREDNESS. Get into the mindset of survival. If you are already in this mindset, you are in a good place and secure in your ability to make it through these upcoming dark times. If you are not, do not panic. Read up on what was provided here in my writings and look into the similar writings from other people too. We are a community that is absolutely unique in every way possible. Empower yourself. It’s alright to feel on edge, but do not let that feeling override your survival mindset.

Comfort and Sanity can come in the form of a having some good books to read should the power grid go down. Issues of cooking can be resolved with backup propane tanks for your grills when the gas lines cease to operate. A sun oven is an excellent alternative to cooking, potable water, and sanitation issues. Backup generators in the form of petrol or solar powered would be of immense help for lighting in addition to having backup canisters of kerosene with a fuel preservative longer shelf life for lanterns. Candles are good as well. To help bring ease on the psychological aspects, having a decent movie selection in your home would prove to help take off the edge. For me it is meditation, prayer, and a good book. We must never forget that the mind also craves food too, whether it be a good novel, the Bible, or some other type of activity. Keep yourselves mentally active in a good way. Stay physically fit as possibly. A strong healthy body goes hand in hand with a strong healthy mind. I have never been in such a situation like this before, but I revert back to my discipline and training from the Marine Corps and the additional skill sets I have acquired as a civilian to see me through. It’s going to be an interesting ride for all of us. You can persevere if you have the right mindset.

Remember to keep a strong mindset! Never give in to the fear. Be strong in your faith. Be vigilant. Pray that we may all get through these uncertain times. Be proud to be a prepper! That’s all I have for now. Semper Fidelis.

Economics and Investing:

Green Acres: The Case for Investing in Farmland Now

Jim W. mentioned some commentary on empty retail store parking lots, over at The Burning Platform: Are You Seeing What I’m Seeing?

QE3’s looming flaw: Big banks’ mortgage operations

Marc Faber Warning: Store Your Gold Overseas

Items from The Economatrix:

Fed’s “QE-Infinity” Will Push Gold to $2,400

Deposit Flight From Europe Banks Eroding Common Currency

10 Shocking Quotes About What QE3 is Going to Do to America

Gerald Celente:  Criminal Banksters Launching New World War

Odds ‘n Sods:

Mark A. suggested this article at the NRA’s web site: If you had to choose one gun—and only one gun—to get you through a disaster, what would it be?

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Michael Yon: Afghanistan: When the Moon Sets, Watch Out. (Thanks to S.O. for the link.)

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Pierre M. mentioned a leather Axe Sling, made in Vermont. “Unless you are a lumberjack, the only time it would be socially acceptable to walk around with an axe strapped to your back is if the streets were swarming with brain-hungry zombies. That being said, this does look pretty cool in a leg-slapping Bavarian folk dance kinda way.”Pierre also sent a link another brand that is less expensive. All zombie jokes aside, these do have some utility, particularly for carrying a limbing axe when you are out in the woods with your hands full–namely a gas can in one hand and a chainsaw in the other.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; [it is] iniquity, even the solemn meeting.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear [them].
And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:113-17 (KJV)