Odds ‘n Sods:

Jim in Southern California flagged this: Heirloom Tomatoes, The Hand Me Down of Foods. Jim also sent this companion piece: Attack of the Heirloom Tomatoes.

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Beware of agent provocateurs: Attorney: FBI trained New Jersey blogger to incite others. (BTW, this in part explains why I ignored the urging of dozens of SurvivalBlog readers to post a link to Hal Turner’s much-publicized but bogus “New Amero Notes have already been printed” story. Something about that just didn’t smell right. In fact, if you do a search, you’ll see that I’ve only mentioned Turner once in my blog, and even that was posted with a caveat attached.)

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Reader PNG sent an important link that I recommend you bookmark: Visualizing The U.S. Electric Grid. Note that this is an interactive map page. Be sure to click on all of the tabs and pull-down menu options!

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I just heard that Safecastle now has Red Feather brand canned butter (from New Zealand) back in stock.





The Open Carry Debate Catches Mainstream Attention

For anyone that might have found my warnings about feral dogs (such as in my “Pulling Through” screenplay) somehow alarmist, see this article: Sheriff: Georgia couple likely killed in dog attack. Too bad that you need a license to carry a firearm openly in Georgia. Parenthetically, we have the occasional grizzly bear that passes through, here at the ranch, but at least we are regularly armed, so we have a fighting chance. IMHO. the open carry ban in Georgia is a racist anachronism that should be abolished.

And speaking of open carry, our compadre Tamara mentioned this: Man carries assault rifle to Obama protest — and it’s legal. The mainstream media is in veritable fits of apoplexy about this, but I have news flash for them: This was in Arizona, where open carry is legal. Get over it!

Yesterday (Tuesday), I was interviewed by Fox News about open carry, in their “Happy Hour” market wrap-up show. Unlike my previous appearances on the show, I actually had time to get a word in edgewise. I offered them one of my old sayings, which in full is: Much like a muscle that atrophies with disuse, any right that goes unexercised for many years devolves into a privilege, and eventually can even be redefined as a crime.



What Divides You from The Sheeple? Plenty!

Nearly every week, I get at least one frantic e-mail from a new SurvivalBlog reader, stating that they feel woefully under-prepared. The gist of these e-mails is: “I’m behind the power curve! How can I possibly get prepared in time?”

Fear not! Just by reading SurvivalBlog and taking some small, gradual steps at preparedness, you are miles ahead of your sheeple neighbors. And even with just modest preparedness measures, you have already substantially increased your chances of surviving most scenarios.

As I see it, here are your advantages:

Awareness
Most people are clueless. They have a naive Pollyanna outlook. But SurvivalBlog readers see the Big Picture, and plan accordingly. Because you are constantly aware of current events, you won’t be one of the Generally Dumb Public (GDP) masses that invariably gets petrified in a crisis. Instead of just sitting there glued to a Crackberry, you will be taking concrete, meaningful action. While others spin in circles like beheaded poultry, you’ll be busy helping to get things back to normal.

Skills and Knowledge
Unlike the folks that absorbed in the mindless American Idol television culture, you’ve spent your available time in taking hands-on training, and reading up on practical and tactical skills. You’ve also assembled a home library of useful references.

Networking
Most of you have teamed up with like-minded relatives, friends, church congregants, and neighbors. Meanwhile, your average suburbanite doesn’t even know the names of all of the neighbors on his block, much less know their skill sets.

Tools
You’ve bought the best tools you could afford, for all foreseeable eventualities. Whether it is your Hi-Lift jack or your Glock, you’ve done your homework and acquired the most appropriate and durable gear. Meanwhile, your neighbors have frittered away their funds on jet-skis, Beanie Babies, Hummel figurines, and big screen plasma HDTVs.

Planning
You’ve developed both “stay put” and “Get Out of Dodge” plans, plus a few alternates. You keep your bugout bag and even your passport handy.

Logistics
Unlike the sheeple–who aren’t prepared for even a three day power failure–you have your beans, bullets, and Band-Aids stocked away, in depth. While your sheeple neighbors are flocking to the grocery store, where they will most likely find only empty shelves, you’ll be sitting pretty. And while they are pondering their two gallon gas can for their lawn mower–their only stored fuel–you have laid in enough to not only be ready for a crisis, but you cane even pick and choose your time to re-stock, when their are dips in fuel prices.

Locale
A minority of highly motivated SurvivalBlog readers have taken my advice and relocated to safer regions. I hope that more of you do the same!

Communications
You already have your commo and band scanning gear up and running. While most folks will be completely ignorant when the power grids and phone systems go down, you’ll be coordinating with your Group, and keeping track of where the malo hombres are moving, and where they might be heading next.

Capacity for Charity
There is room in the hearts of most SurvivalBlog readers to dispense copious charity. We consider it our duty. And more than just the willingness to dispense charity, most of us just as importantly also have the capacity–namely, the requisite materiel. If you can’t spare it, then you can’t share it. As I often tell journalists in phone interviews: I don’t look at my food storage as a three year supply for one family. Rather, it is a one year supply for three families.

The Bottom Line
To wax a bit metapohrical, SurvivalBlog readers are what the actuarial accountants would call “low rate qualifiers”–meaning that because we have minimized our risks and maximized our potential life spans we’d qualify for the lowest possible insurance rates. There are no absolute guarantees, but your chance of achieving room temperature at an early age is far, far below that of the average man. Pat yourself on the back, and then redouble your efforts to get squared way.



Letter Re: Burros for TEOTWAWKI Transport

Dear Mr. Rawles,

I have a question that I have not found addressed on SurvivalBlog. I am a small-statured woman (5’5″, 130 lbs.) living in the desert southwest. I have a retreat that I am currently stocking, and am beginning to think about livestock (aside from chickens and goats, which are a given). While most of my peers keep and ride horses, I’m considering burros instead. My reasoning is that they are already adapted to an arid environment, can forage more easily, are hardier than horses, and are less expensive. They can also be used for packing or pulling equipment. Finally, because of my size, riding one should not be an issue for me.

Your thoughts?

I also wanted to say thank you for your web site — I’ve found it to be invaluable. My heart goes out to you and your wife at this time. – E.

JWR Replies: The Memsahib and I have had a couple of donkeys, over the years. We primarily kept them as guard animals for our sheep. They do a great job of that, and when properly trained are fairly docile packers, although –as with all other equines–no two personalities are alike. They are also very thrifty to feed, compared to horses. (A horse eats, well, “like a horse!”)



Letter Re: Silver Jewelry for Barter?

James,
Thanks for your web site. I find it very informative. And prayers for your missus. I’ve seen recent articles regarding acquiring gold and silver coinage for TEOTWAWKI. My question is this: can gold or silver jewelry substitute adequately for coinage? My thinking is this. In the worst case scenario, there are two kinds of people who will have things to barter – the prepared and the lucky. In dealing with the prepared, a sterling silver ring will be just as valuable as an equal silver weight of pre-1965 dimes. But with the merely lucky? I’m not so sure. In their mind (and their potential inability to recognize/accept fundamental change in the economic world) the face value of the dimes might interfere with the concept of the true (silver) value of the coinage. Plus, by pulling a ring off your finger to barter for example, you might come across as someone in the same boat as the person you are bartering with, leading to more reasonable negotiation. That also might keep attention to you (and your family) to a minimum, as opposed to coming across as someone who might be short on one or two things but otherwise to be envied. Am I off base on any of this? Thanks, – John C.

JWR Replies: I predict that following TEOTWAWKI, it will just a take a couple of weeks for people to mentally “switch gears” and adjust to the new realities of a barter economy.

The main problem with silver jewelry is that hallmarks can be faked. A few choice date numismatic silver dollars have also been faked, but worn non-numismatic silver pre-1965 dimes, quarters, and half dollars have never been faked, to the best of my knowledge. Pre-’65 coins will be accepted in barter without hesitation, while jewelry would probably have to be assayed. And if it were reluctantly accepted in trade without an assay, it would only be at a deep discount. So buy coins, not jewelry!





Economics and Investing:

“Red Hen” sent this bit of global MOAB expansion news: IMF Governors Formally Approve US$250 Billion General SDR Allocation

Courtesy of Steve G.: Credit tightening threatens China’s ‘giant Ponzi scheme’

The Treacherous Path for Housing – 42 Percent of California Mortgages with Negative Equity: $1 Trillion in Mortgages Submerged Underwater in California. $3 Trillion in U.S. Mortgages Underwater and Risking Foreclosure.

From DD: Lowe’s Profit Plunges as Consumers Stay Away

JS spotted this: The “Zimdollar:” Dead, but still used for bus fare. (It sounds like something out a of a novel: $3,000,000,000,000 for one bus fare, and goats for barter!)

Items from The Economatrix:

Wholesale Prices Drop More than Expected in July


Coming Soon: Banking Crisis of Historic Proportions

Reader’s Digest Going Bankrupt

Fed Shut Down “Minority” S&L

New AIG CEO Pay $7 Million, Will be Reviewed, Obama Spokesman Says


Treasury Prices Post Modest Decline



Odds ‘n Sods:

Several readers sent me this piece about backyard poultry partisans: “Chicken Underground” Emerges in Indiana

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From Cheryl: Vegetable Gardens Help Morale Grow

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Some great stuff, as always, from Michael Yon: The Kopp-Etchells Effect: “How can you have a better heart?” said a grateful Judy Meikle, 57, of Winnetka, Ill., who is still recovering from the surgery. “I have the heart of a 21-year-old Army Ranger war hero beating in me.” I’ve always been impressed by both the eloquence of Michael’s writing and his skill as a photographer. (For example, his latest shots, of Saint. Elmo’s Fire glittering on helicopter rotors in Afghanistan, are amazing.) If you too enjoy his blog, I’m sure that he’d appreciate your support.



Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Our whole way of life today is dedicated to the removal of risk. Cradle to grave we are supported, insulated, and isolated from the risks of life- and if we fall, our government stands ready with Band-Aids of every size." – Shirley Temple Black



Notes from JWR:

The big 25% off sale on sleeping bags at Wiggy’s ends in less than two weeks. Take advantage of it! OBTW, with sunspot numbers at record lows, there may be some exceptionally cold winters coming. We must never forget the lessons of the winter of 1887-1888!

Today we present another entry for Round 24 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest.

First Prize: A.) 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 between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) and C.) A HAZARiD Decontamination Kit from Safecastle.com. (A $345 value.)

Second Prize: 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 $350.

Third Prize: A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing.

Round 24 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.



Barter Goods — A Woman’s Perspective, by “Wry Catcher”

Most of the survival information published today comes from thoughtful and hardy men who plan, prepare, and protect themselves and their families from disasters.  My admiration and appreciate for such men cannot be overemphasized. I doff my hard hat to all of you. There are, however, some elements of survival that are perhaps better served from a woman’s perspective. In particular, this article focuses on barter goods – those items that can be traded to other survivors for an improved quality of life or for basic necessity.

For purposes of clarity and ease of reference, this article is divided into age groups.  That’s because each age group has a specific set of needs and wants, aside from basic survival supplies. Let’s get to it! 

Infants and Toddlers
Baby Formula: Mixed with water, formula is an essential component of a youngster under two years of age when the mother is unavailable due to illness or injury or death, or the mom is not lactating. Containers of dehydrated or condensed formula may be bartered to those who need it.  It may also become necessary to barter for it. Although the condensed version can be heavy and bulky, it is often more desired for its flavor.  Additionally, it requires less water for mixing. Dehydrated formula is easier to transport and one package produces more product than wet formula, but it requires more water for dilution and its taste is less pleasing than condensed. Of the two basic forms of formula, however, this survivalist would opt for dehydrated formula as a useful and valuable barter item.   

Chew Toys: Chew toys aren’t just for dogs.  Very young children like chew toys, too. The toys help with teething and they keep a child content when parents are busy. Be sure to acquire those that have no extraneous parts, and any painted surfaces must be non-toxic and non-allergenic. To be safe, buy those that are made of new materials and have little or no decoration that could come off, including surface colorations. Go for the plain models, in other words. The child who wants a chew toy is not looking for anything fancy, just something to mouth.  Do not acquire a chew toy that could be swallowed or could block the airway. The toy must be too large to fit wholly within the child’s mouth. Any store specializing in infants and toddlers should have a wide array of acceptable chew toys, although they may prefer the term “teething ring” to “chew toy.”  Most people working to survive a disaster of any type are not going to plan for something as specific as a child’s chew toy. They will, however, soon learn that their young one will be much happier and therefore much less fussy if there is something fun and safe to chew on. The toys will make good barter for adults with young children, and chew toys take up little space and weigh next to nothing. If teething infants are not part of your survival group, these toys may be used as dogs’ chew toys or as older children’s playthings if not too infantile in decoration. Keeping the toys simple will make them more versatile.

Pull Toys.  Toddlers like to walk, and when they walk, they like to drag something along with them. A few inexpensive pull toys will provide hours of enjoyment for them.   If the toy makes a little noise, the fun is doubled. Beware those that have excessive parts – they are harder to repair and could become a choking hazard.  

Ages 4 – 9
Crayons & Coloring Books.  Nothing keeps a youngster as content and therefore as quiet and occupied as a set of crayons and a coloring book. Put aside some girl-oriented coloring books and some books appropriate for boys.  Girls like girly things: houses, clothes, female figures, rainbows, horses, and furry critters. Boys like trucks and tractors, robots, war scenes, cowboys and Indians scenarios, and outdoor scenes.  These are the types of outlines that coloring books should contain in order to satisfy a child who is cast into a situation where her/his world may be vastly different and his/her friends may be unavailable.  If your own child has a particular preference, be sure to include that theme in your acquisition. Published coloring books will have gender-specific covers that will immediately signal whether they are more appropriate for boys or for girls.  Crayons should be non-toxic and come in a wide variety of colors. Acquire several boxes of crayons and do not remove them from their boxes, they will be less likely to melt. Obtain or make several coloring books, some for your own children and some for barter or charitable donations.  Downloading outlines and compiling them into 3-ring binders can be done in lieu of purchasing published books.  Kids of all ages might find them fun, whether they color on them or not. Older children may use the books for paper airplanes or for journals. Crayons are useful for adults, too, when an all-weather writing instrument is needed.

Hard candies add a sweet touch in what may otherwise be a sour situation.  Kids love candy, and giving them an individually wrapped hard candy at midmorning or mid-afternoon may be a treat that eases the change in routine which is an unavoidable part of any survival scenario. Although there are some drawbacks to storing candy, the rewards for doing so will offset any problems.  Store them in rodent proof containers and in a cool, dry location and they should be good for 12 months or more. Dental hygiene may be difficult, and too much of anything is seldom good, so ration the dole and don’t divulge the hiding place. Families will want to add some candy to their provisions, so lay in a supply of individually wrapped hard candies.  [JWR Adds: The ingredients for candy store much longer that wrapped candies, but even old candy that has “gone sticky” is generally still safe to eat. An annual candy-making session can be a lot of fun for kids, and it is also economical. Our favorite to make at home is molasses taffy.]

Clutch Toys.  Yard sales often provide an inexpensive source for small, fluffy clutch toys. These are toys that young children can carry with them for comfort and companionship. Look for small, soft toys and dolls that are clean and, whenever possible, brand new in the package. All loving parents want their children to be happy whether in good times or bad, so items that children want will make good barter items.      

Ages 10 – 13
Brain & Drain Items. This age group may be the most difficult to keep occupied and happy. Full of energy, full of questions, and accustomed to technological gadgetry, these young people need to keep their minds and their bodies busy. They need to use their brains and drain their physical energy.  A few jigsaw puzzles or pocket-size game books (don’t forget the pencils) will suffice for after-dinner wind-down time, but these kids need something more challenging and physical during the day.  A couple of Frisbees or a boomerang may keep the boys busy for a while. Girls may enjoy a small cosmetic set (with a built-in mirror) or a compact sewing kit with several colorful fabric scraps.  Don’t forget decks of cards for those inclement weather days. A small paperback book enumerating card game rules will help resolve the disputes that invariably arise from such games. Decks of cards for specific games, such as Pinochle, Crazy Eights, Touring, and Old Maid will make a more interesting barter item. Get generic decks of cards as well as  decks of specific card games to use as small, lightweight trade enticements. A colorful, genuine jump-rope would be prized by any girl in this age bracket. And boys might enjoy a Nerf ball.  I’d steer clear of baseballs and the like in order to avoid injury and damage. Kids this age are creative and will make up various games with simple items when they get bored. Having some of those simple items as barter bait may be a good investment.  

Ages 14 – 17
Independent & Vital.  This age group wants to be treated as adults, that’s true whether in a survival situation or not. Treat them as such.  These young adults should be given some responsibility, for their own sake and so that the true adults have fewer tasks. Give them something meaningful to do and they will prove themselves. Let them instruct the younger children.  Perhaps they can devise a gentle means of discipline for their siblings.  Ask them to forage, if necessary. Assign tasks to them that require some thought and/or some physical prowess, and make those tasks unique to them. Provide them with some of the trappings of adulthood.  Adult trappings for young men may include:  a good quality knife, a multi-tool, a locking cache box, or their own small tent for privacy.  The females in this age category may appreciate name-brand cosmetic kits, a shoulder bag (purse), or a colorful pair of sandals. These young people are seeking their place in life. They want to be set apart yet they also want to be an important part of the family. Items that help them attain a sense of usefulness and equality will be practical in barter negotiations.

Senior Citizens
Along with infants, this age group will likely need the most attention and care. That is not to say they should be ignored or resented, but it does mean they present an opportunity for the clever and well-prepared barterer. Having what they need and want may enable you to get whatever you need and want.

Personal Care.  Denture cream, magnifying glasses, packets of facial tissues, hand creams, bucket hats (this style of hat is often worn by both men and women), cold packs, heat packs, compact chess and checker sets, large print puzzle books (don’t forget the pencils), condoms, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications,  Ben-Gay, Vick’s Vap-O-Rub, hard candies, and sunglasses.  While perhaps not as vigorous as they once were, these elderly folks can provide much depth and affection in a family, particularly for the children.  They should be treated with the respect and care they deserve. When they or their family have nothing to trade, a caring person will provide the barter item anyway. That’s what keeps us human.  

Adults
Almost Anything
.  Those people who fall between the ages of 19 and 64 carry the majority of the burden in providing for themselves and their families in all life’s situations.  Of course there are exceptions, but generally speaking that age group has the largest responsibility for the care and feeding of all others. As a trade-off, though, this age group is also the least likely to need extra help and supervision.  Still, we all like to have our own needs and desires fulfilled.

Some good barter items for this group, and in general, include pocket knives (get some small and colorful ones for the ladies), condoms, individual cosmetics, WISP (Colgate product) toothbrushes, .22 ammo, honey, Vaseline, sturdy work gloves in various sizes and colors, romance and mystery paperback books, spare batteries in various sizes,  feminine and masculine baseball-style caps, pocket sewing kits with spare buttons, eyeglass repair kits, used hand tools (hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, folding pruning saws), tampons,  pencils and pens, journals, and bags of jerky. A word of caution:  don’t trade anything to anyone that could later be used against you or your family. For example, don’t barter ammo or a fixed-blade knife to someone you don’t trust, unless you absolutely need what they have and can’t get it elsewhere.     

Conclusion
No one can plan for every survival scenario.  What we can do, however, is set aside some items that can be bartered for those items we forgot, used up, or never knew we would need. The purpose of barter goods is to acquire honestly and peacefully what we want and need during times of trouble. These items also work well as charitable gifts to those in a worse way. All the items listed in this article are inexpensive and easy to acquire now, so start acquiring them now.  They take up little space and their individual weight is negligible.. Most of these things can be set aside for years, with nary a concern for their stability. Some can be obtained at yard sales or discount stores, other items can be purchased over a period of time. Each item will prove its value, whether for the specified age group or for a purpose not outlined above.  In other words, you will not be wasting your valuable space, time, or money by acquiring some or all of these items in small quantities.  I urge you to study the suggestions, think of some of your own, and create a separate bin, box, or bag for barter items.  Then place that container with your other survival gear. Good luck and God bless!



Letter Re: Comfort and Holiday Foods for Family Food Storage

James,
My prayers and best wishes to you and your family. May the Lord sustain you during these trying times. Regarding "comfort foods", "Momma" makes sure to keep plenty of baking supplies on hand to make "goop"; sweet things with no nutritional value but loaded with morale-boosting ability.

We also have many jars of home-canned preserves, marmalades, chutneys, relishes and other additions to spice up otherwise bland meals. A little bit goes a long way.

I hope this might give some folks an idea to spice up their menus. Thanks, – Crustyrusty



Economics and Investing:

The dip in silver that you’ve been waiting for has arrived. Take advantage of it. Come November, you’ll be patting yourself on the back for your foresight.

Steve G. sent us the latest from Mish Shedlock: As of Friday August 14, 2009, FDIC is Bankrupt. Don’t worry, be happy. Uncle Tim and Uncle Ben have a plan: Just add linen paper and ink!

A hilarious interview with The Mogambo Guru (aka Richard Daughty) was posted by The Daily Bell.

From Heather H.: Mountain of Debt: Social Security crisis looms. Heather’s comment: “Finally, someone had the guts to call Social Security a ‘Ponzi scheme’.”

Federal Reserve Secretly Buying Treasuries at Auctions

Even more in the The Mother of All Bailouts (MOAB): Social Security crunch coming fast. (Thanks to DD for the link.)

Items from The Economatrix:

Stocks Plunge as Investors Worry About Consumer Spending

AP Investigation: California Lawmakers Boost Staff Pay (“What budget crisis?”)

Mike Whitney: The Economy is in Deep, Deep Trouble

Chicago City Government Closed Monday Due to Budget Constraints.

Europe and US Still at Risk for Deflation Trap

Lack of Inflation Means No Rise in Social Security Benefits

Consumer Confidence Falls Unexpectedly in August Yikes! The lowest measure of buying confidence in 60 years!

Stocks Drop Around the World on Economy Concerns

Darryl Schoon: Gold and Why Gold Now?

Wave of Foreclosures About to Break US Housing Market Dam