Preparedness and Survival

A community effort sharing survival techniques to sustain us in times of need.

Mar 28th, 2011 | By Samara |

Knowing how to replace the staples in the kitchen in some other way than a trip to the store is an important prepper skill. One of those things is bread. The first step is taking the time to learn to bake, which unfortunately is becoming a lost art in and of itself. The second step is to learn how to obtain the components of bread, such as flour, water, and yeast.

If you are ready to go beyond the basic sourdough starter, try these yeast procurement methods for all new flavors and textures in your baking.

Feeding the Starter

Whether you are talking about a standard sourdough starter, or one of those listed below, you will see many recipes talking about “feeding” the starter. This means adding 1 cup flour and 1 cup water to the mix so that the yeast can keep growing. You will need to feed the starter daily if it is at room temperature, or weekly if it is in the fridge. If you don’t bake bread that day, you will also need to toss out one cup of the starter so that the ratios stay the same. This is an important step—and can be a great motivator to bake regularly so that none of your hard work goes to waste! Yeast starters are one thing you will not want to throw in the compost pile, as the bacteria can grow out of control and give you a very unpleasant result.

Grape Starter

Grapes, along with many other types of fruits (including apples, oranges, and grapefruit, to name some examples), contain natural yeast spores in the skin or peel of the fruit.

For grapes, stem them (do not wash them, as this will wash off the yeast that you are trying to grow), crush by hand, and place in a container covered with cheesecloth. Leave undisturbed for three days. You should start to see the liquid bubble, indicating that the yeast is growing. Strain the liquid (which now contains the yeast), and stir in 1 cup of whole wheat flour.

Leave your grape starter at room temperature for 24 hours. Save only one cup of the mixture, then add another cup of flour and a cup of water. Do the same thing for another day or two. You should have a very bubbly starter at this point. After this, just keep feeding it so you will always have some ready for your next loaf of bread.

As you experiment with different fruits (and even tomatoes!) you will find that each kind of starter has a bit of a different flavor. Find which ones you like best. Just remember, you need to use homegrown or wild fruits, since the store-bought ones will be covered with pesticides, wax, and who knows what else—probably not much yeast left to be found there. And don’t wash it off before starting.

Potato Starter

It is amazing the things that we throw away that are more useful than we know. In this case, that water you boiled potatoes in for dinner is one of the fastest ways to make a starter for your bread. Simply take a cup and a half of the potato water, add a tablespoon of sugar, and stir in flour until stiff. Cover and leave overnight in a warm place. If it is nice and bubbly the next morning it is ready to use. If not—start over.

Alternatively, if you do not usually boil your potatoes, or just want to try something different, cheat a little. Use one packet of store bought yeast (1 tablespoon), mix with a cup of water, a half-cup of sugar, and three tablespoons of instant potato flakes. Let it stand for 24 hours, then put it in the fridge. Feed every four days, but instead of the usual flour and water combo, use the same amounts of sugar, potato flakes, and water that you used to create the starter.

Drying Your Yeast for Storage

One practical challenge with creating and using your own yeast is storing and transporting it. We see this in one very practical example, when Israel left Egypt in a hurry during the Exodus, and did not have time for their bread to rise. Jews to this day commemorate God’s deliverance by abstaining from products with leavening during Passover.

If you want to be able to bake bread the instant you arrive at your bug-out location (if you ever need to take your own personal Exodus), then you will want to dry some yeast for use later.

Take any of your starters, spread very thin on a cookie sheet or baking stone, then dehydrate as you would anything else. If you live in a hot and dry climate, you may just be able to cover it with a cheese cloth and place in the sun. Otherwise, put on the lowest temp in your oven and dry it that way. Once the yeast is dry (not cooked, if it cooks the active yeast will be killed and rendered useless), you can crumble it and store in an air tight container. Just like store-bought yeast, it will last longer in the fridge or freezer.

Play around with amounts you use in recipes once the yeast is ready, as the potency of homemade yeast will be a little different than the store-bought version and you will probably need more of it for the same amount of bread (typically about a cup of starter in place of 1 packet of yeast, if using wet starter. If you’re using dry yeast, try just doubling the amount to start).

What you lose in time, you may find you make up for in flavor and fun. There is nothing quite like the smell of fresh baked bread to make you feel at home.

xxxxx

Thermos Cooking Basics

http://www.thermoscooking.com/thermos-cooking-basics/

Here are the basic steps for cooking food with a thermos:

Purchase a Quality Thermos

Your plastic Hello Kitty lunch thermos will not enough, I’m sorry to say. You need a quality metal thermos in order to retain enough heat to cook food. That doesn’t mean that a thermos will be expensive however. I use a quart size stainless steel Thermos brand thermos I bought at Walmart for around $25. It works great.

Pre-Heat Your Thermos

Before you start putting food into your thermos you need to preheat it with boiling water. This will heat up the metal in the thermos before you put your food in. This way, the water you put in with your food won’t be cooled down by having to heat up the thermos first (First Law of Thermodynamics, I think).

I like an electric kettle for quickly boiling water for this kind of work. It will boil water faster, safer, and easier than using your stove or the microwave.

Measure and Boil More Water

Most recipes will require boiling water to be added to the food for cooking. As soon as you start pre-heating the thermos, measure and start boiling the next amount of water that will be added to the food.

Prepare Food

While your water is set to boil start gathering the food you’re going to cook. Measure the grains or other ingredients and have them ready to dump into the thermos.

Combine and Wait

You don’t have to get crazy, but you want to empty the hot water out of the thermos, put your ingredients in, and then pour the boiling water in as quickly as you can. I use a canning funnel to help pour the ingredients into the thermos. You might even need a more narrow funnel if your thermos has a narrow opening.

Once you’ve poured all your ingredients into the thermos, close it up (don’t screw it down so tight it’s hard to open later), give it a nice shake to combine, and lay it down on its side on a counter.

Why not stand it up, you ask?

Well, you want the ingredients to stay in contact with the hot water as evenly as possible. If you stand the thermos up, the heavier food will sink to the bottom and will not cook as evenly.

For backpackers and campers:

When I’m out on the trail I try to insulate the thermos as best I can overnight. I either wrap it in some clothes or a jacket or I’ve even put it in my sleeping bag on colder nights.

When Is It Done?

It depends…

Oat groats take a lot longer to cook than steel cut oats. Wheat berries take longer to cook than cracked wheat.

The nice thing about thermos cooking is you can often tell if the food is done by the way it sounds when you give the thermos a shake. A few examples:

Quinoa – when you first put in the quinoa, salt, and water, it will slosh all around when you shake the thermos. In time it will thicken and then near the end it will barely move at all. When it barely moves it’s done!
Oats - will slowly thicken during cooking and you can tell when they’re ready based on sound. They won’t ever thicken like the quinoa (not if you add the right amount of water!), but you’ll quickly learn when they’re done.

Don’t worry. You can always open up the thermos and take a look and we also give suggested cooking times. The nice thing about a thermos is that it’s very difficult to overcook anything and taking a quick peek once or twice isn’t going to release enough heat to cause a problem.

Enjoy!

Once your food is done you can pour (or spoon) some onto your plate and then just leave the thermos with the rest of the food on the counter. It’ll sit there at the perfect temperature for hours! So you could prepare some oatmeal to enjoy early in the morning and then leave it on the counter for your kids or spouse to eat once they’re ready for breakfast.

It’s the perfect way to fix fast food that’s actually good for you.

25 Comments »

Comment by bonfiresblog | September 13, 2010 | Reply
Empty Store Shelves Coming to America
July 13, 2010

The National Inflation Association today issued a warning to all Americans that empty store shelves will likely be coming to America as a result of government price controls during the upcoming hyperinflationary crisis. This morning, NIA released a video preview of what hyperinflation will look like in the U.S. This extremely important must see video is now available on NIA’s video page at: http://inflation.us/videos.html

NIA’s six-minute video released today goes into detail about an event that took place just outside of Boston, Massachusetts in May of this year. This story was widely ignored by the nationwide mainstream media, but NIA believes it was one of the most important news events of the first half of 2010. Although this particular crisis in Boston was due to decaying infrastructure, NIA believes a currency crisis will lead to the same type of panic on a nationwide basis.

NIA hopes that this video serves as a wake-up call for Americans to take the necessary steps to prepare for hyperinflation and become educated about the U.S. economy. In Zimbabwe during hyperinflation, Zimbabweans were forced to transact in gold and silver. It’s only a matter of time before the U.S. dollar becomes worthless and the only Americans with wealth will be those who own gold and silver.

Citizens of Boston were able to survive their recent crisis with the help of the National Guard, but the National Guard won’t be there for Americans during hyperinflation. 40.2 million Americans are currently living off of food stamps, but food stamps won’t have any purchasing power during hyperinflation. The United States’ day of reckoning is ahead. We cannot go on living with record budget deficits and accelerating national debt growth forever.

Just yesterday it was announced that for the first time ever, a major credit ratings agency has given China a higher credit rating than the U.S. While most credit ratings agencies including Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings still rate U.S. debt as AAA, NIA believes the real credit rating of the U.S. should be junk. The only way one could possibly justify a U.S. credit rating of AAA is by taking into account the Federal Reserve’s ability to monetize our debt through inflation. However, printing money to pay off debt is a lot worse than defaulting on it. Inflation is very deceptive, it destroys the value of savings while transferring wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich.

The U.S. has a budget deficit just from Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid alone. NIA urges President Obama to implement dramatic cuts to these entitlement programs immediately, while simultaneously reducing the size of government across the board. Time is growing short for Obama to rein in government spending. The longer Obama waits to reverse course, the harder it will be for the U.S. to recover from the calamity that is about to unfold.

Please forward this message to everybody you know. It is essential to the well-being of all your family members and friends that they watch our new video entitled “Empty Store Shelves Coming to America” by going to: http://inflation.us/videos.html

Please spread the word about NIA and have your friends subscribe for free at:
The National Inflation Association

Comment by bonfiresblog | September 13, 2010 | Reply
SURVIVAL SHOP

Cities are artificial
Every city is an artificial construct. Cities formed as people came together to conduct business, participate in social interaction, and benefit from efficiencies in public services (such as schools, sewers, water, etc.) and a common defense. Yet cities cannot survive alone.
They need resources from the country; most notably, food, water and electricity. While electricity and water can sometimes be created or found within city limits, the acreage requirements of food dictate that no city could possibly feed its own people.

Read that last phrase carefully: No city can feed its own people. Not one. Cities are, by their very nature, dependent on the importation of food. The advent of just-in-time delivery systems to our grocery stores means that most cities would run out of food within a week if supplies were for some reason disrupted.

Remember, cities are not self-sufficient. Although they may seem to be in 2005, they have for a long time been entirely dependent on the American farmer for their support, something almost all Americans take for granted (except the farmer, of course.)

Risks in the City
The city presents some serious risks during a crisis. The four most serious ones are:
1. the collapse of social order (riots),
2. the failure of the water treatment and delivery systems,
3. the depletion of food supplies and
4. the failure of the power grid.

While not every situation will appear in every city, every situation will most certainly appear in some cities. Will that include yours? We’ll tackle these one at a time:

1. The Collapse of Social Order
“Social order” is a delicate thing, and it exists as a psychological barrier that could easily collapse under the right conditions. We all saw this during the L. A. Riots following the Rodney King trial verdict as citizens of
L. A. set fire to their own town, yanked people from vehicles and beat them literally to death, and even fired guns at firemen attempting to save their buildings! More recently we were all witness to the looting, violence and total breakdown of society following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

What allowed this to happen? Simple: the simultaneous melting away of the psychological barrier of “order.”Once people realized 911 couldn’t handle the load, or was offline, that the local police were helpless or had simply abandoned their posts, “Law and Order” ceased to exist in their minds. They then conducted their lives in the way they always wanted to, but couldn’t because of the police. That is, they ran out to the local stores and just took whatever they wanted (looting). They took our their racial frustration on innocent victims who happened to be driving through the area, and they let loose on a path of destruction that only stopped when men with rifles (the National Guard) were called in to settle things down. In other words, only the threat of immediate death stopped the looting and violence. Rifles work wonders.

Imagine store owners lying prone on the roofs of their stores with AK-47′s, firing at anyone who approached. This is exactly what happened in Los Angeles. But worse, imagine the lawless horde firing at the rescue copters trying to bring in supplies to the desperate masses. The National Guard eventually got things under control. This event was isolated, however, to one city. Imagine a hundred cities experiencing the same thing. Will the National Guard be able to handle the load? Not likely. What about local police? They aren’t fools; if things look bad enough, they’ll grab their families and head for the hills, just like they did in New Orleans. No pension is worth getting killed for. A few U. S. cities could be transformed into literal war zones overnight. It would require all-out martial law and military force to have any chance whatsoever of bringing order to these streets. And the reality is that there are not enough military in the USA to secure all of the cities if this happens.

This collapse of social order is perhaps the greatest risk of staying in the city during a crisis.
What, exactly, would cause this collapse of social order?
Lack of three things: food, water, and money.

When people run out of food, some will begin ransacking their neighborhood, searching for something to eat. (Remember that in a city, a “neighbor” does not mean the same thing as a “neighbor” in the country. They are not necessarily your friends.) It won’t take long, then, for violence to take over in some cities. While certain regions will certainly manage to keep things under control and people will form lines at the local (depleted) Red Cross shelter, other cities will see an explosion of violence. Imagine the gang-infested regions of L. A., Chicago, New York, St. Louis & New Orleans. Do you think those people are going to stand in line and wait? They already have guns; now they finally get to use them. Pent-up racial tensions & hostilities will simply serve as justification for shooting people of the same or other color in order to get their food.

Even if the food somehow gets into the cities, lack of money (due to the government not sending out checks) could cause the same thing. Eventually, lack of money results in looting and mass theft. As the stealing balloons, it also results in a collapse of social order. Water; the same thing (but faster). The collapse of social order is also very dangerous because it doesn’t require any “actual” collapse of the power grid, telecommunications, transportation or banking. Social order is a psychological artifact. It is a frame of mind, and any global panic can quickly remove the mental barrier that right now keeps people basically “lawful.”

The Failure of Water Treatment and Delivery Systems
Will the water treatment facilities fail during a crisis? Many will. Some won’t. The problem lies in figuring out whether yours will. Certainly, they depend on electricity, and testing conducted on some plants has already revealed weaknesses in the system.

In one such test, the water treatment plant released a fatal dose of fluoride into the water system when tested. The computers thought they were 99 years behind in releasing minute doses of fluoride, so they made up the difference. If you happened to be downstream, drinking that water, you were dead. Fluoride, no matter what misinformed dentists tell you, is actually a fatal poison. A major crisis likely to demonstrate this fact in more than one city.

The most important question here, though, is about what will happen when the water stops flowing (or if it is flowing, but it’s not drinkable). As you are probably aware, while people can live without food for long periods of time (2-3 weeks), water is needed on a daily basis. You can go 2-3 days without it, at most, but beyond that,you’ll quickly turn to dust.

[ See http://www.EndTimesReport.com/water.html ]

That means people will do anything to get water, because to not have it means death. And guess where it’s going to be the most difficult to actually get water? You guessed it: in the cities. During the first day of the water crisis, many people still won’t figure out what’s going on. They’ll figure it’s a temporary breakage of a water main and the government will get it fixed within hours. As those hours stretch into the next day, these people will get very worried.

By the second day, more and more people will realize the water isn’t coming. At that point,you could easily see a breakdown of social order, as described in the previous section(as you can see, these things all tend to cause each other).People will begin their “search for water,” and the first place they’re likely to go is where they always go for liquids: the grocery store, the local Wal-Mart, the 7-11. The shelves will be cleaned out rather quickly.

Beyond that (because those liquids aren’t going to last long), you’re going to see people engaged in a mass-exodus from the cities. They’ll take the gas they have left in their tanks and they’ll leave the city in search of water. Some will go to “Grandma’s house” out in the country where they might at least find a pond or stream to drink from. Others will simply go on an expanded looting mission, stopping at any house they see and asking the residents (with a gun in their face, likely) if they have any water to “donate.”

As a result of all this, if water stops flowing, here are the events you can expect to see in some of the worse-off cities:
* Looting of all the grocery stores by the second or third day

(remember New Orleans?)
* Minor outbreaks of violence during the looting. Shop owners, for example, may attempt to defend their shops with firearms.
(ala L. A. Riots)
* Mass exodus of residents from the city in search of water
* Ransacking of any houses or farms within a gas-tank radius of the city, presumably by desperate people with guns
* Mass traffic jams on the outbound highways as people run out of gas and abandon their vehicles (if bad enough, this could actually block the highways and trap people in the cities) (Remember Hurricane Rita?)
* Mass outbreak of water-borne diseases as people use streams and rivers as both a water fountain and a bathroom. People crapping upstream are going to infect the people drinking downstream. Very few have any kind of water filtration device. That last point is really critical. Once the water flow stops, disease is going to strike.

The Depletion of Food Supplies
The food supplies will likely dwindle quickly as we approach a possible crisis due to people stocking up just in case. Once the crisis actually hits, expect to see breakdowns in the transportation sector that will result in major delays in food delivery. This means food may arrive in sporadic fashion in some cities (if at all).

Once this happens, food suddenly becomes really valuable to people (even though they take it for granted today). And that means any small shipment of food that arrives will be quickly grabbed and eaten or stored. It only takes one week without food to remind people how much they actually need it, so expect the atmosphere to be that of a “near panic” if food is delayed by as little as three days. The level of panic will vary from city to city. Some cities or towns may experience very little difficulty receiving food. Others may face near-starvation circumstances.

Remember, the cities depend entirely on food shipped in from the farms and food processing companies. Also, note that if there’s a water problem as mentioned in the previous section, and the mass exodus begins, the highways may be jammed up at critical locations, causing gridlock for the trucking industry. If we’re lucky, some trucks will continue to roll. If we’re not, assume that nothing gets through.

[ See http://www.EndTimesReport.com/food.html ]

A shortage of food ultimately results in the same behavior as a shortage of water. First, people eat what’s in the pantry, then they loot the grocery stores. After that, with all local supplies depleted and no hope on the horizon, they leave the city and start ransacking nearby homes. Some will hunt in nearby forests, but most city-dwellers don’t know how to hunt. In any case, anyone with the means to leave the city will likely do so soon after their food shortage begins.

The Failure of the Power Grid
Nothing is as suddenly obvious nor has such a gigantic psychological
impact as the failure of the power grid. When the electricity stops, almost everybody knows it at the same instant (unless it happens at night).

Naturally, during the first few hours of the power failure, if it occurs, people will assume it’s a temporary situation. Maybe a tree fell on some power lines, or perhaps a transformer blew up somewhere nearby. They’ll sit tight and wait for the power to come back on.

What if it doesn’t? Then the city faces a severe problem. Without power, obviously, everything shuts down. Within hours, the looting begins in the more crime-ridden cities (we saw this in New York a few decades ago). The longer the power stays off, the worse the social disorder.

The loss of power will bring the entire city to a halt. While vehicles may get around for a few more days (using whatever fuel they have left), businesses obviously won’t be operating. Houses that depend on electricity for heat will quickly reach Winter temperatures, freezing many occupants to death.

[ See http://www.EndTimesReport.com/kerosene.html ]

While those that depend on electricity for Air Conditioning will just as quickly reach Summer temperatures, resulting in death from heat stroke. Hospitals and police stations may have generators on hand, with a few days worth of fuel, but in short order, that will be depleted, too.

But the water treatment plant will almost certainly be off-line without power, causing all the events mentioned in the water section, above. Let’s face it, the power is the worst thing to be without in the city. If you have power, you can survive a food shortage, perhaps even a short water shortage. But without power, all bets are off. If you have a “bug-out” vehicle stocked and ready to go (see below), this might be the time to bail.

Solutions in the City
Okay, so you’re stuck in the city. You’ve made the decision to stay. You’ve read the problems above, you believe they make sense, and you’re intelligently frightened. What now?
You really have two strategies. You can:
* Stay and defend your house
* Bug out (leave the city and head for the hills)

Important! This is not an either/or situation.
You can begin by staying in your house and assessing the situation. You’ll want to have a “bug-out” vehicle stocked and ready, just in case, if you can afford one, but you may never actually choose to bug out. You’ll have to be the ultimate judge of this. Just remember that when you bug out, you face major risks and disadvantages.
Among these:
1. You’re severely limited in how much you can carry -
2. You have limited range due to fuel -
3. You expose yourself to social chaos, roadblocks, random
violence, etc. -
4. Your house will certainly be looted while you’re gone -
5. You run the risk of mechanical breakdowns of your vehicle -
6. You must have a place to go that you know is in better shape than where you currently are.

In general, unless you have a specific, known safe place as your final destination, I don’t advise people to bug out. Just “heading for the hills” is a very poor plan. You might not make it. But heading for Grandma’s house or some known, safe place could be a very good plan indeed, depending on whether Grandma is ready, willing and able to accept you!

[ This subject is covered in depth in my booklet, "Evacuation and Relocation." ]

For these reasons (and more), staying and defending your house is sometimes the only reasonable course of action, even if it seems dangerous. For the most part, looters and people looking for food are going to have plenty of easy victims, so if you show a little willingness to use force to defend your property, you’ll likely send people on to the next house.

[ See http://www.EndTimesReport.com/homedefense.html ]

That is, until the next house is already empty and you appear to be the last house on the block with any food and water left. If you’re in a bad enough area, your neighbors may “gang up” on you and demand your supplies or your life. This is truly a worst-case scenario, and unless you literally have a house full of battle rifles and people trained to use them (and the willingness to shoot your neighbors), you’re sunk. This is why the best situation by far is to keep your neighbors informed and help them get prepared. Then you (both your member and non-member neighbors) can act as a group, defending your neighborhood and sharing the supplies you have with anyone willing to help defend you.

When you have this kind of situation going, your neighbors realize you are their lifeline. You supply them with food and water, and they will help support you because they are, in effect, supporting their own lives. The best situation is when your neighbors and other ward members have their own food and water supplies. That way, they aren’t depleting yours, and they have a strong motivation for getting together with you to defend your neighborhood.
(More on this below.)

Storing (and Hiding) Your Food
Storing food is just as important in the city as in the country, but hiding it is far more important. That’s because in the worst areas, marauders will be going from house to house, demanding your food or your life. If you’re dumb enough to put everything you own in the obvious places, you might as well not buy it in the first place. They will find it. To count on having any amount of food left over after the marauders break in, you’ll need to hide your food.

This article is from Christopher Parrett’s book, “The LDS Preparedness Manual” which is posted for free downloading to any and all at http://www.abysmal.com/LDS/Preparedness/

The author also has a web site at http://www.anothervoiceofwarning.org
The article has been around since Y2K days and is still relevant.

Every law-abiding citizen should be armed to protect life and limb from anarchy. Criminals will be armed. Counting on the goodwill of neighbors is moot if they are unarmed, leave your perimeter or become a bad guy.

Comment by bonfiresblog | September 13, 2010 | Reply
By Greg Evensen
February 28, 2010
NewsWithViews.com

First, do every thing in your soul’s power to investigate, promote, contribute to the effort if you can, and believe that we can elect good people to office at EVERY LEVEL IN YOUR STATE!! Have them sign contracts to do what they are told and by the Almighty, order them to do it by the Constitutional Oath they take to the United States of America and its people.
Secondly, convene grand juries in every county of the land with or without the “permission” of corrupted county officials. Elect sheriffs who will protect those proceedings and enforce their outcomes. Impeach those who won’t and for God’s sake RUN SOMEBODY WHO WILL DO IT!!
And while you are at those tasks, begin setting yourselves free from the chains of slavery made from your own pale hands. The sooner you begin, the sooner you will be free. Pay close attention, this is how you do it. Don’t wait for somebody else to give you permission or pay for it.

DO IT YOURSELF AND FOR YOUR LOVED ONES. DO YOU WANT A FUTURE OF FREEDOM IN THIS COUNTRY OR DON’T YOU??? THEN BY GOD IN HEAVEN, G-E-T T-O W-O-R-K!!!

If you ever loved anyone, if you have ever claimed to love your country, if you have ever dreamed about doing something for someone so great that if you could achieve it you would be worthy of the Medal of Honor, then do this for yourself, your family, your community and your nation. If it costs you a little then you are only giving a little. This is one time where aim small, miss small, just won’t get it. Aim big and hit big! You must do it!

CASTLE DEFENSE: INDIVIDUAL PLAN OF ACTION BLUEPRINT
PART 1

Section I—KNOW WHERE AND HOW YOU CAN LIVE

• Select your geographic location to defend and build your stronghold.
• Select your means of getting there and how to defend where you are.
• Research the area for resources and lack of large populations.
• Avoid airports, interstates, power plants, microwave towers, etc.
• Keep your living space/domicile manageable and defendable.
• Dig a well, set up sanitary needs and create your power source.
• Establish forward defense perimeter and fortifications.
• Create underground retreat from natural and man made events.
• Avoid outsiders, contractors and don’t yak at the bingo hall.
• Pray, devote time to God and live like He was a houseguest.

Section II—WHAT TO DO IF YOU MUST REMAIN AT HOME

• Reinforce all that you have with quality wood or metal products.
• Doors, windows, all entry points including basement windows.
• Create a “safe” room below ground if possible or a central point.
• Have two ways out if you are breeched or a fire breaks out.
• Maintain a fortified vehicle if time and a route out is possible.
• Work with neighbors (low key) to protect each other from gangs.
• Plan for power and water outages for protracted periods of time.
• Pets will not do well nor survive well over the long haul.
• Prepare one room to be “sealed” in case of nuclear/bio ash
• Prepare a sanitary pit somewhere nearby (downhill from you)

CASTLE DEFENSE: INDIVIDUAL PLAN OF ACTION BLUEPRINT

Events are cascading so fast that preparation time is being compressed like the debris field on 9-11 at the World Trade Center disaster. Even among former skeptics, the apprehension is building rapidly that a banking catastrophe, terrorist event, or Middle East nuclear outbreak is unfolding on cue for the elite manipulators to complete their diabolical and deadly plan.

As you have waited for this installment, I am hopeful that it began a series of ideas for your own blueprint that has taken shape both–from a sense of awakened creativity–and a sense of heightened anxiety to get this done. I am not a date setter, but this one ranks up there with Noah getting the Ark finished ahead of the first sprinkles, or at least somewhat close to that. “Global warming,” Planet X, human munching E-T’s, or Bank of China U.S. Debt Collectors in Red Army uniforms all qualify you for this plan.
Remember, your list of priorities may differ from mine and your ability to achieve all of these goals may not be the same as mine or someone else’s, but the very fact that you got this underway, actually well along the way, or even close to being completed, is light years ahead of some or God help ‘em many, who just don’t care. Move on anyway, you will never, ever regret doing what you did. Your friends and family will be forever grateful that you motivated them, educated them, and in fact saved them from any number of very negative outcomes, considering the world–both natural and geo-political–that we live in. So, let’s get started right where we left off.

SECTION III-CONSTRUCTING THE RETREAT-WHAT PLAN TO USE?

• Above ground or below you must live with the pros and cons.
• Above ground has weather and defensive considerations for you.
• Below, creates some difficult air-flow/moisture possibilities.
• Multiple egress points for emergency use must be defensible.
• Strength above beauty and functionality above conveniences.

GARDENING: Your cultivated area must be well hidden, yet open and sunny. Protection from animals must be designed to blend in with the surrounding area. Hillsides are not optimum because they can be easily observed and are subject to erosion. NON-HYBRID seeds only so that you may raise more than one year’s crop.

FARM ANIMALS: In order of need and ease of care would place chickens first, goats second, hogs third, cattle next, and horses last. Grazing is best with as little supplemental feeding as possible. A stream or pond is ideal. You can raise other animals, but the more exotic the more difficult. Fencing will be required for some of the stock as well as shelter. Know how to recognize pasture or barn illness and how to treat the stock as naturally as possible. (Colloidal silver)
PART 2

NATURAL MEDICINES: I will not list them here. You need to have a reputable book on this subject and secure the major herbs before the Pharma Nazi’s buy off Congress again.

FIREARMS & AMMUNITION: Without these “tools” everything else is wasted. You will be overrun, killed and gone forever before you can look over your shoulder running, unless you can stand and make a fight of it. My preference is a .12 gauge pump shotgun with a magazine extension, full stock and no other frills. Laser sites and flashlights just let the other guy get a bead on you first in my opinion and you save enough money to buy a couple of great knives. Remington and Mossberg are my choices for price and dependability. 500 rounds of #4 buckshot, 500 rounds of slugs, 500 rounds of game/light load/”bird” shot are minimums. This weapon will be your most effective and versatile. A .410 pump shotgun for children and women unaccustomed to recoil and report would be a great second weapon.
A Smith & Wesson six shot revolver for dependability and ease of repair in .357 or .44 magnum caliber is my choice. At least 1000 rounds of ammunition. A Kimber, Sig Sauer, Colt or Ruger .45 semi-automatic 10 shot magazine fed pistol is next on the list. 1000 rounds bare minimum. For the younger set, a .40 Glock or Czech 75 is good and is effective. 1000 round at least.
In a rifle, look at .30 something. An H&K.308 or Remington 30.06, a good heavy round are two suggestions. 500 rounds minimum. Finally, a Ruger Mini-14 in .223 is a great “pray and spray” weapon. It uses the standard military rifle round and is clip fed. There are many others out there, but this is the standard no-frills “Ford V-8” recommendation.
A “Barnett” style crossbow with 100 “bolts” (arrows) is a silent way to get the job done in necessary situations—if you know what I mean.

STOREABLE FOODS: There are suppliers who offer many types of foods, but I recommend this for sustainability in most extreme conditions and environments. Freeze dried foods are the absolute best. Stackable cans are best, followed by vacuum sealed pouches. Simple rehydration and some seasoning make them very useable. Shelf life on “processed” foods, canned goods are 7-10 years in ideal storage areas.

WATER: Use water filters to protect against disease and parasites. Boiling is good and works with 99% of the water sources. REMEMBER,

If you contact a disease from water, use charcoal harvested from a wood fire. Ingest it in small quantities with safe water. It will arrest many “bugs” that would lodge in your gut. It doesn’t taste too hot, but it will keep you from turning liquid and dying within two days.

CLOTHING: Many fine manufactures (Filson, Carhartt, Pendleton) are available; USA made but can be pricey. Cheap stuff does not protect and will rot away in weeks if not months. Pure wool and cotton are the best. HEAVY winter gear, Gore-Tex type footwear is also best. There are several brands, but make sure you get at least one good set of combat type boots to protect your ankles and lower legs from rocks, shrubs and snakes. Camping out requires shaking them well to dislodge spiders, centipedes and other nasties is a must. Do NOT reach down inside to help them out.

CAMPFIRES: I came up with an idea 15 years ago that made me exactly $100, but has probably made someone else millions. It is called “Campfire in a Box.” Take a standard 16” square box and load it with shredded newspaper, discarded cotton strips, dried leaves and twigs. Put several 6-8” x 1” wooden strips and four or five 10” x 3” round dried branch remnants and you have a ready made against all types of weather campfire. Clear an area of dry ground in a discreet location, line it with sand if possible and ring it with stone. Keep the fire going at all times and scavenge for wood that can be kept dry (under a tarp). If it looks like rain, get a whole bunch and then set up a tarp shelter to protect the fire pit area.

STANDING GUARD: For the novice, this is the most difficult and “scary” part of operating under pressure outside. YOU are responsible while others sleep and are counting on you to stay awake and alert to avoid disaster. You hear things and see things that are not there at times and can miss the very real monsters in the dark. Ideally, two or more stand guard with quiet communications through mobile handsets. When reporting a sighting, confirmation MUST be obtained before any preplanned action is undertaken. Jittery nerves culminating in a too fast trigger response has caused many good men to die without cause, sometimes from their own fellow troops.

DEFENSIVE PERIMETERS: that is the area that you can, by personnel and defensive weapons, cover reasonably. They are critical issues and must be minimally flexible to achieve a goal for holding that area safely and successfully. Your ability to sit quietly for long periods and remain alert is essential. Your vision and hearing must be excellent. Finally, you ability to discern movement and various targeted shapes must be infallible. Plans, operational strategies, use of “kill zones” retreat paths and a fall back to fortified positions are methods that will keep you around for the next night of “fun.”

BLUEPRINT FOR SURVIVAL: CASTLE DEFENSE PUT TO THE TEST PART 3
During the final moments, when all of the preparation and training experience is on the line, you will only survive because you WERE prepared, trained, dedicated to the cause, and absolutely willing to do what you must do. No excuses, no second guesses, no what if’s or should I’s. Just one simple decision merged with the greatest element of all. You did not hesitate. Everything, every last second of your entire life, comes down to that simple truth. You were ready and you did not hesitate to implement your plan when the event demanded it. There is no other reason for doing all of this, investing your treasure or putting it all at risk.
Whatever is God’s great plan for our lives, one thing is certain. We face the same road for survival as did those first ancestors of ours. It has always been that way. We have just overlooked the reality of that hard fact of life because of the luxury in which we live and the technological environment that has given us so much to comfort ourselves with our whole life.
The diabolical national governmental cabal that has legislated the surrender of our freedoms, relative prosperity, and the sense of personal peace and safety that has been so much a part of our society for so many decades, has kidnapped our “comfort” and our destiny. That liberty is now imprisoned by our own government, is threatened daily by Congress and ruthless security agencies within government aimed directly at each one of us and our literal freedom. It is in itself a justification for a totally no compromising position with government and a clarion call for seeking a newly constituted Republic, right now.

No one should be so foolish as to think that changing the course of this nation from tyranny and socialism by communist one worlders who own Washington, D.C. to a sovereign, liberty bell ringing citizen owned nation, will be achieved by anything less than a titanic struggle to the death of either the encroaching dictatorship police state or of the “free” nation of America.
The death of dictatorship will be achieved at the ballot box or by the bullet box. There is no other course left open to patriots. The time line is critical and it is imminent. It is made so by the contrived and planned destruction of the integrity of the currency, the failing economy, debt beyond comprehension, corruption worthy of the Board Room of Hell, collapsing governing infrastructure and the surrender of our national and state sovereignty. Our government leaders surrendered to Illuminati handlers deep within the bowels of the Bilderburg occultists, the council on Foreign Relations Luciferians, and the other Satan worshipping traitors holding elected office and “managing war” from the Pentagon. Wimps in most of the pulpits round out a maggot infested roster of pathetic “leaders” who must be routed and charged for their crimes against this nation and its people.

My vitriol is aimed at the perpetrators of this centuries old desire for conquest by the world cabal. It is not aimed at our form of government or its constitutional institutions. Make no mistake, there are many unconstitutional cancerous growths of state and federal agencies that must be eliminated and the unrestrained freedom in one’s life to live without smothering government regulations, taxes and security services (SS) must be re-established. This will only come when Americans by the millions force themselves into the belly of this beast and gut it from the inside out. You must be prepared to survive any number of unintended consequences including the reality that the government’s agenda, nature, the galaxy, or the relentless, desperate, get even ruthless culture of illegals, perverts, and socialist leftists within the borders of this nation are true enemies and must be exiled forever.
Wherever you find yourself in this great spectrum of pending change, you had better grasp and ponder the power of the politically correct, intolerant tsunami that will grind you under its forceful hand just as surely as if you had been hit by a 5000 foot wall of water. The result will be the same.
Your America, your way of life, your culture, your belief system, your family, your children, and your dreams for a better nation are against the wall RIGHT NOW with the firing squad formed and ready.

ESTABLISHING DEFENSIVE PERIMETERS FOR YOUR RETREAT
tilizing defensive strategies are as important to withstanding frontal assaults, as counterstrikes are to regaining lost ground or expanding one’s offensive gains. In other words, maintain what you have effectively before you can hope to gain ground or repel attackers.
This all important concept will allow you the flexibility to withstand a frontal assault and not give up any ground. You must do several things.
First, establish a forward line of observation and security using at least two posts of operations well concealed and holding enough offensive firepower to resist a direct assault or conclude an engagement from those positions. You will ideally allow any advancing force through your area of coverage and into the red zone where any hostile force will be consumed by directed fire coming from opposing frontal and rear guard points creating a crossfire that is 100% effective against the bad guys and allows coordinated selective fire zones that do not endanger one another.

KNOW YOUR FIRE POSITIONS PRECISELY SO THAT YOU DO NOT DIRECT FIRE AT YOUR OWN TEAMS.
This concept can be easily adapted to provide an effective ambush of really bad guys, if you know from intelligence or observation that they are coming. (Roving bands of gangs foraging for supplies, etc.)
This same concept—or one that you devise—should be utilized at all four points of the compass or in whatever design that effectively protects your area of control. Do not assume that a large body of water, an open desert plain or a high ridge will be natural protection from invading forces and that you can use personnel somewhere else. That will get you quickly penetrated and dead. This concept is a 24/7 operation under the worst scenarios.
Use of well concealed tree stands, or “spider holes” (dug deeply with cover to conceal your position on a frontal observation or fire team location) are all useful, but not always practical. How much theater you put into this is up to you and your logistical capabilities. Also, keep in mind that you may create a no-escape location using these strategies and you are then an easy target once located and swarmed upon by the bad guys. Think this through and plan well!

DIRECTED FIRE AT STRATEGIC HIGH PRIORITY TARGETS
This is relatively simple but must be understood and be an automatic response by all who are to be engaged in defensive operations. The basics must be: ample ammunition to achieve the goal, communication between “commanders” who can observe the big picture and the people manning the fire positions, and absolute discipline to survive and win.
If a large contingent of bad guys is set to invade your area with force, then you are justified in defending your position and your people. If they are using vehicles or in some instances air assets, then you prioritize your target cluster and eliminate them one at a time. By concentrating ALL available firepower at the most deadly advance of people and equipment, you are reducing your chances of being overrun and captured or killed. The second target cluster is then engaged and you use the same battle tactics until all threats are eliminated. Keeping in mind that this type of scenario would be relatively rare, you must still plan for it and have enough resources to do the job or your only last resort will be full retreat. For those who have never trained for this or been engaged in actual combat, retreat is not a run for safety, it is YOU providing your back as a target for the oncoming bad guys. So, doesn’t it make sense to not be in that position in the first place? Plan, plan, PLAN!!

UNDERSTAND AND IMPLEMENT JUSTIFIABLE USE OF FORCE
Praying that all of these plans will never be used, but understanding fully that the likelihood of a meltdown within this nation at some point is inevitable given the government’s focused desire to force confrontation, leaves us a personal choice of doing nothing or preparing for the worst. I have always advocated preparation since I am not and never have been a person who trusts my ultimate survival to strangers and incompetents. Add to that list illegal aliens, politicians and Muslims.
If “civil” government re-emerges, and our constitution survives, then we must all agree that the sovereign jury (free of dictator judges) could at some point, hear charges against ANYONE who violates standards of defensive conduct even during times of total breakdown. The fine line between offense and defense will be blurred when you are contemplating waging war against the bad guys (whoever that may ultimately become and from whatever source they emerge). Justification for the use of deadly force at any level on the force continuum as they taught us in the state police academy or basic training in the military consists of this maxim. You may use the force necessary to defend your life or the life of someone under your “control”–read that immediate protection, and you are defendable under the self-defense doctrine that is the standard for exemption from criminal charges in virtually all jurisdictions.

RE-ESTABLISHING TERRITORIAL LEADERSHIP AFTER BATTLE
As a final point of operation before I end this installment, it is important to consider what you will do when order is restored after any military, police, or foreign troop operations, natural disaster, or other major event has ended. Keeping your network operational and effective will be absolutely imperative so that no one will attempt to disarm or inter you for whatever reason. You must never surrender your power as a sovereign citizen and the supremacy of civil government by trusted individuals elected fairly to make the community decisions necessary to function in a moral, non-corrupted environment. Anarchy and “tribal” settings may work for some in the short term, but for those who wish to be a part of a republic that can defend itself and prosper, there must be leadership and organization. Accountability, understanding, agreement and responsibility must be the pillars that hold up that new Republic now and in the future, no matter how we insist on real, solid, believable and trustworthy “change.” The word change can have its good reputation restored after the charlatan communist-in-chief and his czar studded regime is disgraced and abandoned and he is no longer in power.

Comment by bonfiresblog | September 13, 2010 | Reply
First 100 Items to Disappear from Stores During Troubled Times

This list is from the first things to disappear in Sarajevo at the start of the war.

First 100 Items to Disappear in a Panic
1. Generators
Good ones cost dearly, but gas storage is risky, noisy and will make you a target of thieves
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
Increased shipping delays make these disappear fast
3. Portable Toilets
Increased in price every two months
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
$100 – $250 per cord. Wood takes 6-12 months to become dry for home use.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps
Your first choice should be clear oil. If scarce stockpile ANY.
6. Coleman Fuel
Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
Protection is most important
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
Lots of people have stored can food, but rely on electric can openers from day to day.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar, Honey stores well and is good for you and sugar is important for cooking
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
25lb Long Grain Rice bag 15$ – 25$
11. Vegetable Oil
For cooking, without it food will burn or must be boiled.
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid
Will become scarce suddenly
13. Water Containers
Urgent Item to obtain. Any size. HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – Food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) Without this item, propane won’t heat a room.
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders
Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
Knowledge is power, lack of knowledge will get you killed
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.
Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.
19. Baby Supplies
Diapers, formula, ointments, aspirin, baby wipes
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer for laundry
21. Cookstoves
Propane, Coleman & Kerosene
22. Vitamins
Necessary to fight of disease and avoid malnutrition
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder
Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item
24. Feminine Hygiene, Haircare, and Skin products.
Don’t get caught without these for extended periods…
25. Thermal underwear
Tops & Bottoms – Don’t get stuck in the cold
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges
Also, honing oil
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty
Great Cooking and Barter Item
28. Gasoline Containers
Plastic & Metal
29. Garbage Bags
Impossible To Have Too Many
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
Toilet paper is a luxury far greater than gold or silver
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed
Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months
32. Garden Seeds
Non-Hybrid A MUST
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers
A must for drying clothes
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
http://www.rei.com/product/406006
35. Canned Tuna Fish In oil
36. Fire Extinguishers
Or large box of Baking Soda in every room
37. First aid kits
May not be possible to call an ambulance.
38. Batteries
All sizes, buy furthest-out for expiration dates
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
Anything to make your food more interesting
40. Dogs and dog food
Dogs of all size can be good companionship and will be the greatest home alarm system for you family
41. Flour, yeast & salt
Needed for baking
42. Matches
“Strike Anywhere” are preferred. Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
Paper and calculator may be necessary for barter transactions.
44. Insulated ice chests
Good to keep items from freezing in Wintertime.
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
Wool is more heavy duty and lasts longer than cotton. Also take care of your feet they will keep you going.
46. Flashlights, Lightsticks & Torches
No. 76 Dietz Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks
Keeping notes, journals, writing friends and family, and recording events that should be remembered.
48. Garbage cans Plastic
Great for storage, water, and transporting. Best if with wheels
49. Men’s Hygiene Items
Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware
Sturdy and efficient
51. Fishing supplies/tools
Fishing can be a source for food.
52. Mosquito coils, repellent sprays, and creams
Mosquito’s spread disease and pests come hand in hand with living outdoors.
53. Duct Tape
There is nothing you can’t fix with duct tape
54. Tarps, stakes, twine, nails, rope, and spikes
Needed for creating shelter.
55. Candles
Source of light and heat when there is no power.
56. Laundry Detergent Liquid
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
For carrying and transporting supplies.
58. Garden tools & supplies
Source of food.
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
You will have to fix torn clothing, there may not be a convenience store to replace it
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
Man cannot survive on bread (and meat) alone. It’s still important to get fruits and vegetables everyday.
61. Bleach
Non-scented: 4 to 6% Sodium Hypochlorite
62. Canning supplies
Jars, lids and wax paper for food preservation.
63. Knives & Sharpening tools
Files, stones, and steel
64. Bicycles and supplies
Tires, tubes, pumps and chains. When gas is not available a bike can get you around.
65. Sleeping Bags
Also blankets, pillows, and mats
66. Carbon Monoxide AlarmBattery powered
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
Something to pass the time
68. D-con Rat poison, Mouse Prufe II, Roach Killer
Don’t forget that pests and rodents will be hungry too
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
Catching pests, can double as animal trapping device.
70. Paper plates, cups, and utensils
Stock up, these items will be important when there is no water to wash your dishes.
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap
Saves water
72. Rain gear and rubberized boots
It’s important to stay dry. Gore-tex is a good new material.
73. Shaving supplies
Razors & creams, talc, and after shave
74. Hand pumps & siphons
For water and fuels
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions, gravy, soup base
Increase the flavor of your foods.
76. Reading glasses
Contacts will run out.
77. Chocolate Cocoa, Tang/, Punch, and Lemonade
Water enhancers will boost flavor and add calories to your diet.
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
Quick and easy portable survival kits
79. Wool clothing, scarves, ear-muffs, and mittens
Stay warm
80. Boy Scout Handbook
Again knowledge is power
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit
MANCO – Keep your house warm when there is no power
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mix, and jerky
Basic dried food and snacks
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
Higher fat and calorie content.
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc
Can never have too much clean underwear
85. Lumber
All types will be useful
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s
Place for guests to sleep
88. Gloves
For work, warming, or gardening
89. Lantern Hangers
For lighting
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
Basic repair items
91. Teas
Luxury item and water enhancer.
92. Coffee
Luxury item and good source of energy.
93. Cigarettes
Luxury item and people with addictions will pay dearly for these.
94. Wine/Liquors
For bribes, medicine, cleaning, and recreation
95. Paraffin wax
Food storage
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
Basic construction items
97. Chewing gum and candies
Trade, barter, and also luxury item
98. Atomizers
For cooling and bathing
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
To keep warm
100. Goats and Chickens
Small livestock provide a renewable food source
Important Notes

1. Stockpiling helps, but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate
near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war
quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold’s.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity – it’s the easiest to
do without.
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy – it makes a lot of
the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs
enough heat to “warm”, not to cook. It’s cheap too, especially if you buy it in
bulk.
6. Bring some books – escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the situation continues. Sure, it’s great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you’ll figure most of that out on your own anyway – trust me, you’ll
have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast. I can’t tell you how many
people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of
toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to
lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches.

This list was originally written by James Wesley Rawles, former army intelligence officer, author, and survival expert.
Click Here For more information about the author.

The NIA (National Inflation Association) today issued a warning to all Americans that empty store shelves will likely be coming to America as a result of government price controls during the upcoming hyperinflationary crisis. They hope this video serves as a wake-up call for Americans to take the necessary steps to prepare!

Store Shelves Empty In A Matter Of Hours, You really must watch this video, and then prepare!

Shocking Report Food Shortages Coming. Report by World Agriculture Supply and Demand Esti mates(WAOB) here

Comment by bonfiresblog | October 7, 2010 | Reply
OFF THE GRID NEWS

RADIO

Comment by bonfiresblog | November 26, 2010 | Reply
SURVIVAL NET

™ COMBAT & SURVIVAL NET

The IMPS-Net – Individual Multi-Purpose Net is one of the most essential survival items you can have in your pack or bug-out system. Our 6’ x 10’ nylon net weighs only 9 oz and it takes up less room than a GI 1 QT canteen. Rig as a mini-hammock for sleeping, camouflage hides, gear net and many purposes, limited only by imagination and need.

Comment by bonfiresblog | November 26, 2010 | Reply
10 Things We Can Learn from Egypt About Preparing for Economic and Societal Collapse

by Mac Slavo
http://www.lewrockwell.com/slavo/slavo27.1.html

As riots spread across the world, having started first in Europe and now engulfing the Middle East, most people in the U.S. outright reject the possibility that the same could happen right here at home. But the fact of the matter is that we remain in economic crisis and there is a real possibility of a total collapse of the system we have come to know.

If the system does happen to collapse, be it because of a hyperinflationary currency meltdown, political uprising or anything in between, here are ten things you can expect to happen, just as they are happening in the Middle East today:

1. There will be a general breakdown in law and order. Law enforcement will not be policing your neighborhood. This will likely lead to a community response and vigilante groups setting up neighborhood security details. The law and justice will be determined by those walking your streets with sticks and guns, so be sure to mind your P’s and Q’s. ( LINK)
2. Food and water will become scarce. The average American has about three days worth of food in their home, and likely very little water, as most are dependent on their local city for this essential commodity. As with any major disaster, like hurricanes or earthquakes, panicked people will immediately make a run for the grocery store, either before or at the onset of crisis, looking to acquire any non-perishable goods. They’ll buy everything they can in one trip, which leaves less food for the next guy. Our just-in-time inventory management systems ensure that there will be no reserves in the back of the grocery store, so once the store shelves are cleared, it will be a while before they are restocked. ( LINK)
3. Looting will be rampant. Until all of the food, water, diapers and HDTV’s have been cleared from store shelves, looters will be breaking into retail businesses in search of goods. In Egypt, most of the population is not armed. In the U.S., however, it’s a different story and the general rule on looters is: shoot them. Regardless of whether you are trying to acquire food for your baby or a free Xbox, you will be considered a looter if you enter a private business. ( LINK; New Orleans LINK)
4. If the rioting and looting gets bad enough, expect full deployment by the military. As we are currently seeing in Egypt, and like we saw in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina saga, government is prepared to restore order by whatever means are available. There will be heavily armed soldiers, tanks and unmanned aerial vehicles patrolling your city. ( LINK)
5. When rocks start getting thrown, Molotov cocktails start exploding, and citizens take it upon themselves to shoot at military and law enforcement personnel, soldiers will fire back – and the firing will be indiscriminate, just like we’ve seen in Egypt and during the Iranian riots of 2009. One report out of Egypt indicates that President Mubarak of Egypt has issued shoot-to-kill orders giving the military authority to open fire on anyone it deems a threat. (VIDEO LINK)
6. Hospitals will run out of basic medical supplies. We saw this in Haiti and we’re seeing it in Cairo. As the injured and wounded stack up, medical personnel will be overwhelmed. Basic medicines like hydrogen peroxide and antibiotics will disappear, and minor injuries may lead to amputation or death in a matter of days if supplies are not restocked. As more dead bodies stack up, this could potentially lead to widespread outbreaks of disease like it did in Haiti. (LINK )
7. The internet will get shut down. Governments have realized that the internet is the communication medium of choice to organize protests and riots. When Iranians protested their Presidential elections in 2009, Twitter and other social networking sites were used to organize, as well as to broadcast pictures of the events in near real-time. This gives the government ample reason to shut down all digital means of communication, the most important being that government is unable to stop mass gatherings, nor are they able to control the news propaganda of the event itself. Egypt is the first country to have taken steps to completely shutdown everything from traditional internet connectivity via ISPs, as well as phone and text communications. Expect the same in your neck of the woods if and when it hits the fan. ( LINK)
8. Banks will be closed and ATM’s will be out of money. With no law enforcement, banks will be unable to operate. There will be no one to refill the cash in ATM’s, and it’s possible that even if they do have money you will not be able to withdraw it because problems with electronic processing will prevent it. Those who don’t have cash or barterable goods on them will be left with no way to transact. ( LINK)
9. The real value of gold and silver against most other assets will rise. Though only anecdotal reports exist at this time from the streets of Egypt, it’s clear that anytime governmental, economic or social instability hits a particular region, the value of these precious metals rises. The 2010 riots in Greece prove this point, as the price of gold on the street rose to a reported $1700 per ounce, even while gold in global commodity exchanges was trading at $1100. When there are no open banks or working ATM’s, precious metals will become the de facto reserve currency on the ground. ( LINK)
10. The ‘important’ people will probably get the heck out of Dodge. If you’ve got money and power, you’re going to be fast-tracked out of the region. President Mubarak’s sons quickly fled Egypt when the riots broke out. In Tunisia, the President’s wife made a beeline for the nearest international destination – with a ton of gold in tow. While the elite will have access to evacuate a disintegrating regional riot or collapse, everyday folks will likely be stranded. Expect that wherever you are when it hits the fan is where you’ll stay, so be sure to be stocked up on the essentials. (LINK , LINK)

Reprinted from SHTF Plan.
http://www.shtfplan.com/

Comment by bonfiresblog | February 2, 2011 | Reply
The Alternative Market Project: A Sneak Preview

February 10th, 2011

Preemption in barter markets also allows Americans to make a choice. By offering a better choice, we take participation away from the central banking system, and thus, we take away their power to influence our lives. Only good can come from cultivating independent commerce.

By Brandon Smith (aka Giordano Bruno)

Neithercorp Press – 2/10/2011

If you want something done right, you might well have to do it yourself. We’ve heard the old adage before, but rarely do we ever seem to apply it to our economic environment. Instead, we have seen fit to allow “smarter” men to take the reigns, and take control, of our financial well being, all on misplaced faith in the supposed good intentions of government and corporate bodies. This cultural attitude of non-involvement in the economic decision making process has cost millions of Americans their jobs and now threatens the stability of our currency, our nation, not to mention our very future. Many of us have become entirely dependent on only a handful of men for our own livelihoods. It is time to take greater stock in ourselves, our ingenuity, and our ability to create and adapt. It is time to take responsibility for our own commerce, and breathe life back into local communities once again. It is time for an alternative…

The greatest threat to the U.S. economy today is forced globalization and the fiat central banking system. Many organizations are working to expose, audit, and even shut down the private Federal Reserve, which is responsible in large part for facilitating the mortgage and derivatives crisis as well as the continued devaluation of our dollar. This is a vital effort that requires the utmost support from all facets of the Liberty Movement. However, there is another matter that needs to be addressed in tandem with any endeavor to remove our destructive central banking system…

Much of the damage that can be inflicted on our economy has already been dealt. As neithercorp and many other websites devoted to honest financial analysis have shown time and again, our fiscal structure is teetering on the brink of oblivion, our so called “recovery” is a façade fed by skewed statistics and rivers of fiat money dumped into banks and stocks, and our purchasing power is being crushed by a deliberate campaign to slow-kill the greenback. Only now are greater signs of this disaster being revealed to the masses as real unemployment remains essentially static and prices of base goods skyrocket. Even with a successful initiative launched against the Federal Reserve, we would still be left with a faulty, crumbling, debt based architecture. We can pull the iceberg from our shattered ship, but the ship is still going to sink.

The key to our survival is not only to go after the culprits who have carpet bombed us, but to also build a better system to shield us from any financial shrapnel that might be hurled our way.

Ironically, the solution to this seemingly complex series of economic dominoes is one which we were supposed to be following from the very beginning. The alternative we seek against extreme centralization of markets is to develop truly free markets! That is to say, if we wish to fight back against the globalist feudalism thrust upon us, we must decentralize markets and rebuild local commerce and trade.

Centralization works by removing all options but those the establishment deems acceptable. To counter centralization, we must offer Americans a new option that supplies those necessities which the corrupt system denies them; including meaningful community, sound money, honest trade, independence, and privacy. With this philosophy in mind, neithercorp will be working with Oath Keepers, as well as other interested groups, to focus our energies on building new and flexible free markets from the ground up.

Here are the steps we will take to make this happen…

Launch A Dedicated Website: This step is already nearly finished and the launch will be announced shortly. The new website will be focused completely on promoting self generating barter and trade systems across the country. Our goal is not to control or to dictate to alternative markets. In fact, our goal is to make certain that no one organization or entity EVER centralizes these community based networks. Our single purpose is to help as best we can each community to grow to its full potential. Website functions will include…

- A social networking option (like Facebook, but useful). Barter networks will be able to set up local and state chapters, meet like minded people in order to expand, and advertise their own trading events. Small business owners can set up profiles, gain free advertising, and increase their customer base while providing liberty minded consumers with a place besides Wal-Mart to shop. (Note: by setting up a profile on the alternative market website, small business owners would be inferring that they are likely to accept gold, silver, or barter as payment).

- Informative articles and videos by experts in their field. We will seek out the best teachers in the movement to contribute articles and essays meant to show you how you can set up and maintain a successful trade network. At launching, we will have articles by Stewart Rhodes, Cassandra Anderson, myself, and a new interview with G. Edward Griffin. We will also be putting out the call to anyone who feels they have exceptional knowledge in a particular skill or trade to contribute their own instructional articles or videos on the subject. The most concise submissions will be published on the website and the experts may be invited to participate in alternative market workshops and conventions, to share their knowledge in a hands-on environment.

- News collation. We will dig out those mainstream news items that fly under the radar (or are deliberately buried), so that you stay up to date on all the economic developments that the MSM tries so desperately to hide.

Promote The American Skill Set: Our next step will be to greatly strengthen the skill sets of the average American. This means teachers from every state and city will be needed to share their knowledge or “free market trade” with others, giving each person at least one or two skills useful in a barter economy or a poor economic environment. Candle making, textiles, alternative energy, efficient gardening, gun repair, electronics repair, home security, and numerous other trades should be taught and cross-taught.

Strengthen Farmers Co-ops: Food production is vital, especially in an inflationary environment. Farms that seek independence away from the Monsanto dominated GMO model must be supported and protected. We will work with interested farmers groups who are willing to participate in a gold, silver, and barter based system. They provide free market participants with healthy fresh foods, and we provide them with an extensive new customer base. If methods are applied properly, everyone wins.

Nurture Integrity In Trade: The current standard of sales and trade in America is to “scam” others out of money. To “hustle” ones way to wealth. If one cannot produce a quality product, then one must lie about its quality in order to sell it. We hope to reverse this trend and promote a philosophy of quality, which in the long run will nurture legitimate trust and support a much healthier and more vibrant economy. The most successful barter groups will be those that have established trust in one another. Pre-existing organizations like church groups, farmer’s market groups, etc, will start out strong in the initial stages of their new barter economy, because they already know each other well.

Bring Back Gold And Silver As Currency: This has already begun in some areas. Gold and silver represent the only viable currency alternative to fiat paper. While they should not be the only option available (fiat will probably have to be included as a trading option until the dollar fully disintegrates), they should be brought back to prominence in the face of the declining dollar and inflation. This begins by encouraging small business and independent traders to use gold and silver as a standard preferable to dollars. Alternative market businesses could offer discounts on goods to those who wish to pay in gold and silver, or, even give their employees the option of being compensated in gold and silver. As barter markets grow, many businesses will likely adopt precious metals trade, whether they are aware of the alternative market movement or not, in order to remain competitive.

Support State Sovereignty And 10th Amendment Issues: The Alternative Market Project will wholeheartedly support any legislators who show an aptitude for free market ideas and who are aware of the dangers of globalism. This includes mobilizing trade networks to vote for strong anti-Federal Reserve, pro-States Rights candidates. We will strengthen public support for any state legislation that works towards sound money and freer citizens. We will also encourage participants to run for office themselves. As Alternative Market groups progress, our voting potential could be quite formidable at the local level, which is where all changes to government really begin.

Workshops And Conventions: As more revenues are accrued through donations, dynamic workshops will be held in every state. The goal here is to give barter network participants hands on experience in various skill sets as well as new ideas to further trade proficiency. But also, most importantly, to get people away from their computers, out of their homes, and interacting with each other in a constructive way. The internet is a fantastic communications tool, but not a very effective community building tool. Eventually, we must step outside in the sunlight, and start talking to one another face-to-face.

Obstacles Down The Road

There will be, of course, many obstacles to consider if the Alternative Market Project sees success, especially in the “mainstream”.

Globalist legislation will be enacted. Already, attacks have been made on private trade, including the recent food safety bill which could be interpreted by officials as a restriction on personal garden and small farm commerce, attacks on garage sales, attacks on gold and silver coining, and even attacks on the Amish! There will come a point when we will have to ask ourselves whether certain laws are ‘just’. Whether they are helpful, or harmful, to Americans. If they are not just, and not helpful, then they should be ignored. It’s as simple as that.

Co-option is another threat. With the proliferation of any grassroots movement, establishment proponents will seek to beat back the tide. When this fails, they will seek to take it over. The easiest way to discern if a movement is being co-opted is to examine where the control is being delegated. If decision making is left in the hands of individuals, and the leadership seeks to teach, not dominate, then the movement is probably sound. If decision making is being centralized into the hands of a few “members” of the movement, if their voice drowns out all others, and the leadership seeks the power to dictate and micro-manage the movement, then this is a sure sign of co-option. Funding from globalist sources like corporations or particular foundations is another warning signal.

How could this possibly happen in a barter economy? I have already seen organizations sprouting up in Europe, some funded by foundations like the World Wildlife Fund (globalist funded), which seek to enact barter economies based on “digital credits”. This is a perfect example of a centralization campaign, because it desires to force all trade through a middle-man who commands the flow of wealth (in this case, digital fiat). The middle-man is entirely unnecessary in any barter transaction, his only purpose is to monitor and control the rate and types of transactions taking place. I guarantee, globalist run barter networks similar to the European model I described will be railroaded into the mainstream in response to alternative market initiatives. The drive will be to use their vast resources and media clout to give the illusion of “respectability”, and to seduce Americans into yet another centralized system.

Another threat is that of pigeonholing. By labeling Alternative Market participants as “extremists”, “homegrown terrorists”, “kooks”, and any other multitude of false associations, the establishment will strive to discredit barter networks, silence their dissent, and dissuade new people from joining the movement. Examples might even be made. Arrests of regular people merely for private trade may occur in order to chill participation. These measures should be expected and treated in the way they should be treated; as distractions.

The consequences of NOT pursuing solid, decentralized trade are far more terrifying than anything our disingenuous bureaucracy can dish out. Not having a replacement system ready in the wake of a severe collapse would create mass panic. When people have nowhere to turn for safety, they allow fear to take over. When men are afraid, they WILL accept all kinds of atrocities, and they WILL hand over their freedoms to anyone who promises them relief.

To those who subscribe to the “virtue of selfishness” ideal, and believe that they only need take care of themselves while the rest of the world burns, all I can say is good luck. Without honorable systems in place to counter globalization, I’m not really sure what these people plan to live for. Weathering the storm only to be subject to the whims of tyrants afterwards is not true survival.

In Summary…

What has been presented here is not a new methodology. Independent trade networks have been used as a form of revolution and to offset the implosions of faulty financial systems for centuries. This means that they are tried and true. During the Great Depression, over 200 complex barter networks with 300,000 members were instituted in the state of California alone. In times of distress, people inevitably turn back to barter. The problem is that most often these networks are established after the fact, instead of before a calamity takes place. We seek to remedy this error. By constructing alternative markets before an event, we preempt the terror it creates, and make government interventions like Martial Law completely inapplicable. Without a frightened public, DHS does not have a reasonable excuse to activate Northcom (they may well do so anyway, but in that situation, their true intentions would be fully exposed, especially to military men and women who would only follow such orders if they thought the American people were in actual danger).

Preemption in barter markets also allows Americans to make a choice. By offering a better choice, we take participation away from the central banking system, and thus, we take away their power to influence our lives. Only good can come from cultivating independent commerce.

This has been a sneak peek into a project we have been developing for many months; one which we feel could be of great assistance to the Liberty Movement as a whole. Further details will be made available in the next two weeks including the official launch of the project website. I would like to thank Stewart Rhodes of Oath Keepers for persuading me to undertake this venture myself. I had always planned for more prominent figures in the movement to grab the idea and run with it, but this, in a sense, would be deferring certain responsibilities, which would make me a bit of a hypocrite. I can say that though I am not the most recognizable name or face in the movement, I am relentlessly and viciously stubborn, and absolutely nothing will deter me from making this project a reality. I would also like to thank the Liberty Movement itself, for changing my life and so many other lives for the better. I hope I can one day repay the favor…

Slick image and AMM Seal designed by Josh Ogden.

You can contact Giordano Bruno at: giordano@neithercorp.us

If you would like to contribute to the Alternative Market Project, visit our donate page here: http://neithercorp.us/npress/donate/

Click here to Join the Oath Keepers

Comment by bonfiresblog | February 12, 2011 | Reply
My Prognostications
by George Pulsifer, Oath Keeper

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to go over some economic data, and I will show you where I think it is going. Articles have been published in the last few days, about a possible Federal Government shutdown on March 4th… Experts say, because they are instructed by their handlers to do so, that this may be averted if the Representatives pass a bill to extend the debt limit once again. What will happen if they do not extend the debt limit?…

Well, more fiat currency will be dumped into our monetary system, further devaluing “The World’s Reserve Currency”, which happens to be the “American Dollar”, by inflating the number of Federal Reserve Notes currently in circulation in the World… any amateur mathematician has to admit that, that spells trouble, with a capital “T”…. you cannot continue down that path without facing the inevitable sooner or later… or, could it be that the objective all along has been to hasten the collapse of the current “World’s Reserve Currency” in lieu of a “New Global Currency” that has been introduced by the “Globalists”?

The Economy is getting worse and the Federal Government is losing the ability to “paper over it”. The dollar is struggling to stay above 77 on the DXY and in real terms (as measured against real money – gold an silver) the dollar continues to collapse…. A few weeks ago the Government came out saying that the growth for 2010 was 3.8%, but that the final figures would not be available until February 25th…. Well, here we are… and as predicted, the figures were “worse than we thought”.

Now they are saying the real figure is only a growth rate of 2.8% … I’d be willing to bet the true figure is a negative number…. A report came out a few days ago that housing is now in a double dip recession. Walmart just had their 7th straight quarter of falling sales. Detroit just shut down 50% of their public schools while Providence, Rhode Island just laid off its complete teaching staff. We have 43 million Americans on food stamps… Instability in the Middle East is creating havoc with oil delivery, and causing the price to increase 18% in the last few days alone…. We have 46 States that are technically bankrupt and have borrowed a combined $465 Billion dollars over the last two years to fund unemployment. What we are seeing in Wisconsin is just the beginning…

In every one of the Several States, the “Debt Notes” from decades of squandering the “Public Funds”, and borrowing from the Fed, and living off the “Federal Dole” are becoming “due”… No matter what you think about what the objective and intent to all this was, it is clear that the Several States will be expected by the Federal Government to come knocking on its door for relief and assistance… That very thing, will play out to be the worst thing that could ever happen to the liberties and freedoms that we enjoy as a free people, based on the fact that the Several States, with their “” as “Nation States”, should represent the last bastion of protection through “Interposition”, against the activities of a National Government, that invariably peruses the same objective, and that is to reduce “The People”, and the Several States under absolute “Despotism”… Now, whether you believe that this is the Federal Government’s objective or not, the end results will be the same, the Federal Government dictating and controlling the activities and interests of the Several States and their occupants through the guillotine of “Debt”.

This is what I think has a potential to happen. I think the Government may not extend the debt limit, and will look to the Several States to pay back their “Debt Notes” to cover the obligations of the Federal Government… If you have any experience with setting up a company, probate, or bankruptcy then you know that the Federal Government is always the first in line to get paid any monies due… The Federal Government will call for immediate payment of the $465 Billion dollars and the Several States will quickly fold… The Representatives will have to approve a bill that sets up a legal process for Several States to claim “Bankruptcy” and come into “Receivership” under the Federal Government… That will be the end of our form of Government as we have known it… We will still have States, but in name only (INO), and the Federal Government will then hold ultimate “Security Interest” in “all properties and assets” of each of the Several States, and our “Goose” will be cooked… Once again, whether or not you believe that this is the Federal Government’s objective or not, will not change the end result… Either way, we end up “the loser” in all this, because our State Representatives squandered their authority to keep us in a free state , and loved spending Public Funds that did not exist, thereby putting us in subjection to our “creditors” (the Feds), and we did nothing to reign them in while it was within our power to do so.

What does this mean for an individual? Can you imagine cutting food stamps to 43 million people on all at once?… or, the merchants no longer honoring payment for food in the form of food stamps?… What will those people do, and where will they get sustenance?… Add to that unemployment benefits and social security benefits ending. The riots we currently see in the Middle East and the riots we saw last summer in most of Europe, will pale in comparison to what will happen here…. Riots will shut down transportation, which means no resupply for grocery stores. Other utilities may be intermittent or off including water, electricity, natural gas, phone, internet, and cell… The end result is that the people will experience mayhem, and the Federal Government will institute martial law and have an excuse to come in with troops to suppress the people. Please do not be naive and say that couldn’t or won’t happen here… It has already been planned for.

On the Wednesday show of trunews the host, Rick Wiles, said that a certain Army officer was in a meeting with other officers on Monday evening, and they were told to have at least 6 weeks of food at home… Experts have been saying this for quite some time now, because of the possibility of what looms on the horizon for us based on the natural course of things reflected by economic indicators… Bury your head in the sand if you will, but buy a weapon and plenty of ammunition, food, water, water purification, seeds, survival gear, gasoline, and when you have all of that, buy physical silver… I strongly suggest getting out of all things paper (cash, stocks, bonds, money market, CDs, etc.)…. Money in a bank will do you no good and even if somehow you have access to it may be devalued very soon by 50 to 70%.

Silver is not in a bubble…. Physical silver is getting difficult to buy on the open market for large bulk orders. It is a rare commodity whose value is going to skyrocket when the US collapses and right now the US economy is in its last death throws. This last week we have seen huge fluctuations in the silver market… This is indicative of a breakout and since we are in a bull silver market I expect to see silver making new highers very soon so buy what you can now… I saw an article yesterday, stating that one analyst is calling for $50 silver by June.

I cannot say for sure if this is the time frame in which these events will happen or not, but I know it is coming one day soon… I don’t think things will unravel on March 4th. It may take 2 or 3 weeks of a shut down for people to grasp what is happening. You have seen how fast some of these riots start and spread in other nations…. You need to make the best preparations you can immediately. What is your emergency plan? What roles (functions) does each person play? Have you set things up with like-minded neighbors? Have you thought how you might be profited in a collapse scenario?… For example, if you have a generator, gasoline, water, and a water purification system you have a business with great bartering potential… Another example is my weapons, which will allow me to hire myself out as a guard in trade for food if I needed work. Do you have kids? Do you need to set a special meet-up location in case no prior communication is available?

I know these are scary and trying times. I strongly urge you to spend time in real prayer. Ask for answers, ask for deliverance… If you aren’t Christian try talking to God. Ask him to reveal himself to you. Ask him to prove to you that he is real.

Start establishing alliances in your neighborhood to protect against intruders and intrusion that might threaten the safety of your families and your food stores…. Bottom line is get prepared now!!… If by some act of God, these evens are delayed, then you will be in a position to increase the strength of your position should these events take 6, or 10 months, or a year to matriculate… It never hurts to be prepared.

George from the O.C.

Oath Keepers of Orange County California
National Oath keepers
Join

Comment by bonfiresblog | February 27, 2011 | Reply
Randy’s Right Preparedness Garden Show…keep it simple stupid (KISS)!!

Comment by bonfiresblog | March 5, 2011 | Reply
Strategic Relocation—Third Edition.The long awaited all new third edition with colored state maps is now in print and available for purchase. About 3/4 of the text is also new and all the graphics are updated or completely new. We added a complete section on foreign relocation possibilities and added over 200 pages to make room for an individual analysis of every state and province in Canada and North America. The new color maps show military and other threats, population density in cities, satellite images of terrain features, private vs private land availability, and much much more.

In today’s bookstores, it’s easy to find information about the “best places” to live. Such literature undoubtedly will concentrate on the positive aspects of life, such as numbers and ratings of golf courses, doctor/patient ratios, warm sunny climates, availability of cultural activities, status of educational institutions, and the growth potential of the local economy.

But while these highly-rated metropolitan areas may offer ample opportunities to enhance your lifestyle, what happens when a major crisis strikes? What if:

a labor crisis halts the inflow of food and business goods? Will these communities provide the basic necessities of life?
an economic crisis that threatens your pensions, investments and other so-called “guaranteed” income?
a major earthquake or other natural disaster suddenly upset the natural social order for months at a time? Could you get out of harm’s way if massive social unrest erupts in the wake of a crisis?
the area’s freeways are clogged during an emergency? Do you have contingency plans to exit the area?
if the “unthinkable” happens: nuclear war? Or have you thought about the potential of a major terrorist attack on a U.S. city with chemical or biological weapons?

It’s easy to dismiss these threats during times of peace and prosperity, but they are real. Not only that, but the probably of such events coming to pass increases every year. Strategic Relocation: North American Guide to Safe Places is an in-depth analysis of North America’s safest places to live. This book will help you look ahead for potential threats that most other people fail to see or choose to ignore. It contains a complete discussion of the strategies and relocation contingencies that will help you avoid or mitigate each of the major modern threats, from national disasters to economic collapse to nuclear war.

As a relocation expert, Joel Skousen also offers personal paid consultations for those who want advice on selecting land or working out special contingency retreat plans. He recommends that anyone interested in these services read the book first. Contact Mr. Skousen at joels NOSPAM @ joelskousen.com to talk about the book or for consultation. No appointment is necessary.

Some Strategic Analysis:

MOST DANGEROUS 25 METRO AREAS FOR VIOLENT CRIME (mORGANQUITNO.COM):
1. Detroit, MI
2. Memphis, Tn
3. Sumpter, SC
4. Fairbanks, AK
5. New Orleans, LA
6. Miami, FL
7. Myrtle Beech, SC
8. Las Vegas, NV
9. Victoria, TX
10 Florence, SC
11. Stockton, CA
12 Shreveport, LA
13. Pine Bluff, AR
14 Lafayette, LA
15. Jackson, MO
16. Saginaw, MI
17. Phoenix, AZ
18. Tucson, AZ
19. LA County, CA
20. Baltimore, MD
21. Albuquerque, NM
22. Vineland, NJ
23. Montgomery, AL
24. Little Rock, AR
25. Charleston, SC

THE TOP 5 MOST DANGEROUS METRO AREAS FOR EARTHQUAKES:
1. Mexico City, Mexico
2. San Francisco/Oakland
3. Los Angeles basin, CA
4. Anchorage, AK
5. Seattle WA

THE TOP 10 MOST DANGEROUS NUCLEAR TARGETS IN OR NEAR A METRO AREA (there are several other primary targets not listed that are not near a major metro)
1. Washington DC /and related bases (major command and control for the President)
2. Colorado Springs, CO (Cheyenne Mtn Control Center, 2 space command/comm bases)
3. Omaha, NE (secondary command and control bases)
4. Seattle, WA (Trident Missile Sub base and numerous Naval Bases)
5. Jacksonville FL/Kings Bay GA (Trident Missile Sub base, Major East Coast Naval Center)
6. San Diego, CA (largest west coast naval complex)
7. Norfolk, VA (major east coast naval complex)
8. Kansas City, MO (Whiteman AFB, B-2 nuclear bombers)
9. Cheyenne, WY (Warren AFB, Minute Man and Peacekeeper MX missiles)
10. Great Falls, MT (Malmstrom AFB –Minute Man missiles)

Now for some good news: Here are my current ratings for the TOP 10 MODERATE GROWTH, MEDIUM SIZED METRO AREAS that are relatively safe from strategic threats, or where you have a good chance of mitigating those threats. This are not the best areas, but the areas where most people who need to stay in the job markets will find medium term security:
1. Boise, ID
2. Provo-Orem, UT
3. Beaverton, OR
4. Santa Rosa, CA
5. Greenville, SC
6. Winston-Salem/High Point, NC
7. Austin-San Marcos, TX
8. Grand Rapids, MI
9. Reno, NV
10. Madison, WI

For those of you on a tight budget, here are the TOP 10 MOST ECONOMICAL STATES to live. These ratings take into consideration overall taxes, housing, and cost of living. These ratings also exclude most large metro areas, where costs are much higher than the state average.
1. Arkansas
2. Alabama
3. Louisiana
4. Texas (except Dallas Metroplex)
5. West Virginia
6. Oklahoma
7. South Carolina
8. Mississippi
9. Wisconsin
10. Tennessee

SOME STATES WITH TAX ADVANTAGES: This doesn’t tell the whole tax story since all states collect a lot of taxes. However, a person whose financial structure or income structure is different from the average person can take advantage of this by living in a state which doesn’t tax his particular form of income or spending patterns. There are more details in my book, “Strategic Relocation”
STATES WITH NO INCOME TAX: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, New Hampshire (but has 5% tax on div/int) , So. Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming.
STATES WITH NO SALES TAX: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon,
STATES WITH NO INCOME OR SALES TAXES, BUT HIGH PROPERTY TAXES: Alaska, New Hampshire.
STATES WHO SHARE A BORDER WITH NO SALES TAX/NO INCOME TAX STATE: In these states, you can live in a no income tax state and shop across the border in a no sales tax state: Washington/Oregon Wyoming/Montana So. Dakota/Montana

As you can see, it can be rather enjoyable or frustrating doing this kind of analysis, depending upon where you presently reside. I hope you will enjoy the entire book, which offers many more areas of interest to analyze.

Order by clicking on “add to cart” at top of page

WEBSITE

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Thermos Cooking Basics

http://www.thermoscooking.com/thermos-cooking-basics/
Here are the basic steps for cooking food with a thermos:

Purchase a Quality Thermos

Your plastic Hello Kitty lunch thermos will not enough, I’m sorry to say. You need a quality metal thermos in order to retain enough heat to cook food. That doesn’t mean that a thermos will be expensive however. I use a quart size stainless steel Thermos brand thermos I bought at Walmart for around $25. It works great.
Pre-Heat Your Thermos

Before you start putting food into your thermos you need to preheat it with boiling water. This will heat up the metal in the thermos before you put your food in. This way, the water you put in with your food won’t be cooled down by having to heat up the thermos first (First Law of Thermodynamics, I think).

I like an electric kettle for quickly boiling water for this kind of work. It will boil water faster, safer, and easier than using your stove or the microwave.
Measure and Boil More Water

Most recipes will require boiling water to be added to the food for cooking. As soon as you start pre-heating the thermos, measure and start boiling the next amount of water that will be added to the food.
Prepare Food

While your water is set to boil start gathering the food you’re going to cook. Measure the grains or other ingredients and have them ready to dump into the thermos.
Combine and Wait

You don’t have to get crazy, but you want to empty the hot water out of the thermos, put your ingredients in, and then pour the boiling water in as quickly as you can. I use a canning funnel to help pour the ingredients into the thermos. You might even need a more narrow funnel if your thermos has a narrow opening.

Once you’ve poured all your ingredients into the thermos, close it up (don’t screw it down so tight it’s hard to open later), give it a nice shake to combine, and lay it down on its side on a counter.

Why not stand it up, you ask?

Well, you want the ingredients to stay in contact with the hot water as evenly as possible. If you stand the thermos up, the heavier food will sink to the bottom and will not cook as evenly.

For backpackers and campers:

When I’m out on the trail I try to insulate the thermos as best I can overnight. I either wrap it in some clothes or a jacket or I’ve even put it in my sleeping bag on colder nights.
When Is It Done?

It depends…

Oat groats take a lot longer to cook than steel cut oats. Wheat berries take longer to cook than cracked wheat.

The nice thing about thermos cooking is you can often tell if the food is done by the way it sounds when you give the thermos a shake. A few examples:

Quinoa – when you first put in the quinoa, salt, and water, it will slosh all around when you shake the thermos. In time it will thicken and then near the end it will barely move at all. When it barely moves it’s done!
Oats – will slowly thicken during cooking and you can tell when they’re ready based on sound. They won’t ever thicken like the quinoa (not if you add the right amount of water!), but you’ll quickly learn when they’re done.

Don’t worry. You can always open up the thermos and take a look and we also give suggested cooking times. The nice thing about a thermos is that it’s very difficult to overcook anything and taking a quick peek once or twice isn’t going to release enough heat to cause a problem.
Enjoy!

Once your food is done you can pour (or spoon) some onto your plate and then just leave the thermos with the rest of the food on the counter. It’ll sit there at the perfect temperature for hours! So you could prepare some oatmeal to enjoy early in the morning and then leave it on the counter for your kids or spouse to eat once they’re ready for breakfast.

It’s the perfect way to fix fast food that’s actually good for you.

Comment by bonfiresblog | April 25, 2011 | Reply
Well I started out looking for a connection of ICLEI to Lincoln Co and got lost in the survival blog listening to the super good music. Still looking for that connection but coming away with lots of really good info. Many thanks!

Comment by kjj | July 19, 2011 | Reply
- Greetings, kjj. I am glad someone found and enjoys the tunes and preparedness links
  Here is a shortcut… needs to be updated with (ICLEI) 2011 Sustainable City list of towns. It amazes me how fast that list is growing.
  http://bonfiresblog.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/agenda-21-and-iclei/ .
  
  Comment by bonfiresblog | July 19, 2011 | Reply

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