Welcome Preppers and Survivalists,
8 July, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Nothing Here)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Mariochom
|
Nothing Here
I am working on redesigning the blog. Nothing radical, just time consuming, so ...
Come back on Monday.
15 July, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Food Storage)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
Current Crisis
Venezuela is currently going through a
crisis. Some people will point out that it was caused by Socialist
policies implemented by the former and current government. Some people,
on the other hand, will try to blame these United States for the crisis
Either way, it doesn't matter because people are starving. Yes, men, women, and children.
However, ... you can prevent this from happening to you and your family.
Store Bought Food
The easiest method of storing 'extra' food is to purchase more of the food you and your family normally eat.
However, ... There are limitations to this method.
First,
cans and bottles (wet-packed food) are bulky and has a limited shelf
life. (O.K. Three years isn't that short of a shelf life)
Second,
metal cans have this problem of rusting, in a humid or wet place.
Bagged and bottled food, such as snack crackers, chips, and pasta sauce,
aren't in very stout containers. The bags are very easy to puncture,
and bottles are easy to break.
Third, frozen food may require your family to have an alternative power system for the freezer to work, during an event.
Lastly,
the bagged, bottled, boxed, canned, refrigerated, and frozen food, your
family normally eats, might be too expensive for your family to store,
for a year supply or longer.
Bulk Foods
Bulk
foods are probably the most popular foods to store for a long-term
event. Think hard red winter wheat, long grain white rice, dried beans,
and many others.
But, .. There are limitations to these foods.
First,
these foods may be unfamiliar to you and your family. You might have
difficulty processing and cooking bulk foods. Much less eating them.
Second,
your family will require special tools to process (convert) these foods
to a form that can be eaten. Think grain grinders, rice cookers, pasta
cutter, and rolling pin, and many others.
Third, some
of these bulk foods come in metal cans or plastic buckets. Just like
canned food, rust is a concern. Plastic buckets are susceptible to
rodents.
Lastly, cases of bulk food sitting on your door step are noticeable by your neighbors.
Dehydrated Food and Freeze-Dried Food
These
foods have had the water removed from them. Dehydrated food has 75% of
the water removed, while freeze-dried has 98% of the water removed. By
now, you know ...
The first problem with these foods; they both require water to rehydrate.
Second, dehydrated food only has a shelf-life of 1 to 8 years, some, shorter than canned food.
Third, these foods are expensive.
Lastly, most importantly, your family may not like the freeze-dried meal.
Oh, I forgot one. Some folks are promoting this type of food and pocketing a substantial advertising fee.
Update: 15 Jul 16
Some folks are thinking about gardening and farming. These have there drawbacks, too.
First,
most people supplement their regular food purchases with food from
their garden, not the other way around. In other words, your garden
probably doesn't provide enough calories (really kilocalories) for your
family to survive off your garden.
Second, farming is
labor intensive without the proper equipment. Add the need for seed,
fuel, and good weather, it's a crapshoot.
Third,
livestock including small animals, such as chickens, rabbits, and goats
require proper shelter, water, and food to survive, just like your
family. Oh, you'll need to provide security for these animals, during a
food emergency.
Lastly, having enough food is about calories and proper nutrition.
My Suggestions
I have several for you,
tomorrow.
Link:
CATO Institute: Library - Hunger in Venezuela
http://www.cato.org/blog/hunger-venezuela
International Journal of Socialist Renewal - Hunger in Venezuela? A look beyond the spin
http://links.org.au/node/4756
Note:
I
enjoyed reading this article. I had visions of rich Americans visiting
Moscow during the Stalin years then returning, to these United States,
with glowing reports while the ordinary soviet citizens starved in the
countryside, cities, and ... everywhere else.
BlackListed News - Infographic: Repression in Venezuela
http://www.blacklistednews.com/INFOGRAPHIC%3A_REPRESSION_IN_VENEZUELA/52650/0/38/38/Y/M.html
16 July, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday (Food Storage)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
dbking
|
As I promised,
yesterday, here are several suggestions for you and your family.
But, ... Before I begin.
Warning
Please
understand, my brother Spartan joined a multilevel marketing company
called Thrive Life, so I will be linking to items from his 'company.' If
you purchase food from him, he will receive a part of the profits, from
your order.
Here's his store "
Clifford Kummer"
Wheat
The easiest and cheapest year supply of food storage is 390 pounds of wheat. (
Link)
To
use this method, you and your family purchase 390 pounds of wheat, in
metal #10 cans, for everyone in your family then store it in a cool,
dark place, away from moisture.
If you don't have a
basement, your family may be able to store the canned wheat, by stacking
it under your family's beds, replacing the bed frame.
This method is excellent for families on a strict budget, but there are problems with this method.
First,
you and your partner need to make sure no one in the family is allergic
to wheat or gluten. Most people aren't, but better safe then sorry.
Second,
wheat is boring. You will need to learn how to use, just, wheat for
your disaster diet. Plus, you will need to eat these items in your diet.
So, ... You will need to learn to cook and eat such foods as
Bulgur, bake
100% whole wheat bread, make
hardtack, and ...eat
Kutya
Third, sooner or later, you're going to need to buy a grain grinder. You can go inexpensive,
Corona Mill, midrange,
Little -Ark,
WonderMill Jr., and ... the most expensive
Country Living Grain Mill.
O.K. It's not the most expensive. There is the
Diamant D.525 for ..., ouch ; - )
Lastly, wheat, wheat, and more wheat for 365 days is going to get boring.
Beans and Rice
Another problem with just eating only wheat is protein.
It
seems plants don't have all of the amino acids your body needs, so you
have to mix plant based foods to have a healthy diet. In other words,
beans and rice.
Just like wheat, long grain white rice can be bought in #10 cans (
link). The same for beans (
link,
link,
link). To use this method, your family will need to purchase 390 pounds of rice and 210 pounds of dried beans.
Like the 'only wheat' method, your family will need to find a cool, dark place for storing all this food.
Trust
me on this, a family of five will require storage space for 3000 pounds
of food or 100 cases of food, for a year supply of food.
This
method has some downside. It's more expensive then 'only wheat.' You
will require a larger storage area because 'only wheat' for a family of
five is 65 cases while the beans and rice method is 100 cases.
But, ... Most of the world subsists on beans and rice, and you won't need a grain grinder for this method.
Information
There
is a reason, your family (if you choose the 'beans and rice' method)
will store only long grain white rice; it is edible for 25 years or
longer while wild rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and ... all the others
only last a few months before going
bad rancid, unless they are refrigerated.
Experience
My
family started prepping many years ago. We were on a strict budget, so
we bought only wheat when we had the extra money. As my partner and I
were promoted, received bonuses, or moved to a higher paying job, we
started buying 'beans and rice' to expand our food supply and increase
the variety of food.
We also started using a technique called program purchasing (link)
Program Purchasing
This
is a fancy term for buying the same amount of food or the same dollar
amount of food, on a reoccurring basis, every month. This allows your
family to budget, every month, for long-term food storage.
Dehydrated Veggies
As
you can see, the inexpensive methods of purchasing long-term food for
your family can be ... dull, monotonous, boring, and repetitive.
But, ... There is a solution. You can buy dehydrated vegetables; such as
carrots,
green peas,
onions, and
a few more;
to add to your family's beans and rice. These dehydrate vegetables can
also be used alone, as a side dish like regular vegetables.
But, ... There is a problem with dehydrated items, they have a limited shelf-life.
But, ... There is a solution. You family can ...
Rotate
Probably
the most important concept, that I want you to take away from this
article, is to rotate your food storage and other supplies. Yes, whole
grain hard red winter wheat will store for 30 years, but your family
must eat this food to get use to it and allow your family to always have
the freshest food possible.
Dehydrated foods, kind'a, force you to use these products in your normal diet.
So, ... If you family likes green peas, store green peas. If you family doesn't like broccoli, don't store broccoli.
Freeze-Dried Fruit
Another
method of storing food for your family is freeze-dried food.
Freeze-dried food gives your family the ability to store fruit, for your
family's food storage. This will allow a pleasant snack or treat for
your family for dessert and removing some monotony from your emergency
diet.
Depending on your financial resources and your family's tastes, you and your partner can purchase
pears,
peaches,
strawberries, and
many other freeze-dried fruits for your family.
Saving Money
Ignoring the fact that my brother Spartan will be having sales, at his '
store,' you can also save money on your food storage. Let me explain.
Instead of buying fresh vegetables for dinner, you dip into your food storage to make, say,
green beans with onions.
Doing this will allow you to move money from the regular grocery budget
and move it to your food storage budget. Using this method will also
allow your family to become familiar with using and eating your
long-term food storage. By using your food storage, you are also able to
...
Rotate
Ooops, I already mentioned the importance of rotating your family's food storage.
Freeze-Dried
As
I mentioned earlier, freeze-dried food will last up to 25 years, making
it a great compliment to your family's wheat, rice and beans, or other
food storage method.
Another benefit of, possibly, buying freeze-dried food is the ability to purchase,
express meals.
For
folks on a budget, you, your partner, and your family can make their
own meals using a glass mason jar and freeze-dried ingredients. (
link,
link,
link, and
link)
However,
... Like any other product in a bag, the shelf-life will be reduced by
2/3 to 3/4, ouch. Repacking freeze-dried food into a glass mason jar
won't help either.
My Family's Food Storage
Before
I begin, if you are planing to purchase food storage or you're adding
to it, I request that you give my brother and his wife's store (
Nancy and Cliff) a look. Thanks in advance.
With that said, ...
At
first, I built shelves in our basement. Using these shelves, I bought
bagged, bottled, box, and canned food my family normally eats, three
months worth. Katniss and I also added a chest freezer to the garage;
where we store frozen food, such as pork steaks, hot dogs, and many
other items, including a 50 pound sack of flour for ... cookies
Next
(really during) I added 390 pounds of hard red winter wheat for
everyone in the family. This gave us over 3000 pounds of food. The #10
cans, in cardboard cases, were stacked on pallets that I built.
At
that time, I also added a year supply of multivitamins to our food
storage, adult and children. Adding the vitamins insured proper
nutrients until we could add variety to the long-term food storage.
The next step was to purchase beans and rice.
Now, some of you (who are still reading) will question this strategy.
Let
me explain, with one question. What do extended family and close family
friends eat during a food crisis? Plus, storing a year supply of wheat
and a year supply of beans and rice gives my family two years of food,
if no one unexpected shows up ; - )
But, ... That's all history. Let me tell you about ...
Currently
When I first began our food storage program, my partner was apprehensive; however, as the years
progressed and these United States problems starting haunting our
neighborhood, Katniss became a willing prepper.
Since
these problems aren't going away, just getting bigger, we are purchasing
freeze-dried vegetables to add to the whole food (wheat and beans and
rice) to insure a variety of meals like
dirty rice,
black beans and rice, and others.
We
are also rotating the daily multivitamins, by buying a large package,
putting them on a shelf then taking an older package off the shelf and
using them.
Rotating your family's food storage is very important.
By the way, ...
Vegetarians
Katniss
and the children are vegetarians, so we don't store meat. O.K. The
children looove hot dogs, so we store a limited supply in the freezer.
Me, ... I compromise and eat what they eat. It's easier on the daily family dinner preparations.
Now, what is really cool about my brother's store; they sell TVP (textured vegetable protein) in
bacon flavor,
beef flavor,
taco flavor, and others. Plus, the company also has
milk and cheese. An easy way of getting protein for vegetarians.
I Apologize
I have to go. The library has just made their last call for books and computer time.
So, ... I won't have time to tell you about the importance of storing seasonings, yeast (
making sour dough starter), or the other grains that your family can use to supplement your food storage.
Link:
Grain Mill Comparison - Home
http://www.grainmillcomparison.com/
Gizmodo: Sploid - Here's how gross apocalypse emergency food rations are
http://sploid.gizmodo.com/what-its-like-to-cook-survivalist-food-for-the-apocalyp-1740597077
Note:
Some folks have probably seen this video.
To me, it's kind'a hit piece against freeze-dried meals and the guy selling them.
With
that said, ... The video shows the importance of using your family's
food storage because it would suck to find out, your family hates
broccoli ; - )
It also shows the importance of comparison shopping.
22 July, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Free Food)
Dear Preppers and Survivalsits,
 |
photograph by
Yonezawa-Shi
|
Caveat
Last week, I told y'all about my brother
Spartan's new 'company' with Thrive Life. He is selling dehydrated, freeze-dried, and bulk food that your family may be interested in purchasing.
Well, ... Before I even considered suggesting this, we had a conversation about cost.
At
first, Spartan didn't get it. He didn't understand that I worry about
suggesting stuff that would cost a lot of money, especially to you and
your family.
Let me explain.
First, I don't make a lot of money, so I have to watch my cost. Just like you and your family.
So, ... Buying
6 pounds of beef dices for $395
is out of the question, Period!, especially since I can purchase 400
pounds of wheat ( a year supply) for the same amount of money.
Second, the prices have to be better then other sources.
Lastly, my family and I have to like the product and service to repeatedly buy from the company.
With that said, let me tell you about ...
Ordering
According to Spartan, there are several ways to order.
The first is right off the internet site. You pay the price listed and receive your food, at full retail.
The second way is to order in bulk, two cases of six cans. To use this method, you have to
become a consultant.
According to Spartan, you can purchase 12 cans of product for half-price.
Third, you can purchase food during one of Spartan's internet party. Supposedly, the food will be cheaper than from the website.
Lastly, you and your family can host a party, in your home.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're asking 'Where's the free food.?'
Free Food
First, paying full price. Sorry, there is no free food.
Second, becoming a consultant and ordering in bulk gives you twice the food for the same price.
So, ... Half of your food is free.
Third,
depending on Spartan's internet party prices, you get some of your food
for free. Needless to say, it depends on what you buy and how much you
buy.
Fourth, like any other multi-level marketing
business (Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chef, Amway, Tupperware, and many
otehrs) hosting a party gets the host or hostess free things. Since
Thrive Life is a food company, you get ... food.
Lastly,
as a consultant, you can get people to sign-up under you then you get
money from these people selling food. Then, you spend that money on ...
food.
A Request
If you decide to become a consultant, please, give my brother a chance and sign-up under him.
Just to Make Sure
I'm
from Missouri (The Show Me State), so I want to see the proof that
Thrive Life has the cheapest prices. Not really; it just sounds good ; -
)
So, ... Spartan is going to e-mail me a spreadsheet comparing prices from different vendors.
We will see.
Next,
Spartan is going to provide me a consultant price list, so I can see
the difference between the retail price and the wholesale price.
We will see, again.
Lastly
You know me. If it sucks, I'm going to tell you about it.
In Conclusion
So far, the Thrive Life website search bar ... sucks.
I typed in 'wheat' and received one item. It was '
Honey Whole Wheat Dough Mix'
Then, ...
I typed in 'Hard Red Wheat' and received two items. The two items?
One was 'Red Seedless Grapes, and the other was 'Honey Whole Wheat Dough Mix'
Just to make sure, I checked. Thrive Life has Hard Red Wheat in the
cereals and grains section.
29 July, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Five Fallacies of Prepping)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
What's Up!
You wouldn't believe it. I actually handed someone (that I would never meet again) a note with the blog's address on it!
What a violation of OPSEC!
Plus, I was embarrassed. The blog looked like sh*t : - (
So, ... I have been working on rearranging and organizing, the mess.
The Future
Needless to say, I have also been working on a few long-term articles about prepping.
What else, eh?
Five Fallacies of Prepping
#1 - Your Family Must Prepare
Other
folks will tell you that you and your family are going to die; you're a
bunch of sheepeople for believing the government will help, after an
event; and other (not so thoughtful) comments.
Don't
believe them because there have been many disasters where people have
survived the event. Take hurricane Katrina, almost everyone survived.
The
war in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and many others? Where do you
think Iraqi, Afghan, Syrian, Ukrainian, and other refugees come from?
Lastly, the most devastating and wide scale event, The Holocaust? People still survived.
#2 - Food and Water are the Most Important Prep
Food
and water are important for you family's survival but not the most
important. The most important prep is to have a plan and an emergency
evacuation kit.
Yes, a plan that covers such things as ...
* Who picks up the children from school and how to correctly do that
* How to shut off water, electricity, and gas to the house
* What to do, in case of ..., until a responsible person gets home
* What happens if someone gets sick
and, ... Much, much more.
Lastly, the easiest way of dealing with an event is to evacuate, so have a prepacked emergency evacuation kit, ready to go.
 |
source
The Novels of Captain Marryat
|
#3 - A Gun will Protect You During an Event
A
firearm, by itself, will not protect your family during an event. It is
only one, of many tools, to be used for your family's protection.
You
also need lookouts to warn you of potential dangers. You need training
to effective use your firearm. You also need ammunition and many other
things.
Lastly, you need the 'Will' to properly use your firearm, to protect yourself and your family, during an event.
#4 - Your Family will be Able to Barter for Needed Items
Most preppers, incorrectly think, they need to store items for barter, such as cigarettes, silk stockings, and candy bars ; - )
As
we have seen, in various recent events, barter doesn't work because
everyone is looking for the same things, food and security. Only once a
reliable food supply and security has been established, will people be
willing to trade for other items.
The same is true for storing silver and gold.
# 5 - You will Arise to the Challenge
Lastly,
many preppers believe they will be able to build a fire (without
burning down their shelter) to provide warmth for the family, reload a
handgun (under stress), treat a large cut (in their partner's abdomen),
and many other tasks because they read about it in
Prepper: Surviving the Tough Times Ahead or other 'survival' manual.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
You
and your family must practise the skills you will use during an event,
such as navigation, purifying water, taking a poop, and many others
skills.
Lastly, A Warning
In this article, I tell you that you and your family don't need to prepare. That is true.
But,
... Do you really want to look into your children's eyes, as they cry
from hunger, and tell them; there is no food to feed them during an
economic event.
How about, looking into your partner's
eyes as you both slowly die from dehydration because you didn't store
two-weeks of water for a major regional earthquake.
Or,
... Live under a tyrannical dictator because you didn't support your
nation's ideals, by purchasing a firearm, learning the safety rules and
how to shoot, and voting during elections.
Link:
The Survival Mom - The Living Off the Land Fallacy
http://thesurvivalmom.com/living-off-land-fallacy/
Freedom and Liberty Forum - The fallacy of suburban preppers and bug-out plans.
http://freedomandliberty.boards.net/thread/87/fallacy-suburban-preppers-bug-plans
Gray Wolf Survival - The ‘Two is one and one is none’ fallacy
http://graywolfsurvival.com/208978/the-two-is-one-and-one-is-none-fallacy/
The Prepper Journal - Teamwork In Prepping
http://www.theprepperjournal.com/2013/11/23/teamwork-prepping/
12 August, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Organization and Information)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Pennerupstine
|
Last week, I started a series of articles about organization, using file folders. This week ...
Supplies
Like before, I am using stuff that I have received from family, friends, or work.
Why?
It's inexpensive. Of course, if you want to spend money, it's your choice.
 |
| Common Binders |
Binders
First, you're going
to have some choices on the binder color. If you're doing an emergency
plan, for guests or the baby sitter, you might pick red. If you're doing
one for you and your partner, you might use a binder with a white cover
and a clear 'pocket' to add a decorative or informative insert.
Second, you need to determine how wide of a binder; you're going to need.
For
a caregiver or guest, a one inch wide binder will probably do. For
family, two inches. For the end of the world source of information,
several four inch wide binders might not be enough ; - )
Dividers
There
are several ways of dividing the contents of a binder. You can make
your own using improvised materials or buy pre-made dividers.
There are two types, that I know, of pre-made dividers.
 |
| Pre-Marked Binder Divider |
 |
| Blank Binder Divider |
Homemade or improvised dividers
can be any material. In the past, I have used 'plastic' file folders,
cardboard file dividers, and ... anything that works.
 |
| File Folder and File Dividers |
Plus, you can have a choice of colors ; - )
My Choice
I like making my own dividers because I can design a larger tab, so I have more room to write.
Forgot
I failed to mention; you can also purchase smaller binders, for a compact version.
What?
Now, what to use this binder for.
My first thought, an emergency information binder for care givers, like baby sitters.
You
and your partner would make a table of contents, emergency numbers
(Call 911 in big red type then your contact information, doctor's
information, and other numbers), how to shut off gas, electricity,
water, and other utilities, and other information
Second
thought, an "If I Die" book. It lists all the stuff you do, location of
food, guns, ammo, medical supplies, how to use the stuff, and other
information.
Third, a personal survival manual with
unique information about your plans, such as emergency evacuation
routes, what to take, and ... other information.
Fourth,
... The possibility are endless, like a specific subject binder (how to
fish farm, make cheese, patrolling/combat operations, recipe book, and
...) in subjects that interest you, your partner, or family.
A Start
Here is a picture of one binder that I have started
 |
| Tentative Table of Contents |
I'll See 'If'
Picture of ...
* Smaller Binder
* Improvised Binder Divider
19 August, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Chris Nystrom
|
Warning: Graphic Content Ahead
Yeah, You might not want to read this!
Several Days Ago
Katniss
and I are moving, so we were at the old home mowing the grass, tearing
up carpeting, and loading supplies onto the family's truck.
When, a mother and her young child rode by on a lawnmower.
Several Minutes Later
The
mower went out of sight and there was a thud and a woman started
screaming. Needless to say, you know what happened, or you think you do.
So, ... I started to run and dial 911 as the woman continued to scream.
For some reason, 911 didn't pick up. You know how many times; I have pocket dialed 911.
Well, I look down, and I had only dialed 91, missing the other 1.
Clear the phone, and dialed again as I rounded the corner.
Seeing
a small crowd, gathered around a mother holding the leg of her young
child, trying to stop the bleeding. As another person attempted to apply
a tourniquet. As another person was dialing 911. As the young child's
father came running.
911 picked up and transferred me
to the medical 911. Told them what was going on. I didn't know the
neighbor's address, so gave them mine. They told me they were on the
way.
A blur of activity as people tried to calm the child, reassure the father, help the mother, and ...
Wait for the emergency services when they called back.
They
asked again for the address, what was going on (how's the child, what's
the extent of injuries, and other questions), and gave advice.
* No Tourniquet, Only Pressure (don't worry about blood leaking through the compress)
* Pick Up any Severed Parts and put them in a clean plastic bag. No Ice, No Water on the parts.
* No giving the child anything by mouth
As more people came to the aid of the family.
Mothers
The
child's mother was awesome. As she held on to her child's leg, applying
pressure, she had the presence of mind to have one of the other people
to call a babysitter for her baby.
What's Taking Sooo Long
As
the father tried to calm the young child, one person applying pressure
to the wound, the mother applying pressure to the leg, another person
helping the mother, another person and I want looking for severed parts.
Yeah, ... a young child's little toes in a plastic ziplock bag.
Finally
It
must have taken 5 minutes for the various emergency services to arrive
as another neighbor ran to meet them and direct them to the accident
site.
Needless to say, the mother and father carried the young child to the ambulance, as they pulled into the driveway.
What Happened Next?
The professionals had arrived, so I Got the Fuck Out of the Way.
I went home, finished loading the truck, and left for dinner, pizza.
After Action Review
First, some lessons are easy and some lessons are hard, so ...
Don't let any children ride on lawnmowers, tractors, or other equipment because they might fall off, getting hurt.
Second, You will not arise to the occasion, but fall to the depths of your training. So, ...
My family and I need to attend current emergency medical training, I didn't know about No Ice and No Water on severed parts.
Third, Time Flies and Drags On, at the same time. So, ...
In other words, during an emergency, you're really on your own. It might be 5 minutes, but it's a long 5 minutes.
Lastly,
an incident like this will haunt a family for years, maybe forever, so a
family will need to seek professional counseling, so the incident
doesn't destroy the family.
A Request
The family asks for your prayers, for their family during these tough times.
An Update
According
to Katniss, after talking with the mom. The young child survived,
losing enough blood to require two transfusions. The first surgery took
place, yesterday and another one will happen today or Saturday. Of
course, the child will be fitted with a prosthesis, in the near future.
So, ... Keep those prayers coming.
26 August, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Bedroom Closets)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Bruce Fingerhood
|
Old News
So, ... my wife inherited the farmstead when Mom-in-Law passed, last year. We have been rehabilitating the house, into our home.
 |
| Right Side of 'Old' Closet |
 |
| Left Side and Center of 'Old' Closet |
Of course, the farm house needed some work for us to move in. Nice closets wasn't one of them.
So, ... They waited and waited some more, as we did other work, like getting our former home ready to sale. (Almost there)
In the Mean Time
We
hired a guy to frame out the walls and hang drywall, as a side job, for
the closets. Since we live way out in the country, he worked once or
twice, and moved on without getting finished.
I was upset, to say the least.
Husband to the Rescue
The farm house wall studs are kind'a rough and ...
 |
| Bye, Bye, Old Closets |
It's been a challenge, but between the two of us, we got the walls framed out and drywall up.
The Plan
In
our former home, we have 'split' closets. One side her's; one side
his'. Since we have older children (with spouses or partners) and
married family and friends, we thought it would be nice to do the same
thing in each bedroom, except the 'master' bedroom (no closets!!!)
 |
| 'Split' Closets |
Preppers/Survivalists
Of course, most of my friends and family are preppers, so I thought it would be good to add something 'special' to the project.
A quick internet search for "In-Wall Gun Cabinet" got me one from Stack-On.
It's
a rugger, metal cabinet with a lock, nice, simple, and inexpensive,
compared to a fireproof firearm safe. In other words, it won't stop a
truly determined person, but it will stop a curious child, teen, or
adult.
How To
Normally, most people would add this gun cabinet, after their home was finished being built. Not for this project.
So, ...
We first framed out the wall between the closets.
 |
Framing for the Gun Cabinet
seen from the bedroom door
|
At first, I wanted the gun cabinet
centered in the wall, but my handyman didn't do that. He framed it close
to the front of the closet. Which worked out.
Why?
It makes it harder to pry the door open, from the lock side ; - )
Mission Creep
Like
all good projects, I added to the project. We placed 2X4's six feet up
inside the wall to add strength for any clothes' rods.
Hey, that body armour is heavy ; - )
Thoughts
There are a few ways to thwart villains. Two are strength and concealment (or a combination of the two)
Since
I bought the thin metal gun cabinet with a key lock, I decided to
'hide' it from easy view, on the side, away from the door.
I
also wanted to easily grab a ready rifle, so the door swings towards
the back of the closet. This makes it easy to brush clothes away with
the door and reach in, all with the same hand. Plus, ...
Did I say, it only takes one hand to unlock, open, and grab a rifle?
How To, Continued
Next,
I poked a hole in each corner, walked to the other side, and started
cutting with a box cutter. After drawing lines, connecting the holes.
I also cut the drywall from the other side, using the wall studs, as my guide.
For folks, with a larger budget, you could use a drywall saw, to cut the hole.
 |
Opening in Drywall
P.S. Notice the Bedroom Doorway, on the right
|
 |
Opening for the Gun Cabinet
seen from the bedroom door
|
Lastly, I (almost) finished hanging dry wall in the rest of the closet.
 |
Drywall Covering Framing for the Gun Cabinet
seen from the bedroom door
|
Then, I temporarily placed the gun cabinet in the wall, to get it out of the middle of the room.
 |
Temporarily Mounted Gun Cabinet
with door, partially open
|
The Future
Once
the walls are taped, plastered, sanded, plastered again, sanded again,
and painted, I will permanently mount the gun cabinet in the wall.
And, ... Show you the finished project ; - )
More Thoughts
Like
most things, there are less expensive and more expensive options. Since
I wanted a concealable gun cabinet for two rifles, I didn't get the
less expensive one for handguns.
There are also more
expensive ones, but I couldn't see spending two, three and possibly four
times the amount I paid for an in-the-wall gun cabinet with the same
vulnerabilities, ...
Dismantling the wall and carrying away the gun cabinet, to open at the villains' leisure.
I
also didn't want a gun cabinet with two locks. I wanted to be able to
quickly open and grab a loaded ready rifle. Two locks would have added
time and stress to that task.
The same goes for a combination lock. Plus, I don't think; I could have bought one, in my price range.
I
also didn't want a piece of 'art' on the wall. Plus, the farm house has
small bedrooms. There wasn't room once we added a queen size bed, a
chair, and ...
That's it for now 'cause I have to go to bed.
Link:
Stack-On - Secure Storage
https://www.stack-on.com/categories/secure-storage
Stack-On: Secure Storage - Security Cabinets
https://www.stack-on.com/categories/security-cabinets
Stack-On - Instruction Sheets for IWC-55
http://s3.amazonaws.com/stack-on-production/downloads/69/IWC-11_IWC-22_IWC-55_Instruction_Sheet.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=08CNY13ZYZNXTVEEJX82&Expires=1472187277&Signature=ul%2FFyTfjMWpOs7PBo5dyKjBkGgw%3D
Ready Gun Box in Wall Concealment - Home
http://www.readygunbox.com/
Covert Cabinets - Home
http://www.covertcabinets.com/
Tactical Walls - Home
https://tacticalwalls.com/
1 September, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Asahel Curtis
|
Stuff
My family and I received the vinyl siding we ordered four weeks ago.
Of course, with all the rain, we weren't able to strip off the old siding, to start applying the new siding.
I Apologize
With
traveling for work, writing another book, seeing the family, and all
the other stuff (mainly goofing off), I don't have anything for you,
today ; - (
9 September, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (HK - Tactical Sleep System)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Bernard DuPont
|
Brothers
My brothers are high-speed guys. All of them are paratroops. Jumper, my brother, is even a Jumpmaster, hooah!
Well,
being related to them, every once in a while, they will send me some
cool stuff, like the military's newest tactical sleep system.
Sleep
Needless
to say, sleep is very important to the military. They understand the
need to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep, everyday, to maintain maximum effort
by the soldiers.
So, ... Over the years, these United States military has updated and modified their sleep systems.
History
Just
before WW II, these United States military still issued soldiers
blankets to keep warm during sleeping. Through experience and testing,
the military started issuing sleeping bags to mountain troops, such as
the 10th Mountain division and arctic troops during WWII.
These sleeping bags were cotton bags filled with down.
Fast
forwarding a few decades, the military still issued these types of
sleeping bags. Needless to say, they were better than blankets, but not
as good as today's polyester and gortex sleeping bags that you and your
family can purchase for about $100.
Today
Currently,
these United States military has gone through two camoflauge changes,
in their sleeping bags. First, it was woodland camoflauge pattern.
This
system has four bags, a black sleeping bag, a green sleeping bag, a
gortex bivy bag, and a black stuff sack. The black sleeping bag is ...
Link:
Tactical Intelligence.net - Military Sleep System Review
http://tacticalintelligence.net/blog/military-sleep-system.htm
Buying
The
best place to buy these bags is on e-bay, just search for"U.S. Military
Sleep System," Woodland Military Sleep System," or "ACU Military Sleep
System"
They are running about $75 for a used sleeping system to $200 for a new one.
The next two places are Armygear.net or Major Surplus and Survival. They have used, very good sleep systems for $100.
The last place, I suggest to look, is the local military surplus store, but plan to spend some money.
Changes
The
ACU camoflauge sleep system is very similar to the 'old' system. It has
an inner sleeping bag, and outer sleeping bag, a gortex bivy bag, and a
stuff sack. The difference is the color and an additional stuff sack.
Of
course, these United States' Army has changed its camoflauge pattern
from ACU to multicam which might cause prices to drop, drastically, for
items in ACU pattern camoflauge.
HK - Tactical Sleep System
Needless to say, the military
sleep system has problems. It really doesn't keep a soldier warm at -50
degrees Fahrenheit, so the soldier has to also wear special polypro
booties, long johns, gloves and a hat to stay warm in very cold
temperatures.
But, ... You already know that.
To address that problem the military, according to one brother, has come up with the ...
Hello Kitty - Tactical Sleep System
It
is a thick polyester fleece with a proprietary camoflauge pattern.
Wearing the button-up shirt, drawstring pants, and matching socks will
provide a Soldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor, or Guardian enough warmth to
withstand an indoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit while sleeping
or lounging anywhere in the world.
Needless to say, you
and your family can't find 'offical' HK - TSS in any store because it
is restricted to military personal ; - )
16 September, 2016
Friday's thoughts and Other Stuff (Shelves)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Christopher Wray
|
Unknown
We (you
and your family) know that you're going to need emergency evacuation
kits, appropriate shelter, a fire starter, water, food, medical
supplies, firearms, an emergency fund (possibly copper, silver, and
gold), a AM/FM/weather alert radio, reliable transportation like
bicycles, a solar power generator, and many other things.
You
also know that your family is going to need to know how to build a
primitive shelter, start a fire, find and treat water in your home and
the wilderness, bake bread, cook rice and beans, pinch a dime, rapid
reload a handgun, get home safely after dark, make connections, broker a
deal, and many other skills.
But, ...
What about the skills you don't know about or the unknowns that might face your family?
Shelves
Katniss needed a set of shelves for her office, so we started shopping around.
Needless
to say, Katniss had requirements. The shelves needed to be at least 6
inches apart but no more than 9 inches apart. The shelves couldn't be
more than 9 inches deep while 6 inches deep would be ideal. The shelves
couldn't be more than 5 feet high and no more than 4 feet wide.
Both
Katniss and I looked and looked and looked. We couldn't find anything
to remotely meet those requirement. Oooh, by the way, the shelves had to
look good and be inexpensive.
Supplies
one box * Nails, 6d
one * Wood Glue, small squeeze bottle
one * 1 x 8 board, pine
five * 1 x 6 boards, pine
one sheet * Plywood, Luan
 |
| Tools, Supplies, and Safety Equipment |
Tools
Circular Saw
Extension Cord, 25 feet long
two * Saw Horses
Hammer
Tape Measure
Square
Pencil, very thin lead
Safety Equipment
Earplugs
Safety Glasses
Brain
Safety
Just like firearms, you never put your finger on the trigger until you're ready to shoot (saw)
Next, you never make adjustments to the circular saw until it is unplugged
Three, when you get tired, you take a break.
Next, always engage your brain because 'If' it looks/sounds/feels/seems stupid, it probably is stupid.
Last, keep both hands on the saw, when making precise cuts
The Plan
Since
Katniss needed a set of shelves for her office, with certain
requirements, I sat down and made a plan for a shelf unit 5 feet tall,
three feet wide, about 6 inches deep (more about that later) with the
shelves no more than 9 inches apart.
 |
| Part of the Plan, Spacing for Shelves |
It's Later
1X6s
aren't really 1 inch thick by 6 inches wide. They are really 3/4 inch
thick by 5 and a half inch wide. Plus, they are 5 1/2 wide (yeah, I
repeated myself) almost the ideal width of 6 inches.
So, we decided to use 1X6s for the project.
Note:
Remember, the set of shelves had to be ... inexpensive
In the Beginning
It
was nice out. Plus, I don't have a shop, so I set up the saw horses
under a big shade tree in the side yard. I placed the saw horses about
three feet apart, place two of the 1X6s on them, and started marking
them for my cuts.
You have probably heard "Measure twice. Cut Once" that's what I did.
First,
I measured and marked each cut on my side boards. Next, I checked each
measurement because I didn't want to go buy a replacement.
Second, I made sure the circular saw was unplugged and set the saw blade.
Now, I'm not an expert, so I did this by look, not measurement. In other words, I guesstimated the depth of the saw blade.
As
you can see, in the above picture, I set the circular saw on the board
and adjusted the blade to about half the depth of the board.
Then, I plugged the saw into the extension cord and started cutting.
Being
very careful, I cut the lines. Since I was notching the side boards, I
cut the inside of the line for each notch. Lucky for me, with careful
planning thrown in, each notch was almost perfect.
Lastly, being very, very careful. I used the circular saw to remove the wood between each line to make the notch.
 |
A Blurry Picture
showing
a Finished Notch (right)
and a Notch in Progress (left)
|
Making the Notch
All I had was a circular saw, no table saw, no router, no wood chisel, nothing but a circular saw.
So, ...
I
very carefully, not to mess up my work and have to purchase a
replacement board, cut more lines, trying to get as close as possible,
making a smooth notch.
I also very carefully, wiggled the saw side to side to smooth out the notch.
Note:
Doing this creates lots of dust and flying debris, so make sure you're wearing safety glasses!
Cutting Shelves
Next, I unplugged the circular saw and reset the blade to cut through the 1X6s.
Be
advised, I didn't get all freaky about calculating how long the shelves
would have to be to have a perfect 3 feet wide set of shelves. I just
cut them all to the same length, 3 feet.
To do this, I
measured and marked each board, 3 feet from both ends. Since I was using
8 feet long boards, I had a waste piece 2 feet long. Oh well, I'll use
it for kindling ; - )
Just like the side boards, "Measure twice. Cut once"
This gave me 6 boards, 3 feet long for the shelves. Add the two side boards with notches and I'm ready for some assembly.
 |
| Six Shelves with Two Side Boards |
Gluing and Nailing
The
next step, I placed one of the side boards on a flat surface, the
concrete sidewalk, and squirted glue in the top and bottom notch of the
side board. I then took two of the shelves and placed them in the notch,
turned everything over and hammered two nails into and through the side
boards, into the shelves.
Next, I placed that assembly
back on the sidewalk, glued the edges of the two shelves, and placed
the other side board onto the shelves. Nailing them to the sideboard.
Once
that was done, I spread glue in the bottom notches and on to the top
edge of the shelves. I then carefully inserted the shelves between the
side boards.
I had to carefully spread the side boards
apart to easily slip the shelves into place. Once that was done, I
hammered two nails through the side board into the shelf.
I flipped the whole assembly over and nailed the the other side into place.
Note:
While I was doing this, I lined up the boards flush to the 'front' of the shelf, to get the best looking 'front' possible.
The Top
Because I didn't know the exact measurements of the finished set of shelves, I waited to do the top.
To get the exact measurements, I stood the set of shelves up, measured the depth and width, and added 1 inch.
Next, I carefully marked the 1X8 with those measurements then cut the board.
Next,
I carefully spread glue on the top of the side boards and put the top
in place. Next, I nailed the top to the set of shelves.
 |
A Blurry Picture
of
the Finished Top
projecting out 1/2 inch on both sides
and 1 inch from the front
|
Note:
The 'back' of the top is even with the back of the set of shelves. This causes the top to project 1 inch out from the front.
The sides are evenly spaced, so they project out about 1/2 inch from the sides.
The Bottom
Since I was getting 'fancy' with this project, I decided to add a touch from a set of shelves we had seen somewhere else.
To do this, I measured the space and marked a piece of scrap from when I cut the top. Next, I carefully cut the board.
And, ...
Messed it up ; - (
I was lucky; I was able to reuse another scrap piece to make another bottom board.
My mistake? I cut the wrong side of one line, making the board too short.
Once the second bottom board was cut, I marked the shelf and sides, it would attach to, 1/2 inch in.
Next, I did a test fit (it was 'good enough') then glued and nailed the board into place.
 |
A Blurry Picture
showing
the recessed bottom
|
The Back
I have
built pre-made, but unassembled furniture in the past. You know the ones
with the cardboard back with the nail holes already marked.
At first, I was going to use a sheet of cardboard then thought better of it.
I bought a sheet of very thin plywood, called luan.
Needless to say, it is very thin, so I had to unplug the saw and reset the blade depth.
Next,
I measured the set of shelves to get the right measurements for the
back. I was pretty good. It measured 5 feet tall by 3 feet and 1/4 inch
wide.
Next, I marked the luan. It was a pain. I had to hold the very thin plywood because it wanted to droop.
Cutting it was also a pain. I didn't have any supports, so the luan plywood drooped as I started to cut it.
Lucky me, I was able to warp the luan, just enough, to make it flat as I cut the back for the shelves.
The
first cut was the shortest and easiest. I took 3 feet off the 8 feet
tall sheet of luan. Next, I cut the 1 foot strip off the side, ending
with one piece 5 feet tall by 3 feet wide.
Squaring the Shelves
Almost
finished, I placed the shelves, face down and measured diagonally from
corner to corner. I was lucky again, and they were almost the same, by
1/16 of an inch.
Next, I put glue on the sides, placed the back on and nailed the back to the shelves.
 |
Almost Finished
all it needs
is a few coats of stain
|
Why? Oh, Why?
Do I tell you about this project?
First, I used skills that had never been used to make a set of shelf, like this design.
Second, it turned out good enough to sell. I might have orders for two or three ; - )
Third, I was doing, not reading.
Fourth, ...
I
was saving money on my taxes because the set of shelves was for
Katniss' practice and I wrote about it. I love these United States Tax
Code and the Internal Revenue Service ; - )
23 September, 2016
Fridays Thoughts and Other Stuff (Junk)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
Photograph by
Spielvogel
|
Supplies
Your family's threat
analysis will determine how much supplies you will need to purchase and
store. Planning to survive a three day event? A pantry full of canned
food, a few cases of bottled water and you're family is ready. A two
week event will require a little more food and a few more cases of
bottled water. Plus, your family probably already has all the equipment
to survive these short-term events, like warm clothing, blankets, and
... Toilet Paper.
Now, planning to survive a multiyear
event is going to require a bigger commitment in time, money, and
practice that you will want to skimp on.
Junk
Yeap!
You're going to want to buy ... Junk.
Now, don't get me wrong. Junk has its place in your preps, take ferro rods.
 |
Photograph by
Francois Boulogne
|
Ferro Rods
These things are awesome, for around $17 (
L.A. Police Gear), your family can have about 12,000 fires, if you and your family have been practicing.
Or, ...
You can purchase a ferro rod blank (one source is
Fire Steel.com) for $5 or $6 and make your own, like this one from
'The Binks' at Instructables.
Or, ...
Another
option is to purchase a bunch of strike anywhere matches (250 for
$1.00) at your local Farm and Home Store and store them in a fire and
waterproof container (an ammo can)
Or, ...
Purchase a few butane lighters from the local China-Mart and call it good.
Where's the Junk?
Easy.
The
cheap, as you checkout display of, butane lighters. They will work
until they don't then you will have to improvise a spark from the
striker wheel and flint when the butane fuel leaks from the lighter.
You can also find junk in other areas, such as ....
My Junk
A
few years ago (O.K. a few decades ago) my brother Scout gave me a pair
of gloves with a hole in one glove. The plan was to repair the hole and
call it good.
Well, ... I'm sorting through my 'stuff'
and I found those gloves. I donated them to the local charity store
because I hadn't fixed them, in over twenty-five years.
I also recently received a piece of junk from my employer, one of those combination knife, light, pen, and other thingies.
The Thingy
This
'thing' was given to me by my supervisor, as an incentive award. It has
our company logo stenciled to one side (the side you will never see,
here ; - )
It has a lanyard ring with an attached inexpensive snap link.
The
snap link would secure the 'thingy' to your belt loop, a loop inside
your emergency evacuation kit bag, or other location to prevent it from
getting lost.
Flipping
open one side, there is a pen that could be used to leave a note, if
you left your vehicle after a crash, marked the time a tourniquet was
applied, or provide potential rescuers with important information.
Flipping open another side, a bottle opener and can opener are revealed.
On
the other side is a small knife blade that could be used to cut twine
for a shelter, sever a seat belt to rescue a car crash victim, or other
'light-duty' cutting tasks.
On the same side as the small knife and bottle/can opener is a white switch for the enclosed flashlight
Pushing
the switch forward, reveals a tiny L.E.D. flashlight that could be used
to illuminate your path in the wilderness, locate your dropped keys, or
...
As
you can see in the above picture, the little flashlight could also be
used to signal a potential rescuer from a distance, in the dark.
Lastly,
the batteries, light bulb and reflector could be removed to improvise a
brighter light (using a larger reflector), power a device using a
similar battery, or ...
I don't know 'cause we're improvising ; - )
It's Junk
No
matter how well I explained it, the thingy is junk. The blades are
cheap metal, the can opener and knife attachment points would never hold
up to medium stress (much less open a food can or bottle of beer), and
the flashlight batteries would easily discharge stored in a hot or cold
outdoor environment.
Oooh, the lanyard loop is 'pressed' into two holes. It wouldn't hold up to a lot of pulling stress either.
I Kept It
That's
right, as cheap as it is, I tossed it into my vehicle emergency
evacuation kit, as a back-up, to the back-up, for the back-up.
But, ... Notice.
I would never, ever purchase something like this because it is junk
Philosophy
This is going to get all metaphysical, philosophical, and comical
So, ... work with me.
First, 'free' junk can be 'good' depending on what it is.
Is it broken? It's junk.
Is it immediately useful? It's not junk.
Is it big, bulky, cheap, and might be useful? It's junk
It it 'trash'? You know, like metal food cans, aluminum foil, broken glass, and ... It's junk or recycle, so get rid of it.
Second, don't buy or store junk.
That's right.
Don't buy cotton long johns. They are junk.
Don't store 'extra' clothes for when you lose weight. They are junk because that is one thing in abundance after a disaster.
Third, don't buy cheaply made durable products.
It's
O.K. to purchase 'cheap' paper towels, toilet paper, and other similar
product but don't buy new items like automobiles, washers/dryers, and
other long-lived product that are junk, including stocks, mutual funds,
and houses.
Lastly, you really don't 'need' a back-up, to a back-up back-up, for a back-up back-up back-up for your preps.
Got To Go
Jumper phoned me, so ...
Link:
Swedish Fire Steel - Instructions
http://www.lightmyfire.com/products/products/swedish-firesteel-20.aspx#tab3:INSTRUCTIONS
Instrucables: The Binks - Fire Steel
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fire-steel/?ALLSTEPS
Note:
The Binks has another neat-o Instructable for ...
Instructables: The Binks - Handmade Knife and Sheath
http://www.instructables.com/id/Handmade-Knife-and-sheath/?ALLSTEPS
Survivalist Boards - Strike Anywhere Matches
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=188888
Kissurvival - Strike Anywhere Matches
http://kissurvival.com/strike-anywhere-matches/
30 September, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Project-Siding)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
source
Library of Congress
|
Siding
As you have probably noticed, I haven't been posting anything on Wednesdays.
Well, I have been working on a long-term project, ... siding the house.
This side of the house still has its original siding. It is cedar lap that was installed around the 1890s.
Of
course, some contractors, folks at work, and many others would have
left the old siding on and just installed fan-fold insulation.
That didn't happen.
After
ripping off the old siding, we installed self-stick rubber flashing
around the door, window, and on the corners then we placed house wrap on
both walls.
We also taped the house wrap around the door, window, and the inside corner.
Lastly, ...
We installed the siding.
Mistake
Since
we are going for a certain 'look,' we are installing lineals around the
windows and doors. They are a contrasting color, a darker gray.
Well, the lineals are supposed to be installed before the siding, not after.
Work
Of course, my work schedule will be changing, so I will have less time writing.
So, Wednesdays will be hit or miss.
Plus,
we will have to strip off the new siding, install the lineals, and
reinstall the siding after cutting to it to fit around the lineals.
OPSEC
I had one or two pictures showing the house wrap that I was going to share.
But, in big bold letters and numbers, the local lumber yard's name and telephone number was easily seen, by you and your family.
7 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Civil War)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
by
Luca Polpettini
|
Civil War
As some of you know, there is a possibility these United States will descend into a civil war in the next few years.
Not really, but it's pretty good justification for buying ...
Kit
That's what British soldiers call 'Tactical Gear.'
The Reality
Before
I begin, like any other event, it sounds cool to be getting ready for a
civil war, when in reality, a civil war sucks, lots of civilians (what
you and your family are), terrorists (what you and your family are),
refugees (what you and your family will be) and many others getting
killed, maimed, raped, sold into slavery, and many other bad, bad, bad
things.
So, ...
Run Away
Your families first reaction is to get out of town, the state, or the country.
You can do this a few different ways.
First,
make arrangements with friends and family in a safe area. Don't think
the so-called 'Redoubt' or 'Eastern Redoubt' will be a safe place for
your family. Look at Syria, anywhere and everywhere is being bombed or
attacked by one side or another.
The Same City
As
we have seen in the past, when folks start to riot with homes and
businesses burning then it's all downhill for that side of town.
So, ... Have a packed emergency evacuation kit that you and your family can grab and go, across town, when it happens.
Depending
on the situation, you and your family (Don't forget the pets) may be
gone for a few days. Needless to say, you will still need to go to work,
and the children will need to go to school. Unless, it's cancelled for
the duration.
These requirements, work and school, may
require your family to have a cache of clothing, copies of important
documents, and other items stashed in your friend or relative's
basement, garage, or shed.
Warning
Now, some of y'all are thinking 'Hey, I have a credit card with a few thousand dollar limit; we'll wing it!'
That's possible, but ... You and several
hundred thousands of other families are going to try it, so save your family the hassle.
Important Points
I'm going to sound like the racist, bigot that I am, so ...
Make
sure you and your family are evacuating to a place across town that is
the same or close to the same ethnic, religious, sexual orientation,
cultural and other important issues as you and your family.
Remember,
you don't want to be the only white/black/brown/red/yellow family in
the predominantly white/black/brown/red/yellow neighborhood or the only
Jew/Catholic/Protestant/Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist in the predominantly
Jew/Catholic/Protestant/Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist neighborhood or the only
Democrat/Republican/Libertarian/Socialist during a civil war along
religious/ethnic/political lines; - )
Next, please, be grateful to the neighbors. They are going to have to put up with the additional traffic from your vehicle, new
suspicious
people in the community (with the other side of town burning), your
children playing in the street, and many other real or imagined problems
your family will create for them.
But, ... Don't be a pushover, either.
Lastly, like I have told you, practice your plan, so you can solve the problems, now!
Another State
Folks,
if you and your partner are planning to move your family across the
country, in a improvised or deliberately manner, during an event, like a
civil war, you need to work the heck out of your plan, now!
That's right, practice your plan and the backup plan, to the backup plan.
Another Country
Leaving your home country is going to be difficult for several reasons.
First, you and your family have been beaten to the punch because millions of refugees are already in the 'good' countries.
Now,
don't get me wrong, Japan is a nice country, if you like being
considered an outsider that will never be trusted by your neighbors.
Plus, it's expensive, even today.
The same goes for Sweden, Finland, and the other Nordic countries.
Second,
this option is going to take planning. You will need a passport, visa,
and meet other requirements, like a job for some countries.
Third, depending on your
color skin tone will determine which country you will blend in.
Take
Panama. I work with a 'white' guy, and his wife is Panamanian. She says
Panama has very good healthcare, it's inexpensive for retirees, and
there are really nice gated communities for U.S citizens and other
'whites.'
The same goes for black, brown, red, and yellow skinned people. All you need is the monthly income, about $1.000 to $1.500
Outside those gated communities, not so nice, so you have to do that research too.
FerFAL, at
The Modern Survivalist and
Surviving in Argentina,
is kind'a dark-skinned. He, his wife, and child immigrated to Ireland a
few years ago. Because his parents were Spaniards, they had European
passports.
These passports allowed him to easily settle there.
Another
option is Great Britain, blacks and yellow skinned people have been
accepted there for decades. Not so much for brown skinned people.
I think, they're still pissed at India for gaining independence.
Now, some folks are thinking, 'I'm 'black.' I will go to Africa.!'
Have you been there? I haven't, but ...
The
whole continent is having problems. Just look at all the refugees
fleeing their home countries. The same goes for the economic conditions.
Libya
- Civil War; Egypt - Religious Violence; Algeria - Terrorism; Ethiopia,
Sudan, Chad, Niger - Fighting each other or someone else; Mali -
Religious Violence; Senegal, Ivory Coast, and many others - Economic
Crisis, and ...
There is a reason these United States is sending troops to many African countries.
'What about India?' you ask.
Nice place, and I have family that want to go there.
But, ... Don't be a Muslim in a Hindu neighborhood or a Hindu in a Muslim neighborhood. The same goes to those pesky 'castes.'
Yeah, I know India outlawed them many decades ago, but they are still around.
Oooh, don't be poor in India.
Korea
- Can you say homicidal maniac, to the north? China - Can you say
totalitarian, communist country or the other China (Taiwan) - In the
cross hairs of that totalitarian, communist country that I just
mentioned.
Australia, New Zealand, and Micronesia - Gun banning, earthquake prone, global warming poster children for places to avoid.
Canada - You need a job.
Russia - Really?
Of course, the list goes on and on.
Wrong Impression
Now,
don't get me wrong. There are many nice areas of the world to travel,
visit, and even emigrate to, but you to do the research to make sure the
area is right for your situation.
Money
Now, ... If you have the cash, you can disregard all of my concerns.
For
an example, here in these United States, a family can 'buy' a visa for a
$500,000 investment in these United States, just see an immigration
lawyer. They'll help you, for a fee.
The same goes for other countries.
Link:
U.S. State Department - U.S. Passports and International Travel
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html
U.S. State Department - Country Information
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html
U.S. State Department - Americans Traveling Abroad
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/americans-traveling-abroad.html
The Modern Survivalist - Relocating: The Great life experience of living Abroad
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/archives/4802
Note:
Borrow the book from your local library ; - )
The Modern Survivalist - Real-World Bugging Out and Bug Out Locations
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/archives/4834
The Modern Survivalist - Hurricane Matthew: Ready to Bug Out?
http://www.themodernsurvivalist.com/archives/4860
Global Security - American Military Bases in Africa
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/africom.htm
Mother Jones - The Startling Size of US Military Operations in Africa
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/09/us-military-bases-africa
8 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday (Civil War)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Rafael Robles
|
I forgot a few things, such as ...
Language
Do you and your family speak the local language.
Headed to Spain? Do you speak 'real' Spanish? Not, Mexican Spanish
How about Icelandic? Danish? Flemish? Portuguese? Dutch? Japanese? Korean? Mandarin? Standard Chinese? Polish? Turkish? or ...
Banking
I can't remember, if I have mentioned this before. But, ...
Way
back in the '80s, a survivalist newsletter writer recommended starting a
banking account in the Royal Bank of Scotland. His thought was to
establish a financial reserve that could be used 'If' you and your
family evacuated to a foreign country.
Well, ... The bank was taken over by the United Kingdom, in the 2008 financial difficulties.
Of course, another thing to think about, as you contemplate moving to a foreign country.
Protection
Here
in these United States, we have some very liberal firearm laws. In most
other countries, you are going to need permits with examinations, show a
need to the local security forces, and have expensive secure storage
for the firearm.
In other words, no guns for the foreigner.
Commitments
Lastly,
you and your partner have bonds with people, in your home country.
Bonds that may be hard to break, such as taking care of older parents,
caring for the family business, and others.
Link:
Wikipedia - List of languages by number of native speakers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_languages_by_number_of_native_speakers
9 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Sunday (Civil War)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
graphic by
Howcheng
based on original .gif by
Robert Simmon
|
Hurricane Matthew
Jumper lives on the east coast, around Florida, so we have been attentive about Hurricane Matthew.
The Kit
Jumper
is an essential government worker. He has to go in no matter what, so
he grabs some things to put in his truck, just in case.
You know, the usual ... water, food, sleeping bag, and other stuff. Fuel up the truck then he drove into work.
Lunch
Now, they aren't possibly getting hit for another 36 hours, so he's in meeting all day, talking about the on-coming storm.
Well, ... He forgot his lunch.
Since
the storm is such a big deal, no one is going out to eat. Plus, all the
local food joints are closed. Needless to say, he walks out to his
truck and grabs one of his meals. Not a big deal because he has enough
for a week or two.
Really, ... he is that prepared
The meals are shelf-stable, all-in-one meals. I forgot which ones, but he has eaten them before, a few years ago.
Guess what?
They suck; he hates them; and on and on
We're Evacuating
My
brother's family has already left. His wife and in-laws are headed to a
wedding in Ohio, a pre-planned event. The sons are going to various
friends that live a few hundred miles inland, and his daughter is
working. She is a nurse, and she is considered 'essential' personnel,
too.
Oooh, now it's 24 hours before the hurricane is
expected to make landfall, so Scout and his employers are watching the
weather when Hurricane Matthew is predicted to strengthen.
The
decision is made to evacuate, so off go the firefighter with their
trucks and rescue equipment; medics with the ambulances and emergency
supplies; public works with trucks towing trailers full of emergency
repair supplies, boats with every fuel can the city owns, full of fuel;
city staff with back-up servers full of court documents, utility
records, city personnel records, and other information; police officers
in police cars with 'extra' firearms and ammunition and personal trucks
towing trailers full of emergency supplies; and my brother (in his truck
because he doesn't rate a city vehicle) as he turns out the lights,
literally.
Where are we Going?
Guess?
You got it right, a pre-planned site, hosted by a community that has a written agreement with the city.
Everybody
drives into the parking lot, walks in, and waits because an advance
crew and the host city had already set everything up for the city staff.
Cool.
Problems
By now, some of y'all' think I'm lying. I'm not. It's the truth.
Think about it.
Hurricanes
are a predictable disaster, so thoughtful, responsible people get
prepared, like the City of ... Thought I would tell you ; - )
However, there were some hiccups.
First,
Jumper was implementing his rehearsed plan when he realized the new
software wouldn't load the 'old' emergency information.
It seems all the city's information had been upgraded to the new standard, except for the emergency information.
So,
... Sweat, cursing, and a little computer magic and everything is a
o.k., so the back-up servers are loaded with all the city's current
data.
Next, the back-up servers are loaded on the bread truck.
 |
photograph by
Dwight Burdette
|
Really, it's a bread truck that was used
to carry the police department's S.W.A.T. team's gear to emergencies. My
brother and his staff modified the truck with desks, chairs, computers,
generators, external electrical hook-ups and other cool stuff.
Next,
he didn't bring a tent in his personal emergency supplies. Not a big
deal because Jumper has a poncho with bungee cords, in his truck. He can
improvise a shelter, just in case.
Lastly, that
wedding I mentioned earlier. The plan was to go on a six day vacation
with his wife. By the time the hurricane has arrived, left, and any
recovery started, she will be back and he'll want a shower ; - )
Lessons?
First, have a plan
Second, believe the local weather forecasters and evacuate and evacuate early.
Third, no plan works all the time. Be prepared for problems.
Fourth, have a place to go, during a disaster.
Fifth, buy your supplies before the disaster
Six, practice your plan in advance.
Seventh, ... I don't know. What do you think?
14 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Kit)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
Last week,
I wrote a three part series where I talked about the realities of a
civil war and evacuating during an event. I did this, so you might
understand that becoming a combatant in a civil war has many, many
downsides.
With that said, ...
Cheap vs. Inexpensive
There are various manufactures of kit (military gear), some good and some excellent.
There
are several premier manufacturer, such as Tactical Tailor, Blackhawk,
and many others. They have some good stuff, but they are expensive. For a
family on a budget, too expensive.
According to some
folks Condor Tactical, Vodoo Tactical, Tru-spec and others (especially
'Airsoft' equipment) just might not be good enough.
A 'good' source is used military equipment. It's rugged and inexpensive.
Yeah, yeah, I know it's made by the lowest bidder, but it's still good stuff.
Needs
You
and your partner need a handgun, one that is 'concealable.' A .357
magnum revolver with a two to four inch barrel fits this criteria, such
as the Ruger SP101, S&W Model 686, and many others
Or, ...
A
semiautomatic pistol, in 9 mm, .40 caliber, or .45 ACP, like the Glock
19, M&P .40, a Colt-style Commander, or many other pistols with a
three to four inch barrel from Springfield Armory, Glock, Smith &
Wesson, and many others
You and your partner will also
need a comfortable holster, additional magazines (for a pistol) or
several speed loaders/speed strips (for a revolver), ammunition, and
cleaning supplies for your handguns.
Notice, it's plural because each of you carry a defensive handgun.
Once these self defense weapons are acquired, you may decide to purchase a rifle, to protect the nation.
Like a handgun, a rifle will require several items to be effective, ammunition, a sling, cleaning supplies, and ...Kit.
The Belt
First, you need a belt or a vest to carry
your kit. The belt can be an ordinary heavy duty leather belt, a thick
cotton web belt, or a nylon web belt.
 |
source
U.S. Navy
|
Ammunition Pouches
Next, pouches designed to hold ammunition are attached to the belt.
 |
source
German Federal Archives
|
These ammunition pouches can be form
fitting for a specific magazine, such as the Nazis Soldier on the right;
a leather 'box' to hold loaded stripper clips or individual cartridges,
like the Soldier in the center; or a pouch large enough to hold a
variety of ammunition.
Canteen Pouches
The
next pouch to be attached to the belt is a pouch to hold a water supply
(canteens full of water). These pouches are usually carried on the rear
of the belt.
 |
photograph by
Spc. Glenn W. Suggs
|
These pouches can be form fitting for a
specific canteen or a large pouch to hold various water 'bottles.' The
pouches can also carry a nested canteen cup and a canteen cup stove.
Once,
all of these items are attached to the belt, the assembled equipment
can become heavily loaded with ammunition and water, so various nations
have developed ...
Suspenders
Just
like pant's suspenders, they attach to the heavy leather belt, thick
cotton belt, or nylon wed belt to keep the belt from falling down.
 |
source
United States Information Agency
|
Just so you know, the British call it a yoke.
Basic Equipment
Just to restate, all you really need for your defensive rifle, to protect the nation, is a ...
 |
photograph by
MKFI
|
Other Pouches
There are
general pouches to carry extra socks, a poncho with poncho liner, extra
food and ammunition. It is usually called a butt pack. It is attached
between the two canteens, by the ... butt ; - )
 |
photograph by
PFC John F. Freund
|
The belt can also carry specialized
pouches for equipment such as a protective mask, night-vision monocular,
or a medical kit. These pouches are usually attached between the
ammunition pouches and the canteens.
 |
source
World War II Signal Corps Collection
|
Other Stuff
Lastly,
there are additional items that can be carried on the belt or
suspenders. Some of them are equipment, like a bayonet (large knife)
that attach to the belt. Some of them are ... Hand Grenades that are
carried in specialized pockets on the ammunition pouches or carried on
the suspenders.
 |
Source
United States Army Heritage and Education Center
|
Link:
Wikipedia - All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-purpose_Lightweight_Individual_Carrying_Equipment
15 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday (Kit)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
source
United States Army
|
Yesterday,
I mainly focused on the older style of equipment; a heavy belt,
ammunition pouches, and canteens that you might need for your defensive
rifle. This equipment from various countries are inexpensive and rugged.
Something you and your family could afford, especially when you will
need four or five sets of former military equipment for the family.
Reminder
You
and your family don't 'need' this equipment. You're not going to be
running around in the woods, city streets, or anywhere else defeating
the communist/zombie hordes. Plus, you can always ...
Improvise
I
can't find it, but I had a picture of a guy using a lumber company nail
apron (you know the ones for $2 or $3) as a magazine pouch. He had
placed AR-15 magazines in each of the small pouches then tied it around
his waist.
But, ... I do have a picture of a carrying bag with a shoulder strap holding five AK-47 series rifle magazines.
This
set up would allow you or a family member to carry five pre-loaded
magazines, for a rifle when you leave the protection of your home and
family.
 |
source
Geneva Goheen
|
Someone could also wear the bag when they go on a patrol, too.
Make
You could purchase a yard or two of heavy canvas and create a chest rig similar to this reproduction Rhodesian model.
 |
photograph by
Sunshine Exports
|
 |
photograph by
Sunshine Exports
|
 |
photograph by
Sunshine Exports
|
 |
photograph by
Sunshine Exports
|
Another
Here is another Rhodesian-type chest rig created by 101ABN327 from AR-15.com
 |
source
AR-15.com |
Just in case, you are wondering, the Rhodesian military wore them, like this ...
 |
Rhodesian Army Reenactor
wearing typical gear for the Rhodesian Bush War
source
|
SKS Rifle
Needless to say,
since you followed my suggestions by buying an inexpensive semiautomatic
rifle that doesn't need lots of expensive magazines and plan to
evacuate during a civil war. All you need is an inexpensive system to
hold a few loaded stripper clips.
Just like the Communist Chinese and North Vietnamese.
 |
source
Internet Movie Firearms Database
|
Modify
Another method, that
you could use, is to modify an existing 'chest rig' from a foreign
country, like this captured Chinese rig, during the Vietnam War.
Ooops, I can't download the picture, so here is a link for an article, from Spike, at Alpha Rubicon, about his efforts.
Link:
Alpha Rubicon - *Updated ChiCom AK Chest Pouch with Mods *
http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/chicomakchestpouchspike.htm
YouTube
Of course, there are many people that are willing to share videos about their efforts to outfit their families, with kit.
Link:
YouTube: LefteyeRighthand -
Chicom Chest Rig Modification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHo_gROUCc
YouTube: TheBrackishCoast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0mEU06yPKQ
YouTube: MisterSoul99 - Tactical Chest Rig for $12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M43h_Aip4PM
Combat Vests
As
you can tell, from the pictures, I have been writing about the older
equipment (belt, ammo pouches, and canteens) that you and your partner
can use to economically outfit your family with kit.
But, ... There is newer equipment that you can use.
 |
photograph by
Daniel Maleck Lewy
|
21 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Fighting Load Vest)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Staff Sgt. Russell Klika
|
Expensive
Before I
begin, there are many companies manufacturing and selling chest rigs
for you and your family. Some of this kit costs over $300, almost as
expensive as an inexpensive handgun. There are other companies selling
inexpensive kit that is only good for non-tactical use, such as Airsoft
or reenactors.
So, ... Make sure you do an internet
search for reviews, if you decide to purchase new private label or
non-surplus tactical gear.
Load Bearing Vest, Type III
Many
years ago, these United States' military started looking at a different
system, instead of A.L.I.C.E. equipment. The military, first, tried a
modified ALICE called something like Load Bearing Vest Type III. It was
supposed to be an improvement over the 1960s - 1990s ALICE equipment.
 |
Load Bearing Vest, Type III
photograph by
|
It sucked.
There were too
many straps, the magazine pouches couldn't be moved, the shoulder
straps (yoke) was too wide, and it required a belt to carry canteens.
Plus, it was difficult to put on and remove, compared to the ALICE gear.
Oooh, they are really, really inexpensive because nobody wants them.
Fighting Load Vest
Within
the last 10 to 20 years, these United States' military developed,
tested, and issued a tactical vest. The vest is designed to carry the
various pouches that a Soldier, Marine, Airmen, Guardian, or Sailor
would need for combat.
This vest got rid of the heavy
web belt and suspenders, from the old gear. You will see them in three
or four different color schemes, Woodland (light and dark green, brown,
and black camouflage), Desert (light and dark brown camouflage), Coyote
(medium brown), and ACU (three shades of gray, in a digital pattern)
Oooh, ... There might be a fifth, ABU and a sixth, known as Multicam.
But, ... I haven't seen any of the last two, in person or in the news.
 |
Fighting Load Vest
photograph by
|
As you can see, the vest has rows of
webbing to hold the various pouches (ammunition, canteens, grenade,
dump, IFAK (individual first-aid kit), compass, night vision devices,
and many others). When properly used, this webbing reduces the amount of
bouncing caused by running around when compared to the older belt with
suspenders kit.
Needless to say, the British have a vest system, too
 |
source
The British Army/Ministry of Defense
|
 |
source
Steve Dock/MOD
|
As you can see, the British system is very similar to these United States' military system.
Why?
Believe
it or not, the last few days articles started when I talked to a guy,
about dyeing some kit (tactical gear) for my family and friends.
But, ...
You'll have to wait until tomorrow to hear the rest of the story.
Link:
YouTube: Strike Hard Gear -
Tactical Gear Tutorial Alice, Molle, Pals, Wire Hanger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWKHnZpJ4To
Recoil: Offgrid - MOLLE and PALS: What’s the Difference?
https://offgridweb.com/preparation/molle-and-pals-whats-the-difference/
YouTube: The HossUSMC - PALS vs. MOLLE, What's the Difference?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xttIsxk7KYk
YouTube: OVERCLOCK3D, CPO -
Proper MOLLE (PALS) Gear Attachment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZIqI79Hsk
YouTube: Alberta Bushcrafter -
4 Ways to Weave MOLLE Gear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkbpTNo1YjY
22 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday (Fighting Load Vest)
Welcome Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Ed Edahl
|
Philosophy and Needs
Remember, as non-combatants, you and your family are going to evacuate, not get into a gunfight!
Next, the most important items and supplies, you and your family need to purchase are ...
* Appropriate Alternative Shelter (waterproof tarps, cordage, family-sized tent, blankets, sleeping bags)
* Fire Making Material, Fire Starter
* Water, Water Storage Containers, Water Treatment Supplies, Water Treatment Equipment
*
The Bagged, Bottled, Boxed, Canned, and Frozen Food your family
normally eats, Long-Term Food Storage, Supplies to Preserve more food
* Required Medications, First-Aid Kit, First-Aid Manual
* And, Much More!
... before purchasing any tactical gear.
Fairy Tales and Military Stories
You know the difference between a fairy tale and a military story. A military story starts with, ...
There I was
I was visiting the military surplus store,
ArmyGear.Net
while I was traveling for work. I had bought stuff from them on-line
and wanted to see what they had in their Columbia, Missouri store
While
I was there, I was talking to 'Joe' about dyeing the newer ACU (three
shades of gray) pattern gear to a better color, such as green or brown.
Well, ... He mentioned that he had done an internet search, talked with friends, and ...
Picked a color.
Trigger Warning
If you are former military,
especially a First Sergeant or Sergeant Major, do not read anymore. It
will drive you crazy because ... Nothing Matches
The First Recipe
2 * Apple Green (the whole bottle)
1 * Golden Yellow (two to three ounce)
1 * Dark Brown (one to two ounces)
First, soak the pouches in three gallons of water with one cup of vinegar, for about 30 minutes
Second,
bring three gallons of water to 175 °F (80 °C) then add two bottles of
Apple Green, two to three ounces of Golden Yellow, and 1 ounce of Dark
Brown, to the water and stir to mix.
Next, place the soaked pouches in the dye mix for at least 30 minutes. Keep the water hot
 |
Magazine Pouches in ABU and ACU
(front)
|
 |
Magazine Pouches in ABU and ACU
(back)
|
 |
Magazine Pouches with Buckles
dyed with first recipe
|
 |
Magazine Pouches with Velcro
dyed with first recipe
|
The Second Recipe
Add 3 ounces of Dark Brown
I
didn't like the look of the first recipe, so I added another three
ounces of Dark Brown to the already used dye mix, soaked the next batch
in vinegar water, and dyed them for over 30 minutes.
 |
Magazine Pouches in ACU
(back and front)
|
 |
Magazine Pouches
(dyed with second recipe)
|
Another Source for Kit
'Joe'
and I also talked about the possibility that surplus tactical gear in
ACU (Army Combat Uniform) would become very cheap, since these United
States' Army is switching to a new pattern of camouflage.
So, ... I hunted around for better deals on-line.
I found several, but the best one was
Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet. This on-line store is an offshoot of
Government Liquidation. Both sell government surplus items. Uncle Sam's ... is a retail store while Government ... is an auction.
 |
| A Pile of Kit |
When you look at Uncle Sam's ..., you will notice that some items have free shipping, especially smaller items, such as
canteen/general purpose pouches,
double magazine pouches,
three magazine side by side pouches,
IFAK pouches.
Needless to say, their inventory constantly changes in amount and items.
The Third Recipe
2 * Kelly Green
1 * Coca Brown (two to three ounces)
Just
like last time, I soaked the items in a water/vinegar solution (one cup
vinegar to three gallons of water) for at least 30 minutes, heated a
pot of water to around 175 °F (80 °C) then added the dye (two bottles of
Kelly Green and two to three ounces of Light Brown) to the hot water.
Lastly, I added the kit items to the dye bath and let sit for at least
30 minutes.
 |
Canteen/General Purpose Pouches in ACU
(front and back)
|
Now, I'm
cheap frugal, so I try to save a buck when I can, so I reused the dye bath and processed a second set of kit.
 |
Three Magazine Side by Side Pouches in ACU
(back and front)
|
They didn't turn out like I wanted.
The canteen pouches were too green while the magazine pouches were not green enough.
 |
Canteen and Magazine Pouches in ACU
with undyed ABU pouches for comparison
|
 |
Canteen Pouches
(close up)
|
 |
Magazine Pouches
(close up)
|
Purpose
By now, some of y'all's eyes have glazed over with all the different dyeing recipes.
Well,
... It is important to remember that camouflage is dependent on the
colors in your area of the world. Some folks are going to want the
browns while others are going to want the greens while others are going
to want a mix of browns and greens.
The Fourth Recipe (Wash)
1 * Coca Brown
Like all the others, before I began, I soaked the kit in a vinegar/water solution for at least thirty minutes.
Why?
I
don't know but 'Joe' had suggested it. Plus, the dye's directions said
to add vinegar for nylon and salt for cotton to make the dyeing go
better.
Next, I filled a large pot with water and heated it to about 175 °F (80 °C).
Why?
'Joe' and the directions, again.
Next, I added the remaining Coca Brown to the water, to make the dye mix.
Why?
I'm trying to darken the too green canteen pouches and the not green enough magazine pouches.
 |
| Too Green Canteen Pouches |
 |
| Not Green Enough Magazine Pouches |
I also dyed four Airman Battle Uniform S.A.W. ammunition pouches, from this ...
 |
| Squad Automatic Weapon Ammunition Pouches |
To this ...
 |
| Canteen and Ammunition Pouches |
As you can see, the Coca Brown 'wash' darkened all of the pouches, so they will blend in with my local environment.
The Future
Now, all I need to do is find a Woodland, Desert, or Coyote fighting load vest or purchase a 'Battle/War' belt rig for a place to attach all the pouches ; - )
Link:
US Grunt Gear - Infidel Padded War Belt
http://usgruntgear.com/inpawarbe.html
Tactical Gun Review - 5 Unique Battle Belts for Your Consideration
http://tacticalgunreview.com/staff-review-battle-belts/
ITS Tactical.com: forum/ - Battle Belts
http://itstactical.com/forum/index.php?/topic/1758-battle-belts/
AR-15.com - War Belt/1st Line Picture Thread (Page 1 of 145)
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_10/285299_War_Belt_1st_Line_Picture_Thread.html
YouTube: Danny Ducet -
Battle Belt - War Belt Set-up. HSGI, ESSTAC, EMDOM, Safariland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAWEjUS7aiY
28 October, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
Survival Blog
Have you seen
this article? If you haven't, I want you to go read it then come back.
Wow, double or triple your investment. Isn't that cool?
But, ... Wait a minute.
First,
do you really think Ms. Hillary Rodham-Clinton will 'allow' you and
your family to keep those purchases that you made with a traceable
credit card?
Second, do you have your other preps, squared away? Such as water containers, medium-term food, and other more important stuff?
Third,
like any other event, do you really think 'surging' (quickly getting
supplies, before the event) works? What happens when you're not the
first in line?
Just so you know, that article has been around for four days! It has shown up on sites that never link to Survival Blog
Next,
... What keeps the retailers from jacking up their prices, like Cheaper
Than Dirt, one minute/hour/day before the election?
Just so you know, some 5.56mm has increased from $375 to $419 for a thousand rounds, already.
Lastly,
... Do you and your family really have the 'extra' money to invest
because this is what this article is about, investing.
The Survivalist Blog
Have you seen these two articles? (
One and
Two) If you haven't, go read them and come back.
First,
these are outdated plans. Both shelters don't have a high enough
protection factor. In a large scale nuclear war (Heck, even a small one)
you and your family will need from three to ten feet of dirt covering
the shelter for y'all to survive.
Second, these designs are expensive. Not as expensive as a Radius Defense shelter (
E-10)
Oops, it looks like they went out of business
Third, have you and your partner read
Nuclear War Survival Skills
Links:
Preparedness Advice Blog - Protection Factors in Nuclear Emergency’s
http://preparednessadvice.com/nuclear/protection-factors-in-nuclear-emergencys/
Preparedness Advice Blog - Nuclear Terrorism and a New Study on How to Protect Yourself
http://preparednessadvice.com/nuclear/nuclear-terrorism-new-study-protect/
Note:
The link is bad in the article, so here it is.
Link:
National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center - Key Response Planning Factors for the Aftermath of Nuclear Terrorism
https://narac.llnl.gov/content/mods/publications/external-references/LLNL-TR-410067.pdf
Preparedness Advice Blog - Nuclear Fallout and (EMP) Electromagnetic Pulse
http://preparednessadvice.com/nuclear/nuclear-fallout-emp-electromagnetic-pulse/
Preparedness Advice Blog - 7 Things You Need to Know to Survive a Nuclear Incident
http://preparednessadvice.com/uncategorized/7-things-to-survive-a-nuclear-incident/
Preparedness Advice Blog - Old Civil Defense Radiation Detectors
http://preparednessadvice.com/nuclear/old-civil-defense-radiation-detectors/
Note:
Here is a link to the book, mentioned at the end of the article
U.S. Crow - Radiation Safety in Shelters
https://uscrow.org/downloads/survival/RadiationSafetyInShelters.pdf
Preparedness Advice Blog - 10 Preps For Your Nuclear-Event Go Bag
http://preparednessadvice.com/nuclear/build-a-nuclear-go-bag/
4 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Weather)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
muffinn
|
In the Beginning
A few years
ago, I was over at io9, my favorite science fiction/science website, and
I happened on an article about clouds. Of course, that got me to
thinking about weather and climate (No, this isn't about global climatic
change) and how do my family and I predict the weather without the
local radio, television, or internet weatherperson, helping us.
Link:
io9 - Why Are There Clouds And How Do They Form?
http://io9.gizmodo.com/why-are-there-clouds-and-how-do-they-form-1699335326
West to East, Kind'a
First, generally, the weather in the states to our west will be the weather we get in a few days.
So, without being able to call someone, to the west, we have to look at the clouds.
Before Rain or Snow
Cirrostratus - 12 to 24 hours before rain or snow ...
 |
photograph by
Famartin
|
O.K. I was going to repeat everything that was written in these
three four links. Instead, you get to go read them, yourself.
P.S.
You might want to take notes for your prepper
bible journal.
Link:
Weather Wiz Kids - Clouds
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-clouds.htm
Section Hiker -
How to Predict the Weather using Clouds
http://sectionhiker.com/predicting-the-weather-using-clouds/
WNCT: Weather - How To Tell The Weather By Looking At The Clouds
http://wnct.com/blog/2015/08/25/how-to-tell-the-weather-by-looking-at-the-clouds/
Live Science - Gallery: Reading the Clouds
http://www.livescience.com/29545-gallery-reading-the-clouds.html
Instruments
Now,
I know, you and your family don't have the money or the personnel to
monitor or maintain a weather satellite, but you may have the money and
material to improvise several weather instruments.
Once you have these items, you're going to need to learn how to use them.
The
first item you need is a barometer. This instrument is used to measure
air pressure. If you know the air pressure and whether it is rising or
falling, you can predict the weather.
See, there are
phenomena called High Pressure Systems. A high pressure system rotates
in a clockwise direction, in the Northern Hemisphere, and counter
clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. It is characterized by clear skies
and calm weather. A high pressure system will also have higher
temperatures during the day and lower temperatures at night because
there is no cloud cover to keep the sun from warming the ground and keep
the warmth in at night.
The other weather phenomena is
called a Low Pressure System. A low pressure system rotates counter
clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern
Hemisphere. It is characterized by clouds, precipitation, and storms. As
you can see, the low pressure system is opposite, so the temperature
differences won't be as extreme, during the day, because of the clouds.
Needless to say, these two pressure systems don't mix to cause a Medium Pressure System. They stay separated and form fronts.
There are three types of fronts, Warm, Cold, and Occluded
Cold Fronts are characterized by some hard showers and thunderstorms with cooler, drier air in its wake.
Warm
fronts will have thin, wispy cirrus clouds (36 to 48 hours before the
warm front arrives) with a halo around the sun or moon. As the warm
front advances, it will get wetter with a steady light rain, turning to
steady rain as the front moves through the area.
Occluded Fronts? You need to read the links ; - )
Now,
the other weather instruments can be used to determine which front is
coming through because the wind direction (wind vane) will change, the
temperature will increase/decrease (thermometer), and the rain gauge
will fill up faster or slower.
That's about it.
Oooh, You're also going to need a ...
Link:
Weather Wiz Kids - Weather Instruments
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-instruments.htm
Royal Meterorlogical Society - Simple Weather Measurements at School and Home
https://www.rmets.org/sites/default/files/pdf/simweameasurements.pdf
NOAA - Build Your Own Weather Station
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/for_fun/BuildyourownWeatherStation.pdf
Scholastic: Teacher - Gather Data: Experiment with Weather
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwatch/gather_data/
About.com: Geography - Low and High Pressure
http://geography.about.com/od/climate/a/highlowpressure.htm
MET Office - High and Low Pressure
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/highs-and-lows/pressure
MET Office - Weather Fronts
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/learn-about-the-weather/how-weather-works/weather-fronts
Live Science - Weather Fronts: Definition & Facts
http://www.livescience.com/39004-weather-fronts-definition-facts.html
Notebook
Of course, there is a difference between weather and climate. Climate is what you expect while weather is what you get.
So,
... You need to keep a notebook to organize your data (meteorologists
collect data about the weather), so you can use it to help your family
to predict the weather next year, next decade, and next century.
Link:
About.com: Education - What Is a Meteorologist?
http://weather.about.com/od/weatherfaqs/f/meteorologist.htm
What Others Said
O.K. I remembered an article, over at Survival Blog, about weather prediction, from a few years ago.
So, ... There they are.
Link:
Survival Blog: The Old Farmer - Forecasting the Weather in a Grid-Down Situation
https://survivalblog.com/forecasting_the_weather_in_a_g/
Survival Blog - Letter Re: Forecasting the Weather in a Grid-Down Situation
https://survivalblog.com/letter_re_forecasting_the_weat/
11 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Veterans' Day)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Sgt. Randall A. Clinton
|
Veterans' Day
Today, in these United States, we honor the men and women that are serving and have served in our country's armed forces.
So, ... Thank you for your service to our country!
Link:
History.com - Veterans Day
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day
Armistice Day
We
are not the only country that remembers the slaughter that was called
World War One. The United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and many others
remember the sacrifice their citizens made during the Great War.
Link:
International Business Times - What Is Armistice Day? ...
http://www.ibtimes.com/what-armistice-day-facts-about-world-war-i-holiday-how-it-differs-veterans-day-2444634
Wikipedia - Armistice Day
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day
12 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday (Firearms)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Edward
|
Handguns and Rifles
Last
Saturday, Jumper (my brother) called me from a gun show. Ya, the man
that would rather jump out of an aeroplane then go to work.
He
was looking to buy a handgun. It seems, they will be moving to a bigger
city, so they can be closer to his partner's family. The bigger city,
docile now, has been violent in the past, so he was being proactive
about their protection.
First, his limit was $400, and he was dead set on buying a 9mm pistol. No, .357 magnum revolver for him.
Second, he didn't know what he wanted. He just walked in and started looking.
Third, he ended up buying an AR-15 lower receiver for about $90.
The Conversation
Me, "What do you want?"
Him, "I don't know"
Me, "How big is your budget?"
Him, "$400 and I want something that can use other magazines"
Me, "So, you want a pistol?"
"Yes"
Me, "How about a Ruger? The SR-9 runs about $400 with magazines going for $30"
Him, "How about something cheaper? Oh, it has to be highpower"
"Browning
Hi Powers are expensive. They run over $900, but you can get something
cheaper by buying a clone, usually a FEG, Argentinian FM Hi Power, or
.."
Him, "No, I mean, the pistol can shoot high powered rounds"
Me, shaking my head, "You mean +P rounds."
"Yeah, that's what I meant"
Me, "You know you could save your money and buy a Glock for just under $600? The Glock 19 can take Glock 17 magazines"
Him, "But, my hands are small"
Me,
"Well, you need to look around some more before buying a pistol. Plus,
you're not moving, yet. So, I'll send you some websites to look at"
Him, "Thanks."
Me, "So, why did you buy the lower receiver?"
Him, "I wanted to get one before they went up in price, like last time"
The
conversation lasted another 30 minutes, as he drove home. We talked
about a lot of different things. One of them was me dying and him
inheriting my guns. Of course, I told him I don't own any guns.
He laughed, Jumper was in the Army, so he understood.
Lessons
Get the handgun, first. You need personal protection all the time.
Second,
really first, is to test out different firearms. Try Springfield's XDs,
Smith & Wesson's M&P-9, Glock's 19, 26, and other offerings
(Polish Makarov (P-64),
Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZ-75), Hi Point (C9), Canik 55, and many others before buying.
Third, ask around. Folks know of places to get a handgun cheaper, like
CDNN,
Southern Ohio Guns,
Classic Firearms,
AIM Surplus,
J&G Sales, and ... the local firearms dealers.
Oooh, don't forget to ask your extended family. They may be willing to give you a 'deal' because you're family ; - )
Fourth, don't wait to buy your firearms. Get them as soon as possible, once you see the need.
Of course, just don't go out and buy any old handgun. Take the time to find the 'just right' handgun for you and your family.
Link:
U.S. Concealed Carry - Break the Bank? Inexpensive Handguns
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/break-bank-inexpensive-handguns/
Election
As we are seeing, the so-called 'Special Snowflakes' (
WeaponsMan), 'Hippies' (
Say Uncle),
and plain ol' rioters, criminals, and thugs are at it again, breaking
windows, burning cars, and attacking other people. So, ... Remember
1. Don't Be There
2. Be Armed with a concealable pistol and spare magazines
3. Have Many, Many Friends and Family (with firearms) Hunkered Down, Avoiding Trouble
4.
Don't Get Complacent. You still need to be acquiring defensive weapons,
ammunition, and other supplies and equipment because things can go
south, very quickly.
Talk to you on Monday. ; - )
18 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
source
The Luck of Lingborough and Other Tales
|
Not Over
I am breathing a sigh of relief that Mr. Trump was elected president of these United States.
But, ... I am also continuing to prepare for the tough times ahead, so should you and your family.
Christ's Mass
The so-called gift giving season is fast approaching with (That's Racist!) 'Black Friday' next week.
Here are some gift ideas for the preppers in your family.
 |
source
Brigandicoin.com
|
Under $10
* 550-style cord (Braided Nylon Rope)
Add a paracord side release buckle, and the person can make their very own 'survival' bracelet.
* 8X10 Plastic Tarp
Add some nylon twine, and the person can create an improvised shelter for camping, this winter
 |
source
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing
|
Under $20
* Ferro Rod (Fire Steel)
For
a few bucks more, you can purchase a Spark Force Firestarter or a
Swedish Firesteeel - Army Model (Military = 12,000 strikes and Scout =
3,000 strikes)
* Mora of Sweden Companion Knife
This
knife comes in a variety of colors, so you can get a 'special' color
for that special person that likes O.D. Green, Magenta, Limeish Green,
Blue, and others (depending on availability
* Lifestraw
A personal water filter, designed for the developing world. Need I say more?
 |
source
Red Devil
|
Under $50
* MOLLE Riflemans Vest Set
Make sure to purchase surplus military equipment, not knock-offs.
* Two Ounce of Silver (U.S. Silver Eagles or Canadian Silver Maple Leaves)
Or, .. buy two and give one as a present ; - )
 |
source
Jmbyrd86
|
Priceless
* a
homemade 'coupon' booklet for ... washing dishes, taking out the trash,
vacuuming the car, racking the leaves, and many other tasks
*
a homemade 'get of of jail' booklet for ... a "C" grade in one academic
subject, stay up 30 minutes past bedtime, one missed chore, and many
others
* a library card for you, your partner, and your children with a family visit to the library, every week
* a family game night, once a week
* turning off the television, electronic games, and other distractions, all the time
Note:
Remember, the reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus.
Not to spend money on unneeded and unwanted gifts for family and friends.
P.S.
If you happen to have a prepping kind'a gift, that you would like to suggest, please leave a comment, ... in the comments ; - )
19 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff, on a Saturday
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Юкатан
|
Mr. Donald Trump
For some
folks, the President-Elect is (how can I politely say it) evil
incarnate, and they are having a hard time with the recent election.
Well, ... It's been 10 days.
io9
I have enjoyed this website for many years, but I'm tried of this ...
Link:
io9 -
Arrival Is the Science Fiction Film I Desperately Needed to See
http://io9.gizmodo.com/arrival-is-the-science-fiction-film-i-desperately-neede-1789062673
Gone
No
longer will you see links from io9 and their companion websites (unless
it's a really, really, really great article) because I'm tired of
writers ...blah, blah, blah
In other words, they are worse than Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and many others when President Obama was elected.
Christ Mass
With that said, I would like to suggest several 'gifts' for you.
 |
photograph by
Cpl. Johnathan D. Herring
|
Stop
Seriously, are you still
smoking cigarettes, failing to buckle up, over consuming alcohol, and
doing many other unhealthy habits?
You need to stop
Stop, Again
Next,
are you borrowing money from 'payday' lenders, carrying a balance on
the credit cards, over extended on loans, living paycheck to paycheck,
and making many other poor financial choices?
You need to stop, again
Stop, a Third Time
How about ...
Ignoring your partner, children, and parents?
Staying up late, not getting enough sleep?
Ignoring your health, mental and physical?
Watching television?
All these and more, you need to stop
25 November, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
Uncle Sam’s Thanksgiving Dinner (ca 1869)
illustration by
Thomas Nest
|
Throw Away
Just so you know, this blurb might be a 'throw away,' something of little substance, but ... we'll see.
Family and the Holidays
We
currently have a home full of family and friends which is a joy for
Katniss, even though; she is doing three and four times the cooking (and
she and the children have been cleaning like mad for the last week ; - )
But,
... It has given us, the extended family, a chance to practice some of
our plans for bugging out (emergency evacuation). Some of the things, we
have learned (so far):
* Not enough towels - Yeah, we only have four towels, so I have been having to wash towels, a lot more often
*
Easy access - We store blankets in the hall closet. Well, two midnight
knocks on our bedroom door has us thinking where to store other similar
items, in the future.
* Cages - One family has two
Boxers. They lost one cage, so we had to improvise a crate until they
can purchase another one, after Thanksgiving.
* Parking
- With all the other families having guests, the street leading into
the cul-de-sac and the cul-de-sac itself have become inundated with
SUVs, mini-Vans, and other large family vehicles.
*
Sleeping arrangements - Mass all of the children into one room, the
greatroom, the adult couples share our children's queen-sized beds, and
Katniss and I stay in the master bedroom ; - )
Now, what to do when the children become adults with their own families?
*
Bathrooms - I'll say it now. If you are planning to be the host family,
for whatever reason, you need more toilets and more toilet paper then
showers or bathtubs.
* Chores - A five to six day visit
isn't a hassle when it comes to chores because my family 'sucks it up'
to take care of our 'guests,' but a longer visit would require the
families to redistribute the various chores like washing towels and
dishes, trash patrol, cooking (It's not just for the gals ; - ),
shopping, walking the dogs, and many other tasks. (locking up, after
everyone is in bed)
* Routes - For family that have
come a long way, their travel (emergency evacuation) routes have changed
from two lane roads with a few small businesses to four lane divided
roads with traffic lights and big box stores with the resulting traffic.
Something to Think About
Needless to say, we got to talking about prepping, so ...
Loaners - How do family members defend themselves, if they show up with nothing but the clothes on their backs?
Food
- How long does a year supply of food, for a family of four last when
you're trying to feed three more families (a total of 16 people)?
Housing - Who lives in tents and who lives in the house?
Financing - How do we pay for the upkeep?
Sanitation - What happens if/when the toilets don't flush?
2 December, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Tim Green
|
Focus/Priorities
This is the
first Friday, in the last month of the year. In other words, we have
four weeks until New Year's resolutions have to be made. Ha, ha, ha.
Of course, most resolutions will be unmet by the second week of January, for several reasons.
First,
most people make too many resolutions, trying to completely change
their life in one year. To prevent this, I suggest, making just one
resolution and only one.
Work on this single resolution, really hard, for at least two months.
Second,
most people don't stick with it. They let a little set back snowball
then admit defeat. In other words, you're going to sick with it, and
never admit defeat.
Third, people make too big of a resolution.
So, ... They need to make smaller, intermediate steps to get to the big one.
Fourth,
many people word the resolution the wrong way. They word it as a
negative or a negative idea, like "I'll eat less to lose weight" instead
of a positive like "I'll eat better, to lose weight."
Lastly, just don't make any resolutions. Ha, ha, ha.
Instead, focus on priorities
Emergency Evacuation Kit/Bag
I'll tell you again, the easiest method of dealing with a disaster is to leave the area.
Pretty easy, until you start thinking of what to carry ; - )
Shelter
Shelter
depends on the event. A hurricane requires a study shelter, above the
storm surge. A tornado requires a shelter below grade or very sturdy. A
chemical weapons attack, you'll need a flimsy, air tight shelter.
Of course, an economic crisis will require a paid for home.
Water
Repeat
after me, 'One gallon of water, per person, per day.' For some folks,
that's three gallons, for three days, for one person. For other folks,
that's fourteen gallons, for two weeks, for one person. While others
will want to build a rain catchment system, after digging a well with a
solar-powered backup system.
Food
Whether
you buy a few extra days of the regular food your family normally eats,
purchase several cases of dried beans and white rice, or buy a small
five to ten acre 'farm' to have a truck farm, you will soon realize that
food can be the biggest priority or the least important.
Medical
For
most people, preventative medicine (daily exercise, maintaining a
sensible weight, and monitoring salt and sugar consumption) will be all
they need to do. For others, it will be a little more complicated, like
acquiring extra medications.
Of course, building a first-aid kit would make a good New Year resolution.
Protection
Yes, you and your partner need to buy a handgun. Doesn't matter which one, just make sure you get safety training, ... at least.
Communications
For
less than $100, you can purchase an emergency alert radio with battery
backup and an AM/FM battery-powered radio. Don't forget the spare
batteries.
Transportation
Keep your gas tank half full, all the time then buy a good pair of walking shoes, for whey your vehicle breaks down.
Oh, ... Think about getting the emergency road service option from your insurance company.
Fiances
Can you say 'Emergency Fund?'
Doesn't make a difference of how much, $10, $100, or $100,000. Just have one.
Omissions
I left out a lot of stuff, but get the big stuff then worry about the little things.
And, ... Come back to read more.
9 December, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
The first few shooting took
place at unprotected building usually by 'radicalized' individuals or
two-person teams. Lone Wolves, you could say.
It first,
it was random; a synagogue, here; a church, there. Then, the Faithful
wised up and their congregations hired security, sometimes arming
themselves.
Next, since the courts and representative's
offices were protected with armed security, shootings started happening
at unprotected government building, like the DMV, welfare offices, and
government outreach centers.
As always, after each
shooting, government officials, anti-gun organizations, and the usual
race baiters, would call for more 'gun control.' Some states even
enacted these proposals, seizing firearms whenever they could. Either
way, state and local governments started providing armed security to
these soft targets.
After about the twentieth such
shooting, it seemed the problem grew. Shopping malls started getting
attacked by bigger teams, of three or four gunmen.
In
states with strict concealed-carry laws, many people were killed. In
states with liberal concealed-carry laws, the gunmen were stopped after
five or six people had been wounded or killed.
In these liberal states, the 'terrorists' changed their tactics. They started using fire and firearms.
In
most cases, a house fire was set, and the emergency services were
immediately notified. After the firefighters would arrive, the gunmen
would open fire. It was a massacre.
They changed their
tactics when the police started arriving first, to set up security. The
change? The gunmen became arsonists, setting fire to whole
neighborhoods.
Then the real Change began.
At
first, one or two men would drive across state lines and buy a handgun
and ammunition then return home to protect they families. Then women
started arriving in the gunstores.
At first, the State
Police didn't notice because it isn't against the law for a Californian
to buy a handgun in Nevada or a New Yorker to do the same in
Pennsylvania. It's just against state law for these men and women to
take their new possession back home.
Next, the same men returned with their friends to buy more guns. The same happened with the ladies, too.
The
ATFE noticing a trend, as firearms flew off the shelves and out of
display cases in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, and any other states
surrounding a Brady Campaign A+ rated state, notified state and local
officials, doing their federally mandated task.
The
state police started stopping returning residents at the state line,
always checking for illegal guns. The jails quickly filled with this new
brand of criminal.
As the carnage escalated, people from gun-friendly states started
driving across state lines, to visit friends in other gun-friendly
states, with trunks full of guns, ammunition, and magazines, but they
always arrived with empty trunks and full wallets.
The
money, from the full wallets, would be used to buy more guns for the
trip back home, but these new guns would never arrive, either.
In
every case, people bragging about making a hefty profit on these trips
quickly found themselves denied service at local gunstores. Several even
had their merchandise 'stolen' then transported across state lines to
needy families. A few received warnings about their profits and their
health.
The Change quickened when a state police
officer, staffing a remote checkpoint, ignored a sloppily hidden handgun
and ammunition in a young couple's car, as a local police officer
passed a confiscated gun to his father, a sheriff's detective drove her
undercover car to an out of state gunstore and returned home, without
being searched, with several firearms for her sorority sisters from
college, a firefighter excepting a 'loaner' gun from a police officer
friend, ...
16 December, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff (Kit)
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Sarah and Iain
|
Dyeing
A few weeks ago, I was writing about dyeing ACU (
Army Combat Uniform), ABU (
Airman Battle Uniform), and UCP (
Universal Camouflage Pattern) pattern items using Rit dye, both powder and liquid.
Well,
... I was a little flippant about mixing dyes to achieve certain
colors, like O.D. Green, Dark Sand, or other 'tactical' colors, so I
want looking for some formulas.
I found some, but these formula are in tablespoon, so you will need to scale-up to handle larger objects.
Lastly, there is a basic technique, using your stove top, for successful dyeing.
Link:
Rit Studio - ColoRit Color Formula Guide
https://www.ritstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ColorRit_FINAL.pdf
Rit Studio - How to Mix Colors
https://www.ritstudio.com/color-library/how-to-mix-colors/
Rit Studio - How to Dye Using the Stovetop Technique
https://www.ritstudio.com/techniques/the-basics/stovetop-technique/
'Unoffical'
Here are two or three formulas from around the interwed.
AR-15.com: Forums - Olive Drab Rit Dye Formula
https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_17/688861_Olive_Drab_Rit_Dye_Formula.html
Yahoo: Answers - What colors can I combine with rit dye to make olive drab?
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120807001939AAE4uE6
3D-R/C - Welcome to my Rit Dye Color Chart Page
http://mbone.rchomepage.com/color%20chart.html
 |
photograph by
Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger
|
Where
There are a wide range of prices on kit, so here are some sources.
Old Grouch's Military Surplus
MOLLE Rifleman's Vest Set
Charley's Surplus
Vests
Coleman's Military Surplus
British Military Load Bearing Vest
Armygear.net
Major Surplus and Supply
Sportsman's Guide
Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet
MOLLE II Fighting Load Vest
Individual First-Aid Kit Pouch
Canteen Pouch
Note:
They have 'free' shipping on orders over $100
 |
photograph by
U.S. Army
|
'New' and Improved
Needless to say, these United States Army learned the 'old' pattern sucked, except on faded asphalt roads ; - )
Link:
Wikipedia - Scorpion W2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion_W2
Lastly,
Folks, it seems some folks, leftist liberals, are talking about starting a civil war or armed revolution.
So,
... You might want to buy some more water storage containers,
medium-term food storage, ammunition, and other 'We're going to have a
civil war with the unarmed, anti-gun, leftist, liberals.' supplies, just
in case.
'Cause, it's going to suck being them ; - )
23 December, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
photograph by
Wigulf~commonswiki
|
Winter Solstice
The Long Night is over, as the Light pushes back the Dark, enlightening the World.
Sounds racist, doesn't it?
Link:
Wikipedia - Winter Solstice
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
Time
Fill in the blanks, please
There are ____ seconds in a minute, ____ minutes in an hour, and ____ hours in a day.
Lastly, there are ____ days in a week.
Simple, isn't it?
But,
there are ___, ___, and ___ days in a month, with one month having ____
days, every four years which makes one year have ____ days, instead of
____ days.
Pretty neat, if you and your family follow the
Gregorian calendar. A calendar that has been in existence since 1582.
Telling Time
What
happens when the clock stops, the watch battery dies, the cell tower's
back up generator's fuel tank runs empty, the calendar changes, the
television and radio stations go off the air, the electronic church
bells stops chiming, the factory whistle is silent, the trains don't
run, and the people that know about time keeping instruments die?
In
other words, how do you tell when to relieve the person on guard duty,
pick up the children from school, stay awake to start the day, plant
winter and summer crops, go to bed at night, celebrate a birthday, time
contractions for a woman in labor, and all the other tasks that we track
time?
I don't know, but I'm interested ; - )
Changes
The
decision has been made, but we won't know, officially, for another
three weeks whether we have jobs or when the jobs will end.
So
far, one colleague has taken another position as others still look for
meaningful (and highly paid) work. Another colleague is retiring earlier
than expected.
Which means more overtime, as work continues to the end, of time.
Either way, ...
30 December, 2016
Friday's Thoughts and Other Stuff
Dear Preppers and Survivalists,
 |
source
Neujahrswunsche des XV. Jahrhunderts
|
That Time of the Year, Again
Of course, it is almost the end of the year, so some things are going to disappear like the
Volume Two articles. They will be deleted tomorrow to free up space, since Google limits the number of posts, to 1.000 per blog.
I will also start consolidating the
Wednesday blurbs to one or two pages in the archives. The consolidation will also happen to the
Friday articles with the more informative articles saved at their original link.
Changes
Like every other New Year, I will be changing the blog format, just a little.
The
Wednesday blurbs will be added to the Monday (Volume Three) with its
own headings. The heading will be the familiar "Evacuation Kit," Water,"
"Food," and ...
The Friday articles, hopefully, will be more informative with better links.
Lastly, I am thinking about suspending the blog (with minor maintenance) this time next year, Dec '17, maybe ; - )
Reasoning
I have several reasons for suspending the blog.
First,
getting started is very simple. Once you have the basics (evacuation
kit, appropriate shelter, water, food, medical supplies, and ...), you
and your family are finished. Buying all the other
junk stuff is a waste of money.
Second,
my family has moved to a centuries old farm, overgrown and neglected. I
will not have enough time with working at a job, doing improvement
project, and enjoying my family to properly support the efforts here, at
Getting Started in Emergency Preparedness.
Third, the industry is shrinking, for now, so there are no more 'new' preppers.
Lastly, the biggest reason, my writing is getting in the way of my prepping.
New Year's Projects
Health
- I have been neglecting my health these last few years because of
sloth. I am taking steps to correct that flaw by walking one mile, three
times a week (for now) and doing push-ups and sit-ups. I also want to
reduce my weight by 25 pounds by the end of the year 2017.
Food
- I want another year supply of food, in our home, so I will be
ordering some long-term food storage this year. More about how I plan to
do that, later.
Power and Power Production - I have
been concentrating on the basics, like candles and AA batteries. I want
to plan a small photovoltaic system, this year. Needless to say, more
about that later.
Lastly, I want to write and publish two more books, and that takes time.
That's it, for now.
Update: 29 December, 2016
Well, ... That didn't last long.
I tried the 'new' format, and it didn't work. Mixing the Monday and Wednesday articles together didn't work, at least for me.
So, ... Back to the original format.
P.S.
I left next Monday's blurbs, so you will see what I mean.
