Georgia Preppers Network

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2011-12-31T19:11:00.001-08:00

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The Record Heat Waves

2011-07-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

With the record heat waves and drought across the nation, the American Preppers Network hopes that you have been prepared. Disasters of any type can and do happen anywhere, at anytime, and without warning. We are now witnessing and will continue to witness a prime example of how one disaster can cause a chain reaction leading to other disasters. Here are some potential disasters to be aware of as a result of the drought and heat waves.

1) Water shortages. Water is the number 1 most important necessity to survival. The average human can only survive 3 days without water, and even less in a heat wave. I hope you've stored some. If the water system shuts down or does not have enough, you could turn on the tap only to have a few drips. If you run into a situation where there is not enough municipal water supply to your home, start looking for other sources of stored water.

Your hot water tank may have 30 - 50 gallons of water stored.
The top supply tank to your toilette is typically clean water that you can use.
Your plumbing in your house could have a few gallons. Open a higher faucet in your house as in a shower, sink, or upstairs source to relieve pressure, then open a lower outside faucet to retrieve water from your plumbing system.

Don't short change yourself on water! Make sure you have plenty for personal consumption. If you stop sweating, that means you are dehydrated!

Got Water?

2) Heat. Heat poses many risks, including but not limited to:

Heat Stroke. Watch family members closely, especially the elderly, watch for slurred speech and disorientation. When in doubt, call for help. Time lost is brain lost. Never leave pets or children in a vehicle, and keep them out of the direct sun. Drink lots of water.
Fire. Fires are much more common in the heat. Things dry out and become more flammable. Keep dry brush and trash picked up. Do not store fuel in or around your house, and keep well ventilated in a cool area out of the sun. Keep grass cut short, especially if your city is rationing water and not allowing watering of lawns. Do not store any flammables in the direct sun or in your attic.
Vehicle breakdowns. Avoid driving unless it's absolutely necessary, or drive at nite. Check your fluid levels and make sure your oil and coolant are topped off. Bring extra oil and coolant with you in case you need it. DO NOT top off your fuel tank! Make sure your tires are property inflated and not over or under inflated. Bring extra water with you in case you do break down. Drive with the A/C off when going uphill. Watch your vehicles tempature when climbing grades. If your car starts to overheat when going uphill, pull over at a safe location to let it cool. Check to make sure your thermostat is working before you make your trip.

3) Blackouts. The nations grids are maxed out. With everyone using A/C, expect rolling blackouts. If you are in a blackout, you can wrap sleeping bags around your refrigerator or freezer to help insulate it. To conserve power, only use what you absolutely need. Keep lights turned off and keep your A/C set to the warmest temperature that you can safely stand. Do you have a generator? Be prepared to use it. Do you have plenty of non-perishable food stored? If there is an extended blackout, you may need it. Stores and gas stations will be shut down in a blackout. Do you have an emergency battery powered radio and flashlights?

4) Food Prices Expect food prices to increase. Especially meat. Many ranchers are butchering all of there livestock as there is not enough food and water to care for them, this means shortages in the future. Produce crops are drying up. Prices of corn, wheat and other grains will increase. Even produce grown in unaffected areas may increase in price as well due to demand. If the blackouts are too severe, stores, gas stations and truck stops may close down temporarily disrupting the supply chain and preventing food from making it to the stores.

Stay safe during this heat wave and dought. This is a serious and potentially devastating national disaster.

If you have tips, ideas, news, videos or pictures that you wish to share regarding this heat wave you can submit your article to americanprepper@yahoo.com. If your article is chosen we will post it on your states preppers network blog. Top articles will get posted on APN. The top article of the week will win a free flashlantern valued at $49.95 (made in the USA). Articles must be submitted before 7/29.

Feel free to copy and repost this article in it's entirety. Credit source as AmericanPreppersNetwork.com

Here are some free helpful pdf files to download

Fire and Heat Waves
- ARC - Are You Ready - Fire

- ARC - Are You Ready - Heat Wave

- ARC - Are You Ready - Wildfires

- Fact Sheet: Fires

- Fact Sheet: Fire Safe

- WildFires

Water
- ARC - Food and Water in Emergency

- Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water

- How To Make A Solar Still (Plastic Cover)

- Purification Of Water On A Small Scale

- Simple Solar Still For The Production Of Distilled Water

- Slow Sand Filters

- Water Purification

- Water Treatment

Fire Safety

- Fighting Fire

- Fire Safety

Get More Free Downloads here:
http://preppers.info/Free_Downloads.html

Natural water around Georgia

2011-03-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Natural water around Georgia

By: Dizastrous

Rather than go into a long, drawn out story about why I decided to search for locations in Georgia that had natural springs - I will just share what I have found. Perhaps others know of some better sites and can share on here. Just good information for folks to know about where water may be found if needed. Granted, these are not secret locations by any means - but they may also not be widely publiscized either...Just something to print off for your binders at home.

Please add more links/locations if you know of them. Thanks!!

http://www.swimmingholes.org/ga.html
- General information and fairly up to date
http://www.findaspring.com/category/usa/georgia/
- not very robust, but more locations
http://www.hotspringsenthusiast.com/GA.asp
- GA hot springs
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesprings.html
- USGS education on springs

To add to this list go here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=284&t=9708

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Are you paying attention?

2011-03-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Are you paying attention?
By: genxdawg

I hope everyone is paying attention to what is going on in Japan in the aftermath of the devastating 8.9 earthquake and tsunami on Friday. The images and stories coming out of Japan are shocking and heartbreaking. CNN has done a very good job of covering the events and has really attempted to bring the viewer first person accounts of events and has gotten reporters in the areas impacted that are giving up to the minute details of how this tragedy is unfolding.

I tell you all of this to share with you what I've noticed. Everything that we think of when we think of preparedness is happening right now in Japan. Every situation that you may have considered that has motivated you to get ready for when a disaster strikes is playing out in front of our eyes right now.

No electricity. No drinking water. No communications. No sanitation. Food shortages. Shortage of medical supplies. No gasoline. No public transportation. Being stranded away from home with miles of destruction between you and your destination. All of the local stores are empty or destroyed. Mass movements of people away from the devastated and impacted areas.

If that isn't enough to get your attention, this thought ought to drive the point home to you. Japan is a preparedness culture that spends BILLIONS of dollars annually on infrastructure and disaster response in which the population has a very strong help yourself/help thy neighbor spirit and a real sense of social harmony. Still, this country and its people find themselves crippled by this natural disaster.

I would like to mention that I have been overwhelmingly impressed by how the Japanese people have responded to these events. There have been no instances of civil unrest, looting or increased violence or crime reported in the days since the disaster. This speaks to the honor and community of the Japanese people. They understand that actions like those benefit no one in such desperate times.

Unfortunately, our country does not share these preparedness qualities with Japan. For years, the United States just has not made preparedness and strength of infrastructure a priority. Because of this, America is at even greater risk if/when a major calamity strikes.

Simply because you are reading this message, you should count yourself fortunate that you are among the 10 percent (I'm being generous) of the US population that is aware that bad things can and do happen from time to time and because of that fact have chosen to begin to take steps towards readiness for you and your families. I am glad you are here. You are already a step ahead.

The situation in Japan is awful and we all wish everyone over there only the very best as they try to recover from this devastating event. I only urge you to not let their peril and strife pass without you using it to help you gain some understanding of the struggles that can become very real all too quickly.

Take care out there.

To respond to this post please go here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=284&t=9558

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Georgia Preppers Roll Call - All Preppers Please Check In

2011-03-06T21:08:00.001-08:00

The American Preppers Network is conducting a network-wide roll call. Whether you are a member or not please check in and let us know what you are doing to prepare.

This is a good opportunity to network with other preppers near you.

Georgia Preppers, to respond to the roll call please follow this link:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=283&t=9215

Reply to the Roll Call and let us know what you have been doing to prepare.

If you are not yet a member of the forum you can register here for free:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register

Thomasville Georgia Thrives in Hard Times

2011-02-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Success story in Thomasville Georgia.

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How to Use Freshwater Fish for Saltwater Bait

2011-02-06T14:01:00.000-08:00

If you live on the east coast anywhere from Massachusetts to Georgia, chances are you have a saltwater summer flounder season. There are your old stand-by baits like squid and spearing, but if you freshwater fish as well, you can switch up your saltwater fishing bait repertoire with some freshwater bait for some awesome results!

1)Catch some crappies or bluegills

2)Scale the fish using a scaler (see link for example below):

I prefer the type shown in the link, but have not found cheaper one yet. When I find a cheaper one, I will post it for you guys.

3)Once the skin of both sides of the fish is smooth and free of scales, fillet the fish with a 5 to 8 inch stainless steel knife. If you already know how to fillet a fish, fillet it as if you were preparing it for a two fillet meal. DO NOT SKIN THE FILLETS! A filleting example is posted below.

4) Take a fillet, meat part up, and situate it with the thick, upper part (stomach region) of the fillet furthest from you. The thin tail region should be closest towards you. Cut the fillet into long horizontal strips starting from the upper part of the fillet downwards. Do this with both fillets and you will end up with some beautiful looking strip baits as seen in the link below.

5) Hook a crappie or bluegill strip once through the top of the strip onto an English style hook fluke rig. You can add some squid strips and some spearing to make a bait sandwich a summer flounder won't be able to resist!

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Food Storage Prompts Week 4

2011-01-29T10:06:00.001-08:00

This weeks’ preparation suggestion is to assess your basic first aid needs. Band-aids, gauze, calamine lotion, Neosporin, aspirin, Tylenol, cold and cough medicines or your home made substitutes. Gather up unused Ace bandages from long ago sprains, wash them, roll them and put them on a shelf or in a drawer specifically set aside for illness or first aid needs. Old 100% cotton sheets or pillowcases can be washed and cut into homemade bandages and stored in Zip-lock bags to keep them clean. Gather hand splints, foot splints any medical equipment used in the past for injuries and just gathering dust. Having things all in one place will make finding them so much easier!

Below I have shared a first aid kit that contains more than just the basic items to help us be better prepared; use this as a jumping off point and research online to make your home pharmacy and supplies as survival ready as you can.

The information was gleaned from this website:
http://www.equipped.com/survlkit.htm#COMPMEDKIT

Comprehensive Medical Kit
Qty.
Medical Equipment & Supplies
(NOTE: THE FOLLOWING ARE NOT PRIORITIZED)
Bandages and Dressings

20 Adhesive Bandages, elastic knit, 1" x 3"

20 Adhesive Bandages, elastic knit, 3/4" x 3"

4 Adhesive Bandages, foam tape, 2" x 3 1/2"

4 Adhesive Pads, 2" x 3 1/2"

4-3M "Tagaderm" transparent dressings, 2 3/8" x 2 3/4"

10 Adhesive Bandages, Fingertip, elastic knit

10 Adhesive Bandages, Knuckle, elastic knit

8 Adhesive Bandages, spot

2 Eye Pads

20 Gauze Pads, 2" x 2"

8 Gauze Pads, 3" x 3"

8 Gauze Pads, 4" x 4"

6 Non-adherent Pads, 3" x 4"

4 Burn Dressing, 2" x 3"

2 Burn Dressing, 4" x 4"

1 Adhesive Tape, waterproof, 2" x 10 yds.

1 Compress Bandage, 4"

4 Compress Bandages, 2"

2 Gauze Roll Bandages, 2"

2 Triangular Bandage, sterile, 40"

1 Moleskin, 3" x 4"

1 3" Elastic Bandage

Wound Treatment and Infection Management

7 pair Latex Examination Gloves

1-20 cc Irrigation Syringe w/ plastic catheter tip

2 Povidone Iodine Solution 10%, 2 oz. foil packs (to make wound irrigation solution - antiseptic)

1 Betadine (povidone iodine solution - antiseptic), 2 oz. plastic bottle

8 Betadine Swabs, .6 ml ampules (povidone iodine solution - antiseptic)

1 Mastisol (adhesive), 1/2 oz. plastic bottle

10 Cotton Tip Applicators

6 Alcohol towelettes, individual foil pouches

24 Wound Closure Strips, 1/4" x 2"

40 Wound Closure Strips, 1/4" x 4"

1 Super Glue, 2g in applicator

Medical Instruments and Equipment

1 EMT Shears, stainless steel

1 Splinter Forceps

1 Hemostat, curved

1 Tick Forceps

1 Fresnel Lens Magnifier, 1" x 4"

1 Thermometer, standard

1 Thermometer, hypothermia

3 Sutures, assorted

1 Sawyer "Extractor" Venom Pump Kit (removed from plastic case and packed in medical kit pouch) includes:
1 - Venom Pump
4 - Pump Adapter Cups
1 - Disposable Razor
1 - Instruction Pamphlet

Medications

1 Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1 oz. tube

1 "Martin's BurnAway Plus," 2 oz. bottle (burns, stings, bites, minor wounds)

1 Aloe Vera Gel, 1 oz. tube

24 "Tylenol" (acetaminophen 500 mg.) (analgesic)

24 Bufferred Aspirin Tablets, 350 mg. (analgesic)

24 Vicodin ES Tabs (7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 750 mg. acetaminophen) (analgesic) #

24 Ibuprofen, 800 mg. (analgesic) #

12 Zithromax, 250mg Caps (antibiotic) #

12 "Malox Plus" Tabs (antiacid/antigas)

12 "Imodium-AD" (loperamide 2 mg) Caplets (antidiarrheal)

24 Pseudoephedrine, 60 mg. time release (decongestant)

24 Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg.) (antihistamine)

24 Chlorpheniramine 12 mg. time release (antihistamine)

1 "Afrin" Nasal Spray, 1/3 oz. spray bottle (nasal decongestant)

1 "Sting-EZE" Insect Bite Treatment, 1/2 oz. plastic bottle (topical anesthetic)

2 Triamcenolone Cream .5%, 15 gm tube (topical treatment for contact dermatitis (poison ivy, etc), minor burns, skin irritations, etc.) #

2 packages Oral Rehydration Salts (dehydration)

Miscellaneous Items

3 Needles (sewing), assorted sizes

2 Single Edge Razor Blades

10 Safety Pins, assorted sizes

1 Tekna "Splash-Lite" Lithium Battery Flashlight

4 Paper Cups

1 Emergency Medical Guide - "A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine"

1 Outdoor Research "Advanced First Aid Kit" pouch (6 x 11 x 4 inch fitted nylon soft case):
# = Prescription required.
All medications and many medical supplies also have a limited useful life. Keep track of expiration dates and replace as required.

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Food Storage Prompts Week 3

2011-01-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Stock up on laundry detergent, bleach, cleansers or baking soda, ammonia, disinfectant cleaners and wipes. Use your coupons, watch for sales and shop the store that gives you the best prices.
While you are thinking about these types of products…how would you do laundry if you had no electricity?
Many Preppers have a 5 gallon bucket with a plunger type device to help with doing laundry. I have a small hand washer and there is always the old fashioned galvanized tub and rub board.
Bleach is dually useful for cleaning and water purification purposes. If you dislike commercial cleansers then stock large quantities of baking soda for scrubbing items. Disinfectant cleaners and wipes are important to store for keeping areas as clean as possible and for sick room uses. This would be a good time to assess your supply of cleaning cloths, sponges, Brillo pads or whatever your favorite cleaning tools are. It makes the job so much easier if you have your preferred tools to assist you with cleaning.

A few quotes you should all remember

2011-01-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

Some very important quotes we should all remember:

"If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law." - Henry David Thoreau

"The only way to deal with an unfree world, is to become absolutely free, that your very existence is an act of rebellion." - Albert Camus

"There is no Left or Right -- there is only freedom or tyranny. Everything else is an illusion, an obfuscation to keep you confused and silent as the world burns around you." - Philip Brennan

"The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws." - Cornelius Tacitus (55 - 117 A.D.)

To read the more of these quotes follow the link below to A few quotes......
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewforum.php?f=284&sid=21fa272fd43b3f9989814

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State officials shut down a kerosene pump at Eatonton store

2010-12-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

Post by: philandjudi

State officials shut down a kerosene pump at an Eatonton store on Tuesday, because it could be dangerous.
A release from the state Department of Agriculture says the pump at the Long Shoals Country Store on Sparta Highway could be contaminated with gasoline. That could cause an explosion.
The release says the inspectors noticed the problem during a routine checkup. The kerosene was sold during November, the state says.
If you think you bought some of it, you should immediately return it to the store to get your money back.
The release says officials closed the pump until they fix it.
Department of Agriculture inspectors are working with the distributor to find out how many gallons were sold, and are testing other stations that bought kerosene from the same distributor, the release says.

Test small quantity in a spoon and hold match against it, kerosene will not catch fire unless gas is in it.

To reply to this post please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=284&t=7177
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Food Storage Weekly Suggestions

2010-12-30T08:16:00.001-08:00

Many years ago I received a weekly suggestion list of items to buy to help me with my Food Storage program.
It is still a useful reminder and I would like to offer it to Members here to keep us always mindful of adding to, using in a timely manner and replacing items we need and use on a regular basis.

Each week add one item to your regular shopping list. Get a marker for adding the date purchased on items to aid you in rotation. Buy the largest amount you can sensibly afford; but remember that it is better to buy a little and get started with your food storage program than to go into debt or put off any progress until you can afford to buy the whole year’s supply at one time. Very few of us will ever be able to do this. Like the hare and the tortoise…slow and steady wins the race.

Replace items as you use them! Remember these items are IN ADDITION to your regular grocery buys.
If you miss a week, skip to the next week, forget it and don’t get behind; any progress you make will help you be better prepared. Share any “hot buys” and bargains with other members here.

Week One
Get nuts! Drug stores have after Christmas sales on most canned nuts. Dry roasted nuts keep best.
I like to combine week one and two as spices are usually on sale this time of year.

Week Two
Spices, herbs you use most often: Pepper, bay leaves, cinnamon, oregano, chili powder, cloves, ginger, ect.
I have seen many coupons in newspapers for money off on spices and flavorings..clip them and use them to save even more.
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Feds target airline pilot for exposing TSA security sham on YouTube

2010-12-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

A Sacramento-based airline pilot is the subject of a federal investigation for exposing what he says are serious flaws in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) airport security protocols. According to ABC News10 in Sacramento, the 50-year-old pilot who requested to remain anonymous says that TSA applies its strict screening protocols to passengers and even flight crews, but ground crews are freely able to access secure areas with a simple card swipe.

"As you can see, airport security is kind of a farce," the pilot explains in his video, as he shows an entrance to a secure area. "It's only smoke and mirrors so you people believe there is actually something going on here."

The pilot has worked for his airline for more than ten years and had been issued a federal handgun to carry with him in the cockpit. But after blowing the whistle on the serious security breaches taking place at the airport, four federal air marshals and two sheriff's deputies shows up at his house to confiscate the weapon, and they also asked him to give up his state-issued concealed weapon carry permit.

On December 6, the pilot also received a letter from the TSA explaining that "an administrative review into your deputation status as a Federal Flight Deck Officer has been initiated," a move that he believes is a warning from the Feds saying not to mess with the system, unless you want to face the consequences.

According to the same ABC News10 report, the pilot's airline asked him to remove the videos from YouTube shortly after he posted them, but portions of the videos captured as part of the ABC News10 report can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwLG...

Monday, December 27, 2010 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030844_airline_pilot_TSA.html#ixzz19JiD3qDl

Sources for this story include:

http://www.news10.net/news/article....

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Swine flu pandemic outbreak sweeping through Britain even though 70 percent were vaccinated last year

2010-12-27T05:29:00.000-08:00

(NaturalNews) A swine flu pandemic is sweeping through Britain despite the fact that 70 percent of Britain's over-65 population was vaccinated against swine flu last year. This year, that number is nearly the same -- 68.5% -- but flu vaccine proponents insist that until everyone is vaccinated, the flu will continue to infect people.

What these vaccine advocates absolutely will not admit, however, is how many of those who are sick with the flu this year also got vaccinated last year. This little detail is left out of every mainstream media report on vaccines and the flu. They simply refuse to mention this all-important number, leaving readers to leap to the incorrect conclusion that only those who were not vaccinated get sick with the flu.

Most infected patients were previously vaccinated

That assumption is false. In fact, of the 450 critical care beds in England that are now occupied by flu patients, I have no doubt that most of those infected patients are people who received flu vaccines in the past.

Such statistics are never made available to the public or the press, of course. To release such statistics would expose the Great Lie of the vaccine industry: That flu vaccines simply don't work on 99 percent of people!

In fact, the people who are most susceptible to catching the flu are precisely the very same people who get vaccinated. Why is that? Because vaccines weaken the immune system in the long run, leaving you more vulnerable to future infections. They deny your immune system the opportunity to practice its own adaptive response to invading microorganisms or viruses, thereby causing your immune system to atrophy in the same way that a wheelchair-bound person will experience leg muscle atrophy.

The immune system is a lot like a muscle: Use it or lose it!

But flu vaccines provide weakened viruses to the immune system (along with other preservative chemicals that can be extremely dangerous to neurological health). It's sort of like working out your muscles at the gym but having your trainer do all the heavy lifting for you. Obviously you're not going to have very strong muscles in the end because your body won't need to invoke a very strong adaptive response.

The same is true with vaccines and the flu: If your body is exposed to weakened flu viruses year after year, it gets lazy and weak, and when it one day comes into contact with a full-strength virus circulating in the wild, it's not in good enough shape to handle the challenge.

Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Britain

At the same time this is going on, a person who is vitamin D deficient will also have an alarmingly weak immune system response because vitamin D activates the immune system to do its job. In people with extremely low vitamin D levels, even vaccines containing weakened viruses won't solicit an antibody response. But instead of testing patients for vitamin D deficiency and prescribing that with the vaccine, conventional medical doctors and contagious disease authorities robotically urge everyone to just "get multiple vaccine shots" as if following one failed vaccine with yet another failed vaccine will somehow make them both work.

That's idiotic, of course. And the other idiotic thing about all this is that if people had sufficient levels of vitamin D circulating in their blood, they wouldn't need seasonal flu vaccines in the first place! That's because a strong, healthy immune system with lots of circulating vitamin D is universally effective at halting ALL seasonal flu strains, with near 100% success in those with vitamin D levels between 50 - 70 (ng/dL).

The three main reasons behind Britain's flu pandemic

So the real reason Britain is suffering a swine flu pandemic right now is actually three-fold:

#1) It's winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and Britain is so far north (of the equator) that the people living there aren't currently generating any vitamin D whatsoever. This makes virtually the entire British population ridiculously vitamin D deficient throughout the winter.

#2) The majority of the British population has been subjected to flu vaccines in previous years, weakening their immune systems and making them more vulnerable to this year's flu strains.

#3) The flu strain itself is so successful in the wild precisely because so many Britons walk around in chronic states of immune suppression (from vitamin D deficiency, chronic stress, poor dietary habits and so on). This creates a "viral breeding ground" which encourages more rapid virus mutations that make vaccines obsolete anyway.

The question you are not allowed to ask vaccine quacks

The vaccine-pushing quack medical community believes that if they could magically convince 100 percent of the people to get vaccinated, they would have this problem licked. In their own minds, they have unscientifically convinced themselves that a vaccine equals automatic and full protection against a flu virus.

And yet even they won't dare ask this simple question: Of all the people sick from the flu who are right now lying in Britain's hospital beds, what percentage were vaccinated against the flu last year or this year?

The answer to that question will expose the outright fraud of the vaccine industry because the answer is a very large number. No one in the medical industry dares ask that question, of course, because they realize that delving into the actual re-infection rate of flu vaccine recipients would expose their quackery and fraud, causing yet more people to lose faith in vaccines which are, after all, sold based entirely on misplaced faith and clever propaganda.

The flu vaccine propaganda, of course, demands that people never be allowed to collide with the scientific facts about how many people who are vaccinated against the flu still catch the flu anyway. (The flu re-infection rate.) That's why you will NEVER see an honest answer to this question released by hospitals, vaccine companies or vaccine-pushing doctors.

Keep taking your flu jabs, everybody. But don't ask whether they actually work, because that question isn't allowed to be asked in the cult of medicine that dominates the sick-care landscape around the world today.

We wouldn't want actual science to interfere with a really profitable con job now, would we?

Monday, December 27, 2010
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
Editor of NaturalNews.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030845_Britain_swine_flu.html#ixzz19JfOYEgc

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Georgia Preppers Roll Call

2010-11-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Georgia Preppers Network is conducting a Roll Call on our forum. If you are a prepper please check in.

* Here is a link to the Roll Call:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=283&t=6195

You have to be registered to check in. If you aren't registered please join here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register

* If you are a HAM Radio Operator check in here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=143&t=6219

* If you are an A.N.T.S. member please check in here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=618&t=6220

Ideas for BOB Foods

2010-10-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

When Farside and I held our Practice Bug Out Retreat, we each shared ideas on what types of foods we had packed. This may not be a new idea for many, but one never knows, so I am sharing what I often do when planning a campout and want to travel light but still eat familiar foods.

I premeasure oatmeal, salt and powdered milk into a vacuum sealed bag and place a sticker with the information on how much water to add when cooking it. Then I also have a sealed bag with my sugar, raisins and chopped pecans ready to go; a nice familiar feeling breakfast that would give me a lot of comfort if away from home. I also prepackage my loose black tea in homemade tea bags for use. The other sealed bag is a serving of complete Buttermilk pancake mix and a side of home dried blueberries, just add water. Tang breakfast drink rounds out a well balanced meal.

This idea can be used for lots of dried food items to go into your bug out bag. I recently purchased a cookbook called “Dinner Is In The Jar” by Kathy Cook. This book has many recipes for soups and stews using dehydrated vegetables, grains and pasta. With the addition of canned meat or freeze dried meat this would be heaven sent in case of a bug out situation or even a power failure at home. Farside and I kept a pot of water on the campfire continually for coffee or tea and a pot of soup could slowly simmer all day while one is working at other activities.

http://www.dinnerisinthejar.com/ For ordering information.
I plan to work through this cookbook to find recipes, tweak them to our taste that my family will enjoy and vacuum pack meal size amounts for my BOB. Having a home vacuum packer is a great way to assemble foods to carry that are more in keeping with what you are already enjoying on a regular basis. Do some creative brainstorming and see what favorites you can come up with using your vacuum packer to add to your BOB food selections.

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Welcome new members

2010-10-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome our new members:

LesterG

Pleasure to find some like minded people! You can call me Lester. I was hesitant about putting myself out on this internet as one of the prepared, but ya'll seem nice enough, and whats the point of surviving if you've got no one to share the brave new world with?

Welcome our new member by following the link below:
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IRONMAC42

Hello all, I'm Ron, old guy, still working in the northeast metro Atlanta area . My wife and I have been reading a little about prepping and survival for a while now and we have begun in a small way stocking up on food. Looks like we have a long way to go and a lot to learn. I lucked into this site following up on an ebay listing for survival food. I'm excited about the extensive resources and advise available here.

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jsecrist

Hi from Georgia,
Just wanted to say hi and participate in the discussions, learn, and maybe offer my 2 cents worth.
john

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phartech72

Hello my name is April and I am fairly new to prepping. I have been prepping for only a few months and need advice on getting the family(husband and teenage kids) involved. At this point in time they humour me but every day that goes by I feel an urgency to do more and learn more. Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

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Papa Squirrel

Hi everyone-
Brand new to the site, as well as to prepping. My bride and our 5 kids have a cabin on 5 acres in the Waleska/Jasper area of Georgia. We have both agreed that our previous lives were not sustainable, and we have both started learning how to simplify and get out of the rat race. In a sense our quest for simplification and sustainability is part of our retirement planning, with our goal to be to decrease our living expenses and debt so that we require less savings to support a more realistic and infinitely more appealing lifestyle once we do decide to retire. I'm a former Army medic and EMT and now work from home which provides me with a lot of flexibility. Our location has some definite issues when it comes to long-term sustainability and survival preparedness. Water (and not the best quality) only from a deep well, not an abundance of grazing land due to slope and 4/5 of the land with hardwoods, lack of any significant storage (5 kids help see to that) and much much more! But we do have some basics - reliable heating with a large woodstove and lots of hardwoods as mentioned earlier, a quiet out of the way location, great areas for fruit trees, surrounded by wilderness, and lots of potential. We've started tackling all of the issues as money and time allow, but we would definitely welcome the input and wisdom of those with more experience to help us avoid costly mistakes. Looking forward to it!
-Jason

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outnabout

Hello all. Just recently got into prepping, survival skills. Look forward learning from those who have been doing this for a while. Located outside of Atlanta just east of Stone Mtn.

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Eris

I'm Eris. I live in on East Side of Atlanta near Athens. I'm still new to prepping, so I still have a lot to learn. I work in a Library and I am planning on going back to school to get my Masters so I can become a real Librarian. Yeah, odd I know that you have to have a Masters in Library Science to be a real Librarian. It's nice to meet all of you and I am looking forward to learning all that I can.

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keith089

Hello everyone, My name is Mike and I live in Georgia. Served 24 years in the military and now I am retired disabled vet and full time student.
Thanks for having me.

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mickbear

howdy folks i'm new to this forum but not new to preping.central GA

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bgringer912

I'm glad to find this network and am really interested in finding people near me to meet with or talk with about their plans. I am new to this and just started making my plan for my family. Not sure how to prepare...I most want to plan a second location for my family and I to go to as of Sept 2012. Most concerned about Political and Earth Changes come 2012. Thanks! Bonnie

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Your Huckleberry

Hello all. I'm a 37 year old male and I'm a fledgling prepper/survivalist. I'm a prepper on a shoe string budget that the present economy is straining my efforts severely but I accept that and persevere. I'm here to learn and pass on any info or lessons learned that I can. I look forward to getting to know all you, my brothers and sisters in self reliance.

V/R,
Your Huckleberry

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UN says hand them over, will you?

2010-09-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Author cherokeenut

On another site I saw a poll asking what will you do when the blue helmets come to your door asking for your guns. 57% responded "what guns?" 35% responded "go out in blaze of glory". So here's the topic for discussion, realisticly what will you do? Your family is safe and you knew this was coming, do you hand over your weapons thereby opening yourself up to robbery, lie and say you don't have any, or that they were stolen, or pull out the semi-auto from behind your back and give the grunt 5 or 6 rounds?

to post a comment please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4829

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How to Join The Georgia Preppers Network

2010-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Come learn survival, preparedness and sustainable living with us!

The Preppers networks are all about volunteering our knowledge and skills with each other. We share ideas, tips and basically network with each other to survive any type of disaster whether natural, man made, or economic. Information that you learn and share with others will help everyone learn how to find "Freedom Through Teaching Others Self Reliance."

Joining the Georgia Preppers Network is simple, and most of all, it's Free! To join, just follow these few steps.

1) Register to become a member of the American Preppers Network www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net The registration page is here: http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register

2) Once you have your account, go to the index page of the forum and do your first post by introducing yourself in the new members area. http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/index.php

3) Once you know how to do posts, visit the Georgia forum and introduce yourself. The Georgia forum can be found by scrolling to the lower section of the index page where you will find a list of states, or you can go directly by following this URL: www.GeorgiaPreppersNetwork.net

4) After you've visited the Georgia forum, follow this link to learn how to join the Georgia Preppers Network group:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=564&t=2738

APN's success depends on your contributions. If you would like to donate to our organization by becoming a Gold Member you can join the APN Gold Members club by following this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/page.php?p=apn-gold-membership&sid=5b241e92a767cdfbe7a345c54dd55127
Gold Membership is only $5 per month. For a list of Gold Member benefits go here

Thank you for your support!

HERBAL FORMULA #5...PLEURISY ROOT FOR THE LUNGS

2010-06-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

by Moggy

PLEURISY ROOT (Asclepias tuberosa) is for the most part a medicinal herb. It is a diaphoretic (a substance that causes sweating), expectorant; antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, nervine (slightly sedative), tonic and an excellent sweating agent to break up colds, fevers, flu and all bronchial problems...an excellent therapeutic agent for pulmonary catarrh and difficult expectoration.

Native to America and Canada, Pleurisy Root is a perennial plant that produces orange or yellow flowers. American Indian medical practitioners named this herb after the condition it was used to treat; pleurisy. This plant reduces inflammation, relieves spasms in the airways, promotes perspiration, and helps clear the air passages of secretions.
Pleurisy root was used by Native American tribes both internally as a remedy for pulmonary infections and topically to treat wounds. The Eclectic physicians seized upon these ideas and continued to use the plant primarily for lung problems such as pleurisy and pneumonia. It was also used as a diaphoretic for all manner of infections.

For over a thousand years, indigenous North Americans including the Menominee, Delaware, Cherokee, Mohegan, Iroquois, Navajo, Omaha, Rappahannock, and Ponca used pleurisy root for lung and respiratory infections; also for other ailments. Some tribes used the root for rope and weaving.

Some American Indians used to boil the tubers for food, prepare a crude sugar from the flowers and eat the young seed-pods, after boiling them, with buffalo meat. Some of the Canadian tribes used the young shoots as a potherb, after the manner of asparagus.
Pleurisy root can be of benefit for eruptive skin diseases to bring out the rash and bring down the fever...externally a compress of the tea for acute flare-ups of bursitis in shoulders and knee joints...also has a positive, relaxing effect for intestinal disorders such as IBS.

Pleurisy root was an official medicine in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1850 to 1905... it should be avoided for those taking heart medication and by pregnant women. The plant can be found along roadsides, however, it is far better to plant seeds on your own property for two reasons: one to prevent extinction of the plant, and the other so that when the above-ground part of the plant dies back, you will know where it is in the event you need the fresh root in fall or winter.

The roots of most medicinal plants are harvested in the fall, when the top of the plant has died back. Many roots are gathered at the wrong time of year, and are sometimes only 1/3 as potent as they should be. The seed pods contain hundreds of seeds, each with a silky-soft, fluffy parachute that allows the seeds to float in the wind seeking new places to grow. People used to stuff pillows and clothes with the seed fluff and even use them to make lifevests. They also used the seed fluff as wicks in candles.

PLEURISY ROOT INFUSION
from Advanced Treatise in Herbology by Shook

1 ounce Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy root), cut
1 1/4 pints distilled water

Pour boiling water over the herb, cover and allow to stand in a warm place for 20 minutes; then strain.

DOSE: 1/2 teacupful (a little less than 4 oz) in 1/2 teacupful of hot water while patient is closely covered in bed. Repeat dose until free perspiration is produced and apply hot cloths, wrung out of same strength infusion.

This remedy possesses specific action on the lungs, assisting expectoration wonderfully, subdues inflammation rapidly, brings about reabsorption of exudates and exerts a general tonic effect on the whole organism.
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In addition to using the above formula, you can also make a tincture from the pounded root infused in vodka. Dig up the root...clean it well and allow to dry, then pound it so that the chemical constituents will be absorbed by the vodka...place the root in a brown quart jar and fill with 100% vodka. Label, date and put in a cabinet, shaking it once a day for six weeks. In lieu of a brown jar you may use a mason jar that is then placed in a brown bag to prevent light from weakening the herbal medicine.

Dose: 20 to 80 drops in water, 3 times daily.

Description:
http://www.panix.com/~eshelton/wildflow/FLOWERS/plroot/plroot.html

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HERBAL FORMULA #4 - PLANTAIN

2010-04-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

HERBAL FORMULA #4 - PLANTAIN
by Moggy

PLANTAIN (Plantago major) has a long history in herbal medicine. Externally, it is effective on any kind of skin disorder or insect stings when the leaves are bruised and rubbed on the skin. It can be made into an oil or ointment and stored for external use when the season doesn’t permit gathering the herb. Put this on your to-do list for next Spring.

A most useful plant, Plantain will ease a long list of skin complaints such as cuts, swelling, rashes, wounds, sprains, bruises, ulcerations, eczema, poison ivy, mosquito bites, hemorrhoids, diaper rash, boils and blisters. It is an effective agent that draws out the poison from bee stings, snake bites, and spider bites, it draws out splinters or thorns, and reduces the risk of scarring with severe cuts and scrapes. In certain sensitive individuals minor dermatitis may result from external use.

Internally Plantain can be drunk as a tea made from the leaves as an aid in detoxifying the body, thus works well as a remedy for colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, hypertension, rheumatism, bladder issues, fevers, gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel, sinusitis, kidney stones, diarrhea and many more ailments.

Poultice: the crushed leaf can be applied directly to a wound, bite, or skin irritation. For abscesses around the teeth, inflamed tooth roots, or remaining infection after a root canal. It has been known to save teeth that were otherwise doomed to be lost. For wounds, stings, bites etc., you can even chew the leaf first and apply the chewed leaf directly to affected area which makes it a good plant to know if you plan on a camping or hiking trip. As an infusion in milk, plantain can be used on hemorrhoids. Plantain can be dried and used as a tea for winter, or used fresh during the summer.

Medicinal herb tea: For colds and flu use 1 tablespoon dry or fresh whole Plantain (seed, root, leaves) to 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 minutes, strain, sweeten. Drink throughout the day.

Healing salve: In a large non-metallic pan place 1 lb. of entire Plantain plant chopped, and 1 cup lard. Cover, cook down on low heat until all is mushy and green. Strain while hot, cool and use for burns, insect bites, rashes, and all sores. May be used as a night cream to combat wrinkles.

Nutritionally, Plantain contains a goodly amount of vitamins A, B-1, B-2, C, and K. For healthy eating harvest young leaves in the Spring, boil in salt water or tear and add to salad greens. The seeds are also edible and can be dried on the stalks and then added into soups and stews to enhance flavor and increase nutrition and fiber.

LENTIL SOUP WITH PLANTAIN

1 cup dry green lentils
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup chopped young plantain leaves
1 clove sliced garlic
1/4 cup wild rice
6 cups broth
1 tablespoon butter*

Heat the butter in a large saucepan and add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Saute until tender. Add the lentils and Plantain leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer partially covered for about 2 hours. Add the rice and cook for another 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

* Olive oil may be substituted

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Weevils

2010-04-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Post by Tigger2 from our forum:

Weevils

Where do they come from? How do they get in your food?

You just bought a bag of beans. You looked at that bag and did not see any weevils. You put that bag of beans up for six months. You come back to look again and you got weevils or bugs. The female weevil bores a small hole(think microscopic) in the bean while the bean is still on the vine. She lays her eggs in that hole. The hole is way too small to see.
When you bring the beans, flour or corn meal home, the food gets warm and warmth is what the weevil eggs need to hatch. The weevils are not there but the eggs are.
The eggs hatch and then you got baby weevils. Soon after that you got adult weevils.
You need to treat the dry food that you store up. This includes dry beans, flour and corn meal. If you don't treat the food the eggs will hatch and spread like wild fire. The weevils will go to your pasta and everything else.
There are two ways to treat the stored food: freezing and heating. If applied properly, either cold or heat will kill the weevil eggs. I have found from working with it that freezing is the easier method. I just throw my beans, flour and corn meal in the freezer for at least 72 hours. Most modern freezers are set at around 0 degrees F. That is enough cold to do the job. The job is killing the eggs not getting rid of them. There is no way that I know of to get rid of the weevil eggs. Your goal is to treat the food so the eggs don't hatch. Most of the time, I forget and leave the food in the freezer anywhere from two weeks to a month.
Dry beans are the worst culprit for weevils. They are washed off(maybe) and put in a bag. That is weevil heaven. Those eggs are just waiting for some warmth to hatch. And they will.
Flour and corn meal are both made from grinding a seed into a fin dust that we call flour. The grinding process without a doubt kills most of the eggs but some will survive. And then they hatch.
Pasta is made from flour that has been cooked with heat. That heat will kill the weevil eggs. So, if you got weevils in your pasta, they probably migrated from another food supply.
Now, let me get back to the other way of treating your food, heat. You can use heat to kill the weevil eggs. I have tried it and it is a pain in the butt. Heat is hard to regulate or control. Too much heat and you will burn your food. Not enough heat and you are wasting your time and energy. Stoves are pretty much useless. Sun light does not get hot enough. The easiest way that I have found to use heat as a treatment for weevil eggs is a food dehydrator. I have 2 food dryers. They get up to about 150 degrees F. That is hot enough to kill the eggs. It takes time. There are not that many articles on how long it takes to kill the eggs with heat. There is no way that I can tell you how long it will take. My best guess would be 12-24 hours with a standard pre-set food dehydrator.
The bottom line is that if you don't want weevils in your food, you got to treat the food. You treat the food with cold or heat. You want to kill the eggs so they don't hatch. There is not really much you can do about the eggs. They are there. If you have ate beans, you have probably ate weevil eggs. Just don't think about it.

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HERBAL FORMULAS #3

2010-03-22T11:09:00.001-07:00

by Moggy

SLIPPERY ELM BARK (Ulmus fulva) held a place of honor in 18^th and 19^th century America until our once-great elm forests were decimated by Dutch elm disease; as a result, our herbal healing heritage is poorer by far. This herb is a demulcent (soothing, mucilage-forming), emollient (soothing and protective for skin), expectorant, diuretic, nutritive (providing specific food nutrients) and one of the most valuable remedies in herbal practice. The parts used are the inner bark. The powder should be greyish or faun colored and can be used for making poultices or mucilaginous drinks. Its mucilage content coats, soothes, and lubricates the mucus membranes lining the digestive tract, making Slippery Elm an excellent treatment for ulcers, gastritis, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel problems. Its high fiber content helps normalize intestinal action; it can be used to relieve both diarrhea and constipation.

Colonials were taught by American Indians to use slippery elm bark as both a food and as a treatment for wounds, sore throat, and many other ailments. Before refrigeration, the bark was soaked in water and wrapped around meats to retard spoilage...it was coarsely ground and mixed with water to turn it into a spongy mass to mold into bandages that were used to cover wounds. To make a poultice for wounds, stir enough water into the powdered bark to make a paste and apply to the site. It will form a natural bandage that will stay in place for hours and can be removed by moistening with water.

NATURAL REMEDY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, ELDERS, AND INVALIDS

Slippery elm bark is not only most soothing and healing to all parts to which it comes into contact, it also possesses as much nutrition as is contained in oatmeal...and when made into a gruel, forms a wholesome and sustaining food for children, elders, and invalids.

Formula: MUCILAGE OF SLIPPERY ELM

Mix one heaping teaspoonful of the herb into a thin and perfectly smooth paste with cold water. When thoroughly mixed, pour on one pint of distilled water, steadily stirring. If desired, it can be flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon rind, etc. This makes an excellent drink in cases of irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, and if taken at night at retiring, will induce sleep. As mentioned above, this remedy is valuable for those suffering gastro-intestinal disorders.

Slippery elm bark is considered safe for pregnant women, infants, elderly, dogs and cats.

HERBAL FORMULAS #2

2010-02-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

HERBAL FORMULAS #2

by Moggy

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is found growing along roadways and in meadows. It is a biennial, producing leaves the first year and fruiting and dying the second year. Easy to raise as once planted it will scatter its seeds and multiply itself. Mullein leaves and flowers are used as analgesic, antihistamine, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic and sedative. In some cases the roots are also used.

American Indians used to relieve lung congestion by smoking dried leaves of the herb Mullein although I wouldn’t recommend doing so due to threat of an allergic reaction. They also used Mullein as a treatment for hemorrhoids and gout.

Mullein is a beneficial remedy for toning mucous membranes and reducing inflammation; in the case of the respiratory system it facilitates expectoration; in the case of hemorrhoids it eases the discomfort. In both situations it reduces inflammation.

There are so many ways to use this healing herb. To clear the lungs from congestion, boil about a cup of the leaves in a quart of water, pour into a bowl and make a tent by leaning over the bowl and covering your head and the bowl with a towel. Take shallow breaths at first and then inhale the steam deeper; do this for five or ten minutes.

For both people and pets you can easily make an herbal oil for earache or for the animal problem of ear mites by soaking about a teaspoon of Mullein leaves in two tablespoons of warm olive oil. When the leaves have absorbed all the oil add a clove of chopped garlic, mix well, and strain through a fine clean cloth. Using a dropper, squeeze a few drops into the ear. It will soothe and heal.

MULLEIN INFUSION

NATURAL REMEDY FOR PULMONARY COMPLAINTS
A remedy for checking distressing cough and expectoration in all pulmonary diseases. Also for hemorrhage of the lungs, stomach, intestines, or any other internal part. It is considered to have more curative value in tuberculosis, coughs, and bronchitis than comfrey,lungwort, pleurisy root, or any other herb used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Formula by Shook.

1 ounce mullein leaves (cut)
1 ½ pints distilled water

Boil the water and pour over the leaves. Cover and let steep in a hot place for 15 minutes. Strain through muslin to avoid the hairs. Sweeten with honey to taste, or add one ounce of food grade vegetable glycerine. Cool, bottle, and keep in a cool place.

DOSE: Three to four ounces or more 3 or 4 times a day between meals. Children less according to age.

MULLEIN COUGH DROPS...recipe by Karyn Siegel-Maier

½ cup mullein leaves, packed
1 cup boiling water
1 1/3 cup brown sugar

Steep the leaves in the boiled water, covered, for one hour. Strain. Add brown sugar. Boil until the mixture reaches the soft candy stage, then pour onto a greased cookie sheet. With a butter knife, score out squares while the mixture is still soft. Allow to cool completely, then break into individual squares. Wrap each drop in waxed paper.

Do not use this herb if pregnant or breast feeding.

HERBAL FORMULAS INTRO

2010-01-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

by Moggy

Surviving in a world that is in a state of upheaval means knowing how to heal yourself when physical problems arise...or better yet, how to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Any of the states in the Appalachian Mountain Range have a wealth of natural remedies growing in the forests that comprise this range, especially Georgia (Sosebee Cove in the Chattahoochee Nat’l Forest is a botanist’s dream come true) and North Carolina, as the Cherokee Indians have left behind what may be considered an encyclopedia of healing remedies.

To begin, let us explore Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). It is a nutritive..kidney ally..alterative, antiseptic, anti-diabetic, anti-rheumatic. Natural remedy for the pain of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis and bursitis..preventative of prostate problems.

Stinging Nettle is a wonder herb of nourishment and powerful enough to heal damaged tissue. Kidneys, lungs, intestines, and arteries are tonified, strengthened and gradually altered toward optimum functioning. The chemical constituents are mucilage, iron phosphate, potassium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and potassium chloride..and in the fresh plant, formic acid. The chemistry of this plant makes it extremely valuable as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory and catarrhal conditions. Organic iron phosphate is nature’s quickest and best remedy for all inflammation; potassium phosphate is the basic food for brain and nerves; and potassium chloride is nature’s masterpiece solvent of fibrin.

The anti-inflammatory substances join with the rich concentration of the minerals boron and silicon to help ease pain of the above diseases. The fresh leaves can be used raw and applied directly to the rheumatic pain area as they increase circulation and draw out pain.

For the purposes of men’s sexual health, the key ingredients are the sterols that lessen the action of DHT, the form of testosterone that causes the prostate to enlarge.

A cup or more of nettle tea taken daily relieves and helps prevent water retention.

HERBAL TEA:

Use two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves per pint of boiling water.

MEDICINAL TEA:

Use three to four teaspoons per pint of boiling water.

HERBAL INFUSION (for energy):

One ounce of dried nettle herb

One quart of filtered water

Place the herb into a quart jar and fill to the top with boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon and add enough water to fill the jar to the top. Cover tightly and set aside to brew for at least four hours or overnight.

To use: Strain and squeeze the liquid out of the herb. Be sure to refrigerate your infusion, as it will go bad at room temperature once it is done brewing. Drink within 24 hours.

AS A VEGETABLE SIDE:

I steam a few handfuls of freshly picked Stinging Nettle (use gloves to prevent being stung) for about 15 minutes and top with a wee bit of butter.

IDENTIFICATION:

http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Nettle.html

Pioneer Stew

2010-01-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Pioneer Stew
Author Unknown
Makes 8 servings

1 1/4 cups (1/2 pound) dried pinto or kidney beans
3 cups cold water
1 tsp salt
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef ( beef TVP® may be used)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup finely diced green pepper
1 16oz. can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 16oz. can tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp chili powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sharp American cheese

In a large saucepan place washed and drained beans, cold water and salt. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes. In skillet: cook ground beef, chopped onion and green pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat. Add meat mixture, corn, tomatoes, chili powder, and salt to taste to beans. Simmer 20 minutes.Combine 1 Tbsp flour with 2 Tbsp water. Stir into stew. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Stir in cheese.

This is real good while camping or on a rainy, chilly night... SciFiChick, try this an let the possums go...

Food Shortage

2010-01-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

I don't know how many of you have seen this:

Government cover-up of food shortage feared
Reports show demand growing, production declines estimated at 30%
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=121378 If you haven't read it it might be wise to do so.

Not only is it wise to grow your own food, or even a portion of what you eat, but at some time it may very well mean the differance in you continueing a free way of life or one of government handouts. I, for one, don't intend to stand in line while armed troops watch my every move just to get food. Even in this cold snap we're having, food can be grown. Convert a storage shed to a "green house", add light and a small heater for climate control. Where there is a will there is a way.

I got a book for Christmas. "How to Survive the end of the world as we know it" by James Wesley, Rawles also the founder of SurvivalBlog.com. It's a good book and has alot of useful info, BUT, I disagree with his accessment of what a person needs to survive. Granted it would be nice to have all of what he say's you'll need but you would also have to win the lottery to buy it all. The "average person" can't prepare that well.

People have "gotten by" with alot less. I subscribe to the K.I.S.S. principal (keep it simple stupid) I believe if you have shelter, water, food and weapons you can "buy" enough time to build on what you need to get by until it gets better (for you) by having these, you'll have more time to prepare for the long haul. Also, alot of People are "loners", I am for the most part. I am also smart enough to know I can't do it alone with a family to worry about. I have developed a group to help with this. Don't rush on picking People to share your "location" with. Living in close quarters you want to make sure you can count on the others to pull their weight. To me, Lazy equals dis-honesty. Your life, your family and others may depend on this...

Cleaning after the SHTF...

2009-12-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

As a Kid one of my monthly chores was to help my Great -GrandMother make soap. A total pain in the butt and time consuming. Anybody that wears clothes knows they have to be washed. How to do this when the SHTF and ya can't get to Harvey's?

So I was searching internet the other day and came across a thread on making your own laundry detergent, so I figured I would try it. It worked great for me, its cheap and easy to make, you can make much more than 1 batch, and the items are multi-purpose; all of which are a BIG plus.

The Recipe: Liquid Laundry Soap Makes Enough for About 180 Loads 1 each, Bar - Fels Naptha soap (or Ivory) 1 cup - Washing soda 1/2 cup - Borax 1 - 5 gal. HDPE plastic utility bucket with lid. Grate the Fels Naptha soap into small pieces. You can chop it with a knife, cheese grater, or food processor (the finer, the better).
Heat four quarts of water in a large, heavy saucepan on top of stove and add soap, stirring constantly till melted. This will take a while depending on the size of your grated pieces.

Meanwhile, fill the five gallon bucket half full with warm water. Add the 1 cup of washing soda and the 1/2 cup of Borax and stir well. When soap is melted pour into bucket, then continue to fill bucket with warm water until full. Stir well and let sit overnight until cool. This "concentrate" will thicken as it sits. Stir before using.

Now, I use this concentrate straight out of the bucket and use 1/3 cup per large load. The original instructions said to save an old laundry detergent container, fill half full with concentrate then add water to top. Shake and use 5/8ths cup per large load. Repeat till your concentrate is gone. This will give you 10 gallons of laundry detergent. That just seemed more trouble than necessary. So I use the concentrate as-is.
No need to have to make room for another container. You will have enough leftover soda and Borax to make approximately five more buckets of detergent.

My results:I was extremely impressed in how EASY this was to make. I made a 5 gallon bucket in under 30 minutes, and thats with grating the soap. Now I could not find the Fels Naptha soap at several grocery stores and Walmart, so I used 1 bar of Ivory soap. Check your local Ace hardware store, they may have Fels there. And as the instructions say, after you are done mixing, let cool overnight, it will kinda gel up that is Normal, just stir it and get the amount you need.
I have washed several loads of laundry so far and I was (and my wife) pretty impressed (and the wife was skeptical, especially when it calls for 1/3 of cup per large load). The clothes come out clean and have a gentle smell to them. If you want your clothes to smell more, add some liquid fabric softner to the load or a dryer sheet. This will cost under $15.00 to make.

If you're not set up with alternative energy, the washing machine ain't gonna work. Get a large metal tub. Heat water on a fire and add to clothes. Make a strong stir stick. After the wash, let the water cool, pour out and add clean water for rinseing. Squeeze out and hang up to dry. If you want to get wrinkles out. Go to a flea market or antique store, buy a metal iron. Heat and Iron. This is also a pain in the butt but...

2009-12-19T06:11:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Patriots. I am posting this link so that if there are any interested People who feel that they want to join a group or form a group in their area, try this link:

http://www.americanresistancemovement.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=616&p=5618&sid=545358ec8c1d8944359472810d85f1bd#p5618

I also am re-posting a post I received from another group I am a member of. I am currently involved in too many groups to keep up with. I suffered burn out for awhile due to over-load. There are so many things going on at once that it's hard to keep up. I am culling these groups to what "fits my needs". This site, A.R.M., Alarm & Muster, and Tea Party Patriots are my limit for the new year. We must be ready when the ball drops. Phone calls, emails and faxes aren't working on this government. At some point America's Patriots are going to be to the test, Are WE up to the task? I think so. I also think its going to be long, hard fight but WE will prevail.

http://neithercorp.us/npress/?p=159
Please read this link. It explains what it means to be a survivalist today. I am sure some of you have family that think if you prep, you're a little crazy/paranoid. Mine does but as soon as the SHTF they'll be asking for shelter. This link will help/give ideas on how to respond.
Let me wish all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Missing in action

2009-12-14T15:03:00.000-08:00

As I explained earlier in a post, I have been very active with TEA PARTY PATRIOTS and ALARM AND MUSTER. I don't feel its enough to tell you how to prep, I put my butt out on the front lines also. Trips to Washington, Savannah and Atlanta keeps me moving. More should do this, not just to show solidarity but to also make contacts with like minded People who You will need when the SHTF.

When I tried to log in to do a post early November, it was a bit8h to log in and/or get back to this site. I have just now managed this. The first thing I saw was a warning concerning copy righted material. I had nothing to do with this. I apologise if this caused any problems. Maybe I can keep it from happing again.

Meanwhile, continue to put up extra food. What I do is, one week I spend extra for things that will help stretch meals, the next I buy ammo. I am set pretty well as it is. I would like to extend a hand out to some that may not be as fortunate. I have room for 10 People (prefer couples) kids are a plus and I don't count them - even though they eat also. They can work gardens, gather eggs etc. We have women that are teachers, child care providers and cooks. We will all find our niche in time. Must be dedicated to self-defense and the betterment of the Group.

More than anything, I want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS this year. WE will see what next year brings....

Survival in a Backpack?

2009-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Backpack Survival - by Duncan Long, 1989

Many of us who are preppers know a person or two who plans to just "bug out" at the first sign of anything bad - let's look at this in more detail and see what it would actually take for someone to survive with just what they could carry on their back.

Excerpt:

There's a lot of confusion about what survival means. To some, it's getting through the aftermath of an airplane wreck in a desolate area. It can mean knowing when to avoid walking in radioactive wastes. Or, it can mean knowing how to barter with troops in the aftermath of riots, war, and looting. To others, survival has to do with avoiding danger and knowing how to deal with it when it breaks into your home in the dead of night.
Survival ideas abound and there are as many definitions and strategies as there are survivalists. Some have good ideas for survival and some have unsound tactics. Bad ideas can mean extra work or trouble in everyday life; bad ideas during a survival situation get you killed. On-the-job training doesn't work when you're dealing with poison and gunfights. Or survival.
One of the most dangerous ideas--as far as I'm concerned--is that of "backpack survival."
A "back-pack survivalist" is a survivalist that plans on leaving his home ahead of a disaster and taking to the woods with only what he can carry out with him. He plans to survive through a strategy that is a sort of cross between the Boy-Scout-in-the-woods and Robinson Crusoe. The backpack survivalist plans on outrunning danger with a four-wheel drive or a motorcycle and hopes to travel light with a survival kit of everything he might need to cope with the unexpected. He hasn't cached anything in the area he's headed for because, chances are, he doesn't know where he's headed. Somehow, he hopes to overcome all odds with a minimum of supplies and a maximum of smarts. Certainly it is a noble cause; but it seems like one destined to failure. And that's not survival. . . . .more here

originally posted on TN Preppers Network by Prepared In TN

Great First Aid Kits

2009-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's another great article from Popular Mechanics that I thought I'd share with you all:

The 7 Best First Aid Kits For Any Situation

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

What is Hardship?

2009-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Guest post from Ohio Preppers Network.

Hardship drill

Fire drills. Hurricane/tornado evacuation drills. Home intruder drills. Bug-out drills. All essential activities to engage in as part of your and your families preps. However, these address preparing for more or less single isolated events-- although you should also prepare for the aftermath. But what about preparing for hardships like job loss? Sure, you have a cache of food stores, hopefully of cash on hand, etc. What more can you do?

I'd like to suggest the "Hardship Drill." A Hardship Drill is a longer-term prepping activity designed to help you and your family learn how to deal with deprivation. Here's what I have in mind, but each family could tailor this to their own situation and habits.

I'm suggesting that each family member give up something for a week. That something should now be a regular item in the family's budget, and preferably one that ain't cheap. It could be a service like home internet, cable TV (hey Dad, can you live for a week without NFL ticket?), or cell phone service (or maybe just the texting feature). Whatever it is, it should be something you are now spending money on that might find itself on the chopping block if you are forced to cut expenses. Alternatively, the entire family could give up the same thing and go through withdrawl together!

I know some of you are living a real Hardship Drill that's lasting longer than a week. What do you think? Is it worth preparing for the psychological effects of "downsizing" a household?

Saving Electricity Dollars

2009-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Saving on your electric bill

If you're a frugal prepper then you want to save money everywhere you can. You're electric bill is probably the easiest place to find waste that you can start to cut out. I'll tell you a little bit about what we've done to kill the watts in our Bug-In-Location. (I call it that, because we've always lived in areas that we would want to be if things ever get real bad...if the SHTF, we're bugging in, not out)

Our first choice was location. If you have a choice on where to live and want to focus on reduced energy costs, then choose a place in the northern states, preferably where firewood is accessible. I'll get into firewood more in a bit, because the focus right now is how my wife got our electric bill down to $51 in the month of July and about $60 in the month of August.

By living up north the need for air conditioning is minimal...Even if it's what we'd consider hot, it's not like you're going to die if you don't have air conditioning. Yes we do have one small window mounted unit, but it's rarely ever used and only as an amenity.

Here are some more tips:
*Insulation: If you are looking for a home, then get one with thick walls and adequate insulation. Our home is built with 2x6 exterior walls. Now I'm not a building expert but I do know the better the R value the better insulated your home is. This is even good to pay attention to in hot climates as you want to keep the heat out and the cool in. Make sure you have proper vapor barriers, and have sealed all drafts and that the attic and floor are also well insulated. Solid Core wood doors and double pane insulated windows are also a must. Wood transfers less heat than metal.

*Color: For siding, go with light colors rather than dark. Light colors reflect heat better and will actually reduce heat build up by several degrees. Do this with the roof also as that is where the direct exposure to the sun is. Now if you live in an area that is normally cool in the summer and very cold in the winter you may just want to do the opposite to absorb as much heat as possible.

*Shade Trees: we have tall trees and mountains where we live so our home receives a substantial amount of shade keeping it cool even in the summer months

*Windows: In the summer, when it's cool outside at night open your windows to cool the inside, then close them during the day. Keep the curtains closed to keep the sunlight out. In the winter, keep the windows closed and curtains open to draw in the sunlight for natural warmth

*Appliances and electronics: Keep them unplugged when not using them. Yes, most appliances and electronics still continue to consume energy even when they are turned off

*Hot Water Heater: We use this as a convenience...Really, do you need hot water to survive? If we did away with this amenity I'm sure we would have had a $25 electric bill rather than a $51 bill. But if you must use it, then turn the temperature down so that it's bearable to run your hand in the hot water even with the cold water turned off.

*Dryer: This is probably the next biggest loser of electricity next to hot water heaters....Come on now, use a clothes line! This one isn't rocket science.

*Turn out the lights: We see no need to have the lights on during the day, and go to bed when it's dark. Do you have kids and find this to be a tough rule to enforce? Then swap out your switches with switches that have motion detectors, light sensors, and timers. They can be set to only come on when it's dark and when someone moves in the room, this also makes for a great safety feature. When no one is moving in the room they will shut off automatically. We're staying with the incandescents because while they may use more watts they are dirt cheap to buy compared to the CFL's and are non-toxic. We plan to stock up on them before 2010 when they will no longer be sold in stores...If you rarely use them to begin with, then why not? I'd almost bet that I have incandescents that are used so rarely that they'll last longer than a CFL bulb that gets used constantly.

*Buy Energy Star Appliances: All of our appliances are new...Our newest addition is a Kenmore Energy Star freezer and is said to only use about $35 worth of electricity per year. Got more time on your hands, then can your food...Who says you have to have a freezer to store food anyway? If the grid goes down your freezer will only work as a box to store dry goods in anyway. This is another amenity.

And lastly, my favorite, Wood Stoves:

It's easier and cheaper to keep a home warm than it is to keep it cool if you have access to firewood. We live in Northern Idaho on acreage so wood is basically free. Despite what environmentalists say, it's good to burn firewood if you have an efficient wood stove. A dead tree is breeding grounds for beetles that kill more trees and adds to the danger of forest fires if not removed. Do the forest and your neighbors a favor and remove the dead trees, check local laws first. If it's gonna burn, might as well be inside your fireplace keeping your house warm and reducing the strain on the grid rather becoming a danger to the forest. If the dead tree rots, termites and other insects that devour it will release methane into the atmosphere adding to the infamous "Global Warming"...LOL...If Environmentalists had any sense they would be proponents of efficient wood stoves for heating homes....A wood stove can also be used to cook your food, heat water, and dry your clothes (No, don't put your clothes on the stove, hang them a safe distance well away from the stove so they don't catch on fire.) Always consult with a professional and follow proper instructions on the usage of wood stoves. Our Wood stove is installed in the basement which is common practice where we live. Heat rises, therefore the whole house is heated more uniformly, again, check local laws and codes and seek professional advice before installing a wood stove.

I have several more tips about saving on power, just cant seem to think of any more off the top of my head at the moment. The most important thing to remember is every little bit helps. If it wasn't for "wanting" the amenities like the hot water, computer, and freezer, we could go off grid tomorrow, and use a generator when we really need power.

Posted by American Prepper

Window Greenhouse

2009-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ultra Micro Greenhouse

Author The Scavenger
JohnsonFamilyFarm.blogspot.com

This was just an experiment and it worked great for me. I took a plastic juice jug which I have plenty of and made a Ultra Mirco Greenhouse. I just cut the jug in two, placed some compost inside and planted my seeds. Add a little water and put the top half back on, be sure to replace the lid this also it helps to keep the heat and the water inside. I only watered them when I first planted them and that's it. Seeds sprouted in just a few days. Set them in the window sill so they can get some sun and watch them grow. After your sprouts get a few inches high move them into a larger container.

This is a great idea to get a jump start on your Victory Garden. Raising food is a must for any long term survival situation or self sufficent life.

I used what I had on hand at the time which must be practiced in these situations.

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Personal Security - Get A Dog?

2009-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Before you get a dog

Before you get a dog, planning and research are in order. After all, this dog will become a member of your family and survival group. As in all things, the 5 P’s prevail: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

First, list what you want from the dog. Is the dog expected to protect people, protect property, give alarm, reduce vermin (rats and such), hunt, raise morale, more? Put those characteristics in order of priority. Most breeds of dog are specialized. They will do some things superbly, and others not at all. Hunting dogs are further specialized into hunting by sight (grayhounds, etc) and by scent (most hounds, among others). Only one breed of dog has been successful at both guarding and hunting as far as I know, that would be the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Hunting dogs generally will protect the person and family, but will not protect property – my neighbor’s Golden Retriever ignored the people that ransacked his house while he was working. Guard dogs are normally hopeless at hunting – my herding dog simply doesn’t understand fetch, let alone hunting.

Next, list your care constraints. How much room do you have? How much can you apply to purchase, training and continuing care? How much time will you give to the dog? Larger dogs need more room, some breeds need room to run. Walking and grooming the dog are continuing needs that take up different amounts of time depending on the dog and breed. Long-hair breeds need lots of combing, but handle cold weather well. Short-hair breeds don’t need as much grooming and are better in warm weather (but they still shed lots of fur, it just comes off easier). If there are allergies to consider, a poodle may be the only choice. Because of their hair, poodles can be kept by people that are allergic to dogs.

Once you have your two lists, research to find the best fit. http://www.justdogbreeds.com/ is a good place to start. Settle on the breed(s) that will work for you.

Posted by tweell
Visit: Arizona Preppers Network

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for more great articles visit: prepperbook.blogspot.com

Grab and Go Info

2009-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

A Prepping Essential: The Grab-n-Go Binder

Author: The Survival Mom
TheSurvivalMom.com

In a panic situation, which happens around my house quite often, actually, people lose their wits. The extra adrenaline produced by the human body at such a moment causes confusion and the sense of events happening in slow motion.

It can even cause some of the same symptoms as a heart attack.

Can you imagine the level of adrenaline in your body if you suddenly got news of a dangerous chemical spill in your area or of a wildfire that had taken an abrupt turn toward your neighborhood?

Officials tell you to evacuate now.

Where on earth do you start??

Being prepared beforehand will calm your nerves and give you focus. A Grab-and-Go Binder is a vital part of your Family Preparedness Plan, and is one of the first things you should put together. This binder will contain all of the most pertinent information in one place for any type emergency.

You can be at least one jump ahead of all that adrenaline because you’ll have your important documents all together in one place. It may take some time to gather all the records you need, but start now with what you have. In my opinion, “prepping” is no time to be a perfectionist. Do what you can, when you can, and you’ll be far more prepared than the average person.

For this project you’ll need a 1-2″ three-ring binder, a set of tabbed dividers, and a copy machine. A box of plastic page protectors will keep your documents clean and unwrinkled. Your binder will be unique to your family, but here are some suggestions to get you started.

Financial Documents:
1. copies of the fronts and backs of debit/credit cards
2. copies of house and car titles
3. copy of your will
4. names, addresses and phone numbers of all our banks
5. other important documents related to employment and/or a family business
6. copies of your insurance policies (life, health, auto, homeowners, etc.)

Personal Documents:
1. names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of relatives and close friends
2. include copies of:
* marriage license
* birth certificates
* drivers licenses
* CCW permits
* pet vaccine records
3. a list of firearm serial numbers
4. legal documents pertaining to child custody matters
5. recent photos of each family member and each pet
6. color photos of your house and each room in the house
7. photos of anything of particular value
8. passports — put them in a plastic page protector and seal the top with tape

Medical Documents:
1. copy of health insurance cards
2. a list of blood types for each family member
3. names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors
4. medical histories of each family member
5. immunization records

With your finished Grab-and-Go Binder, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your family can focus on a quick bug-out, without trying to retrieve important family records.

What’s in your Binder? I’d love to hear of anything unique to your family that you included!

Instant Survival Tip: Grab-n-Go Updates

Author: The Survival Mom
TheSurvivalMom.com

Two of my readers offered excellent tips for the Grab-and-Go Binder. Squantos suggests having more than one copy of the Binder. Keep one copy in a home safe or fireproof lock box. To keep it waterproof, double-bag it in two Zip-Loc style bags or use a SEAL bag for safekeeping.

A second copy of your binder should be kept in a safe deposit box in a location at least 50 miles from your home. I think this is a great idea if you find yourself unable to return home to get your hard copy. Additionally, consider electronic storage of your information on something like a USB Fob (can keep it on a keychain or hang around your neck, example here), a mini disk or other storage device. Thanks, Squantos!

Reader Apple Pan Dowdy reminded me of the need for good maps! I can’t tell you how many times we have been halfway to Disneyland only to realize we don’t have any road maps and we have to guess our way there. Maps are vital to a safe evacuation, and I have much to tell you on the topic, but for now have a good road map of your state and the surrounding states. That would be a very good start.

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for more great articles visit: prepperbook.blogspot.com

Gadgets and Tools

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a neat list over at Popular Mechanics that you should check out:

8 Tools and Gadgets to Prepare Your Home For Any Disaster

About Firestarters

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Gear Review: Fire Starters

Author: Mathiasj
Kentucky-Preppers-Network.blogspot.com

Making a fire is the most important thing in a survival situation. It can provide you with warmth, food, and a huge moral booster. Fire is also useful when camping and for fellowship of friends and family. There are many different ways to start a fire and knowing different ways to start a fire is important whether you're in a survival situation or not. A fire needs 3 elements to burn (fire triangle) heat, fuel, and oxygen. Sufficient heat is needed to start any fire, and the proper fuel to oxygen ratio is needed to keep a fire going.

First off is the trusty lighter or matches. Every prepper should have a few packs of quality Bic lighters put back, and a few thousand matches. This is the easiest way to start a fire. When starting any fire you will need something to burn to get the wood going. Newspaper is good to use to start a fire, and those free want ad papers at gas stations are great to have on hand. You want to stay away from using fuels to light a fire, especially if you plan on cooking over the fire. You run the risk of getting those chemicals on your food.

The next best thing to a lighter or matches is a firesteel. A firesteel should be part of every preppers survival kit. Whether it's your get home bag, everyday carry, bug out bag, or camping supplies; a firesteel is invaluable. If you're lighter runs out, or your matches get wet, your fire steel is your last line of defense so to speak. A firesteel works by moving a metal blade across a magnesium alloy to create sparks that can get up to 5,500°F. Those hot sparks can be thrown on a number of different types of tinder to start a flame that will light your fire. Firesteels can even be used in the rain or snow and will last for around 12,000 strikes.

Here are some ideas for tinder:
-Vaseline Soaked Cotton Balls
-Hand Sanitizer Soaked Cotton Balls
-Dryer Lint
-Pine Needles
-Dried Grass
-Unraveled twine

There are a lot of ways to start fires in the wilderness if you don't have a lighter or firesteel. I will do a part 2 to this post detailing some ways to start a fire without them. This post is to show that you need to have these things on hand so you don't have to rub sticks together to try to keep yourself warm at night. A firesteel can fit in your pocket and is a crucial part of your everyday carry.

Why Store Food?

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Basics of Being Prepared with Food & Why We Should Do It

In this country, we have become used to a certain way of living. We don’t have to hunt for food any more, our time is taken up with making or spending money and we have time for leisure activities and hobbies. Time for household chores has been cut dramatically, and cooking can be as quick as you want it. You can “drive thru”, go to a restaurant, cook on the bbq, create a home made masterpiece or “nuke” a hot pocket. Your local grocer has everything you could ever want to feed your family.

There are several problems with this.

The first is especially obvious in these current times, and that is the economy. Food prices are rising, nothing goes down…well, unless you believe in Wal Mart’s “roll back” pricing signs! Our very paycheck is at risk these days with such high unemployment. The prices go up even more when gas prices increase, which brings us to reason #2.

Our lovely, fully stocked grocer is only 3-7 days away from being almost empty! Your grocer (drug store, gas station, home depot) depends on a delivery to remain stocked. Raise the price of transport, raise the price of groceries. Stop the transport (due to a flu pandemic, an electrical outage, a natural disaster etc) and stop the groceries.

Nasty stuff is out there…we’ve heard of the poisonings and illnesses created by eating contaminated food. The government has the controls in place to prevent much of that, but they’d rather create more restrictive bills that will have us relying on big agribusiness. (another rant and a debate for another time lol). However, from time to time, things will slip by FDA and inspectors. Much of the problem is because we are spoiled and continue to demand food from other countries, out of season. We can add to that, our needs are so great that farms use chemicals to ensure the demand is met. This all can be solved by following what is called “The Hundred Mile Diet”. Eat food that is locally grown! Not only are you supporting local economy, you are eating food that is better adapted to your body. It’s also more likely to be less contaminated with harsh chemicals. Better yet, grow your own! A by-product of our eating habits is that we don’t always make meals that were once considered wholesome, hearty and healthy. We view them as too plain or fattening. This need not be true! All we need to do is make appropriate substitutions. But by fixing your own food from scratch, you definitely help with a variety of issues. Not to mention that your family will be very happy.

So, what does this have to do with Being Prepared? Well, the first thing that you need if something goes wrong, is food. FEMA, Homeland Security, Ready.gov, every state in the country, and even the White House suggest that every family be prepared for an emergency/interruption of services with food and water for 72 hours. However, that wouldn’t have done the people stranded in Katrina much good! The NEW suggestion is that you have at least 2 weeks worth of food, if not 30 days. That is the beginning of your basic food “preps” (preparations/emergency supplies).

So, how do you go about getting 2 weeks to 30 days worth of food? Do you have to resort to buying MRE’s (meals ready to eat like Army rations)? Are you going to turn into one of those wierdo’s that lives in a bunker with a thousand cans of Spam? Of course not, and it’s easy to do!

I follow the principle of “storing what I eat and eating what I store”. It’s kind of like having my own grocery store. It’s what used to be known as a full pantry in the old days.

Every time I go grocery shopping, when something I use is on sale, I get as many of that item as I can afford. For instance, we eat spaghetti often. When pasta is on sale, I pick up 10 boxes instead of two. When spaghetti sauce is on sale, I pick up 10 cans/jars. The shelf life of pasta (properly stored) is about 10 years. The shelf life of your canned/jarred sauce is about 5 years. I know that I have enough food for 10 meals without my family noticing that I haven’t been to the store! Of course, I do the same with tuna and mayo, flour and sugar and many other things. Make a menu for three meals a day for a week. All the stuff you would normally make, include comfort foods like brownie stuff) and then multiply the ingredients by 4 and then as the items go on sale, you can purchase enough. Soon, you will have enough to feed the family for a month with no hassles.

Consider why this might come in handy:
Economic/unemployment
Flu/quarantine (yes, the government CAN quarantine you for 2 weeks! NO trips to the store)
Natural disaster (hurricane, earthquake, fire)
Civil unrest (probably due to unemployment and high taxes lol)
Martial Law
Terror Attack

Your first responsibility to yourself and your family is to feed them, then defend them…can’t defend, can’t start a new life, can’t wait till the problem is solved if you starve to death!) You can’t be a Patriot and fight the government when they have food and you don’t.

Author: HerbalPagan
Visit: GreenSurviving.blogspot.com
Massachusettspreppersnetwork.blogspot.com

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Introducing Children To Prepping

2009-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: Survival-Savvy Kids Literature

Author: The Survival Mom
TheSurvivalMom.com

Are your kids wondering why, all of a sudden, they’re seeing buckets of wheat around the house, and Mom is reading up on how to can meat? Our kids are already hearing about job losses, families losing their homes, and it’s no wonder that many of them are pretty anxious about current events.

A great way to talk with them about your own plans for being prepared for hard times is to read together, books like Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain.

The Sign of the Beaver is one of my family’s favorites about a boy left on his own in Indian country. Your kids will be impressed with his ingenuity.

These books, along with many others, illustrate people working to be self-sufficient and prepared for the future. Summertime is a great time to spend reading together. Why not choose a book that illustrates your own values and goals and learn together?

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Power's Out - Now What?

2009-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Off Guard and Off Grid

Off grid means many things to many people but for this post we will be addressing off grid as not have any electric power from an outside source, electric power company, ect.. Most of us depend on this outside source to provide all of our electric needs and wants. Many dream of living off grid, I'm one of them, but it's not for everyone I know. But what happens when the electric company is unable to provide you with your electric power for what ever reason? I have, and I'm sure many of you have too, been left in the dark due to a power outage, downed power lines are common during winter storms, even summer storms for that matter. Fire, auto accidents and flooding are just a few of the many other things that can and do interrupt electric service. What I'm saying is that you could be caught off grid unintentionally. But you don't have to be caught off guard during this time. Power outages can last only a few minutes or in some cases a few weeks. You can go here to read one families adventure during a power outage and some of the things they wish they had prepared for. Here are a few things you can do to make this time a little more pleasant or at least comfortable.

First, don't panic. It's not the end of the world, you are not going to die. Keeping your head during this time is the most important thing you can do for your safety.

Know where your flashlights are and have fresh batteries in them. You do have a flashlight??

Gather all family members in the same room to make sure all are accounted for and assure them that everything is and will be ok. Give each family member a flashlight to use as necessary. Candles are always important during an emergency, find them and light them to provide light for all to move freely and safely around the house.

I always shut off my main power breaker and you need to make sure any gas appliances are shut off too. Some use an electric thermostat or pilot light and may not perform as they should without electricity. This is for the safety of the whole family.

Check to see if your neighbors or family close by have electricity. You may be on a different power grid than they are and they could have power when you don't. If conditions are favorable you could go to their house and wait out the power outage. If road conditions, the weather or you vehicle is not up to par, STAY PUT !!

Next, if it's a cold weather situation you need to stay warm. Put on your socks and shoes or boots. Layer clothing to stay warm. Put on a jacket or coat, gloves and hat. It's much easier to stay warm than it is to get warm again.

Do you have an alternate heat source? A wood stove or kerosene heater, small propane stove. Any of these will help keep you warm through this outage. Make sure to provide ventilation for any gas burning heater.Once you have a little heat and some light this situation will be feel much better for all.

Do you have some water stored?? I hope so because many times water service will be lost during these times too. You will need water to drink to help keep you hydrated during this outage.

Now, where's that battery operated radio. Listening to the radio will give you some idea of how long this outage may last and inform you of any road conditions as well as provide some form of entertainment.

Speaking of entertainment, how about those board games. This will keep everyone in a little better spirit until things get restored. If this outage doesn't last too long it can be really fun for the whole family. Sort of a camp out of sorts.It's a good idea to keep a note pad and pen or pencil handy too.

This is a good time to make notes of things that you should have had ready for an emergency. You will think of many things that would have made this time much more comfortable for you and your family.

So, let's review the basics that we need to be safe and comfortable.

Light source-- flashlight, candles, battery operated lantern, ect..

Heat- Wood stove, kerosene heater, warm clothes, ect..

Radio-- Weather Radio, AM/FM radio will do fine to keep you informed of the situation.

Batteries, Batteries, Batteries. You can never have too many extra batteries.

Entertainment--board games us no power source at all and are a lot of fun for everyone.

Sit back and relax until the electricity comes back on. With these few simple ideas you can be safe and secure during this time. Get a few preparations in order and don't get caught off Guard and Off Grid.

I know these are not all the things that may be useful during these times. I also know that many readers will have other ideas as to what to do. Let me know your ideas and anything I may have left out of this small list. We would love to hear from you. Be sure to leave us a comment.

Author: The Scavenger
Visit: johnsonfamilyfarm.blogspot.com

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Ideas For Prepping On A Budget

2009-11-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

4 Super-Cheap Prepping Resources

Author: The Survival Mom
TheSurvivalMom.com

Our family is simultaneously trying to become debt-free, save as much money as we can, have at least six months of food on hand, and take care of some badly needed DIY home projects. Believe me, I need every cheap resource I can possibly find to help me toward my prepping goals! The four cheapest resources I have found are all available to you, too!

1. Garage and Estate Sales

Been there, done that? Aren’t thrilled about buying other people’s junk? When you’re prepping, your shopping will have a focus, and I think you’ll find these sales a useful resource. Keep a list of items still needed for your 72 Hour Kit or general preparedness. This list will help you visit more garage and estate sales in less time because usually, with a quick glance, you can tell if a sale has what you need.

Even better, use online garage sale locators. Google “local garage sales” or something similar. You’ll be surprised at what pops up! Often, these sites will list items at the sale, and this can help you choose which sales to visit. You can also find estate sales in your area here. I prefer estate sales since everything in the house will be sold, down to half used bottles of Windex. Here are a few things I’ve been looking for:

* tools — I don’t want to count on, “Made in China” if we’re ever truly in a bind. Tools made decades ago will be high quality with lots of years still left in them.
* backpacks, gym bags — I need two more backpacks for our personal 72 Hour Kits and miscellaneous gym-size bags are great for holding all kinds of gear to take camping.
* camping equipment — we have a tent but nothing else. My husband is hardly Grizzly Adams! I would especially like an outdoor cook stove.

Remember, once you know what you want, the search goes much more quickly!

Oh! BONUS TIP! Retirement communities often run their garage sales Thursday through Saturday.. You can get a jump on all the other bargain hunters by heading to these neighborhoods early on Thursday mornings!

2. Freecycle.org

Freecycle is exactly what it sounds like. Recyling things you own by giving them away for free. Once you’ve signed up with a Freecycle email group in your area, you’ll begin receiving regular notices from other members with offers of free “stuff”.

I’ve seen some great items offered on Freecycle that would help out any prepper. Watch for glass canning jars, camping equipment, water barrels, dog crates, and so much more. Usually what is offered is mentioned in the email’s subject line so you can scan through them quickly. Remember to offer things hanging around your house or garage that you no longer want or need!

3. Dollar Stores

Don’t forget to visit your local dollar store! Apparently, dollar stores are becoming quite trendy. Who would have guessed?

I took a stroll through one near my home last weekend, and here are some of the best bargains I found.

* binders starting at just $2
* a package of 8 small memo books for $2. These are great for keeping in your car, your 72 Hour Kits and your purse.
* vinyl shower curtain, $2 Multiple uses for this including a ground cover and a quickie tent.
* can opener, $1.25
* chess game, $4. Would be useful in providing entertainment during a crisis.
* triple antibiotic cream, $2.30, along with a good variety of other pharmaceuticals
* large bottles of spices for $1
* a can of Quick Flat Fix, $3
* a 6-pack of Top Ramen, $1.10

Not everything is a great bargain, but you won’t know that unless you’re paying attention to prices at regular retail stores. Would you believe, I didn’t think my town even had dollar stores until I checked out these websites. What a find!

* Dollar Tree
* Family Dollar
* Big Lots!

4. Friends, Relatives, Neighbors, Casual Acquaintances…

You get the idea! Every one of us has stuff around the house, in the attic, out in the garage, in a storage unit, etc., etc. that we’ll never use again, and so do your friends, relatives, neighbors, and so on. When you get to the end of your prepping list, and you still have items you need, why not ask around?

Consider a casual barter agreement to get what you want, such as a few hours babysitting in exchange for a tent or a set of sleeping bags. Here’s a great article on the age-old practice of bartering.

We don’t know when an emergency will happen, and it just makes sense to get your preparations in order as quickly as you can. If you’re like me, your don’t have an infinite amount of money to prepare for everything, perfectly, all at once. I decided to jump in and do what I can, when I can, and I’ve been pretty impressed with how quickly my prepping has come together with these four money-savers!

Check out these four cheap resources and see if your dollar doesn’t go a whole lot farther! Soon, you’ll be ready for just about anything!

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Prepping: It is the most important thing you will ever do..

2009-10-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

1. Learn to garden and use whatever space you have available. From a back yard area, raised beds, container gardens on a deck or small herb pots in the kitchen window, people can grow more than they think with a little creativity and effort. Use edible landscaping for plants that are decorative as well as that provide food. Need a couple shade trees? Why not use fruit or nut trees – they will supply shade as well as food. If not, visit a local farmer and buy what you can put away. Learn to can!

2. Learn to “put up” food – canning, food dehydrating and other methods are easier than ever with modern gadgets designed to preserve food. It takes a little effort – but on a kitchen counter you can dry enough herbs for a year; you can make real powdered and flaked pepper, garlic and onion.

3. If you freeze food, be sure you have a means to keep it going in a crisis. If the electricity goes off you don’t want to lose a year’s supply of food! Have a generator and fuel, get a propane freezer, have some means of keeping that food cold. Putting food aside is only part of insuring your food supply – storing it safely is the other issue.

4. Be discreet. Don’t brag about your food supply and don’t spread the word you have six months of food in your basement. If you do, and there’s a crisis, you may be overrun with people who know you have plenty stocked away. Are you then prepared to defend your food supply?

5. Storage a problem? Use areas most don’t think of. The pantry is good for many things but if you’re putting up dozens of jars of spaghetti sauce, preserves, soups and other sauces you’re going to need room. Have a protected corner of the basement up off the ground (enough that a wet floor won’t damage the food!). The attic is also a good place to store jar/can goods.

6. Along with your food supply have a means to prepare food including water, grill and gas/wood/charcoal, etc. If a storm knocks an area down for 2-3 weeks be able to rely on your own resources for those 2-3 weeks. Have on hand not only necessity items but a few luxury items as well. These could include a little candy, or cookies or something that just makes things a little more like home.

7. Don’t forget storing personal hygiene items – you can make a ‘composting toilet’ from free plans online…having this available with sawdust or shavings, toilet paper and other items can greatly increase the comfort in an emergency.

8. Don’t rely on the government helping – or on people being friendly. A catastrophic situation such as New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina showed the government cannot handle it – people have got to be able to rely on themselves. Prepare and have plans in place for tornado, fire, emergency evacuation and sheltering in place (being confined to home). Remember a train derailment or other issues can change things in a hurry! Practice that evacuation. You have 10 minutes- what do you grab? Hesitating can be deadly…having a plan can mean survival.

9. Be able to cook from scratch, make bread and do other skills to get through if you had to. If you have the food stocked up it doesn’t do any good if you can’t use it. If you rely on mixes make your own mixes in Ziploc ™ bags that seal tightly – label with a marker right on the bag with how much liquid, egg and oil to add. In a pinch, that bag can be the bowl – simply put wet ingredients in and mix, then pour into a baking pan. Experiment with your grill to make things before you have to.

10. Being able to hunt and fish can mean having an ongoing food supply. Having fishing gear and hunting supplies can mean the difference between eating or not. In the depression some spoke of having a small dog that would go through culverts and flush out rabbits while the large dog at the other end dispatched the rabbit as it ran out. Sporting? Perhaps not…but if it comes to eating or not, how ethical will you be after not eating for 4 days?
Get prepared now. Work on getting things growing, on learning the skills you have to in order to survive. When the public food supply is interrupted it will be too late.
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I've been busy

2009-09-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

I want to tell everyone I am sorry for not staying active here. I have been busy with other things related to the TeaPartyPatriots. I went up to Washington on 9/12 to add my voice and presense to the other Patriots that went. It was one hell of a turn out.

The H1N1 (swine flu) is a hot topic. I don't believe anything coming from the "elected officals" anymore. I will not be taking the vaccine, period. Vitamin D and stay away from anyone showing symptoms. It can't be worse than the 1976 Flu and a old Tennessee woman in Marysville saved my butt on that one.

Keep buying ammo, a box here and there. You don't have to buy 10,000 rounds at once. Pick up a shotgun, rifle and a sidearm if you haven't already. Pack a couple of dufflebags with items (clothes, medicine etc.) for quick grabbing in case you have to leave sudden like. Plan ahead of where you will go if the SHTF. Large cities will be in chaos so make sure you know the back roads. Road blocks will probably be a problem.

There's alot of talk about a global currency coming, buy some gold if you can afford it. Most of you are probably on the ball already, talk to your neighbors, feel them out on their opinion but keep your preps a secreat until you're ready to talk about it. You don't need some wannabe thugs trying to take yours away. Besides, dead bodies are a health hazzard...

As a sidenote, if you are on facebook - look me up at tnl_legal@yahoo.com - Theres alot of good info coming out about the current situation in America. Most of my friends there are good Patriots from all over the Country. We also have a Alarm and Muster Group (kinda like Paul Revere) so word will spread quick if anything kicks up somewhere. God Bless!

compare future(present) with the past

2009-08-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

Comparing history to the future (present?). With the simple replacement of just the names of key individuals the facts ironically remain the same.“Nazi Germany under the leadership of Hitler soon became a dictatorship. A dictatorship requires one person and one party to be in control of a nation and a climate of fear - this was provided by Himmler's SS. Personal freedom disappeared in Nazi Germany.When Hitler was appointed chancellor on January 30th 1933, it was at the head of a coalition government. It was very clear in his mind that it would not remain this way for long. By the end of March 1933, he had acquired much greater powers than the former leading politicians of the Weimar Republic could ever have foreseen when they supported his appointment as chancellor.”
(http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Nazi_Germany_dictatorship.htm)

The same paragraph but with the names updated to reflect possible future (current?) events in America.“The United States, under the leadership of Barak Hussein Obama soon became a dictatorship. A dictatorship requires one person and one party to be in control of a nation and a climate of fear - this was provided by Acorn. Personal freedom disappeared in America.When Obama was inaugurated President on January 20th 2009, it was at the head of a thin Democrat majority government. It was very clear in his mind that it would not remain this way for long. By the end of March 2009, he had acquired much greater powers than the former leading politicians of the Bush administration could ever have foreseen when they preceded his inauguration.” History is a subject that has gradually lost its importance in American academia over the past few decades. The lack of historical awareness, as a nation, has enabled a mass of “useful idiots” who have no historical perspective on current events, much less the future. “Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results.” - Machiavelli

I don't like the direction this Country is headed in. My food is ready, my location is very secure and secluded so for the most part I am prepped and ready.

Domestic Terrorist

2009-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

I received this from a affiliate, it is re-posted with his permission:

ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CLASSIFY PRO-LIFE, PRO-GUN AMERICANS AS TERRORISTS

http://www.newswithviews.com/NWV-News/news152.htm

An amendment to a bill swiftly moving through the US Congress will allow the Obama Administration's Attorney General to classify Americans as domestic terrorists if they are pro-life, pro-gun and anti-big government.Impeached Florida judge -- now a Democrat Party member of the House of Representatives -- Rep. Alcee Hastings introduced what some claim is a disturbing piece of legislation. Hasting's amendment calls for the Attorney General to have discretion over who is called a terrorist and what groups will be treated as terrorist groups."This is arguably one of the worst pieces of legislation to come down the pike in a long, long time.
In essence Attorney General Eric Holder -- a Bill Clinton retread -- will have the discretion to label Americans terrorists. Hastings is a dangerous man and should be forced to resign from congress. He's also proposed the creation of "emergency camps" that are nothing more than prisons," warns political strategist Mike Baker."This amendment is part and parcel of the trend in this country to suppress dissent by patriots by calling them domestic terrorists," he added.In an unclassified report entitled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," Secretary for Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and her agency included the following description of "extremists:""Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.
Last Thursday, Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) made the following remarks on the House Floor regarding Congressman Alcee Hastings’ (D-FL) amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill:"The Hastings Amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill (which now is being considered en bloc) prohibits the recruitment, enlistment, or retention of persons with known affiliations to "groups determined by the Attorney General to be of a violent, extremist nature. Members on both sides of the aisle support the purpose of this amendment because "we recognize that there are legitimate concerns about the enlistment of persons who may seek to use their military training to cause harm to innocents", but we should take pause to consider the breadth of this amendment carefully. I just want to express concern about the language of this amendment, and my concerns are shared by many in this House," said Rep. Franks. While the amendment seeks to keep gang members and members of violent groups out of the military, the amendment by its language is much more broad. Specifically, it confers upon the Attorney General the ability to categorize groups as hate groups, and this sounds an alarm for many of us because of the recent shocking and offensive report released by the Department of Homeland Security which labeled, arguably, a majority of Americans as "extremists," warned Franks. I take extreme offense that the federal government -- through a report issued under the authority of a Cabinet-level official -- would dare to categorize people who are "dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition or abortion or immigration" as "right-wing extremists" and it begs the question of whether the Attorney General, under Mr. Hastings' Amendment, can look to the Napolitano report to decide who is an extremist, or can make the same categorization of the majority of Americans as extremists who may then be kept from joining the military, or who may be discharged," said Rep. Franks. I want to state unequivocally that I believe that it is not the intent of this Congress to label pro-lifers, federalism proponents, and pro-immigration enforcement groups and their affiliates as extremists under the bill. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle should make a strong effort to assuage these concerns and make our intentions clear.
If the intent of this amendment is to go after citizens because of their political views and moral convictions, then the amendment is unconstitutional. I hope that the sponsor of the Amendment will make clear tonight that this is not the intent," he added.Rep. Alcee Hastings also introduced what many say is another disturbing piece of legislation. That new bill calls for the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano to build at least six facilities that can be designated as "emergency centers. Hastings rationale for such facilities is to gather and "house" civilians on what are basically detention centers guarded by armed soldiers or paramilitary troops.The House bill (HR 645) -- National Emergency Centers Establishment Act -- is not even on the radar of members of the elite media. According to critics of the plan, if passed the government will create camps or centers that by their nature restrict the activities of US citizens herded into them.In fact, one provision -- Section 2 (b) (4) -- states: "[To] meet other appropriate needs, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security."One critic, political strategist Mike Baker claims the idea of such detention center smacks of the type of concentration camps for political dissidents, such as occurred in Nazi Germany, Americans find repugnant."Why aren't the news media covering this story? Could it be because they fear being the first occupants of these so-called emergency installations? Where is the outrage by our nation's Fourth Estate?" asks Baker.Hastings bill is suspected of attempting to help expand the President Obama's military and law enforcement powers.
While Hastings pushes this bill, even Republican congressmen are hesitant to remind one another and the nation that this Florida congressman was impeached while he sat on Florida's federal court bench.Appointed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, he became the first African-American federal judge in the state of Florida, and served in that position for ten years. He’s still called “Judge” by some of his colleagues, but one would think he’d rather forget his days on the federal bench.In 1989, Judge Hastings was impeached by the US House of Representatives for bribery and perjury. The Democratic-controlled Senate convicted Hastings of accepting a $150,000 bribe in 1981 in exchange for a lenient sentence and of perjury in his testimony about the case. Hastings said the charges against him smacked of racism.Even Rep. John Conyers, who is also black, said he “found no trace of racism during the investigation.” He urged his colleagues to remove Hastings from the bench. He said, “[Hastings] is unfit to serve.
When the ultra-liberal Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi nominated Hastings for the chairmanship of the House Intelligence Committee, even members of her own political party balked."The prospect of Rep. Alcee Hastings becoming the chairman of the House of Representative’s Intelligence Committee was proposed by Congressional Black Caucus, who had been pressuring the new House Speaker Pelosi to appoint blacks to key leadership positions and Hasting benefited from the pressure on the radical left Pelosi, said former Detective Sidney Frances (NYPD-ret.), himself an African-American.

This is a trend that keeps bobbing to the surface, Progressive liberals want this passed to keep us from re-taking the Goverment from the Socialist Agenda.

Food storage

2009-06-19T09:33:00.001-07:00

The fruit tree's are producing good, all except the pears, for some reason their not doing too good on the fruit. Black berries are plentiful, blue berries are coming along good. Squash and tomatoes are doing their job but other veggies are slower.

For those that can't wait, find a produce stand. Here we have "Tattnall Fresh" stands, these are from select farmers. The trick is knowing which use heirloom seeds and those that use hybreds. Anyhow, if you're in a hurry to start canning, buy from the produce stands and start putting up.

Nobama is pushing us into a hyper inflation mode. IMO, we are gonna feel the shock waves by mid-October. The cost of everything is going up, except wages. The less food you have to buy will mean extra money in your pocket, the food you're getting in stores is exported in from other countries.

In Georgia, homestead exemptions are stopped so expect higher taxes, another good reason to prep now.

Stay Focused

2009-05-30T04:13:00.000-07:00

I have been busy trying to get more People involved in what the goverment is doing and of ways to fight back. I am posting a link to what happened to a member of one of the groups, that wrote to his representive.
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=99352

I guess this is something to be expected in the upcoming months. I fully expect the SHTF to occur around October or November of this year. IF, obama passes the 25% national sales tax there will be alot of People unable to afford to buy food, or anything for that matter, it is highly possible that there will be civil unrest across the Country. Preppers won't be as bothered by the crunch but we have to be prepared for what will follow.

By now, gardens should be going strong and food will be added to the pantry. I would suggest that attention should also be focused on home security and self-protection. Buy extra ammo and firearms when you have a little extra money. If you live in the city, take the time to plan where you will go -IF and WHEN- food riots begin. When this happens it will be hard and dangerous to travel. Don't wait until the last minute.

Our money is getting less valuable each day. The more obama has printed up the less it is worth. He, and congress, are close to achieving their goal in turning this country into a socialist country. I, for one, will do what is required to fight it. I am slowly building a network in my county of like minded people so that we can rely on each other should the need arise. I encourage everyone to write their representives and let them be aware of your concerns. I haven't been contacted by any FBI, or the like, but it is possible. This won't stop me from what I am doing to show my displeasure at the goverment.

1st Georgia case reported

2009-04-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

The first confirmed case of this new flu has been found in LaGrange (outside of Columbus).
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/health/stories/2009/04/30/swine_flu_georgia.html

Please take precautions. We are all preppers but many are still dragging their feet. It is not going to hurt anyone to stock up on a months worth of food. If the outbreak jumps higher, and I'm sure it will, are you going to want to go to a store shopping? I have food put up and I am buying more just in case. I get my water from a well so I don't have to worry about that.

Think of your love ones, I'm not going to risk my family because I don't want to look weird wearing a mask. Wash your hands frequently, if sneezing -use your sleeve- try and avoid crowds.

More later.

Flu Protection

2009-04-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

There is alot going on in our Country today as it is, now they have added this swine/bird Flu to the mix. Not only is illegals bringing it over the border but students on spring break have brought it home. Kansas and New York are reporting it. I guess the FEMA Camps are starting to make sense. I thought that those reports were of the "tin foil hat" variety but.....

I have a cousin who happens to be a Doctor. She recommends the N95 masks (see link) they run $17.90 for a box of 20.
http://www.preparedness.com/3m82n95h5avb.html

Please use precaution, keep updated on this issue. If you have to go around a large group of People I would wear one. We all know how fast a flu/cold can spread. With a large population of illegals (such as those that work in the onion feilds) it could spread quick. As more information becomes availiable I'll update.

Seasoning Cast Iron cookware

2009-03-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

One of my Nephews suggested that I write a piece on the proper way to season cast iron cookware. We do alot of camping and I am fanatic about my Dutch Oven and skillets. I love the way the food taste and the simple cleanup of these. So, here it is. In addition, if you run across some cast iron frying pans (skillet) at a flea market and its rusted up, what I do is build a fire and set it in the coals. After about 15 minutes I pull it out, scrub it down with steel wool (careful not to burn my hands) and then rub it down with fat or raw bacon to season it as below. It will smoke up a kitchen.

This is how to season a dutch oven:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 350 degrees.
2. If you are using your kitchen oven, wrap a large cookie sheet with a raised edge in aluminum foil and place it on the lowest possible shelf of the oven. This cookie sheet catchs oil that drips from the dutch oven so make sure it is bigger than the diameter of your dutch oven.
3. This will be only time you will ever use soap on your dutch oven! After this, never use soap unless you are stripping your oven to perform a completely new Initial Seasoning. Wash your cookware in soapy hot water. Use a scouring pad or steel wool to scrub away all coatings down to the metal. Remember, after this you don't use soap to clean up.
4. Thoroughly dry the dutch oven and lid with a cotton towel or paper towels. Place it in the grill for a minute or two to really dry it and heat it up a bit. Use an oven mitt to remove the dutch oven from the grill and let it cool just enough so you can touch it.
5. Rub vegetable shortening all over the inside and outside of your dutch oven and its lid. Use plain Crisco or Wesson - do not use butter or butter flavored shortening. Using a paper towel or cotton rag, rub the shortening into all the pockmarks, holes, and dimples in the metal surface.
6. Place the dutch oven upside down in the grill or kitchen oven and close the door or grill lid. By being upside down, the melted shortening will drain out of the dutch oven leaving an even coating rather than a pool in the bottom.
7. Place the lid in the grill also so it bakes along with the dutch oven.
8. Bake the dutch oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Remember to open windows and temporarily disconnect your smoke alarm while doing this. (I open the door and place a fan there)
9. Turn off the grill and leave the dutch oven inside to cool for 15 minutes.
10. Using an oven mitt and paper towels, remove the cookware from the grill.
11. Use paper towels to wipe off excess oil from the inside and outside of the dutch oven and lid.
12. Repeat steps 5 through 9.
13. Allow the cookware to cool until you can pick it up.
14. Wipe off all excess oil with paper or cotton towels and you're ready to go!

Periodic Seasoning:
As you use your dutch oven, the grease, oil, and fat from the food you cook will continue to season the cookware. Some acidic foods such as beans and tomatoes can remove some of the coating. So, frying bacon, deep-frying fish, making doughnuts, or cooking fatty foods will improve the protective layer while acidic foods will harm it. Once seasoned, your dutch oven will most likely not need to be seasoned again (as long as you use it often and clean it correctly). It never hurts to reseason it and some folks like to do that at the start of a cooking season. It also may be necessary to reseason if food seems to be sticking too much or your cookware has been abused or stored incorrectly. If there is rust or the oven just doesn't look well coated, it's a good idea to season it again.

Periodic Seasoning is just like the Initial Seasoning except that you don't wash with soapy water. If there is rust present then you may want to strip down everything and do a complete Initial Seasoning. Otherwise, clean your cookware normally and follow the steps above except for using soap.

The finish on your dutch oven should be dark brown or black, the darker the better. It should be glossy, but not sticky. If it is sticky, you left too much oil on and you'll need to heat it more. Over time, with proper cleaning, this glossy coating will become thicker and stronger. You should notice that foods are easy to remove and clean up is simple.

If we do encounter a SHTF scenerio, cooking outdoors (or over a fire) is easier with cast iron. I use a 12 inch Dutch Oven and can feed 12 people out of it easily.

Tax Protest

2009-03-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

By now, everyone should be aware that a protest is brewing. This is not just about taxes to me, this is also about the way the goverment is forcing everything down our throats. Even France and czechoslovakia is telling the obamamites to pull his horns in, We are getting to Socialist for the Socialist. Our Dollar is becoming worthless, other Countries have quit buying our Treasury Notes. No one trusts the USA anymore.

This isn't just all about the obamamites, I blame the Republican Party for letting it happen also. Both Georgia Senators (Isakson and Chambliss) voted in favor to increase the americorps...5.6 billion dollars worth of volunteers. This will be to form another group similar to acorn. Another faction to garnish support for the democrat party, at our expense.

We can't sit back and wait on a 3rd Party to emerge. I love Ron Paul's way of thinking but, as usual, he'll wait until the last minute to jump on board. This only divides the Republician ticket and waste votes. No 3rd Party group will be on all 50 states ballots. We need to organize and refuse to vote for any sitting member of Congress. Lets clean house. If they are opposed by anyone, vote for the new guy. If no one runs against them, don't vote for them. Something needs to be done to wake them up. Hopefully this TeaParty will do so.

http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/georgia/ ( For all Georgia locations)

http://taxdayteaparty.com/ ( For locations in other States)

We Owe Them More Than What We Have Given

2009-03-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

When I think about the birth of our nation, and the men who sacrificed so much to see it born, I feel sick to my stomach. Not because of anything they did…our forefathers gave more than we could ask for, setting a foundation for a nation like the world had never seen. No, I feel sick because of what came after, because of how this current brand of Americans has let them down in every way. Each generation that followed the creation of America in 1776 had a simple responsibility- to protect and defend our rights as citizens, and to better our nation for the men and women that follow. Sometime during the past few decades, we have failed our mission completely.

The American citizen is not supposed to be a delightful pawn of the government. We were not destined to sit in silence with our hands held meekly out, waiting for those in government to provide us with basic essentials. We were not meant to never question but blindly obey; we were not meant to care more about feelings than about what is right and decent; we were not meant to accept and even protect the guilty while ignoring the cries of the innocent.

The American citizen was born as a pain in the ass to its government. We are supposed to question every decision; we are supposed to demand honest answers even if the answer is ‘hell if I know’; we were meant to sit in the yard with a loaded shotgun, daring our government to screw us over. American citizens are supposed to be full of piss and vinegar, supposed to be hellraisers who refuse to simply settle. We are supposed to expect and demand the very best of our nation’s leaders, and even more so every person who resides in our great land. Where is our frontier spirit when we need it the most?

Instead thousands of us sit on welfare, bitching about how we can’t get a job. We sit there and turn the other way when we watch the common man get trampled into the ground again and again. Organizations abound to ‘protect’ the rights of any and every group of people imaginable, but when I say protect the rights I really mean watch out for the feelings. Lord forbid we offend a pedophile, a rapist, or an illegal immigrant. Hell, we're even afraid to offend terrorists for crying out loud. We have become so damn politically correct that we have lost our identity, our moral compass, and essentially everything that made Americans great.

Our politicans do whatever they want with little regard to what is best for the country. The current Congress has done absolutely nothing, fullfilled none of their promises, but they aren’t dragged out of the hall and horsewhipped. No, we sit in silence as our economy fails, as our people struggle to make ends meet, and Congress bumps up its salary just a tad bit more. We have paperwork circulating declaring any defender of the Constitution (that document that was the birth of our nation) to be a domestic terrorist, and still we say nothing.

America has been falling for a long time, longer than eight damn years, and I don’t know if we can ever get her back. We have become fat and lazy, and we lack the initiative, heart, and kiss my ass attitude that made our country stand tall when others faltered. I hope I’m wrong. I hope that America can shake off this pathetic apathy we have, and reclaim our right. We owe our forefathers that. We’re supposed to have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness but nobody gives a damn about anything but happiness. Liberty is gone. Freedom is gone. The American spirit has withered away, but the fault is not that of our government.

The fault belongs to each and every one of us. We did it to ourselves every time we settled, every time we shut up, every time we looked the other way instead of pulling up our bootstraps and kicking the damn door open. We have lost everything that our forefathers gave us, and we have no one to blame but ourselves.

If we never regain our destiny it is no more than we deserve. Because the government has not failed us. We have failed us.

Introduction

2009-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to stop by and introduce myself before getting to work on this blog. I'm still a novice when it comes to survival, but I am an expert at looking at our world, our country, and our government and wondering what the hell happened. I go by the name JessiB, and reside in a wonderfully small town in southeast Georgia. I'll pitch in survival ideas once I get my feet wet a bit, but for now I'll probably be tackling news issues, and basically just things that should piss off every red-blooded American. I look forward to getting to know y'all!

Where did America go?

2009-03-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

After listening and reading all I can about the shape our Country is in, I am really disgusted with the Republican Party and the Republican leadership. I have always voted Republican and encouraged others to do so because this was the Party that was closest to my values. No more! I just watched obamasan explain how he was going to save the American People $40 Billion a year by cracking down on wasteful goverment contracts. Standing to his left was John McCain. I almost puked.

The chairman of the RNP is in a scrap with Rush Limbaugh because he was honest in his opinion of obamasan's policies. IMO, This kind of in-fighting is the major reason the Republicans are sitting in the cornor while our Country is going down the socialist drain. UNITE, dummies. Stand together for a change. The demo's were able to join arms with a sleezy group (acorn) and get crackheads, wino's, street people in general to step up with the liberals and get this garbage elected. The Republicans that side with these idiots should be shunned by the RNP, they should be made to forfeit the Party name and be run out of office. I am sick of seeing McCain hold onto obamasans coat tail. I used to have the upmost respect for McCain, just because of his Military record. I'm a vet also. I honor all Military members but McCain is wearing thin. If he is going to be a Liberal, then so be it. Drop the Republican title and go lick boots.

I want the "old school" back. I can't have Reagan again (God Bless him) but I can't believe someone close to him don't exist. Right is Right - Wrong is Wrong, period! I have worked hard for what I have, its mine. It doesn't belong to some lazy, mal-content that blames the white man for all his troubles. $200,000 for tattoo removal in California, What? You want it off? Get a hot Iron and remove it. Next time you want to draw on something, get paper. You want health care? Get a job. I pay too much for my health plan but I do it. I have to do without buying something so my family is covered but I do it. Others can too.

America ( on whole) has gotten fat and lazy. There is no more accountability, no one is is responsible for their own actions. Its time to trim the fat. All we have is career politicans that worry about themselves and their friends. To hell with the rest of us. Who speaks for us anymore? No one. For too long People like us have been silent. We worked, went home and took care of our families the best we could. Most of us have watched the loonies on TV and just shook our heads. We have voted for the Party relying on them to look out for our interest. What did we get for being "good citizens"? We have been screwed by the very same People we elected to speak for us.

I'm sick of it. I don't know where it will end but my garden will be ready, my smokehouse prepared and my guns oiled.

Apology

2009-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

I want everyone, that follows this blog, to know that I have been under the weather. I thought I would be up to commenting on the CPAC but I just ain't up to it. I will be back in a day or so.

Militia's

2009-02-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have been approached twice about joining a militia. Both times I turned the offer down. I have been called names and have had my values questioned. This issue totally pisses me off!

FOR THE RECORD. I believe that by joining a Militia, I would be putting a target on my back I don't want or need, at this time. I am by nature a survivalist/prepper. To openly join such a group, I would have to confine myself to one area that could be easily surrounded and conquered. I would then either be dead or imprisoned. Neither is acceptable. Read the link:
http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/Militia_M.asp?xpicked=4&item=19

In Georgia, the GBI used an uncover operative to infilitrate its group. Alot of people went to jail based on evidence the informer planted himself. What matters is, it caused the militia to disband. RubyRidge was brought about under similar circumstants. Waco is another. Right or wrong, the goverment disbanded them, death and/or imprisonment followed. The key to survivalism is "Do not bring unwanted attention to yourself".

As it is now, I can prep for what I feel is coming so that my family and I can survive without becoming puppets of a controlling goverment. I have the freedom of moving about day to day without drawing attention I don't want. I have the freedom of planting/raising /foraging the food it will take us to survive.

Do not take this as a weakness. If pushed into a corner, I will fight and fight hard. If outnumbered, I have bug out plans that will enable me to live to fight again. I believe in guerrilla warfare. If attacked I will hit back, leave the area and hit back again. If a movement against the goverment was called for and a large number of patriots joined in, I might change my mind. As it is now, and as it was in the 1700's, the men that fought for our Freedom from oppressive goverment were men of ordinary lives. When the time to fight came they left their farms, stores and families and marched off to fight with the regular armies.

I believe I can do the most good as I am. I stay in contact with like minded people, if help is needed it will be offered. Until that time, I will continue to prep and help others to do so. Please do not take this as a weakness. I firmly believe that the Constitution gave Americans the right to correct a goverment that becomes too oppressive, or one that no longer cares about its citizens. I am sure we will all soon know exactly what the obamamites have in store for us.

New Gun Bill

2009-02-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

Rep.Roscoe Barlett of Maryland, has introduced a Bill HR 17 to insure the Rights of Citizens to protect themselves.

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 17

To protect the right to obtain firearms for security, and to use firearms in defense of self, family, or home, and to provide for the enforcement of such right.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-17

Read the bill and take the time to write Rep. Barlett and thank him for helping Americans keep their 2nd Amendant Rights.

A Sheepdog

2009-02-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

This is a long post but one I feel is important to explain how I look at Myself and other Patriots. It was passed on to me by a friend that is a cop, I do not trust cops per se. There are too many of them, that in my opinion, are sheep themselves. Whenever you are called "crazy" for your desire to be prepped and/or being a Survivalist, think of this. We are the sheepdogs. We are the ones that will stand up and say"HELL NO" to the NWO and our own Socialist bent Goverment. Please read this:

We know that the sheep live in denial; that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their kids’ schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an armed police officer in their kid’s school. Our children are dozens of times more likely to be killed, and thousands of times more likely to be seriously injured, by school violence than by school fires, but the sheep’s only response to the possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or harm their children is just too hard, so they choose the path of denial.

The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, cannot and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheepdog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours.Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn’t tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports in camouflage fatigues holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, “Baa.”Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog. As Kipling said in his poem about “Tommy” the British soldier:While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind,"But it's "Please to walk in front, sir," when there's trouble in the wind,There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,O it's "Please to walk in front, sir," when there's trouble in the wind.

The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them. This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001, when the wolf pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel? Remember how many times you heard the word hero?Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the sound of the guns when needed right along with the young ones.

Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens in America said, “Thank God I wasn’t on one of those planes.” The sheepdogs, the warriors, said, “Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference.” When you are truly transformed into a warrior and have truly invested yourself into warriorhood, you want to be there. You want to be able to make a difference.While there is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog, the warrior, he does have one real advantage. Only one. He is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98 percent of the population.There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory acts of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself. However, when there were cues given by potential victims that indicated they would not go easily, the cons said that they would walk away. If the cons sensed that the target was a "counter-predator," that is, a sheepdog, they would leave him alone unless there was no other choice but to engage.

As a human being, you can be whatever you want to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have rest, safety, trust or love. But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the warrior’s path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door.

Some individuals would be horrified if they knew this police officer was carrying a weapon in church. They might call him paranoid and would probably scorn him. Yet these same individuals would be enraged and would call for “heads to roll” if they found out that the airbags in their cars were defective, or that the fire extinguisher and fire sprinklers in their kids’ school did not work. They can accept the fact that fires and traffic accidents can happen and that there must be safeguards against them.

Their only response to the wolf, though, is denial, and all too often their response to the sheepdog is scorn and disdain. But the sheepdog quietly asks himself, “Do you have any idea how hard it would be to live with yourself if your loved ones were attacked and killed, and you had to stand there helplessly because you were unprepared for that day?”The warrior must cleanse denial from his thinking. Instead of saying,“If it happens then I will take action,” the warrior says, “When it happens then I will be ready.”It is denial that turns people into sheep. Sheep are psychologically destroyed by combat because their only defense is denial, which is counterproductive and destructive, resulting in fear, helplessness and horror when the wolf shows up. Denial kills you twice. It kills you once, at your moment of truth when you are not physically prepared: You didn’t bring your gun; you didn’t train. Your only defense was wishful thinking. Hope is not a strategy. Denial kills you a second time because even if you do physically survive, you are psychologically shattered by fear, helplessness, horror and shame at your moment of truth.

Denial is a save-now-pay-later scheme, a contract written entirely in small print, for in the long run, the denying person knows the truth on some level."And so the warrior must strive to confront denial in all aspects of his life, and prepare himself for the day when evil comes. If you are a warrior who is legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that the bad man will not come today. No one can be “on” 24/7 for a lifetime. Everyone needs down time. But if you are authorized to carry a weapon, and you walk outside without it, just take a deep breath, and say this to yourself... “Baa.”This business of being a sheep or a sheepdog is not a yes-no dichotomy. It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-grass sheep and on the other end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the other. Most of us live somewhere in between. Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating their warriors, and the warriors started taking their job more seriously. The degree to which you move up that continuum, away from sheephood and denial, is the degree to which you and your loved ones will survive, physically and psychologically at your moment of truth.

Because I have a family I care about, I am a Sheepdog. Please Prepare.

Recap on Gardening and a small rant

2009-02-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

First for those planning a garden. Nows the time to put in some fruit trees and potatoes (known as tators) both of these will come in handy. By having a good garden, this cuts down on your grocery bill. Both fruit and tators have long been a survival tool.

I don't know how many of ya'll keep up with whats going on around us. There's a saying I like "just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get me". Listening to this spending bill the "messiah obama" (lean over and spit) has sold congress, makes me want to choke someone. Our Country has been sold out by a bunch of crooks -politicans - plain and simple. As a White Southern Male, I grew thick skin due to listening to all the "bad" things my kind as done over the years. The demorats and liberal sissies have unleashed the "pc" image on our youth, so that they grew up with guilt just by being born. Being Proud to be American has turned into something shameful nowadays. It is no longer a goal to work hard and suceed in this Country, too many people waiting on a handout. People don't want to work, they just want a paycheck. This is one reason we have so many illegals in this Country, Americans are too frigging lazy.

I believe that by the end of September/ early October we will see a food shortage. Our guberment has pushed us away from the small farms of yesterday. Most of the food we buy is from other Countries. When the economic situation gets so bad the stores can't get enough food, the sheep are gonna go nuts. This is why I prep. This is why I own guns and ammo. Ya ain't taking mine, simple as that. Also, there may come a time when the TRUE AMERICANS see the need for another 1776. I firmly believe this is what its going to take to get our Country back from (a overly large pig at the trough) Washington.

Look at who elected obama (leans over and spits) wino's, the unempoyed, people facing criminal charges (but not yet convicted) homeless people, the uneducated, the gays, liberals etc. This is who decided who will run our Country. Acorn ramrodded this operation. The same group who forced the banks into sub-prime lending, that started this ball downhill.
I hope we are ready. Rant over, for now.

Curing meat

2009-02-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

I was going to attempt to build a smokehouse (old style) and give it a whirl. Back when I was youngen, we would gather up at a neighbors around first frost and buther hogs. Some of the meat was salt cured and the other was sugar cured. It was hung in the smoke house to finish off the process.
Anyhow, due to me having a Birthday recently, I had company come down to find out if I could still sit around a fire and drink beer with the younger folks. Since a couple of them are part of my "bug in" crew, should the SHTF, I felt that the need to prove I was up to the task was called for. Heck, my 78 year old daddy hung in there until after 10 pm. I made it until it was going on 1 am., I finally got my legs back under me good yesterday. WHEW!

When preparing meat for storage, tempture is everything. Below 40 degrees is good. Heat is what allows the nasty to come out. I am going to include a website that can explain it better and not take up as much room. http://www.wedlinydomowe.com/curing/curing-methods.htm

There are a couple of ways to prepare your meat, I like the Morton's Tender Quick. It is a mixture of Salt, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrate and Sugar. Then there are Praque Powders, #1 is a mixture of 1 part Sodium Nitrite and 16 parts salt (4 ozs. per 100 lbs. of meat), typical home use is 1 tsp. per 5 lbs. of meat. #2 is a mixture of 1 part Sodium Nitrate, .64 Sodium Nitrate and 16 parts Salt. This is used primarily for dry curing. If you salt cure, make sure you rub the salt in around the bone real good. This is where the meat will spoil.

Sugar Cure for Ham: 1& 1/2 pints salt, 1 /2 cup brown sugar, 3 to 4 tablespoons black pepper, 2 tablespoons Red Pepper, 1 joint ham (from a 300 to 400 pound hog). Mix together and rub in and pack on joint of meat. Spread some on newspaper and lay joint, rind down, on mixture. Wrap in paper and then in cloth (cheesecloth). Tie like a package. Hang where there is even temperature, a little cool, but not necessary. Hang with bone pointing down. It will drain a little. Leave for several months. When cured, slice and store in freezer if weather is hot. This can be smoked also.

I plan on my smokehouse to be 6' X 8', I will block it up on cinder blocks about 2'. My firepit will be dug down about a foot deep, leaving a foot above ground. I will use regular stove pipe to run the smoke and heat into the smokehouse. I will keep you posted on this project. Use hard wood for the fire. Hickory is best (for flavor) Oak burns good and Pecan won't burn as hot (which is good for temp. control. You want to keep the temp. to around 140 degrees.

Being self sufficent

2009-02-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Preppers. I'm back on my stump again. The more news I listen to or articles I read concerning our economy, just makes me think that the SHTF is gonna happen soon. As if we don't have enough to worry about in our own Country, just look South! Mexico is on the verge of collapse. Now is the time to start looking out for your own. I want to touch on a few things you can do at home, I'll start first with planting a garden. This is something even those living in the City can do. If you have a backyard, or just a patio, this can be done small scale. It doesn't take much and it can help out on the grocery bill, leaving you some loose change to buy extra ammo maybe.

For those new at gardening: http://www.vegetablegardeningguru.com/getting-started.html, this is a pretty good place to start. For those in rural areas, such as myself, I would suggest growing a little extra. You can always use food to barter for what you need or sell the extra for cash to buy extra ammo. I love to say that. Seriously though, If you grow extra you can swing by and drop off some beans or corn to a neighbor that could use it. This will buy you goodwill and give you a chance to recruit into your network.

For those asking themselves: what more can I do be prepared, check this out.
http://www.foodshortageusa.com/Article_03.html
I can't stress this enough, it's coming. Most stores purchase on credit. The "good" credit score is now 740. What happens when stores can't get credit? They can't buy food is what happens. What happens when you can't buy food? You go hungry. What happens when "other people" can't buy food? They take from those that have food - If they can.

Did I mention, buy extra ammo? Just kidding-sort of. Anyhow, for those that have a little room to spare, think about getting a few chickens and a rooster. This will give you extra eggs and meat. It's not hard to build a chicken coop and the excerise will be good for you. Do you have room for some rabbits? another good cheap source for food. The ideal situation would be to have a couple of hogs. These can be bred, giving you an excellent source of meat and another barter tool. I'll touch on both sugar curing and salt curing later. Smoking meat isn't all that hard and taste great. I'm 55 years old, I have lived like this in the past and still kicking. Cut the T.V. off for a couple of hours and git-er-done. Spring is coming so get those garden beds ready.

Firearms

2009-02-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

Far too many People equate Survivalism with hate groups or running off into the mountains to live in a cabin. This is far from the truth about the Survival movement of today. Survival equates with preparedness. One of the main problems with society today, is that too many people rely on the "goverment" to take care of them. They have lost the ability to fend for themselves.

It should be clear to everyone that our Country is in trouble. Our economy is tumbling down a steep hill without any brakes being applied. Our goverment has come up with an answer: More debt! 46 states are in dire trouble: http://www.cbpp.org/9-8-08sfp.htm, this is what I want to touch on today, a total economic collapse. ARE YOU PREPARED? Let's pretend for a moment.

Without the ability to restock all stores have limited supplies (remember the bread lines in Russia), to purchase anything, one must stand for hours in line outside. Soon food riots have started. Looters are breaking into buildings, this spills over into neighborhoods, where homes are being ransacked for food and other things. Not enough cops to protect all areas, they are used to protect "vital services". You are on your on.

I am lucky enough to live in a rural area. Pretty much isolated from the hordes but not from roving bands of thugs. I have a family to protect, shelter and feed. What do I need to accomplish this? First, I am a prepper. I have food supplies on hand to sustain my family for a limited time.
Second, I have firearms to enable me to forage more food.

Alot of People want machine guns and grenades. This is not needed. A shotgun, a .22 rifle, a sidearm (pistol) and a 30-30 rifle (or larger) With a .22 I can kill a deer (and have) but for big game its best to have something larger. A shotgun is good for both home protection and game for food. Alot of people don't know how to prepare game for eating: http://www.backwoodsbound.com/index.html , http://www.chuckwagondiner.com/ these are 2 excellent sites for recipes on wild game. This is a site that will explain feild dressing: http://www.state.tn.us/twra/pdfs/gamehandling.pdf, as with anything, pratice makes perfect.

Ok, back to firearms. A shotgun and/or pistol are good for home protection also. If you don't know how to properly handle a firearm, I recommend finding someone to teach you the basics. Its not hard or complicated and it may very well save your life or your family's life. I also recommend that you set up a network of People close by to form a watchgroup. In the event of wide scale unrest, travel is going to be hard. Check points will be set up and cars searched for weapons etc., you want someone close by to help out. Regardless of how good you are, you will have to sleep sometime. I am set up for a group of 10 (grownups) plus kids. I can easily isolate our homestead from entry by anyone we don't want in. Not everyone is this lucky, city dwellers will suffer the most, and while this is occurring, it will give me additional time to prepare for invaders.

With obama/biden in office I highly recommend buying guns/ammo now while you can. If you can't afford alot, check out your local papers (we have tell-n-sell) under sporting goods. Some good buys can be had in these. As always, I recommend printing out what you need so that you have it on hand when needed.

Tips For Survival

2009-01-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of subjects to be covered concerning preps. It is almost impossible to be completely stocked to cover all situations. Alot of People just don't have the money to invest in things they would need if we were faced with a end of the world as we know it (EOTWAWKI), I don't believe that is gonna happen. Iran may try to nuke us in the future and we will cover Radiation protection later on. My concern is a SHTF situation (doo-doo hiting the fan). I strongly believe, due to events in our Country, we will face this. This (SHTF) covers alot, from major storms to economic collaspe, this is what we need to prepare for.

I am including a website that covers alot of info that will be helpful if you find yourself in a SHTF situation. I would suggest that, as you browse through it, you print out what would be helpful to you and keep it in a notebook or folder for later use. If for some reason you lose electric power - you won't have the internet - but you will have the info you need handy anyhow.

http://www.mspong.org/cyclopedia/index.html

Emergency Food Package

2009-01-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

Will you be prepared to survive in an emergency situation? Power outage, storm, major riots etc., for some reason you have to hunker down and can't get to a store? This is a basic breakdown of what you should have on hand, at least 2 weeks worth.

1. Wheat (corn meal or flour)
2. Long grain white rice
3. Pinto beans
4. lentils (this contains 26% protien)
5. Black beans
6. Oatmeal
7. Powered milk ( dehydrated)
8. Salt and Sugar
9. Canned meats
10. Water ( 4 ea. 10 gallon containers)
11. Batteries

As you go along you can add to the list depending on taste, these store well up to a year but as a precaution you can pull from your "stores" and re-add when you go shopping. Water storage is important, if using plastic, check the bottom for the recycle symbol and number. The number designates the type of plastic. #1 is most common for water bottles. Suitable for 1-2 time use. #2, 3, 4, 5 are safe.
You can find purification kits. Katadyn micropur, 30 tablets for $12.95. This is the least "yuckie" tasting and can be found at http://www.rei.com/product/695229, if you have kids and females add some kool-aide to help with the taste.

Food Preps

2009-01-30T01:20:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, Just sitting here drinking a cup of coffee before I head out to work. How many of you, right this moment, have any preps put up? If a ice storm moved in or a bad storm knocked your power out, Do you have enough put by to last you and your family until its cleared up and you could get to a store? What would you do if the economy dropped completely? There would be no food (or very little) to get, you might have to stand in line for a loaf of bread. This could happen - are you ready? or will you have to go to one of the FEMA Camps our Goverment is preparing ?

Another question for ya, What about security? Do you have a plan set up to protect yourself and/or family? Are you in a City or Rural? Are you prepared to deal with the road blocks and patrols that will be implemented in the event of total economic collapse? What about from roving bands of thugs, out to steal what they can until order is restored? These are things we need to prepare for. What will you do if the Goverment decides to disarm the Citizens? It happened during Katrina in Louisanna. Law abiding citizens had their weapons taken, leaving them at the mercy of the thugs. ARE YOU PREPARED?

Welcome

2009-01-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

I am new to this, blogging that is. I have been a Prepper for quite awhile, I will appreciate any suggestions you want to offer.

Our Country is going through a rough time with no end in sight. Our Goverment has abandoned the Constitution and it's citizens. We need to be prepared for the worst while we hope for the best.

The main reason I am doing this is because there are alot of People like myself that need a place in Georgia to share their thoughts and concerns. Alot are new to the idea of Prepping, we will be here to offer ideas in that area.

Remember, this is the internet. Others may be reading as well. Keep it clean, Nothing to do with making bombs or how to convert weapons to automatic etc. We will edit if we have to!

Coming Soon....

2009-01-17T15:24:00.001-08:00

RidgeOutlaw will be operating Georgia Preppers Network. Welcome Ridge! If you'd like to be a Team member and contribute, please leave him a comment. Thanks,

Tom