Author: JR

  • Are MAGA Patriots & Conservatives Being Targeted By The Radical Left?

    Are MAGA Patriots & Conservatives Being Targeted By The Radical Left?

    My thoughts on this extremist environment we find ourselves in. We are surrounded by media conglomerates and political groups spreading lies and pushing agendas. More and more people are realizing every day that much which was absolutely excepted and believed to be true is completely false and is nothing but propaganda. We have been and are being lied to and it is all by design.

    Mini-rant done.

    Take care all.

    Rourke

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  • Just sharing…….

    Just sharing…….

    I provide some insights into full-time camper living and other aspects of our lives on Instagram and a couple of other social media platforms. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded folks and hopefully pull them over here to 1776PatriotUSA.com. Thought I would share some of this with you here.

    These types of posts on many social media platforms are very short in nature. Keep that in mind.

    Enjoy!!

     

    Here are a few videos……

     

     

     

     

    Here are a few pictures……

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    That’s it!

    Have a good week everyone!

     

    JR

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  • Preparing For Survival By Cultivating Warrior Consciousness(For Beginners)

    Preparing For Survival By Cultivating Warrior Consciousness(For Beginners)

    Note: This is a very deep article on preparedness and a warrior mindset. It’s worth the time to read – and maybe even re-read to grasp what the author is presenting. This post was originally published several years ago within my previous endeavor – and then deleted off the internet. I’m bringing it back here for your review.   Take care all ~ Rourke

    By Jabarr Franklin

    Now we all know that when SHTF (in just a matter of time), we will be forced into harsh conditions where survival will not only be based on food, water, clothing, and supplies, but also a stern stance on self-defense and the ability to preserve ourselves. We will need to defend ourselves from thieves, robbers, gangs, police, scarcity, fear, doubt, and a long list of other dangers. As men, we must make sure the elders, women, and children are protected and safe in our hands. We will also be able to aid and protect those who cannot help themselves. We want to assure our family and community that they can trust us in the midst of catastrophe so they can feel secure in this harsh new reality in which we realize that there are no rules in survival

    To instill this assurance within us, we must first incorporate the skills and preparation to defend ourselves. But in order to prepare appropriately for an almost inevitable reality of physical confrontations due to drastically apathetic desperate minds who were accustomed to receiving benefits from a now-defunct establishment, you will need to cultivate the warrior mindset. It will quickly become a warzone of chaos, confusion, and spontaneous outbursts of anger and frustration and you will need a stern root of being during the storm of the turmoil. That will take a sense of “warriorship”. This primal instinct and warrior spirit lie dormant within us all, we just have to give it attention and get it back moving. 

    Cultivating this warrior spirit will take a shift of perspective, a change in attitude, and the use of critical thought. You must increase mental, environmental, and physiological awareness. You must master your mind and emotions. It will take intuitively feeling out who is genuine and who is flawed.  We must be able to honestly face the inevitable and cooperate with it. One of those inevitable truths is that we may have to kill another human being in order to survive because remember…… there are no rules in survival! As a warrior, it is required that harsh possibilities like these are in our conscious recognition constantly as well as keeping a balance of good morale. How does one do that? Well, I’m going to share some ideas, insights, and exercises that I’ve used to help me come to grips with the inevitable and be at peace with it! Because only when we are at peace within ourselves can we deal with the most challenging circumstances in a clear, diligent, and harmonic manner. Here is what you can do to become more settled in your warrior spirit to better deal with catastrophes as well as any other difficult physically demanding situations in your current life.

    The Warrior’s Most Powerful Tool: The Mind

    The most intricate tool that the Creator bestowed upon Man is the ability to think. The human species has the greatest potential (good and bad) of all sentient beings on this beautiful marble we call Earth because we, unlike any other species, have the ability to contemplate. We can shift through thoughts, choose one, and create our whole world with that one idea! We have the ability to consciously dictate how reality will affect us by the meaning we put behind it with thought. The issue has been that for eons of years, Man has mistaken the thoughts in his head as the identification of who he is. Man has lost control of this tool and it now takes a life of its own due to the fact that he doesn’t understand that a mind is only a tool and not a reality. The physical mind was only designed by nature to navigate through reality creatively and sufficiently by using this tool effectively. As warriors, we have to consciously reclaim our power from the untamed mind and have it serve us positively rather than being enslaved by all of its false commands to keep it secure in its false position. This false position is the origin of all habits! We have to change our perspective of the mind by seeing it as a tool only. Then, and only then, can we train with this tool on a daily basis. Here are some pointers and exercises:

    • Expanding your mental awareness through engaging in “Thought Inventory” (meditation): There is no goal in this activity. Just sit in a silent space and be aware of the thoughts coming across your mind. DO NOT TRY TO STOP THEM. The first step to healing is understanding just how sick you are! Just simply observe how rampant you mind has been and you will understand how it pulls you into different directions in your daily life. Simply be aware of the thoughts as well as your five senses. Notice that they are all co-existing at the same moment. This will expand your conscious field, increasing your peripheral awareness and keen responses to situations. Your widened field of consciousness will open up an intuitive space to know what you need to know when you need to know it. With consistent practice, you will start to see everything in a clearer light. You start to download powerful insights and start seeing through the true underpinnings of circumstances and situations. This practice takes diligence and self-discipline. You will feel that you may need some sleep when you start doing this because there will be a shift of energy. It will be a major challenge in the beginning because forceful thoughts will start to come to the surface to deter you. BUT DON’T GIVE UP! Start off doing this daily in three segments of 3-5 minutes; morning, noon, and night. You will start to fall in love with this practice and begin spending more time with it, marinating in your energy field and expanding your conscious presence. Don’t start talking about it to others, let it speak for itself. They will feel that “It” factor relentlessly pouring out of you.
    •  Mastering your emotional intelligence by “Feeling and transcending all past emotional issues”: I know you are maybe wondering ”what do emotions have to do with the mind?” But they have everything to do with the mind! Lets take a look at this. Let say for example you want to learn to play the piano but you are afraid to start practicing. Now, the indication that you are afraid to start indicates that you are experiencing the emotion that we call fear. Now, why might one be afraid? Maybe because we may have a limiting belief about failure. May you think failure means that you aren’t, or will never be, good enough. But if you change the way you think about what you define failure to be, your thoughts about “failing” will transform from fear into joy. Maybe “failing” helps you learn what doesn’t work for you on those keys and learn what does work for you. You will get a better grasp of understanding what technique works for you. So failing now means that you are learning something new, getting better and better as you go along. So now you understand that you can never “not be good enough” because it is an ever-evolving process. From this perspective, failing can never be fearful! You actually look forward to it and become excited about learning how to play the piano. You just transformed an emotion because of your thoughts about it. And this goes for any area in your life. As warriors, we have to be courageous and willing to face the most horrifying fear known to man in the same way; death. Facing this fear and calling this deep demanding energy unto the surface by using our imagination helps us come to terms with dealing with all of our fears because fear of death is the core to all fearful belief systems we hold. It sounds crazy I know, but as human beings, we should ponder about and come to grips with death every so often. It forces us to see that change is the only constant and that nothing lasts forever. It forces us to live in the moment and cherish what is truly important to us in this lifetime. It puts you in the pit of your whole existence and forces you to see the harsh truths about yourself and the world around you. You can no longer be able to ignore what’s real and this is actually what will help us approach life with the intense conviction and determination to do what it takes to protect what we hold most precious. Now, you won’t be able to see yourself not going out with a fight, which ironically intimidates most adversaries! Transcending the fear of death means you stand in the conviction of life…..survival! Now we must be willing to look at our every emotional sensation in this dynamic because in order to operate from warrior consciousness we must be composed. Emotional stability plays a part in that. So whatever it takes to get emotionally stable; venting, writing a journal, punching a pillow, etc; we must go through that process so that we can have our emotions work for us not against us. This will open up our intuitive capability at the level of sensory perceptions because emotions will no longer drown them. Our emotions will become lighter and more operational. Anger is a powerful motivation device if we use it wisely, one that the warrior can exert in a strategic, calculated, and composed manner. Dangerous!
    • Preparing the body to withstand demanding conditions by “Opening up to the Body Consciousness”: Yes the body is also the mind…..the subconscious mind. All of our programmed habitual bodily actions are motivated by our subconscious thoughts. They are ingrained learned behavior that we soak in from society, parents, education, and entertainment, all across the board. This learned behavior resides in our cell memory. This cell memory is the reason why the body reacts in a certain unconscious manner when we feel certain negative emotions. It is why we tend to eat when we are bored. It is why we can tell what mood someone is in by their posture or the way they walk. It speaks to their state of mind. We can deliberately move our bodies in a way where we program a certain state of being within ourselves. We can use posture exercises to open up our chest plate and take in more oxygen. As warriors, We have to understand this machine that we call our body. It is vitalized by infinite intelligence, wired by the highest to function at its highest state possible and keep its harmonic balance automatically. It heals its own wounds. It moves the bowels automatically. The heart beats on its own. As warriors, we must inner stand our body and its natural functions vs. habitual body-mind, both of which are subconscious. We must bring the subconscious into conscious recognition in order to start understanding the differences between the two. It’s simple…start being present with your every action and you will gradually start to notice that your body has innate intuitive messages within itself. It will let you know what and when to eat. It will let you know when you need to exercise. It will let you know when you need to sleep. It will let you know when you need to act. The body is a wonderful guidance system. It is always communicating with you to let you know where you gauge in your harmony with the universal mind. Now that you have an intent to cultivate that warrior energy, you will know what you have to do with your body to start training it to operate physically as a warrior. And that’s what we will discuss next.

    The Warrior’s Most Powerful Machine: The Body

    Now let’s talk about this complex piece of God’s creative work. As warriors, we must KNOW that this is God’s machine designed to be used for God’s divine purpose. To fully embody this warrior spirit fully, we must perceive our body as God’s vehicle and also treat it as such. We need to allow it to work for us as efficiently as possible. When we start appreciating its function, its function will appreciate. As I mentioned before, the body is a wonderful guidance system that we can also use to our benefit within our specified intent. But first, we must understand our body (body consciousness), take care of it, train it, and prepare to get it accustomed to conditions that we will have to face (cell memory). 

    • Clearing the pathways of infinite intelligence in the body by being serious about nutrition:

    I’m not gonna go too much into specifics here because many sources claim that particular food choices are better for the body than others. But these sources cannot tell YOU what is good for YOUR body. You are your own best doctor. Like I     mentioned before, your has a guidance system of its own that helps you gauge which foods belong and which ones are a “no-no”. This issue with this is that the guidance system may be numb or shut off due to it being drowned by over-consumption, preservative ingredients, or toxins roaming freely in our atmosphere. We need these pathways to be cleared in order to free up room to let the guidance system flow through. There are many ways to do this. The best way is fasting. Water fasting, or juice fasting, allows our bodies to rest fully and eliminate toxins from the system, bringing all of our systems back to balance and working in their proper function. Before training the body, the body must be fully available so that it can be trained. These old cell memories must be flushed out. Using cleanses for particular organs could be of great advantage. If you feel that you cannot jump into that fast lane, try a raw organic food diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are grown from the great green Earth carry the messages from the cosmos that communicate with our cells in the body. They align the cells in accordance to the universal mind’s intent at the time the fruit’s conception. Yes, God communicates with us through food! This is an overlooked fact. These messages carry out information that can ultimately lead us to the right direction through channels that we call inspiration. Drinking plenty of water allows these insights to flow effortlessly. Insights are basically electrical currents. And water conducts electricity. Water consumption must be much greater than food. We must also eat light in order to keep the body from too exhausting to much of its energy through digestion. We need as much energy reserve as possible when measures get drastic. It also benefits to eat less. Eating minimal to reserve food supply will be a great survival tactic. This will work to your advantage in all levels of life. Now, we have the energy to prepare our bodies to fight, move swiftly, and withstand trying external situations.

    • Preparing the body for external conditions by exposure:

    This idea should not be taken overboard! What I am speaking of when talking about preparing the body is more like how athletes prepare for their seasons. They train in the same conditions, sometimes greater than the conditions they face in gametime. It’s more like simulation. When I played on my high school football team we would take a trip to Cuthbert, Georgia for summer training camp when the high temp was no less than 105 degrees. Not to mention we had 3 practices a day! It had us well equipped for the football season. The same goes for the warrior. The warrior must be strong enough to withstand the most turbulent of conditions. Check out the first scene of the film 300 where a young barely clothed Leonidas slayed a beast in the snow in grand composure. It may be hard to believe, but you too have the ability to do such things. Start to expose yourself in small simple steps. Fasting is a good method. Right at the point when you are hungry, make yourself wait three minutes before you eat. You can stand outside in the cold for 2 minutes without a sweater or jacket. My point is to step out of your comfort zone. Cause when SHTF, nothing will be comfortable about it! Also, another very important piece to cultivating warrior spirit is to exercise the attitude of a warrior. Watch movies like I AM Legend, World War Z, Taken, or 300 and notice how the main characters retained focus in the most crucial of moments. Notice their body language and state of being. Practice that state in your everyday life when you are faced with a challenge. Be willing to retain your emotional equilibrium in the face of uncertainty so that your mind can find a clear solution and your body can act accordingly. There will be many unpleasant surprises. It will be a game won only in the moment.

    The Warrior’s Playground: The Environment

    We belong to the Earth; The Earth belongs to us. We are so far removed from nature as a species that man fears nature. This disconnection has us fail to realize that nature provides us with a means of survival. Camping should be a required course for all young children. When SHTF and when some people get ran out of their homes, natural duck off and hideouts can be a safe hideout. I am not going over what supplies we must have before the SHTF because I am speaking on strictly cultivating the warrior’s spirit, but knowing what you need and polishing outdoor skills beforehand will be of great advantage to you. If you don’t have the means to get those supplies it’s okay. Put that intent out there and opportunities will attract themselves to you. Watch Youtube videos on skills for doomsday scenarios and practice the skills that you can now. You lack nothing. You have what you need in your fingertips. Allow yourself to recognize abundance. As warriors, this is an important principle to live by. You are totally 100% abundant. The air is always available for you to breathe, the Earth rotates on its own, you happen to come across this article. We are all by abundant orchestration and we must realize that our environment speaks to us in that language. Study your environment now. Imagine it being in a doomsday scenario. How can you use it to your benefit? Will you have to leave? Be mindful of this now so that when the time comes you know how and when to MOVE! Because survival, although no rules, is a game of timing and inches. But most importantly, get connected with nature because it connects us back to our essence and soothes us back into our NATURAL balance. Balance in every level of our being is what will enable us to cultivate the warrior spirit thoroughly. 

    Conclusion: It’s All About Perspective

      Most discussions about survival are very limited to the focus of the physical paradigm. But as we know, the way that SEE our effects the way we move in it. We must understand that life happens THROUGH us not TO us. Having this understanding will affect how you think about and approach your preparation and survival skills. Understanding that you have the unlimited resources to empower yourself lets you know that you are the deciding factor of where you will stand in the natural selection process. You are the center piece of your universe (YOUniverse). Your world manifests through you and revolves around you. You are the light, the solar pulse where everything in your life gets magnetic life force from by what you put your attention to. So choosing survival by any means necessary is your choice and once you choose it, you will see the evidence and the consequence of that choice by the opportunities that the universe will bring to you. Then and only then can you open up your capacity to do what you need to do to survive when SHTF. Now that’s warrior spirit!

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  • A few deals

    A few deals

    It’s been a while since I’ve bought any ammunition or guns. I feel good at my current level and money is being used elsewhere. This morning I was perusing a few vendors I frequent and figured I’d pass on some info in case you’re in the market for guns, ammo, etc. No telling how long these prices will remain.

    Global Ordnance Belom 124-grain 9mm brass-cased/50-rd box – – $14.99

    ***I’ve shot a few hundred rounds of this Belom ammo and it shot great. GO has low flat-rate shipping no matter how much you order.

     

    Global Ordnance SHK 30-rd AR-15 Steel Magazines – – – $5.99 each

    ***I own about 30 of these and they fit flawlessly(including in billet lowers) and function perfectly. Very durable.

     

    Global Ordnance SHK 33-rd Glock Magazines for 9mm  – – – $8.99 each

    ***One of the best deals around, the SHK 33-rd Glock magazine has internal metal feed lips like the Glock OEM magazines.  Excellent track record and reviews. A buddy shoots these through his Kel-Tec 2000 and loves ’em.

     

    Crosman Pointed .177 Air Gun Pellets – 250 count/can – – – $3.40 each

    I just picked up an old Daisy Powerline 880 pellet rifle brand new in the box. These will be perfect and at a fantastic price.

    AAC 5.56mm 55-grain ammunition/box – – – $7.99 each

    Looking for full auto conversion plans? Check FullAutoPlans.com. For informational purposes only.

    Have a good weekend all!!

    Rourke

     

     

  • Things Are Busy….

    Things Are Busy….

    Haven’t been posting much lately as I’ve been super busy. At the time of this writing, I’ve been down with a “bug” and feeling like bear excrement. COVID test was negative and although I was running a fever it dropped. I just feel crappy – no energy, a little bit of a cough developing, and tired. It’ll pass.

    Praying for the folks in Florida. It appears this storm is one of those the entire country will remember. Mother Nature certainly can show her fury and just how puny we mere mortals are.

    I’ll get back to posting on a regular basis soon.

    Oh – thought I’d give you a sneak peek of a new product I’ll be offering soon:

    Pretty cool!! We’ll have a few different designs and if you have any suggestions leave them in the comment section below.

    Stay safe all!

    Rourke

  • How To Read Kindle Ebooks on Multiple Devices

    How To Read Kindle Ebooks on Multiple Devices

    I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke

    Amazon devices such as Kindles and Fire tablets are perfect ways to read downloaded ebooks. If you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download digital ebooks from the Kindle Store and read them on almost any media device. Amazon offers reading apps for Windows laptops, Mac computers, iPads, iPhones, as well as Android phones, and tablets. Accessing and using the apps are very simple and intuitive.

    Step 1

    Download the Kindle app for your device.      For Windows laptops and Mac’s visit this page for the appropriate download. Android and iPhone users should visit their “App Store” and search for the needed App. There is no cost for any of these apps.

    Step 2

    Find the application and start it.

    Step 3

    Enter your Amazon login information. This is required so Amazon knows where to send your purchased Kindle books(even if they are free).

     

    Step 4

    Go to the Kindle Store, find a book you like, buy it and it will be on your device ready to read. There are lots of great books no need to only have preparedness-related.

    Step 5

    Enjoy!!!!!! 

     

    A Tip From Reader and Prepper Guru GG58:

    Here is free software .. it works really well
    It will load books to most popular devices and will convert from one format to most popular formats awz, mobi, epub, pdf, doc, etc..
    It will create a searchable and configurable library.
    Also it is available for all the popular computer operating systems.
    https://calibre-ebook.com/

    Have fun .. it’s fairly intuitive.

    Remember that in a grid down, no internet scenario that only the books that are stored on the device will be accessible. This is one advantage of the Amazon Fire Tablet. It can use MicroSD cards to expand the memory with no fear of running out of space.

    I’ll be posting more “free Kindle ebooks” over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!!!

    Rourke

  • Expired Campbell’s Soup: The Results Are In!!!

    Expired Campbell’s Soup: The Results Are In!!!

    Well, I finally opened the expired can of Campbell’s Soup that was only 13 years past the date stamped on the can. I’m still here. I’ve been a massive advocate for canned goods being a major part of any food storage program for years. The results of this test further confirmed my stance.

    The following video shows the opening of the can…..

    With all the supply chain issues, fertilizer shortages, weather events, inflation, financial market instability, etc a robust food storage program simply makes sense.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

  • Evil In The World Is Growing

    Evil In The World Is Growing

    I’ve struggled with the level of politics to share on this website. When I first started 1776, I said many times that preparedness and politics were intimately connected. The reason for that is simple: The vast majority of potential events that preppers prepare for have a direct connection to the government. This includes economic collapse, mass inflation, world war, crime waves, and states of tyranny. The list goes on and on.

    The stand I take today is there is no saving us. It does not matter who is voted into office nor how many letters you send to your Congressman. The point of no return has well passed by and we simply cannot reverse the course we are on. Can things be slowed? Possibly. Saved? No. Societal decay has taken hold like a cancer, and it’s spreading. No amount of medication or praying will create some reverse utopia that will make everything better and heal all the boo-boos.

    Consider the massive spending that has created this inflationary environment we find ourselves. This has been built over the past couple of decades by both sides of the aisle and continues to this day. Trillions of dollars have been infused into the economy generating the highest inflation in 40 years. The government response? The Inflation Reduction Act adds almost another $1 trillion to the national debt. That’s like helping a heart attack patient by stabbing them in the foot. That’ll work out well.

    Sorry if this is a bit harsh. No – actually not sorry. It is what it is.

    The reality is those who stand against the Constitution and all it stands for have incredible power. They control the majority of news media so as families sit at home after work they are informed of a version of what has occurred rather than the truth. They control almost all social media and manipulate social media algorithms to push an agenda that is quite separate from the truth, what is right, and what is in line with the Constitution. They control the vast majority of financial institutions and have the ability to shut down organizations they disagree with and pull financial tools from those businesses who fail to meet their social credit score. Truth matters, however, it is hard to find except by those who search for it.

    I’ve heard many times that truth is a matter of perspective. I disagree. There is truth based on facts, logic, and common sense.  One plus one will always equal two. That is truth. These insane social constructs that suggest you should be forced to call someone by the pronouns they demand and radical, extremist actions are required to deal with a supposed climate emergency that awaits us just around the corner….insanity.

    The truth is we have an economic crisis that is ongoing and growing in severity. The truth is we have a border crisis that has thousands of desperate illegal immigrants entering this country with a large percentage who are not seeking a better life but rather invading this country in an effort to spread illegal drugs and profit from illegal activities. The United States government might as well sponsor the cartels. The truth is this country was founded on a set of principles and ideas that generated the largest growth of freedom the planet has ever seen. These United States have led the world in industry, medicine, exploration, academia, and technology to the betterment of humankind. No more.

    There’s evil in the world and you can see it making moves daily to remove individual rights, increase dependence on government, and make that which used to be celebrated and was good now demonized and bad. Powerful organizations are funding radical “woke” political candidates to further their extreme agenda. The deck is absolutely stacked against those of us who have traditional values and believe in individual rights and freedoms.

    We have the members of the World Economic Forum discussing mass control over the world population. This is not a conspiracy – this is real. Between land grabs, financial controls, disarmament, and economic constraints due to an apparent climate change disaster the world’s population must be controlled to prevent mass genocide.

    Whatever. These people are crazier than a barrel full of monkeys trying to hump a door knob.

    As we look back over the past decade and see the extreme nature in which changes in culture, society, and the world take place I cannot help but wonder where we will be in a short 4 years. I simply cannot imagine.

    What are your thoughts? Share below.

    Rourke

  • Jericho TV Series – Watch the First Episode

    Jericho TV Series – Watch the First Episode

    For those that have hung out here with the “1776 Nation”(that’s you!) for a while or over at my previous site where I would spew my musings, you know I am a big fan of the TV show Jericho. For those not familiar, Jericho was a series that came out back in 2006 and was watched by preparedness-mind folks weekly. There were Jericho watch parties and often discussions after each episode.

    Show Summary via Wikipedia:

    The storyline centers on the residents of Jericho, a small northwest Kansas town, in the aftermath of a nuclear attack on 23 major cities in the contiguous United States. The series begins with a visible nuclear detonation of unknown origin in Denver, Colorado. Despite initial belief that it was an accident, Dale Turner, one of the characters, receives a phone call from his mother in Atlanta, Georgia. The call is then cut out by the sound of a nuclear blast. Upon showing this to others, it is revealed that the bombings were deliberate. Problems are compounded by loss of power and modern communications, effectively isolating Jericho. Later, power is restored to Jericho by what is alluded to as the efforts of the U.S. government but an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from an unknown source disables all electronics.

    Above is episode #1. Take a watch or download it while it’s still available. If you have Netflix the series can be watched there – or the DVD can be purchased HERE.

    Good stuff!

    Rourke

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  • IN STOCK: Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit

    IN STOCK: Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit

    I have in stock a large supply of Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kits and they are ready to ship. If you are not familiar with this kit, it allows the popular Sawyer Mini Water Filter to be adapted for bucket use. The advantage of using this kit with the Sawyer is providing large volumes of filtered, clean water for multiple people.

    See below for more information on this simple and inexpensive accessory for the Sawyer Water Filter.

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    I appreciate the interest that has been shown regarding the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit. I have enjoyed using the Sawyer Mini Water Filter. It is simple to operate, reliable, and inexpensive. The biggest drawback of the Sawyer is using it with multiple people. It can be done but you’re either all sucking on the same straw or using a lot of time and energy filling small bags or bottles with dirty water and squeezing through the filter. I figured there had to be a better way to use this great filter.

    Enter: the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit.

    This simple kit adapts the Sawyer Mini Water Filter(not included) for bucket use. Once a hole is drilled in the supply bucket the components are assembled(instructions included) – and then the Sawyer is attached. That’s it.

    Currently, the needed drill bit is not included as I didn’t want to add the expense for something that people may have already. Regardless – any local Harbor Freight, Home Depot, or Lowe’s carries the bit and of course Amazon.

    Actual Trial With the Sawyer Bucket Kit.

     

    #1: Started with a bucket and threw in a bunch of dirt and added a couple gallons of water.

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    #2: Used a towel as a pre-filter to remove the larger particles.

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    #3: Towel caught the larger sediment/contaminants. A finer pre-filter for capturing more of the larger particles would be suggested(coffee filters good for this).

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    #4: Below the contaminated water ready to go through the Sawyer.

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    #5: Filtering operation in progress.

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    #6: Close up of the stream of filtered water exiting the filter.

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    #7:  This is what the non-filtered water looked like pre-filtering.

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    #8: Filtered water is crystal clear after using the Sawyer Mini Water Filter Bucket Kit.

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    The results are impressive. It’s not surprising the water looked crystal clear after all that is what is supposed to happen. Flow rate was excellent at around 5-6 gallons an hour.

    I drank the entire glass of filtered water and found it had no off-taste and tasted like….well…..clean water. While this test was dealing with only sediment and suspended particles in water, the Sawyer also excels at removing pathogens and bacteria.

    Currently, the kit is priced at $12.99 with free shipping or $16.99 for a set of two which is a bargain. Add the Sawyer Mini Water Filter for around $20 and a high volume water filtration system can be put together for around $30. Not bad.

    Check out the 1776PatriotUSA Survival & Preparedness Store for these water filter kits as well as other products.

    I would appreciate it if you would share this on social media. Kits are ready to ship now.

    Thanks

    Rourke

  • Guest Post: Waste Management – What are you doing?

    Guest Post: Waste Management – What are you doing?

    This is a survival & preparedness guest post sent in by BG…….

    There is well over 7 billion people living on planet Earth and sooner or later they will all have to use the bathroom. In the US, nearly every house or apartment, whether in rich, middle class, or poor areas, is equipped with a bathroom.  However, across the world, that isn’t the case.   According to my research, there are around 1.1 billion people who have no access to a toilet of any kind.  In total, 2.5 billion people defecate outside because they can’t get to an indoor toilet (assume we aren’t talking about hikers here….)

    On the surface this might seem like a trivial (and personal) matter that most people do not care to talk about. However, if human waste is not properly managed it will become a problem that has the ability to cause millions to become sick or even die. The problem of eliminating human waste is no small issue and though it is an issue that is often pushed out of the spot light; the truth is that this part of the human condition must be addressed in order to keep people free from disease. I guess, poop isn’t a topic that is formally discussed because of the implication of crudeness and disgust. The main context in which we talk about poop is humor but in an emergency situation, it won’t be a laughing matter.

    Many homes in third world countries do not have proper sanitation infrastructure or systems in place to handle the millions of tons of waste material that is released by people on a daily basis. A lot of individuals in third world countries use the bathroom are secluded places outside of their home or their particular settlement, town or village. Believe it or not millions of people who are living in third world countries relieve their waste material in this manner. In many cases they do not even bury or cover up the excrement after they relieve themselves.

    Many people automatically assume that most cities have adequate infrastructure to deal with sewage problems but the truth is that many metropolitan areas have old and over stressed sewer systems that are barely able to perform. In some urban communities throughout the world, government and city authorities are not able to provide adequate plumbing systems for many people. As a result, people use the bathroom out on the streets or in designated public areas. The bottom line is that the sewage probelm has to be effectively managed. By the year 2100 there will be close to 10 billion people living on the Earth and if there is not system in place to handle their waste material then millions will suffer.

    Based off of those numbers alone, it wouldn’t take much to distrupt the sanitation system.

    One of the best ways that cities can improve the sewage system within their area is by correcting the problem on a per family basis. In many regions of the U.S. where flooding is common, sewage systems are often overwhelmed. When an emergency happens or a disaster strikes and many people are left without power, using the toilet could become a nightmare. Municpal septic systems rely on power to keep sewage from becoming a huge problem. Sometimes these systems can fail for as long as a month or more and when they do people can become very ill.

    Local government, public waste facilities and private companies offer waste management and removal services to many consumers. Some people use septic tanks to get rid of their sewage. This system involves diverting waste material from a residence to private outside storag tank that lies beneath the ground. A company removes waste material on a periodic basis after it builds up. Some people are supplied port-a-poties by their government and these small portable toilets are another effective method for releiving waste. Port-a-potties are typically used at major outdoor public events. They can also be used at local residences and companies can also be used to remove this type of waste as well.

    So, maybe it is time you get a port-a-potty?

    Port-a-potties are also a viable solution for controlling waste because they are relatively easy to transport, set-up, use and cleaned. As a matter of fact the waste that these structures hold can be eliminated with the garbage. Many families could have a port-a-potty set up on their property for a relatively low cost. Waste manage is critical for all people and especially for a large family that lives off-grid. As a part of an emergency prepper, people should be willing to consider having some sort of emergency plan in place for eliminating waste material if sewage infrastructure and systems fail.

    If you are looking at a similar situation in a grid-down scenario for our house or community what will you be doing?  The wonderful UN has outlined one such design to be the minimal level of sanitation.  It consists of a single pit latrine, usually 2-3 meters deep, is used to collect and store excreta . The pit is protected with a ring of bricks called a ring beam. A simple concrete slab sits on top of the ring beam and serves as the interface where the user squats and defecates with a structure on top.

    As the pit fills up, the waste leaks into the soil and carries fecal organisms and pathogens with it. After 1-2 years, the waste decomposes and the amount of pathogens are greatly reduced.  In the end, it requires no water at all and is the simplest of all sanitation systems- most of the assembly is digging a pit.

    This post wasn’t intended to solve your specific scenario, but just a reminder that your planning needs to be well rounded.

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  • 9/11

    9/11

    I recently watched a Youtube video where someone went on a college campus and was asking students who attacked us on 9/11. Hardly anyone could provide an answer and really didn’t know anything about the incident.

    My beliefs on what happened that day have certainly changed over time. Regardless – thousands of innocent souls were lost and many more lost friends and family. So sad.

    Don’t forget. Don’t ever forget.

    Rourke

  • Recent Trip: Chimney Rock, NC

    Recent Trip: Chimney Rock, NC

    So my youngest decided to get married…….at 19. Yup. I talked to him and provided my infinite wisdom but love…..or hormones….made him decide to go through with the ceremony. His bride is a very smart and nice girl. At least that is a positive. So – they decided to get married up at Lake Lure at Chimney Rock, NC. The area was absolutely gorgeous. What was particularly interesting is my ex had a chance to spend some time with Maine Prepper Girl. No cat fight…..things went well.

    I figured I’d share a few pictures from the trip:

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  • What Matters

    What Matters

    Over the last few months, I’ve been a bit on the “philosophical” side. My father passed away at 64 – just 12 years from my current age. I’ve thought about what I want, what I need, and what I should do to make myself happy. Happy. Is that what’s most important? Probably not. Handling your responsibilities is not only morale but just.

    I’ve struggled over the past several weeks to decide between what most people would do in that they would stick to a job they hate versus a life they MIGHT love and relish in. Money isn’t everything, right? We only live one life, right? Isn’t the beauty and freedom we feel in the one life we live most important?

    Conflicted.

    Sorry for the confusing words and potentially conflicting thoughts.

    Take care all.

    OK, I’m going to go contemplate life and the direction to move towards(with Maine Prepper Girl).

    Rourke

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  • Strengths and Weaknesses

    Strengths and Weaknesses

    I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke

    I’ve had some older folks suggest that they are useless should the SHTF. They talk about their bad knees, inability to run, or other physical limitations. Others will say they are just not “tactical” enough and don’t have an aggressive mindset. It’s disappointing to hear talk like this and the display of such defeatist perspectives.

    We all have value. We all can contribute.  The fact is we also all have limitations and some of those limitations can be determinantal. While certainly there are cases in which weakness can be changed the reality is we are who we are. For preppers, those weaknesses must be identified and dealt with.

    Example:    Your group has 12 members. Two are over 70 years old. Three of the others are obese and have physical limitations when it comes to exerting themselves. One member is a Crossfit athlete. The rest are ordinary people in average shape.  The decision on sending a patrol out 3-5 miles from the property to watch for traffic on a popular rural road and report back their observations would have to take physical limitations – as well as mental ones – into consideration.

    Example: The group arrives at the retreat. The retreat arrival checklist is pulled out and responsibilities are divided. Responsibilities and tasks revolving around food prep, cooking, sanitation, logistics/inventory control, security, water/water filtration, etc. are all critical to the success of the group. The Crossfit athlete has a serious reading/writing problem, and one of the 70-year-olds worked for the Post Office in logistics. Strengths and weakness must be considered.

    Example: Over the last three days the perimeter of the property has been tested by someone on a motorcycle. It is apparent they are testing the waters to see how the group is reacting and to gather intelligence. Two of the group members are ex-military and suggest an attack is imminent. A defensive plan specifically geared towards this known threat must be implemented. One of the 70+-year-olds fought in Vietnam. The other member was in the first Gulf War. The tactical experience and knowledge level must be considered for all members as a plan is devised.

    It would be great if we could all be John J. Rambo with advanced medical degrees. That is just not realistic. Having the ability to not take offense is also important. There’s no room for egos when it comes to survival.

    Assessing skills and making decisions that are in the best interest of the group is critical. Everyone needs to be on the same page and the entire topic should be discussed well before the “bug out” takes place.

    Lastly  – if you realize you have weaknesses consider making changes to eliminate them. Certainly, some are unavoidable. Having limitations due to being overweight can be improved. If your cardio just plain sucks and you could not walk 6 miles if your life depended on it then get out there and start walking. Even small improvements over time will add up.

    Take care all – 

    Rourke

     

  • Who Are the Real Extremist?

    Who Are the Real Extremist?

    Not sure how many of you might have suffered through Biden’s recent speech where he accused at least half of America of being extremists who are a threat to America. I’ll tell you I made it through maybe the first 8 minutes before I smashed my off button like I hit a rogue roach running across my kitchen counter.

    This guy was set with a backdrop that would make Hitler proud and spewed hatred and divisional verbiage that made it obvious and apparent that “uniting” America was the furthest thing from his mind. Mind? Well – at least his speech-writers minds. There’s little doubt Biden is in little control of his bowel movements let alone the country.

    I’ll be commenting more on the current division in America as well as what we need to do about it (HINT: not much).  Until I voice words of wisdom and intellect that would dazzle Einstein take care of yourself, pray for your neighbors, and put a few cans of Campbell’s Bean and Bacon Soup up in your cupboard.

    See you next time.

    Rourke

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  • Basic Hurricane Preparedness

    Basic Hurricane Preparedness

    While many preppers look to North Korea and a zombie apocalypse to prepare let’s not forget events like hurricanes are much more likely to endanger us. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes preparing is a common-sense step to take. With hurricane season upon us let’s review some basic tasks to prepare.

    Before a Hurricane:

    • Secure your property. Storm shutters offer excellent protection from flying objects.
    • Secure your property. Nailing plywood over windows when an impending storm is coming also provides protection against debris sent airborne due to high winds. Have the plywood stored “just in case”.
    • Secure your property. Special straps are available to better secure the roof to the framework of the house.
    • Clean out all gutters and drains. This will help evacuate heavy rainfall away from the house.
    • Make a plan. Look at the design of the house for an area that everyone can go to if things get dangerous. An inside area away from exterior walls is best.
    • Stock up. Hurricanes can knock out power for weeks. Store extra food and water.  Consider how food will be cooked if the power is out. a Coleman Camp Grill with extra fuel is inexpensive and works well.
    • Prepare. Think about supplies needed to go camping. Blankets, flashlights, batteries, etc.
    • Prepare. Store extra fuel away from the house as if a major power outage in the area occurs fuel will be difficult to obtain.
    • Prepare. Maintain a good first aid kit.
    • Prepare. Keep extra cash on hand as credit card machines may not work.

    hurricane, storm, prepare, preparedness

    During a Hurricane:

    • Listen to the radio or watch TV to stay up to date on conditions approaching your area.
    • Install shutters or boards over windows.
    • Shut off the water supply going to the house.
    • Clean and then fill the bathtub. This will provide an emergency supply of water.
    • Walk the property and pick up anything that may get blown around./ Items include lawn chairs, toys, yard tools, trash cans, etc.
    • Stay away from windows and doors.
    • Evacuate if instructed to do so by the authorities.

    hurricane, hugo, hurricane hugo, storm, preparedness, prepare

    After a Hurricane:

    • Keep listening to the radio for information.
    • Be mindful of dangers from fallen power lines. Stay away!
    • If cell phone service is not working try texting as sometimes a text will go through when a call won’t.
    • Be careful if the winds calm – this could be you are in the eye of the storm with more danger approaching.
    • After the hurricane caution must be taken while walking the property. Tree limbs can fall from above. Sharp objects may be everywhere. When moving debris wear gloves.
    • Watch for areas that are flooded. Do not drive through large puddles as the vehicle may stall and car swept away.
    • If power is out only open the refrigerator/freezer as needed. Food can be kept cold for hours if they are kept closed.
    • If there is damage to the property take pictures to document the situation.
    • Use extreme caution if using candles – FIRE HAZARD.
    • Be aware that running tap water may be contaminated.
    • If your property experiences damage contact insurance company.
    • As soon as possible let your family know you are safe.

    The most important thing going through a hurricane is to be safe. If everyone makes it with their health or even minor injuries be happy. Property can be repaired and rebuilt. People cannot.

    Take care.

    Rourke

  • Getting Up at 4:00AM

    Getting Up at 4:00AM

    So, I’ve really been struggling in a lot of ways over the past few months and the lack of working out consistently plays a big part. I set my alarm last night, got up this morning at 4:00AM, and went to the gym. Not the best workout but better than laying in bed. It’s a start. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll do it again(that’s the plan).

    If you look at life as a puzzle with a lot of pieces – this getting up and starting the day right may end up part of my own personal puzzle.

    Have a great day everyone.

    Rourke

  • Bad Moon Rising

    Bad Moon Rising

    JohnP recently suggested the lyrics to the song Bad Moon Rising might be a good indicator as to what is fast approaching. OK, that’s not exactly what he said but sounds good…….

     

    Bad Moon Rising
    Song by Creedence Clearwater Revival
    I see the bad moon a-risin’I see trouble on the wayI see earthquakes and lightnin’I see bad times today
    Don’t go around tonightWell it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise
    I hear hurricanes a-blowin’
    I know the end is comin’ soonI fear rivers over flowin’I hear the voice of rage and ruin
    Don’t go around tonight
    Well it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise, alright
    Hope you got your things togetherHope you are quite prepared to die
    Looks like we’re in for nasty weatherOne eye is taken for an eye
    Well don’t go around tonightWell it’s bound to take your life
    There’s a bad moon on the rise
    Don’t come around tonightWell it’s bound to take your lifeThere’s a bad moon on the rise
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    Those of us that see what is on the horizon. Those of us that see what is coming. We prepare. We know it’s the right thing to do. Although we do not know the exact timing, we know what we must do.
    Do.
    Take care all.
    Rourke
  • Get Ready for the Crash of a Lifetime

    Get Ready for the Crash of a Lifetime

    A lot of people believe we are heading toward an economic environment that will be very difficult to recover from. The video below does an excellent job explaining many of the specifics that have led us to where we are along with suggesting what awaits us around the corner. While Harry Dent Jr. suggests there’s light at the end of the tunnel – I would submit that “light” is extremely dim and is merely a flickering flame that may very well be blown out by the ridiculous actions of politicians.

    Not the shortest video, but it’s well worth the time.

    Please share your thoughts not just on the video but on what you see coming over the next few years.

    Take care all.

    Rourke

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  • Connecting with John Rourke

    Connecting with John Rourke

    Back in 2010, I started my first survival and preparedness blog with the goal of connecting with others that were like-minded. Over the years I’ve developed some lifelong relationships with people I’ve connected with and hope that continues. Shortly before the last Presidential election, I was targeted by several social media companies and accounts were deleted with no warnings or explanations. For several months I was bitter and determined not to start any new accounts. I came around to different thinking in that I would use these platforms to my and others’ benefit by continuing to spread my beliefs and share the information I know to be vital to our future.

    In other words, I decided not to give up.

    I’ve created a “link tree” which I maintain as a one-stop shop for people to go to find out what’s going on with me, what I’m up to, and to get access to more information.

    Here’s the link:

    https://campsite.bio/rourke

    Here’s the link tree……..



     

    We’ll see you next time!!

    John Rourke, The Survivalist, shtf, prepper, survival, preparedness, 1776patriotusa.com,

  • Quick Movie Review:  The Grey

    Quick Movie Review: The Grey

    Back in 2012 when The Grey came out I thought it was one of the best survival movies I’d ever seen. I still love it. When I did a write-up on it I was surprised at the sheer negativity thrown my way because people hated the movie. Ten years later I still don’t care. The Grey is a fantastic story of survival.

    Brief Summary: Following a grueling five-week shift at an Alaskan oil refinery, workers led by sharpshooter John Ottway (Liam Neeson) are flying home for a much-needed vacation. A brutal storm causes their plane to crash in the frozen wilderness, and only eight men (Frank Grillo, Dermot Mulroney), including Ottway, survive. As they trek southward toward civilization and safety, Ottway and his companions must battle mortal injuries, the icy elements, and a pack of hungry wolves.

    Beyond the story of man against beast all the while trying to survive frigid conditions, there lies a very touching story. Throughout the movie, Ottway reflects back to his wife who is no longer with him. He contemplates suicide. He contemplates life without the love of his life.

    Go pop the popcorn. Have a cold refreshing beverage. Sit back and enjoy the movie!

    Rourke

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  • Dog Soldiers 2: Fresh Meat

    Dog Soldiers 2: Fresh Meat

    I’ve mentioned several times that Dog Soldiers is one of my favorite movies. If you’re not familiar here is a quick plot summary:

    “The movie follows a small squad of British soldiers during a routine night-time training mission in the Scottish Highlands. While on their way to rendezvous with a special ops unit, the group instead find a bloody massacre with a sole survivor. The savage attackers of the special ops team return, and the men are rescued by a zoologist who identifies what hunts them as werewolves. Without transport or communications, the group is forced to retreat to a farmhouse to wait for the full moon to disappear at dawn.”

    Over the years many fans of the film wished for a sequel after the planned next film in 2004 never came into production. The name for the sequel was to be Dog Soldiers: Fresh Meat. Several times over the years rumors of the movie would spur interest.

    There are so many directions this story could go. Would the original surviving cast members be featured? Would the sequel focus on the pack and who they are and came to be? Would the sequel feature the transformative canines traveling to America in search of a new hunt and making the major mistake of disturbing John Rourke while he’s trying to relax while camping?

    That would be interesting.

    Again – rumors and even comments from the original Director suggests the story was initially intended to be a trilogy. With the following DOg Soldiers has I would not be surprised if it is brought back and the story continues.

    Go pop some popcorn!

    Rourke

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  • Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4

    Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4

    I drive a 2019 Ram 1500 Warlock 4×4 as a daily driver. I absolutely love the truck. It will pull my cargo trailer(loaded with preparedness supplies) with no problem, is very comfortable, and is off-road capable. I’ve planned several things for the truck and will complete them as time and finances cooperate.

    I have a Midland GMRS radio installed in the glove box. That’s good, however, I’ve not run the antenna yet. I’ve gotta get that done. Maine Prepper Girl drives a 4-door Jeep Wrangler and I have a matching radio for that vehicle as well. Need to get that installed and have the communication option for both vehicles to communicate. Project to complete next couple of weekends.

     

    Ram 1500, Warlock, 4x4, bug out vehicle, off road, survival, prepper, preparedness

     

    I’ve looked at getting an enclosed cab installed to increase the versatility of the pickup bed. My thinking is that I can store more supplies than what I currently have in my truck box. Beyond the additional supplies, I could use the additional shelter as an emergency camper. A few sheets, a sleeping bag, and a pillow would provide a bed.

    I upgraded the tires shortly after I bought the Warlock. My frequent trips up to Maine told me that street tires in several inches – or feet – of snow would not be ideal. Now that I am in northern Kentucky all-terrain tires are a must.

    I’d love to trade the Warlock in for a Ram 2500 diesel. Problem is truck prices are insane right now so what I have is what I’ll have for the time being. I have no plans for any major upgrades as I’m pretty happy with how it is now, but, I’ll document any upgrades I do here and pass the info along to you.

    Rourke

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  • Video: Gas Shortages After Hurricane Hugo

    Video: Gas Shortages After Hurricane Hugo

    Back in September of 1989 Hurricane Hugo slammed the coast of South Carolina and headed straight for the Charlotte, NC area leaving a path of destruction and devastation. I was attending Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC just south of Charlotte at the time. I and many others thought we were too far inland to receive anything more than some rain and wind.

    We were wrong…..

    Have you ever gone through a serious natural disaster? Please share below.

    Take care all –

    Rourke

  • Why I Prep by PT Jr.

    Why I Prep by PT Jr.

    Rourke: This guest post was written some time ago. Enjoy!!
    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
    I’m still new to prepping…with that said. I suppose in actuality I’ve been trained to prep my whole life.
    My parents were German immigrants both had experienced WWII firsthand. They came to America in 1952 with my 2 sisters and brother. My mother having been born in Bulgaria in the ’20s was of German descent, and my father coming from Romania was also of German descent. During The Third Reich’s regime, one of their agendas was the return of all Germans to Germany. So to sum it up my Mother saw many refugee camps in her lifetime. These we full of people that were up-rooted and made to travel with whatever belongings they can carry; mostly on foot. This was before the war.  My Father’s story was similar to my Mothers; with the exception of being drafted into the German Mariners (similar to the German Marine corp. part of their Naval forces), He spent most of his time on a mountain in Norway monitoring Allied force’s radio transmissions and occasionally pulling guard duty on the big guns in the mountains. (My Father really didn’t like to talk about his time in the military, too many friends lost, too much heartache).  Well fast forward to the end of the war…My Mother and Father were united in a refugee camp in Bessarabia Moldova.
    After they were married they were living in the city of Heilbronn in Germany. There was much rubble and destruction and the only way to survive was by scavenging, My Father gathered old clocks and watches from the rubble and started fixing them to resell or return to the original owners if there was an engraving or plaque attached to the item mostly they were bartered for food and necessity items.
    Fast forward to 1960’s New Jersey. My parents were opening their second jewelry store, and building their new Home in Wayne NJ. My parents were always frugal; we had a bomb shelter under the concrete front porch with blast door access through a sub-basement storage room. Yes, we had 2 levels underground level. Of course, it was built during the time when we were under the threat of nuclear annihilation from Russia. I remember the cots and the bathroom in the fallout shelter, and the shelves of canned food in the storage room. Rainwater storage tanks as well.
    My parents moved to upstate NY in the ’70s after a robbery at one of the stores. They were looking to get back to roots…they purchased a 300-acre farm and raised 200-350 head of sheep. We always had a garden (even in NJ) we always had chickens, Pigs, even a cow (but not for milk) for meat, and all the lamb chops you can eat, I even had sheep skin seat covers in my car even before they were popular. My father knew how to tan the hides (unfortunately, I did not retain that information) my mother taught me to cook, garden, knit, crochet, and sew. My father taught me to fix things (he was a jack of all trades), raise animals, hunt, and fish, and slaughter animals for food. They both taught me to use my mind to think things through, do what I can with what I have and most of all, to be prepared in mind, soul, and body and the ability to teach my children and grandchildren the same. Both of my parents are gone, some of my favorite memories are of my mother talking to me about the ways of the refugee camps, people pulling together, and making “stone soup” (if you don’t know what that is look it up)…I would hope that if the SHTF people will gather into self-sufficient groups…after all mankind is a social creature, one that is good at heart…not everyone will be trying to take what you have. (Although there will be some).
    Just my two cents worth.
    P. Tabakaru Jr.
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  • Campbell’s Soup – “Expired” in 2009

    Campbell’s Soup – “Expired” in 2009

     

    How long canned foods last is a frequent topic when food storage comes up as a preparedness topic. Canned food remains one of the most popular means to stock up We recently took a trip to Chimney Rock, NC as my youngest son was getting married. Chimney Rock is an absolutely beautiful area full of mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife – and some really unique shops. Doing a little shopping, Maine Prepper Girl and I visited HipHen Uniques, an antique shop nearby. While looking around came across a can of Campbell’s BATMAN Soup. This appears to basically be Chicken Noodle Soup in shapes related to Batman.

    The can has a date of April 24th, 2009 on the bottom. This “best by” date has long since past.

    I bought the Campbell’s Batman Soup in Bat Cave, NC. How about that?

    So – do you think the soup inside will still be good? I’m going to open it this weekend and give it a shot. I have no idea how it has been stored over the last 14 years, but, the can looks to be in great shape.

     

    Stay tuned!!

    Rourke

  • Review of NEBO PAL

    Review of NEBO PAL

    This review on the Nebo PAL was published a couple of years ago. Thought it would be worth another look……

    I got the Nebo Pal in my Christmas stocking and didn’t give it much thought until I got back to South Carolina from Maine and got to really check it out. As I pulled it out of the packaging I thought that this tool could be really useful. It’s a tool that is a knife, a battery pack (with a short cord for charging), and a flashlight all in one. 

    I usually carry all these items and more separately in a bag that I keep in my vehicle. This compact tool will lighten the load I need to carry as it takes the place of several items. This can easily be something that I could carry in my smaller bag as well. 


    The Nebo Pal has a 400 lumen light that increases and decreases in intensity as you hold down the power button. This system works really well to get just the brightness you want. Those 400-lumens is plenty bright to pierce the darkness of night and see very far. A quick blink lets you know it is either at its highest or lowest capacity. The 3-inch serrated knife is easy to open and locks open when fully extended. The battery pack charged quickly the first time and I was able to charge my phone from 8% to 41% in about an hour before the blue light that was on during charging started blinking then turned off. At this point, the phone stopped charging but the flashlight still worked. The Nebo itself shows a red flashing light while charging that turned to a solid red light when fully charged. The new model in the link has a green light when charged according to the details listed. Oh….the Nebo also comes with a nice lanyard which could be useful to hang it somewhere out of the way of attaching to a pack.

    I love gadgets and this one is great. I highly recommend it. 

    Here are a few links for more information and purchasing:

    Amazon – LINK

    Happy Prepping!

    Maine Prepper Girl

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  • National Enquire Predicts Civil War

    National Enquire Predicts Civil War

    The National Enquirer recently had on their cover the headline, “America’s Second Civil War Erupts!” Now, I know many will make fun of the National Enquire as a tabloid that cannot be taken seriously. I also know that many years ago the National Enquirer made a distinct change in their editorial policies and became a more serious media that could actually break major stories and not just report on celebrities.

    So…….civil war?

    Yes – the paper reported what many people are saying and feeling. The two-page article acknowledges that the American citizenry is deeply divided over numerous things including abortion, gun control, cultural issues, and the January 6th assault on Captial Hill.

    The National Enquirer is suggesting what most media outlets simply won’t – this country is falling apart in so many ways and the populace is NOT coming together in any way, means, or fashion. Quite the opposite – they are deeply divided and the division is growing.

    When it all comes crashing down due to economic collapse, EMP, solar flare – whatever – this country will find itself in a new civil war.

    Be ready.

    Rourke

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  • On Knife Fighting

    On Knife Fighting

    I trained in Filipino martial arts for over 12 years and this included stickfighting as well as knife fighting. I learned a lot. I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to handle things empty handed, with a stick, and with a knife. So – let me tell you what I will do if I somehow come across someone threatening me with a knife:

    I will run faster than Joe Biden getting ready to sniff some little girl’s hair!!!

    Knife fighting is no joke and forget everything you’ve seen in the movies where the “hero” takes the belt out of his pants and is able to entangle the opponent’s knife, disarms him, and then beats him to a bloody pulp. In real life, the “hero” ends up spilling liters of blood on the ground. His own blood.

    No – the golden rule of knife fighting is to bring a gun to the knife fight. Period.

    My 2 cents.

    Rourke

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