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  • Operational Cache Part 2: Reasons for Creating a Cache

    Operational Cache Part 2: Reasons for Creating a Cache

    After publishing Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment, I received a few emails questioning why a cache would be needed in the first place. Although in years past I felt the need for a cache really wasn’t there times are changing.

    Here are a few reasons to have a cache(or several):

    Property Destruction – If there is  some type of destruction to your property having a cache located somewhere would at a minimum provide some supplies.  In this case a cache located at someone’s house or at a storage facility may be best.

    Gun Confiscation – In the book series Days of Noah the main character Noah Parker is charged with a crime – teaching Christian beliefs in a public school. This in turn creates a tidal wave of governmental intrusion in his and his family’s life. DSS comes into the home to investigate that Noah’s children there are in no danger. After all – dad was charged with a crime(never mind innocent until proven guilty).  Part of the standard practice of the investigation is to REMOVE ALL FIREARMS FROM THE HOME. Noah’s wife had buried a cache under the corner of their shed containing a pistol “just in case.”

    This is not very far fetched in the real world where the Constitution seems to become more and more irrelevant to governmental agencies with each passing day. A cache containing firearms at a minimum will help protect your ability to protect yourself and family.

    SHTF/WROL – Probably not the most talked about reason for having a cache. The SHTF happens and you’re on the way to your bug out location. Along the way and in the area around your retreat area supply caches are buried/located. These can be accessed for resupply or supplying others. There are many scenario’s around this one.

    Robbery – If your home is robbed and all weapons are taken a cache could provide an avenue to gain a method of self protection quickly. In this case weapons are the main area of concern. It is doubtful anyone will come steal all your freeze dried scrambled eggs and bacon.

    Bugging In – This is not just staying at home it is getting home. Let’s say you are at work and something happens. Having supplies buried/located along the route could mean the difference between life and death. Distance from home and geographical factors play a big part in whether a cache would be truly beneficial. I work 20 miles from home. If I wasn’t able to drive home I have what I need in my Jeep. No cache is necessary. If I was 40 miles? That might be different.

    There would certainly be a peace of mind knowing that those supplies are there…waiting….in case they are needed.

    Part 3 coming soon.

    JR

     

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    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90march2016

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

     

    Thank you!!

     

  • Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment

    Operational Cache Part 1: Quality of Selected Equipment

    This is the first installment of a multi-part series on Operational Caches.

    An Operational Cache is a resupply of critical items often accessed while on the go. These caches are often – but not always – buried to hide from others. Major components often placed in an Operational Cache are defensive supplies.

    I am putting together an operational cache right now to be placed at a friend’s house. For a container I am using a large Rubbermaid ActionPacker. Beyond the specific supplies to be placed in the ActionPacker what about the quality and cost of those materials?

    The most popular theory on cached supplies is to place secondary – or “B” grade items in storage. You may have a really nice high quality Smith & Wesson AR as part of your kit. For the operational cache a $350 Hi-Point 9mm carbine is stashed along with extra magazines and ammunition. Another example would be having a Benchmade Nimravus Tanto as an SHTF-EDC knife while placing a Cold Steel GI Tanto in the cache for long term storage.

    hi-point
    Hi-Point 9mm Carbine

    Another proposed theory is almost the opposite. If you are having to access your operational cache then things must be extremely dire. Now more than ever “A” grade equipment is needed.

    I understand both perspectives and agree the absolute best equipment should be cached. The deal here is the absolute best equipment THAT CAN BE AFFORDED. It is certainly better to have a Hi-Point cached than nothing at all. If a duplicate Smith & Wesson AR can be cached that is all the better.

    There are lots of budget-friendly AND high quality supplies out there so that a cache is not full of junk. Specific equipment selections are certainly dictated by environmental and situational conditions. That will be covered in a future installment of this series.

    Take care all –

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90feb20161

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commision at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon carries a huge amount of preparedness supplies. I use Amazon all the time as they offer fantastic prices and free shipping on most orders over $35. Here are a few things  you might be interested in…..

       
     

       
     

       

    Thank you!!

  • Constitution: Another Step Closer to It’s Death

    Constitution: Another Step Closer to It’s Death

    The death of Antonin Scalia brings the death of the Constitution one step closer to reality. As the longest-serving member of the Supreme Court Justice Scalia provided a solid foundation for upholding Conservative beliefs. He was known as an “originalist.” With his absence the court will continue forward with 8 members.

    This is a disaster for liberty and freedom.

    First – decisions can be made with the remaining 8 Supreme Court Justices. The current makeup of the court is fairly split 50/50 between Conservative and Liberal ideologies. Upcoming cases involving abortion, immigration, unions, health care, affirmative action, and religious freedom may be decided quite differently with Scalia’s absence.

    Should the court rulings be split 4 – 4 the lower court rulings will stand.

    So – what happens now? 

    Obama will nominate someone to replace Scalia. I suspect that he will find someone who most would consider a moderate. With the track record of Republicans in Congress they will be pressured to pass this candidate through. We do not need a Moderate we need a Scalia-like Conservative. Maybe the Republicans will block nominees from now until a new President is elected. Doubtful. If Hillary or Sanders is elected our problems will just be magnified.

    History is being made right in front of us.

    JR

     

      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Supplies for the Zombie Apocalypse..... (4)

    Here are a few recommended preparedness supplies and items:

       *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Check out the Emergency Essentials Monthly Sale!

    Emergency Essentials has been a leader in the preparedness industry for well over 20 years. Monthly featured sales offer huge discounts on many preparedness products including freeze dried foods.

    728x90feb20161

    Emergency Essentials carries Mountain House as well as their own house-brand of freeze dried foods. Great prices and inexpensive shipping provides a great way to increase food stores and save money in the process.

    Visit the Emergency Essentials website for more information.

     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

    Want to help support what we do here at 1776PatriotUSA.com? Follow any link from this website to Amazon, make a purchase, and we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Zero. Nada.

    Amazon-Logo-schwarz

    Amazon has a little known feature called “Best Selling” lists. Basically they rank the most popular products purchased within certain categories.  Here are a few Best Selling lists you might be interested in…..

    Best Selling Camping & Hiking Products

    Best Selling Hunting & Fishing

    Best Selling Flashlights & Lanterns

    Best Selling Tents & Shelters

    Best Selling Tactical & Personal Defense

    Thank you!!

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    If you have been reading this weekly series you may have noticed a trend – guns & ammo.

    I have made some strides over the past few months especially in food storage. My latest order from Emergency Essentials should be arriving this week. Still need to put back some more rice, beans, salt, sugar, etc. Freeze dried food is my main priority now for food stockpiling.

    Here’s what I have done prepping this past week:

    • I sold off 4,000 rounds of CCI Mini-Mag .22LR and funded the purchase of a used Ruger SR9 9mm pistol. A few days later I traded it plus $200 for an AR-15. The AR only had a total of 30 rounds shot through it. I know the history and build as a friend of mine built it. I’ll post a picture soon.

    ……and yes, another gun.

    • Local Cabela’s is having a huge 2nd Amendment sale. Went in to check things out and found an unadvertised special – Century Arms RAS47.

    [slideshow_deploy id=’780′]

    I love the AK-47 and its variants. Drawback is this is another caliber and magazine type I need to stock. That’s fine. I have been needing to increase my long gun count so this helps(in addition to the AR already mentioned).

    • 280 rounds of Tula 122 grain 7.62 x 39mm rounds for the aforementioned RAS47. Paid $4.96 for each box of 20, Best price I have seen in years.
    •  Added 2 jars of peanut butter to the freezer. Totals up to 10 I believe.
    • Went to the local Dollar Tree and bought men’s deodorant, 2 women’s, and 5 tubes of triple antibiotic.
    • Happy Valentines Day everyone.

    Your turn!

    JR

     

     

     

     

     

  • VIDEO: Save Us Chuck Woolery!!

    VIDEO: Save Us Chuck Woolery!!

    Here is a series of short video’s from Chuck Woolery highlighting Hillary Clinton’s stance on gun control. Every freedom loving, Patriotic American should absolutely vote AGAINST her should she eventually become the Democrat Presidential nominee.

    Part 1

     

     

    Part 2

     

     

    Part 3

     

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     Looking for gun accessories and ammunition?

    Here are a few sources……


    Handgun Ammo is In Stock and Shipping now!

     

    Brownells presents Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 Stripped Lower Receiver now only $49.99!


    Brownells Magazine Banners

     

     

     

  • Letter Re: Woodcutting Post response by Single Mom

    Letter Re: Woodcutting Post response by Single Mom

    JR: What follows is a response to a comment left on the post Panhandle Rancher: Felling and Splitting

     

    Re: Woodcutting Post comment by Single Mom

    To reiterate, some technology provides the test before the lesson. I first came to believe this with firearms, then with airplanes, and later with chainsaws. I was a commercial, instrument rated pilot when I had my first (hopefully) and only thus far, gear up landing. Experienced airplane pilots remark their peers all come in two categories, those how have (landed gear up) and those who will. This is contrary to professional training and detailed checklists. The same case can be made for dry firing weapons. Do it long enough and sooner or later you will hear an unexpected loud noise. You make my point about chainsaws being dangerous beasts. That is why I never cut with one alone. Heating the house with wood just about requires a chainsaw as does living in the forest. I’m glad your father survived.

    Somewhat like St. Paul, I have thus far survived hardship and peril and have come to believe that the concept of ‘safety’ exists only in weak minds and timid souls. Ladd said it best, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are made for.” This world is a dangerous place full of risks, sadly most unrecognized. When encountering hardship with complaint, I remind my children they come from a long line of survivors, quit whining.

    I knew the potential for a gear up landing when I first soloed a retractable gear airframe. Knowing that risk, I received the best commercial training possible at Flight Safety, stayed instrument current, and took regular check rides. Understanding this risk, I enjoyed flying my high performance, complex retractable until one nice summer day when flying solo and on final approach, a retina detached. I thought someone hit the cockpit with a laser. A tribute to the classic stable approach, the plane landed itself with a blinded pilot at the helm. It was the classic good landing; I was led away from the wreckage unhurt other than being blind. A great landing would have left the airframe flyable again without repair. A copilot would have left the airframe flyable without repair. Hence my insistence on having someone else present when using the chainsaw (if only to apply a tourniquet).

    Like so much technology, axes and cutting instruments of all kinds sometimes provide tests before lessons. This does not mean we should eschew all technology and live the life of a latter day Luddite.

    Sincerely,

    Panhandle Rancher

  • Should Religious Leaders ‘Get Political’? Yes, But …

    Should Religious Leaders ‘Get Political’? Yes, But …

    Rourke: The following is another insightful post written by James Robison and originally published HERE at The Stream.

     

    By James Robison

    The U.S presidential race is heating up with the Iowa caucus just around the corner, and whenever a preacher, priest or rabbi addresses some issue of national and moral importance that our political leaders are involved in, we hear the cry, “Stay out of politics!” That view is dangerously misguided.

    I have often said that religious leaders should champion principles rather than parties and personalities. When pastors rush to jump on board this or that politician’s campaign, it risks making the church appear to be an arm of a party or politician. But the solution isn’t to disengage from politics. That’s deeply dangerous. The answer instead is an energetic championing of foundational principles — including the dignity of all human life, the importance of human freedom and justice for all, the danger of unchecked political power and unlimited government, and the importance of living within our national means so we don’t drown future generations under our public debt. Championing these foundational principles means that even religious leaders sometimes will, and must, “get political.”

    What if William Wilberforce had decided to “not get political” in the face of the English slave trade? What if Martin Luther King, Jr., had decided to “not get political” when it came to institutionalized racism a half a century ago? Of course they should have gotten political, and we thank God they did. But today, when faced with a culture where the innocent unborn are being slaughtered by the millions and sold for parts, and where those who aren’t aborted face the prospects of a crippling national debt a generation from now if something isn’t done very soon, well then suddenly we are supposed to “not get political.”

    Nonsense.

    The truth is that all people of faith, and certainly preachers of the Word of God, are obligated to speak out boldly and to stand for their convictions. People with a secular, humanist, God-denying view that assaults Judeo-Christian biblical views and diminishes the importance of America’s founding documents are continually organizing in every community. They force their views on the population through protests and radical political activism while never voluntarily yielding an inch of their “sacred” turf, however unsacred it actually is. They expect the church community to shut up and go back to sleep, and keep our faith to ourselves.

    Yes, our battle is not against flesh and blood, and we must toil for our principles winsomely and with grace, but strive we must. ­­­

    There are some people who love God who have asked me, “James, are you getting too political?” Exactly what does that mean? Am I concerned? Yes. Do I care? Yes. Do I love God and people? Yes. Do I want to assist the suffering, homeless and elderly? Yes. Am I called to help rebuild the walls, restore the foundation, and faithfully present the one reliable standard — the Word of the living God? Yes, and all of this is also why I am compelled to “get political.”

    But don’t misunderstand me. Although it is the right of any citizen to endorse a candidate, I don’t think it is the wisest practice for preachers in most cases. Instead, I suggest church leaders exhort all candidates, parties and voters to champion principles essential to freedom. I gladly pray for and with any candidate and have with many during this campaign.

    The candidates know I don’t endorse but exhort them to seek the wisdom of Divine Providence. This keeps the door open to communicate concerns, as I have not committed to only one. I will talk to, counsel, challenge, pray for and with any candidate running for any office or holding any office. I will love them all even if I firmly disagree. But understand: I will not be silent concerning issues of life and freedom, becoming an inspire-no-one preacher. As a minister of the Gospel and one called to deliver the truth that sets us free and keeps us free, I will endorse biblical truth, compassion, strong marriages and families, and the importance of everyone assuming responsibility for their actions.

    I must speak truth in the political sphere as well as elsewhere, confronting evil and foolishness in government in the same way the prophets of the Bible did. And I challenge all leaders in the faith community to stand up for faith, freedom and life. In spite of the protestations to the contrary, many of the secularists with their grip on the reins of power in our nation’s institutions don’t want an open discussion of the root problems facing our nation and world, so they focus on disqualifying the opponent. If they can get the public to dismiss or disqualify the faith perspective, they don’t have to defend their own inadequate solutions.

    But don’t fall for it. Don’t fall for their invitation to practice “freedom of worship” but not freedom of religion both in and beyond the public square. Fulfill your stewardship responsibilities as people born into a republic. If you were a Christian trapped in North Korea, you would have various stewardship responsibilities as member of God’s household. Exercising the freedom to vote would not be one of them. But you were blessed to be born in a constitutional republic. That means that thoughtfully participating in the democratic process is a part of your stewardship responsibilities as a servant of God.

    I am grieved to discover that only a small percentage of eligible voters even avail themselves of that privilege and responsibility. It is our nation. Its failure or success depends in no small measure on our involvement. Study the candidates and issues, and vote faithfully for those who hold truth, freedom and sound principles dear.

    I also encourage qualified people to serve in public office, whether on a homeowners’ association, PTA, school board, or in a political office at the local, state or national level. We need the best to run and be elected to serve for the benefit of the people. If called to such work, it is the Christian’s duty to answer that call.

    As followers of God, we believe in the biblical view of history, in a Creator, in a purpose-filled creation, and of moral absolutes grounded in a perfectly good Creator. We believe that for any law to work properly, it must align with the truths and purposes revealed in the book of the Bible and in the book of nature, both authored by a good and loving God. These include the truth that all humans are made in the image of God and so every human is precious, free and responsible for his actions.

    And that truth means embracing and championing the sound principles of truth, justice, liberty and personal stewardship. We also embrace the family as a cornerstone for a sustainable society. We resist political efforts to redefine the family until the idea of marriage, older than any government, ceases to have any meaning.

    We also embrace the community of faith as salt and light in this world, not as something to be left in the cupboard of society, out of the public light. We embrace civil government as the protector of our freedom but not the provider of our needs.

    If championing all this means “getting too political,” then so be it. We are called to get political, not in a ham-fisted and partisan way that falls for the cult of this or that personality, but by championing foundational principles and speaking prophetically to a government that in so many ways has lost its way. So let’s be a light that helps reveal the way.

     

     

  • 3 Simple Steps for Life Without Cable

    3 Simple Steps for Life Without Cable

    So – tired of being a slave to the cable company – or satellite? Believe it or not there is life without cable. Many preparedness-minded folks are frugal and want their hard earned money to go towards more critical items than television. Saving $80-$200 per month can certainly help with adding to food storage or reaching an emergency fund goal.

    I made the decision to end cable due to the high cost and so many channels I paid for and never, EVER watched. I have been off of cable for over a year now and rarely have any regrets. Depending on your interests and technological prowess cutting the cable can be easy – or very frustrating. When it comes to getting rid of cable there is always the option of canceling and just staring at the wall, reading a book, or going for a walk. I enjoy watching a good movie or TV show so staring at the wall was not really an option.

    Here are my 3 steps for a life without cable:

     

    1. HD Antenna. 

    The simplest way to get news, TV shows, and movies after cancelling cable service is via the air. Yes – TV stations still broadcast a signal over the airways. An HD antenna will snatch it out of the air and deliver a high quality picture to most any modern television.

    HD antenna’s are simple to install and range from very inexpensive(less than $10) to pretty inexpensive(around $50).

    hd-antenna

    My personal choice is the Amplified Outdoor Motorized HD Antenna. I have been using this antenna since cancelling cable and it works great. It is designed to mount on top of a pole. I used a broomstick pounded in the ground to mount it outside my house. A remote control allows the it to be rotated from inside the house incase the signal is weak. This model runs around $38.

    HD antenna’s costing as little as $10 can work well. I have upstairs in my bedroom the RCA Indoor HD Antenna. This thing is small with rabbit ears. Performance? Works pretty good for less than $10. I am looking at getting another Amplified Outdoor Motorized HD Antenna and mounting it in my attic. With the increased elevation I should have expanded channel selection.

     

    2. DVD, Blu-Ray, and RedBox.

    After adding an HD antenna a DVD or Blu-Ray player will certainly provide a huge library of movies to choose from. Amazon has a massive selection of DVD’s and Blu-Ray’s for well under $10 each. An entertainment library can be built easily.

    Movies can be rented for around $1.00 at many rental kiosks located in grocery stores and outside Wal-Marts and pharmacies.

    Movie-Deals-1-19-15

    Grab a movie, pop some popcorn, and have a movie night.

     

    3. Streaming Devices & Services: Roku, Fire TV, Netflix, and Hulu.

    Most of my entertainment comes from the use of media streaming devices. Basically these devices use the Internet to stream movies and TV shows to a TV. What is pretty important is your Internet speed. If it is too slow the media will not stream well and it will “buffer” often causing a delay.

    I own most every type of media streaming device made and would only recommend the Roku and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. The Roku is the best option for most people. They start at around $40 and go up in price from there. I always buy the cheapest ones.

    7161bSEdfXL._SY355_

    The Amazon Fire TV Stick is great if you are an Amazon Prime member due to the thousands of movies that are available to stream. I have been a Prime member for years and love it. There are lots of benefits in addition to the movies and TV shows available for streaming.

    Once you have a Roku box and hook it up to your Internet “channels” can be installed. This is a very easy process and there are many channels which allow streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows totally for free. Premium channels such as Netflix, Hulu, and VUDU offer paid streaming services.

    roku-4-hbo-now

    Netflix offers access to thousands of movies and TV shows for around $10 per month. It is an incredible bargain.

    Hulu offers a paid subscription service at under $8 per month. They provide many current TV shows for watching as well as a decent selection of movies and older TV series. It is well worth the money.

    VUDU is a service which you can rent or purchase movies and TV shows online. You do not physically get a disk, rather the media is stored on the Internet. New TV shows are usually available within hours of showing on regular TV. This is the method I use to watch The Walking Dead. I buy the entire season and watch it the day after it airs on cable. TV shows average around $2.99 per episode and movies vary from $4.99 on up.

     

    Summary.

    There is life without cable. An antenna, DVD’s and Blu-Ray’s, and media streaming devices are a great start. Throw in a good book, walk in the park, and more trips to the range and life will be great.

    Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration.

    Now, where’s that popcorn?

    JR

     

     

     

     

  • What makes you feel alive?

    What makes you feel alive?

    As I have mentioned previously 1776PatriotUSA.com is more than just current events, preparedness and all things SHTF. As individuals with limited existence on this planet and preppers who wish to stick around as long as possible wouldn’t it be great to truly enjoy life? I mean – life is full of up and downs but how many of us travel through life with blinders on and not seeing that which will really make us feel alive?

    At 46 I would never proclaim to have all the answers however I will share a bit of wisdom I have managed to acquire along the way.

    Here we go…..

    GET OUTSIDE. For many of us today’s modern world filled with every gadget imaginable and where most any bit of information is at your fingertips it is easy to miss the beautiful environment around us. Most anywhere in this country a lake, pond, hiking trail, vineyard, apple orchard, or state park is within miles. Sometimes getting outside and enjoying nature will create a state of relaxation unlike most anything else. It’s also all in high-definition without the expensive electronics.

    EXERCISE. Get out there and get the heart pumping and the sweat pouring. People that live sedentary lifestyles often miss out that feeling of being alive. They rarely feel their heart pumping blood through their veins and the high from surging adrenaline.

    WATCH A SCARY MOVIE. Seriously. Pop some popcorn, shut the lights out and turn on Paranormal Activities. If you get into the movie you WILL feel alive. Just do me a favor – keep the 1911 filled with 185 grain jacketed hollow points in the safe. You don’t want to have to explain why there are bullet holes in your TV.

    TAKE A COLD SHOWER. Want to feel alive? Jump in the shower with the water ice cold. Brrrrrrr……

    GET A DOG. I was a cat guy for way too long. Cat’s are cool but dogs are best friends. Yeah – get a dog – or twelve.

    HELP A STRANGER. I had a situation that made me feel extremely emotional – and very much alive. I didn’t set out to do this but it just kind of happened. I was in a Cracker Barrel with a few friends of mine. I noticed a large multi-family table with a young bald girl(cancer treatments) sitting there with her mother. This was right next to Carowinds – a giant theme park. I figured they had brought the girl there trying to get HER to feel ALIVE. I felt horrible. What did I have to stress about compared to this family who was facing the loss of their daughter? How about this young girl who likely wondered how much time she had left?

    I went and saw the manager and told him I wanted to pay the families bill. He asked of it was OK to tell them and I said no. I wasn’t doing it for recognition. I went back to my seat with my friends. A few minutes later the manager went over and I could tell he was telling the mother their bill was taken care of. She started crying.

    I felt horrible at the time but also very much alive. I still think of that little girl every so often.

    DO WHAT YOU TRULY ENJOY. This may sound like an easy one but far too often we make excuses why we do not do the things we want to. Sometimes money is the cause but then $6 bucks a pop are blown at Starbucks on coffee. Sometimes it is a fear of embarrassment that stops you from doing what you truly enjoy. Unfortunately it may be an unsupportive spouse as well. Hey – if you want to go ballroom dancing or do stand up comedy at the local club the only one stopping you is you.

    These are but a few suggestions and just like we all have favorite foods and cars what makes us feel alive is very unique to each of us. Do I practice what I preach? Not nearly enough.

    So – what makes me feel alive? Here are a few:

    • firearm training
    • off roading on an ATV
    • fishing
    • hunting
    • sparring
    • working out
    • jamming to country music while driving down the road
    • going to the movies
    • showing y kids just how brilliant I am

    Ok, how about you? What makes you feel alive?

    JR

     

     

    Preperation is Power

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    This past week has been interesting.

    Facebook announced they were banning all groups which provide for private sales of firearms. Many on Facebook that have utilized these groups as a way to trade and sell guns are very upset. I am one of them. I have made many deals with local people and it has been a great way to network and connect. There are other methods of course but none which were as easy and effective as Facebook groups.

    In know many are not a fan of Facebook and that includes me. I am constantly evaluating whether to stay on the site or not. I wish there was an alternative.

    I placed an order with Emergency Essentials getting some Mountain House freeze dried food. Also ordered a Mountain House “Just in Case” bucket along with a pack of 12 CR123 lithium-ion batteries on Amazon. I feel real good with my efforts in food storage lately.

    Lastly – I test fired two new firearms I acquired. One was the custom Ruger 10/22 I put together and another a CZ P-09. Article being worked on for the 10/22 and eventually on the CZ after I get more rounds through it. So far – the CZ is phenomenal!!

    Your turn!

    JR

     

  • All About Zika Virus

    All About Zika Virus

    JR: This post originally appeared HERE over at DoomandBloom.net.

    One of the scenarios we write about is the “Pandemic”. Although we have had success curing many illnesses with antibiotics, we are still struggling with outbreaks of viral diseases. In 2014, thousands died in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic. In 2015, Chikungunya virus crossed the Atlantic into the Western Hemisphere and infected a million people. This year, Zika virus is the latest pandemic, and the first to generate travel warnings specifically for women that are pregnant or of childbearing age.
    A little-known virus of equatorial Africa and Asia, the Zika virus has “jumped the pond” and is wreaking havoc in South America, especially among pregnant women and their newborns. Like its predecessors, it’s a mosquito-borne virus. Citizens of the Americas have little immunity against it.
    Most people experience mild flu-like symptoms, but an infected during a pregnancy can yield a newborn with brain damage. In late 2015, it was mainly a Brazilian problem. A congenital abnormality (once called a “birth defect”) called microcephaly started appearing among newborns.Microcephaly presents as an abnormally small head and is associated with mental handicaps; if severe, it may be incompatible with life.
    Brazil is a large country with a youthful population; in an average year, it sees about 150 cases of microcephaly. Since the arrival of Zika virus in May 2015, there have been 3,500. Now, cases of the virus are being reported in the United States from Virginia to Arkansas to Hawaii (mostly in returning travelers from South America). In total, 25 countries so far are reporting evidence of the virus.

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    EPIDEMICS VS. PANDEMICS
    Infectious disease can be endemic, epidemic, or pandemic:

    –An Epidemic infectious disease is a community-wide outbreak of an illness that is not always present in an area. Influenza, EnterovirusD68, and Ebola are examples.
    –An Endemic infectious disease is one that is normally found and expected in a certain area. Malaria is endemic in many tropical countries.
    –A Pandemic occurs when an infectious disease crosses various borders and runs rampant throughout a large region, or even the whole world. The Spanish Flu of 1918 is the classic example. Zika has had outbreaks in Africa, Asia, and now, South America. Cases have been reported in Denmark and Sweden as well.
    WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?

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    Zika virus is a member of the Flavivirus family, which contains a number of well-known diseases such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus. Like the others, Zika virus is carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which are the main agent of transmission (human to human transmission can also occur); unlike the others, the virus affects the unborn.

    Symptoms of the virus include headache, rash, fever, and conjunctivitis(pink eye). The grand majority of infected people have no signs of the infection whatsoever. This is ominous for a pregnancy, as the mother doesn’t even know she was at risk.
    TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF ZIKA VIRUS

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    There is no vaccine or treatment available that is effective against Zika virus. Prevention, however, is simple: Don’t travel to the countries where widespread outbreaks are occurring. If you have to go, use sunscreen, long pants and sleeves, plus mosquito repellant or netting. Standing water near your location in affected areas should be drained.
    Mosquito control efforts are underway in Brazil and other countries at risk. Besides the usual sprays with pesticides, you might be surprised to know that GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are playing a part.
    A male “Franken-mosquito” called OX513A has a gene that kills his offspring. Female mosquitoes only mate once during their lives, so this might have a significant effect. Brazil claims more than a 90% decrease in the population after release. OX513A was also used in the Florida Keys in 2012 (over protests) to combat an outbreak of another Flavivirus, Dengue Fever.

     

    Joe Alton, MD

     

    The Survival Medicine Handbook

  • Panhandle Rancher: Felling and Splitting

    Panhandle Rancher: Felling and Splitting

     

    The following was developed in response to Christmas wish lists in a recent post from MSO. One wish was for a high quality axe. Living in a forested area and heating with wood has taught much about woodcutting, splitting, and felling. We heat our house and water with wood and go through stacks each winter. The house is equipped with a circulating heat fireplace, a Sopka wood-burning cook stove (see: http://sopkainc.com/sopka/project/magnum/) modified to also heat water, and a HeatMor high efficiency wood-burning furnace (see: http://www.heatmor.com/residential-models.php). This is a marvelous device and works seamlessly with the existing compressor/propane fired HVAC to deliver copious amounts of cheap heat and hot water. The HeatMor actually converts wood to charcoal that is in turned burned for high efficiency heat.

    Nothing cuts wood better than a high speed Husqvarna chain saw. There are a lot of very good powered saws on the marked but Husky and Stihl are among the best. My largest saw is the Husky 455 Rancher (see: http://www.husqvarna.com/us/products/chainsaws/455-rancher/965030290/) and the smallest a Stihl MS271 Farm Boss (see: http://www.stihlusa.com/products/chain-saws/farm-and-ranch-saws/ms271/). Less you think bigger is automatically better, consider the weight of the saw when bending over. Too suddenly off horses damaged my back and I tend to use smaller saws whenever possible. Smaller saws are quieter, easier to start and handle, and more economical with fuel and cutting oil. Size the saw to the work.

    Be sure your new chain saw includes a proper combination tool (screwdriver/hex socket) necessary to tension the chain. Sure you can get by with a screwdriver and adjustable wrench but every quality chain saw is sold with one of these tools. The Husky and Stihl saws I purchased came with the factory multi-tool included in the price. There are two different size socket wrenches for saws popular in the US. Make sure yours fits before leaving the store. If you purchase the manufacture’s recommended case with that new chain saw it will protect the cutter bar and chain from damage during transport and provide space to store limited accessories such as a sharpening guide, file, and combination tool. I paint my combination tools red so as to stand out as they are easily misplaced in the leaves.

    Every modern internal combustion chainsaw I am familiar with uses a high efficiency two cycle engine. Two cycle engines derive lubrication from the fuel and a two-cycle engine oil is mixed with gasoline in a manufacturer specified ratio. My chain saw fuels are kept in metal spark proof gasoline cans (see: http://www.uline.com/Product/ProductDetailRootItem?modelnumber=H-1848). I like the smaller two gallon cans for my chainsaw fuel /oil mix because these cannot be mistaken for my larger five gallon cans that hold stabilized unmixed non-ethanol gasoline. The best fuel stabilizers for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene are Pri G and Pri D. I use a black magic marker to label the small chainsaw fuel cans with the specific fuel/oil ratio needed for individual saws. Metal cans are more durable than plastic and likewise safer, albeit more expensive. You will only run that chain saw once with straight gasoline and then not for long. Be sure to only use fuel properly mixed with the correct two-cycle oil. Use proper fuel containers, never plastic milk jugs and the like.

    Other consumables needed with chainsaws are cutting chains, cutting oil, and cutter bars. Chains dull with use, and quickly if striking dirt or rock. Buy a chain saw sharpening guide and files. Learn how to properly sharpen the cutting chains and you will be money ahead. Your chain saw dealer can help you with this purchase. Have a look at what the vendor uses in their repair shop. Chainsaw cutting oil and fuel tanks are sized to run out together. Cutting oil lubricates the chain on the cutting blade and does nothing for the engine. Like motor oil, it is available in seasonal weights. Never use a chain saw without blade lubrication.

    Every time I replace a dull cutting chain for a newly sharpened chain, I turn over the cutter bar. This practice equalizes wear on both sides of the bar, but with time, this bar will need replacing. As a cutting chain is used, it lengthens. New chains seem to lengthen more quickly than used. Your chainsaw will have a tensioning device. Consult the chainsaw manual to determine how to properly tighten the chain. Loose chains can come off of the cutter bar. This is a potentially dangerous situation. Never use a chainsaw with a too loose cutting chain.

    Eventually you will acquire a number of cutter chains. After sharpening, mine are placed in a partially filled can of motor oil (lubricates the chain and prevents rust). I take this can with me when felling/cutting. In the course of a day’s work, many cutter chains will be used and with a surplus of sharpened chains, I don’t have to stop the day’s cutting to sharpen chains.

    There are a number of ways to start a chain saw. The most common way is to hold the chain saw by the upper handle and pull the rope starter cord with the strong hand. This is the FOOL’S way and highly dangerous. I think ‘FOOL’ whenever I see anyone start a chain saw in this manner. You should likewise. No chain saw manufacturer recommends this technique.

    The proper way to start a pull cord chain saw is to place it on level ground with the blade/chain out of the path of debris or dirt and facing away from you. Put the toes of one foot in the lower hand guard and one hand on the upper handle. With the other hand, pull the rope start. This is the only safe way to start a chain saw. As you start the chain saw, you may be bent over the blade. Some chain saws have a fast start and the centrifugal clutch will engage and cause the chain to rotate over the cutter bar. Imagine falling on a running chain. Be careful even when walking with a running chain saw as tripping could be deadly. Likewise never cut overhead with a chainsaw. Overhead cuts are best made with something called a pole saw. If you need to trim overhead branches, invest in a pole saw. I have the Stihl HT250 with telescoping pole (see: http://www.stihlusa.com/products/pole-pruners/professional-pole-pruners/ht250/).

    Like riding motorcycles with helmet and leathers, there is safety clothing and other protective gear one should use when operating chain saws. Chain saw resistant pants (that are also marvelously briar resistant), sturdy boots, leather gloves, EYE PROTECTION, and even hearing protection is prudent. Unmuffled airplane engines started my hearing loss. You likely have hearing protection for use when shooting; please don it when using your chain saw. Chain saws produce saw dust. Wind can blow that dust into your eyes. Chain saw type saw dust is likely to scratch the cornea. Unless you are a FOOL, you will wear both eye and hearing protection.

    Modern chainsaws, like firearms, have user protective features. Like safeties on firearms, these devices will not protect against gross stupidity. I’ve remarked that airplanes and firearms often provide tests before the lesson. Chainsaws do likewise. There will be an anti-kickback locking device on the upper handle of the chainsaw. This device declutches and/or brakes (meaning to stop, not sever) the cutter chain rotation. If you have problems starting your chainsaw, be sure the kickback device isn’t engaged. On the bottom of the saw near the drive sprocket, there should be a metal tab extending over the chain. This tab is very important and serves to protect the user from a chain so loose that it jumps off of the cutter bar. Ensure this tab is intact and in the proper position before using a chain saw and of course periodically check the cutter chain for proper tension.

    Remember that old horror movie, Texas Chain Saw Massacre? Your chain saw is so well designed to cut wood and will lop off an arm or leg with amazing ease. When felling, first clear any brush around the base of the tree. Study the mass distribution of the upright tree and imagine where it would fall with an uniform circular cut around the bole perimeter. Books have been written about the proper cutting of hinge notches to direct where the tree will fall and I shall not belabor here. Whenever possible, I try to cut a notch and hinge so the tree will fall according to its distribution of mass. I plan how to carefully move away from the tree as the hinge starts to break and clear a path of brush in the direction of that movement if necessary. You will be taking your running chainsaw with you as you leave the breaking hinge/falling tree and both are dangerous beasts. I plan the work so as to never run, and walk away calmly. Those of you who have worked with explosives know to leave enough fuse time to walk away and not run; for in running, you may trip, and in tripping fall, perchance breaking or injuring a part of you critical to escape.

    Sooner or later, you will have a cut tree hung up in the branches of an adjacent tree. Now you have a problem indeed, and dangerous as well. I try never to have this happen but sometimes it just does. When a tree hangs, I attach a steel cable as high as possible to the upright tree, cut an appropriate notch and hinge but not to a depth to cause the upright tree to fall. I then winch the upright tree down from a safe distance, bringing the leaning tree with it. Never leave a tree hung up as this condition is rightfully called a ‘widow maker’ because the leaning tree is just waiting to fall unexpectedly and hurt someone. Every year, experienced woodcutters are hurt felling trees. A wise soul inexperienced in felling will find someone experienced to work with at first. Another word to the wise folks: never, never, fell trees without a partner. This is a danger I refuse to underwrite solo.

    Eventually you will have a cut bind the chain/cutter bar. A wedge, second chain saw, or even a hand axe is the solution here. Do not try to twist the saw in hopes of removing it. Doing so will likely damage the cutter bar and/or chain. Stop the engine promptly. You may be able to use a rope and come along to take up the strain on the bind and remove the saw. Use of a second chain saw to relieve the bind is an easy solution. If there is a danger the falling tree/log/branch could damage the bound chain saw, remove the saw from the cutter bar and relocate the engine body to safety before proceeding.

    If you plan to fell more than the occasional tree, you should have at least two chain saws.

    After felling the tree, I trim the branches, eventually leaving the large trunk. Nothing kills a sharp cutting chain faster than running it into the ground and rocks. I raise the thin top end of the trunk off of the ground using a Peavey Timberjack (a modified cant hook than can also be used like the cant to rotate the trunk. See: http://store.peaveymfg.com/cart/category/1988/Timberjack/1/). As the trunk is shortened, I move the Timberjack successively toward the thick heavy end of the tree. No one cutting wood for fuel should be without one of these wonderful devices. Just remember to cut on the free end of the elevated piece of wood. Otherwise you will bind the cutter bar.

    Periodically, I remove the chain and cutter bar from the saw, and use high-pressure air to clean these parts and the engine assembly from the oily sawdust residue. This is a great time to examine the cutter bar for wear and replace with a new bar if necessary. At the end of the cutting season, I run the saw until empty of fuel and drain any remaining cutter bar oil. The saw is cleaned with high-pressure air and dismantled to provide access to the air filter. I clean or replace this filter seasonally. Every other year, I replace the spark plug and clean and re-gap the old plug. This old plug ends up on a box with other similar used plugs. Of course it can be re-used many times but as plugs are cheap, I replace with new plugs, keeping the old for emergencies. A newly sharpened chain is installed when the saw is reassembled. Pri G is added to any remaining oil/gasoline mix fuel in the bulk can. I re-paint any axes that were used and check the handles and head. After repainting, I sharpen the blade and replace the sheath/blade protective device.

    When I was younger, I split large pieces of hardwood with a sledgehammer and wedges. You should have at least two 8-12” steel wedges (see: http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=66994&itemnum=75152&redir=Y). Two are the minimum, as occasionally the wedge will get hung up without completely splitting the sectioned log, hence the need for another wedge to free the bound wedge. Plastic and aluminum wedges are just too soft for long term use. Over the years, I ended up with a number of sledgehammers with head weights from 5 to 35 pounds. The 35 pounder is a beast but used properly, all one has to do is rise it, gravity alone will lower it onto the wedge with nice result.

    When using a sledgehammer, start with a lighter head weight and as muscles and coordination develop, graduate toward heavier head weights. One horse wreck too many causes my back to hurt and I now have a gasoline engine powered 35 ton hydraulic splitter. Folks this splitter is a real labor saving device. I thought about making one powered from the tractor hydraulic pump but didn’t like tying up the tractor during cutting season. If you cut much wood, a 35 ton splitter is optimal. Lesser-powered splitters will just burn out their hydraulic pump and/or limit you to small diameter logs. The splitter ram is allegedly driven with force to lift 35 tons. It will split wood. It will also remove and or/crush fingers and hands. I keep my hands off of the wood and away from the ram when splitting wood.

    Most of us are self-reliant. Absent fuel for chainsaws or needing to avoid the sound of the engine, a crosscut timber saw is most useful. These things are available in one and two man styles, the two man being the most efficient. See: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/144795/two-man-crosscut-saw.aspx). The four-foot length crosscut blade is the smallest recommended. Here in timber country, I have seen eight-foot long monsters.

    A tad noisier is the axe. Everyone should have a variety of axes. I have single bit (one bladed) axes in sizes from a hand camp axe (useful for making slivers to start fires) all the way up to 28” handled heavy headed single bits. The wife is shorter and she likes a 20” handle. Men, in case you haven’t noticed, women are built different. They throw different and even walk different. Likewise they use an axe different than men. With practice, they can learn to swing and not just hit with an axe. It is important for everyone’s safety that they have properly sized and weighted axes. Not many women can swing a heavy double bit axe safely. When you’re laying in that axe for you, find one that will fit the wife as well (what a wonderful Christmas present for the missus!). She may not be able to fell the big trees (unless she works for Duluth Trading, whose ads I laugh at, especially the young women carrying the roll of barbed wire over the shoulder – a sure sign she has never worked with wire), but the wife can sure make kindling with that smaller axe.

    There are many manufacturers of quality hand axes. I like the ox head double bit felling axe (made in Germany, see: http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/ox-headdoublebitfellingaxe.aspx). Husky also makes some fine economical axes (see: http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories/axes/traditional-multi-purpose-axe/576926201/). Along with that axe, one should purchase a sharpening file and stone and learn how to properly sharpen your axe. A dull axe is dangerous to all as is an axe with a loose head. Learn how to properly tighten an axe head and either make or purchase properly sized head wedges.

    My father taught me how to make hammer and axe handles. We use ash almost exclusively and shape with draw knives (see: http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/Draw-Knife-9-Straight-Blade-by-Iltis-Oxhead/productinfo/598%2D2250/). This tool along with a spoke shave is most useful and likely more so grid down. Living in a forest, there is no shortage of ash for handles. If you are unwilling to learn how to make axe and hammer/sledge handles, at least purchase several spare handles for each of your cutting tools.

    Power down situations will likely see many amputation, crushing, and puncture type injuries. If you intend to heat with wood and to defend yourself with firearms, the medical trauma kit should be stocked accordingly. This is a separate topic but worth the comment and something to think hard about when you purchase that first new chain saw or axe.

    Best wishes and may each of you stay warm this winter.

    Sincerely,

    Panhandle Rancher

  • The Top 5 Best Apocalyptic Movies

    The Top 5 Best Apocalyptic Movies

    Over the last week I have watched a couple of newer movies with distinct apocalyptic themes. This got me thinking of my favorites and the ones I felt were the best.  One of the reason I enjoy watching these kinds of movies is they get me thinking. I mean – putting myself in the situations involved gives me ideas on how to handle them. It is a good thing to envision and visualize situations and conditions.

    Here are my top 5 best apocalyptic movies.

    1. Red Dawn

    2. I Am Legend

    3. The Book of Eli

    4. The Day After Tomorrow

    5. Contagion

    Ask me next week and the list will likely be totally different. These movies entertain and provoke thought. The actions of the characters are certainly not a guide of what to do in various circumstances.

    Now go grab the popcorn!!!

    What are your favorite?

    JR

     

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  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

    This past week has been busy ending with a winter storm blowing through my area over the weekend. I have a 2 door Jeep Wrangler – and love it. They are expensive and for many not practical. However, when you need to get somewhere in rough conditions where other vehicles fail they get the job done.

    On to my recent preps…..

    200 rounds CCI Blazer Brass 9mm

    100 rounds Speer Gold Dot .22 Magnum

    600 rounds CCI AR Tactical .22LR

    Condor Tactical Belt

    Condor Gen II Battle Belt

    Condor H-Harness

    Condor Utility/Dump Pouch

    Condor AR 3 Magazine Kangaroo Pouch 

    Essential Oils for Beginners(book)

    In addition to purchases I have been looking into a few things. I have continued my search for a parcel of land for building a retreat. My interests in essential oils has been peaked thus my ordering the book above.

    I also have been looking at some firearms at my local stores not so much based on need but just because I love exercising my 2nd Amendment rights. I handled a Springfield XD9 Mod 2 and have to say it was the most comfortable pistol I have ever held. I also saw a Ruger All American in 22 Magnum.  Interesting gun.

    Lastly – I am looking at getting a suppressor and if so going to pull the trigger soon and create a trust.

    Your turn!

    JR

  • 2016 Market Meltdown: We Have Never Seen A Year Start Quite Like This

    2016 Market Meltdown: We Have Never Seen A Year Start Quite Like This

     

    By Michael Snyder – posted originally at The Economic Collapse Blog

    We are about three weeks into 2016, and we are witnessing things that we have never seen before.  There were two emergency market shutdowns in China within the first four trading days of this year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has never lost this many points within the first three weeks, and just yesterday we learned that global stocks had officially entered bear market territory.  Overall, more than 15 trillion dollars of global stock market wealth has been wiped out since last June.  And of course the markets are simply playing catch up with global economic reality.  The Baltic Dry Index just hit another new all-time record low today, Wal-Mart has announced that they are shutting down 269 stores, and initial jobless claims in the U.S. just surged to their highest level in six months.  So if things are this bad already, what will the rest of 2016 bring?

    The Dow was up just a little bit on Thursday thankfully, but even with that gain we are still in unprecedented territory.  According to CNBC, we have never seen a tougher start to the year for the Dow than we have in 2016…

    The Dow Jones industrial average, which was created in 1896, has never begun a year with 12 worse trading days. Through Wednesday’s close, the Dow has fallen 9.5 percent. Even including the 1.3 percent gains as of noon Thursday, the Dow is still down nearly 8 percent in 2016.

    But even with the carnage that we have seen so far, stocks are still wildly overpriced compared to historical averages.  In order for stocks to no longer be in a “bubble”, they will still need to decline by about another one-third.  The following comes from MarketWatch…

    Data from the U.S. Federal Reserve, meanwhile, say U.S. nonfinancial corporate stocks are now valued at about 90% of the replacement cost of company assets, a metric known as “Tobin’s Q.” But the historic average, going back a century, is in the region of 60% of replacement costs. By this measure, stocks could fall by another third, taking the Dow all the way down toward 10,000. (On Wednesday it closed at 15,767.) Similar calculations could be reached by comparing share prices to average per-share earnings, a measure known as the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio, commonly known as CAPE, after Yale finance professor Robert Shiller, who made it famous.

    Of course the mainstream media doesn’t seem to understand any of this.  They seem to be under the impression that the bubble should have lasted forever, and this latest meltdown has taken them totally by surprise.

    Ultimately, what is happening should not be a surprise to any of us.  The financial markets always catch up with economic reality eventually, and right now evidence continues to mount that economic activity is significantly slowing down.  Here is some analysis from Brandon Smith…

    Trucking freight in the U.S. is in steep decline, with freight companies pointing to a “glut in inventories” and a fall in demand as the culprit.

    Morgan Stanley’s freight transportation update indicates a collapse in freight demand worse than that seen during 2009.

    The Baltic Dry Index, a measure of global freight rates and thus a measure of global demand for shipping of raw materials, has collapsed to even more dismal historic lows. Hucksters in the mainstream continue to push the lie that the fall in the BDI is due to an “overabundance of new ships.” However, the CEO of A.P. Moeller-Maersk, the world’s largest shipping line, put that nonsense to rest when he admitted in November that “global growth is slowing down” and “[t]rade is currently significantly weaker than it normally would be under the growth forecasts we see.”

    In addition, another very troubling sign is the fact that initial jobless claims are starting to surge once again…

    The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits in mid-January reached seven-month highs, perhaps a sign that the rate of layoffs in the U.S. has risen slightly from record lows.

    Initial jobless claims climbed a seasonally adjusted 10,000 to 293,000 in the seven days stretching from Jan. 10 to Jan 16, the government said Thursday. That’s the highest level since last July.

    Since the last recession, the primary engine for the creation of good jobs in this country has been the energy industry.

    Unfortunately, the “oil boomtowns” are now going bust, and workers are being laid off in droves.  As I mentioned the other day, 42 North American oil companies have filed for bankruptcy and 130,000 good paying energy jobs have been lost in this country since the start of 2015.  And as long as the price of oil stays in this neighborhood, the worse things are going to get.

    A lot of people out there still seem to think that this is just going to be a temporary downturn.  Many are convinced that we will just go through another tough recession and then we will come out okay on the other side.  What they don’t realize is that a number of long-term trends are now reaching a crescendo.

    For decades, we have been living wildly beyond our means.  The federal government, state and local governments, corporations and consumers have all been going into debt far faster than our economy has been growing.  Of course this was never going to be sustainable in the long run, but we had been doing it for so long that many of us had come to believe that our exceedingly reckless debt-fueled prosperity was somehow “normal”.

    Unfortunately, the truth is that you can’t consume far more than you produce forever.  Eventually reality catches up with you.  This is a point that Simon Black made extremely well in one of his recent articles…

    Economics isn’t complicated. The Universal Law of Prosperity is very simple: produce more than you consume.

    Governments, corporations, and individuals all have to abide by it. Those who do will thrive. Those who don’t will fail, sooner or later.

    When the entire financial system ignores this fundamental rule, it puts us all at risk.

    And if you can understand that, you can take simple, sensible steps to prevent the consequences.

    Sadly, the time for avoiding the consequences of our actions is now past.

    We are now starting to pay the price for decades of incredibly bone-headed decisions, and anyone that is looking to Barack Obama, the Federal Reserve or anyone else in Washington D.C. to be our savior is going to be bitterly disappointed.

    And as bad as things have been so far, just wait until you see what happens next.

    2016 is the year when everything changes.

     

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    KMASHI Portable Power Battery Bank – I have been using one of these for the past several weeks and it works great. Enough capacity to charge my cell phone at least twice – it is great for when a power cord or outlet just isn’t available. Works for pretty much any device that will charge via a USB port.

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  • America

    America

     

    “Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ”that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

    ~John Adams

     

  • Hammond’s and Bundy’s in Oregon

    Hammond’s and Bundy’s in Oregon

    Did you hear about those evil militia people in Oregon taking over a Federal building? Me neither – the truth is quite different from what you will hear on the MSM or read in the papers. The reality is an incredible injustice has been done to the Hammond’s in the name of the Federal government and the corrupt Bureau of Land Management(BLM).

    I have done quite a bit of research on this situation and it is complicated. For decades the BLM has been harassing the Hammond’s to acquire their land and the Hammond’s have resisted. I am not going to get into all the details but here is a brief summary:

    The Hammond’s – father and son – were convicted of an illegal fire on Federal lands. The truth is they were performing a controlled burn for fire hazard control and the fire moved over onto Federal land. The Hammond’s did put the fire out. Although the land was actually improved the BLM took advantage of the opportunity and charged them. A judge sentenced the son to 12 months in jail and the father 3 months – along with fines of $400,000. They served their time and were released.

    A Federal judge has now “re-sentenced” the Hammond’s to serve the minimum 5 year sentence for the “terrorism” charge they were convicted of. Insanity. The BLM is still going after the Hammond’s.

    At this point 3 brothers from the Cliven Bundy family and reportedly 100-150 members of a militia have squatted at a Federal Wildlife Reserve – which is not manned by employees. The group is protesting not only the resentencing of the Hammond’s but the overreaching of the BLM for decades.

    The video below(thanks JohnP) shows the local Fire Chief where this incident is taking place resigning from his job due to local government corruption.

    When I look at all the details, the years of harassment and abuse  – I understand why the Bundy’s and the militia got involved. The Hammond’s father is 73 years old and is now serving close to 5 years in prison. For what?

    Ridiculous.

    JR

     

     

     

     

     

  • The best food for bug out bags

    The best food for bug out bags

    I have messed around a lot with different foods for bug out bags, get home kits, and general backpacking. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type. While there is no one food that will fit everyone’s menu and needs I have come to a conclusion:

    Freeze dried foods are the best foods for bug out bags.

    Here’s why: If someone is bugging out they are likely traveling some distance on foot. Weight is a major factor and that is where freeze dried food really shines. Freeze dried foods are extremely light weight. I can throw in several meal pouches for just a couple poundsThey are also very simple to prepare and are very nutritious. Most of the freeze dried food that I have eaten has tasted no different than regular food although a few samples were on the salty side.

    Drawbacks? They require water to reconstitute and prepare. If you live in a desert this could be a serious dilemma as carrying water is quite a task due to its weight. They also do not provide a ton of calories in the smaller pouch-sized packages. For longer term time periods this could be an issue.

    MRE’s are another option and not a bad one either. Again – weight is the issue at hand as they are on the heavy side. Sure – a few cans of soup can be thrown in a pack as well as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or twelve but to me freeze dried foods make a lot better choice.

    My favorites:

    Chili Mac

    Lasagna with Meat Sauce

    Chicken Fried Rice

    Scrambled Eggs with Bacon

    Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

     

    Anyone have a favorite they have tried?

    JR

     

     

     

     

  • What did you do to prep this past week?

    What did you do to prep this past week?

     

    Planning on making this a regular Sunday feature. So – What did you do to prep this past week?

    Here’s my list:

    Bought a Ruger SR22 pistol along with 3 extra magazines(private sale)

    Picked up 2 extra 18-rd. magazines for my Canik TP9SA

    CRKT Chogan T-Hawk arrived in my mailbox

    300 rounds CCI 22LR AR Mini-Mags

    Ordered components to put together a complete Battle Belt(stay tuned!)

    Your turn!

    JR

     

     

  • VIDEO: One Way Poor People Can Buy Land With No Money

    VIDEO: One Way Poor People Can Buy Land With No Money

    For many – including myself – the need to buy land and create a retreat/homestead/getaway is felt down to the core. Money – or lack thereof is the most common reason why it doesn’t happen. I came across this video from Becky’s Homestead with some suggestions on how to reach your goal with very little money.

    Although the title suggests no money is needed obviously landowners are not lining up to give away their land. I have read the book Dirt-Cheap Survival Retreat and the author makes some similar suggestions. In the right circumstances it does work.

    JR

     

     

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    A Few Recommendations

     

     

  • It’s all falling apart. What do we do?

    It’s all falling apart. What do we do?

    Today we face a daily torrent of troubling news. The world itself seems to be falling apart as in almost every hemisphere chaos is present. The Middle East continues to be a powder keg of violence and death. Terrorism is spreading across the planet with radical Islam’s touch going so far that teenage girls in modern societies are pledging loyalty. Troubling. Political dismay is running wild throughout Europe as well as the United States with division being a standard operating procedure. Mother nature is wreaking havoc in many areas and economic strife continues to inflict sorrow and struggle on countless millions – worldwide.

    I’m not done.

    North Korea continues their threats recently detonating a hydrogen bomb. Iran – one of the largest backers of terrorism –  receives billions of dollars due to a “deal” headed by the United States.  China’s economic struggles have the rest of the world’s stock markets on a roller coaster ride of unpredictability. Russia consistently flexes its military muscles totally disregarding the United States and its demands. The United States – once a valued and respected world superpower – is now looked at as anemic and passive. We have a leader in the White House who disregards the Constitution and bypasses Congress to achieve his personal will.

    But wait….there’s more.

    The US population continues to stray away from God and the core principles which once guided this country. Our morals are decaying and Islam is now the second largest practicing religion in this country. The “low information voter” continues to support politicians instead of leaders. Citizens are more in touch with what the Kardashians are doing and gossiping about their neighbors than critical issues that will affect generations to come.

    That’s about enough.

    So yes – it is all falling apart. I sit here in my living room wondering how it will all turn out and exactly what actions I should take in response.  I mean…..what is an American Patriot to do? As a gun-toting, God-loving, Conservative believer in the Constitution it can be pretty frustrating.

    Here are a few thoughts:

    • Accept that there may not be anything you can do to improve all these situations used as examples. It’s reality. As an individual the ability to inflict major change is limited and just not very realistic.
    • As individuals we are empowered to take responsibility for ourselves. Regardless of government intrusion and all the craziness in the world we can make decisions for ourselves that WILL have an impact.
      • We can reduce our debt to diminish our economic exposure.
      • Secondary sources of income can be sought to better handle job loss.
      • Grow your own food to decrease the dependence on grocery stores.
      • Become part of a survival group. In a group if one member falls on hard luck the others can help lift them up.
      • Save money. In almost any collapse cash money would continue to be used for some time. In a personal SHTF such as job loss cash reserves would extremely beneficial.
    • Vote. Yeah – I know. They are all crooks. It is easy to get down on the entire political process. Believe me I understand. There are some true leaders out there that are trying to do good. Those that are – vote for them.
    • Prepare. If it all does come crashing down put back food, water, firearms, and other essential supplies to weather the storm.
    • Concealed Carry. Take responsibility for your own safety and be armed. Get the training and become proficient.
    • Ignore it all. Yes – I know many people who just choose to exist in ignorant bliss and bury their head in the sand. They pay no attention to politics and watch no news. For them it’s all palm trees and ocean breeze.

    No doubt this is not an all-inclusive list of concerning events nor methods of dealing with them. I don’t proclaim to have all the answers. It is not all gloom and doom and it is possible that everything will work out just fine. I can’t see how but it is possible.

    The one thing that I find solace in is to surround myself with good people. People that are like-minded and have similar values as myself. That cannot be purchased with money but is extremely valuable.

    Take care all –

    JR

     

      *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

    LOW COST NIGHT VISION

    Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular- Nocturnal Advantage

     For some, darkness marks the end of an adventure. For others, there is the Equinox Z. The Bushnell Equinox Z is the latest offering in affordable consumer Night Vision. With its high-performance glass objectives, zoom capability and extremely long battery life, nothing reveals the unknowns of darkness like the Equinox Z line of night vision products. Whether used to track an animal across an open prairie or to explore the depths of the murkiest cave, Equinox Z provides an unparalleled viewing experience in low-light conditions.

    Price: $250      Impress Your Friends Rating: 8/10       Ability to See Zombies in the Dark: Priceless

    amazon-button-1

     

     

     

  • It begins…….

    It begins…….

    Welcome to 1776PatriotUSA.com. I appreciate your stopping by.

    If you have followed me over from my previous endeavor a sincere “thank you” is in order. I hope you will not be disappointed. New here? Welcome and thank you as well.

    This website is still under construction so do not be surprised if you see changes over the next week or so. There is a lot that goes into developing a site and I have run into a few bumps along the way.

    I believe we are at a pivotal time in American history. Future generations are going to look back at this point and question why so many did so little when the demise of this country is so obvious. It seems with each passing day our Liberty and Freedoms are evaporating. True Patriots need to come together. Maybe I can influence someone to get on the right side of the political spectrum. Maybe someone will learn and prepare for disastrous, trying times ahead. Maybe this website will entertain, provoke thought, or even cause a laugh here and there.

    I am an avid gun nut so firearms will be a major topic. Anything and everything related to preparedness will be discussed although this will not be your standard run-of-the-mill prepper site. Current events, fitness, adventure, and even life philosophy will enter into the foray. Every week two to three posts will be published with Tuesdays being guaranteed.

    I have a lot of things planned for 1776PatriotUSA.com and I am very excited to get things going and hope you will come along for the ride.

    I encourage commenting and sharing your thoughts and opinions. I also would really appreciate you sharing posts on Facebook, Twitter, forums, etc. if you are so inclined. It is very difficult to get the word out on a new website so I could use all the help I can get.

    Let’s get to it!

    JR

     

     

     

  • Liberty

    Liberty

    “They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security.”

    Benjamin Franklin

  • Coming soon!

    Coming soon!

    Thank you for visiting 1776PatriotUSA.com.

    While the designers, writers, and planners are busy putting everything together for the upcoming launch – feel free to sign up for updates as they become available.

    While an exact date has not been determined as of yet a few flips of a coin suggests mid-January is looking good.
    Thanks,

    JR

     






     

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