cool head // strong heart @coolheadstrongheart-blog - Tumblr Blog

Why we are here

Why we research. Type. Learn. Prepare. Connect.

Why we even have a financial collapse website...

Do you feel us?

Post found @ http://preparingforfinancialcollapse.com/2011/02/21/why-we-are-here/

The Worlds Reserve Currency

What happens when everyone relies upon the strength of your money worldwide…and your money isn’t strong? A house of cards. Learn why at my new financial collapse website.

My newest post: The Fed

Do you know who or what the Federal Reserve is? A surprising history on the Federal Reserve reveals relevant facts about how our economy works…and why its unsustainable. http://bit.ly/gXcshS

#preparing #Federal Reserve #Financial Collapse

I've been building something bigger...

Sorry everyone! I've been extremely busy taking this whole blog to the next level. I've stopped using tumblr as the main platform for a variety of reasons - though I think I may still populate this tumblr with my normal blog posts. I need to research the SEO implications of that.

But if you found my content interesting - please check out my new site: Preparing for financial collapse.

I've posted some killer articles, especially concerning WHY we believe so strongly a collapse is coming. They are fact driven - and sure to get you thinking. Check it out!

I will be back soon once I get a daily habit in place regarding tumblr.

Much love.

~ J

Bug.out.Bag

A standard part of preparation is putting together a bag that you can quickly grab and leave with during a state of emergency. Here is the BASIC list I'm working on. It is a work in progress. There are three levels. Level 1 is the most important. Level 2 is second...etc...

Philosophy:

a. A bag that you can Hike with to a safe zone. (I.E. safer meeting house).

b. A bag that can enable Survival in a non urban area indefinitely - but ideally under 7 days.

c. A bag that is between 1/5 and 1/4 of your weight. (If male, slightly less if female).

d. This Philosophy assumes you are wearing good clothes and footwear that match your weather. It also doesn't include your firearm in the weight.

f. Several of these items have already been listed as priorities. I will link the article that matches the specific item.

Level 1:

Water and Water filtration/purification system

Knife (straight edge)

Fire-starter (at least 2 methods)

Energy Booster (A couple high carb bars - like Cliff bars)

Compass & plan of where to go (map).

Small Bible

Personals: ID, Cash/Currency, SS card, etc...

Flash Drive with personal information on it.

Headlamp/Flashlight - (I will post a detailed review on a good headlamp soon).

Level 2:

Water proofing/poncho

1st aid (part 1 and 2) (If in a group, have one individual carry the level 2 bag and create smaller kits for all the other people in group).

Mummy sleeping bag

Pot (blackened)

Tarp

Shelter/tent/additional tarp *this can be fashioned from branches/digging if you do the research and know how.

Needle and thread

Socks (smartwool type)

Additional water carrier (platypus pouch or 2nd nalgene bottle)

Fishing String and Hook

Food - Enough for 8-12 basic meals and some high carb snacks.

Guns and Ammo

Parachord/Rope - Get 7 strand/550 lbs para-chord

Toothbrush (cut the handle off for weight)

Change of clothes

Level 3:

Eating utensil

T.P

Batteries (Lithium)

Pocket Rocket/Fuel

Personal Hygiene

Knife Sharpener

Hiking Poles

Shovel/Hatchet/Saw (Choose separate ones for separate people in party)

Solar oven -- (Walmart has the car reflectors on sale right now btw)

Trapping/Snare supplies

Books

~~~~~~

Until next time. Be Blessed. Be Focused.

~ J

#survival #bug out bag #backpacking #preparing #opportunity

Family

I hope everyone is having a blast. I'm going to be brief today.

Don't be afraid to talk about the future. Don't be fearful and don't be fear mongering. That's the work of fools. But - if you sincerely think next Christmas is going to be significantly different, don't be afraid to share your opinion and ask what your family is doing. You will likely be surprised. More people than you think are preparing...and just like you...they haven't told anyone. And even if they aren't preparing, they are likely to help you any way they can. Be the one to start the conversation. I have been on the receiving end of several blessings through my extended family because they wanted to help.

A group is better than one. And family is the best group there is.

And I will get into that with my next post...and next priority.

Have an amazing time with those you love. Don't forget to build relationships.

~ J

#Family

Free Gold education.

Keeping a sharp and educated mind is one of the main resources you can have for predicting the future and preparing for it. Not just for "security" but also for opportunity.

Over the weekend I posted a link to a lecture that painted a fact driven picture of our economic future. That lecture has since been removed from the internet.

Today, Shuan Connell over at Stand Strong Research (a resource I have linked several times) sent out an email stating the following:

In the last few weeks the economy has shown signs of weakening. I've talked about this to the point of getting annoying. The Federal Reserve is printing another half-trillion dollars... dumping new money on an already fragile economy.

This means the government is essentially getting to the point where the only thing they can think of that will help keep it afloat is printing more paper money. Inflation is already hitting food and energy prices, and everything else is next. Because of the circumstances, I'm no longer charging for my gold investing guide. I'm giving it away for free. To get your download link, you just need to sign up for the Learn Gold newsletter -- a different newsletter than this one. It's free too. This newsletter is just about investing in general -- the Learn Gold Newsletter is specifically about gold, silver, and other precious metals. To sign up, just go to Learn Gold Coins. Enter your email in any of the fields/forms. They all get you signed up and will have the guide automatically sent to you. If you have questions, let me know. This is important. Feel free to forward this to your friends, and share a link to LearnGoldCoins.com on Facebook or Twitter or via email. I know it's difficult and politically incorrect to say this, but it's a fact: the economy is going to get much, much worse before it gets better. Gold prices are going to skyrocket. You need to get educated ASAP. Click here and sign up. It's free. -Shaun Connell

Though Gold Investment isn't always the best investment if you are on a shoestring budget, you never know if it fits your circumstance without grabbing some knowledge. This is an extremely generous move from Shuan, who is hoping to help everyone he can while we still have time. Check it out. I will be back to other forms of preparation in my next post. ~ J

#Gold #Shaun Connell #Investment #Education #Free

If you could see only one thing...

Last week H2OCory alerted me to a live 90 minute presentation that Mike Dillard was giving Monday night. The presentation blew me away (along with 86,000 other people) because it succinctly described what is happening in our economy on so many levels. I knew much of what he was presenting, but he put the entire picture together in a very clear and concise way unlike anything I've seen.

Now, of course Mike is also selling an educational membership. After several days of research, I found the membership to be worth my money. You might not. I'm not linking this presentation because I think you should join as a member. That is for you to decide, just like I decided. I'm linking this presentation because it clearly demonstrates FACTS about our economy and the direction it is heading that cannot be ignored. I urge you to check this lecture out for that reason alone.

It has two basic parts that are 40 minutes each (after his introduction). They are as follows:

1. The big picture of our economy of the next 6-36 months. Lots of charts and graphs. (This part will make all of your time completely worth it. I promise.)

2. What Mike is doing with his assets as a response (i.e. - the part that convinces you a membership to The Elevation Group is worth your money. *grin*)

I'm going to be talking a lot about this movie over the next two days. Mike is closing down the membership to The Elevation Group after Sunday at midnight because the response to this movie was much bigger than he expected. (150,000 people have watched it in the last three days). When he closes the membership, he is also taking down the presentation.

I really want my readers to see at least the first half of the presentation because its that good.

Please, at least watch the first half of this lecture. It will change how you view everything.

~ Jonathan

#Watch it #The Future #Knowledge is Power #Presentation

First Aid: Part Two

I'm going to get right back into the shopping list.

DISINFECTING:

1/2 oz mini bottle of Povidone-Iodine solution,

30ml BandAid-brand antiseptic wound rinse (others ok too),

PDI-brand 10% Benzoin Tincture swabs in foil package (5),

BD-brand Alcohol Swab (16), --

other swabs are small and light on alcohol. You will use these to disinfect all your tools before using them on flesh. You can also, obviously, use these to help disinfect flesh itself (though it stings).

PDI-brand Povidone-Iodine prep pad (medium size, 10),

Neosporin NeoToGo spray, (comfort item)

Neosporin-brand antibiotic ointment (1 tube),

4 oz Swift-brand Eye wash,

4 oz Hydrogen Peroxide,

Don't expose this to sunlight.

1.5 oz hand sanitizer gel;

OTHER:

Adventure Medical Kits-brand compact Emergency Bivy sack,

A bivy sack is much better than a space age blanket because it retains heat way better.

6 inch ACE bandage (1)

4 inch ACE bandage (1)

Safety Pins (5)

An alternative to ACE Bandages that someone might want to try is Camo Form - you don't need clips because its self adhesive.

moleskin sheets (2)

These are most effective when applied when the blister is first “heating up” – not once the blister is formed.

Oral thermometer within a protective case,

Cotton balls

CPR MicroShield

Its extremely common that people “reviving” after CPR vomit or cough into the giver of CPR's mouth. Get at least one of these.

Flexible finger splint,

Suturing kit (includes syringe and 1% Xylocaine local anesthetic)

Don’t use this type of kit if you haven’t done some research on how to stitch people up. This is a last resort. I will dedicate a post to the details of what a suturing kit contains later and online info about it, so don't worry about this item yet.

PHARMACY:

salt packets in baggie (6),

Get these from McDonalds. Use for emergency dehydration circumstances.

Extra-Strength Tylenol (lots),

Advil (lots),

Loperamide (lots),

Diarrhea can kill.

Benadryl tabs (20),

Large antacid tablets (5),

(pharmacy) heavy duty pain killers (your choice, use with care),

(Pharmacy) antibiotics (10 days worth);

Please note – you use these at your own risk. I don’t know your allergies…and you don’t know other peoples allergies. If you are using narcotics, you also don’t know other peoples drug history. These can be addictive. I am currently talking with experts to find the best “general purpose” type. I will post names once I know.

COMFORT:

If you are having trouble with space/weight - these are the things to be eliminated/traded.

Chapstick,

GoldBond-brand single use antiseptic wipe,

itch relief cream or Benadryl-brand itch relief stick,

½ oz Clear Eyes-brand eye drops,

10ml transport tube of Burn Free or Medi-Burn relief gel,

These tubes are great for transporting small amounts of liquids/gels. Find them here.

EXTRA: These are items to consider, but will likely not fit unless you remove other things - they also go over the 100 dollar mark.

Quick Clot,

Don’t use this until you have researched it! There are some big risks that the manufacturers don't really talk about.

flexible splints (like the one here),

emergency dental kits (something like this, modified to fit your pack),

medic book: Some free for download. To buy: Check out "Where there is no doctor"

Here is a good general medical supply link: StatMedical

Other items have been linked to google products or can likely be found in a local store (like walmart). If anyone has specific problems finding something, please message me!

I think this first aid kit will enable you to deal with most circumstances with the right tools.

You should feel good and prepared having one. Enjoy the feeling.

~ J

P.S.

Just for visualization's sake, I'm going to go through the quick steps of taking care of a wound. These steps should be verified by your own research.

Wound:

Access wound. (Scissors, etc...)

Stop the bleeding. (Gloves, Pressure, Elevation, Gauze's, Blood Sponges, Feminine products ect... - worst case scenario: tourniquet)

Wound cleansing. Hydrogen Peroxide/Povidine/Band aid wound wash…ect... Remove foreign objects. (Magnifying glass/tweezers/etc...)

Wound closure if needed. (Tape/Steri Strips/Suture)

Wound dressed. Non Adherent down first. Topper/Sponge. Tape down. OR just Tegaderm.

When needed, change dressing. When you take the dressing off without a Non Adherent…you will rip tissue. So if you don't have a Non Adherent or Tegaderm, soak the topping in CLEAN (boiled then cooled) water first to help eliminate tissue damage.

It helps to visualize different things in your kit in use. :)

P.S.S. Please realize that your first aid kit is yours. Especially if you know much about first aid - you will probably not agree with some of my choices. That's fine. I would love to hear feedback on what you would include and why. Please realize the constraint of trying to stay mobile. It is an important priority for me. But beyond that - build one! Something is always better than nothing when it comes to saving lives.

My next post will be focusing back on the economic side of things. There have been some amazing resources and developments in the economic world this last week...and you deserve to know about it ASAP. (That is why I released part two so soon!)

#First aid #Disenfecting #Pharmacy #Survival #Preparing

First Aid: Part one

First Aid

This topic is huge. So grab some hot tea. I have spent several hours doing research. What you decide to go with depends on your philosophy. Mine has always been priority/likelihood first, and then mobility. When I prepare, I want to prepare for things that I think are most likely to happen. In addition I want something I can hike with. Portable. Things will be sacrificed in terms of “firepower” for mobility.

Before we get started I want to remind everyone, I’m not a doctor or EMT. This is simply my opinion formed through my research.

Priority:

What will typically kill someone the fastest in a first aid circumstance is choking/airway obstruction/lack of breathing and bleeding.

Most response to choking is physical. There are some tools, but for the most part, if someone is choking you aren’t going to be pulling out a first aid kit. You are going to be doing the Heimlich, CPR, etc…

So the philosophy behind the first aid Kit I’m putting together has four parts:

1. Focuses on stopping blood loss as first priority.

2. Attempts to address other 1st aid areas in a general way

3. Strives to be mobile so someone can carry it on their person.

4. Doesn’t have things that I don’t know how to use.

This isn’t an ideal Kit if you are staying at home without “Rule of Law” for a year or so. This is a smaller kit that can be backpacked and will work for a short term 1st aid solution in a short term emergency without doctor/hospital access. Short term is my first priority because a short term 1st aid situation is more likely than a long term one. I don’t have the money to put together an entire ER center in my house at this time and I don’t have the knowledge to operate it. I do have the money to develop a short term emergency solution.

This entire kit will be around 100 bucks and weigh close to 5 pounds. It is extremely powerful. It is based upon the kit presented by Nut N Fancy (5 part youtube series). After researching several kits, his 140 minute youtube med kit fit my philosophy the best.

If you agree with my philosophy, using this post can save you hours and hours of time.

THE SHOPPING LIST

Here is your shopping list. Most of it is self explanatory – but I make detailed notes on some items. Several of the items can be found at walmart. I will provide links for specific items that are harder to find, and a few other general resource links at the bottom of the second post.

Pouch/Container.

You want something with several divided compartments and around 16x12x10’’ dimensions. Pouches you can see through are the best. Here are some starting points.

Blackhawk Emergency Medical Roll.

Brigade pouches.

A Roll up shower bag can even be used.

FOR BLEEDING: (Brands are opinions only)

5x9 Kendall-brand Abdominal Pad (1)

4x4 in J&J (Johnson and Johnson) -brand Topper Sponges (4)

4x4 in J&J Surgipad thick gauze pads (6)

4x4 in J&J All-Purpose sponges (gauze pads) (6)

3x3 in J&J (or other brand) Gauze Pads (8)

2x2 in J&J (or other brand) Gauze Pads (6)

2 Equate-brand maxi-pads (soaks blood at a fraction of the price of gauze pads)

Kendall-brand 4.5 in x 3 yd gauze roll

Polymem® 4x4 non adhesive bandage

3x8 in Oil Emulsion Adaptec dressing (4)

These are dressings that are soaked in a Vaseline type substance. So when the wound starts to heal, and you have to change the dressing, you won’t have flesh stuck to the dressing when it’s removed. If you don’t have these, soak the dressing in CLEAN water (boiled and then cooled is best) before removing.

10cmx12cm 3m Tegaderm® transparent dressing (4)

6cmx7cm 3m Tegaderm® transparent dressing (8)

Tegaderm is new bandage technology. Think of it as a Goretex for your wounds. It allows vapor to escape – but water cannot penetrate reducing the risk of infection. It will not allow your wounds to scab – so don’t use it more than a couple days if you can help it. Don’t use anything like Neosporin with Tegaderm. You will want to swab adhesion area with Benzoin Tincture to help it stick and stay clean (item later on in the list).

1 roll Nexcare-brand microspore medical tape or J&J paper tape.

Atheletic tape and other tapes don’t breathe. You need tape that breathes.

¼ inch 3M-brand Steri-Strip (4)

1/2 inch 3M-brand Steri-Strip (4)

Steri Strips are a great alternative to stitches. In a worst case scenario, you can use medical tape for the same reason. These strips won’t work if the flesh around the wound isn’t clean and dry. A picture can be seen here.

BandAid-brand (or Nexcare-brand) large bandaids (15)

BandAid-brand (or Nexcare or 3M-brand) large elbow/knee adhesive bandages (5)

2x2 in non-adherent pads (Telfa-style) gauze pads (4)

latex tourniquet

Use this as a very last resort to stop bleeding. Gauze pads, pressure, elevation above the heart, etc… should all be tried extensively before using this tool.

Military compressed triangular OD bandage (1)

A great and diverse tool – one of the main reasons to include it is its ability to be used as a sling.

Mini super glue tubes in baggie

(don’t want superglue all over your kit!) This can be used to patch a wound as well.

TOOLS:

Streamlight Stylus Pro penlight with AAA lithium batteries

A very well reviewed light. Extremely bright. You may need light to clean a wound.

Fiskars general purpose scissors

EMT (public) scissors are wimpy. Medical scissors dull.

Hemostat (1)

Think of these as medical pliers/vice grips. They are crucial for grasping things within a wound, and if worst comes to worst, for stopping blood flow from a vein by clamping it.

Size 11 Scalpels (4)

These are crucial for any cutting you might need to do.

sharp tweezers

You have to have a fine/sharp tip tweezer to clean wounds/shrapnel/splinters.

LaCross-brand Tini-Tweeze tweezers (small, flat bladed)

Sometimes you need some tweezers with more leverage and power than the fine tipped ones. These are cosmetic and only cost a few bucks to add.

Benchmade-brand Rescue 5 cutting tool

An extremely small and light tool that can cut away any clothing, boot, etc… that can no longer be removed because of swelling (or you don’t have the time). A broken ankle can swell up quick –and if you are wearing boots…you will certainly want this tool.

4x6 in plastic zip bags (2),

Used as back up for waterproofing gauzes.

1 Mylar Envelope/bag (1 gallon)

Put your most important “keep dry” stuff in here. Also, cut this up and tape it to a sucking chest wound. Nutnfancy originally had a different Mylar bag. I could no longer find it for sale online.

Wooden cotton swabs (10),

Apply cleaning agents to wounds with these.

Large sewing needle on index card material

Single edge razor blade (1 maybe 2)

The sharper your tool, the less painful and finer the cut. Don’t skimp on something that costs less than a dollar.

Gorilla-brand duct tape wrapped on a part of a plastic card

Hundreds of uses if in a pinch. You can even use some of this on areas that are starting to blister.

Latex gloves (2 pair),

Don’t be cleaning out a bloody wound of a stranger without these. Also, if you tend to be light headed with blood – these help separate you from the job so you can work with your mind instead of your emotions.

Folding magnifying glass,

See if the wound is cleaned out of foreign objects, find splinters, etc…

Container for eye washing

Drug stores have cheap glass ones. A Shot glass works. Just find something small you can hold up to your open eye to rinse it with.

I told you this was long! The next post will be part two. Disinfectants, Pharmacy, and other things you can’t do without. I sincerely hope you are making a shopping list and spending a few hours now so that you can save someone’s life in the future…

...and I hope you enjoyed your tea.

#first aid #Philosophy #Survival #Blood #Tools #Mobile #BoB

Our greatest opportunity

Those who prepare for the worst of times will only know the best of times.

Challenges are coming. So we can be victims, or turn them into opportunities. This upcoming event of “economic collapse” – whether this year, or in five years, will be the single biggest opportunity of people living today. What are you doing with the future? Ignoring it? Depressed over it?

Seizing it?

The purpose of this blog is to prepare on a shoestring budget – but the mindset isn’t about simply surviving. Those who are prepared can help those in need…and they can become leaders and game changers. View preparedness as an investment in your future. Financially and personally.

A quick example: Lets say today it costs you $10.00 on average to feed everyone in your house for a day. When we see hyperinflation hit, lets say it will cost you $40.00 a day to feed everyone in your house. You have decided to prepare with stocking up on 2 weeks worth of food. You didn't buy anything fancy, but spent 70.00 bucks on beans and rice. Lets imagine that food will feed your house for 2 weeks.

That investment of 70.00 dollars will be worth $560 once hyperinflation hits. ROI of nearly 800%. Obviously, because of inflation, this isn't a pure ROI...but at the same time. You will still have to eat when inflation hits! Save money by thinking ahead. People that haven't prepared will quickly be in a much different financial situation than you when they are spending 40 bucks a day to eat and you are spending nothing.

Two ideas to start thinking about: Solar Ovens. No energy. No firewood. Only sun. With my research, I have found solar ovens to be an amazing resource. Unfortunately, most good ones cost upwards of 200 bucks. Not really a shoestring fix. Second, most cannot be hiked out. (The lightest one I found was 10 pounds and super bulky). After tons of research - I'm super excited to find this. It can be backpacked and its under 15 bucks to make. Supposedly it reaches 350 degrees. I'm curious to see what it will do when its 10 degree weather outside. I'm going to be testing it out this week.

If energy prices explode, how much money would you save having something like a solar oven to cook with? (And how much would you impress your "green" friends? :P)

The second idea: First Aid kit. I've been working hard on getting a good first aid kit together. The ones at the store are a joke. I've been talking with nurses (shout out to h2ocory's wife!), watching vids, reading forums, and talking with survival experts. The nuts and bolts of what I'm going to be putting together will be posted soon and I'm super excited to be sharing it.

Remember: Preparedness isn't fear. Its investing in your future with an expected ROI.

Your greatest opportunity is yet to come.

~ J

P.S. (Ammo stuff)

I've fielded a few questions about ammo from readers/friends of this blog. It was recommended I include the information I sent in an email on this blog. I'm not a gun expert. But I did research. Life is continual learning - and this is the understanding I have so far.

Ammo. Huge convo. Going to dump on you...then summarize. If you are short on time...scroll down to the summary in bold. "Good" 9mm ammo is an eternal debate. People generally find ammo their gun "likes" and stick with it. Hi Point reviews show that HP's like pretty much anything - so brand is just a matter of opinion for practice ammo. Currently almost all ammo is a flat price across the board. Since Obama passed threatening gun legislation, ammo prices have soared and places had trouble keeping it in stock. It has balanced out now - but there is so little overhead that usually you aren't saving much getting it at one place rather than another. I have been gradually buying ammo from Wally world - but I haven't researched ammo prices in depth. From what I have seen, Wally is competitive. I would recommend starting with a few "plinking" boxes of 9mm ammo for target practice. Federal 9mm luger is what I get at walmart. I also get Blazer if I'm at a gunshop. This isn't sold at Walmart. In 9mm, you are looking at around $10.00 bucks for 50 rounds (federal) and around 11-12 for Blazer. After some plinking, you will want to invest in at least one box of nice hollow points to save for a self defense situation - they are going to be a little more expensive. An upgrade from HP(Hollow Point) is +P HP rounds. These are very hot (lots of powder) so they leave the gun faster. I don't have these yet and I haven't priced them. Walmart only carries one brand of +P rounds, and it was expensive enough that I decided to research the brand a bit more before buying. Just so you know, Hi-Points are made for "hot" ammo - meaning ammo with more powder (+P rounds/etc...) Once you start shooting plinking ammo (with less powder), you generally want hotter casings (Brass generally). Walmart sells "Tel-Ammo" for a little cheaper than the Federal fmj (full metal jackets) I recommended - but the tel ammo has a steel casing, which isn't a hot ammo and doesn't have a hot casing. We shot it fine, but don't get it for self defense. Its the cheapest of the cheap - and all gun brands jam it once and a while. To simplify: I buy most ammo at Wally World. Sometimes they are sold out. Plinking/Practice Ammo: Normal Tip. 9mm Luger Federal Ammo (walmart) or Blazer 9mm Luger Ammo (non w-mart). You can save a buck and get Tel-Ammo, but expect occasional jams in your pistol from the steel casing.

Self Defense: Hollow Point Ammo. Don't know what brand to recommend, but likely a bigger name brand. (Winchester, Remington etc...) I have Winchester HP at the moment.

Best Self Defense: +P Hollow Point Ammo. Expensive enough I'm going to research brands some more before buying, and likely get my boxes online or at a gunshop.

#Opportunity #ROI #Solar Stove #First Aid #Ammo

Tools?

Basic tools are the next priority. We take tools for granted in today’s society, but it’s extremely hard to do anything without a simple tool. Here is a list of tools that I believe are top priority. All of them have been chosen for functionality and for hike-ability. It is assumed you already have some basic tools in your house – so the major focus of this post is making sure you have tools that you can hike out with.

Straight knife – I’m assuming most people already have a good straight knife. If you don’t, you can get a good reliable one from The Ontario knife company at Amazon for under 50.00. I have given the linked Ontario knife a beating for years and like it better than the Kabar. (Its also cheaper.) This is by far the most needed tool on the list for survival. You can make several other tools out of wood if you have this one tool. Equip every person in your party with a good basic straight knife. If you cant afford a nice one for everyone - at least get a good folding knife or a cheaper straight blade. I would grab a good light sharpener as well. You can grab one at Wal-Mart for between 5-15 bucks.

Firestarter – under $10.00 at Amazon. For ease, I would also spend a buck on some matches to pack and if you really want to go all out – collect dryer lint and stuff it in a small Ziploc for some easy starter. If you lose utilities, a fire will likely be needed at some point close to your house. (Be sure it’s ventilated so you don’t burn the only oxygen around you – causing death).

Cold Steel Camp Shovel – doubled as self defense weapon/hammer/hatchet. Under $15.00 at Amazon – (UPDATE: JUST RAISED PRICES). If you are sharpening it I would recommend a case – another 10.00 investment. This is an all in one tool:

A shovel (gardening, making a shelter, waste disposal, hiding items in your yard, etc…)

A knife –sharpen one side to gain a hefty knife for intense wood forming needs.

A hatchet – the dull side is an excellent wood chopper.

A weapon. In reviews I have read, Marines find this to be a better self defense tool than machetes, tomahawks, etc…

A large hammer. While not the ideal hammer, the backside of the shovel can be used for basic pounding.

A hand Saw. There are several price points to contend with on buying a hand saw. You get what you pay for. My fav. brand is Silky - I have used them professionally. They are expensive, so other folding saws might be a better option. However, be sure you don't spend your hard earned cash on a saw that will dull in 3 minutes! Read reviews.

A simple multi-tool – mostly for the screwdrivers/plyers. Read reviews. Consider weight. You don't need something with 1000 uses.

Rope/parachord. The more you think about this tool – the more you realize you will need it. Shower rig anyone?

Gas. Keep your tanks above the half gallon mark so you always have some reserve fuel. I’m keeping a couple five gallons in rotation to be sure I have even more fuel to get to my parents house and other unforeseen areas of need.

Books. I'm going to dedicate an entire post soon to this "tool" - but its importance cannot be stressed enough. You will need to have a few books on a few topics.

For the knowledge end of the spectrum - be sure to check out the article linked in my last post.

#Basic Tools #Cold Steel Shovel #Firestarter #Rope #Multitool

Required reading

This article is critical to understanding the likely happenings over the next few months with the economy. I urge my readers to take 10 minutes and read it. My paradigm for economic collapse isn't just speculation. I hope this article shows the thought behind how this is a very real and potentially soon threat.

Practically protecting

A Practical Self Defense Tool: The Firearm

How far are you willing to go to protect the innocent? If you are still uncertain, I recommend renting “Attack on Darfur” from redbox (Rated R). You may discover new things about yourself.

I explained my reasoning behind self defense in this post. We have chosen to invest in firearms for self defense and hunting.

I asked the following questions about firearms:

Would I use it to protect others? (Think of a family member or neighboring widow being attacked). If you can’t answer yes – you will be safer without one. Don’t carry a gun if you are not going to use it to protect the unprotected and don’t carry a gun if you are not going to learn how to use it once purchased.

If you would use a firearm to protect others – what firearm would be effective in the hands of those using it to protect themselves or others? (Large/small man, small woman, large/small hands etc…)

Is the firearm reliable/durable?

How common is the ammo round?

Can you backpack with it?

Can it be used for hunting?

We went with the new .45 ACP Hi-Point Carbine. The firearm holds 9 rounds, is semi auto, has minimal kick and the .45 round has stopping and intimidation power. That, combined with the lightness of the gun, its ability to be used (in emergency situations) as a hunting weapon, and its moderate range ability, made this gun outweigh the option of a shotgun. C. can easily use it. The price was attractive - giving me a good general gun for under $300.

We also have a hi-point 9mm pistol. Also good for self defense – but able to be concealed in needed situations. Not something we can really hunt with – but it passes all the other needs. The pistol rang in around $170 – saving me around $330 on your typical 9mm.

Why the High Point?

1. After heavy online research and personal discussion with owners I can't find an actual owner that doesn't love them. Gun snobs diss them (the price is too low - the gun is ugly) - but once they shoot one, they love it. Owners are amazed at reliability and accuracy - especially in the recent models.

2. Best return policy on the market. No questions asked, regardless if you were the original owner - High Point gives you a new or fixed gun with an extra mag if you ever have trouble with a gun.

Obviously – you can drop way more money in this department. I have given you two of the most affordable and reliable options I can find. This is a blog about preparing on a shoestring budget after all. ;)

Other things to consider.

We got separate calibers to double our chance for finding something in a panic situation. The .45 is more expensive than the 9 ammo. It also weighs more.

We also have a .22 semi auto Ruger rifle with scope and 25 shot mag for small game hunting. 9mm and .45 ammo are very heavy and if we need to hike out we can’t be carrying much more than 100 rounds in each. .22 ammo on the other hand, is by far the most common round in the U.S. It’s super cheap compared to any other round, and is super light. A well placed .22 round can also hunt most things – especially in a semi auto package with no recoil. If you don’t have a .22 rifle – you can get a good semi-auto rifle for under $300.

The four of us may invest (sometime in the next year) in a longer ranged hunting rifle – but self defense and hunting are both priorities that have been met with what we currently own.

A family member that is letting us borrow a high powered rifle to practice long range “iron sites” shooting. This is a huge blessing. To quote his wisdom “If you can’t use Iron Sites – don’t be using optics.”

Why now?

If you don’t know how to use the tool it is more dangerous than not having the tool. A hatchet with an idiot is an open wound. Same with a gun. Why are firearms a higher priority right now? Two reasons: So you have time, while time is still good, to learn how to use the firearms. Two books I recommend getting from the library to start learning are: On Combat and Tactical Pistol Shooting. The second reason is the simple fact that you likely won’t be able to purchase a firearm or purchase ammo once any type of panic sets in. Not a good time to be learning how to use a gun.

In economic news:

Take a glance at these three charts showing why housing is an issue that's far from over.

And the three links I recommended a couple posts ago have the following articles:

Stand strong has a great article showing us why current AP news about a recovering economy is misleading.

Crazy people in stores. If hyperinflation hits - isn't rational to expect this type of behavior regularly? - the economic collapse blog.

Hyperinflation guaranteed? A detailed and fact driven look at inflation over at National Inflation Association.

#protecting #self defense #firearms #ammo #Gun #Guns #Hi-Point Carbine #Hi-Point Pistol

One who defends?

How can I call myself a Christian and support self defense?

I believe this is a very fair question and one asked by Christians and Non-Christians alike. God is Love. Love is self sacrifice. How can you be love and decide to injure or take another’s life?

If this question seems ridiculously silly, especially if you consider yourself a Christian – than I would propose you haven’t spent enough time considering the weight or impact of taking a life and the accompanying paradox of the example set by Jesus and the Disciples. These are things to be considered carefully and thoughtfully - but do not doubt it. They should be considered.

Scripture and an *

(I speak to the believers in my audience with this section. I hope those that do not currently profess faith in Yashua will enjoy as onlookers.)

1st Timothy says:

If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters].

As with all truths in the Bible – some are “greater” and some are “lesser”. (Jesus is the way and the truth / Paul extorts the believers in Corinth) The tension and paradox of “opposing truths” should be recognized. (Grace and Works). So, in the end, different self defense situations will call for different reactions.

*You must always use your best judgment during the moment at hand – discernment, wisdom and prayer. One size doesn’t fit all - and my take on a defense situation is no different.

My belief

I believe in being a faithful steward of what I have been given responsibility over. We are called to be faithful in the little by growing and multiplying it. We are called to expand and protect life. This goes for finances, crops, family...any realm of influence. The leader should do their best to ensure their sphere of influence is being run with excellence and wisdom. There are times for generosity. And there are times for protection. You cannot multiply if you do not have. You cannot give if you don’t have anything to give.

If you let a garden overrun with weeds – you no longer have food. If you kill the weeds and nurture your crops, you have extra food to share.

The obligation of my existence is to expand life – that may include protecting those whose life would be taken without just cause. This obligation is both a spiritual and rational obligation.

One that would argue “love” doesn’t protect is ultimately living in an imaginary world – because self sacrifice ensures a continuation of the destruction of life following your sacrifice. By choosing supposed love – you have also chosen the unwilling sacrifice of untold others – which means you have intentionally perpetrated death and destruction. A self defense action places the life of the attacker in the hands of God – just as the ones you defended were placed into your hands by God to defend.

A story point

I hate to belinger the point, but Christianity, being a belief of love, often forgets that love protects.

The story: a man was slowly drowning in the ocean. A woman on a small fishing boat offered him a hand. He responded “My God will save me – I’m praying hard.” A larger fishing vessel came by and offered him a float and a ladder on board. He responded “My God will save me – I’m praying hard.” Three more times people offered to save him from the ocean, with the man responding the same each time. The final time was a helicopter. As he refused – his muscles growing weak – the helicopter flew away into the darkening sunset. The man drowned a few hours later. In heaven the man asked God why God never saved him. God replied “I sent the woman…the fishing crew…the two other boats…the copter. What more did you want?”

We expect love to perform miracles to save others – and forget that we are often that expression of love. We are the expression of that love for the unprotected and the innocent when we defend against injustice.

In summary

I have a spiritual and inherent obligation – by being a human and as a believer in Christ – to protect the innocent and my area of responsibility unto the ability to use what I have been given to give, invest and love those in need.

If economic panic sets in, we have a set of circumstances we would be foolish not to think through. Homes will not likely be the first target. Grocery stores, banks, gun shops, etc…will. However, as those stores are emptied – fear and panic make people do things they wouldn’t likely do. Most people can last a few days on the supplies in their house, but it would be naive to not expect an increase in criminal activity as hunger fuels action. It’s important for me to say that I don’t expect everyone to engage in criminal activity. I believe that most people have a moral code. But I do expect an increase. Fear and Hunger are powerful motivators - history proves this. The question at this point is simply…if the time comes, what will you do?

The answer for a single person, I expect, would be different than the answer for a husband and a father. They have completely different realms of responsibility.

But please consider the answer for yourself and for yours. I will blog about our practical answer in my next post.

#Self Defense #Protector

The third step

I hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving. Family and being with the ones you love will always be one of the key foundations of real happiness. Happiness isn’t anything unless it’s shared. Heck – the very act of sharing experiences create happiness.

My last two posts explained that our first priority was preparing for an economic collapse where we will be able to stay at home (or in the home of another) until the economy and the public at large stabilizes.

The first threat was lack of clean water. Without clean water – you only have three days to live. Dysentery is the leading cause of death in the world. If the public panics – don’t expect clean water to be around for long.

Our second priority was clothing and warmth. You can’t do much if you have to huddle in blankets 24/7 to live.

Our third priority is the topic of this post. And it is actually a toss up depending on your circumstance. Remember – you can survive for three weeks before starvation sets in. People place a super high focus on food and forget other fundamentals.

Medical Condition

If there is any medical condition or problem someone in your family has that requires daily medication, supplementation or blood testing - use an online supplier to get some back up. Medical conditions can kill someone faster than starvation. Take care of those things first.

The next priority is Basic Food - It will require $100 - $150 and self discpline.

Find a friend with a Costco or Sams membership (I have a membership to Costco if you know me personally). Purchase a couple large bags of beans, rice, and whole wheat flour. Also purchase a large bag of sugar and a few large bulk containers of Oatmeal (Quick Oats). If you don’t know how to cook beans and rice in delicious ways – google it and try a few recipes that look good to you (this is where self discipline comes in). Beans are a superfood – protein heavy. Interesting to note – as you gradually add beans into your diet they stop becoming the musical food. Find recipes you enjoy. As the economy inflates, you can adjust your diet and stop spending your hard earned and devalued cash on expensive food. Don’t let these items sit. Learn to enjoy meals with them…so gradually stock up on the spices you like with your new food. (Buy one spice every time you shop). I love cinnamon with black beans btw.

Keep a good backup of your supply as you use the items. I also urge you to buy a little extra to share with others. A mindset of preparing to share will help you be generous when others are in huge need.

Basic Food prep like this doesn’t really pass our hike out test. You can’t carry 100 lbs of anything. You can seldom carry much more than a weeks worth of food in hike out conditions. If you need to hike out – your food stock is likely staying. Don’t go crazy with your money in this department (at least not yet). Other priorities need to be met first.

Closely tied with Basic food is self defense/tools. My entire next post will be on this topic.

At this point I'm going to give a few more links for the doubters. The point of this blog, however, isn't to convince people that one should prepare for an economic collapse. Its to share what I'm doing to prepare in order to help people think about their own preperation process. So my audience will likely be those that already think a collapse is coming. Here are three of the several links that I use to keep me updated. As with everything - they are told with a bias. Balance it out in your own way. If you think a collapse is inevetable, then prepare with me. If not - hopefully you are right. :)

You have to check out the happy thanksgiving post at http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/ for a detailed look at what a slowly collapsing economy looks like.

For those of you who are research and numbers heavy: http://www.inflation.us/ Their chart page alone is worth your time.

For those of you wanting to know more about the money side of the collapse (what is inflation? How should I use my extra cash? etc...) Check out http://standstrongresearch.com/ - one of my fav. resources.

A quick thought. China and Russia just teamed up and declared that the dollar was no longer trade worthy - and that they wouldn't use it as the standard for their trade anymore. As the dollars value continues to plummet on the international scale...what happens when OPEC makes the same statement?

Until next time - realize that those that imagine and prepare have no need for fear. Knowing the possibility of the future means that the unimaginable never suprised you. An economic collapse levels the playing field. You are creative. A hard worker...and now...preparing. Turn fear into energy. Energy into excitement. Adventures are fun - especially if you are with the ones you love.

~ J

#Happiness #Adventure #Food #Education

Clothing and the homeless

To recap. First priority is surviving through a gradual economic collapse: a house or home situation. Step one: Water. Step two: Clothing.

Three hours in the wrong elements could find you and yours suffering from hypothermia.

There are several lines of thought. I haven’t made my decision yet, but the most interesting is 20 year old foam technology. It’s a completely different way of thinking about staying warm, but it works.

I've stood for eight hours on the frozen bank of Jenny Lake in the Tetons at nearly 20 below, without even so much as discomfort, let alone disability.

I never found a situation in the many we encountered in which the TJ's didn't outperform all traditional winter wear because of their unique ability to handle moisture.

We had with us several world class ice climbers as field staff, many whom worked for the British Antarctic Survey, and though skeptical at first, they were all amazed at the peculiar characteristics of the TJ system in that environment.

~ From Imax Documentary Filmaker, Scott Swofford, Antarctic Evaluation

The technology isn’t well known because it’s not pretty or sexy. It’s a .5 inch layer of foam sewn into clothes. You might look a bit like an abominable snowman when it’s all said and done – but you are warm. There not much pretty online either. The websites are of generally outdated or poor design and its hard to track down information. That being said, this technology is legit.

Here are the best three sites I could find:

The creator's personal blog and product page. Another very old site, but probably the most informative, can be found here. (Also from Jim, the creator).

Red Hot Logo focuses on clothing. A ice water plunge test they did is talked about here. Vids can be seen at their homepage.

Comfort in the cold - has a list of test videos. Very amazing. (Focuses on sleeping bags)

In the end - these things work as well in 60 degrees as they do at -20 degrees. See for yourself.

The clothing can get extremely expensive (nearly 200 bucks a person if they are bought new) - but if they are purchased new they aren't near as bulky as most homemade items.

I’m saving money and currently researching local prices on foam at upholstery stores to see if I can sew my own. Patterns can be found here.

Until then, we are making sure we are stocked up on wool socks, under-armor type layers, a good insulating layer (wool – if possible) and a good shell to keep everything dry. Also consider boots/gloves/stocking caps and good blankets/sleeping bags. Most of these items we already have – we are just taking stock and making sure everyone has a warm outfit. Savers, Salvation Army or Goodwill will have any items that are missing.

As for sleeping - Amazon seems to have a good warm sleeping bag here for 35 bucks. It isn’t high enough on our priority because of the number of blankets and sleeping bags we already have. If one decided they don’t have enough blankets and are going to spend a bit of money on sleeping – get a bag like this. It will work at home or if you need to hike out.

Finally – I’m considering what I would have to do to have a fire going inside my house. I currently have a basement with cement floors/walls – so if worst came to worst I could have a small fire downstairs to keep warm – and channel the smoke through my dryer vent or a window. My other family house already has a wood burning insert installed with several cord of wood out back – it can heat the entire house if needed.

“for the doubter's consideration”

This chart shows our debt as a percentage of GDP. A year ago our debt was 369% of our GDP. (Thanks to the economic collapse blog for the chart.)

Check out the following videos:

The BBC on the new homeless.

The USAToday on the new homeless.

The St. Petersburg police on the new homeless.

The nations unemployment rate is closing in on 22%. That is nearly one in five.

Until next time...find some foam.

#clothing #foam #GDP #United States Debt #Homeless

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