Prepping to Fail (Part 4): Essentials

Well, it's been some time since I made any additions to this 'series', admittedly. I simply had other things going on my mind, and distractions. However, I was busy improving my SHTF plan, among other things. Onward, through the fog...

The Essentials (continued)

Food, water, shelter, and security are the most basic human needs--the essentials researched by Maslow, and illustrated within his 'hierarchy of needs'. Thus far, we have touched upon some basics, a discussion far from complete. We continue now with a more in-depth discussion of food storage, pertaining to what kinds of foods might be better, in terms of several dimensions of note. In addition, water-related topics will begin to become more in focus, although not really in-depth, at this point...

Food Storage and Prep: Prepackaged?

Previously, we discussed the basics for acquisition and storage of food[s]. Rather than prepackaged meals, etc., the emphasis was on stocking staple items with extended storage capabilities: pastas, rice, beans, and canned/boxed goods. It is suggested that by utilizing basic staples [mostly carbs], and supplementing and/or preparing with canned, boxed,  and bagged sauces, veggies, and/or  other packaged foods, one can sustain a reasonably varied diet. However, a perusal of many 'survival' food sites, and the foods they promote showed an emphasis on pre-packed (PP) meal entrees, and then, mostly pasta dishes. Such would be fine, in my view, with the caveat that they were, indeed, 'good' and palatable. Unfortunately, several problems arise from such pre-packaging:

1. Palatability: One must first determine that a PP product is palatable. This suggests that one must purchase and sample a particular brand/item to ensure that one would enjoy it, keeping in mind that long-term storage foods preclude "...on-second-thought" or 'do-overs'. What you have is what you will be eating. So, if a preparation is borderline on palatability, it will likely go uneaten until all other alternatives are exhausted. Further, this could mean that one might have to endure prolonged periods of consuming that which may come to be reviled. It also could become quite expensive searching for the PPs that suit one's tastes, not to mention waste of those opened PPs which do not pass a taste test.
2. Variety: Although PP foods come in many varieties, and from different sites and/or packers, in order to get real variety in both tastes/textures, and nutrition, it may be impractical or even unreasonable to assume that one can afford to rely on PPs. As suggested, PPs are predominantly pasta/staple-based mixtures, and there really is not much variety. Conversely, with a little imagination, one can start with a staple such as pasta or rice, and add any number of ingredients, spices, flavors, etc., to suit one's mood or tastes, given they are part of your storage cache. 
3. Cost/Shelf-life: Many PPs come in large #10 cans for extended storage needs, and presumably, cost-effectiveness. However, unless one is sharing food with a crowd of friends/family, large PP cans may, in fact, prove to be more expensive, due to waste and/or secondary storage parameters. Yes, they have lids which can be used for very short-term storing of leftovers. However, it seems that one could expect to be eating a lot of the same foods, over and over, in the approximately 30-day window of its spoilage. This goes back to both previous points regarding palatability and variety, both of which are decreased by large PP cans. On the other hand, given that both preceding points (1 & 2, above) are corrected by the utilization of smaller, or single-serving portions, the additional cost may be prohibitive ($/meal or $/calorie)

Given the foregoing, it seems more reasonable, on several dimensions, to find and store items that you do [now], and will [in future], eat. Purchase staples with which to flavor and enhance other stored items, rather than rely mainly upon PPs. For example, given pasta dishes, it seems more reasonable to purchase and store a variety of noodles, macaronis, etc., in quantity, then stock up on various spices, sauces, flavorings, and veggies like tomatoes and mushrooms [canned or dehydrated] that can be added for palatability and variety. For both ST and MT storage, canned sauces are both cheap and practical, and come with great variety (alfredos, primaveras, etc...). The same can be said for both rice and bean-based meals, soups, stews, and so on.  One's food variety is limited only by imagination, resources, and storage capacity; emphasize variety by investing in staples, and an assortment of spices, flavorings, and sauces. Doing so will also conserve financial resources. Instead of opening a huge can of PP which will have to be consumed shortly, prepare meal-sized quantities using flavors you already know that you enjoy. (PS: If indeed a PP meal is preferred or established as 'good' food, one can always add variety by adding spices/sauces or additional ingredients...)

Water

Of course, the main essential in any survival strategy is the availability of potable water, not only for maintaining hydration, but also a necessity for preparing meals. Although one can go without food for extended periods, the same cannot be said for water (approx. 3 days). Thus far, the procurement and storage of water has been overlooked in this series, for a variety of logistical and psychological reasons. For example, being that it is a universal need, one might assume that our various governmental entities will ensure its availability. Second, it is difficult to store an adequate quantity of potable water, and many have neither the capacity for water storage, nor the basic knowledge of the processes involved. Some kind of a mental block relating to denial may be another aspect...

Realistically, one truly cannot count on dubious governmental departments to ensure our survival, that is for sure. Remember the victims of Katrina, and the futile FEMA efforts to get fresh water to thousands gathered at a stadium? Like, five days--DAYS! Further, we have no way of knowing for sure what particular situation will present a need for implementation of our SHTF plan; will it be natural disaster? financial collapse? war? plague? aliens or zombies (lol)? Given that most people rely upon pumps, and therefore, the availability of electricity, for access to water at the tap, there are several scenarios which might preclude reliance upon city water, even if it were known to be safe (and other scenarios in which it might be unsafe). Most folks don't have their own private wells, and even fewer have storage capacity for more than a few days or weeks worth. Granted, some investment in time and materials would serve us all well. 

However, what seems to be the simplest alternative, to me, is not actually storing a large quantity of water, but instead to maintain the capacity to filter water. It is said that over seventy percent of earth's surface is water, yet only a tiny fraction is drinkable. Utilizing the many existing sources, including rainwater, it seemed most tenable to rely upon a reusable ceramic filter element/system. These so-called 'ceramic candles' are available on the web, from Amazon.com, and elsewhere, at a reasonable cost (~$20-$30each), and a 10-12 gallon system fairly easily made for under $75.00 USD. At this point, I personally have two reusable filters, and plans/ideas for the system, not yet constructed. I hope to have a more detailed exposition regarding this system, later, but the following provides the basics... 

The Ceramic Candle Filtering System

Basically, the 'system' consists of two 5-gallon (or larger) buckets available almost anywhere (type = HDPE--evidenced by a '2' surrounded by the recycling code 'triangle' on the bottom of the bucket, and/or HDPE). The top bucket/lid is fitted with one or more of the ceramic candle filter elements, which will filter and drain into another bucket/lid upon which it sits, the latter of which serves as a short-term storage container. The more 'candles' fitted, the faster the filtering, and the greater capacity, in terms of gallons/hour. If the bottom bucket is elevated on a small platform, and fitted with a spigot, filtered water is available for use--easily and rapidly. It requires no power, and little space.

The .9 micron ceramic filter elements are said to filter out most impurities, bacteria, and even viruses. They also increase the clarity of the drinking water. Even greater filtration can be obtained with more dense ceramic filters, costing more, but realistically, such may be redundant. They are easily cleaned with a scotch-pad-like scrubber, and are thus reusable. One can use tap water, rain water, pre-filtered lake/river water, well water, etc. As stated, this type of filter is truly affordable (see above), making this system the simplest and most cost-effective purification system available, in my opinion. Compare to the Big B***** system and others, which use the same type elements. If you need or desire the stainless steel, you will pay much more for it. Given the dubious quality of 'tap' water and various biologic/chemical impurities present in most modern city water systems, it might be a good idea to filter all your water even now, pre-SHTF. I presently use an in-line filter for coffee and drinking water purposes, and I can attest to the difference it makes in both flavor, and in the time between cleanings (coffee maker, esp.). If indeed the quality of the tap water became in question, post SHTF, The filtering system mentioned would seem to ensure clean, usable water without boiling, regardless of the source. If used with tap water contaminated with chlorine, it may be advisable to set aside a 5G bucket overnight prior to filtering.

Additional Water Resources

As stated, filtration may be the easiest, and most cost-effective potable water solution. However, it is not applicable in every case nor is it practical for some. Without getting into detailed scenarios, it might be a good idea to have additional water resources. One such thing would be water treatment chemicals to either purify or maintain purity of stored water. Another would be storage containers, rainwater catchment systems, etc.

It seems prudent to have some chemicals on hand to purify questionable water sources, and especially for those occasions when one is away from known good resources, on-the-run, or in outdoors camping situations (etc). These may be used as adjuncts in addition to filtration. Some issues may be resolved by pre-settling particulates in cloudy water, or chlorination with simple bleach, found everywhere (unscented!). Note: Allowing chlorinated water to set seems a good idea, prior to filtering. Another chemical treatment is available for increasing the time that your stored water remains viable. Several purification and stabilization/storage chemicals are readily available online and likely even at the nearest Wally mart, in liquid and/or packaged powder or tablet forms. I cannot attest to their efficacy or cost, as I have not researched this other than informally. Because I have no real plan or capacity to store water at this time, and have little knowledge about this topic at present, I will just mention it, in passing. I do plan on having some bleach and/or purification chemicals on hand though, just in case. 

In terms of actually gathering and storing any quantity of water, it seems some type of rainwater system would be most practical. Gathering and storing rainfall depends, of course, upon getting some measurable rain, which can be problematic in some regions, and during droughts, which seem to be frequent in my region, the last few years. I have done some preliminary research into this topic, and have come to think that a simple sturdy trash container (again, HDPE--see above) might serve as the most economical alternative. Placement is fairly straight-forward--somewhere rain runs off a roof, or one may design/build a more intricate downspout system. There are many plans and ideas on the 'net, free or cheap, and others that can be purchased outright (see YouTube, also). I may implement a simple system in the near future, so again, more on this later...

Deficit Analogy

From a link sent from Uncle Paul:

also, see the Democrats' deficit analogy:

Lol?

Dolla Stowe Penny-Pinchin' CAB Couponz

Booyeah! Gimme one of those bright yellow Dolla Stowe carts, and I'll careen through the crowded aisles until it is full or my wallet is empty! Savin' O' the Green! Again, I got some outstanding bargains in my local store, including a 30% more Bean-n-Bacon Soup, some DS branded raisen bran, and some chocolate-covered cashews, of all things (ya, they good). Cruising around, I managed to find all kinds of crap that I needed[?], but were somehow not on my 'list'. Dolla Stowe = fairly good place to get my dog, Ratchet, her fav 'red bones' in a 3# bag, and some chew stix too, at reasonable cost. Haven't seen those big bags O' rawhide chews she loves , anywhere, for awhile; wtf is up with dat??

Anyways, so I get outta there under $50, even after the $15 mini hi-velocity fan I impulsed into near checkout (hey, I needed a new, small, fan)--to my surprise, the receipt has like a 20% off coupon for the upcoming Saturday--what a grand deal ($5 off $25/+ purchase)! I might be out-n-abouts then, so mayhap I'll drop another $25 there, just to get the discount....yup--I is a CAB. No telling what indispensable item[s] I'll come across that will likely never make it onto a shopping list...

Decay

Decay affects all things natural, from the physical realm to the psychological, from rust to relationships, from anthills to empires. It is the main catalyst in an inevitable cycle from birth to death. Without constant remedy, it will eventually destroy all that comes to fruition. Perhaps it is a 'necessary' evil; a part of nature which allows for rebirth and regrowth out of things decayed. In nature, at least, it seems an integral part of the process and cycles of regrowth. For example, the leaves fall from the trees, renewing the soil with nutrients, and feeding other organisms, in symbiotic fashion.

But in the realm of humanity, and all things human, decay seems to be a negative thing. We constantly battle and succumb to its effects; we try in vain to delay the inevitable losses--we grow old and perish. It may indeed be a curse upon humanity, something we are destined to battle, everlasting. Or a blessing? If we, and things we create did last in perpetuity, would they, and we, be judged to be 'good' things?  Perhaps in our longevity, we would leave no room for the lives and accomplishments of our progeny? Does life indeed, require decay, change, and renewal, ever striving towards some undefined 'perfection'? It matters not, one must relent--it is inevitable for we mortal beings, and all things borne of us. Maybe it is simply a necessary 'evil'. For without evil, can there be good? There be no shadow, if light is absent. 

Given its inevitable effects, then, is it foolish or vain to attempt to slow, negate, or 'reverse' the processes of decay? Surely not. We shall always be drones in an army pitting us against an indomitable, and often, unseen, force. Though the outcome of the war is inevitable, the battles can offer a timely reprieve; a brief relief from our constant struggle. To repaint one's house, or repair some leaky plumbing, or simply to change one's motor oil. Failure to maintain and redress decay may indeed be a sin of omission. To do so would facilitate decay and destruction--something we cannot desire. 

Thus, one should strive to add light, and goodness, into the theatre of darkness and decay, whenever possible. To battle chaos, and instill order, wherever one detects the former. It can build upon simple beginnings, slowly but insidiously converting the light to the gray, then to blackness. It is not unlike an urban wall, gaining graffiti slowly over time, then exploding into excessive scrawling, engulfing all. An unkempt room filling with dirty laundry and haphazard deposits from daily living. At some point, it exceeds the threshold for just noticeable differences. It screams out for action, or reaction; it cries out for repair. To disregard would be like willful sinning.

But there are things that decay that are neither accessible to the senses, nor to awareness, without attending; the ethereal, and the intangible things that we often treasure most; love, relationships, and interconnections we strive to maintain, Freedom, security, and finance. The realm of thought, emotion, and psychological or spiritual processes. These, being unavailable to our limited input senses, become even more susceptible to decay, sans vigilance. Introspection and feedback from others is often required to even detect the inevitable decay. Thinking these aspects of our lives to be free of defect, or taking them for granted, can lead to sudden  failures of catastrophic proportion. A failure to detect and redress decay in these realms can lead to the destruction of marriages, friendships and families, revolution, and even the collapse of civilizations. It's just that important to comprehend.

Beware; the signs are not salient, and we are often oblivious to the decay, until it reaches the point of landslide, or eruption. Tensions and emotions explode, leaving all destructions in their wake, leaving few survivors. Perhaps we are all fated to taste the decay. Periodical vigilance and introspection may aid in the detection of decrepitude, on many levels. Be wary and cognizant of issues and effectors which are of value to you. There will be tremors; signs and harbingers of things to come--attend!

GT

Bookmarks are Memory (or, I Have Forgotten More Than I Ever Learned)

One thing that I have learned in my extensive studies, regarding both psychological and bio-psychological  realms, is that the mind and body are quite adaptive. More specifically, it/they conform to a 'conservation of energy' scenario in which processes and functions are allocated on a basis of 'need'. For example, if a function were to be undertaken by exogenous chemicals (like pharmaceuticals), then the body can and will adapt to the presence of same, and may even alter/shut down production of endogenous analogues, and/or change transmission or reception of associated neurotransmitters. Similarly, if a physiological process were to become deemed 'no longer necessary' by the brain, and related automated mechanisms, then it would cease to be supported. One extreme example is the shutdown of processes involved in muscle maintenance and bone density that was discovered to occur when astronauts operated in a zero-gravity environ. These examples are simply a function of the homeostatic needs of the organism in question.

Without getting into too much scientific gobble-de-gook, the mind/body saves energy and resources by altering or even eliminating processes which it deems unnecessary. Recently, I read some information suggesting that Modern Man is coming to rely upon exogenous memory systems, as opposed to storage in what might traditionally be known as long-term (LT) memory. That is, in this age of information, we have come to rely upon the computer/internet as an extension of our own endogenous systems; bookmarks are now memory!

 I wholeheartedly agree with the concept; it's not that we 'need' such an exogenous memory system, but just that it is there, and we do use it, so the logical and proper reaction by the mind and body would be to adapt. It's all about informational overload, folks. What would we do without 'stickies' and bookmarks? There is just way too much going on in the minds of Modern Man; zooming around through the maze of information, available 24/7 via both computers and cell phones. Who among us can say that they have not become lost in the internet 'process', ending up asking oneself, "how the hell did I get HERE, and what the hell was I looking for again?".  Nobody.

Although it would be difficult to measure, I think it's safe to say that the pure volume of information that we access and process daily would simply overwhelm anyone unexposed to the information age (say, an aborigine or somebody from the [not so distant] past). But we cope, with our new memory systems, and we will continue to adapt (bookmarks! booyeah!). Why bother remembering something when its only 'a click away'? Makes good sense to me, and reminds me of the 'learn-and-dump' memory system that was necessitated during my college years; so much information was needed to be retained, but only for constrained periods--till the 'test'. Henceforth, the majority of the information 'learned' became quickly inaccessible--no room for that crap we don't really need. Of course, overlapping and/or basic knowledge which was to be built upon likely forced its way into LT (endogenous) memory. However, given the definition of learning, then, as it pertains to storage into LT memory, it is fairly safe to say that I have forgotten more than I ever learned! What a hoot of a concept; It's funny because its true. Lol!

Given the foregoing, it seems that one might wish to consciously mediate our 'new' memory processes, in order to take advantage--to maximize "retention" capabilities, while minimizing expenditures. Keep in mind that this is not limited to simply bookmarks--that is just a grand analogy which may include myriad other resources and/or processes. One thing that I have found to be helpful is to categorize my bookmarks into nested folders, with related information. This minimizes temporal cues, but since I have nearly lost all capacity for temporal-based memory ("...just the other day" phenomenon), it seems to help keep things organized. A while back (seems like just the other day/week/month/year [?]) I began to keep documents and such in folders labelled 'recent (this-n-that)', but it didn't help much. Now I have a bunch of damned 'recent this-n-that' folders that I have to look through, in order to find crap I forgot wherever-the-hell-it-is. I will self-suggest that labeling by month might prove to be a better system, then nesting those by year(?). Dunno--I'm just becoming cognizant of this whole exogenous memory stuff--with practice, my pseudo-memory will likely improve  ;)   Any one else suggest some working model??

GT

The 'Jimmie Cut', and Other Sleight-of-Hand BS...

Yup. The 'Jimmie Cut'. Worst card-cutting crapola ever. Back when we were teens, we used to get together a few times a week to play poker (OK--we were pretty bored, mostly, and mostly broke, so...). There was this shifty character who usually joined us--a younger neighborhood brat--'Jimmie'. This kid was a terrible cheat, though not for lack of trying. Although the sneaky devil probably spoofed us a few times, we soon learned to be always watching his hands when he dealt, because he would be shuffling and manipulating the deck, then pull what we later dubbed the 'Jimmie Cut'; it kind of looked like a 'cut', but it wasn't--just slapping the cards in such a way as to resemble a cut, but retaining his ordered (rigged) deal. Suffice to say that we all were cheating as much as possible, such that periodically there would be an under-the-table check, and usually there would be some cards flopping down to the floor, from who knows where[?]. Anyways, it was all in good fun, and we all knew and accepted the unwritten/unspoken ground rules; cheat if you can, as best you can, if you can get away with it. But the penalties could be severe if caught. This could be related to the US Tax code, I assume, for some suckers--Uh!...I mean...folks.

Now, Jimmie was what one might call a 'feeder'; without feeder funds, there likely wouldn't even be a game, because nearly everyone was really broke, and/or had extreme funding limitations. For the most part, our games were 'just-for-fun'--penny ante BS--and the pot shifted between the players in a fairly cyclical fashion. But Jimmie seemed to pretty consistently lose, and over time, came to be in debt to other players. Hell, at one time, I remember he owed me like 6 months of his daily 'lunch money' allowance. I don't remember what he owed others. However, at some point, one had to 'just say no'--"Sorry, Jimmie, you can't play anymore, till we get some of that cash back that you owe, or something of value--whatever". Often, we'd give him a break, or let him slide a bit. After all, this kid had been financing my cigarette habit (and my brother's ?) for months, and even allowing me to save up some cash, in doing so. Yet, here he was, always trying to 'bum' a smoke...an interminable leech. Needless to say, we started seeing less and less of him, till he simply faded out of the 'game'. I gotta say, we all missed the kid, and especially his money, when he actually had any, and I was probably smoking less, as a result.

Well, the other day, I got to thinking about both Jimmie, and the Jimmie Cut, and it kind of reminded me of another shady character--aka 'Uncle' Sam. This nefarious dealer has also been pulling the Jimmie Cut, after rigging the deck, for years. Now, I can't say for certain, specifically, who has been the benefactor of all these riggings, but it's pretty safe to say it ain't 'Joe Six-pack' (JSP) or John/Jane Q. Public (JQP). Sure, he tosses them (us) a few bones, and give-aways, but these are chump change--penny ante BS--meant to keep support for the brokers of the real thievery (yes, Virginia, there really is a Congress). Meanwhile, huge chunks of the GDP continually go out to the same players--the Powers That Be, or TPTB, year after year, and these are actually funded by the future income of JQP. Kind of like we, and all our children and grandchildren, and probably on down to great-great-grandchildren, are actually INDENTURED SERVANTS, at best. And, technically, we are not even playing. By proxy, each of us is allowing the Congress, and via their conveyances to TPTB, to usurp our freedoms, and mortgage our future into a virtual slavery. This is one of the main reasons that people came to the New World--to escape.

Yeah, yeah, religious freedom blah-blah-blah crapola we read in the history books--my ASS. The truth is that people in Europe had been getting shafted into classist serfdom for so many generations--Jimmie Cutted--that the only place open for real opportunities [for JQP] was America. And many of our Founding Fathers and New World colonists were indeed indentured servants; the tradesmen and workers needed to get the infrastructure going in this new land. One thing for sure; there was no opportunity in the 'Old World' for JQP.

Back then, mayhap indentured servitude wasn't so bad. After all, one worked for, and was 'kept' by  a rich landowner or businessman, and ostensibly, one learned a trade or important skill set with which one eventually gained financial freedom and personal independence. Thenceforth, the fruits of one's labors were one's own property and responsibility. The problem with the new indentured servitude is that it never ends--we never earn the freedom to reap our own rewards, and neither do our offspring [and so on]! Just like a slave's offspring was the property of the slaveowner. Show me how that differs from the current life-mortgaging debt system in practice today here in the USA. The real problem is that we will never be free of the debt, and neither will our progeny. TPTB/debt-holders will always have a captive population to whom to sell their wares, and the bare staples of living--and will be happy to finance by credit card whatever we cannot purchase outright for cash; holding us even further into debt...  Big Agra/Pharma/banksters are the new 'company store'?


And that's not all. Just like Jimmie, the Gub'ment has been borrowing incessantly for years, and not just from us--also from shrewd players like China. How long will Jimmie (aka Uncle sam, aka indentured servant JQP) be able to 'float' loans and stay in the game? We're not talking a little bit O' lunch money here--we talking serious beer! One may ask "What happens when it's put-up-something-of-value-or-get-out?".  China wants to 'smoke more', and will soon be demanding more substantial payments, but Sammie and JQP are broke--what more can we give? Will the USA be asked to leave the table--to stop playing altogether? Will we be sold down the river to China and TPTB that already hold our 'notes'? Will they end up owning the USA, or will we simply be indentured to them, or both? Where will it all end? Nobody can say for sure. I get the feeling it's 'serfdom or bust'--and there ain't any"New World" left to get us out of this slavery, this tyme.


The worst part is that we keep playing with Jimmie, even knowing that we are being duped, and robbed, and yes, indentured at minimum. Keep electing people who spend more than we can give in, forever borrowing, and we all get kicked out of the game-SOON. When the EU goes broke [soon], and those houses of cards fall, won't they be asked to sit out? Won't our joint debt drag us down with them, until the prophesied collapse of $USD as the reserve currency occurs? Won't we still be in debt then? Yes, and our "money" won't be worth doodly-squat. Ah, but all that slave labor we owe, maybe...? I think it wise to start learning to speak Chinese, or bone-up on chopstick techniques...

Oh Noes! 'Construction Zone' AGAIN?

Yeah, I guess I had just gotten used to the mess, and all; habituated to the graffiti on the wall, so to speak. Wasn't till I did an impromptu video of Ratchet (my dawg--see video) that it really dawned on me--what a frackin' mess!

Funny how one gets used to such a mess; sawdust and construction materials, tools and cords all over the place--even my stove out away from the wall I was 'working on'...

Geez. I was putting the vid up on YouTube when I became conscious/aware of what an innocent bystander might think of the place <shudder>. Hopefully, I will get to feeling better soon, and get on with the remodeling of the 'West-Wing' (E-Wing turned out sweeet). Shame is a great motivator?

Lol! Am I now a self-imposed victim of 'GC' (aka guilt cleaning)???
I think I am  ;(


Wish me luck...
GT

Congressional Reform Act of 2011(revised)

Wake up, America! The so-called Super Committee has not even attempted serious discussions to cut spending in any way, so neither party gets the blame when across-the-board cuts will be mandated--a political 'trick-or-treat' (trick, only) on American public...No gonadic fortitude found in Congress; FAIL! 


HERE'S THE SOLUTION:  


The Congressional Reform Act of 2011 


1. No Tenure / No Pension. A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.  


2. Congress (past, present &future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.  


3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.  


4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the CPI used to adjust Social Security (include food/fuel!)  


5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.  


6. REQUIRE A BALANCED BUDGET EVERY YEAR, WHILE DECREASING SPENDING TO PAY OFF ALL CURRENT DEBT BY 2020; ANY SPENDING AND/OR TAX PROPOSALS MUST BE FULLY FUNDED, NOT INCREASE THE DEBT, AND REQUIRE 2/3 VOTE FOR PASSAGE  


7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.  


8. Outlaw lobbying outside of the direct constituency of each member  


9. Eliminate ALL political contributions, with the exception of a small reelection fund provided by the government, but with equal access to a designated amount of free TV time for ALL candidates; this would also apply to presidential candidates. Government by the people, and for the people, not special interests!  


10. Post all proposed legislation to public website[s], with impartial &/or bipartisan interpretations, to expose potential boondoggles, set-asides, and special favors, BEFORE they are voted upon--LET SOME SUNSHINE INTO THE PROCESS!! TAKE AMERICA BACK!!  


GT

Prepping to Fail (Part 3): Food Storage Basics

Thusfar, our 'fail' scenario has addressed a limited, short-term crisis; things to prepare for in months 1-3. One main assumption was that essential services like water, power, and gas would remain intact, short-term. However, an old military saying is "...ASSUME makes an ASS out of 'U' and 'ME'" (see also the hand-filling issue posted prior). Rather than making fatal errors via assumption[s], it is better to prepare for the worst, or at least, for less-than-optimal conditions. Therefore, one must be prepared to adapt to shortages or loss of one or more of these essential services.

Although a continuous outage of gas, and/or electricity will be daunting, there are offsets and behavioral adaptations which can be made to mitigate same. Adaptations to loss of potable water source[s] are more difficult, but I believe manageable, also with preparation. These adaptations will be discussed in later posts. However, without a long-term strategy for food storage, the aforementioned adapts simply fail; without food, fugetaboutit. So, this critical survival aspect will be focused upon now...

FOOD STORAGE: SHORT-MED-LONG TERM


We talked about stocking 3 months-worth of food as a minimum, previously, as short-term storage. However, given that most items ['non-perishables'] mentioned herein generally store ± 1 year, henceforth, for purposes of this blog, we will designate ± 1 yr as short-term (ST), 2-5 yrs as Med-term (MT), and 5 yr+ as long-term (LT)

A) Short-term: 
We previously discussed many S-T food issues, and these included stocking up on food items which are 'non-perishable', bought in bags, boxes, jars and cans. Many of these items will last 1-5 years, if stored in a cool, dry place. Some items will range up to 5 years or more, as purchased.

One should try to get the freshest sources of such goods, as hinted by their 'best-by' dates (dates often printed or stamped on the bag/box/can). Note that in order to rotate stock, the older items will be on the shelves, and often arranged to be most accessible (outer areas of shelves, etc). One can often mitigate by looking to the back of a stack (etc.), and checking dates (do this for milk , dairy, etc., now, regardless of storing). Note that 'best by' and 'sell by' dates are often merely recommendations or 'guidelines', not strictly denoting an item is 'bad' or spoiled, or inedible after such dates; 'use by' dates may be more tenable or accurate.

Keep in mind that the gub'ment likely has rules re: the dating, so they may just be approximations or 'guesstimates', and therefore dubious (eg., Back in the early '80's during military 'wargames' we only had C-rations to eat, many dating to the mid-50s). However, Inspect cans and containers for signs of age, dents, etc., and don't purchase any showing age or damage-related breakdown!! 

Oxidation is the enemy, in most cases. Acidic foods tend to store well, but also tend to eat away at can linings, etc., over extended periods. Given this, it might be better to purchase tomato products, etc, in bottles or plastic containers (glass bottles w/o metal tops,for med-LT storage). However, as alluded to earlier, assuming reliable 1 year+ dates, most bag, boxes, and cans will be sufficient for short-term storage, up to or greater than 1 year, if stored properly. However, for ST storage (1mo=>1yr+), a kitchen cabinet, pantry, or closet (etc) will suffice.

B) Med-Long-Term:
Storage is extended in cool, dry places in which light is minimized; keep in mind  that many items may be photo-reactive as well. However, oxidation is the biggest enemy. For extended storage, one would be better off if one were to have a dedicated storage area, as well as a means to reduce oxidation and spoilage factors. A dry basement, storm shelter (Okies) or 'root' cellar might be a good place to set up storage racks. However, keep things off the floor, at minimum, and storing in sealable plastic containers/5 gal. buckets is a good plan. Freeze-dried, and/or dehydrated foods offer the most extensive storage capabilities (claims up to 20 years). However, in truth, who wants to be eating 'crisis' food for such an extended time? I recommend getting some heirloom seeds and getting ready to farm-up, if need be. Some might have diminished capacity to do this (limitations), so I leave this in for discussion.

Two of the best ways to limit oxidation, and hence, extend storage times, are to employ secondary packaging techniques, and/or to utilize freeze-dried/dehydrated stocks; let us address the former, first...

1. Secondary Packaging:

This can be accomplished in two basic ways; double-packing and repackaging, though not mutually exclusive. Double-packing involves adding an extra layer of protection from the elements and oxidation. Repackaging is meant to replace the current packing method, which may limit its storage parameters. In either case, the main methods are vacuum-sealing, and/or using additional layers of protection.

a) Additional Layers:

Additional layers would be purposed towards extending storability, and/or separation of stocks for particular terms/needs. For example, packing several bags of beans, pasta, or rice into vacuum bags, and/or then into buckets (eg., 5-gal), perhaps with applicable sauces/seasonings, and so on. If one has a good idea as to how much of particular foods will be required in particular increments of time, it can help organize stocks. However, the main goal is preserving and extending shelf-life. Beans, rice, and pastas come in bags for limited storage, and by double-bagging, etc., the shelf lives are extended. This is especially true if they are vacuum-sealed. Adding packets of oxygen absorbers inside the vac-packs, or outside them, when included in a bucket or other sealable container, ensures even greater extension of food usability.

Vacuum sealers are readily available locally and via internet sales, as are bags, buckets, etc. I would recommend getting a better vacuum unit which has greater bag-size capacity, and more features, like a capacity to use rolled bags, which are more economical, and/or ability to seal jars, via accessories. "Cheap" units may not prove to be cheap, in the long run. Decent units can be had for under $150.00, and better or more commercial capacity units hundreds or more.

Shop around on the internet to get an idea how much bags are, by size, or rolls, and get plenty to save $$. There are many grades of bags, and thicknesses/materials. Mylar bags can be used for extending storage, and they are tough, reusable, and provide light protection as well. They are not cheap, however. I will explore this in more depth later, after I have purchased a decent vacuum unit and have tried a few alternatives...
C.A.B. alert: Some storage items may even be 'scrounged' locally from grocers, bakeries, restaurants, etc., by asking for discarded buckets or 'dumpster-diving' for them--both at considerable savings. Food-grade buckets are optimal (identified by a "2" in a triangle on the bottom), and colored/dark ones of this grade even better. You will likely have to sanitize them yourself (bleach 1:10, vinegar, or disinfectant soap).

b. Repackaging:

One may wish to repack large or bulk-bought items into smaller or more discrete units, and/or to facilitate LT storage. This often includes adding additional layers, or simply replacing larger (bulk) packaging with smaller, more storable vacuum packs and bags. For example, bulk purchased beans, pastas and rice can be broken down into more manageable quantities; eg., into meal/day/week/monthly portions. Such smaller portions can then be vac-packed and/or mylar-packed/sealed, and then placed into 5 gal. buckets, for LT storage. Another example involves eliminating store-bought packaging, which can save storage space; eg., boxed goods like mac-n-cheese, oatmeal, dried mashed potatoes, etc. Often there is a lot of wasted airspace in these, adding oxidative potential, and limiting storage capacity (easier to pack vac-packs into a bucket than boxes).

The foregoing are simplified storage strategies for med-LT storage. As mentioned, they are not mutually exclusive, but both should utilize vacuum packing AND oxygen absorber packets in most cases, either in-bag, or in-bucket (or other sealed alternative[s] storage), to promote extended shelf-life. Keep in mind that your shelf-life corresponds to your food shelf-life, and so, don't cheap-out here. 

2. Freeze-dried/Dehydrated Stocks:


These food stocks tend to be more expensive, and less-available, locally. They add variety and extend nutritive complexity to your diet, as well as adding flavor and viability. Claims of 20-year storage are fairly common, but may not be realistic.
However, they have a real place in any storage plan; many items that one needs to prepare other foods will come in such forms, and are readily stored for LT/MT/ST uses.

Although some of these are offered as 'meals', I personally would skip this concept, and simply order up a quantity of necessities (keep-it-simple-stupid). Such items include:

Powdered/freeze-dried/dehydrated milk, eggs (whole egg = optimal), butter, 'TVP' (textured &/or flavored vegetable protein--bacon, pork, beef, etc), cheese, coffee, creamer, and fruits (bananas/berries/etc.)

These are often needed for extending and flavoring other foods, and/or in preparing other dried- or powdered-form foods like biscuit, bread, and pancake mixes, and so on (with water). Powdered or freeze-dried eggs can be flavored with both cheese and milk and bacon bits (or flavored TVP) for increased palatability, for example. These items will store LT, and without refrigeration, in more compact form. I believe there is a wide variety of such foods available, so shop around, but don't get carried away (remember limited storage space!).

Such foods are often available in mylar/bags/cans; getting this stuff in bulk or in #10 cans might save some serious green, and can always be repacked into more realistic/discrete quantities, using your vacuum packer, etc (see above). I plan on getting a quantity of whole eggs, milk, butter, and ham/bacon-flavored TVP, at minimum. Given I am a 'coffee' nut, and that coffee takes up a LOT of space, I will likely invest some time into getting some freeze-dried stocks as well...

Right now, my goal is to get a 1 year supply of decent food stored up, and to get a vacuum sealer/supplies to get some of that into extended storage, as well as putting up some meats for ST freezing. I realize now that stocking up and freezing is really fail, without vac-packing, and even storing a lot of dry goods. Rotation of stock is essential, and storing foods that one actually eats is optimal. Might be doing some video blogging on this soon, though likely post Xmas...

GL and happy prepping!  ;)  Doit!
GT




  

Prepping to Fail (Part 2): FOOD

In Part 1, we examined the (probable) initial effects of a global crisis  which rendered our fiat 'money' worthless. Without further explication, the situation was predicted to result in need of such basic necessities as FOOD, because of hoarding, looting, etc. In this case, failing to prepare is prepping to FAIL, and the result is certainly not desirable--and may prove to be disaster. In this post, we will explore preparations for stocking up enough foodstuffs to survive the initial effects of the predicted crisis. At this point in time, many are aware of the necessities presented, but perhaps have not yet begun to act upon 'the push' they have discerned; now is the time to act.

"(B) Stock up on the necessities; being prepared for the fail:

1) Food 

Personal recommendation: Three (3) months supply of staples, per person, minimum. First off, one must come to realize that during the crisis-to-be, food that we eat will be used simply to sustain; it is not a matter of what one wants, but rather what one needs, so keep it simple. Storing munchies and junk food is a waste of time, resources, and space. Also keep in mind that one will not be able to run to the corner store to grab a gallon of milk and/or bread, etc. Think STAPLES, and especially those that can be stored for an extended period. As alluded to in the previous post, it was not explicitly predicted that one would lose power to refrigerate, but in preparing for the fail, let's assume it may come to this (though perhaps not initially).

Another important facet of stocking up on necessities is that eating patterns--what one eats, and when--will be different than those currently established. Keep in mind that it doesn't take that much intake to simply maintain the body's metabolic functions; the ultimate goal of minimalism and survival. Plan on two meals/day/person, or perhaps a CC breakfast (coffee and cigarettes) and only one main meal. It's not about taste, and it's not about schedules; eat as little as you can, and only when you have to--when you FEEL hungry in the gut. Also keep in mind that proteins and fats not only fill and satisfy, but also keep the hunger at bay longer than starches/carbs. On the other hand, starchy staples like rice, potatoes, etc., are relatively cheap, and are often easily stored, or come in storable form (eg., boxed mashed potatoes, au gratins, etc.). Plan on combining starches, proteins, and fats as much as possible to maintain health and energy for the long term. 

So, what will we be eating? Cost-effectiveness and storage capacity will be main factors. Most likely meals will be predominantly [starchy] food staples like pastas and/or rice, as well as beans and soups. If one has experienced self-sustaining in early adulthood, or in college, be ready to 'rinse and repeat' the austerity and simplicity (lol). If it doesn't come in a can, box, jar, or bag, it probably won't store, and therefore, you won't  be eating it, for long. In the near future, I will test-sample a month (or more) of meals prepared as presented herein, itemizing meal costs and storage parameters, as well as palatability, nutrition, etc., for those interested...

Note: Many things can be prepared on a stovetop, in one pan, whereas others will require an oven or microwave. In the eventuality that electricity fails, consider alternatives like LP gas-powered burners, wood, or charcoal grilling/smoking, and stock up on fuels[s], accordingly. At this stage, we are assuming utilities are intact, for purposes of cooking. However, the majority of meals described will (or can) be prepared on stovetop or grill, considering the eventuality of losing basic services. Later, more complex strategies will be explored which entail even more basic survival techniques. Hopefully, these will not be needed ("hope in one hand, and shit in the other, and see which fills up first"). Keep in mind that many foods can be eaten out-of-box or can, and many can be stored (opened) for a relatively long time.

STAPLES:

Try to acquire large bags of beans and rice (50-100# each) at a local grocery store. Smaller bags of different (similar) types of dry goods, such as lentils or peas, can add variety and nutrition value. These can be split up into smaller bags and/or containers, as needed, for storage, and/or mixing and dividing them for individual days/weeks/months. Seasonings and such will be a plus, so stock up on whatever you prefer (a small amount of canned or processed meat and some spices will improve palatability and vary nutrition). Pastas like noodles and macaroni, and 'ramen' are cheap to buy and easy to store, as are sauces that one might wish to use with them. Bouillon (chicken/beef/veggie) comes in powder or cube form, and can be stored for use as a seasoning for beans, rice and pastas, as well as preparing powdered potatoes, mixes, etc.

The aforementioned will often require potable water to prepare, and a heat source. As suggested in the prior post, it was assumed that these services would be available, at least in the short term [However, things may deteriorate more rapidly than expected, so back ups should be considered: water storage and purification processes, and alternative cooking sources such as 'Coleman-type' stoves, and/or propane burners, or wood for grills/fireplaces].

BASIC FOODSTUFFS & SUPPLIES

a) Canned goods: 

Beans (any/all kinds, esp. flavored ones like 'Ranch-style', etc) , soups, veggies, sauces (tomato and pasta/spaghetti sauces), tomatoes, chili (w/ beans and w/o), meats (chicken, turkey, ham, bacon bits, jerky, etc.), stews, and fish (tuna, salmon, [mackerel, sardines?--yuk]), canned milk, fruits, and juices, pasta-type meals (spaghetti-Os, etc), freeze-dried or canned cheese powder (may substitute macaroni cheese pouches from store-bought packages), and flavored meat alternatives or TVP. Canned nuts, peanut butter, and the like will provide a good source of fats and protein, and good nutrition (and taste good too! woot!).

b) Mylar-packed or boxed/bagged goods (other non-perishables, or extended storage foods):

Beans, rice, lentils, peas, and mixes of same (eg., 15-or multi-bean soups, etc), biscuits and bread (incl. muffins) and/or pancake mixes, pastas (incl. mac-n-cheese), mashed or otherwise potato sides (eg., au gratin, etc.), gravies, crackers, cookies, and snack mixes, cereals, oatmeal or 'malto-meal-like' foods, dried fruit (raisins, etc.), soup and flavorings, assorted bouillon flavors, meal-in-a box or can, such as some 'chinese' foods and pasta meals, powdered dry milk and eggs (whole = better), flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and seasonings/spices, and multi-vitamins/supplements

c) Jars, bottles, etc:

Pickles and pickled items (eg., jalepenos or even eggs), mustard, ketchup, onion &/or garlic, olive/veg. oil/canned lard or shortening, juices, and canned or bottled beer/wine/alcohol*, and water. Vinegar can be used to clean, as well as purify and preserve foods, so this might be considered a staple. Jarred honey will keep indefinitely, and can be utilized to sweeten, if one runs out of sugar. Coffee and tea, as well as artificial creamer would be a necessity for me, personally. I start each day consuming a good portion of a pot, and I generally use artificial sweetener and creamer. During my 'test', I will discover exactly how much is needed for a month; it might turn out that freeze-dried might be the only real alternative, given the bulk, for long-term considerations...we shall see. 

*Note: Lots of alcohol; this was used on extended voyages to the 'New World' on sailing ships in days of old--it has calories, won't go bad, and might help keep 'spirits' up (pun intended). To get the most bang for a buck, grain alcohol and clear distillates like vodka are cheap and available by the gallon. These also double as antiseptics in a first-aid kit you should consider a necessity. It will be of utmost value in bartering with others for anything you run out of, as well. Think about it...

d) Frozen and/or freeze-dried foods: 

If one has a freezer available, stocking up on meats, sausages, etc would be good for short-to-mid-term storage. however, one might be foiled by potential power outages of any length. I will discourage reliance on this possibility (how's that hand filling up?). Freeze-dried foods re relatively expensive unless they are extant in your local market, not aimed at the 'survivalist' market. However, one might be surprised at the variety of such items that are already available locally. Things like dried cheeses, eggs, etc., may only be available on some internet sites aimed at this population, and will often be overpriced, by comparison. Shop around and avoid these as much as possible.

Arguably, one can survive on as little as 500 calories/day for months, and perhaps years, if need be. I personally have done so, in past, and the result after more than a month was simply weight loss (~25 lbs)--something nearly all can appreciate. The diet I engineered was pretty simple, and basic, yet I was able to eat all I wanted of the foods prepared and was never feeling hungry or wanting. It did not include much meat except chicken/turkey breast (available canned, as it relates here). As to health issues, I am unsure, long-term. I recommend one stock up some multivitamins and/or supplements, just in case.

I'm fairly certain that the listing of items above is incomplete, and will undergo some modifications. Please recommend anything not listed or considered via comments (keeping in mind the parameters herein are limited to initial phases of food shortage). However, the true test will be planning, preparing, and consuming a trial month's worth of meals, which I am prepared to do, beginning soon. Many of these items I already have stocked in my pantry, and so I might go ahead and try a minimalist approach with readily available stocks, without getting fancy and/or ordering some of the items mentioned. I plan on documenting what I eat and how it was prepared, and perhaps a nutrition count, ongoing, maybe as a day-by-day diary. 

Keep in mind that one will have less waste if this was accomplished as a team effort, not soloing it as I will describe. There is strength in numbers, and it would be more efficient to make larger meals for more people at one time. Given the gravity of the 'event' to come, it is highly recommended that one join with friends and/or relatives in a more communal setting, when/if this is to come to pass. Joint planning and preparation is also advisable. More on this later...

Prepping to Fail (Part 1)

The tyme has come to start preparations for the upcoming (major) fail. I'm talking serious beer here; the doom and gloom and the feces-fan convergence. Whereas some might conclude that there is the [slight] chance that a total failure in world and US economies can be averted, or even stalled, I resign to inevitable defeat, preemptively and unilaterally. we FAIL. Let's just admit it and get prepped for the inevitable (get real, mon).

So, (A) what does one need to get prepped for, and (B) how does one go about said preparations?

(A) The feces-fan convergence (FFC, or shit-hits-the-fan [SHTF]): entails a global economic failure and likely, a world-wide depression, along with severe hyperinflation in traditional fiat currencies. This means, simply, 'money' aint gonna be worth doodly-squat. Given that everyone of modest or minimal means (90% of the pop+) will rapidly run out of funds to buy necessities, there will be civil unrest, rioting, and probably looting in nearly all population centers. I'm not talking about a mass of idiots camping in parks with no real agenda, or some nebulous socialist crap--I'm talking about people who are actually hungry and can no longer afford to meet the most minimal of needs (eg., food)--Riots that make those in Greece and London look like a slumber party pillow fight between sorority girls. It won't be pretty.

Considering many folks out there are living hand-to-mouth already, the urban poor are likely the first to begin the spree, looting, trashing and burning their own neighborhoods first. But it will spread. Thus, it will likely be low-class area shops and supermarkets that get cleaned out first, leaving one with limited options to provide for oneself and one's family (hence, spreading). Hoarding of essentials will quickly clean out current stocks of bare necessities, in other areas. Martial law will become prevalent. However, soon enough there will be no more food available, and no shops open. Meanwhile, prices will ceiling for whatever is available, making things unattainable even for those of modest or greater means. Government foodstuffs passed out by troops, and soup lines, may soon become the only real sources of food. Access to such services and supplies will be restricted.

Given 'money' worth squat, and urban riots cleaning out stocks, the search for food and supplies will progress to groups of looters beginning house-to-house searches for their needs. Public servants will already be exhausted, and the public will be left to fend for themselves, for the most part (martial law, curfews, and National Guard troops notwithstanding). Medicines and healthcare provisions will start to run out, or become unavailable. Gub'ment will take over essential services and communication, likely with cell phone and internet disruptions for the general public. However, at first, I do not see losing utilities such as electricity and natural gas, and probably landline telephone, as a consequence. These may persist for quite some time.

The foregoing will occur very quickly. This means that one must have a plan and preparations ongoing, to satisfy the most basic of needs: food. Given that most households probably have a week or more of edibles on hand, food riots and looting will probably be unlikely for a couple weeks, but hoarding will begin immediately following whatever crisis begets the scenario described. Either way, if one hasn't prepped by stocking up a generous supply of foodstuffs and especially non-perishables, one is going to be 'up-the-creek'. Also, given that 'money' will not be used, one thing that is sure to have value is food, and it might surprise you what people will exchange for it, if they have failed to prepare. Hence, before any other mode of barter or exchange is adopted, anywhere, food will be the most valued commodity, at least in population centers, and in 'developed' countries where we are all dependent upon our "fat" way of life (consumers in non-agricultural, urban environs).

This may differ considerably in undeveloped or developing economies, and/or rural areas, who may escape, avoid, or delay some of the worst of these consequences. Yes, the last will be first, and vice-versa, go figure (only prophesied for a couple millennia+).

(B) Stock up on the necessities; being prepared for the fail:


1) Food <to be continued...see Parts 2-3>

Personal recommendation: Three (3) months supply of staples, per person, minimum.
a) canned goods
b) Mylar-packed goods
c) boxed goods and other non-perishables, or extended shelf-life items
d) frozen foods

2) Essential supplies <to be continued--see Parts 4-5>

a) Water

b) medicines

c) First-aid

d) Cleaning supplies

3) Shelter & Security <to be continued--see Parts 6-7>
a) Housing-Urban vs Rural-fencing-strength in numbers
b) defense [gun]
c) dog[s]

4) Power and utility alternatives (post-utilities) <to be continued...>
a) solar lights+
b) hot water?
c) Heating/cooking

Squashing the Insolent Buggers

The other day, I started noticing some unwanted occupants (OK, ants) in my coffee 'fixin' zone. For background purposes, this the area where I stock my strategic reserves of both creamer and sweeteners, to be used in my daily coffee intake. Part of the area is used to store my reserves of fixins, and another is used to pour and mix. My twin towers of sugar and sweetener (Splendiferous), alongside my extra-rich creamer, and assorted support items, and such (eg., plastic spoons). For those who are not real coffee consumers, or those that partake lightly, let me assure that the area plays a significant role in supporting my daily energy needs; the key to maintaining a level of 'get-up-n-go' required by my "morning person" persona.

I gotta tell you that it was, initially, not all that disconcerting. After all, I can tolerate a few 'natives' in my zone, and they are welcome to the scraps and waste left behind, perhaps as a consequence of early-morning exuberance. Gotta maintain that coffee flowing into the bloodstream, after all. So, yeah, as long as they didn't threaten my daily routine, and the flow of coffee, everything was copasetic. However, I had underestimated these occupiers' tenacity, as well as their sheer numbers and capabilities. What started as a few scouts and scroungers evolved into a horde of enemies exerting their claim on MY area.

Initially, the response was to smack a few, and wipe the counter clean of the remains and remaining. Soon, however, there were too many for such partial measures. Then it was time to get serious. In response to the apparent takeover, I got out a can of 'bathroom cleaner'--you know, the bubbly kind--and hit them with an airstrike of epic proportions--Shock and awe, man! I left them struggling in the toxic, sickeningly-sweet smelling bubbles for all their peers to discover, lest they ever dare invading 'my' area, or threatening my strategic reserves again. I figured that would do it. Later I came and cleaned up the mess, and noted with satisfaction that there were no more enemies in view. I figured the rout was sufficient to intimidate those pests for an extended period, but I was mistaken.

After a brief lull in activity, the ants returned, albeit in smaller numbers. They began to infiltrate the tray containing the reserve containers. It was soon apparent that these knaves had actually gotten into the containers!  Man, I had no idea how they had managed to get into those; after all, they had snap-close pour spout covers. These usurpers were threatening the flow of fixins, and potentially affecting my everyday existence (lame as it is). Not to mention the economic impact; I had just filled up that sugar, which was to be my reserve for maybe a year (I personally don't use the stuff, so only guests typically use).

To make matters worse, the container invasion was first reported/witnessed by my son, who is kinda squeamish about bugs, germs, black dots in white crystals, and such, so it became imperative that I empty the entire contents and start anew, with a fresh supply. They had decimated my two towers--I even had to go purchase a whole new bag of sugar (man, that stuff is like gold nowadays?). Truth be told, sans the eyewitness, I likely would have simply scooped out the violators and ensured a good seal for future prophylaxis. No such half-measures though; my 'street-cred' would suffer without a crushing victory and total restoration of order--and damn the expense!

After a sufficient build-up of energy, I soon retaliated with another airstrike, this time sparing no expense. It was like hitting a fly with a sledgehammer. Although there was really no contest, I had 'mission accomplished' in no time. Even wiped up their pheramone trails. Yeah, there might be a few 'in the wild' who might someday return for a rematch, but suffice to say it was indeed, a total victory. Now my reserves are safe, the coffee flows freely, and its a bug-free zone. Funny, I have come to love the smell of bathroom cleaner in the morning--it smells like--victory!

C.A.B. Update: HUNDRED DOLLA 'MATERS?

OK, time for the cheap-ass-bastard outlook on recent times (ie., summer):

Seems we got ourselves into a vicious circle of endless watering and shit, in hopes of 'saving' what could be referred to as 'a garden'. Truth be known, if it were all laid out in the open, that every to-mater coming out of my so-called 'garden' probably comes out to >/= $100 per pound; jalapeños a bit less, perhaps, and yellow Hungarian peppas around $50/lb. Of course, that cost incurred includes keeping a few things green around here--which could be well worth it. KK, I'm cheap, but, GREEN is worth the green, if you follow me. I made up for the shortfall by refusing to buy damned near anything from the produce section[s], except jalapeños & onions [who could live w/o those?]. So, If it don't come in a can, fugetaboutit.

Yes! Canned shit is still cheap, even 'maters. Yeah, sizes are generally shrinking, and costs going up, in general, but there's still bargains to-be-had for those willing to 'chop smart'. Hell, just the other day, I found some Campbell's Bean w/ Bacon soup [one of my all-tyme favs, since childhood] with 30% more! <gotta love that shit> Of course I stocked up, but now I regret not fillin' my cart more. Seems I overloaded on canned goods there, last tyme, and ended up with "cart deficiency" syndrome (you know; not enough room for all yo crap). I also got S-loads of a heretofore unknown brand of chili, both with and w/o beans. Ya, bargain chopping is not for the faint-of-heart; one might end up with a wholelotta caca, and buyers remorse, if the gamble goes the wrong way. Fortunately, it was fairly decent. A bit greas-idy, but...

Freakin' 'fresh' veggies have been outrageous! I just refuse to pay 'meat prices' for greens and shit that admittedly has few, if any, real food value. First, the overproduced food is grown in fields which have no leachable nutrients left, fertilized with oil byproducts, and plants often genetically modified taboot. Then, the stuff is picked green [not ripe], minimizing what real nutritive value can be obtained, and then we consumers foot the bill for all the supermarket waste [who do you think pays for their waste/excess/rotting/spoilage??]. Three-four bucks for a few bell peppers? I think not. Two Dolla 'maters? no. Big bucks for salad fixins that will most likely go mushy before you get to it? NOT. Gimme that can, man; at least the stuff is picked ripe and processed fairly quick, meaning you likely get more flavor and nutrients. At least, I hope so. Take a couple good multi-vitamins to make up for any deficiencies, and leave that $$ in your wallet. Buy coffee and cigarettes, and skip that annoying "breakfast" meal. Can-up, and cheap out, like the pro. If you must, get reasonable stuff like apples; they stay good long-tyme in TFM (The Fridge Monsta), and they are decent, price-wise, by the bag. Only thing is, they tend to rot in there, eventually <man, if only someone would core and peel me some, and just put em where they can be reached>
Lol!
<note: STILL looking for that someone who is nurturing enough to make me take care of meself--I've kinda given up on it, even though I'm pretty damned 'low-maintenance'. Wish me luck on that one...
/C.A.B. bullshit>

Heat Wave

Yeah, the heat wave is nearly over; it's been triple digits damn near every day this summer, it seems. Forecast this week brings it down into 80s-90 [F]. What a nightmare it has been, vainly attempting to keep all my outdoor plants going this year. At some point, I gave up on thrive, and settled for survive (yes--that bad.) Typically, I have a veritable 'jungle' going on in front and back, with flowering stuff nearly all year, when its temperate, anyways. I like lots of green plants around, both indoors and out. Just a 'thing' of mine ;I admit I seem pretty successful at it, usually. Up until recently, I actually had green grass around my deck area, but it is tired, and I tire of trying to keep it green. There's something about bare-footing it outside, with a soft green turf underfoot. It's all dry and crunchy now, and the earth is baked. Maybe I will just let it go, and hope it rains...

Fat chance of that though--hardly a smattering, all summer--devastating. My chilis and tomatoes have hardly produced anything, all season [ 'cept  my yellow Hungarians, which seem ok]. There may be fruit yet, if/when it cools, and we get RAIN. Of course, I get out and keep 'em alive via watering--almost like taking care of kids or something <geez>. Gma is pretty tired of the whole scenario, and my Bro is pretty well disgusted with his first year here gardening, too. My glass is half-full though; surely I will "endeavor to persevere" until things get back to 'normal'. The weather predicts chances of rain the next few days, esp at night, which could get things restarted, if measurable quantities fall...

We shall see.[gotta run, and move my hose...]
GT

Rich Man, Poor Man...

Yeah, if I were a rich man, DoDoDoDeDoDeDumm! WTF? I am not, and frankly, haven't ever wanted to be, a rich man. The truth is, I never cared for the concept; fretting about finances and such--too much w-o-r-k. Being a C.A.B. (see elsewhere on blog) has sufficed, and I never went hungry, just making do. That said, however, I do respect those who work hard to attain financial enlightenment and independence--I really do. Usually it takes years of work and planning, compounding interest, etc...

What pisses me off is the inevitable rich man-poor man BULLSHIT that keeps surfacing whenever there's a Dumocrat commenting about gub'ment financing the debt, etc. Man, if it's not race, it's class warfare for those idiots. Why do they have to always pit Americans against one another, and play that divisive shit? Truth is, those Ds have virtually enslaved the whole population of America with that crap; one group dependent on entitlements and gub'ment giveaways, and the other made guilty for not needing it, and slooowly bled. It's inevitable that Ds will totally crash the economy into the toilet if they start amping up the tax code to squeeze [even] more from the 'haves', so they can redistribute to the 'have-nots'. Yes, it seems that the Ds are really socialist/Marxists--who the fuck doesn't know that that system JUST DOESN'T WORK, HAS NEVER WORKED, AND WILL NEVER WORK? It's a system that defies the human need for freedom, independence, and continual striving for improvement. Some are guilt-ridden liberals who are indeed well-to-do, or comfortable, and perhaps have a masochistic need to punish themselves for not being unfortunate--poor--themselves. I dunno; maybe some are just plain stoopid. It takes all kinds...

Ill-educated, and/or simply naive, people who get suckered into the class-war BS may think that people are somehow entitled to a free [eg.,] lunch and such, perhaps because they might think the 'rich man' is somehow keeping them down. Maybe it's just human nature to want shit for "free", but, one must realize that it's not the 'gub-ment' that's footing the bill, it's from somebody else's pocket! Politicians have suckered people into little dependencies and programs voters think are "free", only to stay in power and maintain control over these weak-minded fools. The worst part of it all is that many, if not most, people feeding at the trough really don't actually need many of these freebees! But they DO add up--think 43 MILLION+ on food stamps alone! Medicare/-caid is likely the biggest cash-burner, though. Once secured into the system, it's a free-for-all for the Med-Pharma-Insurance Complex to greedily suck off the tit (In reality, sucking off wealth from nearly all Americans)--and the costs NEVER go down--only up-up-up! These are HUGE sums, on a per capita basis, given the sheer numbers who qualify. Few people had put in as much as they're getting out, especially given their longevity, the high costs of meds/testing/treatment, and the burgeoning 'baby boomer' population that is sure to overcome the system--soon! However, once on a program, it's hard to get off--to push away from the table--kind of like addiction[s]. Meanwhile, the gub-ment goes on spending, borrowing and spending, till the day of reckoning... 

If the giveaways were cut, terminated, or managed efficiently, maybe the wealth redistribution might be allayed, and those poor devils [us] footing the bill might even have enough capital left to invest in American businesses/manufacturing/jobs! ('course, right now, with the volatility, they might just hang on to any surpluses. Good--people need to save more...) Who is on the govern-tit? Damned near everybody--low-to-middle classes. Even some rich and powerful people and corporations are feeding, via subsidies and tax-breaks. Some are lazy people, the ones who might think hard work simply means getting paid less for doing more. Some were borne into poverty, but had neither the smarts nor the gumption to improve on their situation. Some don't deserve shit--but get it anyways.


Given, it's not just the Ds who got us here; Rs sheep along too, for whatever reason[s]. The simple fact is that we are not getting out of the abyss by taxing anyone more, especially those in a position to expand the economy and employ more people [OMG, who would even THINK of doing that?].

The truth is that the gub'ment needs to balance the budget, make it mandatory to do so, and cap spending across the board. Weed out stoopid programs that don't show measurable results. Start operating like a business, per se. Means testing should be implemented as well; we don't need to give Food Stamps to 43+Million people, now, do we, REALLY? Or free lunches and after-school programs to damned near anyone? No more spending $$ we don't have! I'm not suggesting we stop helping one another, but let's get real. We broke-ass bitches, as a nation. Simply STOP spending $$ we don't have. Simple as that. Problem solved.

To those that are inclined to redistribute their wealth, and, to help free them from guilt, I say set up a donation program [hey, even online, through PayPal?]. You folks who feel you must give away your monies simply give till it hurts, if need be. Go right ahead--but leave the rest of us out of your giveaways!  We need freedom and independence from big gub'ment, and their foolish spending ways! It's not about being rich vs poor, or a race thing, or a guilt thing; just common sense. Cut that spending and get gub'ment off the backs of Americans, and we will get by, even improve......nuff said...
Simple.
GT.

Predictions For The Coming Collapse...

I like to think that I have a kind of 'sixth sense' about the way things will happen in the future; when things turn out the way I said, or thought, it's kind of like a deja vu. For example, I remember telling my young boys waaay back about how people [in future] would be watching [thin] big-screen TVs mounted to their walls, and that someday, somehow, the technology would enable everyday folks to actually pick out what they wanted to watch on the internet; movies, programs, documentaries and the like. Well, it just dawned on me the other day that that reality had already 'crept' into existence. Yeah, and a lot of the content is actually free! (Look for great gains in this trend with the modern 'Cloud' computing concept becoming more advanced, BTW...Ya! Apple Inc!)

[Cheap-ass-Bastard addon:] I have been debating the pros and cons of purchasing cable for some time now. However, the 'bargain' packages I might be able to afford seem to be loaded with a bunch of 'junk' channels only the most hard-up viewers could stomach. Further, their stuff is mostly available for free via Hulu or marginally cheap on Netflix, streamed for under ten bucks/mo. Yeah, if you wanna pay 50-75.00/mo, you can get a few decent channels, but for TV??? C'mon, mon. That shit is financed by frackin' commercials already, and then they wanna SELL you access to it, and not even COMMERCIAL FREE?? Again, C'mon, mon. I will pass. I don't even have a 'TV' left in the house, and frankly, I have more 'TV' than I could watch [available] in my lifetime. No, it's not necessarily the most up-to-date, or cutting-edge stuff, but WTF--good enuff--and, I can get most movies, in time, on DVD, sent right to my house...[/CAB]

Anyways, I digress; Collapse, I recall, and something about predictions--yeah, now I remember! I'm going to go ahead and predict that, yeah, the Dollar, the US economy, and the world's fiat system will fail, and (yes, you can quote me on this) 'fairly soon'. Now, "fairly soon" may be rather ambiguous, even nebulous, but...WTF?

It seems that endless, foolish, debt-financed gub'ment spending is catching up with the US and world realities--wake UP! There is no spoon, and there is no backing for all our fiat currencies--they're all just printing TP. We is all po, and we is all bankrupt. Not just the EU, but US and even China are debt-ridden corpses walking slooooowly to the grave.

In the US, if one factors in the obligations to SS, Mediscare, and Mediscam--uh, I mean, Medicaid--we are fully in debt 60-70 Trillion--with a capital "T"--making our future generations literally slaves to the debt (figures I recall seeing were to the tune of about $700,000 per family) [revised-9/2/11: Read full article...] Of course, they are not going to put up with paying off our boatload of debt, and so revolt and/or collapse is inevitable. The rest of the West is likewise indebted.


I give it five, maybe ten years, tops, till SHTF (shit-hits-the-fan) . Only collapse can lead to a rebirth of sane [or different] monetary policy, however painful it will be. I suspect--no, I predict--that what will emerge from the upcoming global financial/monetary collapse will be an ushering-in of a 'new', world-wide accepted form of fiat currency, likely backed by some kind of commodities index. [say, like stuff that everyone really needs and uses--Eg., FOOD?] Will we really be trading 'foodstamps' for everything? Likely. You can't eat TP, and gold/silver will be beyond the masses. 

Hmmm--what an insidious plot to usher in a new, unitary [one-] world gub'ment--Shit can only go downhill from there. Our favorite 'Banksters' will somehow be in charge of this "money" system, however, and we will all still be slaves to their system. Exchange a slap in the face for a kick in the groin, anyone?

Now I want to be a third-world farmer--one of the truly 'rich' men of tomorrow (first be the last, anyone?). Aquaculturist, maybe?? Yeah. That's the ticket. Grab a shovel...

"Phony" People

The other day, I saw a humorous article somewhere on the web, with a joke that goes something like this (No, I can't remem where, and this is paraphrased/my version):

A man steps into a stall in a public restroom and goes about his 'duty'. After a bit, he was surprised to hear a person in an adjoining stall say, "hi, how are you?".To this, he retorts, " well, fine, thanks". Other person: "So, what's up?", to which he replied, "Well, I'm taking a shit, if you don't mind". Next, the odd fellow nearby asks, "can I come over?" Now annoyed and a bit apprehensive, the man replies, " No, I'm kinda busy over here, ya know?". Following this, the other person says, "Hey, I'll call you back in a minute--there's some asshole in the next stall who keeps answering my questions...".

Lawl! Yeah, that was funny enough for me to actually laugh out loud. But it's also a commentary on the 'phony' people and a seemingly addictive habit of phoning &/or texting which now pervades society. I gotta tell you, as an old-school fart, I just don't get it. It's so frackin annoying--all this phony BS!

I mean, Does one really need  to be in constant contact, like say, in the 'can'? And, does anyone really care where one is going, or doing, on a moment-by-moment basis? I think not. It may be that everyone 'tweeting', is indeed a twit, and a deluded, self-important, perhaps even narcissistic, person--to think that anybody really gives a flying rat's ass regarding what and/or who they're doing, or where it occurs. There's limits here that have been exceeded.

Somehow, there's got to be a brilliant person or group that is laughing--besides me--all the way to the bank. "Gotcha!, you stupid, gullible, and suggestible world!". Twenty years from now [ya, if I were still around], I would not be surprised to find that these addictive twits all end up with some weird kind of cancer in their brains/face/ears. I will coin it now: Telenoma! LOL!
...and that's the way it is; Friday,19 August 2011...
GT

Oooo--scaaarreyyy!

Yup. These financial times are pretty ominous. Stock markets crashing, gold fever bugs crawling everywheres, and a plethora (myriad?) of complete idiots doing absolutely nothing about it. Its like "Surprise! years of foolish spending and debts have [dum-dum-dum] consequences!". I am amazed. Not.

So, what does this mean to the average 'Joe [or Jane] Poor' (not to be confused with Standard & Poors). I'm talkin 'bout those without thousands in savings and/or IRAs, or disposable income, etc--the average poor bastard, living the austere life?

Well, first off, there's the insidious inflation effect on everything to subsist upon--you know, frivolous things like groceries and gas (which are 'disallowed' in the new government figurings, as a means to measure inflation [go figure! WTF?]). Buying power of the Dolla is rapidly shrinking due to QE, and resultant loss of confidence in the US, world-wide. One must generally do with less--a belt-tightening, if you will.

Next, decreasing services and entitlements. Yes, the Post Office is going broke, and you WILL be paying more for luxury items like health care and medications, as well as stamps (do people actually use the mail system, or is it totally a business-thing-only? really? If you use this system, just ¡Stop it!). The 43+ million people sucking off the governtit may have to start eating hamburger helper and buying generics in the supermarkets, as food stamps, free lunches and after school baby-sitting programs might be cut back. Wait...I thought there was no such thing as a free lunch <sigh>. What will we do? Hmmm... just what did people DO before these programs started redistributing wealth--uh, I mean...

For sure, there must be huge cutbacks in defense spending, and bailouts of european countries, [our] banks, etc, will have to cease. Whadyamean uhn-uh? Global policing and/or imperialism will be curtailed. Wait a minute. So, how does this affect Joe again?

There will be a paper shortage, likely from the excessive quantity of phony bills coming off the presses back in the so-called 'Treasury' Dept. We might be paying more for our TP, as a direct result! Frightening. Simply horrible. Whatever happened to the so-called 'paperless office', BTW?

There will be huge job losses and our manufacturing base will disappear. Wait! Wadyamean that already happened? Shit--how insidious! People will be on unemployment for two years or more, or for as long as they extend it. Who pays for this stuff, anyways? Shit less, cuz there's that paper-shortage thing again...

Politicians will blame it all on anyone and anything but themselves, but end up kicking the can to the next generation, so, what the hell? I blame us, for letting them do this shit, leaving Joe Poor even mo' po'. Even if we default, devalue, get further downgraded, or whatever, there will be paper flying everywhere for as long as [stupid] people accept it as payment.

The gist of it is, Joe Poor will have to get by on even less. But there is a limit to how long this continues, and the survival mode kicks in. That IS scary. Surprise! Soon, Mr Po will be rioting and looting like it's London or something; coming SOON to a large city near you...
[edit: 10/7/11--√out this video...]

My advice: Stock up a year or more of canned goods and imperishable food packages, and LOTS of TP, cuz the feces are about to hit the fan. buy lots of gold and silver (yeah, right--Mr. Po has no dough), cuz nobody is gonna accept that TP in your wallet very soon. Might get some more ammo, too.

C & C for breakfast--Again? ( A breakfast primer 4 noobs)

Ya, that's not what you think; it's short for Coffee and Cigarettes, my usual thing for breakfast. Why?  First off, it's freakin' early, and my system is in need of a kick-start; I'm not usually feeling like--hungry. Next, is the convenience factor; takes--what?--two minutes--to fix a pot, and even faster/easier to reach for those smokes. Finally, it comes down to restricted choices: a bowl of sugar [they call this stuff 'cereal'] or <sigh> cooking a decent meal ( and I mean, like bacon & eggs or similar/biscuits and gravy...). In the end, it's just easier to fix a pot and reach for my lighter. Sometimes, even more lame; for example, today I had a pot of Gevalia-mix sitting in my thermos--still warm enuff to put off a reheat! Woot!

Now, there is a key factor here that one might overlook; eating is not a 'schedule' thing for me; rarely do I eat "three squares", and if I did, I'd probably weigh 250 lbs. Frankly, I just don't expend much energy sitting around here most of the tyme, and I simply don't need that much fuel. I eat when I feel the biological urge to do so [you know, 'hunger' feeling?]. Yeah, that may seem crazy to some who might think schedules and routines are really good for you, but did you ever think that maybe (just maybe) our own systems have their own timetables, that may not conform to one's expectations and/or needs to make life as banal as it can be? Try scheduling in a 'shit' at 2:30.

OK, so, what to eat, if one is actually hungry? Back in the day, when folks actually did physical labor on a daily basis, it might have been a decent idea to load up on carbs for breakfast (cereals, etc.), although this is a matter for contention. Slopping down 2-4 ounces of sugar[s] seems sub-optimal to me, regardless of the 'need fuel' idea, however. I think it has been well-established that this type of breakfast (sugar rush) burns off quickly (if one exerts), then leaves one burnt-out and crashing. Better to get in some protein, and some fats for more extensive fueling supplies. Frankly, the 'cereal' idea was dreamed up to help dispose of our grand surplus of grains so many years ago, thanks to government subsidies and the ag-complex. Get over it; Pass the bacon, man. Top it off with a couple eggs and maybe some refried beans sizzled in the bacon fat--¡Yeeah, baby!

Yes, proteins are probably optimal, and fats are acceptable--down with carbs, in general. Forget the toast, unless you're making a bacon sandwich for on-the-run. Also, don't be fooled by the so-called 'healthy' whole-grain crapola. It's still just a buncha carbs likely to top the glycemic index 'Hall-of-fame'. [Sometimes I just eat a bacon on [buttered] toast sammich (yuumm!)]  Hmmm...I wonder what those [crazy] vegans would eat? Tofu steamed to perfection, with a smattering of freakin vegetable bullshit? who knows, and who cares?

Daym! Now I've gone and made myself hungry, bloggin this; now I guess I'll break down and cook up some bacon & eggs (B&E) to top off my C&C...
GT