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A collection of satirical, political, spiritual and humorous writings and ramblings on various topics, including current affairs and issues, the Great Awakening, health, toxins, prepping, bachelor life, and more. Look for commentary and stories meant for understanding, and even a good chuckle, as well as some useful tips and insights. Hermit tested and approved√

Please check or re-check the 'Seminal' video series OFTEN for updated content &/or videos...GT
Showing posts with label canned goods. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canned goods. Show all posts

Friday, June 13, 2014

Where is the Outrage?

Where’s the Outrage?

[Note: This is the 'transcript' from my YT video entitled  Where is the Outrage? What Measure of Evil Will Inspire Action?   watch, download/share...PLP to the people]

Preface

For generations, both America and the world have been beset by a multitude of evil, tyranny, and oppression by the prince of the earth, and the powers of darkness which do his bidding. They endeavor to poison our hearts, our minds, and our souls, as they proceed unto their goal of world dominion and deception. They wreak havoc within the realms of the temporal Man; in finance, in government, and with respect to our 'religion', and faith itself. Our food and water, and health do suffer under their evil doings. What level of evil and chaotic destruction will we endure before our defiance builds the courage to act? What will it take to call upon the strength of our wills to rise up against the darkness, and to call upon our Lord for salvation, forgiveness, and to avenge our sorrows? What will *you* do to aid your fellow man during these crises? A revolution and an awakening is now occurring; what part will you play in the world events unfolding? Will you hide your face, and flee to the clouds, or join with your fellow Man in power and defiance of the man of perdition? Watch, share, discuss...and May God bless all the viewers, and all who read or listen...PLP 
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It has been said that a mere 3-5% of the Colonists were active supporters of the American revolution, which was a long and hard road from its inception, to the eventual victory, culminating in our independence from both tyrannies of the day; kings and popes. We, the people, with a rag-tag army of volunteers and militiamen, bested the world's greatest superpower of the age. It was with pure determination, and I believe, divine providence, that we would wrest our sovereignty away from those tyrants and usurpers who wished to enslave and oppress the masses, for their own profit. Yes, as it was in days of old, so it remains; it seems that it’s always all about the love of money.

The 'powers that be' of the day had set up a system of trade, markets, currency, and taxation that only benefitted themselves, and put the colonists into virtual slavery. Usurpations of basic freedoms and rights went unchecked, and grew to become intolerable. Like the 'Stanford Prison Study', those in charge grew increasingly cruel and barbarous. For a time, the Colonists endured the tyranny, and bent to their will. But there were stirrings in the hearts of Man; a longing for fair and righteous rule, and a desire to secure and maintain dignity and freedoms for the common man. Though many had once been peasants, indentured servants, and bondsmen, they were able to grow and prosper in the New World, and to realize their own potential; they were no longer limited by the oppression of the old ways, of the Old World, and the system of enslavement. If a man were to use his talents, and by his own diligent labors, prosperity and freedom could be attained--this was the advent and realization of The American Dream. In all the world, no other country could boast this unique human endeavor—no place was like America (the colonies)—either then or now. The Colonists had tasted freedom, and saw that it was good. Once tasted, there was no other alternative; they must retain and defend it, even with their very lives. 

The setting of the insurrection was a time of foreign military occupation, and peoples’ own homes and property rights were violated at the whim of the state--many even required to quarter the 'enemy' in their own homes. Random and oppressive schemes of taxation were enacted to drain their livelihoods and erode the freedoms they experienced. The 'state' had overstepped the boundaries of tolerance. A few brave souls gathered together to protest, and to act in response to the cumulative oppressions. Some even disguised themselves as 'natives', to throw tea into a harbor, lest they be unfairly taxed, simply to consume it. Eventually, a gathering of distinguished, intelligent, and propertied colonists would result in a formal declaration of independence from the ‘mother’ country. In this document was a listing of the tyrannies and usurpations, and a delineation of their new-found freedoms, as well as the inalienable rights that they now understood to be common to all Mankind, as given to them by God. Yes, God was an integral part of their thinking, and of their heritage, and His ways would be included as a basis for their own system of governing, in their country—a confederacy which would eventually become United States of America. May God bless those brave souls. They established the first and only system of government designed to be of, by, and for the average man—the people, within a framework of God’s laws and His righteous freedoms, instead of simply of, by, and for the ruling class and their monied interests, as was the norm.

One must realize that, at one point—the tipping point—there was an accumulated outrage that began to be felt by many of the population, to such a degree that the few, the proud, and the brave could simply no longer tolerate. This was a gradual process, to be sure, with the minority fanning the brushfires of freedom, via public distribution of incendiary pamphlets and such (eg., Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”). An appeal to awakening both the distrust of the ruling government, and the growing discontent with the intolerable tyrannies they purveyed, did much to foment the revolution. Again, this discontent was advocated by the vocal minority, to be sure. However, it is fair to assume that the general sentiment was favorable to the public at large, yet discontent was less likely in public, for fear of persecutions and further loss of liberty. Often a revolution is simply in need of a bold and a fearless leadership.

Today we Americans have become oppressed by a progressively tyrannical system of fascist/socialist government, which uses divisive propaganda and rhetorical debasing of our system, its foundations, and its freedoms. We no longer can claim any control over our so-called ‘representative’ government, which now overtly supports the big-money corporations and the ‘elites’ in the banking/finance systems. Our government freely supports the usurpations of our Constitutional freedoms, and the suppression of our civil and legal rights, as defined by the Bill of Rights. They openly persecute the so-called ‘extremist’ groups, which, in reality, hold  commonplace sentiments. The groups defined in their military and civilian training manuals include Christians, Constitutionists, Libertarians, gun owners, tax protesters, or anybody expressing discontent with their ‘progressive’ agendas. ‘They’ do this through media propaganda, and various ‘alphabet agencies’ and quasi-legislative bodies of regulators, by selective enforcements, and even openly through the IRS tax enforcement policies and harassments. Meanwhile, they give huge concessions and tax breaks to their crony-supported big businesses, bail out banks and banksters to the tune of billions, who in turn gave record bonuses to those who foreclosed on our most valued investments. Too big to fail, and too big to jail? Now, they threaten our hard-earned savings and retirement accounts with ‘federalization’. They pump over a trillion Dollars annually into an endless ‘QE’ scheme which not only inflates away the value of our currency, but also enslaves the next generation to their debts. We now buy our own bonds—pure economic insanity—Does the reader even GET that? Doesn’t ANYONE  understand that the ‘Federal Reserve System’ is just a cabal of globalist bankers, who have usurped our economy and enslaved the citizenry?

We are taxed and licensed, and ‘feed’ to the hilt, yet receive no real representation in our ‘government’. We are lied to, and let down by talking heads spewing words that we want to hear, yet nothing ever improves, despite shelling out more and more of our time and labors to tax independence day—about halfway through the year. Our roads, bridges, and infrastructure is crumbling, and still we pay more and more for less and less. We are deceived by the so-called ’two-party’ system, which is simply two wings of the same, corrupt, ruling-class dialectic.

The social and cultural propaganda they purvey suggests that we must all become a collective, and bow to their hive-mind, ‘politically-correct’ acceptance of the insane and the perverse, else we are labelled as racists,  haters or ‘extremists’. They claim that our children are no longer our own, and they use the ‘education’ system to program obedience and fidelity to the hive-mind of ‘progressive’ politics and thought. They deceive us with their state-run media lies and falsehoods, citing pseudo-science; it is all to benefit whom? Their crony business interests. Religion and God, as well as any sense of modesty or morality, are banned or discouraged, and the government controls most institutions via their 501-C3 status. They now recruit our pastors and priests to inform on their own church-goers. They are instituting a God-less church-state, as a means of control. They are the wolves, and we are simply ’sheeple’…being led to the slaughter.

We now have a government of, by, and for the rich and powerful ‘elites’. They care nothing about the people or their needs or wishes, and they care not about harming either us or the environment. They poison our food and our water with toxins, hormone disrupters and antibiotics, and genetically-modified ‘franken-foods’, while holding the perverse manufacturers and poisoners free from any recourse, for whatever damages. The big-chem companies have control over both our food, and our seeds. Soon, they will put the squeeze on us, in a planned upcoming ‘famine’. They poison our air and our environment with atmospheric toxins and sterilants, claiming to be saving us from environmental apocalypse (look up ‘geoengineering’ or ‘chemtrails’). Yet, the toxic metal oxides and heavy metals they spray across the lands are killing the soil, and the inhabitants of the entire world. They lead us to slaughter after they make us sick and fat, and bound to the big-pharma, big-med, and big-insurance scams. The ‘alphabet agencies’ have revolving doors for industry insiders—like the former VP of Monsanto—Michael Taylor—now head of the FDA…

They decry our laws and traditions, perverting our system of ‘justice’ and allowing open-border immigration into our once-rich and prosperous nation. These illegal invaders are then treated better than citizens, let out of our prisons, and heavily subsidized with food and healthcare, by our welfare state—yet even our veterans are left in the cold, and without treatments promised, and earned, by their blood, sweat, and tears. Importing third-world illegals ensures someone will do the elites’ laundry, take care of their kids, and keep up their lawns, and for next-to-nothing. They are virtual slaves in our land, yet they are better off than from whence they came; who can blame them?  Just the other day, though, 36,000 ‘illegal alien’ offenders were released…many others gained deference from expulsion, and camps are being set up to house thousands of non-resident children (Fort Sill, OK., and elsewhere). What are we doing with these people, when more and more of our own people are broke, and homeless, and dependent upon government handouts?? Our rights to due process and trial by jury of our peers have disintegrated to a system of bargaining, and our jails are full of nonviolent offenders; these are fueling an expansion of prisons not seen in any ‘civilized’ nation—and a population of inmates larger than any authoritarian regime in history. What nation can endure the escalating costs of such a system, either in dollars, or the production/humanitarian losses incurred? Who benefits from the expansion of such an inhumane system? The so-called ‘elites’—the big-money masters of the world.

They have purposefully bankrupted and destroyed our industry and our ability to manufacture our own goods, making us totally dependent upon third-world nations, who use their state-sponsored slavery to undercut our system, and decimating self-reliance. We are left with underpaid, under skilled workers and part-time, service-oriented jobs. Our educational system is a joke, and we are churning out the most ill-informed, and dumbed-down citizens, despite ever-increasing numbers of college graduates. They have no jobs awaiting them. They don’t want an informed electorate; they want programmed drones to do their shit-work. Soon enough, they will replace most of us with robotic workers, who never need pay, or time off, or benefits. We will become “…useless eaters”. What do you suppose will be our fate then?

Their poisons and many policies and practices have limited our ability and capacity to reproduce. Their chemicals make us sick, and fat, and infertile. The new drivers of our GDP and economy are the very companies who make us sick, and those who ‘treat’ us. GMO-fed animal studies showed that within three generations, 90% + of those who survived could no longer reproduce. Is this the true intent of the powers that be? Of course. We are no longer needed—we are ‘obsolete’; at least most of us. Sure, they will require some technicians and maintenance workers, for a time, but maybe that’s why we have illegal immigrants, eh? Third-world,  authoritarian-controlled ‘slave’ populations already surpass us in education and skills, industry, and even infrastructures; they are passively droning already—who needs those nasty and rebellious, freedom-loving ‘Americans’?

They are claiming that we are using too many resources, and so have instituted a policy of shutting down our fossil fuel use and energy consumption. However, they are doing so by manufactured ‘scarcity’ and through an unsound and unscientific tyranny of so-called ‘environmentalism’ or ’sustainability’. In reality, ‘they’ simply wish to get more and more of our resources for less and less of their production. The current regime has been openly claiming that coal plants, no matter how ‘clean’, would simply be bankrupted by regulations and restrictions, and that our energy costs would necessarily “skyrocket”. We have not allowed any new processing or refinery plants to be built, regardless of improved technology and capacities, for a generation. Is there any wonder that energy prices continue to rise, despite huge new discoveries and gluts of natural gas resources—even shale-deposit technologies? We are being robbed and cheated, and the stranglehold gets tighter as we become poorer and poorer (due to the ’squeeze’). Meanwhile, ‘they’ get richer and more powerful, and are taking over global control.

Yes, global control is their goal; but it’s not a conspiracy theory, it is simply a conspiracy—plain and simple. The elitist bastards who own and run all the banks, the industry, and the multi-national corporations owns everything already, and now they want to institute their total control over the will of the people—world-wide. They are doing so via an orchestrated, multi-generational process to brainwash, program, and enslave us all, so that they can limit our effect upon THEIR WORLD, and THEIR RESOURCES.  It will be a unified world governmental, financial, and religious system, as prophesied. They already have all the money that that could ever spend, and they already own everything, so they feel entitled to rule over us as their serfs, or peasants, and to ration out their resources only to those submitting their wills and lives to them. In effect, they will be, or they desire to be, our lords—our ‘gods’. They want to lord over us, and use us as they would claim ownership of a slave. They want us, and our children, to enslave, and sexually abuse, and even to sacrifice to their master; Satan himself, the ultimate puppet-master. They have been promised a partnership in the tyrannical world-government-to-be, and its sick and twisted rule. They no doubt have been promised great riches, or power, fame, or slaves, or whatever carnal and worldly desires are found in the pit of their weak, inhuman, and selfish hearts. They will be free to indulge in their fantasies, at our expense, or so they are told. And likely, there will be a terror on earth that is seemingly unimaginable to those of us who are ‘civilized’. Biblically speaking, the perversions will exceed anything in history, as it is foretold. But as in any and every other usurpation, the ‘elites’, too, will be betrayed, no doubt becoming the victims of a grande purge themselves, shortly after control over the temporal world is achieved. Night of the long knives, as it were. They will suffer retribution and torture in the new world order persecution chambers, as befitting their pathetic selves, and then they will burn in the fire cast by the true God, in judgement. Justice will be swift and sure. Amen. One can take a bit of solace in that promise…

Right now, we are experiencing the squeeze of  two seemingly opposite factions; the fascist/corporatist financial overthrow, while also suffering a socialist takeover of our government, though such is sponsored and controlled by the former. It is the blending of the seemingly discrete into one, all-powerful system to rob and rule over us all. The distinction from communism or socialism can be made in that corporate interests appear to hold sway over the peoples’ interests, as opposed to the bourgeoisie , or bureaucrats [upper middle-class of old]. That is, such has been replaced with the ‘one-percent’, or only the super-rich, in effect, because they are the true owners and controllers of the corporate world which controls our current government, and the wealth of the world. It seems oxymoronic and even counter-intuitive that these people are affecting a socialist takeover in our country [USA]. However, the reality is that, over time, and with much testing, the socialist form of government appears to be capable of suppressing the ‘proletariat’ while empowering and enriching the leaders, which are, indeed, the ‘elites’ (and their global corporate mega-monopolies)—such as the model of China. If the present direction isn’t changed, we can look forward to a similarly authoritarian rule right here in the USA. But it’s not just here; this is a conspiracy of global proportion…

The powers that be (TPTB) have increasingly tightened their stranglehold grip upon our world financial systems, and their [private] central banking schemes. They have begun to replace elected officials in the EU with corporate puppets. They have engaged in outright theft of peoples’ savings out of their own banking institutions. They have instituted and begun enforcement and establishment of the globalist government rules, or laws, via extra-congressional treaty signings by our ‘president’ and Congress (e.g. UN Agenda 21). They have developed a world court, and a world bank (IMF+),  through which they enforce their will via indebtedness and payoffs to local, corrupted, political figures. They maintain a standing army for enforcement of their globalist rules, via the UN, with many members contributing funding, equipment, and manpower. They use the various media in all member countries in order to purvey and promote their various agendas, while stifling opposition and contrary opinion. They set up so-called ‘free-trade’ agreements which actually stifle competition, and bully the non-conforming free capitalism system, countries, and independent business interests, into submission (e.g. the TPP and TAFTA, NAFTA, GATT, etc…). 

The social, sociocultural, and religious systems have already gained control over the hearts and minds of the various peoples, and through brainwashing and propaganda throughout the various public media, and the many divisive and group-think psy-operations (e.g. ‘politically correctness’, etc.), they control our attitudes and belief systems. The ecumenical call to unity is purveyed by and through both the Roman-Catholic church-state, and all of their religious sell-out affiliates, world-wide (including Islam). They, in effect, rule over us all, already—in almost every facet of our lives. It is a mere formality that they institute and declare themselves to be ‘in power’, and takeover overtly. At that time, we will come to understand the pervasiveness and the insidious nature of the global takeover, and we shall experience even greater control over our everyday lives, the likes of which can only be imagined. 

Everything that they say and do is meant to deceive us—and they have many resources. They say that we must fear the ‘terrorists’ as our main enemy, which they use as an excuse to invade sovereign countries, and in effect, to take over their resources by ending up putting some puppet into place as ruler (‘elected’ or not, who would truly know? It is not beyond their capacities to ‘rig’ results—“…to the counter belongs the spoils” [Diebold, here in USA—hey, WHO owns that?]). Who was enriched, and who paid the horrible costs? Winners: Haliburton, military-industrial complex corporations, and Big oil…LOSERS: Our young men and women, the ’taxpayer’, and foreign civilians, mostly. Basically good people we had no real quarrel with. Now, these same ‘terrorists’ are being openly armed and financially backed to take over, by covert, mercenary actions, the middle-east countries. In the process, we are, by proxy, KILLING CHRISTIANS AND JEWS throughout the area, as these radical Muslim factions burn churches, rape and molest women ( supported by Imans), and crucify or BEHEADING peoples simply because they are not followers of Muhammed or Islam. Yes—look it up…I have posted video[s] here on YouTube myself, with regard to this topic [GTox444]. Surprisingly, the so-called ‘homeland security’ forces and infrastructure now have a NEW target; so-called ‘domestic extremists. You know, Christians, Libertarians, and any freedom-loving, sane American not under the demonic influences of Satan and the ‘progressives’ and their insane, treasonous policies. Yes. Treasonous. Insane. You KNOW to what I refer, surely; If you don’t, I am not sure what planet you have been on for the past ten years or so. 

The foregoing describes what is known as the ‘Beast’ system, as prophesied in the Holy Bible, the true and only word of God, and the only book of prophesy ever to make innumerable, correct and accurate predictions about the future of Man and the world, without fail. That is proof and how we must come to understand that it is INDEED, the source of Truth—God’s truth. The only Truth. We will be subjected to greater and greater lies and deceptions, and tyranny—and will be required to bow to the state, and to the false god in worship, under threat of economic sanctions and persecutions, at first, but later escalating to threats to our family and friends, loss of liberties and property, and eventually, capital punishment [specifically, beheading, as per prophesy].

TPTB have already set up the control grids and the surveillance networks to intrude and control nearly everything we do. They are now arming the ‘security’ forces across America (police, and many seemingly unrelated alphabet agencies), with automatic weapons, hollow-point ammunition, and armored vehicles—MRAP/Humvee—as well as recruiting a proposed ‘civilian force’ and things like FEMA Corps, (etc—what is this ‘FEMA Corp?). They have ‘federalized’ most of our state and local enforcement agencies, as well, through HSA. They have already stripped us of [nearly] all Constitutional rights, due process, privacy, Habeus Corpus, and may, BY LAW, detain anyone, without charge, indefinitely, as well as to TARGET YOU FOR TERMINATION BY ANONYMOUS DRONE STRIKE FROM THE AIR. Don’t you GET IT? BY EXCHANGING OUR FREEDOMS FOR WHAT SEEMED TO BE SECURITY (see Ben Franklin quote re: this), YOU ALLOWED THESE PEOPLE TO DO THIS…There is not an upcoming TAKEOVER; IT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED. YOU ARE LIVING IN A POLICE STATE WITHOUT RECOURSE OR REMEDY, EXCEPT TO DECLARE A REVOLUTION! 

Given the foregoing information regarding the current and future state of the USA and the GLOBALIST TAKEOVER of the world, one REALLY must ask: “Where is the outrage?—doesn’t any of this bother you?” It simply amazes me that there is no overt battle cry or seeming opposition to this ordeal we have pressed into, unwittingly or otherwise. OK, we were deceived by these fascist , dictatorial bastards (bitches, too). Time to draw a line in the sand—behind us, and to put our foot down. They used lies and propaganda, and maybe it seem like a logical or rational choice. If you are not a targeted group member, and you have or do support these policies in any way, you are guilty of corroboration. You are likely a member of the ‘elite’, or you are so brainwashed and ignorant that you hardly fit criteria for a salient human being. May you reap the punishment you deserve. If you are a targeted group member ( roughly 90%+), then you are guilty of being a passive weenie, at best, or a spineless dog. Sure, they poison us with BPA in our canned goods, and in our water bottles. OK, they feminize the men with soybean byproducts which mimic estrogen, in nearly every ‘food’ product. Yes, there are many environmental toxins all over the place which lower testosterone and make ‘men’ into little girlie-men. And ya, they are turning us all into androgynous whatchamacallits. Meanwhile, they turn all our women into lesbians and macho butch-dykes. So what? They fluoridate or water and brominate our bread. They make us sick, fat, and apathetic with their propaganda, their ‘food-like products’ and they distract us with dangerous porn and even more dangerous TV and video games. They are all time-sinks. We work—we play—we go about our own day-to-day. Who cares what is going on in the outside world, or what is happening to our neighbors, or in our state, or our country? Who cares what political party or official we vote for—doesn’t make any difference, because shit just gets stacked deeper, every day. I have no power, and what could one person do? Fuck it—pass those GMO chips, will you? —and pass me that BPA-ridden Glycol beverage—I think they call it …‘beer’—or anti-freeze—I fuget…

How could ANY of us Americans not be totally outraged? Out on the streets, and in the local Wallymart, I hear people remarking, and grumbling, and complaining about the system and the government. They do *seem* angry. There *seems* to be a great awakening out there, based upon what I see on the internet, on YouTube videos, and so on. (BTW, that and all true media freedoms are about to be flushed down the toilet if they pass the so-called ‘trade’ agreements under discussion. Fast-tracking these through our treasonous Congress will net us a death knell to open opposition and free speech, as we know it, despite censorship and current limits). Unfortunately, the tyranny gets closer and more in-depth as time passes, seemingly without notice. OK. They control all the public media via like only six corporate powerhouses, and can censor such ‘freedoms’ as YouTube, etc. They own all the movie and television program production and distribution, and all the major, nation-wide or international periodicals (newspapers, magazines, etc.), as well as 90%+ of the radio stations…It may not be that surprising that no leader[s] have surfaced to call forth these angry public—because they simply don’t get any time, or are ridiculed and ‘delphied’ by media that are state controlled. Merely using ad hominem or straw-man techniques is enough to train the average idiot box viewer how they want them to think—with, even toss in a red herring or two—nobody is really conscious in the audience anyway! I mean, extending the debt limit doesn’t make us get into more debt, after all! You got a business? you didn’t make that happen…and war is peace and up is down.

Besides a general inquiry regarding ‘where’s the outrage’, A logical follow-up question would be something like…“ what are YOU going to do about this?” Now,  I am not going to lecture you about what you, personally, should do; I simply want you to go and look it up, and discover for yourself the truth of our state of affairs, and that of the world. Then I want you to think on it real carefully; is this the system that I want to live in, or a world that I would desire my children, or my grandchildren, to live under? If the answer is “No.”, then I’m going to repeat the above: “ what are YOU going to do about this?”.  Then I want you to think about that for a while—ponder the various possibilities, and maybe do a personal cost-benefit analysis, if so inclined. Now, don’t tell me—what YOU are going to do about this—even better, SHOW ME with some action—or an action plan. This exposition, or this video, is my current, and albeit limited, action—but it is an action. You might do one of many other possibilities. 

But realize this—We must all take up the mantle for our progeny, and for future generations—for all mankind is at risk…men, women, black, white, red, and brown; people from all classes and social strata; all beliefs, creeds and religions, all across the world. The beast system is a harbinger of death and eternal damnation—the veritable end of the world as we know it. Not just for Americans, but the ENTIRE WORLD, AND ALL ITS PEOPLES!!  We have a common enemy, and they have nearly achieved all of their stated and unstated goals; we must come together in total resistance— we must gather in unity, despite our differences, and come to an equitable solution. We must take back our world, and then reform it into one that is just, and fair, and moral—seeking righteousness—and as nations and peoples, we must repent of our sinful ways and practices, and ask for God’s forgiveness. That is our only option, and our only reprieve. This is the time of our final warning. If a truly unified world is impossible, as envisioned here, as individuals, we can act on our own, or in groups, or states, or as individual nations—we do not have to allow this great and terrible curse to befall us all. We can fight the good fight and become warriors of God, by putting on His armor, and taking up the mantle. It is truly come to this: it is truly VICTORY OR DEATH, for our minds, for our bodies, and for our very souls.

I am not advocating armed revolt or violence in any way. However, to defend one’s own life and liberty is each of our duties. I pray it doesn’t come to that. Before the final takeover process is fulfilled, we can participate in the infowar, as patriots and citizens. We can start, and fan the brushfires of liberty and American freedom, both in word and in deed. We can demand recognition and respect for OUR beliefs and opinions, and resist in many, many ways, just as Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, JFK, and Martin Luther King did. I appeal to your humanity, in a belief that Mankind is not inherently and irrevocably evil, as one might think, given the state of the world, and despite our many shortcomings, and I pray the Lord bless and protect all those who do feel moved to think, and to act, and especially all those who seek to know the truth of our ever-lasting Father, and come to repent in this age of awakening, before amnesty ends…Amen.

Some interesting, informative, or pertinent videos—please LOOK it UP, and do your own due diligence to understand the events of our present, past, and future world…the following is a drop in the bucket—please dig further on your own…

My Blog:
http://waywardgt.blogspot.com

See Also My other related videos at My YouTube Channel: (GTox444):
https://www.youtube.com/user/GTox444


*A Must watch*: The Tiny Dot - by Larken Rose 
( Visual and intellectual example of the insanity of the tiny few overlording on the many—think about it.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uPPkZqPCQ

American Revolution I & II?

(are we becoming a communist nation?)
YouTube (communist manifesto search—discover how close we have come to adopting this radical, FAIL way of life)

(Dumbed-down Americans; any wonder we are sinking so quickly?)

(Arming of alphabet agencies, and paramilitary takeover/ Congressional treason)
YouTube (paramilitary buildup US police search)

(general info about the world we inhabit, and its overthrow by evil forces)



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Update: New-found Insights on Being a Cheap-Ass Bastard...

I gotta say, being a Cheap-Ass Bastard (CAB) is becoming really difficult, especially when it comes to food. My 'wake-up' over the last couple years has brought me to new insights, and an appreciation for both health and 'health foods'--nearly a 180-degree shift!. No longer will I settle for the toxic, preservative- and chemical-laden foods I used to savor (well, eat, anyways)--and NO GMOs. Yeah, the shit is cheap in terms of $$ cost, but, in the long run, can be quite expensive, when one considers the effects upon one's heath and well-being. Yup, I woke up…what I thought I could never afford I now cannot afford not to purchase.

Wiping the sleep from my eyes has resulted in a different view on what I can claim as being 'cheap'. Now, what is cheap is that which is non-toxic (or least-toxic), is NOT genetically engineered, but also provides good nutrition at a fair price. Yes, one will feel the bite and tug at the purse strings when considering what to choose, especially if considering organic vs processed crap I used to scarf up.

A lot of the attitude changes were pressed into service when I discovered that we were/are [basically] under chemical and biological attack by the multi-national corporate purveyors of poisons, and their gubment minions in the 'alphabet agencies' (once understood to be our protectors). When looking down the aisles at the local *mart or supamaaket, I now see the vast majority of the so-called 'foods' residing there are really food-like products, with no clear link to natural food's nutritional value, and most hardly fit for consumption (not even to my dog). So, yeah, that shit is no bargain, regardless of cost.

I now cringe at the thought of having to eat out of boxes and cans, especially after previewing their ingredient lists. OK, I confess that I still eat some of that, and use it for prepping (hey, its got preservatives), but I minimize my exposure AMAP. I go in there looking for fresh or fresh-frozen greens, fruit, and produce, and locally baked breads. I'm much more finicky about processed junk and 'meats'. The thing is, one must strive to prepare and process one's own food, rather than leaving that to the corporate whores--they will simply 'soft-kill' you, without hesitation, if it makes them a hefty profit. "Chemicals and additives that are carcinogens/excitotoxins/toxins/genetically spliced-in? or poisonous? ...no problem". ON TOP OF THAT? BPA-laden canned and bottled stuff; why NOT make them all fat, diabetic, and infertile? Pfft. Go for the glass, man--THE GLASS...

One thing that sets these [$$-costly] less-processed foods apart is that they require more TIME & EFFORT to prepare and cook. This inconvenience is probably the main factor that keeps people buying the poisonous crap they KNOW they shouldn't. I'll put it this way; if you don't make it from 'scratch', you're likely poisoning yourself with a host of crap you cannot pronounce, and likely has never been tested for adverse fx (eg., many chemicals & all GMO products and BYPRODUCTS) One usually can't simply rip open a box or can and slop it into the microwave, if we are talking 'real' food. Now, I do have time in my day to cook, but I'll admit to being lazy on occasion, and succumbing to the siren wail of the Bean and Bacon Soup or some chili w/ beans and a hotdog--or even a sandwich on white bread. Hey, I'm only human--but I really put an effort out to minimize that.

Anyways, Now my CAB mission is to locate foods that are actually good for me, at the best price. For example,  it is much cheaper to get frozen veggies instead of fresh, and usually one can save some prep-time because they are often chopped and washed already. Pesticide residue is pernicious and I often question my ability to get it off a lot of produce, especially on, like, kale. Therefore, sometimes it may not be best going the 'farm-fresh' route. Getting any fresh meat that isn't hormone/antibiotic-laden is nearly impossible, but I don't have a work-around yet, really. Thinking about raising some poultry in the back yard, and fish/veggies in an aquaculture setup…

MORE LATER, FOLKS…

GT

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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...

Friday, February 24, 2012

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...


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

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




  

Monday, October 24, 2011

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

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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>