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
Showing posts with label the future. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the future. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
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
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 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>
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
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>
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
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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...
[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...
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