The Next Plague

I just finished watching "The Next Plague" on Netflix.  It's a History Channel simulation of what could happen in the event of an influenza pandemic.  I suggest you take a look.  It is both disturbing and eye-opening.

Alert! Status Changed to Orange

I'm not sure just how deep we should read into this, but just in case...

from wikipedia:
Web Bot, or the Web Bot Project, refers to an Internet bot software program that is claimed to be able to predict future events by tracking keywords entered on the Internet. It was created in 1997, originally to predict stock market trends.^[1] The creator of the Web Bot Project, Clif High, along with his associate George Ure, who call themselves "The Time Monks",^[2] keep the technology and algorithms largely secret and sell the predictions via the website halfpasthuman.com. 

You may notice that the site has been taken out as of yesterday (10/13).

Their latest prediction was: November 8-11, 2010 - The web bot warns of a big tipping point, possibly a stock market crash or financial meltdown of some sorts.

Also:
The following come from the Web Bot Project Blogspot report on a radio interview with High and Ure:

• No warfare between Israel and Iran, at least not until November.
• Six very large earthquakes are yet to come during the rest of 2010.
• A major tipping point will occur between November 8 – 11, 2010, followed by a 2-3 month release period. This tipping point appears to be US-centric, and could be a dramatic world-changing event like 9-11 that will have rippling after-effects. The collapse of the dollar might occur in November.
• From July 11, 2010 onward, civil unrest will take place, possibly driven by food prices skyrocketing, and the devaluation of the dollar.^[15] No such incident has occurred following that date.
• No exact information on the December 14th missile launch (beginning of World War III) has been confirmed, but the predictions show it may happen.
• A second depression, triggered by mass layoffs, bankruptcies, and the popping of the "derivatives bubble," will see people moving out of cities.
• After March 2011, the revolution wave will settle down into a period of reformation.
• A "data gap" has been found between early 2012 running through May 2013. One explanation is that "our civilization gets knocked back to a pre-electronic state," such as brought about by devastating solar activity.
• A new benign form of capitalism will emerge during 2017-2020.^[20]

Ovaltine

Search Amazon.com for ovaltine
It tastes good and it's good for you!

TANG

And yet another thing to add to survival storage...
from wikipedia:
The Tang brand is owned by Kraft Foods. It is available in 38 flavors^{[citation needed]} (some region-specific), and is sold both in powdered form (in sachets and larger canisters) as well as in a ready to drink form. A single 8 US fl oz (240 ml; 8.3 imp fl oz) serving of Tang provides 9 grams (0.32 oz) of sugar; 40 calories (167 kJ); 100% RDA of vitamin C; 10% RDA of vitamin A, Calcium, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Vitamin B6; and no caffeine. Kraft also makes a sugar-free version of Tang, containing aspartame, which comes in individually-measured packets and was introduced in March 1985.

Search Amazon.com for tang

A Beginners Guide to Preparedness and Survival - Shelter

Shelter is your second priority in a survival situation. You need to be able to keep warm if you want to live. Having a backup heater and fuel supply is invaluable for your home. Blankets and cold-weather clothing (no cotton) will help conserve fuel. A waterproof tent should be in your BOB. If you want to stay warm, you must stay dry. A low-temperature sleeping bag is also very important. If you have a retreat site, you should have all of these things there as well. If you are looking to purchase a retreat site, here are a few things to consider:

• Availability of Water
• Off-grid Heating
• Property Taxes
• Age/Condition of Structure
• Amount of Land Included
• Neighbors
• Insulation
• Price
• Remoteness

You want to equip your retreat with a supply of water that doesn't rely on an electric pump. You will also want to install a wood stove for heat, as fuel may become unavailable. Consider the property taxes and whether or not you can afford them now. Check the condition of the structure and foundation. You don't want to buy something that will fall down or something you will sink your entire income into for repair. Think about how much land you will need and who surrounds it. You may want enough to grow some crops. Is the building insulated? Good insulation will save loads on fuel. Is it affordable? Don't go beyond your means financially. How remote is it? Will drifters or looters show up if SHTF?

Having a means of communication with the rest of the world will also be important. I suggest getting a HAM radio license and unit. You can communicate globally with it. Also, having a crank powered radio with as many bands as possible will allow you to get news and entertainment. I suggest a shortwave radio so you can listen globally.

Having renewable lighting will be important. Solar garden and walkway lights are useful for this. They aren't very bright so you can use them with your curtains closed and nobody outside will be able to see them. You will also need something a bit brighter such as a crank powered flashlight. If you have the finances, you could set up a complete solar power system for your retreat. I suggest getting 12V appliances because inverters are inefficient.

A Beginners Guide to Preparedness and Survival - Air

Your first survival need is air. During disasters such as an epidemic or pandemic you may need to quarantine yourself and family. However, if you need to get supplies you will need protection from infection. Gas masks are the best portable filtration system for your money. If there is ever nuclear fallout or chemical warfare they will be essential. Even with natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions the air can become toxic. You might also want to have a room or shelter with a HEPA air filtration system for tasks where a mask would get in the way.

A Beginners Guide to Preparedness and Survival - Introduction

This guide is meant to be an introduction to the preparedness or survivalism lifestyle. It is by no means a complete guide. This is to get you off your ass and start getting ready for whatever may come. The first step is to prepare, then survive. Wikipedia defines survivalism as «Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists) who are actively preparing for future possible disruptions in local, regional, national, or international social or political order.» When preparing, remember that two is one and one is none. Basically that means that anything can fail so be redundant. Everything you do to prepare should also be something that benefits you reguardless of what happens. Can your family have too much to eat? I don't think so. Is saving money by using alternative energy bad? I think you get the point. The decision is yours...

How Prepared Are You?

Survivalmom has in her downloadable resourses a nice little chart for preparedness.  Found here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/k27cgb6n69t9w5z/How%20Prepared%20Are%20You.pdf

Product Review - Survival Hatchet

http://www.majorsurplus.com/Survival-Hatchet-3-Pack-P14412.aspx

We ordered this and received it in a week.  It is a nice lightweight item that now has a fine place in our gear.  It's not a greatly constructed product, but its usefulness is obvious.  One thing to do as soon as you get it is epoxy the grip onto the steel.  Otherwise as soon as you use it the hatchet slides out of the grip.  You also will want to put a cover on the blade, as it doesn't come with one.  All-in-all not a bad deal (3 for $23 after shipping).

Off the Grid News

Here's a great site full of content.  Check them out @ http://offthegridnews.com/

Ulitimate TEOTWAWKI Shelter

Found this from SurvivalMom:
http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/10/02/could-this-be-the-ultimate-teotwawki-shelter/
AWESOME!

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