Happy New Year to all of you out there.
2008 has been a rough year for most folks, and 2009 promises to be even more challenging. I don't know what to offer except for my prayers that all of you and yours are kept safe, warm and fed as the winds of "change" buffet all of us in this storm.
I'm going to try and get some productive posts going such as salvaging LED brake lights from wrecked cars and using them to construct emergency lighting here in the coming year.
In the mean time, the Jukebox is going to be filled for today with different versions of Auld Lang Syne.
BB King for you blues lovers. DJ Tool for you Techno/House fans. Glenn Miller for the Big Band crowd. A bootleg Jimi Hendrix from the Filmore in 1970. Manheim Steamroller. Country Chorale for the country people. A kind of a Bluegrass piece from The Lonesome Travelers (kinda reminds me of the pickers that traveled with Jerry Reed). Nicky Spence for the traditionalists. Celtic Lore's rendition, and finally a metal version from Christmas At The Devil's House.
Best Wishes for a Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Bury A Gun For 15 Years
Backwoods Home Magazine has an article posted on long term storage of a firearm and supplies complete with photos. HERE
IDF launches YouTube Channel
The Israeli Military launched its own YouTube channel showing action in the Gaza Strip.
Some pretty nifty clips here: http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk
Some pretty nifty clips here: http://www.youtube.com/user/idfnadesk
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Totally Unrelated, but good news
From New Scientist: Beer Marinade Cuts Steak Cancer Risk
Next time you feel like Bar-B-Queing up a storm, don't forget the beer! It's healthy!
Next time you feel like Bar-B-Queing up a storm, don't forget the beer! It's healthy!
Are we on the list?
USA Today reports "The Homeland Security Department may soon start scouring the Internet to find blogs and message boards that terrorists use to plan attacks in the USA."
Let me take a moment to wish all the folks at Homeland Security a Happy IED Free New Year!
Let me take a moment to wish all the folks at Homeland Security a Happy IED Free New Year!
Another warning for us
The New York Times had an article this morning, "Those Lost in Wilderness May Find Bill for Rescue".
The article detailed how New Hampshire lowered the threshold on a law allowing the state to recoup the costs of rescue operations. The state is beginning to bill "negligent" hikers who needed to be rescued, and also nursing homes and hospitals who have patients that wander off.
There were tales within the news story that set alarm bells off for me.
Most of us take our safety and our family's safety very seriously. We don't go out unprepared even for a trip to the local grocery store.
However, in the story, two women went for a hike and became lost. They could hear the highway, and rather than make their way towards the highway, they sat on a log and waited to be rescued.
Two cross country skiers were going out without packing any food as they talked with the reporter doing the story.
This is another story to reinforce what we suspect about the public at large and how seriously they take the idea of preparation for any eventuality.
The article detailed how New Hampshire lowered the threshold on a law allowing the state to recoup the costs of rescue operations. The state is beginning to bill "negligent" hikers who needed to be rescued, and also nursing homes and hospitals who have patients that wander off.
There were tales within the news story that set alarm bells off for me.
Most of us take our safety and our family's safety very seriously. We don't go out unprepared even for a trip to the local grocery store.
However, in the story, two women went for a hike and became lost. They could hear the highway, and rather than make their way towards the highway, they sat on a log and waited to be rescued.
Two cross country skiers were going out without packing any food as they talked with the reporter doing the story.
This is another story to reinforce what we suspect about the public at large and how seriously they take the idea of preparation for any eventuality.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Three Blogs To Recommend
I've taken the week off and so I'll be doing stuff around the house and spending way too much time on here.
I've run across three blogs that I thought you might be interested in. Some of you probably already know of them, but in case you don't.....
Radio's Preparedness Subculture. What's it about? Guns. Very nice documentation.
Frugal Cuisine. What's it about? Cheap, easy to prepare, tasty vittles!
Now this one probably isn't for everyone, but it has a couple of thought provoking posts.
Left Of The Looking Glass What's it about? The author says politics, sports, history, etc. So far it reads like social activism.
I've run across three blogs that I thought you might be interested in. Some of you probably already know of them, but in case you don't.....
Radio's Preparedness Subculture. What's it about? Guns. Very nice documentation.
Frugal Cuisine. What's it about? Cheap, easy to prepare, tasty vittles!
Now this one probably isn't for everyone, but it has a couple of thought provoking posts.
Left Of The Looking Glass What's it about? The author says politics, sports, history, etc. So far it reads like social activism.
Pravda Story on Second 9/11 in US
Pravda had a piece today that kinda rehashed some of what many of us were talking about just before the election. Those not so cryptic words from Joe Biden and others basically saying, yep, we're gonna get smacked again just like during 9/11, and we won't be behind it this time.
What caught my attention is that what we've all been contemplating is appearing in PRAVDA of all places.
Not the New York Times. Not the Los Angeles Times. Not The Washington Post. Pravda.
It is scary when one of the people who used to be less free than we here in the Land of Freedom, actually have more freedom than we do.
USA needs nuclear explosion to turn the world into dictatorship - english.pravda.ru
What caught my attention is that what we've all been contemplating is appearing in PRAVDA of all places.
Not the New York Times. Not the Los Angeles Times. Not The Washington Post. Pravda.
It is scary when one of the people who used to be less free than we here in the Land of Freedom, actually have more freedom than we do.
USA needs nuclear explosion to turn the world into dictatorship - english.pravda.ru
Escalation In The Mideast
Iranians, who already have strained ties with Israel, are gathering volunteers to fight in the Gaza strip. A few hundred Iranian kids dying at the hand of the Israeli military will be a propaganda boon to those seeking to escalate the conflict between Israel and her Arab neighbors, as well as between Muslims and us Kafirs.Associated Press, Dec 29, 2008
Thousands protest Gaza assault in Lebanon
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — Tens of thousands of Lebanese Hezbollah supporters stood under pouring rain Monday to protest Israel's air assault on the Gaza Strip, which entered its third day.
The demonstrators thronged a huge square and nearby streets in the militant group's stronghold south of Beirut, carrying Palestinian, Lebanese and yellow Hezbollah flags and banners supporting the Palestinian people.
The rally was by far the largest protest in the Arab world, where outrage over Israel's air strikes has been strong since Israel first launched the assault Saturday.
The massive rally was called for by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who in a speech on Sunday urged crowds in the Arab and Islamic world to rise up in support of Gaza and declared Monday a day of mourning and solidarity with Gaza.
Addressing the crowds on Monday through a large screen from an unknown location, Nasrallah urged Palestinians to unite.
"Israel's air force will fail to destroy the will of the (Palestinian) fighters firing rockets ... and the residents of (Israeli) settlements 20 and 40 kilometers away from Gaza will remain either outside their settlements or in shelters," he said.
"Death to Israel," and "At your service, Gaza!" many in the crowd shouted.
Nasrallah warned Israel that any ground offensive into Gaza would result in many losses for the Israelis. He also warned Israel that it would fail as it did when it fought Hezbollah guerrillas in a monthlong air and ground offensive in 2006.
The overwhelming Israeli bombing campaign, the deadliest against Palestinians in decades, had killed more than 300 people.
In the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon, around 3,000 people also staged a demonstration, many of them chanting slogans insulting the leaders of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia for perceived complicity with Israel.
In Egypt, which has been criticized for joining Israel in closing its borders with Gaza, thousands of people rallied, calling for the intervention of Arab armies to protect the Palestinians. Demonstrations were held near the parliament building and in downtown Cairo as black-clad riot police stood by.
In the largest protest, which was organized by the Muslim Brotherhood, about 3,000 people gathered outside Cairo's journalist union building. In rare public appearance, the Islamists organization's Supreme Guide Mohammed Mahdi Akef urged the crowd to make "their declaration of anger through peaceful means."
In Iran, a prominent conservative group of clerics announced it began registering volunteers on its Web site to fight against Israel in response to the attacks on Gaza.
The group, the Combatant Clergy Society, gave volunteers three options to fight Israel: military, financial and propaganda. About 3,550 signed up during the first day of the weeklong campaign, according to the group's Web site.
In neighboring Iraq, About 1,000 backers of anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also staged a protest in eastern Baghdad. "No, no to Israel," they shouted as they burned Israeli and American flags.
Separately, the political party of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued a statement condemning the attacks and calling on Islamic countries to cut relations with Israel and end all "secret and public talks" with it.
Jordan's King Abdullah II also donated blood Monday for Gaza victims, telling reporters he was "upset" by the scale of the Israeli offensive in the coastal strip.
In Sudan, thousands rallied in Khartoum for a second day Monday over the Gaza attack, marching to the Egyptian embassy to call for an opening of the Egyptian-Gaza border for supplies and aid to the Palestinians. The protesters also marched to the U.N. headquarters where they handed in a protest note.
And in Greece, a mixed group of about 300 Arab and Greek protesters threw rocks at the Israeli embassy in Athens and scuffled with riot police during a demonstration organized by the Greek communist party.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Domestic Attacks
Douglas Hagmann of www.homelandsecurityus.com appeared on Israel National Radio back on December 8/9 (depending on time zone) and addressed the attacks on Mumbai and what he believes is in store for us in the United States.
You can download the two segments from the show at a link on his page. The link is here also.
I missed the fact that he was going to be on the air, and just became aware of his appearance as a result of digging around looking for background info for my Milgram Experiment, Psyops and You piece. I normally listen to Douglas Hagmann with half an ear when he appears on Coast To Coast AM because he seems to be evasive and tends to speak in generalities. However, he did say a couple of things during the Israel National Radio interview that got me thinking.
I invite you to take a listen and see what you get out of the interview.
The clips have commercials in them and they're pretty big (over 16 megs each file) so I have clipped the commercials out and resampled them so they're just over 5 megs each. I've placed them for download here:
First Hour Second Hour
You can download the two segments from the show at a link on his page. The link is here also.
I missed the fact that he was going to be on the air, and just became aware of his appearance as a result of digging around looking for background info for my Milgram Experiment, Psyops and You piece. I normally listen to Douglas Hagmann with half an ear when he appears on Coast To Coast AM because he seems to be evasive and tends to speak in generalities. However, he did say a couple of things during the Israel National Radio interview that got me thinking.
I invite you to take a listen and see what you get out of the interview.
The clips have commercials in them and they're pretty big (over 16 megs each file) so I have clipped the commercials out and resampled them so they're just over 5 megs each. I've placed them for download here:
First Hour Second Hour
POW Tap Code
Something for all of us to learn just in case. I suspect that if we are rounded up, it will be foreign troops engaged in the task they will probably be unfamiliar with the technique.
First, you drop the letter K. It's redundant
and that makes a nice simple 25 letters
to work with. Then you set up a matrix,
to help your memory. The matrix goes like
this.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
1| A | B | C | D | E |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
2| F | G | H | I | J |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
3| L | M | N | O | P |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
4| Q | R | S | T | U |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
5| V | W | X | Y | Z |
-+---+---+---+---+---+
... . . . ... ... .... .....
.... ... ..... .... ... .. . .
... ... .... . . ... ..... .
.... .... . . ..... ...
... . .... ... .... . ..... . ?Decoded: C-A-N-Y-O-U-H-A-N-D-L-E-T-A-P-C-O-D-E?
Indian / Pakistani Nuclear Tensions
If you haven't added www.urbansurvival.com to your daily read, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to do so.
George Ure does a good job in breaking down relative strengths between the two countries and what may be coming as Pakistan continues to move troops towards the border with India.
Back in 2002, Natural Resources Defense Council calculated the potential effects of a nuclear conflict between the neighbors. You can see what they had to say here about the consequences of a nuclear exchange.
We could see fallout reach the United States within 48 hours.
George Ure does a good job in breaking down relative strengths between the two countries and what may be coming as Pakistan continues to move troops towards the border with India.
Back in 2002, Natural Resources Defense Council calculated the potential effects of a nuclear conflict between the neighbors. You can see what they had to say here about the consequences of a nuclear exchange.
We could see fallout reach the United States within 48 hours.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Must Read
There's no easy way to write a summary of this article. The author makes several excellent points on what may be coming down the road for all of us.
BANKRUPTED STATES = CON-CON & NEWSTATE CONSTITUTION
BANKRUPTED STATES = CON-CON & NEWSTATE CONSTITUTION
Evolution of American Currency
This came to me by way of e-mail. Not sure who the creative genius is.....
Food for thought, or just food
I'll post the second half of my Milgram Experiment, Pysops and You hopefully later today.
In the meantime, I was at work yesterday, and the nature of my work takes me all over the place. Here in the The Great Central Valley of California, shops were empty. The "new" Black Friday that retailers had hoped for apparently did not materialize. Even Walmart's lot off of 205 in Tracy was only about a quarter full (no different from a regular day) when I cruised past it at about noon.
Food gift baskets that contain jams, jellies, canned hams and such are radically marked down in stores everywhere. The same goes for gift packs of your favorite adult beverages.
Buy them and break them down. Eat the foods that do not have a long shelf life such as Summer Sausage (the delicacies you may have been denying yourself), and squirrel away the rest for consumption in lean times, or for trade, or for making gifts.
Holiday themed cake mix and frosting, such as Pillsbury's Funfetti, are also on sale. It's a white cake mix, and judicious alterations using food colorings and suitable decorations, the mix can be used to bake a cake for any occasion. Last year my wife picked up several boxes for fifty cents each. A year later after proper storage, they were just as good as fresh.
Some grocery stores in the area are also selling canned yams and sweet potatoes in number 2.5 cans for fifty cents each. We've found that the cans keep well with no detectable change in flavor or consistency for two years. We haven't kept them longer than that, my wife donates them to the local food drives before I can carry the experiment out another year.
Watch for specialty vinnegars (raspberry, etc.), and oils (truffle, walnut, hazelnut, etc.) to be on sale. It's still expensive, but not nearly as bad as having to pay full price. If you like to cook like I do, then it is always nice to have a supply of quality ingredients. I've read quite a few pieces about how oils go bad, and some vinnegars as well. I've found that if you keep them unopened in the original container, in a dry, cool, dark place, that doesn't seem to be true. Some of my stuff is already three years old and just as good as the fresh stuff.
Happy eating!
In the meantime, I was at work yesterday, and the nature of my work takes me all over the place. Here in the The Great Central Valley of California, shops were empty. The "new" Black Friday that retailers had hoped for apparently did not materialize. Even Walmart's lot off of 205 in Tracy was only about a quarter full (no different from a regular day) when I cruised past it at about noon.
Food gift baskets that contain jams, jellies, canned hams and such are radically marked down in stores everywhere. The same goes for gift packs of your favorite adult beverages.
Buy them and break them down. Eat the foods that do not have a long shelf life such as Summer Sausage (the delicacies you may have been denying yourself), and squirrel away the rest for consumption in lean times, or for trade, or for making gifts.
Holiday themed cake mix and frosting, such as Pillsbury's Funfetti, are also on sale. It's a white cake mix, and judicious alterations using food colorings and suitable decorations, the mix can be used to bake a cake for any occasion. Last year my wife picked up several boxes for fifty cents each. A year later after proper storage, they were just as good as fresh.
Some grocery stores in the area are also selling canned yams and sweet potatoes in number 2.5 cans for fifty cents each. We've found that the cans keep well with no detectable change in flavor or consistency for two years. We haven't kept them longer than that, my wife donates them to the local food drives before I can carry the experiment out another year.
Watch for specialty vinnegars (raspberry, etc.), and oils (truffle, walnut, hazelnut, etc.) to be on sale. It's still expensive, but not nearly as bad as having to pay full price. If you like to cook like I do, then it is always nice to have a supply of quality ingredients. I've read quite a few pieces about how oils go bad, and some vinnegars as well. I've found that if you keep them unopened in the original container, in a dry, cool, dark place, that doesn't seem to be true. Some of my stuff is already three years old and just as good as the fresh stuff.
Happy eating!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Milgram Experiment, Psyops, and you. PT 1
Film of the Milgram Experiment. Above is part one of five.
Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five
This article appeared in the San Jose Mercury News on Dec 21, 2008. It detailed the repeat of the famous or infamous Milgram Experiment. It was apparently a followup piece to a story that ran on Reuters dated Dec 19, 2008. The Reuters piece can be viewed here. The article has spread throughout the US via various news agencies and can be found on many websites.
What I found disturbing in reading both stories is that the authors seemingly tried to avoid making the people who administered the shocks culpable for their actions. Instead the blame seemed to be shifted to, as the Mercury News piece said, "situational forces".
That sounds an awful lot like, "Befehl ist Befehl". "I was just following orders".
Those of us who have been watching situational changes in American public affairs have also noted FEMAs attempt to enter America's churches and co-opt them as propaganda organs. Click here for a link to documentation.
Lew Rockwell recently has an article entitled, "Question 46, Revisited". "The Survivalist Blog" also had a piece on the subject recently. If you are not familiar with the extremely controversial combat arms survey where US Marines were questioned on whether or not they would be willing to fire on US Citizens in a gun confiscation effort, you can read the background information and view the actual survey here at www.geoffmetcalf.com. Col. Metcalf is one stand up American Patriot.
I find the timing curious with the coincidental militarization of Homeland Security. NORTHCOM has been attached to Homeland Security and will be staffed currently with he 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team. “Right now, the response force requirement will be an enduring mission. How the
The Army Times points out that active duty units were engaged in assisting in the aftermath of Katrina. What The Army Times does not point out is that Katrina was an emergency, and that the units were not assigned as a domestic operational force, which would have been in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. They may have been tasked with police duties when activated during an emergency, but it was not their mission. Homeland Security, essentially a civillian federal police agency, will have an active combat unit assigned to them. Again, from The Army Times, “Now, the plan is to assign a force every year.” That sounds an awful lot like a direct contravention of the Posse Comitatus Act and a conscious effort to break down any resistance from tradition and older staff to domestic operations.
The Posse Comitatus Act is defined by the Department of Defense as:
The Posse Comitatus Act - Prohibits search, seizure, or arrest powers to US military personnel. Amended in 1981 under Public Law 97-86 to permit increased Department of Defense support of drug interdiction and other law enforcement activities. (Title 18, "Use of Army and Air Force as Posse Comitatus" - United States Code, Section 1385)
DoD Dictionary of Military Terms, 2006
The 1981 amendment ( which essentially nullified the law) was to permit the use of the military in the so called "war on drugs".
Recently Homeland Security has gone on the offensive against the Posse Comitatus Act. Homeland Security refers to the act as a "myth". The entire piece entitled "The Myth of Posse Comitatus" is available here. The article attempts to essentially weasel around the restrictions in the same manner as used by our politicians in restricting our rights as affirmed by the Bill Of Rights.
Recently, a study entitled "Known Unknowns: Unconventional "Strategic Shocks"in Defense Strategy Development" hit the news. The entire study can be downloaded here. The synopsis on the before referenced page states:
"The author provides the defense policy team a clear warning against excessive adherence to past defense and national security convention. Including the insights of a number of noted scholars on the subjects of “wild cards” and “strategic surprise,” he argues that future disruptive, unconventional shocks are inevitable. Through strategic impact and potential for disruption and violence, such shocks, in spite of their nonmilitary character, will demand the focused attention of defense leadership, as well as the decisive employment of defense capabilities in response. As a consequence, the author makes a solid case for continued commitment by the Department of Defense to prudent strategic hedging against their potential occurrence."
The overwhelming animosity generated here in The United States when the $700 Billion Bailout was proposed tipped the people who run the show off to the fact that Americans are getting pretty well fed up with all their antics. Several politicians who voted for the bailout had their homes vandalized and allegedly even more received threats. The recent riots in Greece and the sympathetic outbreaks of violence in other European nations, the growing unrest in China and Russia, the growing problems in the Middle East, and even the protests that have occurred in Iceland, all point to a growing threat to the existing political and financial power structure.
The people who run the show believe that the threat against the existing system is not just confined to the mindless, angry mob in the street, it is all of us who have done what we can to isolate ourselves from the system as it currently exists.
I think the Strategic Shocks document is designed to address the threat against today's "Corporatocracy".
Something to think about
I hope all of you had a very safe, and wonderful Christmas with those you care about. There are a few days left before the world ushers in a new year, 2009. I remember being 10 years old and discussing the future with several of my friends.
I was convinced that I would be dead by now, consumed by the nuclear fires exchanged between us and the Soviet Union. Yet, here I am. Here we all are. The question is, where do we, as Americans, go from here?
I realize that as the world seemingly continues to spin its way towards economic oblivion, it is difficult to look for the opportunities that lie among the wreckage of a collapsing paradigm.
However, taking a peek at this video may start you on your way.
I was convinced that I would be dead by now, consumed by the nuclear fires exchanged between us and the Soviet Union. Yet, here I am. Here we all are. The question is, where do we, as Americans, go from here?
I realize that as the world seemingly continues to spin its way towards economic oblivion, it is difficult to look for the opportunities that lie among the wreckage of a collapsing paradigm.
However, taking a peek at this video may start you on your way.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Drug Dealing For Fun And Profit
I can hear my wife screaming at me, and she hasn't even read this post yet.
Hi honey! It's okay, I'm just sharing some knowledge and I'm not advocating anything illegal, and I'm not encouraging or advising anyone to do anything illegal or unlawful. I take no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information.
Local police, state authorities, the DEA and other federal agencies really take a dim view of manufacturing, distributing and using illicit pharmaceuticals as well as the misuse of prescription meds. So, again, I'm not advocating that anyone do anything with what I'm about to say except enjoy it as a piece of factually based fiction.
If you, or someone you know, has been negatively impacted by the drug trade or use or misuse of drugs, I am truly sorry. This post isn't meant for you, and I do not mean to upset you, and I will strongly encourage you to stop reading now.
I personally do not use drugs (I'd lose my job if I did), but I have this unnatural appetite to learn about a wide variety of esoteric subjects. One of the subjects that has fascinated me is traditional medicinal plants. More than just using aloe for treating burns. Eventually, the path led me down to hallucinogenics and their uses by native peoples in their traditions.
This isn't going to be a "how to" type of post. I'll post a couple of links at the bottom if people are more interested in the "how to". This is just something to pack away as a just in case bit of knowledge.
Those of us who have been around long enough remember the periodic downturns in the American economy and the coincidental rise in drug use.
The 70's, rampant inflation, oil shortages, high unemployment and the explosion of cocaine and heroin use.
In the early 1980's. Same thing.
In the early 1990's. Cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstacy (E), and other designer drugs as well as a huge increase in the abuse of prescription drugs such as Oxycontin.
I've never been able to locate any real numbers for drug use/abuse during The Great Depression. My dad (born in 1921) told me that when he was eight, he was still able to purchase cocaine from a local apothecary even though it was banned from sale in the US in 1914.
People love to escape. During The Great Depression, Prohibition was also in force, yet this did not end the production and consumption of alcohol (a drug, by the way). Speakeasies were the rage. Not only did liquor flow, but entertainment was to be found.
Movie houses still drew crowds. In fact, "The Golden Age Of Hollywood" began during The Great Depression.
As we slide into what many are starting to call "The Second Great Depression", it is obvious to many of us that in addition to many perils, we are presented with a great many opportunities. This is the time when fortunes can be created, and empires built.
Joseph P. Kennedy is said to have been involved in the smuggling of liquor and guns. NASCAR was built on moonshine. Check out Mayberry Moonshine (don't know if it is our Mayberry or not but if it is, why isn't he sharing? Just kidding.). The mob amassed a vast fortune that financed the creation of Las Vegas.
Government agencies have always been playing catch up when it comes to the drug culture. One of the newer plants to become targeted by the establishment is called "Salvia Divinorum" It is illegal in a handful of states, but is still legal in the remaining states. Take a peek at how much cuttings of the plants cost on the web. Just put "Buy Live Salvia Divinorum" into Google. I suspect that when they finally manage to get Salvia on the prohibited list, they will begin the same war on "Painted Nettle". Painted Nettle is used as a substitute by native peoples when they are unable to obtain Salvia. It apparently isn't quite as potent as Salvia, so a larger quantity must be used.
The funny thing is, Painted Nettle can be found in many back yards around the country. I've seen it in the garden center of a famous national chain of home improvement centers. It is rumored that Salvia Divinorum was used by some southern states as a ground cover along newly constructed roadways because it grew so aggressively and covered the exposed terrain quickly. So, if you're in a southern state traveling a roadway bordered by trees, and the area you're in is humid and the ground is always damp, look at the photos of Salvia Divinorum closely, and pay attention when you drive around. You may just score.
You all know Peyote. But do you know the San Pedro Cactus? Peyote = illegal. San Pedro Cactus = legal. Peyote has a concentration of 3% mescaline dried. San Pedro has 2% mescaline dried. So what's the difference? San Pedro Cactus is found in landscaping all over the place, and Peyote is found in the desert and you'll go to jail for even picking up the plant.
While you're looking at the San Pedro Cactus, take a look at its cousin, the more rare Peruvian Torch. The Peruvian Torch is supposed to have the highest concentration of mescaline. Yes, you are quite right, it is perfectly legal.
I'm going to stop here, but I think you all get the idea.
If you want a really excellent book on psychoactive plants, I recommend "Plants Of The Gods" by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hoffman, and Christian Ratsch.
Links:
The Vaults Of Erowid
Shroomery
Hi honey! It's okay, I'm just sharing some knowledge and I'm not advocating anything illegal, and I'm not encouraging or advising anyone to do anything illegal or unlawful. I take no responsibility for the use or misuse of this information.
Local police, state authorities, the DEA and other federal agencies really take a dim view of manufacturing, distributing and using illicit pharmaceuticals as well as the misuse of prescription meds. So, again, I'm not advocating that anyone do anything with what I'm about to say except enjoy it as a piece of factually based fiction.
If you, or someone you know, has been negatively impacted by the drug trade or use or misuse of drugs, I am truly sorry. This post isn't meant for you, and I do not mean to upset you, and I will strongly encourage you to stop reading now.
I personally do not use drugs (I'd lose my job if I did), but I have this unnatural appetite to learn about a wide variety of esoteric subjects. One of the subjects that has fascinated me is traditional medicinal plants. More than just using aloe for treating burns. Eventually, the path led me down to hallucinogenics and their uses by native peoples in their traditions.
This isn't going to be a "how to" type of post. I'll post a couple of links at the bottom if people are more interested in the "how to". This is just something to pack away as a just in case bit of knowledge.
Those of us who have been around long enough remember the periodic downturns in the American economy and the coincidental rise in drug use.
The 70's, rampant inflation, oil shortages, high unemployment and the explosion of cocaine and heroin use.
In the early 1980's. Same thing.
In the early 1990's. Cocaine, methamphetamines, Ecstacy (E), and other designer drugs as well as a huge increase in the abuse of prescription drugs such as Oxycontin.
I've never been able to locate any real numbers for drug use/abuse during The Great Depression. My dad (born in 1921) told me that when he was eight, he was still able to purchase cocaine from a local apothecary even though it was banned from sale in the US in 1914.
People love to escape. During The Great Depression, Prohibition was also in force, yet this did not end the production and consumption of alcohol (a drug, by the way). Speakeasies were the rage. Not only did liquor flow, but entertainment was to be found.
Movie houses still drew crowds. In fact, "The Golden Age Of Hollywood" began during The Great Depression.
As we slide into what many are starting to call "The Second Great Depression", it is obvious to many of us that in addition to many perils, we are presented with a great many opportunities. This is the time when fortunes can be created, and empires built.
Joseph P. Kennedy is said to have been involved in the smuggling of liquor and guns. NASCAR was built on moonshine. Check out Mayberry Moonshine (don't know if it is our Mayberry or not but if it is, why isn't he sharing? Just kidding.). The mob amassed a vast fortune that financed the creation of Las Vegas.
Government agencies have always been playing catch up when it comes to the drug culture. One of the newer plants to become targeted by the establishment is called "Salvia Divinorum" It is illegal in a handful of states, but is still legal in the remaining states. Take a peek at how much cuttings of the plants cost on the web. Just put "Buy Live Salvia Divinorum" into Google. I suspect that when they finally manage to get Salvia on the prohibited list, they will begin the same war on "Painted Nettle". Painted Nettle is used as a substitute by native peoples when they are unable to obtain Salvia. It apparently isn't quite as potent as Salvia, so a larger quantity must be used.
The funny thing is, Painted Nettle can be found in many back yards around the country. I've seen it in the garden center of a famous national chain of home improvement centers. It is rumored that Salvia Divinorum was used by some southern states as a ground cover along newly constructed roadways because it grew so aggressively and covered the exposed terrain quickly. So, if you're in a southern state traveling a roadway bordered by trees, and the area you're in is humid and the ground is always damp, look at the photos of Salvia Divinorum closely, and pay attention when you drive around. You may just score.
You all know Peyote. But do you know the San Pedro Cactus? Peyote = illegal. San Pedro Cactus = legal. Peyote has a concentration of 3% mescaline dried. San Pedro has 2% mescaline dried. So what's the difference? San Pedro Cactus is found in landscaping all over the place, and Peyote is found in the desert and you'll go to jail for even picking up the plant.
While you're looking at the San Pedro Cactus, take a look at its cousin, the more rare Peruvian Torch. The Peruvian Torch is supposed to have the highest concentration of mescaline. Yes, you are quite right, it is perfectly legal.
I'm going to stop here, but I think you all get the idea.
If you want a really excellent book on psychoactive plants, I recommend "Plants Of The Gods" by Richard Evans Schultes, Albert Hoffman, and Christian Ratsch.
Links:
The Vaults Of Erowid
Shroomery
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas.
Two simple words. They mean a lot to me. They meant a lot to me even before I became a Christian. Home. Family. Warmth. Inclement weather. Good food. Good friends. A celebration of the value of our relationships. A season for forgiving. A time to start anew.
As I am now a "mere Christian", they signify the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord.
In my journey from childhood to adulthood, I've watched the phrase "Merry Christmas" all but disappear from the world around me. It's been replaced by "Happy Holidays". I've heard all the reasons given by various erudite personages who claim that "Happy Holidays" isn't offensive to those who aren't Christian by faith.
I wasn't always a Christian, and as a non-Christian, and even at one point an atheist, I wasn't offended by those words. They didn't have the meaning "birth of Christ" attached to them in my mind. I fail to understand what is so offensive about offering someone wishes for the best for home, family and future.
I come from an odd family. Maybe I'll write about it one day here and tell you about my uncles who served in the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II (one a Kamikaze), and how I had an uncle who was a Nazi major, and my father who landed at Normandy with the goal to end the Nazi regime.
Marriage creates such magnificent opportunities!
My mother is Japanese. She still practices the ancient religion of Japan. It is called Shinto. My father was a Methodist. Both agreed when they married that they would leave the choice of religion up to the children. My mother still celebrates Christmas even though my dad left this world over twenty years ago.
I asked her about it one time and why she, unlike so many others of different faiths, did not take offense to Christmas.
She looked at me as only a mother can look at her child when she's convinced that she's given birth to a moron.
"I pity the people who can not enjoy Christmas", she said. "If someone is so mean of spirit and small of mind that they can not celebrate the birth of a child, ANY child, then the meaning of Christmas has escaped them. No matter the number of holy days in their faiths, or the meanings behind them will erase the fact that they are hollow people with hollow faiths. We can argue the merits and faults of Christ, Christianity, and Christiandom until we are all blue in the face, but it doesn't eliminate the fact that a child was born that day."
Amen, mom. Amen.
Two simple words. They mean a lot to me. They meant a lot to me even before I became a Christian. Home. Family. Warmth. Inclement weather. Good food. Good friends. A celebration of the value of our relationships. A season for forgiving. A time to start anew.
As I am now a "mere Christian", they signify the celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord.
In my journey from childhood to adulthood, I've watched the phrase "Merry Christmas" all but disappear from the world around me. It's been replaced by "Happy Holidays". I've heard all the reasons given by various erudite personages who claim that "Happy Holidays" isn't offensive to those who aren't Christian by faith.
I wasn't always a Christian, and as a non-Christian, and even at one point an atheist, I wasn't offended by those words. They didn't have the meaning "birth of Christ" attached to them in my mind. I fail to understand what is so offensive about offering someone wishes for the best for home, family and future.
I come from an odd family. Maybe I'll write about it one day here and tell you about my uncles who served in the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II (one a Kamikaze), and how I had an uncle who was a Nazi major, and my father who landed at Normandy with the goal to end the Nazi regime.
Marriage creates such magnificent opportunities!
My mother is Japanese. She still practices the ancient religion of Japan. It is called Shinto. My father was a Methodist. Both agreed when they married that they would leave the choice of religion up to the children. My mother still celebrates Christmas even though my dad left this world over twenty years ago.
I asked her about it one time and why she, unlike so many others of different faiths, did not take offense to Christmas.
She looked at me as only a mother can look at her child when she's convinced that she's given birth to a moron.
"I pity the people who can not enjoy Christmas", she said. "If someone is so mean of spirit and small of mind that they can not celebrate the birth of a child, ANY child, then the meaning of Christmas has escaped them. No matter the number of holy days in their faiths, or the meanings behind them will erase the fact that they are hollow people with hollow faiths. We can argue the merits and faults of Christ, Christianity, and Christiandom until we are all blue in the face, but it doesn't eliminate the fact that a child was born that day."
Amen, mom. Amen.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Patriotism isn't dead
- I received this in my e-mail today from a woman I have known since we were both kids. Definitely worth a visit to this site to view the video and listen to the kids. God Bless Them all.
- "Get a load of these high school kids. At the conclusion listen to the high notes on the trumpet . . . played by a high school kid? One of the fathers recorded it, added some graphic enhancements to the recording, and posted it on the web.
- The song, of course, is the "Battle Hymn Of The Republic." Be prepared . . . it will definitely send a few shivers up your spine."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Refrigerated Beach?
Uh okay....
You know, if the once again climbing price of gasoline (here locally, last week $1.54 gal this week $1.69 gal) isn't enough to get you conserve fuel, then look at this.
The American people have always been held up to the world as a people to scorn due to our "conspicuous consumption".
I think the title belongs to the Arab states.
Who the hell builds a refrigerated beach?
Just had to throw this in, and now I have to bail and get to work.
You know, if the once again climbing price of gasoline (here locally, last week $1.54 gal this week $1.69 gal) isn't enough to get you conserve fuel, then look at this.
The American people have always been held up to the world as a people to scorn due to our "conspicuous consumption".
I think the title belongs to the Arab states.
Who the hell builds a refrigerated beach?
Just had to throw this in, and now I have to bail and get to work.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Victory Gardens and Micro Farming
During World War I, the late stages of The Great Depression and World War II, the small family plots containing fresh vegetables, herbs, and other foodstuffs were called "Victory Gardens"
The Victory Garden on a slightly larger scale (2 -5 acres) is called a Micro Farm.
Victory Gardens and Micro Farming are an excellent way to offset high food prices, and insulate oneself and one's family against possible shortages as the economy continues to contract. There are also health benefits to be realized. One knows exactly how the produce was raised, and what (if any) chemicals were used on it. The food is straight from your garden to your table which means it is fresher and has a higher nutrient content.
If one has purchased heirloom seeds, the garden is self regenerating, as some seed from the current crop is set aside for the next cycle. Heirloom seeds are open pollinated, non-hybrid seeds that reproduce true from cycle to cycle.
Currently it is the middle of December here in California, but I have 72 Green Bell Pepper Plants along with about 16 Capsicum Pepper plants started. There are also a couple of Portuguese Hot Peppers, a couple of Jalapenos, and a couple of Italian Sweet Peppers. There's also a few "mystery" plants.
The "mystery" plants are from a bag of seed I found in my seed stash that either I forgot to label, or the label fell off somewhere. As they have continued to grow, I'm thinking that they may be a Honeydew Melon.
All of these are growing, in of all places, the master bedroom of my home. The master bedroom has three large south facing windows that provide an ample amount of light, even if the days are short.
The bedroom garden started as an experiment to see how early I could start a crop of plants and maintain them indoors, and how well they would perform. My wife and I planted the seeds back at the end of October just as the last of the harvests for this area were being brought in.
I am not providing the plants with anything other than natural light, organic fertilizer, and water. They are not in a greenhouse, and do not have heated beds. Yes, there are heated beds for starting plants. They're basically a heating pad placed below the flats. There are some excellent suggestions here for starting plants with exterior heat sources other than expensive commercial flat heaters.
I'm not using the winter sowing method, as many peppers require warm, dry environments.
So far, the plants seem to be strong and healthy, but are growing slowly. This is to be expected as the temperature in the room doesn't exceed 68 degrees F. There's only about 6 hours of good, fairly strong daylight at this time of year. Sunrise 0717 Sunset 1651 today.
Many herbs lend themselves to use as landscaping. I have an abundance of Rosemary that has taken over an entire plot and must be thinned regularly. One of the nicest sites that I have found with good photos is Malaysia Gardening and Landscaping Blog. The photos illustrate that the landscaping around your home can look magnificent and be edible too. Gardens Ablaze has some recommendations on which herb to use where for effective landscaping. If you decide to use herbs in your landscaping, this book is recommended. Landscaping with Herbs, James Adams. Google allows you to view selected pages here.
There's a blog called Tiny Farm Blog that chronicles the daily life of a two acre micro farm. I also enjoy visiting the website of The Laughing Dog Farm which was started by a former teacher.
To get an idea of how productive a Victory Garden, or Micro farm can be, check out this site. It is the site of an urban micro farm located in Pasadena, California. Look to the left side of the page down to Urban Homestead Facts. Impressive, isn't it? 6,000 pounds of food annually. They even produce their own bio fuel off of less than 1/5 of an acre along with everything else!
The Victory Garden on a slightly larger scale (2 -5 acres) is called a Micro Farm.
Victory Gardens and Micro Farming are an excellent way to offset high food prices, and insulate oneself and one's family against possible shortages as the economy continues to contract. There are also health benefits to be realized. One knows exactly how the produce was raised, and what (if any) chemicals were used on it. The food is straight from your garden to your table which means it is fresher and has a higher nutrient content.
If one has purchased heirloom seeds, the garden is self regenerating, as some seed from the current crop is set aside for the next cycle. Heirloom seeds are open pollinated, non-hybrid seeds that reproduce true from cycle to cycle.
Currently it is the middle of December here in California, but I have 72 Green Bell Pepper Plants along with about 16 Capsicum Pepper plants started. There are also a couple of Portuguese Hot Peppers, a couple of Jalapenos, and a couple of Italian Sweet Peppers. There's also a few "mystery" plants.
The "mystery" plants are from a bag of seed I found in my seed stash that either I forgot to label, or the label fell off somewhere. As they have continued to grow, I'm thinking that they may be a Honeydew Melon.
All of these are growing, in of all places, the master bedroom of my home. The master bedroom has three large south facing windows that provide an ample amount of light, even if the days are short.
The bedroom garden started as an experiment to see how early I could start a crop of plants and maintain them indoors, and how well they would perform. My wife and I planted the seeds back at the end of October just as the last of the harvests for this area were being brought in.
I am not providing the plants with anything other than natural light, organic fertilizer, and water. They are not in a greenhouse, and do not have heated beds. Yes, there are heated beds for starting plants. They're basically a heating pad placed below the flats. There are some excellent suggestions here for starting plants with exterior heat sources other than expensive commercial flat heaters.
I'm not using the winter sowing method, as many peppers require warm, dry environments.
So far, the plants seem to be strong and healthy, but are growing slowly. This is to be expected as the temperature in the room doesn't exceed 68 degrees F. There's only about 6 hours of good, fairly strong daylight at this time of year. Sunrise 0717 Sunset 1651 today.
Many herbs lend themselves to use as landscaping. I have an abundance of Rosemary that has taken over an entire plot and must be thinned regularly. One of the nicest sites that I have found with good photos is Malaysia Gardening and Landscaping Blog. The photos illustrate that the landscaping around your home can look magnificent and be edible too. Gardens Ablaze has some recommendations on which herb to use where for effective landscaping. If you decide to use herbs in your landscaping, this book is recommended. Landscaping with Herbs, James Adams. Google allows you to view selected pages here.
There's a blog called Tiny Farm Blog that chronicles the daily life of a two acre micro farm. I also enjoy visiting the website of The Laughing Dog Farm which was started by a former teacher.
To get an idea of how productive a Victory Garden, or Micro farm can be, check out this site. It is the site of an urban micro farm located in Pasadena, California. Look to the left side of the page down to Urban Homestead Facts. Impressive, isn't it? 6,000 pounds of food annually. They even produce their own bio fuel off of less than 1/5 of an acre along with everything else!
Walking Across Britain
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/11/walking-across-britain.php
I ran across this article and thought some of you might find it interesting. These guys just decided to take off without cell phones, money, or food and just walk around Britain.
It is a novel way to survive.
There's a link to their myspace page in the article.
I ran across this article and thought some of you might find it interesting. These guys just decided to take off without cell phones, money, or food and just walk around Britain.
It is a novel way to survive.
There's a link to their myspace page in the article.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Diversification and Secession
"Don't Blame Me. I voted for Jefferson Davis." reads one bumper sticker.
I understand that many will have visceral reactions to the name and his connection to the South, slavery, and The War Of Secession (often referred to as The American Civil War). Too often complex issues are simplified in such a manner as to appeal strictly to raw emotion rather than strict intellect. Intellectual arguments require more effort on the part of those attempting to influence the population. Often those intellectual attempts at persuasion have the opposite effect as even the most somnambulant members of the population often awaken to the fact that they are being manipulated.
The very name, "American Civil War" is one such example. The entire episode is often distilled down in many circles (ex. many public schools) as being a war waged against slavery. It is infinitely more complex. It wasn't even a "civil war" if one looks at the definition of a "civil war".
It is much more simple to appeal to the emotional side of a person. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is a master of this technique. Jim Brady, who was wounded in an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, is now confined to a wheelchair. His wife, Sarah, seems to use him as a prop. Jim is paraded around for all to see what terrible things guns can do. Larry Flint, who was also similarly wounded in an assassination attempt and is also confined to a wheelchair, is (to my knowledge) never seen accompanying Sarah or Jim Brady as they attempt to strip Americans of their Rights as guaranteed by the US Constitution.
I wonder why.
Could it be that Larry Flint just doesn't seem to generate the same emotional response as Jim Brady?
Please be careful when people start throwing stuff in front of you trying to garner your support. If it generates an emotional reaction in you before an intellectual one, take a real good look at it and take time to look behind the curtain.
That includes what I pen here in this blog.
But, back to the topic at hand.
Jefferson Davis was a strong proponent of States Rights, and opposed centralization of power. Discussions regarding the issue of a strong central, federal, government and the dangers thereof go back to the founding of this nation. If one has not availed themselves of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings, it would serve one well to read them.
It is interesting to note that some of what was warned against in the Anti-Federalist papers is now coming to pass here in the United States.
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers serve to expand on the positions of The Founding Fathers. Many times we see the talking heads on various news programs drag some expert in front of the camera only to have that "expert" say something like "well, we really don't know what The Founding Fathers meant when they wrote "x"." Then the experts go on to making specious arguments supporting a position designed to further consolidate power into a few federal government hands, and removing that same power from the people's hands, where it should reside. After all, if those experts don't know what the Founding Fathers meant, how can they then justify centralizing that power? Perhaps, by the expert's own admission, the meaning was entirely opposite of that which the experts have chosen. Perhaps they should just read the 10th Amendment.
All those "experts" can go wash used toilet paper for a living as far as I'm concerned. All of the documents written by our Founding Fathers were written in plain English. There is no difficulty in understanding exactly what was meant when they wrote them.
The centralization of power in the Federal Government has helped send our fellow citizens off to needless wars and has helped create the current economic mess we find ourselves in. Our Founding Fathers warned and advised against becoming involved in foreign adventures and wars, and warned against having a central bank (now known as The Federal Reserve).
It seems some folks have just gotten fed up with all the nonsense from the fools and idiots we have running the show and have seceded from The Union.
That's right. They seceded.
One more time, yes, you read it correctly. They have seceded.
It happened back in 2007, and not much has been written about it, but as more secessionist movements gain steam around the country, I'm sure that will change.
The Lakota have nullified all treaties with the US government, and have declared themselves independent. You can read the story here. A more in depth article may be found here.
If you follow the "DailyPaul", then you've seen this article where the Lakota have established their own, non-reserve, non-fractional reserve bank. This bank only issues real money. Gold and silver. Visit the website of the bank here.
Now may be the time for you to diversify your funds and put some away in hard precious metals.
Make sure you check out the privacy page. They do not want your name and social security number.
How often does that happen when you go to any other bank?
When European refugees first arrived here in the New World, they were greeted and welcomed by the those who came to be known as Native Americans, or First Nations. Without the assistance of the Native Americans showing the early arrivals the way to survive in this New World, many communities would have perished.
Native Americans are once again extending their hand in friendship to those of us who once again find ourselves refugees. Refugees in our own country. The steps taken by the Lakota to once again set all of us free deserve our recognition and support.
I understand that many will have visceral reactions to the name and his connection to the South, slavery, and The War Of Secession (often referred to as The American Civil War). Too often complex issues are simplified in such a manner as to appeal strictly to raw emotion rather than strict intellect. Intellectual arguments require more effort on the part of those attempting to influence the population. Often those intellectual attempts at persuasion have the opposite effect as even the most somnambulant members of the population often awaken to the fact that they are being manipulated.
The very name, "American Civil War" is one such example. The entire episode is often distilled down in many circles (ex. many public schools) as being a war waged against slavery. It is infinitely more complex. It wasn't even a "civil war" if one looks at the definition of a "civil war".
It is much more simple to appeal to the emotional side of a person. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is a master of this technique. Jim Brady, who was wounded in an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, is now confined to a wheelchair. His wife, Sarah, seems to use him as a prop. Jim is paraded around for all to see what terrible things guns can do. Larry Flint, who was also similarly wounded in an assassination attempt and is also confined to a wheelchair, is (to my knowledge) never seen accompanying Sarah or Jim Brady as they attempt to strip Americans of their Rights as guaranteed by the US Constitution.
I wonder why.
Could it be that Larry Flint just doesn't seem to generate the same emotional response as Jim Brady?
Please be careful when people start throwing stuff in front of you trying to garner your support. If it generates an emotional reaction in you before an intellectual one, take a real good look at it and take time to look behind the curtain.
That includes what I pen here in this blog.
But, back to the topic at hand.
Jefferson Davis was a strong proponent of States Rights, and opposed centralization of power. Discussions regarding the issue of a strong central, federal, government and the dangers thereof go back to the founding of this nation. If one has not availed themselves of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings, it would serve one well to read them.
It is interesting to note that some of what was warned against in the Anti-Federalist papers is now coming to pass here in the United States.
The Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers serve to expand on the positions of The Founding Fathers. Many times we see the talking heads on various news programs drag some expert in front of the camera only to have that "expert" say something like "well, we really don't know what The Founding Fathers meant when they wrote "x"." Then the experts go on to making specious arguments supporting a position designed to further consolidate power into a few federal government hands, and removing that same power from the people's hands, where it should reside. After all, if those experts don't know what the Founding Fathers meant, how can they then justify centralizing that power? Perhaps, by the expert's own admission, the meaning was entirely opposite of that which the experts have chosen. Perhaps they should just read the 10th Amendment.
All those "experts" can go wash used toilet paper for a living as far as I'm concerned. All of the documents written by our Founding Fathers were written in plain English. There is no difficulty in understanding exactly what was meant when they wrote them.
The centralization of power in the Federal Government has helped send our fellow citizens off to needless wars and has helped create the current economic mess we find ourselves in. Our Founding Fathers warned and advised against becoming involved in foreign adventures and wars, and warned against having a central bank (now known as The Federal Reserve).
It seems some folks have just gotten fed up with all the nonsense from the fools and idiots we have running the show and have seceded from The Union.
That's right. They seceded.
One more time, yes, you read it correctly. They have seceded.
It happened back in 2007, and not much has been written about it, but as more secessionist movements gain steam around the country, I'm sure that will change.
The Lakota have nullified all treaties with the US government, and have declared themselves independent. You can read the story here. A more in depth article may be found here.
If you follow the "DailyPaul", then you've seen this article where the Lakota have established their own, non-reserve, non-fractional reserve bank. This bank only issues real money. Gold and silver. Visit the website of the bank here.
Now may be the time for you to diversify your funds and put some away in hard precious metals.
Make sure you check out the privacy page. They do not want your name and social security number.
How often does that happen when you go to any other bank?
When European refugees first arrived here in the New World, they were greeted and welcomed by the those who came to be known as Native Americans, or First Nations. Without the assistance of the Native Americans showing the early arrivals the way to survive in this New World, many communities would have perished.
Native Americans are once again extending their hand in friendship to those of us who once again find ourselves refugees. Refugees in our own country. The steps taken by the Lakota to once again set all of us free deserve our recognition and support.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bettie Page
Betty Mae PageApril 22, 1923 - December 11, 2008
There are so many things that are so uniquely American. Corvettes, '55 and '56 Chevys, Sock Hops, and the make out spots along many country roads. Betty Mae Page, who latter became "Bettie Page" to the world, was one of them. May you rest in peace, Bettie. I'm sure I'm not the only man out here who thanks you for making adolescence an interesting experience.
How to prepare for earthquakes
The nice thing about preparing for a disaster, is that you're prepared for many different kinds of disasters.
I hope you have stored food, water, extra clothes, and items for sanitary needs. The problem with earthquakes is that many times your home may be damaged, or destroyed which will make retrieving your preparedness items tricky at best, or impossible at worst.
Always store non-perishable backup supplies in your vehicles. Have spare tools for shutting off gas and water supplies in your vehicle if possible. Have extra gloves and eye protection too. A bump cap or hard hat is nice to have if you have to navigate a damaged structure. A nail or screw in the old noggin isn't fun.
Dust masks should be stored too. If you live or work in an area of older homes or buildings, keep in mind that asbestos may be released into the air when a building is damaged. Then there's the really fun stuff like bat guano (depending on where you are) which can lead to other issues other than mesothelioma.
If you have to wear dress or business casual clothes to work, pack a set of durable clothes (or a heavy coverall) and heavy shoes or boots. There will be broken glass and metal debris to contend with. Make sure the footwear is comfortable enough to walk long distances in. You may have to hoof it home.
One thing that many preparedness lists overlook are reflective safety vests. They're inexpensive at places like Home Depot and Lowes. You may find yourself outside at dark with out any electrical power. People attempting to drive will need help seeing you in the dark.
Pack your home supplies in large plastic totes, or durable surplus military footlockers. The footlockers will survive much better than plastic if there is a collapse. However, the footlockers tend to be more expensive, heavier, and not as roomy as the plastic totes. If possible, store your preparedness supplies in an area close to an exterior wall. A small closet adjacent to an exterior wall tends to be more structurally sound, and may survive a quake better than other areas. If you do experience a complete collapse of your dwelling, it will tend to be easier to retrieve as well.
One of the best guides that I have read for earthquake preparedness is published by the Los Angeles Fire Department. It doesn't treat the reader like a complete newbie. It can be downloaded and printed from here.
The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) also have an excellent online resource for contending with quakes. Unlike the LA Fire Department's guide, it isn't in a easily printed format, but it should be read as it links to related issues which may occur post quake. You can view it here.
The US Geological Survey has a comprehensive set of links to help nearly everyone, including business owners, cope with the aftermath of a quake. They can be viewed here.
I've looked at many of the earthquake preparedness kits offered for sale on line, and I'd advise you to avoid them. They tend to be generic (not specific to your individual needs), contain items of dubious quantity or quality, or are over priced. You would be well served if you invested the time in assembling your own kits.
I hope you have stored food, water, extra clothes, and items for sanitary needs. The problem with earthquakes is that many times your home may be damaged, or destroyed which will make retrieving your preparedness items tricky at best, or impossible at worst.
Always store non-perishable backup supplies in your vehicles. Have spare tools for shutting off gas and water supplies in your vehicle if possible. Have extra gloves and eye protection too. A bump cap or hard hat is nice to have if you have to navigate a damaged structure. A nail or screw in the old noggin isn't fun.
Dust masks should be stored too. If you live or work in an area of older homes or buildings, keep in mind that asbestos may be released into the air when a building is damaged. Then there's the really fun stuff like bat guano (depending on where you are) which can lead to other issues other than mesothelioma.
If you have to wear dress or business casual clothes to work, pack a set of durable clothes (or a heavy coverall) and heavy shoes or boots. There will be broken glass and metal debris to contend with. Make sure the footwear is comfortable enough to walk long distances in. You may have to hoof it home.
One thing that many preparedness lists overlook are reflective safety vests. They're inexpensive at places like Home Depot and Lowes. You may find yourself outside at dark with out any electrical power. People attempting to drive will need help seeing you in the dark.
Pack your home supplies in large plastic totes, or durable surplus military footlockers. The footlockers will survive much better than plastic if there is a collapse. However, the footlockers tend to be more expensive, heavier, and not as roomy as the plastic totes. If possible, store your preparedness supplies in an area close to an exterior wall. A small closet adjacent to an exterior wall tends to be more structurally sound, and may survive a quake better than other areas. If you do experience a complete collapse of your dwelling, it will tend to be easier to retrieve as well.
One of the best guides that I have read for earthquake preparedness is published by the Los Angeles Fire Department. It doesn't treat the reader like a complete newbie. It can be downloaded and printed from here.
The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) also have an excellent online resource for contending with quakes. Unlike the LA Fire Department's guide, it isn't in a easily printed format, but it should be read as it links to related issues which may occur post quake. You can view it here.
The US Geological Survey has a comprehensive set of links to help nearly everyone, including business owners, cope with the aftermath of a quake. They can be viewed here.
I've looked at many of the earthquake preparedness kits offered for sale on line, and I'd advise you to avoid them. They tend to be generic (not specific to your individual needs), contain items of dubious quantity or quality, or are over priced. You would be well served if you invested the time in assembling your own kits.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Back to Earthquakes
I posted back in November ( dang how time flies) my experience in the Loma Prieta Quake of 1989.
I'm targeting these quake posts for all of you in the mid section of this country who may not have had experiences with quakes. There has been some speculation of the New Madrid fault line letting go again.
The New Madrid quake of December, 1811 was the largest recorded earthquake experienced to date in the United States. There are estimates being made that it was at least 10 on today's Richter Scale. The quake was centered in New Madrid, Missouri. It destroyed the town (some reports state that houses and occupants were swallowed by the earth), caused the Mississipi River to run BACKWARDS, and rang church bells as far away as Boston.
The link for an explanation of the Richter Scale has some math associated with it, but don't let it put you off. The important thing to walk away with is that the scale is logarithmic and not linear. There is a section toward the bottom of the page that equates earthquake magnitudes to explosives (for those of you who love explosives as much as I do). When you look at that, keep in mind the Loma Prieta Quake was estimated at anywhere between a 7.0 and 7.2. The New Madrid is guestimated at being a 10. See how much more TNT you would need? That's the magic of log functions!
You can read an eyewitness account of what transpired in New Madrid here.
There is also an account of a Kentucky resident. You can read it here.
I admit that I found the Kentucky account somewhat humorous when I read it. My father was originally a farm boy from Pennsylvania and sometimes he would lapse into speaking in a similar manner.
The US Geological Survey maintains a web page that shows earthquake activity across the country and around the world. You can view it here.
Looking at it? Good.
See the map of the US? See all the activity around California, Alaska and Hawaii? And the rest of the country is bare....except for..... yes, click on those dots on the border of Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. The dots will tell you where, when, and the magnitude of the quakes.
There is a geologist named James Berkland who runs a website that predicts earthquakes. He was suspended by the state of California for predicting, accurately, the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. His other predictions have been similarly successful. Take a peek at his site and look at his track record.
He has stated publicly that we are now in a window for earthquake activity based on the fact that the moon is at perigee tomorrow, December 12, 2008. The close proximity of the moon to the Earth will increase tidal forces which seem to influence quake activity.
I'm targeting these quake posts for all of you in the mid section of this country who may not have had experiences with quakes. There has been some speculation of the New Madrid fault line letting go again.
The New Madrid quake of December, 1811 was the largest recorded earthquake experienced to date in the United States. There are estimates being made that it was at least 10 on today's Richter Scale. The quake was centered in New Madrid, Missouri. It destroyed the town (some reports state that houses and occupants were swallowed by the earth), caused the Mississipi River to run BACKWARDS, and rang church bells as far away as Boston.
The link for an explanation of the Richter Scale has some math associated with it, but don't let it put you off. The important thing to walk away with is that the scale is logarithmic and not linear. There is a section toward the bottom of the page that equates earthquake magnitudes to explosives (for those of you who love explosives as much as I do). When you look at that, keep in mind the Loma Prieta Quake was estimated at anywhere between a 7.0 and 7.2. The New Madrid is guestimated at being a 10. See how much more TNT you would need? That's the magic of log functions!
You can read an eyewitness account of what transpired in New Madrid here.
There is also an account of a Kentucky resident. You can read it here.
I admit that I found the Kentucky account somewhat humorous when I read it. My father was originally a farm boy from Pennsylvania and sometimes he would lapse into speaking in a similar manner.
The US Geological Survey maintains a web page that shows earthquake activity across the country and around the world. You can view it here.
Looking at it? Good.
See the map of the US? See all the activity around California, Alaska and Hawaii? And the rest of the country is bare....except for..... yes, click on those dots on the border of Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. The dots will tell you where, when, and the magnitude of the quakes.
There is a geologist named James Berkland who runs a website that predicts earthquakes. He was suspended by the state of California for predicting, accurately, the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. His other predictions have been similarly successful. Take a peek at his site and look at his track record.
He has stated publicly that we are now in a window for earthquake activity based on the fact that the moon is at perigee tomorrow, December 12, 2008. The close proximity of the moon to the Earth will increase tidal forces which seem to influence quake activity.
Monday, November 24, 2008
New Madrid Quake?
Earthquake.
Living here in California, I've been through a few. I was sitting in a Denny's Restaurant (finally getting around to eating lunch) about four miles from the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The Denny's is located off of Highway 17 in Scotts Valley near the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
I had no idea how devastating the quake was until I arrived home. I should have guessed how bad it was when the power went out and the lamp poles in the parking lot were waving like palm trees in a hurricane.
I just tossed a $20.00 on the counter and bolted for my truck.
If you missed it, or were in part of the country that kinda was hoping California was going to fall off into the ocean, you can look at some gnarly (pronounced NAR-lee for all you hodads out there) photos here.
I wasn't able to receive any radio stations on the stereo in my old Dodge Ram. Just static came through, so I think I was listening to the soundtrack from the movie "Innerspace". I had this thing for the music of Wang Chung at the time. Hey, it was the 80's and I guess you had to be there. Navigating a mountain after an earthquake is an interesting experience. The strange thing is, I remember very little of the trip. Just bits and pieces of it.
When I got down off the mountain and into Los Gatos, it was freakin' sureal. It was starting to get dark, and there were cop cars, ambulances, firetrucks, city vehicles all with their lights flashing all over the place. Man, it was like being at Studio 54 while on acid. It was probably even worse news for some poor epileptic who got caught out there in that stroboscopic nightmare.
Toppled power poles. Collapsed buildings. Houses off their foundations. People standing dumbstruck in the streets. Dogs and kids running everywhere. And darkness coming with the power out.
Back then cell phones were expensive and somewhat of a rarity. Not to mention they were so huge you could use them as a weapon. I had a pager, but it wasn't working. Well, more accurately no one could page me because the phones were either out or overloaded by the volume of calls.
I had no idea how freaked out my girlfriend (now my wife) was and how she was trying to reach me. I had no idea that the dispatchers for the company I work for were trying madly to reach me via pager, and by calling my home.
Nope.
I was playing tourist on my drive home to San Jose. Just taking in the sights of chaos and destruction that surrounded me.
When I got home, I was greeted by one of my housemates. He was sitting soaking wet wearing his swim trunks in the living room eating a bowl of cereal and watching TV. Several blocks of homes around us didn't lose power after the quake, but it did come and go through the next week as repairs to surrounding areas were made.
I saw the scenes of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge on the TV. My housemate was upset that World Series had been interrupted. It was then I noticed that the carpet in the living room was soaked, and that the pool was half empty.
I asked my housemate about it. "Dude, it was so GNARLY! The pool was like a giant tidal wave, man! I didn't know it was coming so I totally barnwallered!" The fool had been in the pool when the quake hit. The water sloshed out like when kids move the water back and forth in a bath tub. It explained why the carpet was soaked.
He's lucky that the water hadn't thrown him head first into the side of the pool.
It started to dawn on me that this whole thing was pretty serious.
I tried to call my mom, brother, boss, the dispatchers, and my girlfriend. The lines were completely jammed.
"Dude, have you been upstairs?" I asked.
"Shaaaaa, man look at the book case. Why do you think I'm still sitting here wet? I ain't going to be no Freddie and try and climb that!"
I went to the stairs and saw the book case that used to be at the top of the stairs was now halfway down the stairs and blocking the damn thing. I started heaving books to the bottom of the stairs. After clearing the stairs so I wouldn't risk sliding on a book, I worked the book case free and started shoving it back up the stairs.
I had to force the door to my bedroom open as EVERYTHING was now on the floor.
I made a quick tour of the exterior of the house and checked the breaker box, the gasline and water line where they came into the house. In my neighborhood all the utilities were underground, so I wasn't too worried.
I grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom to clean up. I didn't know how long we would have power or gas. So I wanted to take advantage of it while I could.
After cleaning up, I tried making phone calls again with still no luck.
I told my housemate to let John and Jean (the other two housemates) that I was okay, and I'd be back later. I was going to try and get down to my girlfriend's house.
The drive down to Morgan Hill along Old Monterey Highway was uneventful. I was the only vehicle until I got to Madrone.
Traffic lights were out. Power was out. And people were wandering around in the streets.
I jumped over to Railroad Avenue and took the back way to my girlfriend's.
Her place was trashed. It looked like the Ramones had thrown a party there. I spent the evening helping her and her folks clean up the place.
I'll post more tomorrow, I've gotta grab some shuteye. I have to be at an early job.
Living here in California, I've been through a few. I was sitting in a Denny's Restaurant (finally getting around to eating lunch) about four miles from the epicenter of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The Denny's is located off of Highway 17 in Scotts Valley near the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
I had no idea how devastating the quake was until I arrived home. I should have guessed how bad it was when the power went out and the lamp poles in the parking lot were waving like palm trees in a hurricane.
I just tossed a $20.00 on the counter and bolted for my truck.
If you missed it, or were in part of the country that kinda was hoping California was going to fall off into the ocean, you can look at some gnarly (pronounced NAR-lee for all you hodads out there) photos here.
I wasn't able to receive any radio stations on the stereo in my old Dodge Ram. Just static came through, so I think I was listening to the soundtrack from the movie "Innerspace". I had this thing for the music of Wang Chung at the time. Hey, it was the 80's and I guess you had to be there. Navigating a mountain after an earthquake is an interesting experience. The strange thing is, I remember very little of the trip. Just bits and pieces of it.
When I got down off the mountain and into Los Gatos, it was freakin' sureal. It was starting to get dark, and there were cop cars, ambulances, firetrucks, city vehicles all with their lights flashing all over the place. Man, it was like being at Studio 54 while on acid. It was probably even worse news for some poor epileptic who got caught out there in that stroboscopic nightmare.
Toppled power poles. Collapsed buildings. Houses off their foundations. People standing dumbstruck in the streets. Dogs and kids running everywhere. And darkness coming with the power out.
Back then cell phones were expensive and somewhat of a rarity. Not to mention they were so huge you could use them as a weapon. I had a pager, but it wasn't working. Well, more accurately no one could page me because the phones were either out or overloaded by the volume of calls.
I had no idea how freaked out my girlfriend (now my wife) was and how she was trying to reach me. I had no idea that the dispatchers for the company I work for were trying madly to reach me via pager, and by calling my home.
Nope.
I was playing tourist on my drive home to San Jose. Just taking in the sights of chaos and destruction that surrounded me.
When I got home, I was greeted by one of my housemates. He was sitting soaking wet wearing his swim trunks in the living room eating a bowl of cereal and watching TV. Several blocks of homes around us didn't lose power after the quake, but it did come and go through the next week as repairs to surrounding areas were made.
I saw the scenes of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge on the TV. My housemate was upset that World Series had been interrupted. It was then I noticed that the carpet in the living room was soaked, and that the pool was half empty.
I asked my housemate about it. "Dude, it was so GNARLY! The pool was like a giant tidal wave, man! I didn't know it was coming so I totally barnwallered!" The fool had been in the pool when the quake hit. The water sloshed out like when kids move the water back and forth in a bath tub. It explained why the carpet was soaked.
He's lucky that the water hadn't thrown him head first into the side of the pool.
It started to dawn on me that this whole thing was pretty serious.
I tried to call my mom, brother, boss, the dispatchers, and my girlfriend. The lines were completely jammed.
"Dude, have you been upstairs?" I asked.
"Shaaaaa, man look at the book case. Why do you think I'm still sitting here wet? I ain't going to be no Freddie and try and climb that!"
I went to the stairs and saw the book case that used to be at the top of the stairs was now halfway down the stairs and blocking the damn thing. I started heaving books to the bottom of the stairs. After clearing the stairs so I wouldn't risk sliding on a book, I worked the book case free and started shoving it back up the stairs.
I had to force the door to my bedroom open as EVERYTHING was now on the floor.
I made a quick tour of the exterior of the house and checked the breaker box, the gasline and water line where they came into the house. In my neighborhood all the utilities were underground, so I wasn't too worried.
I grabbed a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom to clean up. I didn't know how long we would have power or gas. So I wanted to take advantage of it while I could.
After cleaning up, I tried making phone calls again with still no luck.
I told my housemate to let John and Jean (the other two housemates) that I was okay, and I'd be back later. I was going to try and get down to my girlfriend's house.
The drive down to Morgan Hill along Old Monterey Highway was uneventful. I was the only vehicle until I got to Madrone.
Traffic lights were out. Power was out. And people were wandering around in the streets.
I jumped over to Railroad Avenue and took the back way to my girlfriend's.
Her place was trashed. It looked like the Ramones had thrown a party there. I spent the evening helping her and her folks clean up the place.
I'll post more tomorrow, I've gotta grab some shuteye. I have to be at an early job.
Back from the dead
First,
Allow me to apologize for my protracted and unannounced absence from this blog and others that I read and participate in.
Sometimes things just get squirrely, and you just have to ride the wave and chillax.
I appreciate that some of y'all out there expressed concern for my well being.
What happened was a wedding (not mine, Thank God or my wife would have killed me), several days of training from some folks from a very fine Swedish company, Axis Communications, and several more days placating a few angry customers. Axis has some very fine megapixel IP cameras, BTW.
Then there's been the whole screwy cluster with the stock market, and the economy. Things here in California are seriously screwed up. Anyone ever seen a walking rectum in an Armani suit? Well, then my friend, you've seen a California politician!
The posturing and the spewing of offal from politicos at the national level just got to me as well, and I had a serious case of the vapors. Breathing into a paper sack won't do much for you when every fiber in your being starts screaming for you to introduce certain people to the wonders of a Case 580 and a bag of lime.
Notice how deep the 580 will dig. Keep it in mind. It may prove handy when you decide you don't like your daughter's boyfriend. Yes, that's right, you can bury his car (make sure you break the glass out after dumping it into the hole, you don't want the glass to break later. The soil will settle into the empty space and create an easily noticed void in your landscape) or motorcycle too. Remember kids, "Shallow graves are bad."
I can't believe I just typed that.
Oh well, I guess that shows you how much thought I've put into dealing with certain things when the time comes.
So, as you can see, I'm chillaxing at the moment. If this is chillaxing, you can imagine what was running around inside my skull when I was really missing out on the glide.
So, it was necessary for me to avoid the Internet for a few days in order to get myself in a coherent state. I have this old friend who calls every night, and says we need to get reacquainted.
Jack has this knack for getting in trouble.
Mr. Daniels, I may just decide that trouble is what I need to take the edge off.
Allow me to apologize for my protracted and unannounced absence from this blog and others that I read and participate in.
Sometimes things just get squirrely, and you just have to ride the wave and chillax.
I appreciate that some of y'all out there expressed concern for my well being.
What happened was a wedding (not mine, Thank God or my wife would have killed me), several days of training from some folks from a very fine Swedish company, Axis Communications, and several more days placating a few angry customers. Axis has some very fine megapixel IP cameras, BTW.
Then there's been the whole screwy cluster with the stock market, and the economy. Things here in California are seriously screwed up. Anyone ever seen a walking rectum in an Armani suit? Well, then my friend, you've seen a California politician!
The posturing and the spewing of offal from politicos at the national level just got to me as well, and I had a serious case of the vapors. Breathing into a paper sack won't do much for you when every fiber in your being starts screaming for you to introduce certain people to the wonders of a Case 580 and a bag of lime.
Notice how deep the 580 will dig. Keep it in mind. It may prove handy when you decide you don't like your daughter's boyfriend. Yes, that's right, you can bury his car (make sure you break the glass out after dumping it into the hole, you don't want the glass to break later. The soil will settle into the empty space and create an easily noticed void in your landscape) or motorcycle too. Remember kids, "Shallow graves are bad."
I can't believe I just typed that.
Oh well, I guess that shows you how much thought I've put into dealing with certain things when the time comes.
So, as you can see, I'm chillaxing at the moment. If this is chillaxing, you can imagine what was running around inside my skull when I was really missing out on the glide.
So, it was necessary for me to avoid the Internet for a few days in order to get myself in a coherent state. I have this old friend who calls every night, and says we need to get reacquainted.
Jack has this knack for getting in trouble.
Mr. Daniels, I may just decide that trouble is what I need to take the edge off.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
More News
You have to watch this video.
After being being born into the US Army and being dragged halfway around the world on Uncle Sam's nickel, I wound up in California when my dad retired.
The land of Fruits and Nuts.
I'm a "nut" in case y'all haven't figured it out.
After being being born into the US Army and being dragged halfway around the world on Uncle Sam's nickel, I wound up in California when my dad retired.
The land of Fruits and Nuts.
I'm a "nut" in case y'all haven't figured it out.
The American Taxpayer was mugged
Now you're being raped.
American Express, a credit card company, has just become a "bank" so that they can get bailout funds as well.
Read the story here.
I'll bet on April 15th they won't even blow you a kiss.
American Express, a credit card company, has just become a "bank" so that they can get bailout funds as well.
Read the story here.
I'll bet on April 15th they won't even blow you a kiss.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Veteran's Day
They hate all but their own.
They give their lives to kill us,
To scatter our blood and bone.
Whether woman, man or child;
Their minds are full of fury;
Their sickness has gone wild.
Is their one and only goal;
Terror is their method;
They want complete control.
And we could not let it be;
We gave our lives for freedom,
For the world, and for you and me.
Helping victims far and near,
To keep the world from chaos,
To protect what we hold dear.
That gives with its whole heart,
And asks so very little;
We always do our part.
To subdue our newest foe,
Whatever we must do,
Wherever we must go.
That America is blessed
With people who are heroes,
Who meet each and every test.
I can only offer my thanks to all of you who have served valiantly since this nation was founded. -Catman
Firearms Industry Press Releases
Wow.
Frankly I am amazed that TWO industry press releases were available on Market Watch.
Maybe people are starting to wake up to how much their rights and their future are being threatened at this point.
Firearms Industry Addresses Rising Gun Sales; Obama Administration Showing Anti-Gun Cards Early
Frankly I am amazed that TWO industry press releases were available on Market Watch.
Maybe people are starting to wake up to how much their rights and their future are being threatened at this point.
Firearms Industry Addresses Rising Gun Sales; Obama Administration Showing Anti-Gun Cards Early
CCRKBA Asks Democrats: 'Has Party's Anti-Gun Mask Come Off?'
GUNS! GUNS! GUNS!
Another post about guns.
This appeared in the Kansas City Star.
Submitted by Yael T. Abouhalkah on November 10, 2008 - 8:15am.
I think you all get the meaning of the color "yellow". Yellow journalism. People who are just plain yellow.
I had to read this character's surname several times. I'm not even sure how to say it. If they really wanted to screw up a kid in a spelling bee, this would be a whopper to toss out.
The one thing I know is that there wasn't anyone with this name when the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth. There wasn't anyone there on the shore of this great land greeting the Pilgrims with this name either.
I don't think there was anyone with that name fighting in the War Of Independence.
Was there a drover somewhere on the Westward Migration with a name like this? Did someone with a name like this work on the First Transcontinental Railroad? Did one of his ancestors drain the California Delta? Mine gold? Build the great factories or farm the great plains?
I think we'd be hard pressed to find the name in the rolls of Ellis OR Angel Islands.
I'd wager he hasn't been here in this country very long.
He has NO RESPECT for American Institutions, and the rules we have all agreed to play by. My answer to him is simply go back where you came from if you don't like the way we do things here.
This appeared in the Kansas City Star.
Obama's welcome assault on the NRA and gun lovers
By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist
Gun lovers across America are concerned that Barack Obama's administration will take on the National Rifle Association and impose stiffer gun laws. Let's hope so.
Shop owners are reporting an upsurge in sale since Obama's election last Tuesday. Why?
Because many people fear that Obama and a Democratic-controlled Congress will try to stop them from buying assault rifles -- as if there's any reason in the world for a citizen to own such a thing.
And some Americans are worried that Congress will take away their rights to own three, four or more guns -- as if any American family truly needs that much firepower in their home.
Obama handily won the election, it should be noted, even with the NRA running extremely negative ads against him. That should tell you a little bit about the "power" of the NRA in our national elections.
Still, Obama hasn't yet made gun legislation one of his top priorities. He probably won't in the near future, either. He faces big obstacles in reviving the U.S. economy, which has tanked under an incompetent president, George Bush.
But gun haters across the nation can only hope that Obama eventually takes on the NRA and helps wipes out lax gun laws that have encouraged Americans to arm themselves to the teeth.
I think you all get the meaning of the color "yellow". Yellow journalism. People who are just plain yellow.
I had to read this character's surname several times. I'm not even sure how to say it. If they really wanted to screw up a kid in a spelling bee, this would be a whopper to toss out.
The one thing I know is that there wasn't anyone with this name when the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth. There wasn't anyone there on the shore of this great land greeting the Pilgrims with this name either.
I don't think there was anyone with that name fighting in the War Of Independence.
Was there a drover somewhere on the Westward Migration with a name like this? Did someone with a name like this work on the First Transcontinental Railroad? Did one of his ancestors drain the California Delta? Mine gold? Build the great factories or farm the great plains?
I think we'd be hard pressed to find the name in the rolls of Ellis OR Angel Islands.
I'd wager he hasn't been here in this country very long.
He has NO RESPECT for American Institutions, and the rules we have all agreed to play by. My answer to him is simply go back where you came from if you don't like the way we do things here.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
New World Order ..... again?
LONDON (Reuters) - The international financial crisis has given world leaders a unique opportunity to create a truly global society, Prime Minister Gordon Brown will say in a keynote foreign policy speech on Monday.
In his annual speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet, Brown -- who has spearheaded calls for the reform of international financial institutions -- will say Britain, the United States and Europe are key to forging a new world order.
You can read the rest of the article here.I want to know what happened to Papa Bush's New World Order. Is this it? Are we living in it?
Holy Crap, if this is it, and they've messed it up this badly, can you imagine what the next New World Order is going to be like?
Can you stupid "World Leaders" just go to Ross and buy some ugly slacks that are too short, a couple of pastel Polo shirts and go play golf or something? Man, just leave us alone. We're fine without you.
Are you storing food yet?
If you haven't started, it really is time. I can not recommend this strongly enough.
Reuters, in this story, noted that we will see "prices rise by at least seven percent in 2009". The thoughts are that it could rise by as much as twelve percent.
There are other issues as well. I have heard stories. They're just stories but one has to wonder when one hears them. Why would anyone start such a tale if there wasn't a kernel of truth to them somewhere?
A truck driver I know who delivers food to rural, and I mean rural (150+ miles from a major city), communities told me that the company he works for has scaled back deliveries. They used to make bi-weekly runs out there. Now they won't go unless they're delivering a full load to all the stores in the area.
Two small store operators I know have recently complained that a beverage company is demanding that they buy 24 cases of sodas per week. They said that they move maybe eight cases a week from their stores. The company will not allow the local stores to buy as a group and split the order.
What they've had to do is resort to COSTCO. They make a weekly run to the nearest one and split the order among the local small stores.
Everyone believes that the issue is the cost of diesel fuel, and the increased cost of production. Long runs for small loads are no longer profitable. The distributors won't give a reason directly.
I have heard from some people I know who live in major cities, that they've seen some of the smaller corner grocery stores going under as the economy continues to slide. In some of the big cities, many people don't own cars and it is a hassle to go more than a few blocks to get your food.
Then I came across this article.
Here's the fifth paragraph:
"Feeding America will receive $4.5 million from Kraft Foods to purchase 25 refrigerated trucks over three years that will be dispatched to rural communities and urban pockets across the nation where grocery stores and food pantries are difficult to get to or find."
As the Japanese would say, "Honto?" Really?
Grocery stores are difficult to get to OR FIND?
So the stories I've been hearing are not just the fantasy of a few people out there. If KRAFT Foods is donating $4.5 Million, there has to be SOME truth to it all. The article goes on to say that Kraft intends to donate $180 Million.
Corporate America doesn't give away stacks of cash unless there is a payout in the end. I have to wonder what deal was cut with the government.
The article then says, "Mobile pantries offer choice and dignity".
Wow. That sounds an awful lot like someone trying to head off unrest before it starts.
On top of that, if you Google "agricultural disaster" in the news section, there are 1,139 stories for the last 30 days. Droughts, floods, failed crops, even the disappearance of the honeybee.
What more prompting do you need?
Here's a tip for you.
The holidays are here. Watch for sales. At the end of last years holiday season, we were able to pick up number two and a half cans (29 ounces) of sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin for......are you ready for this?
0.25 each.
The date codes say they're good through 2010.
We'll use those this year. The date code on the cans in the store today say good through 2012.
I wonder if they'll still be 0.25 each. Even at $1.00 a piece they'd be a bargain.
Reuters, in this story, noted that we will see "prices rise by at least seven percent in 2009". The thoughts are that it could rise by as much as twelve percent.
There are other issues as well. I have heard stories. They're just stories but one has to wonder when one hears them. Why would anyone start such a tale if there wasn't a kernel of truth to them somewhere?
A truck driver I know who delivers food to rural, and I mean rural (150+ miles from a major city), communities told me that the company he works for has scaled back deliveries. They used to make bi-weekly runs out there. Now they won't go unless they're delivering a full load to all the stores in the area.
Two small store operators I know have recently complained that a beverage company is demanding that they buy 24 cases of sodas per week. They said that they move maybe eight cases a week from their stores. The company will not allow the local stores to buy as a group and split the order.
What they've had to do is resort to COSTCO. They make a weekly run to the nearest one and split the order among the local small stores.
Everyone believes that the issue is the cost of diesel fuel, and the increased cost of production. Long runs for small loads are no longer profitable. The distributors won't give a reason directly.
I have heard from some people I know who live in major cities, that they've seen some of the smaller corner grocery stores going under as the economy continues to slide. In some of the big cities, many people don't own cars and it is a hassle to go more than a few blocks to get your food.
Then I came across this article.
Here's the fifth paragraph:
"Feeding America will receive $4.5 million from Kraft Foods to purchase 25 refrigerated trucks over three years that will be dispatched to rural communities and urban pockets across the nation where grocery stores and food pantries are difficult to get to or find."
As the Japanese would say, "Honto?" Really?
Grocery stores are difficult to get to OR FIND?
So the stories I've been hearing are not just the fantasy of a few people out there. If KRAFT Foods is donating $4.5 Million, there has to be SOME truth to it all. The article goes on to say that Kraft intends to donate $180 Million.
Corporate America doesn't give away stacks of cash unless there is a payout in the end. I have to wonder what deal was cut with the government.
The article then says, "Mobile pantries offer choice and dignity".
Wow. That sounds an awful lot like someone trying to head off unrest before it starts.
On top of that, if you Google "agricultural disaster" in the news section, there are 1,139 stories for the last 30 days. Droughts, floods, failed crops, even the disappearance of the honeybee.
What more prompting do you need?
Here's a tip for you.
The holidays are here. Watch for sales. At the end of last years holiday season, we were able to pick up number two and a half cans (29 ounces) of sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin for......are you ready for this?
0.25 each.
The date codes say they're good through 2010.
We'll use those this year. The date code on the cans in the store today say good through 2012.
I wonder if they'll still be 0.25 each. Even at $1.00 a piece they'd be a bargain.
Poster of the new messiah
To: The Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
202-863-8000
From: The Directorate Of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
202-282-8495
SUBJECT:
Propaganda images
Attached find one of the new posters being evaluated for distribution and installation at key traffic centers such as train, bus, and air terminals.
Installation in educational facilities receiving public funding is already mandatory.
It has been determined that it is imperative that our new leader's image be favorably ingrained upon the mind of our impressionable youth. Research has determined that this is an effective method of combating dissent within the adult population.
** note from Catman. This is a spoof at the moment at least. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. **
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Sweet Farewall, Tuba Man
Those of you who are in the Seattle area, or are originally from there, you know The Tuba Man.
When I read articles that tell of the death of one of our fellow citizens at the hands of cowardly gangs, it enrages me.
I don't care about gang on gang violence. I say we round them all up, throw them into an arena filled with crowbars, broken bottles, and trash can lids. Then we charge admission. It would make our communities safer and generate some coin for the park and rec programs.
FIVE young men attack an old man. What can be said?
How can you possibly defend your actions?
Where is your sense of honor?
Read the whole story here.
When I read articles that tell of the death of one of our fellow citizens at the hands of cowardly gangs, it enrages me.
I don't care about gang on gang violence. I say we round them all up, throw them into an arena filled with crowbars, broken bottles, and trash can lids. Then we charge admission. It would make our communities safer and generate some coin for the park and rec programs.
FIVE young men attack an old man. What can be said?
How can you possibly defend your actions?
Where is your sense of honor?
Read the whole story here.
Friday, November 7, 2008
My mom's tip for survival
Many of us have put away for the lean times coming. We've been Aesop's Ants to the world's grasshoppers.
Those of us who live in rural areas probably won't have to worry too much about this. We depend on ourselves. We garden or farm, hunt and or fish. We'll be able to look after ourselves much better than those in urban or suburban areas. My mother's tip is for those who live closer to the cities.
My mom watched her country destroyed by war as a child. Food was difficult to grow, transport, and distribute. The population was homogeneous, and that meant some unity among the people, but it did not eliminate the distrust and suspicion.
If you lived in a city, you had best look as hungry as your neighbor even if you had eaten well that day. If you were too plump everyone would wonder why you were so plump.
There were only three reasons you could be so well fed.
1) You were connected to the powerful in government. Everyone would expect you to do favors for them.
2) You were involved in the black market. Some would seek to profit by turning you in. Others would expect you to do favors for them.
3) You had food. You weren't sharing. People would beat you and ransack your home looking for what you had hidden.
In this land, with the diverse languages, cultures, and racial divisions, I do not think that one can expect to simply escape with a beating.
Those of us who live in rural areas probably won't have to worry too much about this. We depend on ourselves. We garden or farm, hunt and or fish. We'll be able to look after ourselves much better than those in urban or suburban areas. My mother's tip is for those who live closer to the cities.
My mom watched her country destroyed by war as a child. Food was difficult to grow, transport, and distribute. The population was homogeneous, and that meant some unity among the people, but it did not eliminate the distrust and suspicion.
If you lived in a city, you had best look as hungry as your neighbor even if you had eaten well that day. If you were too plump everyone would wonder why you were so plump.
There were only three reasons you could be so well fed.
1) You were connected to the powerful in government. Everyone would expect you to do favors for them.
2) You were involved in the black market. Some would seek to profit by turning you in. Others would expect you to do favors for them.
3) You had food. You weren't sharing. People would beat you and ransack your home looking for what you had hidden.
In this land, with the diverse languages, cultures, and racial divisions, I do not think that one can expect to simply escape with a beating.
MOVE, DAMN IT!
Obama is coming for everything you have.
He wants your wealth.
Read this article from the Carolina Journal:
He wants your guns.
Address Gun Violence in Cities: As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.
That's straight from his website, people. The Liberals always say that un-Constitutional laws, illegal actions, and immoral conduct is "common sense".
He wants your children.
"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set," he said Wednesday. "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded."
Great. Everyone unarmed, and Obama Youth roaming the street ready to re-enact Krystal Nacht on the non-conformists among us?
Who IS this guy? The love child of Mao Tze-tung and Adolf Hitler?
Safeguard your assets. If this 401(K) crap looks like its going to pass, I'm going to EMPTY out my 401(K) and take the hit on the taxes.
Buy your weapons and ammunition NOW. Buy extra magazines. If you can swing it, get reloading equipment and materials. PAY CASH PEOPLE!
It will make it more difficult for them to determine what you actually have if they begin confiscation. DO NOT STORE WEAPONS THAT ARE REGISTERED with those that are not. Make preparations to conceal your unregistered weapons. When you conceal them, make sure there aren't any telltales left behind. For example, you have a CAR-15 in .223. They know about it. They come for it. And they find .308 ammunition and a cleaning kit. Capice? You may not be at home when they come to your house. Be proactive and safeguard your investment, and the tools to you will need to save Freedom and your family.
For the Love Of God people, talk to your children and make sure they understand what is happening. Make sure they know that many teachers, police, and even the parents of other children ARE NOT THEIR FRIENDS and can not always be trusted. Make sure they understand the difference between being friendly and being friends.
When my daughter was in the first grade, the police came to my daughter's school for one of these "safety" assemblies. The nice police officer asked all the kids in the auditorium to raise their hands if there was a gun in their home.
Already the Liberals are paving the way for activities the Hitler Youth were infamous for. In Great Britain, there are the "Green Shirts", who inform on people committing "eco-crimes". Read the article in the National Post here.
It ain't over people, but it sure is going to get a lot worse.
He wants your wealth.
Read this article from the Carolina Journal:
Dems Target Private Retirement Accounts:Democratic leaders in the U.S. House discuss confiscating 401(k)s, IRAs
They're going to have your money "managed" by the Social Security Administration? Let me translate that for you. What they mean is they are going to take your retirement and put it into the general fund and spend it. The money they take from you now for Social Security GOES INTO THE GENERAL FUND! It isn't saved. It isn't invested. It is spent! Every single penny is spent! It's the worst Ponzi Scheme ever created!He wants your guns.
Address Gun Violence in Cities: As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals who shouldn't have them. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent, as such weapons belong on foreign battlefields and not on our streets.
That's straight from his website, people. The Liberals always say that un-Constitutional laws, illegal actions, and immoral conduct is "common sense".
He wants your children.
Obama outlines plan for national service
"Loving your country shouldn't just mean watching fireworks on the 4th of July," he said. "Loving your country must mean accepting your responsibility to do your part to change it. If you do, your life will be richer, our country will be stronger.""We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set," he said Wednesday. "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded."
Great. Everyone unarmed, and Obama Youth roaming the street ready to re-enact Krystal Nacht on the non-conformists among us?
Who IS this guy? The love child of Mao Tze-tung and Adolf Hitler?
Safeguard your assets. If this 401(K) crap looks like its going to pass, I'm going to EMPTY out my 401(K) and take the hit on the taxes.
Buy your weapons and ammunition NOW. Buy extra magazines. If you can swing it, get reloading equipment and materials. PAY CASH PEOPLE!
It will make it more difficult for them to determine what you actually have if they begin confiscation. DO NOT STORE WEAPONS THAT ARE REGISTERED with those that are not. Make preparations to conceal your unregistered weapons. When you conceal them, make sure there aren't any telltales left behind. For example, you have a CAR-15 in .223. They know about it. They come for it. And they find .308 ammunition and a cleaning kit. Capice? You may not be at home when they come to your house. Be proactive and safeguard your investment, and the tools to you will need to save Freedom and your family.
For the Love Of God people, talk to your children and make sure they understand what is happening. Make sure they know that many teachers, police, and even the parents of other children ARE NOT THEIR FRIENDS and can not always be trusted. Make sure they understand the difference between being friendly and being friends.
When my daughter was in the first grade, the police came to my daughter's school for one of these "safety" assemblies. The nice police officer asked all the kids in the auditorium to raise their hands if there was a gun in their home.
Already the Liberals are paving the way for activities the Hitler Youth were infamous for. In Great Britain, there are the "Green Shirts", who inform on people committing "eco-crimes". Read the article in the National Post here.
It ain't over people, but it sure is going to get a lot worse.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
T- Minus Seventy Days
I have to finish the article on preparing for a potential pandemic. However, we face a more imminent threat.
Most of us realized what would come when the Obamanation came into being, but some of you may have missed some of the larger picture seeing that the whole picture was large enough to block out the ugly mug of a detestable rather corpulent individual. That has been the one good thing to come out of the presidential contest. It knocked Michael Moore out of the spotlight for just a while.
Charles Schumer, D. NY, with what he thinks is a mandate from the Almighty Himself, issued a statement proclaiming “I am really looking forward to the next session of Congress, because I think it’s going to be a groundbreaking session, and you are going to see significant change,” Schumer told reporters. “As a legislator – and I have been a legislator for 34 years – I can’t think of a time that I have been more excited at the prospect of change.”
His support for efforts to undermine The Constitution are well known. He has repeatedly attempted to destroy the Second Amendment and the First Amendment.
Schumer intends to revive the "Fairness Doctrine". The Hill has an excellent piece on what will be happening here. What the idiots like Schumer fail to realize is that the rise of so-called "Right Wing Talk Radio" is a result of the unfairness of the media at large. Many of us just got sick and tired of only listening to one side of the story, and a side that most of us knew was a bunch of bull pucky. The "Fairness Doctrine" should install a Conservative in every Left leaning show.
If they really mean it, they'd attach a machete wielding Ron Paul to Obama's hip to keep him from signing any bills into law. There's a true "Fairness Doctrine".
Personally, I'm not looking forward to having some tie-dyed, Birkenstock wearing, Lotus flower munching, unkempt Berkeley reject having to approve my blog.
I'm not a medical professional. I have never claimed to be. Even someone as ignorant of the mysteries of medicine as I am can confidently pronounce Schumer, "Barking Mad".
You have to read his rant over at www.firearmsandliberty.com. Link to the text of his speech is here. This is back from 1995 and I doubt he has mellowed like a fine moonshine in the intervening thirteen years. More than likely he's become more like a fine trucker bomb that has rested alongside a desert roadway for just as long.
He doesn't want you to have the ability to defend yourself, but it is well known that he carries a firearm himself. One can only hope that somehow he winds up on the list for the Darwin Awards like this idiot down in Florida.
Mayberry and Ken over at Keep It Simple Survival inferred last night that this may be your last chance to easily procure a firearm, ammunition, and magazines for your weapons. That's why I titled this post T-Minus Seventy Days.
In approximately seventy days, Obama and his cadre of Che Guevara wannabees take over control of our nation. Once that happens, all of us may find what little rights we still enjoyed severely curtailed, especially as the economy continues to slide.
Get what you need now.
Most of us realized what would come when the Obamanation came into being, but some of you may have missed some of the larger picture seeing that the whole picture was large enough to block out the ugly mug of a detestable rather corpulent individual. That has been the one good thing to come out of the presidential contest. It knocked Michael Moore out of the spotlight for just a while.
Charles Schumer, D. NY, with what he thinks is a mandate from the Almighty Himself, issued a statement proclaiming “I am really looking forward to the next session of Congress, because I think it’s going to be a groundbreaking session, and you are going to see significant change,” Schumer told reporters. “As a legislator – and I have been a legislator for 34 years – I can’t think of a time that I have been more excited at the prospect of change.”
His support for efforts to undermine The Constitution are well known. He has repeatedly attempted to destroy the Second Amendment and the First Amendment.
Schumer intends to revive the "Fairness Doctrine". The Hill has an excellent piece on what will be happening here. What the idiots like Schumer fail to realize is that the rise of so-called "Right Wing Talk Radio" is a result of the unfairness of the media at large. Many of us just got sick and tired of only listening to one side of the story, and a side that most of us knew was a bunch of bull pucky. The "Fairness Doctrine" should install a Conservative in every Left leaning show.
If they really mean it, they'd attach a machete wielding Ron Paul to Obama's hip to keep him from signing any bills into law. There's a true "Fairness Doctrine".
Personally, I'm not looking forward to having some tie-dyed, Birkenstock wearing, Lotus flower munching, unkempt Berkeley reject having to approve my blog.
I'm not a medical professional. I have never claimed to be. Even someone as ignorant of the mysteries of medicine as I am can confidently pronounce Schumer, "Barking Mad".
You have to read his rant over at www.firearmsandliberty.com. Link to the text of his speech is here. This is back from 1995 and I doubt he has mellowed like a fine moonshine in the intervening thirteen years. More than likely he's become more like a fine trucker bomb that has rested alongside a desert roadway for just as long.
He doesn't want you to have the ability to defend yourself, but it is well known that he carries a firearm himself. One can only hope that somehow he winds up on the list for the Darwin Awards like this idiot down in Florida.
Mayberry and Ken over at Keep It Simple Survival inferred last night that this may be your last chance to easily procure a firearm, ammunition, and magazines for your weapons. That's why I titled this post T-Minus Seventy Days.
In approximately seventy days, Obama and his cadre of Che Guevara wannabees take over control of our nation. Once that happens, all of us may find what little rights we still enjoyed severely curtailed, especially as the economy continues to slide.
Get what you need now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)