The Potential Wars of 2011

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/12/28/next_years_wars?page=full

I read through this article a couple of days ago and found it to be of interest from a disaster readiness/preparedness perspective.  Look at a bit of history and see that what happens in other parts of the world ultimately impacts wherever you call home.  This is reason 5,639,275 to keep prepping. 

The Survival Podcast Christmas Episode

Jack over at The Survival Podcast always has great episodes (I've often told my listeners they should check him out first then come listen to Good Ol' Chip) but today's Christmas episode is a great listen.  Check it out if you get a chance and I think you'll be glad you took the time:

http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/episode-577-the-2010-christmas-episode

Gerald Celente on 2011 Trends

http://www.lewrockwell.com/celente/celente59.1.html

This is a guy who isn't always right, but gets close enough most of the time that when he predicts something I usually pay attention.  Read through these projections and then think of how you can plan for each one to try to minimize their impact should they occur. 

Interesting article on the value of aspirin

It's my opinion that aspirin should be in just about everyones' survival plans.  Obviously people with certain medical conditions can't make use of aspirin in the same way as your average person, but it is such a 'wonder drug' (if there is such thing) that you should learn what you can about its advantages and many uses. 
CNN just recently did a story on aspirin found here: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/12/22/aspirin.history/?hpt=Sbin  It is definitely worth reading and considering how storing aspirin (although you need to know about how long it's good/safe for of course) can be part of a comprehensive preparedness plan. 

A coat that is also a sleeping bag

You've often heard me talk about the need for "shelter" in the form of not only a dwelling of some sort (house, apartment, tent, car, etc.) but in various ways to keep oneself warm and insulated from the elements.  That's why I recommend you have a tent and sleeping bags as a backup at all times, just in case your house becomes uninhabitable for some reason.  At least a 3-season tent is best, and if you live in a very cold area one of those alpine tents might even be necessary.

One other consideration is clothing that can double as some sort of sleeping protection.  NPR, of all media sources, recently did a story about just such an item.  You can read about it here:

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/13/131910671/to-warm-the-homeless-a-coat-that-s-a-sleeping-bag

 

ABC News: Holiday Terror Warning Cites Car Bombs and Small Arms Attack

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/holiday-terror-warning-cites-car-bombs-small-arms/story?id=12417968


"We are concerned these terrorists may seek to exploit the likely significant psychological impact of an attack targeting mass gatherings in large metropolitan areas during the 2010 holiday season, which has symbolic importance to many in the United States," The "Security Awareness for the Holiday Season" bulletin states. 

 This is disconcerting to say the least....  With the reports over the past few years of potential terrorists crossing over the southern border and the recent failed attempts by jihadists to blow up gatherings in Portland, OR (I was there a day after that happened) amongst other places, I adjure listeners to be smart, but don't let anyone keep you from living your lives.  And most of all, enjoy the Christmas season. 

Shortages of Long Term Food Storage Products

http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle/articleid/4735570

I'm not certain if this is because of the current amount of attention being focused on food storage (Glen Beck, etc.) or if there's anything more ominous present but if you plan to stock up on long term storage foods I'd keep an eye on this.  Don't panic however, as canned foods and other relatively long term storage foods are still available at this point in time.  But whatever approach you take make certain that you have some food on hand for any disasters (even minor ones such as weather events) that might crop up. 

Interesting Soda Can Candle Holder Idea

I came across this online and thought it looked useful for certain applications (such as when you don't want a lot of light everywhere but need to be able to see):

Here is what it actually looks like in use, as done by someone on Survivalistboards.com:

And another demonstration:

Interesting Web Site about Micro Farming/Self-Sufficient Living

http://www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/Mini-Farms.html

From time to time I try to look for web sites that deal with micro-farming and self-sufficient living, both topics that I am quite interested in.  I came across the site listed above and while the motivations given on the site for being involved in this field might differ from my own, I thought it was an interesting site and worth recommending to listeners. 

The Next Bubble-Municipal Debt

The Coming Municipal Debt Bubble

I've been watching this particular trend for a couple of years and it's been something I've been concerned about for a while.  This graph alone should show you why:

What does this actually mean to the average person?  Well, just as we've seen bailouts for banks, the auto industry, and various unions, there will be a clamor to begin sending massive funds to cities and states (I'm guessing California and Illinois will probably be the first states).  In my opinion this is almost certain, unless there is a surprisingly strong economic recovery.  Which of course, we are all hoping for.
The following story kind seems to suggest this is possible based on a a reading of the "good news" tea leaves:

NY Post: Economy Improving?

Risk of War Rising on Korean Peninsula

Admiral Mullen warns of potential conflict in Korea

Unintended consequences.  Black swan events.  Who would have thought that the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand would have led to World War I?

It is these sorts of potential crises that can crop up from anywhere that can precipitate a change in the "world as we know it" overnight.  The historian in me watches what is unfolding in Korea with a reflection on past world history.  That's what makes it concerning. 

Merry Christmas.... From Al Queda?

Al Queda Plans Christmas Attacks in Europe, US

What I want to know is why the media always trumpets this stuff if there is nothing specific people can prepare or plan for?  Is it just to feed the hysteria, create a narrative of "everyone is on edge", or for other purposes?  Either warn people with specific things to be on guard for or stop the regularly scheduled "Your reason to panic for today is..." 

Merry Christmas in spite of Al Queda.

Advanced Computer Virus Sets Back Iran Nuke Program

Computer Virus Sets Back Iran Nuclear Program 2 Years

Regardless of where you are on the political spectrum, most people probably agree that it's not the best thing in the world for the current Iranian regime to possess nukes.  Look at how North Korea is throwing its weight around based on their own fledgling nuclear weapons, and then picture Iran doing the same in the Middle East. 

The interesting thing about this computer virus is how targeted and apparently "intelligent".  Skynet, anyone?  ;)

Reason #7856 of why you should always carry a 72-hour kit in your car

70 motorists stranded by snow in Indiana...

This is a good reminder of why it's valuable to always carry a "bug-out kit"/"get-home-bag".  Even if you're stuck for hours as long as you have water (and food is nice as well), the means to stay warm and something to entertain your brain (books, games, puzzles, iPod music, a certain fabulous survival podcast) you should be able to make it through.  Just a friendly reminder provided by Mother Nature.  :)

 

From the NY Times: "A Secretive Banking Elite Rules Trading in Derivatives"

The following is an interesting article about derivatives, which I've been struggling to understand for some time as well as to comprehend the relationship derivatives have with survival/prepping concerns.  This is from the New York Times, no less. 



http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/business/12advantage.html?src=busln

Another creative shelter option

Obviously not everyone is in a position to try something like this.  But you can probably see the survival/preparedness advantages:

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/56/almost-invisible-mirrored-tree-house-built-in-sweden.html

Think creatively for your shelter needs

This guy in China has a good grip on the minimalistic approach to securing shelter to protect oneself from the elements.  Check out this story:

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/green/beijing-architect-lives-in-egg-shaped-house-on-sidewalk-2425090/#photoViewer=1

Not Related to Survival Really, But Still Cool... :)

As I mentioned over on the CMFSP Facebook page:
Here is the link to the first set of published products from Port Nova Media, my publishing company: http://www.rpgnow.com/index.php?cPath=1658_5886&affiliate_id=197650
You can read about this first set of sci-fi crunchy goodness here: http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2010/12/12/41902
I know not everyone is into that sort of thing, but as a number of listeners have expressed interest in my other endeavors I thought I'd share. 
Chip :)

It's Baaaaaaaaaack........ Swine Flu Returns.........

 H1N1 virus returns, already claiming lives of 10 British adults with early signs that illness has spread to other European countries

By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor

The swine flu virus that swept the world last year causing a global health emergency has returned to claim the lives of 10 adults in the UK in the past six weeks.

The 10 deaths were in younger adults under 65 and associated with H1N1 swine flu. Most had underlying conditions but "a small proportion" were healthy before being struck down by the virus, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Seasonal flu normally causes severe illness and death in the elderly. The H1N1 swine flu virus targets pregnant women, younger adults, and those with chronic conditions, making it a cause of particular alarm.

The rest of the article can be read here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-its-back-2157407.html

"Threads"/"The Day After"-Nuclear Disaster Movies from the early 80s

Stuck inside on a cold, dreary Saturday? Well, Chip has you covered.  Today I tracked down a couple of interesting disaster flicks from the early 80s that you may have heard of, but never had the chance to see before.  

The first is "Threads", a 1984 television docudrama depicting the effects of a nuclear war on the United Kingdom and its aftermath.  You can watch the whole thing here: 

And the perhaps more famous (at least in the US) "The Day After", directed by the guy who helmed "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" (unlike the complete movie linked above, you will have to manually click each part of this movie to view the entire show):

Shows like this are probably a bit alarmist and perhaps even biased against prepping (ie. presenting such disasters as so horrible that no one could survive) but they are good for generating food for thought about disaster readiness.  

Enjoy! :)

Could Riots in UK Come to America?

While I don't always agree with what this man says, I think he's seeing the chess pieces a few moves in advance:

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_121010/content/01125111.guest.html

And with news that the military is preparing for an economic collapse, you just have to go "hmmmm...":

http://www.thenewamerican.com/index.php/usnews/politics/5418-us-military-prepares-for-economic-collapse

Watch the CNBC video here for some head-spinning "stuff":
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/unified-quest-2011-pentagon-war-games-u-s-economic-meltdown/

"Gas prices on track for unseasonable spike" reads the headline

Climbing gas prices and the holidays don't mix.  I know firsthand as our family trip to see the grandparents for Thanksgiving carved a fairly large chunk out of our monthly budget in November. 

However, it appears that prices are indeed going up.  Here is a one of many stories currently discussing this issue and the impact on already squeezed consumers:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2010-12-10-1Agasprices10_ST_N.htm?csp=24

Massive Storm Could Be Worst of the Winter

Looks like this is going to be a doozy.  This is why it's good to be ready for anything, as many if not most of the disaster commonalities can be anticipated regardless of the actual problem that develops. 

Here is the article:
http://www.accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/42704/monster-storm-could-be-winters.asp

Stay warm and make sure you have a couple of alternative heat sources and plenty of easy-to-prepare-food. :)

Wikileaks: Stop Us? You'll Have to Shut Down the Web

The story is here:

http://abcnews.go.com/International/julian-assange-wikileaks-faces-onslaught-charges-attacks-politically/story?id=12333753

What scares me is there may be some people in positions of power who think that's the exact solution to this whole mess.  Maybe that's what the Internet Kill Switch was all about?

COSTCO's $26,000 Emergency Food System

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11607031&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|1482&N=4000486&Mo=76&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=1482&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C

What does it tell us that a company like COSTCO is even offering something like this?  What is the market for such a large order?  Religious groups?  Government agencies?  Hmmm...  Prepping must really be hitting the mainstream these days as I doubt COSTCO would be offering these if they didn't think they would sell a bunch.  :)

A Little Visual about the "Recovery"

Doesn't look like your average run-of-the-mill recession does it?

Interested in sponsoring/advertising on the Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast?

I'm beginning the process of trying to secure some sponsors for the Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast.  This is to allow me more time in my schedule to spend on this podcast as I try to make it a five-day-per-week program, and to cover the costs involved in the production of the show.  So...  if you're interested in helping out feel free to contact me directly at chipmonksurvivalpodcast AT gmail.com or click on the following link if you want to advertise through my podcast provider:

Coast to Coast AM Interview with James Wesley, Rawles (see Episode 109)

Today's episode is about the Survival Writings of James Wesley, Rawles.  Here is a fairly-lengthy interview with him from Coast to Coast AM with George Noory.  This has some wonderful survival/preparedness material in it: