Sgt Trainer: The daily holiday music video is posted on the earlier "Thursday Edition" page which is below this P.M. edition.
Understand and Prevent 4 Kinds of Heat Loss
"Maintaining your core body temperature is critical in a survival situation. Hypothermia can set in even at relatively mild temperatures. A fact that is often lost on many people is that heat is energy and cold is merely the absence of that energy. Heat is a “thing” where cold isn’t. This is an important distinction so you’ll better understand the different ways heat is lost and how to prevent it from happening."
"Maintaining your core body temperature is critical in a survival situation. Hypothermia can set in even at relatively mild temperatures. A fact that is often lost on many people is that heat is energy and cold is merely the absence of that energy. Heat is a “thing” where cold isn’t. This is an important distinction so you’ll better understand the different ways heat is lost and how to prevent it from happening."
Do You Need to Know Outdoors Skills to Be Prepared?
"When I began preparing, I researched all kinds of topics that people on forums said were important to know; implying that to truly be prepared one had to know these outdoor/primitive skills. I joined some outdoors forums, learned several new and interesting things, and then it dawned on me; I don’t spend much time in the great outdoors! While I enjoy learning these skillsets, I decided I was better served learning more practical things for me personally. I do, however, think there are a few skills everyone (even city slickers) should know. There is more on that below. Before I go any further, I want to say that this is not me saying that strictly learning basic preparedness skills is the only way to be prepared. It is me saying that who are so entrenched in their camp and believe the only way to be prepared for come what may is by knowing outdoor/primitive/bushcraft skills. I think some of us have romanticized bugging out to the woods and surviving off the land. I think shows like Survivor Man and the many shows like it might hold some of the blame. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy these kinds of shows, but I have seen very few scenarios that I will ever be even remotely close to being in. If you’re someone who thinks you’ll bug out to the woods if the stuff hits the fan to live off the woods, I hate to break it to you, but that’s not realistic. This article titled: Living Off The Land: Delusions and Misconceptions About Hunting and Gathering explores the caloric intake of foraged plants and hunted and trapped game. This article doesn’t take into consideration all of the other people you’ll be competing against for the limited amount of game!"
"When I began preparing, I researched all kinds of topics that people on forums said were important to know; implying that to truly be prepared one had to know these outdoor/primitive skills. I joined some outdoors forums, learned several new and interesting things, and then it dawned on me; I don’t spend much time in the great outdoors! While I enjoy learning these skillsets, I decided I was better served learning more practical things for me personally. I do, however, think there are a few skills everyone (even city slickers) should know. There is more on that below. Before I go any further, I want to say that this is not me saying that strictly learning basic preparedness skills is the only way to be prepared. It is me saying that who are so entrenched in their camp and believe the only way to be prepared for come what may is by knowing outdoor/primitive/bushcraft skills. I think some of us have romanticized bugging out to the woods and surviving off the land. I think shows like Survivor Man and the many shows like it might hold some of the blame. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy these kinds of shows, but I have seen very few scenarios that I will ever be even remotely close to being in. If you’re someone who thinks you’ll bug out to the woods if the stuff hits the fan to live off the woods, I hate to break it to you, but that’s not realistic. This article titled: Living Off The Land: Delusions and Misconceptions About Hunting and Gathering explores the caloric intake of foraged plants and hunted and trapped game. This article doesn’t take into consideration all of the other people you’ll be competing against for the limited amount of game!"
16 Important Rules of Survival and Preparedness
"Having a survival mindset means you are always ready to take on new challenges, right? Although I fully believe that new challenges are a good thing, it is sometimes downright frustrating to recognize that prep as we do, we are never really ready. Part of the disconnect from being totally prepared is having the knowledge that we will never be able to prepare for everything. As recently as four years ago, we were preparing for the end of the world as we know it and a global economic collapse. And now? The flavor of the month is a pandemic, a cyber attack, and the potential for another world war. As preppers, this leads us down a path of indecision. Do we continue to add to our preps, focusing on the worst that can happen or do we soldier along, preparing for the more likely nuances of Mother Nature? This is a decision each of us must make on our own or in partnership with others in our household. It is not easy. I don’t know about you, but coming to terms with not being ready for anything and everything is a tough mind game. SHTF this and SHTF that tends to dominate the landscape whether taking a hike, reading a book, or shopping at the grocery store. If you too are struggling with the dilemma of not being ready and therefore not being prepared, take a moment to re-focus on these 16 rules of survival and preparedness. They just might help you come to terms with not being fully prepared."
"Having a survival mindset means you are always ready to take on new challenges, right? Although I fully believe that new challenges are a good thing, it is sometimes downright frustrating to recognize that prep as we do, we are never really ready. Part of the disconnect from being totally prepared is having the knowledge that we will never be able to prepare for everything. As recently as four years ago, we were preparing for the end of the world as we know it and a global economic collapse. And now? The flavor of the month is a pandemic, a cyber attack, and the potential for another world war. As preppers, this leads us down a path of indecision. Do we continue to add to our preps, focusing on the worst that can happen or do we soldier along, preparing for the more likely nuances of Mother Nature? This is a decision each of us must make on our own or in partnership with others in our household. It is not easy. I don’t know about you, but coming to terms with not being ready for anything and everything is a tough mind game. SHTF this and SHTF that tends to dominate the landscape whether taking a hike, reading a book, or shopping at the grocery store. If you too are struggling with the dilemma of not being ready and therefore not being prepared, take a moment to re-focus on these 16 rules of survival and preparedness. They just might help you come to terms with not being fully prepared."
“I Should Have Died” – The Stuff You Might Want When the SHTF!
"I recently posted an article on Prepper Website about Appendicitis. That article was the inspiration for Anonymousmedic to share his experience with appendicitis and Turmeric. The author does state that you shouldn’t self medicate. I would add that we are not doctors, we are not providing advice and this topic needs more study and research for a post collapse scenario."
"I recently posted an article on Prepper Website about Appendicitis. That article was the inspiration for Anonymousmedic to share his experience with appendicitis and Turmeric. The author does state that you shouldn’t self medicate. I would add that we are not doctors, we are not providing advice and this topic needs more study and research for a post collapse scenario."
The False Veneer Of Polite Society Hides An Ugly Truth
"I am not, in any way, taking any sort of credit for the Internet meme pictured above. If you pay close attention, there is actually a copyright notice in the lower left-hand corner which I left fully intact. Also, I give full credit to the Facebook page that originally shared it: the Anti-Media page. I just thought it worthy of sharing with you folks, because I found the message it carries to be both timely as well as chilling. Originally, I had shared it on the Facebook page for this blog, but I know some of you folks avoid most of social media due to the privacy issues. So, I thought I would make a point of showing it here on the Backwoods Survival Blog main site as well. It really does conjure up some worrisome thoughts when you sit down and ask yourself, the question: if otherwise normal, everyday people will act in such a way over something as frivolous as cheap electronics for the holiday season, then how are they likely to react when there is a real crisis facing us?"
"I am not, in any way, taking any sort of credit for the Internet meme pictured above. If you pay close attention, there is actually a copyright notice in the lower left-hand corner which I left fully intact. Also, I give full credit to the Facebook page that originally shared it: the Anti-Media page. I just thought it worthy of sharing with you folks, because I found the message it carries to be both timely as well as chilling. Originally, I had shared it on the Facebook page for this blog, but I know some of you folks avoid most of social media due to the privacy issues. So, I thought I would make a point of showing it here on the Backwoods Survival Blog main site as well. It really does conjure up some worrisome thoughts when you sit down and ask yourself, the question: if otherwise normal, everyday people will act in such a way over something as frivolous as cheap electronics for the holiday season, then how are they likely to react when there is a real crisis facing us?"
Campfire Cooking for Preppers
"There’s nothing like a good campfire meal when you’re “roughing it”. It’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but there may come a time when campfire cooking for preppers takes on a whole new meaning. After TEOTWAWKI, building a campfire will get deadly serious as it is a necessary survival skill that you must learn. Fire is critical to your shelter arrangement, purifying water and cooking. With respect to campfire cooking, there are two factors to consider: Portability and Concealment. If you are bugging out, a campfire will draw unnecessary attention to you and the members of your Prepper group. A big roaring fire......below may not be the best idea."
"There’s nothing like a good campfire meal when you’re “roughing it”. It’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but there may come a time when campfire cooking for preppers takes on a whole new meaning. After TEOTWAWKI, building a campfire will get deadly serious as it is a necessary survival skill that you must learn. Fire is critical to your shelter arrangement, purifying water and cooking. With respect to campfire cooking, there are two factors to consider: Portability and Concealment. If you are bugging out, a campfire will draw unnecessary attention to you and the members of your Prepper group. A big roaring fire......below may not be the best idea."
When Primitive Skills and Prepping Have Sex
"Which word in the title lured you to this article? That’s a rhetorical question really. Whatever the reason, thanks for reading!
We’re not analyzing all the different labels related to preparedness. That’s a waste of time. If you believe your label (bushcraft, prepper, homesteader, survivalist, etc.) is superior to all others, stop reading now. Other venues are available which encourage you to crawl onto a pedestal of superiority. Tess Pennington, author of The Prepper’s Blueprint, addresses the preparedness community’s cubical mindset in the intro of her book:
“Once again, we have compartmentalized ourselves. Well, I hate to break it to you all, but we are all one in the same. That’s right folks, same group; different names. Potato, potahto. There are however, varying degrees of preparedness and this is where the difference lies. Preppers range from people who have a first-aid kit in the car to those who have an underground bunker. That said, it’s about time that we start embracing one another as a preparedness community and be more positive and uplifting towards one another’s endeavors.”
With that out of the way, let’s get started with…"
"Which word in the title lured you to this article? That’s a rhetorical question really. Whatever the reason, thanks for reading!
We’re not analyzing all the different labels related to preparedness. That’s a waste of time. If you believe your label (bushcraft, prepper, homesteader, survivalist, etc.) is superior to all others, stop reading now. Other venues are available which encourage you to crawl onto a pedestal of superiority. Tess Pennington, author of The Prepper’s Blueprint, addresses the preparedness community’s cubical mindset in the intro of her book:
“Once again, we have compartmentalized ourselves. Well, I hate to break it to you all, but we are all one in the same. That’s right folks, same group; different names. Potato, potahto. There are however, varying degrees of preparedness and this is where the difference lies. Preppers range from people who have a first-aid kit in the car to those who have an underground bunker. That said, it’s about time that we start embracing one another as a preparedness community and be more positive and uplifting towards one another’s endeavors.”
With that out of the way, let’s get started with…"
Stock Your Pantry From Scratch: Homemade Apple Pie Filling
"Apples just seem to overflow here at our homestead. And thankfully so! They are an excellent staple to have on the pantry shelf, easy to can & put up and best of all…delicious! If /when the SHTF, comfort foods will be soooo appreciated, even if the “S” in question is just a big Snowstorm! Each year, we can huge quantities of applesauce, make apple butter for the grandparents, and dehydrate apple chips, but far and away our favorite way to preserve all the beautiful apples we get in the Fall is Apple Pie Filling! No matter how much we make, there can never be enough for our family and friends. I can seasonally and in bulk, to stock the pantry shelves, teach my children the art of canning and have shelf stable (delicious) foods on hand, at the ready. This helps me use sales and in-season foods at the best price and quality, while keeping the pantry stocked. Apples are so versatile that we came up with 27 Things You Can Do With Apples. Now, it’s prime time to finish canning those apples and stock your pantry from scratch!"
"Apples just seem to overflow here at our homestead. And thankfully so! They are an excellent staple to have on the pantry shelf, easy to can & put up and best of all…delicious! If /when the SHTF, comfort foods will be soooo appreciated, even if the “S” in question is just a big Snowstorm! Each year, we can huge quantities of applesauce, make apple butter for the grandparents, and dehydrate apple chips, but far and away our favorite way to preserve all the beautiful apples we get in the Fall is Apple Pie Filling! No matter how much we make, there can never be enough for our family and friends. I can seasonally and in bulk, to stock the pantry shelves, teach my children the art of canning and have shelf stable (delicious) foods on hand, at the ready. This helps me use sales and in-season foods at the best price and quality, while keeping the pantry stocked. Apples are so versatile that we came up with 27 Things You Can Do With Apples. Now, it’s prime time to finish canning those apples and stock your pantry from scratch!"
Should You Keep Those Extra Holiday Pounds?
"Almost everyone gains a few extra pounds during the Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s Day run. Then their New Year’s resolution is to lose the weight. But might you be healthier with a few extra pounds? One very comprehensive medical study says: “Maybe!” A study in the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec 2010) compared body weight and risk of death from any cause in 1.46 million adults (age 19 to 84). The researchers pooled the results from 19 previous studies. Each person was categorized by Body Mass Index (BMI) and followed for an average of about 10 years. Risk of death was found to be significantly related to BMI."
"Almost everyone gains a few extra pounds during the Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s Day run. Then their New Year’s resolution is to lose the weight. But might you be healthier with a few extra pounds? One very comprehensive medical study says: “Maybe!” A study in the New England Journal of Medicine (Dec 2010) compared body weight and risk of death from any cause in 1.46 million adults (age 19 to 84). The researchers pooled the results from 19 previous studies. Each person was categorized by Body Mass Index (BMI) and followed for an average of about 10 years. Risk of death was found to be significantly related to BMI."
Russians Flock to Stores to Pre-Empt Price Rises
"Russian consumers flocked to the stores Wednesday, frantically buying a range of big-ticket items to pre-empt the price rises kicked off by the staggering fall in the value of the ruble in recent days. As the Russian authorities announced a series of measures to ease the pressure on the ruble, which slid 15 percent in the previous two days and raised fears of a bank run, many Russians were buying cars and home appliances — in some cases in record numbers — before prices for these imported goods shoot higher. Shops selling a broad range of items were reporting record sales — some have even suspended operations, unsure of how far the ruble will sink. Apple, for one, has halted all online sales in Russia. “This is a very dangerous situation. We are just a few days away from a full-blown run on the banks,” Russia’s leading business daily Vedomosti said in an editorial Wednesday. “If one does not calm down the currency market right now, the banking system will need robust emergency care.”
(Sgt Trainer: This is the exact sort of thing I have been telling folks for a very long time. When a currency collapses, or appears to about to do so, folks will go out and spend a lot of their money on things because they know the price is going to skyrocket. I tell people that you shouldn't wait for this to happen before "prepping" but rather they should ROUTINELY pick up items that will enhance their survival...regardless of the reason. People need to be obtaining things that will help them in a "grid-down" situation. For example, if the electric grid drops off-line...and STAYS dropped...how are you going to cook? Garden? Wash your clothes? Transport yourself from one point to another? Purchase things? Obtain your water needs? Keep warm in winter...or cool in summer? People need to be looking for items that will help them in such cases that will operate manually and that don't require electricity to do so! Another example is...how many folks have a manually-operated can opener? Grass cutter? Lighting source? Heating source that does NOT require electricity? Don't wait, like these folks have done, to ensure you have what you need to not only survive but to also flourish! And get it now!!!)
"Russian consumers flocked to the stores Wednesday, frantically buying a range of big-ticket items to pre-empt the price rises kicked off by the staggering fall in the value of the ruble in recent days. As the Russian authorities announced a series of measures to ease the pressure on the ruble, which slid 15 percent in the previous two days and raised fears of a bank run, many Russians were buying cars and home appliances — in some cases in record numbers — before prices for these imported goods shoot higher. Shops selling a broad range of items were reporting record sales — some have even suspended operations, unsure of how far the ruble will sink. Apple, for one, has halted all online sales in Russia. “This is a very dangerous situation. We are just a few days away from a full-blown run on the banks,” Russia’s leading business daily Vedomosti said in an editorial Wednesday. “If one does not calm down the currency market right now, the banking system will need robust emergency care.”
(Sgt Trainer: This is the exact sort of thing I have been telling folks for a very long time. When a currency collapses, or appears to about to do so, folks will go out and spend a lot of their money on things because they know the price is going to skyrocket. I tell people that you shouldn't wait for this to happen before "prepping" but rather they should ROUTINELY pick up items that will enhance their survival...regardless of the reason. People need to be obtaining things that will help them in a "grid-down" situation. For example, if the electric grid drops off-line...and STAYS dropped...how are you going to cook? Garden? Wash your clothes? Transport yourself from one point to another? Purchase things? Obtain your water needs? Keep warm in winter...or cool in summer? People need to be looking for items that will help them in such cases that will operate manually and that don't require electricity to do so! Another example is...how many folks have a manually-operated can opener? Grass cutter? Lighting source? Heating source that does NOT require electricity? Don't wait, like these folks have done, to ensure you have what you need to not only survive but to also flourish! And get it now!!!)
Florida pastor: First Amendment doesn’t apply to ‘malevolent, evil’ faiths like Satanism
"A conservative Christian pastor in Boca Raton, Florida says that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution only applies to traditional, accepted religions like Christianity, not “malevolent and evil” faiths like Satanism."
(Sgt Trainer: While I agree that this pastor has the right to express his beliefs whether I agree with them or not, once we begin denying our rights to certain segments of our society we expose ourselves to having the exact same thing done to us. And just in case someone thinks this cannot happen...check out the story below!)
"A conservative Christian pastor in Boca Raton, Florida says that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution only applies to traditional, accepted religions like Christianity, not “malevolent and evil” faiths like Satanism."
(Sgt Trainer: While I agree that this pastor has the right to express his beliefs whether I agree with them or not, once we begin denying our rights to certain segments of our society we expose ourselves to having the exact same thing done to us. And just in case someone thinks this cannot happen...check out the story below!)
Tennessee Town Passes Policy Banning Negative Comments About The Town's Government
"The commissioners of a small Tennessee town have just voted to ban negative comments about it from social media. This stupid move was prompted by "criticism and lies" being posted online, which supposedly "hampered" the town's government from performing its duties. South Pittsburg City is a town of 3,000. This fact will limit the damage done by its city commissioners' new policy (which passed with 4-1 vote), but only because the town itself is tiny. The ban, however, is super-broad. (via Ben Swann and BRACE YOURSELF for always-awesome AUTOPLAY). It applies to all city elected representatives, appointed board members, employees, volunteers, vendors, contractors and anyone associated with the town in an official capacity who uses social networks. The policy says those persons can't post anything negative about the city, its employees or other associates. Examples include posted videos, blogs, online forum discussions, Facebook and Twitter, Commissioner Jeff Powers said. Now, it's obvious that this ban violates the First Amendment rights of everyone involved. It's obvious to the lone dissenting voter, Paul Don King. It's not so obvious to the rest of the commissioners, who have offered a variety of terrible defenses the new policy. Commissioner Jeff Powers: "It seems like every few meetings we're having to address something that's been on Facebook and created negative publicity," he said. "This is just an industry standard nowadays." Oh, lord. Have you ever heard of such a slight inconvenience? "Every few meetings." Sounds exhausting. If he thinks it's a drag dealing with negative comments periodically, just wait until he has to actively police social media for violators."
"The commissioners of a small Tennessee town have just voted to ban negative comments about it from social media. This stupid move was prompted by "criticism and lies" being posted online, which supposedly "hampered" the town's government from performing its duties. South Pittsburg City is a town of 3,000. This fact will limit the damage done by its city commissioners' new policy (which passed with 4-1 vote), but only because the town itself is tiny. The ban, however, is super-broad. (via Ben Swann and BRACE YOURSELF for always-awesome AUTOPLAY). It applies to all city elected representatives, appointed board members, employees, volunteers, vendors, contractors and anyone associated with the town in an official capacity who uses social networks. The policy says those persons can't post anything negative about the city, its employees or other associates. Examples include posted videos, blogs, online forum discussions, Facebook and Twitter, Commissioner Jeff Powers said. Now, it's obvious that this ban violates the First Amendment rights of everyone involved. It's obvious to the lone dissenting voter, Paul Don King. It's not so obvious to the rest of the commissioners, who have offered a variety of terrible defenses the new policy. Commissioner Jeff Powers: "It seems like every few meetings we're having to address something that's been on Facebook and created negative publicity," he said. "This is just an industry standard nowadays." Oh, lord. Have you ever heard of such a slight inconvenience? "Every few meetings." Sounds exhausting. If he thinks it's a drag dealing with negative comments periodically, just wait until he has to actively police social media for violators."
If You Do Not Have Your Assets Outside the U.S. Yet, What Are You Waiting For?
"Thomas Jefferson warned about having institutions like the Federal Reserve in charge of the nations money centuries ago. "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." That is already well in process and, realizing that, the US government is doing everything it can to stop Americans from taking their money and assets outside of the US."
"Thomas Jefferson warned about having institutions like the Federal Reserve in charge of the nations money centuries ago. "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." That is already well in process and, realizing that, the US government is doing everything it can to stop Americans from taking their money and assets outside of the US."
Companion Sidearms for the Great Outdoors
"Most important to note: This is titled “Companion Sidearms For The Great Outdoors”. I am not suggesting that handguns are the end all be all for carrying a gun for protection when in the wilderness. I happen to like my long guns too (and we’ll discuss a few of those as appropriate below), but for hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, etc., it’s often good to have a “companion” along that is more comfortable to carry, less obtrusive, and better than trying to spit on that unfriendly critter or potential food source. This article is a review on some of the handguns that I feel are quite serviceable as outdoor companion sidearms. Having made those qualifying statements, let’s think for a minute: if you know you’re going out into the wilds and you’re taking a long a firearm for protection, or for hunting a food source, what would your first choices be? I can almost hear some of you thinking… “.308 bolt action”… “Marlin .444″… Personally I have two choices: a Remington 870 and a Winchester 94 .30-.30 lever action. While both are exceptional weapons that have been around for decades, neither is what I’d pick to carry if I was trying to carry something for the following purposes:"
"Most important to note: This is titled “Companion Sidearms For The Great Outdoors”. I am not suggesting that handguns are the end all be all for carrying a gun for protection when in the wilderness. I happen to like my long guns too (and we’ll discuss a few of those as appropriate below), but for hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, etc., it’s often good to have a “companion” along that is more comfortable to carry, less obtrusive, and better than trying to spit on that unfriendly critter or potential food source. This article is a review on some of the handguns that I feel are quite serviceable as outdoor companion sidearms. Having made those qualifying statements, let’s think for a minute: if you know you’re going out into the wilds and you’re taking a long a firearm for protection, or for hunting a food source, what would your first choices be? I can almost hear some of you thinking… “.308 bolt action”… “Marlin .444″… Personally I have two choices: a Remington 870 and a Winchester 94 .30-.30 lever action. While both are exceptional weapons that have been around for decades, neither is what I’d pick to carry if I was trying to carry something for the following purposes:"
Move it or lose it: Survival Lifestyle
"It’s one thing to “stay in shape,” but there’s a difference between SHOW shape and PERFORM shape. What do I mean? All of us have seen pictures online or in magazines (or even just on the cover of magazines at the grocery store line) of men and women who are allegedly in excellent physical condition. For sure, their physique looks good in pictures, but… can they garden for six hours? Can they hike for ten? Can they climb a 20 foot rock wall with a pack on? Can they fight for their lives for ten minutes? The different between being in show shape versus perform shape is a matter of what you can do and for how long. “Running” on an elliptical is certainly better than sitting on the sofa, but it doesn’t actually prepare me to run on the road. It helps me keep my cardio fitness up and certainly helps me burn off fat calories, but it’s not a realistic substitute for actual running. Stretching is great and is necessary but there’s very little actual real activity that stretching mimics. Lifting weights or doing other resistance training may be great for muscle building or muscle tone, but bench presses and curls aren’t actions you might often do in day to day survival living."
"It’s one thing to “stay in shape,” but there’s a difference between SHOW shape and PERFORM shape. What do I mean? All of us have seen pictures online or in magazines (or even just on the cover of magazines at the grocery store line) of men and women who are allegedly in excellent physical condition. For sure, their physique looks good in pictures, but… can they garden for six hours? Can they hike for ten? Can they climb a 20 foot rock wall with a pack on? Can they fight for their lives for ten minutes? The different between being in show shape versus perform shape is a matter of what you can do and for how long. “Running” on an elliptical is certainly better than sitting on the sofa, but it doesn’t actually prepare me to run on the road. It helps me keep my cardio fitness up and certainly helps me burn off fat calories, but it’s not a realistic substitute for actual running. Stretching is great and is necessary but there’s very little actual real activity that stretching mimics. Lifting weights or doing other resistance training may be great for muscle building or muscle tone, but bench presses and curls aren’t actions you might often do in day to day survival living."
Cop Stops Fellow Cop From Choking a Handcuffed Man, She Was Then Beaten and Fired
"While killer cops get sent on paid vacations, it’s hard to imagine what one has to do to actually be fired. It turns out, the answer is be a good cop. Former Buffalo Police Officer, Cariol Horne is fighting for her pension since she was fired after 19 years on the force, over an incident in 2006 when she stopped a fellow officer from choking a handcuffed suspect. Horne had received a call that Officer Gregory Kwiatkowski was at the scene of a domestic dispute and in need of assistance. When she arrived, she witnessed Kwiatkowski violently punching the handcuffed suspect in the face. Horne and other officers on the scene removed the suspect from the house, but once outside Kwiatkowski pounced again, this time choking the handcuffed man. Believing Kwiatkowski to be out of out of control, Horne removed his arm from around the man’s neck. “Gregory Kwiatkowski turned Neal Mack around and started choking him. So then I’m like, ‘Greg! You’re choking him,’ because I thought whatever happened in the house he was still upset about so when he didn’t stop choking him I just grabbed his arm from around Neal Mack’s neck,” Horne told WKBW. Infuriated that she had crossed the thin blue line, Kwaitkowski then punched Horne in the face. The punch so was hard that Horne ended up having to have her bridge replaced. She was then injured again as officers dragged her away from trying to defend herself. Here is where things get crazy".
"While killer cops get sent on paid vacations, it’s hard to imagine what one has to do to actually be fired. It turns out, the answer is be a good cop. Former Buffalo Police Officer, Cariol Horne is fighting for her pension since she was fired after 19 years on the force, over an incident in 2006 when she stopped a fellow officer from choking a handcuffed suspect. Horne had received a call that Officer Gregory Kwiatkowski was at the scene of a domestic dispute and in need of assistance. When she arrived, she witnessed Kwiatkowski violently punching the handcuffed suspect in the face. Horne and other officers on the scene removed the suspect from the house, but once outside Kwiatkowski pounced again, this time choking the handcuffed man. Believing Kwiatkowski to be out of out of control, Horne removed his arm from around the man’s neck. “Gregory Kwiatkowski turned Neal Mack around and started choking him. So then I’m like, ‘Greg! You’re choking him,’ because I thought whatever happened in the house he was still upset about so when he didn’t stop choking him I just grabbed his arm from around Neal Mack’s neck,” Horne told WKBW. Infuriated that she had crossed the thin blue line, Kwaitkowski then punched Horne in the face. The punch so was hard that Horne ended up having to have her bridge replaced. She was then injured again as officers dragged her away from trying to defend herself. Here is where things get crazy".
There Is Hope In Understanding That A Great Economic Collapse Is Coming
"When times are the darkest, that is when light is needed the most. Just think about it. When you look back over history, what heroes do you admire the most? If you truly think about it, almost all of those heroes arose during times of great adversity and conflict. The years ahead can be a time of great adventure for you, or they can seem like hell on Earth. It all depends on how you respond to your circumstances. Do you want to know who is going to respond to the years ahead with fear, panic and depression? The millions of people that have absolutely no idea what is coming and have made absolutely no preparations are going to be absolutely blindsided by the coming economic collapse. Just like the 1930s, we are going to see people jumping out of windows and jumping in front of trains. Others will sink into a state of despair so deep that nobody will ever be able to shake them out of it. It doesn’t have to be that way."
"When times are the darkest, that is when light is needed the most. Just think about it. When you look back over history, what heroes do you admire the most? If you truly think about it, almost all of those heroes arose during times of great adversity and conflict. The years ahead can be a time of great adventure for you, or they can seem like hell on Earth. It all depends on how you respond to your circumstances. Do you want to know who is going to respond to the years ahead with fear, panic and depression? The millions of people that have absolutely no idea what is coming and have made absolutely no preparations are going to be absolutely blindsided by the coming economic collapse. Just like the 1930s, we are going to see people jumping out of windows and jumping in front of trains. Others will sink into a state of despair so deep that nobody will ever be able to shake them out of it. It doesn’t have to be that way."
Largest State Police Agency in the US, Now Openly Self-Described as a “Paramilitary Organization”
"As the debate surrounding police militarization continues to grow, some police departments are actually seeking to become more like military organizations. Some of those departments are actually even going public with their militaristic aspirations. The California Highway Patrol for example, lists as its #1 question on its employment application paperwork, “Are you willing to work in a paramilitary organization, operating under a structured chain of-command?” This year alone the California Highway Patrol has been wrapped up in a number of corruption and excessive force accusations, most notably the police officer who was recorded assaulting a woman on the side of the road, and the woman who caught an officer stealing private photographs from her phone while she was arrested on a DUI charge. As of December 18th, 2014, the admissions of being a paramilitary organization are still displayed for all to see on the CHP’s website, but it is likely that their public relations team will restructure their website as soon as enough people point it out."
"As the debate surrounding police militarization continues to grow, some police departments are actually seeking to become more like military organizations. Some of those departments are actually even going public with their militaristic aspirations. The California Highway Patrol for example, lists as its #1 question on its employment application paperwork, “Are you willing to work in a paramilitary organization, operating under a structured chain of-command?” This year alone the California Highway Patrol has been wrapped up in a number of corruption and excessive force accusations, most notably the police officer who was recorded assaulting a woman on the side of the road, and the woman who caught an officer stealing private photographs from her phone while she was arrested on a DUI charge. As of December 18th, 2014, the admissions of being a paramilitary organization are still displayed for all to see on the CHP’s website, but it is likely that their public relations team will restructure their website as soon as enough people point it out."
Youth Home Accused of Welter of Abuses
"A residential work ranch for troubled youths in New Mexico abuses, neglects, shackles and “waterlogs” children, denies them food and beats them with weapons, parents of four young people claim in court. Lead plaintiff Coulton Quevedo sued Tierra Blanca Ranch, its owner Scott Chandler and others on Monday in Santa Fe County Court. Quevedo, 18, claims the ranch advertises itself as a place where troubled youths and those with learning disabilities can responsibility, self-discipline and self-respect. But Quevedo says ranch staff handcuffs and shackles children, forces them to work without pay, physically abuses them, keeps them on short food rations as punishment and as a method of control. His mother claims she paid $47,800 for this."
"A residential work ranch for troubled youths in New Mexico abuses, neglects, shackles and “waterlogs” children, denies them food and beats them with weapons, parents of four young people claim in court. Lead plaintiff Coulton Quevedo sued Tierra Blanca Ranch, its owner Scott Chandler and others on Monday in Santa Fe County Court. Quevedo, 18, claims the ranch advertises itself as a place where troubled youths and those with learning disabilities can responsibility, self-discipline and self-respect. But Quevedo says ranch staff handcuffs and shackles children, forces them to work without pay, physically abuses them, keeps them on short food rations as punishment and as a method of control. His mother claims she paid $47,800 for this."
SKS complete review and history with Jerry Miculek
"Mentions the danger of the firing pin sticking …. Which I was totally unaware that could happen. This causes the rifle to slam fire and shoot auto until empty. Very dangerous."
"Mentions the danger of the firing pin sticking …. Which I was totally unaware that could happen. This causes the rifle to slam fire and shoot auto until empty. Very dangerous."
Prison Food vs. School Lunches
"Can you guess which one is which? Highlight the text to see the answer."
(Sgt Trainer: It took me a couple of seconds to figure this out but here's how it works. Place your cursor to the immediate left of the "A" in the word Answer. Left click and HOLD down and drag your cursor across the word "Answer:" BUT...keep dragging to the right and the answer will appear in the "highlighting". Do NOT just highlight the word "Answer:" and stop or you won't see it.)
"Can you guess which one is which? Highlight the text to see the answer."
(Sgt Trainer: It took me a couple of seconds to figure this out but here's how it works. Place your cursor to the immediate left of the "A" in the word Answer. Left click and HOLD down and drag your cursor across the word "Answer:" BUT...keep dragging to the right and the answer will appear in the "highlighting". Do NOT just highlight the word "Answer:" and stop or you won't see it.)

Essential Skills: Adjusting for Magnetic Declination
"As a picture is worth a thousand words, use this great little diagram to ensure you account for the magnetic declination on your map when practicing your land nav skills. If you don’t trust your map, you can always go to http://www.magnetic-declination.com and get the exact declination for the area you’re in. Personally, as I have a real ‘trust’ issue with the net and anything man made, I take the two, and if they’re not the same, I split the difference. Example: The map I use for my training area indicates a 9 degree Westerly magnetic declination. The web site with up to date information says 7 degrees West. I use 8 degrees West. I’ve found that to be more accurate; YMMV. You can get something similar to this at http://www.maptools.com, or if you’d like a more robust field reference that’s waterproof and includes a hell of a lot more information, check out our DTG Field Reference here. It makes a great Christmas gift!"
"As a picture is worth a thousand words, use this great little diagram to ensure you account for the magnetic declination on your map when practicing your land nav skills. If you don’t trust your map, you can always go to http://www.magnetic-declination.com and get the exact declination for the area you’re in. Personally, as I have a real ‘trust’ issue with the net and anything man made, I take the two, and if they’re not the same, I split the difference. Example: The map I use for my training area indicates a 9 degree Westerly magnetic declination. The web site with up to date information says 7 degrees West. I use 8 degrees West. I’ve found that to be more accurate; YMMV. You can get something similar to this at http://www.maptools.com, or if you’d like a more robust field reference that’s waterproof and includes a hell of a lot more information, check out our DTG Field Reference here. It makes a great Christmas gift!"

8 Military Bug Out Vehicles You Can Own
"We here at the Ranch are in the process of building 2 Bug Out Vehicles. One for THR central command, and the other for THR suburbia. We will be starting a series on both of the builds, one a low dollar build, and the other a mid-level build. While we would love to bring you the Ultimate BOV build, we simply don’t have the budget for it…yet. So while we are in the planning process of the different directions we plan to go with each one, we thought we would bring you 8 military bug out vehicles you can own. Some of these are fairly easy to acquire as long as you have enough cash. Others on the list are a little more difficult to attain, but it is possible."
"We here at the Ranch are in the process of building 2 Bug Out Vehicles. One for THR central command, and the other for THR suburbia. We will be starting a series on both of the builds, one a low dollar build, and the other a mid-level build. While we would love to bring you the Ultimate BOV build, we simply don’t have the budget for it…yet. So while we are in the planning process of the different directions we plan to go with each one, we thought we would bring you 8 military bug out vehicles you can own. Some of these are fairly easy to acquire as long as you have enough cash. Others on the list are a little more difficult to attain, but it is possible."
‘Hottest Year On Record’ Sees Record-High Sea Ice Coverage
"Climate scientists are saying 2014 is on track to be the hottest year on record, but it’s also been a record year for global sea ice coverage. Global sea ice coverage hit the highest coverage since 1988 during December 2014 — the fourth highest global sea ice extent ever recorded for that time. Most of this has come from huge expansions of Antarctic sea ice during the South Pole’s winter, but scientists have recently acknowledged that Arctic sea ice is looking more stable than was previously thought."
"Climate scientists are saying 2014 is on track to be the hottest year on record, but it’s also been a record year for global sea ice coverage. Global sea ice coverage hit the highest coverage since 1988 during December 2014 — the fourth highest global sea ice extent ever recorded for that time. Most of this has come from huge expansions of Antarctic sea ice during the South Pole’s winter, but scientists have recently acknowledged that Arctic sea ice is looking more stable than was previously thought."
Obama Increases Allowable Levels of Radiation in Drinking Water ‘Dramatically’
"A Japanese government official has reported, “I was overwhelmed by the amount of contaminated water coming from the reactors, we must dump it in the ocean.” This isn’t such great news for the US since President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave their approval for “dramatically raising permissible radioactive levels in drinking water and soil following “radiological incidents,” such as nuclear power-plant accidents and dirty bombs.” The Nuclear Industry calls this their “new normal,” according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The EPA has issued radiation guides called Protective Action Guides or PAGs which allows more radiation than any American has ever been exposed to. Within the guides, are instructions for evacuations, shelter-in-place orders, food restrictions and other actions following a wide range of “radiological emergencies.” Wouldn’t the massive break down of reactor number one at Fukushima be considered a ‘radiological emergency?”
"A Japanese government official has reported, “I was overwhelmed by the amount of contaminated water coming from the reactors, we must dump it in the ocean.” This isn’t such great news for the US since President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave their approval for “dramatically raising permissible radioactive levels in drinking water and soil following “radiological incidents,” such as nuclear power-plant accidents and dirty bombs.” The Nuclear Industry calls this their “new normal,” according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The EPA has issued radiation guides called Protective Action Guides or PAGs which allows more radiation than any American has ever been exposed to. Within the guides, are instructions for evacuations, shelter-in-place orders, food restrictions and other actions following a wide range of “radiological emergencies.” Wouldn’t the massive break down of reactor number one at Fukushima be considered a ‘radiological emergency?”