SURVIVAL STEW : a prepper's guide

Still on Target

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:58:00 +0000

The big events are still coming up shortly although there hasn't been a lot to report on lately. All of the markers are pointing toward the second week of November for whatever is going to kick off the huge downturn. And then the economy and life as we know it will continue to head down for a long time afterwards.

I thought it was a good time to remind everyone to get their last minute preparations in place. You can find a lot of advice for preps in the past articles here and also at urbansurvival.com and halfpasthuman.com, the sites that outline the information regarding this, what is most likely to be a catastrophic period.

Some of the likely events may include any of the following, a combination of several of those, or something else entirely:

-increasing wars impacting the entire world;

-economic, including the death of the dollar and the corresponding economic depression

-electro magnetic pulsation (EMP) either man made or natural such as a coronal mass ejection (CME)

-another terrorist event or something made to look like a terrorist attack maybe including nuclear attacks.

Of course the preparations we make will be a little different for each of these events but many of them will be universal.

Examples of this would be that gas masks may be needed for nuclear attacks or nuclear power disruption due to natural disasters. Alternative power and/or protection of equipment would be needed in the case of an EMP or CME, including autos without electric parts. However, some supplies are more basic and would be good to have in most scenarios. Think of what we need to survive such as purifiers to clean water, food and heat. Then we need a way to protect what we have and barter items including precious metals in small denominations.

The frustrating part is that we don't know exactly what to expect and no one can prepare for every situation but if we have enough to barter with, we may be able to get what is needed. For example, pole shift may require us to have a sturdy boat but you may be able to trade for one. So do the best you can and good luck.

Jobless Recovery

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:04:00 +0000

Thanks to my friend Bartender Cabbie for the comment noticing my past post predicting the claiming of a jobless recovery. That, of course, is hogwash but none-the-less it is what is being claimed by many at this time. The delaying of the "crash" is only due to the stimulus money pumped into the economy and the plunge protection measures, which are only putting off the inevitable. Actually, this downturn is still going on, albeit in slow motion, so as not to be readily detectable by the general public.

The latest predictions out by the web bot program available at halfpasthuman.com shows a building tension period to start around the end of June increasing before the middle of July of this year. A large turning point to the downside will then occur in the first half of November with things getting worse after that for a sustained period of time. This is not to be used as advice but feel free to position yourself as you see fit.

Check back for updates as they become available. Good luck to all and be sure to prepare for the worst (it may be too bad to even imagine.) and don't count on government to help.

Contest

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:13:00 +0000

M. D. Creekmore over at The Survivalist Blog - a survival blog dedicated to helping others prepare for and survive disaster - with articles on bug out bag contents, survival knife choices and a wealth of other survival information is giving away a Go Berkey Water Filter System (A $139.00 value)! To enter, you just have to post about it on your blog. This is my entry. Visit The Survivalist Blog for the details.

Facing the Current Economic Depression

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:14:00 +0000

It seems like the economic depression that we are in is starting to get rolling along at an increased pace at this time. By mid summer it should be more obvious to a lot more people and by late fall be in full swing.

I, like a lot of ordinary folks, have not been able to prepare as well as I would like but am trying to make plans to do more as time and resources allow. I want to be sure to put our very limited funds into what will be most beneficial to the family here. Never knowing the exact nature of circumstances, full preparation is hard, if not impossible but I would like to cover the basics as a review due to the shortness of time, which is upon us.

Canned food is cheap and convenient but try to select food with a high protein content since other sources may be difficult to get. Canned meats will be the best but beans and peanut butter are also good. However, they should be combined with bread or a grain to form a complete protein that can be fully utilized by the body. Dried beans, peas, etc. are also economical but will require water, fire and time to be prepared.

Flour can be used to make pan bread. Whole wheat is good for nutrition if tolerable. Although you will also need water and fire, it only will take a few minutes to fry up if you have some oil and a pan. Just mix with water to a consistency of a thick liquid and pour into a heated pan with a small amount of oil and flip half way through.

It might be a good idea to have extra vitamins to supplement what might be a limited variety of foods available.

If you have a well you may be better off but a good filter should also be on hand. There are ways to purify water with bleach, iodine and even the sun so you may want to google and write down instructions for this. And don't forget to have plenty of stored water as a backup.

Propane heaters and extra tanks can come in handy for short term heating but replacement fuel may not be available so, if you are near wooded areas, a wood stove may be your best option for staying warm. Solar, pellet stoves with plenty of extra fuel and other's may also be options although expensive. To save fuel, block off a small section of your living quarters and only heat that area.

A wind up radio may serve as a source of information and be cheaper in the long run than batteries if we get cut off from power. Candles and oil lamps may be your only light source but also have some flashlights, either the self powered type or with extra batteries on hand.

There are many other items that can come in very handy such as tin foil, tarps, garbage bags, tools, etc. and don't forget to get your garden started for the most economical and healthy foods. (Have canning supplies for long term storage of your crops.) And don't forget the medical supplies. Get some survival books or print off material from the Internet and get other ideas for preparing from those.

Bugging out, or fleeing your home, may be necessary so have a gassed up vehicle, supplies and a place to go planned out. Now get going and good luck.

Gathering and Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:20:00 +0000

The moral mushroom season is underway currently as it is once again that time of year. Even if you don't like mushrooms, morals are better than steak to those in the know. (After all, they sell for several times the amount of a good steak in stores.)

Some say to look in poplar treed areas, some say the south side of a hill, previously burnt areas, decomposing trees, etc. but I have seen them in people's yards and pine forests also. The darker ones come out first and then the larger, lighter colored ones afterwards. They usually come in bunches and are sometimes hard to spot.

Look up pictures so that you will be able to identify them and don't eat them if they are open at the bottom where the top meets the stem. Those can make you very sick. They are excellent battered or just fried plain and you can dry them for later use. So, what are you doing here...get out and find those tasty morsels.

True Meaning of the Bible

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:34:00 +0000

An interesting project has been going on with a finding of the original Hebrew alphabet that was discovered. This translation shows some spectacularly different meaning to the Genesis portion of the old testament and can be found here.

This changes how the previous translation has been construed drastically so, if you would like to find out how humans came to be on planet earth, visit that link and read up on it. The real Hebrew is made up of 22 letters, of which each one is actually a word in itself. When put together, these make up words with meanings that can not be lost in translation as has been done in the past.

This discovery will prove to change everything previously thought to be true about everything that we know. So, do yourself a favor and click on the beginning "book one" at the top of the page there and start reading. Its time that we started seeing things as they are instead of what some misdirected folks would like you to believe.

Update For 2012

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:05:00 +0000

Whatever the catastrophe predicted for 2012 by the Mayan calendar and others happens to be, it seems that it has been moved forward according to some sources. It has been reported that it may arrive as soon as 2011 now. And, to make things even worse, the powers that be may be engineering an economic collapse to coincide with the event or events perhaps to help fund some of their preparations. George W. Bush has purchased land high above sea level and there is a hospital being built strategically located so as to be accessible in case of extensive flooding. This has been said to have utilized the tarp money that was pushed through.

Some regular folks are building unsinkable boats to prepare but others say that those will not be advantageous due to the extreme heights of waves and the free fall drop down the face that would take place. Others are looking to secure farm land well above sea level.

If you're like me, you have more answers than questions at this time. Will electronics be wiped out by a CME or coronal mass ejection from the sun? Will there be changes in the earth's crust due to a poll shift? If these type of events happen approximately every 11,000 years, why haven't any survivors left definitive records for us? Or have they and those were hidden away from the general public? Please comment if anyone has information that will help clear any of this up.

Survival of Disasters and 2012

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:32:00 +0000

Forgive me for neglecting posting here as much but I've been researching and brainstorming over on the halfpasthuman discussion forum a lot lately. I've recently been studying the sun's activity as related to the 2012 scenario (which may have been fast forwarded to 2011 or sooner now).

A very dismal endeavor but worthwhile I suppose. This event, whatever it is, would have the effect of changing a lot of preparations that we concentrate on. And some of our preps we are making may be substituted with others. The ramifications would be too great for a short article like this, or even for a long article, but a little digging will clear things up a lot and a good place to start would be this article.

As I learn more, I will try to keep this site updated. For those so inclined, some of the things suggested that I have run across are boat building, high ground retreats and other major changes that could be the difference between survival and mass extinction. Sorry you won't find any posts on making substitute coffee from roots but some things are taking priority now.

Recession and New Electronics

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:05:00 +0000

According to the New York Fed model, the chances of having a double dip recession in 2010 or 2011 is zero. If you choose to believe them that is. More and more people are choosing not to believe these type of lies as the impact hits closer to home for them.

One positive note is the invention of the new type of electric box that was featured on 60 minutes last Sunday. One box, which would run about $2000 when ready to be mass produced, would supply enough electricity for the average American home's needs.

This is the type of radical innovation that could have a great effect on jump starting the economy. Other than a major breakthrough such as this, we are probably looking at a good 10 years of hard times ahead. Most people don't accept this fact as of yet but the coming months will probably bring them to the same conclusion as the lies they have been fed do not hold up to scrutiny any longer.

And maybe this is what is needed to get through to people and get them to finally realize the magnitude of the corruption that has been going on behind the scenes for so long. One more thing. Here's my plan to decrease the size of government. We need to implement a zero tolerance policy for a$$holes working in government like the one they have for other things. This would effectively get rid of most of the people working there and solve many of the world's problems.

Heirloom Seeds

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:47:00 +0000

Time to order seeds for your garden if you haven't done so. Be sure to get heirloom also called heritage seeds in order to have the best produce and be able to save seeds from your harvest for the coming years. I have found a good source here.

This is a very reputable company and reasonable too. Part of the profits go to charity also. Good luck with your 2010 crops. Check the archives for gardening tips. Remember, food is going to be going up even more and availability could go all the way to zero at the local markets shortly. So, growing and preserving is more important than ever.

If you don't have space to garden, at least put some plants in via container gardening as can be found by searching the archives.

Dental Conspiracy

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:01:00 +0000

I tried to get the following word out to more people by having posted on urbansurvival.com but it never got published. So I will post it here although the readership is much smaller. This is very important information for many people, if not personally, with a good possibility in the future.

"Hi George. Long time no talk (don't say "long time no care" like Archie Bunker when his relative came to visit). I have come across a problem that you might be interested in regarding periodontal disease. A cure exists for it but dentists are not willing to use it. Maybe because they think it will lose them business in the long run or they are ignorant to the facts.
It is possible to reverse with treatments of certain antibiotics at the right dosage in conjunction with cleanings called scaling and planning. However, when trying to find a dentist to prescribe them, it's like pulling teeth. (you aren't the only one with stupid puns.) The University of Detroit Dental School and others have done studies that show this treatment to work without a doubt and there is a lot on the Internet regarding such treatments.

I was able to finally find a dentist that prescribed doxyciline a few years back. He is now retired so I've searched the extensive list in the yellow pages but with no luck. Even with the inadequate amount he prescribed, the condition reversed itself until recently. Many have had to have teeth pulled because of this refusal of health care professionals to follow this proven method of treatment and I'm ticked off about it.

Maybe if this can be brought to the public forefront more people will demand to be cured and things can change. A simple course of two 500 milligram doses per day of tetracycline on an empty stomach for 30 days and thorough perio cleanings 2 weeks after starting followed by a diluted betadyne flush and no one would have to lose their teeth. The retired dentist never had a patient lose a tooth when treating in this manner. This should be standard procedure after the first signs of gingivitis appear. The ADA probably will not approve the treatment for obvious reasons but then, they'd love you to take another dose of fluoride."

Economic Recovery Notes

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:59:00 +0000

The economic recovery is being touted heavily in the main stream media but, beware, things don't look so great in reality. It's been said that unemployment lags behind in periods of recovery and that is why it is still so high. However, I think that is just an excuse being used to push the recovery theme this time.

More people seem to be doubting the claims that the recession is over but there are still a lot who are buying into it. This is unfortunate because the next downturn will take many by surprise and they will be totally unprepared.

Things may not look too bad for a lot of people in the coming months but it will become very apparent this year that there will be no bouncing back from the disaster that we have come upon. In fact, a total deterioration of society could come as soon as the next few months. It is very hard if not impossible to prepare for whatever form the crash will entail. But we know that food and water will be of primary concern with alternative forms of temperature control just as important.

Having hand tools, seeds, food preservation supplies and the means to protect yourselves is going to be important as things get worse. If you have anything left over, preserve it by keeping physical silver and/or gold on hand.

So You Think You Have Freedom?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Most people today are under the assumption that they live in a free country in the U. S. We have lived with unjust taxation and the rest of the crooked system since we were born so we don't know anything else. This coupled with all of the disinformation and manipulations keep even the most educated, intelligent people fooled.

If the only thing you ever knew was paper money with nothing backing it, you would naturally think that this was a fair way to live your life. In actuality it is all designed to control the masses by their masters. If they don't care about the starving poor enough to stop the current system what makes you think they will care about you when its your turn in the gutter?

And yet I hear constantly that the government will not let things get out of hand. They will magically step in and save everyone before things get too far out of control. This is all understandable, as I have said. People don't want to believe that their lives can change so drastically for the worse. And for as long as they remember, things have not been too bad in their minds.

It is the job of sites like this to try to get people out of this rut that their minds tend to stay in. It's too bad that most of the ones that read these kinds of blogs are the ones that already know what time it is, so to speak. The majority will not want to look into any of these matters and avoid or even ridicule anything other than what they want to believe.

But, even with this frustration, I keep writing for those like my friend the cabbie (see previous comment section) who see what is going on around the country and do not close their eyes to things, enabling the controllers to get away with their scams. Instead they stand as glowing examples of how all of us should open our eyes and expose the rats that go undetected, infecting humanity with their filth.

Comex, Stock Market and Bank Lockdowns

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

Tomorrow is Monday and a new week of trading and banking. It has been projected that this might be the day to watch for markets and banks by the end of the day. Although a month late, the bank lockdowns may be happening by the end of the day.

If not, don't think that it won't happen. Because once you let your guard down, that's usually when the unexpected happen. And sometime in 2010, without much of a doubt, the economy will take a dump in many people's opinion.

It will be better to have your money out of markets and banks and put them in later if you want to, than to be caught unprepared and lose your means of support. I have heard stories last year of people not securing their assets because they percieved that it would be embarrassing to them to do so and then ended up losing up to a third in the Oct. 2008 crash.

There are places to discern what is about to happen if you aren't afraid of looking foolish. Or you can try to appear "normal" to your peers and end up losing your lifeline. So, you could end up starving but still fit in with those that buy in to the "party line" for fear of being branded a kook.

I, myself, would rather not see my family suffer and be labeled a nut job if it turns out to be a false alarm.

Trends Leading to Need to Survive Financial Depression

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:36:00 +0000

The Dow is rising but don't get too excited. The trends lead me to believe that it is a final attempt at a last gasp for the economy. The dollar is down, unemployment is high, gold and silver are way up and energy and food are about to shoot through the roof.

Do not take this as financial advice but only trend research and a little common sense thrown in. The new money printing that is going to get underway for more bailouts and designed to curb deflation always has the effect of inflation and that will most likely appear in 2010. By this time next year, we will almost assuredly be living in a world unimaginable by most.

It may be best to increase preparations as allowed by each family the best they can. I bought a new shotgun since I figure the money will be worth less the longer I waited. I was also able to use it deer hunting and they are also good for small game and home protection or as a deterrence. The ammo may also be valuable as a barter item, if needed.

Don't be tempted to sell your gold or silver if you have some and don't need the money. They may go down temporarily but the trend will be up up and away I think. Food, water and heat will most likely be important to have available in the coming months more so than anything. Most of you know this but sometimes its good to just have a little reminder.

Its been said that only 15% of the population can see what's ahead. By visiting sites like this, you are most likely in that group. But trying to convince the other 85% seems to be a exercise in futility...at this time at least. A lot of that could be due to the lack of coverage by main stream media and glossing over or actually covering up the reality of the situation.

But by taking a little time and having an open mind, there is much to be gleaned in support of these ideas. Best of luck to all and keep in touch. This blog has made next to nothing in proceeds since the beginning but I will try to continue to bring useful articles as long as possible because I truly have compassion for all unlike unlike many responsible for the current and future messes. And this is my small way of trying to help.

Survival Can Be A Matter Of Changing Customs

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:39:00 +0000

First, if you bought gold when suggested here, you should be happy with the all time highs. If not, you could buy on dips or get silver. I have heard .22 bullets would be good for barter also and food that can be stored for extended periods is still a good bet. I can't give financial advice but I just think those will still be good moves.

Today I read about the increase of rats due to conditions in many areas. Although considered bad news, lets look at the positive here. Some countries consider the rat a delicacy. If push comes to shove, it may be a matter of life and death to overcome some of the preconceived notions we have about food.

In the old country, nothing is wasted. The tongue and other parts of the cow and lamb are eaten regularly. Some Mexican restaurants serve beef tongue tacos and, seriously they are actually better than the beef and chicken ones. It is very tender with a really good flavor.

As kids, we ate tongue sandwiches with mustard all the time. We also had stomach stuffed with rice, fried brains, and other dishes not normally enjoyed here. We think nothing of it but I know it would not be tolerated by most here. However, that might need to change if living is a priority. I wonder if we could be hypnotized into getting over the ideas about certain foods.

That could be a business in the future. Food aversion therapy. We could all be enjoying fried maggots and grasshoppers together. If you use my idea please send a percentage of your profits along. I will accept payment in pig hooves, fish heads and kidneys packed on dry ice if money is not an option.

Here It Comes?

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:29:00 +0000

Have we dodged the bullet with the economy? Don't count on it and don't put your money back in the bank/market etc., i.e. don't trust paper assets at this time. Nothing here is financial advice, but only my opinion and the opinion of others in the know.

The next week or two will probably lead to circumstances that are not condusive with playing the markets including holding precious metal, energy or food commodities or stocks, although those will probably do better than others.

But if you would have gotten physical gold back when it was first suggested here, you are probably staying ahead of 99.9% of the rest of the people. If you haven't checked, gold has been breaking records for all time highs lately.

I still feel that gold and especially silver is undervalued even at the current higher prices. That is not to say that there may not be a temporary downturn in the prices before going higher yet.

The dollar on the other hand has gone down some but nothing like what will be coming up. Certain hard assets may therefore be one of the best things to do with money at this time other than your hoard that will get you through the downturn/crash/end of the world as we know it.

It may happen quick or it may be a long, drawn out affair, your guess is as good as mine but the changes most assuredly lie in our near future. I would say things will be extremely bad by around this spring or summer at the latest but could start heading down as soon as the next few days.

Whatever the timeline, it is looking like this is it no matter what the official BS is that is being touted. I hope this helps some of you prepare and enables you to get some assistance to make it through the very rough next few months or more likely years.

So stay tuned here and the other recommended places for updates and don't rely on the regular news sources or you are bound to find yourself in a very poor position when it hits

Economy Ready For Final Gasp

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:17:00 +0000

Yesterday, the day of the predicted beginning of the end for the economy, there wasn't a lot that most would consider to be out of the ordinary. Other than the stock market hiccup, that is. However there were other thing going on also, although they seemed to be minor at the time.

I don't think anyone knows for sure what the actual event was that will serve as the trigger to start the economic ball rolling downhill. There is a lot of speculation as to what it was but to see for sure, we will have to wait awhile. Most likely it will become clear a week from this Friday or the one after that, black Friday as it will probably be referred to as.

This gives a little more time to make the preparations that will be needed. To review, here are some of the items that may be helpful:

-cash on hand to last a few months or as close as possible.
-plenty of food and water.
-a way to stay warm or cool, depending upon the climate.
-precious metals, gold or silver, as circumstances allow.
-home protection.
-a generator with extra gas or at lease candles, flashlights and batteries.
-extra propane and a grill or other means to cook (woodstove, campstove, Sterno...).
-first aid supplies.
-garden supplies for indoor growing.
-fire starting supplies.
-a radio other than electric.

Other items may be helpful as well depending on what the emergency is or how long it will last. For example, gas masks, farm animals, vitamins and medicines, tools, a tent, tarps, sleeping bags, a method of transportation and the list goes on and on. A little research will give you more ideas but no one can have everything that might be needed. Prioritize the best you can and have others around to assist if possible.

Hopefully, we are wrong about the situation but it won't hurt to be ready just in case. And I think that these upcoming events will affect everyone, one way or another. Check back for more over the next couple of weeks or so and good luck.

Unemployment and Bailouts

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:28:00 +0000

It is still being decided whether or not the unemployed will be able to get an extension on their benefits or not. This has been dragging on in congress while those who have lost their livelihood due to no fault of their own suffer. However, bailouts are paid freely to corrupt big businesses that brought about their own troubles due to their own greed. What do you expect? This type of thing has been going on for years.

I've been waiting my whole adult live, since the 70's for this type of crap to change and maybe now it will finally start to in the next couple days. Probably not without the major suffering and death of many innocents, however. For me the extra 20 weeks of benefits would be great since my benefits ran out weeks ago. Those in lower unemployment states would only be getting 14 weeks.

Better yet, how about a little job creation. If there is by chance a decent job opening, the chances of getting it are slim since sometimes hundreds and even thousands apply for each opening. Nothing will get better until this situation is addressed no matter what you hear about the economy turning around. And getting anything done about it is going to take a long time. Just look at how long they take to decide to extend the benefits. If their cronies wanted the money, it would have been printed, sent and distributed as bonuses by now.

Survival Guide Review

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I got the book "When All Hell Breaks Loose" by Cody Lundin yesterday and it is about the best reference for surviving whatever comes about I have seen. The reviews on the sale page are excellent but even those don't do it justice.

The author is probably the best qualified suvivalist around and he not only talks about survival but lives it everyday. He also teaches survivalism to some of the most prominent members of society in his courses.

Lundin not only covers most scenarios, but adds aspects that can't be found elsewhere. He teaches the psychological as well as the pysiological conditions required to get through the conditions that will start to come into view next week and be all too obvious in the coming weeks.

Other sources point to things getting progessively worse from this time on with everything coming to a head by mid summer. So, if you want to be fully prepared, be sure to read this book as it has many topics not covered elsewhere, which explain points that are sure to be essential to making it through for you and your family.

Here are some reviews from the order page.

Editorial Reviews
Review "When All Hell Breaks Loose is aimed at empowering an urban and suburban audience to deal with survival situations BEFORE they happen." -- SuperConsciousness Magazine "When All Hell Breaks Loose is the essential survival guide for the twenty-first century." -- Jim Mulvaney, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist Tactical intelligence Services, Inc.

"When All Hell Breaks Loose-all 450 pages of it-is aimed toward educating and preparing you and your family for change and the unknown." -- BackHome Magazine When All Hell Breaks Loose breaks survival preparedness down into a common sense approach, although Cody's style is still "in your face." -- Wilderness Way magazine

When All Hell Breaks Loose provides insight into common-sense solutions that can keep you and yours . . . alive. -- Bob Nelson, Executive Director, National Disaster Communication Response Team

Cody Lundin has written a book that eloquently makes the strongest possible case for robust, profound, and holistic emergency preparedness. -- Kay C. Goss, Senior Principal Director, Emergency Management and Crisis Communications Systems Research and Applications Corporation (SRA International)

Cody Lundin's When All Hell Breaks Loose is not your grandpa's survival manual--this book is just damn entertaining. -- Read It Here magazineLundin's suggestions and encouragements are clear and kind, offering readers a new-found confidence regarding survival before crises occur. -- Tucson Weekly

When All Hell Breaks Loose by Cody Lundin instructs readers how to dispose of bodies and dine on rats and dogs in the event of disaster. -- The New York Times, April 6, 2008

[The] book's key message--that advance preparation and personal responsibility are crucial in mitigating the effects of a disaster--is an important one. -- Elizabeth Gary, Acting Executive Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate, U.S. Department Of Homeland Security

From the Inside Flap Ever stay awake at night running through "what if" scenarios? Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, famine, tornadoes, and terror . . . .Well, hold onto your gas masks, folks, survival guru and acclaimed author Cody Lundin is back with a no-holds-barred guide for surviving the next urban and suburban disaster! This isn't your father's boy scout manual or a FEMA handout. In his latest book, When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need to Survive When Disaster Strikes, Lundin, founder and director of the internationally recognized Aboriginal Living Skills School, takes you on a wild ride into "self-reliant land" with an honest, blunt account of what every family needs in the home, office, or car to prepare for possible emergencies. From the basics such as shelter, water, food, survival kits, and first-aid, to survival exotics such as building a makeshift toilet, catching rodents for food, and safely disposing of a corpse, When All Hell Breaks Loose is the first book to concisely and humorously outline a simple survival system using everyday household items to survive catastrophes from Los Angeles to Paris and everywhere in between. Lundin also delves into the little understood realm of "cause and effect" and the creation of a self-reliant mind-set, unleashing essential psychological secrets vital for survival to keep you from falling into full-blown fear and panic. Lundin's presentation style is fresh, entertaining, and a bit irreverent. Spirited characters such as Vinny the (Uptown) Cockroach, Holy Cow, Robbie Rubbish, and others climb aboard to graphically show you how to prepare for the unexpected and help you remember important survival strategies while under great stress and anxiety. When All Hell Breaks Loose delivers home-tested techniques, tips, and tricks that will help anyone become more self-reliant in any situation. So ditch the fearmongering and paranoia, lower the shotgun, and immerse yourself in the most common-sense, in-your-face book on preparedness yet! Buy a copy for yourself and several for your friends and family too! Cody Lundin and his Aboriginal Living Skills School have been featured in dozens of national and international media sources, including The Today Show, Dateline NBC, CBS News, Fox News, USA Today, CNN, The Donny and Marie Show, The Discovery Channel, Good Morning Arizona, Field and Stream magazine, The Los Angeles Daily News, Esquire magazine, CBC Radio One in Canada, and 702 Talk Radio in Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as on the cover of Backpacker magazine. He has consulted for several organizations including National Geographic Television, the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS), The History Channel, The Travel Channel, and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). When not teaching for his own school, Cody is an adjunct faculty member at Yavapai College and a faculty member at the Ecosa Institute. His expertise in practical self-reliant skills comes from a lifetime of personal experience, including designing his own off-the-grid, passive solar earth home in which he catches rain, composts wastes, and pays nothing for heating or cooling. Cody lives in Arizona and is the author of the best-selling book on wilderness survival, 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive!
About the Author Cody Lundin and his Aboriginal Living Skills School have been featured in dozens of national and international media sources, including Dateline NBC, CBS News, USA Today, The Donny and Marie Show, and CBC Radio One in Canada, as well as on the cover of Backpacker magazine. When not teaching for his own school, he is an adjunct faculty member at Yavapai College and a faculty member at the Ecosa Institute. Cody is the only person in Arizona licensed to catch fish with his hands, and lives in a passive solar earth home sixty miles from Prescott, Arizona

Surviving The Depression

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:35:00 +0000

In about two weeks, on Oct. 25, people will start to be aware of the current depression according to the fine people at halfpasthuman.com and urbansurvival.com. These are the ones that got it right on last year's decline in the stock market, 9/11 and many other events. And this one is said to be bigger than both of those put together by many times.

So, for some last minute survival tips, have some cash on hand in case of bank closures. Two weeks worth would be the bare minimum with enough for several months better. Have food on hand for the same period at least since there may not be any in the stores or, what there is will be very expensive.

Watch out for sites like this to be targeted and not be available. You may however be able to access them with their IP address. Urbansurvival.com has his posted today in case you would like to be able to get news from there. Other than that, take the usual steps to get through as you can find in past article here by browsing or doing a search of this site in the bar at the left.

Watch the news for prequels to this catastrophe beforehand but, whatever will be start off as the actual turning point will be right on the 25th more than likely. The two weeks after that should bring it to light what is happening. Other than that, all I can tell you is that you should not buy into what you will be hearing because of the normal spin and also the cover that will be being used to guide you where you shouldn't be focusing.

That's all I know for now. Further postings will be available here if anything else comes to light.

Gold, Silver and Whistlblowers

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Gold shot up today by a huge amount and silver went up by a higher percentage yet. However, silver is proportionally lower than it was last time gold went over $1000 an ounce. So watch for silver to catch up even more. They are both still a bargain, especially if this proves to be an inflationary depression rather than a deflationary one and there's a good chance of that.

If gold goes over $1050, that will probably lock it in at over $1000 from here on out. Silver should be over $20 an ounce right now and headed for $50 and then maybe $800 or so in the coming year or two....maybe : ) Not financial advice though, ya know.

My whistleblowing case against the federal government was dismissed on a technicality recently and I found out that that was my last chance to get it through. Not because it didn't have merit, but because of the intense corruption against us citizens by the powerful controllers. That's OK: the Universe has it's way of evening things out sooner or later and they will definitely pay the piper at that time.

They have spent much too long screwing the people that they are supposed to serve and that pay their fat cat salaries. It will be a good day when the tables turn and karma takes effect to bring about the justice that they have avoided of all these years. Well, I could say a lot about this topic but you already know what they are like, unless you are one of the blind sheep who are partially to blame for helping to facilitate the crimes against the people including your own selves. If you aren't aware by now, give it a couple months. The corruption should be clear to everyone by then except to the most brainwashed of our brethren.

But then, we are not ones to hold onto grudges and harbor resentments, are we? That will only serve to negatively affect our selves. Just know that things have an odd way of evening themselves out in the end and take solice in that. Justice will be served and it's coming up soon, to be sure.

Old Paradigm Needs To Go

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:48:00 +0000

It boggles the mind how so many people don't pay attention to the way things have been done on this planet since as long as I can remember. What made me think of this was after reading about the President's current home, the white house. How do we justify this elaborate quarters for one family while so many are homeless and starving?

Granted everyone is caught up in getting ahead themselves or just hanging on to what they have but if we take pause a moment, we can see just how far things have gone totally out of whack. And this is just how it is planned. By keeping everyone on the treadmill, that doesn't allow time to consider the total screwing that most everyone is receiving.

Maybe that's a good part of the rest of the economic crash that is heading our way in the next few months. It will serve as a wake up call for people to take time to take another look at this whole mess we have allowed to be developed. As young people, I'm sure a lot of you took a look at the world and wanted to do something about it. But that was before you were totally committed to the rat race that tends to consume lives and changes those idealistic ideas.

I don't suggest any sort of violent actions to combat the old paradigm, although that will most assuredly be participated in by some. I prefer to support local commerce and not participate as much as possible in actions that support the old ways. Of course those that benefit most from business as usual will not give up easily. Every trick in the bag can be expected to be pulled out in order to keep things as they are.

Most will be taken in by all of this as has always been the case and this may enable the controllers to continue the fleecing for a while longer. This will only add to the suffering of many and a lot of lives to be lost just as planned. But there is still a vast majority of people who refuse to look at the facts. It will take the coming calamities to convince them. Too bad: if more would open their eyes, maybe some of it would not be necessary.

Preppers Need Fun Too

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:49:00 +0000

With all the doom and gloom going on, we might forget the need to balance things out by doing something other than preparing for the dire conditions of the next couple years. Try to think of something that might be fun to do without cutting into your limited funds that will be needed to get through. I can't tell anyone else what to do since each person has their own idea of what is actually fun but some things I like that don't cost anything are going for a bike ride with the kids or a trip to the library (here we don't even need to drive to get there).

There is a red box movie rental at the local grocery store here where you can rent a movie for only a dollar. How about having a family night with a good movie and some nachos or pizza (some frozen ones aren't bad nowadays and a lot cheaper than the 20 dollar delivered ones). If you're like us, we load up one side with weird items like broccoli and pine nuts, etc and leave the other half for those less adventurous.

For some, just getting out and working in your garden is relaxing. Ours is winding down although some crops have not reached their full potential. But it's getting cold now and soon we'll get that first frost that will do in the remaining plants if not covered. Watch your local weather forecasts and pick what you can beforehand.

I've noticed lately that sometimes dining out can be about as cheap as getting groceries for simple meals at home. A lot of places are trying to bring in business by running specials, knowing that people are eating out less lately. Find one of those or, as we do here, get one of those local coupon books that the kids sell and you can usually buy one meal and get one free. (Or try coupons from the paper or online.)

The Dove Family Films are run at a local theater here where kids get in free and sometimes they have specials going on for the concessions. Otherwise look out for the concession prices: they can add up fast. That's how they make most of their money. Kind of like gas stations that make their money on the overpriced items and not the gas.

We will probably get some decent weather before winter although it doesn't look like it today. That would be a good time to pack a lunch and go on a hike or have a picnic at the local park. The hiking part is not my favorite, being a confirmed couch potato, but once you get started it's not that hard. And it can make you feel better: those chemicals that get released in the body, ya know.

Mall walking can be good exercise and fun for some but watch out for the temptations all around to entice people to buy. Of course, if you need items and have the money they may have deals on them. (A lot of times you can find better prices at places other than the mall.) Anyway, if the controllers have their way, your money won't be worth much when the inflationary policies go out of control. Just be sure to keep enough to get through several months at least.

Population Reduction

noreply@blogger.com (John Mellem) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:19:00 +0000

You would think that, being out of a job, I would have a lot of time to spend on writing but, with seven kids and a disabled wife, there are always tons of things to do around here. Therefore, articles will appear frequently but not on a regular schedule.

Something I wanted to share prompted my making time to come on for a few minutes today. That is the contention that a decrease in population is going to take place in the next year or so. It has been reported that the number 1.25 billion is the amount that the worldwide population will be lowered by.

Most of this decrease, it is said, will be due to food shortages that are foreseen to be on the horizon. This could be due to the so-called death of the oceans, crop failures, economics, oil shortages or other reasons but but it is thought that it will be engineered for some reason. Or a pandemic could contribute as well. In other words, some think that this will be generated by those with the power to do such things.

So, I suggest that some research be done to avoid the disaster touching you or your family. This may be done by searching some of the past survival articles on this site or others. Its hard to imagine that there are some that would resort to such methods in order to further their agenda but, if that would be the case, it would seem that there is evil beyond comprehension with the means to carry out their plans.

Stay safe by preparing the best you can and we will all hope for the best, whatever it is that is on the horizon for us all. In the future I will be reporting on my whistleblower case against the government, which looks like it will be squashed, as I imagined would be the outcome. After all, that's the way things are done in this once land of the free. But that was a very long time ago.