By daaswampman
Can Openers – Conventional Wisdom Is Wrong
How many times have I read on Prepper sites about how important it is to have an all metal can opener. They generally go on about how durable they are and how they will last forever. I have seen this miracle advertised in many Prepper catalogs for around ten dollars. All are about the same, all metal, swing arm and opens the top of the can. This conventional and accepted wisdom is wrong.
A conventional can opener opens by cutting the metal lid through the top. Yes we should always wash the can before opening and the can opener between uses, but could you in an emergency? The top is generally the dirtiest part of the can as it easily collects dust and anything else that may have been on it. The blade usually contacts the cans contents as the can is being opened and the sharp edged lid falls in. The can opener itself is not easily cleaned between uses due to the blade and gears. Ever consider what might be getting into your food such as metal shavings or coatings that have been applied to the inside or outside of the can?
In the 1980’s they came out with a side can opener or sometimes called a smooth edge can opener the eliminates all of these problems. It cuts from the side of the can (usually cleaner). The blade does not contact the food and the lid cannot fall into the can. Costs less than ten dollars at Wally World.
I have not seen an all metal one, but my first one is perhaps 25 years old and still works perfectly – black plastic and all. It may not survive a direct blast, 20 years in direct sunlight or dampness, but neither will any cans. It is always a good idea to have several backups. I have two side openers and an old top opener in each location.
This is a case where they built a better mousetrap and nobody noticed. DaaSwampman
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Awakening to Awareness
By CCCooper
It has been said that the first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one. OK.
Problem. My house may burn down. I research and compare prices and service. I buy Homeowners insurance in case my house burns. One step better. I also have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. I also have a plan to get everyone out of the house and a specific rally point where we will all meet to get a head count. Problem. Addressed. Plan implemented and known by all. Worked out great. Most folks would whole heartedly agree with the above statements, right? Now I present another problem. I may have a need one day to protect my family. Possibly an intruder, a wild animal, a looter, a riot, a carjacker, etc. You get the point. Some person or thing that will willingly harm my family or loved ones. Solution? Mine is a gun. I practice to become proficient. I inform my family. I practice some more. And remember, when seconds count, a policeman will be there to protect and serve in a few minutes. I also improved on this plan. So, I am ready to protect my family in time of need.
The same analogy works with Health Insurance, Car Insurance, etc.
Problem. Our delivery systems are fragile. Food prices keep rising. The dollar is no longer worth a dollar. The Federal Government routinely ignores the Constitution. Entitlement programs are out of control. More than 50% of Americans are on some form of Government Assistance. The national debt is over 15 TRILLION DOLLARS. The chance of an economic collapse or other disaster is very high. Solution? Research is needed. A plan to address potential or likely scenarios. The basics must be covered. Beans, Bullets, Bandaids. How will I feed my family if there is no access to a grocery store? Where will I get water if it no longer comes from the tap? How will I see in the dark if the electricity is out for a long period of time?
The research will lead you to websites and books on many different subjects. With the proper mindset, you will learn to look at your life, and responsibilities, in a much different light.
Problem addressed. The solution will be on-going. The size and scope of your preperations will grow over time. Ask questions, but to the right people. Utilize the American Prepper Network and its forums on many topics and subject matter. Congratulations. The journey as an awake and aware prepper is just begining.
It has been said that the first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one. OK.
Problem. My house may burn down. I research and compare prices and service. I buy Homeowners insurance in case my house burns. One step better. I also have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. I also have a plan to get everyone out of the house and a specific rally point where we will all meet to get a head count. Problem. Addressed. Plan implemented and known by all. Worked out great. Most folks would whole heartedly agree with the above statements, right? Now I present another problem. I may have a need one day to protect my family. Possibly an intruder, a wild animal, a looter, a riot, a carjacker, etc. You get the point. Some person or thing that will willingly harm my family or loved ones. Solution? Mine is a gun. I practice to become proficient. I inform my family. I practice some more. And remember, when seconds count, a policeman will be there to protect and serve in a few minutes. I also improved on this plan. So, I am ready to protect my family in time of need.
The same analogy works with Health Insurance, Car Insurance, etc.
Problem. Our delivery systems are fragile. Food prices keep rising. The dollar is no longer worth a dollar. The Federal Government routinely ignores the Constitution. Entitlement programs are out of control. More than 50% of Americans are on some form of Government Assistance. The national debt is over 15 TRILLION DOLLARS. The chance of an economic collapse or other disaster is very high. Solution? Research is needed. A plan to address potential or likely scenarios. The basics must be covered. Beans, Bullets, Bandaids. How will I feed my family if there is no access to a grocery store? Where will I get water if it no longer comes from the tap? How will I see in the dark if the electricity is out for a long period of time?
The research will lead you to websites and books on many different subjects. With the proper mindset, you will learn to look at your life, and responsibilities, in a much different light.
Problem addressed. The solution will be on-going. The size and scope of your preperations will grow over time. Ask questions, but to the right people. Utilize the American Prepper Network and its forums on many topics and subject matter. Congratulations. The journey as an awake and aware prepper is just begining.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Something to think about.
By CCCooper
With most stores getting their deliveries on a daily basis, our supply lines are very vulnerable to interruption. As a resident of the Gulf Coast, I experienced first hand what it is like when the majority fail to plan for such an event. No water, no food, no fuel, no means of communication and no plan. Many stores were cash only; credit cards were worthless. Traffic backed up for miles because very few had alternate routes planned. With the condition of our economy, government bureaucracy, and jobs being scarce, a small event could snowball into something that has nationwide affect.
Most modern-day urban/suburban preppers/survivalist have a G.O.O.D plan (get out of dodge) and a pre-packed bug out bag. Primary and secondary routes mapped and sufficient beans, bullets, and band aids to last a significant time. The large majority,however, will be like sheep with no shepherd, wandering aimlessly waiting for Big Brother to bail them out...again. And when Big Brother fails...again...to show up in a timely manner, those that do have the necessities of life will stand out. Take that into consideration when planning for those types of scenarios.
DON'T STAND OUT! Practice operational security. Stay under the radar. Do not try to be the saviour of the block or your neighborhood. Stay focused, work the plan, and survive to care for your family and those dependent on you.
With most stores getting their deliveries on a daily basis, our supply lines are very vulnerable to interruption. As a resident of the Gulf Coast, I experienced first hand what it is like when the majority fail to plan for such an event. No water, no food, no fuel, no means of communication and no plan. Many stores were cash only; credit cards were worthless. Traffic backed up for miles because very few had alternate routes planned. With the condition of our economy, government bureaucracy, and jobs being scarce, a small event could snowball into something that has nationwide affect.
Most modern-day urban/suburban preppers/survivalist have a G.O.O.D plan (get out of dodge) and a pre-packed bug out bag. Primary and secondary routes mapped and sufficient beans, bullets, and band aids to last a significant time. The large majority,however, will be like sheep with no shepherd, wandering aimlessly waiting for Big Brother to bail them out...again. And when Big Brother fails...again...to show up in a timely manner, those that do have the necessities of life will stand out. Take that into consideration when planning for those types of scenarios.
DON'T STAND OUT! Practice operational security. Stay under the radar. Do not try to be the saviour of the block or your neighborhood. Stay focused, work the plan, and survive to care for your family and those dependent on you.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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Thursday, December 1, 2011
Our senators sold us out......Again
Thanks to Senators Vitter & Landrieu for helping to pass the law that will enable the government to lock us up and throw away the key....with out even being tried in court.Well I know you 2 are deeply entrenched in our politics but I would vote for Elmer Fudd before I voted for either of you scoundrels again. I'm done with this state I'm outta here first chance I get.Hopefully I can find a piece of the woods you wont be interested in..In another state...Build me a shack...and live out my last days without having to hear your name or see your faces ever again.
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Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the Louisiana Forum at www.LouisianaPreppersNetwork.net
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Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the Louisiana Forum at www.LouisianaPreppersNetwork.net
Sunday, November 6, 2011
prepper mindset
Some interesting and true clips for the oath keepers blog:
The cold hard truth is, much of our country is completely unprepared for a crisis of any considerable proportion.The likelihood of social unrest and the long term implosion of our financial system is greater today than it has been in any other era of American history.
The eventuality of collapse is not the issue. Though America today has zero room to maneuver as far as inflationary printing and debt based spending are concerned, and economic instability is inevitable according to the fundamentals regardless of any practical or impractical political measures that could be introduced, the crisis is not our focus. Our focus is, and always has been, independence and self reliance regardless of the circumstances. Through national prosperity, or national pain, the key to survival is to never make assumptions. To never count on your environment to remain hospitable. To keep catastrophe in mind, even if others around you do not.
One vital aspect of survival that often goes unaccounted for by even the most astute preppers, however, is the issue of community. When the last vestiges of normal society crumble, will you be surrounded by friends, or foes?When the going gets brutal, who will have the guts to stand firm, who will run, and who will stab us right in the back if they get the chance?
The smart prepper understands well that going it alone is not an option, at least not for the long term. Thus, we are required to build relationships with those who live near us. If we cannot find enough like-minded souls in our immediate vicinity, then we must relocate to a place where this process is more viable (at least, if we want to survive). Staying put, wrapped in a web of tract homes or city dwellings filled with dangerously unaware and unprepared people is not an intelligent post collapse strategy. Retreat planning without proper group support and indigenous support is not only a logistical nightmare but a surefire avenue to discomfort of the terminal variety.
Think carefully about the kinds of people you want to have around you in the wake of disaster, and the community you plan to participate in after the smoke has cleared. The decisions you make now may be the kind you are stuck with for quite some time through events that will test your endurance and your very spirit. The more friendships we forge today with those who are prepared not just in supply, but in mind, the safer we will all be tomorrow. The company we keep in the days ahead is not a factor to be taken lightly
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Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the Louisiana Forum at www.LouisianaPreppersNetwork.net
The cold hard truth is, much of our country is completely unprepared for a crisis of any considerable proportion.The likelihood of social unrest and the long term implosion of our financial system is greater today than it has been in any other era of American history.
The eventuality of collapse is not the issue. Though America today has zero room to maneuver as far as inflationary printing and debt based spending are concerned, and economic instability is inevitable according to the fundamentals regardless of any practical or impractical political measures that could be introduced, the crisis is not our focus. Our focus is, and always has been, independence and self reliance regardless of the circumstances. Through national prosperity, or national pain, the key to survival is to never make assumptions. To never count on your environment to remain hospitable. To keep catastrophe in mind, even if others around you do not.
One vital aspect of survival that often goes unaccounted for by even the most astute preppers, however, is the issue of community. When the last vestiges of normal society crumble, will you be surrounded by friends, or foes?When the going gets brutal, who will have the guts to stand firm, who will run, and who will stab us right in the back if they get the chance?
The smart prepper understands well that going it alone is not an option, at least not for the long term. Thus, we are required to build relationships with those who live near us. If we cannot find enough like-minded souls in our immediate vicinity, then we must relocate to a place where this process is more viable (at least, if we want to survive). Staying put, wrapped in a web of tract homes or city dwellings filled with dangerously unaware and unprepared people is not an intelligent post collapse strategy. Retreat planning without proper group support and indigenous support is not only a logistical nightmare but a surefire avenue to discomfort of the terminal variety.
Think carefully about the kinds of people you want to have around you in the wake of disaster, and the community you plan to participate in after the smoke has cleared. The decisions you make now may be the kind you are stuck with for quite some time through events that will test your endurance and your very spirit. The more friendships we forge today with those who are prepared not just in supply, but in mind, the safer we will all be tomorrow. The company we keep in the days ahead is not a factor to be taken lightly
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Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the Louisiana Forum at www.LouisianaPreppersNetwork.net
Friday, October 28, 2011
Interesting thoughts on this generation
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Join the APN Forum at www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net
Visit the Louisiana Forum at www.LouisianaPreppersNetwork.net
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