Bruce’s Poor Man Survival Bulletin
Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside this issue:
Cool resources you can use
Easy ways to cut your water bill
Primer on tanning a hide (not your kids)
Easy turtle traps
Raising worms year round
The government black hole
Headlines for the year 2038
Those who have been intoxicated with power... can never willingly abandon it."
-- Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman
The Government Black Hole
I don’t care what kind of rabbit our government attempts to pull out of our collective hat, but there is a rule of economics no one can ignore forever…they cannot spend more than they take in. At some point, the interest alone will eat up everything Washington takes in and with the unemployment picture still bleak, there is plenty to worry about.
The more the government becomes indebted, the less money there is for private business to borrow. The less investment or operating capital small business and startups have, the worse the employment picture becomes. It’s pretty certain 20% of the country is now unemployed and the remaining 80% is more than a little worried about their job (that worry extends to government workers too now).
The new health care snare will most likely make things worse (not enough doctors, not enough cash for folks to ‘pay’ premiums, eventual cuts in medicare, etc.) for our nation and our national debt.
As the overlords at the Federal Reserve worry about our government’s ability to pay this ‘debt,’ they will further urge Washington to take aim at the pensions and Social Security funds. Private pension funds will eventually be absorbed into Social Security. Your private retirement accounts, estimated at over $1.2 trillion, will become a mighty tempting target for those beltway thieves. Some financial planners are privately telling their clients to cash in their 401(s)s and other retirement funds and put the cash into land, paying off their home, stockpiling food and other supplies, etc. They say, “pay the tax penalty & forget it as your money will only continue to lose value.” An NBC news report states that record numbers of people are dipping into their 401k just to keep a roof over their head and even with so-called ‘hardship’ withdrawals, a 10% penalty is charged by the IRS…guess the IRS doesn’t know what a hardship is so they add more insult.
We hear a lot of propaganda from DC about making the rich pay more…yeah right. Most wealthy folks aren’t dumb. A good portion of their portfolio lies in offshore accounts, trust accounts, and in their corporations. Remember, corporations pay less taxes than ever before and in reality, they pay no taxes as those added costs are simply passed along to consumers or are eroded via corporate welfare (think of oil company tax breaks).
"Forget the thoughts of recovery and hunker down for more economic pain and crisis."
You can remain where many Americans are with their head buried in the sand but most of us do realize Congress has exempted itself from many laws that we suffer through (Social Security, schools, and civil rights) in effect creating a new caste system where officials and politicians lord over their serfs.
While most of the banter through the latter part of 2009 was about an imminent run-in with inflation, the reality is, without demand, there's no inflation!
This isn’t a problem for Democrats or Republicans, it’s an American problem…honest people are sweating it out while politicians live with the upper five percent of income levels in this country…and that’s not counting the special perks they get from special interest groups!
The bottom line is this…the very survival of our country is on the line and only YOU can do something about it. Join up with the Tea Party or similar group today and get involved.
I don’t want the cheese, I just want out of the trap!
--Spanish proverb
The Latest in Resources
Gas & Electric powered bikes and conversion kits
www.fiveflagsmotorbikes.com
Become more energy independent
www.CheetahPower.net
Find local deals instantly at this site
Simply enter your zip code & it will scour the net for you
www.TheDealMap.com
Find the price a dealer pays for a car…visit these sites:
www.TrueCar.com or the True Market Value section of edmunds.com-IDEA: when buying a used vehicle, start negotiating at $1-$2000 below asking price.
Easy PDF creation-basic version is free and it’s an easy program to use
www.PrimoPDF.com
Easy Ways to Cut Your Water Bill…readers know I’ve ranted about high water bills ($20 a month more than when we lived in the desert) here in the Great Lakes. Here are a couple of fast ways to cut your bill.
It’s not necessary to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into a dishwasher
Take shorter showers and use low flow nozzles
Place low flow aerators on all our faucets
Buy a low flow toilet or place a plastic bottle filled with sand into the tank
Use a self serve car wash vs. doing it at home
Soak grass early in the am; otherwise you lose more later in the day due to runoff and evaporation - twice a week is enough
Use rain barrels to collect water runoff from your downspout - it’s remarkable what you’ll get (we fill 5 or so a month to use in our garden)
Wash clothing during off hours to save utility costs
Save left over water from boiling vegetable to use on your plants - terrific nutrient
Generac Power Systems…a few issues back we included a piece about choosing generators and thanks to Fred, a new subscriber, he suggests taking a look at this firm which offers a wide variety of power backup models for home and business.
http://www.generac.com/
Quick Primer on Tanning a Hide (No, not your kid)!
Tanning a hide is tough work. The only ‘easy’ one I’ve seen was done by a former roommate in AZ who caught a rattlesnake and made the skin into a belt…we ate the snake meat and it tasted like salty chicken.
One method used by Native American Indians calls for a pole about six inches in diameter, with a seat made on it. The pole is laid out at a 45 degree angle, and the fibers of the hide are broken by pulling the hide over and over again over the surface while being worked over the pole. As the fibers dry, the hide is rubbed with oil (sunflower oil works).
An easier method is the alum-salt process which is good for small hides. Tannic acid can be used in place of alum.
The first thing of course is to carefully skin the animal. My brother-in-law finds road kill to use often and it seems to work for him. Make sure you don’t tear any holes in the hide. Secure the skin and remove all fleshy pieces and fat from the hide using a dull knife.
Once done, embed the hide with salt and place into a cool area for a couple of days. Then start working on the piece by scraping off excess flesh that the salt has loosened. Soak the hide in a mixture of one part salt to four parts water in a barrel or crock (don’t use metal containers). For small hides soak for a day or two, for larger hides, soak for two to three weeks. Once in the solution, the hides are easier to work.
Next, take the hide from the solution and wring the excess out. Place them back into the container and cover completely with a solution of one cup alum, three cups salt, and eight cups of water. Stir the hide twice daily for a week to ten days. Sometimes the hide will float to the top - weight it down with a stone or something.
Next remove the hide from the solution and place it under running water and wash thoroughly until no longer salty. Then hang out on a line in the sun. Stretch it out to ensure it dries completely. If you don’t dry it well in the sun, it will rot.
Once dried it will get white and stiff; then begin pulling, stretching and working it with your hands…use a table edge to help work it thoroughly. To make it more pliable, use some Neatsfoot oil (the kind you used on your baseball glove). Finally, if you want the hide to last even longer, stretch the hide over a small rack, fur side up, and build a small smoke fire under it which will help make it waterproof. Lengthy periods of smoking will turn it from buckskin to a black color (that’s the reason the Blackfoot tribe was so named).
http://www.motherearthnews.com/modern-homesteading/how-to-tan-a-hide.aspx
http://www.lksd.org/Nunapitchuk/tanning.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjjnFz0l4Ik
Homemade Turtle Traps
Turtles are very tasty and there are many recipes for soups and stews. When scouting around our new property and pond we found evidence of turtles and here are few ways to catch them.
1. Use a spring-type rattrap of catching them (turtles are often consider a menace to game fish in the pond). Set several posts in shallow water near the shore; long enough so the tops will project a foot or more above the water. Nail a rattrap to each post with a bait pan at or just above the water level. Bait the traps with raw meat or chicken parts. When the turtle grabs the bait, the trap will spring.
2. Big soft shelled snappers are often the worst offenders when it comes to eating small waterfowl and fish in your pond. You won’t often find turtles in fast moving water, mostly ponds and creeks. Another easy trap is to tie a half-gallon jug, tightly corked or sealed with cap and carrying about 30-36 inches of line, a heavy wire leader and a stout barbed hook baited with raw beef or fish (carp works well). Place several of these around the areas most affected. My Uncle Bob used to bow-hunt carp in the marsh across from our cottage and the heads also make good fertilizer for the garden.
Check on the traps frequently. Of course, you can catch turtles with ordinary fishing tackle, just be sure to use larger hooks ) two hooks tied together work best.
Want to raise turtles to eat…see our site or go to: http://www.kyherpsoc.org/snappingturtlecare.htm
Raise fishing worms year round…
Even in the driest of weather you can have worms for spring or winter fishing, ice fishing and more. Get an old washtub (try a large tote also) and prepare it by punching a row of holes around the lower part of its side and a number of holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.
Because worms breed and multiply, cover the bottom of the tub on the inside with a piece of screen wire to prevent small worms from falling through the drain holes. Place a layer of corncobs broken into short pieces, over the screen. Then place a layer of rich rotted leaf mold and a layer of rich soil (peat works well). Repeat this process until the tub is nearly full.
Lay several burlap sacks across the top and dampen the contents of the tub.
Dig up a few hundred worms and place them under the sacks. Feed the worms efvery ten days with a mixture of coffee grounds, 1 cup sour milk (add a little syrup too - 3 tablespoons) and pour the mixture over the inside of the tub (under the burlap sacks).
Keep the tub in a cool part of your basement during summer months and in a warm spot during the winter. Keep contents damp but not too moist for best results. Check this site for some more modern methods of raising worms.
http://www.dianeszoo.com/worms.htm
"Most people prefer to believe that their leaders are just and fair, even in the face of evidence to the contrary, because once a citizen acknowledges that the government under which he lives is lying and corrupt, the citizen has to choose what he or she will do about it. To take action in the face of corrupt government entails risks of harm to life and loved ones. To choose to do nothing is to surrender one's self-image of standing for principles. Most people do not have the courage to face that choice. Hence, most propaganda is not designed to fool the critical thinker but only to give moral cowards an excuse not to think at all."
-- Michael Rivero
Kind of Unusual Styrofoam Dome House-Looks Like an ice cream sundae
The Poor Man hopes to be interviewing someone from the firm soon (they’re overseas) but these home go for an average of $30K and are termite proof among other things. Check them out at their site.
http://www.i-domehouse.com/
*Headlines For The Year 2038:
–Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.
–A $75-billion study lasting 85 years proves diet and exercise are the key to weight loss.
–Average adult male in America weighs more than 250 pounds; women close in on 200.
–Cost of first-class stamp is now $17.89; mail is only delivered on Wednesday.
–Congress requires that every high school in America include an abortion clinic.
–Castro finally dies at age 112. Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton bans smoking everywhere in the country where two or more people are present.
–Global cooling is blamed for the third consecutive year of crop failures in Mexifornia and Floruba.
–France pleads for outside assistance after country is conquered by Jamaica. No one comes to their aid
Among life’s perpetually charming questions is whether the truly evil do more harm than the self-righteous & wrong. --Jon Margolis
>>>News Roundup
John Kappenman, the owner and Chief Analyst of Storm Analysis Consultants. John has a resume and list of professional accomplishments the length of my arm and is one of the world's leading experts on the dangers from geomagnetic storms, or what is commonly known as an ElectroMagneticPulse (EMP).
His testimony before the US House of Representatives was so compelling that the House voted unanimously to accept John's new recommendations to protect the grid, and yet the legislation appears dead in the US Senate. Think about that-unanimity in the US House of Representatives. Even Ron Paul supports this.
If our leaders fail to act, John and others experts have predicted that:
A solar storm of extreme strength will hit within the next few years
The entire global electric grid could go down
The most at-risk components are hugely expensive and take years to replace
We may live without electricity for 4-10 years
Bankruptcy filings soared 32% in 2009. And 2010 rates are up 13% over 2009! These tough times are hurting Americans from all walks of life--even celebrities aren't immune. Actor Stephen Baldwin, baseball great Lenny Dykstra and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey are just a few celebrities to recently declare bankruptcy.
As much as we'd like to help you get your debts under control without having to declare bankruptcy, there are times when it is the best option. We know it won't be easy, so if you or someone you know is considering bankruptcy, we hope the information we pass here will help you.
More at: http://www.dolans.com/article/41736/Is-Bankruptcy-is-Your-Best-Option/;jsessionid=3A83F25E0D2C23B2849B91E67F745B45
The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious
Encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning
But without understanding. -Justice Brandeis
The Final Word…
The green are getting going in the US with bike pedaled rickshaws called pedicabs…great way to stay in shape. When my kids were little, I biked around town with them strapped in a seat behind me and eventually, they rode alongside me. At least once a week I rode my bike 19-miles each way to my office. I need to start doing that again…except I work from the house!
When my boys were in elementary school they rode a bus the four blocks or so to get to their classes and I always thought it odd. You never heard it before, but when I was young, we walked to school everyday and it was close five miles. This is true, except for winter weather when we took a city bus. Back then, there were few fat kids or kids on Ritalin.
When I approached the headmistress at the school my sons attended about this need for school busing, she told me parent’s wanted it. She agreed kids would be better off walking to school and would at the same time, get rid of their excess energy-something most boys have an abundance of and they wouldn’t need to be drugged.
In some areas, suburban kids are pounding the pavement as ‘walking school buses,’ under adult supervision of course! We are also seeing more ecocabs, pedal and electric motor-powered bikes that use their small motor only when going up a hill.
Finally, if you have a group or want to start a like-minded group in your area (or want to join an existing group) check this no cost site out:
http://www.meetup.com/
Yours for a free America,
Bruce ‘The Poor Man”
http://www.PoormanSurvival.com - our urban survival site
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan - good green resource
http://www.OldBookNook.com - our eBay booksite
Here’s our newest You Tube character movie - check it out:
Let me know which you like better…I’m new at this stuff!
www.youtube.com/poormansurvivor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyAgxsk8aZM
Our Mission: To protect and promote your freedom, civil rights, financial well being and overall self reliance in these turbulent times.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
More on Civil Disobedience-Are You Asleep at the Wheel?
Bruce’s Poor Man Survival Bulletin
Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside this Issue:
Cheap storage or mini-cabin plans-DIY
Free or cheap resources
Battle over public pensions
Updates on Civil Disobedience
Better backyard harvests
Free solar house designs
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
--Lena Horne
Incompetence, Procrastination & Unwillingness to learn-this week’s sermon!
If you’re like me you run into plenty of examples of stupidity and incompetence from businesses and government. Recently, we made the decision to remain in MI and called the DMV to see what was required to re-register our vehicle and drivers permits (we already knew to bring plenty of cash).
It’s a 30-mile trip to the nearest DMV office so we wanted to be certain we had all that was required. Of course, that didn’t happen. The phone clerk conveniently forgot to tell us we needed about 20 different forms of ID, insurance paperwork, etc. Even though we were exchanging another US-State issued drivers license, that is somehow lost here. So that was a waste of time, fuel and effort.
Benjamin Franklin has always been a personal favorite of mine. I always enjoyed yakking with him during the conventions in Philly. Franklin, aside from being a terrific businessman, scientist, inventor and king of the art of compromise, was also interested in self improvement.
Early on he made a list of the bad habits he would rid himself of and I have done the same…no longer drink or smoke, no longer chase women and I work hard every day and strive to improve my skill set and knowledge base. I have had very little help in creating the Poor Man site and bulletin but strive to improve it each day. There are many slothful people in the world who want everything handed to them, they have no ambition.
The ’E-world’ changes so rapidly, that it is tough to keep up with and there are some elements of it which still amaze me - social networks in particular. Whatever happened to simple contacts via email? In any event, I find it nearly unbelievable when I meet people half my age who have no clue about computers or the internet other than these sites or basic email…others will put off doing anything constructive to improve their lot in life - very irksome.
There are many here among us who
Are simply asleep at the wheel
The Poor Man cannot afford hi-tech help and relies on self teaching whenever possible…the point is I see too many in society who are not willing to improve their skills. Evolution is an example of adapt or die and the question that faces all of us each day when we look into the mirror is…
What can I do to improve my situation or the situation of my family today?
<<<>>>
USA Today had a startling report on how, during the last decade, U.S. Government workers, like Wall Street bankers, left their fellow Americans in the dust.
"Federal workers have been awarded bigger average pay and benefit increases than private employees for nine years in a row. The compensation gap between federal and private workers has doubled in the past decade.
"Federal civil servants earned average pay and benefits of $123,049 in 2009 while private workers made $61,051 in total compensation. ... The federal compensation advantage has grown from $30,415 in 2000 to $61,998 last year."
<<<>>>
News, Resources & tidbits…
Islands for Sale…if you recall in our last issue a reader asked how one could found a new country (the Poor Man suggested buying a used freighter or cruise ship). Here’s a site where you might find your dream property-lists islands for rent too.
http://www.PrivateIslandsOnline.com
Free documentary films-Find 100s from new & established filmmakers online
www.SnagFilms.com
Get facts at your fingertips-comprehensive directory provides business news, calculators, genealogy, language translators and more.
www.RefDesk.com
Permanently delete private data-useful if you’re donating a used computer to charity or simply need to get rid of private information (forever) - both free programs.
www.fileshredder.org
www.killdisk.com
Get better backyard harvests-Rx for ailing tomatoes and more, go to:
http://VegetableMDOnline.ppath.cornell.edu
New, Eco Friendly Auction Site-haven’t fully checked it out but it looks interesting and worth a look if you sell green, earth friendly products. Offers a $25 signup bonus good toward seller fees.
www.GreenWeezle.com
USPS Shipping Services, Supplies Available at Office Depot Stores
Small businesses will now be able to access U.S. Postal Service
shipping supplies and services at 1,083 Office Depot stores
across the United States.
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y10/m08/i17/s01
Think Individually. Act Privately.
Inspired by books and blog entries about living simply, Ms. Strobel and her husband, Logan Smith, both 31, began donating some of their belongings to charity. As the months passed, out went stacks of sweaters, shoes, books, pots and pans, even the television after a trial separation during which it was relegated to a closet. Eventually, they got rid of their cars, too. Emboldened by a Web site that challenges consumers to live with just 100 personal items, Ms. Strobel winnowed down her wardrobe and toiletries to precisely that number.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=all
<<<>>>
Speaking of frugal living, take a peek at our newest member’s site…
http://www.new-self-sufficient-living.com/index.html
What is my site about?...
Discover the benefits of New Self Sufficient Living.
Provide for your needs in a smart way and make
choices that make your life simpler, cheaper and
more fulfilling
<<<>>>
School shopping no spree in slow economy
Big prices and small budgets have turned the once pleasant annual purchasing party into an allegory of a flagging economy, producing parental angst and industry cheerleaders who urge the moms and dads to at least "buy American."
The tool that allows you to hammer your credit history into the best possible shape is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA is a law that protects your privacy and establishes rules for collecting, reporting, and altering information in your credit history. The companies that collect – and ultimately sell – this information about you are called credit reporting agencies, or CRAs.
The first step is to look at the information that’s in your credit report right now. Since different CRAs may keep different information, it’s a good idea to check with the three biggies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get one free credit report a year from all three by going to annualcreditreport.com.
There are other ways to get a free copy of your credit report. If something bad has happened to you as a result of your credit report – say you’re turned down for a loan, a job, or an insurance policy – you can request a free copy of the report that caused the problem, provided you do it within 60 days of the rejection.
You can also get one free credit report per year if you’re..
unemployed and plan to look for work within 60 days
on welfare
your report is inaccurate because of fraud
Privacy Pirates: 7 Ways to Hide…
someone — maybe hundreds and people and corporations — silently tracking your every move. The tracking is so detailed that the web site you are viewing is likely to know your age; your income; your address, as well as the types of things you like to do and buy — just from your computer’s IP address, according to a series of shocking investigative reports in the Wall Street Journal. Worse, the site you just left is likely to keep tracking you as you continue to browse the web.
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/devil-details/privacy-pirates-7-ways-to-hide/2702/?tag=fd-bundle-1;main-promo
Ways to get off this invasive grid…
https://ssd.eff.org/
Battle Looms Over Huge Costs of Public Pensions-The Poor Man has reported on this for months…
There’s a class war coming to the world of government pensions.
The haves are retirees who were once state or municipal workers. Their seemingly guaranteed and ever-escalating monthly pension benefits are breaking budgets nationwide.
The have-nots are taxpayers who don’t have generous pensions. Their 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts have taken a real beating in recent years and are not guaranteed. And soon, many of those people will be paying higher taxes or getting fewer state services as their states put more money aside to cover those pension checks.
At stake is at least $1 trillion. That’s trillion, with a “t,” as in titanic and terrifying.
The figure comes from a study by the Pew Center on the States that came out in February. Pew estimated a $1 trillion gap as of fiscal 2008 between what states had promised workers in the way of retiree pension, health care and other benefits and the money they currently had to pay for it all. And some economists say that Pew is too conservative and the problem is two or three times as large.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Battle-Looms-Over-Huge-Costs-nytimes-252868470.html?x=0&mod=pf-retirement
“America is no longer the land of the free. US governments, at all levels, have placed a burdensome yoke on each citizen in the form of rules, regulations and laws. So many laws have choked its citizens and businesses which is why so many are leaving.” -Perpetual Tourist, Simon B.
Cheap Cabin or storage shed plans
Black and Decker, Inc. calls their 8'x12' shed a Basic Storage Shed. It is that, but it can be more. They have designed a simple 8'x12' platform and stud-wall building that has higher side walls than most sheds. You can build it with simple doors and no windows for the maximum storage space. That way, you can hang tools and shelves on the walls and still have plenty of space left for your lawn mower, bikes and such.
However, you can also take advantage of the high walls for adding windows and doors wherever you want them. Add a potting bench and windows on the south wall of your shed to get your Spring seedlings off to a great start. Have north windows for a little backyard studio. Or, add French doors to create an attractive poolside cabana.
The finish materials for the basic shed also are true to its name: asphalt roof shingles, plywood siding, and simple trim de tails are appropriately practical. But, you can easily dress your building up with a cupola, siding to match your home and window boxes. You can purchase prehung doors and windows in any style, or build your own using the project plans.
At 96 square feet, the structure is below many building department's minimum size for required design review. It's planned to be build on pressure treated wooden skids, without a permanent foundation. Because of that and the small size, you may be able to build it without obtaining a permit. Check that with your community's building official.
The plans are accompanied by a complete materials list and an illustrated building guide with step-by-step instructions.
Click here to see the Basic Storage Shed and to use the free plans, material list and building guide >>>
( http://www.todaysplans.net/use-blackan ddecker-free-all-purpose-shed-plans.html )
Mother Earth News magazine has provided solid information on many topics related to sustainable living and natural building for several decades, and now many of these articles are available on-line. I've compiled a list of links to some of their best articles on passive solar design, landscaping and retrofitting, by experts like Dan Chiras and Gary Reysa. Combined, the articles add up to a book-length primer on green, energy saving design. They are yours to read and use for free.
Click here to get the Mother Earth News Solar Design Guides >>>
( http://www.todaysplans.net/use-motherearthnews-free-solar-green-home-guides.html )
Plan3D is a website that will let you experiment with your solar design ideas before you build. It's a simple and intuitive CAD program, available by inexpensive subscription, that will help you "build" a three-dimensional model of your home. Then, you can move it in space, test sunlight and shadow angles, and add landscaping, shade pergolas, walks and driveways.
<<<>>>
Mike Tyson put it best, though, when he said 'everyone has a plan until he gets punched in the face.'
Reader input…
In a recent post on your site you mentioned the idea of forming a "community". I found the answer--the family farm. What I did was to gather my family together (siblings & parents) and bought land in our state of Michigan. Over 40 acres was good for us and we encouraged other like minded families to do the same. We now have more than a half dozen extend families on a two-mile stretch of road working together. We even have befriended two other families who live up there full time, and they are now part of our community. Doing things this way has given us a large number of minds and bodies to help when things go bad. Gathering like-minded people, with different skill sets, has been a win for us.
Dan
A little humor from Dr. Seus!
I do not like this Uncle Sam,
I do not like his health care scam.
I do not like these dirty crooks,
or how they lie and cook the books.
I do not like when Congress steals,
I do not like their secret deals.
I do not like this speaker, Nan,
I do not like this "Yes, we can!"
I do not like this spending spree,
I'm smart, I know that nothing's free.
I do not like your smug replies,
when I complain about your lies.
I do not like this kind of hope.
I do not like it, nope, nope, nope!
<<<>>>
"
Gerald Ford once warned us that, "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
Parting thoughts
Thanks for the comments I received regarding our newest segment on the Poor Man site regarding Civil Disobedience & Jury Nullification. As one wag wrote, “let’s hope it makes politicians irrelevant.” The Poor Man doubts that would ever happen because as all of have seen, no one in power likes to let go of that power. Please keep sharing that segment of our site with others and who knows, if enough folks practice jury nullification, it just might render those inane politicians irrelevant.
I’m waiting to hear from Bill O’Reilly & Judge Andrews Napolitano for their reaction to our take on Civil Disobedience…it’s also now posted on his Freedom Watch blog.
So which country has the most laws regulating its citizenry? In all of history the United States takes the prize turning out more new laws and regulations to manage our people every single year than most countries do in decades.
And it’s not like we’ve always had so many laws. Most of them are new. In 1814, when President Madison and the Congress fled Washington, DC, ahead of the invading English troops bent on arson, they took the papers of the federal government with them. It was easy. They loaded all the laws and regulations into a few boxes and left. This was all the federal government had generated to regulate us in the first 38 years of our existence. Today, Congress and faceless bureaucrats generate more laws and regulations than that in minutes.
Despite all our laws, we have safeguards in that we have a jury system and that those laws are filtered through juries. Another bottleneck to our freedom however is that more and more agencies regulate us without legislation or juries…the IRS, family courts, OSHA, the EPA, etc. don’t use juries. And where juries are allowed the courts try to exclude people who realize they can nullify bad laws, hardly a recipe for freedom.
Check these interesting YouTube videos regarding our eroding freedoms…
Here’s to you Mr. Jefferson-Cute video about our diminishing rights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLAg8a0vCZQ&NR=1
The federal government can do anything it wants…Rep Peter Stark, D-CA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1-eBz8hyoE&feature=player_embedded
Second American Revolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKFKGrmsBDk&feature=related
It’s good to see civil disobedience making a comeback. -Bob B
About the time this bulletin reaches your inbox, the Poor Man will have acquired a small bit of land in order to set up an off-the-grid homestead. As I mentioned before, despite the so-called recession in MI, land is still expensive compared to the southwest so our long-term game plan has been revised to make it more of a mini-farm. We may begin installing a small cabin on it this fall but nothing much beyond that until next year but at least it will be ready for us if all hell breaks loose.
That’s it for this week from your Contrarian Poor Man!
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBooknook.com
A Shallow Planet Production - share with your friends!
http://www.facebook .com/#!/bedavid
http://twitter. com/poormansurvi vor
^^^^SPONSORS^ ^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl. com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandm ake.com?ref= 71
http://www.GreenIre ne.Com/PoorMan
Don't Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl. com/PMBasics
Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside this Issue:
Cheap storage or mini-cabin plans-DIY
Free or cheap resources
Battle over public pensions
Updates on Civil Disobedience
Better backyard harvests
Free solar house designs
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
--Lena Horne
Incompetence, Procrastination & Unwillingness to learn-this week’s sermon!
If you’re like me you run into plenty of examples of stupidity and incompetence from businesses and government. Recently, we made the decision to remain in MI and called the DMV to see what was required to re-register our vehicle and drivers permits (we already knew to bring plenty of cash).
It’s a 30-mile trip to the nearest DMV office so we wanted to be certain we had all that was required. Of course, that didn’t happen. The phone clerk conveniently forgot to tell us we needed about 20 different forms of ID, insurance paperwork, etc. Even though we were exchanging another US-State issued drivers license, that is somehow lost here. So that was a waste of time, fuel and effort.
Benjamin Franklin has always been a personal favorite of mine. I always enjoyed yakking with him during the conventions in Philly. Franklin, aside from being a terrific businessman, scientist, inventor and king of the art of compromise, was also interested in self improvement.
Early on he made a list of the bad habits he would rid himself of and I have done the same…no longer drink or smoke, no longer chase women and I work hard every day and strive to improve my skill set and knowledge base. I have had very little help in creating the Poor Man site and bulletin but strive to improve it each day. There are many slothful people in the world who want everything handed to them, they have no ambition.
The ’E-world’ changes so rapidly, that it is tough to keep up with and there are some elements of it which still amaze me - social networks in particular. Whatever happened to simple contacts via email? In any event, I find it nearly unbelievable when I meet people half my age who have no clue about computers or the internet other than these sites or basic email…others will put off doing anything constructive to improve their lot in life - very irksome.
There are many here among us who
Are simply asleep at the wheel
The Poor Man cannot afford hi-tech help and relies on self teaching whenever possible…the point is I see too many in society who are not willing to improve their skills. Evolution is an example of adapt or die and the question that faces all of us each day when we look into the mirror is…
What can I do to improve my situation or the situation of my family today?
<<<>>>
USA Today had a startling report on how, during the last decade, U.S. Government workers, like Wall Street bankers, left their fellow Americans in the dust.
"Federal workers have been awarded bigger average pay and benefit increases than private employees for nine years in a row. The compensation gap between federal and private workers has doubled in the past decade.
"Federal civil servants earned average pay and benefits of $123,049 in 2009 while private workers made $61,051 in total compensation. ... The federal compensation advantage has grown from $30,415 in 2000 to $61,998 last year."
<<<>>>
News, Resources & tidbits…
Islands for Sale…if you recall in our last issue a reader asked how one could found a new country (the Poor Man suggested buying a used freighter or cruise ship). Here’s a site where you might find your dream property-lists islands for rent too.
http://www.PrivateIslandsOnline.com
Free documentary films-Find 100s from new & established filmmakers online
www.SnagFilms.com
Get facts at your fingertips-comprehensive directory provides business news, calculators, genealogy, language translators and more.
www.RefDesk.com
Permanently delete private data-useful if you’re donating a used computer to charity or simply need to get rid of private information (forever) - both free programs.
www.fileshredder.org
www.killdisk.com
Get better backyard harvests-Rx for ailing tomatoes and more, go to:
http://VegetableMDOnline.ppath.cornell.edu
New, Eco Friendly Auction Site-haven’t fully checked it out but it looks interesting and worth a look if you sell green, earth friendly products. Offers a $25 signup bonus good toward seller fees.
www.GreenWeezle.com
USPS Shipping Services, Supplies Available at Office Depot Stores
Small businesses will now be able to access U.S. Postal Service
shipping supplies and services at 1,083 Office Depot stores
across the United States.
http://www.auctionbytes.com/cab/abn/y10/m08/i17/s01
Think Individually. Act Privately.
Inspired by books and blog entries about living simply, Ms. Strobel and her husband, Logan Smith, both 31, began donating some of their belongings to charity. As the months passed, out went stacks of sweaters, shoes, books, pots and pans, even the television after a trial separation during which it was relegated to a closet. Eventually, they got rid of their cars, too. Emboldened by a Web site that challenges consumers to live with just 100 personal items, Ms. Strobel winnowed down her wardrobe and toiletries to precisely that number.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=all
<<<>>>
Speaking of frugal living, take a peek at our newest member’s site…
http://www.new-self-sufficient-living.com/index.html
What is my site about?...
Discover the benefits of New Self Sufficient Living.
Provide for your needs in a smart way and make
choices that make your life simpler, cheaper and
more fulfilling
<<<>>>
School shopping no spree in slow economy
Big prices and small budgets have turned the once pleasant annual purchasing party into an allegory of a flagging economy, producing parental angst and industry cheerleaders who urge the moms and dads to at least "buy American."
The tool that allows you to hammer your credit history into the best possible shape is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA is a law that protects your privacy and establishes rules for collecting, reporting, and altering information in your credit history. The companies that collect – and ultimately sell – this information about you are called credit reporting agencies, or CRAs.
The first step is to look at the information that’s in your credit report right now. Since different CRAs may keep different information, it’s a good idea to check with the three biggies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can get one free credit report a year from all three by going to annualcreditreport.com.
There are other ways to get a free copy of your credit report. If something bad has happened to you as a result of your credit report – say you’re turned down for a loan, a job, or an insurance policy – you can request a free copy of the report that caused the problem, provided you do it within 60 days of the rejection.
You can also get one free credit report per year if you’re..
unemployed and plan to look for work within 60 days
on welfare
your report is inaccurate because of fraud
Privacy Pirates: 7 Ways to Hide…
someone — maybe hundreds and people and corporations — silently tracking your every move. The tracking is so detailed that the web site you are viewing is likely to know your age; your income; your address, as well as the types of things you like to do and buy — just from your computer’s IP address, according to a series of shocking investigative reports in the Wall Street Journal. Worse, the site you just left is likely to keep tracking you as you continue to browse the web.
http://moneywatch.bnet.com/saving-money/blog/devil-details/privacy-pirates-7-ways-to-hide/2702/?tag=fd-bundle-1;main-promo
Ways to get off this invasive grid…
https://ssd.eff.org/
Battle Looms Over Huge Costs of Public Pensions-The Poor Man has reported on this for months…
There’s a class war coming to the world of government pensions.
The haves are retirees who were once state or municipal workers. Their seemingly guaranteed and ever-escalating monthly pension benefits are breaking budgets nationwide.
The have-nots are taxpayers who don’t have generous pensions. Their 401(k)s or individual retirement accounts have taken a real beating in recent years and are not guaranteed. And soon, many of those people will be paying higher taxes or getting fewer state services as their states put more money aside to cover those pension checks.
At stake is at least $1 trillion. That’s trillion, with a “t,” as in titanic and terrifying.
The figure comes from a study by the Pew Center on the States that came out in February. Pew estimated a $1 trillion gap as of fiscal 2008 between what states had promised workers in the way of retiree pension, health care and other benefits and the money they currently had to pay for it all. And some economists say that Pew is too conservative and the problem is two or three times as large.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Battle-Looms-Over-Huge-Costs-nytimes-252868470.html?x=0&mod=pf-retirement
“America is no longer the land of the free. US governments, at all levels, have placed a burdensome yoke on each citizen in the form of rules, regulations and laws. So many laws have choked its citizens and businesses which is why so many are leaving.” -Perpetual Tourist, Simon B.
Cheap Cabin or storage shed plans
Black and Decker, Inc. calls their 8'x12' shed a Basic Storage Shed. It is that, but it can be more. They have designed a simple 8'x12' platform and stud-wall building that has higher side walls than most sheds. You can build it with simple doors and no windows for the maximum storage space. That way, you can hang tools and shelves on the walls and still have plenty of space left for your lawn mower, bikes and such.
However, you can also take advantage of the high walls for adding windows and doors wherever you want them. Add a potting bench and windows on the south wall of your shed to get your Spring seedlings off to a great start. Have north windows for a little backyard studio. Or, add French doors to create an attractive poolside cabana.
The finish materials for the basic shed also are true to its name: asphalt roof shingles, plywood siding, and simple trim de tails are appropriately practical. But, you can easily dress your building up with a cupola, siding to match your home and window boxes. You can purchase prehung doors and windows in any style, or build your own using the project plans.
At 96 square feet, the structure is below many building department's minimum size for required design review. It's planned to be build on pressure treated wooden skids, without a permanent foundation. Because of that and the small size, you may be able to build it without obtaining a permit. Check that with your community's building official.
The plans are accompanied by a complete materials list and an illustrated building guide with step-by-step instructions.
Click here to see the Basic Storage Shed and to use the free plans, material list and building guide >>>
( http://www.todaysplans.net/use-blackan ddecker-free-all-purpose-shed-plans.html )
Mother Earth News magazine has provided solid information on many topics related to sustainable living and natural building for several decades, and now many of these articles are available on-line. I've compiled a list of links to some of their best articles on passive solar design, landscaping and retrofitting, by experts like Dan Chiras and Gary Reysa. Combined, the articles add up to a book-length primer on green, energy saving design. They are yours to read and use for free.
Click here to get the Mother Earth News Solar Design Guides >>>
( http://www.todaysplans.net/use-motherearthnews-free-solar-green-home-guides.html )
Plan3D is a website that will let you experiment with your solar design ideas before you build. It's a simple and intuitive CAD program, available by inexpensive subscription, that will help you "build" a three-dimensional model of your home. Then, you can move it in space, test sunlight and shadow angles, and add landscaping, shade pergolas, walks and driveways.
<<<>>>
Mike Tyson put it best, though, when he said 'everyone has a plan until he gets punched in the face.'
Reader input…
In a recent post on your site you mentioned the idea of forming a "community". I found the answer--the family farm. What I did was to gather my family together (siblings & parents) and bought land in our state of Michigan. Over 40 acres was good for us and we encouraged other like minded families to do the same. We now have more than a half dozen extend families on a two-mile stretch of road working together. We even have befriended two other families who live up there full time, and they are now part of our community. Doing things this way has given us a large number of minds and bodies to help when things go bad. Gathering like-minded people, with different skill sets, has been a win for us.
Dan
A little humor from Dr. Seus!
I do not like this Uncle Sam,
I do not like his health care scam.
I do not like these dirty crooks,
or how they lie and cook the books.
I do not like when Congress steals,
I do not like their secret deals.
I do not like this speaker, Nan,
I do not like this "Yes, we can!"
I do not like this spending spree,
I'm smart, I know that nothing's free.
I do not like your smug replies,
when I complain about your lies.
I do not like this kind of hope.
I do not like it, nope, nope, nope!
<<<>>>
"
Gerald Ford once warned us that, "A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."
Parting thoughts
Thanks for the comments I received regarding our newest segment on the Poor Man site regarding Civil Disobedience & Jury Nullification. As one wag wrote, “let’s hope it makes politicians irrelevant.” The Poor Man doubts that would ever happen because as all of have seen, no one in power likes to let go of that power. Please keep sharing that segment of our site with others and who knows, if enough folks practice jury nullification, it just might render those inane politicians irrelevant.
I’m waiting to hear from Bill O’Reilly & Judge Andrews Napolitano for their reaction to our take on Civil Disobedience…it’s also now posted on his Freedom Watch blog.
So which country has the most laws regulating its citizenry? In all of history the United States takes the prize turning out more new laws and regulations to manage our people every single year than most countries do in decades.
And it’s not like we’ve always had so many laws. Most of them are new. In 1814, when President Madison and the Congress fled Washington, DC, ahead of the invading English troops bent on arson, they took the papers of the federal government with them. It was easy. They loaded all the laws and regulations into a few boxes and left. This was all the federal government had generated to regulate us in the first 38 years of our existence. Today, Congress and faceless bureaucrats generate more laws and regulations than that in minutes.
Despite all our laws, we have safeguards in that we have a jury system and that those laws are filtered through juries. Another bottleneck to our freedom however is that more and more agencies regulate us without legislation or juries…the IRS, family courts, OSHA, the EPA, etc. don’t use juries. And where juries are allowed the courts try to exclude people who realize they can nullify bad laws, hardly a recipe for freedom.
Check these interesting YouTube videos regarding our eroding freedoms…
Here’s to you Mr. Jefferson-Cute video about our diminishing rights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLAg8a0vCZQ&NR=1
The federal government can do anything it wants…Rep Peter Stark, D-CA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1-eBz8hyoE&feature=player_embedded
Second American Revolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKFKGrmsBDk&feature=related
It’s good to see civil disobedience making a comeback. -Bob B
About the time this bulletin reaches your inbox, the Poor Man will have acquired a small bit of land in order to set up an off-the-grid homestead. As I mentioned before, despite the so-called recession in MI, land is still expensive compared to the southwest so our long-term game plan has been revised to make it more of a mini-farm. We may begin installing a small cabin on it this fall but nothing much beyond that until next year but at least it will be ready for us if all hell breaks loose.
That’s it for this week from your Contrarian Poor Man!
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBooknook.com
A Shallow Planet Production - share with your friends!
http://www.facebook .com/#!/bedavid
http://twitter. com/poormansurvi vor
^^^^SPONSORS^ ^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl. com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandm ake.com?ref= 71
http://www.GreenIre ne.Com/PoorMan
Don't Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl. com/PMBasics
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Restoring America through Civil Disobedience
Bruce’s Poor Man Survival Bulletin
Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside this issue:
· Why the wealthy determine the economy
· Recession or Depression – you decide
· Wheat shortage in Russia means higher prices here
· Grass roots organizing
· Cowpots-a bully good idea
· Developing barter skills now
· Geo Carlin’s take on who controls America + Mad as Hell
Stop organized crime. Re-elect no one.
Practicing Civil Disobedience
Although I missed it, the Poor Man was recently cited by ABC news as a “tremendous resource for rescuing average people from the war on the middle class.” And if you don’t think there is and has been a war on average Americans, you need to get out more!
When even mainstream media recognizes there is a war on the middle class, how can anyone not comprehend what the Washington-Wall Street Cartel has done to this country? The ABC affiliate in Phoenix called our site “unique.” I’m unsure if this was a compliment or what, but they passed it along to corporate.
New subscriber Chris F. wrote to say, “at least someone is telling it like it is…your site includes lots of solid information…thanks!”
Readers know I’ve joked about ways to peacefully take over the country and to restore it to its former, FREE state…but as we all know, the government has the guns and the majority of Americans are sheep when it comes to fighting Big Brother. Big Brother passes new laws every single day with one goal in mind – MORE control.
The Poor Man has been busy researching & writing about a topic I’ve discussed before and one I think holds much promise for putting a severe crimp on the stupid laws which are helping to destroy this country AND it won’t involve armed conflict & it is something everyone over 21 can do without cost or effort other than reading about it. Indeed, it’s a relatively simple concept and I urge that you read and share this information, which you will find on our newest category tab Civil Disobedience. www.poormansurvival.com
George Carlin’s take on who really owns America – it sure ain’t you! Warning: foul language. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYIC0eZYEtI&feature=related
More Big Brother & 1984 tech - new facial-recognition technology deployed by New York's Department of Motor Vehicles.
On Tuesday, Gov. David A. Paterson and other New York officials touted the benefits of the new system, which was deployed across the state in February. They said it had helped them arrest more than 150 would-be imposters. Thirty-five states currently use some form of facial-recognition technology, according to AAMVA, the Association of American Motor Vehicle Administrators.
In 10 years of using eBay, I haven’t ever seen it quite this slow even though from July through August is traditionally it’s slowest time…more proof of a slowing economy and lack of marketing by eBay. EBay’s goal is to have 70% of their listings as a fixed price with more focus on big sellers vs. small sellers.
Read more about new grass roots organizing posted in this issue.
<<<>>>
New Reader Tips…thanks Jim & Gary
http://www.PrintableGroceryCoupons.net shows a search-able database of printable grocery coupons and other coupons, sorted by store and category.
You can also check out Easy-Saving-Money-Guide.com which provides a voice of experience to help the average individual save money by living a life focused on conservative financial decision-making and frugality. There is good value in the messages that come through from this real and sincere person who has lots of experience and insight to share.
Send a package for less at: www.Shipgooder.com
Access most user guides at manufacturer sites when you need them at: www.manualsonline.com
www.retrevo.com
Actual headlines:
“Floor Collapses at Weight Watchers Meeting”
“Man Opts for Jail Over New Year’s w/ Relatives”
>>>
One of the most important investments you can make to secure your financial future is to develop a set of skills with which you can generate cash flow or barter into old age
As George4title of the National Inflation Association remarked in one of his regular YouTube videos (www.youtube.com/user/InflationUS) on how to survive hyperinflation, "Everyone needs to open their minds and look at: How do people survive in a Third World country? And it's not by going to a typical job. It's basically owning a business or providing a service or product in the economy that people will pay for."
Useful bartering web sites include:
· www.backpage.com – a free classified ads service similar to Craigslist.
· www.couchsurfing.org – offer up a couch or a spare room in your home to travelers seeking a place to sleep, and in return perhaps you'll get some free labor.
· www.goswap.org – trade land, houses, or vacation getaways.
· www.swaptree.com – swap your books, CDs, and DVDs here.
· www.ioffer.com – buy, sell, or trade just about anything.
· www.meetup.com – here you might find barter clubs/networks meeting up in your area, groups for parents who might swap out babysitting or dinner duties, or other groups that operate on the premise of mutually beneficial trade.
· www.barterquest.com – barter for goods, services, and real estate.
<<<>>>
According to a story in The New York Times, Jane Slupecki with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, took a group of dairy farmers to a brainstorming dinner. She had a small grant to try to find possible solutions to a big, stinky problem: cow manure, tons of it.
Cow poop is cow poop,” said Slupecki, who was feeling some frustration at the paucity of workable suggestions. Half in jest, she blurted, “Can’t you guys do something with this stuff — make a flowerpot or something?”
Those were fateful words for brothers Ben and Matthew Freund, second-generation dairy farmers who at the time maintained a herd of 225 Holsteins in East Canaan.
Each cow produces 120 pounds of manure daily. Why not grow flowers and tomatoes from cow flops?
It took eight years’ development, a $72,000 federal grant secured through Connecticut’s Agricultural Businesses Cluster, and countless grim experiments.
Now their manure-based CowPots — biodegradable seed-starting containers — are being made on the farm and sold to commercial and backyard growers who prefer their advantages over plastic pots.
Molded of dried, deodorized manure fibers, CowPots hold water well, last for months in a greenhouse and can then be planted directly into the ground, sparing the seedling transplant shock and letting tender new roots penetrate easily. As the pots decompose, they continue to fertilize the plant and attract beneficial worms.
The Freunds have green dreams far beyond CowPots, though most are too proprietary to divulge. Just one? “Think about golf tees made of composted manure that fertilize greens when discarded.”
“I called a temp agency looking for work, and they asked if I had any phone skills. I said, “I called you, didn’t I?”
--Zach Galifianakis
<<<>>>
Why the wealthy determine the economy
Consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product, or the value of all goods and services produced in the nation. And spending by the rich now accounts for the largest share of consumer outlays in at least 20 years.
According to new research from Moody’s Analytics, the top 5% of Americans by income account for 37% of all consumer outlays. Outlays include consumer spending, interest payments on installment debt and transfer payments.
By contrast, the bottom 80% by income account for 39.5% of all consumer outlays.
It is no surprise, of course, that the rich spend so much, since they earn a disproportionate share of income. According to economists Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty, the top 10% of earners captured about half of all income as of 2007.
What is surprising is just how much or our consumer economy is now dependent on the rich, and how that share has increased as the U.S. emerges from recession. In the third quarter of 1990, the top 5% accounted for 25% of consumer outlays. That held relatively steady until the mid-1990s, when it started inching up past 30%. It dipped in 2003 and again in 2008, but started surging in 2009 amid the greatest bull market rally in history, with the Dow Jones Industry Average rising nearly 50% in the last nine months of the year
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110258/us-economy-is-increasingly-tied-to-the-rich
<<<>>>
Grassroots organizing among people concerned not for the whale, the trees or the hungry, per se, but for the country and its principles is happening at an unprecedented rate. The politicians in touch with this flourishing spirit in both parties will reap favor with the “everyman” crowd.
Here are a few examples of what has emerged out of a desire for meaningful change:
· U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., has initiated YouCut, where anyone can vote on a menu of spending cuts. The winning item gets introduced to the House floor for a vote.
· GOOOH – Get Out of Our House – is gaining momentum “as a non-partisan plan to evict the 435 career politicians in the U.S. House of Representatives and replace them with everyday Americans just like you.”
· The Tea Party Revolution continues to gain followers. The platform: the Bill of Rights. Its website contains mostly links and resources for grassroots organizers.
Read more about how Americans are organizing around a desire to see fiscal accountability, transparency and respect for the Constitution returned to governance at The Washington Times column Inside the Beltway by Jennifer Harper
I’m Mad as Hell & I’m not Going
To Take this Anymore
The classic scene from the movie Network AND
Very appropriate for today…watch Peter Finch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ELleCQvew
^^^^SPONSORS^^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This week’s news digest…
Watch the Newt Gingrich Speech
Higher food prices to come
More government ‘1984’ control
Detroit’s High Unemployment
"Wheat prices have risen 25% this week as drought and fires have devastated crops in eastern Europe and led to Russia banning the export of grain…as we’ve warned our subscribers throughout the past year – food prices will go up. Stockpile what you can now…within a couple of months (we predict) there'll be a lot more food riots as out-of-work people become desperate, and angry, and start taking to the streets.
>>>Make yourself as well-prepared and self-sufficient as you possibly can, as soon as you can. Here’s another clue about what’s going on – watch the video speech from Newt Gingrich. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y
>>>The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 quietly took effect June 29. It cut off those care packages by effectively requiring that tobacco be sent with one particular kind of U.S. Postal Service shipping that requires a signature for delivery but does not deliver to most overseas military addresses…more control by the bureautwits and why we need another revolution. Another example of 1984-style control from out of control idiots.
>>>Many Americans are disappointed with the current administration. This growing movement recognizes a gap between the promises President Obama made in his inaugural address and the failure of the administration to bring about those changes. For example, in his inaugural address, he called for “a new era of responsibility,” claiming “those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.” Many Americans took Obama’s campaign promises to heart. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/truth-be-told/2010/aug/6/youcut-teaparty-googh/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_world-news
>>>Detroit's official unemployment rate is 24%, the highest among major U.S. cities. But officials here believe the actual jobless rate may be 50%, since the official statistics fail to include people who no longer qualify for unemployment benefits or have stopped looking for work. To put this in historical context: a decade ago, Detroit's jobless rate was 6.7% At the height of the Great Depression, in 1933, about one-quarter of Americans were unemployed. Today in Michigan, an estimated 44% of adults lack the fundamental skills, like reading, to qualify for the high-tech jobs officials are desperately trying to attract. An entire population is ill-equipped to participate in the new economy
>>>What’s Spanish for “Best Western?” »
At a time when more than one in 10 Americans are one step away from wearing sandwich boards declaring: "Will flamenco for food," Mrs. Obama's six-figure Spanish vacation has engendered entirely reasonable discussions about just how out of touch the Democrat ruling elite has become.
Parting thoughts…
Recession or Depression – You Decide
Unemployment is rampant... at the start of the recession an average of 1,000 workers lost their paychecks every workday. Just one short year later—28,727 paychecks vanished per workday—nearly 29 times more. And today the unemployment rate is holding strong at a whopping 10%. And if you count the rate of the underemployed—those folks who've either given up looking for work or are working less than they'd like—the true unemployment rate is closer to 20%!
At this rate, more than 15 million workers will be without a job—more than during the depths of The Great Depression! The economy is already in a depression.
The problem is that no one wants to admit it…not in Washington or on Wall Street either. And, for the most part, not even on Main Street.
But the fact of the matter is that in real terms, the U.S. economy has already contracted more than it did during the Great Depression.
A recent survey by Deloitte and Harrison Group shows that 80% of Americans surveyed are focused on cutting back. Of that group, 55% say they haven't been directly affected by the recession but have changed their spending habits nonetheless.
The survey further shows Americans are:
· -- Delaying gratification (and purchases, especially of big-ticket items.)
· -- Buying generics and "private label" vs. better-known (and more expensive) brands.
· -- Cooking from scratch instead of eating out or buying prepared meals. Rather than keeping the pantry stocked, Americans are also only buying what's necessary, as results from grocer SuperValu this week attest. (SuperValu's net-income fell 40% from a year ago and its CEO said: "We are not optimistic that somehow the economic environment turns the corner any time soon.")
· -- Cutting costs with "extreme couponing" -- CouponMom.com now has 2.5 million users, for example -- and the use of loyalty programs at various retailers.
Washington conveniently leaves out people who are working part-time, people whose hours have been dramatically cut, and "discouraged" workers — those who are ready, willing and able to work — but have essentially given up looking for a job because they can't find one.
Add these workers into the mix and you have an unemployment rate of 22.7% — more than double the so-called official number and almost as bad as the Great Depression of the 1930s.
And that's just a nationwide average. In places like Detroit, Los Angeles, Allentown, Pa. and other urban areas, the real unemployment rate is as high as 40%, far worse than during the Great Depression.
Consider too that from its 1925 peak, the median home price in the U.S. fell 12.57% by 1932. Compare that to the 31% decline since the property peak in 2007
Yours for better living, the Poor Man.
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
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Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside this issue:
· Why the wealthy determine the economy
· Recession or Depression – you decide
· Wheat shortage in Russia means higher prices here
· Grass roots organizing
· Cowpots-a bully good idea
· Developing barter skills now
· Geo Carlin’s take on who controls America + Mad as Hell
Stop organized crime. Re-elect no one.
Practicing Civil Disobedience
Although I missed it, the Poor Man was recently cited by ABC news as a “tremendous resource for rescuing average people from the war on the middle class.” And if you don’t think there is and has been a war on average Americans, you need to get out more!
When even mainstream media recognizes there is a war on the middle class, how can anyone not comprehend what the Washington-Wall Street Cartel has done to this country? The ABC affiliate in Phoenix called our site “unique.” I’m unsure if this was a compliment or what, but they passed it along to corporate.
New subscriber Chris F. wrote to say, “at least someone is telling it like it is…your site includes lots of solid information…thanks!”
Readers know I’ve joked about ways to peacefully take over the country and to restore it to its former, FREE state…but as we all know, the government has the guns and the majority of Americans are sheep when it comes to fighting Big Brother. Big Brother passes new laws every single day with one goal in mind – MORE control.
The Poor Man has been busy researching & writing about a topic I’ve discussed before and one I think holds much promise for putting a severe crimp on the stupid laws which are helping to destroy this country AND it won’t involve armed conflict & it is something everyone over 21 can do without cost or effort other than reading about it. Indeed, it’s a relatively simple concept and I urge that you read and share this information, which you will find on our newest category tab Civil Disobedience. www.poormansurvival.com
George Carlin’s take on who really owns America – it sure ain’t you! Warning: foul language. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYIC0eZYEtI&feature=related
More Big Brother & 1984 tech - new facial-recognition technology deployed by New York's Department of Motor Vehicles.
On Tuesday, Gov. David A. Paterson and other New York officials touted the benefits of the new system, which was deployed across the state in February. They said it had helped them arrest more than 150 would-be imposters. Thirty-five states currently use some form of facial-recognition technology, according to AAMVA, the Association of American Motor Vehicle Administrators.
In 10 years of using eBay, I haven’t ever seen it quite this slow even though from July through August is traditionally it’s slowest time…more proof of a slowing economy and lack of marketing by eBay. EBay’s goal is to have 70% of their listings as a fixed price with more focus on big sellers vs. small sellers.
Read more about new grass roots organizing posted in this issue.
<<<>>>
New Reader Tips…thanks Jim & Gary
http://www.PrintableGroceryCoupons.net shows a search-able database of printable grocery coupons and other coupons, sorted by store and category.
You can also check out Easy-Saving-Money-Guide.com which provides a voice of experience to help the average individual save money by living a life focused on conservative financial decision-making and frugality. There is good value in the messages that come through from this real and sincere person who has lots of experience and insight to share.
Send a package for less at: www.Shipgooder.com
Access most user guides at manufacturer sites when you need them at: www.manualsonline.com
www.retrevo.com
Actual headlines:
“Floor Collapses at Weight Watchers Meeting”
“Man Opts for Jail Over New Year’s w/ Relatives”
>>>
One of the most important investments you can make to secure your financial future is to develop a set of skills with which you can generate cash flow or barter into old age
As George4title of the National Inflation Association remarked in one of his regular YouTube videos (www.youtube.com/user/InflationUS) on how to survive hyperinflation, "Everyone needs to open their minds and look at: How do people survive in a Third World country? And it's not by going to a typical job. It's basically owning a business or providing a service or product in the economy that people will pay for."
Useful bartering web sites include:
· www.backpage.com – a free classified ads service similar to Craigslist.
· www.couchsurfing.org – offer up a couch or a spare room in your home to travelers seeking a place to sleep, and in return perhaps you'll get some free labor.
· www.goswap.org – trade land, houses, or vacation getaways.
· www.swaptree.com – swap your books, CDs, and DVDs here.
· www.ioffer.com – buy, sell, or trade just about anything.
· www.meetup.com – here you might find barter clubs/networks meeting up in your area, groups for parents who might swap out babysitting or dinner duties, or other groups that operate on the premise of mutually beneficial trade.
· www.barterquest.com – barter for goods, services, and real estate.
<<<>>>
According to a story in The New York Times, Jane Slupecki with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, took a group of dairy farmers to a brainstorming dinner. She had a small grant to try to find possible solutions to a big, stinky problem: cow manure, tons of it.
Cow poop is cow poop,” said Slupecki, who was feeling some frustration at the paucity of workable suggestions. Half in jest, she blurted, “Can’t you guys do something with this stuff — make a flowerpot or something?”
Those were fateful words for brothers Ben and Matthew Freund, second-generation dairy farmers who at the time maintained a herd of 225 Holsteins in East Canaan.
Each cow produces 120 pounds of manure daily. Why not grow flowers and tomatoes from cow flops?
It took eight years’ development, a $72,000 federal grant secured through Connecticut’s Agricultural Businesses Cluster, and countless grim experiments.
Now their manure-based CowPots — biodegradable seed-starting containers — are being made on the farm and sold to commercial and backyard growers who prefer their advantages over plastic pots.
Molded of dried, deodorized manure fibers, CowPots hold water well, last for months in a greenhouse and can then be planted directly into the ground, sparing the seedling transplant shock and letting tender new roots penetrate easily. As the pots decompose, they continue to fertilize the plant and attract beneficial worms.
The Freunds have green dreams far beyond CowPots, though most are too proprietary to divulge. Just one? “Think about golf tees made of composted manure that fertilize greens when discarded.”
“I called a temp agency looking for work, and they asked if I had any phone skills. I said, “I called you, didn’t I?”
--Zach Galifianakis
<<<>>>
Why the wealthy determine the economy
Consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product, or the value of all goods and services produced in the nation. And spending by the rich now accounts for the largest share of consumer outlays in at least 20 years.
According to new research from Moody’s Analytics, the top 5% of Americans by income account for 37% of all consumer outlays. Outlays include consumer spending, interest payments on installment debt and transfer payments.
By contrast, the bottom 80% by income account for 39.5% of all consumer outlays.
It is no surprise, of course, that the rich spend so much, since they earn a disproportionate share of income. According to economists Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty, the top 10% of earners captured about half of all income as of 2007.
What is surprising is just how much or our consumer economy is now dependent on the rich, and how that share has increased as the U.S. emerges from recession. In the third quarter of 1990, the top 5% accounted for 25% of consumer outlays. That held relatively steady until the mid-1990s, when it started inching up past 30%. It dipped in 2003 and again in 2008, but started surging in 2009 amid the greatest bull market rally in history, with the Dow Jones Industry Average rising nearly 50% in the last nine months of the year
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110258/us-economy-is-increasingly-tied-to-the-rich
<<<>>>
Grassroots organizing among people concerned not for the whale, the trees or the hungry, per se, but for the country and its principles is happening at an unprecedented rate. The politicians in touch with this flourishing spirit in both parties will reap favor with the “everyman” crowd.
Here are a few examples of what has emerged out of a desire for meaningful change:
· U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., has initiated YouCut, where anyone can vote on a menu of spending cuts. The winning item gets introduced to the House floor for a vote.
· GOOOH – Get Out of Our House – is gaining momentum “as a non-partisan plan to evict the 435 career politicians in the U.S. House of Representatives and replace them with everyday Americans just like you.”
· The Tea Party Revolution continues to gain followers. The platform: the Bill of Rights. Its website contains mostly links and resources for grassroots organizers.
Read more about how Americans are organizing around a desire to see fiscal accountability, transparency and respect for the Constitution returned to governance at The Washington Times column Inside the Beltway by Jennifer Harper
I’m Mad as Hell & I’m not Going
To Take this Anymore
The classic scene from the movie Network AND
Very appropriate for today…watch Peter Finch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ELleCQvew
^^^^SPONSORS^^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This week’s news digest…
Watch the Newt Gingrich Speech
Higher food prices to come
More government ‘1984’ control
Detroit’s High Unemployment
"Wheat prices have risen 25% this week as drought and fires have devastated crops in eastern Europe and led to Russia banning the export of grain…as we’ve warned our subscribers throughout the past year – food prices will go up. Stockpile what you can now…within a couple of months (we predict) there'll be a lot more food riots as out-of-work people become desperate, and angry, and start taking to the streets.
>>>Make yourself as well-prepared and self-sufficient as you possibly can, as soon as you can. Here’s another clue about what’s going on – watch the video speech from Newt Gingrich. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMjjce2Y
>>>The Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act of 2009 quietly took effect June 29. It cut off those care packages by effectively requiring that tobacco be sent with one particular kind of U.S. Postal Service shipping that requires a signature for delivery but does not deliver to most overseas military addresses…more control by the bureautwits and why we need another revolution. Another example of 1984-style control from out of control idiots.
>>>Many Americans are disappointed with the current administration. This growing movement recognizes a gap between the promises President Obama made in his inaugural address and the failure of the administration to bring about those changes. For example, in his inaugural address, he called for “a new era of responsibility,” claiming “those of us who manage the public’s dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.” Many Americans took Obama’s campaign promises to heart. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/truth-be-told/2010/aug/6/youcut-teaparty-googh/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_world-news
>>>Detroit's official unemployment rate is 24%, the highest among major U.S. cities. But officials here believe the actual jobless rate may be 50%, since the official statistics fail to include people who no longer qualify for unemployment benefits or have stopped looking for work. To put this in historical context: a decade ago, Detroit's jobless rate was 6.7% At the height of the Great Depression, in 1933, about one-quarter of Americans were unemployed. Today in Michigan, an estimated 44% of adults lack the fundamental skills, like reading, to qualify for the high-tech jobs officials are desperately trying to attract. An entire population is ill-equipped to participate in the new economy
>>>What’s Spanish for “Best Western?” »
At a time when more than one in 10 Americans are one step away from wearing sandwich boards declaring: "Will flamenco for food," Mrs. Obama's six-figure Spanish vacation has engendered entirely reasonable discussions about just how out of touch the Democrat ruling elite has become.
Parting thoughts…
Recession or Depression – You Decide
Unemployment is rampant... at the start of the recession an average of 1,000 workers lost their paychecks every workday. Just one short year later—28,727 paychecks vanished per workday—nearly 29 times more. And today the unemployment rate is holding strong at a whopping 10%. And if you count the rate of the underemployed—those folks who've either given up looking for work or are working less than they'd like—the true unemployment rate is closer to 20%!
At this rate, more than 15 million workers will be without a job—more than during the depths of The Great Depression! The economy is already in a depression.
The problem is that no one wants to admit it…not in Washington or on Wall Street either. And, for the most part, not even on Main Street.
But the fact of the matter is that in real terms, the U.S. economy has already contracted more than it did during the Great Depression.
A recent survey by Deloitte and Harrison Group shows that 80% of Americans surveyed are focused on cutting back. Of that group, 55% say they haven't been directly affected by the recession but have changed their spending habits nonetheless.
The survey further shows Americans are:
· -- Delaying gratification (and purchases, especially of big-ticket items.)
· -- Buying generics and "private label" vs. better-known (and more expensive) brands.
· -- Cooking from scratch instead of eating out or buying prepared meals. Rather than keeping the pantry stocked, Americans are also only buying what's necessary, as results from grocer SuperValu this week attest. (SuperValu's net-income fell 40% from a year ago and its CEO said: "We are not optimistic that somehow the economic environment turns the corner any time soon.")
· -- Cutting costs with "extreme couponing" -- CouponMom.com now has 2.5 million users, for example -- and the use of loyalty programs at various retailers.
Washington conveniently leaves out people who are working part-time, people whose hours have been dramatically cut, and "discouraged" workers — those who are ready, willing and able to work — but have essentially given up looking for a job because they can't find one.
Add these workers into the mix and you have an unemployment rate of 22.7% — more than double the so-called official number and almost as bad as the Great Depression of the 1930s.
And that's just a nationwide average. In places like Detroit, Los Angeles, Allentown, Pa. and other urban areas, the real unemployment rate is as high as 40%, far worse than during the Great Depression.
Consider too that from its 1925 peak, the median home price in the U.S. fell 12.57% by 1932. Compare that to the 31% decline since the property peak in 2007
Yours for better living, the Poor Man.
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
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Sunday, August 8, 2010
DIY Bicycle Generator, Extreme Frugality & Privacy Tips
Bruce’s Poor Man Survival Bulletin
Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
In This Issue:
· Build your own bicycle generator
· New Poor Man You Tube videos
· Dirt cheap housing
· Extreme Frugality
· More Privacy Protection tips
· A Race to the Bottom-guest commentary
Let’s rescue our debt-laded economy with...yes, you guessed it...with more debt!
Does anyone know of a land we can buy, takeover or claim?
This was a question the Poor Man recently responded to and it mirrors not only a national frustration with the cost and intrusiveness of government here but around the world. It’s just not the US, which is squeezing its citizens but most countries are doing so as well from Great Britain where spy cams outnumber citizens to repressive taxes in countries such as Greece.
Put bluntly, most of us can no longer afford our governments.
A number of years ago I recall hearing about a group which planned to assemble enough like-minded folks, who were fed up with our backstabbing political parties, to take over the state government of a small state such as Vermont or Delaware. They estimated they needed about 20,000 people.
Never heard anything else about them.
Two hundred years ago when folks were frustrated by governments, they set sail for the ‘new world’ and claimed some land. No such luck to day as everything has been claimed! Short of purchasing a used ocean liner and living in International waters, I’m unsure what we could do.
The bottom line-most of us are fed up with the control freaks in Washington!
More on DIY toilets…a few issues back we wrote about making your own composting toiled for about $50 vs. more than $800 for commercial models. According to subscriber Margaret, you can also use wood shavings instead of sawdust and in some areas, this might be easier to find especially from retailers selling horse related goods.
Further, you can buy a ready-made chemical toilet from any RV place with a nice base for about $200 and the chemicals you add turn the waste into something that smells like bubble gum which can be disposed of easily in a regular toilet, RV park, etc. You can probably find a used one at a garage sale or on Craigslist.
Thanks for the tip and we’re sending you a new Disaster Preparedness how-to DVD. Your suggestions and tips are welcome. If we use them you’ll get one of the Books or CDs we sell…to keep up with the items we sell, go to: www.oldbooknook.com
Finally, the Poor Man has his first YouTube video promoting our site. If you’d like a video made, send us an email…essentially all that is needed is your website & a few basic questions. You can view the videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyAgxsk8aZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQgJ-GnwPv8
or on our site at the About Us tab.
<<<>>>
Odds n Ends
Keep your seed stash fresh
Got left over vegetable or plant seeds? Store them in your freezer until next year…just use an airtight container or ziplock bag. I did that for this year’s planting and everything sprouted just fine. I’m saving seed stock from our peppers and melons in this manner too. Freezing your popcorn works well too as it keeps it from drying out!
Go Generic and Save Thousands
Still hesitant to go generic? Chew on this: Research suggests the average consumer can save anywhere from $200-$1,500 per year by purchasing generic products. While you may not want to subject your family to store brand cheddar or no-name beer, there are plenty generic products out there that are just as good as the real thing.
More Ways to Find Bargains Online
When searching for a product on the web, get the best price by using this Offer Assistant which matches results within a large database of online coupons. Details at:
www.billeo.com
Making Your Own Bicycle Generator-Defeat the fat!
Since the Poor Man stopped smoking he’s packed on 20 lbs – not a good thing so he got a stationary bicycle. After seeing a woman at the post office whose calf was bigger than my wife’s waist and seeing a NBC special on obesity in America…I had to give some thought to ending my Frito-lay diet and to increasing my calorie burning activities.
As I was pedaling I started thinking about producing some electricity along with the calorie burning…so here you go!
Yes, you can make energy with a bicycle. But it's unlikely to save you any money, because it generates such a tiny amount of electricity versus the cost of the setup. And it might not even be green energy, once you consider the energy that's used to produce your fuel (food).
A typical bike generator can produce 100 watts. If you pedal for an hour a day, 30 days a month, that's (30 x 100=) 3000 watt-hours, or 3 kWh. Since the average cost of U.S. electricity is 12¢/kWh, that one month of pedaling saves you $0.36. Congratulations. If the system cost $400, it would take only 93 years to pay for itself.
And that's before we consider the cost of food. If you're overweight, like most Americans, then you can consider your biking energy "free" since you could be burning fat. Likewise, if you ride the exercycle instead of doing some other kind of exercise that you were going to do anyway, then the cost of your energy is also free. But if you're not overweight and not exercycling instead of some other exercise, then you'll be buying more food to fuel your effort. Since it takes about 1 calorie to produce 1 watt-hour of electricity, your month of pedaling would require 3000 calories. Go here to get the plan along with other plans offered.
http://renewableenergyresource.net/diy-alternative-energy/bicycle-generator
THE dirt cheapest house built with used tires & cans.
Energy Efficient - Off the "grid" - Comfortable
The Poor Man has found there is cheap housing in MI, usually confined to Detroit or Flint. Vacant land or farms however, remain higher in price than acreage in NM, west Texas or Northern AZ…what 7-14 acres costs here, we could buy 40 or more acres in those western states I just mentioned.
Of course, when you find some land, in our case it looks like 3-4 acres, we have to look at what kind of cheap housing we can build or buy. We’ve found nearly every modular home builder in the area has gone out of business. So here are a few areas we’re looking at and thought we’d share them with you…some are mighty interesting.
http://www.touchtheearthranch.com/Rhome.htm
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=651.0
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/the-cost-of-frugality/
Houses made from shipping containers-the Ocean going kind!
http://egancontainerhomes.com/gallery
Green Geodesic Domes
Natural Spaces Domes has been building "green" geodesic dome homes since we started building domes in the 1970's. Green Domes
http://naturalspacesdomes.com/
>>>
Our government is the bane of privacy for its citizens
The Poor Man has frequently written about maintaining your privacy in a country hell-bent on its destruction though the BS named “Un-Patriot Act” FICO, RICO, FINCEN, and other unconstitutional acts.
The FBI loves its new ability to perform warrantless searches (hey, why bother respecting what had been the law) and covert surveillance of US citizens. The worst element under the un-Patriot Act is how financial institutions file suspicious activity reports whenever you deposit large cash amounts. Try purchasing money orders from the post office in amounts exceeding $3000 and you are turned in to the IRS and other government agencies…you can’t carry $5000 on your person at an airport if you’re leaving the country (why do you think that RFID thread is embedded into our currency)…your banker will turn you in if anything appears suspicious and your accounts can be frozen.
If you’re serious about protecting your privacy from snoops, here are a few tips we offer:
· Use disposable cell phones & buy them with cash; get rid of them once finished.
· Use disposable credit cards paying for them and loading them with cash
· Never open a PO Box at a government post office
· Never open a safe deposit box account at a bank
· You cannot mail large amounts of cash, gold or silver to other countries
· Never assume your mail is safe. The government has plenty of ways to snoop into your mail without technically violating your Constitutional rights
· Information stored on your computer hard drive is never safe even if you think you’ve deleted files.
· Buy disposable calling cards using cash and use a public phone, then dump the card
· Avoid completing offers for any kind of credit card-the government can collect information on any of your credit card purchases.
· Never file your IRS returns electronically
· You can still open a foreign bank account but anything over $10,000 must be filed with your annual tax return…Big Brother doesn’t like too much cash in the hands of private citizens…might be better off opening an off-shore corporation.
For any financial dealings offshore, you should consult with a qualified CPA as the laws change rapidly and they are seldom in your favor.
<<<>>>
The new “99 club” more than 1.4 million people have become members of the “99ers club” – people who have been out of work for 99 weeks or more and have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
Extreme Frugality
How far would you go to save a buck in today's tumultuous economy? People are finding more ways than ever before to scrimp and save. But some take it to extremes.
Read on as expert penny pinchers detail six bold ways to cut costs -- and in some cases, generate a little revenue -- during tough economic times. Are you extreme enough to give them a try? More at:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110238/extreme-ways-to-go-frugal
ONLY IN AMERICA
We are the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies. Imagine if we gave ourselves the same support that we give other countries. I feel bad for them, but I wonder who cares about America?
Micro-finance: Let's get it going in U.S.
I am part of a philanthropic group of women now making micro-finance capital and support available. We focus on women and children who are entrepreneurs. And, we leverage our membership of more than 300 women as a community of support.
One inspiration to get this new effort going is the story of the Tile Lady. She had worked for many years as a tile layer for a small business. She does fabulous work. Then her employer, the tile business, closed.
How could she continue to use her skills? Get beyond unemployment? How about starting a small business as a tile layer?
The Tile Lady needed to buy her own tile cutter for about $750. She did not have a positive credit history or savings. None of the lending institutions’ she approached would help her to get started…more at: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/making-change/2010/aug/4/micro-finance-lets-get-it-going-us/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_world-news
In these recessionary times, financial tips are flowing fast and furious about how to save money and stick to a budget. Facing a sea of information many people are asking, "Where do I start?" For most of us, five areas of spending will consume over 50% of the money we earn during our lifetime, so that's the best place to begin.
The five areas are: Home, car, children, education and retirement. Here's what you need to know about each: http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-110224-6192-1-5-expenses-that-consume-50-of-your-lifetime-earnings?ywaad=ad0035
NOTE: The article ignores taxes, which most financial planners tell you seriously wound wealth preservation strategies.
Recipes don't have to be complicated to be delicious. Check out QuickMeals and learn celebrity chefs' secrets for preparing fast and easy weeknight recipes.
Click here to register for ONE-WEEK FREE TRIAL of QuickMeals:
http://www.starchefs.com/recipes/quick_meals/offer.php
<<<>>>
I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, of course it is loaded, it can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?' My reply was, “No not at all I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all loaded too”.
Race to the Bottom-Guest Blog
By Eric Cromer — Working America Member, Ohio
The new global economy has become a “race to the bottom” to see which nation is capable of producing the greatest quantity of products with the lowest paid workers. As manufactures save dollars with a non-domestic workforce, the American consumer has seen a steady rise in basic costs for housing, education and health care. American employers and corporations are finally paying the price for their poor decisions, with the highest recorded level of workers who are dissatisfied with their jobs. I have to admit, I’m hardly surprised. Read the rest of this at: http://www.workingamerica.org/blog/2010/08/06/race-to-the-bottom/
^^^^SPONSORS^^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Parting thoughts…
If you follow the financial news you’ve probably made note of the various crisis in nations such as Greece, Portugal, Brazil and others. When the Euro tanked, our dollar did better but that masks the ultimate debt crisis this nation faces. As I write this, Congress just passed what is essentially a $27 billion bail out for several states who face insolvency…CA and NY and IL coming in a close 3rd.
These funds will be “printed’ from thin air, nothing to back them and ultimately leading to an inflationary spiral. The US debt crisis will always be worse than Europe because of our huge military empire (we have troops in 142 countries). We also have massive debt problems which are somewhat hidden in states and municipalities. Recently, Williamsburg, PA declared bankruptcy and San Diego (the 9th largest city) is attempting to stave off a bankruptcy by restructuring its debt…everyone likes going to Uncle Scam with their hands out!
As of 8/4…
WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats on Wednesday overcame Republican opposition and cleared the way for a $26 billion measure to help states ease their severe budget problems and save the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and other public employees.
Keep in mind, Uncle Scam really doesn’t have the cash to help and countries like Greece and Portugal are smaller than many US states.
Soon, the markets will focus on the American financial mess, wondering why we’re still spendthrifts and cannot get our financial house in order…why the continued need for such a massive military while our infrastructure and jobs are tanking and therefore, unsupported (through taxes) by its population. When Uncle Scam no longer has the bucks to bail out states and cities, our dollar will really tank and who knows how long that will take.
There are a few things, which could change the picture dramatically and quickly…OPEC dumps the dollar, we invade Korea or Iran, a major terrorist attack within our borders. China stops buying our debt or decides to use one of its new Aircraft Carrier sinking missiles it’s developed on one of ours (I’ve always maintained the Chinese cannot be trusted)…it’s a murky world out there folks…be prepared!
Yours for better living, the Poor Man movie mogul!
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
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Your choice for urban survival resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
In This Issue:
· Build your own bicycle generator
· New Poor Man You Tube videos
· Dirt cheap housing
· Extreme Frugality
· More Privacy Protection tips
· A Race to the Bottom-guest commentary
Let’s rescue our debt-laded economy with...yes, you guessed it...with more debt!
Does anyone know of a land we can buy, takeover or claim?
This was a question the Poor Man recently responded to and it mirrors not only a national frustration with the cost and intrusiveness of government here but around the world. It’s just not the US, which is squeezing its citizens but most countries are doing so as well from Great Britain where spy cams outnumber citizens to repressive taxes in countries such as Greece.
Put bluntly, most of us can no longer afford our governments.
A number of years ago I recall hearing about a group which planned to assemble enough like-minded folks, who were fed up with our backstabbing political parties, to take over the state government of a small state such as Vermont or Delaware. They estimated they needed about 20,000 people.
Never heard anything else about them.
Two hundred years ago when folks were frustrated by governments, they set sail for the ‘new world’ and claimed some land. No such luck to day as everything has been claimed! Short of purchasing a used ocean liner and living in International waters, I’m unsure what we could do.
The bottom line-most of us are fed up with the control freaks in Washington!
More on DIY toilets…a few issues back we wrote about making your own composting toiled for about $50 vs. more than $800 for commercial models. According to subscriber Margaret, you can also use wood shavings instead of sawdust and in some areas, this might be easier to find especially from retailers selling horse related goods.
Further, you can buy a ready-made chemical toilet from any RV place with a nice base for about $200 and the chemicals you add turn the waste into something that smells like bubble gum which can be disposed of easily in a regular toilet, RV park, etc. You can probably find a used one at a garage sale or on Craigslist.
Thanks for the tip and we’re sending you a new Disaster Preparedness how-to DVD. Your suggestions and tips are welcome. If we use them you’ll get one of the Books or CDs we sell…to keep up with the items we sell, go to: www.oldbooknook.com
Finally, the Poor Man has his first YouTube video promoting our site. If you’d like a video made, send us an email…essentially all that is needed is your website & a few basic questions. You can view the videos at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyAgxsk8aZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQgJ-GnwPv8
or on our site at the About Us tab.
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Odds n Ends
Keep your seed stash fresh
Got left over vegetable or plant seeds? Store them in your freezer until next year…just use an airtight container or ziplock bag. I did that for this year’s planting and everything sprouted just fine. I’m saving seed stock from our peppers and melons in this manner too. Freezing your popcorn works well too as it keeps it from drying out!
Go Generic and Save Thousands
Still hesitant to go generic? Chew on this: Research suggests the average consumer can save anywhere from $200-$1,500 per year by purchasing generic products. While you may not want to subject your family to store brand cheddar or no-name beer, there are plenty generic products out there that are just as good as the real thing.
More Ways to Find Bargains Online
When searching for a product on the web, get the best price by using this Offer Assistant which matches results within a large database of online coupons. Details at:
www.billeo.com
Making Your Own Bicycle Generator-Defeat the fat!
Since the Poor Man stopped smoking he’s packed on 20 lbs – not a good thing so he got a stationary bicycle. After seeing a woman at the post office whose calf was bigger than my wife’s waist and seeing a NBC special on obesity in America…I had to give some thought to ending my Frito-lay diet and to increasing my calorie burning activities.
As I was pedaling I started thinking about producing some electricity along with the calorie burning…so here you go!
Yes, you can make energy with a bicycle. But it's unlikely to save you any money, because it generates such a tiny amount of electricity versus the cost of the setup. And it might not even be green energy, once you consider the energy that's used to produce your fuel (food).
A typical bike generator can produce 100 watts. If you pedal for an hour a day, 30 days a month, that's (30 x 100=) 3000 watt-hours, or 3 kWh. Since the average cost of U.S. electricity is 12¢/kWh, that one month of pedaling saves you $0.36. Congratulations. If the system cost $400, it would take only 93 years to pay for itself.
And that's before we consider the cost of food. If you're overweight, like most Americans, then you can consider your biking energy "free" since you could be burning fat. Likewise, if you ride the exercycle instead of doing some other kind of exercise that you were going to do anyway, then the cost of your energy is also free. But if you're not overweight and not exercycling instead of some other exercise, then you'll be buying more food to fuel your effort. Since it takes about 1 calorie to produce 1 watt-hour of electricity, your month of pedaling would require 3000 calories. Go here to get the plan along with other plans offered.
http://renewableenergyresource.net/diy-alternative-energy/bicycle-generator
THE dirt cheapest house built with used tires & cans.
Energy Efficient - Off the "grid" - Comfortable
The Poor Man has found there is cheap housing in MI, usually confined to Detroit or Flint. Vacant land or farms however, remain higher in price than acreage in NM, west Texas or Northern AZ…what 7-14 acres costs here, we could buy 40 or more acres in those western states I just mentioned.
Of course, when you find some land, in our case it looks like 3-4 acres, we have to look at what kind of cheap housing we can build or buy. We’ve found nearly every modular home builder in the area has gone out of business. So here are a few areas we’re looking at and thought we’d share them with you…some are mighty interesting.
http://www.touchtheearthranch.com/Rhome.htm
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=651.0
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/the-cost-of-frugality/
Houses made from shipping containers-the Ocean going kind!
http://egancontainerhomes.com/gallery
Green Geodesic Domes
Natural Spaces Domes has been building "green" geodesic dome homes since we started building domes in the 1970's. Green Domes
http://naturalspacesdomes.com/
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Our government is the bane of privacy for its citizens
The Poor Man has frequently written about maintaining your privacy in a country hell-bent on its destruction though the BS named “Un-Patriot Act” FICO, RICO, FINCEN, and other unconstitutional acts.
The FBI loves its new ability to perform warrantless searches (hey, why bother respecting what had been the law) and covert surveillance of US citizens. The worst element under the un-Patriot Act is how financial institutions file suspicious activity reports whenever you deposit large cash amounts. Try purchasing money orders from the post office in amounts exceeding $3000 and you are turned in to the IRS and other government agencies…you can’t carry $5000 on your person at an airport if you’re leaving the country (why do you think that RFID thread is embedded into our currency)…your banker will turn you in if anything appears suspicious and your accounts can be frozen.
If you’re serious about protecting your privacy from snoops, here are a few tips we offer:
· Use disposable cell phones & buy them with cash; get rid of them once finished.
· Use disposable credit cards paying for them and loading them with cash
· Never open a PO Box at a government post office
· Never open a safe deposit box account at a bank
· You cannot mail large amounts of cash, gold or silver to other countries
· Never assume your mail is safe. The government has plenty of ways to snoop into your mail without technically violating your Constitutional rights
· Information stored on your computer hard drive is never safe even if you think you’ve deleted files.
· Buy disposable calling cards using cash and use a public phone, then dump the card
· Avoid completing offers for any kind of credit card-the government can collect information on any of your credit card purchases.
· Never file your IRS returns electronically
· You can still open a foreign bank account but anything over $10,000 must be filed with your annual tax return…Big Brother doesn’t like too much cash in the hands of private citizens…might be better off opening an off-shore corporation.
For any financial dealings offshore, you should consult with a qualified CPA as the laws change rapidly and they are seldom in your favor.
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The new “99 club” more than 1.4 million people have become members of the “99ers club” – people who have been out of work for 99 weeks or more and have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
Extreme Frugality
How far would you go to save a buck in today's tumultuous economy? People are finding more ways than ever before to scrimp and save. But some take it to extremes.
Read on as expert penny pinchers detail six bold ways to cut costs -- and in some cases, generate a little revenue -- during tough economic times. Are you extreme enough to give them a try? More at:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110238/extreme-ways-to-go-frugal
ONLY IN AMERICA
We are the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations, ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents, clothes, bedding, doctors and medical supplies. Imagine if we gave ourselves the same support that we give other countries. I feel bad for them, but I wonder who cares about America?
Micro-finance: Let's get it going in U.S.
I am part of a philanthropic group of women now making micro-finance capital and support available. We focus on women and children who are entrepreneurs. And, we leverage our membership of more than 300 women as a community of support.
One inspiration to get this new effort going is the story of the Tile Lady. She had worked for many years as a tile layer for a small business. She does fabulous work. Then her employer, the tile business, closed.
How could she continue to use her skills? Get beyond unemployment? How about starting a small business as a tile layer?
The Tile Lady needed to buy her own tile cutter for about $750. She did not have a positive credit history or savings. None of the lending institutions’ she approached would help her to get started…more at: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/making-change/2010/aug/4/micro-finance-lets-get-it-going-us/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_world-news
In these recessionary times, financial tips are flowing fast and furious about how to save money and stick to a budget. Facing a sea of information many people are asking, "Where do I start?" For most of us, five areas of spending will consume over 50% of the money we earn during our lifetime, so that's the best place to begin.
The five areas are: Home, car, children, education and retirement. Here's what you need to know about each: http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-110224-6192-1-5-expenses-that-consume-50-of-your-lifetime-earnings?ywaad=ad0035
NOTE: The article ignores taxes, which most financial planners tell you seriously wound wealth preservation strategies.
Recipes don't have to be complicated to be delicious. Check out QuickMeals and learn celebrity chefs' secrets for preparing fast and easy weeknight recipes.
Click here to register for ONE-WEEK FREE TRIAL of QuickMeals:
http://www.starchefs.com/recipes/quick_meals/offer.php
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I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, of course it is loaded, it can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?' My reply was, “No not at all I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all loaded too”.
Race to the Bottom-Guest Blog
By Eric Cromer — Working America Member, Ohio
The new global economy has become a “race to the bottom” to see which nation is capable of producing the greatest quantity of products with the lowest paid workers. As manufactures save dollars with a non-domestic workforce, the American consumer has seen a steady rise in basic costs for housing, education and health care. American employers and corporations are finally paying the price for their poor decisions, with the highest recorded level of workers who are dissatisfied with their jobs. I have to admit, I’m hardly surprised. Read the rest of this at: http://www.workingamerica.org/blog/2010/08/06/race-to-the-bottom/
^^^^SPONSORS^^^^
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific site for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Parting thoughts…
If you follow the financial news you’ve probably made note of the various crisis in nations such as Greece, Portugal, Brazil and others. When the Euro tanked, our dollar did better but that masks the ultimate debt crisis this nation faces. As I write this, Congress just passed what is essentially a $27 billion bail out for several states who face insolvency…CA and NY and IL coming in a close 3rd.
These funds will be “printed’ from thin air, nothing to back them and ultimately leading to an inflationary spiral. The US debt crisis will always be worse than Europe because of our huge military empire (we have troops in 142 countries). We also have massive debt problems which are somewhat hidden in states and municipalities. Recently, Williamsburg, PA declared bankruptcy and San Diego (the 9th largest city) is attempting to stave off a bankruptcy by restructuring its debt…everyone likes going to Uncle Scam with their hands out!
As of 8/4…
WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats on Wednesday overcame Republican opposition and cleared the way for a $26 billion measure to help states ease their severe budget problems and save the jobs of tens of thousands of teachers and other public employees.
Keep in mind, Uncle Scam really doesn’t have the cash to help and countries like Greece and Portugal are smaller than many US states.
Soon, the markets will focus on the American financial mess, wondering why we’re still spendthrifts and cannot get our financial house in order…why the continued need for such a massive military while our infrastructure and jobs are tanking and therefore, unsupported (through taxes) by its population. When Uncle Scam no longer has the bucks to bail out states and cities, our dollar will really tank and who knows how long that will take.
There are a few things, which could change the picture dramatically and quickly…OPEC dumps the dollar, we invade Korea or Iran, a major terrorist attack within our borders. China stops buying our debt or decides to use one of its new Aircraft Carrier sinking missiles it’s developed on one of ours (I’ve always maintained the Chinese cannot be trusted)…it’s a murky world out there folks…be prepared!
Yours for better living, the Poor Man movie mogul!
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
Please share this with a friend
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Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It Can't Happen Here-24 Hour Bugout Kit
Bruce’s Poor Man Recession Bulletin
Urban Survival Resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside This Issue:
· The New Normal for Americans
· FBI Monitoring laws
· Class Warfare
· Recession proof business ideas
· It can’t happen here-bug out kits
· Howling Duck Ranch Goat How-to
· Build your yearlong stockpile for $5 a week
The news media is having its usual feeding frenzy over Chelsea Clinton’s marriage…all I can say is I feel sorry for that boy. Imagine having Mrs. Clinton as a mother-in-law.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how much Chelsea looks like Eleanor Roosevelt? Don’t you just love how much taxpayer funds were used for security purposes in the little town during the wedding preparations?
I know, I know…it’s SO important in this country…celebrity worship should be made the national religion!
Long time subscriber Ruth reminded me of this…your stockpiling plans should include plenty of toilet paper and other toiletries. A few years ago Ruth stopped by a garage sale and found boxlots of colored toilet paper for a dime a roll. She bought every case. Seems colored toilet paper does something to your posterior end that made everyone stop manufacturing it…who would’ve known? Beats using corncobs and old catalogs!
You might be interested to learn more of the following items brought to my attention by subscribers…
Former Kansas State Trooper Shares his thoughts on problems we face-thanks to subscriber Jeannie for sharing this tip!
http://www.newswithviews.com/Evensen/greg155.htm
Freedom Conference slated for August in Valley Forge,PA
http://freedomactionconference.com/
House leaders have even come up with a six-week messaging strategy
to assist vulnerable members on the campaign trail: week one will focus on U.S. manufacturing (although will fail to mention how regulation, high taxes, and minimum wages have driven many manufacturers overseas), week two will focus on Social Security (but will not talk about how Congress robbed the trust fund), the third week on so-called consumer "protection" (ignoring the inflationary policies government was responsible for in housing, education, energy, and other sectors), the fourth on small businesses (ignoring the imminent tax hikes that are on the way if Congress fails to make permanent the Bush tax cuts), the fifth on troops and veterans (ignoring how Congress held troops funding hostage as the majority attempted to secure $26.1 billion to balance state budgets), and the sixth will focus back on manufacturing again.
So watch out for those wasscally wabbits!
Food ain’t cheap but you’ll find a useful article on the PoorManSurvival.com site under our DIY Food Co-op tab on how to build a year’s worth of food for $5 a week.
Finally, Rep. Rangel is a good example of why this country needs term limits!
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Choosing a Solar water Pump
A free guide to choosing a solar water pump has been published by scientists from Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
Agricultural engineer Brian Vick drew on the ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory’s 31 years of testing stand-alone water pumps.
Vick found that for pumps with motors rated less than 1,500 watts, solar is usually the best choice. With current technology and costs, wind power or a hybrid wind/solar pump is usually best for power needs of 1,500 watts or more.
The guide, published by the American Solar Energy Society in 2009, is available online at http://www.cprl.ars.usda.gov/REMM_Publications.htm
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Butchering a goat-pretty graphic how-to instruction and photo
http://howlingduckranch.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/goat-butchering-day-a-graphic-photo-documentary/
Top 100 free windows downloads
Freeware is the popular type of download because, well, its free. Below is a list of the top 100 Windows freeware downloads Tucows.com.
http://www.butterscotch.com/top-100-free-software.html
Want to Keep More of Your Money? Here's What Not to Do
Read more: http://money.blogs.time.com/2010/07/27/want-to-keep-more-of-your-money-heres-what-not-to-do/#ixzz0vRsEuJ3P
‘You can get much further with a kind word & a gun than you can with a kind word alone’ ---US Gov’t or Al Capone (your choice)
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Top 5 Recession-Proof Businesses
In a recent poll involving 1,000 residents of the U.S., 65% said that they think that economic conditions in the country are worsening. Nearly half have already cut back on their spending and almost 20% are apprehensive about the stability of their jobs. Now that recession has finally landed, is there hope for businesses to thrive, much less survive? If starting a business in these tough times is still an option for you, here are the top 5 recession-proof businesses you might want to consider:
Health care
Regardless of the times, someone somewhere will always be in need of good, professional health service. This is an industry that has experienced some significant growth over the last few years. And it doesn't show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
If you have the resources – training, manpower and capital – becoming involved in a business that offers health services will assure you of a comfortable market. Consider businesses that focus on offering affordable preventive solutions to people, alternative health care and home health.
Food and beverages
We're not talking about pooling your hard-earned money and starting a restaurant – although if that seems like a feasible thing to do, it just might work. However, going into the restaurant business still has its risk – and a very high one at that.
Instead, you might consider going into a food and beverage business by focusing on offering healthier fare. These days, going into a recession is even a better excuse to eat healthy because it encourages people to cut down on their consumption and to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Consider alternative menus that are tasty and creative or specialized cafes and diners or even vegetarian eateries. Concept plus good taste are usually the best ingredients to a successful recession-proof business.
Funeral services
Yes, this is a recession-proof business, morbid as it may sound. It deals with an inevitability, which means you'll never run out of customers. You could either get involved in selling services or offering related products. Cremation, which has increased in popularity in the last few years, is also a good option.
Repair services
Repair services are also recession-proof businesses. There will always be people whose kitchen sinks clog, whose air conditioning breaks down, whose roof starts leaking or whose car suffers from overheating. What these mean is pure business opportunity, even when economic times seem shaky. And even if potential clients try to delay much-needed repair, they will still come to you for help eventually.
A caveat: many, if not all, of these businesses require specialized training, skills and equipment. However, once you have these resources, you’ll have access to a recession-proof business that does not only offer a potential for high margins, it’s also a venture that won’t require you to wait too long for a return on your investment. Provided your services are tops, it’s likely that you could be in business for a very long time.
If you have technical skills there are plenty of opportunities in setting up home theatre, computer repair, home wireless setup, video camera setup and more…despite the recession or perhaps because of it, more folks are spending time at home entertaining themselves.
Personals
It may seem surprising but starting a business involving dating and matchmaking could help you tide the recession over. Recession or no, people will always be looking for someone special either for dating or marriage. Already, this business has hit over $650 million in sales.
As a recession-proof business, starting a personals venture could mean good profits and steady work. And no one even has to leave home. Some of the most popular companies today are those that offer online dating (Internet speed dating included) to their clients. With sufficient support, attractive and secure platforms and savvy, targeted marketing, this type of business is set to fly.
If you’re so inclined, here’s how high tech hobbyists can make a buck…
Bringing the do-it-yourself market to a whole new level, a California firm is selling kits to build a personal satellite -- and get it into space -- for $8,000.
The program, called TubeSat, is the brainchild of Randa and Roderick Milliron, a Mojave, Calif.-based couple who've been developing a bare-bones, low-cost rocket system for the past 14 years. Selling flights as a package deal with satellite-building kits is proving to be a winning combination, with more than a dozen customers signed up to fly on the debut launch early next year. Perhaps you have an idea, which can achieve liftoff to earn a nice living!
See related news blurb later in this bulletin plus go to our BootstrapBiz section of the PoorManSurvival.Com site to other idea starters.
Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth. - Albert Einstein
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Resources for Stockpiling and Disaster Preparation
http://www.tbotech.com/cmd.asp?af=1126539
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific sites for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
Good source for your own domain registration, free lookups
http://www.namecheap.com?aff=10810
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Religion may in most of its forms be defined as the belief that the gods are on the side of the Government. –Bertrand Russell
This week’s news roundup: The Outlook…Bleak
The New Normal…sinking state for consumers
This week's grim report on consumer confidence confirmed what's obvious to many: Americans are fearful about the state of the economy.
A recent survey by Deloitte and Harrison Group shows that 80% of Americans surveyed are focused on cutting back. Of that group, 55% say they haven't been directly affected by the recession but have changed their spending habits nonetheless. The survey further shows Americans are:
· -- Delaying gratification (and purchases, especially of big-ticket items.)
· -- Buying generics and "private label" vs. better-known (and more expensive) brands.
· -- Cooking from scratch instead of eating out or buying prepared meals. Rather than keeping the pantry stocked, Americans are also only buying what's necessary, as results from grocer SuperValu this week attest. (SuperValu's net-income fell 40% from a year ago and its CEO said: "We are not optimistic that somehow the economic environment turns the corner any time soon.")
· -- Cutting costs with "extreme couponing" -- CouponMom.com now has 2.5 million users, for example -- and the use of loyalty programs at various retailers.
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/the-new-normal-americans-cutting-back-%E2%80%94-even-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-have-to-535276.html?tickers=SVU,XRT,RTH,WMT,^DJI,^GSPC
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FBI Could Monitor Internet Activity without Court Order under Obama Plan
“The Obama administration is seeking to make it easier for the FBI to compel companies to turn over records of an individual’s Internet activity without a court order if agents deem the information relevant to a terrorism or intelligence investigation.” (Washington Post, Thursday)
Another step in the progressive erosion of our privacy
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Class Warfare as new taxes bite everyone…
If you love class warfare, your moment has arrived. The next several weeks, leading up to the November elections, are sure to be filled with resounding political invective over who should pay for Washington's profligate spending over the last decade. Democrats will argue that the rich and near-rich should pony up, since they have the most money to start with. Republicans will point to the needy, arguing that they've been getting too much aid for too long. Tea Partiers will struggle to decide whose benefits should be cut in order to achieve the smaller government they envision. All around, livelihoods will be threatened. Instead of the "silly season," the midterm elections will feel like the angry season. More at: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/When-the-Tax-Hikes-Are-usnews-2864423913.html?x=0
SIDEBAR STORY
If consumers and businesses don't get traction soon, there could even be another recession. The dreaded "double-dip" scenario seems unlikely: Moody's Economy.com, for example, says there's just a 23 percent chance that the U.S. economy will be in a recession six months from now. http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/flowchart/2010/6/11/how-to-plan-for-a-double-dip-recession.html
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Americans continue to look for more frugal alternatives in our day-to-day spending.
WalletPop reports that one way we are chopping our expenses is by buying generic brands.
Almost two out of every three persons surveyed indicated that they had bought, or considered buying, generics in the past six months. Even more troubling to those who long for an increase in consumer spending is the finding that this percentage has actually gone up since the question was last asked in January.
We’re also brown-bagging it: 48% saying they had carried their lunch to work in the past six months, up from 45%. Bypassing the dry-cleaners: 24% have reduced their use of this service. Canceling their land line: 15% have done so, while another 22% have considered it.
Skipping the coffee shop on the way to work: 22% no longer hit Starbucks or the like in the morning. Eschewing bottled water in favor of refillable bottles: 39% are doing this, up by 5% in only six months. Cutting back on cable TV: 22% have canceled or switched to a cheaper cable TV alternative; another 22% have considered it.
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“When the missionaires came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.” --Bishop Desmond Tutu
It Can’t Happen Here! Your Personal Bugout Kit…
This is what many of us say when we hear of a disaster, whether it be man made or natural. We don’t have damn breaks, hurricanes, tornadoes, oil spills, epidemics (except for stupidity), floods, mud slides, sandstorms, forest fires, deluge rains, etc. etc…and of course, if we did, the government would take care of us!
Most of us also know that you can’t buy life insurance after you’re dead but we frequently forget to do so.
Build your own ‘just in case” bug out kit. The primary purpose of a bug-out bag is to allow one to evacuate quickly if a disaster should strike. It is therefore prudent to gather all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this into a single place, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a bug-out bag should contain enough supplies for seventy two hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to seventy two hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help.
Typical contents
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included: (Note-guns optional dependending on your personal perspective)
· Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
o Water for washing, drinking and cooking. Canada recommends 2 litres per person per day.New Zealand recommends 3 litres per person per day for drinking.US recommends 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day.
o Non-perishable food.
o water purification supplies.
o Cooking supplies.
o Cutlery and cups/dishes.
· A first aid kit.
· Fire starting tool (i.e. matches, ferrocerium rod, lighter, etc.)
· A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
· Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
· Maps and travel information.
· Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
· Weather appropriate clothing (poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
· Bedding items such as sleeping bags & blankets.
· Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
· Pet, child and elderly care needs.
· Battery or crank operated Radio.
· Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
· Firearms and appropriate ammunition.
· Crowbar (weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
· Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
· Fixed-blade and folding knife.
· Duct Tape
You can purchase these kits from the suppliers listed at our website or (see listing above too) or check with the Red Cross at: http://www.redcross.org/
Your partner in disaster preparedness.
Bruce “The Poor Man”
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
Please share this with a friend
A Shallow Planet Production…follow us on these social networks
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Urban Survival Resources
http://www.PoorManSurvival.com
Inside This Issue:
· The New Normal for Americans
· FBI Monitoring laws
· Class Warfare
· Recession proof business ideas
· It can’t happen here-bug out kits
· Howling Duck Ranch Goat How-to
· Build your yearlong stockpile for $5 a week
The news media is having its usual feeding frenzy over Chelsea Clinton’s marriage…all I can say is I feel sorry for that boy. Imagine having Mrs. Clinton as a mother-in-law.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed how much Chelsea looks like Eleanor Roosevelt? Don’t you just love how much taxpayer funds were used for security purposes in the little town during the wedding preparations?
I know, I know…it’s SO important in this country…celebrity worship should be made the national religion!
Long time subscriber Ruth reminded me of this…your stockpiling plans should include plenty of toilet paper and other toiletries. A few years ago Ruth stopped by a garage sale and found boxlots of colored toilet paper for a dime a roll. She bought every case. Seems colored toilet paper does something to your posterior end that made everyone stop manufacturing it…who would’ve known? Beats using corncobs and old catalogs!
You might be interested to learn more of the following items brought to my attention by subscribers…
Former Kansas State Trooper Shares his thoughts on problems we face-thanks to subscriber Jeannie for sharing this tip!
http://www.newswithviews.com/Evensen/greg155.htm
Freedom Conference slated for August in Valley Forge,PA
http://freedomactionconference.com/
House leaders have even come up with a six-week messaging strategy
to assist vulnerable members on the campaign trail: week one will focus on U.S. manufacturing (although will fail to mention how regulation, high taxes, and minimum wages have driven many manufacturers overseas), week two will focus on Social Security (but will not talk about how Congress robbed the trust fund), the third week on so-called consumer "protection" (ignoring the inflationary policies government was responsible for in housing, education, energy, and other sectors), the fourth on small businesses (ignoring the imminent tax hikes that are on the way if Congress fails to make permanent the Bush tax cuts), the fifth on troops and veterans (ignoring how Congress held troops funding hostage as the majority attempted to secure $26.1 billion to balance state budgets), and the sixth will focus back on manufacturing again.
So watch out for those wasscally wabbits!
Food ain’t cheap but you’ll find a useful article on the PoorManSurvival.com site under our DIY Food Co-op tab on how to build a year’s worth of food for $5 a week.
Finally, Rep. Rangel is a good example of why this country needs term limits!
<<<>>>
Choosing a Solar water Pump
A free guide to choosing a solar water pump has been published by scientists from Agricultural Research Service (ARS).
Agricultural engineer Brian Vick drew on the ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory’s 31 years of testing stand-alone water pumps.
Vick found that for pumps with motors rated less than 1,500 watts, solar is usually the best choice. With current technology and costs, wind power or a hybrid wind/solar pump is usually best for power needs of 1,500 watts or more.
The guide, published by the American Solar Energy Society in 2009, is available online at http://www.cprl.ars.usda.gov/REMM_Publications.htm
>>>
Butchering a goat-pretty graphic how-to instruction and photo
http://howlingduckranch.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/goat-butchering-day-a-graphic-photo-documentary/
Top 100 free windows downloads
Freeware is the popular type of download because, well, its free. Below is a list of the top 100 Windows freeware downloads Tucows.com.
http://www.butterscotch.com/top-100-free-software.html
Want to Keep More of Your Money? Here's What Not to Do
Read more: http://money.blogs.time.com/2010/07/27/want-to-keep-more-of-your-money-heres-what-not-to-do/#ixzz0vRsEuJ3P
‘You can get much further with a kind word & a gun than you can with a kind word alone’ ---US Gov’t or Al Capone (your choice)
>>>>
Top 5 Recession-Proof Businesses
In a recent poll involving 1,000 residents of the U.S., 65% said that they think that economic conditions in the country are worsening. Nearly half have already cut back on their spending and almost 20% are apprehensive about the stability of their jobs. Now that recession has finally landed, is there hope for businesses to thrive, much less survive? If starting a business in these tough times is still an option for you, here are the top 5 recession-proof businesses you might want to consider:
Health care
Regardless of the times, someone somewhere will always be in need of good, professional health service. This is an industry that has experienced some significant growth over the last few years. And it doesn't show any signs of slowing down any time soon.
If you have the resources – training, manpower and capital – becoming involved in a business that offers health services will assure you of a comfortable market. Consider businesses that focus on offering affordable preventive solutions to people, alternative health care and home health.
Food and beverages
We're not talking about pooling your hard-earned money and starting a restaurant – although if that seems like a feasible thing to do, it just might work. However, going into the restaurant business still has its risk – and a very high one at that.
Instead, you might consider going into a food and beverage business by focusing on offering healthier fare. These days, going into a recession is even a better excuse to eat healthy because it encourages people to cut down on their consumption and to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Consider alternative menus that are tasty and creative or specialized cafes and diners or even vegetarian eateries. Concept plus good taste are usually the best ingredients to a successful recession-proof business.
Funeral services
Yes, this is a recession-proof business, morbid as it may sound. It deals with an inevitability, which means you'll never run out of customers. You could either get involved in selling services or offering related products. Cremation, which has increased in popularity in the last few years, is also a good option.
Repair services
Repair services are also recession-proof businesses. There will always be people whose kitchen sinks clog, whose air conditioning breaks down, whose roof starts leaking or whose car suffers from overheating. What these mean is pure business opportunity, even when economic times seem shaky. And even if potential clients try to delay much-needed repair, they will still come to you for help eventually.
A caveat: many, if not all, of these businesses require specialized training, skills and equipment. However, once you have these resources, you’ll have access to a recession-proof business that does not only offer a potential for high margins, it’s also a venture that won’t require you to wait too long for a return on your investment. Provided your services are tops, it’s likely that you could be in business for a very long time.
If you have technical skills there are plenty of opportunities in setting up home theatre, computer repair, home wireless setup, video camera setup and more…despite the recession or perhaps because of it, more folks are spending time at home entertaining themselves.
Personals
It may seem surprising but starting a business involving dating and matchmaking could help you tide the recession over. Recession or no, people will always be looking for someone special either for dating or marriage. Already, this business has hit over $650 million in sales.
As a recession-proof business, starting a personals venture could mean good profits and steady work. And no one even has to leave home. Some of the most popular companies today are those that offer online dating (Internet speed dating included) to their clients. With sufficient support, attractive and secure platforms and savvy, targeted marketing, this type of business is set to fly.
If you’re so inclined, here’s how high tech hobbyists can make a buck…
Bringing the do-it-yourself market to a whole new level, a California firm is selling kits to build a personal satellite -- and get it into space -- for $8,000.
The program, called TubeSat, is the brainchild of Randa and Roderick Milliron, a Mojave, Calif.-based couple who've been developing a bare-bones, low-cost rocket system for the past 14 years. Selling flights as a package deal with satellite-building kits is proving to be a winning combination, with more than a dozen customers signed up to fly on the debut launch early next year. Perhaps you have an idea, which can achieve liftoff to earn a nice living!
See related news blurb later in this bulletin plus go to our BootstrapBiz section of the PoorManSurvival.Com site to other idea starters.
Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth. - Albert Einstein
^^^^SPONSORS^^^^
Resources for Stockpiling and Disaster Preparation
http://www.tbotech.com/cmd.asp?af=1126539
Make Your Own Energy
Step-by-step guide reveals how to
make your own energy for $100 or less. http://tinyurl.com/PMEnergy
Terrific sites for resources and green, eco-friendly goods http://www.growandmake.com?ref=71
http://www.GreenIrene.Com/PoorMan
Don’t Get Caught With Your Pantry Down – the all time best book on family preparedness has been updated & now includes an online video segment as well. Highly recommended 11th Edition. http://tinyurl.com/PMBasics
Good source for your own domain registration, free lookups
http://www.namecheap.com?aff=10810
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Religion may in most of its forms be defined as the belief that the gods are on the side of the Government. –Bertrand Russell
This week’s news roundup: The Outlook…Bleak
The New Normal…sinking state for consumers
This week's grim report on consumer confidence confirmed what's obvious to many: Americans are fearful about the state of the economy.
A recent survey by Deloitte and Harrison Group shows that 80% of Americans surveyed are focused on cutting back. Of that group, 55% say they haven't been directly affected by the recession but have changed their spending habits nonetheless. The survey further shows Americans are:
· -- Delaying gratification (and purchases, especially of big-ticket items.)
· -- Buying generics and "private label" vs. better-known (and more expensive) brands.
· -- Cooking from scratch instead of eating out or buying prepared meals. Rather than keeping the pantry stocked, Americans are also only buying what's necessary, as results from grocer SuperValu this week attest. (SuperValu's net-income fell 40% from a year ago and its CEO said: "We are not optimistic that somehow the economic environment turns the corner any time soon.")
· -- Cutting costs with "extreme couponing" -- CouponMom.com now has 2.5 million users, for example -- and the use of loyalty programs at various retailers.
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/the-new-normal-americans-cutting-back-%E2%80%94-even-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-have-to-535276.html?tickers=SVU,XRT,RTH,WMT,^DJI,^GSPC
>>>
FBI Could Monitor Internet Activity without Court Order under Obama Plan
“The Obama administration is seeking to make it easier for the FBI to compel companies to turn over records of an individual’s Internet activity without a court order if agents deem the information relevant to a terrorism or intelligence investigation.” (Washington Post, Thursday)
Another step in the progressive erosion of our privacy
>>>
Class Warfare as new taxes bite everyone…
If you love class warfare, your moment has arrived. The next several weeks, leading up to the November elections, are sure to be filled with resounding political invective over who should pay for Washington's profligate spending over the last decade. Democrats will argue that the rich and near-rich should pony up, since they have the most money to start with. Republicans will point to the needy, arguing that they've been getting too much aid for too long. Tea Partiers will struggle to decide whose benefits should be cut in order to achieve the smaller government they envision. All around, livelihoods will be threatened. Instead of the "silly season," the midterm elections will feel like the angry season. More at: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/When-the-Tax-Hikes-Are-usnews-2864423913.html?x=0
SIDEBAR STORY
If consumers and businesses don't get traction soon, there could even be another recession. The dreaded "double-dip" scenario seems unlikely: Moody's Economy.com, for example, says there's just a 23 percent chance that the U.S. economy will be in a recession six months from now. http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/flowchart/2010/6/11/how-to-plan-for-a-double-dip-recession.html
>>>
Americans continue to look for more frugal alternatives in our day-to-day spending.
WalletPop reports that one way we are chopping our expenses is by buying generic brands.
Almost two out of every three persons surveyed indicated that they had bought, or considered buying, generics in the past six months. Even more troubling to those who long for an increase in consumer spending is the finding that this percentage has actually gone up since the question was last asked in January.
We’re also brown-bagging it: 48% saying they had carried their lunch to work in the past six months, up from 45%. Bypassing the dry-cleaners: 24% have reduced their use of this service. Canceling their land line: 15% have done so, while another 22% have considered it.
Skipping the coffee shop on the way to work: 22% no longer hit Starbucks or the like in the morning. Eschewing bottled water in favor of refillable bottles: 39% are doing this, up by 5% in only six months. Cutting back on cable TV: 22% have canceled or switched to a cheaper cable TV alternative; another 22% have considered it.
<<<>>>
“When the missionaires came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said, “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.” --Bishop Desmond Tutu
It Can’t Happen Here! Your Personal Bugout Kit…
This is what many of us say when we hear of a disaster, whether it be man made or natural. We don’t have damn breaks, hurricanes, tornadoes, oil spills, epidemics (except for stupidity), floods, mud slides, sandstorms, forest fires, deluge rains, etc. etc…and of course, if we did, the government would take care of us!
Most of us also know that you can’t buy life insurance after you’re dead but we frequently forget to do so.
Build your own ‘just in case” bug out kit. The primary purpose of a bug-out bag is to allow one to evacuate quickly if a disaster should strike. It is therefore prudent to gather all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this into a single place, such as a bag or a few storage containers. The recommendation that a bug-out bag should contain enough supplies for seventy two hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to seventy two hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help.
Typical contents
The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included: (Note-guns optional dependending on your personal perspective)
· Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:
o Water for washing, drinking and cooking. Canada recommends 2 litres per person per day.New Zealand recommends 3 litres per person per day for drinking.US recommends 1 gallon (3.78 litres) per person per day.
o Non-perishable food.
o water purification supplies.
o Cooking supplies.
o Cutlery and cups/dishes.
· A first aid kit.
· Fire starting tool (i.e. matches, ferrocerium rod, lighter, etc.)
· A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
· Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
· Maps and travel information.
· Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
· Weather appropriate clothing (poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
· Bedding items such as sleeping bags & blankets.
· Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
· Pet, child and elderly care needs.
· Battery or crank operated Radio.
· Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
· Firearms and appropriate ammunition.
· Crowbar (weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
· Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
· Fixed-blade and folding knife.
· Duct Tape
You can purchase these kits from the suppliers listed at our website or (see listing above too) or check with the Red Cross at: http://www.redcross.org/
Your partner in disaster preparedness.
Bruce “The Poor Man”
http://www.PoorManSurvival.Com
http://www.GreenIrene.com/PoorMan
http://www.OldBookNook.com
Please share this with a friend
A Shallow Planet Production…follow us on these social networks
http://www.facebook.com/#!/bedavid
http://twitter.com/poormansurvivor
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