"The Granite Rock" is Now Available in Varietal Electronic Forms

 

 

 

I am pleased to announce that "The Granite Rock" is available as an e-book at the following links:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-granite-rock

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1490386309

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-granite-rock-jane-alexandra-krehbiel/1134913483?ean=2940163194391

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082DF7CV3

https://booklocker.com/books/10664.html

 

 

 

 

 

Presenting My Fourth Book: Lawrence DeWolfe Kelsey:The Life of the Explorer

    Effective November 30, 2017, my latest book, the above, was released.    This is the first link I have found where it is for sale:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1634927850/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1512141728&sr=1-4

     My father was an original prepper and an original survivor in a number of harsh and foreign lands. He is no doubt where a lot of my interest and mindset in preparedness is derived.

     Over the next couple of weeks, the distribution for this book will grow.  It should be available around the world electronically in all platforms within the next couple of weeks.

     Thank you for your interest and a special thanks goes out to those who contributed or aided me in some way in this most difficult of my books.


  

An Update on My Latest Book

 For those of you waiting for the release of my fourth book. This is an update.   Thank you for your patience!


https://explorerldkelsey.blogspot.com/2017/11/more-information-on-release-of-lawrence.html

My Fourth Book Will Be Available This Month

   

Lawrence DeWolfe Kelsey, taken just before the Finn Ronne Antarctic Expedition

                   Later this month, my fourth book will be available for sale.  It is entitled:

Lawrence DeWolfe Kelsey:
                                  The Life of the Explorer

            This is the true life story of a tenacious human being who started life as a Californian, and later as teen in the Merchant Marine, during WWII. He was aboard ship in Okinawa when bombs dropped on both Hiroshima and on Nagasaki. Then, he departed as a radio officer and technician on the Finn Ronne Antarctic Expedition in the late nineteen-forties. Afterward he took assignments which took him to the Canadian Arctic, and then to Afghanistan with the Fairservis Archaeological Expedition.  He spent five years in Afghanistan before going to university in England. All of this was simply the beginning.
          All the years of his life were spent doing something difficult and challenging in many ways.  This is the story of my own father, who was quite unconventional for his era, and from whom a great deal of my knowledge concerning preparedness and survival is derived.
        I will keep you informed. 

Crisis in Catalonia

            

Many in Catalonia wish to secede from Spain.

               Today, the people of Catalonia, an area in the Northeastern Spain which contains Barcelona, beaches of Costa Brava and the Pyrenees mountains, planned to vote for independence from Madrid, and to seceded from the rest of Spain. Madrid has declared such an election, illegal.

                Today, the vote is taking place, and police from Madrid have been sent to prevent people from voting in this election. According to European news sources, rubber bullets are being used, and both Catalans and police have been injured.

                  This will get worse, before it gets any better.  It is hard to believe that this is taking place, not in Syria, not in Turkey, not in Afghanistan or Cuba, but in Spain.  Cross off one more place as too volatile in which to vacation.  Please pray for these people.

An Acoustic Attack in Cuba Causes and Evacuation

                 

Photo:  Ars Technica

          According to the US State Department, in the last few months, 21 State Department Employees stationed in the US Embassy in Cuba, have suffered from headaches, hearing loss, cognitive issues, nausea, vomiting, balance issues, etc.  These have been classified as auditory attacks of some type, although the exact sourcing of such remains obscure. The situation was dire enough that half of our diplomats and embassy employees have been called home, leaving only a skeleton staff present while an investigation into this issue continues. Americans have been advised to leave Cuba and to come home.

                     Why would anyone in Cuba wish to send the US, a source of significant revenue, home? Why would anyone disrupt the new atmosphere of cooperation between Cuba and the US?   Why would such a problem occur close to the time that Cuba plans to retire Raul Castro?

                    Who, other than Russia, has done research on sonic weaponry ?   Who could Russia have sold such weapon to, and why ?

                     Our family once bought a mouse repellent for our rural home that plugged into an electrical outlet. It was said to work by producing a sound that mice did not like, but that humans could not hear. Four days of it left us with migraines, nausea, earaches, and general malaise until we threw it away, and then recovered.  The damage from acoustic weapons is not confined to the ears and has been implicated in cardiovascular disease as well.

                    This is a situation that bears watching.


 https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/09/274514.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_weapon 

http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/10/health/acoustic-weapons-explainer/index.html

On Half Baked Commentaries

               

 


                If you read this blog frequently or even occasionally, you have probably noted that I haven't been reviewing or posting comments to the posts very often. Because I am ninety-thousand words into a fourth book a lot of my time is taken by the research and continuing work on that project, so I have not been as present as I once was on all of my blogs.  Secondly, and please believe me on this, only a few of the comments are worth approving for post.

                   Most of the comments commend the blog for providing full information on a subject of which they approve, and then they provide a link to their business, which is usually completely unrelated to the subject of the blog.  My post on the importance of durable dog houses in winter does not relate in any way to your sale of refrigerators in Mumbai. I don't think we have that many readers from India.
                    One post which gave very clear information on urinary tract infections and for strategies to avoid them, was accosted by a "spiritual doctor" who wrote a long comment.  May I suggest to you Sir, that if you spell vaginal as virginal, then you likely lack the education necessary in order to be providing medical advice, on my blog or anywhere else.      

                   Although I don't need anyone's political views to match mine, I certainly don't want people providing half baked, unsafe or irresponsible medical advice, particularly when I go to so much trouble to make sure that the information provided here, is as safe and as responsible as is possible.  Some time ago, the government of Iceland referenced this blog as a good place for general medical information for the public, and I would like to keep it that way.

                 So, if you wish to make a comment, then do so, but understand that if you are advertising a gentleman's club in Detroit that I am not going to be approving your comment to follow my post on strategies for safe emergency childbirth.

                     To those of you who are still commenting responsibly, I am sorry it takes me time to weed through the inane before approving your posts. I really do appreciate your readership and your commentaries.

A Review of OTC Meds for Your Kit

 



To recap the medications I believe you should have, unless of course you are allergic to any of the elements, are:   This is a review:

You need medications in suitable form (tablet, chewable or liquid) for each of the persons in your family of the following medications:  These medications are available " Over the Counter" (OTC) in the US and in Canada.

1.Acetaminophen   (aka tylenol)
2.Aspirin   (Give no aspirin to children without a specific physician's order, as aspirin products and other salicylates are implicated in something called Reye's Syndrome which is a devastating illness in children and those under 18.)
3.Loperamide (Imodium AD)  Available OTC in the US and in Canada.
4.Pepto-Bismol  (This is a salicylate, check with your pediatrician as to whether in an emergency, or when he/she is unreachable, whether they wish your child to have pepto-bismol, in view of Reye's potential)
5.Diphenhydramine  (aka Benadryl)   (Please have in capsular and in liquid form, and in chewable if you have children.
6.Iosat (for all family members)  One source is www.nukepills.com   I will discuss at length later and
there is detailed information on the site also.
7. Omeprazole     Try to get brown oval tablets rather than capsules because they can be cut in half as needed.
8. Loratadine (aka Claritin, or Alavert) tablets and rapidly dissolving variety also.
     (You may substitute Cetirizine should it be more effective for you.)
9. Ibuprofen 200mg. tablets, and liquid should you have children.  (Clear this drug in advance with your pediatrician)
10.Ipecac syrup
11. Simethicone liquid for children, and capsules or tablets for adults.

You may also wish to add Mucinex tablets.  These are glyceryl guaicolate in Canada, ask your pharmacist for guidance.

 Generic medicines for these supplies are just fine. Try to find meds with expiration dates marked on the package that are as far in the future as possible.  Wal-Mart, because they tend to move a lot of generic product, often has lots of medicines which have an expiration date farthest in the future.

Always keep 30 days ahead on prescription medications if you can, 90 days if you are able..

Of course, OTC and any drug is dangerous to children, and so these need to be packed away or in a locked cabinet that you, the adult can quickly access.
I will speak of these at length in the future.

Revisiting Potassium Iodide in Radiation Emergencies

   This is a post originally written by me, in 2011.   With Kim Jong Un experimenting with Hydrogen bombs, everyone should consider being in possession of Potassium Iodide, in order to help to protect our thyroid glands.   Please read below.

                                                _______________________________

 

Potassium Iodide is a salt which when taken in the proper amounts, can block the uptake of radioactive iodine. It is frequently marketed in tablets, under the name of “Iosat”. Administering Iosat can be very beneficial because the thyroid can be quite vulnerable to radioactive iodine in a radiologic emergency, and because this strategy can benefit us in the prevention of later thyroid cancer. It is important to realize that even when properly used and taken as directed by public health officials, that the only organ protected by this practice is the thyroid, therefore evacuation from a contaminated area is always best. Since radioactive iodine has a half life of eight days, rational evacuation of a week or two may be all that is necessary. (Supposing that in this particular emergency, only radioactive iodine is released.) Following a radiologic emergency, a combination of administering potassium iodide tablets to human beings in the target area, coupled with evacuation, even for a week or two, is usually the best course.
Failure to take potassium iodide following a radiologic emergency may result in immediate or long term effects on the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancer, goiters, hypothyroidism, and thyroid growths may occur following untreated exposure to higher levels of radioactive iodine. Since thyroid failure in a child can impact intellect, and thyroid failure in a woman can impact successful reproduction, these are important considerations.
Many of us have chosen to keep an adequate supply of potassium iodide tablets for potential radiologic emergency in advance of such an occurence. This way, we sidestep distribution difficulties in a time in which our governmental and public health authorities will be most occupied. The tablets being sold now, most often have an expiration date of 2017. Those with small children, or with elderly family members may wish to consider buying the liquid preparation of this drug. The liquid version of this drug is said to expire in five years and is marketed as “Thyro-Shield”. In the past, I have purchased thyroid protective medication in advance of a radiologic emergency from the following sources:

http://www.nukepills.com/ potassium iodide
http://www.tacda.org/

potassium iodate
Please know that following the Japanese earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear reactor disasters in Japan, many sources of potassium iodide are temporarily unavailable, as they help to meet the need in Japan, not only for the Japanese people, but for first responders from other nations as they rush to help. Please rest assured that all sources here in America, will likely restock very quickly thereafter.
Both the dose required is noted on each package, as is the expiration date of each package. These medications should be kept in a cool, dry place. They may be effective beyond their expiration date, but I have replaced them as we approach expiration, in the years that we have kept these in our emergency supplies. I keep the expired tablets, in a plastic bag, marked EXPIRED, and I save them. I save them in the event that in an emergency they could be useful to someone, or in the event that an official veterinary body makes an official recommendation for animals, as at the present time, they have not. Iosat is approved by the FDA for this use and is stockpiled by many arms of the US government.
Potassium Iodate is also marketed for the purpose of blocking radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid. (One of the brand names is Rad-Block) Presently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) questions whether potassium iodate is as effective at blocking radioactive iodine uptake of the thyroid, as Potassium Iodide is. Therefore, Potassium Iodate is not approved by the FDA, but is in fact, available for sale at a variety of internet sources. The FDA also has voiced concerns regarding a higher potential for side effects from ingesting the Potassium Iodate preparation. Other nations may still stock and sell this in their pharmacies.
I think it is unquestionably wise for every family to invest the sum it would take to provide Potassium Iodide to their family members for a period of a few days, while planning to evacuate following a radiologic emergency. Although a “Dirty Bomb” is generally a local phenomenon, the potential for a nuclear bomb or even fallout from a local nuclear reactor, you may not even know existed in your area, is always possible. Although this does take some planning, reading and forethought, it is one of the easiest disaster preparations a family can make.
Although the news presently seems to indicate that the Japanese nuclear disaster will not adversely impact the contiguous United States, it is not over just yet. The Japanese still have six reactors in close proximity to one another, in tandem with spent nuclear fuel rods which are not yet being optimally cooled. This should be a lesson in the need for preparation for potential radiologic disaster for us all.


References and Sources for Additional Information:
http://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness/about-emerg-preparedness/potassium-iodide/ki-faq.html
http://www.nukepills.com/
http://www.nukepills.com/potassium-iodate-vs-potassium-iodide.html

Honoring Lieutenant Commander Doris M. Artz on this Memorial Day

On the occasion of this Memorial Day, I would like you to visit another one of my blogs:

https://learnedfromdaniel.blogspot.com/2017/05/in-remembrance-of-lieutenant-commander.html

About Powassan Virus

          

This graphic showing the number of cases from 2006-2015, is the work of the CDC It has been known since 1958.

             In 2012 I did a series on tick borne illnesses, and then later expanded the series to include insect envenomation injuries.   Of course, public health issues change and expand over time. This is one such needed update.

                  Powassan Virus is also a tick borne virus which is a flavivirus. It is therefore related to The West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and some other tick borne encephalitises.  Seventy five cases of it have been proven within about the last ten years and are most often seen in in either the Great Lakes Region of the United States or the Northeastern Region of the US.   A person bitten by a tick might feel alright after contracting Powassan virus, but they may also go on to experience fever, chills, vomiting, seizures, confusion, memory loss,and potentially death.   Patients for whom the disease is identified may need hospitalization for ventilatory support, drugs to prevent brain swelling and for intravenous hydration and fever control.  A small percentage of those with this illness will die. A larger percentage of those will have permanent neurologic issues secondary to the encephalitis which is possible. When encephalitis occurs, muscle wasting, memory issues and other neurologic problems may also occur.

                  Anyone who has received a tick bite and is now sick or febrile (which means has a fever) needs to seek medical care immediately. The incubation period for Powassan Virus is one week to one month long.  There is presently no preventive vaccine available.  There are two strains of this virus that have been isolated and both are pathogenic (disease causing) in human beings. This is a nationally reportable disease.

            Although Powhassan virus is relatively rare, it is increasing in incidence. It is also found in Canada, and it is named for the place in which it was first described. It has also been detected in Russia. We do not yet know which other nations also may experience this disease. (Remember that originally Lyme Disease was only thought to be a Northeastern US issue, and that is certainly not the case now.)  Powhassan virus can be transmitted in as little as 15 minutes of having a tick embedded upon you. It is not transmissible from person to person.  I will add additional information as possible.

           Please see my prior posts on strategies for avoidance of tick bites.



Prior Posts on my series on Tick Borne Illness    (2012)


https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/04/learn-something-about-your-areas-tick.html

https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/04/avoidance-of-tick-borne-illnesses.html

https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-advent-of-new-tick-borne-illness.html

 https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2014/12/important-news-concerning-bourbon-virus.html


And on Envenomation Injuries:

https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/07/other-types-of-envenomation-injuries.html

https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-reprise-dangers-of-winter-spider-bites.html

 https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/12/spiders-may-still-be-hazard-in-winter.html

https://rationalpreparedness.blogspot.com/2012/07/other-types-of-envenomation-injuries.html

Why Might Russia Be Amassing Troops on it's Border with North Korea ?

                    

                       Vladivostok, Russia, on the right upper region, is in close proximity to North Korea, to China, and to Seoul in South Korea.  To the East, of Vladivostok is Japan and the Sea of Japan.





                       People in Primorskiy Krai, Russia have been telling relatives that an uncharacteristic number of troops and military equipment are appearing at Russia's border with North Korea.  A Number of newspapers in Europe and the US have blown a fuse about this and are frightened that Russia is amassing troops for an anticipated confrontation between the US and North Korea.

                         Let's step back for a moment and think about this.  Primorskiy Krai is the maritime province which houses Vladivostok, Russia. (Very loosely translated as the "Star of the East".)  Vladivostok is a very interesting city which among many other things, houses Russia's submarine fleet in that region. It is a beautiful and clearly Russian city, and yet it's located in Asia, and therefore it has the flora and fauna of that region, including Asian tigers in the woods there, the one's of Korean legends.  Vladivostok has some interesting neighbors.  Vladivostok has some of the best flea markets in the world, all housed in giant shipping containers, and the people who come to those flea markets are often Chinese and Korean, at least as often as they are Russian.   If North Korea's leader were to send VX nerve gas to any of his neighbors atop a rocket that may not yet be capable of sending a nuclear weapon anywhere, the Vladivostok and Russia in general could be devastatingly impacted. It is therefore simply a responsible act to move military officers and equipment to the region in protection of one's own.  China should be doing the same, and in some reports, they are.  An act of provocation on the part of North Korea which goes too far, and ultimately gets their nation attacked, could cause an exodus of people from North Korea who are already desperate and starving, into the surrounding countryside. The refugees won't care whether they are entering China or Russia, just so long as they are getting away from the war that Kim Jong-un seems to wish to create.

                         Russia's choice in sending troops to Primorskiy Krai may be less about fighting and more about preventing a mass exodus of starving North Koreans into Vladivostok, than anything else.  Certainly the situation with N. Korea bears watching, for us all.

Today's North Korean Missile Launch

          

This photograph is the property of the Associated Press.

                According to the government of South Korea, North Korea did indeed test a missile today.  This particular missile launch was unsuccessful, and exploded a few seconds after launch.

"Portsoy Woods" Now on Kindle

                                              Portsoy Woods is now available for Kindle !



https://www.amazon.com/Jane-Alexandra-Krehbiel/e/B00J94CM9U/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1479915727&sr=8-1


It is also available on other electronic media formats at:

 http://booklocker.com/books/8874.html

and these other fine booksellers:



Amazon Store URL - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRO40DO

BN Store URL - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/portsoy-woods-jane-alexandra-krehbiel/1125132787?ean=2940156820924

Apple Store URL - http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1179246931

Kobo Store URL - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/portsoy-woods




#portsoywoods,#authorJane-AlexandraKrehbiel,#Jane-AlexandraKrehbiel,#JaneAlexandraKrehbiel,#economiccollapsenovel,#novelprepper,#portsoywoodskindle,
 

Let's Use Some Sense With Storms

          

      This week, a family with whom I am acquainted mentioned that they are going to Florida on vacation. They had noticed that Hurricane Matthew was coming ashore in Northern Florida, but the wife said, "We set this up quite a while ago, and so we're going no matter what !"  Although it might be nice to think you lead such a charmed life that nothing can happen to you or your family, it is also the height of foolishness.  I have a friend whose entire party died during a trip to Florida during a hurricane. He was the only survivor, and lives with that every day.   Why would anyone choose to take their family in harms way deliberately ?   I know that we can't avoid every hazard and that we certainly can't stop driving, but we can decline the opportunity to take our families headlong into danger.

               As I write, a storm surge from Hurricane Matthew is occurring between St. Augustine and Jacksonville.  Twenty people including children are stuck in a St. Augustine bed and breakfast with rising waters and heavy winds. Pieces of hotels and railings are breaking off in winds clocked at as much as 91 mph.

               There will be plenty of disasters you and your family will be unable to avoid. Please don't deliberately travel to any !    My hopes are that everyone in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas in the path of this storm stay safe.

An Eruption of the Colima Volcano

graphic: www.greatdreams.com  

     Four hundred and thirty miles West of Mexico City is the Colima volcano.   Eruptions occurred today triggering the evacuation of several villages.  The hamlets of Juan Barragan, Yerbabuena, and La Becerra were all evacuated because of their close location in relation to the volcano itself. The inhabitants of those areas are living in nearby villages for the time being.  Known as the "Volcano of Fire", lava, gases and ash have been spewing from the volcano, burning faces, eyes, and making inhabitants cough. There have been eruptions of this volcano earlier in the year.

     There are far more volcanoes in the world than many us realize.  Most of us don't have a volcano plan.

The following is a video of today's eruption

For Survivalists: Maggot Infestation of Wounds: Myiasis

               

Photo: atlantablackstar.com

                 Most people who have an interest in survival and emergency nursing believe that maggot infestation of wounds is a problem only in the Third World.  Most correctly, maggot infestation of wounds can occur absolutely anywhere in the world.   There are a wide variety of flies including Old World and New World screw worms which can cause a fatal infestation in animals and also in people.   A soldier, a homeless person, a traveling migrant, or anyone else who frequents the out of doors or a tent living situation, can develop a wound and have flies lay larva in it.  The larvae then hatch and the insects feed on moist necrotic tissue.
                 The first time I ever saw this was the time I rescued a turtle with an compression fracture of its shell.  Flies had laid larva in the compression fracture area before I had encountered it. Once the infestation was established, not even the vet could not save the poor creature.    On a farm we see this occasionally with elderly dying animals. especially those who are no longer able to swat flies or in those who are in in multi-system failure. Even though curing the issue might not save them in the long term, it will promote their comfort. Make no mistake, some animals and some humans can die from such infestations, even when whomever is treating them finally gets a handle on the primary cause for their health problem.Infection with fly larvae can be an important cause of mortality for some.

                  Occasionally, nursing homes are fined when maggots are detected in bedsores. This is the reason that restaurants as well as nursing homes often use a blue wall device which electrocutes flies.

                    There are some harrowing accounts of soldiers from the first world war who were caught in no man's land for several days with open fractures. By the time the men were retrieved, their wounds were filled with maggots.  Such men had a 75% chance of mortality when discovered in this manner.  The Civil War also had its share of deaths from this issue.

                       In later years physicians used sterile maggots bred in labs to clean wounds with large amounts of necrotic tissue, however these are specially bred and fairly innocuous  types and the entire process is watched very carefully.

                    Myiasis is the medical term for such infestations. It is pronounced as if written my-eye-a-sis.


There are a variety of different classes of infections of this type:

1. The first one is a nosocomial myiasis.   Nosocomial always means hospital acquired or acquired during the course of receiving medical care.  (An example of this would be the bedsore with myiasis encountered by the nursing home patient as I mentioned earlier.)    Hospitals take great steps to avoid flies for this reason.

2.  A cutaneous myiasis is also possible.   This is an infection of this kind within the skin. This is far more common in tropical regions, but it can occur almost anywhere in the world.
3. Infections of the eye, or Opthalmomyiasis can also occur.
4. Such infections may also occur in other body orifices, such as nose, ears and occasionally mouths. The urinary tract and the intestine may also be infected, particularly when someone ingested larva in food or drink.
5. In animals, injections of Ivermectin and Dectomax can be used to kill the invading agent.  Although this is done in animals often, Ivermectin can cause liver enzyme increases and is rarely used in human beings, although it is known to work, particularly in Africa where it has often been used in those with helminthic eye infections.  In human beings, a 1% topical solution may be used, particularly when the wound is near the eye. Stromectol is one of the brand names of this drug when used in human beings.
6. Improved personal hygiene and better handling of trash can also improve the likelihood of not contracting such an infection.
7. Occasionally antibiotics of certain types may help with secondary bacterial infection, but will not help against the invasion of these larvae. 
8. It is possible simply to cover the wound with generous amounts of vaseline, choking off the larvae. They will slough off when dead by themselves in about 5-8 weeks.  Rarely, a physician will surgically remove them, but this is often not the best course, and leaving them to slough off may be the safest course after thick vaseline application.    Theoretically, vegetable oil or thick mayonnaise could be used, although I would be concerned that food substances may attract other flies.


How such an infection progresses depends largely upon the species of fly and worm that invades the wound.  There are some as mentioned in the cutaneous version above that afflict intact skin.
Infections of all these types may lead to septicemia and to death.


Of course, the most prudent course with regard to Myiasis is PREVENTION.

When someone in your party is injured, wounds should be bandaged when possible. They should stay indoors until the wound has almost healed.   Badly injured people in wilderness situations should be in the most solid and clean structure you have, away from food which might attract flies.  Building this patient a "net bubble" as is often done with children sleeping in parts of Africa in order to avoid malaria, may also be beneficial.
In the cutaneous versions of this disease, the insect often creates an air hole for itself.  You may be able to get the insect to come to the surface for removal by covering the open hole with a thick glob of vaseline, cutting off its air.

I am well aware that this is a difficult topic for many to read about and that the mental images of such are particularly unpleasant.  However, during a migration, a protracted disaster with or without injuries, this can be an issue. Proper management can make a difference in the survival of the infected.

    The pictures of such were so disturbing that I chose not to include them so that our readers were more likely to read and learn from this article.  They certainly can be googled.





 Preparedness Implications:
 In view of this, please purchase extra vaseline, extra gauze for application to wounds and extra amounts of clean roller gauze in order to secure the gauze to such wounds.   Consider buying mosquito netting for your emergency medical kits.   A bug zapper might be a good idea also.

Why the Hanjin Bankruptcy Matters

 The following is the exclusive work product of Emergency Essentials and can be found on their blog at:

Emergency Essentials Hanjin Article

 

 It is so important that I have reprinted it here with credit to them.

  Please also check out the Emergency Essential blog while you are there.

  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Hanjin Shipping Declares Bankruptcy: Stranded Cargo Prompts Financial Preparedness

This entry was posted on September 19, 2016 by Emergency Essentials.

On August 31, Hanjin Shipping declared bankruptcy. The South Korean company’s declaration left $14 billion worth of cargo and more than half a million containers stranded offshore, as ports fearful of going unpaid refused to allow the company’s ships to dock or unload.
So why should we care?
First, Hanjin Shipping transports 8 percent of manufactured goods that enter into the United States. Look around. Imagine if one item of every 12 you see suddenly became unavailable. It adds up fast, doesn’t it? Companies like Wal-Mart and Target are twiddling their thumbs while they wait for Hanjin to work out how it’s going to pay to get everything unloaded. Even if they don’t have anything on the ships in limbo, they still have to try to find other ways to ship their goods. Samsung, for example, is considering sending smartphones and devices in cargo planes to accommodate its U.S. market. That’s going to cost extra.
And this time of year, as retailers order more goods for holidays, there’s not a lot of extra shipping space to go around. Already, freight prices for Asia-U.S. cargo have jumped 40 percent, according to The Wall Street Journal. Honestly, what are the odds retailers won’t pass any of these costs on to consumers?
Second, for the moment, fewer manufactured goods are reaching the U.S. Though no one is predicting shortages, and every financial planner predicts the bankruptcy mess will be sorted out by the end of the year, it means supply could be temporarily reduced, again driving up prices right around the holidays.
“This is not impacting store shelves now,” Nate Herman, a senior vice president for the American Apparel & Footwear Association, told The Wall Street Journal. “It will impact store shelves if the situation isn’t resolved.”

 
Leaking oil pipe in Alabama - Image via Colonial Pipeline

The world is a global marketplace. A bankruptcy in Asia can cause the cost of goods to increase in Indianapolis. A leaking oil pipe in Alabama can cause fuel shortages and governors to declare states of emergency in six states.
“The key to keep in mind is that anything can happen,” said Kaylee Chen, a peer mentor at the University of Utah Personal Money Management Center, in an e-mail. Add, “anywhere.”
“Therefore, always prepare for any possible emergency,” she said.
Start by building long-term food storage. And don’t be afraid to use it when you need it.
Early in 2015, avian influenza affected more than 35 million egg-laying hens, or 12 percent of the domestic population, according to a June 22, 2015 blog from the American Egg Board.
The USDA’s Egg Market News Report said for the week of June 22, 2015 a dozen large eggs sold for a $2.35 national average. The average price over the previous three years, for the same week, was about 95 cents.
If you have powdered eggs when eggs prices are sky high, you can use them instead. This 2010 article in the Deseret News, a Utah newspaper, tells how to use powdered eggs in everyday cooking.
Second, have an emergency savings.
Kayleen Chen, a peer mentor at the University of Utah’s Personal Money Management Center, suggested the 50/30/20 rule. Fifty percent of a paycheck should go toward fixed expenses, like house payments and utilities. Discretionary expenses that can be adjusted, like grocery bills and fuel, should take up about 30 percent. Twenty percent should go toward short-term savings, an emergency fund and retirement.

The short-term savings fund is for future expenses like holidays or a down payment. An emergency fund helps when things come up like car repairs or doctor bills, to avoid paying for them with high-interest debt like credit cards or short-term loans.
Women should put 12 percent of their salary toward retirement; men 10 percent, Chen said.
“The reality is that women live longer and make less income than men,” she said.
Third, get out of debt. Interest never stops, even when you’re struggling.
Consider learning additional skills that can translate into side jobs for additional income or to help get out of debt. Chen used the example of a piano teacher. She also encouraged a budget or lifestyle change. Peter Dunn, a financial columnist for USA Today, suggested decreasing spending by 10 to 15 percent over time.
Personal finance collapses like job loss, divorce, medical emergencies and retirement are far more common than a major shipping company’s collapse. Creating a long-term food storage, getting out of debt and saving can reduce their impact.

August 24, 2016 Earthquake in Italy

         

Photos: Associated Press

  Yesterday, a devastating 6.2 earthquake occurred in Central Italy causing the deaths of at least 300 people.  Shops, churches and medieval structures were flattened.   A series of aftershocks also occurred in Umbria,  LeMarche, and Lazio. The village of Amatrice has been flattened and completely destroyed. There has been a high level of aftershocks, and with electricity out, it has been difficult to contact emergency responders.    Accumoli, and Pescara del Tronto are also all but destroyed. Forty three hundred people are searching for survivors underneath collapsed buildings.

Rendering: US Plate Geological Survey/NY Times  This is the location of the quake with damage.

      I will update this post as more information is available. 

Please See: " My Recollections of Tim Kaine"

Tim Kaine, his wife Ann Holton (far left) with Queen Elizabeth shaking the hand of a Mattaponi chief.   Photo was taken in 2007 when Kaine was governor of Virginia.   (Photo: yahoo)

 



  Politics so often spills over, or at times, vomits up over our plans that impact preparedness.  Some politicians have actually spurred families to prepare.

 Please read my post on another of my blogs:

My Recollections of Tim Kaine