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.

Buy Countdown to Preparedness

                   I vaguely remember Jim Cobb asking me if he could use some of the listings regarding first aid kits that I put in some articles I'd written.  In the interest of helping people, I said certainly yes, so long as I am credited with the original work.  He never did get back to me, so it came to be a surprise this week when I found that I am indeed credited and that my listings for a basic first aid kit are found starting on Page 83.

                   Jim has written quite a few books on the subject of disaster preparedness. This is an excellent step by step guide designed for someone new to the process.  You can buy one at:

https://www.amazon.com/Countdown-Preparedness-Preppers-Disaster-Readiness/dp/1612433049/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482239131&sr=8-1&keywords=countdown+to+preparedness


This is Jim's author page:

https://www.amazon.com/Jim-Cobb/e/B009SCHMPC/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Enjoy !

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.

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. 

Oral Rehydration Solutions for Various Animal Species

     

(Picture from: www.grit.com )

   I used to buy a commercial apple flavored electrolyte powder which could be added to water for horses. I usually used a gallon sized orange or lemon gatorade for alpacas, dogs or even ailing poultry.  I have been very lucky with my interventions with animals and many of my animals, whatever the species, live far beyond their normal life expectancies.   Lately though I have been doing some research.  The commercial apple flavored electrolyte mix for horses has gone up to fifty dollars for a large container. It is sold out in my area, and the livestock supply house where I buy the heavy bucket size says they may not be buying it again.  In addition, I have read that horse electrolytes may not been formulated in the manner that is best for alpacas. Even though they are mammals, other species do not need electrolytes balanced exactly as humans do. Also, giving sugar to other animal species (other than hummingbirds, of course) without a specific veterinary direction to do so can be risky. We also need to establish for each species when the use of a rehydration solution or electrolytes is indicated. Although some farmers leave an electrolyte water solution out for horses or alpacas all the time, many vets think that this may be a bad practice. It may cause tooth decay. It may allow bacterial growth in sugared water that is sitting all day, and it may attract flies, even the more dangerous borer variety. So we should define the conditions for each species under which we would use such things. Since we are planning in advance for such emergencies, you have time to consult your equine vet or your farm vet either during a routine visit you have already scheduled, or by talking to them online.

                  Rather than spending fifty dollars for a large container of apple horse electrolyte, you could gather the ingredients for your own. Place the boxed ingredients and a copy of the recipe in a large transparent freezer style bag and then mark it for the animal species for which it is intended. Since I have alpacas, horses, dogs, guinea fowl, chickens, ducks, cats, and sheep, some could be used interchangeably but many formulations should not. 

 Then, after you have created a species specific  rehydration kit, place it in a location where you can gather it at a moment's notice.  

Some electrolytes are best delivered to the animal in water, where others might get more of it when given as a top dress to their dry food, with water given nearby.

        Since this was one of my tasks this week, I established an electrolyte and rehydration kit for each species here, and then I placed it in a durable large plastic bag. Then I marked each bag with the species for which it is intended to be used. Then I placed each prepared bag in a rectangular plastic bin with a lid which came from Wal-Mart. Then I placed a piece of masking tape on the lid and the side of the box and marked it "Varietal species rehydration kits" When kept in a cool dry place with the component parts in original packaging, they should last for a considerable period of time, perhaps many years.


The benefits are as follows:

1. By creating rehydration packages for each species and placing them in a large freezer bag, you are saving a great deal of money over purchasing the prepared varieties.
2. You will know how to make such solutions for each animal species you have and be enabled to hydrate your animals in a more customized  fashion.
3. You will reexamine your own practices of hydration and have a better plan for hydration when indicated, not simply when it's hot.
4. On finding an animal with heat stress or another issue during hot weather, by having these packs pre-gathered, you are not only saving the time by not needing to run out and gather these things under what could be worse conditions than now, but you are going to be able to provide appropriate rehydration much more quickly than if your animal had to wait for you to return from a quick emergency trip. You will have the species specific recipe and the materials right in the plastic package.
5. Remember that very hot conditions may trigger the need for rehydration solutions, but that diarrhea necessitates at least a phone call to a veterinarian. Diarrhea is not normal and although it can indicate a simple change in diet, it can also indicate gastrointestinal worms, or a serious infectious disorder of some kind, which could require additional intervention often in terms of a drug, in addition to rehydration.

This is the unsweetened flavoring. It doesn't take much of this to flavor for horses or alpacas.  Sometimes, plain lemon juice works best.  This is great to have as a backup in your rehydration kit to add to one of the recipes here.

Animals who are too hot, too cold, under stress, or found in Winter with frozen water should receive assistance with rehydration.  Animals with diarrhea need to be provided with rehydration solution as well as plain water immediately, and then you need to call your vet.


Horses:

Some people believe that their horse automatically requires electrolytes in hot weather. Vets say this is not always true.  A horse should always have access to a clean bucket of plain water, and should have access to salt. For many horses, this may be all you need to do. Generally having a lot of plain salt blocks available and having them in a protected plastic bag is a good plan. I try to stock up when they are on sale.
For a horse with diarrhea,exhaustion or excessive perspiration, they lose salt and water.  Again, find out what your equine vet's objectives are if this happens.

This is one home recipe for equine replacement of electrolytes:

HORSE RECIPE  #1

This particular one is sugar free and ideal for a horse with insulin resistance

26 ounces of NON-iodized salt
22 ounces of Lite Salt (potassium)
2 Tablespoons of Epsom Salt
OPTIONAL: One half packet of unsugared unsweetened lemon Kool-aid
        (Some horses benefit from the flavoring)

This can be used as either a top dress to feed or added to a separate bucket of water.  If the horse is one of the few who do not like the taste, you may add lemon juice, 6 Tablespoons.

                                                                 _________________


 HORSE RECIPE #2

Some equine vets believe that in Summer, especially active horses may benefit from a bucket of plain water, and then this solution placed next to it.  This is helpful for horses who aren't fans or frequent users of a salt block.

    5 ounces of non-iodized salt added to
    5 gallons of water

                                                                     __________________
HORSE RECIPE #3

Mix equal amounts of non-iodized salt with
                            Morton's or similar Lite Salt (which is potassium chloride)
in five gallons of water.
  ( In this method, your horse should also eat because most horse feed contains adequate magnesium  and calcium.)

                                                                  _____________________

ALPACA REHYDRATION:


RECIPE #1

Take a clean five gallon bucket.
Add equal amounts of non-iodized salt, Morton lite salt (potassium) and baking soda.
You may flavor with lemon juice.
Do not add sugar unless vet has ordered it for a specific reason.

This is a great hot weather supplement in addition to having a salt block and plain water available.

Some farms keep this available in Winter also, in a heated bucket.

   
Notes on alpaca hydration:  Although many of us have gotten away with using four or five scoops of a lemon gatorade powder in a five gallon bucket for alpacas at risk, vets tell us that gatorade is low in electrolytes and high in sugar for alpacas, and so the recipe above is superior for them.
Resorb, can also be used in emergencies. Check with your vet and his/her objectives. 


SHEEP REHYDRATION:

You may use the alpaca recipe above.  Please read the links below on sheep dehydration also.


GOAT REHYDRATION:

You may use Gatorade solution so long as you are also providing plain water.   Resorb as reconstituted for humans will also work. The alpaca recipe would also be helpful.  However, a goat who is dehydrated is very sick indeed and requires veterinary input in order to rectify the underlying cause of the dehydration whether it be infectious or otherwise.

                                                               ________________________

 Chickens, Ducks, Guineas, Doves, Pigeons, 

These animals should generally have an abundant and clean supply of water, year round.
Last year, a Texas chicken farmer told me that when it becomes hotter than 100 degrees F, he slightly salts the chicken feed for his chickens once time each morning.  I have been doing this here in Virginia, and I have not had any sudden hen deaths since.


If you find one of your birds injured, stressed or ill, they should still have abundant water and food, but they should also have available.


Bird Rehydrator         Gather the materials and bag in advance, but mix only when needed

1. Place one gallon of water in a clean bucket 
2. Add one tablespoon powdered sugar   (or plain sugar if that's what you have)
3. Add one teaspoon non-iodized table salt.
4. Add one teaspoon baking soda
5. Add 1/2 tsp. Morton lite salt (which is potassium)

  Most of the time no additional flavorings will be needed.  Lemon juice, one tsp could be added. 


Recommended United Kingdom Recipe for bird rehydration  (Structured in measurements most familiar to them.)


7g sodium chloride
5g sodium bicarbonate
3g potassium chloride
40g glucose
2 litres water

  It is not necessary and could be harmful to provide the electrolyte solution to birds who are well so save this recipe for the sick or stressed animals.

 Rehydration Solution for Dogs:

A dog who is rescued and looks slightly dry and is hungry, can be given lots of plain water and food.  Lemon gatorade can be offered in addition.   A dog with a more complex issue will need veterinary attendance.



Rehydration Solution for Cats:

Cat Rehydration Recipe #1:

Plain lemon gatorade in addition to a separate dish of water nearby will work for most cats.

                                                          _____________________
Cat Recipe #2
This recipe is designed for cats in kidney failure who are having trouble holding on to potassium.

HOME-MADE, ORGANIC ELECTROLYTE FORMULA

• 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  (Use spring or filtered water to avoid chlorine and flouride.)
• 2 Tablespoons raw honey
  (Raw honey has natural antibiotic properties.)
• 3/8 Teaspoon sea salt
  (Table salt from the supermarket has sugar in it – [what, you haven’t read the label recently and noticed this?] – and is missing all the trace minerals available in a good quality sea salt.)
• 1/8 Teaspoon potassium salt (365 mg)
  (Sometimes called “potassium chloride” and available in health food stores in powder form.  I use the NOW brand Potassium Chloride Powder and that’s the basis for this measurement.)
• 1 Teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  (For a bit of vitamin C and to cut the sweetness.)
• Enough water to make 2 full cups (16 ounces).

OTHER THINGS YOU WILL NEED

• A glass bottle that will hold 2 cups of electrolyte liquid for storage purposes.
• A 1-ounce brown dropper bottle for easy dispensing.
• An extra dropper for dosing your cat so the dropper in the bottle isn’t contaminated.

MAKING THE ELECTROLYTES

1. Put the raw honey into the warm water and stir.  I use a small wire whisk, but a fork will do as well.  You want to break up the honey and spread it through the water.
2. Add the sea salt, potassium salt, and lemon juice.
3. Put the mixture into the glass bottle and add enough water to make 2 full cups.
4. Shake well.  This distributes the ingredients evenly throughout the liquid.
5. Pour about an ounce of this into the dropper bottle.
6. Refrigerate both bottles.

 Offer four times a day.
 A sick cat should be seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
This recipe was obtained at: 

  http://www.raysofhealinglight.com/blog/2015/04/11/homemade-all-natural-feline-electrolytes/#.V7B4ZRKG3cs



                                                            _____________________

More detail from veterinarians in dehydration treatment and assessment:

http://www.infovets.com/books/smrm/f/F145.htm

Information on Lamb Dehydration from a Veterinarian

 http://www.pipevet.com/images/Baby%20Lamb%20Survival.pdf

Information on Sheep Care:

http://www.farmsanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Animal-Care-Sheep.pdf 

Data on Pigeon Rescue:

 http://www.angelfire.com/fang/mattjohnson/pigeonrescue.htm


DISCLAIMER:   This post is designed to allow an owner or animal enthusiast hydrate an animal while the vet is either on his way or while you are making arrangements to have your animal seen by one.   Dehydration is often a symptom of an infectious illness or a serious disorder. Unless you are absolutely certain as to a cause of dehydration do not simply treat for dehydration without getting a vet's input after initiating rehydration.

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

Why Happenings in Turkey Matter

        

(Photo: Tech. Sgt. William Gomez/Air Force)

   I know that many of you are wondering why I have not covered the tragedy in France, yet I am discussing the happenings in Turkey.  America is hearing plenty regarding the egregious attack on Nice which cost the lives of 84 people, 10 of them children, and injured 200. Many of these are still in critical condition. A lot of damage can be done with a nineteen ton refrigerator truck. Although my condolences go to France and the people of Nice, this is being covered by mainstream news. and the right information about Turkey may not be.

              Turkey is a member of NATO, and its Incirlik airbase is an important strategic location for us for operations which take place in the Middle East, especially against ISIS. It is a key staging area for attacks against the "so called Islamic State".  Instability in Turkey translates to fewer friends and less cooperation for us in the MIddle East. It also translates to more opportunities for ISIS.

               The coup yesterday was serious because it shakes stability of the region.  It's failure is also peculiar, despite the fact that Mr. Obama supports Erdogan.

              Today, one day after the failed coup attempt, news reports are indicating that Turkey has closed air space over its Incirlik Air Base effectively grounding US planes. All US military personnel are confined to the base.  Sadly, the stop in attacks against ISIS may allow the group to regroup.

             Furthermore, according to the Military Times, all US dependents currently in Turkey have been ordered to leave. This will impact at least seven hundred spouses and children.  I have also just heard that outside electricity to the Incirlik base has been cut.

              Please pray for stability for the region and safety for those embroiled in it. 


Update:  As of late July 17th, American operations at the Incirlik Air Base have resumed.

Turkey's Coup Has Failed

             

This is Friday night in Turkey.  This picture was taken by and is the property of REUTERS

 



       This is an update following yesterdays post concerning the coup in Turkey.  Both of the individuals I know in Turkey are safe.

                   According to BBC News, the coup in Turkey against Erdogan's government, has failed. More than 2800 soldiers including many high ranking have been arrested. One hundred and sixty one people have been killed and one thousand four hundred and forty have been injured. Erdogan is very likely to begin executing senior staff.   The official word is that the group that started the coup is unknown, however Erdogan rightly or wrongly believes a Muslim cleric Fethulah Gulen, a US based but powerful cleric is responsible. Others speculate that Russia thinks Erdogan has been in power too long.

                    Turkey is deeply divided and polarized over Erdogan's transformation of Turkey from a secular state to an Islamic one, and also over spillover from the Syrian war.  This is likely not to be the last coup in Turkey.

Introducing Drumi by Yirego

This is Drumi, the foot powered washing machine.

                 

                I don't yet have one of these, but I am excited about getting one.  I wanted to make all of you aware of it.  Once I get one, I will post a full review of the device.





                  


                Drumi is a manual washing machine which washes five pounds of clothing, baby clothing, underwear, the days clothing, etc.  It uses a modest amount of water, soap, and in provides a ten minute leg work out as you pump the pedal in order to make it spin.  The US price is only $239.00 for the green device and presently the same price for one in silve rtone.   There is also a more expensive double sized device.

                       Drumi by Yirego was originally developed for those in third world countries who might not have access to the infrastructure and electricity necessary to do laundry other than hand washing.  However, this has multiple uses for almost everyone.  This is useful for preppers and most other people so that we may do laundry during power outages.  This is also helpful to people with babies because sometimes you must do laundry, but don't really have an entire load for a standard machine.  If you are a family without a washing machine, a Drumi will help to prevent some of those trips to the laundromat. You could conceivably go less often. 
                      Drumi is recommended for personal clothing, but is not large enough to do bed sheets and therefore it is not recommended for that purpose.   Each load requires only 2.6 gallons of water, which translates to ten liters.  It takes about ten minutes to run an entire load. The manufacturer says that it's about three minutes for a wash, two minutes for a rinse and one minute for a spin.  When finished, you release a lever which drains the water.  After spinning, the clothes are damp and should be hung to dry.

                     The Drumi is both compact and portable.  You could take one on vacation because it's only twenty pounds. You could take one camping.  You could keep one in the house for power outages.  This could be the best family new baby gift out there.  It is an excellent addition to your bug out location, or to a summer cottage.

                      The company who makes this item says you can use any detergent, however I would recommend one that is not too super sudsy.  I like Woolite or a generic substitute for Woolite for my handwashing and for portable washing machines for preppers.

                      One can order one now for an anticipate early 2017 delivery.  If you aren't thrilled, you can return the item for 100% money refund within the first 30 days.    I cannot wait to get one !

Linkedin as a Reflection of World Turmoil

                
 

Graphic by: www.adweek.com

               I don't use Facebook, Instagram and other forms of social media, much to the chagrin of my publisher. I did give in just enough to get a Linkedin account, some years ago, and I can occasionally be found there with a number of my friends and close business associates. Linkedin has been a great encouragement to me. In addition to keeping in touch with friends I don't always get the opportunity to call, I have been introduced to a number of people in businesses related to publishing, preparedness and other areas with which I have an interest. 
 Linkedin reflects the world landscape and lately there have been some interesting changes.

                  Among some users there has been a recent lack of tolerance of views which differ in any way from their own. Once someone says something, political or otherwise with which the reader does not agree, then it is received with hostility and name calling.  Sometimes, the object of the attack responds with additional goading of the person who is already not really thinking that both customers and prospective employers who may be reading their rant, and thinking that they could need an anger management course rather than a job with their company.  I have noticed this in the past month or so, but it has truly bubbled over within the last week.  I knew that the United States was becoming increasingly polarized, but I had not fully appreciated the polarization and overt hostility toward others in the rest of the world, particularly in areas which were reputed to have been civilized. 

                 Just now there are heated disagreements between those who think the American police should not shoot anyone at all. It surprised me to read that many people outside the US think police shouldn't be armed with guns at all.   Others believe the police to be absolutely justified in shooting people who endanger life, limb or property.   There are polarized and hostile arguments between Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter and my all time favorite, All Lives Matter.

                  Then there are the young women, attorneys, physicians or CEOs who post an attractive picture who incur the wrath of a Muslim man from Oman or Saudi Arabia. It's unclear whether the  men are upset that the women have a profession and are on Linkedin or whether they simply feel they should be able to direct any dark haired woman.  This is followed by a CPA who screams that both the men and the young women are morons and should move their interaction to Facebook.  At that point, I interject that one can adjust one's Linkedin feed at any time, if it doesn't reflect his own professional line up.

                 The next entry is a photo with a caption in which someone expresses their displeasure with Hillary Clinton and they allude to her lack of honesty with regard to her use of a private off site server which is contrary to federal law.  Another person jumps to her defense with such tenacity that I am left concluding that he probably works for her campaign. I skip past all the Benghazi material because I wasn't planning on voting for her anyway, unless hell freezes solid.

                The next entry is from a woman who has been accepted to the police academy. She is exploring how high she should wear her weapon as she is doing some study on firearms prior to school.   A contingent of Australians complain that she has no business with a gun.  A security contractor here in the US counters with the fact that a law abiding US citizen is certainly able to own and learn to use a handgun.  An Australian woman counters saying that "statistics indicate that anyone buying a handgun has a forty percent chance of committing suicide in the following year".  She cites some other "statistics" that are not only propagandized, but quite ridiculous.   I responded by saying that handguns in trained hands actually prevent loss of life, and that there are actual statistics on that.  This triggers a firestorm toward me. How dare I support a young woman police officer who will be carrying a weapon !  Another American woman who relates having been raped says that she will never be without her handgun again.  Her passionate statement was like placing European hornets in a Virginia afternoon in late July. Then an angry British man joins in. Who could ever need an assault weapon ?  I countered with my thinking of some weapons as anti-assault weapons, and that in rural places, having a rifle of a number of types can be very useful when you or your livestock are accosted by a band of coyotes, which happened to a neighbor where I am just this week.  They don't actually care about that.  The interesting thing to me was why some British people and some Australians are so vehemently opposed to firearms in a country that many of them have never visited. Their normalcy bias was so overdeveloped that they could not even fathom many of the circumstances that occur in many parts of the world on a regular basis.  Both England and Australia may also be experiencing upticks in terrorist attacks in the future so their opposition to guns is interesting. Their pacifist mindset may effectively prevent their fighting back in any way during a terrorist attack.

                Last week there was a group of pro Brexit people being blamed by others who wished to remain in the European Union.  The level of hatred being spewed was particularly unusual, especially for professionals.

              The interesting thing is that Linkedin is supposed to be a connection point for people of various professions in order to network.  One can find a publisher, find an agent, a headhunter who specialized in your profession. One can keep in touch with co-workers from today, or with co-workers and bosses from three jobs ago. One of my kids keeps in touch with former college professors. This can be an excellent tool.  I don't mind postings when someone is ill and needs prayers for a family member. I think it's sweet when someone posts a picture of their new baby twins.  I do think however that calling other Linkedin posters morons, or telling them they are racists when race hasn't even entered the conversation is counterproductive for all.

             Remember that Linkedin is simply a reflection of the world landscape. There are a lot of factors which impact our professional, economic and personal lives. Remember that although we all have commonalities that we all live in countries and regions that differ considerably.  I don't tell people in Australia how they should live, and they shouldn't tell me.

             As for the man who wished me Happy Eid this week, although I am not Muslim, I am choosing to take his wish in the spirit of brotherhood. However, I do plan to wish him a Merry Christmas later in the year.    Be kind out there.  There really is only one race.........the human one.

A Perspective on Brexit

      

With its sovereignty back, I look for Britain to do better in the future.

 


       In prior posts I have lobbied in favor of Brexit.  Before you rail at me for being an American with an opinion on Brexit, let me say that my mother died a British subject and  that our family lived in England for stretches of my youth and for parts of my education.  Until fairly recently, we had relatives there who frequently discussed the ongoing politics, problems and the geopolitical landscape there.  I am an American, but I still care for the home of some of my ancestors.

            I was very pleased to hear that the British people had voted to exit the European Union.   How could one possibly be pleased about receiving 40% of one's laws from Brussels ?   Britain had sold its sovereignty and the quality of life in Britain has been deteriorating significantly for some time.

            As for the fears that Brexit will adversely impact everything from the world economy to intelligence gathering, I will say this.

1. Britain never abandoned the British pound sterling.  The fifth largest economy in the world still has its own currency, and still has its own banks.  After a period of adjustment which will include a transitory decrease in the value of the pound against other currencies, there will be a recovery.  Britain will go on to steer its own ship for the betterment of its people.

2. Britain's intelligence services is legendary.  Information on terrorism will still be obtained and shuttled to the correct authorities. They will still communicate with Interpol and Europol. Why wouldn't they ?  Terrorism adversely impacts everyone.

3. With 340 million pounds a year staying home rather than going to the EU in taxes, perhaps the failing National Health Service will see some of that money.

     Scotland's leaders are now seeking an additional referendum so that their citizens have an opportunity to consider remaining in the EU.  They should think again.  It might not be there long.


        This could indeed start the death knell for the European Union.  Yesterday, Marine LePen, of the far right party was calling for a referendum in order to give the French the option of departing from the EU.   There are groups in the Netherlands and in Germany who also wish to abandon the EU.

        The reality is that the world's people's dislike receiving directions from a central body.  They dislike their money going to unseen groups, particularly in large sums to refugees who are seeking better economic pastures, often at their own expense.

        Perhaps after a period of adjustment, the end of both the European Union and the European Central Bank will benefit the people.

A simplified version, not my own, which came to me via Linkedin.

Things You Should Be Doing Toward Preparation Which Require Little or No Money

         

Photo: s3.amazonaws.com

 

  When we consider preparing for natural disasters, job losses or other trials, we often consider the items which are high dollar.  A lot of us think about freeze dried food, medical supplies, evacuation bags or luggage, etc. Many of us have emptied savings accounts in order to get our preps up to snuff.   Prepping isn't just an activity, it is a mindset. Some of the most important things we can do toward preparation, don't cost much money, or they don't cost money at all.   Of course, I listed many of these things in my book:

    Rational Preparedness: A Primer to Preparedness

which incidentally, isn't a lot of money itself.


            Many times, once we've shelled out savings for a generator, or perhaps a fully outfitted EMT kit this leaves quite a bit of time while you are saving again for additional preps.

Here are some things you can do toward preparedness during those frugal times:


1.  Inventory and organize the emergency and preparedness items you do have.
   I made the mistake recently of ordering a case of vinyl medical gloves for animal care without realizing that I already owned a case of vinyl gloves that was so large it had to be stored somewhere other than the medical supplies.  Make sure you have notebooks with inventory. It's alright to have inventories on your computer, but there should be a hard copy as well.    

2. Put some time in on training that dog you adopted for family protection or as a watch dog or an alert dog.
  Get a couple of library books on dog training, and use this time to connect with and train your dog.  Most of my dogs are rescues and 100% of them were trainable.

3. Get a library book or two on hair cutting. 
  Carefully cut a family members hair.  This is a skill that can be learned. I have been cutting my family's hair for years, and I am much better at it than in those first few times. Wal-Mart actually sells quite good hair cutting scissors.

4. Read a couple of library books on Canning.    
  Be clear on which book works best for you before spending money on a canning book.
 This is my favorite book on canning, but you might like another book more.
Mrs Wage's Home Canning Book

5. Actually write out your family evacuation plan and make a family evacuation notebook.
 Review and update this plan with your family members every year.   List out what emergencies would trigger a preemptive evacuation on your family's part.  List out a family evacuation procedure which includes your pets.  Remember to list locking of certain doors including exteriors before your departure.  Find your local maps and place them in your family evacuation notebook.  In a variety of emergencies GPS may not be effective, and often Google maps are quite incorrect in rural areas.  Make sure that your family knows the name and number of an out of state contact you could use, should you become separated and need to contact a person to shuffle messages should communication in your own area become difficult.

6..  Write out each of your family's medical issues and medications they are taking, and put the pages in your evacuation notebook.  
  For the families who had to leave New Orleans in a hurry, this helped them renew prescriptions through doctors and pharmacists in emergency shelters.

7. Xerox copies of your dogs and cats immunization records especially rabies.
 Place these in your evacuation notebook.  Proof of rabies and other immunizations would allow them more boarding options should you need to leave your area in an emergency.

8. Locate a handy place to store your evacuation notebook.  
It should be accessible but not easily picked up, read or moved by others who aren't in your family..

9. Go through your family first aid kits.
   You should have a first aid kit that is prepared and used for family evacuation, and you should have one which remains in your home for use there.   If kept in a cool, dry and dark place a lot of the items are useful beyond their expiration date, however, everything in the kits needs to be looked at and repacked annually. This is done so that you can replace anything truly expired, and also so that you are truly familiar with the items in your kit.

10. Photograph each room of your home and your possessions.
       Whether you have homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance, neither of them will pay to replace lost items, regardless of the amount of insurance you pay, without proof.  A room by room series of photographs of your home's interior and more detailed photos of more valuable possessions should be taken.  Then make a couple of discs with the photographs on them, mark it with black magic marker, and also put the photos on a flash drive.  Put one copy of the disc in your evacuation notebook, one in your safe, and give one to a trusted friend out of the area.  You might want to make a copy of the declarations page of your homeowner's insurance along with the company name, agent name and all contact information including e-mail, fax, phone, and address.  I have known several families who have lost everything to home fire or forest fire in the last few years. This is not a costly endeavor yet it could save you a fortune.

11. Research metal roofing. 
     See if the next time you need to roof your home whether this is an intelligent or viable alternative. For many people, it is.

  There are many things that you can do until you once again have money for prepping. Some of these things are just as, if not more important than some of the high dollar items.

Capsized Boat in Russia

         

Lake Syamozero

           Having spent time in Far Eastern Russia at an orphanage, I learned many things.  One of them is that orphans in Russian orphanages vacation fairly often, particularly in Summer.  If they are physically able, most of them are taught to swim.  These are often not trips of a couple of days, but a couple of weeks. Often such trips are among the happiest memories these children have. They are also fairly educational trips in that they focus on the flowers and plants of a region, and the children are given opportunities to draw and paint what they see.
             This week, 47 children,  a number of whom are Russian orphans from the Moscow region were vacationing at Lake Syamozero, which is fairly near the border with Finland. This is in the Karelia Region.  This is an absolutely gorgeous place. The children on the trip  ranged from about 9 years old to about 16 and some of them were siblings. While the children were on a large boat in the lake in bad weather, it capsized.  Thirteen children between the ages of about 9-11have died and one remains missing.
             Please pray for the children who lost their lives, the one who has not yet been located, and for the survivors of this accident. We send condolences to their families and their friends.
             This is a good time to review boat and water safety with your own children.

Last Chance for Brexit

       

The queen supports Brexit

 


    Angele Merkel's Europe is delusional.  It seems to think that it has unlimited funds with which to accept hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and anywhere else.  In many places in Europe, the 2008 economic crash has left many unemployed and even more people, particularly the young, underemployed.  Many of them will never be able to marry, have children and support a family, unless they try to do so in their own bedrooms in their parent's homes.  England operates under a similar delusion. All over England, the elderly survivors of WWII watch their pensions cut under austerity. My own aunt lay on her own kitchen floor in London for twelve hours before an ambulance came to take her to a hospital, despite the fact that her primary physician knew she was extremely ill.  Austerity cut their pensions and the assistance to British people, while Muslim immigrants receive free council housing, free groceries, a clothing allowance, free education,free health care and free medication.  There are reasons families are taking unreasonable risks to get to England. I am not opposed to aid for people who need it, regardless of their religion. I am however, opposed to long term highly unbalanced aid to refugees as is presently the case. Muslim refugees aren't the only people on the British gravy train. People from many other countries are presently on welfare rolls while some elderly homeless Brits sleep in London in cardboard boxes.

            England has been a limited member of the European Union. It chose to keep its currency of the British pound sterling.  In the last few years, many British people have wondered if perhaps decisions made in the continent of Europe are hurting their nation.  Later this month there will be a vote as to whether Britain leaves the European Union.  As an American, I do not have a vote. However, as a person eligible for British subject status, I have an opinion on the matter which I will share here.  I support Britain's exit from the European Union.  With so many connections and rules coming from Europe, when hard times and economic collapses come, it will be impossible for corrections to be made on the part of individual nations. All nations will experience economic failures by virtue of their inflexible ties to one another. When one falls they all do, rather than one nation being able to help another in times of economic strife.

             I have no doubt that Jo Cox, a graduate of Cambridge University, and a Member of Parliament for the past year, is a decent person and a loving wife and mother. Her murder by a mentally ill man on a British street is both horrific and devastating.  Mrs. Cox opposed Brexit and she also felt that Britain should continue to accept more refugees.  Until her murder, polling suggested that Britons would likely vote to exit. Now that a supporter of remaining in the European Union has died in such an horrific manner, polls indicate the opposite.

          For a moment, let's decide what is right for England.  Stepping back from the European Union and careful assessment of Britain's resources is in order. With the economic failure of Greece and other nations, it will benefit the whole to have Britain unencumbered by the economic laws of the European Union.

         Let's not allow the death of a politician to sway the public into voting in a manner that is not right for England.  Please, despite the death of Jo Cox, consider carefully a vote for Brexit.


More data:

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-06-17/first-brexit-poll-after-jo-cox-death-reveals-stunning-result

A Politician is Murdered in a Place You Might Not Expect

         

Jo Cox   Labour Party Member of Parliament

 

     The next time that someone tells you that the US "is the only place in the civilized world where murders are taking place in the street", don't believe it.

                 Today, forty one year old British politician  Jo Cox, was killed after meeting constituents in the street at a planned event. She tends to have such meetings almost weekly.   Jo Cox had worked hard on behalf of immigration and on encouraging Brits to remain in the European Union.   Tempers are high in England with the Brexit vote coming.   A 52 year old man grabbed her by the hair, yelled at her, stabbed her, kicked her, and when bystanders intervened, witnesses say he shot her with a firearm.   Yes, in England where no one has one, and even the police are only issued one if they are special police and it's an unusual circumstance.  The assailant was apparently upset concerning Jo Coxes efforts to admit so many culturally and ethnically diverse people into England that he felt it was threatening Britain's cultural identity.  He was shouting "Britain First !" as he attacked, according to bystanders.

                Jo Cox was the wife of Brandon and the mother of two young children, a precious little boy and a girl.    I don't share her politics, but no one deserves to be attacked in the street while they are doing their job. Jo Cox has been an MP only for about a year, and was very highly regarded.  The assailant has a long history of mental illness, and  is fortunate that Britain has no death penalty presently.

Layered Tragedies for Orlando

   

Orlando, Florida

        One of my closest and dearest friends lives in Orlando. Why have I not mentioned the layered tragedies there this week ?  First, a young woman who was a favorite on The Voice was signing autographs there, and was shot to death while signing autographs after her concert. Her brother tackled the assailant preventing the deaths of many, but mainstream media will not tell you that.  Second, a young Muslim, born in the US, who had a long history of raising red flags for employers, friends, ex-spouses, and schools, shot to death 49 people in a bar, and injured a bit more than 50 more.  Six of the injured remain in critical condition with more deaths anticipated.  Twice the FBI had investigated him for potential terroristic threats. A police department to which he had applied to work also called Homeland Security about his behavior, and yet, the system did not work in order to protect the people who happened to be in that bar in Orlando that night.
The third tragedy that happened in Orlando this week is that a two year old boy who was visiting Disneyworld with his parents and siblings was snatched from the edge of the lagoon by an alligator. His father was injured while trying to get him back. A number of alligators were euthanized and their stomach contents examined while the specific alligator was located.  Meanwhile, the child's body was found.  A Canadian and a British couple have reported to other news groups that their own children were almost snatched there in the weeks that preceded.  Why would alligators be kept within reach of small children at a family park ?

          Our president may not admit that militant Islamists are at war with the west and specifically with the United States. Of course, most Americans realize that most Muslims here are decent people who just wish to raise families here. However, a militant extreme subgroup of Islamists exists and wishes to create as much death and mayhem as possible here in the US.  Not to admit this truth is not to have an operational and successful plan to battle these anticipated series of attacks.  Look at France which has weathered a series of attacks in the last few years. Such attacks are here now as illegals from the Middle East come through the Mexican border to us illegally and disappear in our nation. Intelligence analysts tell us there are likely to be many many sleeper sells waiting to activate this entire month of Ramadan.

 

         Our government has not listened to its citizenry in almost eight years. All we can do is obtain concealed weapons permits if we are permitted to in our region by law, and train to be the safest and most reliable shot possible. This is not where the responsibility ends. We must also make sure we are trained well enough to hold on to that weapon if we are ever rushed by an attacker.  We must also keep our children and criminals from gaining access to the weapon. We must protect against accidental discharge of the weapon while cleaning, carrying or maintaining it.   We should absolutely avoid any location which is a gun free zone where we are sitting ducks.   We must train dispassionately for the day when a militant Islamist or other active shooter tries a mass shooting in our own midst.  We must be able to grab our weapon, vanquish the threat he is causing by pumping several rounds into the largest part of his body. We must know enough about our weapon and ammo and be practiced enough NOT to endanger bystanders while we are vanquishing the shooter. Then we must remove his weapon from him, notify police, and render aid to those who have been shot until ambulances arrive.   You notice I did not call them first responders, because WE are the first responders.   This is a large responsibility and a crushing one, but I assure you, it is ours.   The choice is to prepare for such a day now, or stand helplessly as you and your children are gunned down at a birthday dinner at Chipotle or similar restaurant.  Think about this.  We may not be able to catch each nut with radical Islamist thought disorders. However, we can make sure that at any location he might choose that ten of fifty people are licensed, trained and ready to vanquish a mad dog such as he.