tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67144057700203237622024-03-13T04:33:48.515-07:00Maryland Preppers NetworkAPNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-22352265235348142412012-02-20T15:30:00.001-08:002012-02-20T15:30:42.175-08:00We have MovedPlease visit our new blog at <a href="http://www.maryland.preppersnetwork.com/">www.Maryland.PreppersNetwork.com</a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-84188201881691199452012-01-31T20:25:00.000-08:002012-01-31T20:25:07.605-08:00They’re Doing It as We Are talking About ItBy C.Watson aka <a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=9740">Redhorse_Ronin</a><br />
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A couple days ago, I was running some errands with my aging father and we stopped at local convenience store for soft drinks. It was a typical Baltimore winter day-chilly, biting blustery breeze, with bone seeping damp air. It being the eastside of the county less than 15 miles of the downtown gentrified sections of Baltimore City with impoverished crime-ridden neighborhoods characterized by hopelessness, open air drug dealing, and vacant homes and business in between, we were not surprised to see a shabbily dressed man with a 40oz can in a bag loitering. My father remarked on him being there and I mused about whether he might belong to the tent city that intermittently springs up behind this convenience store near the railroad in a copse of wooded area.<br />
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I had watched this camp for months and at certain times was actually impressed at some of the innovations the residents went to lengths to accomplish to make the area more comfortable. I have watched this particular camp for a reason, because it is within a mile of my home and I have a child attending school at the halfway point between us. Even so, I had intended to bring some clothes and drop them off around Christmas but with an unseasonably cold snap, the camp had dissipated by the time I got there. <br />
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I can think of at least a half dozen such camps within 5 miles of my house. Baltimore is the ugly little secret that Governor Martin O’Malley chooses not to acknowledge as he positions himself for a national office, but I digress. This is indicative of how depressed, not recessed, the local economy is, despite the incongruous fact that Maryland is one of the richest per capita states in the Union. Couple this with the disproportionately high rate of government employment and the similarly high percentage of liberal democrats that monopolize this state and you have to wonder at the hypocrisy of the class warriors of the OWS and the rest of the left. Mea culpa, I digress yet again.<br />
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But I began thinking about how these disenfranchised people survive. Yes there are at least two large non-profit shelters and training programs in the same radius and yes, many of them have government entitlements and maybe even jobs, but that does not take away from the fact that they are living in modern day Hoover-villes with tents, shanties, and anything else they can scrounge. Maryland is far enough north to have some brutal winter weather that is as unpredictable as any weather can be in the Mid-Atlantic.<br />
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I wonder what lessons we could learn from these souls who are braving the elements and living outside more often than they are under a roof. Obviously these people are transient and move about on public transportation but they move about on foot, as well. These are the people that will have an advantage in a collapse. They know where the best dumpster diving is. They know the best routes to get around expeditiously and surreptitiously. They know how to engineer scrounged materials into life saving and life improving devices. In short, we can learn a lot from the actual actions of the homeless.<br />
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I am seriously considering trying to befriend some of these people and to see if I can learn some valuable lessons on urban and blue-collar suburban survival. I am curious as to what motivates them but I am more curious as to how they live.APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-11468474929750510002012-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:002012-01-29T19:24:14.739-08:00Somebody Had To Say ItBy <strong><a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=9740">RedHorse_Ronin</a></strong><br />
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I have had a predilection toward prepping since I was a child of the Cold war under Carter and Reagan with Red Dawn fantasies and musings to keep me entertained as I daydreamed in grade school. I obviously grew up and matured, but as my life progressed, I enlisted and was stationed in some awesome prepper regions like Alaska and Idaho. As a lifelong hunter and fisherman, I am just attuned to this lifestyle though I have only recently become an active prepper. <br />
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Over a decade ago, I was in the private security world after getting out of active duty. I was consulting and training for corporate clients and security companies, as well as law enforcement agencies. After 9/11, the national paranoia was quite a phenomenal thing to witness from my point of view, especially when one considers this happening on the heels of the Y2K scares. I had numerous calls from clients about NBC protection. NBC is an acronym for nuclear, biological, and chemical that the military uses. When Homeland Security put out their laughable directive on home NBC protection, I had a helluva belly laugh.<br />
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At first I tried to assuage my clients’ fears about NBC attacks. After all, they all knew my resume as a former active duty Air Force engineer that was still an NCO in a Guard unit and was a former volunteer firefighter/EMT with Haz-Mat experience. Combined with my security training in force protection and the aforementioned experience, my client base was extensive and growing post 9/11. (BTW the USAF probably has the most extensive NBC troop training programs than any other two services combined, simply because it is the only truly static based service we have. In short, the majority of AF troops will be concentrated on hard bases with limited mobility because they are anchored to the aircraft. The other services have substantially more mobility and could conceivably maneuver the bulk of targeted forces away from hot zones with less logistics. But I digress.) <br />
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I had clients, and even local police departments, approach me concerning the NBC threat. At first I considered the threat and my response to their requests. I must admit, being in a USAF engineer unit that had the responsibility of NBC operations and training, I had never been impressed with the theoretical response and contingency plans that we trained on. They were too rosy and out of touch for my tastes. When I turned my thinking toward civilian targets, I came to the conclusion that NBC countermeasures are a joke.<br />
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Let us look at a typical multi-story business building or even an apartment complex. What are the three biggest infiltration points on these buildings? How would agents and vectors most easily enter? The answer is the doors, windows, and HVAC systems. Even IF the building managers and residents were able to secure the doors and windows, what about the HVAC systems? It takes time to shut down and isolate buildings from outside air intake through the HVAC systems, especially in larger buildings.<br />
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But before we even got to that point, what WARNING will civilians get of the presence of agents? In the Gulf War, aircraft were flying through airborne agents released by the bombing of stockpiles in Iraq and ground crews were later scrambling all over the fuselages to service these aircraft. The NBC detectors were largely useless because they did not pick up these trace agents and as such many ground crewman were contaminated in repetitive low doses and Gulf War Syndrome has one theory that hypothesizes about this being a possible origin. If the NATO detectors were not able to accurate detect trace agent presence, then what would tell Joe Six-Pack that something was amiss and that it might be NBC related before he was writhing around on the ground in agony from muscular spasms that would break his vertebrate, cause pupil pin pointing and eventual death from drowning or cardio or pulmonary function shutdown?<br />
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What would the maintenance guys know to wear if they belatedly went outdoors into a contaminated environment to harden the building? What would be the warning system to initiate such precautions? The National Alert system? Seriously, do you think the government is able to get the warning out in time, PRIOR to such an attack?<br />
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When we in the military are operating in an increased NBC threat environment, we are usually operating in reduced MOPP levels. (Mission Oriented Personal Protection) The various MOPP levels dictate how much gear is worn versus carried while operating. In say, MOPP 2, we will have the over boots and garment donned but will carry the outer gloves, glove liners, and mask. Even from MOPP 2, a full minute can be used by TRAINED troops to don, tighten, clear, fit check, and buddy check the donning of the mask and gloves. These are troops that most likely have gas chamber training with CS (tear gas) or other non-lethal choking agents. How well and how fast is Joe Six-Pack going to don his gear, assuming he even dons it all correctly?<br />
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So after considering all this, I decided to tell my clients the truth. I would not train them to operate in that environment. I told them to isolate the building as much as they could and to bunker down in the interior as much as possible. The good news is that most agents are non-persistent and that dispersal is the bane of any agent delivery system. Let the emergency responders decon evacuation routes before releasing their people. I advised against trying to use off the shelf chemical protection devices used by environmental remediation and haz-mat response crews because without the training, your purchases are stabs in the dark and may lead to more deaths if used.<br />
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Now, I realize that there is a certain amount of bravado and testosterone laden attitude in this community and that a significant number of Joe Snuffy’s out there have military surplus NBC suits and they argue the finer points of Israeli vs Finnish masks or Soviet styled suits vs NATO standard British suits in DPMS camo. But the simple and irrefutable fact is this. The VAST majority of the nation, to include this community has never had any military or first responder training. These suits, of dubious quality and origin to begin with, and masks are not inspected by trained technicians on a regular basis. People have NO IDEA HOW DEBILITATING everyday operations in these suits are. I was once in an exercise where the unit was transported within 24 hours from a winter environment to a humid southern environment and forced to operate for HOURS under the sun in MOPP 4 condition (all gear donned). Fully 20% of the unit was sent to the hospital for dehydration and heat exposure. <br />
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How will Joe Six-Pack hold up? Have you ever run in a mask? Without excellent fitness and psychological preparation, many will end up hyperventilating because of the amount of air you can intake through a mask valve. What about water? Water is the bane of NATO styled suits and it degrades the lifetime of the suit exponentially, so how much does your sweat affect the suit’s viability? Then there are cartridges for your mask. How many cartridges do you have? What are their lifespans? Are the masks compatible with other cartridges? Do you even know what your mask and suit protect against? What is your decon plan? How bad would it be to make a successful foray outside only to die because you deconned improperly or because you introduced agent into your shelter?<br />
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The answers to these questions will probably reveal a vast ignorance of counter NBC operations. So what then is the answer? How do you counter this potential threat or do you go meekly into the void and surrender yourself to a fatalistic attitude?<br />
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First, IF you are going to have a counter NBC plan, get informed. Have the supplies and ability to close up and harden your residence or shelter on hand. Keep-It-Simple-S----D. Realize that your measures may not work and that you may have to face exposure regardless. Train in your gear and train donning your gear. Learn what are the likely threats and delivery systems. Learn the difference between persistent and non-persistent agents and above all, learn the symptoms of exposure. Have a shelter that is as cut-off from the outside environment as possible and get everybody there ASAP and make sure there is a week’s supply of living essentials there. Realize that geography and climate make certain places more vulnerable than others.<br />
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Next, let us look at delivery systems and nature’s countermeasures. Delivery systems that are effective are the bane of would be NBC users. Getting a good dispersal of the agent requires skill, knowledge and not a little amount of luck. Aum Shirynko of the Japanese subway attack notoriety batched up sarin in their HOMES and deployed it against the civilian populace. What saved countless lives was that the aerosol delivery system for the HVAC systems they were designed for were inadequate to effectively disperse this deadly agent. Also, where do you live? While stationed near Fairbanks, we used to laugh at the supposed possibility of wintertime attacks with chemical agents because simply, stuff stops working in the arctic. Aerosols freeze and equipment breaks. Conversely, in Arizona where the environment is conducive to better delivery, the UV from the sun will hasten the breakdown of most agents quicker than it would in a more northern climate. Rain. Rain is a countermeasure boon from nature. It will do much of your initial level decon for you so if you live in Seattle, that can work to your advantage. Even Iraq, notorious for its use of mustard and other agents, had to resort to converting aircraft into virtual crop dusters because they could not get dependable dispersion. Additionally, the persistence of agents is important. Most agents are non-persistent and will breakdown inside of 15 days.<br />
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Now that I have spread enough doom and gloom, I will tell you what my plans are. At this point, I see little gain from investing a single penny into NBC countermeasures. After 20 years of military service, I have resigned myself to the lack of feasibility of NBC survivability. I personally see a bullet as a humane treatment to exposure to some agents. I realize that this is not acceptable to many but that is merely my conclusion. I look at the NBC threat as something akin to an asteroid strike, sure there is a possibility but I can do little to affect the outcome of either. I CAN effectively counter OTHER threats and to that end, I am investing my money and energies in those directions. Good luck in your preps!<strong> </strong>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-87042603205573634332011-11-08T12:59:00.000-08:002011-11-08T12:59:14.637-08:00Solving wood stove chimney creosote problemsby <strong><a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=7298">Paul Stevens</a></strong><br />
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Resolving creosote and other safety considerations in wood burning stoves and fireplaces.<br />
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If your wood stove chimney is creating a serious creosote problem, you are probably encountering cold air hitting the outside of the chimney and cooling the gases down too quickly before they escape into the air. This can happen on single metal pipe chimneys or where an extension has been added to a masonry chimney.<br />
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I encountered this problem with an outdoor wood furnace, despite being on an acreage our rather close neighbor would call and tell us we were smoking them out. My initial solution was to add 8' foot of metal pipe to extend the chimney on up. This did improve the smoke situation but soon I began to notice creosote dripping out from the clean out at the base of the chimney. Because the stove was contained outside I wasn’t as concerned about a chimney fire as I would if it was in the house, but still concerned that I could have a roman candle going off if the creosote ignited sparking leaves and dry grass from catching on fire or worse my garage roof. I took the creosote issue very serious and began to research the problem. <br />
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I tried different mixes of seasoned woods, tried to burn it off with a hot fire of newspapers in the mornings before it built up, but nothing seemed to help the problem. Luckily I had access to a national fire safety expert that quickly clued me into the idea that the hot gases were being cooled too rapidly and liquefying before they could escape the top of the chimney extension. <br />
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I found my solution by utilizing an 8” metal pipe to surround my 6” chimney pipe extension. I used the seamless commercial furnace duct pipe, instead of the snap joint pipe sold in the hardware and home centers. I was able to purchase a 8’ section so I had no joints to worry about. I wrapped the 6” chimney pipe with fiber glass insulation, the type you buy to wrap pipes without any backing. Fiber glass insulation without the paper backing will not burn or melt. Other insulation such as rock wool or ceramic insulation is commonly used in insulating chimneys. I then slid the 8” pipe over the top, and fabricated a welded metal cap that sealed the top to the 8” pipe and prevented any rain water from running down into the insulation. (Wet insulation will only conduct the heat, and not insulate, just like taken a hot pan out of the oven with a wet hot pad) If you don’t have welding and fabrication talent or equipment a welding shop can make a cap for you. It is a simple sleeve that slips over the top of the 8” pipe and has a sealed ring reducer that fits over and down into the top of the 6” chimney pipe to seal off the top and prevent rain water from entering. I was amazed at how this very thin layer of insulation surprisingly fixed my creosote problem. <br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Please Note:</span> This was my solution, I’m not suggesting for anyone to run out and start messing with a chimney without some knowledge and experience, yours might be more complicated and a professional chimney expert may need to be consulted. Creosote build up is a disaster waiting to happen, a creosote fire is like a black smith forge fanned by rushing air up through the chimney. Knowing that cold air may be the culprit hopefully gives you a starting point, and may give those considering installing a wood stove some ideas.<br />
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Also Note:</span> If you have a prefabricated triple wall chimney or a factory made collar to exit the wall or ceiling and roof never block the holes, alter the chimney cap, or fill in the gaps between the pipes. These pipes, collars and caps are designed to use convection cooling to make the outer edge safe to install at the manufactures space recommendations next to combustible materials. Always consult with the manufacture for the proper extensions or adapters to use with these chimneys. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Blocking the air flow will create a fire hazard</span>. A properly installed metal triple wall chimney should prevent the cold air from ever reaching the inner chimney to create a creosote problem. <br />
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Some of the ceiling collars have rather large holes and to the general person and even some installers, will assume these holes need to be covered with insulation to keep heat from escaping the room. <br />
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Even a zero clearance metal fireplace is designed to be used with triple wall chimneys made specifically for the fireplace. These fireplaces come with what appears to be a dryer vent that goes to the outside of the house. As the fireplace is being used convection air is pulled in from the vent around the inner chamber of the fireplace and then up around the chimney to keep the outer chamber of the fireplace and chimney pipe cool against combustible materials. It is a good idea to check the vent before each season to be sure it is not clogged with a bird or wasp nest, or with a snow drift during the season. So if you happen to come across a good deal on a zero clearance fireplace at a garage sale, please don't run home and install it without the accompanying recommend triple wall chimney.<br />
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Have a safe and warm winter this season.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_326620571"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cottagecraftworks.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/download/file.php?avatar=7298_1311950689.jpg" /></a></div>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-58274794062016514092011-07-22T14:11:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:11:00.418-07:00The Record Heat WavesWith the record heat waves and drought across the nation, the American Preppers Network hopes that you have been prepared. Disasters of any type can and do happen anywhere, at anytime, and without warning. We are now witnessing and will continue to witness a prime example of how one disaster can cause a chain reaction leading to other disasters. Here are some potential disasters to be aware of as a result of the drought and heat waves.<br />
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<b>1)</b> <b>Water shortages.</b> Water is the number 1 most important necessity to survival. The average human can only survive 3 days without water, and even less in a heat wave. I hope you've stored some. If the water system shuts down or does not have enough, you could turn on the tap only to have a few drips. If you run into a situation where there is not enough municipal water supply to your home, start looking for other sources of stored water.<br />
<ul><li>Your <b>hot wate</b>r tank may have 30 - 50 gallons of water stored. </li>
<li>The <b>top supply tank to your toilette</b> is typically clean water that you can use.</li>
<li>Your <b>plumbing</b> in your house could have a few gallons. Open a higher faucet in your house as in a shower, sink, or upstairs source to relieve pressure, then open a lower outside faucet to retrieve water from your plumbing system.</li>
</ul>Don't short change yourself on water! Make sure you have plenty for personal consumption. If you stop sweating, that means you are dehydrated! <b> </b><br />
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<b>Got Water?</b><br />
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<b>2)</b> <b>Heat.</b> Heat poses many risks, including but not limited to:<br />
<ul><li><b>Heat Stroke.</b> Watch family members closely, especially the elderly, watch for slurred speech and disorientation. When in doubt, call for help. Time lost is brain lost. Never leave pets or children in a vehicle, and keep them out of the direct sun. Drink lots of water.</li>
<li><b>Fire.</b> Fires are much more common in the heat. Things dry out and become more flammable. Keep dry brush and trash picked up. Do not store fuel in or around your house, and keep well ventilated in a cool area out of the sun. Keep grass cut short, especially if your city is rationing water and not allowing watering of lawns. Do not store any flammables in the direct sun or in your attic. </li>
<li><b>Vehicle breakdowns.</b> Avoid driving unless it's absolutely necessary, or drive at nite. Check your fluid levels and make sure your oil and coolant are topped off. Bring extra oil and coolant with you in case you need it. DO NOT top off your fuel tank! Make sure your tires are property inflated and not over or under inflated. Bring extra water with you in case you do break down. Drive with the A/C off when going uphill. Watch your vehicles tempature when climbing grades. If your car starts to overheat when going uphill, pull over at a safe location to let it cool. Check to make sure your thermostat is working before you make your trip.</li>
</ul><b>3)</b> <b>Blackouts.</b> The nations grids are maxed out. With everyone using A/C, expect rolling blackouts. If you are in a blackout, you can wrap sleeping bags around your refrigerator or freezer to help insulate it. To conserve power, only use what you absolutely need. Keep lights turned off and keep your A/C set to the warmest temperature that you can safely stand. Do you have a generator? Be prepared to use it. Do you have plenty of non-perishable food stored? If there is an extended blackout, you may need it. Stores and gas stations will be shut down in a blackout. Do you have an emergency battery powered radio and flashlights?<br />
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<b>4) Food Prices</b> Expect food prices to increase. Especially meat. Many ranchers are butchering all of there livestock as there is not enough food and water to care for them, this means shortages in the future. Produce crops are drying up. Prices of corn, wheat and other grains will increase. Even produce grown in unaffected areas may increase in price as well due to demand. If the blackouts are too severe, stores, gas stations and truck stops may close down temporarily disrupting the supply chain and preventing food from making it to the stores.<br />
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Stay safe during this heat wave and dought. This is a serious and potentially devastating national disaster.<br />
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If you have tips, ideas, news, videos or pictures that you wish to share regarding this heat wave you can submit your article to americanprepper@yahoo.com. If your article is chosen we will post it on your states preppers network blog. Top articles will get posted on APN. The top article of the week will win a free <a href="http://www.bogdenoutdoorequipment.com/d/">flashlantern</a> valued at $49.95 (made in the USA). Articles must be submitted before 7/29.<br />
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<i>Feel free to copy and repost this article in it's entirety. Credit source as <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/">AmericanPreppersNetwork.com </a></i><br />
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Here are some free helpful pdf files to download<br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Fire</b></span><b> <span style="font-size: 18px;">and Heat Waves</span></b><br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/ARC_-_Are_You_Ready_-_Fire.pdf">ARC - Are You Ready - Fire</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/ARC_-_Are_You_Ready_-_Heat_Wave.pdf">ARC - Are You Ready - Heat Wave</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/ARC_-_Are_You_Ready_-_Wildfire.pdf">ARC - Are You Ready - Wildfires</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Fact_Sheet_-_Fire_.pdf">Fact Sheet: Fires</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Fact_Sheet_-_Fire_Safe_.pdf">Fact Sheet: Fire Safe</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Wildfires.pdf">WildFires</a><br />
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<b>Water</b><br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/ARC_-_Food_and_Water_in_Emergency.pdf">ARC - Food and Water in Emergency</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Water_-_Emergency_Disinfection_of_Drinking_Water.pdf">Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water</a><b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/How_To_Make_A_Solar_Still__Plastic_Covered_.pdf">How To Make A Solar Still (Plastic Cover)</a><b> </b><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Purification_Of_Water_On_A_Small_Scale.pdf">Purification Of Water On A Small Scale</a><b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Simple_Solar_Still_For_The_Production_Of_Distilled_Water.pdf">Simple Solar Still For The Production Of Distilled Water</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Water_-_Slow_Sand_Filters.pdf">Slow Sand Filters</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Water_Purification.pdf">Water Purification</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Water_-_Water_Treatment.pdf">Water Treatment</a><br />
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<b>Fire Safety </b><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Fire_-_Fighting_Fire.pdf">Fighting Fire</a><b> </b><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Fire_-_Fire_Safety.pdf">Fire Safety</a><br />
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Get More Free Downloads here:<br />
<a href="http://preppers.info/Free_Downloads.html">http://preppers.info/Free_Downloads.html</a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-58405285155760454132011-06-10T00:40:00.000-07:002011-06-10T00:41:04.196-07:00Lightning Fireworks Over BaltimoreThe evening of Thursday, June 9 near Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="320" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I-sC1euZVjs" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Free Thunderstorm PDF's</b></span><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/ARC_-_Are_You_Ready__-_Thunderstorm.pdf">ARC - Are You Ready - Thunderstorm</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Backgrounder_-_Thunderstorms_.pdf">Backgrounder - Thunderstorms</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Fact_Sheet_-_Thunderstorm_.pdf">Fact Sheet - Thunderstorms</a><br />
<br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Severe_Thunderstorms.pdf">Severe Thunderstorms</a><br />
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- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Thunderstorms__-__Lightning_Guide.pdf">Thunderstorms - Lightning Guide</a><br />
<br />
- <a href="http://preppers.info/uploads/Thunderstorms_lightning_tornados.pdf">Thunderstorms, Lightning, Tornadoes</a> <br />
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------------------------------------------ <br />
Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a> <br />
Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-43140832087602952312011-03-07T05:44:00.000-08:002011-03-07T05:44:09.742-08:00Maryland Preppers Roll Call - All Preppers Please Check InThe American Preppers Network is conducting a network-wide roll call. Whether you are a member or not please check in and let us know what you are doing to prepare.<br />
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This is a good opportunity to network with other preppers near you. <br />
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Maryland Preppers, to respond to the roll call please follow this link:<br />
<a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=407&t=9262">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=407&t=9262</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Reply to the Roll Call and let us know what you have been doing to prepare.</li>
</ul>If you are not yet a member of the forum you can register here for free:<br />
<a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register</a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-84122273903132958252011-02-28T05:04:00.000-08:002011-02-28T05:06:02.479-08:00Preppers in MarylandPreppers in Maryland are getting ready:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="440" height="250" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IDvNjbCKjZw" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-73273621530631335012011-02-03T06:25:00.000-08:002011-02-03T06:29:51.873-08:00Invisibility cloak enters the real world<h2><span style="font-size:100%;">Scientists are a step closer to creating a Star Trek-style cloaking device after making an object visible to the naked eye disappear for the first time.</span></h2><p>In the past researchers have only been able to "cloak" microscopic objects using extremely complicated physics and so-called meta-materials made on a tiny scale. </p> But a new study at the University of Birmingham has taken a massive step forward by making a:<br />To read the rest of this article follow the link below:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8296338/Invisibility-cloak-enters-the-real-world.html">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8296338/Invisibility-cloak-enters-the-real-world.html</a><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-57550731973858143902011-01-10T07:14:00.000-08:002011-01-10T08:10:25.868-08:00Tea Tax vs Alcohol Tax Whats the Diference?The Boston Tea Party was a key event in the growth of the American Revolution. While the dime a drink tax being proposed in Maryland is just a drop in the glass by comparison it still helps to fuel the fire already burning for many. <br /> It is suggested that the tax will reduce consumption, thereby reducing alcohol dependence, drinking and driving and a host of other issues. While to some small degree I can agree, the bottom line behind the proposed tax is the same as it has always been. Another way to reach into our pockets and take our money.<br /> Will this start a new American Revolution? By it self , I doubt it. Just another piece of wood thrown on a fire already burning out of control. At some point, and not far off, another group of Americans will rise to put the fire out. They also will be called Patriots.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2011/01/07/Top-Stories/Dime-A-Drink-Tax-Hik">http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2011/01/07/Top-Stories/Dime-A-Drink-Tax-Hik</a><br /><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-26811313761506544512010-12-28T21:55:00.000-08:002010-12-28T21:56:38.216-08:00Doomsday Fear Mongers Get It Right Again<p>By now, you’ve likely come across the recent <em>60 Minutes</em> segment titled <em>State Budgets: Day of Reckoning</em>. If you have yet to view it, <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/doomsday-fear-mongers-get-it-right-again-the-credit-card-is-maxed-out-its-over-its-over_12222010#60minutes">you can do so below</a>.</p> <p>Millions of Americans who have been told that our economy is now in a period of recovery may be surprised to learn that most states are so broke that they are left with no other choice but to cut spending on literally everything. Governor Christie of New Jersey is, according to <em>60 Minutes</em>, the canary in the mine:</p> <blockquote><p>We spent too much on everything. We spent money just crazily. The credit card’s maxed out. It’s over. It’s over.</p></blockquote> <p>For readers of this web site and other alternative news and contrarian outlets this report was to be expected. We’ve been reporting on, and our readers have been contributing their insights via comments for quite some time - at least a couple of years now - about the fundamental problems facing our country. For those who have questioned their own sanity, or have had their sanity questioned by friends and family when trying to spread the message of preparing for the Greatest Depression, Governor Christie just proved that you’ve been right all along:</p> <blockquote><p>Where am I getting the money? I don’t have it. I literally don’t have it.</p> <p>It’s not like you can avoid it forever because it’s here now. We all know it’s here. And the Federal government doesn’t have the money to paper over it anymore either for the states. The day of reckoning has arrived. And it’s going to arrive everywhere.</p></blockquote> <p>Unlike the federal government, states don’t have the ability to issue debt and print as much money as is needed via the digital presses at the Federal Reserve. They are left with no choice but austerity measures via spending cuts. And, as Charlie McGrath pointed out recently, <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/mcgrath-austerity-will-hit-america-like-an-eight-pound-sledgehammer_10272010" target="_blank">Austerity will hit America like an Eight Pound Sledgehammer</a>.</p> <p>Earlier this year, we discussed the <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/collapse-of-dysfunctional-states-is-another-step-to-the-federal-bubble-detonation_07292010" target="_blank">Collapse of Dysfunctional States as Another Step To The Federal Bubble Detonation</a>, and according to mainstream reports as of late, we’re well on our way to complete destruction of the way of life as we have come to know it in our spend and consume society.</p> <p>If you thought the housing bubble was bad, consider what financial analyst Meredith Whitney has to say about state and local governments. Take note that it was Whitney who blew the doors open on the problems in housing and the excessive leverage in the banking system - which led to the collapse that has left us where we are today. And while investment houses and ratings agencies are still promoting municipal bonds as a great way to preserve wealth, you might want to sleep on Whitney’s latest comments before you go all in:</p> <blockquote><p>It has tenticles as wide as anything I’ve seen. I think next to housing this is the single most important issue in the United States and certainly the largest threat to the US economy.</p></blockquote> <p>When asked why no one is doing anything about it, Whitney provides an answer that is as true today as it was before the housing bubble pop:</p> <blockquote><p>Because they don’t pay attention until they have to.</p></blockquote> <p>It is only at the precipice of disaster that people, especially politicians and vested interests, are willing to change.</p> <p>The worst thing about all of this, is that, as Meredith Whitney suggested, the states will likely find a solution to their problems. Our view is that this solution will come down to massive, unprecedented bailouts from the Federal government. Not billions - not trillions more will be printed.</p> <p>We maintain <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/collapse-of-dysfunctional-states-is-another-step-to-the-federal-bubble-detonation_07292010" target="_blank">our previous forecast</a>, though we can’t put a specific timeline on it, that the collapse of state governments will eventually lead to the largest bubble detonation in history - financier <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/category/george-soros" target="_blank">George Soros</a> refers to it as the Super Bubble and trend forecaster <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/category/gerald-celente" target="_blank">Gerald Celente</a> calls it the Government Bubble:</p> <blockquote><p>How long will this be?</p> <p>It’s hard to say, but in terms of the states, we’re likely looking at sooner rather than later. States are already broke, with California, Illinois and New Jersey already showing serious fiscal strain. In the near future we’ll begin seeing states requesting bailouts directly from the federal government. Eventually, we suspect that the majority of states will be standing in the welfare line looking for hand outs.</p> <p>For now, the US dollar remains fairly strong given our economic problems. In fact, any time a financial emergency spreads across the globe, investors seem to be running to US bonds for safety, so there is still confidence in the US government’s ability to service our existing debt.</p> <p>However, we believe that once the states begin to require federal involvement to pay government workers, emergency responders and pensioners, we will be much closer to a serious collapse of not only our economic system, but the monetary system as well. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world realizes that we’re completely broke and takes action accordingly.</p> <p>The states blew a government spending bubble, and that bubble is about to pop. The federal debt bubble will not be far behind.</p></blockquote> <p>Naturally, there will be skeptics. In fact, most are skeptical of the possibility of a complete collapse of the US Dollar and our way of life, but it is in process as we speak.</p> <p>Just like the states, the federal government will soon be on the precipice.</p> <p>Meredith Whitney says that municipal bond defaults will start occurring in scores over the next 12 months. We’ll see what the federal government does, but our guess is more bailouts - hey it worked before!</p> <p>But who will bail out the $150 Trillion (official figure) government debt bubble?</p> <p>Any takers?</p> Yeah, we didn’t think so.<br /><a name="60minutes"></a><br /><div style="font-style: italic;"> <p><strong>Author:</strong> Mac Slavo<br /> <strong>Date:</strong> December 22nd, 2010<br /><strong>Visit the Author's Website: <a href="http://www.shtfplan.com/" target="_blank">http://www.SHTFplan.com/</a> </strong> </p> </div><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-59671545169270935192010-12-25T11:46:00.000-08:002010-12-25T11:47:26.643-08:00Sing the health praises of parsley and sage<div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;"> Those of us who go back a few years likely remember the line about parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme in the huge Simon and Garfunkel hit song about two ill-fated lovers, "Are You Going to Scarborough Fair". Many have speculated that the reference to the four popular herbs was due to their use in Medieval Europe to help cleanse the air and ward off the infamous black plague. Others have thought that the reference to the four herbs was because the combination may have been used as a love potion. Whatever the reason for their inclusion in the popular song, the many <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/health_benefits.html">health benefits</a> of parsley and sage are worth loving and singing praises about in their own rights.<br /><br /><b>PARSLEY</b><br /><br />Parsley is an amazing medicinal herb with a world of health <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/benefits.html">benefits</a>. The root contains <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/calcium.html">calcium</a>, B-complex vitamins, and iron, which nourish the glands that help regulate the uptake of calcium. It is a source of magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K.<br /><br />Among the many benefits reported for <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/parsley.html">parsley</a> are:<br /><br />*It is a diuretic which helps the <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/body.html">body</a> produce more urine to keep the urinary system operating smoothly and which helps prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/infections.html">infections</a>.<br /><br />*It is wonderful for removing toxins from the body, such as heavy metals.<br /><br />*It is an effective breath freshener. It is believed that the practice of including parsley on a dinner plate began due to its breath freshening abilities and not merely for its decorative effect.<br /><br />*The root and leaves are good for the liver and spleen.<br /><br />*It helps relieve bloating during menstruation.<br /><br />*It provides relief for edema, often helping when other remedies have failed<br /><br />*Parsley root and seeds help relax stiff joints, often making stiff and unmanageable fingers work again.<br /><br />*It helps remove gallstones when used properly by taking a pint of the tea daily.<br /><br />*It is beneficial for the adrenal glands.<br /><br />*It is a powerful therapeutic aid for the optic nerves, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/brain.html">brain</a> and sympathetic nervous system.<br /><br />*Parsley juice is an excellent tonic for the blood vessels.<br /><br />Note: It is best to avoid large amounts of parsley if you are pregnant, especially the use of the volatile essential <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/oil.html">oil</a>.<br /><br /><b>SAGE</b><br /><br />Like <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/rosemary.html">rosemary</a>, its sister herb in the mint (Labiatae) family, <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/sage.html">sage</a> contains a variety of volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids, including rosmarinic acid. The oils found in sage are both antiseptic and antibiotic, helping it fight infections.<br /><br />Besides the <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/antioxidant.html">antioxidant</a> and other properties shared with Rosemary, sage`s other <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/health.html">health</a> benefits include:<br /><br />*It is effective for symptoms of menopause, night sweats and hot flashes because of its estrogenic action and because its tannins help dry up perspiration.<br /><br />*Sage helps provide better brain function and has been used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease for over a thousand years. It helps provide better recall and <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/research.html">research</a> has suggested that it may be an effective option to help treat Alzheimer`s.<br /><br />*There`s also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/insulin.html">insulin</a> does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin`s action.<br /><br />* The ability of sage to protect oils from oxidation has also led some companies to experiment with sage as a <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/natural.html">natural</a> antioxidant additive for cooking oils that can extend shelf <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/life.html">life</a> and help avoid rancidity.<br /><br /><i>In an upcoming <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/article.html">article</a>, we will also sing the praises of the other two <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/herbs.html">herbs</a> mentioned in the popular song - rosemary and <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/thyme.html">thyme</a>.</i><br /><br />Sources included:<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarbo...</a><br /><a href="http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/healing-herbs.html" target="_blank">http://www.healthy-holistic-living....</a><br /><a href="http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/natural-notes/1098-health-benefits-of-parsley.html" target="_blank">http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/natu...</a><br /><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/parsley-health-benefits.html" target="_blank">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pars...</a><br /><br /><h1>About the author</h1>Tony Isaacs, is a <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/natural_health.html">natural health</a> author, advocate and researcher who hosts <a href="http://www.tbyil.com/">The Best Years in Life</a> website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "<a href="http://tbyil.com/rose-laurel.htm">Cancer's Natural Enemy</a>" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.<br />Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/Texas.html">Texas</a> and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "<a href="http://curezone.com/forums/f.asp?f=861&p=14">Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May</a>" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "<a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/oleandersoup/">Oleander Soup</a>" and he serves as a consultant to the "<a href="http://www.utopiasilver.com/affiliates/jrox.php?id=18">Utopia Silver Supplement Company</a>".<span><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div>------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-52143154057795716772010-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:002010-12-25T11:46:14.562-08:00Terrorist may poison the food supply (but the food companies already have)<div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Always on the terror streak, the mainstream media is now warning Americans that terrorists may strike the food supply by dumping poison into restaurant salad bars and buffets, for example. CBS News broke the story, quoting anonymous "intelligence" sources who insist that terrorists might use ricin or cyanide to poison foods in salad bars.<br /><br />I have news for CBS, the federal government, and the terrorists: <b>If you really want to poison the U.S. food supply, just use aspartame.</b> It causes neurological disorders and yet remains perfectly legal to dump into <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/foods.html">foods</a> such as diet sodas and children's medicines. You don't even have to dump it into <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/the_food_supply.html">the food supply</a> in secret, either: You can do it right out in full view of the public. Heck, you can even list this chemical right on the ingredients label!<br /><br />Or get into the MSG <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/business.html">business</a>. MSG, which is often hidden on "natural" foods under an ingredient called <b>yeast extract</b>, is <b>a potent neurotoxin</b> that promotes obesity and even <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/cancer.html">cancer</a>, according to some experts. Feed people enough <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/MSG.html">MSG</a> and they'll probably die of cancer sooner or later, and that counts toward the goal of <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/terrorism.html">terrorism</a> too, doesn't it?<br /><br />If you really want to get nasty and up the <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/body.html">body</a> count, start a hot dog company and dump <b><a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/sodium_nitrite.html">sodium nitrite</a></b> into your processed meat like all the other hot dog <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/companies.html">companies</a> do. Sodium nitrite promotes aggressive cancers -- even in <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/children.html">children</a> -- and yet the USDA and <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/FDA.html">FDA</a> allow its use in the food supply (<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/007133.html" target="_blank">http://www.naturalnews.com/007133.html</a>).<br /><br />Better yet, feed the population genetically modified corn and then wait for the mutations to kick in. GMOs might actually be called a <b>biological weapon</b> because they cause so much harm to humans and the environment. (<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/GMO.html" target="_blank">http://www.naturalnews.com/GMO.html</a>)<br /><br /><h1>Why be a terrorist when you can do so much more damage as a <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/processed_food.html">processed food</a> company?</h1>If you're a terrorist looking to poison the U.S. <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/food_supply.html">food supply</a>, <i>get in line, buddy!</i> The <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/food_companies.html">food companies</a> have beat you to it!<br /><br />In the U.S. <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/food.html">food</a> supply right now, you can find toxic mercury, BPA, acrylamides, petrochemicals, dangerous preservatives, synthetic chemicals like <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/aspartame.html">aspartame</a>, pesticide residues and artificial colors that alter <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/brain.html">brain</a> function. The FDA doesn't seem to care about any of this, of course: All these poisons in the food supply are legal!<br /><br />So here's a message to Al-Qaeda and all the other <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/terrorists.html">terrorists</a> trying to kill Americans: Don't bother with bombs and missiles... just <b>get into the processed food business!</b><br /><br />Or, heck, if you really want to kill Americans with <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/poison.html">poison</a>, <b>get into the cancer industry!</b> The "Al-Qaeda Cancer Clinic" could really rack up some body bags by doing what all the other cancer clinics do: Inject patients with <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/chemotherapy.html">chemotherapy</a> and watch them die (<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/029996_chemotherapy_brain_function.html" target="_blank">http://www.naturalnews.com/029996_c...</a>).<br /><br />Seriously, if you want to kill Americans, all you really need to do is <b>keep supporting conventional <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/medicine.html">medicine</a> and the FDA</b> with its do-nothing position on dangerous <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/chemicals.html">chemicals</a> that threaten the health of Americans right now. FDA-approved <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/drugs.html">drugs</a> kill well over 100,000 Americans each year -- a statistic that dwarfs the body count of any terrorist group.<br /><br />Come to think of it, how do we know <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/the_FDA.html">the FDA</a> isn't already being run by terrorists? Their actions, which blatantly endanger American lives, are entirely consistent with the aims of a terrorist organization. (<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/001894.html" target="_blank">http://www.naturalnews.com/001894.html</a>)<br /><br />By the way, this is all depicted in a CounterThink cartoon I created in 2006 called <i>The Food Terrorists</i>: <a href="http://www.counterthink.com/The_Food_Terrorists.asp" target="_blank">http://www.counterthink.com/The_Foo...</a><br /><br />This cartoon anticipated today's terror news alerts by four years. That's because when it comes to the U.S. government's rhetoric on terrorism, it's not that difficult to see where they're taking it.<br /><br />Want to know what the next four years will bring us? I'll soon be publishing a list of predictions for 2011 and beyond. Watch NaturalNews.com for that announcement.<br /><br />In the mean time, you might want to steer clear of FDA-approved foods and drugs, because you just never know what's really in them.<br /><br /><div><div style="overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; border: medium none;">Wednesday, December 22, 2010<br />by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger<br />Editor of NaturalNews.com<span><br /><br /></span><br /></div></div><b>Sources for this story include:</b><br /><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/12/20/eveningnews/main7169266.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010...</a><span><br /></span><br /></div></div>------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-3415008574420002312010-12-01T06:03:00.001-08:002010-12-01T06:04:53.702-08:00Uses For Dryer LintJust about everyone has dryer lint. I suppose most people just toss it out in the trash. But I don't. I've been saving dryer lint for what seems like ages. I happen to know that there are lots of other folks out there that do the same thing. How do I know this? Because not only have I had LOTS of people actually admit that they save lint, I have seen it with my own eyes.<br /><br /> Walk into most laundry rooms and you will probably see a pile of lint somewhere. On top of the dryer, in a separate trash bag, in an old coffee can and some even have a "special container" just for lint saving. I'm one of those. I have an old trick or treat bucket stuffed to the rim with dryer lint. Somewhere I even have ANOTHER container to dump the bucket into when it gets full.<br /><br />I was thinking about it one day (yeah I do tend to think of off the wall stuff sometimes) and asked myself just what in the world I was going to do with all that fluffy, multi-colored recyclable material. I don't know why I even started saving it to start with. I just kept thinking " There must be something I can do with this stuff". I also decided to ask around and see what others had to say about the stuff. The number one answer, hands down, was to use it for firestarter.<br /><br />I started searching around and came up with a few other things that dryer lint can be used for. I'm kind of glad I did too. Somehow it makes me feel better to know that I'm not alone in my "harvesting" of lint!<br /><br /> Here is where I have to put in a serious warning. Dryer Lint is EXTREMELY flammable. Which is, I suppose, one reason that the #1 use for it is for starting fires!<br /><br />You have to be careful when you burn dryer lint as well. Remember that how it burns depends on what the lint was made out of. Things that are man-made will melt and/or smoke. It might smell like burnt plastic or even put out fumes. Cotton, wool and linen dryer lint will work just fine. If you aren't sure about what's in it you might want to take it outside in an open area and burn some. If it morphs into something ( like little beads etc) don't put it in your fireplace or bbq pit.<br /><br /> Some of the things people use it for call for caution and a bit of common sense. If you decide to use any of these ideas please use your head and remember just how flammable this stuff is ok?<br /><br />Alrighty then.... We have the warnings out of the way. Now on to some of the interesting things you can use all that harvested dryer lint for......<br /><br />Here are a couple of ways to use that fluffy stuff as a firestarter. I like a couple of these ideas because not only does it call for using your dryer lint but also some of the other things just laying around the house "just in case".<br /><br /> Try using it instead of lighter fluid the next time you fire up your BBQ pit. Lay little pieces around your briquettes to start your coals.<br /><br /> Lint also makes a good woodstove or fireplace tender. Just ball up some of the soft lint and place it in your starter kindling. They should ignite quickly and get your fire started easily.<br /><br /> Take an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll and stuff it with old newspaper and dryer lint. Close up the ends and you have a great firestarter. Use it in your fireplace or put a couple in your stash for your next camping or hiking trip.<br /><br />This idea seems to be one of the most popular in the searches I've done. Take a cardboard egg carton and stuff lint into it. Then, using old candles, paraffin, or even used crayons, Pour melted wax over each cup on top of the lint. Use one or two of your "lint eggs" to start your fire.<br /><br />Make firestarter "kisses". Take a small piece of wax paper and wrap lint and little wax bits in it. Then twist the wax paper ends like a candy wrapper. Put them in your stack of wood and light the end of the waxed paper. This would be a good way to use up some of those little bits of crayon pieces that the kids have laying around too.<br /><br />Something else I ran across while reading about lint is to use it when making small dolls and teddybears as well as the batting for quilts. Stuff your home-made cushions with it. I saw where someone used it in their old farmhouse for insulation against drafts. Personally I'm not sure I would want to do this though because of the possibility of it catching on fire. I only mention it because it actually would work.<br /><br />You could leave some out in the yard somewhere for birds to make their nests from as well as using it in your worm beds. Again, I would do a bit more research before trying one of these ideas.<br /><br />How about using it to make a draft stopper? It would work well on a tile floor, especially if you have a metal door or one of those metal kickstopper on the bottom of your door. You could use a tube sock and stuff it with dryer lint and then sew the end closed to keep the drafts from blowing in under the door.<br /><br />You know that nesting box material you pay an arm and a leg for at PetSmart for your hamsters and guinea pigs? Try using dryer lint instead. Warm, clean, cuddly and cheap!<br /><br /><br />How about using it for packing material? It can't be any worse than using those dang peanuts that get everywhere when you open up a package.<br /><br />Use your artistic abilities and make a masterpiece from old dryer lint. Use it for kid's craft projects. You can shape the lint into almost anything or even use it to replace cotton for things like snowmen or clouds. Just glue the "shapes" onto construction paper. How about using it for things like hair or even fur for your craft projects! You can make some dryer lint clay from it or even make paper out of it. There are several places to get recipes for either of these projects on the internet.<br /><br />You could make candle wicks from it, as well as rope. Just roll it the same way that the Indians used to make rope from plant fibers. It would take a bit of time but it would work!<br /><br />You could use it to help with growing your plants. You don't want to put the lint on the soil next to the plant. It could mold. But you could use it in the bottom of your pots. It will keep the soil IN the pot and let the water OUT. If you are going to do this though you might want to be careful with what kind of lint you use. Some fabrics and some laundry detergents have chemicals that you might not want on your plants. But if you use the dryer lint from natural fabrics like cotton and linen and eco- friendly detergents it should work just fine!<br /><br />Here's another use. Use dryer lint to soak up used motor oil. Before you change the oil in your car, put down a "sheet" of lint under the car and on the sides of the front of the car. If you spill oil, cover it with another layer of lint and firmly step on it so it soaks it up well. Be sure to discard the lint carefully.<br /><br />So there you have it! Some actual uses for that stuff that seems to magically "grow" without much help.<br /><br />Arthur: <strong><a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=1814">SciFiChick</a></strong><br /><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>gmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05011963123949904921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-78143180670516652142010-11-27T10:08:00.001-08:002010-11-27T10:08:52.309-08:00Maryland Preppers Roll CallThe Maryland Preppers Network is conducting a Roll Call on our forum. If you are a prepper please check in.<br />
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<a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=618&t=6220">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=618&t=6220</a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-59133129841895748512010-09-14T14:05:00.000-07:002010-09-14T14:09:33.253-07:00How To Join The Maryland Preppers NetworkCome learn survival, preparedness and sustainable living with us!<br /><br /> The Preppers networks are all about volunteering our knowledge and skills with each other. We share ideas, tips and basically network with each other to survive any type of disaster whether natural, man made, or economic. Information that you learn and share with others will help everyone learn how to find "Freedom Through Teaching Others Self Reliance."<br /><br /> Joining the Maryland Preppers Network is simple, and most of all, it's Free! To join, just follow these few steps.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1)</span> Register to become a member of the American Preppers Network <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a> The registration page is here: <a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register</a><br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">2)</span> Once you have your account, go to the index page of the forum and do your first post by introducing yourself in the new members area. <a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/index.php">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/index.php</a><br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">3)</span> Once you know how to do posts, visit the Maryland forum and introduce yourself. The Maryland forum can be found by scrolling to the lower section of the index page where you will find a list of states, or you can go directly by following this URL: <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewforum.php?f=57">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">4)</span> After you've visited the Maryland forum, follow this link to learn how to join the Maryland Preppers Network group:<br /> <a href="http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=564&t=2738">http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=564&t=2738</a><br /><br /><br /> APN's success depends on your contributions. If you would like to donate to our organization by becoming a Gold Member you can join the APN Gold Members club by following this link:<br /> <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/page.php?p=apn-gold-membership&sid=5b241e92a767cdfbe7a345c54dd55127">http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/page.php?p=apn-gold-membership&sid=5b241e92a767cdfbe7a345c54dd55127</a><br /> Gold Membership is only $5 per month. For a list of Gold Member benefits <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/2010/08/benefits-of-becoming-apn-gold-member.html">go here</a><br /><br /> Thank you for your support!<a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/"></a>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-80673703144224413622010-05-01T08:45:00.000-07:002010-05-01T08:47:26.704-07:00Many Reasons To PreparePreparation allows for many backstories. Some people will want to prepare out of a concern for 2012 predictions. I prefer to stay within the realm of the known. Solar flares, earthquake, other natural disasters will always befall humans. In this article, we will focus on the domestic situation within the United States.<br /><br />Grey Wolf is having computer difficulties, he asked me to give him a hand. So, let me introduce myself. My screen name is Patriot Preacher. I am the chairman of a local group that grew out of the first Tea Party. We are concerned citizens working in a non political manner to right the course of this country. We are not partisan, hateful or racist. That is all I will say about that. I write for, and publish a newsletter, 2 blogs and occasionally get published letters to the editor of my local paper. I am also a prepper. I came to preparedness in a search for what to do about the impending collapse of the US economy. Over the past few years I have learned much, as I suspect many have. I have learned the key to preparing is to just get started.<br /><br />If you have not started preparing for the worst case scenario, it is imperative to start right now. There are forces at work within the United States that will bring the situation to critical within the next few years. I believe 2012 is only a coincidental year in the larger scope of world events. The world will not end in 2012, but the world as we know it may. Only the Lord knows the why and when of the endtimes, we can only extrapolate future trends from current events. Those current events are rather ominous.<br /><br />Briefly around the world we have a few things that impact the US:<br />Rouge Nations- North Korea and Iran, for example<br />Sovereign Defaults or near defaults- Greece, Spain, to name a few<br />Volcanic Eruption- Air travel impacted by an unpronounceable volcano in Iceland<br />Major Oil Spill- The BP disaster will wreak havoc on the local economy in several US states<br /><br />Here in the US, very curious situation is developing. We are very close to the edge of collapse, economically. We could spend hours discussing the current direction, up, down, sideways, double dip recession, green shoots and Greater Depression. I suspect if you are on this site, you tend to think like me, with respect to the economy. There is a political aspect to the situation in the US which also threatens its stability. I recently wrote this article, and am happy to share it here. It may have political overtones which do not belong here, but is offered for insight, not as an attempt to change anyone’s political views. We don’t prepare for political reasons, but logical ones.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssLlyFaM3QM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ssLlyFaM3QM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />There is obviously a disconnect in reality, the world must have fallen down the rabbit hole. The video clip would be comical if it did not send the ominous message that the government is out to manufacture real anger in the Tea Party movement. It also shows that the President has not studied history, or at least, not learned correctly from it.<br /><br />In 2008, we marched in DC. Millions of people, just like the ones in the video. We listened to the direction of the police, we thanked the police for the job they do. They thanked us for being so polite. If you listen to the audio in the piece above, you can hear the leader of the Tea Partiers say the police thanked them for compliance. The mainstream media painted the protesters as rowdy. The only things heard were giggles, and maybe a few questions about why RIOT POLICE needed to be used against people singing patriotic songs.<br /><br />Pundits in the media have purposely mislabeled the Tea Party movement as racist, violent hatemongers. Every piece of video shows otherwise. The only violence at a Tea Party protest has been against the Tea Party. Recently, Former President Clinton warned that the rhetoric of the movement may incite the next "McVeigh". Likely, the next "McVeigh" will be driven by the gross over reaction to peaceful protesters.<br /><br />These riot stormtroopers are the equivalent to the Redcoats of old. They are trotted out as a show of force. That is akin to using a sledgehammer to drive a tack. It is the wrong tool, if not used very carefully the entire piece of work could be damaged. A troop of Boy Scouts could have kept this group in line.<br /><br />More Redcoats are massing in the country. A story about the <a href="http://www.examiner.com:80/x-37620-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m4d13-Special-army-unit-ready-to-be-deployed-on-American-soil-just-before-Nov-elections">1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division</a> was in the print edition of the Crier in April. Eighty Thousand troops assigned to domestic military duty. Allegedly to counter terrorist activity, assist in natural disasters, it is the wrong tool. Their other mission is to counter civil unrest, a police job, unless they have an "enemy".<br /><br />The enemy is being fabricated, by the media, the Left and the Leftists in government. Recently held <a href="http://patriotpost.us/alexander/2010/04/29/army-preps-for-tea-party-terrorists/">military exercises at Fort Knox </a>specifically name the Tea Party, and people opposed to ObamaCare, in the same breath with the white supremacists, as ready to attack the gold depository. This is only an exercise scenario, but the military trains for likely enemies. This elevates the Tea Party to "Insurgent" status in the eyes of military leaders. It then is only a tiny step to full blown enemy status. It would not take much with so many stormtroopers and military troops being manipulated to think the movement is something more than peaceful, normal redress of grievances as outlined in the Constitution.<br /><br />In fairness, it is rumored the Police Department in the video did not want to participate in this, but were ordered by the Secret Service. That, then, lays it in the lap of the President. The military scenario was written by an officer that did not seek the approval of his scenario. To their credit, troops and Officers broke the story. However, the President is the Commander in Chief and as such, surrounds himself with people loyal to him. All of this sets a strange scene, reminiscent of days gone by, in history not taught. <br /><br />A revolution is being set up, not by the Tea Party, but by the Leftist, Socialist, Progressives within the government itself. It was planned as a peaceful "transformation of America", but then the Tea Party happened. People woke up, and those people are waking others. Anarchists, Union thugs and Progressives are fomenting the violence in order to drive us to revolution. If that does not work, they have put in place the strategies of Alinsky, Cloward and Piven to drive the US to utter collapse, hoping to rise all powerful from the ashes. Those strategies worked out so well for Wiemar Germany and Russia didn’t they? Pick your poison, Alice, totalitarianism in the form of Fascism or Communism. Then again, this is Wonderland, there is another option. Resist, peacefully resist for as long as we can.<br /><br />Resist and prepare for what is coming. Pray for guidance in your preparations, pray for your resistance to remain peaceful for as long as it can. Pray that we can ride out a collapse and emerge victorious on the other side. The pieces are nearly in place to transform America into something it was never intended to be, remain vigilant.<br /><br /><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>GreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-61892672889261296682010-04-28T16:40:00.000-07:002010-04-28T16:42:10.105-07:00Repost "Bug-out"By now you have heard of “Bug-out” or BO bags, tactics, vehicles and whether to or not. The one thing about bug-out that people say is very general for all events (so to speak) that may take place. Let us first break “this” down a bit more. There are three type of bug-out; casual, direct, and critical.<br />The “Casual Bug Out” (CBO) is a bug-out that consists of being able to casually pack your vehicle and gas up the road without impetus. For a good scenario to explain this is this, let’s use Florida as an example. Hurricane season is soon approaching, so you stock up on your supplies as usual. By tracking the storm you realize that between category force and direction, its course will cross your neighborhood. You already have the contingency plan for going to your family in up-state Georgia, so you start to grab your prepped boxes or bags and set. This occurs in advance of the alerts.<br />The “Direct Bug Out” (DBO) is one that you have to go at the onset of an event. We’ll use the example in the aforementioned. While you have been tracking the hurricane, you see no need to evacuate. A couple of days past and the storm has been upgraded from a “cat 2” to a “cat 4” in less than 12 hours. When you decide it is time to evacuate, so does a lot more people. In turn, there is traffic and lines at the gas stations. This time lose could be very “costly” to you and your family, not to mention that it could create a new “bad” scenario on top of the event that you are in now. This occurs at the onset of the alerts.<br />The next is, “Critical Bug Out” (CBO) there is two categories for the “CBO”. One being the “immediate” and the other being the “inevitable” bug out. You follow the reports and decide to stay put. The storm arrives at your step with full force. In the mist of the storm you decide it’s time to go. Out you go with your family and there are high winds. There are downed power lines. There is knee deep water in the streets. On top of all this, you have to go on foot. This is “Immediate”, this can occur at the onset or sometime during an event. The other, the “inevitable”, occurs after the event has pasted. Also it can stem from the destruction of you home and forces you onto the street. This is the “Aftermath” effect.<br />With proper preparation with multiple contingency plans, you can lessen or even avoid possible problems. Think and practice, keep this in mind at all times when preparing.<br />GreyWolf<br />Sunday, February 28, 2010<br /><br /><br />------------------------------------------<br />Join the APN Forum at <a href="http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/">www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net</a><br />Visit the Maryland Forum at <a href="http://www.marylandpreppersnetwork.net/">www.MarylandPreppersNetwork.net</a>GreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-18860339969409024962010-02-28T13:00:00.000-08:002010-02-28T13:12:45.840-08:00“Bug Out”<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CKyle%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" 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<br /><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">By now you have heard of “Bug-out” or BO bags, tactics, vehicles and whether to or not. The one thing about bug-out that people say is very general for all events (so to speak) that may take place. Let us first break “this” down a bit more. There are three type of bug-out; casual, direct, and critical.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The “Casual Bug Out” (CBO) is a bug-out that consists of being able to casually pack your vehicle and gas up the road without impetus. For a good scenario to explain this is this, let’s use Florida as an example.<span style=""> </span>Hurricane season is soon approaching, so you stock up on your supplies as usual. By tracking the storm you realize that between category force and direction, its course will cross your neighborhood.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>You already have the contingency plan for going to your family in up-state Georgia, so you start to grab your prepped boxes or bags and set. This occurs in advance of the alerts.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The “Direct Bug Out” (DBO) is one that you have to go at the onset of an event. We’ll use the example in the aforementioned. While you have been tracking the hurricane, you see no need to evacuate. A couple of days past and the storm has been upgraded from a “cat 2” to a “cat 4” in less than 12 hours. When you decide it is time to evacuate, so does a lot more people. In turn, there is traffic and lines at the gas stations. This time lose could be very “costly” to you and your family, not to mention that it could create a new “bad” scenario on top of the event that you are in now. This occurs at the onset of the alerts.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">The next is, “Critical Bug Out” (CBO) there is two categories for the “CBO”. One being the “immediate” and the other being the “inevitable” bug out. You follow the reports and decide to stay put. The storm arrives at your step with full force. In the mist of the storm you decide it’s time to go. Out you go with your family and there are high winds. There are downed power lines. There is knee deep water in the streets. On top of all this, you have to go on foot. This is “Immediate”, this can occur at the onset or sometime during an event. The other, the “inevitable”, occurs after the event has pasted. Also it can stem from the destruction of you home and forces you onto the street. This is the “Aftermath” effect.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">With proper preparation with multiple contingency plans, you can lessen or even avoid possible problems. Think and practice, keep this in mind at all times when preparing.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">GreyWolf<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Sunday, February 28, 2010<o:p></o:p></b></p> GreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-70144288848521152902010-02-24T17:51:00.000-08:002010-02-24T17:59:34.429-08:00Apologies<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I need to apologize to everyone that follows this blog. Between trying to get a new job (which I finally got) and restocking, I kinda got away from here. I will be posting here soon. I am also calling upon you to also post. Questions, comments, what ever needs to be addressed.<br />Thank You<br />GreyWolf<br /></span>GreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-88662562532172834562010-02-18T17:04:00.000-08:002010-02-18T17:07:28.702-08:00PowerlessHere is a "story" that was sent to me a while back and i thought that I would share it with you.<br /><br />Imagine………….You’re in a large grey cinderblock building with no doors but with open areas to get in and out. It has a flat, low roof, with no finished walls inside, no insulation, no furniture and no electric. It’s dark, dingy and cold. Because there are no windows, the only light shining in is coming from the open areas that are used to enter and exit. The floors are concrete and there is nowhere to sit or lie down. The bathroom consists of one large room with many toilets, about 30. They are arranged side by side and back to back with no dividers for privacy. They are filthy dirty with excrement and used toilet paper strewn all over the place. To make matters worse, there is no separation for privacy for men and women. Everyone is together in one area. There is no place to clean your hands or take a shower. It’s just an empty, cold building.<br /><br />Meals? I haven’t had a meal and I don’t know if I’m going to be fed or not. I have no control. All I have are the clothes on my back, they’re the same as everyone else’s and they are filthy.<br /><br />You’re activities for the day, consist of nothing. Everyone here is walking around with no direction. There is no work to be done, and no physical activities to be had. Your days consist of sitting, waiting, thinking and lamenting. What next? How did you even get here? What is this place and how do I get back to where I was? Everyone looks hopeless and walk around lifeless. It’s depressing. There are guards outside the fence beyond the muddy yard. They carry guns. Where is my gun? Where are all my guns? Where is the rest of my family. I’m not even sure how long I’ve been here. I feel powerless.<br /><br />What has just been described is a modern day concentration camp here in America that was experienced in a dream. It is purely a fantasy. It was a short dream or more details could have been given. I could have adlibbed with more details, but I think you get the picture. In fact, luckily, I awoke before anything else transpired.<br /><br />This article was not written to frighten people but only to share the angst of one person about what has been transpiring in our country. I don’t predict this to be our future, nor do I hope it will be. God help us. Because of the direction our country has been heading, it wouldn’t surprise me if situations like this did come to be true. It is visions like these and information in the news that encourage the fight for freedom.<br />AngieGreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-12696004605184813372010-01-29T15:27:00.000-08:002010-01-29T15:58:54.382-08:00Hello Maryland PreppersHello to all Preppers in the Maryland area. Let me introduce myself. GreyWolf is my screen name and I have a military, construction, project management and IT background(s). I have been involved in 4 season packbacking, rock climbing, and hunting. I have been a Prepper now for about 10 years and I have seen a greater need for being prepared now for about 2 years. That is why I have been involved deeply into the scene lately. A good friend of mine, PatriotPreacher, and I have started a Preparedness Counseling and Training Co. I will let him introduce himself later, but don't hesitate to ask any questions.<br />I am somewhat busy, but will set aside time at least 3-4 times a week (more if needed) for this important lifestyle.<br />I am also interested in doing something similar the <a href="http://www.kentuckypreppersnetwork.com/">Kentucky</a> Preppers network, any suggestions.<br />Thank you<br />GreyWolfGreyWolfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07992699690535388624noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-56938082669774436732009-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:002009-11-26T08:00:00.859-08:00Homemade Toothpaste Recipe<span style="font-style: italic;">Re-post courtesy of Matthiasj from <a href="http://www.kentuckypreppersnetwork.com/">Kentucky Preppers Network</a></span><br /><br />After realizing that fluoride is bad for you, and that using conventional toothpaste which is made from fluoride is bad, I started making my own homemade toothpaste. I have been using this toothpaste recipe for a few months now and it works great. It makes your mouth feel fresh, tastes good, it's cheap, and makes me feel better knowing I'm taking better care of my teeth. Traditionally toothpaste was made from mainly baking soda. It has only been the last few decades that toothpaste has fully switched over to fluoride based. Now when you're shopping for a new bottle of toothpaste, you would be hard pressed to find a toothpaste without fluoride. There is a company that makes a fluoride free toothpaste that is sold at some Wal-Marts. <a href="http://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/product-detail.aspx?id=33&name=Antiplaque%20Tartar%20Control%20plus%20Whitening%20Toothpaste&s3=MzZ8MzR8MzJ8MzN8Mzl8Mzh8MzU=">Tom's of Maine</a> sells toothpaste without fluoride added that can be purchased from Wal-Mart for less than $5 a bottle. <br /><br />The Tom's toothpaste is great, but somewhat expensive. Making your own toothpaste will help your teeth, your wallet, and give you the knowledge to make your own toothpaste if you were unable to purchase any from the store, due to a disaster. The homemade toothpaste recipe is below:<br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b><br />-6 teaspoons baking soda<br />-1/3 teaspoon salt<br />-4 teaspoons glycerin<br />-15 drops peppermint or wintergreen extract<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br />Mix thoroughly. Should be a toothpaste consistency. Store in an airtight container.<br /><br />The baking soda, salt, and peppermint flavor can all be purchased at your local Wal-Mart. Baking soda is around $1 a box, most should already have plenty of salt, and the wintergreen flavoring is in the arts and crafts section of Wal-Mart; 2 small bottles for $2. I was unable to find glycerin at Wal-Mart and ended up finding some at Rite-Aid. It was around $4 for a bottle, which brings the total price up to around $7. For $7 worth of ingredients and a couple minutes of your time to mix it up, the ingredients will last you months. I have been making it for around 3 months now and I'm still using the $7 worth of ingredients I purchased when I started.<br /><br />I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.pioneerthinking.com/teeth1.html">PioneerThinking.com</a>. There are a lot of other great recipes for homemade products on their site including a good mouthwash recipe. <br /><br />Here is a picture of my ingredients, and what the toothpaste looks like. For best results, use a butter knife to spread it on your toothbrush and keep it sealed in an airtight container.<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Homemade%20Toothpaste%20Recipe/?action=view&current=P1040013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Homemade%20Toothpaste%20Recipe/P1040013.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Homemade%20Toothpaste%20Recipe/?action=view&current=P1040009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Homemade%20Toothpaste%20Recipe/P1040009.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></p>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-41192638143998925922009-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:002009-11-25T08:00:02.266-08:00Gear Review: LED Flashlights & Batteries<span style="font-style: italic;">Re-post courtesy of Matthiasj from <a href="http://www.kentuckypreppersnetwork.com/">Kentucky Preppers Network</a><br /><br /></span>Light is very important for humans. Our vision at night is limited, so we have to rely electricity and light bulbs to light up the darkness. Over the last few years we have seen LEDs or Light Emitting Diodes, come onto the scene. LEDs are far superior to traditional light bulbs that use a piece of resistive wire inside a glass bulb. When a current is applied to the wire, it gets hot and begins to glow; this creates the light. LEDs require no resistive wire, and are simply diodes that produce light when a current is passed through it. LEDs are far superior to traditional light bulbs in that they consume less energy, last longer, are stronger, smaller and faster switching.<br /><br />Now that LEDs are more mainstream, you can purchase LED flashlights for the same price as regular flashlights. It's a no brainier that LEDs are the only way to go if you're purchasing flashlights for your emergency kit. You can purchase battery powered LEDs, or some companies are now making hand-crank LED flashlights that are powered by a dynamo motor which uses your hand to generate the electricity. A lot of the Chinese made hand-crank lights are cheap and won't last very long, but there is one company that makes quality hand crank lights and that is <a href="http://www.freeplayenergy.com/">Freeplay Energy</a>. I have never had any personal experience with Freeplay lights, but I have read good reviews and they're suppose to be quality lights that will last for years. They are somewhat expensive so I opted to just go for battery powered lights.<br /><br />I purchased my LED flashlights and headlamp from <a href="http://www.meritline.com/">Meritline</a>. Meritline offers great prices on lots of different styles of LED flashlights. They even have some that have 100 LEDs in one flashlight! I have (2) 20 LED flashlights from Meritline, a 21 LED headlamp, and a 24 LED tent light. All of these do take batteries and although they have extremely long battery life, in a SHTF scenario you can't rely on the local store to supply you with batteries. This is why it's important to stock up now on the batteries you need. I have around 400 batteries; 200 AA and 200 AAA. I purchased them in bulk from Meritline for very cheap, around $.25 a piece. This is the only way to purchase batteries because buying them in the store is a lot more expensive, and the cheap alkaline batteries are just as good as the expensive ones.<br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040036-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040036-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040027-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040027-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I choose to go with alkaline batteries over rechargeable ones for economical reasons mainly. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged but without electricity you would have to have a solar charger for them. Even at that, they only have so many charge cycles until they go bad. I figured for starters a few hundred alkaline batteries were good, and in the future I will probably invest in a solar charger and some rechargeable batteries.<br /><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040023-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040023-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040020.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.meritline.com/20-leds-flashlight-gun-metal---p-25451.aspx"><b>LED Flashlight</b></a><br />-20 LEDs<br />-Use 3 x AAA Battery<br />-Chrome Metal<br />-Water Resistant<br />-1-1/4" diameter x 5" length<br />-Extensive lifetime of LED (100,000 hours)<br /><br />The LED flashlight is really a great light for the price. It's super bright, very long battery life, and small enough to fit in your pocket. I keep one in my car and one in the hosue and regularly check them to make sure the batteries are still good.<br /><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040044-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040044-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040038-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040038-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.meritline.com/1-watt-led-adjustable-headlamp-silver---p-25401.aspx"><b>LED Headlamp</b></a><br />-Silver plastic housing<br />-Water resistant<br />-Ultra bright LED light<br />-Beam projects up to 50-foot<br />-Extensive lifetime of LED (100,000 hours)<br />-Alternate between 1 LED, 7 LEDs, 21 LEDs and Flashing Mode<br />-Adjustable straps<br />-Tilting lamp<br />-Use 3 x AAA Battery<br /><br />The headlamp is another great product for the money. It's made of plastic, and feels a little cheap, but as long as you take care if it it's going to last. I don't keep batteries in it while in storage to keep them from going bad or corroding. It's important to keep batteries out of your electronics when not in use. The beam is super bright, and you can alternate how many LEDs are turned on to keep the light down or save battery life.<br /><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040050-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040050-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/?action=view&current=P1040056-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/LED%20Flashlights%20and%20Batteries/th_P1040056-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.meritline.com/multicolor-flashing-24-led-camping-light---p-25502.aspx"><b>LED Tent Light</b></a><br />-24 White LEDs brings perfect illumination indoor and outdoor<br />-Comes with a hanger, magnet and hanging hole<br />-Alternate between 15 LEDs, 6 LEDs, & 3 LEDs<br />-Use 4 x AA Battery<br />-Extensive lifetime of LED (100,000 hours)<br />-Battery last for up to 50 hours<br />-Water-Proof<br /><br />The tent light is not only good for outdoor use, but great for indoor use. In a power outage a tent light could light up a whole room; you would need multiple candles to do the job of the tent light. It also has the ability to set the number of LEDs that are on to save battery, and at full power it lasts 50 hours. It has a hook to be hung on the wall, or hung from the ceiling or top of a tent.<br /><br />Lighting is very important and with today's technology advances, there's no reason to be using conventional bulbs. LEDs are 10x better and when looking for flashlights for your emergency preps, only purchase a quality LED flashlight. And don't forget, flashlights are useless without batteries, so whether you like rechargeables or alkaline, make sure you have plenty of them and the means to charge them!APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6714405770020323762.post-31310729713618186342009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:002009-11-24T08:00:04.256-08:00How To: Hydration Bladder in ALICE Pack<span style="font-style: italic;">Re-post courtesy of Matthiasj from <a href="http://www.kentuckypreppersnetwork.com/">Kentucky Preppers Network</a><br /><br /></span>The ALICE pack isn't pretty and it isn't fancy, but it's tough, rugged, and it gets the job done. It's big enough to carry all your get home bag, or your bug out bag gear and its big enough for camping and hiking needs. It's proven to hold up to even the roughest conditions and was used by the Army for decades. I purchased my ALICE pack used from Ebay and even though it is used it's still in great shape and ready for years of use.<br /><br />There are many different companies and people on the web that modify and upgrade the ALICE packs. One useful and inexpensive upgrade you can do yourself is adding a hydration bladder to the pack. The radio pouch inside the main compartment of the pack is a perfect place to add your bladder.<br /><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=displayprodimage.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/displayprodimage.gif" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><b>Step 1:</b><br />You will need to purchase a hydration bladder to go inside your pack. Wal-Mart sells a <a href="http://www.outdoorproducts.com/proddetail.aspx?sku=BL2000OP">2L hydration bladder for $9.99</a>. It comes with the bladder and hose for drinking from. You will also need a couple of (black preferably) zip ties. <br /><br /><b>Step 2:</b><br />Make sure you clean the bladder and hose thoroughly with a vinegar and water solution and let it dry completely. <i>*It might take a couple days for it to completely dry out, but you don't want it getting moldy or stinky!</i><br /><br /><b>Step 3:</b><br />Once dried, add the bladder into the radio compartment. Lay it down horizontally with the hose on the side you want to drink from. <i>*I took some electrical tape and blacked out the hose to give it a more camouflaged look, this is not required.</i><br /><br /><b>Step 4:</b><br />Route the hose out from under the flap, and along your left or right shoulder strap; whichever you prefer. Add a zip tie to the top buckle of the shoulder strap and slide the hose through it. <i>*Don't tighten it yet!</i><br /><br /><b>Step 5:</b><br />Now you want to try on the pack and get the length of the hose right. You want enough to be able to get it in your mouth for a drink, but not anymore than that. Keep as little length of hose on the strap as possible so it doesn't get snagged on something.<br /><br /><b>Step 6:</b><br />Tighten up the top zip tie to keep the hose snug, but not so much that you still can't adjust it or that it pinches the hose any. Then you can add a zip tie to the bottom buckle on the strap, but keep this one open to about the size of a half dollar piece. This gives you a place to keep the mouthpiece when not in use. It will keep it from flopping around when walking or hiking, and make it easily accessible if you needed a drink. Once your hose is in the right place, stuff the remaining hose into the radio pouch with the bladder to give it a clean finished look.<br /><br />And that's it! For around $10 and 30 minutes of your time, now you have a hydration bladder equipped ALICE PACK. This modification is cheap, easy, and useful. There are lots of other great packs out there but for the price and toughness, you can't beat an Army surplus ALICE pack.<br /><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=P1040074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/th_P1040074.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=P1040078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/th_P1040078.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><<a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=P1040083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/th_P1040083.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=P1040063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/th_P1040063.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><a href="http://s19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/?action=view&current=P1040064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b167/matthiasj50/Hydration%20Bladder%20in%20ALICE%20Pack/th_P1040064.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><b>*Click the thumbnails for a full size view</b>APNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10846941621460730009noreply@blogger.com0