Written by Bradford Angier in 1956, this 283 paper back is a substantial work for the serious survivalist.
Survivalists come from such a wide range of political and cultural, not to mention financial backgrounds its a word often misunderstood.
My meaning, for this blog, is someone who wants to make it out alive, regardless of the circumstances. Whether its government shit hitting the fan, or falling into a ravine, or becoming stranded for whatever reason, a survivalist in my book will figure out what to do and do it.
We don't expect grandma to hold our hands, a bailout or group hug.
Ok, back to this book.
The author's writing style is the old fashioned, Last of the Mohicans James Fenimore Cooper stuff. Not as plain and down to earth as modern times requires.
But its very much worth the read. I'm on chapter 4. He really makes a case for wild foods as soon as you think things are not going too good. Don't wait til your out of canned goods and dried beans before you start living off the land. He talks a lot about our taste and social preferences. For instance, I didnt't know that it took 10 eggs to fullfil a man's daily requirements for iron. Four Tablespoons of blood will do the same.
Some religions have a thing about blood. I remember a friend who got "saved" had to quit making Blood Soup. I've never had blood soup, but apparently real cow's blood went into the pot along with other delectable things.
According to Angier, blood is like milk, a product so valuable it should never be completely drained from the wild meat. I saw an article about tribes in Africa which often bled their cows, one quart at a time and used it for sustenance. This did not harm the cow who immediately replaced the blood draw through its normal body functions.
There are a few things that strike me wrong, things I personally would be hard pressed to do. According to Angier, one may rob a scavenger of his kill, even a bear, especially if there are small trees in the vicinity. Never, never never would I attempt to deprive a bear of his kill. Black bears can climb trees, while griz can knock it completely over. No go.
Another place, page 22 talks about firing a field to collect the cooked bugs and grubs. I would not try that either because a wild fire is hard to control. Back in 2009 a nearly blind guy tried to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail alone. He got lost on a side trail not far from a town. He set the grass on fire as a signal. He got found alright. I hope he paid all the firefighters, too. Thankfully, no homes were lost, no lives taken.
I remembered this story because the guy worked with an outfitter and could have carried a host of electronic devices to overcome his poor eyesight. I'm not saying we need to go with a partner every time, but if you have a handicap, solve it before you head out to the trail, not after words.
I'm still working on the Never Say Die book. I finished the chapter on shelters. The diagrams for igloo building was interesting. It looks like an astounding amount of work for one person. The lean to was promoted for good reason.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tin Can Hobo Cooking
While researching some survival stuff I washed then placed three raw Idaho potatoes in a tin coffee can. Once I had a nice bed of coals in my little wood stove, I put the stood the can up in them,shut the dampers and waited one hour.
The potatoes came out perfectly. The bottom one was a little charred, but totally edible.
I love this process because it didn't cost me anything and is fool proof. No aluminum foil, no garbage.
I'm saving the tin can. Has anyone else noticed that coffee cans, among other things are becoming mainly cardboard?
Some of the coffee containers have a metal bottom and top ring with the middle section being cardboard. This is no longer recyclable.
And, us hobos can't cook in them!
Back on the book reports. The Never Say Die has a whole chapter devoted to first aid, most of which is straightforward common sense. I studied the sketches detailing how to bandage with a large triangle, which seems to be the Canadian Air Force, circa 1979 preference. A large bandanna could be folded in half to create this triangle. I found it very useful just thinking through the support system the special wrap provided.
Ok, back to 2011. We're heading into the election year with complaints from the GOP candidates that Life Isn't Fair. They did not get their 10,000 registered voter signatures to qualify them for various ballots. Well, go shake some hands. What are you crying about?
How's it going in your neighborhood?
The potatoes came out perfectly. The bottom one was a little charred, but totally edible.
I love this process because it didn't cost me anything and is fool proof. No aluminum foil, no garbage.
I'm saving the tin can. Has anyone else noticed that coffee cans, among other things are becoming mainly cardboard?
Some of the coffee containers have a metal bottom and top ring with the middle section being cardboard. This is no longer recyclable.
And, us hobos can't cook in them!
Back on the book reports. The Never Say Die has a whole chapter devoted to first aid, most of which is straightforward common sense. I studied the sketches detailing how to bandage with a large triangle, which seems to be the Canadian Air Force, circa 1979 preference. A large bandanna could be folded in half to create this triangle. I found it very useful just thinking through the support system the special wrap provided.
Ok, back to 2011. We're heading into the election year with complaints from the GOP candidates that Life Isn't Fair. They did not get their 10,000 registered voter signatures to qualify them for various ballots. Well, go shake some hands. What are you crying about?
How's it going in your neighborhood?
Sunday, December 25, 2011
A Thousand Word Photo
This photo incorporates the styrofoam target with pertinent information, and says it all. My guy got his scope mounted and zeroed in on the private shooting range back here. Its great knowing he is this accuate. He takes our self-defense seriously.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Iron John and the Wild Woman Never Say Die
I finished Iron John, by Robert Bly.
At first I felt somewhat pissed on. Women got a bad rap, especially moms. Like we emasculate our boys or something.
But I continued reading and keeping my cool, calm non judgemental self (!) in tow. I realized its more an indictment of modern society and liberalism. The pacifist mentality of avoiding conflict, giving in to demands for civility when none is called for works against women as well.
The author takes us on a step by step analysis of the fable and all its secret meanings. In the end, the wild woman, the Princess marries the guy who became a full man by killing the enemies.
The alternate religions and mythology may leave bible believing church goers unhappy with this book, so I can't say I recommend it.
Now working on the Canadian book, Never Say Die.
I talked about Chapter 1, the Psychological Aspects, a couple days ago. Never giving up, feeling you have some control, at whatever level.
Chapter 2 is about general Canadian geography. All regions have food, no deserts
In Chapter 3 I learned about parachutes and falling properly. The main thing about falling properly, keep your feet together! I guess that should be self explanatory, I just never thought much about the dire consequences of not following this rule. Of course all of us have jumped off garage roofs in our youth know to bend the knees slightly and roll when landing. Parachutes are a science. The rate of decent is astounding. A body can fall 65,000 feet in 4 minutes, with a parachute it can take 32 minutes. Pulling the rip cord should not be done til about 10,000 feet or you could die freezing or without oxygen.
The feet together thing is my takeaway here. I don't plan on parachuting any time soon. As a survivalist, all knowledge is good knowledge. Ya never know.
Chapter 4 is about first aid. That should be good.
At first I felt somewhat pissed on. Women got a bad rap, especially moms. Like we emasculate our boys or something.
But I continued reading and keeping my cool, calm non judgemental self (!) in tow. I realized its more an indictment of modern society and liberalism. The pacifist mentality of avoiding conflict, giving in to demands for civility when none is called for works against women as well.
The author takes us on a step by step analysis of the fable and all its secret meanings. In the end, the wild woman, the Princess marries the guy who became a full man by killing the enemies.
The alternate religions and mythology may leave bible believing church goers unhappy with this book, so I can't say I recommend it.
Now working on the Canadian book, Never Say Die.
I talked about Chapter 1, the Psychological Aspects, a couple days ago. Never giving up, feeling you have some control, at whatever level.
Chapter 2 is about general Canadian geography. All regions have food, no deserts
In Chapter 3 I learned about parachutes and falling properly. The main thing about falling properly, keep your feet together! I guess that should be self explanatory, I just never thought much about the dire consequences of not following this rule. Of course all of us have jumped off garage roofs in our youth know to bend the knees slightly and roll when landing. Parachutes are a science. The rate of decent is astounding. A body can fall 65,000 feet in 4 minutes, with a parachute it can take 32 minutes. Pulling the rip cord should not be done til about 10,000 feet or you could die freezing or without oxygen.
The feet together thing is my takeaway here. I don't plan on parachuting any time soon. As a survivalist, all knowledge is good knowledge. Ya never know.
Chapter 4 is about first aid. That should be good.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Swearing As Pain Relief
According to Men's Health, October 11th, if I don't swear more than 10 times a day, when I really need it, let er fly.
That's right, British researchers have found that swearing can enhance pain tolerance. People who said nasty words could withstand icy water twice as long as those who didn't and just held their tongues. I figure they tested both men and women. The article didn't say.
As an aside, they said, "If you regularly swear more than 10 times per day, the pain relieving power of your cursing may be reduced."
The final conclusion: for maximum pain relief, blurt out the word you find most offensive.
I got a feeling this was widely known for many of you out there. However! Now that we've been alerted to the actual facts, I'm cleaning up my verbage for a rainy day.
This is good news! If the SHTF and we run out of aspirin, there could be an endless supply of affordable pain reliever for the survivalist.
That's right, British researchers have found that swearing can enhance pain tolerance. People who said nasty words could withstand icy water twice as long as those who didn't and just held their tongues. I figure they tested both men and women. The article didn't say.
As an aside, they said, "If you regularly swear more than 10 times per day, the pain relieving power of your cursing may be reduced."
The final conclusion: for maximum pain relief, blurt out the word you find most offensive.
I got a feeling this was widely known for many of you out there. However! Now that we've been alerted to the actual facts, I'm cleaning up my verbage for a rainy day.
This is good news! If the SHTF and we run out of aspirin, there could be an endless supply of affordable pain reliever for the survivalist.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Tis the Season and All that Crap
I'm not scrooge, but the black Friday, Internet Monday, green Monday, buyer's remorse and all that crap is getting old.
Then, on top of it our congress people can't get their act together and want a two month extension on whatever economics ail this economy.
All I want for Christmas is an honest politician. Well, I'd take a shitload of gold, but get real, neither is gonna happen.
So, with the holidays around the corner, and that means nearly over, Thank God! we'll get back to what passes for normal in this country. Wild market swings, celebrity scandal, election coverage, Lordy have mercy.
Naw, I'm good here, just cabin fever, and its only mid December. Where does the time go when your having fun in the back 40?
Happy New Year.
Didn't the Mayans warn us about 2012?
Then, on top of it our congress people can't get their act together and want a two month extension on whatever economics ail this economy.
All I want for Christmas is an honest politician. Well, I'd take a shitload of gold, but get real, neither is gonna happen.
So, with the holidays around the corner, and that means nearly over, Thank God! we'll get back to what passes for normal in this country. Wild market swings, celebrity scandal, election coverage, Lordy have mercy.
Naw, I'm good here, just cabin fever, and its only mid December. Where does the time go when your having fun in the back 40?
Happy New Year.
Didn't the Mayans warn us about 2012?
Saturday, December 17, 2011
More On Iron John
Reading my way through this "men's book" is beginning to feel like work. I find myself scanning. Robert Bly makes a great case for the Wild Man, not to be confused with the savage man.
Wild Men are not softened by the overpowering feminist influences. I read a posting on a survivalist blog bemoaning the "rampant feminism". I guess this is what they mean.
I will read this entire book because it does make sense. I think its belaboring the issue, hence I scan. This is a sign to put the book down and take it in smaller doses. Wild Men are my type. If I wanted a weak man, I'd get a soft woman.
I really can't see the Wild Man reading this work. It seems to speak more to the man who wants to free himself, to venture out and trust his instincts, to chuck away the confines of cultural demands for "the whole man", a nurturing, household chore splitting, diaper changing spouse.
To each their own. Not saying what anyone should do except find their own Nirvana.
So, to cut the mythology and get some practical applications, I began Never Say Die. This survival manual was published in 1979 for the Canadian Air Force. Its no nonsense first chapter totally makes the case for proper psychology over any other possible advantage gear might give.
The right attitude means accepting and dealing with fear, recognizing the emergency immediately, and coping with the 7 enemies of survival, being Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue and boredom-loneliness.
The chapter ends with a detailed description of good group dynamics, including believing in your leader, having confidence you are a valuable part of that group.
I think these two books provide a balance and will continue to read each one daily until finished, reporting here regularly.
Wild Men are not softened by the overpowering feminist influences. I read a posting on a survivalist blog bemoaning the "rampant feminism". I guess this is what they mean.
I will read this entire book because it does make sense. I think its belaboring the issue, hence I scan. This is a sign to put the book down and take it in smaller doses. Wild Men are my type. If I wanted a weak man, I'd get a soft woman.
I really can't see the Wild Man reading this work. It seems to speak more to the man who wants to free himself, to venture out and trust his instincts, to chuck away the confines of cultural demands for "the whole man", a nurturing, household chore splitting, diaper changing spouse.
To each their own. Not saying what anyone should do except find their own Nirvana.
So, to cut the mythology and get some practical applications, I began Never Say Die. This survival manual was published in 1979 for the Canadian Air Force. Its no nonsense first chapter totally makes the case for proper psychology over any other possible advantage gear might give.
The right attitude means accepting and dealing with fear, recognizing the emergency immediately, and coping with the 7 enemies of survival, being Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue and boredom-loneliness.
The chapter ends with a detailed description of good group dynamics, including believing in your leader, having confidence you are a valuable part of that group.
I think these two books provide a balance and will continue to read each one daily until finished, reporting here regularly.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Survival Books on Our Shelves
Found on one of the book shelves here at home:
Never Say Die, The Survival Book, The Death of Albert Johnson, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, Being Your Own Wilderness Dcotor,Iron John and Non- Flowering Plants.
As I read and practice the skills here in, I'll give reports, along with the authors etc.
Right now I'm doing Iron John by Robert Bly. Its a book about Men, and was number one National Bestseller. This book is sort of a Women Who Run with Wolves type thing, but much more readable. The author is using some parables and fairy tales to expound on the Wild Man. He bemoans the emergence of the Soft Man, a man in touch with his feminine side.
I agree.
A Wild Man is hot, interesting, sexy. Soft touchy feely men are too much like women, and we need two sexes to make life interesting. The author talks about initiation in ancient societies, leading to Strong, capable, protector types.
I'm only on page 20 of this 259 page book. I'll report more after I finish it. I really like the writing style of Robert Bly, and it won't take long to devour this book.
Never Say Die, The Survival Book, The Death of Albert Johnson, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, Being Your Own Wilderness Dcotor,Iron John and Non- Flowering Plants.
As I read and practice the skills here in, I'll give reports, along with the authors etc.
Right now I'm doing Iron John by Robert Bly. Its a book about Men, and was number one National Bestseller. This book is sort of a Women Who Run with Wolves type thing, but much more readable. The author is using some parables and fairy tales to expound on the Wild Man. He bemoans the emergence of the Soft Man, a man in touch with his feminine side.
I agree.
A Wild Man is hot, interesting, sexy. Soft touchy feely men are too much like women, and we need two sexes to make life interesting. The author talks about initiation in ancient societies, leading to Strong, capable, protector types.
I'm only on page 20 of this 259 page book. I'll report more after I finish it. I really like the writing style of Robert Bly, and it won't take long to devour this book.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Diversity not Dependency
I'm writing a lot of survival stuff in novel format. Learning this way is fun. We have a ton of how to books on survival, from military to woodscraft.
Sorta dry, but necessary reading.
As I encorporate these skills into my work, I'm struck by the need for diversity. So many apocalypse scripts build upon the grid collapsing, or going down. Without electic power, internet and communications, life would degrade rapidly.
Some themes begin with mega viruses getting loose. It seems theres already plenty on the planet to kill many of us at once. If that happens to a co dependent world system, we all suffer when things can not continue. The British series, Survivors, takes that premise in their 12 episodes.
I was researching cholera and found out that left untreated it can wipe out 50-60 percent of those contaminated. Contamination comes via water, shell food, poor sanitation where people are exposed to bodily waste from others infected. Research uncovered the fact that people can die within hours of showing symptoms during pandemics. Simple bleach and boiling kills the bacteria. Eating and drinking clean food is important for recovery.
My take away in all this is how important diversity is. If one thing fails, have a back up plan not dependent on the government. World wide is not the best. Local self sustaining eco systems would insure survivalabity.
In other words, in all apocalpse scenarios, the people bail themselves out of trouble, not the government.
Diversity of power sources, food and water, diversity in knowledge. That's what I'm stiving for.
Sorta dry, but necessary reading.
As I encorporate these skills into my work, I'm struck by the need for diversity. So many apocalypse scripts build upon the grid collapsing, or going down. Without electic power, internet and communications, life would degrade rapidly.
Some themes begin with mega viruses getting loose. It seems theres already plenty on the planet to kill many of us at once. If that happens to a co dependent world system, we all suffer when things can not continue. The British series, Survivors, takes that premise in their 12 episodes.
I was researching cholera and found out that left untreated it can wipe out 50-60 percent of those contaminated. Contamination comes via water, shell food, poor sanitation where people are exposed to bodily waste from others infected. Research uncovered the fact that people can die within hours of showing symptoms during pandemics. Simple bleach and boiling kills the bacteria. Eating and drinking clean food is important for recovery.
My take away in all this is how important diversity is. If one thing fails, have a back up plan not dependent on the government. World wide is not the best. Local self sustaining eco systems would insure survivalabity.
In other words, in all apocalpse scenarios, the people bail themselves out of trouble, not the government.
Diversity of power sources, food and water, diversity in knowledge. That's what I'm stiving for.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Town Day Treasures-Pot
Yesterday morning I did a flying trip to town. Not by plane, or broom, by Geo! Yes, a flying trip whereby no time is wasted thrifting around, just get in and get er done. Ok, I found these camo pants. Youth, size 14/16. I took the time to try them on. Women, have you ever thought something would fit, for sure, only to be embarrassed, what the Hell happened?
Well, yesterday was good. These pants fit perfect, the color and camo is awsome. Bad, very bad. That means good now days.
I found this 6.5 quart pot amoungst some junk in a back room of the Habitat for Humanity. Only one buck they said. I did not tell Them how perfect it was.
Its actually very heavy. The lid and handles show it can withstand a great camp fire. I love the way a person can remove the lid without reaching for a knob thing. Get a long handle and slide it into the slot on top the lid.
Next, I love the handles aren't plastic, or flameable. Ever get the perfect pot but the handles melt off. Yeah, what I'm talking about!
I've been watching alot of Breaking Bad lately. Listening to the dialogue, especially Jesse, has me thinking more about my latest installment in my series. Dialogue is important. It has to sound real.
Well, yesterday was good. These pants fit perfect, the color and camo is awsome. Bad, very bad. That means good now days.
I found this 6.5 quart pot amoungst some junk in a back room of the Habitat for Humanity. Only one buck they said. I did not tell Them how perfect it was.
Its actually very heavy. The lid and handles show it can withstand a great camp fire. I love the way a person can remove the lid without reaching for a knob thing. Get a long handle and slide it into the slot on top the lid.
Next, I love the handles aren't plastic, or flameable. Ever get the perfect pot but the handles melt off. Yeah, what I'm talking about!
I've been watching alot of Breaking Bad lately. Listening to the dialogue, especially Jesse, has me thinking more about my latest installment in my series. Dialogue is important. It has to sound real.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Second Layer Of Hell
My friend has finished his first novel. He's also written a great page with more details on this work, includ ing a sample for your enjoyment. I helped edit, and provide encouragement.
David Mauldin is a long distance backpacker, Viet Nam Vet, expert survivalist and mentor. He's also a world travelor and owner of Trailquest.net website.
We both have been watching the unfolding events in the world. Anything could happen and we could wake up to find ourselves in:
Second Layer of Hell
David Mauldin is a long distance backpacker, Viet Nam Vet, expert survivalist and mentor. He's also a world travelor and owner of Trailquest.net website.
We both have been watching the unfolding events in the world. Anything could happen and we could wake up to find ourselves in:
Monday, December 5, 2011
I Almost Relapsed!
I'll admit, sometimes I get damn impatient. But, I put up with a lot of shit from this stove. At first it worked perfectly and my studio was all snug and toasty, hot water ready for the taking.
Little by little it quit drawing. I blamed the down draft, the warm temperatures, my over use of glossies as starter paper.
Finally after a nice layer of ash covered all, I decided to take the outside pipe apart and remove whatever blockage that was hindering it, or throw the damn thing out.
Well, I calmed down, drank several stout cups of black coffee and took the bottom elbow apart. The tiny chunks of creosote fell loose, I scraped the elbow clean. Glancing up at the screen-spark arrester, Voila, a Duh moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I climbed a ladder, removed the screening. All was totally blocked. It amazing any smoke could get through the sludge.
Now, happily all is back in order, me and my stove are great friends again. I kissed it and promised to be a better mommy.
Seriously, I must have the screen cause we're surrounded by dense forest, but the screen must be maintained.
And, no more unseasoned pine is seeing the inside of my baby.
Just saying, thanks for listening.
Little by little it quit drawing. I blamed the down draft, the warm temperatures, my over use of glossies as starter paper.
Finally after a nice layer of ash covered all, I decided to take the outside pipe apart and remove whatever blockage that was hindering it, or throw the damn thing out.
Well, I calmed down, drank several stout cups of black coffee and took the bottom elbow apart. The tiny chunks of creosote fell loose, I scraped the elbow clean. Glancing up at the screen-spark arrester, Voila, a Duh moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I climbed a ladder, removed the screening. All was totally blocked. It amazing any smoke could get through the sludge.
Now, happily all is back in order, me and my stove are great friends again. I kissed it and promised to be a better mommy.
Seriously, I must have the screen cause we're surrounded by dense forest, but the screen must be maintained.
And, no more unseasoned pine is seeing the inside of my baby.
Just saying, thanks for listening.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Life, Liberty and the Right to Self Defense
I'm watching the British series Survivors, a two year, 6 episode production about the EOTWAWKI mega virus thing.
Pharmaceuticals get a good well deserved bashing, but the thing I'm struck with is the one firearm one of the "good people" has is constantly under issue, the women folk and even the black dude, Greg being angry that the guy used it to off an enemy.
In America, every last one of them would be cheering him on, asking how can the get a rifle, pistol, hell, even a BB gun.
I read our local free paper, and here's an quarter page ad:
Turkey Shoot.
Win your Christmas Turkey
10: am Saturday, Dec 3
Black Mountain Baptist Church
Family Event
Kids Shoot, 14 and under, and Adult Shoots
Chance to Win Turkeys and Prizes
Lunch Available
then two numbers of guys with first names are listed if a person wants to call for more information
Yeah, Guns for regular normal citizens! And, its obvious the kids like it too, and get a chance for their own competition.
Self Defense is Normal Stuff!
Located at Coon Hunter's Club.
Pharmaceuticals get a good well deserved bashing, but the thing I'm struck with is the one firearm one of the "good people" has is constantly under issue, the women folk and even the black dude, Greg being angry that the guy used it to off an enemy.
In America, every last one of them would be cheering him on, asking how can the get a rifle, pistol, hell, even a BB gun.
I read our local free paper, and here's an quarter page ad:
Turkey Shoot.
Win your Christmas Turkey
10: am Saturday, Dec 3
Black Mountain Baptist Church
Family Event
Kids Shoot, 14 and under, and Adult Shoots
Chance to Win Turkeys and Prizes
Lunch Available
then two numbers of guys with first names are listed if a person wants to call for more information
Yeah, Guns for regular normal citizens! And, its obvious the kids like it too, and get a chance for their own competition.
Self Defense is Normal Stuff!
Located at Coon Hunter's Club.
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