A members reply

A reply to a letter I sent

Hi Glen,
My name is Jeff "CAVSCOUT" it was good for you to contact me. It has been a while since I have been able to get on the APN. Just wanted to drop a line to say that I am still here, even though where I live went from a dry clear place to live to planet Hoth fron Star Wars in like 36 hours. We managed to get over 18 inches of snow and I figured, well my fiance' figured, it would be a good idea to test all of the things we have prepared for. We made it out to be, a massive storm (there was no imagining that), no power (we had that), all stores and gas stations closed (that was true), and we were on our own. Well everything worked out perfect, we were actually comfortable for 3 days. In otherwords we had an After Action Report (AAR). Everything that I had and most of what I learned about how to be self reliant and what to have in a survival situation I got for American Preppers. And thanks to all of the members we managed to survive the Blizzard of 2010 here in Virginia with no problems even though we went overboard with our simulation. So thank you. SCOUT OUT!

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We’re Going to Experience Apocalyptic Pain, and It’s Going to Be Out of Our Control

The US Treasury Department tells us that our federal debt is currently sitting at $13.8 trillion. On its most basic level the federal deficit is the difference between current government spending (including interest payments) and total current revenue from all types of taxes.

In 2001, when President George Bush took office, our debt was around $6.5 trillion. Combined with President Obama’s spending packages and commitments, our public and gross debt over the last 10 years has more than doubled.

But that’s not the scary part. What’s scary is how much money we owe when we look at current and future liabilities over the course of the next three decades. Officially, this figure is estimated to be around $150 trillion. Unofficially, according to Boston University economist Laurence Kotlikoff, our future liabilities exceed some $200 trillion. Considering that the tax revenue of the United States is around $4 trillion per year, anyone who’s ever held a balance and made a credit card payment can understand the near impossibility of paying off such a debt.

Senator Tom Coburn is one of many who warns of dire consequences if we can’t get our finances under control:

I think you’ll see a 15 to 18 percent unemployment rate . I think you will see an 8 to 9 percent decline in GDP. I think you’ll see the middle class just destroyed if we don’t do this. And the people that it will harm the most will be the poorest of the poor, because we’ll print money to try to debase our currency and get out of it and what you will see is hyperinflation.

If we don’t take some pain now, we’re going to experience apocalyptic pain, and it’s going to be out of our control. The idea should be that we control it.

We share Senator Coburn’s sentiment. Unfortunately, we’re not as optimistic as he is that any of Congress’ placations will be sufficient enough to help us get out of this hole.

With $4 trillion in annual tax revenue, at today’s debt levels it would literally take 50 years just to pay off the debt that we’ve already committed to - that’s if we stopped all additional spending right now - today. The odds of that are zero - thus our debt liability will continue to grow, as will the interest payments required to service our debt.

The end result of our pulling forward 25 - 50 years of debt is not going to be pretty. As we’ve outlined before, we are on the brink of a catastrophic collapse in the credit of the United States of America. This means that at some point our national credit card is going to be maxed out.

When that will be is difficult to predict. According to Senator Coburn, we’re looking at about 3 - 4 years - which sounds like a viable time line. Really, it all depends on China, because they are the largest buyer of US debt.

But the Chinese are not going to stand by while their US currency reserves become worthless. They are already taking action to counter the effects of a soon-to-be suicided US dollar.

We recently learned that the Chinese have signed agreements with the Russians to drop the dollar as a settlement vehicle, essentially replacing the world’s reserve currency with the Yuan when dealing with each other. We’ve heard many people suggest that this is just a drop in the bucket because of the widespread use of the US dollar - and we agree. However, China is working with other trade partners to do the same thing. And eventually all of those drops in the bucket will fill it up.

Once the Chinese pull the plug there will be only one entity left to support the US dollar - The Federal Reserve. They’ll digitally print trillions of dollars for as long as they can, but sooner rather than later the US dollar will collapse.

And when it does, the end result can only be described as an economic apocalypse.

If the dollar gets to the point it is equivalent to Monopoly money it will be impossible for holders of the bills, as well as our government, to settle transactions with the currency. This means that commerce on a global scale, for all of those expecting to fulfill transactions in US dollars, will come to a standstill.

How will individuals and governments buy food, gas, and other essential goods when the very currency being used to settle the transaction is no longer a viable trade instrument?

Really, it can get that bad. We have no confidence that Congress, the President, the Federal Reserve or US Treasury can fix this problem.

Over the course of the next decade we will see a new US monetary system introduced - just like we saw in 1971, 1944, 1913 and 1785.

This time it will be very disorderly. We can expect trillions in wealth to be wiped out and the many complications that come along with such an event - violence, protests, riots, breakdown in the rule of law and potentially even large-scale war.

If you haven’t done so already, take action to protect your wealth and preserve your well being now, before it hits the fan. Follow the investment strategies of the Chinese and you might have a chance of coming out with something when the chickens come home to roost.

Take possession of hard assets whenever you can, including precious metals, long-term food stores, tools & equipment, and anything else that will retain value when the US dollar loses it.

Author: Mac Slavo
Date: December 27th, 2010
Visit the Author's Website: http://www.SHTFplan.com/

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Sing the health praises of parsley and sage

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 health benefits of parsley and sage are worth loving and singing praises about in their own rights.

PARSLEY

Parsley is an amazing medicinal herb with a world of health benefits. The root contains calcium, 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.

Among the many benefits reported for parsley are:

*It is a diuretic which helps the body produce more urine to keep the urinary system operating smoothly and which helps prevent problems such as kidney stones and bladder infections.

*It is wonderful for removing toxins from the body, such as heavy metals.

*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.

*The root and leaves are good for the liver and spleen.

*It helps relieve bloating during menstruation.

*It provides relief for edema, often helping when other remedies have failed

*Parsley root and seeds help relax stiff joints, often making stiff and unmanageable fingers work again.

*It helps remove gallstones when used properly by taking a pint of the tea daily.

*It is beneficial for the adrenal glands.

*It is a powerful therapeutic aid for the optic nerves, brain and sympathetic nervous system.

*Parsley juice is an excellent tonic for the blood vessels.

Note: It is best to avoid large amounts of parsley if you are pregnant, especially the use of the volatile essential oil.

SAGE

Like rosemary, its sister herb in the mint (Labiatae) family, sage 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.

Besides the antioxidant and other properties shared with Rosemary, sage`s other health benefits include:

*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.

*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 research has suggested that it may be an effective option to help treat Alzheimer`s.

*There`s also compelling evidence that sage may be of value to people with diabetes for whom the hormone insulin does not work as efficiently as it should. Lab studies indicate that sage may boost insulin`s action.

* The ability of sage to protect oils from oxidation has also led some companies to experiment with sage as a natural antioxidant additive for cooking oils that can extend shelf life and help avoid rancidity.

In an upcoming article, we will also sing the praises of the other two herbs mentioned in the popular song - rosemary and thyme.

Sources included:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarbo...
http://www.healthy-holistic-living....
http://www.greenmuze.com/blogs/natu...
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pars...

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life 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 "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas 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 "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030824_parsley_sage.html#ixzz199SxLky2

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SHTF scenario ?

Original post by: Bullfrog

A friend and I were having a discussion the other day. He doesnt really "get it" in reference to my prepping activities. Now, I live in a very secluded area of the state, Just a short drive from a town of around 700. Anyhow, back to my story.
He was kidding me about needing to buy a BOL, but I replied that I was already bugged out, any further out and I would be on the moon. He brought up an interesting point that made me think. He said being that secluded and still functioning during a societal breakdown would actually make me a target to all of the city dwellers looking for refuge in the boonies.
He made me think. Now, rest assured, I don't throw up any red flags, and my place is not what one would call "manicured". With that said, I have been thinking about it alot since then and am looking for a few thoughts or insight from others.

Thanks,
Dave

To respond to this post follow the link below:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=326&t=6661&sid=88093acfd

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Response to Castle Doctrine Laws by State

Original post "Castle Doctrine Laws by State" was written by Seeker2012

This is only one response by member okie B to an original post. I highly recommend that after reading this reply you follow the link below and read the entire string. It is very informative in what you can and can not do in protecting your home against intruders.

Posted by: okie B

Almost every state goes one of those two directions -- duty to retreat, or right to stand your ground. Here in Oklahoma, they recognized the right to stand your ground in your own house quite a while ago with the Make-My-Day law, but they have since expanded it to include your place of business and vehicle as well.

It never hurts to remind people though -- just because your state's castle laws include a right to stand your ground, that does not mean you have the right to shoot just anyone on your property. Even if that particular statute for your state says that there is a presumption that you are acting in self-defense (like Oklahoma's law does), presumptions can be overcome or negated by a stronger presumption. And the word presumption does not mean quite the same thing in law that it means in everyday usage. It has specific legal connatations and implications, but the overall meaning is similar to regular use. As a general rule, even if your state has pro-homeowner castle laws, you must believe that you are in immediate danger in your home from an intruder who is not legally supposed to be there. That is a very loaded sentence, and if all of those factors are not in place, you run the risk of a murder charge or a manslaughter charge instead of protection under the castle laws. If you shoot a government agent who is allowed to come on your property, you're in trouble. If you shoot a police officer serving a warrant, you're in trouble. If someone breaks in, you tell him to halt, he does, and you ask him questions before you shoot him, you're in trouble. If a four-year old is crawling in your window and you shoot him, you're most likely in trouble (although not for certain). If someone breaks into your shed, and you go out and confront him and shoot him, you're in trouble. If someone climbs your fence and crosses your yard, but does not try to break into your house, and you shoot him, you're in trouble. If you set up a booby trap to kill or injure someone who tries to break into your house while you are gone, you're in trouble.

These laws are meant for self-defense protection only. They are not meant to protect property. They are not meant to be self-help solutions in any instance except a him-or-me situation brought on by someone else's wrongdoing. PLEASE do not think these laws are a permission to start shooting people.

Please follow the link below to read and respond to original post and all of the replies:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=188&t=6353&sid=7a2da0


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Virginia Preppers Roll Call

The Virginia Preppers Network is conducting a Roll Call on our forum.  If you are a prepper please check in.

* Here is a link to the Roll Call:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=455&t=6172


You have to be registered to check in.  If you aren't registered please join here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register


* If you are a HAM Radio Operator check in here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=143&t=6219


* If you are an A.N.T.S. member please check in here:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=618&t=6220

First Blog
This is my first attempt at bloging, need some input from all you preppers in VA.
Submit your ideas on the VA home page by following the links below
thanks simpleman
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New Virginia Members

The Virginia Preppers Network Welcomes our Newest Members:

Kali

Hello....Newbie here from VA

To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=6622&sid=517c9b60

Bucking_Monkey

Greets all,

New and checking in. I'm in Virginia Beach and started getting into the prepping lifestyle early this year, feel like I'm a bit behind the eight-ball but researching hard and fast to play catch-up. My plans for SHTF are to bunker down and thats what I'm prepping for.

I hope to chat with you all and perhaps meet ya'll at a meet sometime.

To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=455&t=2814&p=55797


GWG

Hi everyone. I'm located in Central/North Virginia.


To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=5802

DC Josh

Hi everyone. I have been lurking for a while and have found a lot of information from Survivalblog.org and thought it would be a good idea to register here at APN. I have been 'prepping' for a little while now, mostly just stocking up on camping gear and extra food for the pantry. I have enough emergeny water for my wife and I and I also have a rain barrel and a camp filter incase we really need to use it.

This is an interesting lifestyle and there is a lot to learn, I'm looking forward to it.

Cheers,
Josh

To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=5618

Scott_C


Hello everyone, My name is Scott and I live in central Virginia. I've been reading about disaster preparedness and survival in "SHTF" or "TEOTWAWKI" scenarios for the past year. I've always been one to store extra water and food, but after reading several books and researching on the web, I have come to realize that I need to prepare even more, so I guess you can say I'm a beginner in prepping.

Prepping is more about knowledge and skills than gadgets. I hope to collaborate with other preppers to learn more about survival so that I can take care of my family when the SHTF.

Thanks for putting this site together and I am looking forward to contributing and learning from other preppers.

Scott

To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=5413


Wardhouse

Greetings from Virginia. My dad started me on the prepper track while in my teens and, being a typical teen, I let much of that slip away. Interesting how now that I am older, I want that knowledge back!
Thank you for the opportunity.

To post your welcome please follow this link:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=184&p=50803

66ragtop
This site was recommended by a friend. Wish I'd found it a year ago. Been prepping for about a year, though have always been a 'ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' type person. Aside from 'meeting' many more like minded folks, this site would have samed me a shload of research time. Live & learn, I guess. Anyway, it appears that there is a TON of info on here and and real world experiences. I look forward to learning and listening (at least to begin with.)


to post your welcome please follow this link:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=563&t=4963

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How To Join The Virginia Preppers Network

Come learn survival, preparedness and sustainable living with us!

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."

Joining the Virginia Preppers Network is simple, and most of all, it's Free! To join, just follow these few steps.

1) Register to become a member of the American Preppers Network www.AmericanPreppersNetwork.net The registration page is here: http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/ucp.php?mode=register


2) 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. http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/index.php


3) Once you know how to do posts, visit the Virginia forum and introduce yourself. The Virginia 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: www.VirginiaPreppersNetwork.net

4) After you've visited the Virginia forum, follow this link to learn how to join the Virginia Preppers Network group:
http://americanpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=564&t=2738


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:
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.net/page.php?p=apn-gold-membership&sid=5b241e92a767cdfbe7a345c54dd55127
Gold Membership is only $5 per month. For a list of Gold Member benefits go here

Thank you for your support!

Personal Protection Alternative Tip

According to advice from a local Police Department to an office worker in a high-risk neighborhood, wasp spray is a great alternative to Pepper spray. It can project about twenty feet (much farther than pepper spray). It temporarily blinds an attacker until they can get to a hospital for an antidote. Wasp spray doesn’t attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray does. You could keep a can close-by at home and even keep one in your car. The disadvantage is size.

Disaster Alert: Floods in Virginia , West Virginia , North Carolina , and New York

The APN- Disaster Reporting Service thanks D_Loki for providing us with the following updated

January 26, 2010

Disaster Alert

Virginia – Heavy rains caused flash flooding in Augusta , Rockbridge and Albemarle Counties on Monday that prompted the evacuation of residents in low-lying areas. The Central Virginia Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team (DAT), opened a shelter, placed an Emergency Response Vehicle on standby and provided Mass Care (MC) for shelter residents. The Shenandoah Chapter deployed DAT and opened a shelter for affected-area residents.
West Virginia – Storms caused river flooding that affected the residents of Greenbrier, Monroe and Pocahontas Counties on Monday. The Governor declared a stat of emergency for Greenbrier County and the surrounding areas. The Chapter deployed a DAT Team, opened 4 shelters and provided Mass Care to local residents.
North Carolina – River flooding in Surry County destroyed homes, damaged others and prompted the evacuation of dozens of local residents in the affected area on Monday. The Surry County Chapter deployed a DAT Team, opened a shelter, and provided MC services for the evacuees. The Northwest North Carolina Chapter deployed DAT and provided individual assistance to affected-area residents.
New York – A rainstorm that filled rivers and streams in the northeast portion of the state delayed flights and blew debris from buildings on Monday. The ARC of Northeastern New York Chapter deployed DAT and opened a precautionary shelter for local residents.

Survival goes mainstream

There's a decent article at this link - I'm glad this is front and center for more people; the more people that are prepared the less of a stress there will be on all of us when the time comes.

http://apatriotsjournal.blog.com/guest-bloggers/guest-bloggers-a-suggested-survival-list/

Weapons Every Prepper Needs

22 Rifle

A 22 rifle is the tool of choice for the taking of most small game. The guns are reasonably priced, the ammo is cheap and readily available, it has a relatively soft report when being fired, and it is possible, if you have the right gun, to achieve remarkable accuracy at distances out to about two hundred feet.

Ammo for the 22 comes in short, long, long rifle and magnum (magnum requires its own chambering, meaning that a 22 magnum must use the magnum ammo). The most common round for the 22 is the 22 long rifle. The ammo of choice for hunting when you don’t mind being heard is a high-quality long rifle hollow-point like the CCI Mini-mag or most any Federal round.

Any 22 bullet configuration will do for practice but the hollow point should be used for the taking of game. It is most effective because it expands on contact causing many times more damage than ball (solid point) ammo. It is also therefore the more humane choice. It is not difficult to mortally wound a small animal with ball ammo but many will be able to escape to a den where they die out of reach.

Most of the sound that is generally heard from the firing of a 22 is the crack of the bullet as it breaks the sound barrier. If you desire to be covert in the taking of game you can use sub-sonic ammo. Sub-sonic ammo is loaded with as much powder as possible without propelling the bullet fast enough to generate the crack that results from exceeding the speed of sound. A 22 with available sub-sonic ammo fired from one side of a house will sound like someone clapping their hands to a person standing at the other side of the house.

A 22 can be used to take birds, squirrels, rabbits, snakes and even whitetail deer if you know where to shoot them. A deer will likely die if you hit it in the vitals with a 22, but it will be halfway to the next county when it does. If you ever shoot a deer with a 22, shoot it between the eyes looking face on; in or just behind the ear if shooting from the side. But, be advised that shooting deer with a 22 is illegal everywhere; this information assumes a survival-mode operation.

12 gauge shotgun

A 12 gauge shotgun is the next most useful choice after the 22 for the acquisition of game. The advantage of a 12 gauge is the ability to kill without a perfect aim and the possibility of knocking down flushed birds that would be impossible to hit (except by the most expert shooter) with a 22 or other rifle.

The disadvantages are that the gun will kick vigorously (every action has an equal and opposite reaction), the shot will be heard at great distances, each shot is relatively expensive, and it will do more massive damage to otherwise usable meat.

One advantage of a 12 gauge is that it doubles as one of the most effective home defense weapons available at short distances.
Shot sizes (the little pellets inside the shotgun shell) vary widely. The larger the number designation on the shell the smaller the shot size.
• 00 is good for home defense
• 2 to 4 is for larger game animals and larger birds like turkey and geese
• 6 is a good squirrel and rabbit load
• 7 or higher for clays or most smaller birds

A minimal Survival Kit

Make sure that you carry a Survival Kit on outings that is compact enough to be practical to take everywhere without exception. Personalize it to match your outdoors lifestyle but be sure that it will at the very least help you:

• Start a fire
• Obtain or purify water
• Stay warm
• See in the dark
• Get yourself found
• Fix cuts, scrapes, aches and pains

I'll soon post more detail on my recommendations for specific items.