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THE Unraveling?
Convergence... we normally think of that concept in the universe of technology. In an abstract way if events come together with a "common thread" we could call that convergence too.
In the last couple of days I heard news reports of three separate events:
1) An overview and history of murders in Cuidad Juarez and an prediction for the future. The interview with author William Weaver
reported on the dramatically escalating murder rate in that Mexican city. At the end he used the word "future" but the interviewer did not follow up. My guess is that he was thinking about the future of U.S. border cities and the rising potential for similar violence.
2) News reports about a motorcycle gang that is dramatically escalating violence against law enforcement officers. My wife and I were discussing this and she mentioned that the tactics were the same in Mexico where drug cartels terrorize citizens and the government for whatever result the cartels hope to achieve.
3) A series of threats on key Democratic Congress members who pushed the new health care bill. Damage to some property/offices also is reported. Remember the 1960's radicals who didn't like the government's actions in Vietnam?
Is this like a fire smoldering at the edges of a piece of paper? Is this the beginning of an unraveling of society? Much too early to say but heightened awareness is definitely called for today and tomorrow.
In the last couple of days I heard news reports of three separate events:
1) An overview and history of murders in Cuidad Juarez and an prediction for the future. The interview with author William Weaver
reported on the dramatically escalating murder rate in that Mexican city. At the end he used the word "future" but the interviewer did not follow up. My guess is that he was thinking about the future of U.S. border cities and the rising potential for similar violence.
2) News reports about a motorcycle gang that is dramatically escalating violence against law enforcement officers. My wife and I were discussing this and she mentioned that the tactics were the same in Mexico where drug cartels terrorize citizens and the government for whatever result the cartels hope to achieve.
3) A series of threats on key Democratic Congress members who pushed the new health care bill. Damage to some property/offices also is reported. Remember the 1960's radicals who didn't like the government's actions in Vietnam?
Is this like a fire smoldering at the edges of a piece of paper? Is this the beginning of an unraveling of society? Much too early to say but heightened awareness is definitely called for today and tomorrow.
Cybersecurity
I don't usually believe federal government pronouncements or announcements, especially where statistics are involved. However, I believe the level of threats to our cybersecurity are a clear and present danger to America.
Listen to these MP3s and you'll get an excellent overview:
Cyber Security and Covert Action
Cyber Threats: Challenges and Solutions
Listen to these MP3s and you'll get an excellent overview:
Cyber Security and Covert Action
Cyber Threats: Challenges and Solutions
Welcome To The Urban Survival Library
Download | Duration: 00:01:21
New Biothreat Information Resource CD-ROM Just Released
AIKEN, SC – APRIL 29, 2009 – A new collection of handbooks, reports, documents, maps and multimedia pertaining to Influenza and a wide range of other biothreats has just been released by David Vine Associates, LLC. This is the latest in a series of electronic information products now totaling 10. Several weeks ago the firm published the Urban Survival Library CD-ROM.
This new CD-ROM contains 440+ MB of Adobe Acrobat and other files (with the necessary programs to view or play all of the files) providing the most comprehensive information resource of its kind. All the material contained on the CD is in the public domain. The product also includes several customized web link directories to pertinent sources of information as well as automated searches for world news about many biological agent and related diseases.
According to David Vine, “We have created a very well organized and easy to use information product that will be of value to the general public as well as such professionals as medical, emergency management and law enforcement personnel. When web sites are jammed or otherwise not available this highly-portable library could save lives. Anyone who is concerned about the current situation and wants to properly prepare will benefit.” The price of a single copy of the CD is $29.95.
A complete listing of the contents of all information products can be found at:
http://davidvineassociates.com/Biothreat_Information_PVI6.html
David Vine Associates, LLC publishes collections of specialized information on CD and DVD-ROMs and conducts advanced Internet information gathering/management workshops. David Vine has presented his training programs for more than 6,000 professionals in 47 states. The Biothreat Information CD is the latest in a line of nine other similar products.
# # #
For additional information contact:
David Vine, MBA
David Vine Associates, LLC
963 Dougherty Road
Aiken, SC 29803
803-649-1184
Biothreat Information CD-ROM
We're putting the finishing touches on a new CD-ROM information product. It will contain essential books, reports and documents relating to Swine Flu as well as a wide variety of Biothreats.
We'll keep you posted.
We'll keep you posted.
Oil Lamps Prove Worthy
We got battered by some thunderstorms a couple of nights ago and the power went out for a few hours.
After waiting about a half-hour after the start of the blackout we decided to light up two oil lamps we had purchased a while back. It was our first use of them and they worked surprisingly well. They put out a good amount of light and I especially liked having the round finger-hole glass loop to carry them from room to room.
My wife and I each had one with us as we moved about the house but for the price, well under ten dollars each at a local discount store, we should get at least two more. This would enable us to put one in a room and leave it there instead of carrying a burning lamp around the house.
A couple of details: We used "Lamplight Ultra-Pure" oil but we were not sure how to trim the wick so we experimented.
Last night my wife researched the issue of wick trimming and found some good information:
After waiting about a half-hour after the start of the blackout we decided to light up two oil lamps we had purchased a while back. It was our first use of them and they worked surprisingly well. They put out a good amount of light and I especially liked having the round finger-hole glass loop to carry them from room to room.
My wife and I each had one with us as we moved about the house but for the price, well under ten dollars each at a local discount store, we should get at least two more. This would enable us to put one in a room and leave it there instead of carrying a burning lamp around the house.
A couple of details: We used "Lamplight Ultra-Pure" oil but we were not sure how to trim the wick so we experimented.
Last night my wife researched the issue of wick trimming and found some good information:
Lamp Oil and Wick Burn Time
Then I found a couple of interesting pages:
Then I found a couple of interesting pages:
State Sovereignty
There's a groundswell of support for the U.S. Constitution. It's bubbling up from grassroots folks who support State Sovereignty. Here's some background information:
Up-to-Date News Reports via Google
This is a very important emerging issue.
Individually these resolutions are somewhat meaningless in terms of practical change. However, because more than 30 states are doing them concurrently, it's a big deal.
Keep an eye on it. I am.
DV
Lawmakers respond to stimulus package with sovereignty resolutions asserting states' rights
Up-to-Date News Reports via Google
This is a very important emerging issue.
Individually these resolutions are somewhat meaningless in terms of practical change. However, because more than 30 states are doing them concurrently, it's a big deal.
Keep an eye on it. I am.
DV
Shortwave Broadcasts
Companies selling "survival" products often suggest having some sort of shortwave (SW) radio. What can you do with one on a daily basis or during a natural or man-made disaster or other type of emergency?
Having been interested in all types of radio since I was a young kid in the early 1960's I have had many, many different kinds of radios -- both receivers and transmitters. I'll share some thoughts and observations...
You can hear a few domestic and foreign broadcast stations with any half-way decent SW radio. Today a decent basic radio costs $20 or less. You will be able to pick up a few broadcasts at random, usually more at night, using the built-in metal antenna. Night-time is optimum because SW radio waves bounce back to earth better at night due to the position and composition of the ionosphere. 'Nuff said without getting way too technical.
If you run a length of wire and make electrical contact with the radio's built-in metal antenna you will pick up more broadcasts. A better antenna outdoors always helps. The inexpensive radios don't have the controls you need to listen to shortwave with any degree of efficiency. If you are looking for something specific (like broadcasts from a particular country or at a particular time of day from a specific station) you'll need a better radio, perhaps with digital readout tuning.
As with most things, the more you spend (to a certain extent) and the more you pay attention to details (good antenna, up-to-date broadcast schedules, etc.) you'll be able to get more out of shortwave listening.
What will you hear?
Most people think about "shortwave radio" as programs from foreign countries. This is true. However, unless you know foreign languages it not very useful. Most foreign broadcasters do direct a few programs specifically to the USA in English during periods of optimum reception using the most appropriate radio frequencies. Basically, you can get news in English from foreign countries usually in the evening within the Continental United States (CONUS).
Is it news or propaganda?
Usually both. Specific developments are broadcast as news but you may not hear about something important because the foreign government want you to hear positive, upbeat news and general information about their country. This is always true but depending on the situation you may get more or less useful information. It's highly variable and you must carefully judge what you hear.
The same is true with U.S. based SW broadcast stations
A majority of U.S. SW stations seem to broadcast religious programming. Some of them also broadcast alternative information programs. A majority of these seem to be originated by individuals and groups with patriotic motivations. Also, there are programs available about shortwave listening and of course most of the SW stations broadcast some form of network news. Again, you decide for yourself what information is useful.
In a major emergency the local broadcast stations may be off the air for an extended period. They may be broadcasting but putting out information that does not give you a clear picture of the overall situation. If the emergency is widespread it will get national and international attention. This is when SW radios would extremely useful for "getting word from the outside world."
Generally speaking the term "shortwave" refers to broadcasts on radio frequencies between 3-30 megaHertz (mHz). FM radio stations broadcast in the 88-108 mHz range, well above shortwave. AM radio is below shortwave using frequencies of .54 to about 1.725 mHz. Some shortwave radios only receive specificied bands of frequencies considered to be standard for these typews of broadcasts. A "general coverage" (more expensive) receiver able to tune ALL of the 3-30 mHz is much more useful in emergencies.
If you have a good general coverage shortwave radio you can receive several amateur radio bands of frequencies throughout the 3-30 mHz range and 27 mHz CB radio. Reception of these transmissions could go a long way toward giving you a much better picture of your overall situation. This is where better equipment, antennas, precise tuning and knowledge of specific frequencies is important.
Here are resources that should help you to acquire more knowledge fo this subject:
Radio Frequencies
Broadcast Schedules
Ham Radio and Ham Radio Frequencies
Ham radio operators prepare for emergency support operations and hold a big Field Day each year.
Citizens' Band (C
General Information
Official and semi-official communications may be available on SW frequencies during an extended and/or widespread emergency. For example, there is a nationwide backup radio network called SHARES. There are military services affiliated amateur radio networks that might be used for official traffic such as Army MARS and Air Force MARS.
So, in a situation where you're trying to find out what's going on SW radio can be a big help.
Having been interested in all types of radio since I was a young kid in the early 1960's I have had many, many different kinds of radios -- both receivers and transmitters. I'll share some thoughts and observations...
You can hear a few domestic and foreign broadcast stations with any half-way decent SW radio. Today a decent basic radio costs $20 or less. You will be able to pick up a few broadcasts at random, usually more at night, using the built-in metal antenna. Night-time is optimum because SW radio waves bounce back to earth better at night due to the position and composition of the ionosphere. 'Nuff said without getting way too technical.
If you run a length of wire and make electrical contact with the radio's built-in metal antenna you will pick up more broadcasts. A better antenna outdoors always helps. The inexpensive radios don't have the controls you need to listen to shortwave with any degree of efficiency. If you are looking for something specific (like broadcasts from a particular country or at a particular time of day from a specific station) you'll need a better radio, perhaps with digital readout tuning.
As with most things, the more you spend (to a certain extent) and the more you pay attention to details (good antenna, up-to-date broadcast schedules, etc.) you'll be able to get more out of shortwave listening.
What will you hear?
Most people think about "shortwave radio" as programs from foreign countries. This is true. However, unless you know foreign languages it not very useful. Most foreign broadcasters do direct a few programs specifically to the USA in English during periods of optimum reception using the most appropriate radio frequencies. Basically, you can get news in English from foreign countries usually in the evening within the Continental United States (CONUS).
Is it news or propaganda?
Usually both. Specific developments are broadcast as news but you may not hear about something important because the foreign government want you to hear positive, upbeat news and general information about their country. This is always true but depending on the situation you may get more or less useful information. It's highly variable and you must carefully judge what you hear.
The same is true with U.S. based SW broadcast stations
A majority of U.S. SW stations seem to broadcast religious programming. Some of them also broadcast alternative information programs. A majority of these seem to be originated by individuals and groups with patriotic motivations. Also, there are programs available about shortwave listening and of course most of the SW stations broadcast some form of network news. Again, you decide for yourself what information is useful.
In a major emergency the local broadcast stations may be off the air for an extended period. They may be broadcasting but putting out information that does not give you a clear picture of the overall situation. If the emergency is widespread it will get national and international attention. This is when SW radios would extremely useful for "getting word from the outside world."
Generally speaking the term "shortwave" refers to broadcasts on radio frequencies between 3-30 megaHertz (mHz). FM radio stations broadcast in the 88-108 mHz range, well above shortwave. AM radio is below shortwave using frequencies of .54 to about 1.725 mHz. Some shortwave radios only receive specificied bands of frequencies considered to be standard for these typews of broadcasts. A "general coverage" (more expensive) receiver able to tune ALL of the 3-30 mHz is much more useful in emergencies.
If you have a good general coverage shortwave radio you can receive several amateur radio bands of frequencies throughout the 3-30 mHz range and 27 mHz CB radio. Reception of these transmissions could go a long way toward giving you a much better picture of your overall situation. This is where better equipment, antennas, precise tuning and knowledge of specific frequencies is important.
Here are resources that should help you to acquire more knowledge fo this subject:
Radio Frequencies
Broadcast Schedules
Ham Radio and Ham Radio Frequencies
Ham radio operators prepare for emergency support operations and hold a big Field Day each year.
Citizens' Band (C
General Information
Official and semi-official communications may be available on SW frequencies during an extended and/or widespread emergency. For example, there is a nationwide backup radio network called SHARES. There are military services affiliated amateur radio networks that might be used for official traffic such as Army MARS and Air Force MARS.
So, in a situation where you're trying to find out what's going on SW radio can be a big help.
Information Sources
conHow do you know what is going on in your neighborhood, municipality, county, state, region, country or elsewhere?
That would seem to be a question easily answered BUT if you think about it you might only be getting opinions about what is going on rather than what is actually happening. Also, it would be very helpful to know what may or will result from new or ongoing situations.
First, how do you know what is going on? Let's break it down geographically...
NEIGHBORHOOD
Listening and observing with or without aids (e.g. hearing amplification, binoculars, night-vision).
Talking to neighbors.
Listening to local radio transmissions (e.g. scanners, CB radio, NOAA Weather Radio).
MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY/STATE
Going to local meetings.
Listening to local AM, FM, TV stations.
Reading the local newspaper.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
Electronic media including television, Internet news and information, shortwave radio.
This is all pretty much common sense. However, if you start thinking about it, you begin to wonder about what you are hearing or seeing. How accurate? How complete? Fact or opinion? How truthful? The answers to these questions could lead you to a disastrous conclusion.
In future blogs in the communications section we'll expand on all of this.
That would seem to be a question easily answered BUT if you think about it you might only be getting opinions about what is going on rather than what is actually happening. Also, it would be very helpful to know what may or will result from new or ongoing situations.
First, how do you know what is going on? Let's break it down geographically...
NEIGHBORHOOD
Listening and observing with or without aids (e.g. hearing amplification, binoculars, night-vision).
Talking to neighbors.
Listening to local radio transmissions (e.g. scanners, CB radio, NOAA Weather Radio).
MUNICIPALITY/COUNTY/STATE
Going to local meetings.
Listening to local AM, FM, TV stations.
Reading the local newspaper.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
Electronic media including television, Internet news and information, shortwave radio.
This is all pretty much common sense. However, if you start thinking about it, you begin to wonder about what you are hearing or seeing. How accurate? How complete? Fact or opinion? How truthful? The answers to these questions could lead you to a disastrous conclusion.
In future blogs in the communications section we'll expand on all of this.
Going Limp
When faced with a life or death situation would you fight, react or go limp? Recently I reacted to a situation in which I could have been killed. Obviously, I wasn't but it was a life-changing experience.
Afterward were surprised that I wasn't seriously injured. I thought abut the 45 seconds or so in which that could have occurred. The one thing that is clear in my mind is that if you can react in some constructive way you have a much better chance of surviving.
How can one prepare?
Throughout my life I have been in many different situations that could have left me seriously injured. Cumulatively those experiences have given me some practice but I've often thought I have an Angel sitting on my shoulder.
One person who addresses this very topic is Laurence Gonzalez, the author of Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why. There are probably many others but I was drawn to him by his National Geographic Adventure column.
Thinking about one's own mindset is important. Being aware of your surroundings and thinking about how you'd react if something suddenly changed is good practice. Having a wide variety of challenging situations thrown at you keeps you sharp. I hope this blog entry raises your awareness about survival.
Afterward were surprised that I wasn't seriously injured. I thought abut the 45 seconds or so in which that could have occurred. The one thing that is clear in my mind is that if you can react in some constructive way you have a much better chance of surviving.
How can one prepare?
Throughout my life I have been in many different situations that could have left me seriously injured. Cumulatively those experiences have given me some practice but I've often thought I have an Angel sitting on my shoulder.
One person who addresses this very topic is Laurence Gonzalez, the author of Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why. There are probably many others but I was drawn to him by his National Geographic Adventure column.
Thinking about one's own mindset is important. Being aware of your surroundings and thinking about how you'd react if something suddenly changed is good practice. Having a wide variety of challenging situations thrown at you keeps you sharp. I hope this blog entry raises your awareness about survival.
