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THE Unraveling?

2010-03-25T16:04:00Z

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.

Cybersecurity

2010-03-17T20:23:00Z

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

Welcome To The Urban Survival Library

2010-03-11T16:37:00Z

New Biothreat Information Resource CD-ROM Just Released

2009-04-29T16:06:00Z

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

www.davidvineassociates.com

963 Dougherty Road

Aiken, SC 29803

803-649-1184

Biothreat Information CD-ROM

2009-04-27T19:44:00Z

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.

Oil Lamps Prove Worthy

2009-04-12T22:28:00Z

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:

Lamp Oil and Wick Burn Time

Oil Lamp Basics

Then I found a couple of interesting pages:

The Lamp Works

Lamplight® Product Safety Information

Finally, here's a picture of our lamp and the oil we used:

State Sovereignty

2009-03-04T04:04:00Z

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:

Lawmakers respond to stimulus package with sovereignty resolutions asserting states' rights

Up-to-Date News Reports via Google

Tenth Amendment Center

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

2009-01-25T23:50:00Z

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.

Information Sources

2009-01-24T13:41:00Z

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.

Going Limp

2009-01-24T13:13:00Z

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.

Battery Power

2009-01-10T02:27:00Z

Several years ago I stopped buying regular batteries and bought only rechargeable batteries -- AA or AAA sizes.

One problem is the expense of buying C or D rechargeable batteries. Another is standardized recharging, especially if limited or no regular electricity is available.

A couple of years ago I heard a radio program featuring Dr. Gary C Ridenour, M.D. who was interviewed about pandemics on Coast To Coast AM. Amongst his fascinating discussion of the topic he mentioned that he had standardized on using AA rechargeables and had outdoor solar lighting that doubled as battery charges. Great idea!

The first problem of buying much more expensive C or D rechargeables was solved when I found batteries.com and their very inexpensive AA to C or D cell adapters. I have about 20 of them and they work great!

David

Mosin-Nagant Rifle - Best Value?

2009-01-10T01:30:00Z

One of the best values in a good, rugged, easy to use and maintain rifle is the Mosin-Nagant with prices ranging from $75 to $150 each. That's at least half, and probably one-third the price of a similar firearm, used or new.

This is a older, rugged military carbine type rife in 7.62 x 54R caliber. Ammunition can be purchased at very reasonable prices from such suppliers as Cheaper Than Dirt and Sportsman's Guide.

They are fairly plentiful. Try searching GunBroker.com or GunsAmerica.com or this Google search. Reference sites and history sites provide excellent background and technical information.

If you're in the market for a rifle, check it out.

Dried Apples

2009-01-09T22:41:00Z

Here are some photos of the process for taking about six pounds of apples and converting it into a highly portable (and very nutritious) snack food...

PROCEDURE: Core apples, place on dehydrator racks, dry overnight on setting of your choice, remove and bag.

Health

2009-01-06T03:20:00Z

Many people are concerned with "what to have." Things you might need in a disaster or long-term emergency.

Something you can have that won't cost a penny is good health. Nothing is free of course so you have to put some thought and actions into an effort toward good health.

FIRST RULE: STOP EATING FAST FOOD!

Take a good look at the caloric, fat and sodium content and if that doesn't scare you I'm not sure what will.

SECOND RULE: GET OUT AND WALK (AT LEAST)!

Many people (myself included) lack daily exercise due to routine demands on their time. I try to walk two miles in about 35 minutes five or six days a week. From what I understand the 80/20 rule is applicable. You get 80 percent of the benefit from the first 20 percent of the exercise you do. Weight lifting and many other exercise routines are great if you have the time -- if not, just walk.

HOMEMADE

Good bread (whole wheat, lots of fiber, not too much soy flower) prices are approaching $4 a loaf. I've seen it well over that in a few cities. We have a $50 bread machine that makes a good size loaf in about four hours (all by itself) after about 15 minutes of preparation. I have a food dehydrator and I dry various fruits. That saves many dollars over buying prepared/dried and it's probably better for me too.

MORE LATER

Shovels

2009-01-01T07:01:00Z

For my first blog entry I'll tackle a down and dirty subject -- shovels!

What type should you acquire? Which is the best to use?

I have a little bit of experience and I'll share it with you.

Here's a picture of four shovels I own:

The top red shovel is the largest (33.5 inches) and was probably designed to be carried in an automobile trunk as an emergency snow shovel. The handle is very sturdy but the blade portion is not as strong. The shovel is made of sturdy plastic. The length is My guess is that it could be used to shovel loose sand or gravel. We've had this for quite a while and I'm not sure what it cost or where we got it. It weighs about less than one pound. It was manufactured in Canada by Garin but I couldn't find anything via a Google search. I include it because there may be similar models in U.S. stores.

The next down (small black folding metal shovel) is a novelty and not too strong. Also, the handle does not provide much leverage. The pick extension could be useful for hacking away on ice, for example if someone fell through ice on a pond. For light duty and/or occasional use it would be fine. This is possibly the least expensive of all. I picked it up (a small fabric case was included) at a flea market in Connecticut for about $3. If you want an inexpensive lightweight emergency shovel to keep in your trunk, this could be your choice. I have seen more expensive models with convertible saw attachments stored in the handle.

The Craftsman DHRP Mini Utility Shovel garden shovel is a miniature version of of a regular shovel. My brother recommended it and at $7.99 it is a good value. The pointed blade does allow you to step on the shovel fairly easily and dig into hard dirt. I don't think it is a sturdy as a regular shovel but I've had good luck using it.

The red shovel at the bottom is a classic military design and it is much sturdier than the black folding shovel above. It does not have a pick but the pointed blade and a saw tooth feature on the blade's bottom 45 degree angle edge might come in handy for cutting through roots. The folding mechanism is relatively sturdy and it's a good value at under $10. I purchased mine at a Sportsman's Warehouse store but they do not have an online catalog. This is another good choice for an emergency shovel that costs and weighs a little more than the black one. It would be a hard choice between the two Unlike the black folding shovel the red folding shovel is more useful as a digging tool and could serve as a passable emergency snow shovel.

Welcome

2008-12-31T01:59:42Z

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.