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D.Tales Details by David #23

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:35:54 -0700

D.Tales *Details* by David #23 or so...
aka Sunset Jack

A belated Happy New Year to all of you CLMr's out there! You should be awakening from your holiday food coma by now; food being the real drug of
choice for most of America. The politicians however, never recover from their spending coma because they can do it in their sleep. Speaking of sleeping, my dew clawed staff members have not entirely awakened from their mid-winter's nap. In fact, I think they started it sometime back in August. Ever see your dog asleep with its eyes open? It's a trick.
I am going to intersperse some survival questions throughout the article that you should know the answer to by now. I will mark them with and asterisk * for clarity. The answers will be at the end. The problem for you is that the answers
won't be in the same order as the questions. So if you can't match them up, then you will have to do some research won't you? Let's put one in here right now.
*How many minutes do you have to boil water to kill off the bacteria?*
Let us continue, shall we? So, what have you learned this last year? What raw you going to do to prepare for this year? Have you been stashing cash? Do you remember Jack's main mantra? Bet you thought these were your questions? No,
but it should be obvious even to the most casual observer that you better have an answer anyway!
Over the span of my articles I started with pretty basic stuff. Then I morphed into a more esoteric survival mind set that involves politics, economics, world affairs; things that seemed bigger than your means to deal with it. The goal has been to get you to form a will to survive mindset, because without it you are in trouble. *Which is easier to sharpen; carbon steel, stainless steel, or a politician's
wit?* As I was saying, be sure you get the big picture and apply common sense and the smell test to everything. Dogs instinctively sniff their food before they eat it; politicians instinctively smell you before they eat you. They have no young to
eat because sterile jackasses can't reproduce except for when you vote for them.
*How long can you survive without a politician?*
Old Jack really wants to urge the CLM readers (all three of you) to start stocking up on shelter needs, water, food, and stuff. Right now. *Should you have
lot's of specialized single use tools when planning for an emergency?* I hope you have been doing your research as there are hundreds of sites that cover this topic. Get busy.

I can't remember if I talked about the grab and go theory in the event of an emergency. I realize it depends on the type of emergency, but for the most part you get prepared and stay put unless it is a forced evacuation. There is some new (stupid) show on urban survival which is completely unrealistic unless you are one of the actors or sponsors. Do not follow their lead. Uh oh, speaking of not following someone's lead...sumtimes it be better jus ta git out da way...
*BC* (Betty's Corner) Well ya old coot, I wisht I cud tell ya ta git out a the way sumtime cuz that'd mean ya wuz actually up doin sumthin...sorta reminds me of an old blues song it does...The eagle flies on friday, I'm flyin high on saturday, I land in church on sunday...well Jackie boy...yer pidgin stuffed itself on friday, ya flopped around the couch on saturday, an ya cudn't find the church on any
sunday...remind you of anyone in particular...by the way I think yer advice to these poor folks is a bit misleadin...I is pretty sure we could leave our house
anytime...ain't no one gonna come around...(see acumpinin pitcher with this article)...seems we're the only ones livin in this town anyway...and yer right on
one point Jackie boy...we already live in the yard...*BC*
All right, now I'm really scared, she already knew what I was going to to tell you all...some people should just be avoided...which in a disaster is a good idea. Anyway, in the event of a muy grande problemo, you should only leave your
home (your refuge) if it is on fire, it is totally unsafe to be in (see photo accompanying this article), you live at my house (see photo accompanying this
article), or you have the foresight to get out of town ahead of the fleeing hoard days before the big one. AND, you don't plan on coming back...ever. Even if you live in a city, your home is your first line of defence (British spelling). If you are prepared and practiced you will be fine, unless you actually want to be stranded on a highway somewhere in an unfamiliar area a lot of with panicked and
desperate strangers.
If you have to live your yard, then live there; get a tent, store stuff away from your house in a shed, or cache it (meaning hide it). *Should you tell your
neighbors and friends about your preparation level, what you have, and where your stuff is?*
Now old Jack is a realistic odd fella; it's great to have all the good stuff I told you about, but if you can't protect it, you have a problem. You need to get a firearm and sufficient ammo. Gasp! Sorry, it's real life and it's a darn good investment. You can't eat gold or money; while I do urge you to have some cash on hand, do not rely on it to barter if things get really bad. Did I say that that bullets and toilet paper will be the gold standard! *Did I stutter?*
Plan on having basic hand tools and supplies on hand. And, have the tools you need to deal with basic utility issues. Can you turn off your water and gas? Can you dig up a water line, gas line, or some other utility in an emergency? Go to the swap meet, yard sale, or flea market and look for used tools. Try to buy American or high quality, but get something. Get all the hand tools you can that mimic your electrical ones; it is what I call a valuable cheap investment.

Plan, prepare, and practice...get the big picture...move if you have to before the problem arises. If you live in a congested area get out. It doesn't mean you have to run to the country. Let's say you live in a crowded apartment complex or
in a high rise, move a few blocks or miles to a safer more manageable area if you have to stay in the town you live in.
Try to get into a house that stands on its own and then clear away things that can catch on fire. Have long garden hoses in case you have to fight your own fire. This whole process is not that hard or as expensive as you think. *Is it better to have a 3/4" garden hose or a 1/2" garden hose?*
For those of you who think you can't afford to prepare, I say you can't afford not to. Make a priority list and stick to it. Spend the money you waste on
cigarettes, junk food, stuff you know you don't really need, and buy the survival items you WILL NEED. How can rearrange your brain cells to get you to see that it takes only a very minor disruption in the flow of life, for that disruption to be compounded into a major problem? Many people die because of the lack of the cheapest and most basic of items and common sense. So that's it! Start thinking
for yourself and start acting for your family. You must plan on relying on yourself.
*Will old Jack hold your hand to get you started?*
From time to time you will see some typos in my articles, I assure all of you two legged creatures that none of it is my fault. My flopped earred staff edits this dribble, they think Alpo comes from Switzerland: so consider the source.

Answers: Carbon, No, For a while, Zero minutes, No, No, Forever, 3/4".

Stay safe out there, we are all in this together.
hAppY TRaiLs!

D.Tales Details by David #22

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:00:13 -0700

D.Tales *Details* by David #23 or so...
aka Sunset Jack

***point of diminishing return***

   Hello CLMer's! Ol Jack usually can wring out an article of his wet brain without much ado or even rinsing, but I've changed this one a few times. Why?... because I keep having to distill the act of preparation to its lowest common denominator...to what is at the bottom of our issues that affect nearly all of us the most, that are perpetuated by those whose only goal in life is greed and control.
   We can talk about starting emergency fires outdoors, how to find water, how to stock up for future disasters sitting in deep freeze that are starting to thaw, but when you are standing in an undertow of blatent disregard for our well being by those who claim they have our best intrests at heart, it can be confusing.
   Let's start with things that seem to be outside our control; mainly gubment officials whether elected or appointed. I know, I know, you have heard it all before, but I want to tell you one more time what you are actually dealing with so you can decide how you want to deal with them.
   As it stands now, none; and I mean NONE, zero, nada, zip, of these people represent you the citizen anymore...just themselves. Have you ever, ever, ever heard of anyone but politicians say anything like "we have to spend our way out of debt?" Congress is now actively in the act of FULL BLOWN SPENDING and squandering every precious resource we have as fast as possible, completely unchecked...completely unchecked...comple....ZZZZZZZ........
I do solomnly state that I will vote for the first candidate, or any candidate for any office who promises not to promise to do anything or change anything. I would pay them to stay home and do nothing (as opposed to going to their office to do nothing)... Uh, oh! Do you hear something...?
*BC* (Betty's Corner in case you forgot)...well Jackie old boy you really should run for...I mean walk for office yerself cuz youd definitely stay home and do nothin fer free...kinda like now...so you gets my vote since you aint changed nuthin fer years...yer even to lazy to promise to do sumthin...so I sez yer the perfict fella fer the job...I gotta be careful about sayin the *j* word around here...and the only thing unchecked around here is the to do list and yer FULL BLOWN attachment to the couch...I'd vote fer yer lint collectin hounds fer congress but they'd jus ketch more fleas from them other dogs in Washintun...*BC*
   Well it just goes to show that charity does indeed start at home...so like I was saying, our sandcastle homeland is being washed out to foreign shores. The thieves in gubment are not to be blamed though, we have provided them with a crime of opportunity by leaving our lives unlocked for the pilfering. They are only taking what any (unchecked) crook would take, that's right...advantage!
   Let's look at an example of the health care crock...it is proposed that we the the citizens be forced to buy health insurance...FORCED? Are you kidding?
The lawmakers *exempted* themselves from the plan they want us to have...sooooo, the princes and princesses have declared that we commoners have to do something they don't, and be punished if we don't comply. The insurance companies want stiffer penalties put on us than the gubment has proposed so we will buy their monopolized overpriced services. I don't know about you, but a huge dose of civil disobedience comes to mind. Oh behave!
   So Jack you ask...what does your complaining have to do with anything? Well, a lot, that's what! When I talk about all this disaster preparedness stuff, it's not just nature I am worried about, it's human nature. We are not walking into a trap folks, we are in a trap right now.
   Remember when I warned you about this before and I told you that the Tsunami of political correctness and corruption, our complacency, and lack of general preparation for life's contingencies would someday come together and form the perfect storm? Do you?
   Well, while I was scribbling my dribble, the swell had started; you just weren't feeling it like I was. Now we are drowning in the worst gubment boondoggle in our nation's history. WE HAVE PASSED THE POINT OF DIMINISHING RETURN. Yea, I'm feeling a little Bolshevicky (read Grapes of Wrath).
   You have to understand where the real danger lies, the actual point of departure for all disaster preparedness. Ok Jack, you're really out of your tree this time sez we. Aye, that be true sez I. So what are we to be doing sez we? Listen up ye scurvey landlubbers and I'll tell ye. (Who doesn't love a pirate?) Congress is full of them so enjoy.
   First, start at the simplest point like I have been telling you all this time; make a plan to resist and undermine those who are dishonest and hurting you. You should have already taken care of the shelter, water, food, and stuff; now take back your lives, piece by piece. Start with money. It is OBSCENE that we are bombarded with advertising telling us to spend, spend, spend when our economy is in shambles caused by the very people who want to keep getting your money. RESIST!
   And, we have a very stupid gubment that tells us we can spend our way out of debt. Do you really believe that? No fifth grader does. We are being treated like absolute stupid idiots. STOP IT RIGHT NOW. Stop spending money on anything you do not absolutely need. Stop overpaying. Go without. STOP IT! (Bold capitals and exclamation marks indicate yelling).
   When you do spend, buy American when you can, buy local when you can, pay cash when you can, and buy under the table everytime you can, barter, trade, work under the table, etc. The fools and liars in gubment have absolutely lost the privilege of handling your money. Period. Money is a weapon and it cuts both ways, so use that weapon. Withhold it from anyone who has not earned it. With your wasted money goes your precious time.
   Stop supersizing services you don't need. Do you really need 150 channels? Do you need all the extra cell phone extras? Ask yourself if you are really getting your money's worth. Ask the peope who are trying to sell you something the hard questions. They should be sweating when you are done grilling them.
Call people on their lies and deceptions and STOP LETTING PEOPLE GET AWAY WITH CHEATING YOU. Stop it now! Get uppity and start asking questions. (Get out the dead horse), has one single person ever quoted the actual *price* of the forced health insurance you will be obligated to buy? No. Would you let your kid, friends, or spouse get a way with lying to you all the time? No. Ever wonder where all these bogus statistics come from? Yep. Do all of the elected and appointed officials lie everyday all the time. Yes. Why is that OK?...because they have passed the point of diminishing return, but you haven't.
   Why do prices keep going up? Because we pay the price anyway. Why does gas go up when oil goes down? Because they can. Why does insurance for (anything) go up every year? Because they can. Here's where the gubment should be helping us. They can't. They cannot be separated from the problem.
   Cheer up Bunky! Surviving the allure of well being in the midst of an in progress disaster is easy. Reevaluate everything in your life...support only that which has value for you. Denounce the startling arrogance in congress and bad business practices with your common sense. Praise those who are doing the right thing. Do something radical like SAVE YOUR MONEY!
   Grow your own, and I do mean your own FOOD, duuuude. It doesn't matter if it's just one tomato you grew on the patio because it's one tomato you ate that wasn't sprayed, held in cold storage, gassed, picked green, overpriced, and imported from some foreign third world dictatorship that is unhygienic and hates you to boot. See? All that crud is connected to just one tomato. And do you comprhend that you are EXPECTED to accept everything that is marginal? Think about all the other stuff you support without thinking...pun intended.
   Know why I have kicked self sufficiency into high gear? Cuz...I know what I am getting when I do things for my self.
   Jack's new mantra is *Money is a two-edged sword...start swinging*. For your notho and even spurius officials (check your latin), all I can offer is *Vinegar* Joe Stillwell's pseudo latin motto: *illigitimi non carborundum*.
   Sunset Jack sez...Give to God what is God's, but remember this time Ceaser has nothing coming! I almost forgot about the photo...I got this beauty with the money I had left after Uncle Sam's visit.

Stay safe out there, we are all in this together.
(except those who have exempted themselves by law)

hAppY TrAiLs!

jAck

D.Tales Details by David #21

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:29:38 -0600

D.Tales "Details" by David # Twentysomthing.
aka "random jack"

"Random Precision"

   I know it has been a while for you three or four fans I have out there since my last masterpiece (and my last confession), however I am back at it. I try hard to get it right when I posture myself in front of my new iMac to cough up something more useful than a hair ball or wads of slimy grass. Yes, I am making a not so veiled reference to the quadrupedal staff lying belly up under the cooler. Kind of like a group of politicians who do lie belly up or in any position.
   So what's the relationship between the photo and this article. Well, absolutely everything. My old house, thanks to the insatiable greed of all concerned has been replaced by this fine example of gubment housing. Why am I smiling? Because I'm going get a bailout...
   Have you heard the expression "oh, it's hit or miss" when referring to something where there is no clear or honest answer. That is what we are going to talk about today. Some of you are already smart enough to look to the heading of this article for the the clue to this often used statement. So for political correctness, no one should be offended by "hit or miss" except maybe baseball fans or something, is instead of such a pedestrian phrase, call it "random precision." The kind of phrase that lies to you while trying to make you feel smart. It's akin to the asinine term "deficit neutral." How bout we all get "stupid neutral" and quit using dishonest phrases that make me oh so "patience deficient." Before I forget, when is the last time you heard the great phrase "ALL AMERICAN" it's been a while... huh?
   Do things seem bad out there Bunky? Folks, you should know that most of our national ills are not your fault. Now repeat, MOST OF THE PROBLEMS OUT THERE ARE NOT MY FAULT. In fact, 99% of the social and political inadequacy out there is definitely not your fault, yet the politicians and talking heads want you to take responsibility for it by giving them more money and power to squander.
   The answer for all of you should be NO! Or if you want to help them feel smart say NEGATIVE! I don't give an equines' south side about ever again taking a dust mites mouthful of responsibility anymore, ever again, anymore, never, forever, ever for things beyond my control and not in my yard like this Wizard of Oz economy.
   I am global neutral and American Centralistic... so put that in your pipe and smoke it. Oooooh, sorry California, you're going to pot are you not...to smoke out your economic woes? Yes, I'm having fun. Shall I go on? Of course I shall silly rabbit.
   OK, here's the boilerplate stuff you have come to expect from Old Jack, stuff that actually works. First of all we have to give to Caesar what is Ceaser's and to...well you know the rest. The idea is to give Ceaser a lot less. Here's what I do right now. I set a purchase price limit when buying goods and services I need or want...period. The other slant is a bit more esoteric. I limit or tryto avoid what I spent in time, emotion, and adrenaline on those who do not deserve it, warrant it. They have no equity in earned my precious time, emotional stability, and hard earned money. Let's start with dough ray me... $.


   Set a spending an absolute spending limit on things that are not truly essential. Here's my famous tortilla story. I try to buy healthy food, so I buy whole wheat tortillas. At first they were about three bucks at the supermarket (Stater Bros.) yeah too bad, I name names. A little stiff, but worth the more wholesome ingredients. Now, they are over five bucks and you only get eight of them and they magically shrunk in size, imagine that. So for this product at this store, the bucks stops all together. I simply stop buying them, I don't go for the cheaper (not by much) refined white flour, fat and chemical versions. Period. They have priced themselves out of at least one product. I get the same but better product at Trader Joe's for two fifty. BUT! Trader Joe's is far away from my house. So they don't get my buck either unless I'm passing by for some reason.
   I went to the local health food store to some pysillium (silly-um) husk. Used to be dirt cheap, less than 2 bucks a pound. Now it's seven dollars a pound. I absorbed the yearly increases until this last price jump. I told the clerk why I wasn't going to buy this product anymore and told them the tortilla theory where a store supports rising prices no matter what but the customer doesn't when they have crossed the price line.
   UNIMPRESSED, the clerk said we can't sell if for less than we pay for it. Duh, Sherlock! I said why do you still buy it then? Hey folks, did you know that there are certain non-taxable items in the grocery store? Find out what they are Homer! Please listen to me. There is actually one word I heard used on T.V. that does make sense. It's called "UNSUSTAINABLE." This is exactly what we are dealing with as it concerns our time and money. We are being drained. AND, we are letting it happen with eyes wide open. STOP. Trade, barter, exchange services. I once heard someone say to work, or make as many purchases under the table as possible (here comes the black helicopters). Use cash not credit. The gubment does not deserve the right to manage our money anymore.
   Do not buy things you know are not worth it and that will devalue seconds after your purchase. Do buy American made products, even if you have to pay a little more as long as the quality is there. Did you know Toyota is the car with the most American made parts? I asked some health insurance folks when would prices be so high that no one could afford it, meaning that the price increases are "unsustainable? "They said they didn't know. Stop and look at everything you do; an ask yourself, where is the limit line, the one I will not cross?
   Ever heard the phrase "don't cast your pearls before swine?" Well, do you support any deadbeats, druggies, abusers, criminals, cheats, liars, etc. in your family or circle of friends? Do you chase after people to help them even though they don't want it or you know they will squander it? Do you support ANYONE at the expense of your own well being? STOP. How do you feel when you help some one who is in real need? Who is grateful. Who has actually done everything they can to help themselves first and who has earned your golden moments and your honorably earned money. PRETTY DARN GOOD! Huh?
   Dang Old Jack! Are you a whirlwind or what? Well, there is the information, do what you want with it. As I envision myself in a rail yard waiting to hop a freight, I'll share a verse from a song that I think tells us where we are headed. Before we get there, a last piece of advice. Don't sell yourself short. Let the other guy sell themselves short. AND...
cut the useless "feel good" nonsense (that actually makes you feel bad) from your vocabulary and your budget. Don't squander your resources...that's the politicians' job.


   One evening when the sun went down
and the jungle fires were burning,
down the track came a hobo hiking
and he said boys I'm not turning.
I'm headed for a land that's far away
beside the crystal fountains,
I'll see you all this coming fall
in the Big Rock Candy Mountains.

Now that's random precision! Hold on to yer wallets. Save, don't spend (heretical speech). And remember, the "Green" belongs in your pocket. A toothless grin to you!

Stay safe out there, we ARE all in this (together) up to our eyeballs.
hAPPy TRaiLs!

p.s. Bucko! I almost forgot to tell you about this latest scam that no one has caught on to as yet. I was shopping for anti-freeze; the normal one gallon size. All I can find is a one gallon size in something they all advertise as 50/50, half anti-freeze and half water. Hey folks! You don't have to add water anymore! How convenient is that? These manufacturers are pure genius. Now they sell you a half-gallon of anti freeze for MORE MONEY, and sell you a half gallon of water that used to be essentially free! I had to search hard for the old stuff which I finally found and bought cheaper.
   So let's do the math Homer. New 50/50 stuff is $12.50. So it's $6.25 for a half-gallon of anti-freeze, and $6.25 for a half-gallon of free water. I use distilled water in my radiator so it's actually 83 cents for a whole gallon of water. I paid $8.50 for a full gallon of pure anti-freeze. I have a string of expensive names for those people, but they can have them for free.

D.Tales Details by David #20

Tue, 19 May 2009 09:41:20 -0600

D. Tales *Details* by David #21
Aka - Sunset Jack

*MAKE THOSE MULES LISTEN*

Rise and shine CLMers! Jack has had his daily bowl of fiber is raring to go. Hmmm…I guess I should have thought about that sentence before I wrote it, but as luck would have it, I took all the erasers off of my pencils illustrating to all the tail-waggers how smart I are, so unfortunately I can’t erase it.
Speaking of things that need erasing, the elected official comes to mind, but we aren’t going to let them dull our sharpened wits. Now you may think that I need to take my own wits out to be sharpened when I say that it is a fact that they are an inspiration for those of us here at the news shack. Remember my last article when I told you I’d reveal the secrets of getting a job? I look to the politician as a role model because they, even more than any biblical figure or modern hero, have never been hampered by continuous and utter failure. No matter the disaster, catastrophe, or suffering they have caused; they remain steadfast and unfazed by lack of any measurable success. My hat is off to them!
I know, I know, what’s with the picture? You may ask…is this a new low for even you Jack old boy? Well, yes because I am now living in the dark at a greatly reduced elevation somewhere in Death Valley and no because this is exactly how the gubment expects me to live in the near future and I want to get used to it now. But the question that should be on all of your minds is…would you hire the man in the photo? That’s what I thought…
All right, cut the snickering and sit up straight. In spite of whatever you perceive are your own problems or limitations…forget them! There are no cheese and crackers to go with your whine. Yeah I know, it is a worn out phrase, but you understand it. Well, the old fashioned work ethic may also be worn out for some of you, but a potential employer still understands it.
Now old Jack didn’t get to be cranky and lazy by being cranky and lazy; it’s a privilege I earned by consistent hard work and thoughtful budgeting. Many years ago when I was up and working I lived BELOW my means, not within them. Rule #1 folks. And it wasn’t because I was so smart, I really didn’t have a choice; well, actually I did, I chose not to get into debt. Here’s an example of how the old scary thinking went. As a kid, I used to have a neighbor who once told me that if I wasn’t at least 100k in debt by the time I was thirty, I wasn’t making it. In spite of that *great* advice, rule #1 is still *SPEND LESS THAN YOU MAKE*; quite unlike the gubment that still thinks we can spend our way out of debt. The very same one that tells you you’re born free, but taxes you to death.
And while I am on the subject of entities that just pop off a lot of smoke and hot gas, I have a volcanic pet peeve. What ad have you ever seen that didn’t tell you that you would save money? Buy product X for $150 reduced from $200, you save $50. No you don’t, YOU STILL SPEND $150! Please Louise!
Here’s how you get a job 101. Be good, sound good, and look good. Write a resume regardless of your work history, because even if you have you have zero *job* experience, it doesn’t mean you have zero *work experience*. Produce a *correctly* formatted resume. You can look it up on line, or God forbid you ask a teacher of something. Find someone to help you, even if you have to pay for it: a wise investment. And, speling and grammer, I mean spelling and grammar counts big time. If you’re not sure about this area, get help Homer, cause’ if you screw up here you’re toast. Bad grammar and bad spelling is the bad breath of a job hunting date, and you’ll never make it to first base.
Remember that I told you in past articles to rely on *good tactics* not good luck; you didn’t think it was worth much back then did you? Now, you know what I’ve been saying all along, *preparation* applies in every aspect of your life. And facts is, *how you are perceived* when applying for a job is everything, even more than experience. An employer will likely meet you on paper before they meet you in person. So take inexperience and transform it into experience you already possess. For example, if you have a safe driving record, you inherently have good organizational skills, multitasking abilities, good decision making skills, people skills, and know how to take a test, etc., woof, woof!
Jack, what do I put in my resume when I don’t have a recorded, formal job history or my job history is different from what I am applying for? You are going to put in the resume the exact same thing you are going to tell your prospective employer in person. And that is: *I work hard at whatever task I am given, I take initiative, I show up on time, I do not call in sick, I come in early and stay late when necessary, I can be trained and I learn fast, I can follow directions, I accept constructive criticism, I ask questions, I can work with little or no supervision, I am honest, I am trustworthy, I admit mistakes, I am reliable, I am courteous, I work well with others, I will work full or part time, nights, weekends, and holidays, and I am loyal to my employer.* These job skills cover the majority of job requirements out there…except for doctors, lawyers, and politicians.
The interview. Show up 10-15 minutes early and DON’T LOOK STUPID! This advice goes for guys and gals, so just read it and don’t split hairs. I’m cranky, remember? Apply the advice to yourself by inserting the correct gender appropriate words.
Make sure you know where you are going for your interview and practice getting there. Arrange your transportation way ahead of time. Have a copy of your resume in hand in a neat folder and a copy for you interviewer, it shows foresight and preparation. Dress right. Spend the money on clothes and grooming; a wise investment of money. Put on a suit and tie even if you are applying to pick cotton. Get a haircut and shave. No goofy hair styles or colors. No earrings, nose rings, etc. it puts people off. A lot. Too bad. Tattoos are job killers. Too bad, life isn’t fair. Stand up or sit up straight while waiting and while interviewing. Exhibit good manners to everyone you see. I mean everyone!

DON’T TALK OR ACT LIKE A JACKASS! This bit of advice is critical. You may have made it to the interview on paper, and on time, and looking good, so don’t blow it when you open your yapper to speak. So, to whomever you are speaking, speak the King’s English! Speak up, speak clearly, look your person in the eye, don’t use slang, and don’t try to be hip, cute, or cool. Look responsible, act responsible, and be responsible. Here is how you achieve all of this at home. Remember when I told you all to PRACTICE your survival skills…? WELL? Practice your interview techniques at home first; that’s right, I mean a full dress rehearsal; video it if you can and watch it back.
Be willing to go the extra mile. You won’t like this next suggestion, but it’s how I got my favorite job. I volunteered for the job I wanted for over two years. Tell your potential employer you will volunteer for free for two weeks as a tryout to show off your value. In an old country song it says *I’m an old muleskinner, if I can’t make those mules listen, I won’t accept your pay.*
Get advice from other people who have gotten jobs when it was tough times. Read up on the job you are applying for and read up on the company or store you want to work for. Employers love it when you have taken the initiative to learn about them and you can explain how you will benefit them.
Folks, in the long run I cannot overstress education; high school, college, trade school, any class or training that relates to what you are going for. When I went through my police academy, everyone was already hired. There were two guys in my class who were not hired by any agency when they started and had no prior law enforcement training or experience, but put themselves through on their own time and dime anyway. As a result, they were picked up by a police agency while only halfway through the training. Now that’s initiative. What kind of message did they send to a potential employer? That’s what I thought too.
I once moved into a new area and was looking for work. I was interested in solar stuff and I found a business that did solar water heating. I stopped in and inquired about a job. They said they weren’t hiring because the business was just getting off the ground and they didn’t think they could support another worker much less themselves. By the way, when I *stopped in* I was in a suit and tie and had a resume, and told them exactly what I told you to say in this article. I told them that although I had no solar experience…and I would work for free until I learned the job. I also suggested that maybe if they had a good helper they could get jobs done faster and better. When I left their office they told me to take off the suit and put on some work clothes. * We’re still friends after I moved on, 30 years later. I didn’t know it at the time but, the guy who hired me was a retired volunteer policeman. He was pretty proud when I graduated my academy.
Folks, the old worn out axiom of *you can always find a job if you want one bad enough* is true. I learned this valuable lesson the old fashioned way; from my parents. Grown ups, if you really want to mitigate disaster, be an involved parent and set the example. Kids, if you really want to get ahead, get an education and some manners.

As a child of the 60’s and 70’s, I used to tell my Dad that I wanted freedom and that I didn’t want to work for *the man*. He said, I’d actually have more *freedom* if I was *the man* and not a bum living *freely* out of my car. He told me to get job first and be free later.
Speaking of freedom, feel free to send me some more wood, I’ve already burned through all the NO CAMPING signs and I think they’re on to me.

Stay safe out there we’re all in this together.

Happy Trails!
jd

D.Tales Details by David #19

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 09:15:48 -0600

D. Tales *Details* by David #19
Aka *Sunset Jack(Rabbit)*

*OUTSTANDING IN MY FIELD*

A cheerful Spring season to all of you good CLM readers. My staff is happily chasing hapless lizards or anything else that moves, and I’m chasing good ideas, but can never seem to catch one. Speaking of things that move…or not, I was going to include an exciting picture of my new water storage tank and even though it has a permanent tan like all action figures, it did not lend itself to an action shot. It just sits there motionless and inactive, bloated, tanned, and retaining water (think politician). Boy o boy, you pay a lot of money for something that you expect will do something for you besides remaining motionless and tanned (think politician). So instead, I included an outdoor action picture of myself with this article (think ol’ Sunset Jackrabbit…tanned). Ummm…does three layers of clothing make me look fat? You know the camera adds pounds to your figure…maybe I should have worn black for a sliming, I mean slimming effect.
So anyway, one of my staff barks at me (kind of like B.C.) which in one syllabled, intonated, doggie lexicon means…what in the beejeebers kind of action picture is that? Who was I supposed to be? That was a very rich comment coming from a calorie challenged pooch who wouldn’t know action if it bit her on the tail. Well, I never…you’re right, I never thought I’d strike pose as one of our most reviled, I mean revered American inaction heroes…THE POLITICIAN! And you know what pirates say…*Dead Men Tell No Tales…Politicians Do!*
I think I got the action photo just right... first notice the lackluster stance of inaction, and then check out those squinty eyes… how about that look of being lost and confused? Witness a man outstanding in his field…literally…not one idea as far as the eye can see…just blue skies...letting the grass grow under his feet…literally. Coming to you the taxpayer, hat in hand…literally. Waiting… just waiting…for someone else to do something…like my water tank…just sitting there retaining…zzzzzzzzzzzz…
Well fear not; the sun may have negatively affected your local addled brain elected official, but it positively revs up the way cool new flashlight I just bought. Forget the hybrid car and look on the bright side with a hybrid flashlight. Is this some cloned mechanical light source gone wild? No!!! It’s a very lightweight, solar LED flashlight with a back up lithium battery. Let it soak up a few hours of sun and your all charged up.

I can hear it now; hey Jack, where can I get one? Hold your light meters Batman there’s more. Did I mention it holds a charge... well like forever? And, if the economy makes you cry don’t worry because this light saber is waterproof to 80 feet of tears. For once here is a product I endorse that is simple, sturdy, AND useful; unlike politicians, and much brighter! I got my flashlights (four of them) at Costco. It has an on off switch for solar power or battery power, and a solar charging indicator light. Go to www.hybridlight.com for more info, please. I like this product…a lot... I also like my peace and quiet a lot, uh oh, stand by…
*BC* Well Jackie boy yer quite the salesman…I ain’t seen you this lit up since we wuz a courtin…you kinda reminds me of that there fancy lightstick yer gloatin over…let’s see…you gots an on off switch…mostly stuck in the off position…you don’t need no indicator light cuz yer never indicatin nuthin…granted yer simple…lightweight…no…but sturdy if you count the couch stuck to yer tail light…you kin cross off useful…and you ain’t half as bright…but you sure kin soak up the sun fer hours…and since you ain’t had yer yearly bath I’d say yer waterproof…and as fer holdin a charge…well…*BC*
Crimeny sakes! Maybe I should try hiding in plain sight like in my action photo instead of trying to go unnoticed in my computer room. Well, before my enthusiasm was suddenly deflated like our economy, I was going to make a wordplay on the four cardinal directions, east, south, and Norwesco; that being the company that manufactured my taciturn but tanned water tank right here in the USA. This is another product I can solidly recommend which handsomely exemplifies the notion of being *full of it*; water that is. They have a host of water storage tanks to suit your needs…I know you’re out there B.C., but I’ll play salesman if I want to…if that’s O.K. with you dear.
Now, I’ve not been one to avoid taking some literary risks; and not because I’m brave, but because I’m semi-undisciplined. If you go back and reread some of ol’ Jack’s articles, I talk about survival and preparedness *themes*. If you look closely it’s not all Rambo stuff and you start to see that the real underpinnings of preparedness and survival of ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE are a positive attitude, family, our Creator, and the will to survive. We are all smart enough to know I don’t always mean that survival is the guy or gal who survives horrible situations like being lost at sea in freezing water clinging to a toilet seat. No... well yes in a way, because some of you out there, although not in the exact situation as just mentioned, may be in a situation just as perilous or feel like you are.
I heard on the radio the other day about an author who has studied survivor mentality for several years. What he distilled is that it’s not the most buffed guy in the sinking boat or even the most prepared guy who’s lost in the jungle who survives (although it can improve your odds); it’s the guy or gal who won’t give up.
He also said that the most overwhelmingly negative force that made survivors give up was not their physical condition, but their sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. AND, it was those people in bad situations who in spite of the worst physical conditions, immediately started doing something constructive no matter how insignificant it seemed at the time. They were the ones who made it through and that’s what we’re going to do. Did you ever wonder why I don’t tell you everything and sometimes just say *you look it up*? Well now you know why.
I try to eek out a laugh or two from the inedible and indigestible food for thought that dribbles out of my feeble mind. And sure, I pick on the gubment and politicians because they deserve it. I got through the worst days of my life not on brains or guts or bailouts, but with humor! And another thing...the good folks at CLM deserve lot’s of credit for the help they provide and they have a pretty good sense of humor too...and so does us two and four legged critters at Ol’ Jack’s News Shack. Remember, we are in your corner. OK peoples, what’s usually the last line of every article I write? So as always…(copy this last page, pencil in the blank, and put it on the fridge).

Stay……………………………………..together!

Happy Trails!
jdh and Co.

D.Tales Details by David #18

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:12:40 -0700

D. Tales *Details* by David #18
aka: sunset jack

*BAIL ME OUT SCOTTY!*

Change is inevitable and in fact necessary for survival; which is what we talk a lot about, now isn’t it? Just ask the Dodo Bird and the Jackalope…or the guy in the picture. Actually, I wouldn’t advise asking him anything because, ummm…that’s my twin cousin *Sundown Jack*… twice removed…yea, that’s it! That is he’s twice removed from the rest of the family; just not far enough away. And he isn’t from around here or any place else for that matter. Really! It’s not me in the picture trying to push the pole back up…yea, that’s it!
So all right already! I guess I couldn’t fool you. Yes, there is a teensy-weensy little title at the top of the page where none used to appear. I run an innovative organization around here; just ask my sixteen-toed, see-in-the dark, forty two-toothed friends. (You can always tell a dog, but you can’t em’ much.)
I plans to write to my toothless or rather spineless Californee gubment ohhfficial repreesentatorial Congressionalistic type person Jerry Lewsitall and my Seniletorial personettes Diane Itsminestein and Barbara Botcher. I’ll sign it Meno Havaclue and request a bail-out. I feel as though I yam entitled to one; well aren’t I? I’ve been a law abiding person (ok I had a minor incident with the phone company); but I pays my bills on time, lives within my means, and I are kind to animals. And for the most part, I made Santa’s nice list…so maybe he did write my name in the margin with a question mark, but that still counts. I wonder how he found out about the phone pole deal…probably by listening in on a party line.
As you can see, this article (like all the others) could go anywhere; usually high and to the right. However, I want you to center your thinking on your overall survival and preparedness in a larger, but more urgent light. Imagine a Tsunami was starting to well up in the Pacific Ocean and heading for the west coast, hmmm…let’s make that the Atlantic Ocean and it’s heading for the east coast where it will be closer to Wash. D.C. and it might actually wash out some of the garbage...
Regardless of where I might like that Tsunami of insanity to go (think opposite of heaven), a financial and political Tsunami is headed for us right now no matter where we live, and it will arrive soon... yep, I smell something bad. Remember my list of mantras? Shelter, water, food, stuff, rescue, education, etc…? Let’s apply these oh so special words in order to prepare for the survival of our vanishing national treasures like our personal freedoms, financial freedoms, self-reliance, original thought, independence…
When I was a kid, it was great fun to sneak around authority and get something over on *them*; i.e. parents, teachers, the annoying neighbor…unfortunately, that same idea is now causing adults to think that the very same tactic is necessary to sneak around our national failures to stay afloat. Please do not fall into that trap; this is the trap that is being set by the reckless gubment spending in the form of… you guessed it…BAIL OUTS!
It is not just a very bad idea by the delirious, commonsense challenged persons in the Federal and State governments, but a seductive encouragement to live a lazy, uninspiring, and quite frankly a dangerous lifestyle. This is true GLOBAL WARMING. We are being warmed up to stop thinking and acting for ourselves. I can assure you that every last low rent socialist country and dictatorship is getting warmed up waiting for us to fail as a nation and as Americans.
I will sum up this rant with a slightly modified saying from Harry S. Truman; modified because this is a family website. My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a house of ill repute or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference…
I couldn’t have said it any better myself…at least a piano player has some usefulness.
You may sense that Old Jack is really mad and worried that we as a nation are getting sold out. Take a good look at our current and new politicians and see for yourself. I dare you to look, I double-dog dare you! You can bet my barking brothers will see them for what they are; after all, they do see things in black and white…
Now, I am going to help bail you out of this gloom and doom frame of mind by providing some websites that offer some sobriety…no not the Friends of Bill type…real life sobriety. Before I do, I have to make a correction from the last article, FORGET the www.whmentor.org address and type in KBR/TRAILBLAZER/LRTC instead, and then click on the Survival Test.
Now, as for this next new site I’m a listing; promise me you will at least read the article on the home page titled *What It Takes To Survive* at www.ssrsi.org. It’s another one of those VERY informative websites that is going to make old Jack an obsolete fossil before his time…uh oh, speaking of old crusty hard things buried in the ground too long…
*BC* I heard that Jackie boy… Talk about old fossils…you ain’t moved an inch fer years ever since they invented the automatic dog feeder..You been a sittin in the same spot for so long they wuz about to give you one of them fancy fossil names like baksiidus immensis but ya musta scared em’ off when your nose twitched…I gotta chisel you off the couch just so’s you can make it to the bed to go back to sleep...
Seems you really scribbled up a depressin slew of words this time around…them far fetched ideers of yers is quite enigmatic…but the good CLM readers know what thaysr a doin about gittin along in tough times and they don’t need yer harpin on the subject… You musta woke up a coupla extree brain cells when you whacked yer head on the outhouse door…try openin it before you go in…You know you ain’t really said nuthin new about folks not thinkin’ fer they selves…The facts of the matter is that I been a thinkin fer the both of us fer years…and as fer bailin things out…I ain’t a bailin you and yer flea magnet furballs outta the impound fer repositioning that poor helpless teleefone pole with yer truck…You know darn well them giant matchsticks is hard o hearin and they don’t move too fast…kinda like yerself…As fer any more thinkin on yer part…don’t! *BC*
Geewiz…I couldn’t get off the couch fast enough to...um, I mean I couldn’t stop remodeling the house fast enough to avoid that tirade. Did I depress some of you? Well kiss my grits! No, I mean kiss this next website hello because it’s one of the most wholesome websites you’ll meet in a long time… www.grit.com. Talk about practical advice...and don’t really try to kiss me; what would my mother say? She’d say go to www.motherearthnews.com if you need a hug, that’s what!
Speaking of kissing; my truck is still out there puckered up to that glorified wooden wire hanger. Hey! The thing up and jumped right out in front of me…they are so unpredictable…even after I honked the doggone horn…it was self-defense I tell ya! Well, I admit I was under the influence of deep thought. So what do ya think they’ll charge me with; thinking and driving?
But I still think I’m still going to chance it and go off into the woods and risk pondering the fate of the world. Well I would go, except I don’t happen to have a vehicle at the moment and there are no couches out there on which to sit in repose and contemplate lofty platitudes. And besides, there aren’t any nightlights. I almost forgot, you were probably wondering what it was I wanted in the way of a gubment bail out…nuthin Jack!

Stay safe out there! Most of us are in this together!

Very Happy Trails!
Jdh*bc*

p.s. Let’s just keep this little road kill incident with Ma Bell under wraps…and if by some chance your phone is not working like it should, please don’t hesitate to … call me.

D.Tales Details by David #17

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:15:00 -0700

D. Tales # 17 *Details* by David
Aka: Sunset Jack or Ol’ Deaf Jack

I hope all of you survived the ritual passing into the New Year in tact. In tact, I survived it quite well thank you by watching the Twilight Zone marathon. Pssst…it’s where I get most of my ideas. Anyway, I hoped to develop some new ideas on my own this year, so for motivation I decided I would really use my head this time to ring in the New Year. Literally! You will see in the photograph accompanying this article the offending bell behind my head; that 1000lb old relic hanging in the garden of the San Luis Obispo Mission was no match for me. As you can see I rang in the New Year con mi cabeza and I… well, rather it didn’t even budge and inch. This raised a few eye brows at the Mission and apparently somebody’s blood pressure.

It was clear that the Mission staff was not too impressed with my bang up of an idea, so I rightly informed them exactly with whom they were dealing: I reminded them that I was in fact a really big cheese executive writer for the CLM staff in New Mexico and I was on assignment. They said they didn’t care what foreign country I was from, there would be no bell ringing with my head or any other body part until noon. Apparently it was eleven-thirty when I (quite loudly) head butted that senile old bell (AD1818). However, it seems that the parishioners thought mass was over and started filing out. I was advised by Mission control that I should have at least been respectful enough to remove my hat before I struck twelve… no wonder I still have a headache. Anyway, they unceremoniously reassigned me to the church parking lot to help the alter boys herd the crowd back inside.

The Priest said he did not have time to take my confession for my transgressions at the moment (he had to finish the service), but if he did the penalty would be to go and contemplate my actions so as not to repeat them. And, I was to say three *Hail Mary’s* and at least ten *Our Fathers* for my transgressions. And following that, I should contemplate *hitting thine road Jack*. That was weird I thought; how did he know my name? Anyways, I’ve been kicked out of bigger Missions than that one! I said the prayers though…just in case.

Well, maybe I can strike up a better note and make up for a dingy start by handing out a couple of great websites I want you to look up. I really give them a *ringing* endorsement…yes I do! Hey, did someone blow a dog whistle? Where’s everybody going? They’re going to…www.survivaltopics.com. and www.whmenetor.org (look for KBR/Trail Blazer/LRTC Safety Section). After you check out these sites, you won’t need me…much.

Uh oh… I hear something that really does make my ears ring…*BC* Yer dern right ya hear sumthin’ Jackie boy! Tho’ I don’t know how after that bell ringin’ stunt you pulled at the San Looey mishun’. I never seen people run out of a place so fast; they must a thought it wuz the lunch bell. Seems you don’t never use yer head fer nuthin’ but a hat rack anyway. If you wants to rap yer head around sumthin’ try comin’ up with some more web sites that them nice CLM folks can use. So get the dirt out of yer ears and find somthin’ cheap…that should be easy for you mister big spender! *BC*

Well, between you and me it *ain’t the dirt that’s a cloggin’ up my ears*... Now that the decibel level has gone down a few notches, that old woman may have a good idea. It cannot just be coincidence that I happen to know of a great site called… (insert a groan)…*CHEAPER THAN DIRT*. And, there’s another one called *BRIGADE QUARTER MASTERS*, they both have cool stuff. Speaking of things that are cool like cold water…look the Kelly Kettle Co. to boil your agua. It is a unique way to heat water while camping or in the field. It uses very little fuel of any kind, and if you get good with it they claim you can heat water just as fast as the stove. Look it up, I can’t do every thing for you!
I would like to ad some addendums to my preparation mantras. Remember shelter, water, food, stuff, rescue…now add education…self education…hands on stuff. I’m sure I have told you all to practice with the gadgets you buy and learn to improvise when you don’t have neat stuff or when the gadgets fail. Since I can’t really tell you to experiment with things like starting fires without matches, learning about herbs for health and healing, emergency medicine, etc…I won’t…but, you will be far ahead of the game when things go south if you examine your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time. Normally, on the job training is OK, but not when you are cold, tired, scared, and have people relying on you. If can be fun to practice survival skills at home and its something the family can do together to get a practical education. Kids learn fast and are superb observers and innovators. It’s also a fine opportunity to run some basic drills and see how everyone reacts. Has your cat ever taken a ride in the car? What about your goldfish?
Let me reiterate practice. I once bought what I thought was a neat high speed lighter that was supposed to work in wind, rain, and last a long time. I was foolish enough to rely on it without first trying it out at home under safe predicable conditions. The lighter didn’t…you fill in the rest…it literally broke into pieces…luckily I had a few matches.
Now for a little reflection on the events of the last year. Did you learn anything at all? Did you learn to be a little more self reliant? Did you learn the value of living within your means? That the gubment can’t manage their own affairs, much less yours…your freedoms are going to …in a hand basket? I just want to emphasize that in response to all that is going on around you, each and every one of you must *come to terms on your OWN terms*…hey that’s a new Jack jingle! I phrased a coin… I mean… well you know. I realize the price of *corn* is high, but here you get it for free.
We lost one of beloved four footed staffers this weekend; her name is Karen. She spent her first year at the pound and the next fifteen with us. I asked her before she left to say howdy to some of our former furry family members…she can definitely pass into heaven through the eye of a needle…if need be…what good dog can’t. I have a New Years request; if one or two, of the three or so people who actually read this stuff would like to send in some questions, comments, advice, etc…Think CLM!

Remember, we are all in this together…a lot!
Happy Trails!
jdh*bc*

D.Tales Details by David #16

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:12:05 -0700

D. Tales *Details* by David #16
Goodbye 2008

In case it doesn’t show, although it probably does; when I sit down to write these articles I don’t do a lot of elaborate planning; I just start writing. I was trying to think of a good theme for the New Year, but it just wouldn’t come to me. Since I am not smart enough to get *writer’s block* as is often the case with others, I knew it had to be something simple. So I decided to go on a *walk about* as the Australians do. You know, a journey to find oneself. As you can see from the picture accompanying this dribble I didn’t get too far, and it does indeed snow in the desert! Now honestly, would you give this guy a ride? So I decided to take a walk about inside my head where there is plenty of room to roam; although it is not necessarily safer.

Before I started out, I needed to establish a point of contact, mark the beginning if you will; make a path. I recalled the words of the Nagual Don Juan as written by Carlos Castaneda. They are not exact so I won’t attempt a quote, but it was something like…only follow a path that has heart and follow it to its end…if does not have a heart, drop it immediately. I instantly started to relax, to drop the endless definitions, the shoulds and should nots; and yes even my famous *what ifs?* You know, this opens the way for the countless new years’ resolutions we all make to reverse direction. Instead of us making the resolutions, let the new years resolutions come to us Grasshopper, they will be easier to manage. Now that’s preparation.

So Jack old boy, have you been hitting the sour dough a little too hard? What’s with all the contemplative iteration? Are you going soft or something? Well, actually yes. It’s time to ease up a little, and really enjoy life. I want you all to firmly grasp that we have enough nonsense to go around in this world. Take time to savor the good stuff. Remember the mantra? Shelter, water, food, and *good stuff*.

Oh, I will be back the first of the year with plenty of crusty ideas and complaints, but where I go right now, you cannot cross over with me…mainly because I doubt all of you can fit in my head; even as big as is in my own mind…talk about the bridge to nowhere. So blessings to all the CLM staff and to you Good CLM Readers from me and my entire editorial staff…you know the rest. jdh

p. s. Type in the search words *Kelly Kettles* they are so cool, I mean hot…maybe Santa will put one in my stocking; hint, hint…

D.Tales Details by David #15

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 10:38:41 -0700

D.Tales *Details* #15 by David
aka Sunset Jack
Featuring *BC* Betty’s Corner

Happy Belated Thanks Giving to all and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! If the good folks at CLM were brave enough to post the photo that accompanies this particular blurb, you will have a chance to see my office. It may appear a bit rustic, but around here, we are every one of us taking stock of our blessings which makes the *stock market* appear as pitiful as it really is. I don’t know about all of you, but we have only had an upturn in our portfolio of blessings, love, kindness, fairness, friendship, honesty, and integrity to name a few dividends.
However, out in distances of our great country danger lurks in the S&P; that is the *Sovereignty & Prosperity* of our nation. I used to think you had to be smart to be in the Congress; how stupid can I be? Well, I’m sure there are those who know me that can answer the last part. Anyhow, I recall telling you good CLM readers to LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS! Well it seems our politicians can’t. I’m a little old fashioned, so too bad for you politically correct types, but any housewife can balance a budget; so just give her the job of running the economy and we will all be better off. Yea, the numbers are a little bigger, but the math is the same. Oh by the way, don’t fret over the jug I’m holding in the photo, I haven’t been driven to drink yet (mainly because gas is too expensive), it’s where I hide my spare change…from the politicians.
Now you know old Jack has most of his marbles at least some of the time; I detect uninvited snorting from my wet nosed friends. But I’ll be doggoned if I didn’t up and get invited to a séance the other day. Well not exactly the kind you might have in mind; this was a *common séance* and the *common sense* that was unveiled from the great beyond applies to the here and now. A voice of uncommon reason and good sense came through the mist and that was how I met my good departed friend *William*; a preacher who came to visit from the not so distant past and who presented me with the *Ten Cannots* They are not quite on a par with the Ten Commandments, but a close second. And yes, they should be chiseled in stone. The Ten Cannots render advice so razor perfect, that it would solve our nation’s economic woes TODAY! The English he uses, yes *English* is a little old fashioned like myself, but it means the same thing today.
So let me sit and get into a trance again in order to recall and recite William’s noble diction; OK who’s rattling the food dish? No matter, I have a highly disciplined mind, I’ll just relax…and no I have not been hitting the sauce; well just the BBQ sauce… OK quiet, here I go. I want all of you readers to concentrate with me…yes William we are ready, I hear you now, please guide my thoughts…*BC* Now that’s asking a lot for sure, even from the spirit world. *BC*
… What’s that William?...You cannot do what?...Listen everyone!

*You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift*

*You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong*

*You cannot help small men by tearing down big men*

*You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich*

*You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer*

*You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income*

I, I am feeling dizzy William, I can hardly sit still, I am already getting more than I can handle. That crack you just made about living within your means is making me crazy… yes William, I will stop salivating over your absolutely *dead on*, sorry, I mean *right on* advice…what’s that you say, there’s more…you cannot what?...

*You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred*

*You cannot establish security on borrowed money* …really?

*You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and independence*
*You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should be doing for themselves*
… yes, yes, that was *ten cannots*… are there more?...please, go on… wait, I now hear another voice, it is mesmerizing, it is getting stronger…louder… more annoying…on no!

*BC* You bet yur hearin’ another voice Jackie! Here’s your you caint number eleven you old goat! Oh pardon me, I mean your *you cannot* number eleven. You caint sit around the entire day all droopy eyed like your lazy dogs and talk to yerself! If you just followed one little bit of that old ghost’s advice, I wouldn’t be stuck here all day workin’ dawn to dark waitin’ on you and your so called flea infested writin’ buddies…droolin’ buddies maybe…now if you want to sit around mesmerizin’ on somthin’, why don’t you go and mesmerize up some fire wood. So git up do some wood choppin’ up in north end or you’ll get the *you cannot* number twelve… that bein’ *you cannot* stop my size twelve from headin fer yer south end…and don’t let the Sunset on it neither…JACK! *BC*
Sheesh, whatever happened to inner peace? Guess I better go outside and start practicing some of my own cannots, like I cannot stand being in debt (or cold). I also cannot stand being unprepared. I cannot stand dishonest gubment politicians…and I cannot seem to get my four footed staff to…
Well, I cannot compare my ineloquence to the eloquence of William. That would be William J.H. Boetcker born in 1873, and the conjured up old time preacher that provided us with these modern ideas to live by… Not really so old fashioned after all, huh? Maybe we can avoid the perfect financial storm.

Well folks, other than the perfect storm my lovely bride creates around here while I try to contemplate the future of our country, we had best be ready for the perfect political storm that’s brewing all over the world. Take a *good* look at the good Reverend Boetcker’s Ten Cannots and take notice that our so called smart leaders *can* and are doing the exact opposite. Now old Jack doesn’t get scared of too much, but this here economic mess we’re in by no fault of our own I might add, is a bit unnerving. We recently had some fires in southern California *again* and I did some what ifs. What if we also had at the same as the fires, an earthquake? And simultaneously our state and federal economy which is right now precariously dangling over a cliff, finally went over the edge *during our current drought of course*, and since most Californians are not prepared for even minor disasters, then what if…? Easy enough for you bright readers to figure out. Remember, what happens in California, doesn’t stay in California.
Be that as it may, the wife has put up some preserves, put away some water, food, stuff, and a little cash, put up a few prayers, and put up with me. I think we’ll all be all right. Now just what was that last cannot she told me…?

Stay safe out there, we really are all in this together!
Happy Trails!
jdh
*BC*

D.Tales Details by David #14

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 16:15:37 -0700

Well…happy fall! It’s 75 degrees, sunny with a few high cotton clouds, and a gentle 3-5 mile per hour breeze from the southwest…a perfect high desert day. I would like to praise all of our nation’s military veterans and their families for making it possible for me and my family to be able to enjoy it…THANK YOU!
I hope you liked Betty’s Corner in the last article. I don’t know precisely where she is at this exact moment; it is too quiet right now for my liking, and the four-legged staff is nowhere to be seen. They say animals can sense things humans can’t; do you think they know something I don’t? Hmmm… Say, did I ever tell you about when she low crawled in camouflage clothes, hide in the shrubs, and ambushed her brother…AT OUR WEDDING! Again, you have been warned.
I am going to answer some collective questions on water storage and I specifically mean *emergency* water storage. I am not going to reinvent the wheel, so I want you the readers, to do your own research in addition to whatever I have to say about this topic. Got it?
Let’s start with basics; no sighing or rolling your eyes, you should have expected this by now. You are the smartest and most educated readers that run the gauntlet of the Internet, so you already know the importance of storing water for a rainy day, pun intended. We will talk about TWO TYPES of water you will store; *potable (drinkable)* and non-potable water that you may use for washing or some other external purpose.
OK, you have should have sufficient quantities of both based on your family’s projected needs. What? Why doesn’t ol’ Jack tell you how much to store? Because it depends on factors that only you know. My guideline is that you are dealing with *preparation quantities* not survival quantities; more is better. Figure how much you think you need (don’t forget the relatives, neighbors, pets, fish tank, evaporative cooler, toilet, cars, etc.) then triple it. Remember, the only way to be sure your water quality and quantity is good and safe in a disaster is to store it yourself.
*(Note from Betty’s Corner.) Hey Jack! You are such a typical man; all you can think about is big stuff. Don’t you realize there are other smaller things that are just as important? Like what you ask? Like SHOES that’s what! Something it takes a woman to appreciate. And, I ain’t talkin about those snooty high heels neither. Besides, you’d look pretty foolish in them anyway. Think about when it’s cold and dark, and the middle of the night, and think about that 7.0 terremoto that will shake the hooks off the wall along with my bear statues. You’re gonna dang sure wish you had some shoes right by the bed so that you don’t have to go huntin for em’ when you are half asleep. Well, that’s a bad example; you’re half asleep most of the time anyway. So I’m loaning you a pair of my old Army boots even if they are too big for you. And you tell those nice people who read your dribble to get some shoes under the bed too. I like my fuzzy slip-ons myself. Translation, dog hair on my shoes....and if I trip on that oversized, lazy pooch of yours again, you can go put your shoes in his house. (B.C.)
Sorry for the interruption folks, she was hiding in plain sight under the bed and ambushed the computer when I got up to go let the dog out. I think that four-footer is in cahoots with the opposition. Hey! Who feeds you anyway?
Question: Where do I store my potable water? Answer: All over the place! The garage, out buildings, sheds, closets, etc. away from chemicals, fuels, or anything that is not water or that could be mistaken for water. LABEL YOUR WATER CONTAINERS! If your water might freeze, it has to be in a container that will not burst; leave space in the container to allow for expansion. Try, and I mean do try, to keep your water from extreme heat and cold if you can. Keep it where you can get to it easily, and in a place where it will suffer the least damage if the house falls or burns down. Keep some in the car. Always!
Question: What do I store my potable water in? If you can afford new high grade heavy duty 50 gal. barrels *designed* for that purpose, go ahead and them. There are a few drawbacks though. They are not usually pre-filled and sealed from the factory, so you are responsible for keeping the water quality at a safe level. They are not easy to move once filled, and they don’t usually have a spout for easy access to the water. If your 50 gal. barrel leaks, where are you going to store the water now? Or if it all leaked out, there goes all of your water. Or what if it gets contaminated…? You get it. However, they are great for non-potable water for purposes like washing or cleaning or flushing.
I do like the 5 gal. military style *water cans* usually made of very durable plastic; it’s what I have in the bed of my truck all year. They are easy to manage and they wear well. Overall, I think it’s best to buy cases of bottled water because they are cheap and stackable. I don’t like the idea of refilling used bottles and jugs from the store that had milk, juice, or something else in them. They are hard to get clean, leave bad odors and taste, and are hard to keep from leaking. So don’t do it unless that’s all you have. The advantage of buying a variety of commercially filled plastic bottles is that they are sealed and safe, and your water is not all in one container. Also, bottled water comes in a variety of sizes to suit your uses.
Hold it a second; one of my conspicuously absent see-in-the-dark staffers piped up growling something about there being a *caveat* in favor of storing water in very large containers. Is that something you eat?
OK, true enough, I am planning to buy a 1000 gal. or more water tank for high volume storage. I am in an area where if the water supply goes south, there are no nearby natural ground sources of water and little rainfall. I am also concerned about fire suppression; if the town water system goes down, the hydrants go down. I asked the water company about this and they confirmed that the hydrants and household systems are tied together and there is no separate auxiliary or back up system for the fire hydrants.

Question: What were you going to say about non-potable water? It is last ditch. If it is not fit for you to drink, it is not fit for animals to drink. You can fill any *CLEAN* container with clean water for washing, or putting in the radiator, or to put in the evaporative cooler. The best and most important use for non-potable or suspect water is flushing the toilet.

Here’s some quick tips in no particular order.

· Keep some frozen water bottles on hand, so if the Edison medicine runs out you
can put them in an ice chest to keep food from spoiling, help keep your fridge
cool, etc., and you can still drink it when it thaws.
· Have a portable water purifier on hand with extra filters.
· Learn the do’s and don’ts about water purification.
· Turn off the water main to the house immediately after a disaster to keep any
contaminated water from getting into your household pipes.
· Know other sources of water, i.e. upright water heaters, toilet tanks not bowls,
water standing in house pipes, swimming pools, etc.
· Understand why de-hydration is to be avoided at all costs.
· Do your what if’s. Think about your own situation.

I guess three pages is enough for this go around; there is a ton o’ info available about h2o that I want YOU to research. I can’t help doing a little nagging before I sign off in light of this silly political season. You must learn to take care of yourself, friends, and neighbors. The government won’t and is not capable of doing so anyway. Think self-reliance.
Oh, the man in the picture accompanying this article is my father; one of those quiet, self-reliant heroes who took care of us. He flew away to be with his Father on Oct. 20, 2008.

God’s speed Dad, I love you.

jdh

D.Tales Details by David # (Lucky) 13 aka Sunset Jack

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:32:41 -0600

I’d say Happy Fall to all the good CLM readers, but someone commandeered my truck. I sent a picture of the suspect who I suspect is called Betty. She’ll appear again later on.
So Betty pipes up today, What’s with the *Sunset Jack* business anyway? And who’s *aka*? So I said, Ha, ha, very funny, just shows what you don’t know! It just so happens that aka is secret cop talk for *also known as* and if you look back in the archives at my previous articles you’ll see for your self. I thought it would be fun to hang on a moniker and maybe get a smile or two. She said I should hang on to my sanity instead. Very funny… but speaking of hanging onto something, it should be your wallet. I think it was Murphy who said, *When Congress is in session, no one is safe.*
I told you last time I would get down to some nuts and bolts again and deal with some questions from readers… and I will get right to it directly, sort of… It seems that *Pokey* the not so diminutive black and tan, long-haired hippy Chihuahua who rarely chimes in said the readers would miss it if I didn’t harang them a little before getting down to the *bolts and nuts*. I said you have that backwards; she said no I don’t; it’s the bolts that hold things together, and it’s the nuts who make things fall apart. Sheeez!
Well, shorty might be right about that, so what I have to expound upon will blend perfectly with our ongoing theme of preparedness in today’s financial market. I’ll make this short and sweet, or sweet and short like Pokey. Part of being prepared; and this is essential. It is to LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS!!! Not doing so is a true disaster, and that disaster is 100% avoidable. It’s like running out of gas; it’s the one thing you can control, and if you don’t, the bankers and politicians will get you! The real boogiemen who actually do live under your bed.
Well, it had to happen sometime; a new staff member. I’m adding a little section for my lovely bride and formerly silent partner in all this. You will now see time to time, or maybe every time; *Betty’s Corner*. No it’s not a real place, but a state of mind; HER MIND, and what hides in the corner is anybody’s guess. Since she will basically be unsupervised (watch out) she could pop up anywhere in the article. So when so when you see a * BC* in front of a bunch of words it means miss Betty has grabbed the reins; so take heed or take cover. You be warned matey! Now, here’s some Q and A for the readers; questions are summarized.

Question : We lived through Katrina and lost all. Can you really be prepared for a disaster of that magnitude?
Answer: Remember when I said to think from big to little and back again? I’ll try not to sound like someone running for office when I yes and no. Yes you can be 100% ready if you are not there in the first place; no sarcasm intended. I spoke about being aware of your big living picture; one aspect is moving away from danger. I do understand the spirit of the question, so if that’s not possible then think of preparation as the way to minimize something you can’t get away from under any circumstance, or in which you may get caught off guard.
There different levels of preparation; example: a mugger jumps out with a knife, and you have a split second to react. You will react based on your prior life skills and experience; you may get nailed no matter what, or you may run or fight. Any disaster that is in your face right now, has to be dealt with right now.
In this case the disaster is immediate and short term; are you trained as a proficient fighter? Have you ever had a street confrontation before? Were you aware of your surroundings before this happened? Will you be more aware in the future? See the questions piling up rapidly? Being able to ascertain them over time and using common sense to answer them is the essence of being prepared. So if Katrina was a mugger, and you didn’t know Katrina was coming (who didn’t?) you probably got nailed. But, your personal skills may have let you survive or help others survive.
If you knew that Katrina was coming and chanced it and didn’t react until it got there; the level of preparation was probably more significant. Maybe you had things together, but didn’t or couldn’t anticipate the strength of the storm. How well you weathered it depended on your level of readiness.
If you knowingly live in a hurricane prone area with a known history of disasters and refused to move, or couldn’t move maybe due to finances or jobs, then the answer to your question is no; you can’t prepare 100% for anything of a Katrina magnitude; survival and coping with the aftermath will be the order of the day. Again, even if you did everything right and managed to survive the storm, you will always have to deal with the aftermath.
The preparation in the case of this question is that if you stay in a disaster prone area for whatever reason, be ready for an immediate response and have a long term survival strategy. If you may have to move quickly, have a preset place to go and a plan to get there even if you have to walk. Have a survival grab bag ready for all members of the family. Final answer: MOVE. Remember Galveston, a well known area for disasters, and people still put industry and homes right in harm’s way?

Question: What do I do if roads are clogged and getting out of town is difficult or impossible?
Answer: Don’t get in that situation in the first place, and go back and read my articles as a refresher. If you are in that situation, have several routes pre-planned and actually drive them ahead of time. Check them out at different times of the day and the year. What you would likely encounter on those routes? Are there places to go around stopped traffic? Is it in a crowded business district? Near a school? How many lanes? Traffic lights? Stop signs? Is it a good or bad route in normal traffic?
Think about your options in stop and go traffic when there is no disaster and *what if?* yourself a lot. Be sure your vehicle is always in good running order and full of gas and have a safe, tested, extra gas can full of gas. Make sure your vehicle will accommodate everyone who will rely on it; pets too. Make sure your vehicle is already stocked with SHELTER (clothes, tarps, etc.) WATER, FOOD and STUFF (things you actually need and have practiced with). Have survival grab bags ready at home and/or in your vehicle if you might get caught out on the road, and be sure you have room for them. Be prepared to wait it out in any weather. Get a four wheel drive if you can afford one; being able to go off-road is a huge advantage.
Question: Will cell phones work after a disaster? How long will they last?
Answer: Cell towers may still work if not affected by the disaster and power is available. There are federal rules (some cell phone providers are actually fighting these) that require an 8 hour power back up for cell towers; this is when communications are most critical. However, in 2007 in Calif. after a measly 5.6 earthquake, half the cell phone communications were jammed due to sheer volume of calls. So remember you won’t be the only one calling. That is why it is imperative to have a reaction plan that you know each member of your family will be following in the event of a communications blackout or interruption.
Your cell phone battery will last as long as it can be charged, so get a car charger and make sure the phone is always on full charge. Have a second fully charged back up battery or back up phone (they are cheap). If you are rich, get a satellite phone. This question provides a good argument for a personal locator beacon so you can signal via satellite (from anywhere) for help or let people know you are all right. Find Me Spot is a company that has them (cheap); look it up on the net. Remember, don’t be totally dependant on your cell phone, they fail. And, know your coverage area.

Question: What about storing gasoline, is it safe?
Answer: There is a lot written about this subject so look up this topic on the net. My inexpert opinion is in short, store fuel in a proper container and leave room at the top for expansion. Keep it in a cool place away from children and places where there are fire/ignition hazards. If you use a fuel stabilizer, put it in fresh gasoline as it will not keep old gas from degrading or freshen it up. Watch out for static electricity when filling up a portable can. Keep it on the ground and the nozzle in contact at all times until done. I hope the hazards of storing gas are obvious. Diesel is way safer and can store for a long time untreated. Never mix combustible fluids together. Ever.
Question: What about baby food for adults? Should you rotate stored food?
*BC* Answer: You shouldn’t ask a question like that to a grown man who sniffs his food every single time before he eats it. Please…dogs and cats sniff their food; no telling what ol’ Jack would say about baby food. Now, I take that back; men are babies so he might could answer that. All things considered, better that I take this question. Anyways, baby food is not *purred* like Jack says; rather it is puréed, or is it purebred? But, yes you can eat it in a pinch; like when you are in the dog house Jackie boy! That’s a dumb for me to say, he actually like’s that; no, not the baby food, the dog house.
Be of clear mind that the stuff is more designed for a baby’s digestive tract so you’d better have a diaper ready! Oh, and will you taking formula with that? Big folks can eat it sure enough, but remember the jars are little so get your kid’s itty bitty spoon out. Keep your pinky in the air when you eat. And them little jars are pricey too!
As for rotation; I know something that needs to get rotated off the couch now and then…and the dog too, Jack! Do rotate and not just spin, all canned food and any (baybay food) and eat it by the expiration date or feed it to the dog if they’ll tolerate it. I do recall that canned food can have a shelf life past its due date if it’s stored in a dry cool place. I wonder what the shelf life is on you know who? I thinks he went past it a while back. *BC*
Well folks, I have obviously lost control, but I did warn you. To my face, my color blind editorial staff is silent on the matter; no doubt they are smirking doggedly behind my back and acting like a bunch of uncivilized Hyenas. I’ll get to the rest of the questions next time. I’m going to go get in the car, drive it real fast, and have a brake down. Betty!! Where’s my truck?!!

STAY SAFE OUT THERE>WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
(some more than others)
Jd and Bc

D. Tales, By David #12

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:17:17 -0600

Happy September! We really lucked out on a cool summer this year. What else is really cool is I finally got some assistance from my long incisored friends. Actually, I caught them *pawing* over a quote they saw in a magazine. Sumo picked it out for me probably because he hates water, but has a sense of humor. It sums up some of my harping about balancing the natural with the supernatural. Bet you skip to the end before you read the quote before you read this entire ...
Anyway, this is going to be the last article for a while…don’t panic, not literally the last; but the last of what have been more or less lectures that set down the important concepts of preparation. After this, the next few articles will be dedicated to discussing some specific questions from readers. This new article should be given in several small doses, but I condensed it a little. However, I can’t help myself from using a giant literary spoon to deliver it all at once. So get the family and friends together, a little sugar, and open wide to take this mindful medicine.
My goal is for all of (us) to comprehend our surroundings. Now, I don’t care where you choose to live; I do care that you are able to deal with the cards that will be dealt to you wherever you are. I often begin a sentence with *I can’t stress enough that…* Well, if you have been reading any of my past dross and dribble you can complete the sentence with a variety of ideas already imparted.
Survivors of a disaster are often called *lucky*, but survival is not always a side effect of just luck. We can do way more than we can imagine to PREVENT and SURVIVE a disaster. It’s a matter of yes, yes, go ahead and say it; PREPARATION!
A positive mindset is the connecting rod between getting the most out of what you have, or making a bigger mess. We have wonderful natural instincts that nature has given us (use them!) which we ignore all the time. We have mapped the entire world and have technological wonders and forecasting abilities that our forefathers lacked. So isn’t it amazing that we (collective we) still tirelessly gamble with nature? We build anything and everything on unstable hillsides, in known flood zones, volcanic zones, hurricane zones, and earthquake faults as if we are immune; it is the very reason disasters seem worse. It is not the weather getting worse (sorry global warming folks), it is that we insert ourselves into dangerous areas and destroy natural barriers like our wet lands. And, we all (yes me too) rely on a vulnerable highway and communication system. Strangers deliver our food and power from far away places AND we expect them to be delivered under all circumstances. Don’t. So every time I paint this picture I ask you (the collective you), how will you react to a natural or man made disaster, or a combination of the two? This depends on your level of preparedness of course.
Disaster professionals like cops, firemen, doctors, soldiers, etc. train to anticipate and deal with bizarre human behaviors and rapidly changing circumstances in the middle of chaos. Yet, who will likely be first affected by a disaster and first on scene where you live? Uh huh, you!

It is mandatory to have the mindset of *I can *do something*, and to have a belief that the best in people can be brought forward. So now I bring up something that is severely lacking in our politicians, but not in individuals like you; and that is *leadership.* Take the attitude that in a tough situation, you will prevent a disaster from becoming a catastrophe. Repeat this out loud again.
I have spoken a ton about physical preparation, and about half a ton about mental preparation. NEWSFLASH! *If something happens, you will get the most out of yourself and others if you are invested in playing a role in your own survival.* I borrowed this line and I’m not giving it back.
Think from big to little and back again. What’s going on internationally? Nationally? Locally? Where do you live? Are you in an area that is well known to suffer certain man made or natural disasters? Are you willing or able to move? Are you in an area where you can mitigate most of the anticipated problems? Will you be seriously trapped in a dense city setting or unique geographic area? Is your community prepared to deal with disasters? What about your neighbors? Are you and your family ready? Family pets? What is your plan…? Wake up in the back there and listen up! LUCK AND HOPE ARE NOT VIABLE STRATIGIES! Although, I’m not against them mind you.
Here’s the un-credited quote I promised you. I can imagine this would be appropriate advice to someone in a boat caught in a storm; *Call on God, but row away from the rocks.* That’s a good way to combine faith and good sense so I want everyone of you to *row away from the rocks* BEFORE THE STORM HITS by getting yourselves ready. Check yourself. Check your big and little surroundings and constantly ask yourself and others *what if* and *what will I/we do about it*? It is pure situational awareness on all levels and your reaction will only be as good as your training and preparation. It is not that difficult and I cannot make this point any clearer. I am on your side and I am not going over two pages.
Good readers, I actually have two quotes for you. The next one is based on a perfect piece of wisdom from Reverend Munro that I received with love and care via Reverend Mary; *We do not go running after people who do not want us, because there are too many who need us.* Amen to that.
That’s if for me, but my fur gallery whom are always thinking outside the doghouse asked me to add this variation: *Do not go running after people who do not want YOUR help, because there are too many who do.* Nice going tail waggers, give me four! Up to now I’ve done what I can, so it’s time for y’all to saddle up and ride off into the sunset and get things going. I’ll be here when you get back. As always…

STAY SAFE OUT THERE, WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

happy trails
jdh

D. Tales, By David #11

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 09:19:10 -0600

     August is upon us and the four-legged editorial staff is wilting from the heat. I tried to cool them down with some talk about Tsunamis and such due to a question we are going to address from one of our readers in Oregon. Well, not being too fond of water they were all non-plussed. A lot! They begrudgingly tolerate being cooled down with the hose, but I guess a Tsunami is just too much liquid refreshment at one time. Once again I’m left alone to wade through this article unassisted; if I can wade through fifty foot waves that is! I bet if they get hot enough they’ll pitch in eventually.
     So hey there ol’ Sunset Jack, what’s with the new uniform? I thought you’d never ask. I am now a federal employee and technically work for the Department of the Interior via the National Park Service. I was warned that the gubment does things differently. Boy is that true. Did you ever wonder why an agency calling itself *Interior* takes care of things *outside*? Or, why does the *State* Department take care of things in foreign countries? Go figure. Well, I’d rather go figure this question/comment that came in at the end of June. Sorry to be so slow in responding.
      *Since these are unprecedented times right now and floods are in places that are not in a flood zone, how do I prepare for my family’s safety in case of a flood or fast rising water? I may only have a few minutes to evacuate and gather things or maybe none at all. Any advice you can give me is appreciated. I live in Oregon and now they are talking a great deal on the T.V. About an impending Tsunami. They said it is not a matter of if, but when. How do we live not in terror of this happening? The government seems powerless to do anything. This is a most uncomfortable feeling and these events have not happened before in my lifetime. Thank you for your advice. Cathy in Oregon.*
     This is a good question on which a book could be written because the person who wrote it touched on a lot of excellent points. I’d like to know how far inland Cathy lives. Off the coast of Oregon is the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault system that stretches from Vancouver to Northern California. In short it generates earthquakes that could generate Tsunamis. The last known major event was 1700 A.D. And the estimated period of major earthquake events/Tsunamis is every 400-600 years; you do the math.

     Also in this general area is the Cascade Volcanic Arc which has at least 20 major volcanoes and an estimated 4000 volcanic vents that stretch about 700 miles. Major cities that could be affected are Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.        So there is concern by Cathy that floods are occurring in *non-flood zones.* Well, flood zones are artificial lines drawn by people around other lines on maps who use estimated or predictive information. There is a basis for this information, but it’s hardly an exact science. Figure that lowlands, land close to the shore, inland rivers will be affected. Now try and guess how far inland a 100 foot wave will go. I can’t, but you can look at the general topography where you live, elevation, etc. And get a good idea.
     In California we are waiting for the *Big One*; that is a very big earthquake, and it is the same for this reader who is waiting for a very big wave or even volcanic eruption. It is possible it will occur in our lifetime which is also a big concern for her. Let me address the comment of *the government being powerless to do anything*. I assume first of all that the reader knows that the government can’t control nature. That’s a given. As for depending on the government in the aftermath of a Tsunami, DON’T! A large nearby giant wave generated off the northwest coast will get to shore in minutes, likely before any public warning can be announced. And, you will be on your own. Figure that thousands of people will be immediately affected so don’t wait for help, so be prepared to work independently or with friends and neighbors.
    OK, now the nuts and bolts; How do I prepare for flood or fast ring water? I am going to assume that Cathy is NOT going to move. In this case, do some local research and draw some common sense conclusions. Are you are close or far from the coast, etc? Have there been historic catastrophic floods in your area before caused by something a bit tamer than a Tsunami like rain or snow runoff?
     The first key words for Cathy are *high ground.* Are you on it? Can you get to high ground quickly? How many others near you will need to so the same? Will the high ground you get to, save you from a 50-100 foot wall of water? Is there more than one way in and out of where you live? Are you urban or rural? Do you have an escape plan that includes where you will go and how to get there? Got cash on hand? Radio? Do you have 4-wheel drive? Is your escape vehicle in perfect running order at all times and full of fuel? Is your escape vehicle parked in a place where you can always get to it? Is it stocked with survival supplies? Do you have emergency grab bags for everyone loaded with survival supplies in a safe place or already in the vehicle? Do you have survival grab bags you can hand carry in case you can’t use your vehicle? Pets? Kids? Relatives?

     Sorry to answer questions with a plethora of questions, but you have to be able to answer them all truthfully and do the best you can to fulfill them. Please go back and read all my prior articles on the CLM website. Now for the most important part of the question about living in fear of disaster; DON’T. DO LIVE AWARE and DO BE SMART about your situation. Size it up. Talk to folks. Call your local authorities and ask some hard questions about *their preparedness*. Taking action will eliminate your fears by doing something pro-active. If you feel your situation will be insurmountable in your lifetime then consider relocating.
     Let me give you a quick personal example. I live in an earthquake zone. I do not live in fear. If I lived in L. A. or a crowded southern California city I would be real nervous. I live in a California high-desert setting. My house will likely still be habitable after a major quake; it already survived a 7.3 quake with only a few cracks in the stucco. Put that quake under a freeway overpass or a crowded downtown and you have real trouble. I am also reasonably prepared to be on my own for a while, I try to live smart, and we have plans and supplies. AND, as the Godfather Don Corleone says, *Perhaps that day will never come….* Perhaps it won’t, but be as ready as you can.

     I’m going to insert a little additional Tsunami info here. Tsunamis are caused by any disturbance of the sea floor by such things as landslides, volcanic activity, or earthquakes. When there is an uplift and subsidence of the sea floor, the shape of the force is transmitted to the surface. Water does not compress. So the displaced water has to go somewhere. That force travels a long way until it hits a shoreline. The Pacific Ring of Fire is a 40,000 kilometer horseshoe shape basically surrounding the Pacific Ocean and is a hot bed of volcanic and seismic activity. So Oregon can get nailed from clear across the Pacific. Icheewawa!

     The bottom line is that we don’t know what natural or man-made disaster will strike us in our lifetimes. We do know that whatever or whenever one occurs, we will be affected in some way; either up close and personal or indirectly. Our decision is *will we let a disaster turn in to a catastrophe* by lack of readiness?
     I guess my K-9 staff really looked the other way on this one; they really don’t like to get wet. I guess we’re not moving to the coast any time soon!

Stay safe out there; we’re all in this together. (Even the Oregonians!)

Happy trails!
j.d.

(NOTE FROM CLM STAFF: FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN SEEING ANOTHER VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES, PLEASE GO TO WWW.MATRIXINSTITUTE.COM
ON THAT WEB SITE YOU CAN SEE THE FUTURIST GORDON MICHAEL SCALLION’s VISIONS RESULTING IN HIS MAP OF THE FUTURE LANDSCAPE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE WORLD.)

D. Tales, By David #10

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:27:40 -0600

First, Happy Summer from my four-footed staff members and me! Second, Warning, this article is going to be all over the place and suspiciously smacks of social commentary! I took the liberty of skewing this article high and to the right since I just had a birthday in June.
Now can you believe that this is the tenth article I’ve cajoled the good folks at CLM to print? I hope you Good Readers that visit the CLM website are thinking of topics or situations where it is always in good taste to be prepared and ask me questions.
Right now my editorial staffers think good taste is only in the food bowl and they are all laid out under the swamp cooler. They’ll come to life about dusk which is coincidentally feeding time around here; so hopefully I don’t anticipate any canine capriciousness for a little while.
Meanwhile, please recall that in *D. Tales* # 8, I had a picture of Yours Truly standing at the top of a thousand foot very vertical climb. AND, also in *D. Tales* #8, I talked a lot about water and preparing for rescue. AND, also I… wait a minute…Sumo just raised up his head; his eyes are glazed with hot summer doggie eye goo. I’m going to stop writing and just act natural…hold on for a moment…do de do, dum de dum…
Coast is clear, head is down, sleep wins, and I will type ever so quietly. He did however, let me know this very morning that water is ultra important this time of year. He said that if you are even *a little thirsty* you are already 3-5% dehydrated. Now what was I saying? You’re right, absolutely nada.
Anyway, I had one of my Rock Art compadres take the *D. Tales #8 snapshot on a mountain so you could see the desert floor below and relate it to the one in this article. The goal was not to just get to the top of a remote mountain in Joshua Tree National Park, but go up even further on the mountain top to a remote boulder strewn area to a little known cave where our prehistoric brothers and sisters called home for a time.
I paused at the top of said mountain to wonder how and why these hardy people got up to where I was, or rather how I got to where they had already been. I’ll stick to the how; the why is a trade secret.

Yeah Homer, I know they climbed up rock by rock as did I, but I did so wearing tough sturdy boots to protect me from the constant sharp, jagged rocks, and cactus; and I wore heavy durable, protective clothing to protect me from the brush and sun. I had plenty of water, food, and cool usable stuff too!
What did they have? Let’s see, besides guts and total mastery of their environment, they had fiber or maybe thin hide sandals, a little clothing from woven fiber or animal skin if lucky, all very perishable; likely a fiber net to carry a heavy and highly breakable clay water pot. No modern medical items or emergency help. If they got hurt they could be total toast; no rescue! We would be partial toast today at best.
The picture you see with this article *D.Tales #10* is in front of a cave loaded with pictographs we call *rock art* and they made bny smearing crushed red Hematite. Now this article’s photo was taken on the same day I took the photo in *D. Tales* #8; this rock shelter is a pretty formidable place to settle into. While there, I repeated to myself, how did they do it? A subsistence peoples whose collective goal was… you guessed it, to get shelter, food, water, and stuff. This was true life or death survival. Every day. No back up. None of us would last long back then. Well folks, they were prepared! I won’t go into *D.Tales*, but I’ll present a few clues.
Let’s get real basic again and start with the idea of MINDSET, the glue that holds all the other concepts together. What is *mindset you say? It’s a cousin to stubbornness without the mindlessness. It is the way you approach life good or bad. It is an attitude or compartment that that takes all you have learned about life and hopefully makes it useful. It is purposeful determination. You know what you have to do. It would seem that these crafty peoples had the mindset of survival as a way of life. They were intimately familiar with their surroundings and learned from birth how to get along.
They knew only too well the value of shelter. If you think about it, even weather was *shelter*; they didn’t climb the mountain in real hot or cold weather. They knew where ephemeral (look it up yourself), seasonal, or annual water would be. They knew what plants would be available and when. They really knew their *stuff*; pun intended and could make tools on the spot anywhere. They sure were aware of their friends and enemies. It was very clear back then, maybe not so clear today. That’s the not so clear part of survival because now it an international affair. Little, often senseless hiccups in world affairs affect us.

Our prehistoric Native Americans could make due almost anywhere. We have to learn to do the same. We feed the gazillion dollar trade deficit, because our so called leaders don’t have the collective will to assert self-reliance as a nation anymore because it would be politically incorrect, and you know all the other reasons, we can’t take care of ourselves, rant, rant, rant! Sorry, well no not really.
Aside from my brief episodic fit, and there will be others, do you see that we invest almost no time to ready ourselves for any kind of self-reliance and basic survival preparation? We are more insulated from the natural world than ever before, and old Sunset Jack here is no exception; but I’m working on becoming less so. Well we can take of ourselves and family if we start now!
Get this; I often realize that I have never physically seen 99% of the money I’ve earned over my entire lifetime. Have you? Granted the amount of my unseen money is not awe inspiring, and the *system* works for the most part as long as it is not interrupted, but it’s weird that our paper money is on paper; computer paper that is. It is one more way we have lost touch the natural world, the one that sends floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, etc. That same unseen, computerized money pays for the human caused artificial disasters and the repairs that go with them. Do broken levees ring a bell? How about lack of foresight, planning, and preparation. Ding!
Anywhere you live will have challenges, some worse than others. If I haven’t already said it, I’ll take the earthquakes over the other possibilities! So…, I’m going to revise my preparedness mantra again. Here it is. Add *MINDSET* to SHELTER, WATER, FOOD, RESCUE. Mindset is going back to our prehistory.
Hey wake up, we just talked about that!
Please consider the following; your house or car is your cave, know your surroundings, be able to make due with what you have on hand, think, discern the truth, learn, plan, practice, ask *what if* questions, prepare yourself with common sense, realize that the right survival skills and knowledge may be your new currency, learn to barter and trade, get with your neighbors, move if you have to. Get a little ambition! Oh, oh, I shouldn’t have said that, it woke up the dogs; all of them. Shhh, I’ll explain why.

A few weeks ago my four legged friends were viewing the color tellyvison; in black and white of course. Suddenly they put it on *paws*. I could sense they were very upset and indeed *furrious* over what they had heard on TV. They heard a particular human who is running for President, give a speech at a Massachusetts University graduation as a replacement speaker for a Massachusetts senator who got sick and couldn’t make it.
This candidate, now a presidential nominee, told the students not to get caught up in ***the poverty of ambition***. You know, not to be like those people who set a goal and achieve it. You know, those *ambitious* people who become doctors, scientists, teachers, etc. who do serve their fellow man. You know, those few *ambitious* people who are left in this country who provide jobs by creating industry and put people to work.
This human presidential nominee said that the American dream was *selfish* and that the new graduates had a debt to society because they were more likely to succeed where others by no fault of their own of course, would not, could not, or did not succeed. He warned the grads not to get selfishly caught up in a *career.* You know, those careers that let you take care of yourself and your family. Let’s see, oh yeah, your career supports the gubment too. Hmmmm…
My flealess friends wondered if the selfish graduate humans should have the ambition to not be ambitious and to obligate themselves to help (by their virtue of their hard work and *ambition*) those other humans who are not ambitious and hard working. What’s his mindset?
Now I don’t know how this presidential speech being composed of all those human sounds got translated into woof, woof, but I’d say those dogs know another dog when they see (hear) one, even if only has two legs. So *mindset* has many facets. There is the mindset of *others* which is sometimes dangerous as my cold nosed staff has pointed out, and YOUR MINDSET which is good and fair-minded. I learned from my long toothed cohorts, mindset is critical; yours and theirs. Watch your surroundings, even if they are only words.

Stay out of the sun and remember, we’re all in this together!
Well, most of us.

hAppY trAiLs!

D. Tales, By David #9

Mon, 19 May 2008 09:42:32 -0600

All year I appreciate all of our military veterans, current military personnel, and anyone else who works to make it safe for me to sit here in the comfort of my home and write these articles; especially this month of May. Our theme has of course been about disaster preparedness or any situation that requires some forethought. Well, the ultimate preparation for our freedom comes from our valiant fighting men and women; without them there would be nothing to prepare for except more disaster. For those of you who value your freedom, take a moment to thank and pray for our uniformed military members, police, and firemen or anyone who lays their life on the line for you; please go ahead, you can read on in a few moments…God Bless them.

I acknowledge my Great, Great, Grandfather David Summers Union Army Civil War, my Grandfather Col. Donald Henley US Army West Point Class of 1915 (deceased) who fought and served in WWI and WWII, Lt. Col. Donald Henley Jr. USAF (Retired) WWII P-47 Fighter pilot, cold war bomber pilot, Sgt. James N. Henley US Army (deceased) wounded at St. Lo France, my best friend Timothy W. Brown SSgt. US Army and Deputy Sheriff, my wife’s father Dennis D’Antin US Marine Scout WWII (deceased), and Rev. Lucas U.S. Army Viet Nam. I salute you all!

The picture I included this time is a horseshoe sculpture I made in honor of our fighting men. If you don’t know what it represents, take the time and ask any veteran.
Last time I told you that there are two consecutive articles that are linked together which is true, but because of Veteran’s Day I changed the photo for this article. I’ll follow up with the companion photo in D. Tales #10.
My four legged literary consultants have the day off today. I don’t know why I allow it as only one of them has been pulling his weight lately. OK and one is honorably retired and has paid her dues so I’m on my own…again!
We got on the subject of *RESCUE* in the last article D. Tales #8 and somewhat one the topic of water as it relates to shelter and dehydration. Once again, *Shelter, Water, Food, Stuff,* aids rescue. Let’s focus on dehydration. I am not a physician or expert on the subject and I’m not giving you medical advice nor should you take it as such. I do want to pass on some guidelines as it relates to being prepared and help you understand how vital water can be. I could not write a book big enough to cover this subject nor am I smart enough.
Your body is mostly water and the best way to treat dehydration is to avoid it. Simple huh? Well it’s more like Duh! Water is underrated, and there dozens of little informational nuggets on this topic that I will give you in no particular order. There is no way I can include them all so here are a few generalities. First, humans must drink 2-3 quarts of water per day even in a relaxed temperate environment. Water! Not soda, beer, energy drinks, etc. Anytime you add something to plain water it will potentially reduce its effectiveness. Children and older people are more susceptible to dehydration. Water is necessary to control body temperature and a wide variety of bodily functions. Under extreme hot conditions you can loose three or more quarts of water in an hour.
Water loss is not just related to sweating or exertion in hot weather; inhaling very cold air also accelerates dehydration. Other situations apply as well; for example vomiting and diarrhea can lead to very rapid water loss. If you are out in the wild, don’t go eating plants you are not familiar with as you can cause the two conditions I just mentioned. If you are concerned about water don’t take chances, don’t take short cuts you are not familiar with, avoid injury as bleeding a lot costs you water as do burns, and don’t ration water. I can hear the question now, “how do we get water in the wild?” First of all I cannot cover survival methods of getting water, and most of them require more energy than it’s worth. Look the topic up when you get a chance and practice at home. Then I would say, what is your circumstance? I’ll keep it simple. If you are at home, or out in the car or mall and get dehydrated, shame on you. I liken this to running out of gasoline; it is the one thing you can control in almost all non-emergency circumstances. You can always get water or should have water with you.
The real key most of the time is WATER CONSERVATION. If you are out hiking, always take more than you think you need, and everyone packs their own. Before you start out, drink water like a camel to fill up your stomach almost to the point of throwing up. It’s cheap insurance. While you are out in the wild, limit your eating, it takes a lot of water to digest food and eliminate waste. If you are running low on water or might be running low, DON’T EAT, but choose carbohydrates and avoid fats and proteins if you must eat. And, no smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages. No gum chewing.
Remember shelter? Remember that clothes are shelter? Remember that clothes insulate you? Remember maintaining your core temperature? Cover your head in hot weather or when in direct sun; wear loose long sleeves and loose long pants, and thick soled shoes.
Want some more info? How do we get hot you ask? Obvious dumb question? Nooooooo….! We get hot through *metabolic heat*, that is we get heat gains from bodily functions/movement so we must limit activity in hot weather. Rest during the day, and work or walk at night. How about *radiant heat*? That comes from exposure to direct sunlight or objects that radiate heat; so get shade and do not sit by a hot rock wall or large hot stuff. Ever hear of *conduction* where there’s heat gain from contact with another solid object? Heat goes to the cooler object (you). Don’t lie on hot ground or warm boulders to rest. Rest on your pack or something that insulates you from the hotter object. *Convection* causes heat gain from a hot air mass. Breathe through your nose.
What about cooling? Sit in a cool area, sit on something cooler than you, breathe cool air, and drink cool water. If excess water is available, use it to cool off as it is way more efficient than cooling off by air. A combination water and wind is ideal. The body is very efficient at cooling by evaporation. A word of warning though, you can get so dehydrated in severe cases that you cannot drink enough water. Your body can only rehydrate at about one liter per hour. You may need medical intervention. Drink when you are not thirsty to help avoid this. And, remember that water is absorbed in the intestines, and cold water gets to the intestines faster.
One more note; getting acclimatized to heat is fine but does not lessen your requirement for water. Remember old *Sunset Jack* (me), I can tolerate and function better than most people in very hot weather. But all things are equalized in the end. The price of perceived increased efficiency in heat is an increase in perspiration, ergo, more water lost. Desert rats need just as much water as you do although they won’t admit it. I didn’t talk about signs of dehydration on purpose. You look it up! Hint, thirst means you are already low on water. And, thirst can mimic hunger so you will eat when you shouldn’t.
Cheer up, get a drink of water, I’m almost done. We touched on how things work together or against each other. Shelter works well with water. Water works well with food when there is enough water. Food is irrelevant in hot weather if there is no shelter or water. What about stuff? Some stuff works better than other stuff; and it better be the right stuff to be of any use. Well all of this is a relative thing. I shall touch lightly upon it with a mischievous streak. Let’s take an example. You know me; I like the extreme ones to make a point. You crash a plane; in the desert of course; in summer and in August. Ouch! Now, should I stay with the plane or walk out? Start the evaluation process. Am I injured, lost, did I file a flight plan, will people be looking for me, etc.? OK, you did all that and you decide to stay put.
You’re banged up pretty good but not life threatening but the plane is wrecked. Your plane is stuff; big stuff; a lot easier to spot than you are, especially from the air; right? It is also shelter. Any tools are valuable as you can calmly dismantle parts of the plane to increase the visible surface areas of the plane and reflective areas. You can burn things that make smoke. If you have practiced any survival skills pertaining to obtaining water, you may find something to hammer some grooves in the flat areas of the wing so that when water in the air condenses on the cooling metal at night you can collect it. And, in this situation, something to signal with is worth more than your book on edible plants or poisonous snakes. These ideas apply to your car too. Enough. I know you get this.
Most of what I told you this go around applies in a safe day to day environment where there is no disaster, and helps to avoid an emergency. So stay hydrated all the time and for goodness sakes think about the old folks, kids, and pets. Be responsible!
Last anecdote. In my desert survival class the instructor had us pick from a list of items we thought would be useful in the hot desert. Some of the items were a compass, unsalted soy nuts, survival books, sun screen, a wool over coat, a gun, a case of beer, salt tablets, etc, etc,. Well most picked the gun, beer, and soy nuts. No one picked the wool over coat. Well… the compass and books are not helpful if you decide to stay put or are lost anyway, and the gun is almost useless except to make noise; and sound carries poorly in hot dry air. The alcohol in beer will dehydrate you faster. The soy nuts are protein and require a lot of precious water to digest. Salt tablets make you thirstier. The wool over coat however, will insulate you from the hot desert air and direct sun exposure if there is no shade. It helps you maintain 98.6% when the temp is 100% and higher. If is 110% outside shade or not, you are ten degrees or so cooler by virtue of wearing the wool coat, and of course covering your head.
I tell you this stuff for my education and your education. Now for your continued education, go to the internet and type in the keywords es hawk. Do it now! It is a website that is sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol. I fully endorse it. Do it!

Stay safe out there, we’re all in this together!
Happy Trails!
jdh

D. Tales, By David #8

Mon, 5 May 2008 09:42:26 -0600

Before I get too far into this, I want to tell you that the picture I sent along with this article is not too different from the ones you have seen before. But there is a connection…a connection to the article after this one. So you will have to be patient. So be sure to pay attention, this article is in two parts!
Here we go. Now I was mind melding with an old friend named Karen over what topic to indite within the field of preparedness; and more importantly, what you the *GOOD* Readers would like to peruse. Karen doesn’t talk much anymore because of her very advanced age, but she can communicate with some distinct sounds; and for as long as I’ve known her, she’s never said anything *BAD.* Ever. It doesn’t mean she doesn’t have anything to say, but when I’m with her, she has a way to make me listen to the voice within. And, there is more than one. Although what we have chosen to talk about this time could get *UGLY*, I feel it bears being penned. No dispersions intended towards bears.
Ironically, when we initiated this discussion, Karen and I were just listening… well, I was listening to and she was watching a vintage spaghetti western starring Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach on our thirty five year old Sony T.V. Funny how the old stuff is better than the new. If you haven’t figured out the movie title from the first paragraph, you will groan when you do. It takes place in a desert setting of course, but you must seriously imagine Italy as a desert; and I bet you can hear the whistling in the theme song right now…then the classic wa, waa, waaaa. Anyway, I spent some precious time collaborating in silence with my loyal trusted friend for ideas. Silence because Karen being a relative hundred and nineteen years old is about as deaf as a geriatric four footer can get. God bless her wagging tail...
By now you have likely suffered exposure to something I’ve written, so you might say it was prudent that I should adopt an alias. That’s what Karen said too, but in not so many words. The trouble is that I can’t use a cool nom de plume like *Bob Moon* because it has already been taken. Besides, Bob Moon is a real person from whom I am going to borrow heavily for this article in order to reinforce what I have been talking about. I guess it is a lot to borrow his ideas AND his name. Since I can’t employ his name, how about I try something else original and organic like *Sunset Jack* or *Sand Dune Dave*… My fury mentor is getting a howl out of this.
So as I was saying, when I sat down to start this article I was all set to discourse on water and the effects of dehydration, etc. This made me thirsty and reminded me of a desert survival class I attended about ten years ago. The backbone of the course was an article written by Mr. Moon. One of the main points of instruction detailed how to conserve and obtain water. Of equal importance was his emphasis on staying as cool as possible. Remember when I talked about shelter as it relates to regulating your core temperature by staying warm or cool? Remember that if you cannot accomplish this, the rest of your survival tactics won’t matter? You do remember! Yes!
I am not a desert survival instructor like Mr. Moon, but for the most part I try to plan ahead for the situations I think I will encounter; so can you. Plus, I have been fortunate. Yes, fortunate. Fortunate that I haven’t had a bad accident in a bad place nor have an act of God befall me or mine. We are all subject to happenstance, but how we react to it is an individual affair. I would rather rely on good tactics than good luck. The better prepared we are, the better we react. My goal in writing these articles is to keep you from ending up like the stereotyped survivor in the movies; being delirious with torn clothes and blistered lips as you stagger to the top a waterless sand dune. Or if you prefer, lost and starving in the freezing snow. Yea, yea, a little dramatic, but I caught someone in the back row nodding off out there. Stay with me here!
Make a note! There are no tricks or secrets to survival at any level, from mild to extreme. I back this up with a quote from Bob Moon that sums up perfectly what I have been trying to tell you. *Those who survive harrowing experiences typically do so through the cumulative benefits of many individual tactics applied at the appropriate time. Decipher that as *being prepared,* so here I go again with SHELTER, WATER, FOOD, STUFF!
Understand that each survival situation has an ultimate solution; I’d like to cross off death as that ultimate solution. Don’t confuse this with the ultimate purpose of preparation which is survival. What we want is the best *ultimate* solution to your problem or potential problem. So I will quickly remind you again with my own quote about the importance of shelter and water; *staying hydrated with water quickly becomes synergistic with getting shelter especially where water is scarce, might become scarce, or is absent.*
I am going to stop and apologize to those of you who are waiting for me to get to the main point of this article since it isn’t totally about agua. Well, the point is like the tip-top of the Great Pyramid, it takes a massive foundation to get to that point and support it. Settle down, the point is coming.
And oh boy are you lucky, here it is; Karen has as of this very moment reminded me to introduce all of you to that point; a point I want you to consider a big part of the foundation for survival/preparation. Well, what does Karen know about all this? Plenty, that’s what; she has a pretty big foundation herself so she has plenty of room to talk. In the last seven articles I’ve pretty much stuck to a fundamental core of ideas, but I have to add one more... and they say an old dog can’t teach new tricks!
The new trick and point I am introducing is the concept of *RESCUE.* It could be self-rescue or rescue by others. And, although it may sound odd, you must be able to participate in your own rescue. Repeat, you must be able to participate in you own rescue. The success of your rescue is commensurate with your ability to initiate your own coping strategies. Your coping strategies are commensurate with your preparation. How many things have you planned for ahead of time?
Most of you may think of rescue as saving oneself, saving others, or getting saved from a dangerous situation, and you would be right. Let’s think about how and when your rescue begins. Here’s a quick example; you fall down in the brush somewhere while hiking and are unconscious. How do you contribute to your own rescue?
The answer is that you have already done so ahead of time because… you told someone where you were going, you were dressed for the weather, you left a note on your dashboard that was visible through the windshield that had pertinent information, you stayed hydrated, and so on. You actively contribute to your rescue while unconscious because you are wearing a bright colored safety vest that makes you more visible to rescuers, AND you told someone when you would come back so they knew when to start looking for you. See the progression of benefits when you plan ahead? OK, it’s simplistic but you get the idea. Don’t you?
Now let’s expand the concept. You’re sitting peacefully at home and the economy suddenly falls down around you. And maybe your house falls down from an earthquake. How do you contribute to your own financial and physical rescue? The answer is that you have already stashed some money at home, you have been living your means, you have things to barter with... and you have put up survival supplies in your garage and car, practiced emergency procedures, and got together with like minded neighbors ahead of time to help each when things go south. You won’t be broke, cold, hungry or thirsty while waiting for outside assistance that may or my not be coming.
I know someone comprehends this, so please say so! When you are in the act of preparation, you are literally at the same time in the act of participating in your own rescue and survival, l or that of others. Think of rescue in the broadest of terms in a wide variety of situations. Please!
Good grief, now the cat is weighing in on this. Last week, I was complaining about the lack of cooperation around here from my penniless four-legged friends, and now everybody’s got two cents. I guess that’s how little by little we get a lot of common cents. Sorry... well I probably should listen to old Jinx, after all, someone who has nine lives must have something going for them. She said purringly, that I ought to further refine the concept of *rescue* and discuss its relative value as a preventative action. I can do the first part real easy; my broad definition of rescue is getting yourself and or others out of a bad situation in the best possible condition in the fastest possible time. Hmmm…it’s a little spooky taking safety advice from a cat whose name is Jinx.
So how encompassing is the idea of rescue? Have you ever been at a party when urgently you whisper to a friend to rescue you from some boorish individual or situation? Or, remember when Lassie warns that little Timmy has fallen in the well, or the barn is on fire? Rescue can be little or big in scope, immediate or later, widespread or local. Remember… the primary goal of preparation is trying not to get into a situation where you have to be rescued in the first place. Right? Right!
Imagine any scenario where you are in trouble or in potential trouble. Enter Bob Moon to inspire you; *Rescue is the ultimate solution to all survival problems. And, you must stay alive long enough to participate in your rescue. To do this, you must carefully asses your situation and develop a survival plan.* Enter jd to nag at you; I know I have emphasized this idea many times as a major component of disaster preparation.
Exit jd and continue Bob Moon, *This plan will be based on your location, physical condition, knowledge, and resources available. Plan first, while you are in good physical and mental condition. Contemplate every eventuality, develop a strategy and stick to it. Facilitate your rescue. This is best accomplished through preplanning.* Thank you Bob Moon, thank you!

Does. Any. Of. This. Sound. Familiar?

Here is your new mantra, meditate on it! You heard it here first, *PREPARATION EQUALS RESCUE.* And, *RESCUE EQUALS SHELTER, WATER, FOOD, AND STUFF* So for now, rescue is my new hot topic. I am going to stop *here* while you start putting this concept together *out there.*
Think of rescue this way; you have the ability to get rescued *before the emergency* not after, because you were prepared. You contributed to your own potential rescue from a minor annoyance like a temporary power outage or a huge natural or man made disaster by being prepared; hence you are able get along on your own for a while until help arrives or the problem subsides. Once again, rescue can be big or small, now or later.
Here’s a final illustrative anecdote; military pilots have parachutes to rescue them from harm if they have to eject; you wear a seatbelt to rescue yourself from harm if you crash... etc. Enough already! Halt!
I must say, you folks sitting way in the back row did quite well today, congratulations! I’ll talk more about H2O next time and refine some details about dehydration. Until later folks, well no…oh wait. Huh? What’s that? Of course I will, you stay put. I bet your old hind legs are aching aren’t they sweetie? Yes I’ll get you an aspirin. You want two? You bet old friend, now don’t get up, I’ll…

Stay safe out there we’re all in this together.

Happy Trails!
jdh aka *Sunset Jack*

D. Tales, By David #7

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:44:42 -0600

Well as they say, *Spring has sprung* right here in the high desert of Joshua Tree, California. Visitors are coming in record numbers to visit the national park which graces the eastern view from my little desert cabin. They are coming in droves to see the acres of exploded wildflowers. While I was enjoying the sea of little yellow faces swaying in the wind in my own slice of heaven, I saw something lurking, or I should say basking in the colorful yellow array. Two black, flickering, triangular points were poised just above the horizon of wildflowers that had a suspicious familiarity. I confirmed the source of these familiar objects when I saw the upper arc of a furry circular thing wagging in unison with the flora. I stealthily approached to see Sumo the Akita staring off into the distance much like Ferdinand the Bull, who would rather revel in a field of flowers than snort and dig in his heels like a proper bull. I decided to let Sumo enjoy his reverie and not consult him this week for ideas for this article. He did however agree to a photo op later on. What I noticed, God bless him, was that he was completely unaware of the world’s problems. Well good for him, but not so good for us humans.
Every now and then I have to go back to the reason why I write these little columns on being mentally, spiritually, and physically prepared for life’s interesting moments. So let’s go back, *prepared for what?* For me and mine, it’s earthquakes and an uncertain economy, and the notion that we have to be responsible for ourselves 24/7. I’m reminded of my all time favorite sign that was yellowing and fading on the wall in an old time gym. It stated, * PUT YOUR WEIGHTS AWAY YOUR MOTHER DOESN’T WORK HERE.*
Now, maybe I should remind everyone that I am not an alarmist but a realist. That is, I don’t subscribe to any particular destruction or catastrophe theory; I do subscribe to the daily fact of life that we should have some state of readiness for the unexpected events of the day, big or small, whatever the source. For goodness sake, even the *Gubment* says we should be ready for natural or man made calamities and offers tips and guidelines. And, remember that I talked about the little gremlin problems that were the seeds of big monster emergencies.
I know that most people do use common sense and try to be prepared for emergencies relative to them and their loved ones. However, some of those people encounter negative feedback, or reactions of disbelief saying that being proactive is not all that necessary. Or even worse, that *someone* will be there to take of them. This head in the sand attitude really gets my goat to the point where I do not know where to start my nagging. Well, I don’t have a goat, but if I did …
I’ll quote Lau Tzu the ancient Chinese philosopher who said, *treat little things as if they are big, and big things as if they are little*. I definitely agree with the first part with a twist, *don’t treat little things as if they are little.* For those of you who think a bit of preparation is no big deal, start by throwing out your spare tire, toss your prescription medications, leave your doors unlocked at night, and while we’re at it, why bother with that pesky savings account.

Oh by the way, Mother Nature is always cooperative, the government will take care of you, and Murphy didn’t really make any laws. I see that the folks sitting up front are getting this.
Remember when I kind of got on your collective cases about being in better physical shape to handle potential emergencies keep small problems from expanding exponentially? It follows that you need to get your common sense in shape too. If people are on your case because you choose to be ready for life’s calamities and they don’t; remind them that they don’t have to *prepare* for work by getting dressed in the morning or comb their hair, just show up late in pajamas and see how prepared their boss is to fire them. Now I rest *my case* because preparation occurs at all levels; it’s what we do all the life long day.
Philosophically speaking, being prepared for potential adverse situations is not a pessimist’s point of view. In fact by its nature, it is a very positive and necessary response to your unpredictable environment; just ask your local prehistoric caveman. It is also a very responsible thing to do. So if you really like to help others, help yourself so you don’t become a burden to them. Once again, natural or man made disasters are not imaginary scenarios hiding under the bed; they are pending realities hiding under your bed and could just be in your face one day.
Have you ever forgotten something really important and you could just kick yourself for not being better *prepared?* Practical, short range and long range preparation for a variety of situations helps mitigate disaster, and is based on the premise that *stuff happens*. You have no doubt heard the saying that Cops all over the world say concerning the preparation of their equipment, *I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.* Lest you think I am alone in this *preparation* arena, I will quote a good friend T.W.B. who is still an active duty Deputy and an active duty Army Reservist, …*if some kind of widespread major disaster struck *today*, I doubt that ninety percent of the people in this state *Calif.* would be able to care for themselves.* Good readers, I think it is closer to ninety five. Nagging lecture over, beam me up!
Well folks, at the end of the day, all this doesn’t really get my goat since the dogs *substitute goats* are avoiding me. I tried to strap some horns on their heads, feed them tin cans, and suspend bells around their necks with no success. That’s gratitude for you; I just can’t seem to get any cooperation around here. Anyway… you know what’s coming next.

Stay safe our there, we’re all in this together!

Happy Trails!
jdh

D. Tales, By David #6

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:30:34 -0600

I was ruminating *Latin- ruminatus meaning to chew repeatedly or muse over something* with Casey Akita the other day. It seems that I was ruminating on this particular article and she was ruminating on some unknown object like dogs will do. Anyway, I got the usual bored look when I asked my four legged friend to help me think of new ideas for my readers. I can take a hint so I said, “Right you are, let’s talk about something less serious for a change.” Her ears perked and she stopped ruminating for a moment and I knew I was on to something.
I’m very sure that you good readers have by now memorized the four principles of preparation: *shelter, water, food, stuff,* let’s have some fun with stuff. At the end of this fantastic literary work, I will give you a few websites to look up, but I’ll give you the admonition now so we can get on with this. I don’t endorse or recommend these sites on behalf of myself or CLM. They are just for your research education which *I do recommend you do!*
OK students, before we go on you get the lecture. Now listen up people! I am mostly talking about home and car preparation not wilderness survival. But there are many parallels. Your basic survival kit at home can by its nature be more extensive than that which you carry on your back or in your vehicle. Make sure you have the basics in any case. Think about what you could put in the survival backpack that you have in your car or in your ready bag at home. The first rule of *stuff* is to have stuff you really need, know how to use, and most importantly, has multiple uses. An example of a *multiple use* item is a good sturdy medium length carbon blade knife. How many things can you do with a knife? A lot, that’s what. Why a carbon blade, because it is easy to sharpen and holds its edge longer than stainless steel.
Let’s add on to your knife by getting a knife with a sturdy metal pommel for pounding, and a hollow handle for storage of a flint, matches, or fishing line, etc. The back of the blade can be serrated to aid in cutting/sawing. Wrap some duct tape around the handle to make the knife even more useful. I even wrap some duct tape around my flashlight and canteen. We all know duct tape has endless uses. Paint the knife handle right over the duct tape bright orange so you can find it more easily. Are you getting the concept now? I thought so, you are a smart group.
Don’t carry single use items unless you have a very specific need. Exceptions for me would be a GPS *Global Positioning System* unit because I need it for my archeological work. However, I don’t rely on it to keep from getting lost, and it doesn’t replace a good compass or paying attention to your surroundings. Now, let’s talk about some *stuff!* The good Reverends at CLM might tell you that confession is good for the soul; so here’s mine; I am very I’m very fond of stuff that makes light, especially LED’s or *light emitting diodes*.

I’ll start with flashlights. When it really counts; like when I am hiking alone in the desert, there is always a chance that I may get caught out after dark. So for my backpack; I carry a LED headlamp to keep my hands free and a small back up LED flashlight with a few wraps of *duct tape.* Why LED’s? You know what’s coming next, an explanation of course!
LED bulbs are very reliable and last thousands of hours, your batteries last way, way longer since they use a fraction of the juice that an incandescent or halogen bulb uses, they do not get hot, they are very durable having no filament to break or burn out, they come in a variety of colors, and are cheap. You can get tiny single micro LED lights for your key ring up to full size multi-clustered LED flashlights or lanterns. You may notice that traffic signal lights and automotive lights are now using LED’s. Drawbacks are minor; they are not replaceable *a non-issue*, and they are generally not quite as bright as regular bulbs.
A quick primer on batteries; I like using lithium batteries because they last longer and they are very lightweight. The drawbacks are that they are a little more expensive and they give no warning when they are depleted. Your lights don’t get dimmer, they just stop working. I don’t know much about rechargeable batteries.
Some other LED stuff I like is yard lights. The twelve volt systems are OK, but I get a charge *pun intended* out of solar powered LED yard lights. They are cheap, no wires, and run off free electricity from the sun. An unexpected benefit is that if the power is out, go out in the yard and pluck a solar powered yard light and use it as a light source indoors. You always have a make shift flashlight 24/7.
Another thing that makes light is chemical light stick. They are safe, fun, lightweight, last for hours, come in a lot of colors, and kids love them. Put one on the dog to keep track of him at night, or on the kid. Keep a few in the car for safety. Did I mention that they were fun? If you can’t think of multiple uses for these you are asleep at the wheel!
For a neat single use item try a personal strobe device. Yes, that’s what I said. Way cool! They are small, emit a very bright flashing light for hours on end and are a great safety tool for the roadside or back country. Some have a magnet on the bottom and or a large safety pin can be attached to your clothes or pack.
Another one is a personal locating beacon device. Yes, that’s what I said. These are pricey but under the right circumstances could be a real lifesaver. Most send a distress signal via satellite to an emergency center. Some also send a prearranged text message to someone’s cell phone or computer. They can also send your exact location in Latitude and Longitude location anywhere in the world. Again, don’t rely on these; rely on your good preparation.

OK, enough on electronics. One thing I think will be very useful, and you may already have one, is a good quality home water filter. If in an emergency or long term self help situation, you may have to rely on a variety of sources for water. Or, the local water supply may be contaminated or suspect and you may not be able to boil it. I use a standard activated charcoal filter for daily use under normal conditions. Get a water filter that kills bacteria and virus contaminated water for emergencies. It should be able to handle a few hundred gallons of water.
You can get a small portable backpacking size to keep in the car. Water purification tablets are also available. Potable water is really important since water is number two on your preparation list.
We can go on forever with stuff, but I’ll end on a practical note. A good pocket signal mirror with a sighting hole is a good item to have. Being able to be seen or make your presence known is a very basic survival skill. Also, a pea-less signal whistle can be heard a long distance over ambient noise and wind. They are scary loud, small, portable, cheap, and priceless in a pinch. Well, my stomach is signaling my late night snack with a low growl, so is the dog. Let’s end this with a few websites or key words so you can do some internet research. Some sites have great links to follow. If you have been doing your internet homework, you will have no doubt discovered you have little trouble finding tons of disaster and emergency preparation information. If you have found a really good site, let me know and I can pass it on.

HYPERLINK "http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com" www.bepreparedtosurvive.com, HYPERLINK "http://www.findmespot.com" www.findmespot.com, HYPERLINK "http://www.72hours.org" www.72hours.org, www.randomterrain.comsuite101.com/reference/personal_disaster_plan, HYPERLINK "http://www.avma.org" www.avma.org, HYPERLINK "http://www.survivalacres.com" www.survivalacres.com, HYPERLINK "http://www.ready.gov" www.ready.gov., 1868alliance.org/prepare/

Some key words are: Ready America, Really Ready America, FEMA: Plan Ahead, FEMA: Are You Ready, Survival Resources, Cheaper Than Dirt, Quartermaster Brigade, Equipped To Survive.

Remember, stay safe out there, we’re all in this together!

Happy Trails!
jd

D. Tales, By David #5

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:51:02 -0600

Well, winter is almost over and we are having some great sneaky weather this week in the desert. What is sneaky weather you ask? It is the kind that lulls you in with a perfect balance of blue skies and 72 degree temperature. Then, just when you start to get used to it, the wind blows your roof off and it drops to freezing the next night.
OK, where’s that desert rat Dave going with this one? Well, since you asked, I’ll tell you. There is a little principle (no, not Murphy’s law) about preparation that hides in between the other four that I have been pounding into your minds (shelter, water, food, stuff). Sometimes it is of no concern, and sometimes it overwhelms the others in order of importance. *Nature always sides with the hidden flaw.*
I’m getting a dead pan look from Casey Akita in that she means to say get on with it. At first, I thought it was fascination with my erudite article, but it’s pure impatience. OK,OK, but first, this question; what if you have great shelter, lots of water, tons of food, really cool stuff, but the human body it’s meant to protect is in poor condition? Yep, you can prepare every which way but loose, but if you haven’t prepared your body (the hidden flaw), what good is all the rest? This is the hidden principle. Now, that does not preclude preparing the spirit, but I’ll let the Good Reverends handle that department.
Let’s say your are disabled on the highway, or caught in a situation where you have walk or run to safety, and you have all the right things, but your are so physically unprepared you can’t get out of our own way. Or, you are faced with an emergency where your life, or the lives of others are dependent not only on your fast thinking, but your fast moving, i.e. the ability to run, lift, pull, push, carry, etc. If you can’t do these things, you are part of the problem and not part the solution. You become a liability because you can’t adequately physically respond.
Well, I admit that I knew some out of shape firemen and cops, but I was never one of them. So, here’s what you do; no, no, no, don’t run out and join a gym *although I wouldn’t try to stop you*. Start by talking about what you and each of your family members would have to do in various kinds of emergencies. Start by assigning jobs to each person so there is no duplication of duties. Assign duties according to each person’s ability to carry them out, especially kids. Make a place to meet so everyone will be accounted for.
Let’s say Scruffy the family dog alerts you in the middle of the night to smoke in the house and there might be a fire. You the adult have already gone over and practiced your emergency procedures. Your job is to get everyone to a safe place. Once safely gathered, someone may be assigned to dial 911 on a safe phone because you pre-designated one, or you had someone keep a charged cell phone by their bed, or maybe you kept one in the garage or car.
One person may be assigned to wait in the street to direct the fire truck. Everyone has *practiced* emergency responses so your alert child has already grabbed his or her shoes, jacket, and flashlight on the way to your safe designated meeting place. Someone else has moved the car out of the driveway to let the fire truck in. No one will be cold, wet or thirsty, because you have prepared your car for the same emergencies. Someone else is watching out for their younger sibling or family pet, etc. Someone is helping the elderly or disabled members of your family. What if you have to carry a family member to safety? Can you do it? If it’s tough to do a job that you might have to perform, get into a state of physical and mental condition that lets you carry out your emergency task. I hear a little *woof* of agreement. It is apparent that my emergency task is to walk the dog.
Did I mention something about your car in all this? For the sake of discussion let’s say you live in California *earthquake country* and you are driving. In prior articles I have already talked about the advantages of having your portable home stocked with the *Right Stuff* while it is parked safely in the driveway. Now you are out on the road with a problem. There are dozens of variables to which you may have to adapt, but you can narrow them down with a little planning and preparation. Worst case scenarios like you crash and you can’t get out of the burning car, etc. is not what I’m after here. It’s more like how I started this article. You are on the freeway, there’s an earthquake, something is blocking the roadway and cars are backed up for miles. You are OK, but stranded with thousands of other scared, angry, frustrated, unprepared people for an undetermined amount of time, and it’s hot. But you are prepared to either stay with your car, or leave it.

Again, we can write a book on this, but we will stick with the basics. First, evaluate while you are *at home* the needs for yourself and for the people who may be in your car if something goes wrong on the road. For the above freeway scenario, it will just be you. You start by *looking around*or evaluating your circumstances while wearing your polarized sunglasses. Assuming you are not sick or injured, you have to decide if it’s best to stay with your car or go somewhere else. And if you do leave your car, are *in shape to do so.* Regardless, you still have to deal with the weather, heat in this case.
You will be glad that you have packed a hat, long sleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy shoes or boots, a few dollars, along with your spare glasses and medication in a day pack. You will be really glad for the day pack in case you have to carry extra clothes, bottles or canteens of water, sealed non-perishable food, a compass, map of your state or city, first aid items, and other stuff. Of course your cell phone is charged and you told someone where you were going before you started your trip in the first place, and the route you were taking. And, if you leave your car, you left a note on the dashboard with useful information.
Speaking of your car, it always has at least one half tank of gas all the time and is in good working order so that when things clear up, you can drive away. While you were waiting/stuck on the freeway in the heat, the foil sun screen kept your car cooler and the well maintained car battery gets you some radio news, keeps the emergency flashers going when you need them, and your cell phone charged up.
It is very comforting to have your flashlight with extra batteries, blanket, road flares or reflector, and tools. You know how to change a tire with a fully aired up spare because you practiced at home and you have the proper equipment. The work gloves and safety glasses you keep in the trunk protect your hands and eyes if you have to work on the car or walk through bushes or rough terrain. Shall I go on?
Evaluate your driving needs; do you drive in the country, city, or suburbs? When I drive off road for instance, my need for *stuff* is tenfold. What type of disaster is likely to strike in your area; flood, tornado, earthquake, snow? What if there is a natural or man made disaster in the city, and now everyone is headed for the country? *What if* is a great question. Ask it a lot, answer it, and then plan accordingly. Stay safe our there, we’re all in this together!

Happy Trails!
j.d.

Detalles *por David
   Hola amigos del Ministerio De La Luz De Cristo, yo soy David Henley vivo en Joshua Tree, California con mi esposa y nuestros perros y gatos. Mi hija ya no vive en casa, ya que asiste a la universidad. Antes de escribir más, tengo que decirles esto; mi primer idioma no es el español. Cuando yo era muchísimo mas joven estudie español en la universidad.
   Pues soy amigo de Reverendo Munro, nos conocimos más o menos hace treinta años. Y ahora soy amigo de los Reverendos Lucas y Mary ¡Que maravilloso!
   A pedido de los Buenos Reverendos, he estado escribiendo columnas acerca de cómo prepararnos para desastres ya sean naturales o producidos por el ser humano. Tengo mucha experiencia en cuanto a emergencias se trata. Hace un año que me jubilé del departamento de policía después de haber trabajado por veinticinco años. . También paso mucho tiempo en el desierto, donde vivo. Siempre tengo que tener precaución, ya que me encuentro lejos de los servicios de emergencias. También recuerden que es muy posible que en California ocurra un terremoto en cualquier momento. ¿En que tipo de desastre se encontrará usted?
   Hay cuatro fundamentos generales o clasificaciones de preparación de la siguiente manera: refúgiese usted mismo, tenga agua, comida y cosas que le ayuden a sobrevivir. Pero más que todo me gustaría hablar de la habilidad de cubrirse, en mi punto de vista el refugiarse uno mismo es la acción más importante. ¿Por qué? La razón es que tiene que mantener o proteger su cuerpo de las temperaturas más que nada, si no la puede mantener, morirá del frío o del calor, antes de morir por falta de agua o comida. Lo siguiente es encontrar refugio tal como una casa, un edificio, un carro o una casita para los perros. ¿Cómo que estoy de buen humor verdad?
   Y ahora me preguntará señor David ¿Cómo nos prepararemos? Me da gusto que me haya preguntado, primero debería de tener una bolsa en su carro y casa en caso de emergencia, con ropa extra ya usada, para cada miembro de la familia; una cachucha, camisa manga larga, pantalones con bolsas grandes, zapatos resistentes, ropa interior y un pañuelo. Una vez más tiene que mantener la temperatura en su cuerpo. Obviamente la lección es *prepárese para el clima siempre*. Vamos parando aquí.
   Bueno amigos es hora e irnos. Talvez cuando nos volvamos a encontrar ya haya mejorado mi español. Hasta entonces, cuídense, estamos todos juntos en esto.

¡Felices Viajes!
j.d.

D. Tales, By David #4

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:47:14 -0700

Greetings to everyone from the 3000 foot level of Joshua Tree. It is cold here today and wet which suits my four legged friends just fine and proves that it does rain in the desert. I keep telling them that summer is just around the corner and that they should enjoy the nice cool air while they can. I get the very same look as when I proof read my articles out loud to them, but I’m sure they are always very interested in everything I have to say. Right?
Speaking of handling the cold, I was in our local National Park and I came across a prehistoric Native American camp site, a rock shelter to be exact. Among the midden *fancy name for trash heap*, I found burnt turtle shell and animal bones along with burnt bits of native plants. I also was lucky to find an arrowhead and a grinding stone. I could not help but marvel at prehistoric man’s outdoor living skills and knowledge of his environment. Like us today, families back then had to put out maximum effort *everyday* to find shelter, water, food, and stuff. That should sound familiar! We don’t have quite that much to do to get along, but we should make a minimal effort to prepare ourselves for our own environment.
If the Good Reverend Mary was able to get the picture I sent in with this article, there will be a clue as to the information in the last article, and the one you are about to finish reading. In the last article I talked about prepping our home away from home *vehicle* and focused on shelter, but we never got to water. Keep a least a gallon of water in your car in multiple, unbreakable containers. Let’s say you toss in a typical one gallon plastic jug of water *which of course better than no water*, what happens if it is punctured, or the cheesy lid pops off? There goes all or most of your water. If you do use plastic bottles, get a six or eight pack, or whatever fits in your car. That way if one breaks, you have a few undamaged ones. Also, each person can carry their own water if need be. Putting your water in a few canteens made of durable plastic or metal is best; they are less prone to puncture, and bursting from freezing. AND, they can be stashed in small spaces.

Attention everyone! I interrupt this article to advise you that I’ve just received two questions from readers. Great! One asks about MRE’s and the other wants to know how to get started on disaster preparedness on a budget.
Now, I could write a looooooooong drawn out article for each question, but I’d get the same reaction from you *my readers* as I did from the canine crowd *yawn*. So I’ll condense it and add more in later articles.
Since the MRE inquiry came in first, we’ll start there. Now, after you read this, go to your computer and type in MRE and wade through the responses for extra info. Here’s my summary; MRE’s *Meals Ready To Eat* are generally made for the military, and MRE *style* sealed food packets are for the civilian market. I prefer the military MRE’s, here’s why. They are designed for very rugged treatment and withstand a variety of bad conditions that the soldier would encounter.
Here are a few bits of info: MRE’s average 1250 calories, 51% carbs, 36% fats, 13% protein. Shelf life is 3-4 years at 80 degrees, or several more years under cooler optimum conditions, taste suffers the longer they are stored, they come in a variety of meals, don’t taste too bad *yes I’ve eaten them* and store anywhere. Put one or two in each of your vehicles.
Each Military MRE comes with a flameless chemical heater activated by water. It is very safe, but gets very hot. The food is sealed and never comes in direct contact with any chemicals. A typical meal may consist of a main course high in starch, crackers or bread, a side dish, jelly/peanut butter spread, powdered beverage and drinking bag, utensils and other stuff, gum, matches, toilet paper *bring your own, trust me*. They were intended to eaten for 21 days or less and are constipating. Don’t freeze them on purpose. Try not to buy old ones. Check the dates of manufacture. Prices and sources vary, look on the internet, and ask questions…
Soooooooooo, getting started on a budget is easy. First, take written stock of what you have now. I repeat, write it down and you are halfway done. Remember the preparation mantra, Shelter, Water, Food, Stuff; and don’t forget your pet’s needs. I will assume you have a house and car, so read the last article *D. Tales* #3, and follow the guidelines for clothes *shelter*, and adapt them to your home. If you don’t have a lot of clothes to put away, go to the thrift store/yard sale and buy extras for cheap. Keep them in a container that keeps out water, dirt, and critters. New unused five plastic gallon paint buckets are great; they are light and store easily. Include blankets and cold weather gear for everyone and one unexpected person. Put away some games, coloring books, etc for the kids. Have them pick out ones they like.
WATER is cheap but a priority, buy one case of water every pay period until you have at least three gallons per day per person for two weeks; more is better. Rotate it out every six months. FOOD storage starts with what you have on hand. Buy a little extra of canned, dried, or packaged food *that you and your pets like* and flour each payday. Rotate it out *use it* every three months. STUFF can include first aid items, toiletries, medications you and your pets will need, flashlights, hand tools, etc. Now, you likely already have some of this stuff, just start adding a little extra each payday, organize it, maintain it, and keep it where it will be safe from fire, water, and critters. Again, start with what you have, attend to the priorities first, and stay organized. Make sure everyone knows where everything is located and have a family and neighbor plan, that’s free. Finally, cash is part of stuff; put away some ones, fives, tens, and some coins. Start with $25-$50 a month, or whatever you can afford, you will need it.
*No one plans to fail, they just fail to plan.* I have a plan myself; it is to put the brakes on this article. Thank you so much for your questions, suggestions, and comments. Some one recently asked about what to keep in your car for emergencies which includes and earthquake. I will get to that soon; however, the basic ideas are in the first three articles. So for now, *stay safe out there, we’re all in this together*.

Happy Trails!
j.d.

D. Tales, By David #3

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 14:09:56 -0700

     I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Our desert Christmas was a happy and safe one. Speaking of feeling safe, a couple of days ago I was telepathically communicating with Sumo my best (very large) four legged buddy about our New Year’s resolutions. Well not really, but the chicken strip he was drooling over (his favorite) may have given that impression. So I went along with it figuring he’s thinking “Don’t you dare run out of these this year!” But I was wrong, and I said with great surprise, “What’s that you’re thinking boy? Do you mean that instead of making a New Years resolution for myself, I should come up with a New Years preparation for my readers?” “WOOF!” So I patted him on the head and said, “Good boy, you are always thinking of others!” It goes without saying that earned him an extra treat.

   The theme of my last article was a basic four part blueprint for preparation, which of course I always carefully adhere to. Here they are again: Shelter- (sitting in the house on the couch, by the fire watching football), water- (heat the teapot on the woodstove for coffee), food- (eating leftovers, sitting on the couch by the fire, watching football and drinking coffee), stuff- (playing with new gadgets, on the couch, by the fire, drinking coffee…) Well the game’s over, so let’s get started…do I have to get up off the couch?

     I am going to hone in on shelter for this article since it’s the most important. Remember that shelter starts with the clothes you have on and what you have available. My first New Years suggestion is to get together some portable shelter to put in your car. Why your car you ask, because you and others are in it a lot, and it’s not in your house. It’s usually outside or in the garage meaning that your car will likely be there if your house floods, burns, etc. Your vehicle is your second home and for the most part is weather proof, rodent proof, and accessible. Since you should have all of the four essential things to get through a road side situation/emergency all year, they stay in your car 24/7. You will also have the four essential things in your house as well. Right? Now nod your head yes.

     Here’s your short list for portable shelter (clothes, tarp, etc) to put in your portable shelter (vehicle). You can adapt and improvise according to the size of your family and vehicle. Get a weatherproof stuff sack/compression sack or day pack (better) in which to put your extra clothes. You can use your serviceable second hand clothes since they already fit, are free, clean, and broken in. I have a compression sack in my truck that is a complete set of clothes including shoes. If you are cold, wet, soiled with mud, oil, or something unpleasant or unsafe, you will cherish a complete change of clothes or having multiple layers. If you don’t need a complete change, someone else may appreciate what’s left over. What’s that? What is a compression sack? It is like what you’d use to stuff your sleeping bag in but has tightening straps all over it so that you can compress or reduce the overall size. If wrinkled clothes are a problem for you then “This ain’t your bag man!” Sorry, I couldn’t resist that.

     Now pay attention! Put these items in your bag or pack, I’ll literally start at the top: Floppy Hat- wide brim, bright color with chin strap, it protects the head all around and folds up easily. Large Bandana- bright color, obvious multiple uses. Long Sleeve Shirt-heavy weight with pockets, protects better. Jacket- with hood, bright color and or reflective, down or a compressible material. Underwear- no further comments, this also includes under shirt, socks, optional long johns. Pants- long, heavy material, I prefer baggy utilities with pockets and belt, Shoes or Boots- sturdy, already broke in. Plastic Tarp- large with tie down holes, nylon rope, obvious uses.

     This sounds like a lot of clothes you say? My compression sack (bright yellow) is about the size of a small pillow. The size you were sitting on when I made the couch remarks. It contains the entire list I just made (except the tarp) and fits right behind the seat of my truck. I know one size of clothes does not fit all, so go a little larger on sizes if you want so other people can use them if need be. For example, my wife (Betty) can wear my clothes in a pinch if she is not too fashion conscious in an emergency. It’s best to have a set of clothes for each person.

      I have to wind this up; the Good Reverend Mary’s fingers are probably tired from recopying this so that you Good People can read it. I will follow up with these last quick additions; each rates its own article. Water- at least one potable and portable gallon, best to divide it up with plastic bottles or canteens. Food- MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) are best (another article on these), or sealed foods that need no preparation and won’t melt or spoil quickly. Stuff- tools, flashlight, flares, etc. We’ll talk about a grab and go bag later. Here are a couple of websites to review, but I do not endorse any of them; it’s just for you to learn.
www.survivalcenter.com ,
www.fema.gov/kids,
or use the key words disaster preparedness. AND don’t forget to submit questions. Stay safe out there; we’re all in this together.

Happy Trails!
j.d.

D. Tales, By David #2

Wed, 5 Dec 2007 09:36:19 -0700

I just returned from a great camping trip in the very remote and beautiful Turtle Mountains, azure skies and chocolate hills. But, I have to tell on myself to make a point; read the partial quote from the last article. Most of the preventable emergencies the average person (me), will encounter (I did), are lying dormant (they are), waiting to be resurrected (they were), by poor preparation (yep!).
Here’s the scenario. It was 5AM at my friend’s house. It is dark, we are cold, tired, and in a hurry to get going. We decided it was too much trouble to spend five minutes to retrieve the tire patch kit from his truck and put it in my truck, after all we had two spare tires. Forward to 10AM to the desolate mountains.
Hey Dave said my alert friend Tim. What? I said. Do you hear that? No.Sounds like you (not we) have a flat. Great! I stop and we get out. Yep, it’s the left rear, he tells me while pointing to the protruding stick in the sidewall. OK, we’ll change the tire.Hey Dave! he chimes up again. Now what? Do you hear that? No. (I am getting suspicious and grumpy). The other tire (rear) is leaking air too. Well, &%$#@!, I replied, It’s a good thing we have two spares and NO patch kit.
So now without any spare, we drove an extra 100+ miles out of our way using up the rest of our daylight, to get the two tires fixed that we could have repaired ourselves in the field. No, not a true emergency, but under the right circumstances it could have turned into one. I’d rather rely on good tactics (having the patch kit) than good luck.
Now, onto the subject at hand. Make a note; this is the short and sweet version with no fluff. The priority of preparedness is as follows; shelter, water, food, stuff. We will concentrate on shelter for now. Here’s why. Your first priority for plain daily living under all conditions is the ability to control and maintain a safe core body temperature. If you are in a situation where you are too hot or too cold, you will die from exposure well before you succumb to thirst or hunger, especially if you are sick or injured. That handy survival gadget will now be useless.
Your first line of defense is shelter, and your first line of shelter is your clothes. Wherever you go, dress for the weather and take the right clothes with you for the weather you might encounter. How hard is that? I know, I know, the patch kit caper. Hey, I was dressed properly for the weather, had adequate water and food and lots of stuff.
Entire books are written on obtaining shelter, but, here are a few more thoughts on the subject. Any material thing you can use to control your core body temperature is shelter. Let’s end with a fun practical exercise. Get the family or friends together and go out to your car. I mention cars a lot because we spend a lot of time in them. Go through all the stuff in your car and figure out what existing things you could use to stay warm or get cool. When you’re done, go put the things in the car that would have made life a lot easier.
I’ll go first, I see that you have a foil sun shield, I can wear it like a vest or poncho, or wrap it around myself to stay warm, or I can use it as shade to stay cool. It repels water too, and it’s shiny, and reflects light, and I get it! Think way outside the box, seat covers and upholstery can be made into clothes too. Don’t forget to make a hat, your head either radiates heat away like crazy, or absorbs heat. Did I forget to mention that it is very hard to think if you are freezing or over heated?
I think I hear the dinner bell, gotta go, my wife Betty has cooked up some homemade chips and salsa. And, oh here’s your sun shield back, sorry about the arm holes I cut out. We’ll get to food, water, and stuff later. Stay prepared out there, we are all in this together.
Happy Trails!
j.d.

D. Tales, By David

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:34:28 -0700

David or "J.D." as he is sometimes called, is our friend living in the California Mojave Desert. Now honorably retired from a long law enforcement career, he will also dig deep into his extensive holistic arts background, and years of desert exploration to expertly discuss your disaster preparedness inquiries.
He is no stranger to man made, or natural disasters such as earthquakes (riding out the June, 1992, 7.4 magnitude, Landers quake), fires, windstorms, and flash floods. Disaster can strike in big or small doses. Are you ready?
He lives with his wife Betty and four legged friends in Joshua Tree, Ca. He is a volunteer Archeologist for the National Park Service, a local Western Artist, and he has authored a book titled The Kombucha Tea Mushroom.
Greetings from Joshua Tree, Ca.!
I am nestled up near the Joshua Tree National Park. Palm Springs is a few miles south, and the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base is to the east. Today a ruby red sun shines overhead due to smoke from our So. Cal. (Southern California, make a note!) firestorms.
I started my holistic arts training while living in Morgan Hill, Ca. And became friends with Rev. Munro who was in nearby San Martin. We have been reconnected after 30+ years. I am also privileged to be acquainted with his associates Rev. Mary and Reverend Lucas.
Among other things in my past, I stood in the wrong line at the unemployment office and popped out the back door as a Deputy Sheriff. It was was a temporary position that lasted almost 26 years. Whew!
I hold a B.A. Degree in Anthroplogy (can I put it down now?) and I have a bunch of other certificates with my name on them, but the dog (Sumo) ate them so I won't go into them now.
OK, enough about me (not really), as I was asked to write about something else. You have all heard the words "survivor," or "survivalist." I would rather be a "preparationist" (is that a real word?). If it is, I coined it here.
There are many types of emergencies, but I am generally going to deal with those that are basically preventable or mitigated via preparation. Yes, yes, yes, life deals out unexpected bad luck that we cannot avoid. Nothing I can do about that. Sorry! However, too many preventable emeregencies start small and then landslide due to lack of..., you guessed it, preparation!
Case in point. One hot summer day I was dispatched to a call of a missing person near a well known desert volcanic area frequented by tourists and locals alike. Short version: I found the person deceased about 150 yards from their car (shelter). The victim was alone (a major no, no), wearing shorts and tee-shirt, no water (duh), no hat, wearing sandals, no note saying where they were headed, etc. It did not start out as an emeregency; well, actually it did, it just took some time to unfold. The person had only been there a few hours.
Most of the preventable emergencies the average person will encounter during a large or small scale event are lying dormant waiting to be resurrected by poor preparation. Preparation includes all those other troublesome words like planning, prevention, observing, knowing and practicing basic survival skills, having a survival mindset, etc.
OK, the first thing you must ask is, "what am I preparing for," natural disaster: i.e. fire, flood, wind, earthquake, tornadoes, etc., or a combination of those. Or, man made disasters: i.e. fire, flood, toxic spills, civil unrest? What if you face a sudden shortage of goods and services, or banks close? Natural and man made disasters always go hand in hand.
Your first job is to prioritize and write down in detail, what things you may face where you live or travel. Divide your challenges into natural and man made. Then, evaluate your readiness and ability to deal with them.
Where I live, earthquake is the top priority natural disaster, and loss of services (water, electricity, shotage of goods) is the top man made challenge. I say challenge because it is a preventable emergency.
Remember you can be affected by events not "in your face" at the time. So I have to ask as part of "what am I preparing for?" is "what if the 'big one' hits Los Angeles? What is the collateral damage to Joshua Tree?" Think about it!
Happy Trails!
J.D.

Send your questions for J.D. to:
clm333@mac.com

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