Is Recession Preparing a New Breed of Survivalist? [Survival Today - an On going Thread #2]

May 05th,2008

[nw_arizona_granny]

Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training

I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood

[CottonBall]

I heard yesterday that the Atlas Shrugged website is banned on the Gov computers, they labeled it a hate site.

And the silencing begins.....

[CottonBall]

While the bill is still in draft form and thereby subject to change, it would put the White House National Cybersecurity Advisor in charge of coordinating cyber efforts within the intelligence community and within civilian agencies, as well as coordinating the public sector's cooperation with the private sector. The adviser would have the authority to disconnect from the Internet any federal infrastructure networks--or other networks deemed to be "critical"--if found to be at risk of a cyberattack.

hmmm, let another advisor. Senator Byrd said not too long ago that the appointment of all these Czars was violating the separation of powers. Makes sense. He may be a Dem, but he's an old time Dem - and likely just as disgusted as we are at the socialists in his party. Well, maybe not AS disgusted, but probably something close ;)

[Eagle50AE]

>>> Guess what? We’re already almost 4 TRILLION DOLLARS into unfreezing the markets without any results. <<<

Quit Whining,, /sarc

read slowly and imagine this:

Between the TWO of us (delawhere and eagle50ae representing our respective families):

we (me and you ):

already owe almost A Quarter MILLION Dollars.. ( 116k x 2 = 232k plus interest.) and it's not even April Fools Day of 2009.
..............................

What do we have to show for it .. more gray hairs ..

>>> I cant’ escape it. No matter where I turn I see news that makes no sense and has only a minimal attachment to reality - at least my reality. <<<

Amen on the “makes no sense..”

It's like an twisted outer limits or twilight zone..or groundhog day....

I better not say anymore..

my teleprompter said Warning.. Will Robinson,, Danger..

PS,, just kidding on the whining..

I sure picked a bad Year to quit drinking,, ha

[DelaWhere]

Local Currencies Grow During Economic Recession

Ben Block
January 8, 2009 11:48 AM

The gentle mountain slopes of New England isolate the Berkshires, creating a peaceful remoteness in this southern Massachusetts region.

As a result, independent thinkers have thrived here. Herman Melville penned Moby Dick; Norman Rockwell etched paintings of American life; W. E. B. Dubois authored his first calls for emancipation.

Today, the Berkshires is giving rise to a new wave of free thinking. The region's alternative to the U.S. dollar, Berkshares, is among the most successful of the country's local currencies.

Since the currency's launch two years ago, five local banks have printed more than 2 million paper notes. About 185,000 are currently in circulation, according to Susan Witt, a Berkshare co-founder.

The Berkshires is not alone. More communities are creating their own "complementary" currencies during the current economic crisis in an effort to keep wealth in their region.

Witt is now fielding calls from around the world, she said, especially from the United States and United Kingdom.

"In the last four years, there has been a renewed interest in local economy, local production," said Witt, executive director of the E. F. Schumacher Society, a Massachusetts-based think tank focused on local production. "It just skyrocketed with the collapse of the global economy."

Complementary forms of currency are nothing new, and they frequently appear when mainstream financial systems are in distress. Examples include Greenbacks during the American Civil War, and the British Bradbury "Treasury Notes" and German Kriegsgeld during the First World War.

Alternative currencies, in theory, encourage consumers to make purchases within their communities rather than elsewhere in the country or abroad. "Buying local" circulates wealth in the region, reduces unnecessary imports, and helps avoid higher unemployment levels, supporters say.

At least 4,000 complementary currencies are now estimated to be in circulation worldwide, compared with fewer than 100 in 1990, according to Bernard Lietaer, a co-founder of the Euro and now a local currency proponent.

The currencies take on various forms. Many function similar to the traditional currency but are distributed at a discounted rate to encourage participation, such as the Berkshares or the cimarrón in Venezuela. Others are designed so that each paper note reflects the per hour labor required to create the product, such as Ithaca Hours in New York or Community Oriented Mutual Economy in Hong Kong.

In Switzerland, the WIR (the German word for "we") functions as a mutual credit system. When a buyer makes a purchase from a WIR participant, the seller receives credit in a WIR account. The credit can then be spent by purchasing something from another participant.

Economists have monitored the WIR since it began in 1934. "Whenever the economy goes up, the turnover in WIR decreases.... When business people cannot sell goods in Swiss Francs, then they go onto the WIR," said Margrit Kennedy, a German-based consultant on complementary currencies. "At the present moment, people are much more open to these types of ideas."

Pilot projects similar to the WIR are now under way in Belgium, France, and Germany, Kennedy said.

In order for alternative currencies to succeed, organizations, institutes, or individuals need to be committed to the currencies' additional demands. Not only must the currency be counted separately, but businesses must be convinced to accept the currency and know where they can, in turn, spend it.

In Canada, the Toronto Dollar circulated about $90,000 worth of paper currency last year, less than in years past. Organizers are now attempting to shift to an electronic version to simplify its management. "The labor involved in tracking notes and doing all the accounting involved is too onerous for a volunteer community organization," said David Walsh, the Dollar's co-founder.

Robert Costanza, an ecological economics professor at the University of Vermont, said local currencies support "buy local" programs, but he has not found any currency that has had a significant impact on a region's overall economy. "There are several examples of currencies that survive. They keep going," Costanza said. "But the question is, at what scale?"

Costanza helped launch Burlington Bread, an alternative currency in Burlington, Vermont, 10 years ago. His goal was for the bread "slices" to eventually represent at least 20 percent of the local economy. But the currency fizzled out by 2006 when the city of Burlington and other municipal institutions denied requests to help, saying the currency was too risky.

"It's a critical mass problem," Costanza said. "Until you get to critical mass, it's a boutique thing.... It functions more like a gift certificate."

Witt said the currencies offer more than financial support. In the Berkshires, residents had become so accustomed to online purchases that they were neglecting neighborhood stores.

"You don't just go online and use the Berkshare. You go down to Main Street stores, have a conversation with a shopkeeper, hear what it's like to do business in the community," Witt said. "It's a conversation. It's the building of citizenship. We're out of that habit. But when we re-establish the habits, we like it."

Read more about local and alternative currency in our archives:

Create Your Own Currency
"Complementary" Currency Helps Local Communities
Banking on the Community

This article is found at:
http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/009286.html

[CottonBall]

I don’t know how many cats I feed, some days I see strange ones show up for dinner.

I worry about all the animals when TSHTF. Many people aren't responsible about taking care of their pets or their offspring even when times are good. I'm feeling 2 strays now - and am stocking up on their food while I can afford it. (I call them 'strays', but I've taken them to the vet, gotten them fixed and had their shots, and have given them names.. But no, they're not mine!)

[CottonBall]

At least 4,000 complementary currencies are now estimated to be in circulation worldwide, compared with fewer than 100 in 1990, according to Bernard Lietaer, a co-founder of the Euro and now a local currency proponent.

Is this for real? I never heard of such a thing!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2009/03/reply-power-bill-goes-up-1000.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009
Reply: Power bill goes up... 1000%!!!!!

CapnRick said...

Saludos: The price of nafta/gasoline rose here in Argentina as it did around the world during the recent price increases. When the gasoline prices fell in the US, they did not drop here. We are still paying more or less USD4 per gallon now... about the same as last year’s high prices. It is because the government used to subsidize the cost of gasoline. Now, the Ks have stolen so much, and the revenues have declined so the government doesn’t have enough money to continue to subsidize energy prices.

The Ks understand the vast majority of voting Argentinians don’t have air conditioners. That’s the demographic they are trying to serve, so they can stay in power and CONTINUE to increase their net worth by 100 percent each 4 months, as they did in the first 4 months of Lady Ks tenure.

This is an example of what you feared may becoming to the US. You were correct... but, I hopehopehope we are all wrong.

Suerte -Rick
Also remember that most of these K goons and stupid “villero” voters, they live in places like “villa 31”, they have satellite TV and air conditioners but they don’t pay, because they have a right to (supposedly) get back at the middle class.
It’s a country where the honest good guy never wins. The bum, the lazy guy that just sucks up resources is always benefited.
And these “villas” are all over the country, they make their own illegal power connections and don’t pay a single buck, ever.
The K plan is very simple: The Destruction of the middle class in Argentina. A small very rich elite, and huge masses of poor, uneducated voters.
Rick, how many days of class were lost already in public schools due to various strikes? Public education = no education at all in this country.
They are doing a superb job in destroying the future generations.

FerFAL
Posted by FerFAL at 11:43 AM
Labels: Argentina, SHTF

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2009/03/power-bill-goes-up-1000.html

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009
Power bill goes up... 1000%!!!!!

This is just beyond ridiculous.
If you use more than 1000 KW every two months ( 500KW a month!) , as a “sanction”, you get to pay 300% , 400% and even 1000% more of what you paid the month before.

Some people today waiting in line to complain, had bills of up to 2400 Pesos, ( 3,6 pesos, one USD) This is the power bill for an average home with 2 air conditioners.
Take into account that an average salary here is 1500 pesos, you can imagine what this means.
This is no accident. These are the real prices they are handling now. This was approved by our no longer so benevolent K dictators, so they can steal even more money from us.
The idea explained by the government, is that they are “punishing” those that use too much power. But they seem to forget that during summer and winter even a small apartment will fall within their penalty category.
They are kind enough to give you 6 to 12 months to finance the power bills. Guess that after two or three months you just kill yourself.

As they said in “300” : This is Madness!
“No, this is Argentina!”
FerFAL
Posted by FerFAL at 4:07 PM
Labels: Economy, SHTF
9 comments:

---

Coming to a country near you! - TAC

[DelaWhere]

>>>Guess what? We’re already almost 4 TRILLION DOLLARS into unfreezing the markets without any results. <<<

Let’s see, Øbama’s proposed budget is $3.66 TRILLION ADDITIONAL!

How long do we expect to be able to continue with the Fed creating money out of thin air to buy Gov’t. Bonds to fund the unfreezing of the markets? Did you notice they bought $1.5 Trillion - That tells me that the Chinese, and everyone else sees the writing on the wall.

Now, we see the Russians AND the Chinese ready to make proposals to the G20 that a GLOBAL CURRENCY be created....

The devaluation that is inevitable will absolutely run us into hyperinflation beyond anyone’s belief.

I can remember people laughing that it took a wheelbarrow of Japanese Yen to buy a loaf of bread after WW II - We see it now in a couple of African countries... Can’t remember if it was Ghana or which country that just started printing 500 Billion notes only 3 weeks after they introduced their 10 Billion note - either of them at the time of issue would buy about the same - enough food for a family of 3 for 1 meal!

Being an eternal optimist, and always seeing my cup half full, I do believe that that US Gov’t. cup is just about empty...

All currency is based on perceived value... Upon what measure do we build a perceived value for the US Dollar?

Alternative currencies tend to be based on something that has a perceived value such as 1 hour of work. That is something that can be understood and valued, but a currency that derives value only by how much can be electronically created by the Fed through a computer entry is sure hard to value...

[CottonBall]

The devaluation that is inevitable will absolutely run us into hyperinflation beyond anyone’s belief.

yup - now we're buying our own bonds....that makes no sense whatsoever. Like you said, that speaks volumes that nobody else wants 'em.

Wish I bought more silver when it was at $10.30...

[DelaWhere]

>>>Is this for real? I never heard of such a thing! <<<

As our Great Governor of Alaska would say:

'You Betcha'

[DelaWhere]

>>>It’s a country where the honest good guy never wins. The bum, the lazy guy that just sucks up resources is always benefited.<<<

Boy does that sound like where this once Great Nation is headed too...

Hmmm, maybe we should add drug dealer, pimp, ponzi plotter, crooks, and criminals to the list of benefitters...

[DelaWhere]

>>>(I call them ‘strays’, but I’ve taken them to the vet, gotten them fixed and had their shots, and have given them names.. But no, they’re not mine!) <<<

LOL Almost past that ‘denial’ stage...

[DelaWhere]

>>>Many people aren’t responsible about taking care of their pets or their offspring even when times are good. <<<

There are enough people like you and my wife, that they will do fine...

Would you believe, my wife was carrying around a rooster that was being picked on today (communicating with him) - tonight, that rooster got out and came up to the house - right now as I wait for my wife to get home, the rooster is sitting outside on the ledge next to the picture window over the kitchen sink... Talk about spoiled.....

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

The Fed is buying Treasuries because Ben Bernanke wants to print more money (1.2 trillion dollars, to be exact). There was a money supply chart posted on FR a few days ago and it showed a sharp spike skyward within the last six months. They have increased the money supply by 100% in that timeframe: more than in the last 50 years all told.

[CottonBall]

They have increased the money supply by 100% in that timeframe: more than in the last 50 years all told.

!!! Well, since that's the definition of inflation.....here we go. I noticed today that quite a few prices in the general and grocery stores I went to were higher than I remembered. I thought it was just my bad memory - sadly, probably not.

[CottonBall]

Awwwww, didn’t know a rooster could be spoiled. Or bonded to a person. Sounds like your wife has quite a way with critters.

[nw_arizona_granny]

1. News from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2009
Release # 09-160

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 432-5437
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Fisher-Price Recalls 3-in-1 High Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: 3-in-1 High Chairs

Units: About 24,000

Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y.

Hazard: The seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a seat back detaching and child falling out, resulting in a skull fracture.

Description: This recall involves the 3-in-1 High Chair to Booster(tm), which converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat. It includes a removable tray, height adjustment and folds for storage. The product number (P5369) is printed on the side of the seat, on a label on the seat pad, and on the product’s packaging.

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from December 2008 through March 2009 for about $100.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled high chairs immediately and contact Fisher-Price for instructions and a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09160.html

*****************************************

2. News from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2009
Release # 09-161

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 655-8697
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Pacifiers Recalled by OKK Trading Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Baby Necessities pacifiers

Units: About 2,900

Importer: OKK Trading, of Los Angeles, Calif.

Hazard: The pacifiers are banned under federal law. They failed federal safety tests when the nipples separated from the base. This poses a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Baby Necessities pacifiers with a blue heart-shaped mouth guard. The pacifiers were sold four to a pack. The words “Baby Necessities” is printed on the cardboard packaging.

Sold at: Dollar and discount stores nationwide from August 2007 through January 2009 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifier away from children and contact OKK Trading for a refund or exchange.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OKK Trading collect at (877) 655-8697 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.okktrading.com

Note: CPSC was alerted to this hazard by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09161.html

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/march09/cloning_032409.html

In Tampa, some of the luxury vehicles seized in “Operation Duel Identity,” a multiagency investigation into car cloning and auto theft that spanned 20 states and three countries.

STEERING CLEAR OF CAR CLONING
Some Advice and Solutions
03/24/09

Car cloning: stealing the identity of a legitimately-owned vehicle and slapping it onto a stolen car.

share.gif
It’s a serious crime problem that’s being aggressively investigated by law enforcement. For example: today in Tampa, we joined with our partners in announcing that 17 major players in a long-running car cloning criminal enterprise have been indicted by a federal grand jury.

The good news is that in the not-too-distance future, a new national database may help make car cloning a thing of the past.

How does car cloning work? Like the Tampa case, it begins with a stolen vehicle—usually a luxury car or fully-loaded SUV.

Then, the vehicle is “cloned”—its manufacturer-installed Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is pried off and replaced with another one. This second VIN plate actually holds a legitimate number that came from a vehicle of a similar make and model in a different state. Other phony ownership documents complete the cloning. At that point it can be easily registered with a motor vehicle agency in another state.

Once the stolen vehicle is registered anew, it can be sold. In the Tampa case, more than 1,000 cloned cars were sold to witting and unwitting buyers in 20 states and several countries, with estimated losses of more than $25 million to consumers, auto insurers, and other victims.

So how big is the possible impact of cloning on consumers? Huge. If you buy a cloned vehicle and its true pedigree is discovered, the car will be confiscated, and you’ll still be responsible for any outstanding loans. If your vehicle is the victim of car cloning, you could be accused of a variety of offenses—from parking tickets or cutting somebody off in traffic...to serious criminal activity like organized crime. And you could spend a great deal of time and money trying to prove that it wasn’t you or your car after all.

Enter NMVTIS, or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. This Department of Justice database, operated by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, is an electronic system that links state motor vehicle departments together…and once fully operational should go a long way towards shutting down car cloning activities. If a car is titled in one state, a criminal should not be able to steal its VIN and use it on another vehicle in another state—the database will spit out a hit showing that the number is already in use.

So far, 37 states participate or are in the process of participating in the system. A federal law mandated the creation of the database and the participation of all 50 states by next year.

Tips on how to steer clear of car cloning:

*
If you think your car was cloned (for instance, you receive notice of unpaid parking tickets that aren’t yours), contact your local police.
*
If you’re car shopping, beware of a car being sold for substantially less than comparable makes and models.
*
Get a copy of the car’s vehicle history report.
*
Check out the VIN plate on the dashboard for any evidence of tampering (scratches, etc.).
*
Look for incorrect spellings on paperwork, like vehicle titles.
*
Trust your intuition—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Resources:
- More on car cloning
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System fact sheet

Headline Archives home

[nw_arizona_granny]

Being an eternal optimist, and always seeing my cup half full, I do believe that that US Gov’t. cup is just about empty...

All currency is based on perceived value... Upon what measure do we build a perceived value for the US Dollar?<<<

I don’t know what to make of all that is going on, except to think that it cannot be good for us ....

Inflation, yes, it is showing up in the little that I buy, less in the package and smaller pieces.

It is going to be a long time, before we feel safe again.