I have to admit I've slacked off a bit today to research just what is going on with the price of oil these days. I heat my house with oil, and there is no freaking way I'll be able to afford to heat my house this winter. Because of the brilliant fire-codes here in my town, I cannot add a wood stove either. So basically, I'm fucked this winter.
So it looks like there are several reasons for the gas to be so expensive. China has doubled it's oil imports over the last 10 years. OPEC won't increase production. The cost to actually refine the oil has jumped from $5-$10 a barrel to $20 - $30 a barrel. The world demand for oil has gone up as well. The dollar is so weak right now, I think I'll kick the next Republican I see in the beanbag.
Of all these factors only two are pointing to a sharp increase in price. The weak dollar is killing us, and those nitwits printing more money is not helping the issue. Also, there is the spike in refining costs for fuel. I see no reason as to why it would cost more to refine a barrel of oil this year rather than last year. I think this bears more investigation.
Ultimately though it's our Federal Government that is squarely to blame. If those meatballs in office could just keep the dollar strong we wouldn't have it half as bad as we do now. Just thinking about it makes me tankful I am in a (mostly) recession-proof field of work. I might not lose my job, but my money is in survival mode, I'm not even going to see the new Indy film to save $.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
More preperations
Well I bit the bullet, and bought some more stuff I needed for the BOB. I got myself a great water filter from amazon.com and bought some items for the first aid kit and 5 days worth of dehydrated Mountain House food. I also grabbed some survival rations, and a wind up radio/flashlight kit for short $.
The water filter removes cryptosproidium, and it's filter is good for 200 gallons or so. I was going to buy the "upgraded model" but all it adds is a ceramic disk and a carbon filter for better taste... more stuff to break and more stuff to have extras of. this model is only 11oz. and can connect directly to the water backpack thingy I got from Coleman. Down the road I'll be getting a replacement filter, but 200 gallons should be good for a while. Better to put $ into other areas.
The survival rations are for the core bag. It's 3days worth of food in a vacuum sealed pack good for 5 years. The dehydrated food will go in the BOB. When I get some more $ to spend I'll buy another weeks worth or so and keep it in the bigger BOB. Down the road I'll probably get some of the #10 cans for the house in case I get to bug out with my truck, and they last 35 years rather than 7.
The wind up radio and light will go in the bigger BOB. I need to split the messkit I got into 2 parts, one for the BOB the rest into the Bigger BOB.
The water filter removes cryptosproidium, and it's filter is good for 200 gallons or so. I was going to buy the "upgraded model" but all it adds is a ceramic disk and a carbon filter for better taste... more stuff to break and more stuff to have extras of. this model is only 11oz. and can connect directly to the water backpack thingy I got from Coleman. Down the road I'll be getting a replacement filter, but 200 gallons should be good for a while. Better to put $ into other areas.
The survival rations are for the core bag. It's 3days worth of food in a vacuum sealed pack good for 5 years. The dehydrated food will go in the BOB. When I get some more $ to spend I'll buy another weeks worth or so and keep it in the bigger BOB. Down the road I'll probably get some of the #10 cans for the house in case I get to bug out with my truck, and they last 35 years rather than 7.
The wind up radio and light will go in the bigger BOB. I need to split the messkit I got into 2 parts, one for the BOB the rest into the Bigger BOB.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
BOB progress
Well Last night while watching the Celtics lose in a most disappointing fashion, I managed to get some work on my BOB done. I also watched a bunch of videos on youtube.com from P.A.W. productions about food storage and such. For those of you outside the survivalist circle a BOB is a Bug Out Bag. Basically it's everything you need to survive. You keep all your necessary gear in the bag, and you grab it as you haul ass out the door.
I got my hands on a awesome rucksack a few weeks ago in one of my flea market expeditions. It's US military surplus, and cost me $5! I also got one of the huge duffel bags that open on the end with a shoulder strap for $5 too :) I love flea markets.
I've got the deal of the century on the rucksack, it's a combat model, so there are tabs to quick-release the backpack in case of trouble. Very handy. I attached the knife I got the other day at the other flea market tactically on the left strap, I can easily draw it, and I can still get to the strap releases in a hurry.
I sharpened up the 6" bladed knife, and I'm rather pleased on how well it took an edge. While I was at it I touched up my little Gerber pocket knife as well. Yet another task done, all while the Celtics got their asses whupped.
For the actual supplies in my BOB, I'll have to do another post down the road, as I'm not complete yet. I'll outline my plan though. I intend to have a modular system of components that I can either grab or ditch as the disaster strikes. I scored that camelback personal hydration thingy at the Coleman outlet, and that will form the core of my system. In there I'll have the absolute minimum of survival equipment. Flint 'n' steel, Water purification tablets, micro fishing survival kit, pocketknife, survival blanket, etc. It is a small backpack itself, so I can stash a minimum of supplies there. No matter what this is my last line of survival, It wouldn't even contain a firearm. Over this Camelback is the rucksack, this has all the usual survival gear.
Those two packs will cover me on foot. The duffel will hold more supplies, in the event I can catch a ride, more "luxury" items like a shotty to go with the battle-rifle and handgun in the rucksack. The next level would be all my gear I can stuff into my truck, assuming I can bug out via the roads.
Attached to the rucksack will be pouches of gear I can drop if not needed or if I have to. For example, I'll have a "civil disobedience" kit that has swimming goggles, dust masks, and vinegar to deal with CS gas. If the poop doesn't hit the fan in such a way as that accessory kit is not needed then I can ditch it. I can't afford a gas mask, I have better places to put my $ for now. Down the road I'll re-assess once more $ becomes available.
I'm going to do what I normally don't and that's buy some items on credit. I don't have any CC balance, so I'm going to buy a few things I need now, and pay them off as I can. Nothing extravagant, just a water filter and some dehydrated food for the BOB.
I got my hands on a awesome rucksack a few weeks ago in one of my flea market expeditions. It's US military surplus, and cost me $5! I also got one of the huge duffel bags that open on the end with a shoulder strap for $5 too :) I love flea markets.
I've got the deal of the century on the rucksack, it's a combat model, so there are tabs to quick-release the backpack in case of trouble. Very handy. I attached the knife I got the other day at the other flea market tactically on the left strap, I can easily draw it, and I can still get to the strap releases in a hurry.
I sharpened up the 6" bladed knife, and I'm rather pleased on how well it took an edge. While I was at it I touched up my little Gerber pocket knife as well. Yet another task done, all while the Celtics got their asses whupped.
For the actual supplies in my BOB, I'll have to do another post down the road, as I'm not complete yet. I'll outline my plan though. I intend to have a modular system of components that I can either grab or ditch as the disaster strikes. I scored that camelback personal hydration thingy at the Coleman outlet, and that will form the core of my system. In there I'll have the absolute minimum of survival equipment. Flint 'n' steel, Water purification tablets, micro fishing survival kit, pocketknife, survival blanket, etc. It is a small backpack itself, so I can stash a minimum of supplies there. No matter what this is my last line of survival, It wouldn't even contain a firearm. Over this Camelback is the rucksack, this has all the usual survival gear.
Those two packs will cover me on foot. The duffel will hold more supplies, in the event I can catch a ride, more "luxury" items like a shotty to go with the battle-rifle and handgun in the rucksack. The next level would be all my gear I can stuff into my truck, assuming I can bug out via the roads.
Attached to the rucksack will be pouches of gear I can drop if not needed or if I have to. For example, I'll have a "civil disobedience" kit that has swimming goggles, dust masks, and vinegar to deal with CS gas. If the poop doesn't hit the fan in such a way as that accessory kit is not needed then I can ditch it. I can't afford a gas mask, I have better places to put my $ for now. Down the road I'll re-assess once more $ becomes available.
I'm going to do what I normally don't and that's buy some items on credit. I don't have any CC balance, so I'm going to buy a few things I need now, and pay them off as I can. Nothing extravagant, just a water filter and some dehydrated food for the BOB.
Monday, May 26, 2008
On Communities
I've been busy as all hell with the yardwork on Sat and Sun, so I didn't get a chance to post. Then i busted my hump at the Job today, so no time there. I'm about to run to the grocery store to get some grub, but I wanted to mention a cool thing going on.
We don't dump our yard waste into the landfill here, we actually have a town compost heap. And I have to say it's amazing what can happen when a community pulls together. Yeah, I'm talking about a compost heap. But it's 20'+ high and about 100 yards long and about 15 yards wide. All free for the taking if your a resident.
Now if a community can pull together for compost, what else could we be pulling together on that we are not?
We don't dump our yard waste into the landfill here, we actually have a town compost heap. And I have to say it's amazing what can happen when a community pulls together. Yeah, I'm talking about a compost heap. But it's 20'+ high and about 100 yards long and about 15 yards wide. All free for the taking if your a resident.
Now if a community can pull together for compost, what else could we be pulling together on that we are not?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Seasteading
I found this interesting article on slashdot.org this morning about Seasteading. Interesting ideas in the wired article, and a full book on the subject is here. I have always been fascinated with the development of a system of government. In particular I have always been interested in Sealand. I have to confess when it was up for sale I bought extra MegaMillions tickets to see if I could be lucky enough to win and buy the damned thing.
If your in deep water your immune to tsunamis, and your not in range of a nuclear target, it might be the ultimate retreat location. Never mind your on the open sea, and if you want to buy a RPG, you can! Between aquaculture and gardens on the roof you could keep a family fed quite well.
I'll read the book, and post again on the subject if it's worth the time.
If your in deep water your immune to tsunamis, and your not in range of a nuclear target, it might be the ultimate retreat location. Never mind your on the open sea, and if you want to buy a RPG, you can! Between aquaculture and gardens on the roof you could keep a family fed quite well.
I'll read the book, and post again on the subject if it's worth the time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Random things
Well I had my interview last night for my LTC. I am going for the Class A, which in the nanny state means I can carry large capacity handguns, and own large capacity rifles. I got finger printed and added to the Mass electronic ID check thingy. The Sgt. was cool, and I was surprised (and relived) there was no real interview. In four to six weeks I should have my Class A, hopefully without restrictions.
I need to re-read all the laws and such for my state and purchasing firearms. It is insanely complex, and does absolutely nothing to stop the bad guys from getting whatever the hell they want. For example, I can only buy certain firearms new. These are on a list that the bowels of bureaucracy spits out. In order to get on the list a firearm manufacturer has to send five weapons at their own expense for testing, and then the AG can still veto it. It's bullshit!
So now I have to buy used, which isn't so bad, but it has to be made before a certain date (Oct '98 I think) and so on and so forth. Extra magazines have to be from a certain date or earlier as well. I would have to say it's nothing short of a pain in the balls, but at least I can still get something. Soon enough I feel that Mass will join NY and CA in even more restrictive, unconstitutional, and irrational victim disarmament (as Boston T. Party would say)
At this point I'm not 100% sure of what I would like to buy. Down the road I want a shotgun, a battle-rifle, and a handgun. The shotty is already decided, nothing says "I wub you" like the click-clack of a Remington 870. I've seen deer shot close with 00 buck, and the entire chest cavity was nothing but hamburger and bits of bone.
The battle rifle is a different story. I have seen the differences in damage between a 5.56 and a 7.62, and there is no way I'm going into any type of SHTF scenario with a .22. Yeah ammo is cheap and plentiful, but I want to shoot a bad guy once, not dump half a clip into their chest to have them crawl off and cause more trouble. Right now I'm leaning towards the FAL line. They give me more bang for my buck (har har). It is not carved in stone, as I have yet to actually shoot one. I have shot an M1 so the M14 is high on the list, but they are just too pricey now. Especially extra mags.
Now I have a love affair with the .45ACP cartridge. I have always thought that pistols need big heavy slugs for stopping power, and the fact that all the police forces in the area are abandoning the 9mm cartridge for the .40 cal proves to me that My original assesment from '82 is still the correct one. I love the 1911, but I'm not a big fan of the single action. I think I might go with the Glock .45 for my primary and a 1911 for a second handgun. I have yet to shoot the Glock, and because they are not on the list I have to buy it used. I'll be making it priority #1 once I have my LTC to try one out and make a decision.
I need to re-read all the laws and such for my state and purchasing firearms. It is insanely complex, and does absolutely nothing to stop the bad guys from getting whatever the hell they want. For example, I can only buy certain firearms new. These are on a list that the bowels of bureaucracy spits out. In order to get on the list a firearm manufacturer has to send five weapons at their own expense for testing, and then the AG can still veto it. It's bullshit!
So now I have to buy used, which isn't so bad, but it has to be made before a certain date (Oct '98 I think) and so on and so forth. Extra magazines have to be from a certain date or earlier as well. I would have to say it's nothing short of a pain in the balls, but at least I can still get something. Soon enough I feel that Mass will join NY and CA in even more restrictive, unconstitutional, and irrational victim disarmament (as Boston T. Party would say)
At this point I'm not 100% sure of what I would like to buy. Down the road I want a shotgun, a battle-rifle, and a handgun. The shotty is already decided, nothing says "I wub you" like the click-clack of a Remington 870. I've seen deer shot close with 00 buck, and the entire chest cavity was nothing but hamburger and bits of bone.
The battle rifle is a different story. I have seen the differences in damage between a 5.56 and a 7.62, and there is no way I'm going into any type of SHTF scenario with a .22. Yeah ammo is cheap and plentiful, but I want to shoot a bad guy once, not dump half a clip into their chest to have them crawl off and cause more trouble. Right now I'm leaning towards the FAL line. They give me more bang for my buck (har har). It is not carved in stone, as I have yet to actually shoot one. I have shot an M1 so the M14 is high on the list, but they are just too pricey now. Especially extra mags.
Now I have a love affair with the .45ACP cartridge. I have always thought that pistols need big heavy slugs for stopping power, and the fact that all the police forces in the area are abandoning the 9mm cartridge for the .40 cal proves to me that My original assesment from '82 is still the correct one. I love the 1911, but I'm not a big fan of the single action. I think I might go with the Glock .45 for my primary and a 1911 for a second handgun. I have yet to shoot the Glock, and because they are not on the list I have to buy it used. I'll be making it priority #1 once I have my LTC to try one out and make a decision.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday purchases
Sunday I like to visit my Mum. This time we agreed to meet near a huge fleamarket I normally don't go to for breakfast and browsing. This particular market has higher dealer fees, so getting a bargain is tougher. It is nice because they have about 100 or so dealers there, and a wide selection of stuff.
So to make a long story short I found an excellent bug-out knife for $15. It's "stainless" but it's the crappy grade of steel, but it fits my hand well, and has a good sheath that has a positive click. This way I can fix it onto my BOB straps vertical and it won't fall out. I'll sharpen it up tonight and see how it takes and edge.
I also scored two of the instant cold compresses for $1 each and a good size box of the bleed-stopping gauze for $3. The cold compresses are nice, but might be too heavy for the BOB. If so I'll toss them into the camping first-aid kit. I'm almost there on my BOB's first-aid kit, and for a lot less $ then one of the pre-packaged ones.
Now I have mentioned my inner voice before, and it tickled my brain again about the Coleman outlet. I haven't been there in a year, so I figured I'd burn the gas to go check it out. Well like always, listening to that inner voice paid off! Turns out they are going out of business (dammit) but had 40% off the entire store! I didn't go hog wild, as I already had a lot of stuff. I did pick up some extra mantles for my lanterns, a good compass, a camping knife-fork-spoon, and a set of stainless backpacking cookware. And to top it all off they had one of those "personal hydration" backpacks for 60% off. It has next to no additional storage space, and it isn't tactical with all the reflective tape all over it, but I can wear it under my coat or BOB. Toss in a very small flashlight and it was $45 for the lot. Major score!
I have been meaning to get one of those camelbacks or whatever for a while for my bike riding. and like most of the stuff I've been getting it serves a nice dual-purpose for my preparedness preparations. (Was that even English?)
So to make a long story short I found an excellent bug-out knife for $15. It's "stainless" but it's the crappy grade of steel, but it fits my hand well, and has a good sheath that has a positive click. This way I can fix it onto my BOB straps vertical and it won't fall out. I'll sharpen it up tonight and see how it takes and edge.
I also scored two of the instant cold compresses for $1 each and a good size box of the bleed-stopping gauze for $3. The cold compresses are nice, but might be too heavy for the BOB. If so I'll toss them into the camping first-aid kit. I'm almost there on my BOB's first-aid kit, and for a lot less $ then one of the pre-packaged ones.
Now I have mentioned my inner voice before, and it tickled my brain again about the Coleman outlet. I haven't been there in a year, so I figured I'd burn the gas to go check it out. Well like always, listening to that inner voice paid off! Turns out they are going out of business (dammit) but had 40% off the entire store! I didn't go hog wild, as I already had a lot of stuff. I did pick up some extra mantles for my lanterns, a good compass, a camping knife-fork-spoon, and a set of stainless backpacking cookware. And to top it all off they had one of those "personal hydration" backpacks for 60% off. It has next to no additional storage space, and it isn't tactical with all the reflective tape all over it, but I can wear it under my coat or BOB. Toss in a very small flashlight and it was $45 for the lot. Major score!
I have been meaning to get one of those camelbacks or whatever for a while for my bike riding. and like most of the stuff I've been getting it serves a nice dual-purpose for my preparedness preparations. (Was that even English?)
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