Spending your money - on what?

[angelburst29]

Angelburst, tobacco if stored properly should improve for years. Pipe tobacco twenty or more years old in unopened cans fetch high prices. What I think may have happened with your American Spirit is that because it's additive free they don't add propylene glycol to it. What PG does in keep it moist and inhibit mold. If you don't use PG then water is added to keep it nicely moist. But you don't want to store it that moist for long periods. So in the future it would be a good idea to open the cans, let the tobacco dry out, then store it in canning jars.

I appreciate the feed-back. I took extra care in storage and it's location. After reading your Post Mr. Premise, maybe I'm dealing with "seasoned" cans of American Spirit? I perfer the light blue cans of tobacco, verses their dark blue, which has a much stronger taste.
Maybe in the process, they seasoned to the stronger version which I'm not use to and mixing the two might give me something inbetween?

Quote from: birk
"I store tobacco in the freezer which keeps it fresh for a long time. Also my dad gave me an advice to moisten tobacco that has dried out; put a slice or two of raw potato in the tobacco for a few hours. fwiw"

Thanks for the additional information, every little bit helps! Tobacco prices have tripled in the last few years. Just before Easter, American Spirit in the can went up another two dollars without notice. If you can get a can or two ahead, it's important to know how to protect your investment.

 

[LQB]

Photovoltaic solar is also a good idea, as LQB outlined on the last page, but to get enough wattage to run a refrigerator or more, plus the batteries to store it, it becomes a rather serious investment. Anything is better than nothing, though (unless it makes you a target...) even just a few battery charging panels.

Yes, a base system could power various circuits in the home for lights, computers, low power electronics, and smaller appliances. You could also do a small hotel-like fridge - having even a small fridge capability could be very useful. But even a large solar system is not going to power everything that you're used to. Any solar system will force you to be very aware of what you are powering in the absence of the grid.

If a small fridge averages 50 watts consumption, then you will need 1.2KW-hrs for 24 hr operation. If you can store 200W over 6 hrs in a single panel system, then you just break even. If you lose power for a few hours, it is no disaster.

So you can size your system by adding up all the KW-hrs that you want to run (over 24hrs for example). This will tell you how many panels you need. Then you need to size the battery bank (and inverter) to store and deliver this power.

 

[Ennio]

Maybe is a good thing to learn some marketable skills :such as first aid: disinfection, dressing a wound, lowering blood pressure and stopping hemorrhage. I also learned about acupressure for reestablishing energy flow, stimulation of organ function, all which can be done with bare hands ( we might and up with nothing else).

Good point, JS. Someone who can provide first aid in one's community will be very valued. But also and especially being able help those close to you and having the know-how and means to do it (as much as possible anyway) seems essential. A thread has been started here about a good book on the subject.

Along those lines, I see on that search page in the 5th row down the Energizer Weather Ready Folding lantern:
_http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Weather-Ready-Folding-Lantern/dp/B001D937SY/
listed for $18.80. I've often seen this model near the check-out lanes at hardware stores. If you look at the related products from that page, you'll find this:
_http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Solar-Rechargeable-9-LED-Lantern/dp/B003JIP8VG/
for $27.44, similar to the first model but it has a built-in solar panel that charges a small Ni-MH battery pack similar to what you'd find in household cordless phones, plus it also runs on standard D batteries. The hardware stores do not seem to have picked up on this model as much and you'd probably have to go to more of a camping store to find it in retail.

These look like pretty good models m-a. I also like this one, mainly because it's so well reviewed, though it's battery-powered only:
_http://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-SE3DLN-Sportsman-LED-Lantern/dp/B0018S4XIS/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CQBAT3E257MNMAYJQSQ

 

[edgitarra]

Spending money on food that can stay longer(at least 1 year), even though it is not the most healthy option, like big bags of rice or fish cans. But for an healthy option, it is possible just to store as much fat as you can from every cooking process.

 

[axj]

Spending money on food that can stay longer(at least 1 year), even though it is not the most healthy option, like big bags of rice or fish cans.

I think spam is also a good option. It is cheap, lasts a long time and has lots of calories. Also, getting some flavors like herbs is a good idea to have some variation.

 

[edgitarra]

Spending money on food that can stay longer(at least 1 year), even though it is not the most healthy option, like big bags of rice or fish cans.

I think spam is also a good option. It is cheap, lasts a long time and has lots of calories. Also, getting some flavors like herbs is a good idea to have some variation.

Yea, canned foods last long and they are quite cheap. Here in dk, there is canned beans that cost 50 us cents. I've tried these beans once, they also have a good taste.

 

[Kisito]

So “tomorrow” all the structures of communications don't we function any more, will be delivered to ourself? I wondered, if it were possible to create points of meetings or points of rallyings for the candidates 4D STO or who do wish to evolve into 4 way? Because how we will find ourselves the day when where the wave or the apocalypse will start, perhaps that months or years ago when the world will be apocalyptic, and it will be difficult to live. Why not consider sites, strategic places where could we find ourselves? For example two or three places per country. Where to find itself well close to old buildings of hurdy-gurdies churches? Because it will have well to be thought that there will be no more the forum of Laura. Then are we ready to live alone or must us, to gather us? It will be necessary to take into account that the world could be anarchistic and violent, and that it will then be necessary to think of organizing itself, because only it will be difficult to survive.

 

[edgitarra]

Because how we will find ourselves the day when where the wave or the apocalypse will start, perhaps that months or years ago when the world will be apocalyptic, and it will be difficult to live. Why not consider sites, strategic places where could we find ourselves? For example two or three places per country. Where to find itself well close to old buildings of hurdy-gurdies churches? Because it will have well to be thought that there will be no more the forum of Laura. Then are we ready to live alone or must us, to gather us? It will be necessary to take into account that the world could be anarchistic and violent, and that it will then be necessary to think of organizing itself, because only it will be difficult to survive.

Hey kisito, maybe you know that planning doesn't always work after our preferences. We have to adapt to any kind of unexpected circumstances and be ready to deal with the situation. Maybe we won't even find ourselves(members of the forum). But in such a crucial moment(e.g. cataclysmic event) some people will wake up and search for guidance/help. Those could be the people with which you will find yourself and with which you can be able to survive and go further. I'm not saying that one is already a teacher, but one knows already some basic teachings, advices that could bring help to others.

And if you are interested in geographical zones(in case of a serious situation) you can check the thread called Location, location location :
http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,3740.0.html

 

[l apprenti de forgeron]

Electrical generators and fuel for it.

This is one I've been struggling with as it is a higher ticket item and also something you have to deal with actively (keeping fuel fresh, oil, maintenance etc.) Obviously if you want to be able to use up your freezer full of "fresh" meat before it goes bad you'll want something like this if the grid goes down. But if you're in any kind of a neighborhood, everyone around you is going to hear that thing from blocks away and at least know you have it, if not also be interested in what else you have.

There are some silent generators. What I do not know is if there are silent generators with diesel fuel available.

Sugar can be a good investment, not for us because we don't eat sugar but for them. ;) During the last big war people were really tired of taking honey instead of sugar so sugar can become like gold for people that are addicted to it. Sugar plus flour!

It is very good question because it has to do also with ethical considerations. For sugar, flour and alcohol, as vodka or whisky, eg. I really do not know if it would be okay bartering in a future with these things, because we know that are harmful things to people, even when they are desperate to have them. What should be done in such circumstances?. In my case would only agree to give alcohol (it seems the lesser evil and more required in a probable new ice age).

 

[Persej]

If a small fridge averages 50 watts consumption, then you will need 1.2KW-hrs for 24 hr operation. If you can store 200W over 6 hrs in a single panel system, then you just break even. If you lose power for a few hours, it is no disaster.

There are A+++ refrigerators that use much less power. This one uses only 154 kWh/year, that is 0.43 kWh/24hr: http://www.gorenje.co.uk/cooling/freestanding?c=440985

 

[LQB]

If a small fridge averages 50 watts consumption, then you will need 1.2KW-hrs for 24 hr operation. If you can store 200W over 6 hrs in a single panel system, then you just break even. If you lose power for a few hours, it is no disaster.

There are A+++ refrigerators that use much less power. This one uses only 154 kWh/year, that is 0.43 kWh/24hr: http://www.gorenje.co.uk/cooling/freestanding?c=440985

Yes, so even a small system could power the fridge plus some other things on the same circuit.

 

[Renaissance]

What do you think are the best things to buy under such circumstances? What if you have savings?

Good question! Maybe you could buy things that will be useful and pleasant for you in the future, and now. For example, what about an 'offline office' consisting of oil lamps (+ fuel), paper and a manual typewriter? Just throwing something out there ;)

Added: Oh, and for the non-prepper route: Buy some good 'how-to' DVDs, or watch YouTube videos to learn all kinds of manual skills, buy some equipment, experiment with it, etc. E.g. do, what you always wanted to do!

I agree, it can be quite fun!

Here's a couple of items we recently got. I reconditioned the meat grinders yesterday and am working on reconditioning the stone grinder.

The petal stone grinder was $15 (a really good deal) and the small meat grinder we got for free and the other was $20. So, good deals can be found on this kind of stuff since most people think it's junk or for decoration.

 

[Kisito]

Because how we will find ourselves the day when where the wave or the apocalypse will start, perhaps that months or years ago when the world will be apocalyptic, and it will be difficult to live. Why not consider sites, strategic places where could we find ourselves? For example two or three places per country. Where to find itself well close to old buildings of hurdy-gurdies churches? Because it will have well to be thought that there will be no more the forum of Laura. Then are we ready to live alone or must us, to gather us? It will be necessary to take into account that the world could be anarchistic and violent, and that it will then be necessary to think of organizing itself, because only it will be difficult to survive.

Hey kisito, maybe you know that planning doesn't always work after our preferences. We have to adapt to any kind of unexpected circumstances and be ready to deal with the situation. Maybe we won't even find ourselves(members of the forum). But in such a crucial moment(e.g. cataclysmic event) some people will wake up and search for guidance/help. Those could be the people with which you will find yourself and with which you can be able to survive and go further. I'm not saying that one is already a teacher, but one knows already some basic teachings, advices that could bring help to others.

And if you are interested in geographical zones(in case of a serious situation) you can check the thread called Location, location location :
http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,3740.0.html

Thank you edgitarra. Excellent thread, which makes us aware of our own responsibilities!

 

[Kisito]

Collective of hacktivists online Anonymous announced development Airchat , a free technology that enables consumers to communicate without having to use a phone or internet infrastructure , but using radio waves.

The aim is to enable the world to communicate freely without having a phone or mobile networks or online, especially in rural areas and in developing countries .
According to Anonymous, Airchat proved its feasibility and is now seeking assistance for the development of this technology and financial support .
Anonymous claims to have been able to successfully organize chess competitions between participants away from each other about 200 km with an experimental form of Airchat .
According to the collective, the photos have already been exchanged and conversations have been possible.
Airchat to use , the user must have a portable radio receiver, a laptop and must have access to specific software.

Anonymous noted that the receiver would cost about $ 40 which should be affordable for most users or communities.
" Almost every house in the world has an AM / FM radio system common ," says Anonymous .
"He who can not buy a cheap receiver , will be able to decode the data sent by a pirate station ."
" Airchat not only ensure that citizens put away a spy by the authorities , but offer an alternative in countries where internet is censored or banned .
In addition, the system can be used by expeditions, support organizations and medical teams who need to communicate from very remote places. "

Anonymous has previously attempted to develop channels communicationgratuits .
For example, after the Arab Spring , the collective in the region replaced by the authorities blocked social networks.
Anonymous has also worked with the splinter group Telecomix to provide access to activists to secure networks , particularly in the emirate of Bahrain, Egypt , Libya , Jordan and Zimbabwe.

source
Posted by Chris Orgone
http://galaxie109.canalblog.com/archives/2014/04/30/29768544.html

 

[MikaelYosef]

Thanks for the comments in this thread, it's interesting and thought provoking.

Hypothetically, if one doesn't 'own' their own land - would it be considered wise and a good time to take out a mortgage to get some?