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Why Aren't You Pissed Off?

This Ain't "Survovirman", But You ARE Eating Bugs!

March 25th 2009 18:36

I don’t know about you, but I’ve become somewhat more conscientious when it comes to what I’m eating and drinking and putting in my body. Time was, when I was in my “prime” I didn’t pay that much attention. Truth be told, as I grow into my advanced adulthood, I try to do the right things for my body to ensure as long and healthy of a life as possible.

When it comes to food, I don’t buy a lot of pre-packaged meals, if you’ve ever read the labels you’ll know why. There are too many suspect words that are multi-syllabic and I suspect, if I can’t pronounce them or don’t know what they are; I shouldn’t be ingesting them…Most of these things are taste enhancers, artificial colors and additives, preservatives for longer shelf life; and NONE of them are of any benefit to our bodies. If anything, some of them are downright poisonous if ingested often enough.

What’s got me really bent out of shape is a well known beverage manufacture just jumped on the “life water” band wagon. Prior to just recently they were well known for their drinks that were named after a South Florida Beach. I happened to see the new bottles in the local grocery and decided to buy one of their new “Yumberry” waters. I tasted it, and it seemed a wee bit too sweet to be made with sugar, but the taste wasn’t too awful. I’m one of those people who abhor artificial sweeteners. There is nothing real tasting about the after taste that something artificial leaves. But hey, to each his own right? I prefer the 11 calories per teaspoon of sugar to some chemical compound that “tastes just like sugar.” Yeah, ok if you say so…another article, another time. I digress.

After taking yet another taste of this beverage I decided to check out the contents to see what was actually in this lovely brew…the first thing I see as a component right after filtered water is, “Erythritol”, well that’s enough to make me gag, since it’s an ARTIFICIAL SWEETNER, made in, ARE YOU READY?? CHINA!!! Let’s not forget all the Poisons coming out of China and into this country. They’ve made many of us ill and, in fact have killed others. I read down the label a little further and I see “Cochineal” extract (for color)…That does it for me folks. I don’t know how many of you know what Cochineal is…

But I did some checking a while ago on some of the Red dyes used in our food and beverages and this is what Cochineal is: This is directly from Wikipedia!

What is cochineal extract? Not surprisingly it comes from something called a cochineal, which is an insect. “This type of insect, a primarily sessile parasite, lives on cacti from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cacti. The insect produces carminic acid which deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the dye. Cochineal is primarily used as a food coloring and for cosmetics.”

Are you kidding me? I’m eating and drinking the carcasses of dead parasites? I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be reading labels from now on. It’s time we wrote to the FDA and let them know that just because they mandated that by 2011 all labels must contain what coloring additives are added to our foods, well hell that isn’t good enough. The Food and Drug Administration is not, I repeat NOT looking out for our best interests. What’s really sad is many of us believe they’re working on our behalf…yeah and so are the pharmaceutical companies.

It is commonly known that the soil in which our foods are grown has nearly none of the nutrients and minerals that it had just 50 years ago. On top of that, we’ve become a society of FAST…fast food, fast fun, fast gratification…So we continue to buy CRAP to eat and drink. Prepackaged boxes of chemicals, preservatives and additives that “taste” great! We wonder why, as the richest country in the world we have rampant obesity, heart disease, cancer and so many other diseases. Yes, other countries have the same diseases, but we are one of the LEADERS IN HEART DISEASE. We are being poisoned by the very foods and beverages that the FDA is allowing us to ingest.
It’s ironic that food and beverage manufacturers must list Cochineal as a coloring agent…how many of you knew just what you were eating/drinking? I didn’t think so…Get smart America…it’s time we take back our health, our lives and our futures.
Until next time…
Michelle White Willow

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Posted By: Witch Willows Wanderings - Category: No Category

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BASIC EMERGENCY PACKS...WHAT YOU NEED TO SURVIVE

March 20th 2009 17:08

In this changing world, we should be prepared for any natural or man-made disaster that may confront us. The world is different and life as we know it now, may not always be...I believe that we should be prepared to face whatever may come to the best of our ability. So with that in mind, I have put together this list for an EMERGENCY CHECKLIST. These items are for a 72 hour "bug out" bag. This is by no means a hard and fast list...Adjust it accordingly. It is merely a guide for those of you who may want to assemble a pack for emergencies, but aren't sure where to begin. Here then is my list for emergency survival.

YOUR EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

WATER -
I have an old army surplus canteen that has a deep aluminum cup that fits on the bottom. But I suggest you grab a water filtration bottle that has the water purification filter inside. They range in price from $35.00 on up, but they will provide you with at least 50 gallons of bacteria free, safe drinking water. If you end up with a regular water bottle or canteen, you MUST obtain some water purification tablets or another means to purify your water. You can boil it for 10 minutes to remove bacteria and cysts. But whatever you do…provide for enough water. Most sources tell you to store 3-5 gallons per person for a 3 day period. You must have a MINIMUM of 3 individual water packs per person, per day…just for basic consumption. This does not allow for cooking or washing. This is for hydration purposes only. You can go a long time without food, but your body MUST have water to survive. Oh I almost forgot, 16 drops of plain ole’ bleach will purify a gallon of water. Put the drops in the water and then wait 30 minutes before drinking.

FOOD –
72 hour supply of food. Can include MRE’s, Power bars, dry soups, granola, easily stored and carried items like nuts, dry fruits, etc. Food items should be easy to carry. i.e. in baggies or small containers that are water proof. Don’t forget coffee and tea bags and bullion. These can keep you going when the rest of the food is gone.

WARMTH & SHELTER –
Waterproof Matches –
AND a second method to start a fire. i.e. magnesium bar and striker…there are small fire starter kits in Wal-Mart, sporting goods stores and survival sites…They are inexpensive and can virtually save your life. A lighter and tinder…you decide.

Tent –
This goes without saying…however, if in an emergency situation you don’t have a tent…a tarp with some rope, several large, or heavy duty plastic garbage bags will serve as temporary protection from the elements. Large construction plastic bags can serve as water collectors, ground cover, and also shelter from inclement weather.

Sleeping Bag –
Again kind of a no brainer…but once again, if you’re in a dire situation without a sleeping bag, a wool army blanket will keep you warm even when wet. It’s a good idea to have one of those emergency silver reflective blankets as well. They cost about 2 bucks and will retain approximately 80% of your body heat. If put over a wool army blanket you will retain body heat, and keep the damp and wet off of you.

Hand and Foot Warmers –
Another low cost item that will fit inside your gloves, or shoes/boots…they can keep you from getting frostbite if you find yourself in a cold/frigid environment. They only last about 12 hours each…But the cost is about 2-3 dollars a pack. Not a lot if you consider the alternatives.

Rain Poncho –
If you’ve got nothing but a rain poncho with a hood…you can tuck under the poncho…put the hood up and wait out inclement weather. The plastic of the poncho should help you to keep your body heat in and dampness out. It’s not ideal, but hey, we’re talking survival here.

LIGHTWEIGHT STOVE AND FUEL -
Again, if you need to “bug out” in a hurry and haven’t accumulated all the items on this list…At the very minimum you should have a can or two of Sterno type fuel…You can put a small campers tin on it and warm water for coffee, tea, broth, etc. They’re small enough to fit in a bug out pack and they make all the difference when you’re cold and damp and maybe frightened…there’s something about a warm beverage or broth that can lift your spirits even in the worst of circumstances.

LIGHT SOURCES –
Light sticks will give you a good glow, but you’re limited in how far you can see with light sticks. They’re good to hang around your neck on a string…but you don’t want to go foraging in the rough with just a light stick. Get a couple to have in case, but you’ll need a flashlight with extra batteries and probably a slow burning candle. You know those white 6 or 8” chubby white candles that are sold for hurricane preparedness? They’re light weight and they can also be a help if your tinder is wet and you need to start a fire…it’s easier to light the candle, and light the fire with the candle. They’re slow burning, so only use it when you need to AND, always make sure you light a candle in a safe environment…no forest fires or self immolation please.

TOOLS –
At the very least you should have a multi tool in your pack. One of those pliers/knife/screwdriver/awl/ can opener things. They range in price from a few dollars to the super-duper commando kind that cost a bundle. Something strong and durable is the key and with a few different functions. Many lists say to have an ax and a shovel. This is your decision, if you have the room in/on your pack and feel you can shoulder the pack without too much strain, by all means. 25’ of nylon rope should be a standard, it can help you build shelters, snares, keep your pack up in a tree away from critters…help scale rough terrain. You get the idea. It’s inexpensive and lightweight.

FIRST AID –
A basic first aid kit at the very least…but, I have a kit that is almost like a Doctor bag. It contains not only the basics, but some additional items for almost any non-life threatening medical emergency…AND, don’t forget the first aid booklet or information to keep with your medical supplies. Please remember to include burn cream and dressings in case you or someone else has a campfire/candle accident burn.

COMMUNICATIONS –
A good solid radio with batteries and alternative power sources is vital. It will keep you abreast of what is happening in the outside world. I prefer those hand crank radio/flashlight/emergency flasher self powered items. They’re turbine operated, so that no matter what happens, you’ve got power…the more you turn the crank…the more power and the longer it will last.

PERSONAL SANITATION –
This includes TP, (toilet paper), hand sanitizer and some moist toweletts. That’s the very least you should have in your pack. Think in terms of keeping clean as much as possible to prevent germs/bacteria and disease. How about a travel toothbrush and paste? Feminine hygiene products, a comb or brush? Again, think in terms of need and then what you can easily carry.

EXTRA CLOTHING –
Socks, underwear, gloves, and if there’s room additional pants and shirt. A sturdy pair of hiking boots, all weather shoes, or anything comfortable and extremely sturdy.

MONEY –
When we get to the place in time when TSHTF…ATM’s, banks, etc. will most likely be closed. You should have at least $20.00 in your kit. Make sure that it’s in small bills, preferably ones and make sure that you have plenty of change…DO NOT, let outsiders know that you have cash. Desperate times often cause people to act desperately. I’d like to also say that if you have lots of important papers…that could perish in a disaster, it is a good idea to make copies of everything…birth certificates, social security numbers, wills, titles to vehicles, credit card information AND insurance information for homes, vehicles and yourself.

These are the basics of an Emergency Checklist. I would like to add a few things to this ever growing list.

First, use common sense when preparing a pack for an elderly person or child. Their needs will be different, they may need prescriptions, have special diets, etc. You may need to adjust this list for their specific needs. Also, in the case of small children…make sure to include a special toy or stuffed animal, (small toys), or a special “wubbie” (blanket) so that the child will not feel so disoriented and afraid. AND…it will be easier on you as the care giver to have the child feel safe and if they’re occupied.

Some survival packs include a few fish hooks, 25 feet of 10 lb. test fishing line rolled and kept in an Altoids tin along with a couple split weights, a few needles, a roll of dental floss taken out of the plastic container and several safety pins. Dental floss can help keep clothes together…be used as a heavy duty sewing thread. It is waterproof and easy to carry. There’s about 50 feet on that one small roll. Add a few waterproof matches and a plastic whistle and you’ve got a basic survival kit all packed in a 3 inch tin. Neat huh?
You may want to add a small sunscreen and insect repellent to your list of items…and don’t forget…aluminum foil, it can be used as a water collector, for cooking food, etc. Take a few feet off the roll at home, fold it up neatly, slip it into a plastic zipper bag with a spoon, fork and knife. If you have room, toss in a campers mess kit or at least one of those small aluminum camping pans. You can pretty much make soup, heat food, drink beverages all from the same little pan.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW –
Your kit should be in a portable container…i.e backpack, duffel bag, etc. It should be made of durable material and should be easy for you to carry. It should be located somewhere in a place where you can easily access it in case of emergency. DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR KIT. You may have to carry it a long distance to reach safety. Each family member should have their own kit. In case of children, distribute heavy items between other adult kits.
Put clean socks, underwear and other clothing inside plastic zip bags. Those bags can also be used later as water collection devices and to keep things clean.

DON’T DESPAIR if you’ve got nothing set aside, you can start now…a little at a time. I realize this list can be daunting if you’re low on cash and have nothing prepared. Hunt thrift stores for back packs…camping supplies and other items you need in your pack. Also go to dollar stores for medical supplies, dental floss, bullion, coffee, tea, aluminum foil, plastic bags. If you take this list with you and keep a copy handy, you can check off the things as you go, and before you know it…you’ll have your own pack all set for any emergency. Can’t afford a $35.00 filtration water bottle? You can afford a bottle of liquid bleach…find a small screw top jar or bottle, clean it out carefully then put your bleach in that bottle for water purification.
And one final word, the world is changing and I, along with many others in this country feel the winds of change touching our faces…we must be prepared for anything that may come; for to do otherwise is folly. If when all is said and done, these preparations are not needed…then we have the makings of a wonderful family camping trip. But I fear that before too long, we will be glad that we took the steps to prepare for our survival and the survival of our loved ones.

Until Next Time…Whyte Willow

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Posted By: Witch Willows Wanderings - Category: No Category

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SURVIVAL...NOT A FANATICS IDEA AFTERALL...

May 25th 2008 12:20

Here's a question for you...What would you do if today, right now...the banks shut down, the grocery stores ran out of food or your electricity was shut off indefinitely? Do you have enough supplies to make it through several days of a black out? How about a week? 2 weeks? Hmmmm, that's what I thought. The good news is...there is still hope AND...some time...

Are you convinced that life and the world are changing far too rapidly for your liking? I sure the hell am... If you are like a growing number of people in this country, that are concerned with rising costs, increased crime, severe weather patterns, and global warming; then perhaps we should take our lives back. Do what we can to insure that when the SHTF...(stuff hits the fan) we'll be as prepared as we can be for the changes that are inevitible and that we will have very little control over.

Have you asked yourself how you'll get to work when the gas prices rise to $5.00 a gallon? Believe me I watched the CEO of Exxon state blatantly that they've made billions of dollars in profits...and with the same breath state that he couldn't foretell how high gas prices would go. I don't know about you, BUT I'M PRETTY PISSED OFF. IF YOU'RE NOT, WHY NOT?

Have you wondered how you'll feed your family on that 100 dollar a week food budget as the price of staples skyrocket? What about the elderly whose income is fixed just above the poverty point? What will they do when the prices are so high they can't afford to eat?

The time for actions is NOW. There are things you can do today, that may make the difference between survival and starvation...some of them will be easier than others. For instance...if you have a basement, extra closet, storage room, etc. You can start by buying 1 plastic bin and every time you go to the grocery store, buy one staple item that can be stored for a long period of time. For instance those green beans that are on sale instead of buying one can, buy two and put one away...that bag of rice that is on sale, buy an extra...buy only things that will last a long time...that have a shelf life of over a year. and then place them in your storage bin. Don't forget, you can get canned milk, canned fruit, instant coffee, tea and more. Make a list of all the things you absolutely must have and then start paring it down to what you MUST HAVE TO SURVIVE...You'll be suprised what you can do without. Yes, you can survive without Pop Tarts, South Beach Frozen Dinners, and Lunchables...

People in Florida know how to prepare for disaster...they are in Hurricane Central 6 months out of every year. While not everyone prepares for a natural disaster, if you start out by preparing as though you expected a hurricane...then it puts everything in a different light. Don't live in a hurricane state, how about tornadoes, mud slides, monsoons, flood, cyclone?
Start out small...with rising costs, you probably can't afford to put too much aside at one time, but definitely do something!

There are other things you need to consider as well...items like candles, batteries, toilet paper, water for drinking and for household use, pet food, matches, garbage bags...etc. etc. If the water supply is cut off...what will you do with your toilet waste? For sanitary purposes...a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and a roll of plastic bags is a good alternative. Yeah, I know..that's pretty drastic, but you can at least bury the plastic bags....and your home won't smell like a sewer...hopefully avoiding disease as well.

Consider this...a 50 lb bag of wheat (not for planting, the food staple kind, grown organically) will cost you about $25.00 and wheat can be used as a meat substitute, for bread, cereal, etc. etc. etc. The possibilites are endless and the recipies are countless. WHEAT is the answer. Along with that you'll need sprouting seeds for sprouts, one of the highest items in vitamins and nutrients...sprouts will give you the veggies your body needs to stay healthy AND...there's no mystery to sprouting seeds...all you need is a thermos or a couple of glass canning jars, some cheese cloth or coffee filters and a few rubber bands. EASY. Oh by the way, there is an upside to going back to eating natural foods...you'll lose weight...You won't be putting nearly as many chemicals in your body, you'll be healthier. Not such a bad thing eh?

Don't know where to begin? Get yourself a hurricane preparedness list, and once you get all the items on the list...start over again....collect all the items a second time...OR...go online or to your favorite book store and buy a book on SURVIVAL...I have several...I have begun. I prepare for a natural disaster, and in the event it never comes, I have the great fixings for a camping week...or two. But it doesn't matter, if I never use them halleluya...but if I need them...they'll be there. Think of it as stocking the root cellar for next winter...the squirrels do it, our ancestors from the not so distant past did it...why shouldn't we.

One word to the wise, avoid ridicule from the nay sayers, don't tell everyone what you're doing...OR tell only those that you trust and form a provisioning co-op where everyone chips in a certain amount a week and buys in bulk, then splits the rations evenly. Not a bad idea for those who have a Sams, BJ or Costco card...or buy wheat in 50 lb bags along with large cans of foods, spices etc. You can also keep your eyes open for particularly good sales on items like canned goods, TP, etc.

In closing, I'm one of those New Age people who want to believe that the world will wake up and smell the coffee...that mankind is going to realize what's happening and make every effort to change the wrongs to rights...AND, I have faith in my fellow man...the everyday Joe...but there are others in this country who wield a mighty hammer of power; what they do is out of our control...We must be prepared for the worst and the darkness that may come, but always keep our faces turned toward the light and keep hope in our hearts.

I will be posting recipes for meatless meals, how to sprout seeds and beans, etc., in the very near future. So keep checking back. I'm also including a couple of great websites for you to check out. Remember I'm going to practice being a boyscout...and be prepared, How about You?

Walk In the Light
White Willow

For all kinds of foods, books, water supplies, provisionings, etc. etc. check out:

www.waltonfeed.com

Also check out this site, but their prices are a little high and the specialize in pre packaged kits...you can make your own for much less...

www.survivormall.com

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Posted By: Witch Willows Wanderings - Category: No Category

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What Are You Putting In Your Mouth?

January 13th 2008 16:17

For as long as I can remember, I've been told that Fluoride was good for my teeth, that it would make them stronger and less apt to decay. I can remember a bill being passed by our local government many years ago, allowing fluoride to be introduced into our water; it was quite the big deal back then. Everyone was pretty excited about it since we'd all have stronger and healthier teeth.

Once again, the good and trusting citizens of our country were sold a bill of goods, in fact, we were told a big fat bunch of lies. I think it's about time we were reminded of what it is we're actually putting in our mouths and indeed swallowing into our bodies. So here are some facts, our government kept from us all those years ago. You may already know some of this, or most of this, but the fact is, nothing has changed, we're still being poisioned by flouride in our toothpaste and in most of our water supplies

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Are You Full Of S#$@%? What You're Eating Could Be The Cause!

January 8th 2008 05:35

Ah yes, this is one of those topics that no one wants to really speak of, it's talked about in hushed tones and often can be the cause of much embarrassment. Well, I'm here to breach the divide as it were and come right to the point of this blog, are you ready? Ok, here it goes, Chronic Constipation. There, I've put it out there and now we can all just relax and I'll finish telling you what you can do to alleviate and perhaps eliminate this "crappy" condition that seems to plague more and more of us in todays' society.

If you're like most of us, you're an "eat on the run, work late, cold pizza and hot wings" guy or gal. The closest thing to a veggie that you've seen in many days is the lettuce they put on the plate that accompanies your burger. You think a balanced diet is a meal you can consume while driving down the freeway and talking on your cell phone

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What the heck is going on?

January 4th 2008 23:41

2008 has commenced and we look forward to new horizons, hopeful that life will get easier for us, that in this land of milk and honey, we'll have more abundance. After all, this is the land of opportunity, where anyone can become a millionaire. But are you wondering why; when you go the grocery store, food prices are raising to the extreme? Are you worried how you're going to commute to work if gas prices don't stop escalating? You're not alone out there, millions of people just like you and me are worried. Used to be one income could sustain a family, now two full time incomes are barely making ends meet. Prices keep rising, but salaries don't rise exponentially with the cost of living.

Politicians are so busy slandering one another that they don't even address our concerns anymore, Perhaps, they know something we don’t. Maybe, just maybe our votes don't make as much difference as we're led to believe, as we'd like to believe. Who is really controlling the highest offices in the land? Do you know? Do you care? Well you should...
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March 2009

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