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You can purify water with bleach. During emergencies, your regular tap water may not be safe to drink. In these…
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Bored and looking for the best survival board games to play with family and friends? Maybe you’ve watched almost every…
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If the world of optics had to be summed up in one word, it would be “choices.” There was a time when the number of serious players in the glass world could be counted on one hand. Now the American capitalistic system and market demand give us a variety of good choices. Many of those choices come at a price point that won’t make you reach for your heart when you see it. One of the best examples of that is Sightmark and its Latitude riflescopes.
The company, introduced at SHOT Show 2007, provided a response to the growing popularity of the modern shooting market. The goal was to provide state-of-the-art optics and accessories to make the modern sporting rifle, shotgun, and pistol as accurate as possible. In 2011, a new 33,000 square-foot headquarters was completed in Mansfield, Texas, combining the company’s corporate offices and a large warehouse to handle the increase in sensitive material and technology being produced.
Currently, Sightmark represents leading markets growing in more than 40 countries and many quality retailers in every state. In short, they are successful because they know what they are doing. At the last Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous I had the chance to visit with my longtime friend at Sightmark, Kevin Reese. Kevin, like myself, is managing an addiction to long-range shooting. It was during one of these discussions that a specific optic kept coming up. It was the Latitude 6.25-25×56 PRS Riflescope, and it was exceptional. I played the friend card and in short order one was on its way for me to test.
The Sightmark Latitude line is actually composed of five long-range scopes. With magnification ranging from 25 to 40, they have applications in PRS (Precision Rifle Series), F class shooting and Bench rest. I was looking for something a little more flexible in application, which is why I went with the 6.25-25×56 PRS Riflescope. The Latitude is an optic built for hard use on the PRS circuit. In these competitions, shooters engage very small targets under time pressure at different distances. The distances are between 10 and 1,200 yards, with many being set at unknown distances. They shoot from a variety of positions, and it is as enjoyable to watch as it is to shoot. It is fast paced and can be hard on gear. The Latitude is built to not only survive in this setting but thrive.
The Latitude comes with oversized turrets for quick and easy adjustments. It includes a solid zero stop that I found to work well. Elevation and windage adjustment of the reticle is done in steps of 0.1 MIL with a distance-friendly adjustment range of 31mils of elevation and 20 mils of windage. This is a first focal plane optic with a PRS reticle etched into it. It also has red/green illumination on the reticle to make them easier to see. The illumination has six different brightness settings.
A feature I really like is the Latitude’s locking, fast-focus eyepiece. It keeps the focus set so I can concentrate on shooting instead of readjusting the focus. While some may blow this off, my experience is that when you add lens caps, they tend to move your focus ring if they are not tight. Maybe it’s my OCD kicking in, but I notice it, especially at high magnification. The Latitude is rugged and is IP67 waterproof, able to withstand up to .50 BMG recoil and built with a single piece 34mm tube. It is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum with a hard anodized finish. The lens is multicoated and scratch resistant and it is also fog proof. Overall, it is a very feature-rich piece of glass.
I was excited to get one in for review and made short work of getting it mounted. For this test I mounted it on a Remington 700 SPS Tactical chambered in .308 WIN. A quick zero and we were off to the races. I would be using a bipod as well as a sand sock in the rear of the gun for stability. I did take the time to set the zero stop, which was very easy to do. Once you have the optic dialed in, you simply spin the zero-stop ring upwards to the bottom of the turret. At that point just install the small screws and it is done. I like this design because it is robust and absolutely the same each time. The biggest challenge I see in any optic is its inability to tract correctly and ultimately return to zero.
In the hyper precision world, we want 1 mil to be 1mil. The test I have been using forever is a version of the box scope tracking test. This test uses a fairly large target to accommodate all of our various shots. The one I use is 40 inches x 24 inches. I place a black aiming point near the bottom of a carefully drawn center line of the target. This test is set with marks indicating specific projected impact points. Layout can vary, but there are multiple points that have the shooter run the turrets up and down as well as left to right. Because mils and inches do not exactly match, I shoot this test at least twice to confirm consistency.
The Latitude 6.25-25×56 PRS Riflescope passed this test with flying colors. This particular gun shoots Federal 175-grain Gold Medal Match really well, so that was the round of the day. All shots were extremely close and in the same spot when repeated. If shot indoors on a mechanical bench I believe the shots would have stacked on top of each other.
Overall, I was impressed with the construction of the scope as well as the clarity of the glass. It has a 56mm objective lens which obviously serves to bring in a ton of light. A feature I found very nice was an adjustable eye relief. Most people mount their scopes and then still need a touch of adjustment. The Latitude allows the eye relief to be set from 4.7 inches to 4.2 inches. This makes super fine tuning a reality. The field of view was decent, and the reticle stayed crisp in all magnifications. While I did my best to dial for my shots, the reticle is designed to allow you to shoot on the fly.
For someone who grew up on old school crosshairs, the Christmas tree of hashes and lines used to cause a pause. That lasted until I discovered just how fast this reticle is in getting follow up shots. Take a few minutes to learn the different hash sizes and in short order you will be shooting at a variety of distances without touching the turrets. When I did run the turrets, I found them to perform well. They provided a good audible and tactile response at each click. There is no question that you clicked or did not click like we see on some other scopes. The parallax adjustment on the side was very smooth and had no play. In my opinion it is a bit on the thin side and could use a little more real estate.
I ran the scope both dialing and holds from 100 yards to 800 yards and the Latitude worked well. When you factor in the price, then the Latitude hit it out of the park. In fact, I found the Latitude to outperform other scopes at much higher price points. This is not just a relatively inexpensive scope. This is a scope the performs far beyond what the price point may tell you. I think the Remington has found its new glass and there is no reason to change it out. If you are looking for a good performing long-range scope but don’t have Elon Musk money, you need to look at the Sightmark Latitude 6.25-25×56 PRS Riflescope.
The Sightmark Latitude 6.25x25x56 PRS retails for $699.97. For even more info, please visit sightmark.com.
The post Sightmark Latitude 6.25-25×56 PRS Riflescope: Built to Go Long and Win appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.
Pack These Camping Essentials And You Can Rest Easy Knowing You’ll Have A Good Time
OK, I’ll admit it…
A few years ago, I forgot to pack the sleeping bags for our weekend camping trip.
We were 3 hours from home when my wife asked: “did you pack the sleeping bags?”
My initial reaction was a defensive “of course I did …..” but as I thought about it more I realized – I HAD NOT!
We made do with a few random blankets but it was less enjoyable and relaxing than it should have been.
After that, I decided to make myself a list of camping essentials.
The same list I’m sharing with you today.
So don’t make the same mistake I did, instead, use this article to make sure you have all your camping essentials.
This camping essentials list is not just for first-time campers either.
Even experienced campers should use a list to double-check their camping essentials before heading out.
We all get excited! We all get in a hurry to “get away!” We assume our significant other packed that essential item…trust me – it can happen.
So the following camping essentials are items you’d regret leaving behind. The things that turn a good camping trip into a great one.
Now, this camping essentials list is NOT an attempt to take as few items as possible. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out our article on minimalist camping.
This list includes all the essential camping gear to make your trip as fun and as relaxing as possible.
Keep reading to see SkilledSurvival’s top 21 camping essentials:
I know what you’re thinking; shelter, duh!
But unless your shelter is your vehicle (like an RV or van), you’ll want to triple-check that you packed your tent.
Now, if you don’t already own a tent you have a lot of choices. For example, you could go with a survival tent or a cold-weather tent, or even a canvas tent.
Unless you’re one who enjoys sleeping under the stars without a tent.
If you’re only planning a single camping trip, you might be able to get away with borrowing one. But if you’re looking to make this a regular hobby, investing in a high-quality tent is essential.
Or you could even go in a hammock if the weather’s nice. Just use your sleeping bag in the hammock and sleep off the ground and under the stars.
Or you could invest in a survival hammock tent.
But what happens if you forget your tent, hammock, and sleeping bag?
In the name of preparedness, you should have a backup emergency shelter such as an emergency survival blanket or bivy sack.
The Tact Bivvy is a life-saving survival device and an excellent backup camping essential.
Toss one in your glove box and you’ll never be without protection from the elements – whether it’s while camping or in a roadside emergency.
Check out why we like The Tact Bivvy so much:
Have you thought about your camping water plan? Will your campsite have a public water pump?
Or is it a remote site near a lake or creek? What if your campground doesn’t have any drinkable water nearby?
You need to know what the water situation is before you go. You’ll need to plan differently for a site with potable water vs a remote place in the desert.
Either way, you’ll want to have a large water container and leave it at your campsite for daily use. You’ll need it for tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and extinguishing your campfire.
Each one contains 3.5 gallons of water, they are stackable, they have a handle for easy carrying, and they’re virtually indestructible.
While camping, you may need to cut a rope, fillet a fish, or whittle a walking stick and a high-quality survival knife is ideal for these tasks.
Invest in a survival knife that can pierce, slice, and do some chopping as well.
I keep my survival knife on me at all times just in case. As a survivalist, I always recommend a trusty survival knife anytime you head into the wilderness.
If you want a survival knife that can take a beating but is lightweight and compact, get a neck knife (this one is my favorite). Pocket knives work well for everyday tasks, but can’t handle anything more demanding.
We go camping to get away from it all. But getting away also means emergency items like gauze, bandages, and painkillers are not as close as the corner store.
So you need to take some emergency medical supplies with you.
You can do this by building your own DIY first aid kit or investing in a good one.
Either way, never hit the road without this critical camping essential.
Sleeping bags have been a staple for campers for years. Sleeping bags go with tents like peanut butter goes with jelly.
I even take mine during warm summer camping, because there’s always a chance it gets really cold in the middle of the night. And if you’re unprepared, you could wake up in the middle of the night freezing. Then you’ll have to scramble to add multiple layers of clothes just to stay warm – not fun.
So get a nice warm one for those cooler nights. Worst case, if your sleeping bag is overkill on a hot night, you can always just sleep on top of it. Then if you get cold, just quickly slip inside.
I recommend investing in a warm one instead of suffering the frustrations of a cheap one.
Heavy coats are warm, but on a rainy camping trip, they can be uncomfortable.
It’s better to pack lightweight, rainproof, waterproof, breathable clothes as a top layer. That way you’ll avoid overheating in warm humid weather but keep the rain off in wet weather.
It’s all about properly layering to prepare for any weather conditions.
Look for design details like armpit zips, mesh pockets, and cinched hoods, to protect you from the elements.
You won’t enjoy your camping trip unless you keep yourself both dry and comfortable.
Maybe it won’t be buggy, but if it is, watch out!
I’ve tried a few of the alternative repellents but for me, deet is the only thing that works.
Yes, deet is a nasty chemical, so I try to use it sparingly on my skin. But it sure does keep those pesky skeeters away.
It’s one of the more important camping essentials on this list!
Forget it and you’ll pay the price.
Sitting on the ground sucks.
I’ve done it many times on backpacking trips because chairs are too heavy and bulky for backpacking –but not for camping.
If you’re going camping, you’re probably taking a vehicle to get there. So make some trunk space for a good camping chair or two.
Your butt and back will thank you.
Some of you may be wondering why firewood wasn’t higher up on this camping essentials list.
Isn’t firewood a camping staple?
Yes, it is, but you may not want to pack it.
It depends on your particular camping situation. Experts recommend you buy your firewood locally after you get to your campsite. And in some circumstances, it can be illegal to transport firewood across state lines…
Also, if it’s been a dry summer, you might have a fire bane to contend with.
The bottom line is
If you happen to forget firewood before you leave, you’ll typically be able to find some after you get there.
But do your research before you leave. Because camping without a campfire just isn’t the same.
If you’re planning on camping for a few days, you’ll need a few easy camping meals.
But remember, you’ll be cooking and eating with wild animals around and that means you need to respect them.
Never leave your food out, instead, put it in air-tight containers – like this bearproof food vault.
These containers ensure you end up with raccoons and bears sniffing their way into your campsite.
Airtight containers trap food smells and protect them from hungry animals.
I don’t know about you, but when I go camping – I spend nearly all my time outdoors. I don’t understand people who go camping only hide in their tent or RV all day.
My favorite camping day is fishing in the morning and hiking in the afternoon.
And being outdoors more than normal is a recipe for a nasty sunburn. And you can still get burnt even if it’s a cloudy day.
So you’ll want to make sure everyone in your group is wearing some SPF protection.
Consider getting the waterproof kind if you’ll be out on the lake all day and re-apply often.
A cooler keeps your food safe from the outdoor elements and animals. It’ll also keep you from illnesses like food poisoning – so it’s absolutely essential and worth every penny!
A high-performance cooler will keep your foods fresh and cold for at least three days after being opened.
Plus, a good cooler helps keep your campfire beverages cold. And I like the coolers where you can grab what you need (beer) without having to sort through your food items in the dark.
I own a large sturdy cooler that doubles as an extra seat for your friend who forgot his camping chair!
Oh, and I hope it’s obvious – if you’re taking a cooler, you need to get some ice for it…
If you’ve slept on the floor, you know how terrible you feel the next day.
Now, imagine trying to sleep on the hard, cold, uneven ground! Set yourself up for success by investing in a sleeping pad or camping air mattress.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you want to enjoy your trip instead of ruining your back.
Also, take pillows with you as well. I can’t sleep well without proper neck support and quality sleep is a must to enjoy your camping trip.
No one wants to end up in a wilderness survival situation. But every year, thousands of people do.
And if they had some survival gear with them it would help keep them alive.
So instead of listing each of these tools out individually, I’m just going to list the ones you should take with you camping – just in case.
Check out our ultimate survival gear list to make sure you’re always ready.
You should take an LED lantern. That way your group can play cards or set up evening snacks or light the trail to the restroom.
If you forget to pack a good camping lantern, trust me, you’ll notice, and that makes it a camping essential.
The good news is you can get super bright ones at such a low cost nowadays!
A survival axe does the one thing that even a good survival knife can’t.
It can split a ton of firewood fast. Good luck trying to do that with a knife.
You can also chop down a few small trees as well (if it’s allowed at your campsite).
So get a good axe and add it to your camping essentials.
Some campgrounds include restrooms with flush toilets and TP – while others do not. If you’re heading to a remote campground – consider taking your own portable camping toilet.
Either way, having a few rolls of toilet paper packed is ALWAYS a good idea. You just never know and being without is less than ideal. In fact, it’s pretty crappy.
Also, if you like clean teeth and showers, etc., you’ll need to pack those essential items as well. Like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.
I’m a fan of practicing survival skills like starting a fire with sticks.
But there’s also nothing as frustrating as spending hours trying to get your campfire lit.
And your family and friends don’t care how you get it going so long as it doesn’t take all night.
I recommend trying these WetFire Tinder Cubs to get those marshmallows roasting asap.
Socks are one of the most underrated camping essentials on this list.
If you’re planning a lot of activities, having some thick socks is important to keep your feet dry and healthy.
Don’t pack thin ankle socks which will cause blisters. Thick long socks will protect your ankles and feet from ticks, and mosquitoes.
Also, don’t wear the same socks over and over – bring a fresh pair for every day you’re there.
Are you not sure which brand of camping socks to go with? I wear Smartwool socks.
It’s hard to enjoy a great camping meal if you have to eat your food without a plate or forks. So make sure you have some cups, bowls, plates, forks, knives, and spoons.
There’s no real way to improvise these items so pack them, and you’ll set yourself up for some excellent camping meals.
Also, don’t forget your telescoping forks for cooking hot dogs or marshmallows over your campfire.
Yes, a portable camping stove is essential because you cannot 100% guarantee you can have a campfire to cook with.
Colman Classic Propane Stove
I discovered this the hard way. We showed up at a campsite with our dutch oven and a campfire grill grate only to find out there was a fire ban!
We end up borrowing a fellow camper’s Colman Classic Propane Stove. Thank goodness for random campsite friends.
Lesson learned – always have an alternative way to cook your meals – pack a camping stove.
Side Note: If you plan to winter camp, then you’ll definitely want to look into getting a tent stove.
Why would I put “nonessentials” on this list of camping essentials? Well, because, some things are really really nice to have! So I figured I’d toss out of few of my favorite camping nonessentials to wrap things up.
Here are a few of my extra luxury camping items:
Camping can be an amazing experience, but only if you’ve properly prepared for such a trip.
You see, the key to having a good camping trip vs. a nightmare one is all in the preparation.
Make sure you have all the essential items to keep it fun and relaxing – instead of frustrating.
Experienced campers know this and have created a system to ensure they don’t forget those camping essentials.
Now you have this list to double-check before you rush out to the wilderness.
But remember, every campsite and every camp trip is unique.
Research the campground before you go. You need to know what it offers regarding amenities such as washrooms, electricity, and more.
Plus, learn these 21 amazing camping hacks to make your camping life a little better.
Ok, what did I miss? What camping essentials can you NOT live without that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below, and we might just add it!
P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?
There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.
Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?
Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.
The post 21 Camping Essentials You’ll Kick Yourself For Forgetting appeared first on Skilled Survival.
This article was originally published by Michael Snyder at The Economic Collapse Blog.
Are we under attack? Previously, I have written about a series of very strange fires that have occurred at key food production facilities in the United States this year. Authorities insist that each one of those fires was an “accident”, and maybe they are correct.
But now the same thing is starting to happen to the energy industry. In particular, we have seen a number of “mysterious explosions” at natural gas facilities in the United States during the past two months. Of course, natural gas prices were already spiking dramatically all over the world, and so this string of disasters comes at a really bad time.
On Saturday, an absolutely massive explosion at a very important natural gas facility in Medford, Oklahoma made headlines all over the nation. The following comes from CBS News…
A large fire Saturday afternoon engulfed a natural gas plant in the small northern Oklahoma town of Medford. Video posted to social media showed heavy flames and smoke billowing hundreds of feet into the air.
The fire occurred at a “natural gas liquids fractionation facility” operated by ONEOK, a company spokesperson confirmed in a statement to CBS News.
The explosion that caused this fire was so large that it actually caused “a 1.74 magnitude earthquake”.
Massive explosion at a natural gas plant in Oklahoma. Caused a 1.74 magnitude earthquake.
Expect more accidents like this.pic.twitter.com/6qbNhzS8gD
— The Plymothian (@plymouthian) July 10, 2022
The black smoke that came billowing from the plant could be seen for many miles all around, and the damage that was done is likely to disrupt operations at the facility for a long time to come.
Just two days earlier, there was another “mysterious explosion” near Houston, Texas…
Authorities say a fire is now out after an explosion along a natural gas line sent up a column of flames from a field in Fort Bend County on Thursday.
According to the Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office, the explosion occurred before 11 a.m. in the 15400 block of JoAnn near FM 1952, west of Orchard.
Nearby residents report hearing “a loud pop” when the explosion occurred…
Is it normal to have two major natural gas explosions like this in just a matter of three days?
No, it is not.
And it is important to note that there have been other “suspicious explosions” recently.
Last month, a massive explosion at a liquefied natural gas terminal in Quintana Island, Texas ended up “taking a substantial amount of the fuel off the market”…
An explosion at a liquefied natural gas terminal in Texas has left nearby residents rattled and is taking a substantial amount of the fuel off the market at a time when global demand is soaring.
Freeport LNG will be offline for at least three weeks, the company said Thursday, following a fire in its export facility.
So who would benefit from all of this?
I think that is a very important question to ask.
Some are suggesting that the Russians could be behind these “accidents”. According to Washington Examiner editor Tom Rogan, the Russians actually have a cyber unit that is fully capable of pulling off such attacks…
That brings us to the Russian cyber unit involved in the targeting reconnaissance against Freeport LNG.
Named XENOTIME by researchers, the unit has utilized boutique TRITON/TRISIS malware developed by the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics. That malware is designed for the seizure of industrial control systems and the defeat of associated safety systems. In 2017, GCHQ (Britain’s NSA-equivalent signals intelligence service) outlined the need for network compartmentalization to protect safety systems against this malware better. In March 2022, the FBI warned that TRISIS malware remained a threat.
XENOTIME is assessed by the U.S. and British governments as a critical infrastructure-focused, advanced persistent threat actor. The unit’s modus operandi involves targeting industrial control systems and supervisory control systems in order to effect unilateral control of a network. XENOTIME has caused specific concern in Western security circles for its targeting of safety systems that would otherwise mitigate threats to life during a cyberattack. XENOTIME’s activity has escalated in 2022.
Of course, there are similar cyber units in the western world and in Asia that could be conducting such operations for their own reasons.
The truth is that even if it could be proven that cyberattacks are causing these explosions we will probably never know who was ultimately behind them.
This is just another reason why it is a major national security risk to have so much of our critical infrastructure connected to a global Internet.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and we are exceedingly vulnerable.
Many on the Internet are pointing out that there was another very unusual fire at a facility in Valdez, Alaska on June 27th…
A tanker truck that caught fire at a Valdez refinery Monday afternoon halted fuel-loading activities at the facility on Tuesday, state officials say.
The truck was loading diesel when the explosion occurred, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
In the old days, a random fire like that never would have even made a blip in the news.
But with all of the other fires that are now happening, people are on alert.
Over and over again, really bizarre accidents have been happening, and people want answers.
I wish that I had all of the answers, but I don’t. Like many of you, I am just trying to ask the right questions.
What I do know is that we live in very chaotic times, and I have a feeling that they are about to get a whole lot more chaotic.
I fully expect that the second half of this year will be even crazier than the first half, and that is really saying something.
***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***
About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available on Amazon.com. In addition to my new book, I have written five other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, “Get Prepared Now”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned) When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending digital copies as gifts through Amazon to family and friends. Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible. I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream, and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial, or health decisions. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and anyway that you can share these articles with others is a great help. These are such troubled times, and people need hope. John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today.
Few things are as hotly debated in deer hunting as the best caliber for the job, and in my area,…
This article %.30-30 vs .308 – Which is Best for Deer Hunting?% appeared first on %SHTF Blog – Modern Survival%.
If you are an avid prepper, disaster preparedness will definitely include readiness for a nuclear and chemical attack. These events are rare, but you cannot overlook their possibility, specifically in the prevailing volatile circumstances. Even newbie preppers are more conscious about prepping for a nuclear disaster because the threat is more real than ever. The […]
Can you imagine what it would be like to literally starve to death? Most Americans believe that if a nuclear war with Russia actually happens the vast majority of the U.S. population will be instantly wiped out. But that is not what the science says. What the studies have shown is that only about 20 percent of the U.S. population will be instantly killed during a nuclear exchange. If you live near a military base or some other highly strategic target you will probably be among that 20 percent. Otherwise, it is likely that you will starve to death during the horrifying “nuclear winter” that follows.
A brand new study that was just released has concluded that average global temperatures would immediately drop by a whopping 13 degrees following a full-blown nuclear exchange…
Firestorms would release ash and smoke into the upper atmosphere that would block out the Sun, resulting in crop failure around the world, according to researchers from Louisiana State University. In the first month following these catastrophic detonations, average global temperatures would plunge by about 13 degrees Fahrenheit, more than during the most recent Ice Age.
With much less sunlight reaching the Earth, the food chains in our oceans would collapse very rapidly…
The sudden drop in light and sea temperatures, especially from the Arctic to the North Atlantic and North Pacific, would kill algae — the bedrock of the marine food web.
Researchers said that fishing and aquaculture would be halted by the creation of ‘essentially a famine in the ocean.’
And as average temperatures plummeted, very little would be able to be grown for an extended period of time.
Since the U.S. and Russia are both in the northern hemisphere, the northern half of the globe would be affected much more than the southern half of the globe.
One study that was conducted in 2019 determined that temperatures in Iowa would ultimately stay below 0 degrees celsius for 730 days in a row…
A massive drop in temperature follows, with the weather staying below freezing throughout the subsequent Northern Hemisphere summer. In Iowa, for example, the model shows temperatures staying below 0°C for 730 days straight. There is no growing season. This is a true nuclear winter.
Nor is it just a short blip. Temperatures still drop below freezing in summer for several years thereafter, and global precipitation falls by half by years three and four. It takes over a decade for anything like climatic normality to return to the planet.
Since so little food would be grown during this period of time, we would see starvation in the northern hemisphere on a cataclysmic scale…
In the 4,400 warhead/150 Tg soot nuclear war scenario, averaged over the subsequent five years, China sees a reduction in food calories of 97.2 percent, France by 97.5 percent, Russia by 99.7 percent, the UK by 99.5 percent and the US by 98.9 percent. In all these countries, virtually everyone who survived the initial blasts would subsequently starve.
So can you see why I am so passionate about avoiding a nuclear war?
The Russians can see where the proxy war in Ukraine is heading, and they are sounding the alarm.
This week, Dmitry Medvedev warned that this conflict “potentially poses a threat to the existence of humanity”…
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday warned the US against trying to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine, saying that doing so would risk humanity since Moscow has the world’s largest nuclear arsenal.
“The idea of punishing a country that has one of the largest nuclear potentials is absurd. And potentially poses a threat to the existence of humanity,” Medvedev wrote on Telegram.
Here in the United States, there are a handful of politicians that are speaking out rationally about this war.
One of them is Marjorie Taylor Greene…
“The American people do not want war with Russia, but NATO & our own foolish leaders are dragging us into one. We should pull out of NATO,” said right-wing Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in a Twitter post on Thursday while referring to the Biden administration’s massive military aid to Ukraine as a “proxy war” against Russia that Americans have no appetite for.
Ukraine is the “new Iraq wrapped up with a pretty little NATO bow, with a nuclear present inside,” she further added in a series of tweets in which she has expressed fierce criticism of Washington’s response to the Ukraine conflict by sending billions of taxpayer dollars to the country and risking a potential nuclear war.
Sadly, she is right on target.
The longer this war goes on, the greater the risk that it could eventually become a nuclear conflict.
The Russians have been preparing for such a conflict for a very long time, and this week we learned that they have conducted more successful nuclear drills…
Vladimir Putin has staged nuclear drills with his road-launched intercontinental Yars missiles in a forest in western Siberia.
The 7,500-mile range of the missiles means they would be capable of striking Britain or anywhere in Europe.
Meanwhile, our most recent missile test exploded just 11 seconds after launch…
A test missile launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California exploded seconds after being fired late Wednesday night, according to officials.
The Minotaur II space launch vehicle exploded approximately 11 seconds after launching off the test pad at 11:01 p.m. local time, Vandenberg officials confirmed in a statement early Thursday.
The U.S. desperately needs to develop new systems, because right now Minuteman missiles that went into service back in the 1970s still form the backbone of our strategic nuclear arsenal…
Vandenberg Space Force Base was testing the Air Force’s new missile rocket, expected to be used with the developing LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile, according to The Tribune of San Luis Obispo County, Calif.
Both are set to replace the U.S. military’s aging Minuteman missiles.
At this point, the Russian strategic nuclear arsenal is far superior to our own, and our anti-ballistic missile systems are not even worth comparing to what they possess.
But most Americans don’t understand any of this.
I was sounding the alarm about a military conflict with Russia long before the war in Ukraine ever started. Unfortunately, most of the population was not interested in such warnings.
Now a nuclear war with Russia has become a very real possibility thanks to the war in Ukraine, but most of the population is still not alarmed.
Meanwhile, leaders on both sides continue to escalate the conflict in Ukraine, and that is an extremely dangerous game to be playing.
***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***
About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available on Amazon.com. In addition to my new book I have written five other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, “Get Prepared Now”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned) When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending digital copies as gifts through Amazon to family and friends. Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible. I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help. These are such troubled times, and people need hope. John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today.
The post If There Is A Nuclear War Between The U.S. And Russia, Most Americans Will Die By Starving To Death appeared first on The Economic Collapse.
Get A Survival Radio Setup You Can Be Proud Of
In our modern society, what’s the first thing most people reach for in an emergency?
Their bug out bag? No, way. (remember, I said “most people”, not those of us who are prepared).
A survival knife? Unfortunately No.
Their survival radio? Probably not.
Most people pull out their cell phones because it’s our society’s fastest way to call for help.
And that makes perfect sense since nearly 95% of all US adults currently own a cell phone.
And there’s no shame in utilizing this modern technology. If the cell phone network is operating as normal, by all means, dial away.
However, what most people don’t realize is their cell phone is an extremely unreliable mass emergency communication device.
So in today’s article, we’ll be covering the following survival radio topics:
All survivalists preparing for large-scale emergencies should own at least one ham radio. Here’s our favorite Ham radio at a fair price:
A high-quality portable unit like the BaoFeng BF-F8HP can come in a variety of sizes, but it should be small enough to operate on a battery and fit in one’s bug out bag.
Having communications on the go or in your bug out vehicle is a tremendous advantage in survival.
For example, a hurricane will require a mass evacuation of a region’s population, and you won’t be able to rely on your usual studio setup. Instead, you’ll want a radio you can take with you on the go.
Swap the default antenna out with this one to transmit and receive at further distances.
This will allow you to move tactically while still being able to communicate.
Make sure to check out this detailed review video of the BaoFeng BF-F8HP as well:
Learning how to operate an amateur survival radio is of little use during an emergency if you don’t practice. And not just any practice, you need to replicate real-world situations.
Come up with a few hypothetical situations and try to recreate these scenarios in practice sessions.
You lose power; do your backup off-grid systems work?
If you have something like a Patriot Power Generator, do you know how to use it to power your radio systems?
You only have two minutes to pack up and go; are you ready to move that fast and take your radio equipment with you?
These are the type of conditions you should practice regularly.
Ok, maybe at this point you’re a bit overwhelmed and intimidated by amateur radio. I get it, it can be complex and the equipment can be costly.
So you might be wondering, “Is there an option for those who don’t want to go down the ham radio rabbit hole?”
Yes, of course, there are a few more survival radio alternatives as well.
Everyone knows about walkie-talkies. Many of us used them as kids to communicate with friends or family at short distances.
They’re also used throughout the US in manufacturing and construction crews. They’re perfect for communication between departments and operators.
So if you’re interested in local survival communications, invest in a high-quality set of walkie-talkies.
If you’re interested in loca2-way communication but would prefer to still use your cellphone then you should check out this new gadget – The goTenna.
The goTenna allows for local encrypted cell phone communication while bypassing the need for cell towers.
It’s like carrying around your own mini personalized cell phone tower.
Make sure to get two because both people need one in order to communicate via cell.
Another option is to get a hand crank radio, so you can listen to local radio stations. The biggest downside here is it’s a “listen-only” device.
There’s no 2-way communication, you’re just tuning in to what’s going out from emergency broadcasts.
Kaito has been making quality radios since 1998.
That’s why the Kaito KA500 Voyager is an excellent choice for your hand crank emergency radio.
Besides the hand-crank, USB, and solar chargers, the KA500 can use standard AA batteries. And the AA battery is practically a worldwide standard.
It features AM/FM, weather and shortwave frequencies, and Alert mode. It also has LED flashlight modes, which provide extra signaling options.
Plus, it’s one of the best emergency radios I’ve ever come across.
If you want to see just what a hand crank radio can do, watch this review video:
Even with a cell phone signal booster, you still don’t want to rely solely on a cell network as your only means of survival communication.
For small, individual emergencies (such as fender-benders or house fires), cell phones are great, but for widespread or large disasters, they cannot be trusted.
For example, 70% of the cell towers were out of operation for multiple days during Hurricane Katrina.
Just minutes after the Boston Marathon bombings, cell phone networks become overloaded and all volume was blocked.
When thousands of people begin dialing for help at the exact same time cell phone networks jam. They’re not designed for that level of call volume.
All cell phone networks are limited by a design capacity – similar to how highways are limited by a design capacity. Once traffic hits a certain level, you end up with a massive traffic jam.
Large-scale emergency events take the cell networks well past these capacities in seconds.
Once, a cell network jams, no one can get through.
The Boston Marathon attendees were calling for help or calling their families to let them know they were alright. Plus, everyone outside of Boston who heard about the event was trying to call to see if their loved ones were safe.
Hence, no one could call in, and no one could call out – cell network gridlock.
This phenomenon was summed up perfectly by The Fast Company.
Mobile networks have bandwidth that is more than sufficient 99% of the time. However, when disaster strikes, the decentralized nature of the network means that whole geographic regions can be knocked out by increased call volume.
It’s not just cell tower jam-ups that make cell phone communication unreliable in emergencies.
During Hurricane Sandy, the cables between towers were damaged due to high winds and flooding. Again, cell phone communication was severely restricted when people needed to contact each other most.
Now just imagine a large-scale national disaster where the entire nation was involved, such as a nuclear attack or an EMP strike.
You pull out your cell phone to get help only to quickly discover you’re holding an expensive paperweight. That’s why cell phones should never be your only means of survival communication.
The bottom line is the cell phone is a low-reliability survival communication device.
You need to invest in a survival radio.
Ok, maybe you are still not convinced. We have smart people building these cell phone networks and they’ve put in place backup systems, right?
Yes, but in a long-term electrical outage, the cell phone networks will eventually cease to function entirely.
Most cell towers do have a backup battery system in place. These battery/generator systems keep them functional for short-term power outages.
Cell towers use AC power to function, so if the grid goes black and the backup generators don’t get refueled, they eventually stop working as well.
Basically, for any long-term power outage, cell networks may become entirely useless.
Now that you understand what’s not an acceptable survival communication option (cell phone) – the obvious next question should be “what is?”
I’ll cover what I consider the best option for a prepper radio. Then follow that up with some runner-up options as well.
Once you understand the importance of communication during a crisis you also realize that there are only a handful of possible long-term survival communication methods, and I consider a ham survival radio the best.
Ham radios will become the only long-range communication network in a broken world.
Why? Because they have the longest communication range and the lowest dependency on grid power.
Yes, the radios themselves need power, but as an emergency communication device, many ham operators plan for that ahead of time.
Many have invested in a personal backup power system like solar power generators.
So when the cell networks are down, and grid power is down, I guarantee you a dedicated group of ham radio operators will still be chatting away.
During the hurricane Katrina aftermath, when cell networks were down and power was out, amateur radio operators stepped in to relay emergency communications.
So locally, and even regionally, ham radio operators will be in touch and talking even in a worst-case disaster.
However, for long-distance communication, you’ll need repeaters to boost the signal. And repeaters need power as well.
However, those in charge of these repeaters understand their crucial role in emergency communications. Many have planned elaborate secondary sources of energy in preparation for worst-case scenarios.
So ham radio systems are our best chance at communicating when the grid power goes down permanently.
If you want a basic understanding of how ham radio works, watch this excellent video by TinHatRanch:
Another reason to get a ham radio is the fact that you can tap into remote and mobile internet access.
It takes specialized gear and knowledge to set this up, but it’s a nice bonus that comes with getting a ham radio.
Ultimately I’m going to argue in favor of getting your license but will share the argument against it first.
The argument against getting a license is in a real survival emergency, permits won’t matter. Permits are only valid and necessary in calm, civil times.
When SHTF licenses are silly, unenforceable gimmicks and a waste of the paper they are written on. I buy that argument 100%.
The other issue with licensing is privacy. In order to get licensed, you’ll need to provide your name, address, and some other personal information. Some people (especially those who are preparing) don’t want to provide these details. They prefer to keep their personal information private.
However, I believe operating a ham radio with proficiency is a skill you must practice. It’s nothing like using a cell phone. It’s more like learning how to ride a bike. It takes practice to get good at it.
And the only way to confidently communicate at long ranges using a ham radio is through repetition. This means you should get your license asap so you can begin practicing.
The best ham radio operators have years of experience and reliable gear. Some are able to communicate around the world.
To join this club, you must properly power your ham survival radio and purchase large antennas (for longer communication potential). Ham radios operate over radio frequencies and it takes some practice to perfect this skill.
You shouldn’t wait; it’s time you got your license.
All “official” ham radio operators required a license, and this includes everyone inside and outside the United States.
There are three basic levels of licenses available:
The Technician License is an entry-level license.
It’s the easiest to obtain and provides the legal right to communicate on local frequencies. This license is relatively easy to achieve, especially since it no longer requires proficiency in Morse Code.
It consists of passing a 35-question exam.
As soon as you’re licensed as a ham radio operator you’ll be official.
This alone will help you gain some respect and acceptance among other qualified ham radio operators.
I’ve heard stories about ham radio operators who won’t even speak with fly-by-night operators if they don’t have their license. I’m sure in a real emergency exception would be made, but again, this friction makes practicing more challenging.
Once you have your technician’s license, the next step is to get your General License.
Having this license expands your transmission ranges. Your restriction to local frequencies goes away and you can now transmit as far as your equipment allows.
Finally, you need to pass a thorough 50-question exam to achieve an Amateur License. This license grants all U.S. Amateur radio privileges for all frequencies via all modes.
I often get asked if you can bypass the first two levels and just focus on getting your Amateur’s License. The answer is No.
You must achieve all previous levels of licenses to obtain the next level. No skipping allowed.
You must obtain your Technicians License before you can get your General License and you must pass both the Technicians exam and General Exam to get your Amateur License.
So get this ham radio study guide as a first step.
Here’s a video from TinHatRanch about getting your HAM Amateur Radio License:
If you’re serious about getting your license, I highly recommend you join a local ham radio club.
Joining a local ham radio operator’s club will assist beginner operators in learning the exact methods and procedures for proper communications with other ham operators.
Most clubs are patient with new operators as long as the new guy isn’t a pain in the ass. And operator clubs are the best way to pick up all the details from the experts. This is by far the fastest way for you to become a competent ham radio operator.
There’s no reason to struggle on your own. There are lots of people who are willing to show you the ropes and get you up and running in no time.
ARRL.org is a website that can help you locate a local club.
You’re solely responsible for the maintenance and repair of your ham radio.
As a new operator, you need to understand all the components of your ham radio and even take a repair course.
Because, in the case of the end of the world as we know it, you can’t count on being able to run to the local Radioshack store for spare parts.
In an emergency, a ham operator immediately becomes a ham radio repairman.
Repair skills can be obtained by attending ham radio conventions, reading electronic repair books, joining a ham radio forum, and asking for help from local HAM radio operators.
Also, you can use YouTube to watch others fix and repair their old ham radios.
You want to organize your ham radio studio to get good results.
This includes connecting to a dedicated power source and antenna placement.
You should also plan a backup power supply with a battery bank, generators, and solar energy. Without a reliable backup power plan, you might have a ham radio but it won’t be ready for survival.
You need a backup energy supply for your family’s survival needs anyways- not just for communications.
That’s why you should check out this new backup power solution called The Patriot Power Generator.
Here are a few more things to think about as you begin setting up your ham radio operations:
So while the mainstream public may not see the need for survival radios, this view will change after SHTF.
When it comes to self-reliance and making good decisions in a crisis, intelligence is key. You need to get your hands on as much information as possible to increase your odds of survival.
You should definitely invest in an amateur radio set up for long-range 2-way communication but don’t forget about some listen-only radios as well. The more intelligence and communication the better.
Those who survive are those who prepare.
P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?
There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.
Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?
Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.
Photo Credits: Top & License / Club / Gear / Mobile
The post 6 Survival Radios And Why Everyone Needs To Own At Least One appeared first on Skilled Survival.
These are not good times for Joe Biden. When the U.S. economy is performing well whoever is in the White House is going to get most of the credit. Likewise, when the U.S. economy is performing poorly whoever is in the White House is going to get most of the blame. That is just the way that it is, and that is one of the primary reasons why most Americans are quite displeased with Joe Biden right now. Things are not going well at all, and the outlook for the months ahead is even worse. The American people are becoming increasingly frustrated, and a new Gallup poll that was just released discovered that “confidence” in the presidency has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded…
President Joe Biden has pushed the presidency to a place it hasn’t been in nearly 50 years.
In the latest Gallup poll, less than a quarter of those surveyed have “confidence” in the presidency, worse than during the Trump presidency and nearly as bad as the end of the George W. Bush presidency.
Going back to 1975, Gallup has never recorded a confidence reading as low as Biden’s 23%.
Other polls have come up with similarly stunning results. For example, a different survey that was just released discovered that a whopping 88 percent of all Americans believe that the nation is heading in the wrong direction…
The White House was faced with another dire poll Tuesday that found that 54 percent of Americans believe the middle class hasn’t benefited ‘at all’ from President Joe Biden’s policies.
On top of that, the new Monmouth University Poll found that 88 percent of Americans surveyed said the country was headed in the wrong direction – with just 10 percent saying it’s headed the right way – a record low.
Just think about that.
88 percent.
In this day and age, it is difficult to get 88 percent of Americans to agree on anything.
But almost all of us seem to agree that the country is going downhill, and according to that same survey Americans are currently more concerned about economic matters than anything else…
Nearly half those surveyed said inflation and gas were the biggest concerns currently facing their families, with 33 percent saying inflation and 15 percent pointing to fuel costs.
A lot of people out there don’t really care much about what is going on in the world until it starts affecting their personal finances.
And these days the American people are feeling a tremendous amount of pain.
In fact, the consumer confidence index that is put out by the University of Michigan just fell to an all-time record low…
The University of Michigan’s gauge of consumer sentiment fell sharply to a record-low reading of 50.2, down from a May reading of 58.4. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected an June reading of 59.
The level is comparable to the low point reached in the middle of the 1980 recession, the university said.
The American people have never been more pessimistic about the economy.
Ever.
And we have a guy in the White House that has a really difficult time even putting a coherent sentence together at this point.
As you celebrate the 4th tomorrow, remember our President’s inspiring words about this great nation. pic.twitter.com/EcNoXNuY8l
— Bill D’Agostino (@Banned_Bill) July 3, 2022
Of course the team around Biden is not exactly competent either.
Time after time, the Biden administration has made colossal blunders. This week, we learned that someone in the Biden administration apparently thought that it would be a good idea to send oil from our strategic petroleum reserve to China…
Because he hates Americans, President Joe Biden is shipping much-needed American oil to foreign countries, including… China.
The whole idea of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is owned by the U.S. government, specifically the U.S. Department of Energy, is to hold on to about 700 million barrels of oil in the event of an emergency or disruption.
I was floored when I first read that.
Who would be stupid enough to do such a thing?
Someday we are going to need the oil in the strategic petroleum reserve, and hopefully there will be some left when that moment finally arrives.
This week we have also been getting more numbers that indicate that the economic slowdown in the United States appears to be picking up speed.
According to LinkedIn, hiring in the U.S. is really starting to fall off…
LinkedIn, a unit of Microsoft, saw its hiring rate fall 5.4% month over month in June on a seasonally adjusted basis, the lowest level since December 2021, according to new data released on Friday. On an annual basis, the employment platform’s hiring rate tumbled 11.9% in June.
LinkedIn’s hiring rate is calculated based on the percentage of the platform’s members who added a new employer to their profile in the same month the new job began divided by the total number of LinkedIn members in the United States.
And we just learned that new vehicle sales during the month of June were depressingly low…
Automakers have now reported their June new vehicle sales, or their Q2 new vehicle sales, for the US, except Tesla, which doesn’t report US sales but only global sales. All automakers, even Toyota, and now even Tesla, are struggling with the ongoing semiconductor shortages, and they started the month of June with desperately low inventories on dealer lots and in transit.
And so new vehicle sales in June plunged by 13.5% from the already horribly beaten-down June 2021, to 1.127 million vehicles, and collapsed by 25% from June 2019, the last decent year in the industry, according to data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis today
It appears that a recession is already here, and the months ahead are going to be really tough.
So I would encourage you to get out of debt.
And I would also encourage you to build up your emergency fund.
This is not a time to fritter away your money on unnecessary things. You want to put yourself in the best position possible to weather the “perfect storm” that is ahead, because things certainly aren’t going to be getting easier from here.
As the economy deteriorates, the frustration of the American people is going to get deeper and deeper.
Needless to say, that isn’t good news for Joe Biden.
***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***
About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “7 Year Apocalypse” is now available on Amazon.com. In addition to my new book I have written five other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, “Get Prepared Now”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned) When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending digital copies as gifts through Amazon to family and friends. Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible. I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help. These are such troubled times, and people need hope. John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today.
The post Thanks To The Rapidly Imploding U.S. Economy, Joe Biden’s Poll Numbers Have Plunged To Unprecedented Levels appeared first on The Economic Collapse.
