One of the main reasons why Americans are in such a foul mood right now is because the economy is in really bad shape and it just keeps getting worse.  This is very good news for the Trump campaign, because most Americans don’t want things to remain the same.  A desire for change is in the air, but our economy is unraveling so rapidly that it won’t be easy for anyone to turn things around.  We have built up a tremendous amount of momentum in the wrong direction, and it appears that the months ahead are not going to be pleasant.

Just look at what is happening to home sales.

Last month, sales of previously existing homes fell to the lowest level that we have seen since October 2010.

Of course in October 2010 we were dealing with the aftermath of a global financial crisis.

Overall, we are on pace “for the worst year since 1995” for sales of previously existing homes…

Sales of existing homes in the U.S. are on track for the worst year since 1995—for the second year in a row.

Persistently high home prices and elevated mortgage rates are keeping potential home buyers on the sidelines. Sales of previously owned homes in the first nine months of the year were lower than the same period last year, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday.

Existing-home sales in September fell 1% from the prior month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.84 million, NAR said, the lowest monthly rate since October 2010.

Let those numbers sink in for a moment.

We haven’t seen anything like this for a long time, and nobody can deny that the market for residential real estate is in a depressed state right now.

And it appears that this month could be even worse than last month, because the number of mortgage applications being submitted is absolutely plummeting…

Mortgage applications decreased 17% from one week earlier as mortgage rates surged, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly application survey for the week ending October 11, 2024.

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 17% on both a seasonally adjusted and an unadjusted basis from one week earlier.

Meanwhile, our nationwide commercial real estate crisis just continues to intensify.

If you can believe it, an office building in Manhattan that sold for 332 million dollars in 2006 just sold for 8.5 million dollars…

The sale of a nearly 1 million-square-foot Manhattan office building listed on the online auction site Ten-X was completed Tuesday for only $8.5 million.

That’s 97 percent less than the $332.5 million that the seller, Swiss bank UBS, paid for the Midtown property in 2006. The loss on the building at 135 West 50th Street was minimally offset by a $6 million gain UBS realized by buying and selling the ground beneath it in the interim.

UBS and its brokers at JLL listed the 920,000-square-foot building for sale on the online platform. The two-day auction kicked off July 30 with a starting bid of $7.5 million. The sale ended the next day after Ten-X lowered the reserve price. The winning bidder, whose identity has yet to hit property records, closed about 70 days later.

That is insane!

Commercial real estate prices have been crashing all over America, and this crisis is not getting the attention that it deserves from the media.

The banking industry is headed for big trouble as well.  In fact, the government shut down another bank on Friday…

Friday, The First National Bank of Lindsay was closed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) appointed as receiver. The OCC acted after identifying false and deceptive bank records and other information suggesting fraud that revealed depletion of the bank’s capital. The OCC also found that the bank was in an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business and that the bank’s assets were less than its obligations to its creditors and others.

The OCC is referring the matter to the United States Department of Justice, which has a wide variety of tools to hold individuals accountable for criminal acts and focuses on victims in all of its matters.

Some experts are projecting that hundreds of more banks will soon fail.

If that actually happens, it will be a complete and utter nightmare.

The “restaurant apocalypse” that I have written about so much also continues to roll on.

Sadly, we just learned that Denny’s has decided to shut down 150 locations…

Denny’s is closing 150 restaurants over the next year, and the 71-year-old diner chain is mulling a major change to its 24/7 operating hours.

Fifty locations are set to close by the end of 2024, while the remaining 100 will shutter in 2025, Denny’s announced in an earnings call Tuesday. That amounts to a tenth of its restaurants, leaving 1,375 locations once completed. A specific list of closing restaurants weren’t immediately announced.

Needless to say, lots of other chains are slimming down as well.

Right now, thousands upon thousands of restaurants are being permanently closed from coast to coast.

If the economy was heading in the right direction, this would not be happening.

Speaking of closures, another major retailer has announced that it will be closing all stores…

Buybuy Baby is shuttering all of its stores roughly a year after new owners tried to revive the brand.

The company announced on its website that it is transitioning to an online-only model after recognizing the need for a “a strategic reset.”

“With this shift, we’ve come to the difficult decision of closing our physical stores by the end of this year,” the company wrote. “We understand this may be disappointing news, and we want all our customers to know this wasn’t a choice we took lightly.”

Most retailers that are experiencing difficulties will try to hang on until at least the end of December.

But once we get into 2025, expect a huge wave of new store closures.

As I discussed the other day, U.S. consumers are really hurting at the moment.

You can’t get blood out of a stone, and a staggering percentage of U.S. cardholders have already maxed out at least one credit card…

Nearly 2 in 5 cardholders (37%) have maxed out a credit card or come close since the Fed started raising interest rates, Bankrate’s Credit Utilization Survey found. That includes 20% who have maxed out a credit card and 17% who have come close to maxing one out.

This is what an imploding economy looks like.

Bubbles are bursting all around us, and the outlook for 2025 and beyond is absolutely horrible.

Our leaders kept the game going for a long time by injecting trillions of dollars into the system and by going into unprecedented amounts of debt.

But despite all of their efforts, the economy is coming apart at the seams anyway, and so I hope that you are prepared for a very hard landing.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post On The Wrong Track: This Is What An Imploding Economy Looks Like appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

It is probably going to take months for authorities to identify all of the dead bodies from Hurricane Helene, and now Hurricane Milton could produce an even higher death toll.  More than 7 million people live in the 15 Florida counties where mandatory evacuation orders have been issued.  Many of those people evacuated in time, but many of them did not.  As you will see below, those that did not evacuate are being told to write their names and Social Security numbers on their legs so that they can be identified when their dead bodies are recovered.

It would be very difficult for me to overstate the power of this storm.

The size of Hurricane Milton’s wind field has more than doubled since Tuesday afternoon, and it is being reported that this storm could “forever change the Sunshine State’s coastline”…

Hurricane Milton is expected to be so ferocious, it will cover nearly every beach on Florida’s west coast — and forever change the Sunshine State’s coastline, experts have warned.

At least 95% of Florida’s west coast beaches are forecast to be inundated — or continuously covered by ocean water — when the hurricane, predicted to be one of the strongest ever, is expected to make landfall Wednesday as many still recover from Helene, the US Geological Survey.

“This is the most severe level of coastal change,” the federal agency warned — while saying that “Milton’s waves and surge” could cause “erosion and overwash” to 100% of the state’s beaches.

In some areas, the water will be twice as high as the average person.

Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert is warning residents in her city that what is coming is “not survivable”…

In response to the impending storm, officials have closed the bridges to the barrier islands, and Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert is urgently pleading with holdouts to evacuate. “You do not want to try and survive a 15-20 foot storm surge. It’s not survivable. It will be dangerous, there could be electrical wires in there,” Mayor Alpert warned.

Those that are wise evacuated way ahead of time.

Sadly, many of those that waited until the last minute to evacuate experienced tremendous difficulties.

On Wednesday morning, most of the gas stations in the Tampa Bay area were already completely out of gasoline…

As of Wednesday morning, three out of every five gas stations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area is dry, according to data from Gas Buddy, a gas station location and savings app.

In other areas, the gasoline shortages were even worse.

Of course there are large numbers of local residents that never intended to evacuate at all.  The following comes from CNN…

Nearly 7.3 million Floridians live in 15 counties with mandatory evacuation orders. But even as officials kept begging people to leave coastal areas – “You need to help us by evacuating,” Tampa Fire Rescue’s chief pleaded Wednesday morning, adding, “I’ve never seen anything of this magnitude” – a subset of residents across Florida’s western edge were staying put.

I don’t understand why anyone would try to ride this storm out.

Shockingly, even some parents with very young children are staying behind.

A registered nurse named Ashley Khrais says that she will be riding out this storm with her 10-month-old son and her mother…

Khrais, a registered nurse, said that despite the severity of the coming storm, she’s eager to help other residents even worse off.

From what she’s seen and heard, there are likely to be many.

“It seems very, very scary, but there’s no way to leave,” Khrais said around midday Tuesday.

Faced with daunting traffic and seemingly no gas, she said she realized she was going to have to “hunker down” and try to ride out the storm with her 10-month-old son and mother.

I hope that they are not located near the coast.

The closer you are to the water, the more likely it is that you will die.

One Instagram influencer that lives right along the water in Sarasota tried to explain to her followers why she has purposely chosen to stay behind…

‘So if you’ve been following Hurricane Milton, um, I’m going to die! It’s supposed to make landfall in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. I’m in Sarasota, I live on the water, it’s zone A, mandatory evacuation,’ she said.

Calloway then attempted to explain why she didn’t get out of her home in time for the storm.

‘I can’t drive, first of all. Second of all, the airport is close. Third of all, the last time I evacuated for a hurricane, I went to my mom’s house in Northport for Hurricane Ian,’ she said.

She went on to explain that she didn’t want to go to her mother’s house this time around because she had such a horrible experience during Hurricane Ian.

Hopefully being extremely stubborn does not get her killed.

Another woman that has chosen to ride this storm out says that she feels safe because she lives on the fourth floor of her building…

“All my friends are mad at me from Ohio,” added Speckhart, a Cincinnati native. “They keep calling me, saying, ‘You’re gonna die.’ And then you got (Tampa Mayor) Jane Castor saying, ‘If you don’t get out, you’re gonna die.’

“But … if Tampa would get it, I mean, you figure, what are they gonna be, 12 to 15 feet? I mean, that could be two stories,” the fourth-floor-dweller said of the potential surge. Their building’s top floors are much higher than that, she went on, and some units have hurricane shutters and windows.

“My biggest thing is: I don’t want to leave,” Speckhart concluded. “I just see what happens in a week. You know, you got mold, you got damage. I figure I can be here.”

She is literally gambling with her life.

In the end, there will be a lot of dead bodies.

During an interview with CNN, Holmes Beach police chief William Tokajer made quite an ominous statement…

Holmes Beach police chief William Tokajer has warned stubborn residents who have refused to evacuate that ‘this is not going to end well’.

‘If you don’t leave, you’re on your own,’ he said in an interview with CNN. ‘Take a pen and write your name and social security number on your leg so that we have a contact if we find you.’

His remark echos that of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor who compares locals’ homes to their ‘coffin’.

What a thing to say.

But I can’t blame him for saying it.

In the aftermath of this storm, authorities will be trying to identify large numbers of victims very rapidly.

Many animals that have been left behind will also die in this storm.

In one case, a small dog was actually tied to a pole and left to die on the side of a major highway.

Thankfully, the small dog was rescued in time by a Florida police officer…

A Florida trooper rescued a small dog who was tied to a pole off a major highway in a pool of floodwater as Hurricane Milton begins to overwhelm the state.

An unidentified Florida Highway Patrolman was seen walking through a grassy area on the side of I-75 near Bruce B Downs Boulevard near Tampa to rescue the small white pup.

‘It’s OK, buddy, it’s OK,’ the officer could be heard saying as the dog tried to back away. ‘It’s OK, it’s OK!’

You have to be extremely evil to tie a dog to a pole and abandon it when a hurricane is about to hit.

As I discuss in my brand new book entitled “Why”, our world has literally been saturated with evil at this point.

The reason why so many people are doing such horrible things is because they have willingly chosen to embrace the darkness.

But no matter how hard they may try, they will never be able to outrun the consequences of their actions.

As for Hurricane Milton, those that made a choice to evacuate will live.

Sadly, many of those that made a choice to stay will not.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

 

The post Hurricane Milton’s Wrath: “Take A Pen And Write Your Name And Social Security Number On Your Leg So That We Have A Contact If We Find You” appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

Okay, this is starting to get really weird.  At the same time that the Middle East is erupting in flames, the U.S. is being pummeled by major natural disasters and we are preparing for the most pivotal election in modern history, extremely unusual things are happening in the heavens.  The “Comet of the Century” is making a spectacular run past our planet, the Sun has unleashed an extremely powerful coronal mass ejection, a “second Moon” is now orbiting our world, and it is being suggested that we are witnessing an “intriguing alignment of constellations and stars” that appears to relate to events written in the Book of Revelation.  Are we really supposed to believe that it is just a “coincidence” that all of these things are occurring simultaneously?

According to ABC News, Comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas will be closest to our planet on Saturday…

Prepare to spot a rare, bright comet.

The space rock is slinging toward Earth from the outer reaches of the solar system and will make its closest pass on Saturday. It should be visible through the end of October, clear skies permitting.

As I have discussed previously, something else will also be happening on Saturday.

Yom Kippur beings at sundown on Friday, and it lasts until sundown on Saturday.

Yeah, I suppose that is just another “coincidence” too.

The comet is about two miles wide, but NPR is reporting that the tail of the comet “extends for tens of millions of miles”…

A comet discovered last year — known as C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS — is set to make a close approach to Earth in the coming days.

The snowy dirtball is nearly 2 miles in diameter and its tail of dust and gasses extends for tens of millions of miles, Bill Cooke, lead of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, told NPR.

You will be able to view this comet with the naked eye, but if you have a pair of binoculars you will be able to see what is taking place in spectacular detail…

The comet will initially appear low on the western horizon in the glow of twilight about 45 minutes after sunset each day starting Saturday, Oct. 12, through the end of the month, Cooke said.

The comet can be seen without special equipment but the best view will be through a pair of binoculars.

“Comets look okay to the unaided eye, but with a pair of binoculars, they’ll knock your socks off,” Cooke said. “It’ll be really good in a pair of binoculars. So, if you got a pair of binoculars, why don’t you bring those along and take a look at the comet.”

Amazingly, this comet is making a run past our planet at the same time that something truly unique is happening among the stars.

The following comes from an article that was just authored by journalist Troy Anderson…

On the day I write this, Oct. 9, 2024, a particular video has caught my attention. It explores an intriguing alignment of constellations and stars, drawing parallels to the descriptions found in the book of Revelation.

According to the video, this date may involve a celestial event that mirrors what the apostle John described in his prophetic vision on the Isle of Patmos nearly 2,000 years ago.

Many have written books about how the stars literally foreshadowed the birth of Christ over 2,000 years ago.

Could it be possible that God is using the stars to warn us about what is coming in our time?

According to Anderson, “a rare alignment of planets and stars” appears to depict “the four horsemen of the apocalypse and the great red dragon”…

The video suggests that on Oct. 9, there will be a rare alignment of planets and stars that matches descriptions from the book of Revelation, including the symbolism of the four horsemen of the apocalypse and the great red dragon. If these interpretations hold any weight, then this date might represent a significant marker in the prophetic timeline. As a journalist and researcher of biblical prophecy, I find it worth exploring whether such signs could indeed be an indication of the times we’re living in, especially following the Great North American Eclipse on April 8, 2024, which I wrote about in an article for Charisma.

I am so glad that he linked what is happening now with the eclipse that happened on April 8th.

Because I am entirely convinced that they are very closely related.

Meanwhile, the Sun continues to behave very erratically.

We are being told that a “fast-moving coronal mass ejection” was unleashed on Tuesday night, and that caused NOAA’s Space Prediction Center to issue a G4 geomagnetic storm watch…

A “severe” solar storm could make the northern lights visible in the U.S. farther south than usual while also posing the potential to disrupt modern technology, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) — a powerful burst of magnetized plasma from the sun’s corona — erupted from the sun on Tuesday night, prompting NOAA’s Space Prediction Center to issue a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch, indicating “detrimental impacts” to critical technology and possible widespread voltage control problems, according to NOAA.

The CME is expected to cause a moderate solar storm here on Earth on Thursday and Friday, according to NOAA.

On top of everything else, our planet has now acquired a second Moon.

That’s right.

For a little while, a “temporary mini-moon” will be orbiting our planet…

Over the past few weeks, you’ve probably heard somewhere that Earth was going to get a second moon. Well, we can now confirm that Earth now officially has two moons after capturing asteroid 2024 PT5.

On Sunday, September 29, our planet captured the tiny asteroid named 2024 PT5, turning it into a temporary mini-moon.

Needless to say, the vast majority of the population is paying very little attention to what is going on in the heavens.

And hardly anyone believes that the very strange things that are taking place in the sky have any real significance.

But as I have documented, in Genesis chapter 1 God told us that one of the primary reasons why He created the Sun, Moon and stars was because He planed to use them as “signs”, and He has been doing that all throughout human history.

Now it is happening again, and most people are completely missing it.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Very Strange Things Are Happening In The Sky appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

Do you want to live in a society where you are required to have your face scanned wherever you go?  If not, you may want to speak up now while you still can.  As you will see below, the U.S. government is aggressively expanding the use of facial recognition technology for identification verification purposes.  For now, the use of facial recognition technology will be optional.  But as we have seen before, once a voluntary option is adopted by enough people our leaders have a way of making it mandatory.  Of course it isn’t just our government that is pushing facial recognition technology.  It is popping up throughout our society, and given enough time it would literally be everywhere.

Login.gov is billed as “a single sign-on solution for US government websites”, and now users of Login.gov will be given the option to use facial recognition technology to verify their identities…

An online hub for Americans to access benefits and services across the federal government is giving its users a new option to sign on.

The General Services Administration will begin offering facial recognition technology as an option for users of Login.gov, a one-stop for government-provided public services, to verify their identities.

GSA’s Technology Transformation Services announced Wednesday it will allow Login.gov users to verify their identity online through facial technology that meets standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s 800-63-3 Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) guidelines.

We are being told that this will help reduce identity theft and fraud, and I don’t know anyone that likes identity theft and fraud.

But do we really want to live in a dystopian world where our faces are constantly being scanned all the time?

I certainly don’t.

We are being told that this new facial recognition system will rely on “best-in-class facial matching algorithms”…

After months of testing and a delay in 2023, users will now be able to verify their identity using a ‘proven facial matching technology’ approved by the General Services Administration, which will follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and will rely on ‘best-in-class facial matching algorithms’

All of this sounds really creepy to me.

And this is certainly a way for the government to start getting all of our faces into a giant database.

Login.gov already has more than 100 million users, and lots of them will inevitably choose the “convenience” and “security” of facial recognition…

Federal agencies use Login.gov for people to verify their identities when logging in to access government benefits and services. The offering has over 100 million users already across over 50 federal and state agencies, and this news could affect how future users have to verify their identity to access information and benefits.

“Proving your identity is a critical step in receiving many government benefits and services, and we want to ensure we are making that as easy and secure as possible for members of the public, while protecting against identity theft and fraud,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan in a statement.

For now, you will still be able to use other identification verification options.

But once most people start using facial recognition, those other options could easily be taken away.

Sadly, it isn’t just the government that we need to be concerned about.

AI programs such as ChatGPT have turned out to be quite adept at identifying faces…

Using “a crafted prompt designed to bypass the safeguard mechanisms of ChatGPT,” the researchers were able to test the program’s biometric capabilities – which they found to be significant.

“Our study reveals that ChatGPT recognizes facial identities and differentiates between two facial images with considerable accuracy,” says their summary. “Additionally, experimental results demonstrate remarkable performance in gender detection and reasonable accuracy for the age estimation tasks.”

Even more alarming is what a couple of Harvard students have been able to accomplish.

They integrated PimEyes facial recognition software into a pair of Meta’s smart glasses, and they were able to instantly pull up the personal information of strangers by scanning their faces…

Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses offer an iconic wearable packed with some smart features that allow users to engage in a hands-free experience. Two Harvard students have integrated smart glasses with a facial recognition system that helps automatically dox strangers and access their information in public.

According to 404media, the facial recognition system called I-XRAY can be used to retrieve information such as phone numbers, addresses, or even social security numbers of strangers. All the user needs to do is look at the person. While software capabilities have been making the rounds, it is the hardware running the software that has been the talk of the town, which is Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Nguyen and Ardayfio created I-XRAY using Meta’s smart glasses along with PimEyes facial recognition software, which is currently the largest search engine. The entire system of fetching information on the individual is automatic, and the smart glasses start digging the data as soon as the face is in the frame.

If we stay on the current trajectory that we are on, it would likely only be a matter of time before this sort of technology is everywhere.

Can you imagine what criminals could do with this?

A predator would not even need to follow you home.  He could just scan your face without you even realizing it, and by scanning your face he could get your address, your phone number, and a whole host of other private details about your life.

A lot of people out there just don’t get it.

In a society without any privacy, the bad guys can always find you.

Of course in a society without any privacy, there would be no hiding from tyranny either.

When facial recognition technology is literally everywhere, there will be nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

Every time your face is scanned, your location will be known.

Needless to say, most people already carry around phones that constantly monitor where they are anyway.

But as the Big Brother surveillance grid that is being constructed all around us becomes even more pervasive, it won’t be too long before there is literally no opting out.

I have been a very vocal advocate for privacy for over a decade, but during that time our privacy rights have been greatly eroded.

Now is the time to take a stand, because once our privacy rights are completely gone it will be nearly impossible to get them back.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post The U.S. Government Is Dramatically Expanding The Use Of Facial Recognition Technology appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

What we are witnessing in the mountains of North Carolina says a lot about where we are as a nation.  The federal response to Hurricane Helene has been absolutely abysmal, and hardly anyone is really surprised by this because the federal government can’t seem to do anything right these days.  But the good news is that help is getting to the people that need it.  That help is being provided by teams of patriots that are working around the clock to get food, generators and supplies where they need to be.  In many cases, life-saving assistance is arriving just in time.  I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if everyone had just sat back and waited for the federal government to come riding to the rescue.

According to the New York Post, a massive rescue and supply operation that has enlisted the help of “hundreds of special operations personnel” is being run out of a Harley-Davidson dealership…

Hundreds of special operations personnel in North Carolina have formed their own homegrown rescue and supply operation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene after they grew tired of waiting for the federal government to get its act together.

The Post found an all-volunteer operation being run out of a Harley-Davidson dealership with ruthless efficiency and military precision.

“Who’s FEMA?” ex-Green Beret Adam Smith derisively responded when asked about the agency’s presence on the ground since the deadly storm ravaged the rural western part of the state.

When is the last time that you saw the phrases “ruthless efficiency” and “military precision” used to describe an operation being run by the federal government?

While FEMA fumbles the ball, these men are stepping up and getting the job done.

It is being reported that they have put together a fleet of 35 helicopters…

This Harley-Davidson dealership has become a forward operating base, complete with a fleet of 35 helicopters that have flown hundreds of rescue, reconnaissance and resupply sorties.

Organizers were calling the effort the “Savage Freedoms Relief Operation,” but Smith says they’ve proudly adopted an alternate moniker — “the Redneck Air Force.”

The dealership teems with current and former soldiers decked out in camo pants and army boots with handguns strapped to their chests and hips. Crop duster pilots, helicopter tour guides and special operations pilots — most of them off-duty or retired military — have answered the call from Smith and others in North Carolina’s extensive military community.

I was so encouraged to hear about what they are doing.

Of course they aren’t the only ones that have stepped up to the plate.

Dr. Phil McGraw says that Samaritan’s Purse is doing an absolutely amazing job of getting desperately needed aid to victims of the storm…

Dr. Phil McGraw praised the work that Franklin Graham’s relief organization Samaritan’s Purse is doing to help the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

It is putting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s work to shame.

“Let me tell you, these [Samaritan’s Purse] guys don’t have meetings to fill out forms to plan a meeting to get something going. They have verbs in their sentences. They have springs in their step, and they’re out making things happen,” McGraw said.

“FEMA, all these other people are talking, thinking. No, not Samaritan’s Purse. They’re out doing things,” he added.

A video of Dr. Phil discussing what Samaritan’s Purse has been doing has been getting a lot of attention.

Over the years, Samaritan’s Purse has helped millions of people all over the globe when disaster has struck, and once again they are showing why they are so highly regarded.

Why can’t our federal government be more like Samaritan’s Purse?

According to one patriot that is involved in private relief efforts in a very remote part of North Carolina, the only government donation that has shown up in his area so far are pallets of electric chainsaws…

We are on the mountaintop in Little Switzerland collecting airlifted donations and distributing them to homes that have no power or are inaccessible. The community is self organizing incredibly well

This is the only federal government response I’ve seen so far. Almost all the pallets we have received are donations coming in from citizens and orgs.
Feds usually don’t come this far up into the mountains

This has been the government donation: pallets of electric chainsaws to communities that have no power

There are a lot of homes and communities that still don’t have power, cell service, or water. There are teams going out to these communities, and are still finding people who haven’t yet made contact since the storm.

Our little project involves receiving airlifted donations and distributing them both to the ATV teams, as well as directly to houses we can access via road.

The electric chainsaws would help if there was actually power in the region.

But for communities that have no power, electric chainsaws are essentially worthless right now.

FEMA gets a ton of funding, but I don’t know what they are doing with it.

According to the New York Times, only 1,217 FEMA employees are “available to respond to Hurricane Milton and other disasters as of Monday”…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently stretched thin on manpower even as an incoming category 5 hurricane moves toward the U.S.

Just 1,217 FEMA workers, which is less than 10% of their personnel, were available to respond to Hurricane Milton and other disasters as of Monday, according to The New York Times.

It appears that Hurricane Milton could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in the entire history of our nation.

Will the federal response to Hurricane Milton be as pathetic as the federal response to Hurricane Helene was?

I have been watching so many videos that have absolutely horrified me.

There have even been instances where the feds appear to be doing far more harm than good.

In one case, a mysterious helicopter was actually “caught on video destroying a volunteer donation site for hurricane victims”…

An unmarked military-style helicopter was caught on video destroying a volunteer donation site for hurricane victims in Burnsville, North Carolina on Sunday.

The helicopter was seen swooping in low over the distribution staging area and performing a “rotor-wash” maneuver that used the powerful downward gust forces to blow away supplies and canopy tents.

One of the individuals who recorded the incident claimed the area was established as a “no fly no drop” zone, and claimed the “ghost” helicopter pilots wore masks, suggesting they were special forces or government contractors.

“They could clearly see the supply setup, blue tents etc and see this was NOT a clear landing zone,” they captioned in the video.

In the old days, our government could be counted on to exhibit at least a minimal level of competence.

Sadly, those days are long gone.

When everything hits the fan, don’t count on the government to save you.

During the very difficult times that are approaching, local communities will have to be united and we are all going to have to learn to work together, because there is no other option.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post While FEMA Fumbles The Ball, Patriots Are Working Together To Save Countless Lives In North Carolina appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

The United States has launched strikes on over a dozen Houthi strongholds in Yemen. Ships and fighter jets of the U.S. Central Command have struck the capital Sanaa and the port of Hodeida, in addition to others.

The U.S. has been involved in attempting to stop the Houthi rebels from blockading the Red Sea as part of a war effort against Israel. This has been the first operation against the Houthis since June and is going to be seen as an escalation and war provocation.

The Houthis are a Shia group styling themselves as the Yemeni government and who control the northwest of the country. They have been attempting to disrupt Israeli and Western shipping in the Red Sea for almost a year, to pressure Israel to stop attacking Gaza.

Now that the United States is involved, this could escalate quickly into a world war.

According to the US military, as reported by RT, the strikes targeted 15 Houthi targets on Friday afternoon, going after “offensive military capabilities” in order to “protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for US, coalition, and merchant vessels.”

Prior to the official statement from CENTCOM, unnamed US officials told AP that the strikes had taken place against “weapons systems, bases and other equipment” at five locations.

According to Yemeni media, there were seven strikes at the Hodeidah airport and the military base at Katheib. Two explosions were reported in Dhamar province, and three in Bayda province, southeast of Sanaa. Four more strikes targeted the capital itself. -RT

The Yemeni group has fired missiles or drones at more than 80 merchant ships since last October when Israel declared war on Hamas in Gaza.  Initially, the Houthis targeted just vessels “linked to” Israel but expanded their interdictions to US and UK vessels after the Anglo-American airstrikes in January.

Washington sent several warships into the region as part of “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” an effort to keep the Bab el-Mandeb Strait open. The U.S. Navy has not been able to deter the Houthis, causing most Western shipping companies to avoid the Suez Canal and route their vessels around Africa instead. While the Houthis continue to attack U.S. ships, they are not having a lot of success. CENTCOM maintains that all of the incoming missiles and drones have been successfully intercepted.

This action is also not likely to stop the attack on the Red Sea.

Preppers need the ability to bug out of a city, but what if in the chaos there is a riot, or a riot is causing the chaos? Do you have…

The post %16 Pieces of Riot Gear for Urban Survival% appeared first on %Prepper Press%.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most heated debates among outdoor enthusiasts: hammocks vs. tents.

That’s right, we’re going to pit these two camping shelters against each other and see which one comes out on top.

So grab your compass, lace up your boots, and let’s get this showdown started!

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Hammock Vs Tent: Comparison Chart

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Hammocks

Hammocks are the epitome of laid-back camping.

They’re lightweight, compact, and offer a unique sleeping experience that keeps you off the ground and swaying gently between trees.

But don’t be fooled by their relaxed demeanor—hammocks can be a serious contender for your camping and survival gear.

Tents

Tents are the classic choice for campers worldwide.

They’ve been around for centuries, evolving from basic shelters to high-tech engineering marvels.

Tents offer a familiar and reliable way to stay protected from the elements, with plenty of room to stretch out and store your gear.

Want a free 104 item bug out bag checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Comfort: Rest Easy or Toss and Turn?

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors, comfort is king.

Let’s see how hammocks and tents stack up.

Hammocks: Cradle of Comfort

Hammocks are like a cozy cocoon that cradles you in comfort.

The gentle sway can lull you to sleep faster than a lullaby.

Plus, you avoid the hard, uneven ground and any creepy crawlies that might be lurking.

However, getting the perfect hang angle and finding the right trees can be a bit of a challenge.

And if you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you might find a hammock a bit restrictive.

Tents: Home Away from Home

Tents provide a flat, stable surface to sleep on, which is great for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.

With a good sleeping pad and bag, you can achieve a level of comfort that’s hard to beat.

Tents also offer more room to move around and store your gear, making them feel like a cozy little home in the wilderness.

However, you’re still dealing with the hard ground and the potential for a less-than-perfectly-flat campsite.

Weather Protection: Battling the Elements

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so your shelter needs to stand up to whatever she throws your way.

Hammocks: High and Dry

One of the biggest advantages of hammocks is that they keep you off the ground.

This means you won’t have to worry about rain pooling under your tent or waking up to a flooded floor.

With a proper rain fly, hammocks can keep you dry in most conditions.

However, in extreme weather, like high winds or heavy snow, hammocks can be less stable and offer less protection than tents.

Tents: Fortresses of Fabric

Tents are designed to be all-weather shelters.

With a good rainfly and proper setup, tents can handle rain, wind, and even snow.

They offer more protection from the elements, especially in extreme conditions.

The solid walls also provide a barrier against cold winds and help retain warmth. However, tents require more effort to keep dry and ventilated, especially in wet conditions.

Setup and Portability: Quick and Easy or a Chore?

Nobody wants to spend hours setting up camp, especially after a long day on the trail.

Let’s see which option makes setting up camp a breeze.

Hammocks: Quick and Lightweight

Hammocks are a breeze to set up—once you get the hang of it (pun intended).

With practice, you can have your hammock and rain fly up in minutes.

They’re incredibly lightweight and pack down small, making them perfect for backpackers and ultralight hikers.

The downside is that you need trees (or something sturdy) to hang your hammock, which isn’t always available.

Tents: Versatile but Bulky

Tents can take a bit longer to set up, especially if you’re dealing with poles, stakes, and rainflies.

But once they’re up, they’re a reliable shelter that doesn’t depend on trees or other anchor points.

Tents offer more versatility in where you can set up camp, but they tend to be bulkier and heavier than hammocks.

This makes them less ideal for ultralight backpacking but great for car camping or short hikes.

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Space and Storage: Room to Roam or Cozy and Compact?

Whether you like to spread out or keep things minimal, space is a crucial factor in choosing your shelter.

Hammocks: Cozy and Compact

Hammocks are designed for one person (though double hammocks are available), and they don’t offer much room for gear storage.

You’ll need to get creative with your packing and use gear slings or hang your backpack from a tree.

This minimalistic approach is great for those who like to travel light and keep things simple.

However, if you like having space to move around or keep your gear close, hammocks might feel a bit cramped.

Tents: Spacious and Secure

Tents come in a variety of sizes, from solo shelters to multi-person palaces.

They offer plenty of room to move around and store your gear, keeping everything dry and secure.

The extra space can make a big difference in comfort, especially on longer trips.

The downside is that all this extra room comes at a cost in terms of weight and bulk.

Versatility: Multi-Use Marvels

Versatility is key when it comes to survival gear.

Let’s see how hammocks and tents can pull double duty.

Hammocks: More Than Just a Bed

Hammocks can be incredibly versatile.

Besides being a great place to sleep, they can also serve as a chair, lounger, or even a makeshift stretcher in an emergency.

Some hammock setups can be converted into ground shelters if needed.

However, their primary function is as a sleeping system, so their versatility is somewhat limited compared to a tent.

Tents: Shelter Supreme

Tents are the ultimate multi-use shelters.

Besides providing a place to sleep, they can serve as a changing room, gear storage, and a refuge from bugs and weather.

In an emergency, a tent can be used as a signal (bright colors), a rainwater collector (with the rainfly), or even a makeshift raft (in extreme cases).

Their versatility and reliability make them a staple in any survival kit.

Want a free camping essentials checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Cost: Budget-Friendly or Investment?

When it comes to camping gear, you often get what you pay for.

Let’s talk about the cost of hammocks vs. tents.

Hammocks: Budget-Friendly

Hammocks can be a more budget-friendly option, especially for solo campers.

You can get a decent hammock setup for less than a comparable tent.

However, you’ll also need to consider the cost of additional gear like a rain fly, bug net, and underquilt (for colder weather).

Overall, hammocks can be a great option for those looking to save money and pack light.

Tents: Investment in Comfort

Tents tend to be more expensive, especially high-quality models.

But this investment pays off in terms of comfort, space, and protection from the elements.

If you’re serious about camping or survival, a good tent is worth every penny.

Plus, tents are more versatile and can accommodate multiple people, making them a better value for group camping.

The Verdict: Which is Best for You?

Alright, folks, it’s decision time.

Both hammocks and tents have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose a Hammock If:

• You prioritize lightweight and compact gear.
• You enjoy a unique sleeping experience and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve.
• You often camp in areas with plenty of trees.

Choose a Tent If:

• You want maximum protection from the elements.
• You need more space and storage for gear.
• You prefer a versatile shelter that can handle a variety of conditions.

My Personal Take

Personally, I think there’s a place for both hammocks and tents in your camping arsenal.

Hammocks are fantastic for short trips, ultralight backpacking, and summer camping.

They’re a blast to use and add a bit of fun to your camping experience.

Tents, on the other hand, are the go-to choice for longer trips, group camping, and harsher conditions.

They offer the comfort, space, and protection you need when the going gets tough.

So why not have both?

That way, you’ll be prepared for any adventure that comes your way.

Just remember, the best shelter is the one you have with you when you need it.

So pick the one that fits your style, pack it up, and get out there!

Why Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

Who We Are

Our Credentials

Our Mission

& Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

• Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
• Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
• Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
• Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
• Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
• Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
• Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
• Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com

Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest

Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University

Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company

10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness

Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future

The post Hammock vs Tent: Which Is Best For Camping & Survival? appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most heated debates among outdoor enthusiasts: hammocks vs. tents.

That’s right, we’re going to pit these two camping shelters against each other and see which one comes out on top.

So grab your compass, lace up your boots, and let’s get this showdown started!

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Hammock Vs Tent: Comparison Chart

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Hammocks

Hammocks are the epitome of laid-back camping.

They’re lightweight, compact, and offer a unique sleeping experience that keeps you off the ground and swaying gently between trees.

But don’t be fooled by their relaxed demeanor—hammocks can be a serious contender for your camping and survival gear.

Tents

Tents are the classic choice for campers worldwide.

They’ve been around for centuries, evolving from basic shelters to high-tech engineering marvels.

Tents offer a familiar and reliable way to stay protected from the elements, with plenty of room to stretch out and store your gear.

Want a free 104 item bug out bag checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Comfort: Rest Easy or Toss and Turn?

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors, comfort is king.

Let’s see how hammocks and tents stack up.

Hammocks: Cradle of Comfort

Hammocks are like a cozy cocoon that cradles you in comfort.

The gentle sway can lull you to sleep faster than a lullaby.

Plus, you avoid the hard, uneven ground and any creepy crawlies that might be lurking.

However, getting the perfect hang angle and finding the right trees can be a bit of a challenge.

And if you’re a side or stomach sleeper, you might find a hammock a bit restrictive.

Tents: Home Away from Home

Tents provide a flat, stable surface to sleep on, which is great for side, back, and stomach sleepers alike.

With a good sleeping pad and bag, you can achieve a level of comfort that’s hard to beat.

Tents also offer more room to move around and store your gear, making them feel like a cozy little home in the wilderness.

However, you’re still dealing with the hard ground and the potential for a less-than-perfectly-flat campsite.

Weather Protection: Battling the Elements

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so your shelter needs to stand up to whatever she throws your way.

Hammocks: High and Dry

One of the biggest advantages of hammocks is that they keep you off the ground.

This means you won’t have to worry about rain pooling under your tent or waking up to a flooded floor.

With a proper rain fly, hammocks can keep you dry in most conditions.

However, in extreme weather, like high winds or heavy snow, hammocks can be less stable and offer less protection than tents.

Tents: Fortresses of Fabric

Tents are designed to be all-weather shelters.

With a good rainfly and proper setup, tents can handle rain, wind, and even snow.

They offer more protection from the elements, especially in extreme conditions.

The solid walls also provide a barrier against cold winds and help retain warmth. However, tents require more effort to keep dry and ventilated, especially in wet conditions.

Setup and Portability: Quick and Easy or a Chore?

Nobody wants to spend hours setting up camp, especially after a long day on the trail.

Let’s see which option makes setting up camp a breeze.

Hammocks: Quick and Lightweight

Hammocks are a breeze to set up—once you get the hang of it (pun intended).

With practice, you can have your hammock and rain fly up in minutes.

They’re incredibly lightweight and pack down small, making them perfect for backpackers and ultralight hikers.

The downside is that you need trees (or something sturdy) to hang your hammock, which isn’t always available.

Tents: Versatile but Bulky

Tents can take a bit longer to set up, especially if you’re dealing with poles, stakes, and rainflies.

But once they’re up, they’re a reliable shelter that doesn’t depend on trees or other anchor points.

Tents offer more versatility in where you can set up camp, but they tend to be bulkier and heavier than hammocks.

This makes them less ideal for ultralight backpacking but great for car camping or short hikes.

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Space and Storage: Room to Roam or Cozy and Compact?

Whether you like to spread out or keep things minimal, space is a crucial factor in choosing your shelter.

Hammocks: Cozy and Compact

Hammocks are designed for one person (though double hammocks are available), and they don’t offer much room for gear storage.

You’ll need to get creative with your packing and use gear slings or hang your backpack from a tree.

This minimalistic approach is great for those who like to travel light and keep things simple.

However, if you like having space to move around or keep your gear close, hammocks might feel a bit cramped.

Tents: Spacious and Secure

Tents come in a variety of sizes, from solo shelters to multi-person palaces.

They offer plenty of room to move around and store your gear, keeping everything dry and secure.

The extra space can make a big difference in comfort, especially on longer trips.

The downside is that all this extra room comes at a cost in terms of weight and bulk.

Versatility: Multi-Use Marvels

Versatility is key when it comes to survival gear.

Let’s see how hammocks and tents can pull double duty.

Hammocks: More Than Just a Bed

Hammocks can be incredibly versatile.

Besides being a great place to sleep, they can also serve as a chair, lounger, or even a makeshift stretcher in an emergency.

Some hammock setups can be converted into ground shelters if needed.

However, their primary function is as a sleeping system, so their versatility is somewhat limited compared to a tent.

Tents: Shelter Supreme

Tents are the ultimate multi-use shelters.

Besides providing a place to sleep, they can serve as a changing room, gear storage, and a refuge from bugs and weather.

In an emergency, a tent can be used as a signal (bright colors), a rainwater collector (with the rainfly), or even a makeshift raft (in extreme cases).

Their versatility and reliability make them a staple in any survival kit.

Want a free camping essentials checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Cost: Budget-Friendly or Investment?

When it comes to camping gear, you often get what you pay for.

Let’s talk about the cost of hammocks vs. tents.

Hammocks: Budget-Friendly

Hammocks can be a more budget-friendly option, especially for solo campers.

You can get a decent hammock setup for less than a comparable tent.

However, you’ll also need to consider the cost of additional gear like a rain fly, bug net, and underquilt (for colder weather).

Overall, hammocks can be a great option for those looking to save money and pack light.

Tents: Investment in Comfort

Tents tend to be more expensive, especially high-quality models.

But this investment pays off in terms of comfort, space, and protection from the elements.

If you’re serious about camping or survival, a good tent is worth every penny.

Plus, tents are more versatile and can accommodate multiple people, making them a better value for group camping.

The Verdict: Which is Best for You?

Alright, folks, it’s decision time.

Both hammocks and tents have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose a Hammock If:

• You prioritize lightweight and compact gear.
• You enjoy a unique sleeping experience and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve.
• You often camp in areas with plenty of trees.

Choose a Tent If:

• You want maximum protection from the elements.
• You need more space and storage for gear.
• You prefer a versatile shelter that can handle a variety of conditions.

My Personal Take

Personally, I think there’s a place for both hammocks and tents in your camping arsenal.

Hammocks are fantastic for short trips, ultralight backpacking, and summer camping.

They’re a blast to use and add a bit of fun to your camping experience.

Tents, on the other hand, are the go-to choice for longer trips, group camping, and harsher conditions.

They offer the comfort, space, and protection you need when the going gets tough.

So why not have both?

That way, you’ll be prepared for any adventure that comes your way.

Just remember, the best shelter is the one you have with you when you need it.

So pick the one that fits your style, pack it up, and get out there!

Why Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

Who We Are

Our Credentials

Our Mission

& Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

• Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
• Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
• Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
• Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
• Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
• Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
• Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
• Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com

Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest

Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University

Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company

10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness

Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future

The post Hammock vs Tent: Which Is Best For Camping & Survival? appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Is it just a coincidence that the “Comet of the Century” has appeared just as all-out war is about to erupt in the Middle East and a presidential election that has the potential to change life in America forever is about to be decided?  Perhaps you do think that it is just a coincidence, and you are certainly entitled to that opinion.  But my personal opinion is that it is not a coincidence that this comet has appeared at this specific moment in history.  In this article, I am going to share some truly remarkable things that I have discovered about this comet, and that will include some things that I did not learn until today.

In Genesis 1:14, the Bible specifically tells us that one of the reasons why God created the lights in the heavens was because He intended to use them as “signs”…

14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years

And in Luke chapter 21, Jesus warned us that there would be “signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars” in the days prior to His return.

So anyone that attempts to claim that events in the heavens never have any meaning is directly contradicting the Bible.

All throughout human history, there have been important signs in the heavens.

And now the “Comet of the Century” is here.

This comet’s official designation is “comet C/2023 A3”, but it is also known as Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, and right now people all over the Internet are talking about it…

Unless you’ve been on a hiking holiday in Outer Mongolia for the past year you’ve probably heard that there’s going to be a “bright comet” in the sky next month. It’s everywhere!

It’s called comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), and you’re likely to be hearing a lot about it over the coming weeks.

Already you can’t go on social media without seeing half a dozen news stories announcing “the comet of the century is coming!” illustrated with an AI-generated graphic showing a brilliant ball of light with a glowing tail stretched out behind it.

The reason why the comet’s official designation has “2023” in it is because it was originally discovered in early 2023…

As always, the name of the comet itself reveals important details about it, its official name is C/2023 A3 and proceeding in order the letter C indicates that it is a non-periodic comet, the number 2023 that was discovered in 2023, the letter A that its first observation took place in the first half of January and finally the number 3 indicates that it was the third object discovered in that same period. In reality, however, the official confirmation of the discovery of this comet took place on February 22, 2023.

We have now reached the time when it will start to become visible in the sky in the northern hemisphere, and that is very exciting.

According to an article that was posted by Wired, it was being projected that the date when the comet would shine the brightest would be October 2nd…

C/2023 A3 will shine in the northern hemisphere sky from September 27 and will remain visible until the last week of October. During this period, the comet will reach its minimum distance from the sun, before beginning its journey back out of the solar system.

According to the specialized blog Cometography, the day when C/2023 A3 will shine the brightest will be October 2. The comet’s tail will be long and spectacular at this point due to its proximity to the sun.

As I discussed in a previous article, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on October 2nd.

In addition, there will also be a “ring of fire” solar eclipse on October 2nd.

So on Rosh Hashanah the “Comet of the Century” will be the brightest at the exact same time that a spectacular “ring of fire” eclipse is appearing in the sky.

That is quite a “coincidence”.

There will only be two solar eclipses during 2024.

The first was the Great American Eclipse on April 8th, and the second will be the “ring of fire” eclipse on October 2nd.

The “ring of fire” eclipse will only be visible for a very short time, but the “Comet of the Century” will continue to be visible throughout much of October.

On October 9th and 10th, the comet will “pass almost directly between Earth and the Sun”…

Thanks to pure good fortune, comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will then pass almost directly between Earth and the Sun on October 9 and 10.

This could cause a spectacular brightening of the comet, thanks to “forward scattering” caused by its dust. Imagine looking towards a bright light source through a cloud of dust grains. The grains nearest to the light source will scatter light from the source back towards you.

If conditions are just right, and right now we don’t know if that will be the case or not, there is a possibility that this comet could actually become visible during daylight hours for a short period of time…

As the comet swings between Earth and the Sun, it will be perfectly placed for this forward scattering process to occur. If the comet is particularly dusty, this could cause its apparent brightness to increase by up to 100 times.

If it does, there’s a small chance the comet could briefly become visible in the daylight sky on October 9 and 10.

We won’t know for sure if this will actually happen until then, but if it does happen it will make news all over the globe.

Subsequently, “the Comet of the Century” will come closest to our planet on October 12th…

By the time C/2023 A3 passes closest to Earth on Oct. 12, skywatchers can find it in the evening sky, shortly after sunset.

It turns out that Yom Kippur just happens to fall on October 12th this year.

That’s right.

The “Comet of the Century” will be closest to Earth on one of the most important days on God’s prophetic calendar.

But I suppose that is just a “coincidence” too.

We are being told that the comet will appear to “rapidly climb in the western sky” and will become “a bright, naked-eye object for a few days” starting on Yom Kippur…

After swinging between Earth and the Sun, the comet will appear in the evening sky. It will rapidly climb in the western sky, and should be a bright, naked-eye object for a few days from October 12. The sliders below will give you a sense of where to look.

For the first few days of this period, the comet will still benefit from the forward scattering of sunlight, but this will decrease as it moves away.

Could this comet be a sign of war?

We are so close to the unthinkable, and it appears that there will be no turning back now.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has announced that his nation “will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.”

That means that all-out war is coming.

And as I write this article we are only about 40 days away from the most pivotal presidential election in any of our lifetimes.

At this point, everyone should be able to see that we are entering a period of extreme chaos.

But a lot of people out there have not wanted to listen to any of the warnings, and they certainly are not interested in any signs in the sky.

That is extremely unfortunate, because none of us will be able to avoid what is soon coming upon this planet.

Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written eight other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”, “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  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, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

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