This article was originally published by Ethan Huff at Natural News under the title: After DECADES of Denial, Corporate Media Admits Chemtrail Terraforming is Happening Right Now to “Fight Climate Change”

To keep natural sunlight from reaching planet earth and supporting life, a geoengineering startup company called Make Sunsets has begun deploying massive weather balloons to blast the stratosphere with reflective sulfur particles, all for the claimed purpose of “fighting climate change.”

A phenomenon also known as chemtrails, these sulfur blasts stop the sun’s ultraviolet rays from reaching the atmosphere and ultimately earth’s surface. The result is a dimmed sun that no longer functions as designed to sustain life on earth. (Related: It was known in 2018 that climate fanatics were pushing a “global dimming” agenda to block out the sun and “save the planet.”)

Much like how natural volcanic eruptions flood the skies with pollutants that darken daylight for days or even weeks at a time, chemtrail blasts like the ones occurring at Make Sunsets mimic these sun-blocking effects to fight “global warming.”

Numerous test launches have already taken place at sites across Mexico with no public input or scientific debate. The goal, according to the company’s head, is to eventually commercialize the technology for widespread use.

“We joke slash not joke that this is partly a company and partly a cult,” said Luke Iseman, the co-founder, and CEO of Make Sunsets. “It’s morally wrong, in my opinion, for us not to be doing this … (and we need) to do this as quickly and safely as we can.”

Iseman wants to sell “cooling credits” to pay for his chemtrail operations

Before Make Sunsets was incorporated in October, the company performed two balloon launches, the outcomes of which are unknown. Neither of those launches had any approval from government authorities or scientific agencies, and were done to boost Iseman’s own ego.

“This was firmly in science project territory,” he said. “Basically, it was to confirm that I could do it.”

In essence, it was a do-it-yourself geoengineering scheme that Iseman hopes to develop into a full-fledged terraforming operation that uses reusable balloons to dump loads of sulfur into the skies on a regular basis.

There is also talk of developing a revenue generation program through “cooling credits,” which will sell for $10 a pop and cover the release of one gram of particles into the stratosphere. The claim is that these one-gram releases offset the warming effect of one ton of carbon for a full year.

“What I want to do is create as much cooling as quickly as I responsibly can, over the rest of my life, frankly,” Iseman added, noting that in 2023, the plan is to deploy as much sulfur as “we can get customers to pay us” for – meaning it is all about the money.

There is no actual science behind cooling credits, though. So little is known about what sulfur particles actually do to the environment that claiming they offset carbon based on per-gram outcomes is deceptive at best.

“From a business perspective, reflective cooling effects and risks cannot currently be quantified in any meaningful way, making the offering a speculative form of ‘junk credit’ that is unlikely to have value to climate credit markets,” said Kelly Wanser, executive director of SilverLining, a nonprofit research group that deals with climate issues.

Solar geoengineering expert David Keith is of the belief that small amounts of sulfur at the levels being released by Make Sunsets are trivial and pose no real threat to the environment. He is, however, concerned that efforts to privatize these technologies are misguided because “commercial development cannot produce the level of transparency and trust the world needs to make sensible decisions about deployment.”

Taking A Look At The Best Survival Lighters On The Market Today

I can’t imagine what it was like for the first human beings to harness fire.

There’s no way they fully understood the revolutionary implications.

Because they didn’t know it at the time, but harnessing the power of fire changed us forever…

Without fire, there’s no telling where humans might be today.

But it’s undeniable that fire has set us ahead of the pack.

It’s put us in a different survival league.

Today, fire remains as essential to our survival as it ever has.

We harness fire throughout our modern lives, from heating our homes to powering our vehicles.

And fire still holds the keys to our survival.

So without a lighter (or some stormproof matches at the very least), no survival pack or camping bag is complete.

It’s a staple of outdoor living and emergency survival.

It’s become such a valuable resource; we’ve figured out how to put this mighty power in the palm of our hand.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Survival Lighter Uses

Lighters are a simple yet incredible device that allows us to:

• Stay warm
• Cook food
• Boil (and sterilize) water
• Illuminate areas
• Keep predators away

These powers all lie in the simplicity of lighters. Fire equals heat energy, and with a lighter, we can tap into this energy anytime, anywhere!

But you should invest in a survival lighter you can depend on.

Now, cheap conventional lighters do work most of the time. Disposable lighters will make fire. But they’re a terrible choice for survival.

You can’t refill them; they’re not durable or water / wind-resistant.

Disposable lighters serve their primary function, but they’re NOT good enough for serious survivalists – like you and me.

And, as with most cool survival gadgets, the market is now full of much better options. Thousands of new badass flame-makers claim to be “the best” or the “highest-rated” survival lighters…

So to cut through the smoke and get to the flame of this topic, Skilled Survival decided to find out once and for all which survival lighters are the best and why…

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

What Is A Survival Lighter Anyway?

No matter the exact style of lighter you prefer, there are a few common aspects all survival lighters share.

Refillable

Disposable lighters, by definition, are of the use and toss variety.

The goal for disposable lighter manufacturers is to make a tiny profit on each sale. And they compete by making their product so cheap you buy and toss, buy and toss, over and over again.

But you can’t refill them. Otherwise, you’d keep the lighter and refill it, and the companies would lose money.

So while it’s true you can buy 5 or 10 cheap disposable lighters to a single survival lighter, it’s not worth it in the long run.

Not only are you sacrificing quality and durability, but you’re wasting money over time.

With a survival lighter, you can ensure your lighter is never empty.

You can top it off before and after every adventure you go on and always keep a near-full lighter on you. Never having to worry about your lighter dying on you in the middle of a trip again!

Plus, you’ll save money over the long haul with refillable lighters. Using a refillable lighter means you’ll buy a can of fuel every few months instead of new lighters all the time.

The cheap nature of the disposable lighter means low-quality complements.

Durable

The great outdoors is not kind to cheaply made tools – especially in survival situations. In my younger years, I broke several cheapo lighters scrambling over rocks or dropping them on the trail only to get crunched underfoot.

Knowing your survival lighter can handle outdoor abuse is a major comfort. And since there are lots of durable survival lighters out there, there’s no reason to risk it.

You get what you pay for when it comes to lighters, and durability is a significant survival advantage.

Water-Resistant

Water is fire’s ultimate enemy. And the enemy of fire is the enemy of your survival lighter.

If you drop a non-waterproof lighter in the snow or a puddle or try to use it in the rain, you’re out of luck. And regular lighters take a long time to dry out and start working once they’re soaking wet.

Wind Resistant

A direct flame is like a torch, whereas an indirect flame is more like a match. BIC lighters use indirect flames, which can be a real pain when in a windy area.

The wind will puff your flame out like it’s nothing.

But a direct flame is less susceptible to blowouts. Making it more efficient to start a fire fast.

Direct flame windproof lighters make far superior survival lighters.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

9 Best Survival Lighters On The Market Today

The sheer number of survival lighters you can buy is overwhelming. But we’ve whittled the masses down to just nine top-notch survival lighters. Survival lighters, we feel, stand above the rest.

They’re all water-resistant and durable, most of which are refillable and use direct flames.

They’ll serve your survival needs well and will become one of your best companions in the wild.

The bottom line is these lighters are dependable and will bring you peace of mind.

1. The Zippo

Zippo lighters are iconic and have been dependable choices since their creation.

They’re small, slick, and made of metal (which speaks to their durability). Plus, Zippos come in tens of thousands of colors and designs – some options allow you to choose a personal design.

Their unique chimney design makes them particularly resilient lighters in windy conditions. And their adjustable wick allows users to control the size of the flame.

They also come with a rare lifetime warranty.

However, they are not waterproof, but this flaw can be overcome with a slight addition.

Zippos are a classic lighter and have been a great survival option since the 1930s. And that’s why they made the top of this list – seniority and experience.

However, they do not use a direct flame, nor are they as lightweight as some of the following options…

2. UCO Stormproof Torch Windproof Lighter

The UCO Stormproof Torch Lighter “emergency survival accessory” has a lot going for it:

• it’s refillable
• has a triple jet windproof flame
• waterproof
• and adjustable
• built-in duct tape

It carries enough butane for 700 ignitions, and its striker is guaranteed for 30,000 uses.

But this lighter take survival one step further by including 3 feet of built-in survival tape.

UCO Stormproof Torch is more than just an excellent survival lighter; it’s a survival multi-tool.

4. Windmill Classic Stormproof Lighter

The Windmill Classic Lighter is built for rugged survival. This lighter is second to none when it comes to durability.

It comes with an elastomer armor outer covering for extra protection.

A window is built into its center so you can track fuel levels. And because it uses a steel wire closure system fitted with an o-ring, it’s watertight and even floats!

The best part, though, is the two-year warranty that comes with buying one of these. So even if you do manage to break this tough little lighter in the first 730 days of using it, you can get it replaced.

5. Everstryk Matchpro Lighter

This minimalistic butane lighter has a replaceable striker and a replaceable wick. So it can last you indefinitely!

It’s a very simple design – fill the reservoir with lighter fluid, replace the starter, and go.

The lighter case is watertight with a small O-ring as well.

It’s extremely small, a tiny silver tube that fits in the palm of your hand, and comes with a keychain clip.

6. AWL All-Weather Lighter

The AWL All Weather Lighter will light even in heavy winds and high elevations.

When closed, the lighter becomes waterproof as the “O” ring gasket prevents any moisture or water from getting inside the burner.

This is an excellent genuine Windmill lighter worth buying.

7. Vertigo Cyclone Torch Lighter

This is a durable triple-flamed windproof torch lighter.

It has a clear fuel tank, so you can easily see how much fuel it has left.

It’s also very lightweight, making it easy to stash in your pocket or your bug-out bag.

A highly rated torch lighter at a price point.

8. Xikar 9660BK Stratosphere II Lighter

You can count on the XIKAR Stratosphere II for high performance in windy or wet conditions. Easy-grip rubber body and wind-proof flame.

It also has an easy-grip case so that it won’t slip out of your hands even in the middle of a torrential downpour.

The Xikar 9660BK also comes with a lanyard hole and a bit of rope to attach it to your pack’s outside if needed.

9. Tough Tesla Electric Lighter

Welcome to the future, where flames have been replaced with electric plasma bolts.

That’s right; this Tesla Electric Lighter uses a battery and the power of electricity to start fires instead of a flame.

The key with this Tesla Lighter is to pair it with a Solar Power Bank.

Skilled Survival highly recommends the Anytime Charge Solar Power Bank.

Why? Because it’s one of the most durable, compact, and cost-effective portable solar chargers on the market today. But don’t let its compact size fool you; it’s also got a massive battery capacity!

The massive battery storage is enough to charge any of your devices multiple times. Plus, with dual charging outputs, you can power multiple devices simultaneously!

Simply plug in your devices via the supplied USB cable (you can use any USB cable) and press the power button.  Your device will begin to take power from the Anytime Charge right away.

Recharging the Anytime Solar Bank couldn’t be easier – leave it in the sun, and it will automatically fill the large battery bank back up ANYWHERE.

Plus, it’s splash resistant and comes with an emergency flashlight with a strobe function.

NOTE: When this article was published, you could snag some bonus Tactical Flashlights For FREE when you buy multiple Anytime Solar Chargers. Click here now to see if this deal is still available!

The Concept of Fire Starting

Yes, lighters are simple tools. They all use the same fundamental principles: heat and fuel.

The idea of creating a spark as a flame heat source and fuel to sustain it is an ancient one that’s still harnessed today in modern lighters.

Take the Zippo lighter as an example; it has a canister full of butane and a wick that sticks out of the top. When the striker sparks, the wick ignites. Voila! Fire.

The same idea is achievable even without a lighter. Of course, having a lighter on you makes it much easier to produce a flame, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Holding a large hot flame against a water-soaked log is futile. So you still need to understand the basic principles of fire starting.

Here’s a rough and dirty guide:

1. You need to start with a dry, fibrous fuel source called tinder (start with something like dried leaves, dried grass, cotton, or juniper bark, feather sticks, or just tiny branches). You never want to try and light large chunks of wood to start – you have to work your way up to that.
2. Now put this tinder in a dry location as much out of the wind as possible. While these survival lighters can produce a flame in wind and rain, catching flame to tinder is another problem in these conditions.
3. Now before you light your tinder, you need some kindling ready. If you light your tinder and try to find kindling, you’ll likely return to expired tinder. Then you’ll have to start over. You want tinder to start working on the kindling immediately as soon as it’s lit.
4. Now it’s time to light the tinder. Hold the flame to the tinder until it’s lit. Then move the flame to other parts of the tinder to get another section of it lit. The more places you can get the tinder lite, the better chance of moving the flame from the tinder to the kindling.
5. Finally, once the tinder is flaming, you may want to gently blow some fresh air into the base of the flame. This will provide some extra burst of heat and help get your kindling to catch fire.
6. If you’ve done this all right, you’ll now have your kindling starting to catch. Now it’s just a matter of adding more kindling and working in larger logs over time.

Easy enough, right? If you experience this, it’s a no-brainer.

However, you’ve likely learned this from your father, grandfather, or mentor. This isn’t something we know how to do when we’re born. So if you’re a novice fire starter, it can be a challenge, especially in a stressful survival situation.

So practice with your lighters, stormproof matches, Ferro Rods, sticks, and rocks.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

The Final Word

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” – Dylan Thomas

Do not go unprepared into the night – ensure you’ve got a trusty survival lighter at your side!

Going into an emergency or the wilderness without one is dangerous.

Even if you can make sparks without one, your chances of survival go up when you pack a survival lighter in your bag.

I would recommend getting more than one. Keep one in your Bug Out Bag at all times, keep another in your car, and a third on your person.

That way, no matter where you get stuck in a survival situation, you have got a survival lighter.

Exclusive Bonus Content – Skilled Survival’s 104 Item Bug Out Bag Checklist – the only bug out checklist worth using. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Fire is one of our most important survival resources, making survival lighters one of the most important survival tools you can ever own. Do not take fire starting lightly.

Did we miss one of your favorite survival lighters? Let us know in the comments below, and maybe it’ll get added to the list.

Will Brendza

P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

So click here to start the Quiz….And don’t worry, the questions are so easy a 3rd grader could answer them.

Click on the image to begin the Quiz and find out once and for all if you’re part of “The Fragile Masses” or “The Resilient Few.”

The post 9 Best Survival Lighters If Your Life Is On The Line appeared first on Skilled Survival.

@media (max-width:576px) { .read-more-content { height: 180em; } }

The post The Basics of Stockpiling Food For Survival appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

I suppose that this is a fitting way to end the year.  2022 has been a year of war, plagues, natural disasters, shortages and severe economic troubles, but up until this month we had not been able to add “an apocalyptic winter storm” to the list yet.  Unfortunately, what we have just been through over the last week definitely qualifies.  A “monster storm” that covered almost the entire country at one point brought blizzard conditions to much of the U.S. over the past several days.  Temperatures dipped down to minus 50 degrees in some areas, and extremely high winds and heavy snow combined to create truly nightmarish conditions in certain cities.  For example, we are being told that this was the “most devastating storm in Buffalo’s long storied history”…

“We had to send specialized rescue crews to go get the rescuers,” Poloncarz told “CNN This Morning” Monday, adding it was the worst storm he could remember. “It was just horrendous, and it was horrendous for 24 hours in a row.”

“We’re used to snow here, we can handle snow,” he said. “But with the wind, the blinding views – it was complete whiteouts – and the extreme cold, it was some of the worst conditions that any of us have ever seen.”

The storm has drawn widespread comparisons to Buffalo’s famous blizzard of 1977. Poloncarz said in Monday’s news conference the current storm’s “ferocity … was worse than the blizzard of ’77.” And in a news conference Sunday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called this storm the “most devastating storm in Buffalo’s long storied history.”

Buffalo has had a lot of really bad storms over the years.

But this one takes the cake.

According to a local news report, Buffalo has already received about 4 feet of snow, and snow is going to continue to fall until the middle of the day on Tuesday…

The blizzard began Friday, dumping nearly 4 feet of snow in the Buffalo area and making many roads impassable.

The snow is still falling. Some parts of the county could see another 8 to 12 inches by 1 p.m. Tuesday.

I have never seen anything quite like this.

Of course I have been using that phrase a lot lately.

So far, at least 27 people have been killed by the storm in Erie County, and the overall national death toll from the storm is up to 55.

But both of those numbers will inevitably go much higher because right now there are countless drivers stranded in their vehicles on highways all over the United States.

What part of “don’t drive during this storm” did people not understand?

Many others are without power and are slowly freezing as they find themselves trapped inside their own homes by colossal mountains of snow.

Those that are in need of rescue could use our prayers right about now.

Sadly, it seems like whenever there is some sort of a major natural disaster in this country there are hordes of looters ready to take advantage of it.

On Monday, the rampant looting that we just witnessed in Buffalo made headlines all over the globe…

Videos posted online show brazen thieves taking advantage of the chaos, trudging over mounds of snow to get into abandoned storefronts — like a Dollar General where shelves were overturned and items were scattered across the ground.

Residents filmed some of the thieves as they entered the store and left with handfuls of items like paper towels and toilet paper, as one shameless woman even posted a Facebook Live of her and her friends grabbing items from the store.

Others were filmed hauling televisions out of stores, and security footage caught one man breaking the glass of a liquor store door, where he allegedly stole $500 worth of goods.

Zero Hedge has posted lots of videos of the vicious looting, and those videos are prime examples of just how far we have fallen as a society.

As I have said so many times before, the thin veneer of civilization that we all depend upon on a daily basis is rapidly disappearing.

If a truly horrific long-term disaster were to erupt that causes law and order to break down on a widespread basis, we will devolve into a “Mad Max society” very quickly.

Speaking of crime, someone just attacked four more electrical substations in Washington state…

Thousands of homes were left in the dark after four electrical substations in western Washington were vandalized on Christmas Day, local authorities said on Sunday, adding that it was unknown if the incidents were connected.

The attacks on Sunday cut power to more than 14,000 utility customers in south Pierce County, near Tacoma, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said.

The burglaries were reported at two substations belonging to Tacoma Public Utilities and two belonging to Puget Sound Energy.

In a previous article, I discussed the fact that the number of these attacks has reached an all-time record high this year, and they are happening all over the nation.

Utility companies are going to have to start hiring 24 hour security to guard their equipment, because this is a problem that isn’t going to go away.

And that will mean even higher utility bills for all of us.

I truly wish that our society was not coming apart at the seams all around us.

But this is where we are at, and denying reality is not going to make things any better.

So why is our society in such bad shape?

And why do so many bad things keep happening to us?

The end of the year is often a time of self-reflection for individuals, and it should also be a time of self-reflection for our nation as a whole.

Because if we stay on the path that we are currently on, the pain that we will experience in the years ahead will be far more severe than what we have been through already.

Good decisions lead to good consequences.

And bad decisions lead to bad consequences.

Wake up America, because time is quickly slipping away.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, 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 copies as gifts 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 definitely 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 invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Why Do So Many Bad Things Keep Happening To Us? appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

If you’re brand new to the idea of prepping, you’re likely feeling quite anxious!

It’s natural to feel this way. Why? Because it’s terrifying to take a hard look in the mirror and realize just how unprepared you are.

And if you’re not careful, this anxiety can grow. It can develop into severe stress, sleepless nights, and a sense that you’re running out of time.

But if you harness these feelings correctly, they can be good! Why? Because they are incredibly motivating! Those gut-wrenching feelings are preparing you to take meaningful action.

But being ready to take action is different than actually taking action.

Because once you decide “it’s time to prepare,” – you immediately hit a MAJOR roadblock.

Which actions should you take first?

You’re ready, but now you’re overwhelmed and confused. Why? Because the amount of survival and preparedness information available today is STAGGERING…

There are hundreds of millions (or billions) of blog posts, thousands of courses and books, etc.

• Where should you begin?
• What should you do first?
• Which courses should you buy?
• Which membership or communities should you join?
• Who should you follow?
• Whose advice is trustworthy?
• Should you stockpile water or food first? And how much of each should you store?
• What about bugging out vs. hunkering down?
• What survival gear is Necessary vs. Optional?
• How much will this cost?
• Are there any cheaper alternatives?
• What if you can’t afford it?

These are all excellent questions. BUT NO ONE seems to have any clear answers. Just tons and tons of “random (sometimes contradictory) advice.”

UNTIL NOW…

I HEAR YOU, and I want to help YOU!

My name is Jack, and I’m the co-founder of two prominent websites in the survival and prepping space.

SkilledSurvival.com & TheResilientLife.co

I’ve been living and breathing prepping my entire life. And I’ve been sharing my thoughts and advice online since 2013. Since that time, I’ve helped thousands of people along the way.

And I get the same questions from those new to prepping: “how do I get started”? What should I do first, second, third, etc.”?

So I decided to create a FREE Basic Step Prepping Guide to help you make wise decisions from day one.

By following the 10 STEPS below, you’ll quickly stop being one of the “fragile masses.” (i.e., those who are 100% unprepared and utterly dependent on others when disaster strikes).

Instead, EACH step moves you in the right direction – towards a more resilient lifestyle.

Once you’ve completed all 10 steps, you’ll have an excellent base of supplies, tools, and the confidence to survive most future disasters.

Now, these steps ONLY focus on the very BASICS of Prepping. And there is so much more to prepping than just the basics.

But as with any new skill, you start with the basics first. Once the basics are in place, you move on to more advanced supplies, tools, and tactics.

Think of your journey to resilience as building a house.

You need a rock-solid foundation in place before you build any walls. And you need walls before you can add a roof.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

1. Invest In A “Last Resort” Warmth Tool

Note: feel free to skip if you live in a temperate climate year-round

Right out of the gate, this first step is a bit controversial in survival.

Some survivalists suggest stockpiling water is your #1 priority. And for most disasters, that is 100% correct. Why? Because you can only survive about three days without water.

However, you won’t survive long in below-freezing temps without a way to stay warm. And this is possible in places like Michigan in mid-February if the power goes out.

That’s why I recommend you invest in one TACT Bivvy for every member of your household.

Now, if you have a wood stove or fireplace in your home and a nice pile of wood, you can consider skipping this one. But if not, then get some TACT Bivvys.

They work by trapping your body heat (such as when you’re shivering uncontrollably). And it’s made of Mylar (which doesn’t allow any air particles (or heat) to pass through it).

Hopefully, you’ll never need a TACT Bivvy, but it could save your life if you do.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

2. Stockpile 2 Weeks Of Water

Why two weeks? Why not more?

Because if you’re starting, this amount of water is attainable within a short time frame.

Or, as I like to say, “It’s doable and affordable.”

Plus, it establishes the safety net for the majority of future disaster scenarios. Sure, it’s not enough for the long-term “doomsday” scenario. However, with two weeks’ worth, you’re covered for the most likely disasters.

Many people ask me, “Why 1 gallon per person per day? That seems like MORE THAN NECESSARY….”

It might be, but here’s why I say 1 gallon per person per day:

1)    I’d rather have slightly more water than not enough to make it two weeks. It’s hard to say how hot it might be (especially without an AC unit running). When it’s hot out, your body needs more water to replace the loss of water due to sweating

2)    You’ll also need water for both COOKING and SANITATION – so you’ll only be consuming about half the water you’re storing. You’ll use the other half for cooking meals and hygiene.

Now you could buy bottled water from the grocery store IF that’s the best you can do short term.

But, if you have the means, I recommend getting quality water storage containers. I selected Legacy Storage’s water containers and if you’re interested in seeing what I did, feel free to read my step-by-step article here.

I’ve also written a blog post called 9 Best Water Storage Solutions and Mistakes To Avoid.

Once you’ve got your two weeks’ water stockpiled, it’s time to shift your focus to the next step – calories.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

3. Stockpile 2 Weeks Of Non-Perishable Calories

Why two weeks? Why not more?

Because (like water), if you’re starting out prepping, it’s an amount of food that’s attainable within a relatively short time frame.

Again, it’s not nearly enough for a long-term “doomsday” prepping scenario. But with two weeks of calories per family member, you’ll survive most short-term disasters.

Now, how do you decide how many calories equate to two weeks’ worth of food? I made this easy-to-use calorie chart to help:

For each family member – use the gender/age (across the side) and activity level (across the top) to get their approximate calorie per day number.

Then multiply that number by 14 (i.e., two weeks).

Finally, add up each family member’s two-week calorie needs.

You now have your entire family’s two-week calorie requirement!

Now you can either go one of two directions to stockpile calories:

• DIY (do it yourself)
• DFY (done for you)

DO IT YOURSELF

If you go the DIY route, you’ll buy bulk sacks of rice and beans and acquire lots of spices to make bland food palatable.

Plus, you’ll want to stock up on large jars of peanut butter – which are always a wise addition.

You could also make your own hardtack (which is a very long shelf-life cracker).

For meat, you could make your own pemmican.

So as you can see, the DIY route is not quick OR easy. Because when you do it right, it takes a lot of time and energy.

If this sounds daunting, I suggest you take a shortcut and go with the Done For You (DFY) route.

DONE FOR YOU

I recommend you check out Valley Food Storage OR Legacy Food Storage.

Both companies have first-rate freeze-dried meals that are well packaged and can last 25+ years if stored in a cool, dry, vermin-free location.

You should also add some 25+ year canned meats to your survival pantry.

The bottom line is:

You MUST put some time, energy, and funds into getting a two-week supply of non-perishable foods into your pantry ASAP.

The sooner, the better!

Sure, more food and water stockpiles will be a BIG focus once you’re finished with all 10 steps.

But it’s time to move on to the next step – how to cook this food without relying on your power company.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

4. Alternative Cooking Method

You can have all the rice, beans, or freeze-dried foods you want – but it’s NOT very useful if you CAN’T cook it.

You need a way to boil water as your most basic food prep.

Now, there are all sorts of advanced solutions to this prepping issue, including:

•   Wood cookstoves
•   Solar ovens
•   Backpacking stoves
•   Etc.

And in a pinch, a backyard fire pit can work as well – but it’s not very efficient. You’ll go through a wood stockpile way too FAST that way.

So instead, I recommend investing in a rocket stove (one of the best ones for simple water boiling is the Eco-Zoom Versa).

So you can buy a rocket stove or DIY and build your own.

But the bottom line is:

A rocket stove is the most efficient way to boil water using wood. Heck, you can use small twigs and sticks to boil water.

The key is getting the most heat from the least amount of fuel, which is EXACTLY what rocket stoves do.

Now you should also invest in fuel for your rocket stove. Don’t assume you’ll be able to wander out to the woods after a disaster occurs.

So, make sure to stock enough firewood to cook two weeks’ worth of food you’ve stockpiled. This amount will depend on how large your family is.

BONUS – In a winter power outage, you can use your rocket stove to heat a small outdoor hut or shed. Just be very careful of burning wood inside a home or contained space. Not only is there the risk of starting a fire, but the fumes can accumulate and become toxic to breathe. But a rocket stove could save your fingers and toes from frostbite in a pinch.

Note: Here’s an article I wrote about rocket stoves (it includes a few of the best ones on the market today, plus some DIY ideas).

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

5. Invest In A Hand Crank Radio

This one is simple – invest in a quality hand-crank radio.

In any widespread disaster, where chaos is ruling the day, you CAN’T rely on electrical power. Because if the power goes out, how are you going to find out WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

• Is it safe to go outside?
• Are more attacks happening? Where?
• Is the water supply compromised? Are roadblocks in place?
• Is the storm passed?
• Where is flooding the worst? Etc.

Most electronic devices (TVs, Computers, phones) won’t work when the power is out.

That’s why you need to get a hand-crank radio.

It’s exactly what it sounds like – an AM/FM/Weather radio that includes a hand crank generator.

I really like the Scorpion II Multi-Powered Weather Radio & Flashlight by Eton.

The hand crank allows you to generate your own power to charge the radio’s battery.

Plus, with some advanced models, you can also use the hand crank to charge a phone.

A hand-crank radio is one of the BEST and first pieces of prepping gear you should buy. Just make sure you buy a quality one since it may become your main lifeline for information in a crisis.

NOTE: Here’s an article I wrote that reviews many of the best hand-crank radios on the market today.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

6 – Basic Defense Measures (Home & Personal)

Now this one is a bit tricky because each person’s current situation is different. So I’m going to focus on what I consider the “bare minimum” for both home and self-defense.

Of course, the more defense measures, the better, but these are Basic Steps, so get these in place first if you’re 100% fragile in these important defense categories.

Personal Defense

Ideally, for personal defense, you’re trained to use firearms and have plenty of ammo to go with your sidearm of choice. And preferably, you also have some martial arts training as well.

But I consider both of those more advanced prepping personal defense measures.

I recommend investing in a high-quality pepper spray if you’re truly starting from scratch in the personal defense department.

Pepper Spray

Pepper spray has proven to be a powerful deterrent to attackers.

They are also non-lethal and straightforward to use (point and spray). Plus, you can easily carry a small canister of it just about anywhere.

I recommend a pepper spray called “Fox Labs – it uses insanely HOT peppers and has a dominant spray pattern.

Plus, it’s used by the Police around the country, and it’s the right size to neutralize several attackers if necessary.

Home Fortification

Home fortification can be a tricky topic to discuss. Everyone’s situation is so unique. For example, renters have fewer options than homeowners.

But I believe there are bare minimum strategies you must put in place from a home defense – which include:

Install Deadbolts and Basic Alarms

Deadbolts have proven to slow down forced entries significantly.

Deadbolts prevent single kick break-ins, and when paired with a door reinforcement kit, they can withstand a battering ram (see video here). 

So with a deadbolt, a forced entry situation will take longer and create more of a ruckus. Both time and noise are significant deterrents for thieves or bandits.

If you rent and don’t have deadbolts, I recommend you make a formal request to the landlord. I think it’s inexcusable for a landlord to be so cheap to refuse to install deadbolts.

NOTE: Most landlords will want to avoid the potential liability and install deadbolts if your formal written request includes the words: “I am concerned about my safety.”

Now, if you rent, regardless of whether you have deadbolts or not, you should invest in a door stop alarm OR door jammer bar for each entry point.

You can put these tools in place nightly or keep them for a future disaster. They’re an added layer of security when you’re frightened and want something extra to prevent a hostile break-in.

Plus, many of the doorstop or jammer bars include alarm triggers built-in. So not only are you securing your doors, they will alert you and your neighbors should someone try to break in.

Now for homeowners, ideally, you have deadbolts. And if you have the means, a basic alarm system.

You don’t need an expensive hard-wired system. I’ve installed a self-monitoring alarm system by Abode (here’s their starter kit) – it works great for my needs. 

I have heard good things about the Ring Security System, which also pairs nicely with the Ring Video Doorbell.

Also, I recommend installing motion-sensing lighting near ALL entryways – especially doors in a backyard area or ones with concealment nearby (fence, bushes, shed, etc.).

The bottom line is:

You must make it more of a challenge for someone to break into your home than your surrounding neighbors. That way, an intruder will likely move on to easier targets.

That’s the goal with this step – target hardening!

Do as much as you’re able to do, but ideally, you secure your doors, add an alarm of some sort, and motion-detecting lights (if possible).

NOTE: Here’s an article I wrote about how to reinforce doors (which includes information about door stop alarms and door jammer bars – plus so much more).

p.s. If you install motion-sensing lighting, ensure any potential intruder can’t just walk up to the bulb and twist it off. That’s why I like these ones with integrated LEDs. Many modern light covers have open bottoms to allow downcast lighting, but you’ll want to modify the light cover to prevent this vulnerability. OR install a security floodlight high enough to prevent quick access.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

7. Basic Medical (Supplies & Know-How)

It’s essential to keep a basic first aid kit in your home. And you must be able to use the supplies in that first aid kit.

You can’t rely on your family doctor, urgent care, or the ER during a widespread disaster.

Why? Because first off, the emergency rooms may be full. Especially when you layer on a global pandemic like we are experiencing in 2020, causing ICUs to already be at full capacity. 

OR, worst yet, it may be too dangerous to attempt a journey to get to them. And if things are bad enough, doctors and first responders may choose to stay at home. They will prioritize their own family’s safety instead of heading into the hospital.

Either way, just like power, you’re utterly fragile if you don’t have any medical supplies in your home.

That’s why you must learn basic first aid AND have the supplies you need to perform that first aid in a pinch.

I highly recommend you invest in a MyMedic First Aid Kit and The Survival Medicine Handbook.

I’ve reviewed both of these products and vouch for their quality.

Here are a few of the MyMedic kits you can choose from:

With these two resources in place, you’ll be ready to provide some basic medical care in a pinch. That’s a much more resilient way to live.

NOTE: Here’s an article I wrote about building your own survival medical kit (if you choose to go the DIY route instead).

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

8. Invest In A Quality Gas Mask (& Filters)

Now you may be thinking, “A Gas Mask? That sounds like an ADVANCED prepping tool,” – but you’re wrong.

Why? Because if the air you breathe ever becomes toxic, without one, you’re screwed.

You could be dead within a few hours if it’s a nasty chemical attack. If it’s nuclear fallout, you’ll be dead in a few months or a few years…

Here’s a list of just a few of the disasters a gas mask is necessary to support your survival:

•   Nuclear Attacks (fallout)
•   Chemical Attacks (lots of air-based toxins)
•   Out of Control Riots (tear gas – or worse)
•   Super Volcanic Explosion (ash fallout)
•   Deadly Pandemics (viruses)
•   Wildfires (smoke/ash)

So I believe every household should own at least one gas mask (plus a couple of filters). Ideally, you’d get a gas mask for each family member – but the costs can go up quickly.

If you own at least one, then the rest of the family can remain hunkered down. Usually, you only need one person to leave home for supplies runs, etc.

It’s not ideal, but having at least one gas mask gives you a chance and MORE options in a worst-case scenario.

Now, I’ve spent hours and hours researching different gas masks and manufacturers, and I’ve settled on two leading suppliers:

 

 

Both of these masks are high quality AND worth every penny.

You’ll need to buy at least one gas mask per family (feel free to buy one per person if you have the means to do so).

You’ll also want to buy AT LEAST two gas mask filters per mask.

NOTE: Here’s an extensive gas mask article I wrote if you have any questions or want to do even more research.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

9. Build A Bug Out Bag

If you’re new to prepping, you’ll want to hunker down for most emergencies.

Why? Because leaving the safety of your home and supplies could end in disaster.

Most disasters will have an apex. There will be a ramp-up of chaos, but things will settle a bit at some point, and a cleanup period will begin.

For these disasters, it’s safer to hunker down and wait things out.

However, with that said, there are disasters when hunkering down is NOT possible. Take a flood or fire, for example.

If your neighborhood is flooding or burning – it would be STUPID to stay.

That’s why everyone must put together a small go-bag or bug-out bag—a bag filled with a few necessary supplies that are ready to grab at a moment’s notice.

You’ll want to be able to grab your loved ones and your bug-out bags and be out the door in under 1 minute.

Right now, don’t worry about having a bug-out location – that’s for advanced survivalists…

Again, for now, you’re going to stay home unless the disaster forces you out. And if you’re forced out, get away from the path of danger and find some open land or campsite to wait things out.

Also, don’t assume your vehicle will be available. Sure, it probably will be for most disasters, but you must plan for the worst, and that means walking. So think about the safest travel paths to exit your neighborhood. 

NOTE: Today should also be the day that you look at the ½ full mark on your gas tank as your new EMPTY. Why? Because gas will be hard to come by in an emergency. It is always best to have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.

Finally, if you don’t have a bug-out bag, I recommend the EVATAC Combat bag.

It’s got quality buckles, lots of compartments, and a MOLLE strap system, and it’s about the right size (not too big or small).

It’s the bag I use for my bug-out gear and supplies.

NOTE: Here’s my 104-Item Bug Out Bag Checklist article – this will help give you some ideas on what to put into your Bug Out Bag. Just remember, this is an idealist – I DO NOT recommend you put EVERYTHING on the list in your bug-out bag because it would quickly become TOO HEAVY.

Click here to get the free 10 Baby Steps To Preparedness video training and downloadable PDF

10. Join A Survival Coalition

Once you’ve completed Basic Prepping Steps 1-9, you’ve got a simple survival plan in place for all major categories.

1. WARMTH
2. WATER
3. FOOD
4. COOKING
5. COMMUNICATIONS
6. DEFENSE
7. MEDICAL 
8. AIR 
9. BUG OUT

So I want to say, “CONGRATULATIONS – your basic needs are taken care of for MOST future disasters that may last multiple weeks!

Take a deep breath and celebrate; this journey was likely a massive achievement for YOU!!

Yet, with that said, it’s NOT ENOUGH if you want to live a resilient life.

Sure, what you now have in place is better than nothing. But you’re still fragile to any epic disasters or ones that last more than just a few weeks.

But the good news is, NOW you’re ready to move into advanced levels of prepping.

You’re ready to begin your journey of creating a resilient life.

I’m talking about a life where most of your decisions and choices are focused on reducing your fragility to life’s uncertainties.

For example –

•   Having less debt and more cash makes you less fragile to financial crises (both personal and global).
•   Creating a rainwater collection system to capture rain off your roof – gives you a “FREE” fresh supply of water should the taps ever run dry. A system like this makes you much less fragile than a shared municipal water delivery system.
•   Build a side business to create resiliency in your career and cash flows.
•   Growing a backyard garden adds resiliency to your life by providing food to your table that’s not JUST from a grocery store.

These are just a few of the actions you can take to help reduce your fragility and increase your resiliency.

And as you become more resilient, you’ll likely find you’re less stressed, calmer, happier, and more fulfilled. You’ll be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy life so much more.

Living a resilient life STARTs by reducing anxiety and stress. But once you get past the basics and join the resilient few – you’ll begin enjoying your life MORE.

I genuinely believe our modern culture of extreme luxury and comfort is fragile. And it’s NOT fulfilling or creating truly long-lasting satisfaction and happiness.

My answer to that is The Resilient Life—a system I built to help you become the BEST, MOST confident, and PREPARED version of yourself.

A member of the “resilient few” who’s ready for WHATEVER storms of life come your way.

Click Here To Learn More NOW

 

The post Prepping 101: 10 Simple Steps To Getting Started appeared first on Skilled Survival.

This wasn’t “the Big One”, but hopefully it will serve as a wake up call for millions of California residents.  The magnitude 6.4 earthquake that just struck northern California killed two people and caused quite a bit of damage, but scientists have been persistently warning us that someday a massive earthquake will hit the region that will be absolutely catastrophic.  In fact, just one day before the magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit northern California, we were specifically warned that someday a very large quake in northern California could cause “thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damage”.  The following was posted by the Daily Mail on December 19th…

Seismologists say San Francisco is due a devastating earthquake in the not-too-distant future – potentially causing thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in damage.

The United States Geological Survey predicts there is a 51 percent chance of a magnitude 7 quake hitting within the next three decades – releasing energy equivalent to around 1,000 atomic bombs.

A quake of that magnitude would ruin buildings, shut off electricity and vital communications, and cause huge wildfires, according to government modeling.

So is it just a coincidence that a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the region just one day later?

Maybe.

According to Fox News, the quake that just hit Humboldt County caused substantial damage “to roads and homes”…

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office warned in an alert of “widespread damages to roads and homes” reported throughout the county after a magnitude 6.4 earthquake shook the northern California coast early Tuesday morning.

“Due to a large earthquake, widespread damages to roads and homes are reported throughout Humboldt County. Be prepared for aftershocks. Check gas and water lines for damages or leaks. Exercise caution if traveling,” it said in a tweet.

This is the largest earthquake that the state has experienced in quite a while, and one local resident says that the shaking lasted for about 15 to 20 seconds…

Jimmy Eller, who claims to live in the county, tweeted: “That earthquake was insane. A good 15-20 seconds of shaking.”

Those that have felt the ground violently shaking under their feet will never forget the sensation.

Another local resident that has lived in the region for 65 years claims that this latest earthquake is the biggest one that she has ever been through…

Diana McIntosh, 69, said the temblor woke her up inside her home in an apartment complex in central Humboldt County.

“It felt like north and south rocked back and forth, and it kept getting bigger and bigger. I heard banging, things crashing and glass shattering,” said McIntosh, who lives alone in her apartment off the freeway near the Pacific Ocean.

McIntosh, who said she has lived in the Eureka area for 65 years, called it the biggest earthquake she has ever experienced.

“I was screaming,” she said. “The way that it shook … I’ve never felt anything like that in my life.”

So was this the main event, or is an even larger earthquake eventually coming?

Nobody really knows, but so far there have been approximately 80 aftershocks…

Up to 80 aftershocks rattled parts of Northern California after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the area early Tuesday, according to California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci.

The largest aftershock was a 4.6 magnitude quake which happened in Rio Dell, which he described as one of the “hardest hit areas.”

Hopefully things will settle down for at least a little while.

But as I discussed last month, we have seen a lot of very unusual earthquakes lately.

And as I discussed earlier this month, volcanic activity has also been on the rise all over the globe.

We are witnessing a tremendous amount of instability all over the planet, and this is particularly true in high risk zones.

Of course the entire west coast of the United States sits directly along the Ring of Fire, and I have been warning for years that there will eventually be extremely catastrophic seismic events that will permanently alter the geography of the coastline.

Scientists have been issuing similar warnings.  In addition to warning about what could happen to northern California, they have also pointed out how vulnerable southern California, Oregon and Washington are…

A 2008 scenario said a magnitude 7.8 quake could cause nearly 2,000 deaths and more than $200 billion in economic losses. Big quakes in Los Angeles are particularly devastating because the soil holding up the city will turn into a “bowl of jelly,” according to a post published by catastrophe modeling company Temblor.

Another scenario warns that a stretch of coast in Oregon and Washington state is capable of producing an earthquake much more powerful than the ones California is bracing for. Parts of coastline would suddenly drop 6 feet, shattering critical bridges, destroying undersea communication cables and producing a tsunami.

Thousands are expected to die, but local leaders are considering projects that could give coastal residents a better chance at survival.

But most people that live along the west coast are not interested in such warnings.

Thankfully, the U.S. Geological Survey has now developed a system that gives people advance notice when an earthquake is coming.  In fact, it worked as designed during this latest event…

Some Bay Area residents were promptly woken up by a ShakeAlert app notification 10 seconds before a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Humboldt County early Tuesday morning. At 2:34 a.m., emergency officials released an alert via the ShakeAlert system operated by the U.S. Geological Survey telling people to drop, cover and hold on for an earthquake that occurred about 8 miles offshore of Ferndale, a town more than 250 miles north of San Francisco.

The alert was sent to some 3 million people in Northern California, and the system successfully operated as emergency service crews hoped, said Mark Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

A 10 second warning may allow you to drop and cover, but if a giant tsunami is racing toward the coastline a 10 second warning won’t do you much good at all.

The experts assure us that it is just a matter of time before a massive seismic event kills vast numbers of people along the west coast.

But for the moment, ignorance is bliss, and most people that live in the region will continue to pretend that everything is just fine.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, 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 copies as gifts 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 definitely 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 invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Just One Day After An Ominous Warning, The California Coast Was Hit By An Enormous Earthquake appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

For many of us, the concept of a desert region doesn’t fit the true definition. Mention a desert to some, and the image of the great Sahara desert in Africa comes to mind. However, the concept of miles and miles of huge wind-blown dunes devoid of any kind of life doesn’t really fit the true…

The post How to Find Food in the Desert appeared first on Survival Cache.

We needed a moment like this.  Needless to say, the past several years have not been easy for humanity.  2020 was worse than 2019, and then 2021 was worse than 2020, and then 2022 was worse than 2021.  Unfortunately, 2023 is going to be significantly worse than 2022 was.  But for a few glorious hours on Sunday we were able to forget about our troubles for a while.  The greatest World Cup final ever to be played was watched by more people than any other television program in the history of the world, and it all came down to the very end.  When Gonzalo Montiel’s penalty kick hit the back of the net, shouts of exultation erupted literally all over the world.

Argentina had done it.

This was probably Lionel Messi’s last chance to win a World Cup, and they pulled it out.

When it was all over, tears of joy streamed down the faces of the Argentinian players.  They had been carrying around the weight of the world on their shoulders, because they knew how much this meant to the people of Argentina.

But this wasn’t just about Argentina.

Other than in France, fans across the globe overwhelmingly wanted Messi to win a World Cup.

And in the stadium in Qatar, the crowd was an overwhelmingly pro-Messi crowd.

It would be difficult to overstate what Messi means to kids all over the planet.  To say that he is one of the greatest players of all-time would be stating the obvious.  But Messi’s popularity goes far beyond what most other great players ever achieve.

When people watch Messi play, they see pure joy in action.  He is an artist, a magician and a maestro all rolled into one.  He has done things on the field that we have never seen anyone else do, and no matter what he accomplished over the years he always did it with humility and style.

But now he is 35 years old, and his prime years are well behind him.

And coming into this tournament, I felt like there were several other teams that had more talent than Argentina did.

So even though many of us were strongly rooting for Argentina, it seemed unlikely that Argentina would actually win it all.

But Messi believed.  In fact, after the final was over he admitted that he somehow knew that God was going to give him this opportunity…

After a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France, the No.10 says he knew that God would reward him with the ultimate prize in Qatar.

“It’s impressive that I can finish like this,” Messi told reporters. “I knew that at some point God was going to give it to me and I don’t know why, but I felt it was going to be like this. Once again he made me very happy.”

This certainly was not an easy tournament for Argentina.

There was the first game against Saudi Arabia, there was the near loss to the Netherlands, and then in the final there were moments when it seemed like France was destined to win.

Thankfully, Argentina refused to give up.

For much of the final, France seemed to be asleep.  Argentina pulled out to a 2-0 lead, and that lead seemed quite secure.

But then in the 79th minute the French finally woke up.

Nicolas Otamendi has been a tremendous player over the years, but at this point in his career he really lacks pace.

I had been concerned about this throughout the tournament, but it wasn’t until the final that this really became a major issue.

In the 79th minute Randal Kolo Muani threatened to blow past Otamendi, and Otamendi ended up committing a foul in the penalty area as he desperately attempted to stay with the attacker.

Kylian Mbappe converted the penalty, and all of a sudden it was 2-1.

At that point I started to get real nervous.

Then when Mbappe scored again shortly after that, I hurled the ball that I was holding across the room in frustration.

It was 2-2.

I could hardly believe it.

Hundreds of millions of fans (including myself) desperately wanted Messi to win, and now a certain victory had evaporated right in front of our eyes.

I was pleading with Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni to get some fresh legs in there, because his players were dead tired.

Throughout the game the Argentinian midfielders had played like wild animals, but as the game approached 90 minutes the fatigue was showing.

France had the momentum, and it looked like they might be able to complete a comeback for the ages.

But thankfully the break before the first overtime period seemed to give the Argentinians new energy, and they regained the initiative.

Argentina had more of the ball than France did during the first overtime period, but there were no goals.

In the second overtime period, Argentina threatened numerous times, and then a scramble in front of the French goal in the 108th minute resulted in Messi putting the ball across the line.

At that moment, hundreds of millions of fans started jumping up and down all over the planet.

Messi had done it.

The game was over.

But it wasn’t.

Just prior to the end of the second overtime period, a desperate shot by Kylian Mbappe hit the arm of Gonzalo Montiel.

A penalty shot was awarded, and Mbappe converted once again.

It was 3-3, and it seemed like we were headed for penalty kicks.

Of course the action wasn’t over yet.  Both teams raced up and down the field as they attempted to win the game, and there were golden chances at both ends.

But neither team was able to score, and so the game would be settled at the penalty spot.

Ironically, the player that scored the decisive penalty kick for Argentina was also the player that had given France the penalty that had tied the game during the second overtime period.

So Gonzalo Montiel went from being a national scapegoat to a national hero in a matter of just a few minutes.

But this day was not about Gonzalo Montiel.

Ultimately, this day was about Lionel Messi and the hundreds of millions of fans that love him all over the world.

Messi had won every other major trophy that he could have possibly won throughout his career, but he had never won a World Cup.

And if Argentina had not won on Sunday, that fact would have haunted him for the rest of his life.

Messi didn’t just have a monkey on his back.  He had a giant gorilla on his back, and the rest of the team could feel it too.

The entire Argentina team wanted to win this one for Messi.

And most of the fans on the entire planet wanted them to win this one for Messi.

Thankfully, they did it.

They pulled off a miracle, and they made a lot of us extremely nervous in the process.

Today was a day that reminded so many of us why we truly love this sport, and this World Cup final was an instant classic that will never be forgotten.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, 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 copies as gifts 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 definitely 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 invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post A Day Of Tremendous Joy For The Entire World appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

@media (max-width:576px) { .read-more-content { height: 270em; } }

The post VIDEO: Home on the Range With Army Ranger Marcus Mencotti appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

The top general in Ukraine is warning that Russia is currently putting together an enormous new army.  Will Vladimir Putin try to bring about a decisive end to the war by sending this new army into Ukraine from the north?  In recent weeks the Russians have regained the initiative in Ukraine, but if they try to win the conflict by slowly slogging through the heavily fortified plains of eastern Ukraine it could be years before the fighting finally ends.  Obviously Putin would like to be able to declare victory at some point in 2023, but the only way that is going to happen is if the Russians can find a way to cut off the Ukrainian forces in the eastern half of the country from their NATO suppliers.  The way to do that would be to conduct a lightning strike from the north that literally slices Ukraine in half.  The flow of mercenaries and equipment would stop, and the surrounded Ukrainian forces in the east would either be forced to surrender or would eventually be wiped out.

Of course it would take a vast army to successfully conduct such an operation, and the top general in Ukraine says that is precisely what the Russians have been working on…

Russia is building a new 200,000-man army for a second attack on Kyiv that could begin in weeks, Ukraine’s top general has warned.

Valery Zaluzhny, head of the Ukrainian armed forces, believes Vladimir Putin is turning his newly-mobilised men into armies somewhere deep inside Russia which he will throw into fresh attacks on Ukraine.

When Putin first invaded Ukraine in February, he did so with a force around 175,000 men. If General Zaluzhny is correct, any even larger army is already on its way.

Over the past several weeks, there have been lots of videos on social media that supposedly show men and equipment being moved into position.

The troops of Russia and Belarus are massively transferring heavy equipment to the border with Ukraine pic.twitter.com/yxezHBjdAI

— AZ (@AZgeopolitics) December 14, 2022

But just because the Russians are shifting forces around does not mean that a new offensive will actually happen.

General Zaluzhny seems to believe that a new invasion is definitely coming, but he is not sure whether it will come from the north, the east or the south…

Russia is massing men and arms for a new offensive. As soon as January, but more likely in the spring, it could launch a big attack from Donbas in the east, from the south or even from Belarus, a puppet state in the north. Russian troops will aim to drive back Ukrainian forces and could even stage a second attempt to take Kyiv, the capital.

Those are not our words, but the assessment of the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, General Valery Zaluzhny. In an unprecedented series of briefings within the past fortnight the general, along with Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, and General Oleksandr Syrsky, the head of its ground forces, warned us of the critical few months ahead. “The Russians are preparing some 200,000 fresh troops,” General Zaluzhny told us. “I have no doubt they will have another go at Kyiv.” Western sources say that Russia’s commander, General Sergey Surovikin, has always seen this as a multi-year conflict.

There are others that believe that the army that the Russians are constructing is far larger than 200,000 men.

In fact, Col. Douglas Macgregor is telling us that a total of 540,000 Russian troops are now “assembled in Southern Ukraine, Western Russia, and Belarus”…

The coming offensive phase of the conflict will provide a glimpse of the new Russian force that is emerging and its future capabilities. At this writing, 540,000 Russian combat forces are assembled in Southern Ukraine, Western Russia, and Belarus. The numbers continue to grow, but the numbers already include 1,000 rocket artillery systems, thousands of tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, plus 5,000 armored fighting vehicles, including at least 1,500 tanks, hundreds of manned fixed-wing attack aircraft, helicopters, and bombers. This new force has little in common with the Russian army that intervened 9 months ago on February 24, 2022.

Without a doubt, this would be a vastly superior force to the one that originally invaded Ukraine.

Macgregor believes that the Russians are waiting for the ground to completely freeze before launching their new invasion, and I tend to agree with that assessment.

Mud makes it very difficult for military vehicles to move rapidly once they are off the paved roads, but once the ground is completely frozen that won’t be a problem.

Meanwhile, the U.S. just keeps getting even more deeply involved in the conflict.

Earlier today, I was quite alarmed to hear that the Biden administration is actually thinking of sending “a small number of additional U.S. troops to Ukraine”…

The Defense Department is working to shore up efforts to track weapons provided to Ukraine, according to three senior U.S. officials, including discussing whether to send a small number of additional U.S. troops to Ukraine.

The discussion comes as the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches and the Biden administration contends with the ground war and a new political battlefield at home. The incoming Republican House majority has signaled it will be more skeptical of a “blank check” for Ukraine and will want more accountability about how U.S. weapons are distributed and used. Some GOP lawmakers could try to block economic and military aid — or limit U.S. troop presence.

Unless we actually want a war with Russia, we should not have any troops in Ukraine at all.

At this point, we are already so deeply involved that the Russians are claiming that we have “effectively become a party” to the conflict…

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the U.S. had “effectively become a party” to the war by providing Ukraine with weapons and training its troops. She added that if reports about U.S. intentions to provide Kyiv with Patriot surface-to-air missile system prove true, it would become “another provocative move by the U.S.” and broaden its involvement in the hostilities, “entailing possible consequences.”

“Any weapons systems supplied to Ukraine, including the Patriot, along with the personnel servicing them, have been and will remain legitimate priority targets for the Russian armed forces,” Zakharova declared.

The Russians have been warning us of potential “consequences” over and over again, but we just keep sending Ukraine more money and giving them more weapons.

If we continue going down this path, we could eventually find ourselves in a full-blown shooting war with the Russians.

We were specifically warned that this was coming, but most Americans aren’t paying attention.  In fact, it is being reported that 23 percent of the U.S. population struggles to read, and most of the rest of the population simply relies on the corporate media for their information.

If the American people truly understood what was at stake, there would be huge protests in every major U.S. city right now.

Let us hope that a peaceful way out of this mess can be found, because with each passing day we are getting closer to a point of return.

One of these days a line will be crossed that will never be able to be uncrossed, and once we reach that stage it will be a very, very sad day for the entire planet.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, 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 copies as gifts 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 definitely 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 invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Is Russia Preparing To Conduct A Massive New Invasion Of Ukraine From The North? appeared first on End Of The American Dream.