Viral Disease Wipes Out East African Crops

It is so difficult to consider the affects of the viral disease that is sweeping across East Africa and will ultimately result in starvation for many people there, when right around the corner from where I live there are homeless people camping out in our local Occupy living on whatever food they can gather through donations.  I suppose the difference between the hungry at Occupy and the hungry in East Africa is that there is still food that can be donated here.  There, even if people wanted to donate, they couldn't. 

It is expected that 175,000 people will starve to death in one region alone in Kibuka as a result of this devastating crop loss.  That number is only expected to increase as harvests continue to fail in  several different nations.  

Got an Extra $50,000,000 Laying Around?

Wells Fargo has joined US Bancorp in opening offices that are designed exclusively to appeal to and pamper the super rich.  If you have $50 million to invest, you too can be counted worthy of one of Wells’ programs.

What Lives are Made Of...

After the earthquake and tsunami last March in Japan, people on the West Coast have lived with the horrible possibility that they have been subjected to a very real, yet entirely invisible reminder of Japan’s devastation:  radiation.  Now we can look forward to a tangible record of the disaster as well, as 5 to 20 tons of debris that washed into the Pacific Ocean heads our way.  That’s 5 to 20 tons of things – cars, boats, appliances, boots, washbasins, furniture, buoys, and rooftops – that were once a part of the lives of tens of thousands of people. 

The Price of Peanut Butter is About to Go Through the Roof - and Not of Your Mouth!

A Quick Summary:

One of the many manifestations of climate change is drought.  As I’ve written many times, the southern belt of the United States is suffering horribly, particularly Texas and Georgia. And it’s Georgia we’ll be looking at for the moment.

Is This a Case of "The Right Hand Not Knowing What the Left Hand is Killing?”

Honey Bee Kill-Off in Brevard County Florida

Several million bees have been found dead in over 400 hives in the last week in Brevard County, Florida.  There isn’t any clear explanation as to the cause of the die-off, but it is believed by some to be the result of the use of chemical pesticide sprays over large areas to control mosquitoes.

White Nose Syndrome Update

The US Fish and Wildlife Service provides continuously updated information on the spread of White Nose Syndrome in bat populations.  Please click on the link below for articles that explain what White Nose Syndrome is and also provides maps that document the spread of the disease.  Loss of large populations of bats will have devastating consequences for our food production capabilities.  We need to stay alert to this one.  

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome/maps.html

Are You Prepared?

Preparation for disaster takes on different flavors depending upon the types of disasters being prepared for.  In order to get ready for any eventuality I'm providing you with three links to get you started.  Good luck!

CDC:  Emergency Preparedness and Response

http://emergency.cdc.gov/

 

Homeland Security:  Preparing Your Family

http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/citizens-preparedness.shtm

 

FEMA:  Prepare for a Disaster

http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Is Monsanto Creating Superbugs?

In a study at Iowa State University, entomologist Aaron Gassmann discusses the development of Superbugs as a result of the use of Monsanto’s genetically modified corn seed.  Dr. Gassmann found that the western corn rootworm might be developing resistance to and overcoming the affects of the pesticides used in the seed to kill them.       

(See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH4OwBYDQe8 to view The World According to Monsanto.)

Global Refugee Camps

Interactive map showing all of the refugee camps in the world provided by MillionSoulsAware.org.  Click on the title above for access.

Columbia University Study - El Nino and Armed Conflicts Linked

In a study conducted at Columbia University and published in Nature, it was determined that the number of armed conflicts double during El Nino years. The research looked at armed conflicts between 1950 and 2004 in the tropical parts of South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific region, and included parts of Australia.  The data showed that fully 1/5 of them could be linked to the 4 to 7 year El Nino climate cycles. 

What I find so interesting about the study is that even though a correlation was established, the authors could only speculate as to the underlying factors that might actually trigger the violence.  They suggest that the armed conflicts are a result of the heat that causes failed harvests, and the subsequent loss of food and income.

They also speculate that additional results of the erratic weather, are an increase in the number of hurricanes, an increase in the area and durations of droughts, and the increase in disease.  

As Day Turns Into Night

It wasn't the first time day turned into night.  The people stood still, looking at the horizon, squinting their eyes, their shoulders already weary form what was about to come.  They quickly gathered their children together and brought them inside, closing the doors behind them and shutting all the windows tightly.  As the cloud moved closer, the air became heavy with stifling heat, and breathing was hampered.  The dust storm was here, and those caught outside sought shelter wherever possible, in cars, in buildings, and under bridges.  Clothing was pulled up to protect eyes and noses from the stinging, flying dust, and lips were pinched closed to keep the fine powder out of lungs.  There was nothing to do but huddle... huddle, sweat, weep and wait it out as one dried-out field after another blew through the city. 

*******************************

This may sound like America in the 1930's, but it isn’t.  It's Phoenix, Arizona, 2011, and it has had 3 large dust storms hit in the last 6 weeks.  Dust storms aren’t unusual for this part of the country, but the sheer size and power of these storms are. 

Obama’s New Initiative to Meet Military Fuel Demands

Even though the world has passed peak oil production, no one in authority ever speaks of it except to deny its existence.  They will generally talk about supply and demand, as if oil is renewable and readily available, and infer that the price highs and lows are nothing more than a reaction to the whims of consumers.  But over the last 5 years, oil price volatility can be seen much differently.  Up until then, a spike in the price of oil would kill demand, causing the price to drop and stabilize, until the next spike in usage.  Now, the increase in oil prices still kills demand, but emerging economies soak up every drop of oil consumers in industrialized nations can’t afford to purchase.  So, rising oil prices aren’t about killing demand any longer, they are about shifting product.  

What to Expect: Food Prices Up, Available Meat Down

It’s going to be a double-whammy for American’s trying to cope with a reduction in meat production and an increase in food prices next year.     

Because of the heat wave, drought and flooding in many areas, there has been a reduction in the production of corn, soybeans and wheat.  This immediately translates to an increase in food prices, including the price of food we will need to feed our livestock.  Add to that an increased difficulty our cattle will have reproducing due to heat, and we are looking at double-trouble.

Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture

 

CSAs have been formed both by small farmers and consumers so that both can benefit through the exchange of foodstuffs for either labor or membership.  They are attracting political attention and support, and appear to be the next step towards sustainable living in this country.

 

I am providing links so that you can get additional information about CSAs, and hopefully locate one near you.

 

Find one and participate!

 

http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml

http://www.biodynamics.com/csa.html

http://rodaleinstitute.lorg/farm_locator

http://www.wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=1567

http://www.eatwellguid.org

http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/local_food/search.php

US Food Insecurity Interactive Maps

Food Security Aid Map

http://foodsecurity.ngoaidmap.org/

Productivity Growth Rate - Rice (percent growth per year)

http://www.ifpri.org/climatechange/casemaps.html

FAO Hunger:  Prevalence of Undernourishment in Total Population Interactive Map

http://www.fao.org/hunger/en/

The Death of the American Middle Class

Almost three years after the initial crisis of the financial markets, the crash of the housing market, the crash of the stock market, and the astronomical rise in unemployment, we seem to still be listening to Mr. Ben Bernanke and government representatives telling us it’s all getting better.  We are also getting ready to play the pre-election, finger-pointing blame game, as many Americans ramp up, and prepare to repeat the mantra “it will all get better if we just elect…” You fill in the blank.  But…

Stretching Your Grocery Dollar - Meat Replacements

From Hunting and Gathering In the New Millennium:  Not Having to Live Without

The Little Things… are two recipes for mock meat.  These can be used to replace meat entirely, or used to add to meat to stretch your dollar.  Both are excellent, healthy alternatives that can be made from vegetables you grow in your own backyard garden.  Enjoy!

How We Live - The Amerian Dream Gone Awry

For so long, we have lived in plenty.  All any of us need do is look outside our front doors and see wealth.  It pours onto our streets, can be seen in our architecture, our food production, our entertainment, in the things we buy and in the things we throw away.

Mark Fiorino

The Incident

February 13, 2011 Mark Fiorino, age 25, was stopped in Philadelphia by a police officer for carrying a holstered, 40 caliber Glock, in plain view on his left hip.  The officer drew his own weapon, defensively aimed at Mr. Fiorino’s chest and asked “Yo, Junior… what are you doing?” The officer did not identify himself as a police officer, but did tell Mr. Fiorino that his name was Sergeant Michael Dougherty, when asked.  Sergeant Dougherty called for backup, ordered Mr. Fiorino to his knees, and finally ordered him to lay face down.  Through the course of verbal directives, orders, and unprofessional language on the part of the police officers involved, it was discovered that Mr. Fiorino had been voice recording the entire incident.  The police did not confiscate the voice recorder, nor was he arrested for recording the incident, however, and forty minutes after Sergeant Dougherty drew his weapon, Mr. Fiorino was released. 

What We Can All Be Saving NOW

The Power of Madison Avenue: How the Lie Dances Around the Truth

The right to informed consent is defined as “the agreement by a person to a proposed course of conduct after the lawyer has communicated adequate information and explanation about the material risks of and reasonably available alternatives to the proposed course of conduct.” In re Collmar, 417 B.R. 920, 923 (Bankr, N.D. Ind. 2009).  And although is should apply to all interactions in which the individual is or can be subjected to abuse by entities and corporations that have power to harm them, it only applies to “medical procedures.”  For everything else, we have to depend on watchdog organizations, government regulators and corporate disclosure. 

Dehydrated Meals for Long Term Storage

Once you’ve tried them, and have decided that you like them, triple the recipe and store them by vacuum packing with an oxygen absorber enclosed. Remember that these foods are dehydrated, NOT dried.  Dried foods retain a certain level of moisture, which will ruin food storage.

For the Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Is the Hand That Rules the World

For a very long time I believed the sentiments of that poem, and still do to a certain extent.  It is true that “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world,” it’s just that mothers aren’t doing the rocking any longer. 

Processing Acorns and Pine Nuts

Acorns

First you will need to gather the acorns by picking them up off the ground or laying a tarp beneath the tree and shaking them loose.  Toss out any that are discolored, damaged in any way, or that have no caps, and then put them in a large pot of cold water to soak.  Be sure to remove any that float – they are inedible.

Bees: Colony Collapse Disorder

 

 

Before you use any of these recipes always try them out on a few leaves of one of the plants that is bothered by insects to make sure it does no harm to the plant itself.  Once you determine it is safe, spray in the early morning or late in the evening when beneficial insects aren’t typically about.  Also, make sure you spray the underside of leaves where bugs tend to like to hide.

 

I'm only listing recipes that can be taken from foods you can grow yourself in your own backyard garden.

 

Avian Flu Arrives in the US

NewsLeader.com, April 1, 2011

Farm Plans to Kill Turkeys Infected with Avian Flu

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20110401/NEWS01/104010367/1007/Farm-plans-kill-turkeys-infected-avian-flu

KY3 News, March 31, 2011

Testing Will See if Bird Flu has Spread From Turkey Farm in Polk County

http://articles.ky3.com/2011-03-31/bird-flu_29368568

Cargill

http://www.cargill.com/company/index.jsp

Union of Concerned Scientists

http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_industrial_agriculture/they-eat-what-the-reality-of.html#Same_Species_Meat_Diseased_Animals_and_F

Center for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/past.htm

Outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease

Current outbreaks include:  Vietnam, North Korea, South Korea, Bulgaria, China, and in Kwa-Zulu Natal  (Western Coast of Africa) to one degree or another.

Efforts Made to Contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Viet Nam News, March 31, 2011

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/Social-Isssues/209901/Efforts-made-to-contain-foot-and-mouth-disease.html

China's Xinjiang Reports Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak in Pigs
The Straits Times, March 31, 2011

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_651490.html

Bulgaria to Build a Fence along Turkish Border – Official
The Sophia Echo, March 31, 2011

http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/03/31/1068072_bulgaria-to-build-a-fence-along-turkish-border-official

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Taking Toll in Koreas
JAVMA News, March 30, 2011

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/apr11/110415l.asp

Crime Blamed for Outbreak
The New Age, March 31, 2011

http://www.thenewage.co.za/13936-1010-53-Crime_blamed_for_outbreak

Kwa-Zulu Natal  (Western Coast of Africa)

Bulgarian Farmers Rebel Against FMD Culling Plans
The Sofia Echo, March 31, 2011

http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/03/29/1066860_bulgarian-farmers-rebel-against-fmd-culling-plans

World War III - The Players

The European Union (EU)

An economic and political union with 27 member states

News Updates for March 29, 2011

Egypt is still Mubarakstan

More than two months after the start of the popular uprising that overthrew President Hosni Mubarak, Egyptians are increasingly fearful that although he is gone, his regime is still alive and kicking.

guardian.co.uk, March 29, 201

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/29/egypt-hosni-mubarak-corruption

Kenya:  Seed Company Warns Against Hoarding

The Kenya Seed Company has warned stockists and suppliers not to hoard or export seeds meant for local farmers. This follows complaints of a shortage of seeds and reports that some suppliers are exporting them.

allAfrica.com, March 28,2011

http://allafrica.com/stories/201103290291.html

Kikwete Shows Way to Fight Urban Poverty

Directs food reserve agency to release stocks into markets to cut high prices:

President Jakaya Kikwete has directed the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to strategically intervene in grain markets in a bid to lower skyrocketing prices and assist the urban poor.

IPPmwsi.com, March 29, 2011

http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=27508

China's Grain Imports Volume Hits Record High

The volume of China's grain imports, including soybeans and corn, exceeded 60 million tons in 2010, hitting a record high, said Chen Xiwen, deputy director of the Office of Central Financial Work Leading Group and director of the Office of Central Rural Work Leading Group, recently.

People's Daily Online, March 29, 2011

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/98649/7334584.html

Rising Corn Acreage Failing to Meet U.S. Feed, Ethanol Use

U.S. corn planting will expand to cover the second-largest area since World War II this year and still fail to meet demand for feed and ethanol, driving prices to their highest in at least 34 years.

Bloomberg, March 29, 2011

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-29/rising-corn-acreage-seen-failing-to-meet-increased-u-s-feed-ethanol-use.html

Feeding Our Enemies

Food aid does not reward North Korea’s bad behavior:

When the U.N. issues a report stating six million people are in need of international food aid, the U.S. is usually game for helping out. But when those six million people live in North Korea, the U.S. government sensibly takes a moment to think through the probable political implications.

mndaily.com, March 29, 2011

http://www.mndaily.com/2011/03/29/feeding-our-enemies

News Updates March 25, 2011

Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2011

U.N.:  North Korea Faces Critical Food Shortage

SEOUL—North Korea's government food distribution system will run dry in May and put one-quarter of the country's 24 million residents at risk of starvation, the U.N. World Food Program said in an assessment that may influence whether the U.S. and other countries provide assistance to the country

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704425804576221812983125224.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

BBC, March 24, 2011

Pakistan "Crop Shortage" Warning

Lowering wheat prices would create food shortages in Pakistan and encourage smuggling, officials say, responding to criticism from the UN.

On Wednesday the UN's food relief agency said the government set prices too high and malnutrition was rising.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12847052

AdisorOne, March 24, 2011

World Food Shortage Risk Inspires of Crop  ETF

With the risk of global food shortages growing by the day, commodities investors in the exchange traded fund (ETF) market are looking to sink their teeth into what they see as growing agribusiness opportunities.''

http://www.advisorone.com/article/world-food-shortage-risk-inspires-launch-crop-etf


USA Today, March 25, 2011

Japanese Jittery Over Shortages, Food Safety

 Residents in Tokyo and other major Japanese cities scrambled to find bottled water and basic foodstuffs Thursday amid changing reports about tap water and produce tainted by radiation from the country's crippled nuclear reactors.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2011-03-24-japan_N.htm?csp=34news

Nunatsaiz Online, March 24, 2011

Despite subsidies, Arctic Food Costs Poised to Rise, Oil prices, bad weather, global demand could negate Nutrition North

Officials with the North West Co. have said they expect to see prices on foods covered by Nutrition North Canada drop five to seven per cent when the program kicks in April 1.

http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/98789_despite_subsidies_arctic_food_costs_poised_to_rise/

News Update March 23, 2011

Alertnet

March 22, 2011

Malians Tune In For Food Security News

BAMAKO, Mali (AlertNet) - Television viewers across Mali can now get the latest news on which parts of the West African country face a risk of food shortages and malnutrition.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MUMA-8F892L?OpenDocument

Voice of America

March 22, 2011

UN Reports Shortages of Food, Other Essentials in Libya

United Nations aid agencies report food and other essential supplies are running out in Libya.  They say it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide humanitarian assistance to thousands of internally displaced people as the war in the country heats up.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/UN-Reports-Shortages-of-Food-Other-Essentials-in-Libya-118438164.html

Bloomberg

March 23, 2011

Thailand Planning Fewer Rice Harvests in Pest Fight Means Drop in Exports

Thailand world’s largest rice exporter, plans to reduce planting to curb pests and improve quality, an official from the Thai Rice Mills Association said.

The government’s plan may eventually reduce exports by about 2 million metric tons a year, Pramote Vanichanont, honorary president of the Bangkok-based association, said in an interview, without giving a timeframe.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/thailand-planning-fewer-rice-harvests-in-pest-fight-means-drop-in-exports.html

U.S. Drought Conditions and Water Harvesting

Since a good chunk of the Sun Belt is currently experiencing droughts to one degree or another, and since the drought in Texas is considered extreme, I’m adding these links so that you can check your specific areas, and find out more about water harvesting.  

USDA Office of the Chief Economist

Weather and Climate Publications

http://www.usda.gov/oce/weather/pubs/Weekly/Wwcb/index.htm

Drought Monitor

http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/index.html

U.S. Department of Energy, Best Management Practice:  Alternate Water Sources, https://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/waterefficiency_bmp14.html

How to Build a Rainwater Collection System:

 http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Rainwater-Collection-System

Rainwater Calculator: 

 http://www.save-the-rain.com/world-bank/

The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/reports/rainwaterharvestingmanual_3rdedition.pdf

Rain Harvester using 55 gallon barrels: 

http://www.rainharvester.blogspot.com/

News Update for March 15, 2011

Global Food Shortages

The Wall Street Journal

March 7, 2011

U.S. Farmers Head Into Key Stretch for Harvests

The world is consuming grains faster than farmers are growing them, draining reserves and pushing prices to the levels that fueled food riots in poor countries three years ago.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703867704576182922704152088.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Reuters

March 15, 2011

Analysis:  Record food prices to spur planting, investment

Farmers will sow more acres and pour more funds into agriculture this year to boost yields across the top producer nations as record high food prices jolt markets and send buyers scurrying for supplies.http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/15/us-food-production-idUSTRE72E2J520110315

Channel News Asia

March 14, 2011

Government price controls and hoarding impact Thailand food shortages

Thailand faces shortages of staples as the global cost of food skyrockets; the country faces shortages of cooking oil and sugar due to government price controls and hoarding.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/southeastasia/view/1116399/1/.html

Allafrica.com

March 15, 2011

Uganda:  NGO urges farmers to plant drought-resistant crops

Ugandans have been urged to plant drought-resistant crops in a bid to safeguard the country against the impending food shortages due to the prolonged dry spells

http://allafrica.com/stories/201103150044.html

Voice of America

March 15, 2011

Zimbabwe not prepared for looming drought

State officials said Monday that Zimbabwe will have to appeal for international assistance to feed the needy since its 2011 national budget does not have a provision for food handouts.

http://www.voanews.com/zimbabwe/news/117941294.html

The Declaration of Independence - 2.0

After reading the Declaration of Independence in Grade School, a certain section of the document stuck in my head for some reason, and has managed to stay with me even to this day.  Let me share that portion with you now…

“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

These words carry a bold and amazingly dangerous truth, and although we believe that it speaks to the tyranny of oppressive and corrupt political systems, it is actually true of any form of power or assumed authority that dictates some act or action over the will of the individual, the group or the people without their informed consent.   

For example, for the last 30 years I’ve watched as an anti-smoking campaign took over America one state at a time quite subtlety, and under the façade of “fatherly” admonishment and gentle, loving correction.  The powers that be, had advertised the need to eliminate the filthy habits of “evil smokers” and that by restricting, regulating and eliminating this “sinful behavior” all would benefit, smokers and non-smokers alike.  Of course, the biggest selling point was that it would save the lives of countless thousands of innocents - the children. 

It was, and is still, a brilliant, slick Madison Avenue campaign that garnered the support of all “good people” alike.  After all, who in their right mind would ever say “Let the children die of second hand smoke?????” Sadly, this exercise in fatherly admonition was and is so effective and so profoundly alluring that the exact same formula has been used on many, many occasions, and applied by way of accusation to any number of additional “sinful behaviors” attributed to the people.  I think the most astonishing aspect of this slick process of accusation of sinfulness is the frenzied and adamant belief by most people that we, the people, are actually the authors of this pronounced “goodness.”  We actually believe that it was birthed from our own thoughts and as a result of our own unique ideals rather than it having been placed there through manipulated suggestion.  And believe me, I’m not pointing fingers here – I am just as guilty as the next guy in promoting this form of manufactured “goodness.”   

The Passion of Terms

So often I’m told that not only is Peak Oil a myth, its only true function is to fuel debate and controversy during political discussion or to encourage heated exchange at the dinner table.  How many times, I wonder, have people come to blows over the term “peak oil,” and how many of those people were ready to defend it or oppose it to the death?  Extremes aside, it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever what anyone calls what is happening in the world today.  Call it woddle doddle if you’d like.  Let’s just make sure we are all talking about the same thing.

For me, saying “peak oil” is a simple way to describe a systemic failure without having to micro-analyze every aspect of the failure itself.  Faltering economies, banking systems, and currencies, along with food shortages, an exploding population, water shortages, poverty, and starvation are all a part of a larger picture – which needs to be called something.  But what?  

I suppose where my confusion comes in, is that I don’t find it difficult at all to give cheap oil credit for all of the wonderful accomplishments we’ve made in science, medicine, and technology, or for the incredible rise in our standard of living – and believe me, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  But, what I don't understand why is it so hard to recognize that what brought us up this ladder is also just as capable of pushing us down the other side?

In any case, I’m open for suggestions.  What would YOU call it?

Just a Heads Up...

The price of one pint of organic grape tomatoes has increased a dollar in the past week, going from $3.48 to $4.48; and PBS reported this morning that gasoline in New York has jumped to $4.21 per gallon. 

Got heirloom seeds?

The Greatest Revolution

At no time in history has revolution spread with such speed as now with the assistance of information technology.  Once limited by such things as a nail, as in Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses to the door of a Catholic Church, or by lamplight in a tower, as in the mythical ride of one Mr. Paul Revere, revolutionary communication is now instantaneously transmitted to millions with the touch of a single button on a cell phone.  

The revolution, this revolution,  is being fought via the Internet, and the truth is that it will not be won based upon the power of an ideology, but by the side that controls information.   Ineffective, outdated and corrupt political systems are setting up battle lines by shutting down social networking web sites and tagging words or phrases that automatically shut off Internet transmission and response.  At the same time, people are finding their way around those barriers without much trouble at all.       

How ironic Einstein’s words “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones."  And he was only off by one World War.  Indeed, this world revolution IS being fought with sticks and stones, the physical weapons of the people, but infinitely more dangerous and effective are the “tweets” and governmental Internet shut downs. 

The events in the Middle East and North Africa are not mere protests; they are a singular, revolutionary uprising.  And now, thanks to Twitter, the entire world has a front row seat.  In the end, what comes of The Greatest Revolution will be an eye opener for all of us.

Oil Shock

Oil Shock in America.  What will it look like?  We've seen it play out several times in the past 50 years, but we've seen nothing like what is coming our way.  Take a listen...

Visit again soon!

Food Shortages: Oils and Sugars Part 2

Food Shortages: Oils and Sugars Part 1

LDS Canneries

Latter Day Saints Cannery Information

There may be conditions associated with using a cannery.  Some canneries have open door policies, while others may require a church member escort.  Call your local cannery for their specific requirements.  Also, it may take time for your call to be returned, so have patience.  Generally these facilities are open only a couple of days per week.

If you do choose to contact a cannery, please remember that these are gracious, Mormon families simply doing good works.  Be kind and respectful at all times.

I believe all of these numbers are current and active.  If you discover differently, please email me so that I can alter the list.

The Process and the Peak

You know, the world is in a crazy mess, and for the longest time I tried to understand it simply by assigning blame.  As long as what was wrong was someone else’s fault, it was their mess to clean up, and I didn’t have to assume any responsibility for it.  At the same time, it was a perfect excuse not to have to spend any additional time trying to figure out what was really going on either.  That didn’t work for long, however.  Every entity, person, group of people, or institution that I pointed a finger at ended up being quite incapable of the godlike feats it would take to generate this mind boggling, systemic insanity.  No one is that big.  And, even though there are just over 7 billion players reacting to the mess by trying to fix it, profit from it, or run away from it, (and the literally uncounted millions just trying to survive it), no one is entirely responsible for having created it. 

There are plenty of places to lay blame, though, and aside from those typically associated with economics and politics, the big favorites are any group or individual that is considered corrupt, greedy, oppressive, tyrannical, apathetic, ignorant, arrogant or stupid.  Personally, I believe that it has more to do with individual addiction and denial, and that just beneath the addiction and denial is a catalyst so immense, and so misunderstood, that even though very few fully understand its ramifications, I’d bet you a copper penny, almost everyone has heard about it:  Peak Oil. 

Heirloom Seeds

I do not endorse any of the companies listed here, but have purchased seed from a few.  In any case, it should start you on your search.  Good luck!

Annies:  http://www.anniesheirloomseeds.com/

Amishland Heirloom Seeds:  http://www.amishlandseeds.com/

Victory Seeds:  http://www.victoryseeds.com/

Sustainable Seed Co.:  http://www.sustainableseedco.com/

El Dorado Heirloom Seeds:  http://www.survivalistseeds.com/

Heirloom Seeds:  http://www.heirloomseeds.com/

Reimer seeds:  http://www.reimerseeds.com/sugar-beets.aspx

Just Another Word on Egypt…

I wonder if the Egyptian people actually expected the complete dissolution of their government and the establishment of military rule when they took to the streets.  Think they’re still hungry and unemployed?  You bet ya. 

Empty Stomachs, NOT the Desire for “Democratic Rule,” Drive Revolutions

Empty stomachs drive revolutions, and that’s the hard, fast and sad truth of it.  People will tolerate oppressive governments, natural disasters, wars, and disease, AS LONG AS THEY HAVE FOOD AND A REASONABLE MEANS OF PROCURING IT.  Once prices rise so high people can’t afford to purchase food, or when foodstuffs are scarce, or simply aren’t available anymore, look out - the sticks, stones, pipes, knives and guns are brought out en masse, and long-standing governments are toppled overnight.

2010 Recap...

Hello, everyone:

Here’s a quick recap of 2010.  I’ve not kept notes on every single event, only those few that shook my awareness.  Here are the headlines that took my attention away from what matters…