Chemical Warfare Agents is another good technical reference for those worried about WMD exposure. Like last week’s book, this is a professional text, therefore it is very detailed and information orientated.
If your just a casual prepper then the price tag will probably turn you off, and you may be better off with a simpler book. However, if you have a understanding of chemistry, or are seriously concerned about weapons of mass destruction, then this is a good reference book to keep in your library.
I got this book from college when I was getting my degree in Emergency Management – since my minor was homeland security I ended up with a lot of books like this.
For some reason I never could bring myself to sell my college textbooks, figuring, I guess, that they may come in handy in the future.
I guess that’s why I have a shelf full of algebra books.
Update:
I did finally sell all my algebra books, I went to the used book store with all my college text books (except for the Emergency management and homeland security texts), as well as all the non-fiction that was not useful. I also ditched all the fiction that was not part of a collection – i.e. Louis Lamour, Stephen Hunter, Classics…. I used the money to buy some more prepper books like this, as well as to save some space in the library.
I have tried a number of different food storage companies over the years, and I have found a couple I like working with. Valley Food Storage is one of them. Recently I got a chance to try their food storage fruit sampler pack.
The freeze dried pack came with three 15 serving resealable bags. One each of Strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry.
My first experience with freeze dried fruit came in the Marines with strawberries in the MREs. That was one one my favorites, but these strawberries are much more delicate and fresher tasting. They melt right on your tongue and I can’t wait to try them in my morning oatmeal.
My son’s favorite was the blueberry – probably because they were a little like popcorn – light and airy, but with a crunch. He did not like the raspberry because he said it was too “spicy”. I agree it was tart, and not my favorite either.
I don’t recommend spending a lot of money on foods like freeze dried food storage fruit until you have the basics stored deep, but having something nice like fruit would make stressful times a little easier to manage.
I have had a couple different brand of gun magnets over the years. The idea is simple. They are a mountable magnet that you can attach to an object to keep a gun out of sight but easily accessible.
These gun magnets are well designed – they are rubber coated so they won’t scratch your firearm, and they come with some pretty aggressive Phillips mounting screws so the magnet can be sturdily mounted.
I don’t use these that often anymore – having kids means most all of my guns stay in the safe, but there are places these gun magnets are appropriate for – but I am not telling where I keep mine….
However, some ideas may be; under the dash of your car, under kitchen cabinets, under the computer desk, behind the from door, on the bed frame.
I like that they come in different sizes – 25 and 35 pounds so you can use them for pistols and long guns.
But don’t think they are just for guns – you can use these in the shop as well. I have more than one, and have attached cord to one and use it as a retrieval tool. These magnets are strong and small.
Remember there are many gun magnets on the market, some cheaper, some much more expensive, but the ironclad gun magnet
Won’t Scratch Your Gun
Made for Quick Draw in Case of Emergency
Holds Up to a 25lb Gun
If this is something you can use in your home situation, then I highly recommend this brand of gun magnet. It is high quality and a great value.
Currently this Iron Clad Gun Magnet has two promotions on Amazon save 25% 0n 4 (buy 3 get one free) and 15% on 2 individual gun magnet sets.
Telescopic optics provide capability to a Hunter that nothing else can. A Spotting scope takes advantage of that technology better than any other piece of equipment we can carry with us into the field.
Anytime you take a spotting scope with you into the field, you bring with you the capability to see for miles around and be able to search out game with pinpoint accuracy far better than you can with any other piece of equipment.
Choosing the right spotting scope to bring these advantages to the table can be difficult at best. Hunting optics are highly technical, can get very expensive, and choosing one largely comes down to a combination of experience and knowledge.
Here are a few factors that you should consider when you are choosing and using a spotting scope for hunting.
Factors to Consider when Shopping for a Spotting Scope
Quality & Cost
Nothing else, when it comes to equipment, can get nearly as expensive as optics. Spotting scopes, in particular, get very expensive very quickly when you start talking about small differences in quality. Most of the midrange priced spotting scopes on the market designed for hunting will be fine for the majority of hunters.
Many hunters opt for nicer models than they need and then tried to justify the cost by telling everyone else that they need the same level of quality. If you like fine optics from European manufacturers, have at it! However, research the level of quality you need and stay within your budget. You’ll appreciate your equipment more knowing that it does exactly what it needs and you didn’t have to sacrifice too hard to get it.
Magnification
Magnification range in spotting scopes are often much larger than on rifle scopes or binoculars. This is great because the amount of magnification that you can have is largely only limited by the size of the spotting scope that you are willing to carry. In fact, some spotting scopes these days that top out near 80x magnification could qualify as telescopes.
Remember that the amount of magnification you need is going to be determined by the type of game you’re hunting and what you are using it for. For example, if you are a Western Hunter looking to judge the trophy quality of bull elk from over a mile, you are going to need high magnification. However, if you are varmint Hunter on the edge of a Prairie dog field looking for small game to pop up out of holes in the ground, you will likely need the same level of magnification as a long-range trophy Hunter.
Size
Almost as important as weight, size should be a large factor in determining the spotting scope that you buy for hunting. Most of the time when you’re using spotting scope for hunting it means you’re going to be carried get it on your back. You don’t want to be porting a ton of bulky equipment into the field regardless of how much it weighs. Opt for slimmer and trimmer spotting scopes with low-profile tripod mounts whenever possible.
Weight
Weight is a large concern for almost all hunters. Unless you constantly hunt with a large group of people that can afford to take heavy equipment field, carrying extra ounces equals pain. Having lightweight equipment is definitely worth the cost when you factor in the enjoyment and increased performance you gain from not being over exerted carrying extra weight.
Spotting scopes recently have embraced carbon fiber, thinner and lighter lens construction as well as smaller footprints in general to save weight. Also remember, the accessories you take with you in the field can weigh you down as well. Look for manufacturers that offer ultra lightweight lens covers, protective cases and especially tripods to save weight in the field.
Features-Wants Vs. Needs
Before you go shopping for a spotting scope, make a list of the features that you have to have an features that you like to have. Nowadays, it’s very common for each manufacturer to have proprietary technologies and patented features on their equipment that can suit individual tastes and requirements.
In many cases, these are useful but often they are very minor differences that only amounts to more money spent in the showroom. Make sure you know exactly what you need before you go shopping so that you don’t end up blowing your budget on equipment you don’t need.
Uniformity
If you are a long-range Hunter, make sure your spotting scope works with your Riflescope and binoculars. This means that if your Riflescope uses a mil-dot reticle or target turrets, your binoculars and spotting scopes should use mil-dot as well. You don’t want to be constantly doing algebraic equations in the field when it comes time to pull the trigger.
Other features like commonality between tripod adapters for multiple pieces of equipment can save you weight in the field. A little planning ahead can save you huge headaches in the field.
Warranty & Insurance
This DLSR Camera Adapter fits on the Spotting Scope Pictured Above, Buy at Amazon
There’s not many piece of equipment that are worth ensuring when it comes to hunting. Optics, especially spotting scopes, are definitely worth buying an extended warranty or taking out an insurance rider for. In many cases, these are offered by the retailer or manufacturer, but make sure you have some sort of protection on your spotting scope before you take it out for a multi-day adventure in the Rockies.
It may seem trivial, but if you drop your spotting scope over ledge and have the objective Bell shatter, you’re going to want to have it replaced regardless of whether or not it ruin that particular hunt. Remember, most manufacturers do not cover wear and tear or accidents on their warranties, however, check before you spend extra money because some do.
Spotting scopes are amazing piece of equipment for hunting. Choosing the right optics for hunting, in general, can be a challenge. Do some reading and find some spotting scope reviews online of models that your incident before you run off to your nearest retailer. Make sure you get a model that you can live with in the field, and get out and use it!
The best spotting scope in the world doesn’t do you any good in its case.
The first fitness trackers produced were primarily step counters, but they’ve evolved into much more. They now use sensors to track your heart rate, calories consumed, sleep quality, and body fat percentage.
They’re available in a variety of colors, shapes, materials, and sizes, and whatever your fitness goals are, you’ll find a fitness tracker to help you meet them.
While it’s nice to have a variety of options when choosing a fitness tracker, the volume on the market today can make choosing one difficult. However, you can narrow down your choices.
Consider the following five key features when making your decision about which fitness tracker is right for you.
Design
Image via Flickr by pestoverde
The type of design you prefer boils down to where you plan to wear your fitness tracker. If you think you’ll wear it only when you exercise, you’ll probably want a different design than if you plan to wear it to work.
Many fitness trackers are worn around the wrist, but some fitness trackers are worn as necklace pendants, clips, and rings. Many of these designs look like jewelry.
Some fitness trackers resemble traditional watches, with a large watch face connected to a narrow band, while others look more like bracelets. In the past, fitness trackers all had a similar, athletic-looking quality, but their designs now vary considerably.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration. Many fitness trackers need to be charged every few days. You plug them into a wall outlet or computer when their batteries run down.
While most require frequent charging, some trackers operate using cell batteries that last anywhere from a few months to a year.
Corresponding App
Research the corresponding app before purchasing a tracker to find out if it monitors all the data you need. Check and see whether the fitness tracker you want is available online or whether it’s available only for download. Make sure it has an intuitive user interface.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is another feature to consider. Many fitness trackers are water resistant and can handle a little rain, but if you plan to do plenty of outdoor activities, you may want to opt for a waterproof option. Moisture can shorten the life of a fitness tracker.
Calorie Counter
Many fitness trackers monitor how many calories you consume and burn each day. Some tell you if those calories came from fat, carbohydrates, or protein.
By monitoring your activity level and energy expenditure rates, the calorie counter can also tell you how many calories you burn each day. It shows you how your caloric intake and burn varies over time and lets you compare your day-to-day results. This evidence may provide you with all the motivation you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Wearing a fitness tracker is a great way to meet your fitness goals. When you’re deciding which one to purchase, think about where you’re going to wear it, its battery life, corresponding apps, and whether the device counts calories burned and consumed. Once you’ve chosen the one that’s perfect for you, commit to wearing it every day. It can motivate you to move more, eat better, and live healthier.
I have had a couple different brand of 
Telescopic optics provide capability to a Hunter that nothing else can. A Spotting scope takes advantage of that technology better than any other piece of equipment we can carry with us into the field.
There’s not many piece of equipment that are worth ensuring when it comes to hunting. Optics, especially spotting scopes, are definitely worth buying an extended warranty or taking out an insurance rider for. In many cases, these are offered by the retailer or manufacturer, but make sure you have some sort of protection on your spotting scope before you take it out for a multi-day adventure in the Rockies.
The first fitness trackers produced were primarily step counters, but they’ve evolved into much more. They now use sensors to track your heart rate, calories consumed, sleep quality, and body fat percentage.