Knowledge is like guns. It is a tool that in itself has no moral values. It is how it is used that makes it good or evil, or similarly (but not quite alternatively) lawful or unlawful.
The Preparatory Manual of Explosives 3rd Edition is a valuable reference book, full of great information rarely found elsewhere, however, it is also highly illegal to actually construct, or plan to construct anything in this book without the proper licenses.
It is particularly difficult to acquire those licenses, however, if you can legally create the compounds in this manual, then this is a great professional reference.
This is no “anarchist cookbook” of slapped together ideas with dubious credibility – this is a book for professionals and should be treated as such.
Once again, as I have said repeatedly, you should never make anything found in this book or other explosive cookbooks without the proper licenses, permits, and safety protocols in place. Not only can you kill yourself or innocent people, you can go to jail for a long time. Alternatively, if you are a terrorist and make bombs, you will deserve to get shot in the face by the police or armed citizen.
My husband Salty and I were riding our bikes along a trail one fine day when we came across a worried huddle at the side of the trail. At the center of the huddle was a middle-aged man, sitting hunched and breathing in short gasps. He was sweating far more profusely than the day called for and was red in the face. The bike he’d rented lay discarded in the weeds (or to be more precise, the poison ivy) beside the trail. Someone was already on the phone to 911.
He figured it would be no big thing. He used to ride a bike (now and then) when he was just a few years younger. Sure, he hadn’t gotten much exercise lately, but it was just riding a bike a few miles along a trail.
Let’s rewrite the story just a bit. Once upon a time there was a prepper. He had a very carefully chosen and packed Get Home Bag, because if Something Bad happened and he couldn’t drive home, his plan was to grab this bag and hoof it to his home just seventeen miles away. Sure, he hadn’t gotten much exercise lately, but it was just walking some miles. He could do it if he had to.
But when this prepper gets to breathing in short gasps, covered in sweat, nauseous, and red in the face … there isn’t any calling 911, and help is not just a phone call away. Our prepper is in a very bad spot.
Be real in your planning:
It does you no good to make plans for the shape you’d *like* to be in, or for doing things you’ll *need* to be able to do in an emergency unless your body can cash that check. Needs are not mechanisms. Needing to do a thing does not make us physically able to do the thing. Ask anybody who’s ever needed to be able to breathe under water if you don’t believe me. O wait, you can’t.
This is why you need an honest evaluation of your health.
The only plans worth breath to describe are the ones you can actually carry out. Stop a moment and think very honestly and realistically about what you can physically do, Today. Compare that to your plans for dealing with emergencies. If you plan to bug out of your city by foot carrying your Bug Out Bag, how far have you hiked carrying that thing this year? Did that hike include the hills that will be in your way, the obstacles you will be likely to have to scramble over?
Sure, you might be able to gut it out; but you might also get stuck with an injury (much more common when you’re pushing boundaries) or a simple inability to follow through and be worse off than when you started.
When plans aren’t realistic:
If anything in your plans is not something your body can handle right now, you’ve got three choices:
Forget this conversation and move on. <– Not a great choice. That’s day-dreaming, not prepping.
Change your plans. For example, Salty (my man) has knees that are not interested in hiking with a pack. Therefore, our plans for getting to The Place (our rural retreat) involve our touring bicycles and saddlebags. We *know* we can bike that far in a day because we do so several times a summer. A less-than-optimal plan you can actually carry out is worth infinitely more than a plan that’s perfect except for that tiny glitch of ‘you can’t do it reliably’.
Change yourself. There are several great reasons to get in better shape. Not needing medical care you won’t be able to get in an emergency is right up there; and so is being able to plan to do things like cut wood for heat and carry water up the hill to the house without having a heart attack.
What about medical needs?
The majority of adults in the U.S. are now on prescription medications; most of those people are on more than one. The best answer is to improve your underlying health not to need the meds. If that’s not possible or you’re not willing to change your lifestyle that much, Plan B would be is to stock up if you can. If that’s not feasible, Plan C is to have researched alternatives and be stocked up on them.
If you struggle with depression, have some St John’s Wort planted where you can get to it, for example. It has nice flowers anyway. If you have diabetes, make sure your food stores are choices that don’t tend to raise blood sugar much (very unlike many standard ‘prepper’ foods). If you have hypertension, keep the salt in your prep foods low, etc.
The main point: The plan’s only good if it is actually likely to work, and asking too much of your body in a high stress situation is a recipe for disaster. This is no place for ego; be honest to yourself about your capabilities and keep your plans within them.
About the author: Spice is one of the founders/owners of the website Beans, Bullets, Bandages and You, and one of the blog’s main contributors. She’s not a doctor, but has worked in the field physiology and medicine and has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals. You can read more of her work at https://beansbulletsbandagesandyou.com. The photo shows the author on one of her training hikes.
Are you often occupied by your work? When was the last time you had great cozy moments with your family?
If you can’t answer these questions affirmatively, you need to seriously revisit the way you balance your personal and professional life.
In an era when more and more people are getting consumed due to professional obligations, when personal spaces are increasingly shrinking and being ceded to work and stress; spending some quality time with family certainly breathes a new lease of life. These are the moments that not only help you keep your stress at bay, but allow you to reconnect with your family in a way that the bond lasts for a long time to come. Plus, you are able to create a treasure trove of memories that always stay with you.
Here are ultimate fun activities that you can do with your family on weekends:
Visit Adventure Playgrounds
Your kids need their fair share of thrill and excitement, which is why adventure playgrounds are gaining momentum these days. There are loads of them springing up everywhere. Some are nestled in the grounds of stately homes, while others have some amazing walks and attractions. A boost of adventure for kids; these playgrounds are proving to be a perfect family getaway that consists of big and small pits with many other exciting structures. In addition to that, you will enjoy with farm animals, huge bouncy pillows and a small indoor soft play area. You can also get to see miniature railway, magical gardens, enchanted forests, mazes, tons of play areas and other brilliant activities in your great weekend family outdoor.
Go Hiking
Hiking is one of the most enjoyable outdoor excursions for families. A well executed hiking expedition allows you to hit the trails and spend quality time with your children. Even a growing body of research has suggested that exposure to the natural world – including nearby hills and woods – helps improve human health, well-being and intellectual capacity in many ways. Since you have to take your kids, you have to plan ahead as a responsible parent and complete the checklist well before hitting the trail. Keeping the age and energy levels of your children, you need to make hiking goals reasonable. Start early in the day when everyone is well-rested and keep them fed and hydrated. Make sure they have the proper footwear and let them choose the hiking destination and goals. Keep your excitement high by celebrating new discoveries around each bend.
A trip to an amusement park
Nothing can give you more joy than a jam-packed weekend trip to an amusement park with your family. Summer is just around the corner and your kids are looking forward to make most out of the season. So get ready to feel the super enjoyable amusement park experience with your children. However, before visiting the park, you need to make some planning on your part so that the trip would be safe and without unnecessary burden. Along with so many rides, food and loads of excitement, there are also long lines, overheated kids and meltdowns. So be an early bird and buy your tickets online to avoid the last minute hassle. Plus, it is good from financial point of view as many parks offer discounts via their social media pages. After that, pack the essential items extensively but lightly. Also be sure your favorite rides are open.
A DIY house party
If you don’t have enough time to hit the road and running against the clock, don’t worry – you can turn your house a party destination. Weekend is the perfect time for everyone to gel with each other and have fun. So a personal DIY party will do the trick for you in terms of easing out stress and create unforgettable memories. If you want to invite your friends over, it is even better. So be sure to stock up all the necessities you would require such as drinks, plates, food, glasses and snacks. It is always fun when you organize a theme based party such as superhero costumes and eco-friendly themes. Also you have to create a DIY décor accordingly. For kids, you can arrange customized water bottles and create your own personalized labels for them with your own texts and images. For adults, beer, wine and cocktails will be good entertainers.
An Awesome fishing spree
Fishing can be a fantastic getaway and fun sport for kids and their parents. It is a quality time spent together talking, laughing, enjoying nature, sitting quietly side by side, and most importantly learning patience. Figuring out where to go fishing with kids can be pretty overwhelming. So, look for local spots that feature a stocked pond or a fishing derby for guaranteed success. You can avail certain fishing expeditions that feature special family days and events where teaching the fishing basics is part of the experience. Thus, keep your outings early, short and fun.
Final Words
Your family is your lifeline and there are no two views on that. Try to be with your family whenever and wherever possible to create lifetime memories. So what is your idea of having a blast with you family on this coming weekend?
I am a big fan of Dave Ramsey, about the only time I don’t listen to his show is when I have either just done, or are planning to do, something with my money that I know doesn’t fit in my budget. (like borrowing from my 401k to buy homestead land). There is a psychological lesson in that statement….
Dave is the real deal when it comes to financial management. He is a self made millionaire who has made and lost fortunes. This has caused him to learn two seperate and equally important lessons, how to make money, and how to keep it.
I find that his book, Total Money Makeover, is especially useful for preppers.
In general, Preppers already know how to save, and how to discipline ourselves in the short term for long term success, but we might not have the tools to make good choices with out money.
Dave has a simple system that is proven to work if you commit yourself to following the steps. We follow his system at our house, and think that as a part of a larger plan his baby steps are a essential to becoming self reliant.
There’s a never ending stream of celebrity confessions about mental health issues (such as this recent one from “The Rock”) at the moment. If it isn’t that it’s a pressure group highlighting the lack of funding given to this growing problem.
Mental health is a modern issue and one that’s seemingly on the rise. Or has it always been this way?
Are mental health issues just a byproduct of our modern lives? What’s the cause?
Here are a few stats on psychological problems we found from nami.org.
1 in 5 adults in the US experiences mental health issues in a year.
1 in 25 adults experiences a serious mental health issue in a year that interferes with their daily life.
1 in 5 youth (aged 13-18) experiences severe mental disorder and for children 8-15 the estimate is approximately one in 8.
Mental Illness costs the us $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.
Mental health issues are the third most common reason for hospitalization in the US for both youth and adults (aged 18-44).
Each day approximately 18-22 veterans die by suicide.
If the hospitals are filling up and all anyone wants to do is give you prescription medications what can individuals do to help themselves?
How high concentration sports can help
When we exercise, the brain releases certain chemicals which can help with mood and alleviate issues such as anxiety and depression.
Sport in general is very much in vogue at the moment, not just for the evident physical health benefits but for the well documented effect that physical activity can have on the mind. Physical activity and sport has a huge part to play in promoting and sustaining good mental health.
Collective sport, where we engage with other people also promotes our mental health as it offers interaction with others, fundamental for a healthy mind and outlook.
High concentration sports are a great elixir for those struggling with mental health issues.
The demand for concentration varies with the sport and is divided into three types:-
Intense concentration – used in sports like sprinting, target archery, darts
Short burst concentration – evident in golf and cricket
Sustained concentration – relevant to sports such as long distance running
Success in high concentration sports requires learning techniques to concentrate intensely for short periods of time. These sports train the brain to concentrate on the here and now, to ignore negative self-talk and doubt by utilizing positive self-talk. removing unhelpful thoughts and emotions and putting them to one side for a defined period of time.
From this, it is easy to understand why these techniques used by successful athletes in high concentration sports, can have a positive effect on almost anyone.
Let’s take Archery as an example
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Archery as a target sport requires high levels of concentration.
The practice of good shooting is a mindful one.
Archery requires intense short-burst concentration through the shot cycle. From picking a target and nocking an arrow to raising, drawing, aiming and release, the participant needs to intently concentrate on all aspects to achieve good form. This is necessary to create a repeatable process that leads to consistent aim and good shot groupings.
That process of concentration throughout the shot is one where the mind is encouraged to blank out all negative thoughts and focus solely on itself. Correct placement of your fingers on the string. The touch of your hand to your face when you anchor the shot. The push and pull in your arms. Slow and steady breathing. Tension in your back throughout the release. All this is only possible when the mind is fully in the here and now.
Becoming more aware of immediate physical sensations and our environment allows us to understand and process our mental traffic; it’s not about changing it but more the ability to disassociate ourselves from it and see it for what it is which is something that does not need to govern and define our lives.
Mindfulness is a heightened state of self-awareness, a way of slowing down the moment and focusing only on that point in time, developing deep levels of consciousness, of how the body feels rather than by being solely driven by the constant jumble of thoughts and emotions in our heads.
How you benefit
High levels of focus and concentration give rise to these faculties and emotions:
Mindfulness – Focus and concentration
Patience
Motivation
Self-efficacy
This can lead onto the following, positive lifestyle developments:
Reduced levels of stress and depression
A lessened anxiety level
Improvements in sleep patterns
Sharpened mind and mental faculties including memory
There are other indirect benefits that can come from taking part in archery:
Healthy competition
Co-operation
Teamwork
Leadership skills
Relaxation
Improved social skills
Self-esteem improvements
Fun and enjoyment!
New experiences and friendships
More than just the mind
It is possible for the young, the old and the less physically able to participate at the archery range. But does target archery offer any physical benefit?
You may be surprised to learn that an average female can burn up to 144 calories an hour doing just that at an archery range.Target shooting at modest ranges with medium power compound bows isn’t as physical as a gym session would be, but it IS physical and you will see benefits like these:
Balance
Core strength
Hand-Eye Co-ordination
Flexibility
Upper body strength development
Archery isn’t the only sport that does these things. There are other less popular ranged sports like skeet, clay pigeon shooting, and in the US hunting! Hunting involves much more than just shooting as there’s usually a decent hike added on before the thrill of the hunt begins.
Don’t always look to the main sports pages when you’re seeking out a new passion.
There is loads of useful resources on this and other target sports at targetcrazy.com.
My husband Salty and I were riding our bikes along a trail one fine day when we came across a worried huddle at the side of the trail. At the center of the huddle was a middle-aged man, sitting hunched and breathing in short gasps. He was sweating far more profusely than the day called for and was red in the face. The bike he’d rented lay discarded in the weeds (or to be more precise, the poison ivy) beside the trail. Someone was already on the phone to 911.
Are you often occupied by your work? When was the last time you had great cozy moments with your family?
I am a big fan of Dave Ramsey, about the only time I don’t listen to his show is when I have either just done, or are planning to do, something with my money that I know doesn’t fit in my budget. (like borrowing from my 401k to buy 
There’s a never ending stream of celebrity confessions about mental health issues (such as this 
Archery as a target sport requires high levels of concentration.