Invisible Resistance to Tyranny

Book Review: Invisible Resistance to Tyranny
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When I saw Invisible Resistance to Tyranny in the Paladin catalog, I knew I had to have it. Laws are becoming more oppressive and politicians show a disregard, disrespect of, or ignorance toward our Constitution and the principles behind the document.

I wonder how much longer sites like mine will be “tolerated”.

However, I was a little disappointed in the book because the majority of the information is just plain common sense if you think about this type of problem.

I did learn from the book, and It has a place in my library, but I have to wonder if someone else has written a book on this topic that covers the material a little more thoroughly.

That being said the concepts in Invisible Resistance to Tyranny are things that you need to think about and determine what it is you are willing to tolerate as a American citizen.  I would not expect any life altering revelations or a lot of practical information from this book, but it does have value.  How much would depend on how much you gain from reading vs contemplation.

If you want a more enjoyable read, and one that has more action items, I would choose Claire Wolfe’s 101 Things to Do ‘Til the Revolution and/or Don’t Shoot the Bastards (YET)

Superfood: 30 Great Food Items That Make You Healthy

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We all know that when a person suffers from bad health, he can’t enjoy the pleasure of everything. In order to achieve the optimum health, nutrition experts and health practitioners suggest loading up on superfoods.

Believe me, no single food can improve or upkeep someone’s health.

It is a combination of several foods definitely about fruits and vegetables. Superfoods are considered full-packed nutritious foods that will sweep your illnesses away. What are superfoods and why are they called as super-foods?

What are Superfoods?

Certain foods do provide greater health benefits than most. We refer to them as “superfoods.” Superfood does’t have its own food group yet consuming these kinds of foods that are packed with nutrients is definitely a good idea.

Superfoods don’t just make you ten times healthier or keeping diseases away, but they can also bring you other wonderful health benefits. These foods have extra-large doses of vitamins and minerals that can help us sweep off diseases and live a longer, healthier and life.

The nutrients that superfoods contain include antioxidants, use to ward off cancer; healthy fats, for preventing heart disease; fiber, believed to prevent diabetes and digestive problems; and phytochemicals, the chemicals in plants responsible for deep colors and smells, that have numerous health benefits.

Can’t wait to know about these superfoods? Well, here’s a list of the 30 Superfoods, that will make you Super Healthy. You might want to include these in your grocery list.

Chinese Cabbage

This belongs to the cabbage family which has low sodium content, which means it can help regulate your blood pressure. It can also fight anemia and fatigue because it has a high iron content, which is responsible for producing hemoglobin in your blood. Chinese cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which can boost eye health and provide you with healthy, glowing skin.

Carrots

Carrots help with good vision and can help prevent cancer. It can also help slow down the aging process of cells. Studies show that carrots can lower the risk of heart diseases, and can have a cleansing effect by providing Vitamin A in the liver.

Lentils

They’re easy to prepare and high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients plus it’s pretty cheap. Lentils are low in calories and high in nutrition and the perfect legume to eat in the summer in salads, spreads, and crackers. Eat lentils and reap their health benefits such as it can lower cholesterol, promotes heart health digestive health and stabilized blood sugar.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a good source of water, and they help to rehydrate the body in a different way. Pick a firm, dark green cucumber and pop it into your shopping basket to see its impressive health benefits. Aside from they keep you hydrated, cucumbers also help fight heat both inside and out. It flushes out toxins when you eat this superfood regularly.

Spinach

Spinach is another popular superfood that can be easily found in markets today. They are high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E and K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and manganese.

Did you know that cooked spinach actually has more nutrients than raw ones? Because cooked spinach contains a bit more iron and vitamins A, K, B2, and B6.

Green Leaf Lettuce

Green Leaf lettuce contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins, along with a number of essential minerals and also has protein and calcium. It can significantly aid brain function as it is rich in dietary nitrate, which helps prevent deterioration of brain cells.

But take note that green leaf lettuce may have the tendency to spark food allergies, especially if you already have some known allergies.

Broccoli

They are a good source of folate (folic acid) and also provides potassium, fiber. Vitamin C – builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. It’s got fiber to help with regularity and keeping blood sugar levels optimal, it helps the heart and eyes with lutein, and can help prevent cancer.

Garlic

Aside from a popular spice, garlic is also used to treat anything from high blood pressure and heart disease to certain types of cancer. Plus, studies suggest garlic extract can be used to treat yeast infections in women and prostate issues in men.

Turmeric

The spice refers as Turmeric is actually the dried and ground rhizome of a plant in the same family as ginger. Turmeric is a powerful spice with an impressive list of uses and benefits. It’s known for its antioxidant content and ability to work as an anti-inflammatory.

Tomatoes

They’re super because they contain lycopene, an antioxidant rarely found in other foods. Studies show that it could protect the skin against harmful UV rays, prevent certain cancers, and lower cholesterol. Plus, tomatoes contain high amounts of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C.

Beans

Beans are a good source of protein and fiber, that helps you stay full and satisfied. The protein and fiber in beans also temper the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal, which can help stabilize mood. Eating beans regularly may decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, colorectal cancer, and helps with weight management.

Apples

Apples are extremely rich in dietary fiber and important antioxidants. It helps digestive process and contains polyphenols that offer a variety of benefits. The most notable of which is they’re able to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Apples are so nutritious food that you can still eat them even if you have diabetes.

Bananas

Most of us know that bananas contain a good amount of potassium, but it’s also a good source of fiber. When combined, these two features make bananas one of those foods you should try to consume on a daily basis. Why is potassium so important? It helps to regulate your blood pressure, and this does a great service to your overall heart health and well-being.

Avocados

Avocados do contain a decent amount of fat that is known to have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. They also contain more potassium than bananas! The potassium in it can help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. For those who wish to get rid of extra pounds, eat more avocados often because it is loaded with fiber.

Lemons

Lemons are one of the best ingredients for detox water because they are rich in vitamin C. They are best for aiding one’s digestion, shedding off pounds, and even boosting one’s energy. It can also treat internal bleeding because of its antiseptic and coagulant properties.

Watermelon

Watermelons can surely help you hydrated because it is made up of about 92% water. This fruit has a good number of electrolytes, which can protect you from heat stroke. They also contain more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene is an antioxidant that promotes heart and eye health, keeps bones strong, boosts brain function, and prevents various cancers.

Berries

Many types of berries can offer you plenty of antioxidant support, as well as add a burst of flavor to a dish, a meal, or all by themselves. Blueberries have been shown to help the belly fat fight and help you avoid cardiovascular diseases. Cranberries can help with yeast infections, tooth health, and certain types of cancers. Goji Berries rank extra high in antioxidants. And raspberries contain a good amount of potassium which can help with blood pressure levels.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a healthy fruit that is rich in water, energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. It is among the fruits that are known to contain powerful antioxidants that are useful to the immune system and the entire body. Incorporating mangosteen in the diet may be effective in weight loss. The various nutrients found in mangosteen also ensure good health and well-being.

Mangoes

This tropical fruit helps strengthen your memory as well as your digestion. It may also fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Eggs

A powerful source of protein is found in eggs that helps you lose weight. It is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal body function and heart health. They are also rich in nutrients such as amino acids, choline, vitamin D, and a whole lot more.

Dark Chocolate

This is one of the superfoods that many people will not have a problem eating. A cacao bean confection that is rich in flavonoids that can help lower blood pressure and regulate blood circulation in the body. It also promotes heart health, boosts brain function, and reduces the risk of several types of cancer.

Pineapple

Never miss a chance to eat pineapple. Not only is it absolutely delicious, it may also strengthen your digestion, your bones, and can aid with weight loss. This tropical fruit is a great source of vitamin C known to help boost immune system.

Oatmeal

Oats got plenty of fiber without a lot of calories so you can feel fuller longer without dipping too far into your daily calorie budget. If you do start adding more oats to your diet, be sure to go organic so you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’re not ingesting grains that were treated with pesticides and other chemicals.

Honey

Honey offers a lot of variety when it comes to foods. It can help you prevent things like cancer and heart disease, and if that’s not enough it can also help regular blood glucose levels. Try adding a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon to a cup of hot water in the morning. It can make a great replacement for a cup of coffee and can prepare your digestive system for the work ahead of it for the day.

Sweet Potatoes

Start to consider adding sweet potatoes as side dishes to your meals throughout the year. Sweet potatoes are high in many important nutrients which contain a good amount of fiber. They’re a good source of iron, as well as magnesium and Vitamin D, C and B6. They’re also great for reaching weight loss goals and are a good carb.

Here are its benefits:

  • Stabilizes Blood Sugar
  • High in Antioxidants
  • Boosts Brain Function
  • Enhances Immunity
  • Promotes Vision Health
  • Aids in Weight Loss

Salmon

Salmon is another superfood that can definitely give you a healthy heart. With its high dose of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. When you are exposed under the heat of the sun, there’s no need to constantly apply sunscreen lotions. Why? Because salmon has anti-inflammatory properties and it can boost your skin’s natural protective shield against the damaging effects of UV rays.

Raw Milk

You may think that milk is a beverage it’s actually considered a food. Raw milk, especially kefir, provides the body with a rich source of vitamins A, D, C and B. It’s also loaded with calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, essential fatty acids (medium-chain triglycerides, or MCT oil) and trace minerals.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a must have in your daily diet. This is a young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It is loaded with the iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, vitamin A, C, and E. But what adds to wheatgrass’s value is the high amount of chlorophyll it contains. Chlorophyll is a much-needed nutrient that the Westerner’s body often goes without.

Raw Nuts

Raw almonds, walnuts, cashews, and other nuts provide a hearty dose of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. Nuts may help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, especially when you use them as a protein substitute for red meat.

Coconuts

Coconut and coconut oil are both high in medium-chain triglycerides, a type of beneficial fatty acid that can help support the health of your gut due to its bacteria-fighting, antioxidant properties. These fatty acids are also easy to digest, can be burned up as fuel rather than stored as fat and are able to provide immediate energy. Coconut oil has been credited with aiding in weight loss, keeping hair healthy and smooth, and even preventing bone loss.

You are what you eat!

Whether you’re searching for ways to boost your immune system, fighting fatigue, or recovering from an illness, doctors often recommend healthy lifestyle changes. The foods you eat can often help with the prevention and management of symptoms.

So if you want to achieve overall good health, go ahead and stock up on these amazing eatables today. A good goal would be to eat at least one superfood a day, but of course the more the healthier. One of life’s pleasures is sampling new tastes, and if you find that you haven’t tried some of these foods before, start with those so you can broaden your taste horizons.

In The Gravest Extreme

Book Review: In The Gravest Extreme
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Some of the information in the book In The Gravest Extreme is outdated – some laws have changed, and when this book was written Glocks were not around.

That being said, combat mindset does not change over time – If you took a medieval knight and transported him to this era, he would simply begin training in firearms and trade in his plate for Kevlar.

Ayoob uses common sense scenarios to explain concepts- he clearly articulates why avoidance is better than confrontation, and shows why just having a gun is not enough – you must know how (and WHEN) to use it.

This is a good book, Ayoob is a talented and practiced author – you will learn something from this title.

I use information from this book as well as the Ayoob Files when discussing combatives and proper mindset in the various firearm classes I teach.  I believe that to be a good instructor of any discipline, but especially a self defense related field you need to constantly learn, read, and practice.

You cannot learn a combat mindset in a vacuum, it is not natural to run toward gunfire, you need exposure to the concept from people who have done it.

Backpacking Guide for Digital Nomads

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Packing light may seem like a strenuous task, but there is no rocket science to it. Whether you plan on backpacking for a weeklong vacation, or for something extraordinary, packing light is key to having a successful trip.

If you decide to travel light, you will benefit in more ways than you can possibly imagine. You won’t have to worry about overburdening your shoulders, and you will have enough space to store what is actually needed in the first place. At the same time, you won’t have to stand in long queues to get your baggage checked, nor would you have to pay extra in fees for excess baggage.

Seeing how much smart backpacking will benefit you on your trips, you will naturally want to know how to make that possible, especially considering how there is so much that can’t be left out while traveling. Fear not, the following backpacking guide will help you accomplish just that and so much more.

Establish your Needs as a Digital Nomad

When it comes to backpacking, you will need to start with establishing your needs as a digital nomad. How this is done is by focusing on a system, which is:

  • Lightweight
  • Is ideally suited for short trips
  • Effective at accommodating larger items you may occasionally need
  • Tough enough to withstand the travel lifestyle
  • Modular and well organized

Considerations for Electronics

Let’s start with your laptop. Obviously, you love your handy dandy computer, and if you own a MacBook Air, for instance, you will have to reconsider taking it with you. Since Apple does not have stores in a lot of places all over the world, you will need to stick to a netbook from brands like Dell or HP.

In case you are unusually low on space, you can opt for an Android tablet with a keyboard instead. It will be light, but working on it will be slower. Taking this into account, an Android tablet with a keyboard would work for a month at best, but it can’t be used for any longer than that.

The next most important question you need to be asking yourself is whether or not you will need your camera. However, this does not necessarily need to be the case if you own a smartphone with a great camera. Of course, you won’t get DSLR quality pictures, but your smartphone should suffice. In the end, making an informed decision largely depends on your own needs and work.

Lastly, if you are traveling with a lot of different electronics, it is necessary for you to get insurance. Insurance for your electronics may seem absurd, but it saves you from a lot of hassles later on. But then again, always read the fine print to make sure your electronics are fully covered, without requiring an additional purchase of an add-on to get the type of protection you need while traveling.

Stick to the Seven Day rule for Clothing

Whether you are traveling for a short time or longer, it is best to stick to the seven-day rule when it comes to clothing. If that does not work for you, there is no harm in keeping a nice outfit and extra pairs of undies when you are traveling for months on.

The type of clothing you take with you depends on the place(s) you plan on visiting and the weather. The more you do your homework beforehand, the easier it will be for you to plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Don’t Overlook Toiletries

A lot of digital nomads tend to overlook toiletries. This is unacceptable on so many levels, considering how it is necessary for you to stay healthy on the road unless you much prefer getting sick every now and then.

Travelling with absolute minimum can be tough, and there is no doubt about it. The kind of toiletries required varies from person to person, but here are a few of the best tips to take into consideration:

  • Take a bar of soap instead of body wash; they last longer and can double as laundry soap.
  • Don’t forget collapsible bottles, they come in real handy and can be refilled quickly.
  • Get travel sized deodorants since they last longer than regular
  • Pack a comb instead of a brush, since it is compact.
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush are a must (duh).
  • Forget tampons; get a diva cup, ladies.

Essential Extras

There are a couple of crucial extras that need to be with you at all times. The following extras don’t fit in any other category, but they aren’t any less important for digital nomads traveling like there is no tomorrow:

  • A notebook; the smaller, the
  • Pen; to write stuff in your notebook (sarcasm intended).
  • Travel towel.
  • Duct tapes for those sticky situations where things need to be fixed pronto.
  • Rope or a laundry line.
  • Travel flashlight.

Tips for Packing

  • If you have got a lot of ‘just in case’ items, limit them immediately. Only focus on things you are absolutely sure you won’t get quickly wherever you are planning to go.
  • You can always bring a few things that define you as the person you are. If you have got running shoes or even a lucky coffee maker, take them alone, but only as long as you have enough space. The idea is to adapt, not to ditch your life back at home altogether.
  • You can save a lot of space if you roll your clothes. You can prevent them from unrolling by using cords.
  • Water is never going to be your ally, and you should not risk important documents and electronics by leaving things to chance. You can prevent a disaster by packing documents and electronics in a waterproof bag, it is just that simple.

Conclusion

There are a lot of other factors that mostly go ignored when it comes to preparing for a trip. Do as much as you can to plan for what you will need for the places you will visit. Reading online material related to backpacking for digital nomads makes this possible with ease.

No matter where your adventures take you, remember to make the most of your time and don’t let unforeseen circumstances ruing your experience; improvise, adapt and overcome.

How to Warm your House During Winter Without Spending a Fortune

How to Warm your House During Winter Without Spending a Fortune

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For some reason, the electricity bills seem to hit a record high as temperatures inch down. This leaves a large number of families shivering through winter dreading their next electricity bills. But warming your house during winter can be easier than most people think. In fact, it doesn’t have to revolve around energy-intensive warming.

If you are looking to warm your indoor spaces, we have compiled a list of some practical and affordable tips on how to warm your house during winter without spending a fortune

Use your curtains

This may come as a no-brainer suggestion but it surely saves you some pocket change.Although winter experiences minimal or no sunshine at all, you can make most of it.

If you note a slight sunshine, open the curtains to allow the sunlight in. When the weather changes, shut your curtains and trap the heat inside the house. By shutting them, you are creating a sort of extra layer of insulation.

Additionally, ensure that there are no leaks or gaps in between the window panes so the warm air stays inside while the cold air stays in its rightful place-outside.

Install a programmable central heating

Programmable central heating allows you to set your heating to a predefined period. Essentially, you don’t have to manually fiddle with your heating system every time you are in the house hence paying for the heating when you need it.

As an extra saving tip, you can also preset your boiler 30 minutes before waking up as this significantly drives the costs further down.

Capitalize on your insulation

Multiple pieces of research have shown that approximately25% of heat is lost through the roof. As a countermeasure, you can reduce the heat loss by insulating your loft.

It’s also worth paying attention to your walls as they also play a significant role in heat loss. Un-insulated walls allow about a third of your house heat to escape. And although wall insulation comes with a steep price tag, they are a worthy investment.

Some energy suppliers run cheap insulation schemes so checking with your supplier is probably a good idea.

Lastly, seal your doors and windows with self-adhesive rubber seals as they are relatively cheaper compared to other sealing methods.

Move your sofa

Nothing comes close to having your favorite couch right next to the radiator. However, the same seat could be draining your wallet in heating bills thanks to its heat absorbing capacity.

Moving the seats away from the radiator allows the hot air to circulate freely in every corner of the house. The same goes when drying your clothes.

Keep a closer look on your fireplaces

Romantic as they are, fireplaces can be terribly inefficient in terms of house heating. They are toasty warm right in front of the roaring flames, but most of the heat ends up being exhausted at the fireplace-commonly known as the stack effect in physics.

To avoid throwing a damper on your idyllic evenings in front of crackling logs, install a glass front at your fireplace to utilize some of that heated air to warm your house.

Beyond that, always close the flue when not using the fireplace. Failing to do so translates to having another open window allowing cold air in and letting warm air out.

Take a look at your ceiling fans.

Most of us don’t use ceiling fans during winter. Instead of letting the fans sit idly, you can utilize the “winter setting”. This setting allows the fan to move clockwise vs. counterclockwise. The clockwise-spinning pushes the rising heat down into your rooms instead of it being trapped at the ceilings.

Keep doors closed

Spending a lot of time in a room can create a sort of sauna! If you so happen to spend a significant chunk of your time in a particular room, you can leave the door closed trapping all the heat. In the case of large rooms with open spaces, you can look for room dividers. You may think that this is an outrageous suggestion but a little less escaping air goes a long way in heating your house.

Additionally, shut the doors to the less frequently used rooms in your house. Such acts lower the overall square footage that requires heating and quickly spread the heated air in every corner.

Ultimately, keep yourself warm

When it comes to winter housewarming, there is one mantra that keeps on emerging, instead of focusing on how to warm your house, understand that it is easier to warm yourself. In real sense, your house doesn’t really care whether its summer or winter, but you should because it’s your body that is cold.

During those chilly winter days, throw on a sweater, a warm robe, and sip hot coffee during the day; essentially, pull whatever trick that keeps you warm and comfortable.

Do you have an inexpensive tip for keeping the house warm that we missed? Comment below and share your thoughts.