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EatTheWeeds; Episode 134: Neighborhood Foraging (by @EatTheWeeds)

http://www.eattheweeds.com

Most of your foraging will be done in your neighborhood. In this video Green Deane shows us some of his yard then walks around his neighborhood finding wild edibles. (For some unknown reason the screen shots got cut off when uploaded. )

Source: youtube.com

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- #Pro-Tips
- #Realness
- #Info
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Eat The Weeds: Episode 129: Blue Porterweed (by EatTheWeeds)

The Blue Porterweed is a staple of butterfly gardens throughout the world, but it has uses as a beverage and a salad ingredient.

Source: youtube.com

Eat The Weeds: Episode 128: Epazote (by EatTheWeeds)

Epazote is a common cooking spice and found throughout most of Central and North America.

http://www.eattheweeds.com

Source: youtube.com

SOLAR DEATH RAY WATER aqua lens with 1/3 Kilowatt Heat Energy (by GREENPOWERSCIENCE) #DIY #Survival

Source: youtube.com

10 CENT SOLAR COLLECTOR water lens (by GREENPOWERSCIENCE) #SurvivalTips

This is a simple concentrator for summertime usage that can cook in a small 6 inch skillet.

Source: youtube.com

Doomsday bunker sales surge in wake of Japan earthquake

A rendering of the 950-person bunker that Vivos is planning to build under the grasslands of Nebraska. See inside.

A devastating earthquake strikes Japan. A massive tsunami kills thousands. Fears of a nuclear meltdown run rampant. Bloodshed and violence escalate in Libya.

And U.S. companies selling doomsday bunkers are seeing sales skyrocket anywhere from 20% to 1,000%.

Northwest Shelter Systems, which offers shelters ranging in price from $200,000 to $20 million, has seen sales surge 70% since the uprisings in the Middle East, with the Japanese earthquake only spurring further interest. In hard numbers, that’s 12 shelters already booked when the company normally sells four shelters per year.

“Sales have gone through the roof, to the point where we are having trouble keeping up,” said Northwest Shelter Systems owner Kevin Thompson.

UndergroundBombShelter.com, which sells portable shelters, bomb shelters and underground bunkers, has seen inquiries soar 400% since the Japanese earthquake. So far sales of its $9,500 nuclear biological chemical shelter tents are at an all-time high — with four sold in California last week, compared to about one a month normally.

Hardened Structures said inquiries have shot up about 20% since the earthquake — particularly for its apocalyptic 2012 shelters, radiation-protection tents, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) air filters.

0:00 /2:33Living large in an apocalypse bunker

Vivos, a company that sells rooms in 200-person doomsday bunkers, has received thousands of applications since the massive earthquake in Japan, with reservations spiking nearly 1,000% last week. And people are backing their fear with cash: A reservation requires a minimum deposit of $5,000.

“People are afraid of the earth-changing events and ripple effects of the earthquake, which led to tsunamis, the nuclear meltdown, and which will lead to radiation and health concerns,” said Vivos CEO Robert Vicino. “Where it ends, I don’t know. Does it lead to economic collapse? A true economic collapse would lead to anarchy, which could lead to 90% of the population being killed off.”

The last time people flocked to purchase bunkers in such droves was right before the Y2K scare, according to Stephen O’Leary, an associate professor at University of Southern California and an expert on apocalyptic thinking.

“Tens of millions of people believe in a literal apocalypse, which involves earthquakes, storms, disasters of global proportions and especially disasters related to the Middle East,” O’Leary said.

Find the nuke plant nearest to you

But, he added, “Some believe that this is just a turbulent time and they have to go somewhere to ride it out.”

Elan Yadan, a clothing store owner in Los Angeles, is one of the many customers who rushed to find a bunker last week. Yadan secured a spot for his family in a Vivos’ shelter, putting down four deposits totaling $20,000 — $20,000 that had been earmarked for a down payment on a new house.

“I honestly didn’t want to do it, but unfortunately it looks like the worst expectations about the world are starting to come true,” said Yadan, who had been reading about Mayan predictions of a global meltdown in 2012. “With the things happening this week, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And what good is a house if you don’t feel safe?”

Yadan will be riding out any apocalypse in Vivos’ most ambitious project to date. The company has more than five 200-person shelters in the U.S. that are in various stages of construction, but this facility outshines them all.

The bunker, which is being built under the grasslands of Nebraska, is 137,000 square feet — bigger than a Wal-Mart — can house 950 people for up to one year, and can withstand a 50 megaton blast. Once completed, it will boast four levels of individual suites, a medical and dental center, kitchens, bakery, prayer room, computer area, pool tables, pet kennels, a fully stocked wine cellar and a detention center to place anyone who turns violent.

Plus, there will be a fortified 350-foot lookout tower for residents who want to see what’s happening in the outside world.

Once Vivos collects deposits from at least half the number of residents needed to fill the bunker, it will take them on a tour of the near-completed site. At that point, they must pay the rest of the $25,000 reservation fee.

That’s what Yadan intends to do.

“I’m not a psychic but I’m not a scientist either, so I’d rather err on the side of caution — and I’d rather survive and live in a bunker for a year than be wiped out,” he said.

11 Emergency Food Items That Can Last a Lifetime

Did you know that with proper storage techniques, you can have a lifetime supply of certain foods? Certain foods can stand the test of time, and continue being a lifeline to the families that stored it. Knowing which foods last indefinitely and how to store them are you keys to success.

The best way to store food for the long term is by using a multi-barrier system. This system protects the food from natural elements such as moisture and sunlight, as well as from insect infestations.

Typically, those who store bulk foods look for inexpensive items that have multi-purposes and will last long term. Listed below are 11 food items that are not only multi-purpose preps, but they can last a lifetime!

Honey

Honey never really goes bad. In a tomb in Egypt 3,000 years ago, honey was found and was still edible. If there are temperature fluctuations and sunlight, then the consistency and color can change. Many honey harvesters say that when honey crystallizes, then it can be re-heated and used just like fresh honey. Because of honey’s low water content, microorganisms do not like the environment.

Uses: curing, baking, medicinal, wine (mead)

Salt

Although salt is prone to absorbing moisture, it’s shelf life is indefinite. This indispensable mineral will be a valuable commodity in a long term disaster and will be a essential bartering item.

Uses: curing, preservative, cooking, cleaning, medicinal, tanning hides

Sugar

Life would be so boring without sugar. Much like salt, sugar is also prone to absorbing moisture, but this problem can be eradicated by adding some rice granules into the storage container.

Uses: sweetener for beverages, breads, cakes, preservative, curing, gardening, insecticide (equal parts of sugar and baking powder will kill cockroaches).

Wheat

Wheat is a major part of the diet for over 1/3 of the world. This popular staple supplies 20% of daily calories to a majority of the world population. Besides being a high carbohydrate food, wheat contains valuable protein, minerals, and vitamins. Wheat protein, when balanced by other foods that supply certain amino acids such as lysine, is an efficient source of protein.

Uses: baking, making alcohol, livestock feed, leavening agent

Dried corn

Essentially, dried corn can be substituted for any recipe that calls for fresh corn. Our ancestors began drying corn because of it’s short lived season. To extend the shelf life of corn, it has to be preserved by drying it out so it can be used later in the year.

Uses: soups, cornmeal, livestock feed, hominy and grits, heating source (do a search for corn burning fireplaces).

Baking soda

This multi-purpose prep is a must have for long term storage.

Uses: teeth cleaner, household cleaner, dish cleaner, laundry detergent booster, leavening agent for baked goods, tarnish remover

Instant coffee, tea, and cocoa

Adding these to your long term storage will not only add a variety to just drinking water, but will also lift morale. Instant coffee is high vacuum freeze dried. So, as long as it is not introduced to moisture, then it will last. Storage life for all teas and cocoas can be extended by using desiccant packets or oxygen absorbing packets, and by repackaging the items with a vacuum sealing.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods

Non-carbonated soft drinks

Although many of us prefer carbonated beverages, over time the sugars break down and the drink flavor is altered. Non-carbonated beverages stand a longer test of time. And, as long as the bottles are stored in optimum conditions, they will last. Non-carbonated beverages include: vitamin water, Gatorade, juices, bottled water.

Uses: beverages, flavor additions to baked goods

White rice

White rice is a major staple item that preppers like to put away because it’s a great source for calories, cheap and has a long shelf life. If properly stored this popular food staple can last 30 years or more.

Uses: breakfast meal, addition to soups, side dishes, alternative to wheat flour

Bouillon products

Because bouillon products contain large amounts of salt, the product is preserved. However, over time, the taste of the bouillon could be altered. If storing bouillon cubes, it would be best repackage them using a food sealer or sealed in mylar bags.

Uses: flavoring dishes

Powdered milk – in nitrogen packed cans

Powdered milk can last indefinitely, however, it is advised to prolong it’s shelf life by either repackaging it for longer term storage, or placing it in the freezer. If the powdered milk developes an odor or has turned a yellowish tint, it’s time to discard.

Uses: beverage, dessert, ingredient for certain breads, addition to soup and baked goods.

Published by Tess Pennington on March 9th, 2011

Hobo Stove | Practical Survivor #HowTo #Survival

Click title or picture for full article.

Hobo Stove - Urban Survival

Urban survival is a tricky subject to discuss. There are advantages to urban survival. Anywhere you look there are items in trash cans and dumpsters that can be used to improve a survival situation. Cardboard boxes can be used for shelter, newspapers can be used for insulation and to the practical survivor another persons trash can be a treasure. In this case we will use a coffee can to build a stove. Whether you call it a hobo stove, can stove, or just a survival stove, this is a cheap effective way to both cook and stay warm.

Keep an open mind during any survival situation. This stove can be used during a black out (power outage) caused by hurricanes to boil water and help purify it. Sadly, we recently watched victims of hurricane Katrina succumb to thirst. Preparation and knowledge or urban survival techniques, could have helped some to make it through that disaster. Methods of water distillation and purification options can take minutes to learn and could save you and your loved ones.

Whether backpacking, camping, or surviving, having a way to cook can make a huge difference. Whether that is a nice warm meal or life or death, knowing different methods of cooking is crucial.

A coffee can or large vegetable/ravioli can will allow you to build a stove and cook. A smaller can such as pork and beans can be used as a pot.

Items used to build this stove:

* Coffee can
* Can opener
* Tin snips
* Drill and drill bits
* Metal coat hanger

There are many methods that could be used to build this stove. Instead of tin snips a chisel or a flat screwdriver could be used to cut into the can.

We use a metal coat hanger to build rods which will help hold up the cooking pot.

The top side of a coffee can is already opened. If the bottom is left on, we would not need the can opener for this project. Just make sure to drill extra holes in the bottom area of the can so the tinder gets proper ventilation.

We then used the tin snips to cut a small door. This opening will be used to feed the fuel for the fire.

We tried to use a can piercer (triangle can opener) to make the holes instead of a drill. In an attempt to save money companies are using thinner cans and this is what happened. This could possible be avoided by leaving the bottom side of the can untouched. The added rigidity should allow the use of a sharp triangle can opener to make the ventilation holes.

For this project we used a drill with a 1/2 inch drill bit to make the larger holes at the bottom of the can. If a drill is not available, the can needs to be supported by a piece of wood and a screwdriver or knife can be used to punch holes into the can.

Four more holes need to be drilled along the top side. The holes will allow us to push the wire pieces we built using the coat hanger. Use wire cutters, a multi-tool, or just bend the hanger back and forth until it breaks.

Now you can see how the two wires will hold up our cooking pot or smaller can. This is just another way to adapt to the situation. Water can be boiled in a beer can or empty food can.

The wires hold up the small backpacking pot perfectly.

Next we started a small fire using leaves and twigs. Normally we would allow enough time to build a bed of coals. Here we started attempting to boil the water as soon as we started the fire. We wanted to time the process.

We placed the pot on top of the stove and within minutes we started to see steam. We would want to wait until the water comes to a roaring boil. We added small twigs and sticks through the square hole we cut into the can using the tin snips.

A little over six minutes and we had boiling water. The temperature on this day was eighty degrees Fahrenheit. During cold conditions we would want to allow the coals to build up and a longer time to boil.

Compact Hobo Stove (backpacking)

There are many different designs floating around on the internet for coffee can stoves or hobo stoves as some call it. While some designs might be more efficient that others, the amount of tooling and work needed to make the stove should be taken into consideration (if we want to be practical).

This stove can be made using a few tools:

* Drill
* Can opener
* Grinder
* Hole punch

* Small file
* Tape measure
* Marker

Note: The grinder could be replaced by using a screwdriver and tin snips.

Materials:

* Paint can
* Food can

The total cost for this stove was four dollars and we were able to eat the food in the can. The paint cans can be purchased empty at most hardware stores. We did experiment with different size paint and food cans. The important point is that the top can fits in the lip of the paint can.

We test the food can for fit on the lip of the paint can. For this particular paint can we used a 29 ounce can of sweet potatoes.

Using the can opener, we remove the ends on the food can and the bottom end of the paint can. The top can if properly selected will also fit inside of the paint can.

Next we use the tape measure to mark holes at an even distance. We chose one hole per every inch.

Using a hole punch, we set the point where we will drill the holes. Its important to find something to support the can while punching and drilling. We used a round piece of a branch.

Once the holes have been drilled, we want to use a file to make sure we clean up the inside of the can. This could prevent us from getting cuts and allows the top can to fit inside of the paint can.

We mark a “V” shape on the top can. This open area will be where we feed the tinder and fuel to the stove. We use the grinder to cut the proper shape.

The final product should look something like the picture above. We are purposely leaving the specifics on measurement, drill bit size and amount of holes so that people will experiment. All the survival gadgets in the world will not help you, if you are unwilling to expand your mind. Learn to use what is around you. Search on the net for different designs.

Now to test the stove. One of the many conveniences of a hobo stove is the option to use very small fuel. Small twigs and leaves are all that is needed to keep a fire going. The smoke and light from the is minimal. There is no need to cut down branches to feed a fire.

We tested the stove on a summer day and it took close to nine minutes to boil the water. the design above was able to boil it faster but it is much larger. Experimenting with air flow on the stove would likely improve the efficiency. Larger holes and hole placement would likely lower the time it would take to boil the water.

Well that’s it, the water is boiling and I was hungry so……. I boiled an egg in 4 minutes and enjoyed breakfast. There are many hobo stove designs out there. Research and try different models to see what fits your particular need the best.