So how cool would it be if you could charge up your cell phone, GPS, digital camera or flashlight on a camping trip by using a pot to boil water for dinner. Well it’s possible if you have a PowerPot, a thermoelectric generator that converts heat directly into power that can be to charge any USB handheld device. [Read more…] about Review of a Portable Thermal Electric Generator, The PowerPot V
APP for your cell phone to locate local shooting Ranges from NSSF site
TN Tactical Supply is a member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, (NSSF) and they promote safe shooting sports of all kinds through education. I recently received an email from them announcing that they have released app’s for both the Iphone and Android phones that helps you locate nearby shooting ranges.
Get out there and practice…
Attached is the link to their website for more information. [Read more…] about APP for your cell phone to locate local shooting Ranges from NSSF site
Did You Know That Violent Crime Has Dropped Dramatically Over The Last 20 Years
Violent Crime Dropped Dramatically Over 20 Years, Latest U.S Justice Department Study Confirms
The U.S. Department of Justice Tuesday issued a report that provides further evidence that the use of firearms in violent crimes has dropped dramatically nationwide over the past 20 years. This trend has occurred even as firearms ownership has increased significantly.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics report, homicides due to firearms fell 39 percent between 1993 and 2011. The use of firearms in crimes without fatalities dropped an even more impressive 69 percent during the same period. By the numbers, firearm-related homicides dropped from 18,253 in 1993 to 11,101 in 2011. Nonfatal firearm crimes in this period declined from 1.5 million in 1993 to 467,300 in 2011. Read the full report here.
These findings support the earlier released FBI’s Uniform Crime Report showing similar reductions in the violent crime rate.
Interestingly, the new report confirmed earlier data that less than 1 percent of state prison inmates who used a firearm in their crime had obtained it at a gun show. Instead, about 40 percent of these inmates obtained their firearms from illegal sources such as theft or through a drug deal, while 37 percent got their guns from a family member or friend.
Of the firearms used in the offenses that put those inmates behind bars, rifles were employed only about 1.5 percent of the time.
The new report also found that from 2007 to 2011, about 1 percent of violent crime victims, some 235,700 people, used a firearm in self-defense. Another 103,000 used a firearm to protect their property.
What does the data is this report say about the focus of gun control advocates on extending background checks to private-party firearms sales at gun shows or their fixation on banning modern sporting rifles? The short answer is that the data we continue to see in this study and others demonstrate that those approaches are unresponsive and ineffective public policy responses if the goal is to truly continue progress in crime reduction.
We would hope that this report would cause gun control advocates to at least question their pursuit of ill-directed new legislation, but we will not hold our breath. Likewise, we do not expect state legislatures in Connecticut, Maryland or Colorado to reverse bad lawmaking.
We also will not expect the Obama administration to cite this study done by the professional civil servants of the Justice Department since it does not support their political agenda. Nor will we expect extensive news media coverage, although we were pleased to see some articles and commentary.
NSSF and others will cite this report to help convince those policymakers who can be persuaded to stop and look at the data before acting or responding to emotional appeal. Our goal as a society should be to pursue policy that will truly work to further reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and to avoid making laws that work mainly to restrict and punish the law-abiding. Plato said it best: “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.”
May 8, 2013 By Larry Keane
Larry Keane is senior vice president and general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Make Your Personal Area Threat Map
The recent explosion at a fertilizer plant in Texas that injured and killed so many people made me start to think back about one of those projects that I have been putting off, creating our own personal Threat Map of our area.
Your personal threat map is something you create at based on the location of your home, work place and schools if you have children. It lists and details potentially threats and hazardous sites, like a fertilizer plant, and will serve to enlighten you on the possible dangers that surround you and your family. In creating your personal threat map, the Internet is your friend. Aim your favorite browser at either Google Maps or Mapquest, type in your address and you will have a detailed map of your location complete with all roads and highways that you can identify for evacuation routes from danger.
A cool thing about using either of these online programs is both have map and satellite views you can switch to see aerial photos of details down to the street level. To me Goggle’s satellite views are better but to each his / her own. It makes it easy to pick out things like railways and railroad yards, (did you ever consider how much hazardous cargo is transported by trains), large factories and plants. With this information you can dig deeper into what is produced at these plants and rank them for threats.
The threat to each of these different operations is two fold, industrial accidents and potential terrorist targets.
Things to look for:
Large buildings that could be factories or production plants
Chemical / Fuel storage facilities; usually will show up as a cluster of round tanks.
Railroad switching yards
Port facilities on major waterways with container operations.
Dams and locks on rivers and waterways, down stream would be a flood zone risk.
Are there any know High Crime areas that might become more dangerous than normal should an event take place.
Military Bases
Major shopping malls and large sporting event centers
Next get a large folding type map of your city or town. Many times they are free for the asking at a local real estate office. If not there, then a local service station or bookstore should have them for a couple of dollars.
Start with marking your house on the map then any workplaces and or schools that your family has. As you gather the local threat facilities, make notes of each on your city level map. Look at each threat location and use your map to plot at least three evacuation routes away from the threat. Major roads might be your primary first choice but if they are jammed with traffic or accidents, alternate back roads should be considered.
If family members are separated during the day with work and school as many of us are, then evacuation routes should be considered for each person’s location. Depending on the location of the threat, it may not be possible for everyone to make it back home in the short term. In reality one or more may have to move further away from home so you need to have alternative places to meet up or rendezvous to reassemble. A friend or relatives home or a public places like a gas station, business or school should be discussed and plotted on your local map.
Then the bigger question is where are you evacuating to, a relative’s or friend’s home in a nearby town or state. You will need larger scale maps if so, again with at least three different routes to get to each location.
Some other considerations:
You will also need to know what the average direction of any prevailing winds are for your area. Think about a toxic chemical spill with airborne gases. You will want to know if you are up wind or down wind from the threat.
Are you in a flood plain? If so, which way and what roads lead to higher ground.
Are you in an earthquake zone? In a major metropolitan area, buildings and over passes may be damaged and knocked down blocking roads so plot alternative routes around them.
Try and involve the whole family in this exercise, don’t scare them but let them know that the world we live in has real threats and that you want your family to have a plan, just in case.
Once your threat map is compiled, make additional copies and put them in each vehicle your family owns and a copy in everyone’s bug out bag.
As a Prepper, why you should have your basic HAM License
To start off with, what actually is Ham Radio?
Ham Radio, also known as Amateur Radio, is a popular hobby and a volunteer public service in which licensed participants operate communications equipment. Many of which have a deep knowledge and appreciation electronics. The hobby portion of Amateur Radio is a mix of relaxation, entertainment, public service, and emergency communications. People get interested in HAM communications for various reasons, mine was primarily for emergency communications.
To become a licensed HAM operator you will need to have a basic working knowledge of electronics, radio technology and operating principles. You will also need to pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the “Amateur Bands”, but I’ll include some links below that will make that process an easy one. These bands are radio frequencies reserved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by hams at intervals from just above the AM broadcast band all the way up into extremely high microwave frequencies.
There is no longer a requirement that you learn Morse Code for any of the licenses.
The first beginner’s level license is the Technician’s license and in all truth should be considered a “Learner’s Permit”. There are numerous publications, study manuals and online courses to help you learn the technical details to enable you to pass the written exam. The exam consists of 35 questions selected from a bank of 396 possible questions. You must answer at least 26 out of the 35, that is a score of 74% or better to pass.
The best way I have found, (along with a number of friends in our local HAM club), is to use one of the web sites listed below to memorize the test questions and get into the hobby so you can actually start to learn how to use the radio. Again, this first level if licensing is a “Learner’s Permit”.
This web site offers free test preparation for the Technicians, General and Extra license. They do ask you to register with a valid email address. Under the Resources tab they have a link to Practice Amateur Radio Exams. The exam questions are randomly selected from the pool of questions and you get feed back on every answer, right or wrong. Your final grade is displayed at the end and it tells you which sections you should concentrate your studies on.
This next one basically does the same thing, just uses a different format and you don’t get feedback on your answers until you complete the test.
http://www.arrl.org/new-to-ham-radio
This is a good site that is full of information and valuable links to continue the learning process.Anyone can be an Amateur Radio operator or “ham” –no matter what age, gender, or physical ability.
So why as a prepper should I have a HAM license & radio?
So that you can communicate almost anywhere you are if the systems like landlines, cell phone and internet networks stop working for whatever reason. In times of disaster, when regular communications channels fail, a HAM radio allows you assisting emergency communications efforts and if you want, work with public service agencies. Wherever you can take a radio, you can set up a communications site. It was the Amateur Radio Service that enabled New York City agencies to stay in touch with each other after their command center was destroyed during the 9/11 attack. Ham Radio was also used extensively and for rescue during Hurricanes Katrina and more recently Sandy, and then in the aftermath after all other communications systems failed and were not repaired for some time.
So, how much will this cost me?
You can purchase the Basic study materials for passing the FCC test and getting your initial license usually cost for less than $40. Many HAM clubs sponsor classes to help the future HAM obtain the knowledge to pass the tests. Goggle HAM clubs in your zip code, you may you surprised how many are out there. Once you have your first license, it’s best to start with simple equipment and as you learn more invest and grow your equipment over time. I spent less than $200 to get my first handheld dual band radio with an external antenna that boosted the range so I was able to start talking to other hams in no time at all. There are also HAM radio “Flea Markets” put on by local clubs all over the country and they can be a source of both new and good used equipment to save you a few dollars.
I’ll have a follow up post on basic equipment a beginning HAM should consider in the near future.
HAM Repeater stations Apps for the iPhone & Android phones.
For all you HAM’s or those who are not just yet but are interested in emergency communications, I found a Free Repeater Directory for the iPhone and Android.
It’s published by Repeaterbook.com, an online source for Amateur Radio information, now has a FREE repeater directory app for Android & iPhone! Armed with a UHF/VHF/HF radio and this handy app, you’ll have repeater communication all over North America!
Powered by the popular community database of RepeaterBook.com and software of ZBM2.com RepeaterBook enables you to easily find repeaters across the USA and Canada, for free and without a network connection.
* No network connection required.
* Use network, GPS or a grid square to find Repeaters.
* Displays your grid.
* Comprehensive selection and sorting options.
* Displays distance, heading and full repeater details.
* Fast and flexible, designed to help you use the repeater network.
* Easily submit updates from within the app.
If you are located in middle Tennessee, please check out the Short Mountain Repeater Clubs website for all kinds of info on HAM Radio.
http://www.shortmountain.org/default.html
A Brief History Lesson On Gun Control
This morning I was making the rounds through a number of different websites that I read on a fairly regular basis because they have articles that many times provide insight and opinions that interest me. On the American Thinker website I came across a new video released out by author Matt Bracken that speaks to the issue of gun control debate now going on in our country.
It’s titled DEMOCIDE: Socialism, Tyranny, Guns and Freedom
I know for most of you this is preaching to the choir, and you already are aware of history of gun confiscation by other countries tyrants and mad men. This is our world’s history, the stories are not new and untold, but are not widely taught and known to current generations so they need to be reminded and educated with the whole truth.
This type of thing is why I’ve become so concerned and encourage others to embrace preparedness. This video illustrates one reason I started the business we have and a reason I’m motivated to help bring knowledge, self sufficiency, self-reliance and personal freedoms back to we the people. We all need to keep pushing ahead with helping people, developing community and be better prepared for what the future may have in store for us to face.
Please be advised,
It’s INTENSELY GRAPHIC meaning blood and illustration of the ultimate cruelness a human can do to another fellow human. Then there is a political comment at the end regarding our current administration.
Go to this link to see the original post and article on American Thinker site
http://www.americanthinker.com/video/2013/02/democide_socialism_tyranny_guns_and_freedom.html
The Gun Control Lobby Is Shifting Into High Gear
Boys and Girls this is getting serious.. If you care about your second amendment rights and want to protect them in these scary times, I urge you to please, visit this site and use it to contact your local, state legislators and tell them how you stand on the new restrictive laws being introduced.
Are Argentina’s Changes and Challenges Coming to The USA…
I subscribe to a multitude of blogs, forums and websites related to prepping, self-sufficiency and self-reliance. When I see something that increases my awareness another notch, I will share it here first.
This post is from the LDSAVOW.com website, “Another Voice of Warning”
Quote: This was forwarded to me by a good friend. It is definitely worth a few minutes of your time.
The dearth of knowledge within the U.S., about the results of the socialistic policies of “change” (read: Progressivism) in Argentina over the last century is tragic. The facts are well established…you just can’t get anyone in the U.S. MSM to present or discuss the information. Oh, by the way…Argentina is RIGHT NOW off on another wild cycle of inflation. They are facing another collapse of their currency…which means, essentially, a collapse of every dime of savings/investment in the country. Ouch!
Without doubt, Argentina’s “changes” are clear harbingers of what is coming to the US of A. Soon, now. However, the effects will be even harsher here, because our government leaders have managed to keep the “cork in the bottle” for a much longer period of time. It is like a volcano that erupts only after centuries of building pressure…the results are catastrophic for anyone living within the immediate environs, and pretty dang bad for anyone in the downstream ash cloud.
You’ve heard me say it before, one way or another: get your family ready for this coming economic boomerang. Food storage is a must. Self-Defense will, unfortunately, be needful, so got the tools, supplies and training to do it right. Get water stored within your home, too, as there will be days it will be unsafe to go outside your home. Get a couple of GOOD water filters. Vitamins are going to be very much needed.
If you can, move away from the larger cities; if you can’t, at least figure out some “bug-out” routes and transportation for times of need. It is EXTREMELY advisable to invest in some “hard goods” for inflation protection. That can be silver/gold, or ammunition; even food storage itself will become extremely valuable in barter terms. There are many other possibilities for “hard goods,” choose and store what makes sense for YOU.
Timing? I wish I knew. Socialist governments are quite adept at stretching things out, robbing Peter to pay Paul. However, one sure sign of imminent collapse is when governments “nationalize” pension and retirement accounts, to “protect our most needy.” When this happens, INEVITABLY those accounts are raided/looted to pay for current over-spending, that is usually a strong indicator of impending economic collapse within a few short months, maybe a couple of years. The US Government is the master of all time, at increasing debt and avoiding paying the piper–just know that it will happen, eventually. Prepare accordingly.
None of the above are wild predictions…these cycles have happened hundreds of times in recorded history, when governments make the decisions to overspend on “bread and circuses” with money they don’t have to spend.
Get ready, folks…or you will rue the day you failed to do so.
End of Quote….
Scary times folks, scary times….
We have Mountain House long term storage food in stock if you need to increase your inventory and regular discounts apply.
http://www.tntacticalsupply.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=mountain+House&x=0&y=0
Patrick
Ted Nugent’s Open letter to Joe Biden on Guns
‘Gun control’ won’t save lives
Joe,
Congratulations on your appointment to lead a presidential commission to end gun-related violence.
As a National Rifle Association board member, husband, father, grandfather, law enforcement officer and genuinely concerned American, I too want nothing more than to see evil, senseless massacres stopped. I concur with the president and caring people everywhere: It’s time to end these slaughters.
As you gather your team to study massacres and how to stop them, I offer to you my services and a lifetime of expertise on guns in all their implementations. While I strongly differ with President Obama on many issues, I agree with him that we must work with all we can possibly muster to end these tragedies.
As you begin to formulate your thoughts on how to proceed with your task, I hope your starting point is to provide the president with the facts regarding these slaughters and to offer him common-sense recommendations that are void of a political agenda and will actually make a meaningful difference. If the American people smell a political agenda here, that will only bog down our efforts.
In the spirit of goodwill and a deep desire to end gut-wrenching, incredibly sad and senseless rampages, I offer you the following recommendations:
I encourage you to persuade the president to lead this effort by providing a number of public service announcements. The announcements should include watching out for each other, encouraging parents to be more involved in their children’s lives regarding entertainment choices, and knowing various indicators we should watch for in people who are unstable.
Clearly, the focus on solving these mass murders must be on the mentally ill. In almost every instance of mass killing, there were ample red flags and warning alarms that either were avoided or were not acted upon by mental health professionals, family members, friends and acquaintances. While I deeply respect an individual’s privacy and civil liberties, the American people need basic awareness of what indicators to look for regarding potentially violent, psychotic people. Our collective safety begins with being collectively vigilant.
You will find in your assessment that all of the massacres have occurred in gun-free zones. What gun-free zones create is an environment where good people are unarmed and virtually defenseless against an unstable person intent on committing mass murder. Gun-free zones are modern killing fields. I implore you to recommend that Congress pass a law to ban gun-free zones immediately.
Just like your full-time, armed security detail, qualified citizens with authorized, legal concealed-carry permits should be able to carry weapons virtually everywhere to protect themselves, their loved ones and innocents.
I also implore you to strongly consider recommending that trained school officials have access to weapons to protect students. Just as airline pilots may have access to a weapon to prevent another Sept. 11 mass murder, school officials also should be trained to stop shooting sprees at our schools.
I don’t encourage you to recommend a ban on any weapon, magazine capacity or type of ammunition. That won’t accomplish anything other than prevent the 99.9 percent of responsible, law-abiding Americans from enjoying these modern weapons as we do now. We should never recommend or develop public policy that restricts the rights of the good guys based upon what evil people do or might do. If that were the case, alcohol still would be banned. As you may know, drunk drivers kill an estimated 12,000 Americans each year and hurt tens of thousands more.
I encourage you also to keep this misnamed “gun violence” in perspective. While all deaths are tragic, the vast majority of gun-related murders and violence are committed by gang members who do not use guns that look like — but do not perform like — military assault weapons. The majority of crimes that involve a firearm are committed with handguns. I concurred with you back in 2008 when you stated, “If [Mr. Obama] tries to fool with my Beretta, he’s got a problem.” I trust you still maintain those sentiments.
Again, I offer you my services and a lifetime of expertise. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reposted from the Washington times news site.