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NOTE: There is a poll at the bottom, but please read this before voting!

While this isn’t really new information by any means, I’ve just been frustrated lately with the lack of choice in the U.S. Presidential elections.  It extends to almost all political offices, not just President, but that’s that big one coming up so it weights slightly more on my mind at the moment.

The Buckeye Firearms Association ran a piece back in May about McCain’s double standard on firearms and the 2nd Amendment.  I really hate using the headline phrases like “double standard”, “flip flop”, etc… because I think a lot of it is interpreting their words to mean something different than what they actually meant.  From their article (taken from Outdoor Life magazine):

OL: The Assault Weapons Ban– you voted against it. But you also said you might be open to voting for an assault weapons ban, depending on the details. Do you know any details that would support that argument?

McCain: No, because a lot of these are weapons that people use for sport, for practice and for enjoyment- outdoor enjoyment. So no, I don’t see a scenario where that would be the case. I’m sure maybe we could draw one. But the danger of an assault weapons ban spilling into weapons that people would use for everyday hunting is, I think, the challenge.

While I commend McCain for voting against the AWB (didn’t verify this, I’m taking Outdoor Life’s word for it), it’s apparent that he would consider such a thing in the future.  The practical implication of his statement however is the basis of what I hate about politicians.  They can say something to imply whatever they want it to imply, and get away with it.  Pro-gun voters will think he’s strong on gun rights issues.  Anti-gun crazies can read that if he gets elected, he’ll support a ban (so long as it can be crafted to only affect those nasty, ugly black rifles).

The simple truth is that McCain is a political whore.  He will believe and do whatever it is that will get him elected.  I think Obama’s policies are worse, but at least he actually believes in something… anything!  I can at least respect that no matter how much I disagree with it.

As for whom I will be voting for this fall…  Not that anyone cares, but if Dr. Ron Paul makes the ballot for any party it will certainly be him.  He actually understands that in order for things to get better for the U.S., it is going to get worse.  Basically, we have to reap what we sow.  But you know what?  In the long run it would be far better and less of a crash than what we’re doing now, which is basically ignoring that there is a problem at all.

[poll id="3"]

Over the past month a lot has happened in my life.  From issues and indecision about selling our house to being preoccupied in finding the perfect motorcycle to buy (which I found by the way), it seems like life is non-stop right now.  During all of this, I have been struggling with my personal health in all sorts of ways.  I’m not in danger of killing over where I stand (heh- when I stand that is), but I have had some interesting health events happen that have made me realize (yet again) how important health is, not just in emergencies, but everyday life as well.

To summarize, between May and June I had a biometric screening that labeled me as obese, Stage 1 Hypertention, low HDL, and almost Pre-Diabetes.  I also went to the emergency room because I was having a very difficult time breathing normally, only to be diagnosed with bronchitis and put on antibiotics.

In early June I developed what I thought was a canker sore on the inside of my mouth (on the left side of my inner-cheek right where my bite is).  After 10 days of trying to get rid of it I decided it was something else and went to see my awesome dentist.  I was lucky that I had already made an appointment for routine cleaning.  He took one look at it and delivered the verdict: a blocked saliva gland…  WHAT!?!  Sure enough, I realized that it indeed seemed to flare up after eating and looked very weird (like a hard clear sac).  He told me to drain it myself and try and get the calcium deposit that caused it to come out.  It’s been 3-4 weeks since then and it’s still there, although I think it might finally be clearing up.

Add to this my seasonal allergies, which seem to be worse where we are currently living, and you’ve got a few miserable months!

It has really drilled home the importance of being as healthy as you can in case of a personal or societal emergency, especially having some basic preparations that will help you cope and overcome minor health issues that might arise during emergent situations.  Things like having a needle and rubbing alcohol to drain my saliva gland…  Who would’ve thought!

The truth is you won’t be any good for yourself or your family if you aren’t able to work.  This applies to life in general, but doubly in stressful situations such as natural disasters or other major events.  I might be a fat, lazy guy who just types on the computer all day, but the thought of being a burden to someone else because I’m not able to hold my own is unbearable to me.

Often, when I have this kind of self-epiphany, I like to create action items.  Well, my action items for this epiphany are:

• Walk at least 5,000 steps each day.  This might sound pathetic, but this is about 2.5 miles and probably about 2-3 times as much as I currently walk on a given day.
• Work out twice a week for at least 15 minutes.  I’ve got to start somewhere and I figure one day or strength training and one day of endurance is a decent start from where I’m at right now!
• Organize my first-aid kits.

I know I’m missing something, probably lots of something’s.  What are they???

Recently, I’ve begun to realize what a true “job” it can be to maintain a blog, at least a successful one.  I started out really strong but then life happened and I became distracted.  This is a little bit off-topic, but how do some of you do it!?  I’m trying a few new ideas for organizing ideas and information, but nothing that I think is going to be the magic bullet.

I know I have a few RSS subscribers, and I really appreciate that.  Don’t give up on me!  I have a few posts in the works that I think will be great additions to the site, as well as some new pages for more static info.  Plus I finally got the NutriMill today (took over 3 weeks from the second place I ordered it from) and will be working on a review and our bread recipe.  It should be exciting.

Title: Baked Egg Roll
Type: Breakfast
Serves: 6
Source: Everyday Food Storage & Preparedness

Ingredient List:

• 6 Eggs (1/3 C. Dehydrated Eggs +2/3 C. Water)
• 1 C. Milk (3 T. Powdered Milk + 1 C. Water)
• 1/2 C. All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 t. Salt
• 1/4 t. Pepper
• 1 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

1. Place eggs and milk in a blender.  Add the flour, salt and pepper; cover and process until smooth.  Pour into a greased 9×13 pan.  Bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until eggs are set.
2. Sprinkle with cheese.  Roll up in pan, starting with a short side.  Place with seam side down on a serving platter.  Cut into 3/4 inch slices.

Tip: If yours puffs up, don’t worry.  Just poke holes in the “bubbles” and it will still roll up fine.

My Comments:  I can’t wait to try this out.  I’m going to try it with some fresh ground wheat instead of all purpose flour to see if it works well with that.  If so, it really is a simple and truly long-term food storage based meal.

How would you improve this dish?

Incredible events around the world have transpired in the previous month or so.  It seems almost every element of nature is causing crisis throughout the world.  The media outlets barely start easing coverage of one event when something else catastrophic happens.  I couldn’t even begin to compile a list of relevant news clippings, there’s just too many.  Besides, if you don’t know what’s been going on, you probably aren’t reading this, have the Internet, television, or any friends whatsoever.  It’s been that pervasive!

Considering the grave situation parts of the world are in right now (including parts of the U.S.), coupled with my recent experience with the first place I ordered my NutriMill at, well, it’s really depressed me a bit.  I’m pretty sure this retailer has simply gone out of business, but still has a website for whatever reason.  It’s hosted by a reputable source, their ordering system is through a company that would verify that sort of stuff, so I’m 95% sure I didn’t give my contact information to a dishonest entity, but it still gets me down.

It reminds me of an article I read talking about how scam artists use these natural disasters to their advantage, preying on the good nature of people who just want to help.  It’s upsetting that we can’t just focus on continually preparing ourselves and helping others, but that we also have to keep sharp in uncovering dishonest conduct.  The unfortunate truth however, is that times of crisis are when you are most vulnerable and susceptible to someone trying to take advantage of you (and you falling for it).  I thought I’d point out a few of the things to watch out for, mainly for myself, but maybe it will help others too.

• Marketing.  This can affect both the victims and givers.  Givers will be asked to give money to ‘help’ those in need.  Victims might be contacted offering aid for some sort of deposit.  This could be over the phone, in person, through the Internet, etc…  There are plenty or relief organizations you can support, you just need to be wary.
• Your possessions become worthless.  To make the point (although hopefully an extreme example), this is akin to trading your nice plasma TV for a pack of toilet paper.  In dire circumstances, the value of basic necessities skyrocket while ‘toys’ plunge.  It may seem silly now, but if you’re without toilet paper for a week or more you might be singing a different tune and gladly give up that hunk of plastic and metal for something that is now a true luxury!  The lesson here?  Get prepared!  Don’t put yourself in a situation where you need toilet paper or other basic necessities in the first place.
• Offers of help.  While the majority of people will band together to help each other out in an emergency, there is certainly a dangerous minority that will be looking to take advantage of the situation.  Whether they want money, possessions, food, sex, it doesn’t really matter.  You have got to be cautious in accepting assistance after a disaster.  Treat it like a friendly game of poker maybe.  Remain courteous and helpful but keep your preparations, condition, etc… close to your sleeve.

Of course, identifying possible scams is the easy part.  The hard part comes in avoiding them and maintaining yourself in a position where you aren’t put “over a barrel” where you have to stick your neck out there even though you have a bad feeling about it.

I know I’ve left some hazards out, but it’s a start.  What are some of the ways you plan on avoiding being taken advantage of both in general life and during a crisis?

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