The Long Intermission Is Over / Reel Two

In my concerted efforts to keep people informed through my Facebook news feed, I have neglected this blog yet again for the day-to-day headlines from the catbird seat.  My apologies to readers, followers and my friends at Seismologik for my absence and my thanks to friends, writers and researchers who have helped me understand the current state of humanity's big picture to date.  I will be sharing their links on a new page this week.

Research has become manic with so much happening that it is difficult (again) to find the best jumping off point.  So think of this post as the 'coming attractions' trailers with information that you need.  I connected some dots in hopes that you'll err on the side of caution as I share more of the bigger picture.  This is done as much for my family as my friends and readers - as this conversation is loathe to happen as a family 'pow-wow' - which would be preferable to me personally, if it weren't for dynamics best left in the past.  However, this will have to do as none of us can now tarry looking backward.  More on this later along with resources on how to talk to loved ones about topics I touch upon below.  For the record, I will say that I now understand with great clarity, why my grandfather watched C-SPAN religiously, was a restless sleeper and drank a lot of beer when he tended his garden.

The information that I have gleaned from this last year's research, I've watched play out in world headlines but only now just beginning to see US headlines catch up the last couple of months.  Many of the things that have happened and are happening were predicted and many more are coming to pass.  That is what the 'art' of research provides - analysis of each article, each issue; a brush stroke in a larger picture.  I've trained myself (by reading, researching and learning from great teachers) how to recognize and side-step propaganda to get to the art of intelligence gathering.  It hasn't been easy - the cognitive dissonance is thick and the normalcy bias thicker still.  America is in dire need of a wake up call.

Internet is the last frontier of truly free speech and great education if used wisely.  Television news has rendered itself impotent and as informative as a billboard.  Edward R. Murrow's nightmare has come to pass and it's time for journalists to take up their moral duty to report the truth.  There is no 'winning the future' - but you can prepare for it if you're informed.

The Truth About the Economy

Everything you may (or may not) have seen, heard or viewed about the market disaster in 2008 is happening again.  Those responsible were never prosecuted and many were allowed to keep working...earning record bonuses...so, here we are again.  Only this time, it's much worse.  During the first Great Depression, oil was not as big a factor as it is today - simply because our current economy is literally driven by it.  You would be surprised how many things are made with petroleum.  Just know that goods and services go up when oil does and in an economy that hinges on this energy resource, it's a whole new ball game than my grandparents or perhaps your great-grandparents witnessed in 1929 and after.  Many things that are occurring now are the same signs that happened before the Depression...even the political speak.  We need to get over the 'recovery' cheer leading in this 'job creation' fantasy land built on false data before more people get hurt.

John Cassel - depression era illustration

Redefining prosperity

My choice of words or style of writing has been colorful at times - I think it's because I come from a long line of outspoken women.  My grandmothers, from both Kentucky and Virginia knew some very tough times and that makes for stronger character.  I'm blessed by a lot of lessons they shared - one of them is knowing not to step in shit when you can see it plain as day.  For me, it's the kind of wisdom worth its weight in gold.

Many great people have been raising the red flags of reason and trying to sound the alarms about the coming economic collapse and their work is much appreciated.  I'm talking about several dozen researchers, writers, analysts and professors.  I'm certain Glenn Beck cherry picks data from them to make money off this crises and hopes to come out as some perceived prophet.  (Far from it.  He's a despicable snake-oil salesman.)

Picking up the reason baton has been trying and tiring while still attempting to wrap my own brain around this epic leadership fail.  Even if you do not have money in the stock market - this effects you.  If our government took up the alarm, I might not feel the need to write this - but we all know that aside from a select few, most are not interested in doing the hard work that needs to be done.  "Quick and dirty" governing for criminal bank lobbyists continues unabated, so now the only scout's advice worth giving now is to remember "You don't have to outrun the bear - just be faster than the slowest camper."

Time to put your good sneakers on and grab some batons.  I hope you'll pass them along.

Create an intentional community - whether that is family, trusted friends or a whole neighborhood - circle the wagons, find your tribe.

Make sure there are collective skill sets like gardening, cooking, canning, animal husbandry, carpentry, sewing, medicinal arts, welding, appliance repair, food co-op, motorcycle/scooter and bicycle repair, etc.  Self-sufficient skills like these will be vital to get through this as well as the next 20 years. They will be high demand jobs later.  Bet on it because oil will not save us anymore.  More on that topic in future posts.  When there are problems, you prioritize by threat or time constraints.  One down.  Now is the time to have a pow-wow/town hall/family meeting regarding the next steps.  Do this soon and be prepared to move sooner.

Stock up on food and water.  Don't wait.  Start with a three month supply.

This is imperative.  The cost of gas will continue to rise, and food prices will go up with it.  Weather events are causing wheat and grain prices to go up as well.  Many of the riots began in the middle east due to rising food costs.  This is because countries are going broke - America is no different.  Other countries have already rejected the dollar, which means - they know we're broke too.  Government is too busy saving face so they can jockey for another political day at the races and mainstream media is the horse that's bought and paid for.  Charlie Sheen doesn't give a damn whether your local store shelves go bare after a market crash.  Whose the winner...?  Remember...it's not the slow camper.

Beat zombies* to the punch and stock up on essential supplies now like:

Rice, beans, peas, honey, sugar, salt, pepper, pasta, canned food/veg/sauces (check dates), peanut butter, dried fruit, canned salmon/sardines/tuna, canned milk or powdered - dairy cheeses, butter and breads can be frozen for later use - for baking, corn meal, flour, baking powder/soda (for other uses too), vinegar, cooking oil.  Meats can be frozen up to a certain time or dehydrated for longer.  A dehydrator will be  a good purchase now as well as a pressure cooker.  Other essentials: soap, candles, rubbing alcohol, first aid supplies, lighters/matches, extra toothbrushes, floss, eyeglasses, etc.

FYI: Chocolate is seeing a surge in price as well as coffee.  

Stock up if you're so inclined.

You can buy bottled water or use empty containers to fill up from the tap.  If you have a Brita pitcher or filtration system - all the better - save some money and avoid buying more plastic bottles to boot.  We'll get to the importance of catching rainwater for sustainability later, another skill that will come in handy so do some research on installing rainwater containment systems (solar/wind installation, too).

SEEDS.  You will want to grow your own vegetables - make sure they are heirloom/organic.  Plan and start planting this spring.  Much more on gardening in future posts (urban too)...as well as permaculture methods, which I am currently studying.  If your skill set, space or soil is an issue, get to know your local farmers and farm markets for local fresh produce.  Herbal gardens will be important for medicinal purposes in future.

* Yes, I said zombies...you might have seen them this Black Friday.  Just saying.

If you take medication that is vital to your health - stock up and buy in bulk if you can.

One thing you may not know about prescription drugs is that the capsule they are contained in is made from petroleum.  So not only will the cost of shipping your medication go up - there is a double-whammy in producing it as well.  Keep this in mind for your elderly family members or neighbors you may check on - offer to assist them if they need help picking up prescriptions.  If your doctor approved alternative therapies or dietary changes that will keep you off any prescription meds - I suggest you tell your doctor that you want to implement them now, under supervision, as opposed to later when this might not be feasible.  Much more on alternative therapies in future posts - I know many gifted people and plan to interview several about these topics soon.

If you have PHYSICAL silver or gold, do not sell it - hang on to it.

Right now, anything that you do not hold in your hand...you do not own.  If you swap tangible gold and silver for dollars - you might as well be swapping it for toilet paper, it will be of as much use soon enough.  More on this later - but don't sell your precious metals or gemstones.  Dollars should be spent on goods you will need to have now.  If you have stocks, the best advice I have heard is to turn your virtual assets to physical assets before they lose almost all their value.  More on currency in future posts.  There are several states already discussing optional currency and many cities embracing barter systems.  I'll be sharing a trending market news synopsis every week.

Crowd outside the Stock Exchange 1929, the biggest protests should be there now [UPDATE! BOOYAH!]

Transportation, heating, cooking

The less gas you use, the better - so motorcycles, scooters and bikes are good things to own.  Living in urban, densely populated areas could prove to be dangerous for this and many other reasons so if you have the option of being away from large cities - exercise that option.  Whatever vehicles you have, fill up and back up gas cans for emergencies stowed away.  If you own your home and can install a wood burning stove - do it.  Make sure it has a flat top for cooking.  Have wood and cutting supplies.  With oil costs going up, electricity costs will also so keep this in mind in case you lose power, you'll be prepared.  Adding extra insulation is a good investment now.  If you've ever thought about outfitting your home with wind/solar capabilities and off the grid - think no more and act on it.  That really will be the best home investment you can make now - not to mention for your family.

There are many more topics to cover and a vast array of resources online to read but these are the top issues I think should be addressed sooner than later as the time ticks on the inevitable market failure to come.  Be a good scout and prepare - even if this seems an impossible thing to discuss with your family, prepare anyway.  They will thank you later.

This is not the end of the world, just the beginning of a different one.  A big factor that we have on our side is technology.  Used wisely, the coming challenges could be quite an adventure in creativity and ingenuity.

We have a lot of work to do.  Don't trust insider beltway government to do it - their loyalties lie with financial criminals, not the American people.  In a race to arrogantly 'win the future' we cannot lose sight of the fact that it is not theirs to 'win'.  It is ours to protect from short-sighted greed and willful ignorance. But first and foremost - we need to be informed so that we may protect and prepare ourselves and our loved ones.  This will help to insure our collective strength to fight another day.


Please consider donating to keep the refreshments coming.

TRC is run solely on donations from patrons via PayPal. If you enjoy TRC's work, please consider donating. Any amount is generous. Receipt will read The Road Home, Inc. Thank you!