This new work of fiction comes highly recommended by a friend ... it is the just released "Empire" by Orson Scott Card.
It presents a scenario in which a second U.S. civil war erupts between red states and blue states after a terrorist attack that effectively decapitates the federal government.
You can read the first five chapters for free at Card's website: http://www.hatrack.com/
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
"Why We Worry About the Things We Shouldn't ..."
Interesting TIME magazine cover story: "Why We Worry About the Things We Shouldn't ... and Ignore the Things We Should"
"Shadowed by peril as we are, you would think we'd get pretty good at distinguishing the risks likeliest to do us in from the ones that are statistical long shots. But you would be wrong. We agonize over avian flu, which to date has killed precisely no one in the U.S., but have to be cajoled into getting vaccinated for the common flu, which contributes to the deaths of 36,000 Americans each year. We wring our hands over the mad cow pathogen that might be (but almost certainly isn't) in our hamburger and worry far less about the cholesterol that contributes to the heart disease that kills 700,000 of us annually.
"We pride ourselves on being the only species that understands the concept of risk, yet we have a confounding habit of worrying about mere possibilities while ignoring probabilities, building barricades against perceived dangers while leaving ourselves exposed to real ones."
"Shadowed by peril as we are, you would think we'd get pretty good at distinguishing the risks likeliest to do us in from the ones that are statistical long shots. But you would be wrong. We agonize over avian flu, which to date has killed precisely no one in the U.S., but have to be cajoled into getting vaccinated for the common flu, which contributes to the deaths of 36,000 Americans each year. We wring our hands over the mad cow pathogen that might be (but almost certainly isn't) in our hamburger and worry far less about the cholesterol that contributes to the heart disease that kills 700,000 of us annually.
"We pride ourselves on being the only species that understands the concept of risk, yet we have a confounding habit of worrying about mere possibilities while ignoring probabilities, building barricades against perceived dangers while leaving ourselves exposed to real ones."
Click
Click the link above and read the article. It's good to be reminded of reality in a grounded, statistical way now and then, don't you think?
Balance. It really has to be about balance and perspective. Prepare for risks in a way that doesn't mess you up--financially, emotionally, relationship-wise, etc. Look at the probabilities in a realistic way--not in the hair-raising way the media happens to be fomenting whatever is the fear of the hour.
- Prepare logically, systematically.
- Reap the resulting peace of mind.
- Enjoy life.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Global Realities Being Altered Online
It's an amazingly easy thing to become an active participant in the online global dynamic today. For many, however, it's not so easy to grasp the responsibility that comes with the power to instantly communicate far and wide.
What was once the nuanced province of kings, statesmen, and educated professionals, has become a forceful tool in the hands of common men and fringe groups. Cultural definition, traditions, and beliefs, as well as national interests now are being reshaped by the masses ... without a plan, without a safety net, without effective checks and balances.
Not to say there aren't powerful agendas being worked out there. Quite clearly, the useful online tools that are so enabling in many positive ways are doubling as weapons against civilization and social order by some malevolent parties large and small.
Battling for Hearts and Minds
Social scientists and communication professionals like to talk about the sophistication of the civilized individual today. Certainly most have learned to be more discerning with regard to their ubiquitous exposures to advertising, for instance.
But the truth of the matter is that most folks with their own keyboard and LCD monitor are ill-equipped to effectively manage their absorption of what they choose to look at. And sometimes worse, they have little concept of how their own contributions to the global stream of consciousness impacts the overall direction or eddies and swirls in their own small segments of reality.
It's a huge set of concepts to try to put your arms around--how omnidirectional electronic globalization is changing everything. Even our own personal vulnerabilities and ongoing adaptations to a world twisting, turning, and rushing through the canyons of history are impossible to stay on top of.
Still, it's important, I think, to be reminded of where the real power is shifting today. You and I and billions of others out there from countless different viewpoints of reality are chipping and sometimes blasting out new boundaries and channels for future dialog. But with dialog inevitably comes conflict. Pain and suffering can become by-products, if not even objectives for some. Growing chaos seems assured before things somehow are to become settled again.
My main points:
1. Accept personal responsibility for positively contributing to our world. Volunteer, donate time and money, but also be very cognizant of how powerful your words and communicated emotions are when you launch them into cyberspace. It's not just a virtual world anymore, but a place that defines global perceptions and pushes reality in powerful ways.
2. Learn to be more discerning in your own exposure to the world. Your defenses are not as impenetrable as you want to think. You ARE being manipulated in your thoughts ... just make sure you choose wisely who you will allow to mold the future you.
3. Consider how swirling global perceptions and volatile diplomatic dynamics should affect your outlook on crisis preparedness. At the very least, I would propose that our future will be very different, even near-term, than what we might think it will be. The uncertainty is because of the rapidity of change in every aspect of life, as driven by the complexity of our global interconnectivity. Such explosive change can be traced not only to the rise of individual empowerment around the globe, but also to the resulting demise of traditional powercenters and the chaos that can ensue. Bottom line, expect the unexpected.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
What was once the nuanced province of kings, statesmen, and educated professionals, has become a forceful tool in the hands of common men and fringe groups. Cultural definition, traditions, and beliefs, as well as national interests now are being reshaped by the masses ... without a plan, without a safety net, without effective checks and balances.
Not to say there aren't powerful agendas being worked out there. Quite clearly, the useful online tools that are so enabling in many positive ways are doubling as weapons against civilization and social order by some malevolent parties large and small.
Battling for Hearts and Minds
Social scientists and communication professionals like to talk about the sophistication of the civilized individual today. Certainly most have learned to be more discerning with regard to their ubiquitous exposures to advertising, for instance.
But the truth of the matter is that most folks with their own keyboard and LCD monitor are ill-equipped to effectively manage their absorption of what they choose to look at. And sometimes worse, they have little concept of how their own contributions to the global stream of consciousness impacts the overall direction or eddies and swirls in their own small segments of reality.
It's a huge set of concepts to try to put your arms around--how omnidirectional electronic globalization is changing everything. Even our own personal vulnerabilities and ongoing adaptations to a world twisting, turning, and rushing through the canyons of history are impossible to stay on top of.
Still, it's important, I think, to be reminded of where the real power is shifting today. You and I and billions of others out there from countless different viewpoints of reality are chipping and sometimes blasting out new boundaries and channels for future dialog. But with dialog inevitably comes conflict. Pain and suffering can become by-products, if not even objectives for some. Growing chaos seems assured before things somehow are to become settled again.
My main points:
1. Accept personal responsibility for positively contributing to our world. Volunteer, donate time and money, but also be very cognizant of how powerful your words and communicated emotions are when you launch them into cyberspace. It's not just a virtual world anymore, but a place that defines global perceptions and pushes reality in powerful ways.
2. Learn to be more discerning in your own exposure to the world. Your defenses are not as impenetrable as you want to think. You ARE being manipulated in your thoughts ... just make sure you choose wisely who you will allow to mold the future you.
3. Consider how swirling global perceptions and volatile diplomatic dynamics should affect your outlook on crisis preparedness. At the very least, I would propose that our future will be very different, even near-term, than what we might think it will be. The uncertainty is because of the rapidity of change in every aspect of life, as driven by the complexity of our global interconnectivity. Such explosive change can be traced not only to the rise of individual empowerment around the globe, but also to the resulting demise of traditional powercenters and the chaos that can ensue. Bottom line, expect the unexpected.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Examples of Club Savings
A few have asked for savings examples in the Safecastle Royal buyers club ...
The standard 150-can Mountain House package we sell is priced at $3199 in our ebay store (already below MSRP of $4068), but club members get it for $2499.
The 48-can package is listed at $1034, shipped, on eBay. Club price is $799.
The Montague Paratrooper folding bike costs $705, shipped, on eBay. Club price: $580.
Everything ships free!
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
The standard 150-can Mountain House package we sell is priced at $3199 in our ebay store (already below MSRP of $4068), but club members get it for $2499.
The 48-can package is listed at $1034, shipped, on eBay. Club price is $799.
The Montague Paratrooper folding bike costs $705, shipped, on eBay. Club price: $580.
Everything ships free!
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Friday, November 17, 2006
Safecastle Royal Buyers Club - Most Popular Sale Item
Right now, our most popular sale item in our buyers club, Safecastle Royal, is the 3-can package of surplus Mountain House diced ham. Only three of these very rare packages remain. If you are a ham-lover, this stuff is delish! Please act now, as it is unknown when we will be able to get more in.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Sunday, November 12, 2006
New Buyers Club Open for Business!! - Safecastle Royal
It took us a bit longer than anticipated to get everything together, but at long last, our new Safecastle Royal buyers club is up and running.
The sign-up site is www.safecastleroyal.com
Note that the products posted at that sign-up site are just a small, representative sampling of the kinds of offerings available to our club members.
What's the Deal?
For a low, one-time fee, you become a lifetime member in our private buying group that gets you our already-famous and sometimes otherwise unattainable bargain prices on the coolest and most essential preparedness products out there.
Join up, and we'll send you your link, username, and password to the members site. Your $19 membership fee is refundable for any reason until you make a discounted purchase in the club (which will in all likelihood already save you more than the membership fee).
IMPORTANT--This is how we will now offer our best pricing to our customers .... on any of our products, at any time--no waiting for group buys, etc.
Check it out. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
The sign-up site is www.safecastleroyal.com
Note that the products posted at that sign-up site are just a small, representative sampling of the kinds of offerings available to our club members.
What's the Deal?
For a low, one-time fee, you become a lifetime member in our private buying group that gets you our already-famous and sometimes otherwise unattainable bargain prices on the coolest and most essential preparedness products out there.
Join up, and we'll send you your link, username, and password to the members site. Your $19 membership fee is refundable for any reason until you make a discounted purchase in the club (which will in all likelihood already save you more than the membership fee).
IMPORTANT--This is how we will now offer our best pricing to our customers .... on any of our products, at any time--no waiting for group buys, etc.
Check it out. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastleroyal.com
Friday, November 10, 2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Emboldened Enemies
Those who have been around the block with me know that, in this blog especially, but in all other venues as well, I reserve my opinions and hold my alerts very securely to the vest.
That said, I am about to post a rare warning here for those who want to be ready for major developments on the global scene.
All indications are pointing toward some new powerful confrontations to be taking place in the Middle East. Israel proper, as well as U.S. and British personnel in the region are at escalating risk.
There are a number of factors involved, not the least of which is the political scene in the U.S.
Iranian, Syrian, and various terror operations are purposefully on the verge of severely testing American and allied will to hold the line against more aggressive tactics.
Watch the wires carefully over the next few weeks as I believe we will be in danger of seeing the next phase of warfare initiated. Politically in greater Europe, the U.K., the U.S., and even in israel, conditions are optimal for the enemy to turn up the heat. It is clear that western weakness is peaking.
Take it with a grain of salt--my crystal ball boasts an old-style vacuum-tube array. The resolution is grainy, and a black and white picture, along with a few shades of gray is the best that comes in.
Nonetheless, I'd offer my friends this heads-up. It is worth staying tuned and being ready to move up in your own readiness posture should conditions prove to suddenly worsen.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastle.net
That said, I am about to post a rare warning here for those who want to be ready for major developments on the global scene.
All indications are pointing toward some new powerful confrontations to be taking place in the Middle East. Israel proper, as well as U.S. and British personnel in the region are at escalating risk.
There are a number of factors involved, not the least of which is the political scene in the U.S.
Iranian, Syrian, and various terror operations are purposefully on the verge of severely testing American and allied will to hold the line against more aggressive tactics.
Watch the wires carefully over the next few weeks as I believe we will be in danger of seeing the next phase of warfare initiated. Politically in greater Europe, the U.K., the U.S., and even in israel, conditions are optimal for the enemy to turn up the heat. It is clear that western weakness is peaking.
Take it with a grain of salt--my crystal ball boasts an old-style vacuum-tube array. The resolution is grainy, and a black and white picture, along with a few shades of gray is the best that comes in.
Nonetheless, I'd offer my friends this heads-up. It is worth staying tuned and being ready to move up in your own readiness posture should conditions prove to suddenly worsen.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastle.net
Sunday, November 05, 2006
How Prepared Do I Need to Be?
How prepared do I need to be? That's the question folks in this avocation ask over and over again.
Typically, they are looking for some kind of mathematical formula ... presumably incorporating some combination of risk factors, household size, skill sets, geography, and tea-leaf analysis.
I have to suggest that the perspective one should take is a bit more philosophical and personal.
Ommm
Those I know out there who are very rational and comfortable in their preparedness-related activities have almost unanimously come to one conclusion. That is, prepare until you feel good. The proverbial "zen" of readiness is of course attaining that narrow comfort zone where all suddenly becomes well with the world, at least in your own frame of reference.
Perhaps that's a bit obvious, but really, so many well-meaning preppers get swept way out there, becoming focused on how their worlds might devolve, implode, or disintegrate. In fact, some get so wrapped up in the gloom and doom, that interestingly, they end up subconsciously (or even overtly) hoping for realization of a catastrophe and losing a firm grip on their day-to-day obligations and blessings.
There are no two ways around it ... mathematically, the odds are long against any one of us being flattened by the fickle fist of fate. Potential is always there, but I certainly would never bet the mortgage on a lottery drawing.
Stay real. Stay cool. Being ready is more about daily peace of mind than about obssessing over gaps in your contingency planning.
No one is ever going to be fully positioned for all potential dangers. Just prepare till it feels about right, staying within your budget. Growing peace of mind is the guaranteed payoff we can all reap if we just keep things in perspective.
You decide what level of preparedness feels right, but in my book, feeling right is defined as being in balance.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastle.net
Typically, they are looking for some kind of mathematical formula ... presumably incorporating some combination of risk factors, household size, skill sets, geography, and tea-leaf analysis.
I have to suggest that the perspective one should take is a bit more philosophical and personal.
Ommm
Those I know out there who are very rational and comfortable in their preparedness-related activities have almost unanimously come to one conclusion. That is, prepare until you feel good. The proverbial "zen" of readiness is of course attaining that narrow comfort zone where all suddenly becomes well with the world, at least in your own frame of reference.
Perhaps that's a bit obvious, but really, so many well-meaning preppers get swept way out there, becoming focused on how their worlds might devolve, implode, or disintegrate. In fact, some get so wrapped up in the gloom and doom, that interestingly, they end up subconsciously (or even overtly) hoping for realization of a catastrophe and losing a firm grip on their day-to-day obligations and blessings.
There are no two ways around it ... mathematically, the odds are long against any one of us being flattened by the fickle fist of fate. Potential is always there, but I certainly would never bet the mortgage on a lottery drawing.
Stay real. Stay cool. Being ready is more about daily peace of mind than about obssessing over gaps in your contingency planning.
No one is ever going to be fully positioned for all potential dangers. Just prepare till it feels about right, staying within your budget. Growing peace of mind is the guaranteed payoff we can all reap if we just keep things in perspective.
You decide what level of preparedness feels right, but in my book, feeling right is defined as being in balance.
Get Ready, Seriously ... www.safecastle.net
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