A Word from One of Our Sponsors ...

Actually, a public service reminder about a topic central to our nation's history and its future ...

New Preparedness Products Available Now, and More Coming Soon

Busy times here at Safecastle world headquarters. New products, a new website in the works, and of course a continuing upward demand trend for preparedness products of all kinds are keeping me hopping.

You don't need me to point out that world "leaders" seem to be content flushing their citizens all down into the tank, while they nobly endeavor to remedy the situation for a select chosen few.

Times are not going to be getting better, folks. The best advice being offered out there these days is to get your loved ones and households situated for some needy years ahead. I'm not disposed to scare-mongering and indeed am an optimistic sort generally. But I have not found anyone anywhere of late singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy." Have you?

We're doing our best to give our members and friends the best offerings we can swing. Our biggest challenge today is with suppliers who are often out of stock of certain items--often for lengthy times. The biggest reasons? ... supply lines, international manufacture and transport difficulties--the general domino effect that takes place when the global economy is claiming victims everywhere on a daily basis. So we continue to adjust for those hiccups as they occur. The good news is that our biggest selling products and primary products line suppliers are continuing to deliver in reliable fashion. If and when we become aware of supply issues with a given product, we remove them from our site immediately.

All that said, we ARE very excited about some new developments around here. New products already listed and also others in the pipeline, as well as a much-improved buyers club website that should be launched in the mid-August timeframe are what I'm here to tell you about today.

New Products at Safecastle Royal

This week we added several new listings to our store, including ...

• The miniature K8 NUKE Safeguard ratemeter.
• The new, largest model of the "Bury 'Em" Tube line, the Model 8L.
• The Inovel 1517 N95 respirator/mask - 20 masks per box.
• Several Columbia River and SOG knives.
• Two new Yoders meat listings ... a 12-can variety pack and a 6-can meat sampler pack.

Around the Corner

We've got more product offerings in the works. A couple of them I want to mention here ...

• A brand new Safecastle "Quest Mission Rig" -- a quality, pre-assembled resource bag that you'll want to have with you most anywhere you go, especially in times of crisis.
• A line of bicycle cargo trailers that, down the road, just may prove to be one the better small investments in our future any of us make today. In fact, when we are able to make those available, we plan to put together a little sale, offering package deals for those trailers and our ever-popular Montague folding bikes.

More News

We are going to have to raise our membership fee a bit when we launch the new website. Of course that does not affect any current members since the one-time fee members paid was/is good for a lifetime. But new members will need to pay a bit more for their memberships. If you know anyone who might want to join, give them a heads-up that now is the time.

Finally, I just want to refer you to a few great survival-related resources that we support and frequent, and that you will find helpful in your own personal preparedness and awareness efforts:

www.survivalblog.com
www.thesurvivalistblog.blogspot.com
www.thesurvivalpodcast.com
www.thetreeofliberty.com

Stay safe!
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Roubini Warning of Double-Dip Recession--Things are Worsening

Sage economist Nouriel Roubini has been one of very few economists on the planet in front of the global economic crisis for the last couple of years.

Heed his warnings or suffer the consequences.

His most recent posting linked below is particularly eye-opening. It is clearly enunciated and spelled out to reach everyone from the technical investor pacing in his penthouse to those enduring in their cul-de-sac rambler through the unfolding catastrophe ...

U.S. Job Report Suggests that Green Shoots are Mostly Yellow Weeds
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The Global Dynamic is in Transition ... Are You?

I have precious little time of late for meditation and reflection. Prayer of course is a necessity no matter what the circumstances--though there too I have been under-committed.

Still, every once in a while something happens that forces some level of introspection that results in a needed reorientation. It doesn't have to be anything significant, fearful, or profound that turns me inward and then right-side up. It can be the most innocuous or mundane development at times.

Then again, on rare occasions I am led to mentally limber up and exercise regions of the brain left long-neglected. Most recently, a couple of days ago, I came across a rather challenging essay entitled "Light-travel time: a problem for the big bang" by Jason Lisle, Ph.D. From there I was led to other articles Dr. Lisle has written.

Dr. Lisle is a Creationist Astrophysicist of widening fame and increasing impact. I'd like to suggest you check out what he has to say sometime if you want to jostle your comfortable, indoctrinated view of our existence.

That said, all of this really only brings me to the main point of this post. When as thinking individuals we are able to elevate ourselves over and above our cozy little dimple in the world to get a more far-reaching view of things, THAT is when we are given glimpses of a startling reality ... on a scope that can transcend anything we are accustomed to at ground level.

My Own Glimpse of Today and Tomorrow

After mulling some of the facts as presented by Dr. Lisle, I was logically reflecting on how small and ludicrous our everyday concerns are as we bustle about, scavenging for a few dollars and splitting hairs in the ideological arguments of the day.

How far we have come from the days of Creation and other Biblical times. So too have we not immeasurably distanced ourselves from every other historical period of the past when basic sustenance and shelter were major achievements?

I am really talking about a now homogenized global culture. I am speaking of how we seemingly have no true needs that we as human beings must concern ourselves with today, as multiple big-government safety nets are anchored in place, leaving us little possibility of abject failure in our individual journeys to and fro'.

At least that is what we must believe in if we are to keep pace with the rest of the global hive. Fear nothing. Trust in the system. Loyally contribute to the energies directed for the betterment of all. Hum along to the harmonious buzz orchestrated on our behalf.

In days gone by, self indulgence was not a common fact of life. The truth was clear in that there were always multiple concurrent forces at work resulting in an ebb and flow across the surface of humankind's historical, geographical, and cultural progressions. Survival itself was always a question mark--on micro and macro levels. Good and evil were acknowledged as ever-present counterpoints in a fluid and volatile equilibrium. Daily life always entailed risk and reward--often paid out at the greatest cost. Luxury was a new day and the blessing of an adequate harvest. Quaint, huh?

Today, we are in a period where the sum total of knowledge is said to be an order of magnitude beyond what was known even a few short years ago. Yet we seem to be falling short in the areas of wisdom and common sense. Collective memories are short, personal entitlement is ingrained, safety and system security is assumed.

I do not need to preach to the choir here. Most of us know and feel where this all is leading. The warning signs cannot be more numerous or prominent.

The reality of today is that our existence, our humanity, even our souls are on the precipice. But how many beyond our circle are in denial? I would place a very optimistic wager that at least half of the population still has not come to the realization that danger not only remains at the gates but that those dark forces are quickly gathering in strength.

The clock ticks. The speed of light itself may be wavering. Reality's glow is flickering.

Snug up those slings and ammo belts, troops.
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Battle Hymn of the Republic

I post this here as my 500th blog post in honor of the upcoming Independence Day commemoration. The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was a key inspiration during the Civil War.


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"Urban Survivalists" - Fox News Investigation

An OK intro piece here for those who have just paddled ashore from their decade-long isolation on the Isle of Shangri-La ...

War is Likely Following the Outcome of Iranian Elections

You have to give Joel Rosenberg his due for a widely recognized track record of amazing foresight in global politics in the last 10 years. His blog is always an interesting read. Needless to say, his many books are "must-read", especially his latest--"Epicenter."

Here is an excerpt from his June 13 blog entry:

June 13, 2009...9:49 pm

Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad: War is the likely outcome of the Iranian "elections"

The Supreme Leader of Iran has spoken. It’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by a “landslide.” Now all eyes in the region shift to Israel, where Prime Minister Netanyahu will deliver a major policy address on Sunday. The battle lines are clear. It’s Netanyahu vs. Ahmadinejad….Bibi vs. Mahmoud. The big question is: Who will strike first?

My Joshua Fund board members and I are just finishing up two days of board meetings. At this point, we see our mandate clearly: Do everything we can to educate, awaken and mobilize the followers of Jesus Christ to pray for peace, and do everything we can prepare for war in case the Lord allows a cataclysmic battle ensue. We are working on building the organizational and financial infrastructure to eventually provide $100 million worth of food, clothing, medical supplies and other relief aid to Israel, and another $20 million to Israel’s neighbors.


[snip]
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

"Survival Special" - Episode of "Bizarre Foods" June 16

I was asked by the Travel Channel to mention their "Survival Special" next week. It is an episode of the popular show Bizarre Foods.

Andrew Zimmern, the host, is dropped into a Mexican jungle for two days and has to forage for food and water. This episode airs Tuesday, June 16, at 10 E/P. Immediately after (11pm ET), Andrew will be doing a live chat with viewers.

In this special episode of Bizarre Foods, Andrew takes a rugged ride to the mountains outside of Puerto Vallarta with his own personal survival expert. He goes through intense wilderness training before heading deep into the jungle on his own. Andrew takes a one hour boat ride away from Puerto Vallarta where he lands in a remote area of land where there are no roads, villages, or hotels nearby. He can only eat what he forages!

So what's on Andrew's survival menu? Here's a sneak peek:

*Live green grasshoppers
*Fresh coconuts (fallen from the tree)
*Opihi (tiny shellfish/limpids that land on rocks)
*Wild Lime
*Pigweed

Check out this 2-minute sneak peek:

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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Depression Era Survivor: Learn to Be Self Sufficient

From the NY Times' "Living with Less" section:



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The Survival Podcast

We just signed Safecastle on as an advertiser for a really cool, fast-growing new media program on survival--The Survival Podcast. Jack Spirko records a surprisingly detailed and insightful program daily during his 50-mile commute to work. His podcasts are interesting, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

Jack's podcasts are archived for the last year. It's grown way beyond that though. Jack's got a full website and a dedicated discussion forum--http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/



Bottom line, this is a brilliant way of multi-tasking your survival intake. Give it a try!
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Developing Korea Conflict Could Go Nuclear ... Russia Preparing

Personally, I'm not climbing into the bunker yet. Those North Koreans play a different brand of rock and roll and this just seems to be the same bluster, higher volume.

But I find it interesting that Russia has publicly declared a nuclear warning. Not surprised, I guess though, because it could in the end benefit Russia to ratchet up global fears. One obvious result might be a bit higher oil prices. We won't go into the possibility of certain commisars and siloviki actually hoping for tensions to erupt into an expanding hot war.

Russia fears Korea conflict could go nuclear - Ifax

Wed May 27, 2009 4:48pm IST

By Oleg Shchedrov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is taking security measures as a precaution against the possibility tension over North Korea could escalate into nuclear war, news agencies quoted officials as saying on Wednesday.

Interfax quoted an unnamed security source as saying a stand-off triggered by Pyongyang's nuclear test on Monday could affect the security of Russia's far eastern regions, which border North Korea.

"The need has emerged for an appropriate package of precautionary measures," the source said.

"We are not talking about stepping up military efforts but rather about measures in case a military conflict, perhaps with the use of nuclear weapons, flares up on the Korean Peninsula," he added. The official did not elaborate further.

[snip]

Here's another interesting report on Russia very much worth reading: "The new Cold War is over energy resources"

Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Mountain House Freeze Dried Food on Sale with Free Gifts for Members

Our latest news release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/05/prweb2458024.htm

The bestseller "One Second After" by William R. Fortschen, and the HAZARiD Decontamination Kit are among free gifts Safecastle buyers club members are collecting as they make money-saving purchases of Mountain House food before June 5. The freeze-dried food is the preferred emergency storage food of individuals, groups, and organizations around the world, lasting better than 25 years in #10 cans.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 24, 2009 -- Safecastle owner Victor Rantala is making a habit of giving away books he sees as important for his customers to learn from and which he knows they will enjoy. Currently, he is giving away the bestseller "One Second After" by William R. Fortschen, an eye-opening fictional account of what life after an EMP attack on the USA might be like.

"One Second After" by William Forstchen

Said Rantala, "This book, like many of the others we've given away to our members, emphasizes the importance all of us should place on being prepared for the unexpected. We take an awful lot in life for granted today, leaving us dangerously vulnerable to events that can potentially strip away the niceties and comforts we are dependent upon.

"Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, war, economic calamity, and pandemic disease are just some of the disastrous facts of life that history bears witness to—in fact, emphasizing time and again, that fortune favors the prepared. That's why we at Safecastle do what we do—work to raise awareness of the need for personal or local crisis preparedness and aid those who need to do something for themselves to get it done efficiently."

Mountain House freeze dried food has long been a core ingredient in the preparedness plans of the majority of Safecastle customers. It's widely regarded around the globe as the best quality freeze-dried food anywhere. The fact that it has a shelf life of better than 25 years makes it a natural for those who want to have on hand good, nutritious food for the day when others around them may be forced to depend on the good will and competence of rescuers or charities.

When the opportunity arises to offer customers discounts of 25% on the food, and ship it free to the continental U.S., Safecastle invariably deals with a huge surge in demand that re-energizes Rantala and keeps him hopeful about the future.

Rantala said: "These are tough times. Globally, we are sitting ducks for one more major event out of a grab bag of possibilities that could send our fragile economic system into unreconcilable catastrophe. More people are coming to that conclusion. The world of crisis preparedness is increasingly alive, growing by leaps and bounds. In my view, that is reason for wider optimism. For those who are taking steps to provide for themselves and their loved ones, they are doing the wise thing and at the very least acquiring some measure of peace of mind. We hope and pray that most of us never have to actually rely upon our common-sense preparations. But if it comes to that, our customers will be among those who won't be among the helpless waiting for the cavalry to appear on the horizon."

The current Safecastle Royal Buyers Club Mountain House sale runs through June 5. Members and non-members alike can take advantage of the 25% discounted pricing on the canned foods. Members can earn free gifts based on the amount of food purchased.

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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

Remembering Those Who Gave All

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Dr. Margaret Chan: "Expect more cases of severe and fatal infections" of H1N1

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LM452323.htm

WHO chief says world should prepare for severe flu

22 May 2009 11:42:03 GMT

Source: Reuters

GENEVA, May 22 (Reuters) - Countries should be ready for more serious H1N1 infections, and more deaths from the newly-discovered virus, World Health Organisation chief Dr. Margaret Chan said on Friday.

[snip]
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Solar Cycle Decline ... Navy Physicist Warns of Decades-Long Ice and Famine

The science and history behind this seem solid.

US Navy physicist warns of possibly 'several decades of crushing cold temperatures and global famine'
by Retired U.S. Navy Physicist and Engineer James A. Maruse

2 Apr 09 – Excerpts: “The sun has gone very quiet as it transitions to Solar Cycle 24.

“Since the current transition now exceeds 568 spotless days, it is becoming clear that sun has undergone a state change. It is now evident that the Grand Maxima state that has persisted during most of the 20th century has come to an abrupt end.

“(The sun) might (1) revert to the old solar cycles or (2) the sun might go even quieter into a 'Dalton Minimum' or a Grand Minima such as the 'Maunder Minimum.' It is still a little early to predict which way it will swing. Each of these two possibilities holds a great threat to our nation.

“We are now at a crossroad. Two paths lie before us. Both are marked with a signpost that reads 'Danger!' Down one path lies monstrous solar storms. Down the other path lies several decades of crushing cold temperatures and global famine.

Read more: http://personals.galaxyinternet.net/tunga/Signpost.pdf.
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Swine Flu in More than 100,000 in US Already?

Half-a dozen American deaths at least now, but perhaps many many more than that not diagnosed.

Either way--it is this autumn and winter for us when temperatures are cool again that is the real danger.

This H1N1 flu will circulate in the Southern Hemisphere for the next few months. It WILL encounter H5N1 at some point. The question is, will it morph into a more lethal virus?

Swine Flu May Have Infected More Than 100,000 Americans
By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

SUNDAY, May 17 (HealthDay News) -- While the official tally of confirmed U.S. swine flu cases topped 4,700 on Friday, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimate the true number of infections at more than 100,000 nationwide.

Also on Friday, health officials announced two new deaths linked to the H1N1 virus, bringing the nationwide total to five. (Death #6 was reported this evening in NY.)

"Today we had our fourth death reported from Maricopa County in Arizona," Dr. Daniel Jernigan, from CDC's Influenza Division, said during an afternoon teleconference Friday. "There are more deaths and hospitalizations that we are monitoring," he said.

Read more.
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How Bad is the Economy Getting Where You Live?

Interesting interactive map here. The higher the economic stress, the higher the index number.


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Gen. Chilton: Nuclear Response to Cyber Attack is On the Table

Infrastructure networks, not to mention defense and command and control networks are vulnerable to taking a serious licking that may not leave the U.S. still ticking. You bet, we should be prepared to retaliate in any way deemed appropriate at the time.

U.S.. General Reserves Right to Use Force, Even Nuclear, in Response to Cyber Attack

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

by Elaine M. Grossman, Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON -- The top U.S. commander for strategic combat said last week that the White House retains the option to respond with physical force -- potentially even using nuclear weapons -- if a foreign entity conducts a disabling cyber attack against U.S. computer networks (see GSN, Nov. 7, 2008).

Read more.
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com

A Time for New Gardens

There are more new vegetable gardens going in this year than there have been for decades, I would wager. The spiraling economy has guaranteed that those with eyes and ears (and good backs) are returning to the soil in some small fashion.

It's at least a gesture that whispers, "We will take back control."

It's been over 25 years since I last had a garden. So I've been reacquainting myself with the earthy knowledge required to nurture and harvest nutritional treasures.

MANY others in our neighborhood are also putting in new gardens. It's a movement, I tell you.

"One Second After" - FREE Hardcopy with Purchase of 4 Cases of Mountain House

Free Book Offer Good Immediately;

Next 25%-Off Mountain House Sale is May 23 - June 5

I just finished reading the new doomer bestseller, "One Second After" by William Forstchen. It's a very good book--kind of a "second cousin" if you will, to the famed "Patriots" novel by our friend James Wesley, Rawles.

When I find a book that I think others should read, I've gotten into the habit of giving it away. That is indeed the case with this novel.

To Get the Free Book ...

Any buyers club member who purchases 4 or more cases of Mountain House cans will get the bestselling hardcover novel for free.

Simple as that. The offer is effective immediately. This offer is good only while supplies last. We've purchased 100 copies, but FYI, we expect them to go fast--perhaps depleting our supply before the end of May.

By the way--the book is a fictional tale about the aftermath of an EMP strike on the U.S.A. It is based on scientific fact. The forward is written by Newt Gingrich.

Other Mountain House purchase incentives exclusively for buyers club members--we continue to offer gift voucher rebates based on the number of cases purchased. For every eight cases of cans bought, members receive a $120 rebate voucher back by email to use in a subsequent purchase in our store (good toward anything we sell except Mountain House cans). Purchase 35 cases, and you receive a rebate voucher of $500!

Not to mention that we always ship free to the lower 48.

Best news of all ...

Our next Mountain House sale is right around the corner. Our Mountain House cans will all be on sale at a 25% discount from May 23 - June 5. Note that this is our last sale before the next MH sale increase--about a third of the can prices will go up 3% on July 1.

Oh--we have just negotiated one other new members' volume incentive for this sale. Purchase 28 can cases or more and in addition to the free book and the applicable rebate vouchers, we are going to send you a FREE HAZARiD decontamination kit! Talk about timely, huh?

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Yes, "doom" is now in vogue. We're busier than we've ever been as more and more people are seeing the dark at the end of the tunnel.

The economy is now and will continue to be dismal for quite some time here on Main Street. A flu pandemic may leave a mark. The smell of war is also in the air if you catch the wind just right. No one is making fun of preparedness anymore.

Stay safe.
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Get Ready ... Seriously - http://www.safecastleroyal.com