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Guest Post: How To Find Shelter From The Coming Storms?

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Charles Hugh Smith from Of Two Minds

A Reader Asks: How to Find Shelter from the Coming Storms?

Some basic suggestions for those who are seeking shelter from the coming storms of global financial crisis and recession.

Reader Andy recently wrote: "I look forward to your blog each day but am still waiting for your ideas for surviving the coming crisis." Andy reports that he and his wife have small government and private pensions, are debt-free and have simplified their lifestyle to survive the eventual depreciation of their pensions. They currently split their time between a low-cost site in North America and Mexico. They are considering moving with the goal of establishing roots in a small community of life-minded people.

Though I have covered my own ideas in detail in my various books (Survival+: Structuring Prosperity for Yourself and the Nation, An Unconventional Guide to Investing in Troubled Times, Why Things Are Falling Apart and What We Can Do About It and Get a Job, Build a Real Career and Defy a Bewildering Economy, I am happy to toss a few basic strategies into the ring for your consideration.

Let's start by applauding Andy for getting so much right.

1. Don't count on pensions maintaining their current purchasing power as the promises issued in previous eras are not sustainable going forward. I've addressed the reasons for this ad nauseam, but we can summarize the whole mess in four basic points:

A. Demographics. Two workers cannot support one retiree's pensions and healthcare costs (skyrocketing everywhere as costly treatments expand along with the cohort of Baby Boomer retirees). The U.S. is already at a ratio of two full-time workers to one retiree, and this is during a "recovery." the ratio in some European nations is heading toward 1.5-to-1 and the next global financial meltdown hasn't even begun.

B. The exhaustion of the debt-based consumption model. The only way you can sustain a debt-based model of ever-expanding consumption is to drop interest rates to zero. But alas, lenders go broke at 0%, so either the system implodes as debtors default or lenders go bankrupt. Take your pick, the end-game of financial crisis and collapse is the same in either case.

C. Printing money out of thin air does not increase wealth, it only increases claims on existing wealth. An honest government will eventually default on its unsustainable promises; a dishonest government (the default setting everywhere) will print money to fund the promises until its currency loses purchasing power as a result of either inflation or some other flavor of currency crisis.

In other words, the dishonest government will still issue pension checks for $2,000 a month but a cup of coffee will cost $500--if anyone will take the currency at all.

D. Pensions funds are assuming absurdly unrealistic returns on their investments. Many large public pension plans are assuming long-term yields of 7.5% even as the yield on "safe" government bonds has declined to 3% or 4%. As a result, the pension fund managers have taken on staggering amounts of systemic risk as they reach for higher yields.

When the whole rotten house of cards (shadow banking, subprime everything, etc.) collapses in a stinking heap, the yields will be negative. As John Hussman has noted, asset bubbles simply bring forward all the returns from future years. Once the bubble pops, yields are substandard/negative for years or even decades.

Pension funds that earn negative yields for a few years will soon burn through their remaining capital paying out unrealistic pensions.

2. Lowering the cost of one's lifestyle. It's much easier to cut expenses than it is to earn more money or squeeze more yield out of capital.

3. Establishing roots in a community of like-minded people. Though it's rarely mentioned in a culture obsessed with financial security, day-to-day security is based more on community than on central-state-issued cash--though this is often lost on those who have surrendered all sense of community in their dependency on the state.

The core of community is reciprocity: before you take, you first have to give or share. Free-riders are soon identified and shunned.

My suggestions are derived from this week's entries on the inevitable popping of credit bubbles, the unenviable role of tax donkeys in funding corrupt state Castes and the Great Game of Elites acquiring essential resources with unlimited credit issued by central banks, leaving the 99% debt-serfs and/or tax donkeys with neither the income nor the credit to compete with Elites for real resources.

4. Lessen your dependence on anything that requires debt and assets bubbles for its survival. Whatever depends on expanding debt and asset bubbles for its survival will go away when credit/asset bubbles pop, which they always do, despite adamant claims that "this time it's different." It never is.

5. Control as many real resources as you can. These include water rights, energy-producing or conserving assets (solar arrays, geothermal heating/cooling systems, etc.), farmland, orchards and gardens, rental housing, and tools that you know how to use to make/repair essential assets such as transport, housing, equipment, etc.

6. It's easier to conserve/not use something than it is to acquire it or pay for it. As resources rise in price, those who consume little will be far less impacted than those whose lifestyles requires massive consumption of gasoline, heating oil, electricity, water, etc. It's as simple as this: don't waste food, or anything else.

7. The easiest way to conserve energy and time is to live close to your work and to essential services/transport hubs. Those who reside in liveable city neighborhoods and towns with public transport and multiple modes of transport who can walk/bike to work, farmers markets, cafes, etc. will need far less fossil fuel than those commuting to everything via vehicle.

8. If you can't find work/establish a livelihood, move to a locale with a better infrastructure of opportunity. I explain this in Get a Job, Build a Real Career and Defy a Bewildering Economy, but John Kenneth Galbraith made much the same point in his 1979 book The Nature of Mass Poverty.

9. If you buy property, do so in a state with Prop 13-type limits on property tax increases. We have no choice about being tax donkeys, but choose a state where income and consumption (i.e. sales tax) are taxed rather than property tax. You can choose to earn less and buy less, but you can't choose not to pay rising property taxes.

10. Be useful to others. That way, they'll want you around and will welcome your presence. There are unlimited ways to be helpful/useful.

11. Trust the network, not the state or corporation. Centralized systems such as the government and global corporations are either bankrupt and don't yet know it or are bankrupt and are well aware of it but loathe to let the rest of the world catch on.

12. Be trustworthy. Don't be morally corrupt or work for corrupt/self-serving institutions. Many initially idealistic people think they can retain their integrity while working for morally bankrupt, self-serving bureaucracies, agencies and corporations; they are all eventually brought down to the level of the institution.

Lagniappe suggestion: lead by example. "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means." Albert Einstein

 

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Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:18 | 4949813 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

LoPGuy, as I said above . . . odds are very good all these guys arguing for their miracle have young children.

You will not convince them of anything.  In fact, fairly fast your perspective becomes a *threat* to their children.

If they were local, they'd get violent.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:58 | 4947921 CPL
CPL's picture

It's up to people to adopt what they need in life and one of the primary reasons centralized power fails miserably every single time. The centre does not hold because the 'centre' is not fixed. Ideas change. Technology changes. People change. Demographics change. Money changes. Power changes. Change is always working contra to the idea of a fixed central system.

Each change over time slowly widdling away at the fixed central point of authority established so far away in time the Buddhist idea of impermanence is the only guide to the subject. Impermanence is an undeniable and inescapable fact of existence from which nothing that belongs to this earth is ever free and always be changing. So to mangle an analogy; There no uHaul behind the hearse, it's more than likely it won't be a hearse nor with uHaul exist. Because things change.

In our lifetime we've watched live bands at weddings become a D.J.. Then more recently become a kid plugging in an ipod and hitting shuffle on the standard wedding play list, probably with an app. Anyone that's been to a wedding in the past five years knows the song list. Chris Deburg, Bryan Adams, Peter Cetera, etc. It's packaged like a box of grape nuts and marketed like cat food...

I just still don't get why we don't apply the same rationale to meeting the needs of everyone first. Simple builds, the stuff is everywhere, so are the people, spread it around, lend a hand then maybe better things happen. Cover the basics. Gives everyone a moment to catch their breath and take inventory. Grants everyone a Mulligan, and we see where the flow goes instead of fighting the inevitable.

Eventually the level of technology catches up to the work that needs to get done to live well, not like a king, but well. Still lots of things that need to be done; it doesn't discount any of it. But it does help move individual priorities knowing that basics are covered. Native talents always gravitate towards their given interests when given open access to education.

I've worked with Engineers that were lousy Engineers but would have probably done amazing research work because their minds were built to do it. They made the decision to become a shitty Engineer over a brilliant researcher based on financial reasoning. Every one of those people out there making a decision based on financial reasoning doesn't lead anywhere. People only get to choose where they want to be miserable.

All of it is complete possible today. All of it. There are ten's of thousands of kids with education degrees in each state, province, country sitting around with the skill unused. All the Engineers I know that weren't particularly skilled socially, yet brilliant with tools in front of them as engineers, after dot.bomb have been rotting at Home Depot worried about rent and food. All that talent is sitting out there worried about basic shit we could fix tomorrow without thinking too hard or blinking an eye. I don't understand why something so simple is so hard.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:47 | 4948290 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

No shit, but my point still stands.  To think that there aren't any hard limits that you must "change" within, is just plain stupid.  By the way.  Modern farming is actually much more efficent as a single man can grow enough food to feed a city with automation.  That leaves other people free to make all those changes you keep talking about.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 21:12 | 4948981 samsara
samsara's picture

One man on a farm....

Now YOU are ignoring the superstructure supports not seen. ALL those Nat. Gas to make Nitrogen fertilizer, GPS guided tractor you don't even have to steer, (and a modern diag. Laden repair centers). Oh, and all phosphorous comes in bulk from over seas.....

The the refrigeration trucks to haul it to a processing center where unless they get hundreds of thousands of pounds in can't economically even turn on the machines......

Now about those long haul truckers, and their hubs....

Ya, one Guy, one farm feeding millions....

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:54 | 4948942 August
August's picture

Your world, alas, leaves no room for the Marketing Professional.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 22:41 | 4949178 CPL
CPL's picture

That's a rather lackluster answer for a marketing professional.  You can invent 20 ways to get a demographic to buy toothpaste for cats but the idea of how to reinvent one's own career remains a mystery?  Consider me skeptical.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:54 | 4948301 hobopants
hobopants's picture

"My point is, either way, if you don't work, you don't eat."

Work is pretty vague, all human locomotion is work so that's a hard statement to refute, chewing is a form of work so indeed "if you don't work you don't eat". But that does little to address his argument about good design acting as a stop gap between us and collapse.

Nature doesn't simply recycle nutrients in a system, it improves upon the way in which those nutrients are recycled.

"The increasing variety and abundance of life itself vastly multiplies the number of niches available for life"

"Life creates the conditions conducive to life"

Diversity is key, with diversity comes less and less waste and more and more yield. What's needed is a change in conciseness and the fostering of ecological literacy.

Modern farming is horribly inefficient, because it ignores this principal. Monocultures are resource sinks and act to destroy diversity. However, there exist enough plants of use to humans to mimic natural succession cycles and create self sustaining systems, the largest part of the work would be in the harvest and fine tuning.

I agree with you that along our current lines of doing things there simply isn't enough resources for the planet to carry us, and even with the most well thought out system, infinite growth is an impossible prospect, but I think that the potential of systems like permaculture if implemented on a wide scale would put off the day well into the future. 

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:29 | 4948410 g speed
g speed's picture

as long as there is sun, water and people willing to take care of it.------and plastic--

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:57 | 4948945 samsara
samsara's picture

The guy in pictures (and link video) is great. He's doing a great job in Minn. I think it is. Great teacher etc.

His inputs come From restaurants and school cafeterias I think.

BUT, it is a good model for urban areas. Abandon lots etc.

It will be a good model AFTER the dust settles.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 12:42 | 4947387 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

An inspiring post.

Thanks CPL.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:16 | 4946940 roadhazard
roadhazard's picture

Consolidate your trip and keep a low profile. Learn to live small. This is where I am and it is a no stress life.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:16 | 4946942 Dr. Kenneth Noi...
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater's picture

7. The easiest way to conserve energy and time is to live close to your work and to essential services/transport hubs. Those who reside in liveable city neighborhoods and towns with public transport and multiple modes of transport who can walk/bike to work, farmers markets, cafes, etc. will need far less fossil fuel than those commuting to everything via vehicle.

This assumes that the cities don't go feral. I'd much rather have a longer commute (as long as it remains within battery range) to be able to afford more space/resources for less money, have lower taxes, lower costs of living, be closer to local farms and ranches, no HOA or other onerous restrictions on my land use, etc. Hopefully by this time next year I'll have stopped procrastinating and gotten a decent solar installation put in in my backyard (say 8-10kW).  I really should get on that, though the longer you wait the cheaper/better PV tech gets.
Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:19 | 4946947 fonzannoon
fonzannoon's picture

This list was a long way of saying "you are pretty much fucked".

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:35 | 4947002 freedogger
freedogger's picture

Yeah that's my approach. Moved the family to the country 2 hours outside a big city last fall. I still commute to my city job and live in my van 3-4 work days each week. Gradually weening them of their need to have me on site and working more from home.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:06 | 4947466 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

I used to commute 2.5hrs per day - then moved to within 20 minutes to work - now I'm getting ready to move back out and go back to commuting.  It's going to suck big-time but I just don't want to be caught in town as things continue to deteriorate.  Just like the frog in the hot water analogy - I think we're seeing a steady rise in non-sencical violance that will continue unabated into the future.  

Accordingly, it's going to be way easier for me to one day say to my employer:  "Sorry, it's just getting too damn dangerous/expensive to get here" than to be stuck in town and have to try and extricate myself when it's already so bad I don't want to deal with it anymore.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:39 | 4947629 hyperbole2000
hyperbole2000's picture

Live with your back secure. A lake,  a cliff, etc. Keep the sight lines open and display a willingness to defend.  Most vultures are cowards who only attck the defenseless. Get a group of likeminded people with a warning system and you are in business.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:09 | 4947753 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

Our farm property has its good points and not-so-good point regarding security - but one of its best features is that there are much more obvious and tasty pickens for would-be raiders than our place, which, is pretty out-of-the-way and hidden from sight from any roads.  

My assumption is that any violence that starts to get perpetrated against locals, will mainly be by locals (ie meth-head/trash types) and will result in swift, organized retribution by our neighbors.  

I'm not anticipating total SHTF roving hoards from the city (If so, we'll retreat into the woods for a while!).  A very nice feature of small towns IMHO, is that everybody knows who the shit-disturbers are.  Just like the campers and the bear - we don't have to be faster than then bear, just faster than the slowest camper.  In other words, as long as our place doesn't get hit 1st or 2nd or 3rd - we should have the opportunity to address issues with the "local predators" as a community, if not individually.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:44 | 4948902 samsara
samsara's picture

Ditto 3rd time.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:26 | 4948855 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

It's a foolish general who puts his men and his back against a cliff or a lake... 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 23:03 | 4949225 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Shades of Dunquerque.

 

Fortunately for the British, and de Gaulle's French Army, the British had a fleet.

 

Those who refuse to learn from the lessons of History are fuckin' doomed.

 

Can they withstand a Shelling or Rocket attack?

 

The hordes will be armed with more than guns. It may amaze you that the hordes looking to sieze your goods may just be sportin' a patch with the Stars and Stripes on their shoulders.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:24 | 4949818 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

Every National Guard armory in the country has mortars and howitzers.

As well as soldiers more interested in going home to help their families than in protecting a convoy of something taking things from their local area to NYC or LA.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:22 | 4946953 Imminent Collapse
Imminent Collapse's picture

A spiritual perspective on what we are doing here in the first place doesn't hurt, either.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:53 | 4947057 pakled
pakled's picture

Indeed. One can hold the upcoming shitstorm as, weeding the garden, to make way for a new chapter in the journey of mankind. Sooooo many opportunites ahead to get clear of the minefields that restrict our growth.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:26 | 4946962 medium giraffe
medium giraffe's picture

I will be sheltering inside acceptable vaginas with accomodating owners.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:13 | 4947122 medium giraffe
medium giraffe's picture

Please feel free to continue working out your 21st century metrosexual emasculated girly-man impotent rage on the down vote button you fucking spineless eunuchs.  It's giving me a big smile.

I guess vagina just isn't as popular as it once was, huh?  I blame the President, personally.

 

[this message was brought to you by Friday Afternoon Liquid Lunches in association with Go Fuck Yourself PR Company. Have a fantastic weekend!]

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:32 | 4947182 BobTheSlob
BobTheSlob's picture

The vagina comment was a 9 out of ten snark points. The rant, however, was off the MF charts! Bravo.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:02 | 4947446 Zerozen
Zerozen's picture

Maybe it's related to Medium Giraffe's comment or not, not sure, but lately any time I put a post on ZH that isn't of the utmost respect for homosexuals, I get a rash of downvotes.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 18:09 | 4948412 hobopants
hobopants's picture

Don't sweat it, the vote buttons are for cowards anyway. If you dislike something someone said, grow a pair and speak up, otherwise don't bother.

Nobody learns anything from a red or green arrow, but an honest debate can be an eye opener if you have the capacity to think critically.

 

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 02:49 | 4949433 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Fuck the arrows. At times I will debate. At other times there is no need as they are too lost. I might debate some...I might downarrow the ones whom are too far out in Fantasyland.

 

No cowardice here. Come visit as I post my Street Address. We can go hunting and I can introduce you to God.

 

12223B Woodside Ave. Lakeside, CA USA

 

But looking at the distribution of arrows on that post above...

 

There are actual real women whom post here.

 

Some are identified (eg...Miffed Microbiologist, Kareninca, HonestAnn, MsCreant, MsCog, etc,) while others are not as identified (FlakFRAU, and some others whom I will not divulge.)

 

Looking at the votes it might be that the women may have took offense??? Is that a possibility?

 

It is just something to consider...

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 03:00 | 4949446 UselessEater
UselessEater's picture

Nope. It is a possibility you're possibly projecting ;)

 

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 03:34 | 4949478 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Only one ZHer has had the guts to visit.

 

That one knows all about me.

 

Why don't you be the next?

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 03:43 | 4949487 UselessEater
UselessEater's picture

Not sure why I am visiting but can you send me a first class ticket from Australia?

LOL. Chill a little.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 04:04 | 4949499 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Australia? That is a little expensive.

 

My name is Thomas O'Brien...Here is my YouTube Channel...

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/24kGoldenRocket

 

Anonymity serves no purpose. The NSA knows it anyway. So what the fuck?

 

I have had one person from ZH visit me. I am looking forward to others.

 

Wish you were stateside.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:26 | 4949827 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

From the earliest days of IRC, it became clear that it's wisest not to meet anyone from online unless it is at a venue equipped with mandatory metal detectors.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:46 | 4947879 NoTTD
NoTTD's picture

I don't know.

 

I'm still pretty big on them.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 01:48 | 4949389 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

While I know you did not mean this, there is a way to take it that you are trying to, shall I say, undo your birth. No emasculated meterosexual downward junking angst here. Just a woman who was very glad when labor was over. 33 hours of labor. No more shelter!

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 02:57 | 4949443 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Hmmmm...Case in point. (See post above) Thanks MsCreant.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 03:05 | 4949449 UselessEater
UselessEater's picture

Nope. You & us got bigger fish to fry TT; move on, we're in the same damn leaky boat ;)

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:28 | 4946969 Yes We Can. But...
Yes We Can. But Lets Not.'s picture

As to #4 above (Lessen your dependence on anything that requires debt and assets bubbles for its survival): If vast volume of USD are coming back to the US, does it not make some sense to use debt, to lock in fixed rate to finance one's home, so as to make a gain when the value of the home rises in inflated USD?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:19 | 4947139 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Thinking about multipliers and what-not.  Who's job doesn't rely on debt?

Even the corn flake manufacture relies on EBT which is debt based. 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:44 | 4947868 Mercuryquicksilver
Mercuryquicksilver's picture

Or govenment reassignes value to dollar as was done with Mexico's neuvo peso in the 1990's. New dollar = 1000 old dollars. Your mortgage just got 1000x more expensive.

 

I propose you max out all loans and convert to physical PM's. Following new USD re-assignment you can choose to convert PM's into "new dollars" and pay off mortgage or keep PM's and default on mortgage.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 19:34 | 4948731 El Crusty
El Crusty's picture

you got it backwards- your mortgage just got dirt fucking cheap.

at 1000 old to 1 new dollars a 200,000 in mortgage in old dollars would be 200.00 in new dollars.

now if you didnt cash out your savings for some kind of physical asset before the reset you just lost everything you saved over the years at a 1000:1 ratio..

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 23:11 | 4949239 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

That is a Deflation Nightmare. You contracted to pay in Dollars. You still owe $200,000.

 

If you are in debt a Deflation wipes you out.

 

You have it backwards.

 

Deflation is a really good thing for creditors and savers. The debtor loses everything, as they should, because they did not own it in the first place.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 05:31 | 4949550 Chain Gun Smoke
Chain Gun Smoke's picture

Why would you think fast volume of USD coming back the US creates deflation?

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:36 | 4947008 dontgoforit
dontgoforit's picture

Learn some good recipes for squirrel and other critters.  Yeah, they're not like eating salmon filets, but it's protein.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:44 | 4947026 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

Good advice.  I really hate squirrels.  Out of all the critters that get into our buildings they are by far the most destructive.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:00 | 4947083 bardot63
bardot63's picture

Eat them and you won't have that problem.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:42 | 4947648 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

I intentional put king snakes and rat snakes near these buildings when I notice problems.  nature always has the most efficent "solution".

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 19:37 | 4948740 El Crusty
El Crusty's picture

squirrel tastes like dark meat chicken. pretty tasty little suckers if you cook em right.

just watch out for the buckshot when you are chowin down- dentists may be scarce, a lot more painful and very expensive when all this goes down..

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:16 | 4947775 WillyGroper
Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:43 | 4948896 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

Good news NYCers!  If you like Chinese, you've already been trained to eat rat and pidgeon.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:26 | 4947162 centerline
centerline's picture

Stock up on the spices - bulk style!

Another good thing to have is gravy (just add water sort of stuff) in #10 cans (Augason Farms is one place to get it on internet).

In a prolonged emergency (or zombie apocolypse - lol), rice and beans can get pretty old quickly.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:48 | 4947882 NoTTD
NoTTD's picture

We all ate alot of that when I was growing up.  Seemed normal and testy enough at the time.   

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:48 | 4947037 Sophist Economicus
Sophist Economicus's picture

Hey Chuck,

You forgot.

'Neither a borrower nor lender be'

other than that, very insightful stuff

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 10:49 | 4947044 pakled
pakled's picture

12.5 Stay true to yourself. No matter what happens. Life is nothing more than a super-sized character test.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:35 | 4947843 dontgoforit
dontgoforit's picture

Amen, bro.  Life it the trial at which most are found guilty.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:10 | 4947108 Duc888
Duc888's picture

 

 

 

 

Who caused the "storms"?    I gues the Banksterz get a pass for fucking up the world?

 

Great gig if you can get it.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:12 | 4947113 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Reading this makes me feel better about my station in life. I am fairly well squared away minus a property in Shitnecticut. I'll dump the motherfucker if I have to, but currently renting it out. I can grow food, live in a small close community and have almost left the banking sector completely. BRING IT.

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:41 | 4948894 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

How are you with the 30-06?  The 5.56?  The 45?  Is your team competent in a high-motion CQB?

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 01:40 | 4949381 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

....Ah...the "Everybody kills Everybody" scenario...I don't have a "Team". I've got family. If that's not good enough who knows. I think the writer was referencing an economic event, not Mad Max but who knows.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 09:47 | 4949709 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

Are you deliberately being an idiot with your 'everybody kills everybody scenario'?  Of course that is very unlikely.  Your team/tribe will very likely face armed threats from small groups.  This could be a DHS 'gun confiscation and forced relocation' team of 6-12, or a less organized gang looking for loot.  You should know something about that already, if you've been through Stamford.  If your plan is to shelter in a place (and I would NOT recommend that be a dense population zone like 90% of Connecticut), you are going to need to repel small-group armed threats.  A static defense is less robust that one involving motion.  Dont be the guy who thinks that a cache of food in the basement without armed defense training, including high-motion CQB, is good enough.  If you do, you are likely to become bandit fodder, and you may not be alive for them to thank you for the food.  If DHS comes a knockin', you'll face very different risks.  Maybe those camps are really 5-star resorts.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 13:52 | 4949739 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

You win

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:13 | 4947119 gosh
gosh's picture

I have more practical advice:  buy solar panels.  With interest rates near record lows and solar panels being dumped by the chinese, and obamas big tax credit, im getting solar panels on my house for less than $9k.  This will shield me from any price increasing in energy (look whats happening in Ukraine), and after 5 or so years theyll be paid off.  If there's a way or something that knocks the energy grid offline, ill still be cozy in my house while everyone else panics

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:51 | 4947241 overmedicatedun...
overmedicatedundersexed's picture

solar panels humm, well tree branches falling on them or hail or ice and snow and they don't work so good, live in a desert well sure, otherwise life span might be a big problem, did solar in the 70's and folks everything that could go wrong did, worthless in less than 5 yrs.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:04 | 4947461 Zerozen
Zerozen's picture

Solar panels have come a long way since the 70s. These days they last for 20-30 years. Most vendors provide a 25-year warranty, so they're putting their money where their collective mouths are.

I agree with you about weather hazards though. Unless you live in tornado alley though, it should be an acceptable risk.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:38 | 4948884 samsara
samsara's picture

Or, they get by lightening, or a meteor, or the sun don't shine for a month or two, or...

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 03:18 | 4949466 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Crazy isn't it? If you have Tree Branches over them then they are not getting Full Sun.

 

So you cut the trees so that does not happen.

 

Then he comes up with Snow and Ice. That is why you heat a Pane above them so that shit melts before it becomes a problem. That does not take that much power. Car Window Heaters are an example. As for hail..That Pane above needs to be laminated Glass. (Of course it is because of the Heater Coil.) But even the Desert Southwest gets some bad Hail Storms during the Monsoon season.

 

They can come up with all sorts of excuses not to invest in being self sufficient. Why even bother with them?

 

Oh...I forgot.

 

Yeah. An EMP will take them out. Why waste the money?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:40 | 4948889 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

Just wait for the DHS MRAP labelled 'RESCUE'.  They'll bring you the hot coffee and donuts.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:16 | 4948367 PrintemDano
PrintemDano's picture

Without the grid to sync to your solar panels are nothing but eyesores on the roof.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:36 | 4948879 samsara
samsara's picture

What the fuck kind of comment is that? Have you even seen a panel?

Panels, Charger, (regulators etc), batteries.

Period.

News flash, The DON'T have to touch the grid.

Here, Buy a subscription,
http://www.homepower.com

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 21:56 | 4949024 PrintemDano
PrintemDano's picture

# 1 I never said that solar HAS to touch the grid, that being said, most do touch the grid and those that are connected to the grid do NOT work when the grid goes down.  Period.  Since gosh said he IS connected to the grid my statement stands.  Do some research.

 .....Your biased green energy subscription is telling you 1/2 a story.  Solar is only "cheap" when it's subsidized by others.  It's for the takers in the world, from Obama's green energy thieves that stole our money right down to fools like you who lap up the tripe. 

 

Q.  Will my Solar Panels act as a backup if the utility power goes out?     A.  No. Your system is designed to work along with your utility. If the system detects that there is no power available from the grid, it shuts down. This is a code requirement that protects the utility lineman from shock hazards that would be created from a system sending power into the grid without their knowledge.

 

 

Google whether your solar will work when the grid goes down....you'll learn something...

Lastly go fuck your ignorant cocky self.  Stick your subscription up your coolie.  

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 22:37 | 4949119 samsara
samsara's picture

You didn't qualify your statement.

And yes I've installed PV systems, Wind Turbines, and even microhydro.
So, yes I know what it takes to be tied to the grid and how not to be.

Oh and in a grid down scenario, I would disconnect the PV from the grid and shut that circuit off. The panels wouldn't be eyesores on the roof at my place.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:32 | 4949840 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

I thumbs up microhydro.

Negative on panels.  Get dependent.  They break.  You're done.  Wind, maybe.

I say yeah to microhydro because that can be configured to spin car alternators.  There will be plenty of those around as spares.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 09:54 | 4949713 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

In a post-SHTF world where grid power isnt working, I'd search for a home with a LOT of solar panels, then remove the occupants.   

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:31 | 4949834 CrashisOptimistic
CrashisOptimistic's picture

Call the insurance company first.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:13 | 4947120 22winmag
22winmag's picture

I'm stacking alright... barrels of kerosene and 100 can cases of sardines.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:28 | 4947161 pakled
pakled's picture

How the hell do you eat those things? I have SPAM, which is tolerable if you fry it. But how do you get sardines down? Or do you just like 'em straight from the can?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:12 | 4947486 22winmag
22winmag's picture

The only thing tastier than straight sardines is herring, and they both last for decades when packed in water.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 21:13 | 4948985 August
August's picture

Some unfortunate people just don't appreciate Herring - the Food of the Gods!

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:28 | 4947573 stacking12321
stacking12321's picture

i'd eat sardines over spam any day.

spam is part squirrel meat, part shoe leather, and part sawdust.

but a sardine is an actual fish.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:51 | 4947895 NoTTD
NoTTD's picture

I"ll take the Spam, thanks.  

 

In addition to the sqirrels, rabbit, coon, etc., we also ate a lot of that growing up.   It will actually keep you alive when you have nothing else.    5m obese Hawaiians can't be wrong.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:35 | 4948421 Creepy Lurker
Creepy Lurker's picture

I'm going to have the spam, spam, spam, spam, baked beans, and spam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8huXkSaL7o

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:25 | 4947158 viator
viator's picture

Notice he didn't mention living in cities. Many US cities are totally dependent on the outside world with very lean supply chains. They produce no electricity, water, food, household products, fuel, medicine, transportation, or machinery. What do suppose some the great, but hollowed out, American cities are going to look like if things go south?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:26 | 4947552 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

I'm anticipating they'll start to look like a cross between "Soylent Green" (minus the crackers) and "Escape from New York" (minus Snake Plissken).  My best guess is that the military will be called in to lock the cities down and secure major transportation routes and critical infrastructure.  I'm also guessing that most rural areas will be left to fend for themselves as there's probably not enough personnel to deal with the cities effectively.  

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:58 | 4947715 Jethro
Jethro's picture

The US military had a hell of a time with just Iraq.  Iraq is close in size and population to California.

The rural population of the US field the majority of people on active duty in the military, and most of the best troops are from rural backgrounds.  Not all, but the generalzation is valid none-the-less.  Best of luck to the statists that want to try to force submission in my AO.  They'll have their hands full.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:33 | 4947834 MrSteve
MrSteve's picture

Most Army generals grew up in small towns where there were communities, which were not collections of slums filled with ignorant poor people.

That background provides excellent knowledge of the difference between shit and the suits who spout it.

 

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:19 | 4948383 PrintemDano
PrintemDano's picture

Obama has purged all the non Commie ass kissers from the military.  Any generals left are nothing but fascists.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:44 | 4947190 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

Interesting article.  I like the "close to transportation hubs" one.  

There are some others (Joel Skousen, in particular) who propose to get 7-10  miles away from everyone to prepare with the Zombie Apocalypse.

 


Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:16 | 4948196 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

Gotta love Joel.  Don't get me wrong, he's got some absoutley great info ("Secure Home" is a must-have book IMHO) but some of his NWO/UN conspiracy stuff goes even further afield than Alex Jones - which is saying something.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:39 | 4947202 I Write Code
I Write Code's picture

In a little hilltop village they gambled for my clothes
I bargained for salvation and they gave me a lethal dose
I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn
"Come in" she said
"I'll give you shelter from the storm".

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:34 | 4947837 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

And a Chrysler.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:38 | 4948882 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

Welcome to Amerika, bitches!

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:41 | 4947206 mr.n3utr0n
mr.n3utr0n's picture

I know people feel fearful and angry about the future, but shooting your fellow Americans? Have you been watching too many zombie movies? If there was a large scale crisis, people would not attack their neighbors who are in the same boat.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:03 | 4947451 10mm
10mm's picture

Shooting fellow Americans? Like that has not been ongoing. Throw in a collaspe especially in urban FSA territory, it's not about FELLOWSHIP. 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:27 | 4947566 Jethro
Jethro's picture

It's most likely coming, whether you want to consider the possibility or not.  It' the last thing I want to happen because I have children. 

Truth of the matter is this though.  Even ethnically, and culturally homogeneous civlizations don't survive a collapse intact, what hope is there of an ethnically diverse, culturally diametrically opposed civilization to remain intact? You can prepare yourself and your family now, or you can be dead or enslaved by the local strongman later. 

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:10 | 4947472 Zerozen
Zerozen's picture

I guess you weren't around or maybe just didn't read the news when Katrina hit Nawlins back in '05.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:22 | 4947795 MrSteve
MrSteve's picture

Da Mayor betrayed them all! Certain cops betrayed the citizens too...

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:22 | 4948390 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Chocolate City Ray Nagin got 10 years today, probably out in 2..  Scumbag..

Tue, 07/15/2014 - 14:53 | 4948107 headhunt
headhunt's picture

That was Bush's fault and not their fault.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:28 | 4947817 MassDecep
MassDecep's picture

If it means survival of like-minded morally motivated family type people who have prepared for the worst; Up against unprepared morally bankrupt animals. A bullet in the head of the animal will always prevail, fellow amerikan or not.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:53 | 4947905 NoTTD
NoTTD's picture

I'm afraid that who needs to be shot  will quickly become apparent.  

And they will be.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:37 | 4948877 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

Someone has been living in multicultural fairyland.  When humans get hungry enough, they will eat each other.  Some are more savage and willing to trade short term benefit for long term well being.  And there were what, at least 5 major government sponsored genocides in the 20th century?  What will prevent that in the 21st?  Diversity training and pixie dust?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 11:46 | 4947222 Jstanley011
Jstanley011's picture

That stuff might work. Or become the neighborhood warlord, which is fairly easy really. It's mostly about the fine art of extortion, and knowing when and who to make an example of. That, and figuring out from among your peers who to ally with, who to fight, and who to pay off. But hey, other than the occasional turf war, anything you want -- including the girls -- you own it. What's not to like?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:16 | 4947503 Zerozen
Zerozen's picture

Shut up! Don't give anyone else here any ideas. The fewer of us there are, the better! I don't need competition in my 20-block neighborhood.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:26 | 4947804 MrSteve
MrSteve's picture

The CIA has published info on how to influence peasants, mainly by "reinforcing" information on how dependent the powerless are on the ones with big weapons and standing troops.

Banana Republic 101.

now, I guess we say there's an app for that.

 

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 21:24 | 4949014 August
August's picture

>>But hey, other than the occasional turf war, anything you want -- including the girls -- you own it. What's not to like?

Yep, it will be a true libertarian paradise!  Best times since A.D. 600.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 02:32 | 4949424 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

He who has the Gold and can hire the guns (you gots to sleep sometime, ya know?) will make zee rulez.

 

Same as it ever was...same as it ever was.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 12:33 | 4947367 pachanguero
pachanguero's picture

Nice Dylan

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 12:58 | 4947435 Pareto
Pareto's picture

#3 and #10 stand out for me - though the others are important as well.  But I focus on #3 and #10, because they are at the root of what's missing now - everywhere.  A return to just those principles (Luke 6:31) embody the spirit of entrepreneurship of moving people from a less to a more desired state.  Instead we have an entitlement attitude - a "what's in it for me?" position that is prevalent seemingly everywhere - which in my opinion is the result of the nanny state handing out free stuff and thus doing away with the need (purposeful need) to help others with their endeavors.  When this is absent (lost), I think this is when humanity takes a shit dive into the anals of greed and self loathing and where respect for puspoeseful or meaningful work - certainly productive work - is likely lost forever.  I'd like to see this change.  I remember hearing stories when I was young especially in rural areas, on how it used to be like that.  People had a lot less materially, but shit, they sure seemed a lot happier.

So yeah.  #3 and #10.  and BTFD.  happy friday ZH.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 13:11 | 4947481 ncdirtdigger
ncdirtdigger's picture

What's all the worry about? My stocks are soaring straight to the moon!

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 14:28 | 4947815 NoTTD
NoTTD's picture

7. The easiest way to conserve energy and time is to live close to your work and to essential services/transport hubs.

 

Also, best way to get raped/robbed/killed first when the FSA comes swarming out of the inner urban area you're now living "close" to.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:06 | 4948159 Grouchy Marx
Grouchy Marx's picture

FSA - friendly society of artists? 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 18:02 | 4948496 boodles
boodles's picture

FSA subsidiary of the USDA?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:26 | 4948843 samsara
samsara's picture

I live deep in the country.

The FSA won't leave the urban areas by and large.

The ones from the city wouldn't be able to find it on a map.
And are very uncomfortable around nature and animals.

Those in the country that misbehave won't last long either.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 15:08 | 4947951 coolpajim
coolpajim's picture

While it is certainly prudent to take measures to protect oneself and his belongings, I maintain there is only one way to be secure and that is in Christ. The coming conflagration will be overwhelming and no normal measure to protect or provide for oneself will be anywhere near sufficient. We must be spiritually secure in Christ and let Him provide whatever physical security He determines in in our best interest. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gGa1w_bnvM

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 15:38 | 4948027 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Just so you know, the Brown God authorized ‘someone’ to lop off the heads of the X-ians and roll them around town for shock value. 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 15:15 | 4947966 Fix It Again Timmy
Fix It Again Timmy's picture

Move near an Amish community - you'll be glad you did!......

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 00:29 | 4949329 delacroix
delacroix's picture

spanish fort  Belize. mennonites, but they've got oil

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 10:09 | 4949721 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

In the SHTF future, I'd go offer to 'protect' some Amish in exchange for them working the fields of my plantation.  Since they dont use firearms, it shouldn't be hard to offer them a deal they can't refuse.

Then it's on to the house with lots of solar panels. . . .

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 15:40 | 4948043 kurt
kurt's picture

Let me Guess,

You're selling Annuities.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 15:44 | 4948063 rsnoble
rsnoble's picture

I live in the country.  Most people have a decent amount of land.  Most of them that have bought it up and have moved here from the city and one nothing to do with anyone but themselves.  You should see the look on their faces when you call one that lives like 2 miles away a neighbor.

It's going to be a fucking disaster.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:55 | 4948217 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

That's too bad.  What part of the country do you live in?  

Our rural area is populated by a bunch of good ole' boys and gals who are extremely community oriented and bend-over backwards to take care of each other when the need arises. 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:18 | 4948833 samsara
samsara's picture

Ditto again

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:08 | 4948172 Joebloinvestor
Joebloinvestor's picture

Make sure you have fractional gold and silver coins.

If you need to cash in that 1 oz anything for food or gas, the vendors are gonna charge a premium for the conversion or making change.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:13 | 4948185 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

Wait a minute.  Won’t an ounce of gold be worth a city block filled with apartment buildings? 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:34 | 4948260 are we there yet
are we there yet's picture

By the time an ounce of gold buys a block, then land title transfer and all government services will be sporadic or deferred. Imagine buying a rusty factory building in downtown detroit.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:52 | 4948932 homiegot
homiegot's picture

Trade shelter for a worthless coin?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:18 | 4948200 vincenze
vincenze's picture

You'd better have a few AK-47s with boxes of ammunition. And a big family which can handle these AKs day and night.

Otherwise, THEY'll come and take everything you have.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:23 | 4948226 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

Who is "They?"  Different threats require very different strategies to address appropriately.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 18:43 | 4948588 vincenze
vincenze's picture

Everybody can become "they" when he has no food, no water, no medications, no heat...

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 19:31 | 4948722 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

That's one reason why a collaborative environment among your neighbors is important to foster.  

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 00:37 | 4949336 delacroix
delacroix's picture

no food no water.  you won't get very far on foot. most people drive their car to the corner store.  small groups of young opportunistic criminals, will be more likely. just like the rest of the 3rd world.  a portable welding business, specializing in security bars and gates, may do well.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 11:40 | 4949851 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

I've been thinking for a while now that urban punks would actually be better off poaching in the city or suburbs - where they know the lay of the land so to speak.  They would lose most of their advantages out in the rural woodlands just as a bunch of rural farmer/hunter types would be at an extreme disadvantage in the city.

I agree with you that, absent free travel by motorized vehicle - most city types are not going to be "combat ready" more than a few days into any city exodus, and that the further they have to go, the worse off they will be.  

Even most hardcore hikers carry their own food - which isn't going to work for more than a few days into a total collapse situation.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:20 | 4948212 Ban KKiller
Ban KKiller's picture

Again...how far down of a collapse and for how long? Generally, in the last 50 years or so, you only needed to protect your property and have enough food and water for an average of 15 days before "normalacy" was restored. Nothing can stop the state though...see European state breakups.

If there is no electricity for more than two weeks...whole different matter. Then you had best ready for a whole new beast. 

Some outfit had a motto "be prepared".

Even religions tell you to keep some emergency food on hand just for natural disasters. Seen any?

Capt obvious out.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:41 | 4948274 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture

If it comes down to cannibalism, that first bite….  It’s the first bite. 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:37 | 4948262 grunk
grunk's picture

I live around a bunch of retired people.

I suppose there might be some advantages to living near them, but I want to get away from them so badly I could spit.

They don't know/accept that their pensions will be worthless

and they oppose anything that would make the community stronger.

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:48 | 4948920 homiegot
homiegot's picture

Don't fret. They'll be dead soon.

Sat, 07/12/2014 - 10:11 | 4949725 Government need...
Government needs you to pay taxes's picture

You can use them in (slow moving) human wave attacks.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:37 | 4948265 Oreilly
Oreilly's picture

The title of this is Shelter From the Coming Storm, yet the advice given is what my parents taught me 50 years ago.  Nothing I read here is specific to weathering the storm, it is just common sense about how to live an uncomplicated life.  If a storm truly does come, the only items that would be specifically helpful would be the ones related to storing up resources and making good relationships with your neighbors.  And those are the general themes of CHS's books, and are concepts I agree with.

There always seem to be a lot of Apocalypse dreamers on ZH.  I'm reminded of the Niven/Pournelle book "Lucifer's Hammer" and how, in the geek sci-fi authors' opinions, the destroyed and re-claimed earth would be inherited by .... geeks.  Everyone always thinks they'll survive and have just what society needs.  If a storm is coming (and I say "if" because TPTB control most everything and they may go Japanese and draw this sucker out so long that we can't see the true storm through the constant rain) then it's likely to be more like Argentina and less like Soylent Green.  There was a series of web posts a while back on another website by an Argentinian about what life was like in Buenos Aires during the 2001 economic collapse (google it if you care).  It was not Armmagedon, but it was also not something you'd voluntarily subject yourself to.  People in the country had it just as bad as those in the cities because things didn't go back to the Stone Age, and criminals can get their hands on cars and gasoline as easily as anything else (average auto goes 200-300 miles on a tank, so if you're 100-150 miles away from a city you're in "commuter crime" distance).

I'm a firm believer in the inevitable change of our present system, but I think it's more likely to continue the gradual decline than it is to collapse.  But who knows, the truly global aspect of it is largely uncharted waters, so change could go exponential and become the black swan event for societal collapse.  I hope not, as most of my neighbors are over the age of 70 and won't be much help in holding back the horde.

 

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:02 | 4948324 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

Many years ago it dawned on me that the life I was aiming for was the one that my depression-era grandparents lived.  They had a small farm, grew their own food, canned and dried stores, raised critters for meat - had a deep larder, fixed things themselves, avoided debt, never threw anything away - etc. etc.

It's not that these principals are so revolutionary - its that since then, folks have forgotten those lessons.  Re-learning and implementing them now is a tried-and-true path to greater resiliency.  

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 20:17 | 4948824 samsara
samsara's picture

Ditto. Doing it.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:47 | 4948297 robertocarlos
robertocarlos's picture

I'm not seeking shelter. I'm going down like a man.

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 16:54 | 4948310 p00k1e
p00k1e's picture
Sonny Liston vs Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) Boxing Match

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OezriPEepZs

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:17 | 4948372 AurorusBorealus
AurorusBorealus's picture

May I recommend Argetina.  Forget what you have read in the media about the financial crisis, breakdown of order, and all that sort of thing here.  It is simply not true.  May I also recommend that you forget about Buenos Aires.  Most of the people (all probably) who love to write how terrible Argentina is know only Buenos Aires (which can be its own form of hell and will likely experience all of the problems of the rest of the world during any international financial crisis).  Rather I recommend the central of the country: Sante Fe, Cordoba, San Luis, Rosario, Mendozo, Rio Tercera, Rio Cuarto (an especially idyllic mix of small-town and city) or somewhere in the country near one of these cities.

The area is lush with resources (Argentina is largely self-suficient in energy).  Most of the products that you need to maintain a modern life are built nearby: cars, washing machines, refrigerators, furniture, wine (great wine for 20 pesos a bottle, that´s $2 USD).  Virtually nothing essential is imported (as a result of Argentina´s 50% import tariffs, which all the free-traders decry as horrible, but which maintain employment, self-sufficiency, and a reasonable standard of living for most people here).  Even some electronic devices are now being made in Argentina.  I recently encountered several computers and cell phones all "made in Argentina."  As such the prices on electronics (which were famously high in Argentina as a result of the import tariffs) are starting to come down.  There is abundant food as all of central Argentina is an agricultural oasis, and the agriculture is through-and-through first-world, with a large farm here rivaling anything you will find in the U.S. for equipment, irrigation, and productivity per acre.

Basic services are all available even in many rural areas.  Internet is available: either DSL or via cable, even in many rural areas.  Public water is available in any urban area: wells are ample and rarely go dry in the rural areas (unless you live in a very dry region such as near Chuncani).  The electricity grid is reliable and stable (expect to lose power once a month or so for about 5 hours).

Finally, the people are well-mannered, pleasant, and generally kind to strangers and foreigners.  I have been all over the central of the country and this has been my experience.  So take it for what you will.  Believe the Financial news propoganda that comes from New York or my account which comes from central Argentina.  Feel free to contact me (with a PM on Zerohedge) if you are interested in visiting.  I know a good deal about the laws, how to purchase property or cars or motorcycles here, how basic things here work (plumbing is rather different, for example): in effect, how to get started in the country (as I did it all on my own several years ago and learned as I went).

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:41 | 4948442 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Sounds great!  You stay there and keep up the reporting..  Say hi to Ferfal for me..

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 18:27 | 4948543 Citxmech
Citxmech's picture

I was thinking of Ferfal as I was reading that too!  (His is one of the better and more realistic SHTF books out there IMHO).

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 17:51 | 4948465 Creepy Lurker
Creepy Lurker's picture

Bill Bonner, is that you?

Fri, 07/11/2014 - 18:03 | 4948499 Jackagain
Jackagain's picture

I heard a rumor that the Bush family (and a few other Nazis) agree...

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