"Barefoot or Bust"

Do you remember the last time you ventured out of the house shoe-less?? Does it conjure memories of the carefree summers of your youth, running around the yard with the cool grass under each step.......This article sheds some light on the health benefits of going shoe-less.

Article

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Does Hollywood know....

Hey folks, sorry for the lack of posts the last month. Been spending alot of time on a few high- profile projects, hopefully I will be able to share with you all SOON.

Stumbled upon this recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Does Hollywood know something WE don't??

Article


Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Caveman TV & 10 reason to KILL your Television!!

While on a recent survival trip, many, many hours were spent staring and tending our "Caveman TV", (FIRE). Which led me to ponder our modern campfire, which also sits at the center of most homes, consumes hours of our time & acts as a "gathering" place for our "tribe", the Television. The following are random thoughts on "America's Favorite Pastime".

"Are you watching the idiot box", "Turn off the boob tube",

I heard the above comments on a daily basis while growing up. Seems Mom was right, TV and Video games DO make us STUPIDER. They turn our brains to mush, encourage laziness and unhealthy habits; attack decent behavior; encourage sedentary living and flabby waistlines! When was the last time you learned something positive, hopeful, or even useful by watching TV or playing video games?

My Top Ten List:

1. We as humans think in images. When the predominant images are of violence, sex, moral ambiguity and stupidity... these are the images we think and in turn "act". "As a man thinketh, So he is!". Television rarely provides us with images of beauty, bravery, intelligence, moral fortitude or heroic effort.


2. Watching TV results in sedentary activity, most Americans are sedentary enough! What people eat in front of TV is largely poison, making us increasingly fat & sick. The CDC reports 9 million kids ages 6-19 are over-weight or obese, and that 33% eat fast food daily.


3. TV confuses fantasy with reality. Provides viewers with a media created image of reality other than real-life experience. Real thinking and learning requires Real-life experiences.


4. TV is filled with images of gratuitous sex and frivolous acts of violence. Excuses poor behavior, caters to the lowest common denominator, especially on the part of men. Al Bundy seems to have become the poster boy for modern manhood!


5. TV eliminates silence, silence is essential for personal growth and self analysis.


6. TV consumes valuable time that can be better used for civic, family, spiritual and personal growth. According to The Office of National Statistics, families average 19 minutes together per day of time free from TV and other distractions!


7. People believe, "if it's on TV it must be true. If not, it can't be true". As a survival instructor, I am regularly asked about the authenticity and accuracy of TV's popular "Survival" programs, (most of which are pure B.S.) Don't believe the hype!.


8. "If you don't like it, turn it off." TV viewers find this difficult in real -life, especially when children are encouraged to watch TV while at school or in place of parental activities, ie. the "digital babysitter".


9. The Surgeon General, National Institute of Mental Health, American Psychological Association, Congress, The National Research Council, Commission on Violence and Youth and many others, have all arrived at the same conclusion as mom: "Watching TV results in extensive, cumulative harmful behavior".


10. Entertainment is escape, TV is nothing but entertainment. See #3 above.
    

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Neandertals Sophisticated And Fearless Hunters, New Analysis Shows

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2009) — Neandertals, the 'stupid' cousins of modern humans were capable of capturing the most impressive animals. This indicates that Neandertals were anything but dim. Dutch researcher Gerrit Dusseldorp analysed their daily forays for food to gain insights into the complex behaviour of the Neandertal. His analysis revealed that the hunting was very knowledge intensive.

Article Link

Enjoy....

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Water Purification on a budget.

When the tap stops flowing, Regular Clorox Bleach isn't just a stain buster, it's a possible lifesaver. Use it to purify water, and you'll have an inexpensive multi-purpose "must".

The following was published by Clorox.

Time after time, relief crews hand out free Clorox Bleach with simple instructions: use it to kill bacteria in your water and you'll have purified water to drink. Here's how: (Store these directions with your emergency bottle of Clorox Bleach.)

First let water stand until particles settle. Pour the clear water into an uncontaminated container and add Regular Clorox Bleach per the chart.* Mix well. Wait 30 min. Water should have a slight bleach odor. If not, repeat dose. Wait 15 min. Sniff again. Keep an eyedropper taped to your emergency bottle of Clorox Bleach, since purifying small amounts of water requires only a few drops. See chart* suggestions for storage bottle replacement.

Don't pour purified water into contaminated containers. To sanitize water jugs first, see instructions** at right.

Without water and electricity, even everyday tasks are tough. In lieu of steaming hot water, sanitize dishes with a little Clorox Bleach. Just follow the directions below to keep dishes clean.

Whether you use Clorox Bleach in an emergency or for everyday chores, it's always an environmentally sound choice. After its work is done, Clorox Bleach breaks down to little more than salt and water, which is good news anytime.

*Ratio of Clorox Bleach to Water for Purification

2 drops of Regular Clorox Bleach per quart of water

8 drops of Regular Clorox Bleach per gallon of water

1/2 teaspoon Regular Clorox Bleach per five gallons of water

If water is cloudy, double the recommended dosages of Clorox Bleach.

(Only use Regular Clorox Bleach (not Fresh Scent or Lemon Fresh). To insure that Clorox Bleach is at its full strength, replace your storage bottle every three months.)

**(Clorox Bleach Sanitizing Solution)
Mix 1 tablespoon Regular Clorox Bleach with one gallon of water. Always wash and rinse items first, then let each item soak in Clorox Bleach Sanitizing Solution for 2 minutes. Drain and air dry.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Utah Outdoor Adventure Expo

Utah Outdoor Adventure Expo

Shaping up to be Utah's largest outdoor show. Featuring everything from a ATV track to mountain man encampment to backcountry guides. We will be there with a booth AND workshops on Solar Cooking and Wilderness Survival. Hope to see you there!! Please bookmark.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Swine Flu....(H1N1 influenza A)

The death toll in Mexico today (4-28-09) is now at 149, and rising, with more than 2,000 patients currently hospitalized. Containment appears not likely. For a bug to spread this rapidly outside of the normal "cold & flu season" reveals something of its danger. I suspect that we will see several waves of infection and possible mutations, with the worst of them probably being next winter in North America. Mutations are impossible to accurately predict. The "good news" is that in the long term, most viruses tend to mutate into less lethal strains.

For those of you who are eagerly watching and wondering how to prepare for this possible pandemic, check out the following link which leads to an article on the effectiveness of N95 Masks. Many hardware chains are experiencing "runs" on these CDC recommended items.

For any of you who have not begun to prepare, this is a perfect time to get your plan in gear. For starters:

Get your face masks... N-95's. They are better than nothing.
Stockpile hand sanitizer. Wash your hands, Wash your hands, WASH YOUR HANDS!!
Stock up on canned food, enough for three weeks to a month.
Store water. 1 gal. per person per day(drinking).
Electrolyte replacment, Gatorade, Pedialyte....etc.
Stockpile Flu medications NOW these will disappear as the flu spreads.
Fill your gas tanks.
Get some rubber gloves.
Prepare to stay in.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Treating Snakebites

Here in the Inter-Mountain West, snakebites are common. Seems I am questioned daily about snakebite treatment AND the ever prevelant "cut & suck" myth. So to address the issue here is the simple "down & dirty":

Dont: "Cut & Suck", there is simply NO evidence that this method works. In fact by slicing into the bitten area, exposure to infection may be heightened with minimal health benefit. According to experts, about 20% of bites are "dry", meaning lacking venom. Suction devices have shown to be ineffective as well, possibly increasing damage to surrounding tissue.

Dont: Apply cold packs. Long term application of cold can cause reduced circulation, increased tissue damage and possibly induce frostbite.

Dont: Apply a tourniquet. This restriction of blood flow will effectively slow the spread of venom. This concentration of venom can increase cell damage and increase the risk of severe infection. Allowing the "free flow" of the venom can dilute the toxin, reducing tissue damage.

DO: Seek medical treatment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!! Treat the wound as you would any punture, clean and apply non-restrictive bandages, monitor victim for shock and evacuate(carry the victim out if possible or assist in slow hike-out). Anti-venom is the only effective treatment.

NOTE: Most snakebites happen to individuals who are "poking, proding, playing "Croc Hunter", in other words messing with the snake!!". I.E. "You mess with the snake, You get the FANGS".

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

Homeless In Hamptons.........Are we heading for this??

I have heard stories of "Tent Cities" during the Great Depression. Whats next people hurling themselves out of high rise buildings??

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

HOPE

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

100 Items To Disappear First in a Panic

This list was first assembled by J. Almond prior to Y2K, these items should be considered "extremely important items" in the event of any disaster. In the last 10 years, our global sociopolitical and moral environment has continued to spiral out of control. Please use wisely!!

And WELCOME to BeFoundAlive.com's Blog.

100 Items to Disappear...

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water Filters/Purifiers

3. Portable Toilets

4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.

5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)

6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.

7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.

8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.

9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar.

10. Rice - Beans - Wheat.

11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,).

12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly).

13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.

14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.).

15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric).

16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.

17. Survival Guide Book.

18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.).

19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.

20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry).

21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene).

22. Vitamins.

23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.

25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms).

26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil).

27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item).

28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal).

29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).

30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels.

31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months).

32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST).

33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST).

34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit.

35. Tuna Fish (in oil).

36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room).

37. First aid kits.

38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates).

39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies.

40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food).

41. Flour, yeast & salt.

42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first.

43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators.

44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.).

45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts.

46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns.

47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times).

48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels).

49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc.

50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient).

51. Fishing supplies/tools.

52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams.

53. Duct Tape.

54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes.

55. Candles.

56. Laundry Detergent (liquid).

57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags.

58. Garden tools & supplies.

59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies.

60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite).

62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax).

63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel.

64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.

65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats.

66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered).

67. Board Games, Cards, Dice.

68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer.

69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets.

70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks).

71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water).

72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave).

74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels).

75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase.

76. Reading glasses.

77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers).

78. "Survival-in-a-Can".

79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens.

80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog.

81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO).

82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky.

83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts.

84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras).

85. Lumber (all types).

86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from).

87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's.

88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

89. Lantern Hangers.

90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts.

91. Teas.

92. Coffee.

93. Cigarettes.

94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,).

95. Paraffin wax.

96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

97. Chewing gum/candies.

98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing).

99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs.

100. Goats/chickens

From a Sarajevo War Survivor:

Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.).

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.

6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z