Becoming a parent changes you. I wasn’t a particularly hard-working or responsible person in my twenties, but when I became a father, everything changed. No longer could I sleep in on the weekends or waste hours in front of the television. I had to rise to the occasion, and I’m a better person for it.
As a parent, I want to pass on the life lessons I’ve learned to my children in hopes that they’ll take them to heart and be better than I was. Of course, I can’t make them be better; all I can do is give them the best chance possible.
And as a prepper, there’s a whole host of things I want to teach my boys in addition to all the standard stuff that children should learn. If you’re a prepper parent, then ask yourself this: What kinds of skills and values should I teach my children?
1. How To Be Resilient – Life isn’t fair and everybody fails at times. Learn to bounce back and keep trying.
2. Situational Awareness – Pay attention to the world around you, beware of potential danger, know your exits.
3. Self Defense – Many people will disagree, but children should learn how to fight, but not to start fights.
4. Speak Up, But Know When To Listen – This one is tricky and will take many conversations throughout their childhood.
5. Self Reliance – Kids should know that preparedness should not be done from a position of fear but from a position of strength.
6. First Aid – Knowing some basic first aid skills makes your odds of surviving a disaster so much higher.
7. WildernessSurvival – Building shelter, starting a fire, purifying water, navigation, and so forth.
8. Responsibility – Don’t let your kids get away with anything. Hold them accountable.
9. Civics – Make sure children understand our system of government, why it’s important, and why citizens need to be involved if they want to remain free.
10. Shooting & Hunting – Firearm safety is crucial, and learning to hunt could be life-saving.
11. Compassion – Empathy is a skill that can be taught. Set an example and explain why helping others is important.
12. Avoid Debt – Debt is slavery and avoiding it at all costs is the best way to live.
Watch the video below to hear him go into more detail about each of these things. What do you think of this list? What would you add?
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When it comes to stockpiling food, shelf life is by far one of the most important factors that preppers must pay attention to. While most foods will have a limited shelf-life, there are a few foods that can be safely stored for more than one hundred years.
If you are looking for foods that you never have to worry about going bad, check out these seventeen survival foods that can last a century. Note: These foods will only last a century if they’re stored properly. Be sure to read the food storage section at the end of the article for more information.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is probably one of the healthiest foods in the world. It has tons of health benefits and literally over 100 uses, so even if you don’t cook with it, it’s still worth stockpiling.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an important ingredient in a wide range of recipes as well as a versatile product that can be used for everything from cleaning to personal hygiene. Here’s a list of uses for baking soda.
When stored in airtight containers, baking soda won’t ever go bad. Transfer your baking soda from the cardboard carton it comes in to a more permanent container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
3. Beans
Specifically, dried beans, which are listed as having an indefinite shelf-life when stored in airtight containers. However, dried beans do begin to lose their moisture after a few years in storage, meaning they might not have the same taste and texture after a certain point.
Nevertheless, they will remain edible, making dried beans a great survival food to stockpile.
4. Corn Starch
Cornstarch is a great ingredient for thickening sauces and adding flavor to various dishes. It also never goes bad.
However, since most cornstarch is sold in cardboard cartons that will break down over time, you may want to transfer your cornstarch to a more permanent container before storing it.
5. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup might not be the healthiest food, but it is a great sweetener that never goes bad.
Store your corn syrup in a cool, dry area and it will have an indefinite shelf-life.
6. Ghee
Ghee is a form of butter that originated in South Asia. Unlike traditional butter, ghee never goes bad since all of the moisture is evaporated out.
Store your ghee in a cool, dry place and you will always have a tasty butter substitute available.
7. Honey
Honey may crystallize and begin turning to sugar over time, but it never really goes bad. Simply heating the honey in warm water will dissolve these crystals in a matter of minutes.
Stored in either plastic or glass jars, honey has an indefinite shelf life, meaning you can enjoy a sweet treat no matter how many years have gone by.
8. Instant Coffee
If you are one of the many people that rely on a cup of coffee each morning to kickstart your day, you’ll be happy to know that instant coffee never spoils when stored properly.
To keep instant coffee from going bad, you will have to store it in vacuum sealed bags that are kept in a freezer.
7. Liquor
If you enjoy a nice, stiff drink every now and then, you’ll be happy to know that hard liquor such as whiskey, vodka, and tequila never goes bad, even after you have opened the bottle.
The high alcohol content simply makes it impossible for organisms to grow inside the liquor. Store your liquor in a cool, dry place and it will remain the same for hundreds of years.
10. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is similar to honey in many ways. It can be stored indefinitely without going bad when kept in a cool, dry place, but may begin to crystallize over time.
As with honey, a little warm water is all it takes to dissolve the crystals.
11. Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles may be known more as a staple college food than as a survival food, but this popular snack has an indefinite shelf-life, making it a great food to stockpile.
You won’t get much nutritional value out of Ramen noodles, but they do make for a tasty treat.
12. Rice
Rice is a staple survival food, thanks in part to the fact that it is cheap and filling. However, rice is also an ideal survival food thanks to its indefinite shelf-life.
Before they are opened, bags of rice will last forever when stored in a cool, dry place. After opening a bag of rice, you’ll have to transfer it to a freezer to keep it from spoiling.
13. Salt
No matter what type of salt you purchase, salt will last an eternity in storage – which makes sense given that salt is often mined from the earth after resting beneath the ground for untold amounts of time.
Simply store your salt in a cool, dry area and it will never go stale. Be sure to get sea salt, which retains more nutrients than ordinary table salt.
14. Soy Sauce
Due largely to its high sodium content, soy sauce has an indefinite shelf-life, so long as it remains unopened.
Simply store your soy sauce in a cool, dry area and it will never spoil.
15. Sugar
Despite the fact that cells survive on a form of sugar – glucose – sugar itself does not support the growth of bacteria.
This means that all forms of sugar – including white, brown, and powdered sugar – will last forever when kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry area.
16. Vanilla Extract
This stuff is essential if you like to bake or make pancakes. When stored properly, pure vanilla extract will never spoil.
However, it is essential to ensure that you really are purchasing pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla extract since the artificial stuff only has a shelf-life of three to four years.
If you purchase the real thing and store it in a cool, dry place, it won’t ever spoil.
17. White Vinegar
White vinegar is a necessary ingredient for many recipes and a versatile cleaning supply as well. It has lots of uses around the house.
It also lasts forever when stored properly – which entails keeping your vinegar in a tightly sealed container and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Food Storage Tips
Did I mention storing your food in a cool, dry place? This is incredibly important.
Do not store your food in the garage, attic, shed, or any place that will get hot in the summer.
Do not store your food near windows or anywhere with direct sunlight.
Do not store your food in the laundry room, basement, or any room with lots of humidity.
Do not store your food in places that could get mold or pests of any kind.
Obviously, there are many ways to store food, but for the dry foods listed above, your best bet is to put them in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers and put those in food grade buckets with lids. (The liquids can stay in their bottles; just put them in a location withe criteria listed above.)
To store your dry foods, do the following:
Pour your foods into the Mylar bags until all your bags are almost full (leave an inch of space at the top).
Write the names of the foods on the sides of the bags so you don’t forget what’s what.
Use an iron or a hair straightener to start sealing the bags, but only seal them about 2/3 across.
Open the pack of oxygen absorbers and put one or two into each bag, depending on how many you have.
Use a vacuum hose to suck as much air out of the bag as possible, then finish sealing it.
Repeat the last step with the rest of the bags.
Put your sealed bags into the food grade buckets. Fit as many into the buckets as you can.
Use a rubber mallet to pound the lids into place.
As long as you do these things, the foods listed above should last at least a century. One more thing, don’t forget to rotate your food.
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There’s a common misconception in the gun world that you have to pay a lot of money for a quality firearm. While it is absolutely true that there are many high-quality firearms at a premium price, it’s also true that in recent years, the number of quality budget firearms has gone up dramatically.
In a disaster scenario, you will need to rely on firearms for your survival, both for hunting and defensive purposes. But even if money is tight, you don’t have to spend a fortune in order to build a well-rounded armory.
In this article, we will cover twelve budget-friendly and yet high-quality firearms for preppers, divided into long guns and handguns. For each one, I also included a video where you can get a more detailed discussion of the firearm.
Long Guns
DEL-TON AR-15 5.56x45MM NATO
One of the best budget AR-15s to go with is the Del-Ton DT-15 which, being priced at around the $400 range, is even less money than the comparable Ruger AR-556 or Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II.
The 5.56 round the AR-15 fires is large enough to bring down medium sized game such as deer or pronghorn, and the AR-15 itself will be one of the best firearms to defend your home against multiple attackers.
That’s also not to mention that the AR-15, in general, is one of the most customizable firearms on the planet, rivaling the Glock, 1911, and the Ruger 10/22, which we will talk about next.
RUGER 10/22 .22 LR
One of the most customizable firearms in existence, the Ruger 10/22 is also the most popular .22 rifle ever made. While the rifle comes standard with 10 round magazines, extended 15, 25, and 35 round magazines are also available.
The Ruger 10/22 was originally built by Ruger to be constructed to the same level of inherent quality as the hunting rifles of the time, in contrast to the cheaper builds that commonly afflicted other .22 rifles. Today, the Ruger 10/22 often sells for around $200 to $250, which makes it a very budget-friendly rifle as well.
It’s also worth noting that the .22 should not be underestimated, and it is, in fact, one of the most versatile calibers in existence. The .22 can be used for everything from defense (if necessary) to small game hunting to plinking to casual target shooting to pest control and so on.
MARLIN MODEL 60 .22 LR
Another great .22 LR rifle to consider is the Marlin Model 60. The main difference between the Model 60 and the 10/22 is the fact that, whereas the 10/22 accepts detachable box magazines, the Marlin Model 60 feeds rounds individually through a magazine tube that runs beneath the barrel. Standard capacity on the Model 60 is either fifteen or seventeen rounds depending on the model.
Both the Model 60 and the 10/22 are very reliable and customizable, and the one you go with is entirely based on personal preference. New Model 60s are often available for under $200.
MAVERICK 88 12 GAUGE (OR 20 GAUGE)
A budget version of the Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 is an excellent example of a $200 shotgun. Available in both 12 gauge or 20 gauge, you can also get both long and short barrels for the Maverick 88 so you can easily switch between a shotgun that can be used for both hunting and home defense, essentially giving you two shotguns in one.
Shotguns are also very practical and versatile weapons thanks to the wide choice of ammunition. Slugs can be used for big game hunting, birdshot for bird and small game hunting, and buckshot can be used for defense.
MOSIN NAGANT (7.62x54R)
The Mosin Nagant is perhaps the quintessential budget SHTF rifle. Tens of millions of Mosin Nagants flooded the surplus market when the Soviet army exchanged them for the SKS and AK-47 rifles, and at one time could be bought for less than $50 a piece in the United States. Today, most Mosin Nagant rifles will cost around $200 to $300, which still represents an excellent value.
While the Mosin Nagant is a bit crudely made, it’s also very accurate and durable, and a gun that can sustain a lot of abuse that you may put it through. That’s also not to mention that you’re buying a rifle with a lot of history behind it, as Mosin Nagants have been in continuous military service since the 1890s (and even today, they are still used by fighters in the Syrian Civil War).
MOSSBERG PATRIOT (.308 WINCHESTER…OR ANY OTHER RIFLE CALIBER)
One of the best examples of a budget hunting rifle is the Mossberg Patriot rifle, which often sells as a combo package with a Vortex scope for around $350. Available in both walnut and black synthetic stocks, the Patriot is available in a myraid of different rifle calibers, including .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester, and .30-06 Springfield.
Handguns
BERSA THUNDER 380 .380 ACP
The Bersa Thunder 380 is a .380 ACP double action single action concealed carry pistol that is basically a clone of the Walther PPK. Utilizing a blowback action, the pistol ships with 7 round magazines, but 8 round magazines from Mec Gar are also easily available.
The Bersa Thunder sports a safety and decocking lever on the slide much like the Beretta 92, and also ships with a key that can engage the internal safety lock for safer storage.
CANIK TP9 9MM
A copy of the Walther P99, the Canik TP9 is offered in many configurations, such as the SA and SF models. With an eighteen round magazine capacity (not counting extended magazines), the TP9 is a very reliable duty firearm.
Take note that it is a larger pistol and not the best choice for concealed carry, but as a sidearm in an SHTF situation with plenty of firepower, it’s hard to find a comparably sized budget gun that can beat it.
SCCY CPX-2 9MM
The SCCY CPX2 is a double action only, hammer fired compact 9mm that is routinely offered at around the $200 mark. While the SCCY does have a rather heavy trigger pull, it is still very lightweight and concealable thanks to its polymer frame and aluminum alloy receiver.
SMITH & WESSON M&P SHIELD 9MM
Smith & Wesson has sold over one million Shield pistols since the pistol’s launch in 2012, which should say a lot about its quality. One of the most popular concealed carry pistols today, competing with the Glock 43, the M&P Shield can easily be found for around $250.
The pistol comes with both a 7 round flush fit and 8 round extended magazine, and can be easily used for both concealed carry and personal defense.
TAURUS 85 (OR 856) .38 SPECIAL
In production since the early 1990s, the Taurus 85 is essentially a clone of the Smith & Wesson J-Frame 5 shot revolver. The current production of the 85 is available in either matte blued or stainless steel and is commonly available for around $250. Compact and lightweight, the M85 from Taurus would be a good option for concealed carry and home defense.
NOTE: An alternative to the Taurus 85 would be the Taurus 856, which is essentially a six shot version of the same gun.
TAURUS G2C 9MM LUGER
Routinely offered at around $200 or less, the G2C is an updated version from the previous PT111 G2 in that it lacks the previous internal safety lock that is a common addition to many Taurus pistols.
The G2C is a mid-sized, striker fired 9mm pistol with a polymer frame and a 12+1 capacity. The weapon is small enough to be easily concealed on your person, while also large enough to get a full firing grip and defend yourself with.
The pistol also comes loaded with a number of features, including a trigger safety, frame-mounted thumb safety, aggressive texturing on the grips, restrike capability and a loaded chamber indicator.
NOTE: A 7-round single stack version of the G2C, called the G2S, is also available.
Conclusion
All of the above firearms are available at very reasonable prices while also offering a level of quality you can trust your life to. As with most things, it comes down to two things: 1) What you expect to use it for, and 2) Your personal preference. Take some time to decide, but don’t take too long. The shit can hit the fan at any time.
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Sanders plans to deprive charter schools of tax money
Leading Democratic presidential contender, US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) wants to destroy charter schools.
Bernie “wants to destroy the best schools poor urban kids have,” the liberal Intelligencer charges. In fact, the Intelligencer claims, “the best-managed charter systems produce dramatically better outcomes for low-income urban children, than the same students receive in neighborhood schools.”
To clarify, Bernie’s new education plan includes a ban on “for-profit” charter schools and a temporary ban on the use of government money to fund nonprofit charter schools, Vox reports. Sanders is not however, proposing a total ban on charter schools.
Can Bernie Destroy Charter Schools?
Instead, Sanders plans to deprive charter schools of tax money, which will halt most of their operations. Charter schools are independent government-chartered schools that receive state or local tax money.
Generally, charter schools offer alternative teaching and education methods that public schools do not offer. Many charter schools follow traditional educational standards. Some charter schools offer an experimental or nontraditional curriculum.
On the other hand, local and state governments regulate most charter schools. Therefore, the President has no authority to destroy them.
Congress however, can kill charter schools by denying federal funding to school districts or states that charter them. The Constitution gives Congress, not the president control over federal funds.
Will Bernie Help Teacher’s Unions Destroy Charter Schools?
Many teachers’ unions dislike charter schools because they are usually nonunion. Bernie is listening to the teacher’s unions because they are a powerful force in Democratic politics.
In fact, 44.9% of America’s public middle and elementary teachers were union members in 2017, The 74 million estimates. In addition, 50.2% of public high school teachers belonged to unions in 2017.
Since the National Center for Education Statistics estimates there were 3.1 million public school teachers in America in 2018, there could be between 1.4 million and 1.5 million teachers’ union members.
Therefore, Bernie is trying to win unionized teachers’ votes by killing charter schools. He also plans to tap teachers for money because his campaign relies on small individual donations.
Bernie Could Win The Democratic Presidential Nomination
Supporters of alternatives to public education need to pay attention, because Bernie could be the next Democratic Presidential nominee.
Sanders leads the Democratic primary pack in the April Emerson Poll with 29% of the vote. In fact, Sanders beat Vice President Joe Biden (D-Delaware) by 5 percentage points.
Sanders also beat the number three contender, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-South Bend, Indiana), by 20 percentage points. To clarify, Emerson claims 24% of probable Democratic voters favor Biden and 9% favor Buttigieg.
Bernie Is The Democratic Front Runner
Therefore, media outlets as diverse as The Wall Street Journaland MSNBC label Sanders the Democratic front runner.
The Wall Street Journal estimates Sanders raised $18 million in the first six weeks of his campaign. Which means, Sanders could have the money to win the Democratic primary.
Finally, legendary Republican strategist, Karl Rove, thinks Bernie could beat President Donald J. Trump (R-New York) in the 2020 presidential race. In fact, Rove,; the man who led George W. Bush’s (R-Texas) two successful presidential campaigns, labels Sanders “a serious contender.”
Recently, Rove says of Sanders “He did a good job of softening the edges of socialism,” on Fox & Friends. In addition, Rove says “Mr. Sanders’ philosophy: resentment, grievance, and a desire to take from those who have and redistribute the wealth, all to expand government,” Vox reports.
When people talk about preparedness, they’re usually referring to food, water, first aid kits, emergency radios, and all the other usual suspects. Most people don’t think about hammers, shovels, chainsaws, and other common tools, but they really should. After a disaster, they will really need those tools.
One obvious example: A hurricane or tornado has partially crushed a home, and a family is trapped inside. You might need a flashlight, a sledgehammer, and a pry bar to get them out. Even if there isn’t a life-or-death situation like that, you still might need tools to repair damaged doors, roofs, and windows. Or a chainsaw to chop up downed trees in the middle of the road.
The point is, preppers should take time to acquire emergency tools and put them in a safe location. But which tools? In this video, Survival Dispatch shows off 15 tools you should have and explains why you’ll need them. Here’s the list:
If you’re new to gardening, testing your soil might seem difficult. You could purchase a soil pH testing kit from a nursery or garden center, but they often come with a big price tag. And they aren’t always reliable.
Another option is to have your local Cooperative Extension Office test your soil for pH levels and nutrients. The analysis is very helpful because it’s very detailed and includes suggestions specific to your region. However, the soil analysis could take a few weeks.
If you don’t have time—or money—consider making your own soil pH testing kit from scratch. The Guru Magazine recommends using a simple method for checking your soil.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Two Glass Jars
Measuring Cup
Vinegar
Water
Baking Soda
Directions
Step 1: Get A Soil Sample
Scoop out ¼ cup of soil from your garden and put it into a glass jar.
Step 2: Add Vinegar
Add ½ cup of vinegar to the soil in your glass jar. The vinegar may or may not fizz. If the mixture fizzes, your garden soil pH is alkaline. But if the mixture doesn’t fizz, go to Step 3.
Take ¼ cup of soil from your garden and put it into another jar.
Step 4: Add Water
Add ½ cup of water to your soil sample and mix.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Add ½ cup of baking soda to the soil mixture. If the mixture fizzes, the soil is acidic. If your soil didn’t react to the vinegar or baking soda, the soil is already pH balanced. Congratulations! You are now ready to plant!
Depending on what you are planting, you may need to change your soil to make it more pH balanced. If your soil is acidic, try adding lime. And to alkaline soil, add sulfur. But the results can vary and may not even be permanent. Before you begin planting, always make sure that your plants are able to thrive in your soil.
Plants That Love Alkaline Soil
Asparagus
Beets
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celery
Cherries
Plants That Love Acidic Soil
Blackberries
Blueberries
Citrus
Cranberries
Currants
Elderberries
Gooseberries
Parsley
Peppers
Potatoes
Radishes
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Sweet Potatoes
Story continues below video, which tells how the layout of rows impacts growth
Plants That Love PH Balanced Soil, But Tolerate Slightly Acidic Soil
Apples
Beans
Broccoli
Carrots
Corn
Cucumbers
Grapes
Kale
Lettuce
Melon
Onion
Peas
Peaches
Spinach
Squash
Tomatoes
Cheap Ways To Fertilize
(1) Scatter Grass Clippings
Using grass clippings will fertilize your garden as much as one or two fertilizer treatments each year. Don’t use any clippings if any herbicides have been used on your lawn, because it will make your soil toxic.
(2) Use Kitchen Scraps
Scraping off leftover food can make a good fertilizer for your garden. Even coffee grounds can be a good way to make your alkaline soil more pH balanced. If you don’t have enough compost for your lawn or garden, you can always look for compost from local farmers.
(3) Scatter Wood Ash
If you burn wood, the ashes can be used to fertilize your garden. The potassium in the ashes will be helpful for making acidic soil more pH balanced. Make sure that you use a thin layer of ash. And do not use ash from painted or treated wood, because it will make the soil toxic.
(4) Add Crumbled Eggshells
Eggshells contain calcium, which is helpful for many plants, especially tomatoes. Put crumbled eggshells at the bottom of your planting hole, or place them in the soil around the base of your tomato plant.
Whether you are making your own fertilizer or a do-it-yourself soil testing kit, planting a garden doesn’t have to be complicated. These methods are easy and they are a great way to save money. And let’s face it—it’s always nice to save money!
When disasters strike, having a consistent food source should be a priority. You can harvest and regrow the plants you need without having to worry about where to get your next food.
There are various greenhouse design ideas you can try to follow and create for yourself. Here are some DIY greenhouse ideas you can recreate for your survival garden.
PVC Pipe Greenhouse
Supplies Needed:
1/2″ PVC Pipe – 4 sections
1/2″ Corner Elbow Connectors – 4 with 3 ports
1/2″ Adapters – 4 Connectors + Adapters
Primer and PVC Cement
Scissors
Long Zip Ties
Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter
Plastic Sheeting – 6′ x 6′, 3.5 mil (6 mil is ideal) (Thin clear plastic will not withstand past one season.)
You won't have to spend more than $25 for this DIY PVC greenhouse. You can find the full instructions for the PVC pipe greenhouse here.
Barn Greenhouse
Supplies Needed:
3 – 2×4 @ 10 feet long – use on back wall
5 – 2×4 @ 12 feet long – use on sides/ridgepole DO NOT CUT)
32 – 2×4 @ 8 feet long
11 – 12 foot long x 26″ wide standard corrugated plastic greenhouse panels
1 – 8 foot long x 26″ wide standard corrugated plastic greenhouse panel (use on door side)
3 – 12 foot long tin panels (use on sides and back)
1 – 8 foot long tin panel (use on front)
Tin screws
28 – 4′ long ribbing strips
L flashing (optional for the corners)
Done properly, this DIY greenhouse design can contain several plants for your garden. You can find the full instructions the barn greenhouse here.
Salvage wood 1 x 12. (We used cedar, but any scrap wood would do.)
Nails or screws
2 metal hinges for each frame
Hammer or screwdriver
Saw
Great for small gardening areas! You can grow your seedlings in a compact box that you can put in your yard or windowsill if you don't have enough space.
Check out this simple and sturdy greenhouse from Modern Builds:
DIY greenhouses aren't just perfect for emergency situations, people who would like to start their own gardens can also make try making one for their backyard. You can get fresh vegetables, fruits, and even herbs from your own garden.
What kind of DIY greenhouses are interested in trying? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
AI is faking news more and more and can now conceivably create fake newscasters as well.
AI is faking news on YouTube nowadays with a surprising degree of accuracy. There’s even an artificial intelligence (AI) copy of podcast king Joe Rogan that bears an uncanny resemblance to the real man.
In fact, the AI can create lifelike copies of Rogan’s voice and likeness. Moreover, the AI even chose the topic and wrote the script for a fake podcast, The Verge claims.
However, there is nothing nefarious about the AI Joe Rogan. Instead, the AI is a publicity stunt for Dessa, an artificial intelligence company. Dessa’s engineers are testing out what their technology is capable of.
AI Can Now Fake Real Celebrities
On the whole, the Dessa AI does a good job of copying Rogan’s voice, mannerisms, and appearance.
The AI also chose the topic for the demonstration video, which included a bizarre rant about a chimp hockey team. In detail, the AI watched hundreds of Rogan videos and used the details to create its deep fake video.
So, Dessa’s AI can mimic real people like celebrities, politicians, and newscasters. Consequently, AI can conceivably now create both fake news and fake newscasters.
Therefore, AI can put fake news into the mouths of real people and create videos to spread fake news online. For example, an AI version of Fox News’ Chris Wallace could “report” a fake news story as fact.
How AI Can Spread Disinformation And Chaos
There are many ways that such AI “deep fakes” could spread disinformation, propaganda, lies, and chaos.
Frighteningly, an AI fake of President Trump could issue a phony emergency declaration millions of people could believe. Conversely, AI could generate a fake interview of the president by a real newscaster like NBC’s Lester Holt.
The AI Trump could damage the President’s reputation by insulting Christians or Republican voters. Likewise, an AI US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) could insult African Americans with racial slurs or falsely confess to Communist Party membership.
Finally, an AI fake of a major newscaster like Holt could spread panic by reporting fake news stories. An example of such a panic creating news story could be false claims that terrorists are about to set off a nuclear bomb in a major American city.
The worst case scenario is a an AI fake going out on a broadcast network like ABC or a major news channel like Fox News. Obviously, millions of viewers could believe the fake news story and act on it.
AI Will Make Fake News Worse
AI will take fake news to the next level and companies like Dessa are now selling them.
Notably, Dessa is marketing a platform that will help any organization build and deploy artificial intelligence. Dessa’s intent is to sell AI for commercial purposes. However, terrorists, criminals, a mad genius, or an enemy government could easily use that AI for nefarious purposes.
Moreover, the bad guys can still get their hands on AI even if companies like Dessa refuse to sell it to them. Terrorists or fraudsters could steal AI or copy it. Thus, it is only a matter of time before AI-generated fake news leads to death and destruction in the real world.
AI Can Now Influence Elections
Tellingly, AI’s implications even frightens Dessa’s management.
“Clearly, the societal implications for technologies like speech synthesis are massive,” Dessa writes. “And the implications will affect everyone. Poor consumers and rich consumers. Enterprises and governments.”
Importantly, Dessa copied Rogan, one of the most influential podcasters around. Observers believe Rogan made obscure candidate Andrew Yang (D-New York) into a serious contender for the Democratic presidential nomination with one interview.
Yang’s campaign manager Zach Graumann tells The Daily Beast that a February interview on Rogan’s podcast made Yang’s campaign. Specifically, the campaign raised enough cash to reach the first Democratic presidential debate in June because of the interview.
Given that kind of power, AI now can influence political campaigns. Hence, you must pay close attention to the news since it could be fake and an AI could easily deliver those falsehoods.
As I’m writing this, Venezuelans are eating dogs, cats and pigeons. The lucky ones get some supplies (after waiting in line for hours on end, that is). They may have water (rain water, I guess), but the food is gone, not to mention other supplies.
How did this happen in a country that has the largest oil reserves in the world?
The price of oil dropped, that’s how. But that doesn’t mean things were peachy before. They had troubles for years. Culprit? The socialist regime. High-level corruption murdered their country.
And I can’t help but wonder. Where will the US end up given the greed and corruption of the leftists coupled with the $20 trillion debt?
There’s only one thing we can do and that’s to stockpile. Stockpile food, water, tools, gear and everything else you and your family will need.
Walmart’s AI surveillance of shoppers is yet another chapter in the ongoing fight for consumer data protection in America. (Photo Credit: Mike Mozart / CC BY 2.0 / (MGN))
Walmart is beginning to use AI surveillance of shoppers on Long Island in a move that is bound to generate some major privacy concerns. In particular, Walmart uses its artificial intelligence (AI) to get vast amounts of data about customer behavior.
To elaborate, AI observes shoppers through cameras at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Levittown, New York, Tech Crunch reports. So, AI watches shoppers as they buy food for their families.
Tech Crunch claims Walmart only uses the data that AI gathers to determine inventory levels. However, Walmart admits to collecting 1.6 terabytes (one million bites) of customer-behavior data per second in an on-site data center. Ironically, the data center computers are on display to the public.
Walmart Experiments On Shoppers
Notably, Walmart is conducting a behavioral science experiment on Long Island shoppers. For example, Walmart calls the Levittown Neighborhood Market the Intelligent Retail Lab (IRL).
Moreover, Walmart concedes that the IRL’s purpose is to test technology in a real-world environment. In essence, Walmart is experimenting on customers. People are basically paying for the experience of being Walmart’s guinea pigs.
Walmart’s in-house think tank and incubator Store No 8 runs the IRL. Specifically, they named Store No 8 for the first Walmart that Sam Walton opened in Morrilton, Arkansas, in 1962.
The Morrilton outlet was the eighth discount store Walton opened. Nevertheless, it was the first store to carry the Walmart name.
Store No 8 is experimenting with a wide variety of technologies including robotics, AI, machine learning, robot process automation, virtual reality (VR), and deep learning. Store No 8 is located in Hoboken, New Jersey, and New York City, but not in Walmart’s hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas.
What Is Walmart Doing On Long Island?
Walmart’s artificial intelligence can learn a lot about customers. For instance, the AI can tell what products you buy. Additionally, the AI can discern and analyze patterns of customer behavior.
Nonetheless, neither Tech Crunch nor Store No 8 reveals what Walmart does with all the data that their AI system gathers. Meanwhile, Walmart is recruiting data engineers to work at Store No 8’s “Project Franklin” in Brooklyn.
Store No 8’s website describes “Project Franklin” as “a stealth-mode startup operating independently within Walmart’s tech incubator.” The website does not say what Project Franklin has to do with the IRL. Notwithstanding, its Brooklyn residence is on Long Island just like the Levittown store is.
All in all, Walmart probably named Project Franklin after the Ben Franklin discount stores. Notably, Sam Walton ran Ben Franklin franchises before opening Walmart.
Walmart’s AI Is Watching You
Walmart wants customer data to see how and why people buy merchandise.
For example, Walmart could see what groups of people buy which products. In addition, Walmart could discern what patterns prompt you to buy more expensive items.
Walmart could also use AI to watch for shoplifting, vandalism, and other destructive customer behavior. Significantly, AI can already alert Walmart associates to empty shelves.
As a result, it is safe to assume that AI will soon direct Walmart security or even the police to shoplifting suspects. Furthermore, AI could spot which customers need help and send associates to assist them.
Artificial intelligence is now giving human employees orders at the IRL as well. To explain, Walmart’s AI already tells IRL associates which shelves to stock and where to find outdated foods, Tech Crunch reports.
Will Walmart Sell Or Share Your Data?
Finally, Walmart could sell the data their AI collects. Particularly, Wibson (a data marketplace) estimates that the average individual’s personal data could be worth over $240 a year.
In addition, there are many companies that could pay Walmart for data about your shopping behavior. For example, Procter & Gamble, which makes Tide, will want to know how you behave in the laundry detergent aisle.
Moreover, Walmart and Procter & Gamble could use the data to increase Tide sales. In fact, AI could discern what shelf people are most likely to look at and take products from.
Ultimately, Walmart’s AI surveillance gives customers another reason to shop elsewhere or even online instead.
We know plants don't have ears, so how can playing music for plants help them grow? It's all about the vibration. We'll share what music works best for plant growth based on studies and experiments in our own garden. Plant Music? Really? When reading The Secret Life of Plants, I discovered Sonic Bloom – musical […]
Butterflies are attracted to many different flowers.
Butterflies — those small, beautiful “flying flowers” of nature — are always a welcome sight in our gardens and herald the coming of summer. Their unique and colorful designs inspire artists and enchant children. How do we encourage butterflies to visit our garden?
By having a variety of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs that bloom, nectar will be available all season long. Plant flowers and herbs that will feed all stages of butterflies. Caterpillars, newly emerged butterflies and mature butterflies all have their favorite type of food. Butterflies enjoy flowers both big and small, and the garden can be a large plot or just a window box. They also like open, sunny places that have water and shelter from the wind.
Find out which butterflies are common in your area and then plant flowers they like. Even try planting flowers for rarer butterflies because you never know what you may get. Combine herbs and flowers with shrubs and trees to create shelter. Of course, avoid insecticides and pesticides.
Let’s take a look at some common flowers that attract butterflies. Keep in mind: These are the most common ones, and there is an endless list of flowers and herbs for butterflies.
1. Horsemint
Horsemint is considered an herb. It does its best in late summer and early fall, around September and October. It has square stems and lance-shaped leaves. Horsemint grows in clumps and varies in size from six inches to three feet. It often has purple or pink flowers. Horsemint does best in moist soil and full sun.
2. Dill
Here is another herb. It provides food for caterpillars as well as camouflage for all stages. Dill even provides food for the newly emerged butterflies. Dill blooms in late spring and early summer. It is known for getting quite tall, so plant it near the back of your garden to ensure it doesn’t overshadow smaller flowers. Dill has tiny, bright yellow flowers. It grows well in most soils and amounts of sunlight.
3. Fennel
Large, “lacy,” yellow flowers grace this herb. Fennel has been described as a feathery-style herb. It likes a lot of sun and well-draining, yet moist soil. It can grow up to three or five feet. Fennel blooms best in the months of July and August. It also can be used for other household things so is a very helpful plant for all.
4. Milkweed
Milkweed is a popular attractant for Monarch butterflies.
Although it has “weed” in the name, milkweed has beautiful flowers and is incredibly necessary for the survival of the Monarch butterfly. It loves sun and can grow from two to six feet. There are many varieties, and butterflies enjoy them all. Milkweed has thick stalks and large, green, waxy leaves. The stems become hollow as the plant matures. Milkweed flowers can be pink, purple or orange and bloom between the months of June and August.
5. Aster
A flower with many varieties, the Aster blooms closer to the fall months, but some asters can bloom anytime from spring to the first frost. It is usually a tall plant, ranging from 24 inches to five feet high. It is a multi-petaled flower with a button-like center. Asters range in colors of white, blue, purple, red and pink, with centers of yellow. Asters do best in full sun with well-drained soil.
6. Phlox
Phlox is a popular and pretty flower. It has tall stems, sometimes reaching up to four feet in height. It blooms from summer to fall, loving the full sun and well-drained soil. Phlox comes in all types of colors, the most common being pink, red, shades of purple, salmon and even white blooms.
7. Pansy
Arguably one of the most popular, annual garden flowers, pansies come in limitless varieties of colors. Some even have two or three colors. Pansies have heart-shaped, overlapping petals with face-like markings in the center. This flower handles cold well, but likes having full sun or partial shade. It is a stocky or bushy style of flower and only gets to be about four to eight inches tall.
This is a low-maintenance prairie flower. It has large flowers in a variety of colors, with drooping petals and dark centers. It is hardy and long-blooming. Coneflowers can grow between two and four feet in height, doing most of their blooming in mid-summer. This type of flower loves full sun, but can handle partial shade. Be aware: Coneflowers will reach for the sun.
9. Snapdragon
Children and adults alike love snapdragons, making this flower popular all over the country. Very easy to grow and maintain, snapdragons come in limitless varieties of bright colors. Full sun to partial shade helps this flower do its best, and well-drained soil is needed, too. Snapdragons are a bushy-type perennial plant, and seem to do well in cooler weather.
10. Stargazer Lily
This is a tall, slender and elegant flower. It can grow up to three feet in height and has light pink to deep crimson blooms with dark spots and dark green leaves. The lily is a bulb plant. It flowers in the summer, usually between June and July. Stargazer lilies do best in full sun with well-drained soil.
Having a butterfly garden will bring a limitless amount of color and activity to your life. Enjoy watching the caterpillars grow into butterflies and then fly around your flowers and yard. It’s nature, pure and simple.
Have you grown a butterfly garden? Which flowers worked best for you? Share your tips in the section below:
An encrypted radio is one of many ways to cope with dangerous communications blackouts.
Communications security or “COMSEC” as the military calls it, is just as important for those of us who want to survive whatever comes our way as it is for the military. The big problem for us though is that buying the necessary equipment is generally pretty expensive; it’s not something the average person can afford.
Of course, the other part of this question involves who we are trying to keep our communications secure from. Thanks to Eric Snowden, we all know the NSA (National Security Agency) is reading all our electronic communications. This is the same agency which allegedly intercepts messages sent by unfriendly governments and decodes them.
Considering that the NSA is used to breaking the best codes by countries like North Korea and Iran, let alone the big powerhouses like Russia and China, I seriously doubt that there are any commercial encryption programs or codes on the market which are safe from the NSA. So as far as I’m concerned, there’s no sense even trying. All that any such encryption would do is flag my communications as something that might be of interest to the government.
Criminals Will Be On The Loose During Dangerous Communications Blackouts
But the government isn’t the only one to concern ourselves with. I’m actually more interested in protecting my communications from others, especially the criminal element. In the wake of any disaster, criminals come out of the woodwork, looting and causing additional damage. If the disaster is serious enough, we have to expect that they will become violent, especially against those who might have things they need.
Today’s criminals have become more sophisticated, using the internet and especially social media to plan their activities. If the internet is still available, you can be sure that they’ll be working overtime. They’ll try to find people who have bugged out and where they can break in without running into anyone. Protecting our communications, especially those with our extended survival team, is a necessary part of our survival.
Equipment For Secure Communications
Regardless of the situation, there are a number of things we can do to make our communications hard to intercept and hard to understand, even if we don’t have encryption available to us. Let’s start out with some equipment solutions:
The Internet
We usually assume that the internet will be down after a disaster. While that may very well be so, the possibility that it will be working, at least for a while, can’t be overlooked. Phone companies, whom many of us receive our internet access through, are required by regulation to have backup power so that they can keep on operating in the wake of a disaster.
The internet is your most dangerous communications option in a post-disaster world. However, it is possible to get encrypted communications over the internet. This allows you to send and receive messages that won’t be readable by anyone short of the NSA. A VPN (virtual private network) routinely encrypts communications sent between different devices on the virtual network. You would definitely have to set it up ahead of time. Nonetheless, if you had such a connection you would have very secure communications.
Encrypted Radio
There are encrypted radios available which can be bought for use on the civilian market. While not as impressive as the stuff the military and government uses, it is robust enough to fool anyone who doesn’t have the same sort of radio. Some of these radios use as high as 256-bit encryption.
Mostly designed for public safety, these radios are available on the open market as well. Granted, they are more expensive than other sorts of business radios, but hey, we’re talking security here.
Burner Phones
There has been a lot of talk about using disposable phones or “burner phones” as a survival tool. I don’t have a problem with that. In fact, I have them in my EDC bag and bug out bag. But those don’t provide much security during dangerous communications blackouts. About the only thing that’s secure about them is that you can use them without anyone knowing it’s you. Yet, that’s only if you have the prepaid kind.
Granted, that’s useful in and of itself. Being able to communicate via phone and then get rid of the phone so that nobody can call you back on it is an acceptable security tactic. Criminals and terrorist organizations frequently rely on this strategy. Notwithstanding, unless you have a large supply of burner phones, you can only use it a limited number of times.
Human Methods For Dangerous Communications Blackouts
Mankind has been concerned with secure communications since long before the ability to encrypt messages existed. Without electronic equipment available to do the work for them, people in the past resorted to using manual methods. Amazingly effective, many of these would still work for us today if we found ourselves in a post-disaster world.
Deceptive Phrasing
The simplest form of secure communications is to use deceptive phrasing. You’d be surprised how well this works, especially if you are a bit creative in selecting your code words. Of course, you’d have to do that ahead-of-time, so that everyone on your team would know the code. While the enemy might figure it out eventually, this is ideal for verbal, radio or phone communications which are time-sensitive, because they probably won’t be able to decode it before the information is no longer useful.
Probably the greatest example of this was the Navajo Code Talkers in World War II. Men from the Navajo tribe were recruited to be communicators for the U.S. Marines fighting in the Pacific. These communicators passed tactical messages in their native Navajo language, which was unknown to the Japanese. Further complicating the communications, they would use code words to describe certain items, such as a “turtle” in Navajo was the code word for a tank and the Navajo word for “buzzard” was a bomber aircraft.
Morse Code
Morse code is probably the code with the widest name recognition, even though very few people know it anymore. While in common use during the early days of radio, few people bother to learn it anymore. Not even HAM radio operators need to learn Morse code any longer, although it was a requirement until 2007. About the only people who have to learn it today are pilots because they use it for call signs and directional signals.
It is unlikely that criminals are going to know Morse. However, if you want greater security, using Morse in conjunction with any other sort of code such as from a Cipher wheel would make your messages doubly hard to decipher.
Cipher Wheel
A basic code normally substitutes one symbol (letter) for another. This can be a rather tedious, error-prone process. Nevertheless, it is effective and many individuals and government agencies have utilized this technique for centuries.
One of the earliest uses of a cipher wheel here in the USA was created when Thomas Jefferson served as George Washington’s Secretary of State. Invented by Jefferson, the device consisted of 36 cylindrical wooden pieces, each of which had the alphabet inscribed around the circumference in seemingly random order. The disks were then stacked on an iron spindle. Messages could be made by rotating the disks to spell out a message on one line. The coded message was then taken from another line.
These sorts of cipher wheels and others are readily available on online marketplaces such as Amazon.com. While slow to work with, the bad guys won’t be able to read your messages unless they have the resources of the NSA.
One-Time Pads
The most secure codes ever were one-time pads. These are so secure that the Russian security agency used them up until recent times. Today, the NSA has a computerized version of this which supposedly uses atmospheric noise to generate the transpositions, thereby ensuring that the code they produce is totally random.
Like the cipher wheel, the idea of the one-time pad is to substitute one symbol or letter for another. Actually, people often use them in conjunction with a cipher wheel, although not of the type that Thomas Jefferson created. The cipher wheel merely makes it easier to generate and decode the transpositions of the letters in the one-time pad, which helps to both encode and read the message.
There is actually a tool online which will generate one-time pads. I’ve tried it out, and while I wouldn’t really want to use it for lengthy communications, it is clear that it works. One could actually print out a large block of random code from this website and save it for use at a time when secure communications are necessary.
A Couple Of Last Details
You can also combine the methods I mentioned above for even more secure communications. For example, you could encrypt something using a cipher wheel and a code from a one-time pad and then you could transmit it via Morse code. In doing this, whoever was going to try and decode it would need to know all three methods in order to decode your message.
Of course, the most secure communications will always be those that you make face-to-face with someone you know personally. Some messages are sensitive enough that there is no other way of transmitting them due to the risk of others discovering the information. Part of knowing how to keep your COMSEC intact is knowing which messages you must handle securely and how secure you must handle them. Ultimately, extreme security may require extreme methods.
Common blue violets (Viola sororia) are perennial wildflowers native to North America. A folklore favorite, these bright little plants are also rich in nutrition and soothing medicine. Other Names Common Blue Violet is also known as Pansy, Heart's Ease, Jump-Up, Wild Pansy, Hens and Roosters, kiss-me-at-the-gate. Other names include purple, wood, sweet, English, common, trinity, […]
In the wild, you can survive by making a meal out of edible insects. You'll be glad to know they are actually nutritious and could fill your protein needs.
Being stuck in the wild can make you think of crazy things like having insects for lunch. Disgusting as it may sound, this could actually save your life.
If you're in no luck finding some edible wild plants outdoors, you might as well start looking for edible insects to get through your hunger problem. You'd be surprised to know of this edible insects list is, in fact, abundant with nutrients that can provide your cellular needs.
It's better to be prepared and know what can help you survive in the wild, so go on and read along!
1. Ants
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One great thing about ants is that you can find them in a lot of places. Dig among anthills and scoop up the ants into a container.
It is recommended for you to boil them first before eating to remove the bitter and vinegary taste it has. An ounce contains about 14 grams of proteins and 5.7ml of iron.
Termites can be found in hordes and fill your protein needs easily. 100 grams of termites is equivalent to 14.4 grams of protein.
A termite mound can feed a couple of people in one go. These edible bugs for humans are in damp climates like coastal areas and thick forests.
3. Maggots
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If you ever find a corpse of an animal laying there and being fed on by maggots, never think of these maggots as a waste.
While the maggots are feeding upon the corpse of an animal, you may feed on those maggots in exchange and have the meat they've eaten for yourself. Maggots contain both protein and carbohydrates you would need for energy.
These slimy creatures are rich in minerals which help maintain normal blood flow. Slugs are carriers of harmful parasites that can kill you so it would be wise to cook them first before eating it.
These edible insects can be found abundantly during the rainy season.
5. Cockroaches
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These are the ones you can find in the wild and not those pesky little buggers that fly around your house. The ones found in the wild feed on fruits and vegetation which are rich in fibers and vitamins A and C.
Have them fried or boiled to kill any bacteria they might have.
6. Locusts
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Locusts can actually save your life from hunger plus it is rich in both protein and calcium. They travel in swarms and are much bigger than the grasshoppers.
Locusts go to places that have fertile soil, thus, it would be best to look for these edible insects in those places.
7. Grasshoppers
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Grasshoppers are very rich in protein — for every 100 grams of grasshoppers, there are around 20.6 grams of protein. They can be eaten raw or cooked. But, to add some palate of crunchiness, consider having them cooked.
You can find them on meadows and grassy fields.
Here's what you need to know about eating edible insects by STORYHIVE:
When SHTF and you run out of food to eat or there are no edible plants in sight, hunt for these edible insects and you'll get by. However, while these insects are quite nutritious, there are also some that can be poisonous.
Be aware of what you can eat or it could lead to having an upset stomach or something even worse. Make sure to know how these edible insects look like and not mistake them for a poisonous kind.
With that said, it's also imperative to know how to identify edible insects for your safety.
Have you tried eating any of these edible insects? How was the experience? Share your survival stories in the comments section below!
Will excessive flooding in the Midwestern United States contribute to a worldwide and catastrophic food shortage?
Extreme weather could create a catastrophic food shortage in America. In fact, people all over the world could starve because of destructive weather in the American Midwest.
In fact, catastrophic weather is destroying vast amounts of food in America’s heartland. For example, farmers lost thousands of tons of grain when floods destroyed just five grain bins in Iowa, Strange Sounds reports.
Meanwhile, Missouri farmers lost 850,000 bushels of corn in the collapse of one bin in March. Moreover, floods are destroying $400 million worth of livestock and $440 million worth of crops in Nebraska.
Weather Will Drive Food Prices Up
Notably, Fremont County Iowa farmer Jeff Jorgenson lost over a million bushels of corn and nearly 500,000 bushels of soybeans to flooded grain bins, Strange Sounds notes.
Importantly, Jorgensen tells the Associated Press, “the economy in agriculture is not very good right now. It will end some of these folks farming, family legacies, family farms.”
Moreover, food prices could rise because the weather is driving farmers out of business. Indeed Jorgensen predicts, “there will be farmers that will be dealing with so much of a negative they won’t be able to tolerate it.“
Catastrophe In Midwest Can Cause Shortage Of Food Worldwide
Ultimately, catastrophe’s in America’s heartland could trigger global food shortages. In fact, America is the world’s top food exporter shipping $139.5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2018, Share America estimates.
Moreover, just three countries; the United States, China, and India, grow more food than the entire European Union, Investopedia calculates. Consequently, bad weather in any of those countries will lead to scarcity of foodstuffs.
Importantly, some scientists believe food production in the Midwest will collapse in 2035. Specifically, Jeff Hatfield believes it will be harder to grow crops in the Midwest because of increasing insects, flood, and rising temperatures.
Will Farming Become Impossible In The Bread Basket?
To clarify, Hatfield is an agronomist at the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment. Additionally, Hatfield believes we must drastically change farming to keep food on the table, the MIT Technology Review reports.
For instance, USDA experiments show corn yields could fall by 84% if Midwest temperatures rise by 7.2 degrees. Therefore, growing corn without genetically engineered plants could be impossible in America’s breadbasket.
Consequently, the MIT Technology Review observes, “if Hatfield is right, yields will fall off a cliff, devastating farmers and leaving much of the world hungrier.”
Will Food Shortages Lead To World War III?
Meanwhile, demographers expect the world’s population to grow to 9.7 billion people by 2050. Hence, there could be more people and less food in the world.
Historically, that situation led to war, as governments fought for food supplies. For example, Hitler’s invasions of France and the Soviet Union were an effort to give Germany an adequate food supply.
To explain, Imperial Germany lost World War One because it could not feed its armies and workforce. Hence, Hitler was trying to avoid the Kaiser’s mistake of not having enough food to feed his armies.
In addition, Japan invaded China in the 1930s, and attacked the United States and the British Empire in 1941, to secure its food supply. Thus, shortages of food were a cause of World War II, the worst conflict in human history.
Will China And America Go To War For Food?
Notably, the People’s Republic of China is securing control of Argentina, an important food producer.
In fact, Patricia Bergero admits “our economy is very dependent on soybeans and China — perhaps too dependent.” to The New York Times Magazine. To clarify, Bergero is the deputy director for economic research at Argentina’s Board of Trade.
Under those circumstances, Argentina exported $17 billion worth of soybean products to China in 2018. Moreover, China is now Latin America and the Caribbean’s top trading power, Times writer Brook Larmer estimates.
To elaborate, Latin America and Caribbean countries exported $244 billion worth of raw materials to China in 2018. In addition, China is securing its hold on Argentina by paying that nation’s debts.
China Owns Argentina
Plus, the Chinese are bankrolling massive infrastructure projects in Argentina including a new railroad and two hydroelectric dams, Larmer reports.
Meanwhile, Argentine President Mauricio Macri; whom voters elected on an anti-China platform, has “now signed more deals with China than the two previous governments combined,” María José Haro Sly notes.
In fact, Macri is now a good friend to Chinese president Xi Jinping. To elaborate Sly is an expert on China and Latin America’s agricultural relations.
Finally, China is establishing a military presence in Argentina under the guise of “space research.” For instance, China’s People’s Liberation Army operates a “space observation station” in southern Argentina, Reuters reports.
Get Ready For Food Shortages Now
Under these circumstances, people who want to eat will need to grow and stockpile their own food.
In addition, a bomb shelter could be a good idea because history proves limited food supplies lead to war.
Or download our free 55-page report that discusses 77 items you must have that instantly vanish from store shelves in a panic: Gone Before You Get There
Do you think that a catastrophic food shortage is likely to happen? Let us know in the comments below.
Becoming a parent changes you. I wasn’t a particularly hard-working or responsible person in my twenties, but when I became a father, everything changed. No longer could I sleep in on the weekends or waste hours in front of the television. I had to rise to the occasion, and I’m a better person for it.
