Without a doubt, tensions over the Russia-Ukraine war are at an all-time high. The war has enormous consequences for the rest of the world, and that can be felt most acutely at the gas pump and the grocery store.
While we didn't see a conflict of this magnitude coming when we purchased our greenhouse kit in 2021, we were moved to get it in order to bolster our own food security status to be sure. Unfortunately, the kit sat in our shipping container for over a year before we finally got around to building it. But I am happy to report that we finally set to work on it about three weeks ago and finished just one day before the first big snowstorm hit! How lucky was that? From start to finish, the project was a challenge, but the resulting building, and the enormous impact it will have on our growing season, made the effort worthwhile and rewarding. Over 800 screws went into the frame construction alone, and the polycarbonate sheeting was a bear to install because a number of the sheets were mis-cut from the factory and needed to be carefully trimmed so they would fit properly. Nevertheless, we now have the pleasure of filling this 10' x 32' space with a number of crops we couldn't otherwise grow. So, if you enjoy the pictures, and are thinking about building your own greenhouse, don't hesitate to contact plantagreenhouses.ca, as they make a truly excellent product. FYI, the model you see here is the Sungrow 32' model. This is their most snow and wind resistant design, and I must say, it is SUPER strong once completed. It is also offered in an array of shorter lengths as well. Take care! —Jeffrey
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There must be something in all of us that deeply wants to believe in the good fight, and with each new conflict, the media begins its scripted, relentless effort to convince us that this war, unlike all the wars that have come before it, has noble underpinnings.
Here we are, fresh on the heels of America's shameful military evacuation from Afghanistan, and suddenly, Russia invades Ukraine and the classic bully vs. victim trope gets wheeled out, dusted off, and put into play by mainstream media outlets. Because this war is different. Ukraine's fight is noble, right? Not so fast... In record time, the reportage on this war has become decidedly one-sided. We in the West are told that Russia is locked down tighter than a drum, making it impossible to discern her government's motives. But is that true, or merely convenient? I find it interesting that I can readily get information from the Russian perspective via numerous vloggers, but Western reporters struggle to find any well-placed officials willing to discuss what Russia's motivations or intentions are. What's more, Western governments have seen fit to wholly block the ability to view Russia's state-sponsored media outlet, RT. It is now impossible for me, living in Canada, to view it. The Canadian government decided it should "protect" us from the damnable Russian perspective on things, which I find deplorable. Now, before I get miscast as a dyed-in-the-wool Putin supporter, I must clear the air. I know what I'm getting when I tune into RT, and what I'm not. But I still believe that in a free and democratic society, the government and media should strive to provide unfettered access to any and all coverage available, regardless of known or suspected bias, with the understanding that as free-thinking and intelligent citizens, we can be trusted to draw our own conclusions about the issues of the day. But that's not the way the news gets delivered anymore. Corporate media wants consensus in its readership and/or viewership. There's no room for debate or dispute, for that creates a measure of unpredictability that could very well upset the apple cart. So, it shouldn't surprise anyone that within a week of the first Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine, social media outlets were already filled to bursting with the usual self-appointed regulators who quashed and ridiculed any posts hinting at an alternative viewpoint. I suppose I shouldn't be so discouraged. Years ago, I was warned by none other than former Washington Post editor, Ben Bradlee, (who blew the lid off the Watergate coverup) that American editorial freedom was all but doomed if the unprecedented buying-up of local and regional newspapers continued. He was altogether right, but sadly, no one in the audience gave his message the gravitas it deserved. So, in honour of that fine lecture of foreboding, allow me to play Devil's advocate for a moment by proposing a few questions that have been wholly overlooked by the mainstream media (MSM): Is it possible that Russia, and specifically Putin, feels backed into a corner by the wholesale courtship with which NATO has pursued Ukraine? If Ukraine had agreed not to join NATO before the war began, could this awful catastrophe have been averted? Isn't it interesting that NATO was formed with the sole mission to counter Soviet aggression, but remained in place even after the dissolution of the USSR and its opposing organization, the Warsaw Pact? Why is that? Did you know that immediately after Putin took power in 2000, he pursued NATO membership for Russia, but was summarily rejected without explanation? I wonder why... I don't relish stirring up controversy. I simply find it astonishing that none of these questions have been given even the slightest consideration by the MSM. I think they're worried that answering such questions might harm the dominant narrative of the day, which is simply not tolerated these days. So if questions like these occur to you (and go unanswered) with maddening regularity, it might be time for you to seek your daily news elsewhere. There are still a few sites out there dedicated enough to doggedly pursue the truth--come what may. To my mind, that's what true journalism is all about. Please share your thoughts on the matter in the comments below. It goes without saying that If you live in the Prairies, (or the Midwest in the U.S.), tornadoes are at the forefront of your mind. Likewise, if you live in Florida, you primarily prep with hurricanes in mind. Similarly, our efforts here on the West Coast are largely motivated by the possibility of an earthquake or tsunami.
It's perfectly natural that we should do this. History is a reliable teacher, and thus informs many of the decisions we make when it comes to disaster preparation However, we must also keep an eye to the horizon, ever watchful for unexpected events that can still cause great disruption to our lives. A perfect example of this is the B.C. flood that occurred not one month ago, which killed 5 people and over 600,000 farm animals, left some 5,000 people homeless, and caused more than two billion dollars in damage, Moreover, it severely damaged railway and highway bridges vital to conveying much-needed food and supplies north and eastward to the rest of Canada. And it only took a few days. Days in which a month of rain fell within a 24-hour period. I am revisiting this tragic event not to dredge up still-raw memories just in time for Christmas. I do so as a reminder that, no matter where we live, we all need to prepare for a myriad of dangers, from the cataclysmic to the seemingly innocuous, because it's not the likelihood, but the consequences that matter most. Throughout my military career, a favourite saying was, "If you have two, you have one, and if you have one, you have none." This kernel of wisdom addressed the likelihood of critical items breaking or being lost in combat. And it certainly applies to us as preppers.
Unfortunately, when space is at a premium, it's impossible to pack and carry back-ups for everything. That said, it is still wise to carry back-ups for those items that are utterly indispensable for your survival, and the survival of those you love. One example that immediately comes to mind is a knife. Without a doubt, there is no more useful item in your kit. Conversely, it is the item you likely cannot survive without. However, given the cost for a well-made survival knife, it would be prohibitively expensive to purchase two knives of the same caliber. Therefore it's important to identify a cheaper (but capable) variant that will provide you with a Plan B option should your primary survival knife get stolen, broken, or lost. Here at RTT, we've taken the guesswork out of the equation by providing you with a time-tested list of gear that will see you through in the event of an emergency. Simply click on the 'Gear' link above and you'll be taken to a lengthy list of well-regarded gear organized by category. Scroll down to the 'Knives, Backup' section to find a few worthy candidates for your gear bag. Other items you might want to have extras of include flashlights or headlamps, winter gloves, lensatic compasses, cold-weather hats or toques, and wool socks. Chances are, if you don't need them, someone in your group will. Since these items are highly sought after, they will also serve as fine barter items should you the opportunity to trade with others outside your group arise. I've been pondering whether to post this, but I'm afraid local, national, and international events are quickly propelling the world in a direction that could have dire consequences on our ability to provide for our families.
As many of you know, I live in the Vancouver, BC area, but we also have a secure bug-out property several hours away by car. Now, we've been drying, vacuum-packing and otherwise gathering food stores for years, but recently, local events have cranked up the urgency of doing so. First, we had a devastating fire season, causing the loss of thousands of acres of forest and wildlife habitat. Then, quick on its heels, we endured record-breaking rainfall last month that put several towns underwater and devastated commerce arteries that are the life-blood not only for BC, but for most of Canada, as well. Because so much precipitation fell in such a short period of time, rivers overflowed, highways were washed out, and rail bridges collapsed. On one particularly bad day, we received a month's worth of rain in one 24-hour period. Now, we are in a situation where there is neither truck nor rail traffic delivering goods from the Port of Vancouver to the rest of the country. Making matters worse, just as huge collective sandbagging and dyke rebuilding efforts were finally making an impact, we were hit by back-to-back storms that not only undid much of the emergency work, but prevented any additional repair efforts on the highways and bridges, too. I don't need to remind anyone that the coldest winter months are before us. Experts are surmising that these repairs are likely to take months and will likely cost billions. Therefore, it would be naÏve to presume that food, fuel, and prices for other goods aren't going to go up--a lot. Signs at the grocery stores and gas pumps are already reflecting this. So I urge you to begin stockpiling (if you haven't already) key staples like rice and beans, in addition to canned goods that you and your loved ones require. Because December is just beginning, and all signs are that this may prove a very long winter indeed. Hey guys! A buddy of mine turned me onto a Canadian owned and operated online gear vendor that I wasn't aware of. They maintain a brick-and-mortar store in Mississauga, Ont., but the bulk of their business Is done online.
This place doesn't mess around. Here, you'll find gear from big international names that are often difficult to find here in Canada. Everything they sell is top-notch stuff, so don't come here if you're seeking a cheap non-essential item. However, if you're looking for a buy it once, enjoy it for years piece of gear, then you've come to the right place. They have frequent sales and items do go on clearance from time to time. Also, shipping is free on all orders over $50 CAD. Expect to see lots of quick reviews like this, as we hope to promote more small and locally owned business to help them survive this madness. Thanks! Click here to visit their site. After months of struggling with government agencies, grant proposals, and apathetic companies within the Greater Vancouver Area, we've decided to shift our focus to training individuals and small groups instead.
Unfortunately, it was an uphill battle to even get an audience with critical agencies and firms, and after a lot of head scratching, it became painfully obvious that some people simply aren't willing to admit that preparedness warrants discussion, consideration, and attention. So, we're knocking the dust off our boots and redoubling our efforts to train as many individuals, couples, and small company teams as we can. Perhaps later, with more momentum, we'll again try to tackle some larger preparedness issues affecting the city. When life gives you lemons... I know; I know: everywhere you turn, the news is bleak. It's no longer merely an "over there" issue. It's here--ready or not. And those last three words really sum it up. Ask yourself, and be honest--are you ready--or not? Most of us would have to answer, "No." And I understand: it makes us uncomfortable to admit it. But naked, look-yourself-in-the-mirror honesty is what's needed here.
Once you've done that gut-wrenching check-in, it's simply a matter of keeping your world small and focusing on the task(s) at hand, so that today you become more prepared than you were yesterday, and tomorrow you'll be ready to take on even more. Bit by bit. Step by step. This, my friends, is precisely how the tortoise, in the end, left the hare in the dust. And it will work for you, as well. In the Army, we had a saying,"Train as you fight." Which is why I prepared my soldiers with training that was mentally fatiguing, and stretched them nearly to their breaking points. Because no one has ever gone to war thinking, "Man, I think I over-prepared for this." And no one ever will. Readiness, to an extent, requires as much. It is not only a state of mind--it's a process--one that doesn't suffer fools or corner cutting lightly. But before we begin, take a deep breath. Make peace with not being ready for all that's ahead. Take solace in the fact that you'll be ready for some of it. The stuff we can see coming perhaps. And what about the stuff we can't foresee? That will mostly come down to your state of mind. You may be wondering: how am I supposed to improve my state of mind? I'm glad you asked! Through focused intent and willful repetition, that's how. Don't believe me? Then humour me by trying the following for a week. If you don't feel stronger, more confident, more resolute after 7 days, then you may refer to me as a charlatan or anything else you wish in the comments below. This is a proven method--one that's been used by countless others who had to stare down adversity, personal danger, and long odds to survive the calamities they faced. So I have a challenge for you: take a few moments every morning--before you make coffee; before the news--to quietly review this list of nine rules. Over time, these rules, if you let them, can become the bedrock of your mindset--a warrior ethos, if you will--one that just might keep you from falling prey to the nihilism and apathy that will likely surround you when the chips are down. If you wish to survive, thrive even, you must not become despairing. Nothing will reveal to you how powerfully the mind truly leads the body like a crisis. Here, finally, are my 9 Rules For Survival. Recite them, and commit them to memory so you can summon them if the unthinkable occurs. These are battle-tested truths, and I am living proof that they will see you through. Quitting is NOT an option, as others are counting on me. I can handle all that I see, and a hell of a lot more that I don't. I am built to survive, to learn, and to overcome. I am not alone in this; I will lean on others whenever I feel overwhelmed. The more life throws at me, the better I'll become at adapting to it. Every day that I live, I grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I believe in my God, in love, in myself, and in the power of community. One day we will laugh about this, and I intend to be there when we do. Nothing--no matter how horrific--goes on forever. This too shall pass. Sad news, folks: I just learned that one of the best Canadian outdoor gear outlets, Live Out There (liveoutthere.ca) is going out of business. They've already handed over the store's inventory to a professional liquidator, and while there are some serious deals to be had, their demise creates a lasting void that won't be filled anytime soon. Every time I read news like this, I envision Jeff Bezos, clipboard in hand, gleefully striking out the name of another online competitor. I dread the day Amazon gains the market domination it seems hell-bent on achieving. May that day never come. Sigh.... Anyhow, all the best to Live Out There's terrific and knowledgeable staff!
On this, Canada's 150th birthday, I'm feeling a bit reflective, so If I may, I'd like to share some fond memories of my grandfather, the most self-sufficient man I've ever known.
When I was a child, I constantly marvelled at how my grandfather could get by, even thrive, on so little. He never had much money, but he continually improved his life and the lives of others by making nearly everything he needed. He was especially adept at transforming what others deemed "junk" or "garbage" into useful, beautiful things. A machinist by trade, he parked his car on the street so he could use his garage as a workshop, which to my eyes, was no less magical than the one depicted in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Like Caracatus Potts, my grandfather was sometimes mocked by doubting neighbours and family members, but his diligence and faith in himself were unflappable, so more often than not, no matter how complex the project, he prevailed. Years later, as I strive to make this business and website a source of information and inspiration for the community, I'd like to take a moment to thank my grandfather (and others like him) who knew the secret value of creating the things we needed, and making do without the things we didn't. |
THE RTT BLOGThis blog is dedicated to free thinking and the open exchange of ideas. While we will certainly discuss gear, best practices, and other topics relevant to disaster preparedness, we will also, from time to time, lend editorial space to the most pressing political and social issues of our time. Archives
June 2022
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