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Eggs, the Perfect Survival Food

2010 January 15

Eggs don’t cause heart disease, as the medical industry previously believed. And here is more good news: a research team at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge determined that women on a weight-loss regimen who ate an egg with toast and jelly each morning lost twice as many pounds as those who had a bagel breakfast with the same number of calories without the accompanying egg.

Huevos, by Spanish Court Painter Diego Velásquez




Eggs are nutritious, convenient, useful in thousands of recipes, and are a relatively inexpensive source of high-quality protein.

One large egg, which represents less than 4 percent of the total daily calorie intake of a person who consumes 2000 calories per day, provides 10 percent of the Daily Value for protein, 15 percent of the Daily Value for riboflavin, and 4 percent or more of the Daily Value for several other nutrients, including vitamins A, B6 and B12; folate; iron; phosphorus; and zinc. Eggs also provide choline, which is  essential in the human diet, and is credited for helping to create healthy babies during pregnancy. Because the percentage of the  recommended  daily amount for many nutrients provided by an egg is greater than the proportion of total calorie intake that the egg represents, the egg more than pulls its weight nutritionally. Most of the vitamins and minerals in eggs are found in the yolk; protein, however, is found in both the yolk and the white.

Recent research indicates that egg eaters are more likely than non-egg eaters to have diets that provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients. This seems to be partly due to the nutritional contribution of the eggs themselves and partly due to the fact that the inclusion of eggs in the diet is an indicator of a desirable eating pattern that includes breakfast.

Eggs can be prepared easily, in a variety of ways. They keep well  in the refrigerator for about three weeks, and therefore an individual can easily use up the dozen eggs in a carton before they spoil. Because most egg recipes involve short cooking times, eggs are convenient for the person with little time to prepare meals.

Eggs have several important physical and chemical properties that help make recipes work. They thicken custards, puddings and sauces; emulsify and stabilize mixtures such as mayonnaise and salad dressings; coat or glaze breads and cookies; bind ingredients together in dishes such as meat loaf and lasagne; eggs are used to clarify coffee and soups; retard crystallization in boiled candies and frostings; and leaven some types of baked goods such as cakes, cookies, soufflés, buns and sponge cakes.

Eggs are economical, especially when compared to other high-protein foods. For people who are trying to balance their budgets as well as their diets, serving eggs occasionally instead of meat, poultry, or fish is very economical.

One other  benefit of eggs is that they are a functional food—that is, a food that provides health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. Eggs contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, two components which are believed to have health benefits.

Stocking up on dehydrated eggs would be a wise move right now.  There are many sources of dried or powdered eggs on ebay and the internet. I prefer to dessicate and process them at home. Here is my procedure:

Emergency Powdered Eggs

Cook the desired amount of eggs in a non-stick pan until they are scrambled dry. On a a large baking-sheet, place your scrambled eggs in a thin layer. Use a French chef’s knife or a pastry cutter to break them into smaller pieces. In a low oven around 130* Fahrenheit, bake this tray of eggs for eight hours or until completely waterless. Using a hand-mill, meat-grinder, food-mill or a blender, process the eggs until they turn to powder. Store them in an air-tight, food-grade container.

~~M-J

Jack Spirko’s Survival Podcast

2010 January 14
by editormj

Survival Candles: Conserving Wax and Candlemaking

2010 January 14

Conserving Candle Wax
I have noticed a jump in candle-prices. Many candles are unusable before their wax disappears. Then, you may have a considerable amount of unused candle wax which could go to waste. I save old candle wax, scented or plain, and when I have enough of it, I melt it in an old pan and pour it into a container into which I have put a standing wick. Then I have a new candle. The wicks can be purchased at crafts stores.

Keep defunct candles in a plastic bag until you have enough to melt. A plain metal pot is best, and I recommend melting wax together from similarly colored candles. Shown are stubs from beeswax tapers and a yellow pillar candle. Old wicks and metal anchors for them are not a problem; just use a metal ladle to transfer hot wax, omitting the debris. Caution: don’t melt used candles in a microwave oven–there will likely be a metal wick or anchor in it.

M-J, ©2007

~~Often copied, never equaled.~~

Conserving Wax and Reconstituting Candles

2010 January 14

Container Candles

Wick material is pushed to the bottom of the newly-formed candle with a disposable wooden skewer.

Set your old glass candles in simmering water, pour the wax into newly-cleaned candle glasses or ones that have reduced amounts of wax in them. Put in new wick material by pushing it in with a wooden skewer when the wax is almost set.~~M-J

M-J’s Source for Survival Candles

2010 January 13

The Comedians by Graham Greene: Understanding Haiti

2010 January 13

Cold Weather Survival Tips from Red Cross

2010 January 12

Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Stay Warm during Frigid Temperatures

Editorial note: Call (202) 303-5551 to speak with an American Red Cross spokesperson.

National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org

Contact: Public Affairs Desk
FOR MEDIA ONLY
media@usa.redcross.org
Phone: (202) 303-5551

WASHINGTON, Monday, January 04, 2010 — Bone-chilling temperatures have gripped much of the country, and the American Red Cross urges everyone to be safe and prepare as much as possible.

Many are looking to cut down on expenses when temperatures drop and home-heating costs rise. “There is usually an increase in home fires at this time of year because of the use of candles and space heaters,” said Scott Conner, Red Cross senior vice president for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services.  “We have steps people can follow to reduce their risk of starting a fire in their home, and still cut down on their heating bills.”

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

  • All heaters need space! Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.
  • Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface.  Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away.  Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over.  Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.
  • Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended.  Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.
  • Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

CUT DOWN ON YOUR HEATING BILLS

  • Eliminate drafts. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround windows and door moldings.  Cover your windows with plastic sheeting.  If you have storm windows or storm doors, get them up to keep the cold out.
  • Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture.
  • Turn down the thermostat.
  • Close off any rooms that aren’t in use and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms.
  • Insulate your light switch and outlet plates with foam pads. Cold air can seep into the house through them.
  • Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out.  Open them during the day to let the sun help warm your home and close them at night.  Use fabric snakes or old carpets in front of windows and doors to help eliminate drafts.
  • Turn off vent fans in the kitchen and bathroom when they are no longer needed.
  • Set ceiling fans to blow air down.

DON’T FORGET FIDO AND YOUR NEIGHBOR

  • Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don’t forget gloves or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
  • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
  • Don’t forget pets – bring them indoors.  If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
  • Check on people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

The Bug-Out Bag, or the Go-Bag

2010 January 12

What Is a Go-Bag?

A primary component of your disaster kit is your Go-Bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-Bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

* Flashlight
* Radio – battery operated
* Batteries
* Whistle
* Dust mask
* Pocket knife
* Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
* Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
* Local map
* Some water and food
* Permanent marker, paper and tape
* Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
* List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
* List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
* Copy of health insurance and identification cards
* Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
* Prescription medications and first aid supplies
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Extra keys to your house and vehicle
* Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

And then, there is this rather longer list from Wikipedia:

The suggested contents of a bug-out bag vary, but most of the following are usually included:

* Enough food and water to last for seventy two hours. This includes:

  • o 4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day, for washing, drinking and cooking.
    o Non-perishable food.[12]
    o water purification supplies.
    o Cooking supplies.
    o Cutlery and cups/dishes.
  • * A first aid kit.
    * Fire-starting tool (i.e. matches, ferrocerium rod, lighter, etc.)
    * A disaster plan including location of emergency centers, rallying points, possible evacuation routes etc.
    * Professional emergency literature explaining what to do in various types of disaster, studied and understood before the actual disaster but kept for reference.
    * Maps and travel information.
    * Standard camping equipment, including sanitation supplies.
    * Weather-appropriate clothing (poncho, headwear, gloves, etc.)
    * Bedding items such as sleeping bags & blankets.
    * Enough medicine to last an extended evacuation period.
    * Pet, child and elderly care needs.
    * Battery or crank operated Radio.
    * Lighting (battery or crank operated flashlight, glow sticks).
    * Firearms and appropriate ammunition.
    * Crowbar (weapon, building and vehicle entry, etc.)
    * Cash and change, as electronic banking transactions may not be available during the initial period following an emergency or evacuation.
    * Fixed-blade or folding knife.

    Santa Fe Sticks: The Ultimate Elegant Survival Tool

    2010 January 11
    by editormj

    Photo: M-J with Bookster Jacket and Santa Fe Zebra Wood Walking Stick (Copyright 2008)

    Thursday, August 23, 2007

    And Now, This Important Message…

    …Introducing Santa Fe Sticks

    The Strongest, Most Beautiful Walking Sticks and Canes in the World–Custom-Made to Your Specifications

    The Ultimate Elegant Survival Tools, Handcrafted in Exotic Rare Woods

    “Don’t be a hick–get yourself a Santa Fe Stick!”

    Broccoli…

    2010 January 11