8 Top Survival Lessons from Antarctica

When Antarctica is brought up, the name that usually comes to mind is Admiral Richard E. Byrd. But in fact, he was not the first person to reach the South Pole. That honor falls to a Norwegian explorer  named Roald Amundsen. His party of five beat out their closest competitor by five weeks. Even more amazingly they returned safely home, while their competitors’ party died on the return trip.

That’s because Antarctica is probably the most inhospitable terrain on the planet. With the Sahara Desert in second place. After all, more people have succeeded in living with the desert than in the cold of Antarctica. Thanks to its relative abundance of wildlife, shelter and lack of frostbite.

Yet, despite this, Antarctica has also been populated for over a century.

That’s because, while there’s no native population, unlike the Arctic, scientific research stations have been operating in Antarctica since 1898, with the largest, McMurdo Station, able to house as many as 1,258 residents.

3 Second SEAL Test Will Tell You If You’ll Survive A SHTF Situation

Still more incredible is the range of animal species that live in Antarctica. Including penguins, seals, orcas, snow petrels, krill, albatross and more.  

So, in the face of such hostility, what can we learn about survival from these various animals, explorers and residents?

Adaptability

The human animal is a highly adaptable creature. While modern man is accustomed to his conveniences and won’t want to go without them, humans elsewhere in history have found ways to adapt to their environment. This ability to adapt is an important part of our ability to survive.

I distinctly remember seeing video of some Arctic or Antarctic expedition back when I was in elementary school. One of the things the explorers were struggling with was a vitamin D deficiency. So, to counter it, they were running around outside, almost naked, so that their bodies could absorb sunlight and create more vitamin D. While you or I would think it impossible to survive outdoors in those temperatures, they were able to do it.

If you look at your own body as you go through the year, you’ll notice that it adapts to the seasons, specifically to the cold of winter and heat of summer. While you might find yourself feeling like you’re freezing when it gets down to 40°F in the fall, by the time spring rolls around, that will seem balmy. Likewise, that springtime “heat” of 80°F may have you sweating, but by September, you’ll be calling that a “comfortably cool” day.

From a survival point of view, living in heated and air conditioned places is detrimental to our body’s ability to adapt. But the good news is that living that way doesn’t seem to cause any permanent damage. Once we learn to do without them, we’ll adapt just fine.

Preparation

The first successful expedition to reach the South Pole didn’t happen without a lot of preparation. The explorers first established a base of operations at the…

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Supreme Court Sends Web Scraping Case Back to Lower Court

EPIC Amicus Filing LinkedIn

Supreme Court Sends Web Scraping Case Back to Lower Court

The U.S. Supreme Court has vacated the Ninth Circuit’s decision in LinkedIn v. hiQ Labs but will not decide the merits of the case, instead sending the case back to the Ninth Circuit for a new decision in light of Van Buren v. United States. EPIC had filed an amicus brief in support of the Petition for Certiorari. The LinkedIn v. hiQ petition asked whether hiQ lacked authorization to access LinkedIn’s servers under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act after LinkedIn used a combination of technical and verbal methods to cut off hiQ’s access to the website to stop the company from scraping user data. hiQ sued LinkedIn to regain access to the website, arguing that its business model depended on access to LinkedIn user data. A district court granted hiQ’s request for an injunction, which LinkedIn appealed. EPIC filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit arguing that the injunction was “contrary to the interests of individual LinkedIn users” and contrary to the public interest “because it undermines the principles of modern privacy and data protection law.” The Ninth Circuit upheld the injunction, finding that hiQ’s economic interests outweighed the interests in protecting users’ personal information. In its amicus brief in support of LinkedIn’s petition for cert, EPIC explained that the Ninth Circuit’s decision “makes it impossible” for companies to protect personal data and sets “a dangerous precedent that could threaten the privacy of user data.” The EPIC amicus brief highlighted the business practices of Clearview AI, a company that scraped billions of photographs to create a secretive facial recognition system. The case will most likely be sent back to the district court for a new decision that accords with Van Buren v. United States.

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Welcome to the St. John’s River

“If I could have, to hold forever, one brief place and time of beauty, I think I might choose the night on that high lonely bank above the St. Johns River.”
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Explore the St. John’s River aboard one of our houseboats and you will experience Florida light years removed from the glitter of Disney World. A cruise upon the St. John’s is a return to original natural Florida, appearing much as it did when Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings explored the St. John’s in the early 20th century. She and Dessie Prescott traveled the river in a small motorboat and camped on the river bank at night. In a chapter of Cross Creek, she wrote about her experience.

Scenery along the river varies with the elevation. Pine flatwoods occur on the higher areas, while palm, oak hammocks, cypress swamps, and marshes variously border the river and its tributaries. Much of the land bordering the river is part of the Ocala National Forest and will never be developed. Wildlife is abundant. You will see Great Blue and Little Blue Herons as they pose among the thick clusters of moss-draped live oak and palmetto. Egrets dip for fish while Osprey and Eagles soar in the sky above you. Alligators and turtles bask in the sun on the banks. Bring your fishing equipment and fish for Crappie, Catfish, and Perch. At one time the St. John’s was locally dubbed the Bass capital of the world. It is very common to come upon deer crossing the river. Raccoons have been known to raid garbage cans on the front decks of houseboats tied up to the bank of the river at night.



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10 Things You Would Never Expect On a Lake Mead Vacation

With over 550 miles of pristine shoreline and soaring red rock cliffs, Lake Mead has so many fun recreational opportunities. Many families who go on a vacation to Lake Mead are surprised by its “hidden gem” qualities. Here are some things you’d never expect on a Lake Mead vacation.

 

  1. The beaches are surprisingly rocky and then precariously smooth all at once. You’ll need water shoes if you plan to walk safely in the water and on the beach. The terrain is incredibly rocky in some areas, and some guests have said they can sink into the sand up to their shins in other areas.

  1. The lake is hidden in plain sight. When driving to Lake Mead from Las Vegas, many passersby do a double take to confirm that there is in fact a lake in the distance. It’s hard to imagine a large body of water surrounded by so much desert. Look for the sun’s glare reflecting off the water! 

  1. The fish are friendly! Don’t be surprised to find friendly little fish gathering in large groups near the marina waiting for you to toss them some food. Consider it a warm welcome from the locals.

  1. Jet skis and boats should steer clear of shallow shore. Because many families are swimming and playing in the shallow waters near the beach, jet skis and boats are asked to avoid those areas. Make sure you brush up on boating rules before you go, so you’re not surprised when you reach Lake Mead.

  1. There are gorgeous hiking opportunities. While you’re probably coming for some fun on the water, you can lower your anchor and follow one of the hiking trails for a daytime activity on dry land….

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How Hard is it to Drive a Houseboat? Answers from an Expert

For kids, a houseboat vacation is the adventure of a lifetime. Sleeping in a house that is floating each night is quite literally a dream come true, and there’s nothing better than waking up only to realize they have an entire day filled with outdoor fun ahead. If you are a parent who is planning a houseboat vacation with your kids this summer, here are a few tips to help make your vacation safe and enjoyable.

Bring Life Jackets for Every Child

The houseboat that you rent will be equipped with enough life jackets for each individual who is on board. However, it is recommended that you bring life jackets for each child so that you can choose a life saving device that is ideal for their age, height and weight. Children should wear life jackets at all times when they are on board the houseboat. 

Consider the Security Features of the Houseboat Rental

Every houseboat rental that we offer is designed to provide families with a safe and fun vacation, but you may want to look for specific features that will allow you to feel more comfortable and confident with young children board. Some security features that parents often request include:

  • Guard railings around the perimeter of the boat.
  • Sliding doors that lock from the interior.
  • ​Latching gates on the deck of the boat.

Pack Activities and Games

Young children may never grow tired of playing in the water or docking at the marina in order to go for a hike. However, there are always those moments where everyone needs to wind down and have time to relax on the boat. To keep your kids occupied, pack some of their favorite board games, a deck of cards, coloring books and a few of their most treasured toys.

At Forever Houseboats, we know that this is a vacation that is perfect…

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Powell Priced Right

Maybe you’ve seen pictures of Lake Powell, or even hiked nearby areas…but if you haven’t gone houseboating on Lake Powell, you’re seriously missing out- it’s the ultimate vacation jackpot! The question is how do you hit the jackpot without breaking the bank? Our money-saving secrets will help you do just that.

Cost is at the forefront of everyone’s mind when planning a houseboat vacation (which is understandable and we’ll get to that later) but the most commonly overlooked currency is time. The goal of a vacation is to spend the maximum amount of time exploring, relaxing, and having fun. This brings me to the first saving tip:

1. Spend your time wisely! Save time by getting on the boat early. Bullfrog and Wahweap marinas both offer early boarding for an additional cost. This option gives you access to your houseboat the night prior to departure. Use this time to load groceries and personal items onto the boat and get settled in. You’ll sleep on the boat at the marina and be ready for orientation first thing in the morning. Opting for early boarding is also a great way to gain a few extra hours on board to finish up any meal prepping you have left. Chopping veggies, marinating meat and simply planning out your meals in advance can spare your precious vacation hours. Check out a few of our favorite houseboater-approved tips and tricks to make mealtime easier.

As promised, let’s talk money! Vacation expenses can add up quickly once you factor in dining, lodging, and entertainment but houseboating is a great way to get a fantastic trip without overspending. I mean, what’s better than getting your lodging and entertainment…

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Conversation with nonbelievers of no-chemical farming

Yesterday, I visited my in-laws and the topic arises about the farm that we are purchasing. I told them I’ll be doing organic farming and they were strongly suggesting that the plants won’t succeed without fertilizers.

My husband, although we have the same dream, he doesn’t believe in organic farming as a business. His family is firm that organic works only as a hobby but not as a business. They believe in the conventional method of farming is a sure way of making a profit. And I can’t blame them because that’s what everybody is doing. You will be ridiculed if you do otherwise. They know some people who got rich because of this method and they don’t know anyone who succeeded with organic farming.

And while I was explaining why I don’t want to use fertilizers and pesticides because it’s not healthy and so so, my sister-in-law ridiculously smiled, “That’s not going to work, that is not business. I work at the market, people don’t care if it’s organic or not. They’re not asking where it came from. In business, you need fast production, expense is always a part of it. Other people will outrun your success if you think like that and you will be left behind.”

I told her, “It’s not only the expense. Our generations, especially our children, they will be the one who will suffer if we don’t change our ways. We don’t need a lot of money to be successful. ” And she said, “You probably don’t need a lot of money, how about your children? What if they get sick, you need to prepare for them.”

“They won’t get sick, because I am preparing them to be healthy,” I said. “Well, you never know.” she teases.

And this is where I left saying, “We all have our own principles and I don’t care whether I make a profit or not. But I want to sell food that is healthy because I believe you should do what you know is good and God will take care of you.”

I feel so anxious to make this no-chemical, all organic farming work and I want to show them that it is actually better!

So yeah, I probably don’t have a business mindset as they do but I think I have an investor mindset. I look at long-term gain instead of short-term profit.

And I have faith that I’m not the only one.

Do you have this same conversation with non-believers of no-chemical farming? Let’s hear it in the comment.

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EPIC, Coalition Tell Biden Administration: No Data Flows Deal Until Congress Enacts Privacy Laws

international Privacy Shield Schrems

EPIC, Coalition Tell Biden Administration: No Data Flows Deal Until Congress Enacts Privacy Laws

EPIC and 23 other leading civil society groups sent a letter to President Biden today urging his Administration to ensure that any new transatlantic data transfer deal is coupled with the enactment of U.S. laws that reform government surveillance practices and provide comprehensive privacy protections. “The United States’ failure to ensure meaningful privacy protections for personal data is the reason that a growing number of countries are concerned about trans-border data flows,” the groups wrote. “Until the United States addresses this problem, concerns about data transfers to the United States will remain, and data flow agreements are likely to be invalidated.” In 2015, the Court of Justice of the European Union invalidated the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor agreement. And in July 2020, the successor agreement, Privacy Shield, was also invalidated by the same court. [PRESS RELEASE]

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Why We Love Lake Powell for Summer Vacation

The best summer vacations combine natural beauty with adventure and time to relax with the people you love the most. Noting this, it’s easy to see why houseboating on Lake Powell is a popular summer vacation spot for people of all ages. 

Here’s a few reasons why we love summer vacations on Lake Powell:

You never have to leave the lake.

Houseboating has long been a preferred pastime among Lake Powell visitors, but now the options are better than ever. Located just 12 miles away from Page, the Antelope Point Marina is the most convenient houseboat marina on the lake. Boaters can easily board their preferred vessel and immediately begin soaking up the stunning vistas of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. 

There’s endless fishing.

While enjoying a houseboat vacation, you’ll want to be in a place where the fish are biting. Luckily, Lake Powell is the perfect destination for fishermen of all skill levels. From those who are just learning how to bait the hook to those who have been casting off for decades, this lake is full of fishing surprises. Lake Powell is home to both smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as crappie, bluegill, catfish, walleye and northern pike. 

You can visit the Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

You can take an excursion to the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, which is one of the most awesome sights in the region. As one of the largest natural bridges in the world, it should definitely be included on your Lake Powell itinerary.

You can take an afternoon to go hiking on dry land.

While you’ll likely never tire of your luxurious houseboat amenities or all of the fun that you can have on the water, you still may be interested in spending some time on dry land. Hiking throughout the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area will provide you with a chance to…

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What They Must Learn Now

Twenty twenty was the year college changed forever. How many US universities have been mortally wounded?

Covid was the pretense. But the writing was on the wall for decades. Skyrocketing tuition. Useless majors and degrees. Leftist ideologues masquerading as professors. Woke curricula instead of rigor and truth. Many students leave with tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. And for countless graduates, little to show for it all in terms of marketable skills or job prospects.

The Mises Institute, in stark contrast, held one of its most successful Mises University programs in 2020. And we need your help to reach more and more young people before their professors ruin them!

Most universities went online in 2020—condemning students to isolation and inferior teaching. Many are still online, but with no discount on tuition. Across the street from the Mises Institute, Auburn University charges over $30,000 per year for out-of-state students. Foreign students, mostly Chinese and Indian, are cash cows for the school, many spending over $200,000 for an undergraduate degree.

How long can this go on?

Mises University is the antidote to all of this. It is precisely the program every young person needs to jump-start their real education. It may well be more valuable to them than four years of traditional college. Please support our most important and vital outreach to students.

The ramifications of covid and lockdowns will be felt for years, and far beyond campuses. The virus has been an excuse for expanding state power more than perhaps any other time in decades. And younger generations will bear the brunt of the Great Reset narrative now being advanced by the political class across the West. Make no mistake, the propaganda is real and aimed squarely at those under thirty.

One harridan at the World Economic Forum insists that by 2030 Generation Z will “own nothing and be happy.”

No car.
No house.
No apartment.
No appliances or clothes.
No privacy.

Of course, transportation, healthcare, food, and accommodation will be “free.”

This is the absurdity they want young people to accept! A world without private property, family, or any of the civilizing institutions which stand between us and the state. It would rob an entire generation of their autonomy. And proponents use the oldest trick in the book to sell it, namely the idea of a world without scarcity.

This is not just countereconomics, this is antieconomics. It’s also evil and inhuman.

Young people are being bombarded with these kinds of messages. Mises University offers them a radical alternative: a week where civilization and truth reassert themselves. Please support this worthy program by making your most generous contribution today.

Take a look at the undergraduate course offerings at your state’s university. Take a look at the average young person’s social media feed. Or take a look, if you can stand it, at CNN for an hour.

Then compare and contrast that with what Mises U students study during their week with us:

  • Praxeology. Economics…

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