February 2022 - Page 3 of 5

The US as Babylon The Great, and What it Means to Preppers, by R.G.

Nowhere in the Bible is there a description of a latter-day Superpower that impacts the whole earth until the One World Government comes. Where is a Superpower like USA, or even China, described in the Biblical events leading to Christ’s return and Armageddon? Well, there is a detailed description in Revelation chapter 18 of a great Superpower that is destroyed leading up to the final days. This superpower is called Babylon the Great. Could this be America?

Many Christian scholars believe Babylon to be Rome and/or the Catholic Church. They believe Rome’s destruction started in 410 A.D., continued with the decline of the Roman Empire and the ascendance/decline of the Catholic Church, and will conclude with final destruction as part of the 10-horn beast during the Tribulation.

But there are a growing number of believers who have concluded that the 10-horn beast spoken of in Daniel and Revelation is not a resurgence of the Roman Empire, rather 10 Islamic nations that encircle Israel. This theory and others conclude that Revelation 18 refers to America. I have always thought “Babylon” was someplace else, anywhere else but here, for I truly love America. But I have been given several “impressions” over the last year that point to the Christian Church in America needing to ask forgiveness for America’s checkered past and repent of our current lifestyle.

I do believe that America was founded on Biblical Judaean/Christian principles but we have strayed so far from those principles just over my lifetime of 70+ years. The Church has now become the frog in the boiling water that can’t feel the changes coming until being destroyed, enslaved or placed in re-education camps. That is, unless God intervenes with the rapture or Revelations 18 or both. We all hope and pray for the pre-trib rapture, but I believe we should also prepare for the possibility that Rev. 18 is speaking about America and prior to the rapture.

Let’s take a look at some of the key passages that would point to Rev. 18 being about USA. Remember, Revelation is written like many books in the Bible: Inductive to deductive then back again, so the verses do not line up in sequential order. Here, I will try to place the main ideas of Rev 18 in somewhat chronological order.

1. Location

“… And every ship-pilot, and all the company on the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood afar off” (Rev 18:17)

Verse 17 heavily implies that the only/main way to reach “Babylon” was by sea. For America this was true for hundreds of years and is still true for most of our commerce. Verse 9 says “Babylon’s” allies will stand “afar off” implying they are not physically close. Note our key allies are the Five I’s: Great Brittan, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, all far away across the seas. Conversely, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa are all land connected and relatively close to each other. These verses do not fit that area…

GIZMODO: Lawmakers Warn Clearview AI Could End Public Anonymity if Feds Don’t Ditch It

This isn’t the first time these lawmakers have taken on facial recognition. Back in 2020, the same Democrats authored the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, which sought to end federal use of real-time facial recognition technology. That bill would have also limited the state’s access to federal grants if they chose to continue using facial recognition. At the time, the legislation gained the endorsement of a litany of civil liberty and privacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Fight for the Future, Color of Change, MediaJustice, Electronic Privacy Information Center, and Georgetown University Law Center’s Center on Privacy & Technology, among others.

Managing Septic Tank Trouble on the Homestead

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On this site, we talk a lot about SHTF situations. I’d like to take a moment to think a little bit about the “S” in our lives, in the most mundane way. How are you going to deal with your septic tank after disaster?

With all the upheaval of the past two years, many people have decided it’s time to move to more rural areas and start on the journey of developing a simpler lifestyle. And that’s great if you can make it work. I started on that journey eight years ago for a number of reasons. The one thing that consumed a huge amount of my time and mental energy that first year was one thing I was utterly unprepared for and had never thought about: an unruly septic system.

What my septic tank taught me

There are plenty of modern homes on rural estates. But when I was house-shopping, I was not on a modern home budget. I was on an “old-homesteading-cabin-with-some-upgrades-slapped-on” budget. When I bought the place, I thought I would be able to afford to upgrade it more thoroughly but soon found out I couldn’t afford that either.

So, my kids and I were in a house with one bathroom, where the toilet would regularly clog badly enough I couldn’t plunge it. The toilet would just have to sit for several hours while everything softened up. In the meantime, my children, who were really young, would pee outside, and I would just use restrooms when I was out running errands.

I had gotten the septic tank pumped as soon as we bought the place but wasn’t prepared for how bad the pipes were. The people renting the home before I bought it had moved to a trailer park down the street, and I used to visit them once in a while. I asked them how they had dealt with all the clogs.

“You do what?”

They told me that they never flushed toilet paper. They just kept a bucket next to the toilet for paper and then tossed the used TP into a burn pit. I had never heard of that before, though since then, I’ve learned that that’s pretty common in a lot of other countries. At the time, though, I wasn’t ready to make that kind of change.

One day I happened to be exceptionally tired when the toilet backed up all over the floor. I really needed to use the bathroom and went over to my neighbor’s house, in tears, to ask if I could use theirs. They kindly obliged, and…

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Video: Winter survival – Making Snares For Rabits

Hey, this is Tyler with Survivopedia.

I’m gonna knock out a quick video on how to do a snare.

Got one in my pocket here. This is the finished product. There’s some intricate things, just like someone who… just like me watching someone play the violin. I don’t know what I’m doing. I go, oh, I can do that. I have no idea what I’m doing.

When it comes to watching something like this there are some intricacies that I need to point out so, you know what you’re seeing.

So, this, this bend right here, there’s two bends in this and it’s basically forcing itself open. Right? So, what we want to do is to, and I’m getting a little bit ahead of myself, I actually show you how to make this in a little bit.

So we want to bend it so that it closes automatically and then we want to open it until it grips on that little edge. So, what’s going to happen also, there’s two little bars, which you just leftover metal. So, once a rabbit goes through and it grabs that little barb, it’s going to pull. And once it goes past this point, should automatically push itself shut. Right? Change the angle on this a little bit. So now, if I test it, it just goes automatically.

So, the reason that we want this to happen and then of course on this backside I’m either going to make it longer or I’m going to tie it to some string.

The reason I don’t make the whole thing wires it’s a waste of wire. You want wire where the animal can bite at it and claw at it. Outside of that you can use string or whatever you want. So, if we look at just the actual mechanism in the way that it closed, there’s a bend here and then there’s a springiness to the trap.

So, if the rabbit goes through, it’s going to grab these, these little barbs that are hanging off and once it goes past that bend it automatically closes and that automatic clothing is just enough that it startles the animal and runs. When they run tights it down and just quickly it’s a quick passing, quick death, so that there’s no suffering.

This is a way, I learn from a SERE instructor up in Canada, to make these the snare traps. I’m going to show you how to make him right now.

So the first thing you need is a little bit of wire. This is 20 gauge snare wire, its brass wire.

The reason we do that is because if a deer steps in this brass wire, the deer is not going to be held by it. They’ll be able to wiggle it and pop it free and get out. If a rabbit or a squirrel is caught by something of this low gage, they’re not going to get out.

So, you…

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CBS: ID.me says users can delete selfies following IRS backlash

The verification company ID.me said it will let anyone who created an account through the company to delete their selfies starting March 1, and that it was allowing government agencies using the service to skip the selfie step altogether.

The move comes two days after the Internal Revenue Service said it would stop using face-recognition technology to authenticate taxpayers when they create online accounts. The IRS’ decision to contract with ID.me caused a backlash from privacy advocates, taxpayers and lawmakers against the image-based verification system.

The US Is Facing a Dangerous Prescription Drug Shortage

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Though the idea of America facing a prescription drug shortage is really nothing new (it’s been discussed in the scientific literature for years), as would be expected with the current orchestrated supply chain storm, we are once more facing a severe drug shortage.

The US is currently experiencing a shortage of over 100 different prescription drugs covering a wide range of health problems. How is this going to impact the prepper?

What do drug shortages do to prices?

It doesn’t matter if you’ve decided you’re going to shop for your prescription drugs with Mark Cuban. If the drug you need is in short supply, the price of it is going to skyrocket. Scarcity drives demand, and scarcity also drives price.

We’re already having a problem with inflation in the US. When you have 80% of the US dollar supply printed within a two-year period, you have a problem. People throughout America are noting that they are paying more at the pump, more at the grocery store, and more at their local dry goods stores.

Not only will your prescription drug costs rise in price because of an increase in the price of gas, raw materials, and due to staffing shortages, but the shortage of drugs then causes a self-feeding loop. The scarcity of drugs drives prices up even more.

In a truly capitalistic society, this error would be self-correcting. As more people realize money can be made making drugs, more competitors enter the field, and they are able to engage in a competitive pricing scheme so that customers buy their products instead.

But I don’t think you’re going to see that.

I don’t think you’re going to be allowed to see this correct itself. I think, instead, you’re going to see every move made possible to exacerbate this issue. If you haven’t done so already, check out Cat Ellis’s Herbal Skills Intensive because we may soon find ourselves on our own for healthcare.

(For information on how to starve the beast, be sure to check out our free QUICKSTART Guide.)

What happens when anti-psychotic drugs aren’t available?

Among these drugs currently in short supply are the following anti-psychotics:

amoxapine
amphetamine aspartate
chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride
fluvoxamine
lithium
loxapine
nefazodone hydrochloride
thiothixene

“Anesthesia drugs” are currently experiencing 13 drug shortages, as is the category “anti-infective.” There’s not more anti-psychotic drug shortages than there are of others right now. But it is still worth noting. We already know what happens when people…

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$0 Alternatives to OTC Meds

You want to have a toolkit handy to treat everyday illnesses such as a sore throat, cough, cold, flu, headaches, skin irritations, and stomach bugs that come along from time to time, especially when you do not have access to your doctor or chemist.

Fortunately, nature provides us with many replacements for allopathic and prescription drugs. You can buy some of them from your pharmacist or health food store now, select others from your kitchen cupboard, or gather them from your herb garden or natural surroundings.

Being prepared by keeping natural remedies in your medicine cabinet to treat the ailments caused by viruses and bacteria is the best option.

Talk to your doctor about adding herbal treatments to your current medications and when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Studies show that overusing and long-term consumption of any substance may cause side effects, while some may have the desired results for a family member but not for you.

Natural Cold, Sore Throat, and Cough Remedies

Pelargonium or geraniums, elderberry syrup, and echinacea or coneflowers reduce the symptoms and shorten the duration of colds. We suggest you try them to see which one works best for you rather than using them together.

Some natural cough and cold remedies contain pelargonium that shortens the severity and timespan of the discomfort, while elderberry syrup has antiviral properties to relieve flu and colds.

Echinacea fights various bacterial infections and is available as pills, drops, and teas. It may lessen cold symptoms, strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and flesh-eating disease if you start taking it as soon as the warning signs appear.

Soothe a sore throat or cough with a spoon of antibacterial honey or stir it into a comforting cup of tea containing slippery elm or licorice. Both have coating properties and reduce irritation.

Honey draws out infection and heals wounds. It treats about 60 types of bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, that can cause joint, bone, bloodstream, skin, soft tissue infections, and pneumonia.

Digestive Problems, Nausea, and Upset Stomach

Probiotics are live, gut-friendly yeasts and bacteria that have several health benefits.

Doctors prescribe them to alleviate the problems caused by antibiotics.

They also treat diarrhea resulting from an infection.

Raw sauerkraut, dark chocolate, pickles, olives, raw cheese, kimchi, kombucha, miso paste, and yogurt are excellent substitutes if you do not have a pre-packaged supplement available.

Ginger is a natural antibiotic that is also helpful against motion sickness and nausea. Look for a medicinal brand tea or try candied ginger when traveling.

Topical Creams for Skin Irritations and Soreness

Tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory that relieves fungus and bacterial infections, so you can apply it to treat athlete’s foot and acne.

Arnica cream eases bruising, aching and painful muscles.

Calendula alleviates…

EPIC, Coalition Urge Investigation into Audio Surveillance in Prisons and Jails

EPIC and a coalition of civil rights groups have submitted letters to the U.S. Attorney General, the DOJ Civil Rights Division, the New York Office of the Attorney General, and the New York State Inspector General calling for an investigation into the use of artificial intelligence to perform phone call surveillance in prisons and jails. AI audio surveillance has been used in New York prisons and jails to illegally record and transcribe privileged calls between attorneys and their clients. The technology, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, is being used in a racially biased manner and is enabling excessive and even illegal intrusions of privacy. EPIC recently filed comments with the FCC highlighting abusive and exploitative practices by prison phone provider Securus Technologies. EPIC has long called to limit audio surveillance and has advocated against biased artificial intelligence in the criminal legal system.

27 Berries that are Poisonous – Stay Away From Them!

If you don’t know what it is, DON’T EAT IT! I know I’m sounding like a broken record, but it’s something that cannot be stressed enough. There are many types of berries in the wilderness and many of them are edible – with certain precautions taken.

On the other hand, there are just as many inedible, poisonous berries in the wild; things that will negatively affect your body.

These poisonous fruits will have varying effects ranging from mild discomfort to…well…death. Many of them are attractive-looking things which could easily be mistaken for something safe to eat.

This mistake can have serious consequences. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 27 wild berries that are poisonous.

snowberries

1. Common Snowberries (Symphoricarpos Albus)

Symphoricarpos albus, the common snowberry is a member of the honeysuckle family found in Northern and Western USA and much of Canada. It’s a plant that’s used for erosion control, and was a popular ornamental plant from the 1890s to the 1920s.

The common snowberry is used as a food source for bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, and white-tailed deer. It’s also eaten by certain livestock animals (i.e. cattle and sheep). With all that said, both the plants themselves and the stems are poisonous to humans and cause vomiting.

Interestingly the Native Americans used this plant as medicine and soap while they used the wood for arrow shafts.

juniper berries

2. Juniper Berries (Juniperus Sabina)

There are a few different species of juniper plants and while there are a few that are edible; most are poisonous. Juniperus sabina – the Savin Juniper – contains savin oil which destroys the body’s cells and results in fatalities.

Additionally, all juniper plants contain thujone oil which causes diarrhea, stomach pain, and kidney damage. Juniper berries can also cause vomiting, convulsions, skin rashes, and breathing difficulties.

3. Mistletoe (Viscum Album)

Originally native to Europe, mistletoe plants can now be found in North Africa, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and parts of the USA (California).

There are some 1500 species of mistletoe plants, and each one is different in terms of its toxicity to us. Viscum album – the European mistletoe is more toxic than its American counterpart (Phoradendron Leucarpum).

The American variant contains Phoratoxin and the European variant contains Tyramine. While the effects aren’t usually fatal, they aren’t pleasant. Effects include blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. In some rare cases, they can also cause seizures, hypertension, and cardiac arrest.

These toxins are concentrated in the leaves and berries of the plants which makes it particularly dangerous to make teas out of them.

yew berries

4. Yew Berries (Taxus Baccata)

Yew trees are native to parts of Europe, Africa, Iran, and Asia and are grown mostly as ornamental trees. These are highly poisonous with consumption usually resulting in death.

With the exception of the red flesh of the berry, every part…

EPIC, Coalition Urge Federal/State Agencies to Drop ID.me and Face Verification

Today, An EPIC-led coalition, along with the Algorithmic Justice League, Fight for the Future, and over 40 other groups urged federal and state agencies to end the use of ID.me and face verification for access to government benefits and services. IRS dropped its plan to use ID.me after criticism from members of Congress, EPIC, and many others. The coalition praised the decision by the IRS to end the use of ID.me and called “on other federal and state government agencies using or considering use of ID.me to follow suit and cancel the use of ID.me and other facial verification tools.” The coalition stated that “facial recognition technology has been found to be biased, have a disproportionate impact on people of color and other marginalized communities, and the use of the technology has serious implications for privacy and civil liberties” and criticized the lack of assessments by federal and state agencies using face verification to determine whether the technology would have a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups. Individuals can join organizations pushing back against the use of face verification by signing this petition.