Dear readers: This can be part of the most important series of articles that I have ever written. It consists of the full documentation of yet another part of our painful SHTF event brought along by the very same gang disguised as a political party that is exporting criminals to the Western world. A person showed interest in knowing what our days look like from the time we get up till the time we go to bed, how it compares to “before,” what caused the differences, and how we have overcome the challenges. Morning I usually wake up within 6:30-7:30 AM. The morning light entering our dining room is pristine and makes me feel a kind of peace that I haven’t found anywhere else. Not when I was abroad, indeed. I grind my coffee if I have some whole coffee beans, or if I don’t, then put a couple of spoons of the powdered stuff in my little Greek, induction-capable coffee maker. Lucky shot when I bought this: I didn’t know back then that this could be used with induction stoves. It makes me remember happier days in Isla Margarita, a great holiday destination for many Venezuelans back then. Sometimes I check the news of a few selected places on my phone while the coffee is brewing, others I message my kid to see how he is getting ready for the day. Other times I instead prefer to read a few paragraphs of some books next to my easy chair, but as my close vision is not the same even with my reading glasses, other times I just sit in silence enjoying the peace and quiet of my house surroundings and praying for my kid to be safe and have a happy day. It’s practically the only time of the day I have for myself, and I use it mostly to give thanks in silence for all my blessings. My parents are alive and healthy, with a few issues here and there, but they’re still active and functional. My kid is promptly becoming a great little man, sharing his thoughts and asking how things were when I was younger. These days he has been at home with me, the rest of the school year he is with Grampa and Grandma because school is cheaper there. I usually take a couple of minutes to knead some dough for arepas or focaccia for breakfast. At this point, I have already planned my day: what I’m going to write about, and where, and some other building, sketching, or the needed house/car/bike/generator fixing chore or some CNC carving. I am planning the lunch, and dinner, too. Then I usually start writing, and when I get drained, I fool around on some social media or play a little. Kitchen timers are friendly devices I use all the time while cooking. Being in the kitchen at temps over 30°C or 85F quickly gets uncomfortable, so I´d rather be in my bedroom, where I have temporarily installed the AC until things get better, and after fixing the larger AC and the roof leaks in my home, “office.” The CNC equipment needs an environment as cool as possible. It has worked flawlessly even in 32-34°C but it’s not good. And the heat is not good for the indispensable workshop large vacuum, either. When I’m doing other chores away from the AC or out of the house, my kiddo plays or watches some videos. I’m well impressed with how the house floors stay clean and tidy when you adopt the healthy habit of leaving footwear on the door and using slippers. I’ve been sweeping daily and gradually getting less and less dust out of the home and the inter-daily mopping is much easier every time, also. I have taken my time to teach my kid about some not-so-usual activities. For instance, like replacing the spring coil in our generator manual starter device. As it didn’t start, we are going to the next step up: essential generator maintenance and tune-up until it starts with the slightest pull of the rope. The main changes we’re experiencing after the election Regarding the main changes, after the recent violent events where the situation has been increasingly tense, I try not to leave home a lot. Only to get the essentials and come back quickly. Things in the city seem peaceful, but I’m not taking any chances. In the subdivision group I am subscribed to, I’ve received warnings from some neighbors that there are agents (yep, even in a gated 200 families neighborhood there are snitches) watching and capturing screens of everything we chat about. Knowing the degree of organization the foreign invaders have (this is nothing new, they’ve been here since Hugo was alive) I stopped making any comments and posting only to sell old kiddo’s toys and some other things. Even sending private messages to others with information is risky. The worst is the effect of political uncertainty on the economy. If it weren’t for these articles and a very needed sponsoring that readers provide from time to time, we would be having it much harder. Every time I try to start with the CNC carving business, something major happens. I know this would be a good income in a normal country, and it’s frustrating to see how everything goes to H when I am barely starting up. My ways of dealing with all this incredibly mind-wearing stress and the necessities are mostly listening to relaxing music, getting the most out of our meager meals, and being creative. I have a lot of pictures I would like to carve for sale, so I process them and run the simulator to see how they would look. Other tasks I do to keep my mind busy include improving my home within my limited means, cleaning and keeping everything as tidy as possible, and planning what to do to make my habitat more livable and cozy. I try to limit my news consumption to a few reliable sources I have already identified through the years of following serious Venezuelan journalists in exile. I don’t view too much of this because it is too stressful. I try to keep a positive approach, posting funny pictures and reels. One of the changes with the most impact has been dinner. I try to eat enough at lunch and a good breakfast, to have only a light dinner. Before all this, our family dinner was a good one, including some broth, main dish, and dessert. Driving Regarding travel by car, yes, it is possible as long as you have fuel. Fuel price is 0.50$ per liter, almost 2$ a US gallon. That may not sound like much but when you contrast it with our meager incomes, it’s a great deal. Roadblocks are widespread, but mostly in the major cities. In the first weeks, they supposedly checked the cellphones, looking for “traitors” to the homeland” (meaning everyone who doesn’t want the bus driver as president anymore). We will have to make a road trip and I already arranged with a friend to take a ride (on a truck) instead of using public transport. It’s going to last like 13 hours instead of only 7, but it is what it is. There is gas, but it is scarce, and you see long lines…in a former oil-producing country. Go figure. But it’s all about societal control for them. Food supply has been steady, except for the first couple of weeks after July 28th (election day). How do you find others who share your views? A question that now is gaining specific weight under the current status quo: “How easy is it to spot like-minded souls? Can you tell by looking who is going to rat you out?” Finding like-minded souls is rare down here. South Americans (generally speaking) are not preventive. The vast majority act emotionally and in a reactive manner. Having a well-stocked pantry is something that is, for the most poor people, seen as an insult to them. Like “something that only the rich can do.” In the worst of the rationing, there were people selling out others, accusing them of “hoarding”. These hoarders, in truth, were only smugglers trying to make money, taking advantage of the situation. I know there were many uniformed guys doing the same. Thus, they had the “authority” to get rid of the competition in the smuggling arena. I have never found anyone sharing my same approach. It’s a lonely life sometimes. As I have been living here for more than 20 years, I can say that we all know the dangerous people. However, our interaction is mostly on social media. But we all know who the operators of the repression system are by now. As I mentioned in previous articles, there are black SUVs and pickup trucks roaming randomly on our streets, with pitch-black tinted windows and no license plates, part of the terrorist psyops they are inflicting. The world must be aware of this. Incredibly, sometimes while these vehicles are roaming the streets, there are aggressive and sadistic crime events like an elderly lady receiving cuts (25 stitches) with a blade from two guys on a motorcycle, for instance. Getting work Regarding current events, there is something like a tense climate everywhere. People try to relax, but the ones with a job or a business and money in their pockets seem to be the happiest and most careless about what will happen to the country. For them, life goes on. For us without fixed income, facing job loss, and seeing our meager savings disappear, desperation slowly builds up. And I am very sorry to inform you that I am included. I have applied even for jobs that are way below my skill and competence, like warehouse watchman, security staff, and taxi driver, but it seems nothing of this is destined to consolidate. I’ve been analyzing the possibility of renting two rooms I have empty, but I have my concerns about that, too. In the subdivision, many neighbors have started to sell groceries with door-to-door delivery: cheese and eggs directly from the producer, ice creams, sweets, burgers, hotdogs, fries, and others began to sell brand new clothes and shoes. With my freezer and generator, I will soon try to do my best: ice-cold beverages and mixtures for fruit smoothies, for example. I have the feeling that there will be another colossal power blackout, and this time I will be in the middle of it, in uncomfortable weather and very far from my family. Mind you, during the 2019 blackout, I was in Peru, but my son was with me, and my dad had some precautions already, like 12v fans and light bulbs. I can almost feel the tic-tock of that clock, and it is pretty hard to know that without money, it is very hard to prep against it. Even a used car battery is going to make an impact on your pocket if you are tight on the budget. One thing is for sure. I don’t believe I am fit to adventure abroad again in some other country in SA. But that is some material for the next article! Please leave your comments below, and let me know your thoughts! Your moral support has been so important that you wouldn’t believe it. Thank you very much for that. Stay safe, and keep tuned. J. About Jose Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV, a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood, in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela, after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t  go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains, and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land, and surrounded by family, friends and acquaintances, with all the gear and equipment collected, as the initial plan was.  Follow Jose on YouTube and gain access to his exclusive content on Patreon. Donations: paypal.me/JoseM151 The post The Stress of Daily Life in Venezuela After a Stolen Election appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

The newly minted chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Andy Harris joins “The Signal Sitdown” this week to discuss the conservative cohort’s priorities heading into the elections and the 119th Congress. The House Freedom Caucus is no stranger to putting pressure on House GOP leadership. The concessions secured by the caucus and other conservatives at the beginning of the 118th Congress ultimately led to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s undoing. At times, McCarthy’s successor, House Speaker Mike Johnson, has also been challenged from his rightward flank. Nevertheless, as Harris, R-Md., looks to the next Congress, the new Freedom Caucus chairman claims his relationship with Johnson is based on mutual trust. “If Speaker Johnson looks me in the eye and says something, I expect him to follow through on it. And if he looks at me in the eye, and I say something, I’ve got to follow through on it, because I just think that’s the way it works best, in terms of advancing what we need to do,” Harris said. “I think that we have the ability to get a lot of wins,” Harris added, “but I’m going to find wins a little differently.” That might serve to Harris’ benefit, given that his predecessor as chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., lost his primary on June 18. Harris thinks the House Freedom Caucus needs a renewed sense of unity. “We can have diversity of thought, but when we come to a position, we have to have unity of action,” he told me. “We have to be willing to say, ‘Look, we’re a band of brothers and sisters. When we decide we’re going to go to battle on an issue, we have to go to battle together.’” “We need to reinstill that, because that’s what made us so successful in the beginning,” the Maryland Republican lawmaker added. If Harris has his way, Republicans will sweep the Nov. 5 elections. When I asked Harris what piece of legislation would he like former President Donald Trump, if reelected, to sign on Day One of his second term, on Jan. 20, 2025, Harris unhesitatingly replied: “HR 2,” a House bill that aims to secure the southern border. “We have to close the border,” he said. “We do need the SAVE Act before the next election. There’s no question about it. We have to ensure the integrity of American elections, and we will need the SAVE Act, but we can wait a little while to get that done. Look, the bus left the station for this election. Sorry it did. I wish it didn’t. But we need HR 2 badly.” The post Where Does House Freedom Caucus Go From Here? appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Editor’s note: This is a lightly edited transcript of the accompanying video from professor Peter St. Onge. Japan just fired its stunningly unpopular prime minister, Fumio Kishida, replacing him with a new guy who, in just a few short months, will be just as stunningly unpopular. Why? Because Japan has gone so far down the government spending path that its political system is no longer serving the people, it’s serving the debt. In other words, the Japanese are backed in a corner of debt. You may recall last June’s G7 meeting of the U.S., Canada, Japan, and a bunch of Europeans—the one where President Joe Biden wandered off and everybody followed to cover his butt. Well, something else fun out of the G7 was the memes listing all the leaders’ approval ratings. It was pretty bad—Biden was sporting a negative 19—as in, many more voters disapprove than approve. As bad as Joe was, it went downhill fast. France’s [Emmanuel] Macron was sporting a minus 31. Canada’s [Justin] Trudeau was negative 38. Japan was negative 40. Britain and Germany were actually below minus 50. Chlamydia probably polls better in Britain and Germany. Of course, this all begs how so-called liberal democracies got so corrupt they anoint leaders the people overwhelmingly reject. I mean, isn’t that the whole premise of democracy? Still, no leader is forever, even bad ones. This week it’s Japan’s turn, as the spectacularly unpopular Kishida stepped down in the face of approval ratings of 15%. That’s 1-5. Why are the Japanese upset? The immediate reason was a corruption scandal, but then pretty much everybody’s corrupt in Japanese politics. Suggesting the real reason is because the Japanese government has proved utterly incapable of stabilizing the economy and public finances—which is endangering the national pension system—even as taxes and debt keep mounting. To the point Japan’s uniparty is importing 800,000 unskilled laborers to prop up social security—I know, even Japan. So the useless Kishida had to go. Unfortunately, they swapped in a guy who’s been in politics for 40 years who’s main selling point is that he’s a calming choice for the geriatrics who mismanage Japan’s economy. So will the new guy change anything? In short, no. Because Japan’s economic policy is, at this point, largely out of its hands thanks to levels of debt that are truly epic—in U.S. terms, Japan would have a national debt of over $70 trillion and rising at $1.6 trillion per year. Japan has become a debt colony. To illustrate what this has done to Japanese politics, the new guy, Shigeru Ishiba, came in with big talk about normalizing interest rates, strengthening the yen, cutting spending, and Japan’s taking on more of its defense since, after all, it’s a grown-up country. Alas, all that evaporated overnight, with Ishiba sheepishly admitting it’s just more of the same. Because as bad as the Japanese economy is for the people of Japan, the special interests—Japan’s banks, construction companies, and big exporters—are all perfectly comfortable with trillion-dollar deficits, zero interest rates that impoverish Japanese savers, and—yes—with Uncle Sucker paying for Japan’s defense. So what’s next? What’s happening in Japan is happening across the West—we’re maybe 10 or 15 years behind. In Japan, as in the West, turning it around would take radical change—slashing government spending, slashing the scope and scale of government control to free up entrepreneurship. Of course, given this all goes against deep-pocketed donors, in Japan as in the West, these are choices that may be necessary. But in the absence of a Trump-like disruptor, they will be delayed as long as possible. We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Debt Colonization in Japan appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Two or 3 kinds of healing herbs and spices in your garden are good, however, if you wish to lessen your usage of commercial drugs, then it's about time you consider adding a couple more. Here are 15 healing herbs and spices perfect for your medicinal garden. Healing Herbs And Spices For Your Medicinal Garden One of the best ways to stay fit and healthy is a proper diet, and that should include herbs and spices. Why? Herbs and spices have been used for medicinal purpose for good reason. Some people choose to explore alternative, more natural methods of treating ailments and disease to avoid harmful chemicals and cut down on costs. And that's the reason why I have more healing herbs and spices in my garden. It lessens my family's dependence on synthetic drugs. I consider natural cures from these healing herbs and spices still the best remedies, however, it is still prudent to seek professional medical advice before using these herbs and spices for medicinal pruposes.   1. Peppermint | Peppermint is a natural hybrid of watermint and spearmint and is generally used in dental hygiene products, soothing balms, mouth fresheners, and candies. This is definitely one of my favorites! I've grown mint since I've started homesteading. It's actually one of the most established healing herbs to be used by humans. Plant it in a portion of your garden where it can be guaranteed of water and a lot of space to spread. Peppermint tea is known to ease an upset stomach by drinking tea made of peppermint leaves. Take a couple of sprigs when traveling, sniffing on it once in a while will avoid nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness. Peppermint's active ingredient is menthol, thus it has a cooling impact on the skin. Create a salve from the Peppermint's leaves and apply it on the affected area to prevent burning and itching due to inflammatory conditions and skin allergies. Peppermint can also have mild analgesic action, and is known to ease muscle cramps and headaches.   2. Lavender | This herb merits plating for the delightful scent of its small blooms alone, yet it can be utilized therapeutically as a stimulating agent. Simply inhaling the scent of the blooms could calm nerves. Its essential oil has a vital role in aromatherapy. Add a couple of lavender flowers to your bath water or put pockets of its dried flowers under your pillow to have a relaxing sleep. Make the best of the disinfectant and antibacterial qualities of the lavender by infusing the blooms in water and utilizing it to wash damaged skin and face. Lavender is known to be an alternative method for clearing acne break out and quicken wound healing.   3. Sage image via topnaturalremedies Sage has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Salvia officinalis is the basic sage that has somewhat thick and extended dark green leaves utilized for cooking, and for good reason. It can enhance appetite and avoid flatulence. Sage has a hormone regulatory impact on women. A tea of sage leaves has been known to ease symptoms of dysmenorrhea and symptoms connected with premenstrual disorder and menopause. Inhaling an infusion provide relief to respiratory issues, including asthma. It decreases unnecessary sweating and salivation as well.   4. Ginger image via herbalremediesadvice This spice has made some amazing progress from its customary culture of India and China. The intense herb can make bones stronger and aid in warding off this season's cold and flu virus.   5. Chamomile image via Amazon No medicine cabinet is complete without chamomile flowers.  There's more than one kind of chamomile, however, the one we need is the Roman chamomile Chamaemelum Nobile. This shaggy plant has finely partitioned leaves and white daisy-like blooms with brilliant yellow middles, however, that portrayal doesn't help much in letting it separated from German chamomile. That is the reason scientific names are vital for recognizing healing herbs. When you plant chamomile, you can make a tea from fresh flower heads or dry them for later use. Have a couple of flowers in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Allow to soak for 15-20 minutes and drain. Take a cup of this relaxing blend when you feel restless or unsettled, or before your sleep for a calming and sleepy effect.   6. Rosemary image via keepingwiththetimes Rosemary is a woody bush, however, it merits a part in every medicinal garden for its healing and culinary attributes. In spite of the fact that it doesn't look the same with other mint plants, it belongs to the similar family. Grow Rosemary in a container or plant a couple in a line to form a fragrant fence in your garden. Use the leaves frequently for cooking and herbal teas to achieved its greatest advantage.   Make your thumb greener with these 50 gardening tips and tricks! ???? https://t.co/D3XzeSlRHy — Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) January 26, 2017   7. Parsley Parsley is a Mediterranean herb full of nutrients and has a couple of health related benefits; though most just use it as seasoning! It can likewise help as an anti-inflammatory for relieving toothaches.   8. Cayenne image via Amazon  Basic in different hot sauces, the cayenne spice has its medicinal benefits, which incorporate blood flow regulation, expanding the circulatory system, and can improve digestion.   9. Basil image via homesteading Basil has a couple of advantages with regards to the issue of staying healthy. Its benefits incorporate in treating skin, lessening fevers and relieving stress.   10. Cardamon | Regularly used as a part of the Eastern Indies medicine, this spice has several customary medical advantages; my favorite is its incredible source of iron.   11. Lemon Balm | A cousin herb to mint, lemon balm is popular for its assistance in relieving headaches, stomachaches and bloating, toothaches, and more.   12. Watercress image via gymlion Watercress is a popular dietary supplement. It can aid in keeping the thyroid and cardiovascular system healthy. Thus, having them in my garden is all worth it.   13. Garlic image via care2 Also known as the stinking rose, garlic has been used as food and natural medicine since the ancient times. It has the ability to improve immune system because of its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties. The garlic cloves have chemicals that close the inflammatory pathways like what ibuprofen does. Always use fresh garlic, crushed or chopped, to get the best results.   14. Oregano image via healthbenefitsofeating I call oregano my amazing herb! It contains 42 times the antioxidant power than apples, 12 times the power of oranges, 30 times the antioxidant levels of potatoes, and 4 times that of blueberries! A little of this powerful herb is enough to enjoy its full potential.   15. Turmeric image via theheartysoul Commonly known as a culinary spice in the Southeast Asia, Turmeric is extremely beneficial for overall health and immunity. Steep it in a tea or add it to a dish for flavor! Careful tho, the highly saturated yellow pigment stains easily.   Can't get enough of healing herbs and spices? Check out this video from Jovanka Ciares: There you go my fellow homesteaders, 15 healing herbs and spices you should have in your garden. Having them here in my homestead allow me to be more self-sufficient the natural way. A quick note, though, herbs and spices are natural products however they contain potent bioactive compounds. Never underestimate their power and begin with little quantities to test your tolerance. When you feel better with a suggested quantity of a herb, that doesn’t mean that you can have the best result with a stronger brew or a larger dose.  To achieve the full benefit of your grown herbs, get to know them as much as you can! Happy homesteading! What do you think of these healing herbs and spices? Will they have a place in your garden? Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments section below. Want to know what essential oils you can keep in your first aid kit? Check out here Essential Oils For First Aid Any Prepper Should Have! I bet these are live savers! Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!   Featured Image Via The Year Of Living Fabulously

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