Real Stories, Real Power: 4Patriots Generator Owners Share Their Experiences
There’s one thing you can depend on almost as much as you can count on storms knocking out your power.
And that’s the fact that companies will only say positive things about their products. Makes perfect sense. Nobody who bad-mouths their products is going to make sales.
So, I take everything companies say about their products with a grain of salt. Maybe several grains. What I really long to hear is what their customers say about their products.
I would imagine you’re the same way. Now, not all of the more than 150,996 Americans who purchased a solar-powered generator from 4Patriots took time to tell us how it protected them and their families. But many did. And today I want to share some of their stories with you.
‘I’ll Never Be Without This Lifesaving Tool’
Here’s what Joe B. says about how his 4Patriots generator saved the day.
“My Patriot Power Generator arrived four days before Ian “the beast” hurricane hit my town. It was a lifesaver.
“After losing all power, we would have been in absolute darkness with no way to communicate to the outside world. If we needed aid or rescue, it would have been impossible with dead phone batteries.
“The Patriot Power Generator was everything you said it was and more. I say this with tears in my eyes: I’ll never be without at least one. Great product, people! You should be proud!” – Joe B.
‘I Kept My Family From Shivering’
Angel H. was exactly the hero her family needed.
“Just went through the winter storm. I absolutely love my 1800 generator. It is a life saver! We had three days of no power with below freezing temperatures. We have a 3-year old and a 75-year old to take care of — their lives depend on my ability to provide.
“I hooked up TV and DVD players, and had small 250-watt heaters. I put the solar panels in the windows all day while our generator was in use. Even though there was no direct sunlight, the panels helped keep the generator charged.
“After three days, we still had a small charge on our generator while keeping my family entertained and warm enough not to shiver. Side note, I used the StarFire camp stove (you burn twigs) in a separate room with an open window to cook our 4Patriots survival meals. Yeehaw!!!
“Warm, entertained, and fed! Thank you, 4Patriots.” – Angel H
More Generator Customers Weigh In
Before I share a third written testimonial with you, feel free to check out this video. It will enable you to see the faces and hear the voices of happy generator customers.
But please come back when you’re done watching and listening. I have a personal message for you as well.
‘Best Decision I’ve Ever Made’
Donald L. is confident he made the right call.
“I decided to buy the PPG 2000x with the solar panel and this thing is fantastic. Now, trudging out to the back building to get my big gas generator in a storm and dragging it down to the house is not my idea of fun.
“I put this unit on a small cart in the attached garage and just pull it in when needed. I keep it all charged up along with the expansion pack.
“And I put a hanger just outside the back door for the solar panel. So during longer power outages I can run the cord into the house and charge it where it sits when in use. My first time using it, it worked as advertised.
“Not only is the generator a great product, the 4Patriots customer service folks are fantastic, easy to work with, answer all your questions and make interactions very pleasant. It’s a company I will order from again in the future. Thanks, 4Patriots, and nice job on this product.”
Your New Generator Comes With Peace of Mind
By purchasing a 4Patriots solar-powered generator, you did the right thing. You’ve ensured that you and your family will have power when you most need it. And you’ve gained the type of peace of mind you can’t put a price tag on.
Like Joe, you’ll have a way to produce electricity when the next big storm results in a power outage in your neighborhood.
Like Angel, you could be the hero everyone in your household looks up to because you thought ahead and prepared for an uncertain future.
And like Donald, you don’t have to depend on a loud, smelly, and potentially dangerous gas generator you keep in a shed. You can grab your quiet, fume-free generator from whichever room you keep it in whenever you need it.
I’m proud of you for making a decision you’ll never regret. Others may be powerless in an emergency. But not you. Not with a solar-powered generator from 4Patriots.
Fresh Fruit & Veggie Season Approaching – How to Make Them Last
There are some areas of the country where the weather is known for changing rapidly. You’ll hear people say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
Something similar can be said for fruit and vegetables. When fresh, they look, feel, smell, and taste great. But if you wait too long before eating them, it’s a different story.
Fresh fruit and vegetable season is rapidly approaching in many parts of the country. Folks are looking forward to enjoying them. Knowing how good they are for us adds another positive dimension to eating them.
But with the high prices for produce these days, it’s more important than ever not to waste it. It also helps to learn how to make them last as long as possible.
Today I want to provide you with tips on preserving your fruit and veggies. That way they’ll stay good until you’re ready to eat them.
Let lettuce leaves go AWOL
If you buy bagged salad at the grocery store, you know how great it looks when you place it in your refrigerator. But after it’s opened and you use some of it, watch out. The lettuce will start wilting quickly.
A good way to avoid this is by removing the lettuce leaves from the rest of the salad items. Wash them off and place them in an airtight, zippered bag.
If instead you purchase a head of lettuce, remove the individual leaves. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
Rinse them off and put them in an airtight, zippered bag. Then place the bag into the fridge. Your lettuce leaves will stay crisp and fresh much longer this way.
Onions, asparagus & herbs
Onions are another item that can go bad. Sometimes even before you use them. To avoid this, chop them up when you get home from the store. Put them in a resealable bag and place them in the freezer.
Remove the bag and grab what you need next time you’re preparing a salad. Then return the bag to the freezer.
One of the reasons other vegetables such as asparagus start wilting too soon is because they lack hydration. To offset this, store them upright in a glass with about an inch of water in it. Or, wrap a damp paper towel around the base of the asparagus.
You can do the same thing with herbs. Including parsley, basil, coriander, dill, mint, and others. If you want to be frugal, store leftover herbs in an ice tray in your freezer and pour water over them. Other herbs such as rosemary and thyme can go in an airtight bag in the fridge.
Fruitful strategies
You might want items such as tomatoes, apples, pears, melons, avocados, and mangoes to ripen. Mainly because you want to use them in the next day or so. Leave them in a bowl on a countertop where you’ll see them and not forget about them.
But items such as grapes, berries, and citrus should be refrigerated. That’s so they don’t deteriorate too quickly.
If you cut fruit and only use some of it for a meal, protect the remainder from softening too quickly with an airtight seal.
Then place that bag or container in the fridge. This will help your fruit last much longer.
Bacteria-fighting vinegar
Here’s one thing to keep in mind when ensuring that fruits and vegetables last longer. Don’t store them together in the same bag or container.
Some fruit produces ethylene gas. It can make vegetables (and other fruit, for that matter) ripen too quickly.
When you get berries and other fruits back to your home from the store – or from picking them outdoors – wash them in a 3-to-1 or 4-to-1 ratio of water to vinegar. The vinegar will help kill any bacteria found on fruits.
Let them dry on parchment paper, then store them in a container with the paper. But leave the lid slightly open to give moisture a chance to escape.
A few more tricks
- For fruit that has not ripened yet – such as apples and peaches – put them in a paper bag and place it on a windowsill.
- You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to eat your fruits and vegetables to wash them off. Do it as soon as you return from the store or your garden. That way they’ll be ready to eat as soon as you want them.
- Most fruits and veggies will last longer in a fridge than in a bowl on a table or countertop. Including apples, berries, grapes and apricots. As well as pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries. Plus celery, carrots, and avocados. Place them in a mason jar with water.
- But some fruits will do better at room temperature. Such as bananas, oranges, and grapefruit. As well as cantaloupe, watermelon, lemons, and limes.
- If you wait a little too long to eat fruit and you’re still not ready to eat it, chop it up, place it in airtight bags, and toss it in the freezer. You’ll want to use it later for smoothies.
Utilizing these tips and tricks to making fruits and vegetables last longer will reduce food waste and help you save money by preserving precious resources.
CNBC: “Inflation Won’t Go Away.” Neither Will High Food Prices
What’s the deal with all these conflicting reports? Why does one news outlet report that inflation is going down and another says it’s increasing? Somehow, both are true…
Inflation is currently down from the extremely high levels it reached during the first half of 2022. And even from the highs it reached last summer.
But the consumer price index (CPI) jumped more than expected in January. By 0.3%. This was a blow to the current administration. They’ve been touting an improvement in an area of concern to the vast majority of Americans. Especially during a presidential election year.
And even when inflation figures were dropping, prices for food and new homes were continuing to rise. That’s according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
‘Right Direction’ Doesn’t Pay the Bills
A recent CNBC headline said it best: “Inflation Won’t Go Away.”
Lisa Sturtevant is the chief economist at Bright MLS. They are a multiple listing service based in Maryland. She said, “Inflation is generally moving in the right direction.
“But it’s important to remember that a lower inflation rate does not mean that prices of most things are falling.
“Rather, it simply means that prices are rising more slowly. Consumers are still feeling the pinch of higher prices for the things they buy most often.”
Will Interest Rate Cuts Be Delayed?
Those who anticipated a better financial report for January are concerned the federal government will not lower interest rates as soon as expected.
The Fed will base its decision on the data that comes in. Not on the expectations of lowering inflation.
Some were expecting the first interest rate cut to come as soon as May. This recent financial report may delay that action.
Costs for some items fell in January, while others rose. For example, eggs prices were up by 3.4%, while ham prices declined by 3.1%. Used vehicles and clothes prices dropped. But electricity and airline fares rose.
Supermarket Prices Up 25% From 4 Years Ago
No matter which party is in control, they will try to make things sound better than they really are. They want to get re-elected. But you have to look at the fine print.
The reality is, prices for most food items are still heading upward. And that includes meat.
I mentioned a moment ago that the CPI rose by 0.3% in January. Food was a major contributor to that increase. It rose by 0.4%.
Now, 0.4% may not seem like a big deal. But if you look at where grocery store prices were four years ago, it gets very real. Supermarket prices are now 25% higher than they were in January of 2020. And inflation has increased by 19% over that same time period.
Frustrated Consumers Point to Food Prices
Yahoo Finance conducted a poll late last year. They asked people where they felt most impacted by inflation.
Two-thirds of those responding cited food prices as the biggest culprit. That compares to only 10% who listed gas prices and higher rents as the largest factors.
Greg Wilensky is the head of U.S. fixed income at Janus Henderson Investors, based in the U.K. He said the recent rise in inflation in the U.S. was “boosted by a notable uptick in food inflation.”
He added that, “We have not seen a food inflation print this high since the beginning of last year.”
Drought & Greed Impact Meat Costs
Why is inflation not settling down after all this time? As with most economic questions, there are no easy answers. There are too many factors involved.
But when it comes to meat, one thing stands out above the others. There are record-low numbers of cattle in the U.S. right now. Mainly due to drought. It has reduced pasture for raising cows over the past year or so.
Of course, that means there is less beef and steak available. Demand is exceeding supply – by quite a bit. And that always translates into higher prices.
Policy experts and President Joe Biden also blame corporations for unnecessarily raising prices. These companies have been accused of price gouging and “greedflation.”
5 Food Categories Hit Especially Hard
One think tank has identified five specific food categories in which prices have risen most dramatically.
The categories are beef and veal; poultry; non-frozen, non-carbonated juices and drinks; fresh fruits and vegetables; and snacks.
Notice they listed beef, veal, and poultry first. Beef and veal prices rose 7.7% in just the past month. You’ve probably noticed this at your grocery store. Avoiding the grocery store just makes things worse. Fast-food prices are climbing significantly as well.
And as always happens, folks in lower income brackets are hit hardest by rising food prices. They have to spend a greater percentage of their limited incomes just to acquire enough food to survive.
Lock in a Low Price
What’s the answer for folks whose budgets are being hit hard by stubborn inflation “that won’t go away?”
Watch carefully for deals, use coupons, and don’t purchase more food than you and your family will use.
Even if inflation cools later this year as some economists predict, food prices will probably remain high.
So, lock in good prices now by purchasing meat and other foods with a long shelf life. It will be there for you the next time inflation rears its ugly head.
The Ins and Outs of Solar Power… and How It Benefits You
We hear a lot about solar power these days. The Earth’s natural resources only go so far to help us produce energy. But we have a free and powerful energy source in the sky. So why not take advantage of it?
We all know that solar power involves the sun’s rays to deliver heat. And many of us know that photovoltaic (PV) cells convert that heat into energy.
We understand that energy produced by the sun can be used to power a variety of electronic devices. But for many of us, our basic knowledge of the topic ends there.
Of course, there’s a lot more to it. Today I want to dig deeper into solar power. Focusing mainly on what it is and how it works. As well as how we can use this free energy to cut back on our reliance on expensive forms of energy.
It’s a power plant in the sky
When many of us hear the phrase “solar power,” we first think of solar panels. We see them on top of houses and businesses. As well as in large fields dedicated to this purpose.
Using solar panels to create electricity in our homes is a great way to become more self-sufficient. And to save money and preserve the environment.
The best thing about it is that the source of this energy is free. Our sun has been called a power plant in the sky.
Old Sol has enough energy to power all our needs. It won’t run out. Well, at least not for another 5 billion years or so. And it doesn’t give off carbon dioxide emissions.
PV cells jump-start electrons
The key is figuring out how to harness that energy. And turn it into the electrical power we need to run our world.
Rays coming from the sun take about eight minutes to arrive here from that ball of fire some 93 million miles away. They provide heat we can feel on our skin on a sunny day. But we need certain materials to convert that energy into electricity.
Enter solar panels, which are made up of PV cells. These cells are typically made from silicon, which is a semiconductor. The bonds of a crystal – located between silicon atoms – consist of electrons shared between all the crystal’s atoms.
When the sun’s rays start becoming absorbed, electrons in the bonds get “excited” to a higher energy level. Now set into motion, they move around more freely than when they were bound. And that’s what produces a flow of electric current.
Solar panels have multiple parts
After absorbing the sun’s energy, PV cells convert it to DC electricity. The solar inverter then converts DC electricity to AC electricity. That’s what’s used by most home appliances.
The electricity flowing through a home powers electronic devices. Excess electricity produced by solar panels is fed to the electric grid.
Regardless of whether it’s large or small, the typical solar panel contains a layer of silicon cells and a metal frame. Plus a glass casing offering durability and protection for the silicon PV cells. As well as wiring to allow current to flow from the cells.
There’s also a layer of insulation to keep the temperature in check. And a back sheet that protects against heat dissipation and humidity inside the panel. Plus a reflective coating that increases sunlight absorption.
The costs keep dropping
Silicon is not a metal. But it does have conductive properties allowing it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Silicon solar cells are usually manufactured in one of two cell formations. They are monocrystalline or polycrystalline.
The difference is that monocrystalline cells consist of a single silicon crystal. Polycrystalline cells are made up of fragments or shards of silicon.
The mono format gives electrons more room to move around. This results in a higher efficiency of solar technology.
For a number of years, scientists’ enthusiasm about solar energy was tempered by high costs. But those costs have come down significantly over the past 15 years or so.
Solar photovoltaic module prices have dropped by 89 percent since 2010. They may drop by another 34 percent by 2030. And by 2050, they should drop by about 63 percent.
Powering a generator
The large solar panels we see on rooftops are only part of the equation. Smaller solar panels – which can be used individually or by daisy-chaining them – can also be used to power specific electronic items. Including generators.
Smaller solar panels generate less electricity. But they are sufficient for a number of tasks. Assuming they receive the sunlight they need. And that the cells within them are efficient.
For example, if a 100-watt solar panel receives unobstructed sunshine during afternoon hours for just one hour, it should generate 100 watt-hours of electricity.
That same panel will produce less electricity in the morning and early evenings when the sun is lower in the sky.
However, you can maximize the electricity it will produce during those times by angling it toward the sun. And by making sure there is no shade on the panel. Shade on one cell can negatively affect the efficiency of other cells.
Smaller solar-powered devices have much smaller solar panels. But they do the same kind of work that keeps them powered up.
Little maintenance, long lifespan
Let me conclude with a couple of notes about the care and feeding of solar panels.
One of the many great things about solar panels is they require very little maintenance. If you can do a very light cleaning two to four times per year, they should last between 25 and 30 years.
But be very careful when you clean them. Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush and a non-abrasive cleaning agent.
You can use cold water to rinse. The best time to clean them is early in the morning before they get hot. That’s because cold water and hot panels don’t play well together.
Utilizing solar power will save you money, make you more self-reliant, and help protect the environment. And that’s a winning trifecta.
Could You Survive an EMP?
Electricity is one of the greatest inventions in mankind’s history.
It allowed humans, after countless centuries, to finally gain some control over their environment.
We could now see better in the dark. Heat and cool our homes. Establish infrastructure for power, water, and gas utilities.
But there’s a downside to this achievement. We’ve become dependent on electricity. If it’s eliminated for a long period of time, nature will once again control humans.
9 Out of 10 Won’t Make It
There are many events that could knock out the electrical grid. Including extreme weather and equipment malfunctions.
But none is more frightening than an electromagnetic pulse (EMP). An EMP has the potential to render us powerless for weeks, months, or years.
Whether caused by coronal mass ejections (solar flares) or a terrorist attack, experts say a vast majority of us would not survive if the resulting blackout lasted a year or more.
Frank J. Gaffney Jr. is a former deputy assistant to the U.S. secretary of defense. He said, “Nine out of 10 of us wouldn’t make it if an attack on the grid resulted in the power going out and staying out for a year.”
Is Another Carrington Event Coming?
Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey Jr. agrees. He said, “A very low yield nuclear detonation from a very simple small missile… launched up 20 miles above the earth can be absolutely devastating to transformers and the rest of the electrical infrastructure.”
The most well-known “sun storm” in North American history occurred in 1859, becoming known as the Carrington Event.
A super solar flare shot directly toward the Earth. It resulted in a mammoth cloud of charged particles and detached magnetic loops. They crashed into Earth’s magnetic field. And caused skies to turn red, green, and purple.
The solar storm disrupted communications and shocked technicians. And it could happen again. As it nearly did in 2012. Space weather analyst John Kappenman says, we’re “playing a game of Russian roulette with the sun.”
Enemies Know Where to Strike First
Another very real scenario involves a deliberate EMP attack by one of America’s enemies.
The bad guys are not interested in turning off our lights for a few hours. They want to plunge us back into Little House on the Prairie days.
Do they have the know-how and resources to pull off such a horrific assault? Yes. A bomb capable of producing a powerful EMP could be developed using inexpensive supplies and basic engineering knowledge.
Former Texas state senator Bob Hall said this. “We actually know that the Russians, the Chinese, the Iranians have in their war plans the first strike plan to take out our electrical power system with an EMP attack.”
The Consequences Are Devastating
An EMP’s damage would be catastrophic. Life as we know it would be over. Immediate failures would be evident everywhere.
From essential infrastructure such as power, water, and gas utilities. Plus banking systems and ATMs. And transportation of food, water, and other goods.
Military defenses would also be affected. It would take years to repair the damage. The Department of Homeland Security admits it’s not prepared to deal with such an attack.
None of us is capable of stopping solar flares or terrorist attacks. But we could focus on what to do before, during, and after a blackout caused by an EMP.
What to Do Before an EMP Strike
- Assemble a supply of emergency food and water for your family. And secure a solar-powered generator.
- Build an emergency kit or bug-out bag. Consider having an additional emergency kit at your place of business.
- Make a family communications plan. Conduct a dry run every few months.
- Fill plastic containers with water and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. Leave an inch of space because water expands while freezing.
- Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. And your car could be the only heating or air conditioning you’ll have for a while.
- Get a supply of cash. Some stores may not be able to process credit and debit card purchases. Cash machines may not work.
What to Do During a Blackout Caused by an EMP
- Use flashlights for emergency lighting. Using candles during a power outage is a fire risk.
- If you use a generator, keep lights on sparingly. You could become a target if your home is lighted at night.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed so food stays as cold as possible.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances and electronics when power goes out. They could be damaged if power returns with a surge.
- If it’s hot outside, go to your home’s lowest level. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water. Keep curtains closed.
- If it’s cold outside, wear clothing layers. Open curtains during the day.
What to Do After a Blackout From an EMP
- Any food exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two-plus hours should be discarded. Same for food with an unusual odor, color, or texture.
- Even food that looks and smells OK may contain bacteria that causes food-borne illnesses. When in doubt, toss it out.
- Don’t turn all appliances on at once. Get heat or air conditioning on first. Wait 10-15 minutes before turning on other appliances.
- If water from faucets has not been running but now is working again, don’t drink it right away. Let it run. Learn if nearby water sources have been compromised.
The only way to protect yourself from a long-term blackout caused by an EMP is preparation. The time to do that is now.
A Tactical Flashlight Could Save Your Life
When most of us think of flashlights, we’re focused more on convenience than on life-and-death situations.
We use flashlights when the power goes out in our home to check the fuse box. Or we use it at night in the backyard to see what the dog is barking at. Or we use it any time of day to look under a bed.
But the fact is, a tactical flashlight can be a lifesaver. In fact, I did some research and came up with 7 different ways a flashlight could help you in an emergency.
Keep reading to learn about ‘em. And then I’ll give you a dozen things to look for in a tactical flashlight, if you’re in the market for one.
7 ways a flashlight could keep you alive
- Spotting danger in the darkness. If you find yourself walking in a dark area – due to a power outage or if you’re camping in the woods – a flashlight is a big help for finding your way, avoiding pitfalls, and spotting dangerous wildlife.
- Escaping from a hazard zone. If there were a crisis like a blackout, flood, or chemical spill near where you live, a flashlight might be the only tool at your disposal to help you get out of the region as quickly and safely as possible.
- Signaling for help. If you get lost in a secluded area, whether during an escape from a bad situation, going off-grid, a camping trip, or are stranded somewhere, a flashlight could be used to signal for help. Especially if your flashlight has a built-in SOS component or a strobe function to it. It’s a great way to alert help to your location.
- Getting out of a submerged vehicle. When a vehicle plunges into a body of water – and it happens more often than you might think – the driver and passengers have very little time to save themselves from drowning. A tactical flashlight with a razor-sharp edge can rip through a stuck seatbelt. And its glass-breaking hammer can quickly break open a window that could become jammed in an accident.
- Self-defense from an attacker. There are weapons that would be more useful than a flashlight if you’re attacked. But if you’re in a pinch, a flashlight can temporarily blind an attacker to allow an escape, while its barrel can be used for a counterattack.
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A vehicle breakdown. If your vehicle breaks down, you’ll need light to check under the hood or change a tire in the dark. And if you have to abandon the car and walk somewhere, it will help light your way.
- Charging a cellphone for an emergency call. If your cellphone is dead and you need to make a call for help, some tactical flashlights can charge up handheld devices. That phone call could be your lifeline in an emergency.
What to look for
Here’s what I look for in a tactical flashlight:
- Ultra-bright LED flashlight
- Solar panel
- Power bank
- SOS light and strobe
- Work light
- Seatbelt/rope splitter
- Glass-breaking hammer
- Compass
- Magnet
- Lightweight
- Anti-slip handle
- Adjustable wrist strap
Everybody needs a flashlight. And several of them are much better than having just one. That way, you can keep one in each of the rooms where you might need it. Not to mention in your vehicles.
But make sure they are tactical flashlights. Because light in the darkness is only one of the advantages you can enjoy with a flashlight.
Sizzling Solutions: Cooking Without Electricity
They say spring comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. There’s plenty of truth to that. Temperatures in many parts of the country are still quite chilly in early spring. But later in the season, they’ve risen considerably.
There is one constant throughout spring, however. And that’s the potential for wet and wild conditions.
Spring often features snow and wind at the start and violent storms throughout. Including tornadoes. And as we all know, the common denominator is blackouts.
Cooking food never takes a holiday. So, as we approach spring, it’s important to bone up on different ways to cook during inevitable power outages.
So far, 2024 has brought powerful storms and blackouts across the entire nation. From west coast atmospheric rivers to nor’easter snow storms.
And it’s not just forceful storms that can leave you without power for hours, days, and even weeks…
A squirrel on a power line
27 million degrees… That’ll get your water boiling
You need to be able to heat water if you’re home in a blackout. The same is true if you’re in the woods camping or hiking. Or if you have to evacuate due to a crisis.
If you’re prepared, it won’t be a problem. On most days the sun will help you accomplish the task at hand.
Not all by itself, though. The sun is 27 million degrees Fahrenheit at its core. But its rays are not hot enough to cook food or boil water by the time they reach Earth.
Fortunately, those electromagnetic rays contain a great deal of energy. They cause molecules in whatever they strike to vibrate. That’s what generates heat. And solar cookers are capable of harnessing that heat.
Sun-powered ovens
There are a number of different types of solar cookers. They include solar ovens/box cookers and panel cookers. Plus evacuated tubes and parabolic solar cookers.
The solar oven or box cooker is usually about three to five feet across. It’s basically a sun-powered oven. It heats up and seals in the heat. The open-topped box is black on the inside with glass or transparent plastic on the top.
It usually has several reflectors featuring flat, metallic, or mirrored surfaces outside the box. They collect and direct sunlight onto the glass.
A pot of food sits on the black bottom of the box. Sunlight enters the box through the glass top. When light waves strike the bottom, the box heats up and the food cooks.
Methods of cooking
Panel cookers incorporate different elements of box cookers and parabolic solar cookers. They use parabolic reflectors above a box-type oven.
Evacuated tube solar cookers use a double-wall glass tube for the cooking chamber. The space between the glass is created as a vacuum.
Many people prefer parabolic solar cookers due to their ability to achieve higher temperatures. And their portability.
A parabolic solar cooker uses curved, reflective surfaces to focus sunlight into a small area. The evacuated tempered glass tube traps every bit of heat-producing light that hits it.
No noise. No smoke. No fuel.
Temperatures inside a parabolic solar cooker can get very hot. But it’s cool to the touch on the outside. So, you can safely handle it with your bare hands when it’s at full temperature.
The sides fold out to reveal two parabolic mirrors. These “wings” grab every bit of sun and focus it on the glass tube.
A parabolic solar cooker does not need batteries or electricity. Because it boils water, it protects you from parasites such as giardia.
It doesn’t need any flames or fuel. You don’t have to be concerned with gathering wood or sticks. And it doesn’t produce smoke or make noise. So, it allows you to keep your location covert.
A hotdog in your kettle? Top foods to cook
What can you cook with a parabolic solar cooker? Hard-boiled eggs and hot dogs come to mind immediately.
But you could also cook an omelet or vegetarian couscous. Or oatmeal and a wide variety of soups.
As well as mashed potato flakes and instant rice. Plus stovetop stuffing, ramen noodles, and bulgar wheat.
Not to mention pastas that cook in less than four minutes. Such as artisan pastas and instant grits.
When to use it
When are the best times to use a parabolic solar cooker? They’re great for camping, boating, and hiking.
As well as picnics, your job site, or tailgating. Or just sitting on the sidelines while your kids or grandchildren play.
Cooking food such as hotdogs, eggs and freeze-dried meals is one way to use a parabolic solar cooker. But there are many others. Including…
- Heating water for hygiene needs
- Keeping liquid hot for hours for coffee, tea, cocoa, gelatin, or baby formula
- Melting snow for drinking or other usages
- Pasteurizing water
- Killing giardia, cryptosporidium, and other waterborne bacteria
More ways to cook in an outage
Now, a solar cooker may be the best way to heat water during a blackout. But it’s not the only way. Here are a few others.
Candles & Camp Stoves
If the only item you have available as a heat source is a candle, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to boil water. But you should be able to at least heat it.
Just place a lit candle under a small pan of water and patiently wait for the water to warm. If you can add more candles to the mix, you’ll have a better chance of raising your water’s temperature.
You’d be much better off with a camp stove. All you need for a camp stove is kindling. Such as twigs, leaves, or grasses.
Camp stoves are lightweight and easily portable. Made of stainless steel, they produce only a small amount of smoke. And they’re easy to clean.
Portable gas stoves
These are best used as an outdoor cooking method. The two best options with portable gas stoves are butane and propane.
Butane stoves are portable and can generate enough heat to do most cooking. However, butane canisters can be pricey and hold a limited amount of fuel.
Propane is a highly dependable fuel at freezing temperatures and high altitudes. The tanks, however, are thick-walled. They’re too heavy to easily carry.
Smaller stoves in this genre are single-burner stoves. But there are also two-burner stoves. If portability is not an issue, larger camper stoves with legs are effective.
Wood and coal-burning stoves
Wood-burning and coal-burning stoves are convenient for use in the winter when you can cook and heat your home simultaneously. But they’re also great in warmer months.
If it is flat enough, you can cook on top of it. The fire should be going strong before you start cooking. It’s best to use cast-iron cookware. It conducts heat, but does not retain it.
Frying time is similar to using a conventional gas or electric stove. But cooking time is longer.
If your food is cooking too quickly, turn down the drafts. Transfer food to a cooler part of the stovetop. If it’s cooking too slowly, open the drafts and add wood to the fire.
Grills and open-fire cooking
If you’re able to hunker down at home – or you have one of these grills at your bug-out location – it will come in handy. They use gas or charcoal.
This is a great way to grill various meats and fish. As well as large vegetables. Grills have an advantage over open-fire cooking because their lids trap more heat.
Open-fire cooking is a simple outdoor solution during a crisis. Set a barbeque grill plate over an open fire and cook.
Another option is using a large, flat rock. Place the rock over the fire. Once the rock is hot, put your pan or pot on top. The harder the rock, the less likely it is to crack.
Fireplace and fondue pot
If you’re hunkering down, a fireplace is not a bad choice. Use logs rather than charcoal, which can produce carbon monoxide.
Add a little vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to your food before wrapping it in aluminum foil. Then cook it over the flame. Use tongs and rotate the food often. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use a fondue pot to cook a small meal. Make sure your fuel is approved for indoor use.
Stainless steel is the way to go here. Both for cooking and for cleaning up afterwards. Make sure the handles are strong and the base is wide.
Power outages are inevitable this spring. Some will be short-lived, but others could go on for a while.
Knowing in advance how to cook during those blackouts will come in handy. I hope you’ll be able to utilize one or more of the ways listed above.
Wait, Doc. That’s My Prescription? Fruits & Veggies?
In the 1991 comedy movie What About Bob?, psychologist Leo Marvin writes a prescription for his neurotic patient, Bob Wiley.
Bob, played by Bill Murray, worries how he will cope while his shrink (Richard Dreyfuss), is on vacation. He is expecting a drug prescription to calm his nerves.
Instead, the prescription Bob gets says, “Take a vacation from your problems.” Bob quickly realizes this will not require a trip to the pharmacy.
In real life, some patients show surprise these days when handed a prescription. Especially when it prescribes nothing more than fruits and vegetables.
New Prescription Program Is Working
The recipients of these prescriptions may feel “cheated.” After all, they can pick up fruits and veggies at their local store.
But they do appreciate something else. These prescriptions are often accompanied by an electronic card or voucher. It’s good for accessing free or discounted produce at grocery stores or farmers’ markets.
The strategy is working. That’s what a recent study shows. It’s published by an American Heart Association journal titled Circulation.
The fruit and vegetable prescriptions result in greater consumption of these healthy foods. And the increased consumption results in improved health. Both in medical checkups and in self-reported health. As well as in lowering food insecurity.
It’s All About Long-Term Survival
Now, maybe your doctor has never handed you a prescription for fruits and vegetables. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from this idea.
Increasing your consumption of veggies and fruits should result in better health. Both in the short-term and in the future.
Here’s why that second part is so important. The more nutritious foods you eat now, the better health you’ll be in when stuff hits the fan.
Why develop improved food habits now? Because it will make you better equipped to survive a future crisis. Handling an emergency situation will be challenging on its own. Being in poor health when it happens will make it even more difficult.
Natural Solutions Work Best
Many people believe doctors could serve their patients better. How? By discussing and prescribing natural solutions to health problems. Rather than prescribing drugs.
For them, this produce prescription program is a step in the right direction. Patients are more likely to eat vegetables and fruits when “prescribed” to them.
This is true for patients with health issues connected to their diets. As well as for patients with a lack of nutritional access due to their budgets.
The program is convenient for many people. Because of the variety of places they can get fruits and vegetables. Including grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Plus online stores and mobile markets.
Prescriptions Increase Consumption
The study mentioned earlier involved approximately 3,800 participants. More than 2,000 were adults with an average age of 54.
About one-half of households participating in the survey reported experiencing some food insecurity.
Food insecurity is the condition of not having access to enough food. Or food of an adequate quality, to meet one’s basic needs.
The participants received an average of $63 per month for vegetables and fruits. Adults reported their intake of fruits and veggies increased by about one cup per day.
1 in 10 Not Good Odds
This is a program whose time has come. Especially considering only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults eats enough fruits and vegetables daily.
The CDC reports that only 12.3% of American adults eat enough fruit. And only 10% eat enough vegetables. Mostly due to cost and availability.
Those committed to preparing for an uncertain future should think seriously about this program.
Even if we don’t qualify for vouchers or discounts. But if you do qualify, why not take advantage of it?
Processed Food Is the Enemy
One of the biggest problems with not eating enough fruits and veggies is what we eat instead. That’s processed foods.
One study claims ultra-processed foods make up about 60% of the typical American’s diet. Now, that’s scary.
Processed food has been changed from its natural state. This can include everything from canning it, freezing it, and adding ingredients to it. Even baking and cooking can count as changing it.
Among unhealthy ingredients added to many foods we eat are salt and sugar. As well as flavorings, preservatives, and artificial colors. They are added to make food last longer and/or give them more visual appeal.
Consider Your Future When Making the Choice
One reason ultra-processed foods are so tempting is because they’re usually ready-to-eat. They’re simple and easy. They include ice cream and sodas. As well as processed meats, pizza, and potato chips. Plus cookies, candy bars, and sugary drinks.
And when we eat these foods between meals, we consume less healthy foods at mealtime. This is a habit we need to break. Both for our health now, and for our survival in the future.
As we age, our health becomes a bigger concern. It makes sense to eat enough healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables now.
When it comes to a survival situation, our health will be more important than ever. Getting into the right habit now will benefit us in the long run.
Scammers have Robocalls Mimicking President Joe Biden
When we receive a communication from someone we don’t know, we should be skeptical about it. Especially if they’re asking for money to pay for medical expenses or a trip to America to gain freedom.
It’s most likely a scam. But what if that communication seems to come from someone we know? Or someone we know of? Or even someone we trust?
Lately, some folks have been receiving calls that seem to be coming from people they’re familiar with. Some of these calls even mimic the voice of President Joe Biden.
The calls – using AI-generated voices – ask for money. And they’re working. AI voice clones cost Americans about $2.6 billion per year. The elderly are most at risk.
AI Makes It Seem Real
Today I want to talk about how prevalent these calls have become. And how careful we need to be to avoid being deceived.
One of the biggest problems with artificial intelligence (AI) is how close to reality it seems.
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference. Doctored photographs and AI-generated voices are the tip of the iceberg.
Some U.S. senators are aware of the problem. They’re asking the Biden Administration to do something about it.
Bipartisan Committee Fighting Back
Mike Braun is a U.S. senator from Indiana. He is the top Republican on the Senate Special Committee on Aging.
He’s leading an effort to petition the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on the subject. He and other senators from both parties sent the agency a letter.
They’re trying to determine what the FTC knows about AI scams targeting the elderly. And what the agency is doing to protect them.
They’re especially interested in AI technology used to replicate voices of well-known individuals.
Fake Grandson Fools Elderly Couple
The bipartisan letter addressed FTC chairwoman Lina Khan. It mentioned voice clones and chat boxes. Including those trying to convince the elderly they’re communicating with a real person. Such as a relative, close friend, or celebrity.
One elderly couple almost lost $9,400 in a scam. But their bank alerted them to the potential fraud in time.
The caller had tried to convince the couple he was their grandson. And that he needed money to make bail.
In another case, someone posing as a kidnapper used voice-cloning technology. He duplicated the sounds of a crying child and demanded ransom.
Voice-Cloning Technology Is the Culprit
Older folks were already more vulnerable to scams than others. Partly because they grew up in an era when things like this rarely happened.
And also because many elderly people don’t have the same cognitive skills they used to have. Their hearing is not what it once was. One scam used a voice that sounded like movie star Jennifer Lopez.
Braun, who cited the $2.6 billion figure, said AI makes scams easier “because it’s like talking to your grandkid.”
He added that voice-cloning technology is making it much easier to fool people. Especially older individuals.
Connecticut Senator Gets in the Act
Richard Blumenthal is a Democratic senator from Connecticut. He used a creative way to let his fellow politicians understand how serious the problem is.
He opened a hearing on AI by using an AI-generated voice that sounded like his. The voice was reading a script generated by artificial intelligence.
Braun said this. “When you can replicate a voice to the extent I couldn’t tell if that was Senator Blumenthal or a replication… just imagine.
“That is a tool the scammers never had” at their disposal in the past. But now scammers are using it regularly.
Advice for the FTC
What do Braun and other politicians want the FTC to do about this? For one, they want the agency to update its “educational and awareness” materials.
That will help seniors understand scammers use artificial voices to steal their money.
They also want the FTC to air public service messages to bring more awareness to the problem. And also to maintain a hotline people can use. To make complaints about voice-cloning calls.
Braun added it’s a red flag when inventors of AI warn against its usage. He said, “I’ve never seen any new technology… where the people that created it have been more worried about how you use it.”
Biden’s ‘Voice’ Targets Voters
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made phone calls using AI voices illegal.
Not that this decision will stop these calls. But it could slow them down. The commission was partly influenced by political calls made in January.
The callers used a voice like Biden’s. It encouraged New Hampshire voters to skip the primary election.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel made this statement in a press release. “Bad actors are using AI-generated voices in unsolicited robocalls to extort vulnerable family members, imitate celebrities, and misinform voters.”
Protect Yourself From Scams
What should you do if someone communicates with you, asking for money? Or for personal information?
If it’s someone you know (or think you know), tell them you will call them back. By doing that, you may learn it was a fraud.
If it’s someone you know of and trust, ask them to mail their request to you. Punishments for false solicitation through the mail are harsher than through phone calls.
If they ask for your address, don’t provide it. Not knowing your address is a sign they’re trying to scam you.
We’d all rather be trusting than suspicious. But we also need to protect ourselves. Be on guard against scammers.
Will Mosquitos Cause the Next Pandemic?
Have you ever wondered if or when the next pandemic might come along? And what will launch it?
Some scientists believe that mosquitos will cause the next pandemic. And that the time is ripe for it. Due to the warmer and wetter weather pattern known as El Niño, mosquito activity is expected to be higher than normal in North America this year.
And that means a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses. Some of which can be very dangerous to our health.
The CDC predicts that serious illnesses will become more widespread in a number of areas in North America. Due to the rising number of mosquitos and a warmer climate.
‘Damage from inaction is enormous’
Mosquito-borne illnesses can cause fever and rash. As well as headaches, body aches, and muscle and joint pain.
How do these mosquitos get here? Well, some have already been here for a long time. But some migrate north from South and Central America.
One batch of particularly dangerous mosquitos entered the U.S. several decades ago through – of all things – the used tire industry.
Is the U.S. doing enough to prevent these infestations? A medical entomologist and professor at the University of California-Davis doesn’t think so.
“If we don’t do anything, which is basically what we’re doing right now, it’s going to get worse,” said Tom Scott. “The damage from inaction is enormous. It’s unacceptable. It’s unethical.”
Mosquitos gearing up for battle
Mosquitos that will buzz around our backyards this spring, summer, and fall don’t carry warning signs regarding the diseases they carry.
It’s safer to assume that a mosquito is carrying a disease and wants to transmit it to you while “borrowing” some of your blood.
They want to feast on you, your pets, and your garden. Right now, many of them are emerging from hibernation. Others are heading north toward us as our weather warms. And billions of them are just a twinkle in their parents’ eyes right now.
To us, they are a pain somewhere south of our eyes. Their goal is to gain nutrition from our blood, the blood of our pets, and the plants in our garden.
Don’t provide a home where bugs can roam
There are many ways to try to keep mosquitos and other illness-borne bugs such as ticks out of your yard. For one, take away their habitats.
Ticks love leaf litter, tall grass, and brush. So, rake, mow, and clear. Divide your lawn from any wooded area with a three-foot wide barrier of wood chips.
Mosquitos love standing water, where they can hang out and breed. So, drain those areas regularly. Including kids’ pools, flowerpots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and bird baths.
There’s nothing like a nice, shady area on your lawn where you can sit and relax. The problem is, mosquitos love shade too. Limit shady areas by cutting back trees and pruning hedges.
Avoid mosquito bites
Let me provide you with some effective ways to avoid mosquito bites. As well as some good ways to treat them when they happen.
Use a mosquito repellent. There are over-the-counter sprays and rub-ons containing DEET. If you want to avoid that chemical, make your own concoction.
Mosquitos aim for thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier. Apply the repellent to exposed areas of skin. Focus on your feet, ankles, lower legs, and wrists.
Bugs are also attracted to dark colors. Wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can be helpful for avoiding bites. A thicker fabric with a looser fit is preferable to tight-fitting, thin fabrics.
Avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk. That way your blood won’t be available to them during their favorite parts of the day. When indoors, keep windows closed unless you’re sure there are no holes in your screens.
Use an odor-free, lightweight, portable bug-zapper in your backyard that attracts and kills bugs without pesticides or chemicals. Look for one that’s water-resistant and cleans itself.
Treat mosquito bites
Scratching mosquito bites usually makes them itch more and longer. That’s not a good “treatment.”
If you break the skin while scratching, you can expose yourself to an additional infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with a bandage.
Ice will slow blood flow to the area, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply aloe vera directly to the bite to relieve itching and discomfort. Or press a steeped chamomile tea bag to your bite.
Some folks apply other items to their bites. Including honey, vinegar, and even an oatmeal paste. Others like to use hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.
Mosquitos could be plentiful this year. And some will carry diseases. By taking precautions, we can defeat them. And possibly avoid another pandemic.
