I've always wondered what would happen if I left items for a long period of time- how long does it take to make things spoil, go bad, rot, fall apart, or disinegrate. 

This blog talks about the effects that time, humidity, and temperature had on a storage unit that was left alone for 11 years.  When they came back to the unit they were able to see the condition of their belongings.  Read the blog to find out more about it.  Very interesting and good to know what will last and what won't last.

Alternatives to Gasoline/Diesel

How many times do you fill your gas tank each week?  How much money do you spend filling up your tank? 

I've often thought about my dependency on the oil companies to provide me my gasoline to commmute to and from work, to buy groceries, run errands, go on trips, and to visit family and friends.  As much as I love my Prius, which gets about 45 mpg, I am still heavily dependent on others to supply my fuel.

I ran across this blog and found this man's reasearch very intriguing.  I love it when other people do the research and tell us what works best!  This saves me the time, effort, work, and know-how ;)  I suggest that you read this blog if you are interested in alternative fuel for your vehicle.

Basha/ Shelter

Watch this video for some cool knot tips to build a temporary "tent" out of a tarp.  A tarp and long rope would be good to have in your supplies. 

- Basha (poncho)

Antiseptics

Watch this video about antiseptics.

Say WHAT?!

Here are some inventive things you can do with tampons and condoms (other than their original purposes).  Seriously, check it out.  You never know when this information could come in handy.  The last item is for the ladies... never tried it but it sounds like a good tool to have around.

Tampons

Condoms

Wiz ("she-wee")


Need I emphasize the fact that all three of these would be handy to have in times of emergency???

How to navigate without a compass

- How to know when the sun will set (nice to know for daily living)

- How to find North and South with a wrist watch

- How to find North and South with a stick

- How to find North and South using the stars

Crawdad/ minnow catcher

Here is the most simplistic form of a crawdad/minnow catcher if you're in need of food.

You need two things:
- a 2 liter bottle
- a knife

Watch this kid demonstrate what to do.  You may never need it, but if you watch this you'll always remember.  You can even use it while camping :)

Homemade Water Purifier

There may come a time when you have to purify your own water, but you don't have the fancy equipment to do it.  Here are some practical ways to do this.  I found a youtube collection of short 1-2 minute clips of how to make your own purifier.  I'm not sure why they are broken up like this, but I put them in sequence.  Click on the links below:

- Introduction (and how to make charcoal)
- How to make the purifier
- Purifying process

- Water tablets