Weekly "everything else" If it's in the spirit of prepping, but not "news" or "intel"

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Squishy_Em@reddit

Well, this past week spurred me to getting a canning set up. It's something I've wanted to get into for years and feels nice to move this from the "need to get" to the "need to learn" list.

And watching that toilet paper warehouse burn made me glad we already have a bidet and reusable toilet paper (which i have yet to use, have ot just in case).

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2quickdraw@reddit

Also got a canner and accessories. Don't forget extra jar lids!

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Get yourself a vacuum sealer too. You can get an attachment for it that will allow you to vac seal jars (both wide mouth and regular) with those canning lids. This is useful for stuff like dry beans, flour, sugar, rice, etc. You can store stuff in easier to use quantities with reusable containers that are pretty much pestproof rather than stuff like mylar bags or the like. I sealed some stuff at the start of covid and those jars are still holding their seal.

For flour and fine-grained stuff, put a coffee filter on top of the stuff (inside the jar) before sealing to keep the stuff from getting sucked up.

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2quickdraw@reddit

Excellent advice! Sadly for me I can't use too much glass, even though I will be canning. I will have to be very careful about storage, I think I'm close to at minimum 3 big earthquake faults. So jars can't just go on shells, they have to be in boxes with padding in between, and we need to have a system in place to keep stuff from flying off the shelves.

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No_Possible_7108@reddit

... reusable toilet paper?

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52BeesInACoat@reddit

I cloth diapered my kids. It's like that. You wash the poop stuff twice with the intense laundry settings and the first wash has oxiclean and the second has vinegar. Some people do cloth wipes as well but I wasn't about that life and used disposable. Mostly because you have to have a spray bottle handy to wet the reusable ones, and that's too many steps for my brain

Cloth diapers really do get very clean and hygenic once you've got your laundry routine down. I used a mix of sewn diaper inserts, and flour sack towels that I'd have to fold into rectangles. I would blow my nose on the clean flour sack towels when we were out of Kleenex, and now that my kids are out of diapers, the towels have become kitchen rags.

There's reusable menstrual products too, personally I only use the period panties because the reusable pads are a bit too bulky for me. So there's plenty of precedent for reusable toilet paper. Our friend here is gonna have the cleanest ass in the fallout shelter.

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RunawayHobbit@reddit

Not OP but I have seen families just have a basket of dedicated washcloths that they use to dry themselves after using a bidet. It’s “reusable toilet paper” but really isn’t. Just a cloth.

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Squishy_Em@reddit

Yes, I'm thinking of replacing towels and wash cloths soon and downgrade them to that use but I got something for this purpose in the meantime

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Academic_Win6060@reddit

Bidet if you've got it. You can toss the tp cloths into a container with some colloidal silver solution to keep bacterial growth and smells away. You'll want your laundry game to be on point with this route, so also get that sorted b4 you need it.

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Wise_Artichoke6552@reddit

Local weather reports (upper midwest) are super inaccurate this week. Shitpouring with thunder and lightening when the weather calls for light rain, temperatures off by huge margins, it's whack. Today was theoretically overcast/light rain with a high of 61 - it must have been awfully fast high, because it rained heavily all day and maybe crossed 50 around 3PM. I need to get a thermostat setup for the house. Tomorrow they're calling for 80 and sunny, which categorically, absolutely, 100% will not be happening.

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Then_Ad7822@reddit

People are getting super touchy at work about any mention of politics or religion, even in passing. It’s getting to the point where I can’t even read the news on a break without someone immediately making comments to me about it.

Normally I retain a grey man status at work about anything related to politics or religion, but now even neutral answers or remarks like “I prefer not to talk about that at work,” are getting pounced on by my coworkers.

Is anyone else noticing this?

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SquirrelyMcNutz@reddit

Saying "I prefer not to talk about it" can be seen by both sides as being of the other without explicitly saying.

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No_Possible_7108@reddit

I wonder if people are falling into the tribal mindset more and they are trying to figure out what "side" you are on.

I only have second hand info here but based on what I've heard, interpersonal tensions are a lot higher trying to coordinate between different healthcare settings

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KateMacDonaldArts@reddit

I’ve spent my spare time this week nursing my feelings, planning a list of root vegetables to can (now that fall vegetables are being reduced) and building community which is something I prioritize weekly.

I met a new neighbour that works in urban farming who is going to help plan my small garden plot for maximum output. He’s looking to put together a larger food security initiative for our group, so we’re looking for a spare public garden plot which aren’t uncommon here, just popular. I’m going to ask my landlord to introduce me to one of the developers waiting on permits nearby - they often put in garden boxes to build good will in the neighbourhood while they go through the public process.

Tuesday was a regular day for my partner and I except worrying about genocide and the destruction of an ancient civilization. I’m in Canada and shake my head at how much the world has lost already.

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No_Possible_7108@reddit

I hope you are feeling better after tending to your feelings!

I've been trying to force myself to get off Reddit a bit more to improve my mental health but every time I do I just ending worrying if I am missing some new war starting or nukes dropping etc etc :/

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

What's the vibe atm? I can't tell if the prepper youtubers are trying to maintain fear in their audience for views.

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More_Potential5539@reddit

I watch Jeremiah Babe. He seems consistent - economic collapse incoming, prep up, buy precious metals. Very anti-war lately.

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reedmanisback@reddit

We really need to consider making a community verified list of Prepper YouTubers that aren't fear mongerers.

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iloveschnauzers@reddit

A list?!? You could just name the one or two that do that.

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

The Provident Prepper and who is the other one?

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weenkles@reddit

Wait, so this is one of the good guys, right? cause the other

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

Yes they're experienced, practical, down to earth and don't constantly try to create a sense of urgency in their viewers.

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weenkles@reddit

Thank you!
Still curious, who's the other one?

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

Probably an amalgimation of the rest.

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Inside-Middle-1409@reddit

Canadian Prepper

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

The second-worst only to Full Spectrum Survivial.

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easymachtdas@reddit

*takes notes*

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Ok-Web-2657@reddit

That would be so helpful!

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throwawayt44c@reddit

Friday's are making me nervous.

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LowBarometer@reddit

I had an odd experience this past week. I received almost daily reminders to pay my bill from Amazon. Usually I get one reminder. The bill wasn't due yet.

I also had an inbound FEDEX package. I received at least ten notifications, for pickup, that they had the package, that they were going to pick it up again.... it was CRAZY.

Perhaps both companies were victim of some sort of unreported hack?

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smittenpigeons@reddit

I’ve had similar issues with Discover sending dozens of notifications by email. That was a couple weeks back

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More_Potential5539@reddit

My investment firm included a letter in my monthly statement reminding people to pay their management fees or risk having their accounts liquidated to cover. This is new. Makes me think people have lost lots of money. In my case I'm basically flat YTD - which is fine with me, but this is concerning.

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swazal@reddit

Enjoy your cake!

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vintage_neurotic@reddit

Now that you say that, my Google finance (Synchrony Bank) reminder notifications have been coming in off the hook. I used to get one reminder before my automatic payment processes. This month I have gotten at least 3. Nothing has changed in the amount, account, etc.

It's hard not to infer that there is doubt and uncertainty in there and they are doubling down on trying to secure outstanding payments.

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NoTerm3078@reddit

It sounds like you need to go into your notification settings and update them.

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justtinyquestions@reddit

Well, we came pretty close to nuclear detonation this week y’all. Did you guys do anything differently on Tuesday? We bought wine and take out sushi…just in case the worst happens, it’s nice to have wine and sushi.

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dittybopper_05H@reddit

Really? Despite staying up on the news, I was completely unaware. Was there a lost arrow event I didn’t hear about?

Oh, you mean Trump’s statement about wiping out a civilization? I admit, that was a nasty and uncalled for statement. But it didn’t worry me too much, because I understand how Trump works. He says outrageous shit as a negotiating tactic in order to get what he wants. It’s a pattern he’s repeated over and over and over.

Yet people fall for it every fucking time.

The key to dealing with Trump is to look at the statement he makes, assume it’s a very high or low-ball position, and that is just so that when negotiations hit his real goals you feel like you got a deal (or avoided nuclear Armageddon, or kept NATO intact, or whatever).

It’s no different than threatening to walk out when negotiating the price of a new car at the dealership.

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justtinyquestions@reddit

You’re assuming Trump is some sort of rational actor, which feels like too big of an assumption to me. He literally just kidnapped Venzeula’s leader and killed Iran’s. He’s a loose cannon with an ego.

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dittybopper_05H@reddit

Your assumption is that he’s not a rational actor because you hate him. So you’re willing to believe the most outrageous things anyone will say, including Trump himself.

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SuitableSport8762@reddit

We’re willing to believe he will commit atrocities because he just blew up an elementary school among other things. Judging leaders based on their words and actions used to be pretty normal. We should bring it back.

Ignoring actual words and actions and making up explanations that trump is playing some kind of 4D chess requires epic levels of cognitive dissonance. If he is playing 4D chess, then man is he doing it badly.

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justtinyquestions@reddit

You know nothing about me except that I like sushi and wine.

You seem to assume that my opinions are formed based on what people say, but we have 10 years of Trump’s actions as a leader to draw from.

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dittybopper_05H@reddit

I don’t even know that: you could be lying.

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2quickdraw@reddit

He's a loose nuke because of all his pathologies and his dementia.

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Babzibaum@reddit

I could have assumed the same except he had already bombed a children's school. He's blood thirsty. I felt like he would have done it with a smile.

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8Deer-JaguarClaw@reddit

I don't think anyone knows what Trump might do if he was more seriously taunted on the world stage. But I could see him committing serious atrocities just to "save face" and not look like a "loser".

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LengthinessOk5667@reddit

We enjoyed some sushi too. Just in case.

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IncomingAxofKindness@reddit

Hooooo boy I got some bad news for you guys.

https://www.reddit.com/r/HotScienceNews/s/5vzS5lLVSi

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LengthinessOk5667@reddit

Well that's terrifying, more soft shell crab rolls it is

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nw342@reddit

I have a cuban cigar saved from a trip to ecuador, along with a bottle of Havana club rum....from that same trip.

I live near a NPP, multiple major cities, major ports, a major military base, and I'm sure plenty of tertiary targets. If nukes start flying, I'm pouring a glass, lighting up, and waiting to be vaporized.

Already drank a bottle of that rum, and smoked the same cigar down in ecuador, just so I know how good it'll be.

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dittybopper_05H@reddit

Unless you are at or near ground zero, meaning with a mile or so, you won’t be vaporized. In fact, you’ll probably survive the initial effects if you’re more than 3 or 4 miles away.

Make sure you practice “duck and cover”. And stay away from windows.

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GaK_Icculus@reddit

Where to go in Ecuador to get the good stuff?

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nw342@reddit

Went to the LCDH (in the hotel quito), and every store that sells liquor has cuban on the shelf (at least last last year, cuba isnt doing too well right now)

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Dumbkitty2@reddit

Bought cookies in case it was the end.

Bought kitty treats in case it wasn’t. Tribute always needs paid to the feline mafia when the sun rises if you want to live to see the sun set.

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iwantmy-2dollars@reddit

Took the kids to the park after school and let them play as long as they wanted despite having stuff to do at home. Then realized I should be doing that anyway. Do it today because tomorrow you might not be able to.

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funke75@reddit

We did the same, tried to appreciate the little things.

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Upstairs-Chicken592@reddit

I just didn’t feel the vibe it would happen, but I’ve been definitely making myself some really nice food and trying to enjoy the little things best I can

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keinezeit44@reddit

On Tuesday I spent a few minutes wondering what I'd want to do it I knew it was my last day or at least last day in a functioning, pre-apocalypse society. I ended up just getting back to work and also working on the taxes. Because capitalism.

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splat-y-chila@reddit

got my knee taken care of Monday, so I could actually make it down to the cellar Tuesday if need be.

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bcehuni@reddit

What are the most useful things you can print with a 3D printer for prepping?

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Have-A-Big-Question@reddit

Most useful thing you could do is stay stocked up on good filament. Then, download as archive as many possibly files as you can. If you’re experienced with 3d modeling make sure you have a CAD software that will run offline. That’s kinda what quickly comes to my mind.

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LGP214@reddit

Filament has really seemed to go up in price or down in quality

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8Deer-JaguarClaw@reddit

Not sure if it's the most useful, but I recently printed a "paracord winder" and it's been great. Here's the model: https://www.printables.com/model/914469-paracord-winder

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AntiSonOfBitchamajig@reddit (OP)

Tick removal tool is a good one.

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mystery_biscotti@reddit

Oh, I feel dumb. I think I know why some stores are putting so much stuff out: tax refunds are rolling in. Duh.

Well then. I guess getting ours early and purchasing beans, rice, carrots, cabbage, and CGMs for the cat was good. 👍

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splat-y-chila@reddit

Yeah, mine was already spent on potting soil, pots, fencing, seeds, and manure.

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SuccessWise9593@reddit

I used my return for this and for ollas for the watering our garden due to restrictions that have been place in our city.

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VariousFalcon7466@reddit

People have been abandoning chickens like crazy. Feral chickens aren’t uncommon here but these are clearly someone’s former livestock/pet. I guess they’re getting expensive to feed and care for 🤷🏻‍♀️

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AntiSonOfBitchamajig@reddit (OP)

Eggs down to $0.21 a dozen.

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VariousFalcon7466@reddit

The poor chickens look so scared ☹️

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2quickdraw@reddit

I don't need them but I'd be looking for fencing and a coop and bringing those girls home.

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VariousFalcon7466@reddit

Unfortunately I don’t have the time or space

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2quickdraw@reddit

My bad. I actually meant that I would if that was my situation.

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Awasaday@reddit

There is a nature preserve/wild bird sanctuary on our road and people occasionally dump birds there. Mostly roosters that people probably can’t keep. We try to catch them and find them homes. Some asshole dumped one in January and it suffered pretty terrible frostbite. I needed a roo and kept one…best roo I’ve ever had.

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nw342@reddit

I accidentally obtained a rooster in my last batch of chicks, and we had to give him up when he got too aggressive. We had such a hard time finding a home for him....but we did. I get that most people dont want roosters, but thats just pathetic

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2quickdraw@reddit

All the male animals are for eating except one or two for breeding purposes.

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VariousFalcon7466@reddit

They’re mostly hens.

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Awasaday@reddit

Poor girls. People are the worst.

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2quickdraw@reddit

Part of having livestock for self-sufficiency is having multiple ways to feed them if supply chains fail.

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Troubled_Red@reddit

Probably people who got chickens when egg prices were super high. Now that egg prices have gone down a bit and seem pretty stable, they no longer want to do the work of maintaining chickens.

This is why panic prepping is bad. People panicked about not having eggs but bought chickens before they knew what exactly they were getting into. These are animals, not convenient egg laying machines. Now the poor chickens are collateral damage because their owners didn’t even care enough to properly rehome them.

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voiderest@reddit

I mean there are ways to get rid of chicken without abandoning them. It could even save you a few bucks at the grocery store later.

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TheDizDude@reddit

I don't get this. I have a dozen chickens and It's barely any work?
5g Water rain fed, 5g Feeder, they free range so feed only needs filling like once a week?
Deep bedding with maybe once every 3 or 4 months full clean out?

Feed isnt that much either, 2 or 3 bags every few months (40 bucks?)

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voiderest@reddit

People have trouble keeping house plants or goldfish alive and we know people abandon dogs beside the road. Its not that surprising to me that someone would abandon chickens too.

I think a lot of people just don't really care and can get some animal without understanding anything about what might be involved in taking care of it. Then if they were too lazy to learn before getting the animal they aren't doing anything after getting it either.

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TheDizDude@reddit

everything is terrible and somehow getting worse.

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Unusual_Specialist@reddit

I picked up a suppressor last week and found the range packed with a heavy, "stay safe" energy. Usually, I'm the only minority there, but this time the room was full of people of color. Seeing our community preparing together given the current political climate was both striking and reassuring.

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MOF1fan@reddit

Week late news but just popped up in my news feed. Ammunition factory in MO on strike since April 4. They produce mostly military small arms from what the article says. But imagine it will affect civilian ammunition prices.

Over 1,300 Winchester workers strike at Olin factory in Missouri | Manufacturing Dive https://share.google/P3B7eQWzOMvUUIeA3

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