This week’s DestinySurvival Amazon Pick of the Week is Tom Brown's Guide to City and Suburban Survival (Field Guide), by Tom Brown. Though written in the 1980’s, it’s relevant enough to be recommended in Aboman’s Guide and earn a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.com.

            When I looked up this guide on Amazon.com, I found several other field guides by Tom Brown available there. As it happens, the first sentence of this one is reprinted, and it says that Brown started writing this book after the Mid Atlantic and Northeastern states had experienced a huge snow storm. Sound familiar?

If you live in that part of the U.S., were you one of the last minute shoppers stocking up on groceries this past Friday? How well were you prepared? What would you do differently next time?

            One Amazon reviewer contrasts this book with Cody London’s When All Hell Breaks Loose. Brown’s focus is on survival in the here and now and avoiding emergencies, not quite so much in the aftermath of a major disaster.

What resources are available to you in the city that you may have overlooked or are unaware of? Brown’s book helps you find what’s there for you. This guide will help you get prepared if you live in the city or suburb. It has chapters on shelter, water, heat and light, food, crime, weather, and disasters. Appendices are on edible plants and animals and survival supplies.

            Get your copy of Tom Brown's Guide to City and Suburban Survival by clicking on the image of the book below. That takes you to the Amazon.com page featuring the book. Place your order there. Get ready for the next emergency, whether it’s another big weather event, rising crime in your neighborhood, or another crisis that puts your  urban survival skills to the test.

Get more info on personal security and survival in the city.

            “So what’s this thing about silver eagles I’m seeing on your blog site now?” Duane plunged his fork into his plate of Café 23’s scrambled eggs.

            “It’s GovMint.com,” I said putting down my glass of water. “I just found out about them a few days ago. When I saw they sold silver, it occurred to me that some of my readers might be interested in buying some.”

            “Did you run it by Survival Sam?” He turned his head to look out the window facing the parking lot. “By the way, where’d you say he was? It’s been a coon’s age since we’ve had one of our Saturday morning breakfasts, and the star of the show’s late.”

            I took a bite from my cinnamon roll and turned to gaze out the window, too. I didn’t see any sign of Survival Sam’s car, but noticed it was flurrying again. “Sam said his left rear tire was flat when he went out to start the car this morning. He said not to wait on him while he took care of it.”

            “Oh, yeah,” Duane said. “So what did he say about this GovMint thing? You’re not going huxter on us are you?”

            “No, but I had questions about it because it seems to me that a lot of voices out there telling people to get prepared for survival are gold sellers, or are pushing expensive financial investment newsletters. I don’t want to be lumped in with that crowd.”

             “Yeah, I can understand that.” Duane munched his jellied toast. “ Some of those guys are good at what they do, but it’s hard to sort it all out.”

            “Right,” I said. “I don’t want to get into deep economic and political analysis. I figure people who are paying attention at all will see what’s going on in the world and come to DestinySurvival for what they need when they’re ready to take action and get prepared.”

Duane took another bite of eggs. “If I  remember right, you said when you started out that you didn’t want people to read your blog and think you were telling people to buy gold and guns and head for the hills. You wanted to avoid the negative stereotypes people have about survivalists, right? Has something changed?”

            “Fair question. People ought to have money in a crisis, and silver’s negotiable. You can use it when paper money’s not worth much. Down through history we’ve valued metal coins.”

            “So Sam gave you the go ahead?”

            “Yeah. I mean, it’s not like I need his approval for whatever I put on the site. I just wanted a second opinion.”

            “So what else did he say?” asked Duane.

            “Having silver currency is a good idea. It’s as important to have it as it is to have storage food or guns and plenty of ammo for self defense. It’s about being ready for the really hard times, like when everything collapses.”

            “This MintGov.com outfit sells gold, too, don’t they? Aren’t you selling a report about whether or not to buy gold?”

            “Right. It’s called ‘The Gold Question.’ Sam said if people want to buy gold or any of the collectible coins they offer at MintGov.com, that’s their business. If they want to buy coins salvaged from shipwrecks, they can do that, too. MintGov.com has a variety of collectible coins. People can buy whatever they want. All I’m giving them the opportunity to do is buy silver eagles, Morgan silver dollars, Peace silver dollars, or any of the other silver coins available.”

Duane emptied his orange juice and plunked down the glass. “I hear you. It’s like when your wife goes into the grocery store. She may have a shopping list, but the store doesn’t give a rip what’s on it. They put out the goods and have their weekly specials so she can buy whatever she thinks she needs.”

            “That’s it. I want to give my readers that kind of opportunity, and GovMint.com says they’re the one best source for coins worldwide with unique coins, old and new. They’ve been around 20 years and  cater to experienced collectors and first time purchasers. If you’re not happy, they’ve got a 30 day money back guarantee.”

            “Now you sound like a salesman.”

            “Why not? I want people to buy from GoveMint.com and know they can have confidence in doing business with them. If it’s part of their survival and preparedness strategy, all they have to do is click on the MintGov.com logo, check out their site, and buy some silver.”

            “That’s cool.” Duane turned to stare out the main window again. “All right. Let the party begin. That looks like Sam pulling in right now.”

            Earlier this week I saw a TV news item describing services to be cut in Colorado Springs, CO. I missed the intro to the story, so I didn’t realize where they were talking about until the reporter mentioned where he was reporting from. That made me curious because it’s hard to believe the second largest city in Colorado could be doing what they’re doing..

            I was glad to come across a story in “The Denver Post” entitled, “loss of city services: Colorado Springs cuts into services considered basic by many.” Because of severe budget constraints, the city is shutting off a third of their streetlights, selling police helicopters, curbing upkeep of parks and laying off several firemen, to name the most sensational cuts.

Buses won’t be running nights and weekends, and they’re relying on regional authorities to pave streets. Some residents see all of this as attacks on the needs of the working class. A property tax increase was voted down in November.

            Because some community pools and centers are closing, many wonder about day care costs, idle teens, and shut in elderly. Tourism will be negatively affected, too, and we all know what a cash cow that has become for so many places.

            There’s a growing distrust of government officials and how they spend their money at the local level. But Colorado Springs isn’t alone. Denver and Aurora have made cuts, too. This may be happening elsewhere across the country, but hasn’t gotten the attention of the broader media.

            Granted, there’s been plenty of press about how bad off Detroit is. However, Colorado Springs is in a rapidly growing area. I would have thought more people meant more tax payer revenue. Or is this a case of the illegal immigration problem taking its toll?

            I’m reminded of the words of the poet who said the world will end with a whimper, not a bang. Is Colorado Springs the proverbial canary in the coal mine? Are we seeing how our country dies—slowly and painfully? What if we have no apocalyptic catastrophe?

            What about what we’ll face in our everyday lives? If you’re in a neighborhood where street lighting goes out, and there are fewer police, are you braced for higher crime rates? Are you prepared with what you need for self preservation and self defense? Are you prepared to move elsewhere? What changes will you make in your own life to survive when basic services are cut where you live?

            I have to ask the question because, assuming you subscribe to “Natural Health” magazine, it’s up to you to act on the information you get. Of course, I can’t make any guarantees. I mention “Natural Health” magazine because it’s the Deal of the Day today, February 4^th, at Best Deal Magazines.

Subscribe today to “Natural Health” for one year and get eight issues for only $5.39. That’s reduced from the regular $5.95 rate, which is already 80% off the publisher’s asking price.

            Here’s what Best Deal Magazines says about “Natural Health.”

“Natural Health” is your guide to a healthy lifestyle! Each issue brings you information on naturally-oriented food and nutrition, alternative health practices, exercise and self care. “Natural Health” focuses on the mind/body connection, illustrated exercise, preventative medicine, healthy cuisines and much more. If you are interested in natural foods, crafts, outdoor sports, organic gardening and holistic health “Natural Health” is just for you! Natural Health will help you create a healthy lifestyle in your home and your office.

            I’m a firm believer in good health now for improving your chances for survival in times of crisis. To subscribe to “Natural Health,” click on the Best Deal Magazines logo below. You’ll see it featured as the Deal of the Day. Click on the magazine’s image, and you’ll be taken to the page where you can subscribe.

If you’re viewing this post after February 4, type the name of the magazine in the Best Deal Magazines search box to find it. Your subscription rate will be $5.95, the Best Deal Magazines regular low price.

Subscribe to “Natural Health” today for just $5.39! Consider this magazine as an inexpensive resource for the good of your health. Then take the steps you need toward preparedness and survival.

            The Ready Store’s blog has a post on the top ten food storage myths, and I encourage you to take a look at it. Meanwhile, I’ll share the main points here because they’re certainly worth considering.

Myth #10: The Government Will Give Me Food in an Emergency.

            Even the government tells you to have at least a three day supply of food on hand. It may take that long or longer before they get to you, if they come with food at all. It’s best to be self reliant.

Myth #9: I’ll Never Be in a Disaster Where I Need Food Storage.

            Oh? What if it’s not a natural disaster that puts you in a bind? If you’re injured or have lost your job, use stored food and pay bills with what you would have spent on food.

Myth #8: Food Storage Tastes Disgusting.

            Have you tried it lately? It’s much better these days with so many more delicious choices.

Myth #7: Food Storage is a Pain to Rotate.

            Not to worry. The way long term storage food is packaged these days, it can last 30 years.

Myth #6: To Live Off Food Storage I Have to Do Things Like Grind Wheat and Bake My Own Bread.

            Make all the bread you want, or don’t make any at all. Freeze dried food preparation only requires hot water and waiting a few minutes.

Myth #5: Only Fanatics and Doomsdayers Get Food Storage.

            You might be surprised how many “normal” people are being prudent and getting storage food. Didn’t your grandparents or great grandparents have a root cellar full of preserved food?

Myth #4: I Don’t Have Room For Food Storage.

            Everybody has nooks and crannies they could use for at least a couple weeks worth of food. How about under your bed? Get creative.

Myth #3: You’re Better Off Saving Money than Stockpiling Food Storage.

            What if you can’t get to your money in an emergency because banks are closed, power’s out, etc.? If you’d use money in an emergency to buy food, why not spend it for storage food now so you won’t have to buy food in a time of crisis?

Myth #2: I Can Just Use the Food in My Fridge or Cupboards For Food Storage.

            If power’s out for long, there goes whatever’s in your fridge or freezer. Willl you be able to cook what’s in your cupboard without electricity?

Myth #1: Food Storage is Way Too Expensive and I Can’t Afford It.

            Considering how long storage food keeps, your overall cost for a year’s supply may reduce to about $100 a year. Besides, when you prioritize things, do you need a bigger TV set now, or would you be better off with food you can eat in an emergency?

            Check out The Ready Store’s storage food offerings, such as their Ultimate Year’s Supply, then become a storage food myth buster.

            I know of three financial counselors who say to have an emergency fund—Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman, and Mary Hunt. There are probably others saying it, too.

            So what’s this about an emergency fund? It’s a cushion you can fall back on when something serious comes up that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for. Maybe the car breaks down, your refrigerator died, or you lost your job. We’re talking about financial emergencies, not a slush fund for things you simply want.

            If you’re like most people, you’re likely to put emergencies on a credit card or borrow it from a high interest financial services place. Believe me, I know what it is to be in that position, and all you do is sink deeper into debt.

            Many financial gurus say to pay down those high interest loans and cards as fast as you can. After all, why get 1-2% on a savings account when you can whack down that card that’s charging 12%, 19% or even 30%? That’s a good idea in theory, but when you’re making payments and the financial emergency hits, what do you do when you have no savings set aside? It’s the debt trap all over again.

            That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency fund. It’s not for investments, so you don’t want it tied up in a CD or something else you can’t get at. This needs to be liquid, such as a basic savings account, cash, or a combination. You need it when you need it, and you must resist the temptation to “need” it for anything but emergencies.

            How much should you have in your emergency fund? I’ve heard varying amounts. A minimum would be $500. A thousand dollars is better. Some say to have three, six, or even eight months worth of income at your disposal.

            If that last one sounds like too big of a bite, at least start somewhere. Set aside a little money each week or month as you can. Even if you have $150 this month in savings and have to use it for a $300 expense, it’s $150 you didn’t have not that long ago. What would you have done without it being there?

            Replenish your emergency fund before it’s totally depleted. Keep it going or you’ll wind up in the debt trap you’ve been trying to avoid.

            Yes, the credit card interest rates will continue on as usual, and you have to keep paying down your bill. However, if something comes up and you have no emergency fund, you may miss at least one credit card payment, and that can only lead to more trouble.

It’s a balancing act, but do what you can to pay down bills while setting aside funds for an emergency. As with any survival strategy, start small if you can’t do anything else, but do something. You won’t regret it.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. – Proverbs 22:7, from the Holy Bible, King James Version

Click here for more money saving strategies from Living on a Dime.

            This week’s DestinySurvival Amazon Pick of the Week is a companion to last week’s pick, which was Prescription for Nutritional Healing. It’s Prescription for Herbal Healing, by Phyllis A. Balch.

            The full title of this paperback reference book is Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. Aren’t you glad you asked?

Reviewers rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars and say it's an easy to use book that doesn't hype anybody's product line.  That's a relief, isn't it? When you want information it helps to get unbiased information you can trust.

            We all likely know someone who’s quite knowledgeable about herbs and herbal remedies. Maybe it was your grandmother or a friend from work or church. Maybe you’re an expert yourself. Either way, you know there’s a growing interest in alternative and natural medicines. How do you sort out the truth from “old wives tales?” Prescription for Herbal Healing can help.

            Here’s the product description from Amazon.com.

“The popularity of herbal medicine has exploded during the past decade, with herbal remedies becoming increasingly available in such conventional outlets as drugstores and even supermarkets. Prescription for Herbal Healing brings to herbal medicine the same in-depth, easy-to-understand information and accessible style that Prescription for Nutritional Healing successfully brought to diet and nutritional supplements.

This book is divided into three parts for easy reference. Part I discusses the basic principles of herbal medicine and outlines the properties and characteristics of some one hundred sixty single herbs and sixty herbal combination formulas. Part II describes more than one hundred fifty common disorders, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order from acne to yeast infection, and names the herbal therapies that can be used in the treatment of those conditions. Part III is a guide to using various kinds of herbal and other alternative therapies. In addition, it includes self-diagnostic tests and boxed insets throughout, which offer detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Complete coverage of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs make this volume entirely comprehensive, and thorough scientific references lend it an authority not found in any other herbal book. Prescription for Herbal Healing  is the definitive herbal resource and is a necessity for any health-conscious consumer.”

            Click on the image of this book below, and you’ll be taken to the Amazon.com page where it’s featured. Place your order there for your copy of Prescription for Herbal Healing. Add it to your survival library today.

Click here for info on "Herbs 101." 

Kalyx.com: Herbs, Foods, Supplements, Bath & Body