Survival Blow Gun

A simple survival blow gun can be made from an aluminum hollow type hunting arrow. The arrow size used in the video was a 2117. Both ends were cut off using a tube cutter (not shown).

Different type of reed plants can be hollowed out and used to make a blow gun. Darts can be carved from hard wood or the thorns of some plants can be used to make darts.

Materials:

Hollow aluminum arrow (both ends cut and smoothed)
One foot length of round spring steel stock (the small stuff used by locksmiths)
Electrical tape or similar
Wire cutters
Knife
Plastic type foam
Plastic beads (fake jewelry type that will fit almost the complete inner diameter of the arrow)
A heat source (lighter, stove, etc)
Pliers (multi-tool works great for replacing the wire cutter and knife all in one)

Directions:

The hollow tube should be a straight as possible. Any kinks in the shaft will affect the performance. Using cutting pliers or multi-tool, cut the spring steel rod into 3 equal lengths. These will be used to make the darts. Separate the beads from the string. Heat the end of one rod until it is red. Insert the end of the rod into the plastic bead where the string comes through until it is about half way through. Make sure the bead is not off center. Continue to do this step until you have made the number of darts that you want.

Take a 3 x 3 x 1 piece of plastic foam and shape it into a circle. This will be used to hold the darts (see photo). Find the center of the foam circle and insert the hollow shaft into the center of it. Use a small knife blade to cut a small slit in the center. This will allow the arrow to be inserted easier.

Take a smaller piece of the foam and cut it into the shape of a cone about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut a small slit in the center and position it on the end of the hollow arrow. This will be used as a mouth piece. Wrap electrical tape around the foam and arrow to hold it in place (see photo).

Make a target out of a cardboard box and practice.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie

ACEE (Always Carried Emergency Equipment)

A.C.E.E.



ACEE stands for Always Carried Emergency Equipment. ACEE is a concept that I have developed to educate others on the need to always be prepared for emergency situations, whether urban survival scenarios or wilderness survival scenarios.

Many laugh at those of us who feel it is necessary to always be prepared for the worse case scenarios and yet those doing the laughing are usually those who are found to be hurt, killed, lost or unprepared in a survival situation.

So I say let them laugh, but when the time comes those still alive can thank themselves for being prepared. I think there is an old saying that goes something like, "Chance favors a prepared mind.", or something similar to that.

The ACEE system is very basic and simple. ACEE is what you should carry on your person (not in a bag that can be left behind somewhere) at all times when you are away from home or your vehicle. ACEE is also what you should carry in a vehicle, boat, or aircraft that stays in what ever mode of transportation you have.

ACEE is similar to EDC (Every Day Carry), but I thought the term too vague, because to me my wallet, cell phone, car keys, money are everyday carry items, but may not relate to survival equipment. In other words, ACEE should complement or extend your EDC.

Once you get used to carrying the items that I mention in the ACEE system, it will become second nature to the point you may feel naked without them. ACEE system items are small and the way they are carried do not take up much room on your person or vehicle.

If you noticed I have not mentioned the home as being part of the ACEE system. This is because home is your primary base. All your survival emergency equipment are normally stored at home and normally if you are at home, you already have access to your equipment. Your bug out bag becomes your survival means, along with your ACEE, when you have to move out for some unknown reasons, such as a tornado, hurricane, riots, etc.

The ACEE items I have chosen to be carried on your person are small, but yet very versatile in getting the job done. Kind of a micro system of survival gadgets so to speak. If you like to carry larger items and are comfortable with it, go for it. These items are what I deem the basics. You can add to it to your liking or substitute items.

The ACEE system can be adapted to what ever your daily wear may consist of. If you have a job that requires you to wear a three piece suit or a dress, this system will still work. Although, those wearing dresses will have to carry their ACEE in a purse.

The items in the ACEE system are designed to cover the needs for fire starting, signaling, navigation, cutting, light, cordage, first aid, and physical protection. Items can be carried on person that will cover each of these needs. I did not mention shelter, food or water because with the ACEE system and some basic knowledge, you can obtain or build these resources.

Common sense dictates that you always be dressed for the season you are in or the region you are traveling to and from. For example, don't leave home in the winter without a warm jacket and a small portable poncho that can fit in the jacket pocket. Or even better, a winter jacket that is water proof with a hood. Get the idea?

Suggested ACEE Items (For Person):

bandanna (large type)
para cord (bracelet, belt, boot string)
mini survival tin kit (or similar)
fake wallet (optional)- in then event you are being robbed.
rubber band on real wallet

multi-tool (optional if you a multi-purpose pocket knife)

pocket knife (optional if you are happy with the blade on the multi-tool

bic lighter

ferral rod fire striker (small size)

credit card size fresnel lens

mini first aid kit (containing also your prescription medications)

small compass

small caliber pistol (optional- should be well trained to use)

small pepper spray (optional)

1 gallon clear Ziploc baggie

water purification tablets or purification straw

mini flashlight or similar

cell phone

(optional)$50 cash (1 dollar in quarters for payphone)

back up/spare vehicle and house key

This list looks long, but when you actually have them stored on your person they do not take up a lot of space. The more survival techniques that you can learn and master, the less equipment you don't have to carry.

  
For instance, if you can start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, then you are better off in the event you forgot your fire starting aids. By knowing how to start a fire, you can make a torch in the event you don't have a flashlight. If you know how to knapp stone and make stone cutting tools, then you can get by without your knife. Are you seeing the overall picture here?

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie

The Edible Mequite Bean (Revisited)



Value Chart

Researchers report that mesquite is highly effective in balancing blood sugar. The natural sweetness in the pods comes from fructose.

Fructose does not require insulin to be metabolized making it safe for diabetics. The high rate of dietary fiber, pads are 25% fiber, causes the nutrients in mesquite to be absorbed slowly preventing the spikes and valleys in blood sugar.

With a glycemic index of 25, mesquite requires a longer time to digest then many grains. The digestive time for mesquite is to 4 to 6 hours unlike wheat that digests in 1 to 2 hours.

These factors result in a food that maintains a constant blood sugar for a sustained time and as a result prevents hunger. Here is a food that supports the diabetic’s diet and helps maintain a healthy insulin system in those not affected with blood sugar problem.

Mesquite flour not only stabilizes blood sugar but it tastes great with a sweet, slightly nutty with a hint of molasses flavor. Further this food delivers a big hit of nutritional value.

It is high in dietary fiber and protein including lysine. The ground pods are between 11% and 17% protein. Mesquite is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. Mesquite is low carbohydrate, low glycemic and low in fat.

The bean pods should be harvested early before they begin to dry and harden. They can be eaten raw or boiled like green beans. When eaten raw they have a bitter sweet green apple taste, which I enjoy.

Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!

Charlie