Hunger Games Prevew Trailer

This preview of the highly anticipated Hunger Games film adaptation was shown during the MTV Video Music Awards.

As a fan of the series - I devoured the trilogy, could not put it down once I started it - I was looking forward to seeing this and was a bit disappointed that they didn't show more. I think it was too brief, too vague (maybe not necessarily for those who've read the books but for those who've never read it, well, they'll probably be scratching their heads a bit). Although the more I watch it, the more I like it.

It shows Katniss running in the arena, a few things exploding around her, trees falling then we get a bit of archery action (More please!) - At the end of it is (what I'm guessing) Rue's 4 note song which had a very eerie melody.

Here's the video clip.

"Listen to me. You're stronger than they are. You are. They just want a good show, that's all they want. You know how to hunt. Show them how good you are." - Gale

The film is slated to come out on March 23, 2012.

Living off the land: an infographic

Interesting information included within this visual representation of how much of a backyard you would need to live off the land.

Go to  1BOG 
for a larger image.

Preparing for Hurricane Irene

Surely by now you've heard of Hurricane Irene barreling down towards the east coast. In an ideal situation, you would already be prepared for it, but judging by what I see in my own neighborhood, I can tell that most didn't seem to worry about it all that much. Maybe it's because New Yorkers aren't really used to being hit by a major hurricane (out of sight, out of mind mentality). Maybe people are waiting until Friday or Saturday to stock up on some essential supplies.

Some of the things I've heard the last few days:
"It'll never happen here."
"It's just like the last hurricane, we were fine then."
"How bad can it be?"
"I'm too busy to get everything prepared ahead of time."
"I don't have enough money to stock up that much supplies."

Sound familiar?

I admit, I don't have everything completely prepared. But since I started this site, I've been doing a lot better in managing and anticipating emergency situations. We still had to go out and pick up a few things yesterday. I still have to stash some supplies in the truck...that sort of thing.

If you're in the path of this hurricane, here's a helpful list straight from the NOAA site

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
    — non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
    — foods for infants or the elderly
    — snack foods
    — non-electric can opener
    — cooking tools / fuel
    — paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
    — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
    — proper identification / immunization records / medications
    — ample supply of food and water
    — a carrier or cage
    — muzzle and leash

It's a good starter list and most of it you probably already have at home.

For my peeps in NYC, here's some links:
NYC Hurricane Evacuation Finder - just put in your address and it tells you if you are or not
Emergency kit and GoBag

This map is kind of hard to read, this is the largest file I've seen and I'm not sure if it enlarges it when you click but  the highlighted parts are evacuation zones if it comes down to it. So check with your local authorities if you have any questions.

Stay safe.

Free Kindle Book: Living off the grid

Just a quickie post -

This Kindle ebook is currently FREE. Those of you who are into prepping, survivalism might want to check it out.

I'm not entirely sure how long it will be free so snag your copy now.

I just downloaded this myself and haven't had the chance to read it yet, will put up a review when I'm done.

Living off the Grid by David Black 

Creator spotlight - The 'Skirts (Post-apocalyptic film)

There's a lot of creative folks out there involved in cool projects within the apocalypse / post-apocalyptic / dystopian genres. Here's a spotlight on one of them:

The project is a short film entitle The 'Skirts.

From their Facebook page:

The 'Skirts is the story of two young women in a post-apocalyptic world, and their struggle to survive against the only surviving city, now a fascist regime.

Plot:

In a post apocalyptic near-future, there exists a single society; Strata -- a totalitarian dystopia ruled by a charismatic and manipulative figure-head, wherein its denizens must adhere to strict conformity or be subject to execution or banishment. Beyond its borders is the outskirts -- the wasteland that is the rest of the world. Starving and poor, for those on the outside it's every man for him...self, as Strata's elite mercenaries (known as shepards) are sent not only to keep the 'skirts out, but to prevent and destroy any forming civilizations or organized society.

Knell, a deprogrammed shepard defector, now living among the 'skirts, is being hunted by her former fellow enforcers. When she and her companion, Scrap, a mentally unhinged vagabond-warrior who raised herself alone on the outside, must fight back -- they become Strata's prime targets.

They've got a Kickstarter page to help fund their film:





Kickstarter for The 'Skirts
Facebook page
Twitter @TheSkirts
It is written and directed by Jack Lawrence from Charming New Society

The in-between

Dear readers,

Still here folks, just busy with school stuff which has become my priority (all the work's paid off, I'm at the top rank of my class)

Despite the lack of posts here the last 3 months, unique traffic is steady and growing.  I'm taking advantage of a brief semester break to play catch up on a few things. 

There should be some fresh content coming your way soon. Thanks again for the support!

- RVS