I thought that I would do something a little different; today. Most of my posts are more “how to” oriented than personal in nature. To shake things up a bit here are 17 random factoids about yours truly that you probably wouldn’t know by just reading this site.
1. I am a loner. Always have been – even as a child I preferred to be by myself. I always thought the other kids were stupid. Even today I can spend weeks alone and never get bored. You could say I’m my own best friend.
2. My girlfriend and I first met when we both worked for the same company. We’ve known one each other for years – I think we have the perfect relationship. She has her house and I have mine. Nothing complicated.
3. I listen to the Rush Limbaugh radio show nearly everyday. Don’t always agree, but I do find him entertaining. I admit being easily amused.
4. I’ve held several jobs over the years, from Wal-Mart maintenance to working for a military contractor. My last job; before diving into this blog full time, was at a local hardware store.
5. I have a second degree black belt (Nidan) in Shotokan Karate
. I competed heavily for several years winning numerous trophies and awards. Now days, I try to stay in shape but any competition is in the past.
. I competed heavily for several years winning numerous trophies and awards. Now days, I try to stay in shape but any competition is in the past.6. I’m a big classic rock guy, although I do like some country. My favorite band is AC/DC
– especially the early years. When I was young (I’m now 37) I was into heavy metal, Iron Maiden
, Metallica
– all the headbanging stuff.
– especially the early years. When I was young (I’m now 37) I was into heavy metal, Iron Maiden, Metallica – all the headbanging stuff.7. I used to own a 750 Honda Nighthawk. It was so fast it was scary, I swapped it for a pickup truck. I think that decision saved my life.
8. I love food. Especially southern food
. I would choose fried taters, pinto beans and cornbread over the finest steak.
. I would choose fried taters, pinto beans and cornbread over the finest steak.9. During 2005 I spend just under 6 months living in a van on the Cumberland river in KY. My days were spent fishing, trapping, hunting, reading and sleeping. I have to say it was one of the best times of my life.
10. In the spring of 2000 I started walking. I walked from TN down to FL and back again.
11. My favorite color is olive-drab.
12. I love dogs but hate cats.
13. I’ve been in several car accidents – but never while I was driving. Apparently I make people nervous and they drive into things…
14. Can’t sleep with any noise in the background, even the sound of a clock ticking prevents me from going to sleep. Even the faintest sound will wake me from the deepest sleep.
16. In the late 90′s, I was a member of a militia
group. We trained hard, but like most groups never actually used our training for anything.
group. We trained hard, but like most groups never actually used our training for anything.17. In school I was good at history, science and reading comprehension. I sucked at math.
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{ 24 comments }
MD:
1. Do you like Stryper?
2. When you were living in a van down by the river, did you have a steady diet of government cheese?
Although I don't share a lot in common with you, you still have the best survival blog on the web. Your blog offers enormous help to those who plan for survival. Listening to Limbough I can tolerate, but you don't like CATS! MD, they're sweet little things that don't do what to tell them to do!
"I would choose fried taters, pinto beans and cornbread over the finest steak."
Agree, but you forgot the salt-pork.
Well sir we share,1-6-8-11-12-13-15-17.Interesting,keep up good work.
OK, M.D., I read your blog almost every day, and some of this stuff was news to me. But, for heaven's sake, man, you live alone, in a trailer, in the woods, with a Chihuahua, and you think people don't know you're a loner? Sometimes you are just too funny (all said in a good spirited manner, I assure you!)
Hi, M.D. After hearing about many of the things you have done in your lifetime, you have gained a lot from them not only in the knowledge arena but also when you do have to be alone. I found that the book, "The Two Dragons of Dim Mak" is a very good book to have and, as with any martial art, would only be as an added benefit. It is used for health and defense, lists the meridians and contains lots of other useful information. You can find it and order it at http://www.dimmakworld.com. If you do not use online payment forms you can e-mail them and ask how else you can pay for it. The book is "worth it's weight in gold" as the old addage goes. It's a-okay to hate (greatly dislike) cats. You know, they are very aware of their surroundings, stealthy (you won't hear 'em when they're walking), they have a high intelligence for hunting and learning, they continue to cuddle and stay in groups of two whenever the opportunity is right but they also maintain their independence, they love to sit where you are trying to work/read/play video games (they love to hog your prized locations leaving you no room for your self thus forcing you to be more of a giver than a taker) and that is a big downer for many and it is best to avoid them if you don't want any interference. It is when you are most busy that you will find they become needy, want to be rubbed, want to attack (have fun/get your attention so they will once again feel loved and important). It's okay to be a loner. Loners are those who see and avoid and that could be most beneficial in times of survival. No one would want to be seen and not avoid a potential enemy of the which loners, already being practiced at it and should they have the skills of using tactics of being present without being noticed, it is likely that they would be at a greater advantage provided they have learned survival skills and all. To know the terrains of the entire country could be helpful should one ever need to cross into other territory…better to be familiar and aware of the natural food and water supplies than to walk into things blindly. I am left wondering whether or not you had a battery which supplied power for a small fridge while spending time in the van…what sort of van was it? Fully equipped or self-supplied. It would be interesting to hear more about your experience. I think it could be useful for others to hear of it because ideas ARE what people need. One's experience can help another's. In today's world, knowledge is key whether it be in the working world or in the world outside. Thanks, M.D.
I'm not surprised we have a lot in common. Primarily, Rush and AC/DC.
In an off hand thought, Do you think JWR ever lived the rough life? Has he had to find food to eat in the wild, and sleep on the rocks hungry if unsuccessful?
Someone mentioned the government cheese, I remember when they would pass it out. it was in a box. Perhaps the size of a loaf of breed.
I was surprised you are my age. Somehow I thought you were younger.
Maybe the Militia movement will return. I am hoping for a larger organized movement to restore sovereignty.
You have a great blog! If you like classic rock, give http://www.frozenrockradio.com a listen.
Share #1
#5 sort of, I have a 2nd Degree Blackbelt in TKD, purple belt in BJJ and green belt in Akayama-Ryu JJ.
Also #6 and 17.
-Thales
I AM WITH YOU ON 8,12,AND 15.WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON MILITIA GROUPS?DO YOU THINK THEY WILL BE A BIG INFLUENCE IF THERE IS A COLLAPSE,BEING A LOCAL POLICE FORCE WAS MY FIRST THOUGHT.FROM JAY IN NC
Regarding number 9, what is the possibility of writing another ebook about your adventures living in a van on the Cumberland? Charge a couple of bucks for it and I will buy it.
Buck I don't think anyone knows a lot about James Wesley comma Rawles. Would not surprise me if we find out one day he is a woman living in an apartment in New York. You know like the lady who wrote the Hit Man book.
Anyway since you are interested in Rawles here is a few things you might enjoy.
The Worst Book I've Ever Read
Review of “Patriots”, revised
Book Review: Rawles gets you Ready
I was shocked like everyone else to learn #1
You are too funny.
debbieo
Its nice to hear various scenarios of people that have ex[erienced some of what you have. I believe that if we get into a serious situation there are a number of options that we will succum to. I live in a large agriculture area and have learned to grow things but by no means really know what I am doing. I learn everyday. Thanks for all the simple information that we all can use to help us be more independant. Keep it up I will always come back to this site for it was the first that I visited when I decided to get in survival mode…..
i cant believe you dont like cats M.D. obviously youve never had anyone cook you up a cat "cajun style". mmmm mmmm thems good eatin!!(just kidding cat lovers ,just kidding)i also walked and hitched to florida. i was 16,tired of school and life in general,so i stuck out the golden thumb and hitched and walked from northen connecticut to miami where i became a beach bumb/homeless person till i was 17. then i called my father and asked if he would sign a waiver to let me join the army at 17 ,which he did.then the army taught me to drive a truck and 32 years later im still a vagabond wanderer,in a $140,000 truck.solitude and wandering is good for the soul.
Wow, this is scary. Except for a few things (the Karate, walking to Florida, etc), you described myself, although I have a few years on you!
BTW, I also hate background noise when I sleep. I finally found an alarm clock from Seiko called The Ultimate Alarm Clock. You can find it on Amazon. It has a silent second hand!
Now I know why I like you!
MD
A friend sent me your blog last night. I have been checking it out and have to say it's the most commonsense sight of it's kind. Continue to live adding to your knowlege base. Don't get too sucked into this blog/business thing. 37 is the prime of life.
WB
This list sounds a lot like me as well. You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack. But as I read comments from others who think like me I think, "Wait
a second, could it be?" And now I know for sure, I just added a few more guys to my wolf pack.
Wow, #11 is a surprise :-)
17 things about me that you most likely don’t give a shit about:
1. I am a loner. Always have been – even as a child I preferred to be by myself. I always thought the other kids were stupid. Today I am a married, social animal, but still prefer ‘alone time’.
2. My wife is my best friend; we met many years ago and have developed a complicated, yet very interesting life together. We are world travelers.
3. I have listened to the Rush Limbaugh radio show and find him a hypocritical bag of hot air.
4. I've held several jobs over the years, from sweeping floors to IT. My current job is as a computer scientist for a large company.
5. I have a third degree brown belt (sankyu) in Judo . I competed lightly for several years winning numerous trophies and awards. I still go to Judo a couple of times per month, but any competition is in the past.
6. My favorite band is AC/DC – especially the early years. When I was young (I'm now 43) I was into heavy metal, Iron Maiden , Metallica – all the headbanging stuff.
7. I currently own a 885 Harley Sportster. It is fast and scary. I also own a Land Rover and BMW (both brand new).
8. I love food. But don’t eat pork for religious reasons.
9. I have never been to KY. This year I may tent in Colorado. I have already picked a spot called the Mizpah campground near Empire (google map it).
10. I don’t like to walk or run but love riding my scooter. Your endeavor impresses me.
11. My favorite color is paisley (that’s a joke).
12. I love dogs and cats. Cats are truly one of God’s more amazing creatures if one looks at pure athletic ability. Even at the age of 13 and with no claws, my cat fears nothing.
13. I've been in several car accidents – but not recently. I make people nervous because I am odd.
14. Can't sleep just about anywhere. I try to do enough physical exercise to be very tired at night.
15. Although I’m not a huge Kevin Costner fan because of ‘The Postman’ and some of his other work, one of my favorite movies is ‘Mr Brooks’ .
16. I sometimes think that I should join a militia group, however since I have trouble relating with most people, I’m confident that our ideologies would clash. I am working on finding commonalities versus differences between myself and others (as witnessed by this post).
17. In school I was good at history, science and reading comprehension. I am also good at math and have a BS in Engineering and MS in IT.
PeteColoraod – myanonymouslife@hotmail.com
Great post, and great since of humor, which is diplayed by posting the idiot who made up his own 17 points. Ac/Dc is in my top five bands also. Rush Limbaugh is king of radio, listen to him since 1989. You have to pick and choose what you want out of what he says, but the guy makes a lot of sence. keep up the great blog, and cats arnt so bad they keep the rodents at bay. Just one more thing a great solution for Liberals would be to send them all to China for a 2 month summer camp, they would come back begging to be conservatives. Hell it would turn them into ultra conservatives.
What the 17 Point author was really saying …
You're right, most don't give a shit about self aggrandizing diatribe but I love me. A big XO to me!
1. I understand most psychologists agree that it is normal to play with yourself as a child. However, continuing on into adulthood has escalated into inflatable dolls.
2. Actually, the prenuptial she made me sign is enforceable for the next 10 years… shit!
3. Rush makes more money in a week than I make in a year so, naturally I hate him.
4. Everybody wants to be like me, a sought after propeller head thinking I found the "IT" in life.
5. The most powerful self-defense art in the world is "Ching-Ching". A man or woman can stand 20 feet away and bring any villain of any size on their knees begging for mercy. Simply raise your Glock 9MM cock it (the origin of ching-ching), point and Voila! You don't even need to be in shape!
6. AC/DC? Refer to point 1.
7. Well whoopdee, diddlee, dee. I took 2K of my disposable monthly income and wasted it on depreciating assets so the neighbors can see how cool I am. Hmmmm, I wonder if anarchy really came to pass, if people will attack me thinking I really have money? Maybe a dumb move …
8. My doctor said to get my cholesterol below 300 so I cut out the bacon.
9. After we roughed it for a week in the rented RV (we rolled out the awning to have the tent experience) we went the the local watering hole called the Bar Mizpah.
10. In fact, when I get my shoes shined, I have to take the guys word for it.
11. Truth be known it's Chartreuse (must extend the hiss sound on the final S)
12. What can an indoor cat actually be fearless against? Fortunately, he has not seen the mirror & noticed I dyed his fur Chartreuse (hissss)
13. All rear enders, does that make me odd? See point 1
14. I know I contradicted myself with point 10 but I have a BMW so there!
15. Really my favorite survival movie of all time is Brokeback Mountain (or known in the closet circles as Bareback Mounting). They were real rough-tough boys!
16. I am a pacifist damn it & will defend it with a gun to the end!
17. College is truly BS, it only trains you for mediocrity but I do have my diploma taped to the rear window of my BMW, how about you?
Pete needs a life outside his castle of pointless toys.
Hey MD
I have enjoyed you websight. My husband and I are also loners. He is more so than I but both of us don’t mind being alone and seem to find more to do than we can keep up with. I enjoy other people but not a steady daily diet of them, in fact it sometimes annoys me to get unexpected company ! I’m not happy with the situation in this country so my family has been preparing for quite some time. I love dogs and cats. I have 5 cats, most of them were strays that came to the house and I got them fixed. I can tell you this if you don’t like cats it’s because you don’t understand them. They are nothing like a dog. The best cat to have to learn how cats are is a Main Coon cat. They are the greatest of all cats. My husband use to say he hated cats until the day I brought home a Main Coon named Max ! Max has to see everything you are doing all the time. He tries to talk with you when he is around. He is loving and affectionate. He can jump higher than most any cat I know. He isn’t agressive but he isn’t a whimp either. He would rather avoid a fight but if the other cat or dog insists he will stand his ground and whip your butt ! Most cats run from dogs but not Max ! Now Cheeto is another story. He has a menising side to him and trys to pick on all the cats. Cheeto is a dumpster cat that was rescued by my granddaughter. Cheeto is the color of Cheeto’s , hence the name. He loves to be petted but before you touch any of the other cats, other wise if you touch him with the hand that you stroked one of the other cats with he will wait till you are through petting him and then go smack the cat you stroked before him ! He doesn’t like to have their scent on him ! Ethel and Evelyn are stray cats that are sisters and they are not all that friendly with each other. Ethel is in love with Max and Evelyn is in love with the Jack Russel down the road ! Last but not least is Snowball ! He is pure white and came to the house as a kitten that was dropped off out in the road. He trusts us but does not come to us except when called to eat. When he was a kitten he found the rabbit pens to his liking. I think he thought one of the big white female rabbits was his mother. For the longest time he would stay in the open cage next to her. Now that he is grown he still spends most of his time with the rabbits ! We have Chickens and Turkeys too ! There is also a big mama turtle in the front yard. She has been there for about 10 years. Once a year she makes the trip down the driveway to find her mate and then she comes back and has babies later on. The babies seem to wander off in a few days. Mrs. turtle doesn’t bother anything so we don’t bother her either. We live in the woods and I like it that way. My five sons are grown and all have their own places. Only one lives close by. The rest all live at least 4 hours or more away. We get together every couple months for fun and good times.
I have enjoyed your websight and find it full of good advise. I have grown a lot of our food and I home can it, and dehydrate it and store it away. We will be as prepared as we can be for anything that comes our way. Some hard times have already made it here but it is nothing we can’t handle. Thanks for the encouragement and good reading.
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