Z-Cells no cause for alarm

The newest things in zombie myths running around is the Z-Cell. I'll sum up briefly: the Z-Cell is produced by taking a protein based cell and coating it in silica acid. Then heating the covered cell to 400C. The protein evaporates and leaves the silica replica in its place. There is more to it but that's the basics. These cells are than be backwards engineered to learn new things about them and how they function without having to build the cell from scratch or worry about a protein cell dying. In terms of things like fossil fuels these cells can be used to replica and store the fuel and the "Z-Cells" are much more resilient to heat, cold and electricity. This is a huge scientific breakthrough and unlike the "mummy cell" which only replicated the outside of a cell when it died, the "zombie cell" replicas the inner workings of the cell as well and so can still be used to perform the cells functions to some extent.

Now there is always the possibility of something like this being used in the wrong way or the boundaries being pushed to far. But there are far more likely suspects for the zombie outbreaks and the growing issues surrounding cannibalism and strange activity continue to grow around us, Florida, Canada, Switzerland, California  news everyday coming up from the States makes it sound more and more like a war zone. Although the attacks that were first related to the "zombie drug" bath salts and now being credited to "cloud nine" another street drug. The media is constantly changing its story to fit whatever is happening in the moment. But the cautious survivor watches all of these reports from around the globe and takes each one on it's own, seeing not the copy-cat cannibalism trend but watching for the few cases where pure human insanity doesn't account for everything.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Vehicle Survival Kits

Alright survivors it has been along time sinse my first couple of posts on this humble bastion of survival but I think this is important enough to comment on again. Survival preparedness in the form of carrying bags. If you want to see the list I made go check out my older posts about vehicle survival, I also talked about some example survival packs, and here are lists from Willow Haven Outdoor blog.

Vehicle Survival Bag:

Jumper cables

Two tow straps – Vehicle extraction.

Small bag of easy light charcoal – fire starter / signal fire.

5 road flares – Emergency distress signal, fire starter.

Come along – Vehicle extraction.

Bobby Stick / Club – Self Defense, fire starter.

First aid kit – Medical, Fire starter.

12 Volt Air Compressor – Refill a flat tire, Light, Signal.

Extra fuses – Vehicle repair.

Siphon pump – To transfer gasoline from one vehicle or gas can to your vehicle.

Hat

2 – 40 ft sections of old climbing rope – Vehicle extraction, emergency repelling to assist another, etc.

2 – carabineers, a figure eight and enough rope for an emergency swiss seat.

Extra batteries – For GPS, Spotlight, etc.

Bottle of Excedrin – Medical, Energy boost.

Binoculars – For locating nearest civilization (if you travel in rural areas).

Gloves – Personal protection.

Extra 550 – Multi Use, Fire, Shelter, Improvising, etc.

Seat Belt Extractor /Cutter – To cut jammed or locked seat belts after an accident.

Cell phone charger

120 Volt to 12 Volt Inverter – For powering a laptop or other potential communication device.

LED Spotlight – Distress signal, warn oncoming traffic of your presence at night, work light for vehicle repair.

Mag Lite – Distress signal, warn oncoming traffic of your presence at night, work light for vehicle repair, self defense.

Tire Repair Kit

Valve stem tool and spare valve stem cores

Roll of black tape – Multiple Use, vehicle electrical system repair, improvising.

Roll of duct tape – Multiple Use, temporarily stopping leaky hoses, improvising.

Fire extinguisher

Sun tan lotion – For long walks in sunny or desert environments, fire starter.

Insect repellent

Ice Scraper – Snow removal, improvised digging device, self defense.

2 Gallon Gas Can – With Gas.

One gallon premixed water and antifreeze (Note: Don’t ever use anything that has contained antifreeze as a drinking water container. Also don’t attempt to drink any fluid that contains antifreeze, even if its been boiled. Antifreeze is poisonous.)

Entrenching tool (E-Tool) – Not seen in this picture, because I think it was left in a prairie dog field on my last trip to West Nebraska.

Tool Kit – Includes: Basic Socket which has Phillips and straight, metric and standard 3/8 sockets and wrenches, ¼ inch multi-bit driver, variety of ¼ bits, hex wrenches, needle nose pliers, adjustable wrench, spark plug sockets, wire cutters, 3/8 drive flex universal adapter, 6 inch extension, 3 inch extension and 3/8 ratchet. Also added is a small hack saw, 2 pair of vise grip locking pliers, standard and metric deep well sockets, a leather man, a bigger adjustable wrench, a roll of electric wire, a roll of utility wire, a standard pair of pliers, a 2 pound hammer, another ratchet and a bag to carry it all.

Getting Home Survival Bag:

Small backpack

Emergency credit card – With at least a $3000.00 credit limit.

Prepaid calling card – With 60 minutes or so of time on it.

$100 cash – Pay for a ride, buy spare parts or food, water, etc.

Bright colored poncho – shelter from rain, signaling.

Old broke in tennis shoes – Better for long walks than dress shoes, boots, or high heels.

Thick wool socks – Change of socks so feet stay dry and avoid blisters.

Umbrella

4 Bottles of Water

Emergency Water Filter Straw – Can be used with empty water bottles to re-stock on fresh water for the long walk.

4 granola bars

Collapsible baton – Self Defense (Note: Check your local laws to ensure these are legal for carry).

Small handgun and ammo and holster (Note: Ensure you carry in accordance with local & state laws, be licensed if required.)

Combat field bandage – Medical, Fire Starter.

Triangle bandage / kravat – Multi use, medical, water filter (not purifier), dust filter for face, etc.

Toilet paper

Candle – Fire starter, Signal, Night travel (cut the bottom off of a water bottle and stick the candle through it to shield from the wind).

6ft x 8 ft Tarp – Shelter, ground tarp for working on vehicle.

Cigarette Lighter

Magnesium Fire Starter / Fire Steel

Pitch Wood Club – Fire starter, Self Defense

Compass / Signal Mirror – Navigation, directional day time signaling (A couple flashes in a drivers eyes will get their attention – just don’t hold it on them as it could cause an accident).

Led flashlight – For night time travel and vehicle repair.

Emergency road flare – Emergency distress signal, fire starter.

Folding saw – Collecting fuel for an overnight fire if needed, removing debris from a road, etc.

Fixed blade knife – Multi use.

Handheld CB – Signaling and Communication

Handheld FRS / GMRS Radios – Signaling and Communication

Notepad and pens/pencil – Leaving directions, destination and contact information.

Road map – Finding ways around obstacles or detours.

Handheld GPS – Waypoints to home and friends houses or rally points preloaded.

Shemagh – Head cover, scarf, dust filter, water filter, Wet down put on neck to avoid overheating, etc.

White cotton towel – Waving it at passing cars is an emergency distress signal, to clean up with after repairing vehicle

Wool stocking cap

6 hand/foot warmers

Gloves

The only two things I think should be added to this list is a titanium crowbar and a hunting knife. Otherwise do yourself a favor and be prepared for any situation upto and especially the fall.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

The Undeading is Nigh

CPR. It's important training for survivor to have before or after the fall. Paramedics will be in short supply when the undead roam the earth and you will have to make due with the knowledge of you and your group. Medical knowledge will safe your life, it amazes me how many people can't go without seeing a doctor every couple weeks. Most colds and injuries can be easily taken care of through simple means that anyone can do without special training or equipment. Get as much medical knowledge as you can before the fall, it may be simpler than you think.


Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Training

Training is important, preparation is key to survival. On Oct 4th I will be taking a big step in my own training, I have been waiting to hear about my military application and on the 4th I go for the final tests before getting shipped off for basic. This is training I feel vital to my own development as a zurvivor. Survival, weapons and fitness training are pillars of preparation when the fall happens.

Training can never begin to early either. My young brother and sisters are all in grade school and have been learning from my example. This was written by my sister in Grade 10 as a punishment for leaving class early:

     "Why is it important to stay in the classroom until the end of the block. There are many reasons why this is so, but I think it most important because by doing so you show respect for your teacher. Other reasons could be that there are still things to do in class. The teacher could want to say something important before we leave. By staying until the end of the block, while your group is done and another group is being taught, you could learn something while the teacher is talking to that group. A very important reason not to leave class early is if there's a fire you would be unaccounted for. Also if someone left before the bell and another teacher saw them, that teacher might think the person was skipping and then they would get in big trouble. Staying in class 'til the end of the block shows that you are responsible and a good mature kid. Students shouldn't leave class before the bell because if you're alone in the hallway and the zombie apocalypse starts, you would have no weapons but a recycling bin; if you'd stayed in class there would be rulers and paintbrushes to stab in the zombies' heads; also stools if you get surrounded. Or if you are alone in the halls and you see that weird twelve-year old that has a crush on you, you'd have no excuse not to talk to him. And last but not least of all if you leave class before the bell you would have to write a 250 word essay."

From the words of babes as they say.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.

Zombies in Film: The Dead Undead

"How do you kill something that is already dead?"


Film: The Dead Undead
Directed by Matthew Anderson and Edward Conna
Written by Edward Conna
Produced by ?
Year: 2010

Story: "We call them ZVs... Zombie Vampires." They have the speed and strength of vampires but are mindless and even harder to kill, like zombies. They are basically just feral vampires, except they have to have they're heads destroyed or burning up in the daylight. Only that apparently isn't true because m film are killed by swords slicing their stomachs or lots of bullets in the torso, and the only memorable kill is a zombie in a wheelchair being set on fire.

Survival Lessons/not really:

• If you are shouting, you are probably not the calm one.
• Nothing is impossible, just difficult.
• Destroy the brain completely.
• If someone has been infected the only good use for them is to run into melee with a big sword and slow the horde down.
• When you die while fighting zombies you go to Valhalla.
• If your loved one turns into a vampire, you turn into a zombie... yep.
• Vampires are not immune to zombie bites... yep.

Warning: Below are spoilers.

 What's going on? That is the biggest question in this movie. Who is human, who is vampire, who is zombie? And why do the zombies look like vampires? What the movie does show is how a bunch of kids in the woods have no chance of surviving, but trained paramilitary types have a good chance by being prepared. And the big Valhalla fight scene? Not sure why it's there but hey, who doesn't want a pointless emotional medieval battle in the middle of a zombie movie. Oh wait! That's how you turn into a vampire! Maybe? Or is that how you turn your loved one into a zombie? Sorry ZV, zombie vampire, really? Couldn't come up with a better name hey? Oh yeah and there are racism issues being addressed. But everyone in the cast is Caucasian. Hold on, now we are in the Vietnam war. Oh and the Wild West. This movie has more chaos in it than a game of the Warp from Warhammer 40k and makes even less sense.

Stay vigilant, may the infection never reach you, and those close to you have the resolve to do what is needed should you be so unfortunate, Mike D.