Four block rocket stove

In the event of an extended power outage, it helps to have multiple means to cook meals and sanitize water. This is a cheap, easy stove that sets up in seconds.

Plant profile - Goji Berry

Goji is a Chinese native that enjoys popularity in American health food stores. It is often called Wolfberry in the states and is typically sold dried like raisins. Fresh berries and leaves have superior nutrition and higher antioxidant levels, so why not grow your own?

Plant profile - Black Walnut Tree

Learn to identify this important tree. The nuts are delicious and can be pressed for a healthful cooking oil. Iodine in the hulls is medicinal, a curative for fungal skin infections and an antiseptic. Watch for brief discussions of the tree's value during atomic emergencies and its place in appalachian folklore.

Plant profile - Yucca

In Georgia, these used to be called "meat hangers" because the long, sharp leaves were threaded through slabs of meat and tied to sticks for the smokehouse. The plant was used extensively by our ancestors for food, cordage and fire making.

Fresnel lens - Experiment # 2

First there was burning, now we melt something. Stay tuned for water purification and cooking.

Fresnel lens fire

My friend Jimbo asked me to haul his broken television to the dump. I took it apart to remove the fresnel lens (a large sheet of thick plastic covered with concentric circles). The circles are designed to focus light, making it a huge magnifying glass capable of fiery carnage. I'm the only person in my neighborhood that has one. Mwwwhahaha!

Fire roll - ember from a depleted hand warmer

These chemical hand warmers are very common among outdoorsmen. They basically expose iron to air and moisture to create an exothermic reaction (heat). After all warming stops, they're meant to be disposable. In a bad situation, you can spread some of the pack's contents on a wad of cotton or natural fiber (yucca, hemp, jute...) roll into a "cigar" and, with speed and pressure, create an ember to set your camp fire.