The End is Nigh?

[Keroin]

I went to see 2012 in the big theater. (Popcorn and fizzy drink, yahoo!). Let me just start by saying that I don't believe in that particular prediction/conspiracy theory/call it what you will. (Actually, I don't believe in any conspiracy theories). I do, however, believe that humankind is working hard to make itself extinct and my future plans take this into consideration.

Now, you won't find me moving to Oregon and shacking up with some wacky survivalist group in the woods, hunkering down at night in my underground bunker with my AK-47 and 100 cases of Stagg Chilli but I am going to plan.

Eventually I want to have my own little patch of land here, with my own source of water. I will try to get off the grid as much as possible for my power - solar, wind, whatever I can do. I will learn to grow my own food and preserve it. I don't expect to become 100% self sufficient but I do intend to be in a position where, worst case scenario, if society came apart at the seams I wouldn't have to run around screaming and panicking.

So, I'm curious if I'm a lone freak or if anyone else is thinking this way? Do you think the human race has an expiry date and, if so, how are you planning to face this?

*I should also add that while I will prepare for the worst, I always hope for the best and will continue to do my part to try and make things better.

 

[graceanne]

Now, you won't find me moving to Oregon and shacking up with some wacky survivalist group in the woods, hunkering down at night in my underground bunker with my AK-47 and 100 cases of Stagg Chilli but I am going to plan.

Hey! What's wrong with that?



Seriously, I'm on the in between. I believe the world will end, although I don't think it will be 2012, because the Bible says no man will know the date. That doesn't mean bad things aren't going to happen between now and then. The Bible says that one of the signs of the end times is heavy persecution of Christians, and while that's happening in other countries it's not in most western countries, no matter how much whining you hear. Either way, my mother is a survivalist type person. I had better be prepared. To that end:

I can grow anything, if I want to. (I don't generally want to.)

I can can anything, if I want to. (I never want to. I hate canning.) I also have all the supplies needed to can.

I know how to smoke meat. I can cook over an open fire, and it's better than edible.

I'm married to a carpenter who can build almost anything sturdily. If he couldn't, I've read enough of my mom's survival stuff that I could make a shelter for me and mine if I needed to. My hubby, also, hunts and could keep us fed.

I keep all my important documents (SS cards, birth certificates, marriage certificates, military ID's, etc) in a fire proof, water proof safe, so that if something bad happens I can grab them and go. In the same safe is all of our heirloom's, like K's great grandfathers watch.

I read homeopathic books constantly and could take care of most of my families medical needs if I had to.

I have a crap load of treated water in my garage. My mother insists. I also have a ton of medium quality camping stuff, in case it became necessary to use. It's all accessible.

 

[ZRT]

I think the virtues of self-reliance pay themselves.

That said, I don't see a doomsday scenario coming any time soon. It's an entirely common attitude to feel like one is living in the end times, in the latter days of the law, as it were.

And yet the species and the world keeps on turning.

There are some slightly realistic prospects out there. Another dino killer. The supervolcano under Yellowstone uncorking. A series of superbugs (the most likely, right there.)

It's far more likely that all of us here will die from far more mundane causes.

A parachute not opening.

Getting crushed in the gears of a combine.

Getting your nuts bit off by a labrador. (That's how I want to go.)

(Cookie for the reference.)

But in any event, it was just the fact that the Mayan Calendar Bureau decided that being ahead a thousand years or so was good enough for the time being that's caused all this hoopla. If we had access to all the emails they were undoubtedly sending each other on their hidden alien-tech computers, we'd know all about that.

"Come on, a thousand years. Boss, don't you get the meaning of government work?"

"Quick, erase all emails. GAO auditors inbound."

 

[Lizzie_Borden]

I fully know if the shit were to hit the fan, I'd be one of the first to go. I'm a good cook, but not even I could create a meal out of the contents of my fridge/freezer!

I have no supplies, nor plans/ability to collect and store them and absolutely would not know how to fend for myself.

Maybe, I should invest in some cyanide pills. Not to be awful, but, if things got that bad, I wouldn't want to try and manage through it, nor would I want to be a burden on those around me.

All that crap aside. I LOVE conspiracy theories. They can almost be like good novels, only with that minor element of 'but, what if?'

It just makes me think of my favourite scene from 'Independence Day' when Bill Pullman as the President is trying to assure Jeff Goldblum's father that there's no aliens at Area 51 and the high ranking military guys just go "Umm.. that's not exactly accurate..."

I mean.. it COULD be true.. nobody knows.

But then.. eh.. my greatgrandmother thought the moon landing was faked, but the WWF wrestling was real. *shrugs*

The world is made up of all kinds.

 

[Lizzie_Borden]

But in any event, it was just the fact that the Mayan Calendar Bureau decided that being ahead a thousand years or so was good enough for the time being that's caused all this hoopla. If we had access to all the emails they were undoubtedly sending each other on their hidden alien-tech computers, we'd know all about that.

"Come on, a thousand years. Boss, don't you get the meaning of government work?"

"Quick, erase all emails. GAO auditors inbound."

LOL Exactly that. They had to stop somewhere, it would have got boring.

That somewhere just happened to be now.

 

[Netzach]

2000 had NOTHING on 1499 in Italy - the world has been ending for a long while.

However, I do think we're fucking ourselves. Probably not in my lifetime, but fairly soon, I think. Life is going to get considerably worse in the next 2-3 generations on a lot of levels.

 

[ZRT]

LOL Exactly that. They had to stop somewhere, it would have got boring.

That somewhere just happened to be now.

Personally, I'm amazed that a government worker took it that far.

"Shit, I'm five years ahead on this thing. Let's just make some shit up, throw some numbers out there, and when we hit, oh, 2012, let's toss out some jargon about the end of the cycle. You know how inbred those royal fucks are, they'll buy anything."

"Sounds good to me. Beer?"

 

[chy_girl]

Now, you won't find me moving to Oregon and shacking up with some wacky survivalist group in the woods, hunkering down at night in my underground bunker with my AK-47 and 100 cases of Stagg Chilli but I am going to plan.

Don't move here, we're supposed to fall into the ocean.

If I had the land and the opportunity I would prepare much the same as you've talked about. Hell, if I had the land and the opportunity I would simplify a lot of my life and free up some of my finances by going country again now.

By no means is it a bad idea and even if disaster of that magnitude doesn't happen in your life time what's the worse that'll happen? You'll be able to pass on 'the old way' of living to friends and family? You'll require less of some of the world's resources? These are not bad things and what you are talking about is not useless information to have.

Hell, what worries me more is that something major won't happen till the information that had been handed down through the generations (like canning without a pressure cooker, tricks to bump up the nitrogen in poor soil when you plant, or how to ward off tetanus without the shot) is gone for good. Let's face it, in a world wide catastrophe, it isn't like we'll be able to run pick up a book from the library let alone Google it.

 

[BiBunny]

I'm a redneck. All of us believe in conspiracy theories, AND we all have contingency plans for when the revolution/Armageddon comes. Why do you think I have 5 horses?

 

[clock1]

We are all going to diiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Seriously I heard siliva kills us, but only when swallowed in small amounts over a long period of time..

OK, really serious this time. Oxygen, which keeps us alive kills us as well.

However, the planet has no idea about our numbering system, the planet has been here 4 billion years or so, and will be here in some form for at least that many more. If people, or any other current life form is around then I'd be surprised, but since I'll be long gone I'll not worry about it either.

2012, not a chance, status quo is too firmly entrenched. Even things predicted in the bible, for those who believe, we are at least 10, probable 20 or 40 years away from that set of data transpiring. Remember Jesus's followers thought he would return in their lifetimes. (That is according to those who wrote/selected what would be in the bible, even though they for the most part, perhaps entirely, never met Jesus in person anyway.)

But I digress. Movies, doomsdayers and the like have their place in the world, fortunately it is for amusement and entertainment.

 

[Keroin]

Why do you think I have 5 horses?

Because you like horsies?

However, the planet has no idea about our numbering system, the planet has been here 4 billion years or so, and will be here in some form for at least that many more. If people, or any other current life form is around then I'd be surprised, but since I'll be long gone I'll not worry about it either.

I'm not worried about the planet, it will keep spinning whether we're here or not. I'm not even worried about "the end of the world", I'm just taking some very large steps backward, looking at what was and what is and calculating what will be. As Netz said, it may not happen in our lifetimes but we are fucking ourselves. I've personally witnessed the collapse of two major fisheries in only forty years. It's about math, for me.

World population + # of people who want to live at modern, 1st world standards - resources = ????

It's not about every human getting wiped out, it's about the quality of life, for the vast majority of humans, getting really, really crappy.

 

[Aquila1]

Yup - I think I will survive quite nicely. We have animals, fresh water from clean rivers, a small hydro generator for power, an enormous supply of firewood, and a fairly large vegetable garden. I have also spent enough time living in wilderness areas to pick up some basic survival techniques.

We are reliant on technology though - I would be lost without my computer and internet access - I literally cried with happiness this year when we finally got decent broadband access - until then we only had slow dial-up or a hugely costly satellite service.

One of the things that is interesting living here in NZ is the number of international politicians, actors, and movie stars (or are they one and the same?) who have bought up heaps of land in NZ. Apparently this little old country is seen as the place to bolt to when it turns to shit in the outside world; I guess it is because of the geographic isolation and the fact that our entire boundary is oceanic.

 

[intothewoods]

Because you like horsies?



I'm not worried about the planet, it will keep spinning whether we're here or not. I'm not even worried about "the end of the world", I'm just taking some very large steps backward, looking at what was and what is and calculating what will be. As Netz said, it may not happen in our lifetimes but we are fucking ourselves. I've personally witnessed the collapse of two major fisheries in only forty years. It's about math, for me.

World population + # of people who want to live at modern, 1st world standards - resources = ????

It's not about every human getting wiped out, it's about the quality of life, for the vast majority of humans, getting really, really crappy.

I can totally see that, but I don't see how it would be immediate. I also don't think it will happen in our lifetime.

 

[ZRT]

Humans are a vastly adaptive species. One thing the vision never accounts for is just how supremely reactive we are. We innovate and overcome obstacles, but only when they're right in our faces.

So don't let it get you down. We'll deal. We'll go on. Things will change.

Thing is, anything and everything can be torn away. Everyone thinks it'll happen to somebody else, but the story of life is that at any moment your family, your friends, your home, it can all go up in the blink of an eye. And it's all more likely to happen than some larger-scale disaster or even a major readjustment that requires an off-grid self-sufficiency.

So, sure, take steps to be ready for life's disasters. There are plenty of good reasons to keep a one-year food supply laid in that have nothing to do with the descent of civilization, for example. But look to the real probabilities. Most people stocking that long-term food supply are thinking of some grand equivalent of a lightning strike. But realistically, where it can come in handy is 'Oh hey, I just lost my leg in a car accident and now I'm on disability. Good thing I've got the food handy.'

Basic precautionary wins out over looking at the big, distant dark clouds.

 

[Etoile]

In a doomsday scenario, I would certainly die, my survival skills are zero. I'm not going to stress about it though. When the time comes, it comes. I like my life now; not sure living in the woods and eating canned food and suffering every day would be my cup of tea.

It's not up to me though. If my wife did not survive a cataclysmic event, I would rather kill myself immediately anyway. If we both survived it, I would follow her lead. If she wanted to go on living, I'd learn to survive with her.

 

[ZRT]

I'd do what I always do. Figure out the most comfortable living arrangement, sleep in the mud and go on with my life until it's over.

Sure, I'd miss warm beds and internet porn, but life goes on til it's done.

ETA: I fucking hate sleeping in the mud and campouts are for the birds. But you do what you gotta do.

 

[graceanne]

ETA: I fucking hate sleeping in the mud and campouts are for the birds. But you do what you gotta do.

Well put.

 

[ZRT]

Well put.

Yeah, it was a pretty eloquent turn of phrase, wasn't it?

I was seriously debating whether it should be 'fucking hate sleeping in the mud' or 'hate sleeping in the fucking mud', but it just worked out so much better that way.

Thank you for noticing.

 

[graceanne]

Yeah, it was a pretty eloquent turn of phrase, wasn't it?

I was seriously debating whether it should be 'fucking hate sleeping in the mud' or 'hate sleeping in the fucking mud', but it just worked out so much better that way.

Thank you for noticing.

It's how I feel about camping and some sort of national disaster. I hate camping and the like, but if the only way to stay alive was to do all the things I hate, I'd do it with a smile. lol

 

[DVS]

Like some have already said, there have been and always will be doomsdayers around. Some people just aren't happy unless they can bitch about something.

I'm pretty self sufficient, but I don't think it will ever be necessary. I was a boy scout and learned all of the survival tactics. I even enjoy camping out and roughing it. I can start a fire with very little help, too. I consider myself rather manly. Rawr, rawr!

I don't know how I'd enjoy roughing it full time though. I always did enjoy coming home and taking a shower after a while. Taking a shower in the woods wouldn't really be the same thing.

I think we'll all be fine for quite a while to come. Yes, we are messing with the world and its natural resources...everybody wanting an oceanfront lot or a house out in the boonies...there's just so much of each, you know.

Actually, when you really come down to it and think the world will end all at once, it's gonna be because of some asteroid that hits the earth and sends us into an abnormal rotation, as well as an impact that will kill a bunch of us. Or it could be a volcano that erupts and causes a cloud to form that blocks out the sun for years and years. That's when we will have to live on mushrooms, maybe grubs and the most likely source of protein...cockroaches.

On the plus side, I'd imagine there would be a massive weight loss of those who are left. Even with catchup, I don't think cockroaches would be that tasty.

 

[JMohegan]

I went to see 2012 in the big theater. (Popcorn and fizzy drink, yahoo!). Let me just start by saying that I don't believe in that particular prediction/conspiracy theory/call it what you will. (Actually, I don't believe in any conspiracy theories). I do, however, believe that humankind is working hard to make itself extinct and my future plans take this into consideration.

Now, you won't find me moving to Oregon and shacking up with some wacky survivalist group in the woods, hunkering down at night in my underground bunker with my AK-47 and 100 cases of Stagg Chilli but I am going to plan.

Eventually I want to have my own little patch of land here, with my own source of water. I will try to get off the grid as much as possible for my power - solar, wind, whatever I can do. I will learn to grow my own food and preserve it. I don't expect to become 100% self sufficient but I do intend to be in a position where, worst case scenario, if society came apart at the seams I wouldn't have to run around screaming and panicking.

So, I'm curious if I'm a lone freak or if anyone else is thinking this way? Do you think the human race has an expiry date and, if so, how are you planning to face this?

*I should also add that while I will prepare for the worst, I always hope for the best and will continue to do my part to try and make things better.

No, I don't think you're alone, but no, I'm not personally doing any planning.

If society comes apart at the seams, pickling and canning skills might be useful. But odds of the new world order resembling Little House on the Prairie days don't seem very good. My money's on Mad Max instead.

Perhaps WD and some of his hunting buddies could be persuaded to move in to protect that patch and that well.

 

[WriterDom]

No, I don't think you're alone, but no, I'm not personally doing any planning.

If society comes apart at the seams, pickling and canning skills might be useful. But odds of the new world order resembling Little House on the Prairie days don't seem very good. My money's on Mad Max instead.

Perhaps WD and some of his hunting buddies could be persuaded to move in to protect that patch and that well.

A lot of America got by with hunting and fishing, farming the land, and raising animals. Not an easy life but it is doable. You'd need to farm enough to have some income coming in.

 

[Cattypuss]

In a doomsday scenario, I would certainly die, my survival skills are zero. I'm not going to stress about it though. When the time comes, it comes.

What she said.

 

[JMohegan]

A lot of America got by with hunting and fishing, farming the land, and raising animals. Not an easy life but it is doable. You'd need to farm enough to have some income coming in.

A solid plan, assuming you've got the ammo to deal with any starving, freezing, or desperately thirsty folks who wander by.

 

[WriterDom]

A solid plan, assuming you've got the ammo to deal with any starving, freezing, or desperately thirsty folks who wander by.

I can see inner cities going to hell in a hand basket. People here would more likely band together. A shot in the general direction would run off any poachers. Use a 22 for that since the shells are cheap. Save the 30-06 for game.