“Everyone should think for themselves at least once. Now would be a good time.”
Drought Engulfs 60% Of U.S.
…As Farmers Begin Spring Planting
From one of our recommended resources, Zero Hedge. Honest, alternative media. Excerpt:
“The southern US is already experiencing severe, extreme, and even exceptional drought conditions, putting pressure on key crops such as sugarcane, rice, and peanuts, while fruit trees have also been damaged by extreme temperatures. Across the Great Plains, otherwise known as the nation’s breadbasket, winter wheat farmers are being forced to decide whether to keep the struggling crop or cut losses and replant, with dry soil also making germination harder. The drought also complicates matters for ranchers, as the nation's cattle herd is already at its lowest level since the 1950s. As a result, some ranches may further reduce their herds, which will only push beef prices to new record highs…All bad news for food prices.”
Stock up on food now, while supply is still good and the prices are still (relatively) affordable. Buying in bulk can save you tons of money. Don’t forget to stock up on water too.
What is happening to the world? Is a great chastisement upon us? Is is pay-up time for our many sins?
Oil-Based Lubricant Supply: One of Many Issues Right Now
EXCELLENT ARTICLE From LinkedIn News (this is written from a business perspective, but is useful for anyone, in understanding what we are facing)…
“The shortages haven't arrived yet. But they're coming. Here's your realistic timeline and a seven-step playbook to stay ahead of the most significant lubricant supply disruption of the modern era.”
“Supply chains don't break overnight. They have buffers built into every stage, and those buffers take time to deplete. That's why you're probably still seeing relatively normal availability right now. But don't let that lull you into a false sense of security.
…Crude oil that was already on the water before the Strait closed is still arriving at refineries. Oil tankers move at incredibly slow speeds (you could keep up with one on a bicycle), so the last of those pre-disruption shipments won't reach the most distant refineries until late April.
…May through June (weeks 9-16): This is when the real pain begins. Blenders will start exhausting their pre-crisis inventory. Expect allocation and rationing of popular products.
…July through August (weeks 17-24): If the Strait remains closed, we will see genuine shortages of finished lubricant products. This is no longer a price problem. This is an availability problem…You can't run a mining operation without gear oil. You can't run a transport company without engine oil. You can't run a manufacturing plant without hydraulic oil.
…the lubricants industry is facing the most significant supply disruption of the modern era…the pain we went through during COVID in that 2020 to 2022 period is going to look relatively tame in comparison, especially if this conflict continues for another month or two.”
FULL ARTICLE INCLUDING VIDEOS
Divine Mercy Sunday
During this concerning time of war and crisis, there is nothing more important we can do than beseech the Divine Mercy!
Here are some good links for today…Did you pray the Chaplet Novena starting Good Friday? You still can!…
EWTN Divine Mercy
There is a Plenary! Vatican Document
A Feast of Unfathomable Grace: Divine Mercy Sunday
Divine Mercy On This Blog
"Almost Nobody Understands How Bad it's Going to Get"
"These Consumer Goods Could be the First to Vanish...
…as Supply Shock Disrupts Asian Factories”
From Zero Hedge.
It's Bite the Bullet Time, Ready or Not
“All economic activity requires WORK. All work requires ENERGY. By striking at the root of economic activity, a series of events has been placed in motion that will violently shake every economy.”
Chris Martenson, Peak Prosperity
War with Iran: Oil Shortages in Europe & Asia
[Edited since posting.]
Peter St. Onge on X
Note what Mr. St. Onge does not say: It is true the US is the largest exporter of oil, however, we still import quite a bit. Don’t be lulled into thinking there is no potential problem in America. Don’t believe that propaganda.
Here’s more info from the US Energy Information Administration. This site has tons of material on these topics. I assume it is fairly accurate, but nothing seems to be tainted from propaganda anymore. Interesting excerpt…
“Saudi Arabia is also the greatest source of U.S. petroleum imports from Persian Gulf countries. About 12% of U.S. total petroleum imports and 12% of U.S. crude oil imports were from Persian Gulf countries in 2022.”
Oil and petroleum products explained:
Oil imports and exports
Note: Chris Martenson’s most recent audio presentation, “Wake -Up Call #14” refutes the assertion that the US is a net oil exporter (claimed in the link above). He claims we are actually a net importer, when you take into account all of the complexities involved in the analysis. He’s been doing this research for a long time and has written several books dealing with these topics. It is possible that the link above is technically correct, but it is not simply petroleum that is the important issue, it is the grade and its usage that really matters.
Thought for the Year From My Friend Chris Martenson...
“This is the year that reality intrudes. And it’s going to hit like a freight train.”
Chris Martenson, Peak Prosperity
Click on link above for this article, posted today. Peak Prosperity is one on our highly recommended sources for news and preparedness advice.
Moral of the story: Prepare!
March is the Month of Saint Joseph-Part 1
As we begin this Month of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, Foster-Father of Our Blessed Lord…a month which begins and ends in Lent…here are 10 links to help you honor him and learn more about the most illustrious person other than the Blessed Virgin…
Saint Joseph-Related Posts on This Blog
Saint Joseph-Catholic Answers Encyclopedia (from original Catholic Encyclopedia)
Protection Prayer to Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph Products-The Catholic Company
Featured: Sleeping Saint Joseph Decaf Coffee, Consecration to Saint Joseph,
Saint Joseph Medal & Prayer Card