BHM Newsletter
Volume 9      Number 10

October 21, 2007
 

INSIDE BHM

The new print issue arrives

My mailed copy of the new print issue (Nov/Dec 2007, No. 108) arrived today, so I assume most other people have received theirs in the mail. Looks very good, with the cover bearing one of the most beautiful Don Childers’ paintings in years. It will go online with a few sample articles next week. If you don’t subscribe to the print issue, you really should. It’s way better than magazines like The Mother Earth News. In fact, it’s what TMEN used to be many years ago, only even better than that. Click here for our various subscription specials.

Selling out to environmental doomsayers

Like all our previous issues, this new issue is full of how-to information and facts you can use. One of the things BHM has never done is sell out to the monied or politically correct interests. Right now most of our competitors are riding the environmental horse to the bank. The mass media has convinced the bulk of American people that global warming is the number one problem for humanity, so magazines and businesses are jumping on the global warming bandwagon to sell their products to a public that is being misled. We simply don’t do that.

The new issue has a short commentary on global warming by John Silveira, and a future issue will have a major article by Silveira exploring the “real science” behind global warming that the mass media should be talking about. It won’t win us any new subscribers from the bulk of brainwashed humanity, but it is factual research and writing. It’s the type of article you won’t find in the magazines that cater to the latest politically correct myth the mass media is hyping.

BHM blogs

If you haven’t checked out the BHM blogs, especially my blog, you are missing a nice freebie on the Backwoods Home Magazine website. My daughter, Annie Tuttle, has also recently moved her blog, Bramblestiches, to the website. Her passions are sewing and knitting, and she is an editor and layout artist for the magazine.

Big bucks for Stupid People

--Dave

SELF-RELIANCE TIPS

Preventing Tetanus

Tetanus (commonly called lockjaw) is a disease featuring uncontrolled muscle spasms, beginning with the face, neck, and throat. Lungs may be affected, preventing sufferers from breathing. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani.

We've all heard of lockjaw; if we're of "a certain age," we probably remember our parents' dire warnings about it. In recent decades this lethal disease has become uncommon in the U.S., with only about 500 cases reported per year and only about 10 percent of those fatal. These days, tetanus is most common in developing countries.

But we who live and work in the backwoods still need to be aware of it because it is carried in soil and the bacteria can enter our bodies through the scrapes, cuts, animal bites, and gouges that are part of our everyday lives. In fact, while tetanus is primarily a disease of the young elsewhere in the world, in the U.S. it mainly strikes adults over 50 who have neglected their anti-tetanus regimen.

About the disease

Tetanus usually releases large quantities of poison from a wound into the blood stream, producing a quick and severe onset of the disease. The toxin stimulates certain muscle groups. Most of the time the muscles of the jaw, face, and neck are affected first, followed by an effect on progressively more distant muscles such as the arms and legs.

Tetanus is not is not spread from person to person. Instead, tetanus-containing spores may be introduced into the body through a puncture wound contaminated with soil, street dust, or animal feces. The disease can enter our bodies via contaminated street drugs, lacerations, burns, and even trivial or unnoticed wounds like paper cuts or pinpricks.

Symptoms usually begin within two weeks of exposure, but onset can range from five days to 15 weeks. Commonly, the jaw or neck stiffens, it becomes difficult to swallow, and the victim becomes irritable. There may be pain or tingling at the site where the spores entered. Later, there may be spasm of the neck, back, and abdominal muscles. The sufferer remains awake and alert, but eventually spasms of the respiratory muscles may cause asphyxiation.

Treatment includes sedation, medically induced paralysis, and use of respirators. Antimicrobial drugs like penicillin, help eradicate the bacteria. Recovery may take one to two months.

A person who may have been exposed to the disease, but is not yet showing symptoms may be given injections of immune globulin.

The Good News

Tetanus is completely preventable. The tetanus immunization, introduced in the the 1920s and now given as part of routine childhood vaccinations, has reduced the incidence of the disease.

Some Backwoods Home readers are concerned about the number and kind of vaccines given to children, and we won't address that in this article. It's a fact, however, that adults should get tetanus boosters every 10 years because the immunity does not last and humans have no natural immunity to this disease.

You should particularly get a tetanus shot if:

• You don't know whether you've ever had your initial series of boosters
  

• You're going to be traveling to a foreign country that has a hot, damp climate
  

• You work in agriculture, or with dirt or manure
  

• Your work exposes you to cuts and scrapes
  

• You are pregnant and are not up to date on your tetanus immunizations or you may deliver your baby in unsanitary conditions.

Healthy Self-Care

But vaccinations aren't the only tool for preventing tetanus. The Mayo Clinic also recommends these preventive measures if you've been injured:

• Keep the wound clean. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Clean the wound and the area around it with soap and a washcloth. If debris is embedded in a wound, see your doctor.
  

• Consider the source. Puncture wounds or other deep cuts, animal bites or particularly dirty wounds may put you at increased risk of tetanus infection. Call your doctor if the wound is deep and dirty, and particularly if you're unsure of your immunization status. Your doctor may need to clean the wound, prescribe an antibiotic and give you a booster shot of the tetanus toxoid vaccine. If you've previously been immunized, your body should quickly make the needed antibodies to protect you against tetanus.
  

• Use an antibiotic. After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment, such as the multi-ingredient antibiotics Neosporin or Polysporin. These antibiotics won't make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage bacterial growth and infection and may allow your body to close the wound more efficiently. Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
  

• Cover the wound. Exposure to the air may speed healing, but bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. Blisters that are draining are vulnerable; keep them covered until a scab forms.
  

• Change the dressing. Applying a new dressing at least once a day or whenever the dressing becomes wet or dirty may help prevent infection. If you're allergic to the adhesive used in most bandages, switch to adhesive-free dressings or sterile gauze and paper tape.

Take these precautions and the fearsome disease that haunted our backwoods ancestors is less likely to return to haunt us.

COMMENTARY

Ron Paul: Constitutional Choice
for President of these United States

By Dave Duffy

In the 2008 presidential race, one candidate stands so far above all the others that there's no competition. That man is Dr. Ron Paul, running in the Republican primary.

Paul (known as "Dr. No" in Congress for his votes against big government) has a 30-year track record of saying what he means and doing what he says. He's a man of honor and integrity -- and he's the only candidate in the race who understands that the U.S. Constitution sharply limits federal government powers.

He's the only candidate in the race who believes in the rule of law -- and the only one with a long record of sticking to his principles. He has never voted to raise taxes. Never voted for an unbalanced budget. Has never taken a congressional junket. He voted against the Iraq war and the Patriot Act. He won't even participate in the lucrative congressional pension plan.

But don't take my word for how good this man is. Visit Paul's campaign website and watch him on the video clips below. Then get involved, as thousands of others have. The media tries to ignore him. But the fact is that, in the second quarter of 2007, he raised more money than "major" candidate John McCain. He ranks high in straw polls and online polls, and he's got more enthusiastic grassroots support than any candidate in years -- maybe even in decades. Some call him "the last peaceful hope for America." We don't know about that. But we know he's got our support -- and deserves yours.

Defining Liberty The philosophy of liberty is based on self-ownership. The following simple but elegant and hard-hitting animation will explain exactly what that means. It’s a great tool anyone can use to educate children and adults about our right to life, liberty, and the property we create - and our responsibility to think, speak and act. When you hear Ron Paul say that he stands for the Philosophy of Liberty, this is what he means.

Defining Liberty

Ron Paul video clips

Ron Paul: Stop Dreaming, Restore the Republic	Ron Paul on The O'Reilly Factor 9-10-07
Ron Paul Interview Part 1 of 6	Ron Paul on Maher
Ron Paul Interview Part 2 of 6	Congressman Ron Paul Visits My Dorm Room
Ron Paul Interview Part 3 of 6	Ron Paul on Kudlow & Company
Ron Paul Interview Part 4 of 6	Meet Ron Paul (ABC13)
Ron Paul Interview Part 5 of 6	Ron Paul and Ben Bernanke, part 1 of 2
Ron Paul Interview Part 6 of 6	Ron Paul and Ben Bernanke, part 2 of 2

RECIPES

Soups and Stews to Warm Your Heart

Irish Stew

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds stewing beef, cut into cubes
14-1/2 ounces low-sodium beef broth
1 bay leaf
1 heaping capful Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Seasoning Blend (or your custom mix of garlic and herbs)
4 medium onions, cut into quarters
6 medium carrots, cut into thirds
2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen

Heat oil in large saucepan and add beef, brown on all sides. Add beef broth, bay leaf and seasoning blend. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add onions, carrots and potatoes, simmer for another 30 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender. Add peas to beef, continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf, serve hot.

Black Bean Soup

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/4 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1-to-1-1/2 cup boiling water
2 cans black beans, undrained
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 lemon, juice of
1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

In a pot, combine the first six ingredients; simmer for 10 minutes. Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin; cook for 5 minutes. Puree the soup in a blender, then put back into pot (or use an emersion blender in the pot). Add the rest of the beans to the soup. Combine the cornstarch with 1-1/2 tablespoons of water. Add the lemon and the cornstarch to the soup; cook until thickened and serve.

The following recipes are from 101+ Things to Cook 'Til the Revolution.

French Vegetable Soup

5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
3 medium carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pound fresh spinach, chopped or 2 (10 oz)pkgs frozen
1 lb. fresh asparagus, chopped or 2 (10 oz) pkgs frozen
1/2 cup rice, uncooked
1 pint heavy cream
1 tablespoon salt, or more to taste

On stovetop in a stock pot, boil carrots for 5 minutes in 3 quarts of water. Add potatoes and onions and cook 15 more minutes. Add spinach and cook 5 more minutes. Add asparagus and cook 10 more minutes, or until all ingredients are tender. Add cream and salt and serve.

Borscht

1/2 (16 ounce) package pork sausage
1-1/2 medium beets, peeled and shredded
1-1/2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1-1/2 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons water
1/4 medium head cabbage, cored and shredded
1/2 (8 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1-1/2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
1/4 cup sour cream, for topping
1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Crumble the sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir until no longer pink. Remove from the heat and set aside. Fill a large pot halfway with water(about 2 quarts), and bring to a boil. Add the sausage, and cover the pot. Return to a boil. Add the beets, and cook until they have lost their color. Add the carrots and potatoes, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Add the cabbage, and the can of diced tomatoes. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook until tender. Stir in the tomato paste and water until well blended. Transfer to the pot. Add the raw garlic to the soup, cover and turn off the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Taste, and season with salt, pepper and sugar. Ladle into serving bowls, and garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley.

Makes about 5 servings.

Pork and Sauerkraut Stew

2 onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves crushed garlic
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds boneless pork loin, cubed
1 teaspoon caraway seed
1 tablespoon browning sauce
salt and pepper to taste
22 ounces sauerkraut with juice

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the pork cubes and brown. Stir in the onion and garlic; cook until onion is soft. Stir in potatoes, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, browning sauce and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and simmer over low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Serves 4-6

Spicy Potato Soup

1 pound ground beef
4 cups cubed potatoes
1 small onion chopped
3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
4 cups water
2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, or to taste

In a large kettle brown ground beef. Drain add potatoes,onion and tomato sauce. Stir in water, salt, pepper and hot pepper sauce, bring to a boil reduce and simmer for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and soup has thickened.

HUMOR

Authorities in Montana discovered that a hermit had been living in an old Forest Service cabin and they became concerned about his well being. They sent up a team of experts from different fields to analyze his living arrangements and to make sure that he was okay.

They included a psychologist to make sure that the man was mentally handling his isolation. They sent an engineer to ensure that the cabin is still structurally sound and safe. Finally, they added a professor from a theological seminary to see whether the man's spiritual needs were being fulfilled.

The team made its way up the treacherous terrain until they finally spotted the cabin. From the outside, it appeared all was well. The area was clean, smoke rose from the chimney, and the door was slightly ajar. Cautiously, they walked in.

Inside everything was neat and tidy. The only thing that stood out was that the stove was suspended 18 inches off of the floor by about a hundred wires

At first, the three experts were baffled. Then, with an "Aha!" the psychologist spoke. "This very clearly explains this man's desire to return to the womb. He has arranged the stove so that he can crawl underneath to, once again, feel the warmth of the mother."

"Nonsense!" exclaimed the engineer. "This serves a very clear and definite thermodynamic purpose. He has lifted the stove so as to reduce the zone which the heat has to permeate, allowing the cold air to remain within the cabin, locking the heat in place."

The theological professor stayed quiet a moment longer, but then he too spoke. "I hate to disappoint you both, but the placement of fire on raised altars has always been a significant emblem of the existence of faith and religion. This man has obviously created an altar for whatever faith he has clung to."

The three men argued so long and loudly that they didn't notice the hermit who came in and stood staring at them. Once they saw him, all demanded to know the significance of the placement of the stove.

The hermit stared at the three men as if they were from Mars. Then he spoke.

"Simple ... had to fix stove pipe ... plenty of wire ... not enough pipe!"

An older lady was somewhat lonely and decided she needed a pet to keep her company. So, off to the pet shop she went. She searched and searched. None of the pets seemed to catch her interest, except this ugly frog As she walked by the jar he was in, she looked and he winked at her.

He whispered, "I'M LONELY, TOO. BUY ME AND TAKE ME HOME. YOU WON'T EVER BE SORRY."

The old lady figured, what the heck! She hadn't found anything else. So, she bought the frog. She placed him in the car, on the front seat beside her.

As she was slowly driving down the road, the frog whispered to her "KISS ME AND YOU WON'T BE SORRY."

So! The old lady figured, WHAT THE HECK, and kissed the frog.

IMMEDIATELY the frog turned into an absolutely gorgeous, sexy, young, handsome prince.

The prince then returned the old lady's kiss.

SUDDENLY the old lady felt herself transforming from his kiss.

Now can you guess what the old lady turned into?

Come on, guess!

OOOOOOOHHHHHHH Come on -- dont be a poop!

*

*

*

SHE TURNED INTO THE FIRST HOLIDAY INN SHE COULD FIND.

Contributed by Jackie Juntti

An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time the boy should give some thought to choosing a profession.

Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do, and he didn't seem too concerned about it. One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study table four objects:

a Bible
a silver dollar
a bottle of whisky
and
a Playboy magazine

"I'll just hide behind the door", the old preacher said to himself, "When he comes home from school this afternoon, I'll see which object he picks up.

"If it's the Bible, he's going to be a preacher like me and what a blessing that would be!

"If he picks up the dollar, he's going to be a businessman, and that would be okay, too.

"But if he picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunkard, and, Lord, what a shame that would be. And worst of all, if he picks up that magazine he's gonna be a skirt-chasing bum."

The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's footsteps as he entered the house whistling and headed for his room. The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the room he spotted the objects on the table. With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them.

Finally, he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm.

He picked up the silver dollar and dropped it into his pocket.

He uncorked the bottle and took a big drink while he admired this month's centerfold.

"Lord have mercy", the old preacher disgustedly whispered, "He's gonna run for Congress!"

Thanks to Katrina-Sisu for posting that one in our Readers' Forum

OTHER STUFF

Did a friend or relative tell you about this newsletter? The Backwoods Home Magazine newsletter is free and all you need is an email address so we can let you know when each issue is published and where it can be found. Even better, we sometimes have special offers and discounts that are available only to BHM Newsletter subscribers. Your email address will never be sold, rented, loaned, given, or otherwise provided to any third party.

Just visit the BHM web site at www.backwoodshome.com and click on "Newsletter" in the navigation menu on the left side of any web page.

Contact Info:

Editor/Letters - Dave Duffy, editor@backwoodshome.com
Web Site - Oliver Del Signore, webmaster@backwoodshome.com