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Review of Work Energy: Finish What You Start and Fearlessly Take on Any Goal

5.0 rating
  • AuthorJim Harmer
  • PublisherIncome School LLC
  • Published12/31/2019

An approachable guide to reaching your goals. This is a great read from a very authentic and entertaining business owner.

Continue reading “Review of Work Energy: Finish What You Start and Fearlessly Take on Any Goal”

Best Front Flipper Knife: Everything You Need to Know


As long as humans have used tools, good knives have been among our favorites. The options can get confusing, but one of the most modern styles, the front flipper, is also among the most underappreciated. You should have a high-quality one-handed opening knife in your EDC, and this style suits that purpose perfectly. I always suggest choosing simple, multifunctional, lightweight tools for daily use, but few impress me as much as this unique innovation in knives. Maybe you already carry a knife, but if you can’t open it with one hand easily, in an emergency, you might be out of luck. Anyone can injure themselves, or end up trapped with a hand out of commission. Instead of stressing over it, grab a front flipper and relax. Knowing you can easily access your blade when SHTF is vital to proper emergency preparedness.

What Defines a Flipper Knife

The flipper knife is a simple but brilliant innovation. Unlike blades that latch and often require a second hand to open, flipper blades slide out with the pressure from one finger. Whether you prefer to use a thumb or forefinger, they should be one of the most comfortable opening knives you ever use.

The protrusion that sticks off the backside of a flipper blade gives you leverage to open it. Meanwhile, the sleekness of the design means you’re less likely to hang up on the edge of a pocket when retrieving your knife. That can buy you a vital half-second when you need it most.

Once open, your flipper blade locks in place. Hence these sturdy, reliable knives give you a firm handle on any situation requiring a sharp edge. You don’t need to worry about loose blades or cutting your fingers when you use this type of knife properly.

Flipper Knife Inventor

Although the flipper knife style is attributed to Fred Burger, a designer in South Africa, a more recent creator helped to make this style famous. According to Off-Grid Knives Master Sergeant Harold Joseph “Kit,” Carson brought the flipper as EDC to the modern market. He made the CRKT M16 pocket knife in the mid-1990s.

With twenty years of military experience, the Master Sargeant knew what he, and many others needed in an EDC blade. Resultantly, instead of searching for it, he chose to create the ideal everyday knife with existing technology. A highly functional, durable knife that spawned hundreds or thousands of similar blades, the M16 wasn’t the first of it’s kind. However, it brought to our attention a fantastic design feature that had been mostly under the radar previously.

Top Five Best Front Flipper Knives

Picking the best front flipper for your EDC requires only two things. First, you need to make sure the blade you select is made from quality materials. Secondly, the size and style need to suit your hand. Working with an uncomplicated blade like this doesn’t have to be difficult. I hunted through hundreds of listings to narrow down this list of five of the best front flippers around. You’ll find what you need here.

1. Civivi Knives McKenna C905A 

All of Civivi’s knives are covered under the parent company, WE Knife Co. Ltd, limited lifetime warranty. So you know you can count on this blade for endurance. Yet durability isn’t its’ only distinguishing feature. To take the number one spot on this list, Civivi truly outdid itself.

Designer Elijah Isham gave the handle a pattern similar to burlap, though you’ll find the G10 handle much smoother and sleeker in your hand. Meanwhile, the D2 steel sheepsfoot blade is slender, but with all the power and durability you’d expect from a thicker knife.

Across the board, the Civivi Knives McKenna C905A is an excellent example of everything you want in an EDC survival knife. Its’ slim profile fits comfortably in any pocket or mole bag. A pocket clip holds securely if you need even easier access, while the ball bearing opening slides smoothly under pressure every time. Plus, at a mere one point seven six ounces, it won’t weigh you down when the SHTF. 

Learn more about this superb Civivi blade here.

2. Boker Plus LRF Kansei Matsuno

The Boker Plus is the Kensei Matsuno blade that brought this unique artist to the worlds’ stage. Unlike many well-known originals that are out of circulation, you can still acquire a Boker Plus today. The upgraded LRF model possesses the same enduring quality, which shows the excellence of this knife.

One of the most outstanding features on this knife is the simple lanyard hole at the end of the handle. Although a Kansei Matsuno Boker Plus LRF will fit neatly in your pocket or EDC, that small addition also means it can be worn as a neck knife, or added to a keychain. Like the front flip-style itself, it’s often these tiny innovations that bring a decent blade to the next level.

A three-inch VG10 satin blade will cut through your everyday chores, or slice into a survival situation with ease and grace. Meanwhile, the matching VG10 handle is elegantly simple. It sports a handsome natural-looking stripe pattern. I recommend picking one up before they sell out.

Learn more about the LRF here.

3. Kansei Matsuno Cocobolo Handle

All the Kansei Matsuno knives, including this stunning cocobolo, handled front flipper come from the renowned artist himself. Kansei has gained quite a following in recent years for the stunning blades he produces. Hence Kensei is the only producer of front flippers who made our list twice.

Born in 1951, in Japan, Kansei Matsuno started his career as a knifemaker the hard way, by hand sanding all his parts. After a couple of years, he moved up to a belt sander, and since then, Kansei has worked tirelessly to hone his skill. It shows.

With his love of fishing and tourism, Kansei cut a niche for himself in the blade making world. He quite literally used the sweat of his brow, strength of his hands, and creativity to make these recognizable blades come to life.

You need only to glance at a stunning life like the Kansei Matsuno Cocobolo Handle front flipper knife to see what a lifetime of hard-won skill and self-teaching can achieve. Using VG10 cobalt alloy steel and the wood from a cocobolo, this work of art became a functional and durable reality.

Check into cocobolo from Kensei Matsuno here.

4. Ruike P671-CB Front Flipper

“A reliable knife is like a friend who never hurts, but always defends. No matter what difficult situation it confronts, disengagement of locking bar will never happen” –Ruike Knives

Arguably one of the most popular front flippers on the market right now, the Ruike P671-CB Front Flipper, is a study in functionality. If you’re hunting for the ideal, not-too-showy EDC knife, this is it. You’ll find Ruike in the hands and packs of survivalists, trainers, and professionals everywhere. 

The simple pattern of alternating squares on the G10 carbon fiber overlayed handle gives just enough detail. Meanwhile, the durable 14C28N stainless steel blade resists rust. It’s easy to see why these knives have become so ubiquitous. Sturdy materials and craftsmanship you can count on go a long way.

The only downside to having such a good knife is the imposters. Make sure you get your Ruike P671-CB Front Flipper from a verified seller. Fortunately, you can authenticate the serial numbers by contacting the company. 

To add a Ruike to your essential equipment, click here.

5. Samior JJ022 Mini

Rounding off our list is the exquisite Samior JJ022 Mini from Amazon. Don’t let its small size fool you. This knife is razor-sharp. The blade is just over an inch and a half long. Acid etching gives this little knife its unique blade, which looks like Damascus steel without the hefty expense or weight. You’ll be pleased with the edge retention and rust resistance. 

The Samior JJ022 Mini has a 6ALA titanium wire cut handle that’s light and durable. You can anodize it at home if you have the skills or have a professional shop change the color as you like. Altogether the open knife measures 8.5cm/3.35,” which is small enough to carry most places without concern. 

Additionally, this mighty yet compact knife offers a thumb switch. So you’ll have two ways to open your blade if you’re ever in a tight spot. Those seeking an easy to conceal, yet highly functional knife will find it with the JJ022 Mini.

Have your Samior JJ022 Mini delivered by clicking here.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes it’s the simple innovations, like the front flipper knife, that make the most significant difference. Using a finger or thumb to open your knife quickly can save you time and trouble. In a dangerous situation, those are things you don’t want to waste or increase.

Moreover, adjusting to this style of carrying and opening isn’t very difficult. Unlike moving from a butterfly with a clasp to a hinged standard pocket knife, you’ll find you adapt in no time. Plus, with the front flipper, you’ll be able to avoid catching on your pockets and pouches more easily.

Thanks to the sleek, no-nonsense design of your front flipper, you’ll always have a blade when you need it most. Unfortunately, when SHTF, you’ll probably need a good knife.

Can You Hunt With a Slingshot: Sight in Real Answers


 

You’re ready to add another skill to your hunting repertoire. So, what’s most useful? Sure, you could add new guns, bows, or even trapmaking to your list, but what about a slingshot? Will it kill prey? If you think of a slingshot as something small children use to hit bottles off of the wall, then you’ve got serious catching up to do. Not only are they easy to use weapons, but they’re a lot of fun.

Moreover, it’s legal to practice with a slingshot in your yard. Even city dwellers like me can get in a few rounds without having to deal with the friendly neighborhood boys in blue. I use mine daily. Plus, professional hunting slingshots will take down small prey and deter more substantial threats painfully.

One Big Advantage to Slingshot Hunting

No matter what you hunt with, except a slingshot, you have one major limitation. Sadly, it doesn’t matter how good you are with a bow, or how many times you can hit the bullseye with a bullet once you run out. However, a slingshot can fire rocks.

Ammo is heavy. Crossbow bolts and arrows can be unwieldy, plus the wooden variety is breakable. Whether you bring a whole duffel bag or a single box in a pocket, you’re going to run out of ammo. That’s one problem I never have with my hunting slingshot.

Instead of carrying around weighty or unwieldy ammunition, you can practice with small pebbles or relatively light clay balls. Furthermore, you can fit a whole lot more in your molle pouch or a pocket. Steel ball ammo won’t ever explode or break on you.

Hunting for Food With a Slingshot

A good steel ball or sturdy pebble from your hunting slingshot will bag most birds, rabbits, and other small prey. Fortunately, you don’t need to hunt the biggest or most dangerous animals to survive. It’s smarter to avoid them. A bear can and will keep coming if you shoot it.

Make no mistake; slingshot hunting will not bring down a five-point buck. You won’t be killing any bears, or any coyotes unless you hit them right in the eye. However, you can certainly survive and eat well while hunting with this lightweight weapon.

The advantages of slingshot hunting don’t stop at ammo availability. For one thing, there’s no loud shot to scare off animals in the area. Additionally, your arms won’t tire out as fast as they might with a bow, allowing you to hunt for longer, with less energy wasted. Plus, you don’t have to wait on a reload like you do cocking a crossbow.

Top Five Best Slingshots for Hunting

There’s no reason to skip slingshot hunting. As survival skills go, it’s easy to learn and practice. Furthermore, ammo is inexpensive and plentiful if you buy it at all. The hardest thing about getting into this style is choosing your first slingshot.

It’s too easy to get lost in the many handsome slings available. Instead of wasting your time hunting through hundreds to thousands of options, I’ve compiled a list of the top five hunting slingshots available now. Any of these high-quality options will have you hunting the day you get your hands on them. Once you pick, the biggest problem you’ll have left, other than learning to aim is anticipation.

1. D&Q High-Velocity Catapult Slingshot

Part of the fun of slingshot hunting is how it takes you back to being a kid again. Although joy isn’t mentioned much on survival forums, the effect of relaxation and enjoyment should never be underestimated. You can genuinely have a good time while hunting for dinner with this extremely adult version of a favorite childhood toy.

However, fun isn’t the only thing you’ll get from an outstanding slingshot like the D&Q High-Velocity Catapult Slingshot. Peace of mind in knowing you have a well made, reliable weapon on hand goes a long way as well. From deterring intruders to turkey dinners, this easy to use slingshot will surprise you.

You’ll love the extra bands and natural feel in your hand. Plus, it may surprise you to see this style used in competition shooting contests. Yet that speaks to how valuable the D&Q truly is better than anything else. If you want a genuine, professional weapon to use for hunting, this is the top of the list. 

Check out the D&Q on Amazon right here.

2. Easimgo Professional Y Shot

Unlike the ones you probably played with as a child, professional slingshots are highly accurate. At more than seven inches tall, the Easimgo Professional Y Shot gives you enough power to do more than menace the neighborhood. Furthermore, with a hundred ammo balls included, you can hunt a lot of meals or pests.

One of the best features of this option is the wrist piece. In addition to helping stabilize the sling for a more uncomplicated aim, there’s an added feature that can make all the difference for a hunter. Two incredibly powerful magnets hold your steel ammo in place. The chance to take extra shots when you need them can change a lousy hunt into a nice meal.

Learn more by clicking here.

3. YuXing Pro Outdoor Hunting Slingshot

When you’re just getting started on hunting slingshots, the details and assembly can be surprisingly tricky. However, the YuXing is extremely simple to work with. Two screws hold the plates in place that clamp your band. That’s all there is to it.

Unlike the fancy models with sights to adjust and different band styles, the benefit of the YuXing Pro Outdoor Hunting Slingshot is its’ simplicity. The YuXing is as close as you’ll find to the slings of your youth while maintaining the strength and durability you need from a serious hunting slingshot.

This classic model comes with two different styles of bands. You’ll find the YuXing is compatible with any type of ammo. Moreover, you can shoot up to fifty feet easily, and you’ll be impressed with the larger frame size. A bigger grip is more straightforward for new learners and people with larger hands.

See the Reviews for YuXing here.

4. COOY Black Double Spring Slingshot

COOY produces a whole line of fantastic wrist slingshots. However, I recommend the black double spring slingshot. With its’ wooden handle, stainless steel frame, and aluminum aiming device, it’s the complete package, sleek and functional.

Unlike most options, this slingshot comes with all the standard features and three very unexpected additions. You’ll find the two durable bands, key, and both clay and steel ammo useful. However, those are just standard features.

First, the COOY Black Double Spring Slingshot comes with a flashlight mount and flashlight. That makes hunting pests in low light areas like basements a snap. Plus, you’ll have an easier time aiming at enemies at night. The light will distract any aggressors while you take aim. 

Secondly, you also get a target for practice. Finally, you also get email instructions for assembly. Sadly, many brands leave you to your own devices when it comes to figuring out how to put an excellent slingshot together. With COOY, you don’t have to guess and hope because they make sure you know how to put their hunting slingshot together right.

 

To choose your COOY from Amazon, click here.

5. Lolbuy Adjustable Hunting Laser Slingshot

Although it has a silly name, the Lolbuy Hunting Slingshot from Amazon is an outstanding, beautiful, high-quality hunting slingshot. Looks aren’t everything, but you’ll appreciate the metallic, multicolored sheen of the sturdy alloy on this weapon. Plus, Lolbuy combines many of the best features of the other hunting slingshots on this list.

Three rubber tubes make up each band, giving you a more sturdy feel plus the ability to launch your ammo further. The toolkit makes assembly simple, and you’ll appreciate the ergonomic grip with its padded leather.

The wrist piece has the same magnets to hold your ammo as our number two pick for faster reloads and rapid-fire. Moreover, you can choose to add the infrared capable flashlight or not depending on when you plan to hunt. Better yet, the flashlight holder is adjustable so you can trade out the included light for your favorite mini-light.

What really makes the Lolbuy Adjustable Hunting Laser Slingshot stand out, other than its’ good looks, is the companies guarantees. Not only does Lolbuy offer a hundred percent assurance on the quality build of their product, but also a hundred percent return guarantee. 

 

Find out everything about this superb slingshot by clicking here.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an avid slingshot hunting fan, or this is the first you’ve heard of it, there’s an excellent sling waiting for you. Not only can you pick up dinner, but you’ll soon discover the sheer joy of unlimited practice ammunition lying around on the ground. Slingshot hunters surely designed infinite ammo weapons in video games.

As survival weapons go, an excellent slingshot should always be on your belt. Going shooting for practice gets so expensive with other firearms that it’s hard to get as much training as you want. Plus, you’d have to go to a range or leave the city to have a place to shoot firearms. A hunting slingshot has none of those disadvantages.

The peace of mind knowing you can always reach down and find what you need is rare in any circumstance, let alone an SHTF scenario. With a sling, you can rest easy and pack light.

Shooting Pigeons with a BB Gun: Is it Illegal?


The existence of Pigeons has been traced back to an artwork in Iraq that was discovered that can be dated as far as 4500 BCE. New York City alone has a pigeon population of over 1 million. Their continuously increasing population has been an issue in many urban cities worldwide. Building nests on places on your house you’d never think a nest would be. 

Pigeons are described by most as “rats with wings.” These birds produce feces that may contain a plethora of deadly diseases. It’s no wonder pigeons have always been a pest problem for many people. Imagine having a flock of pigeons ruining your front lawn or your apartment window. Pigeons are often found in urban cities because of the tremendous amounts of food and water supplies. Getting rid of these nasty birds are a hassle. Some would even consider shooting these birds as simple as a BB gun. 

With this in mind, “is it illegal to shoot pigeons with a BB gun?” Pigeons are not protected by federal or state laws according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Pigeons are often considered pests, and shooting them as a form of pest control is not illegal. Though owning a BB gun is a problem in some states in the US. The state of California has a comprehensive policy on non-air and toy guns. The state of Hawaii prohibits owning, selling, licensing, and manufacturing this type of  device.

I suggest before getting a BB gun, check out your state’s laws on this. To learn more about your state’s laws on BB guns, click here

What are BB Guns?

BB guns are simply air guns that are designed to shoot projectiles known as “BB” or bullet balls. The BB gun was invented in 1886. It was originally made from maple wood and a bit of metal, a spring-piston gun. It was invented by George W. Sage as a weapon used for training or target practice. Most individuals would even consider the use of BB gun as a form of hunting weapon on small animals or pest control.

BB Guns vs. Air Soft Guns. 

Airsoft guns have always been compared to BB guns because of their striking similarities. People would always confuse these guns when looking for them in retail stores or even online retail stores. 

The Airsoft Gun was invented in Japan in the late 1970s. It was mainly used for target practice, the same with BB guns. The striking difference is that when shooting an Airsoft Gun it will not leave a significant injury to the victim. BB guns can possibly kill a small animal because of the metal ball it used as ammunition. While Airsoft guns use a plastic form of ammunition that can barely damage a victim. Airsoft guns also use “green gas” that was used as a propellant. These guns are popularly known to be used in the sport of paintball. 

Unlike BB Guns, the Airsoft is barely regulated by federal or state laws. Federal law only requires the importation of this toy gun to have barrels that have a minimum of 6mm. US law also states that individuals who are 18-year old and above are allowed to even own this toy gun. However, cities like New York and Washington have banned this toy gun entirely. For more information about the regulation on this toy gun, click here

Owning a BB gun. 

BB guns are not entirely illegal in the United States. There are just simply states in the US that banned this gun because of safety concerns. There are still ways that you can buy this gun in retail stores. The U.S. Second Amendment states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Though US Federal law still restricts who can own, possess or sell this gun. 

In owning a BB gun one must be familiar with the Brady Act or the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1994. If an individual is convicted of a certain crime involving the use of handguns and falls under any of these categories. Then they may be penalized under the Brady Act:

  1. Were convicted of a crime punishable by being in prison for more than one year;
  2. Are a fugitive from justice;
  3. Are addicted to, or illegally use, any controlled substance;
  4. Have been ruled mental defective by a court, or are committed to a mental institution;
  5. Are an illegal alien living in the United States unlawfully;
  6. Received a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces;
  7. Renounced your U.S. citizenship, if you are a U.S. citizen;
  8. Are subject to a court restraining order that involves your “intimate partner”, your partner’s child, or children; or
  9. Were convicted of domestic violence in any court of a misdemeanor.

To know more about this, check with a local attorney or click here for more information. 

Shooting a Pigeon with a BB gun. 

If you coincidentally own a BB gun at home and you’re experiencing a problem with pigeon infestation. It’s no doubt it would cross your mind to shoot them with a BB gun. BB guns were designed to be used for test practice or for hunting. Its use of a metal ball makes it possible to puncture the skin of humans but can be deadly to smaller animals. Using this gun is powerful enough to kill animals, unlike airsoft guns. BB guns can be bought in places like a sporting goods store for prices that can range from $13 to specialty bb guns that can cause about $3,000.

Why You Shouldn’t Shoot a Pigeon. 

It is undeniably easy to shoot a pigeon with a BB gun and it is also not illegal especially if you already own one in the first place. But we must bear in mind that these are animals, living, breathing animals. The US Fish and Wildlife Service suggested that instead of killing the animal, try to remove what attracts them to your property or build a bird barrier. 

The office even suggested these questions to ask yourself before doing anything as drastic as shooting a bird. 

  • What do the experts recommend?
  • Could it hurt people, pets, and other wildlife?
  • Will it reduce or eliminate the damage?
  • Is it worth the cost?

Humane Ways of Getting rid of Pigeons. 

The Humane Society of the United States is a non-profit organization in the US that seeks to protect animals. They also seek to inform the public on various humane ways of dealing with animals. The organization provided ways to deal with pigeons listed below: 

Stop Feeding the Pigeons (Intentionally or not)

From movies to television shows we see normal it is to feed these bird in cities. We tend to also copy these actions. What we don’t understand is that this is one of the primary reasons why pigeons flock in cities. There is also trash laying around the city, to birds that are a food buffet. Getting rid of these food supplies would definitely reduce the population of pigeons and restrict them from flocking. 

Unintentional Food Sources 

There should be daily clean-up around your neighborhood so that these birds won’t stay too long. They often flock on places where there are a lot of people. To these birds, when there are people there is trash. When there is trash, there is food. 

Prevent Roosting and Nesting. 

Flat surfaces are the perfect place for these birds to multiply. By removing flat surfaces you would definitely lower the chances of them nesting here and multiplying by the hundreds. I suggest you use a variety of methods like bird barriers and wires. 

This information came from the official website of The Humane Society of the United States. To learn more on how to humanly manage these birds, click here to go to their official website. 

Which BB Guns to Buy, Just in Case. 

I am definitely not encouraging anyone to use a BB gun to shoot birds. BB guns are also used for target practice or for hunting. But just in case you are looking for the best type of BB guns to buy online, we have summarized three from Walmart. 

The Crosman 760 Pumpmaster is a BB rifle that can shoot up to 700fps. It has a BB capacity of 200 and a velocity of 645fps. It weighs about 2.75lbs and has a length of 33.5in. This type of rifle is perfect for beginner hunters because of its easy-to-use features. The Pumpmaster has been around for over 50 years now, no wonder this rifle is the perfect beginner’s rifle. 

Another one from Crosman is the Mako Blowback Semiautomatic BB Pistol. This gun a CO2-powered BB pistol that can shoot for up to 425 feet per second. The coolest thing about this BB gun is that it’s a pistol. Pistols are handguns which is made to be carried around. It has a spring-activated BB clip that drops out with a push of a button and holds over 20 BB pellets. 

The Barra 1866 Cowboy Rifle on the other hand is a rifle that was invented by Walter Hunt. This type of rifle is a Volition Repeating Rifle, it has a complex system of mechanics and a lever that is able to quickly fire. This gun uses a different type of ammunition called a rocket ball. Comparing it to the Crosman 760 Pumpmaster this BB gun is far more complex and is for gun experts. 

For more information about BB rifles, click here

Final Thoughts 

We must bear in mind that the reason for pigeons having a continuously increasing population is because we give these birds the essentials to do so. These birds are the first birds to have ever been domesticated. Shooting them is not just inhumane but would be considered animal cruelty regardless of your purpose. There are definitely dozens of ways to control these birds. Killing them by shooting them with a BB gun should be a last resort or not an option at all. 

Canned Food Go Bad in a Hot Car: Yes. Find Out Why.


It was a hot and sunny afternoon; you just got home from the groceries. Your car filled with paper bags of food, toilet paper, and cleaning materials. You rushed out of your car while holding everything you bought from the grocery store. You placed it all down at the kitchen counter and went straight to bed. The following day, as you open the car door. You suddenly see a can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup on the car seat. You realized you forgot this canned food in your car under the hot sun and you start wondering if it is still edible.

This scenario almost happens to all of us, grocery shoppers. We were rushing to get out of our cars and we didn’t even notice the things we accidentally left behind. We start asking ourselves, “does canned food go bad in a hot car?” The answer is, yesThe USDA Food Safety & Inspection Services (FSIS) indicated that the average canned food can possibly last for about one to four years. This is only possible if it was stored in a cool, dark place. When canned foods are exposed to a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit it can potentially bring harm to the canned food and should not be consumed.

A Guide to Canned Food 

Canned food products are often thought to be less nutritious than frozen or fresh food. This thought stemmed from the fact that food in a metal can look less nutritious than regular food. Food that can be seen in a freezer or on a grocery shelf. 

This is not always the case, a study shows that canned food do preserve most of the food’s nutrients. This is undoubtedly true because of the process of canning food. One of the most important nutrients in food that humans need are protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The canning process do not affect these nutrients from food. The process also extends the shelf life of the food which is perfect for storing a ton of it in case of emergencies. 

Toby Amidor is a registered dietician and consultant. He indicated that the shelf life of any canned food is undeniably longer than fresh food because of the process of canning. But it is still vital to check the labels that manufacturers put on it.

  • “Best-by” means that this is the recommended time to use the product for the best physical and/or sensory quality.
  • “Use-by” is understood as the final days of the product will be at its peak freshness, flavor, and texture. Beyond the indicates Use-By date the food’s quality will deteriorate. 

To learn more about this from Toby Amidor, click here for more information.

Never Consume a Canned Food Left in the Car. 

Canned food was made to last for long periods of time, if and only if, it was stored in a cool, dark place. It is common for us grocery shoppers to accidentally leave one or two cans in the car after carrying bags of groceries into the house. But once you realize you forgot it in there for more than 24 hours, immediately throw it away. Here’s why.

Imagine parking your car under the hot-scorching summer sun in the afternoon for about an hour. On an average day with temperatures reaching about 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or hotter, the interior of the car will reach an average of 116 degrees Fahrenheit (47 degrees Celsius).

Under a shade with the same scenario, the interior of the car would still reach an approximate average of 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

The USDA Food Safety & Inspection Services(FSIS) stated that any canned food that is exposed to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher would harm the food inside of the can. Canned food must only place in a storage that has an average temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). For more information on this, click here to proceed to the official website of the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Services. 

Hidden Benefits of Canned Food. 

There are doubts from grocery shoppers about the health benefits of this food product. Most would assume that canned food is less nutritious or even say that there is no nutrition at all.

Chef Nicholas Appert invented the canning process by putting poultry into glass bottles, closing it by using corks and then submerging them in boiling water in 1795. This process invented over hundreds of years ago is still being used until now but with added preservatives to prolong the canned food’s shelf life even more.

9 out of 10 Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. This means 9 out of 10 Americans don’t receive the right amount of nutrition on a daily basis. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANESA) data indicated eating canned food will aid Americans to build a healthy diet. They also indicated that canned foods are great sources of fiber, vitamins, and protein which will benefit any family whose diet doesn’t meet the suggested amount of nutrients. 

Insulated Bags for Grocery Shopping.

Grocery shopping is an essential task to do in the household. It is advisable to bring your own shopping bag when you go grocery shopping to lessen the use of plastic bags. A good insulated reusable bags would do the trick. A thermal or insulated bag is technically a shipping container that is used to maintain the temperature of its content. It keeps the cold items cold, while the hot items hot.

On a hot summer day, you’d expect that your car would exceed the 100 degrees Fahrenheit limit. If so, having an insulated bag to store your food items after grocery shopping is advisable. Imagine accidentally leaving any canned food in the car but it’s inside an insulated bag. Even on a hot day your canned food will be safe from being harmed by the extreme heat building up inside the interior of your vehicle.

Insulated Bags May Protect Your Canned Food.

The insulated bag’s exterior is made from polyester while the interior is made with heavy duty foil. With the cooler bag technology it may maintain the internal temperature of the bag. It now starts reducing or eliminating damage to your grocery items in extreme heat.

Listed below are three insulated bags that are currently being sold on Amazon that is perfect in storing food items, especially canned food.

  • The NZ Home Insulated Reusable Bag is one of the most popularly known insulated bags in the market. What consumers love about this product is that it is collapsible and foldable. It has a 16 inch width, a 13 inch height, and a diameter that is 9 inches. This is perfect for carrying tons of grocery items. Because it stands upright, it eliminated the hassle of keeping the bag open while putting items inside. With an average rating of 4.6/5.0 on Amazon, this product is certainly worth the money for an easy grocery shopping experience.
  • I suggest you go for the SMILRY Insulated Reusable Grocery Bag. If you like hoarding grocery products. This bag is bigger than the first one mentioned. It has a size of 16in x 10in x 13in, made for carrying bigger items in the grocery. Not to mention, the 14 x 8 inch zipped interior pocket and 9 x 8 inch hook and loop exterior pocket for additional storage space. With a rating of 4.4/5.0 this reusable insulated bag is a tough product to beat.
  • The KIBAGA Commercial Insulated Bag on the other hand is made to cater for food deliveries. That may be the case, but this bag is still perfect for your simple grocery shopping. This product is being sold in sets of 2, with a size of 22in x 10in x 10in. Because it’s made for delivery hot or cold food, the interior foil for preserving the interior temperature is thicker. Most consumers would go for the other two mentioned because of size, but this insulated bag is still a recommended bag for grocery shopping.

Final Thoughts

 

Accidentally leaving canned food in the car may happen once or twice. And if you do, make sure none of your family members consume the leftover canned food. The food inside may have already been exposed to too much heat.  Canned food will last long only if you store it properly and is away from physical damage. To see more information about this, click here

Buying an insulated bag may help your grocery shopping experience because most are foldable, compact, and easy-to-carry. These bags will surely keep your important items in your grocery list in the right temperature. We must also consider that these bags are reusable so buying an insulated reusable bag for $60 or $80 is worth it because it produces less waste. 

Is a Monkey’s Fist Illegal: Mostly, Find Out Why.


 

It’s midnight. You’re walking along a dark alley in the city. Just as you turned around you see a man following you. You suddenly remember in your pocket you have a key chain that has a heavy knotted ball at the end of it, perfect for hitting someone. Just as the man gets nearer, you swung that key chain at him and hit him hard on the head. You now have an opportunity to run and call for help. This key chain with a heavy ball is what we call a Monkey’s Fist.

The Monkey’s Fist is a perfect example of a self-defense weapon. It has been used since the early 1800s where sailors toss lines between ships or to shore. Monkey’s fists at that time are cannon ball-sized. While monkey’s fists today are as small as marble but can still pack a heavy blow on the head. 

I bet now you’re thinking that it’s a great idea to have this safety object with you at all times and that everyone should own one. 

With this in thought, the question on everybody’s mind is, “are monkey’s fists illegal?” Monkey’s fist are illegal in states like California (California Penal Code Section 1 12020) and Oklahoma (Oklahoma Statutes Title 21) . In states like Nevada (Revised Statutes 202.350), Washington, and Minnesota it’s a misdemeanor to even carry one.  Each state has a different approach on the regulation of this knot. I suggest you look into your state’s official website and search up statutes on this. 

What are Monkey’s Fists

When you’re saying Monkey’s Fist you are referring to the knot that is tied around a hard object that is shaped like a monkey’s fist. This type of knot is also attached to a length of rope or string. It was used by sailors during the 1800s as a combat weapon but its true origins remain unknown. 

A dictionary defines a weapon as something that can cause injury or can destroy. The monkey’s fist, mostly used to hit someone, is the reason why most states in the US declared this as a weapon.

Why this Knot became a Illegal 

The reason why this object was categorized as a weapon is because of its cousin, the slungshot. A slungshot is simply a tool that has a weight at the end of a long cord with a monkey’s fist knot containing a heavy object. The only difference is that the slung shot’s long cord is tied to make a loop to be able to hold unto. 

A slungshot would not have been a slungshot if it wasn’t for the monkey’s fist knot. You would also recognize this object as seen in medieval-themed movies, it’s called a Flail. It’s the same concept, only this time it’s made of metal and the end of that rope is a small wooden staff you can hold on to. 

One famous account in the history of the monkey’s fist in the US is Abraham Lincoln’s famous 1858 Almanac Trial. Lincoln was defending his client, William ‘Duff’ Armstrong who was accused of killing a man with a slingshot before midnight on August 29, 1857. A witness said that he saw the crime happen ‘by the light of the moon’. Abraham Lincoln then made an almanac that indicated on that particular night, the moon was low on the horizon, therefore falsifying the witness’ claim that he saw the crime happen. After this, the slungshot suddenly became illegal in most states in the United States. 

Monkey’s Fist is Legal in Florida. 

Governor Rick Scott signed a bill in 2016 that legalizes the production and possession of slung shots. Because the slungshot is now legal, the monkey’s fist too became legal in the state of Florida. 

House Bill 4009 removed the slungshot from the list of illegal weapons in Florida. The bill was introduced by Republican representative Neil Combee of Polk City in 2015. For 148 years, the slungshot was illegal in the state of Florida, and because of classifying this as a self-defense weapon, it has now become legal. 

Louis Krudo is a self-defense expert that was interviewed by Bay News 9. He pointed out the benefit of having this object be a self-defense tool that can be used by the population. According to him, the slungshot/monkey’s fist has many uses and not just a weapon for hurting other individuals. 

How Useful is a Monkey’s Fist 

As was stated before, the monkey’s fist’s complex knot became useful in many occasions. It is now mostly being used for sports such as skydiving, and mountain rock climbing. 

The simplistic design of the monkey’s fist turned into an accessory. It now became a key chain that perfectly goes along with your keys and fits in your pocket. I recommend buying a safety key chain such as the Nautical Maritime Marine Sailor’s Monkey Fist Keychain. There is a lot of information online that says how dangerous monkey’s fists are, but this product is not a weapon capable of hurting anyone. This keychain has a paracord that can stretch for up to 4 1/2 inches in length and is made 100% out of nylon. It is perfectly designed to be extended or shortened. Because the use of the Monkey’s Fist can be traced back to sailors from the 1800s, this key chain is good for pairing with your boat keys. Check it out on Amazon here

One could have never noticed that owning a dog means that you would probably also own a monkey’s fist in your house. The Zanie’s Monkey’s Fist Knot Rope Dog Toy is a perfect example of this toy. These dog toys are bought by dog owners whose dogs are sometimes bigger than them. It is designed for aggressive-chewing canines that can improve the dog’s oral hygiene. Zanie’s rope dog toy has a length of over 15 inches and a knot size of 2.75 inches. If you want to find out more about this special type of dog toy, click here to proceed to Amazon. 

You can DIY a Monkey’s Fist. 

There are different sizes of monkey’s fist that you can buy at the moment. But sometimes these sizes vary so much you won’t be able to decide or even find the size that’s most useful for you. 

If you don’t own a monkey’s fist, knowing how to tie one can be a life-saving skill. This process may take a lot of materials and effort but the results are worth it. 

Tying the Knot. 

  1. Tie a knot on both separate fingers three times. 
  2. Pass the end of the knot through the middle opening. 
  3. Make three more turns around the first knot. 
  4. Pass the end of the knot through the middle again. 
  5. Make three more turns, locking the previous turns. 
  6. Remove your fingers. 
  7. Tie a simple knot on the other end. 
  8. Tuck it in the center of the ball. 
  9. Lastly, tighten every turn. 

To clearly see the directions on how to tie a perfect monkey’s fist knot click here. These versatile survival tools are cheap and easy to make. Owning one would be beneficial for you but knowing how to make one is worth more. 

Making your own monkey’s fist to be an accessory is a good idea. But if you are still having a hard time tying the knot, you can buy the Monkey Fist Knot Key Chain. It has a brass top with a top that unscrews to be easily attached to your keyring. It is very compact and durable. Most consumers love this product because it makes the occasional finding your lost keys easier. One of its features is that it’s perfect for stabilizing the key chain while being durable. To find out more information about this product, click here

Final Thoughts 

The Monkey’s Fist is one of the most helpful tools ever created. It is so versatile it can act as a defensive tool while still be able to help you climb a mountain or parachute from an airplane. The knot is still being used now even though it was created so many years ago.

In the United States, it is illegal to even possess such a tool because of the possible implications it may cause when being held by the wrong hands. The design of the monkey’s fist is to carry heavy-rounded objects that are ideal for throwing to another individual which may cause serious injuries. Nevertheless, this object is meant to be used for self-defense. Having one would guarantee the safety of so many people. 

Owning a monkey’s fist or slungshot might get you in serious trouble depending on which state you live in. If you live in Florida, then it is perfectly legal for you to possess, create, and buy a monkey’s fist. But if you’re unlucky enough to be in a state that is illegal to even buy a monkey’s fist like California, I may also suggest looking for other defensive tools. Click here to check out more self-defense tools you can possibly own. 

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