M.D. CREEKMORE

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East Coast Dockworker Strike: What It Means for You and How to Prepare

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of dockworkers across East and Gulf Coast ports—from Maine to Texas—walked off the job, closing 36 critical ports that handle nearly half of all U.S. ocean imports. With a looming election and businesses recovering from inflation, the timing couldn’t be worse.

The strike is poised to hit the economy hard, costing up to $540 million per day. This will have both immediate and long-term impacts on the supply chain, potentially complicating the upcoming holiday season. On top of that, the Southeast is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused devastating flooding, leaving roads impassable and further straining logistics.

So, how will this strike affect everyday consumers, and what can you do to stay ahead of shortages?

Short-Term Impact

In the short term, we’ll see delays in fresh produce, seafood, and other perishable goods. Retailers will struggle to keep shelves stocked, leading to price hikes. Additionally, imported electronics and holiday gifts may be in short supply, so don’t wait until the last minute to shop.

What to Stock Up On Now:

  • Fresh produce (or frozen alternatives)
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Household electronics and holiday gifts

Medium-Term Impact

As the strike drags on, we’ll see shortages in automotive parts, medical supplies, and construction materials. Repairs and projects may come to a halt due to the lack of critical components. Prices will likely rise as supply dwindles.

What to Stock Up On in the Coming Weeks:

  • Car parts and essential tools
  • Prescription medications and first-aid supplies
  • Home improvement materials

Long-Term Impact

If the strike continues for months, it could cause serious economic strain, affecting industries from tech to healthcare. Furniture, home goods, and pharmaceuticals will become harder to find, and prices may soar. Stocking up now can save you from inflated costs later.

What to Stock Up On for the Long Haul:

  • Essential home goods and furniture
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • Long-term food storage like rice, beans, and canned goods

How to Stay Prepared

Make sure your stockpile covers basic necessities, especially items you know are imported. As always, being proactive will give you peace of mind and help you avoid the worst of supply shortages.

This is yet another reminder of how fragile our supply chains can be. Don’t wait—get your household ready now! Visit my Amazon Shop to see all of my gear!

Stock up at Amazon.com and here is 4-Week Emergency Food Supply to get you started.

Is it Time to Leave the U.S. for a Safer Country?

The United States is no longer the place it once was. With the border wide open and millions pouring in from over 170 countries, it’s not just about illegal immigration anymore—it’s about the erosion of safety and security. Violent gangs are forming, crime rates are skyrocketing, and you don’t feel as secure in your own home as you once did. Add to that the looming threat of war with Russia and the ongoing economic instability fueled by inflation and BRICS nations ditching the dollar, and it starts to make sense why many Americans are considering relocating to a safer, more stable country.

Relocating isn’t a decision anyone should take lightly. If you’ve invested in prepping and homesteading, moving across borders might seem like starting from scratch. But in these times, safeguarding your family’s future might mean finding a country where individual freedoms, financial stability, and personal security aren’t at constant risk.

If you’re thinking about making the move, here are five countries that check off some of the key boxes for Americans looking for a better life abroad.

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has long been a popular destination for expats, and for good reason. This Central American gem offers a relatively low cost of living, friendly locals, and a stable government. They’ve abolished their military, which might seem concerning at first glance, but their focus on peace and neutrality has kept them out of major conflicts.

What makes Costa Rica appealing is its freedom-friendly atmosphere. While firearms ownership isn’t as liberal as in the U.S., it is possible to own firearms with proper licensing. To me this is the main downside to the location, however, the U.S. is heading the same way, and working to ban and limit firearms ownership so…

The government is stable, crime is low (especially in rural areas), and you get to live surrounded by nature. Plus, their healthcare system is top-notch for expats.

Costa Rica does not require proof of vaccination for entry. While the country did have vaccine requirements for certain activities in the past, these have been dropped, and no vaccine certificate is needed for tourism or residence.

2. Panama

Another Central American option, Panama is growing in popularity for its welcoming attitude toward foreign residents. The cost of living is affordable, and they use the U.S. dollar as currency, which makes for an easier transition financially. Plus, Panama offers permanent residency through their “Friendly Nations Visa” program.

The individual freedom factor in Panama is strong. While gun ownership isn’t as permissive as in some parts of the U.S., it’s possible to own firearms for self-defense after obtaining the necessary permits. The country is politically stable, and there’s no risk of being dragged into a global conflict. They’re also big on personal property rights, and taxes are low for expats.

3. Uruguay

If South America is more appealing to you, Uruguay is a solid option. It’s one of the most politically stable countries in the region and has a good balance between modern comforts and traditional values. The cost of living is reasonable, especially outside of the capital, and the country has a laid-back, stress-free vibe.

Uruguay is one of the few countries in Latin America where private gun ownership is allowed, and they have a relatively easy process for obtaining firearms legally. The government respects individual freedoms, and the healthcare system is excellent for expats. Uruguay also avoids getting involved in international conflicts, making it a safer long-term bet.

Uruguay also has no restrictions on foreign ownership of property, and the process is straightforward. The country has a stable political and legal environment, which makes property ownership very secure. Additionally, Uruguay is known for its respect for private property rights, and you don’t have to be a resident to own property.

4. Portugal

Portugal is part of the European Union, but it’s one of the more laid-back countries in Western Europe. It’s affordable, with a cost of living much lower than the U.S., especially if you stay away from Lisbon. Portugal has excellent healthcare, a stable economy, and a culture that values freedom and quality of life.

For gun enthusiasts, Portugal allows legal firearm ownership, though with strict regulations. That said, crime is relatively low, and most people don’t feel the need to carry. Portugal offers the right balance of safety, individual rights, and low taxes for expats, along with easy visa options like the D7 for retirees or passive income earners.

5. Czech Republic

For those looking to relocate to Europe but wanting to maintain some of the freedoms we cherish in the U.S., the Czech Republic is a strong contender. One of the best aspects of the country is its approach to gun ownership. Unlike most of Europe, the Czech Republic allows private citizens to own and carry firearms legally with a license, and their laws are fairly liberal on this matter.

The cost of living is reasonable, especially outside the major cities like Prague. The government is stable, and the country doesn’t get involved in the kinds of geopolitical conflicts that are threatening other nations. Czech culture is also built around personal freedom, and expats are generally welcomed with open arms.

Conclusion

It’s becoming harder to ignore the signs that the U.S. is on a dangerous path. Whether it’s the open borders allowing unchecked migration, the rise in crime, or the economic issues stemming from international tension and the weakening dollar, now might be the time to seriously consider relocating. These five countries offer more safety, freedom, and a chance to start fresh in an environment that values the same principles you do.

If you’re ready to pack up and seek a better, safer life elsewhere, don’t wait until it’s too late. Time is short, and the world is changing fast. Prepare now, make the right connections, and be ready to move when the time comes.

Personally, I’m starting to learn Spanish and looking more and more into… Costa Rica… but always, do your own research and do what is best for you… I’m not leaving yet, however, I am making plans and retaining leaving as an option when needed.

Well, I got pissed and went off so I can’t post this on YouTube!

Well, folks, unfortunately, I was making a video for YouTube and while I was filming I got mad and didn’t hold back, at all. However, because of that I couldn’t post the video on YouTube because I know that 100% YouTube would take it down and probably delete my YouTube channel and account.

So, instead I uploaded it to my Patreon page for paid members. If you’re a paid member, then you can go here to watch it or you can become a member and watch it.

Thanks.

 

Why I’m Upping My Supplement Game

Over the past few years, I’ve been taking various supplements in an effort to improve my overall health. I’ve tried different multivitamins, turmeric, fish oil, and a handful of other products that promised big results. To be honest, I haven’t seen much in terms of noticeable changes. I’m not sure if I’ve been using the wrong brands, the wrong doses, or if supplements just aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. But instead of giving up, I’ve decided to “up my game” and go all-in with higher-quality supplements.

After doing some research and reading a lot of reviews, I’ve decided to try out three new supplements to see if the quality of the products I’ve been using has been the issue. The three I’ve chosen are: THORNE Men’s Multi 50+, NatureWise Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine, and Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega. These brands are highly recommended and are known for being more potent, pure, and effective than your average off-the-shelf products.

Here’s what I’m hoping for:

1. THORNE Men’s Multi 50+

I’m over 50 now, so I wanted a multivitamin that’s specifically designed for someone my age. This product includes essential nutrients in forms that are supposedly easier to absorb, which might have been one of the problems with my old multivitamin. I’m hoping to see improvements in my energy levels, mood, and overall well-being with this one.

2. NatureWise Turmeric Curcumin with BioPerine

I’ve been taking turmeric for joint health for a while, but again, no real difference that I could notice. What makes this version different is the addition of BioPerine, a black pepper extract that’s supposed to improve the absorption of turmeric. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and I’m really hoping this higher-quality version will actually help with some joint discomfort I’ve been dealing with lately.

3. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega

I’ve tried fish oil before, but I’m stepping it up with Nordic Naturals, which is well-known for its high-quality omega-3s. Omega-3s are great for heart health, joint health, and cognitive function, so I’m hoping this supplement will help with overall inflammation and mental clarity. This brand claims to have higher purity and better bioavailability, so maybe this will be the one that actually makes a difference.

Why the Change?

The big question in my mind is whether supplement price and presumed quality makes a real difference. If you go online, there are hundreds of brands all claiming to offer the best product, from my research, the truth is, not all supplements are created equal. Some brands might use cheap ingredients or forms of vitamins that your body can’t really absorb, which would explain why I haven’t seen results.

I’m also making sure to take these supplements consistently and for long enough to really gauge their effects. Too often, people (including myself) take supplements for a few weeks, don’t see instant results, and then stop. But I’m going to give this a fair shot.

The Plan

For the next few months, I’m going to stick with these three supplements and track how I feel—energy levels, joint pain, mood, mental clarity, and any other noticeable changes. I’m hoping that with better-quality supplements, I’ll start seeing the benefits that so many people rave about.

If I do see some noticeable results, I’ll know that supplement quality really does matter. If not, well, I guess I’ll have to reconsider the whole idea of taking supplements altogether.

Stay tuned—I’ll update you all on whether this “upping my game” approach pays off!

This is an exciting step forward for me, and I’m curious to see how it goes. If you’ve tried any of these brands or have had similar experiences, feel free to share in the comments.

What did you do to prep this week?

If you’ve been with me for a long time, then you probably remember my weekly (every Saturday) post on my old website The Survivalist Blog. The post was titled “What Did You Do to Prep This Week,” and it was very popular with readers. At its peak, it received an average of 600 comments.

I’ve thought about doing something similar on YouTube. However, I’m hesitant because Google owns YouTube, and they track everything you do and say through their AI system. My concern is about the privacy and safety of my subscribers on YouTube.

On the other hand, this is my website, and Google doesn’t own it. It offers much more privacy than anything owned by Google. The downside is that people seem to have lost interest in reading and prefer watching videos, mostly for entertainment, I think.

Anyway, please share your thoughts below. And remember, when commenting anywhere, even here, never post your name or any personal information.

So, let’s get on with it… What did I do to prep this week?

Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with a bulging disc in my back for the past few weeks, which has limited my ability to do heavy lifting and digging. Thankfully, it seems to be improving, and I’m starting to move around with less pain. So, I haven’t made much progress with projects around the house, but I did manage to put back some more preps over the past few weeks.

As you might have heard, Berkey water filters have had a lot of issues and have refused to get NSF/ANSI 42 Certification, among other problems. I no longer promote Berkey water filters and won’t until they resolve their issues. However, I didn’t want to throw away the Berkey stainless steel chambers, so I decided to buy replacement filters that are NSF/ANSI 42 Certified and far more cost-effective.

These are the ones I bought and tested, and they are as good or better than the original Berkey filters, with the added bonus of being NSF/ANSI 42 Certified.

I also bought two more 150-round boxes of green-tip 5.56×45 ammo at my local sporting goods store, as well as three 50-round boxes of CCI Stinger .22LR ammo and a 25-round box of 12-gauge #6 shot at my local Walmart.

Additionally, I added two Glock 17 magazines to my growing collection. Stocking up on full-capacity firearm magazines is extremely important! Why? Because the federal government is eager to ban these full-capacity magazines, so you need to stock up on as many as you can afford.

I also bought two cases of canned food from the same Walmart, as well as some canning lids for my home canning.

Now this was an exciting purchase, that I’m REALLY happy with! I bought this and put it on my Mossberg 590A1… and I love it!

Last but not least, I bought the READY HOUR 4-Week Emergency Food Supply and two Augason Farms Butter Powder to replace the one I opened and started using for cooking. “Use one, buy two” is my motto when it comes to prepping.

Well, that’s it for me. What did you do to prep this week? Also, let me know how long you’ve been with me and if you remember the original “What Did You Do to Prep This Week” post. Thanks!

 

Time is SHORT… I’m getting MORE food storage because YOU CAN’T HAVE TOO MUCH!

When SHTF, food is the first thing to go! So, I’m doing all I can while I still can, and you should too. My goal is to reach a 5-year supply, and I’m getting close. If you’ve read my book, then you know that I stockpile a variety of foods—everything from wheat, rice, beans, oats, and canned goods, to long-term storage foods like the kit below.

Pre-packaged survival foods offer many benefits: they’re lightweight, compact, and have an extremely long shelf life of 25 years or more, so you can ‘set it and forget it’ without the need for constant rotation. The only real downside is that you have to add water, while store-bought canned foods come with water included. However, canned foods have a much shorter shelf life, are heavier, and take up more storage space.

You can get this 4-week food supply at My Patriot Supply or at Amazon.com…