Hunger on the rise. Why?

“One third of all deaths of children under 5 in developing countries linked to undernutrition” – WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME 

“842 million people do not eat enough to be healthy” – WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME 

“One in every 8 people goes to bed hungry each night” – WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME 

       

       A lot of people are going hungry right now - and it’s not just developing lands which are suffering.  As well as parts of Africa and Asia where droughts, famines, despots and wars have always caused problems, food shortages now seem to be spreading to the West and once thriving economies such as Japan.

Recently, a British couple committed suicide because they couldn’t cope with unemployment and the lack of money. To supplement their meagre income, they’d  been walking for  42 miles a day to collect rations from a charity centre and, whether from shame or sheer despair, reached the point when they simply gave up - just two more victims from an increasingly desperate generation. Greece, Italy, even America, all are having to cope with a sluggish economy, joblessness and rising food prices.

       In the UK, food inflation is currently outpacing the average wage increase, spiking last year to a 5% increase in what was once perceived to be, if not recession-proof, then certainly a recession-resistant industry.  Delegates to the Oxford Farming Conference a couple of years ago were asked to consider just who has power over food prices. According to the experts, it’s certainly not consumers. Nor is it farmers, who are currently being squeezed by dwindling suppliers on the one hand and the decrease in retail customers on the other.

       But how much power do governments wield? On the surface, very little, they would argue, citing  two reasons: For one thing, agriculture now operates in a global context, and secondly (at least as far as the United Kingdom is concerned), the government is keen to reduce farm subsidies in the belief that increasing world demand along with higher prices will compensate growers for these lost revenues. The demand will always be there, of course. But where is the supply? And  how can people on low incomes afford it?

       As well as the unwarranted increase in costs, another worrying factor is coming into play – the monopoly of food by huge transnational (TNCs) who are investing billions in agriculture and supplies.

      Has anyone noticed the speed with which small farms and food outlets are going out of business? How global conglomerates are buying up land for intensive farming and how supermarket chains are getting bigger and more powerful?

       Speaking to the OFC, Dr Alan Renwick – SAC Head of the Land Economy & Environmental Research Group, identified a few of these TNCs with genuine clout. Cargill, Syngenta, Monsanto, Wal-Mart and, to a certain extent, Tesco, are far more influential than the state whose intervention in agriculture and trade has been diminishing.  To date, three TNCs control almost 50% of the proprietary seed market.

       Personally, I wouldn’t discount the role which governments are playing - or are likely to play in the future. No doubt it suits them to maintain a helpless and therefore blameless  profile in the face of rising food scarcity. However, they must surely appreciate the power such a monopoly can wield. Control the world’s food supplies and you control the world.

       We can also count on genetic engineering to create further demand, thanks to the proliferation of GM cereals. At one time, farmers could depend on nature to provide generously – with one seed purchase providing healthy crops for several years. Yet there is nothing natural about some seeds produced by scientists in labs. They may be resistant to certain pests or climates, but many GM seeds are not self-propagating. Instead of having plenty of fertile new seed for the following crop, the farmer is forced to buy fresh seed from the supplier every time.

       Sadly, starvation and malnutrition are nothing new.  Back in the 1980s, an article in The Boston Globe stated: “A world with nearly a billion persons living close to starvation has to find ways to help the poorest nations to enjoy something approaching the bounty reaped by the richest nations, “The most disheartening  aspect of undernourishment . . . is that the world has a clear-cut capacity to feed everyone.” 

       Surely it’s time that capacity was realised.

UPDATE! 15th July 2021

       With Prince Charles pushing for sustainable farming, and concerned health practitioners mulling over the  government's latest food strategy (i.e. tax), I'm reminded of other factors that contribute to poor nutrition, even in seemingly fertile countries such as the UK. 

       Intensive farming, the use of chemicals and the failure to let land 'rest' have robbed the soil of its natural properties to such a degree that produce - especially green vegetation - no longer contains essential vitamins and minerals to the necessary extent. 

       Under the Mosaic Law, a sabbath rest was required every seventh year, during which the land lay fallow and its fertility was restored. Today, this can be achieved by regular crop rotation. (Exodus 23:11)

       Following a similar regime and using natural methods would not only improve consumers' health, but must surely help the environment.  

Americans versus British

       No, sorry, can’t resist, what with it trending and all! The Americans versus British issue has been exercising our deepest, most chauvinistic sentiments ever since the Boston Tea Party. Yet, along with all the (for the most part petty)  resentments, there is also affection - America viewing Britain as the irascible, highly eccentric, Woosterish Great Auntie, while the stiff-upper-lipped regard America as the brash young nephew who has never quite learned his place!

       We are, of course, extremely fond of each other, which gives both nations the right to chivvy and tease.

       One thing we Brits find rather alarming is the sheer outspokenness of Americans – understandable when you consider the subtle nuance and obfuscation for which cold-eyed civil servants who haunt the hallowed halls of Westminster are famed. In fact, there is nothing we Brits hate more than being ‘put on the spot’ by a direct question.

       “Why do you people hate Americans?” asked a young colonial I once met at a party. Now, had I been older with years of priming by my elders, I would probably have been more diplomatic. What I should have done was raise a quizzical eyebrow and say, with just a trace of condescension: “Do we? What an extraordinary thing to say!”  Instead, I blustered something about John Wayne winning all the battles during World War II - something British veterans were forever bleating on about. “The Yanks were never even there!” was one such utterance when watching Mr True Grit or other beefy US actors conquering Europe single-handedly.  “Too busy chatting up our girlfriends back home, most of them!” was another.

       Speaking of action films, this is an area where Brit/American differences are brought into sharp focus.  Think James Bond, about to be (say) thrown to the crocodiles/sharks/piranha or whatever. Does he flinch? Weep? Scream? Pray? Never! With one light-hearted quip as he flicks a speck from his immaculate tuxedo, he’s ready to face danger – and not a hair out of place! 
       
       American heroes on the other hand will spend their last moments speechifying, mouthing deeply profound solliloquys to wring every shred of emotion from the situation. This can take a very long time, especially if it’s a death scene.  “Come on, mate! Gerron wi’ it?!” growls the shaven-headed Mancunian in the neighbouring cinema seat, prompting laughter all round.  He’s not being unkind, you understand. It’s just that, however dire the situation, given a choice between heartfelt outpourings and a merry parting quip, British people will invariably opt for the latter – along with a nice cup of tea!

       Americans are also very loud. Faced with a group of sightseers in London,  the average Brit will take pains to keep a distance, as any decibels greater than a full-on heavy metal concert will cause his/her sensitive ears to burst. A brisk side-step into the kerb usually manages to extricate the native passer-by from the howls and whoops of US camaraderie. “OK peoples, we’ll meet here at 7pm sharp. NOT 6.59. NOT 7.01 but 7pm EXACTLY!”

       To be honest, I believe many British people resent the ‘rulers of the world’ attitude so many Americans adopt wherever they happen to be. Our cousins across the pond have such gusto, such curiosity, such a rage for experience, they can hardly help having interesting, exciting lives.

      In contrast, Brits of a certain generation are easily embarrassed, hate to make a fuss and would rather be torn to pieces by rapacious lions than draw attention to themselves. “Whatever will people think?” is their guiding thought, whereas Americans don’t care what anyone thinks. Life is there for grabs, not for standing in queues waiting patiently for buses. They complain if they have to, speak out when they want to, and go all out to get everything that life has to offer.

       Which is probably why we British envy them so much!

The downside of fame.

       "It sucks to be a famous right now" - Nicolas Cage

       Nic isn't the only celebrity to have felt this way. Britney Spears, Shia La Beouf (who locked himself in an elevator for his ‘art’), Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and, most recently, Johnny Depp on self-destruct, all seem to have felt the strain.

       Talking to a reporter at the premiére of one of her films, the late actress Farrah Fawcett-Majors had this to say on how fame affected her life: “I’ve lost all my freedom. I didn’t realize the price I would have to pay for fame. I need a guard living with me at all times now and that in itself is a great strain.” Farrah felt particularly insecure after a kidnap attempt in Mexico which resulted in the killing of one of her security team. Friendships were another issue for this beautiful star: “I can count my true friends on two hands and most of them are from before I became well-known.” 

              These are just a few examples of talented people who have suffered because of their celebrity. Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Curt Cobain and other singers all hit the heights before succumbing to drugs, alcohol and failed relationships. Actors such as River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, Marilyn Monroe, died from unnatural causes while still in their prime, while countless others struggle daily with the pressures of fame – pressures with which the average human was never equipped to deal.

       Yet, every year, audition queues still form for talent show like the X-Factor - thousands of people desperate for a smattering of stardust and their moment in the sun. And no wonder, when the rich and famous are photographed arriving at achingly chic parties in designer clothes, escorted by unbelievably gorgeous dates. Or cavorting on glamorous beaches, their lithe (sometimes surgically enhanced) bodies immaculately tanned and toned. Admired by most, adored by some, envied by many. 

       And there’s the rub. For envy can be manifest in several ways, from persistent stalking to outright threats, ridicule and hateful comments. Just like an Aunt Sally, those on whom the gods of fortune seem to smile are there to be thwacked by the ungenerous and bitter – if not by a coconut, then at the very least a vicious verbal brick. 

       So, if you’ve ever imagined easing your bejewelled self from a chauffeur-driven limo and gliding down a red carpet in couture Versace, then think about the downside.

 Insecurity

       The problem with fame is the unwelcome attention it can bring. (As Brad can testify!) Paparazzi and stalkers go with the territory, of course, and anyone in the public eye is a potential target for kidnappers and assassins. (The attempted kidnapping of singer Joss Stone is a case in point.) If this weren’t worrying enough, there’s a need to protect family members too, and while 24-hour security can be reassuring, it can also be restricting.

Loss of freedom

       Once a person becomes known, he or she is public property. The usual activities most people take for granted, such as walking the dog, nipping to the supermarket, or going to the movies suddenly become military-style manoeuvres. Alternatively, the celebrity may simply opt for a life of seclusion, spending their days behind locked iron gates with less freedom than a Carmelite nun!

Loss of privacy

       Many A-Listers no doubt bewail the lack of privacy. Nowadays, they can rarely enjoy a meal or a quiet cup of coffee without being approached by curious fans.

       And just imagine the discipline it would take never to be caught in a less than flattering pose. Whereas most people can afford the occasional sly scratch or burp, and may be forgiven for absent-mindedly picking their noses, any similar lapse by a celebrity could well make front-page news.

Lies, gossip, rumours and slander

       If fame brings admiration, it also invites site, jealousy and exploitation. All it takes is a chance remark from someone pretending to be in the know and your reputation could be in tatters. 

       ‘Kiss and Tell’ stories by publicity-hungry wannabes, faint praise by unscrupulous colleagues or negative comments from anyone with a grudge are all fodder to voracious media who delight in smashing the very idols they help to create. Rumours abound.

Change of personality

       There are famous people who keep their feet on the ground, usually respected professionals for whom fame is merely a by-product of their career rather than an end in itself. 

       Sadly though, even serious artists, sports personalities and performers can succumb to fame’s not-so-subtle snares. When star-struck fans queue for hours to get a glimpse of you, when sycophants agree with every word you say, when everything you wear meets with acclaim and applause and your looks, style and attitude are slavishly copied, it takes superhuman effort not to listen to the hype, especially if you’ve been hearing it throughout your adolescence. 

       Young celebrities are particularly vulnerable; the more their egos are massaged and inflated, the more adulation they crave and the more unreasonable their behaviour becomes until that nice boy next door or kind-hearted girl who loves her mum are totally unrecognisable. A diva is created.          
       Conversely, the greater the ego, the smaller the self-esteem and the more a celebrity may lose sight of the person they really are. They may feel vulnerable and even paranoid, which causes them to retreat even further behind their carefully crafted image. And the more famous they become, the less satisfied they are.

Loneliness and strained relationships

       For all their millions of fans, superstars are often lonely people, cut off from reality, stifled by their monstrous self-regard and unable to form lasting friendships. Good advice is often viewed as criticism. Genuine friends tend to distance themselves as the superficial takes precedence in the celebrity’s life.       Marriages are particularly vulnerable. A charismatic, good-looking actor or artist of any genre will be targeted by scalp hunters and gold diggers. By the very nature of their craft, they’ll be working with other beautiful, talented performers and, when temptations inevitably arise, loyalty to a mate may often go out of the window, resulting in marriage breakdowns or, at the very least, a serious lack of trust.

Bad associations

       Certain professions are notorious for unsavoury influences. Where there’s money and glamour there will inevitably be drugs, drink and promiscuity in abundance. Just think how many wonderful, talented people have been destroyed by such practices, no doubt introduced at an early age by people pretending to be their friends.

Desperation

       Of course, there are survivors. Not every star turns to alcohol, mind-altering substances or a series of unsuitable affairs. But even celebrities with iron-cast self-control and all the Botox in the world can’t stop the march of time. Eventually, youth begins to fade and despite the miracles of cosmetic surgery can’t alter the audience’s perception. 

       This is when stars begin to ‘reinvent’ themselves – again – becoming more outrageous in a desperate attempt to gain attention, which is food and drink to seasoned entertainers. 

       But in a field where youth is everything and fame is fickle, a fading star may find the only avenues left open are reality shows. 

"Don't stop believing"

         That was the advice from ex-pat Peter Coghlan when interviewed recently by Eugene Henderson for an article on assisted suicide.

       Pete knows better than most how easy it is to give into despair.  Two years ago, he suffered a massive brain stem stroke which left him locked-in - paralysed except for his eyes, his only means of communication.

       At the time of the article, which appeared in the Sunday Express on 29^th September 2013, police were investigating the possible suicide of former teacher, Victoria Meppen-Walter, who was left in constant pain after a routine operation.

      Having woken up from a coma, Pete overheard doctors saying he’d little chance of recovery. The thought of living the rest of his life unable to move drove him to beg his mother to help him die.

       “Once people believe there is no hope, they give up, but I’ve been through a living hell and it was better than dying,” said Pete. “With the right care, physio and motivation, it can happen. I’m living proof. If you keep trying, things can change.”

       Now recovered from his ordeal, Pete lives in Perth, Western Australia and has written a book based on his experiences as a locked-in patient. “In the Blink of an Eye Reborn” is available on Amazon and Smashwords. 

Pete was totally paralysed after waking from coma

Pete today, now fully recovered from Locked-in

UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blink-Eye-Reborn-Peter-Coghlan/dp/1727145593

US:
https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Eye-Reborn-Peter-Coghlan/dp/1727145593

US: 
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/314601

Dreams and how they affect us

Sally felt herself being driven along a rough, undulating path to be confronted by the head of an enormous mouse.....

After someone pushed Alan off the edge of a cliff, he found himself falling into a dark, fathomless abyss....

Jennifer desperately tried to escape as a gang of sinister men approached with pickaxes in their hands, but her legs refused to move....

Flapping his arms vigorously, David began to gain height until at last he could soar above the treetops, taking care to avoid the telephone cables overhead....

No, not horror films or scenes from science fiction, but experiences many people have while safely tucked up in their beds.

Dreaming is not only normal but absolutely vital for our mental health. Without it, we become tetchy and anxious, undergoing personality changes and finding it difficult, even impossible, to concentrate.

According to researchers, infants dream for up to 70 percent of their sleep time, while adults get by with just 24 percent REM activity (Rapid Eye Movement) when the brain is at its most active. Even cats, dogs and other mammals are thought to dream, a fact borne out by their yelping, twitching, growling, grunting and other animal expressions during sleep.

But whoever we are, wherever we live and whatever our circumstances, we all have dreams, although not everyone remembers them; the dreams we DO recall are the ones we have immediately before waking, before they slip like threads of gossamer from our minds.

What happens when we dream

When we nod off, our sleep becomes progressively deeper, reaching a state of total unconsciousness until starting to get lighter. It’s during this lighter phase of sleep when dreaming, or REM activity, occurs - a cycle that is repeated 5-6 times. On average, we can expect to dream for a total of 90-120 minutes throughout the night – roughly the same length as a feature film, though maybe not as thrilling. This is because the most common form of mental activity isn’t dreaming about incredible situations, but ‘sleep thinking’ – a process involving real-life events which tend to be rather mundane. Sleep thinking may however help us resolve any problems or worries we may have.

In fact, with the exception of neurons related to concentration and memory, our brains are actually busier when we dream than when we’re awake. But that’s only to be expected from such a complex organ; the brain has up to 50 billion elements generating between 100-300 signals every second! No wonder it never stops working.

Nightmares

Some dreams can be decidedly unpleasant. Past events and impressions obviously play a part – army veterans may be haunted by horrific wartime experiences, while victims of crime may re-live the fear and panic of their original ordeal.

Nor do they have to be particularly dramatic. Some of the most terrifying dreams can centre on normally innocuous objects, like dustpans or cupboards or mirrors which may suddenly seem sinister and threatening.

Children are particularly prone to frightening dreams. According to a study by mental health experts in Mannheim, Germany, 9 out of 10 youngsters are awoken by nightmares such as being chased, falling, natural disasters and war. Interestingly, gender has a bearing on how dreams are dealt with; boys tending to forget them altogether, while girls talk or even write about them, something which experts encourage. Drawing pictures of the dream or acting it out can also help children to overcome their fears so, as a result, the nightmare eventually occurs less often.

Interpreting dreams  

Humans have been fascinated by dreams since the world began, with many pagan nations including the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians using them as a guide to various aspects of life.  The Babylonians were particularly in thrall to the subconscious, having “such trust in dreams that on the eve of important decisions they slept in temples, hoping for counsel”.

More recently, Sigmund Freud viewed dreams as “the royal road to the unconscious” and tried to interpret them in the light of patients’ repressed desires. Such case studies have since been dismissed by many scientists as over-simplified.

Then there are the ‘dream books’ in which various pundits attach meanings and psychological insights to certain features of a dream – in some cultures, snakes, for example, are thought to represent disease. However, in her book The Dream Game, Ann Faraday believes such books are “equally useless, whether they be traditional or based on some modern psychological theory.”

Another specialist, Dr Rosalind Cartwright, is impressed by the differences between dream interpreters, with many psychotherapists insisting their interpretations are correct, “... apparently quite oblivious to the fact that their colleagues, on the basis of the same dream, may see quite different things for you.”

Can dreams foretell the future?

Many people believe so. For instance, a 1999 survey by sociologists found that over half of Russians believe in prophetic dreams and omens. And they’re by no means alone.  

The Bible has several instances of divinely inspired dreams, including Joseph’s warning to flee to Egypt with Mary before Herod could harm their child Jesus. Jacob, his son Joseph, Daniel, Ezekiel, even pagan rulers Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the Pharaoh of Egypt had visions. Yet these were related specifically to God’s purpose and, once the Bible was completed, dreams were no longer used as channels for divine communication.

On the contrary, dreams are just a normal if essential part of life, helping us make sense of our experiences and enhancing our memory. So enjoy them for what they are and, if you’re disturbed by nightmares, instead of looking for any ‘meaning’ in them, look for causes nearer to home.

And cut out the cheese!

Enslaved by pornography? It's time to break free

“Images today have become so extreme that what used to be considered hard-core is now mainstream pornography.”

       Seems to be everywhere these days. From books to magazines, TV to websites, movies to music videos, photo-sharing sites to social media, the whole world is awash with porn, an industry which rakes in roughly $100 billion a year. 

       And this isn’t just any old porn. According to Professor Gail Dines, Emerita of sociology and women's studies at Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts: “Images today have become so extreme that what used to be considered hard-core is now mainstream pornography.”

       Even more worrying is the number of people who when confronted with the facts – that  pornography is being viewed by more people than at any time in history – merely shrug and say, “So what?”  The fact is, pornography is so widespread these days, it has virtually been ‘normalised.’

       But does it do any harm? Just what IS wrong with pornography?

       Well, first of all, it’s highly addictive, so much so that many mental health professionals rank it alongside crack cocaine for the power it wields over its victims. People who regularly view porn eventually find they can’t stop, with some suffering trance-like symptoms accompanied by physical shaking and head pains. There are personality changes too: Addicts tend to be highly secretive and deceitful, while feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety and anger are serious by-products of this habit. Worst of it is, even if they wanted to break free, they often feel too ashamed to admit they have a problem! Some people even become suicidal.

       Nobody is immune.  Accidentally coming across an offensive image, however briefly, can leave a permanent scar. Such images are indelibly engraved upon the mind,  occasionally gate-crashing as unwelcome and intrusive thoughts that are difficult to shake off.

       Leading researcher on pornography, Dr Judith Reisman, says: “Pornographic visual images imprint and alter the brain, triggering an instant, involuntary, but lasting, biochemical memory trail that is difficult or even impossible to delete.”

       The effects on families are dire and divisive, undermining trust, intimacy, and fidelity. Being in thrall to porn creates selfishness, dissatisfaction and emotional distance, at the same time fuelling unhealthy sexual fantasies and objectionable, possibly violent, practices to which partners may be subjected. Extreme or not, porn demeans, poisons relationships and causes loss of respect for oneself and others.

       “Pornographic visual images imprint and alter the brain" 

       Adults, of course, have choices. What is very worrying in today’s climate is the way children are targeted through Smartphones and other mobile devices, triggering a potentially destructive pattern of promiscuity from very young ages, with catastrophic results. Boundaries are blurred, emotions are scarred and the victim may never be able to form lasting partnerships in later life.

       How can an addict break free?

       The best way to avoid this state of affairs is not to let it begin in the first place. If your hands were tied with a single cotton thread, it would be relatively easy to get loose. But if the same thread were continuously wrapped around your hands, it would be much harder to break. This is why it’s vital to pull way from anything  which could arouse sexual feelings....and never let curiosity get the better of you.

       Obviously, once in porn’s grip, you need help to escape, so summoning up the courage to talk to someone about the problem is vital. Whether it’s a partner, trusted friend, parent, teacher or professional counsellor, take a deep breath and talk to them, make that appointment and get them on side.

       Another key to overcoming the habit is to identify and avoid any situation which may trigger the desire. If the Internet is a source of pornographic content, avoid using it in private and keep the computer in a room to which all members of the family have access. (Parents take note!) Same with TVs and video games – you need to make sure other people can help you monitor what you view. Set your computer to block pornographic sites and avoid opening links from unsolicited emails and messages from people you’re not sure about on other social media.

       Mood can also play a part with boredom, loneliness or other mental lows contributing to the problem, in which case, extra care is needed to recognise these feelings and bolster yourself up to resist temptation.

       Often, the best way to get rid of unclean thoughts is to replace them with wholesome ones. Imagine a sponge. Drop it into a pail of muddy water and it will come out muddy. But if the sponge is first of all dunked in a pail of clean water, there’s less room for mud to stick. In the same way, all of us can be smeared with unclean images every day of our lives but by filling our minds with wholesome things and keeping occupied with positive, upbuilding activities, we can help keep the mud to a minimum. 

A few porn statistics:  

Almost 30,000 people view pornographic websites every second  

More than 1.7 million pornographic emails are sent every minute 

Nearly two hard-core porn videos are released in the US every hour 

Over 2 million porn videos are rented in the US every day 

Roughly 9 out of 10 young men and 3 out of 10 young women view porn every month – in the United States alone  

2.5 billion porn emails are sent every day - that's 1.7 million per minute

                    

   

      

Stockpiling for Doomsday? Paranoia or what?

       According to a recent article by Tom Rawstorne, highlighting a growing trend for freeze-dried foods, one man's paranoia is another man's marketing opportunity*

       Great idea for arctic expeditions and round the world yachtsmen, I'd have thought, but with sales increasing ten-fold over the last few months, freeze-dried foods are set to go mainstream as natural disasters, depleted resources, the fluctuating world economy and civil unrest create anxiety for many.

       Using an energy-intensive (and therefore highly expensive) process, culinary favourites such as curry and rice, chilli con carne and spaghetti Bolognese are freeze-dried, reducing weight and volume by as much as 90% whilst retaining flavour and up to 97% of nutritional value. And, as meals come in an air-tight tin and with a shelf-life of 25 years, they're ideal for stockpiling, providing, of course, you can afford to shell out over £2,000 for 72 tins - equivalent to a 12-month supply.

       But just who ARE the customers. What sort of people are prepared to pay the price?

       First to spring to mind, perhaps, may be 'end-time' fundamentalists who - convinced by Bible prophecies such as Matthew chap 24, Luke chap 21, 2 Timothy chap 3 and Revelation chap 6 - have long warned of a coming tribulation. It must be stressed, however, that genuine believers put their faith in a higher source than freeze-dried food suppliers. (After all, if God could protect and provide for over 3 million people in the desert for 40 years, one square meal once a day should be a cinch!)

       James Blake of Emergency Food Storage says the company gets "a lot of high-powered business people as customers. Most people buy insurance for their health, their house or their life - this is food insurance. Of course, we hope is never happens, but if there is a major catastrophe, then money is not going to be worth much after a couple of days. It will be food that becomes the most needed thing."

       According to Dave Hannah of B-prep, customers include bankers, spending an average of £3,000 a pop. Perhaps fuelling the current paranoia, Dave opines: "It makes you think, what do they know? When we've talked on the phone they've told me, 'This whole thing is going to go down.'"

       In his article Tom Rawstorne goes on to list events which, over recent years have exposed the fragility of our food supplies. From UK fuel strikes in 2000 and last summer's riots, to natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake and the horrific Japanese Tsunami - each catastrophe serves to remind us that starvation is just 9 meals away.

       No wonder foods such as the US Mountain  brand are attracting so much interest - in the past year alone, British sales have leapt by 350%! And it doesn't take much imagination to understand why. But for anyone planning to stock up their larder before Armageddon, here's a sobering thought: If people will happily loot for luxury goods such as 3-D TVs and designer clothing, how much more determined will they be for food? Not for the first time in human history, perceived ‘haves’ will be targeted by desperate ‘have-nots’ – a scenario that doesn’t bear contemplating.

*http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075371/Stocking-Doomsday-As-economists-predict-meltdown-meet-families-ready-worst.html