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Showing posts from October, 2023

The Strait of Hormuz and its Impact on Oil Prices in Times of Conflict

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  The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, plays a pivotal role in global energy security (The Strauss Center, 2020) .  Approximately 20% of the world's oil,  or about 17 million barrels per day, passes through this strait. Its strategic significance becomes even more pronounced during the conflict, directly influencing global oil prices.   Historical Perspective:  To understand the magnitude of the Strait of Hormuz's significance, consider the 1980s "Tanker War." During the Iran-Iraq war, both nations targeted oil tankers and merchant vessels in the strait ( The Tanker War | Proceedings - May 1988 Vol. 114/5/1,023 , 2020). As a result, marine insurance rates skyrocketed, leading to increased transportation costs pushing global oil prices higher.   Another illustrative incident occurred in 2019 when two oil tankers were attacked near the strait (Wintour & Borger, 2019). Consequently, Brent crude pr

The World War 3 Survival Guide

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  Preparing for any large-scale emergency, whether it's a natural disaster or a hypothetical event like World War III, involves similar principles. However, it's important to remember that no guide can be comprehensive, and the best approach will depend on individual circumstances, location, and more. Here's a basic guide to get you started: World War III Prepping Guide   1. Water Storage Containers : Invest in BPA-free water storage containers. Water Filters : Purchase portable water filters like the LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini. Water Purification Tablets : Brands like Aquamira or Potable Aqua offer tablets that can purify water. 2. Food Non-Perishable Foods : Stock up on canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). Long-Term Storage Foods : Brands like Mountain House or Augason Farms offer freeze-dried meals that can last for years. Manual Can Opener : Ensure you have a non-electric can opener. 3. Shelter Tents : Invest in a durable tent. Brands like Cole

Preparing for World War Three Now & Not Later

Preparing for World War Three My grandfather, a stoic figure and a veteran of the tumultuous times of World War II, frequently recounted tales of resilience, meticulous preparation, and the spirit of endurance that were demanded of individuals during those critical years. These stories, imbued with lessons of perseverance and readiness, have embedded themselves in my consciousness of black men, constantly reminding me of the importance of being prepared. Today, as we observe escalating tensions in numerous regions across the globe, the concept of World War Three, though chilling and fraught with uncertainty, emerges as a crucial topic that warrants our attention and thoughtful preparation. Understanding the risks, acknowledging the potential challenges, and equipping ourselves with knowledge and strategies to face such adversities can profoundly influence our capacity for resilience and our aptitude to respond effectivel

The Importance of Reparations for Foundational Black Americans: The Case of the Tulsa Race Massacre

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Background: "It's been 22 years since a state commission made a list of recommendations that would help right the wrongs of the Tulsa Race Massacre, and State Representative Regina Goodwin  says there has been little movement on those recommendations since." The Tulsa Race Massacre remains one of American history's most significant yet understudied violent events, leaving countless victims and their descendants traumatized and without justice. Survivors & Descendants Need Justice: Current Situation: While many survivors have passed away, many of their descendants remain. Quote Highlight: "Representative Goodwin hosted Thursday's hearing at the State Capitol as a reminder to the state that while there aren't many survivors of the massacre still living, there are a lot of descendants, and they deserve justice." Viola Fletcher   Recommendations Made 22 Years Ago: The last known survivors and original commission members a