Posted on 02/09/2009 12:36:11 AM PST by nw_arizona_granny
Yahoo ran an interesting article this morning indicating a rise in the number of survivalist communities cropping up around the country. I have been wondering myself how much of the recent energy crisis is causing people to do things like stockpile food and water, grow their own vegetables, etc. Could it be that there are many people out there stockpiling and their increased buying has caused food prices to increase? It’s an interesting theory, but I believe increased food prices have more to do with rising fuel prices as cost-to-market costs have increased and grocers are simply passing those increases along to the consumer. A recent stroll through the camping section of Wal-Mart did give me pause - what kinds of things are prudent to have on hand in the event of a worldwide shortage of food and/or fuel? Survivalist in Training
I’ve been interested in survival stories since I was a kid, which is funny considering I grew up in a city. Maybe that’s why the idea of living off the land appealed to me. My grandfather and I frequently took camping trips along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Smoky Mountains. Looking back, some of the best times we had were when we stayed at campgrounds without electricity hookups, because it forced us to use what we had to get by. My grandfather was well-prepared with a camp stove and lanterns (which ran off propane), and when the sun went to bed we usually did along with it. We played cards for entertainment, and in the absence of televisions, games, etc. we shared many great conversations. Survivalist in the Neighborhood
How To Make Wool Dryer Balls
Posted By TipNut On July 30, 2008 @ 1:05 pm In Crafty Ideas, DIY Projects, Frugal Living, Laundry, Popular Tips | 3 Comments
Never buy fabric softener again with today’s feature from Good Mama: Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls [1], how cool are these! The balls will cut your drying time yet leave clothes soft, fluffy and static free without the use of chemicals or dryer sheets. Based on the old “tennis ball in the dryer” trick, but without the tennis balls!
What You’ll Need
* Wool Yarn: Use 100% wool or a good felting yarn for best results. . . Great yarn stash buster [2]!
* Old Pantyhose: You can also use a sock
* Cotton or Acrylic Yarn or String: Use to tie closed the hose (or sock). Don’t use wool yarn for this part–scraps are good for this too.
* Scissors
* Small Crochet Hook
* Measuring Tape
* Optional – Sachet of Dried Flowers or Herbs: Make your own scented dryer balls by winding your ball around a little sachet of fragrant dried herbs & flowers. The scent doesn’t last forever, but still a nice touch!
Basic Steps To Making The Balls
* First make the core by winding small balls of yarn (tight), then tie them off in a nylon stocking or sock. Wash the batch in preferably hot water and dry to felt them (keep the balls attached together in the stocking, you don’t need to cut them off to separate at this point). Wash and dry again if you want to felt them more.
* Next cut the balls loose from the stocking, wind more yarn around the balls to the size you want, tie them off in a nylon stocking again and wash then dry to felt. Doing this in two steps keeps the inside of the balls tight and will hold together better than a ball done in one step.
* Once they’re at least slightly felted, the balls are good to use. They will continue to felt and get harder as you use them.
Tips For Wool Dryer Balls
* If the yarn is machine washable, don’t use it for this project.
* Use a crochet hook to tuck in the ends of the yarn so the ball stays tight and doesn’t loosen up through use.
* Wind the balls about 10-10.5 inches in circumference prior to felting, they will shrink as they felt.
* When first making the balls and felting them, you can toss them in with loads of laundry to save water and time. Be aware there may be some dye bleeding though if it’s not colorfast yarn–throw them in with a load of towels in similar colors.
* When ready to use, start with a couple balls in the dryer then work your way up to the amount of balls that give you the best results.
* The wool balls may get pills on them with use, just give them a shave with a sweater shaver as needed (if you want–otherwise ignore!).
Please visit Good Mama for a complete set of details that include a lovely set of photos outlining the entire process for making the dryer balls (link at the top), also note her copyright and the licenses and restrictions.
More Dryer Goodies: Frugral Fabric Softener Recipes & Dryer Sheet Tips [3] and Homemade Herbal Lavender Dryer Bags [4].
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Crafty Idea: Repurposed Wool Potholders [5]
* How To Felt Soap [6]
* Quick Tips For Drying Laundry [7]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-wool-dryer-balls/
URLs in this post:
[1] Make Your Own Wool Dryer Balls: http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html
[2] yarn stash buster: http://tipnut.com/42-kitchen-goodies-cozies-yarn-stash-busters/
[3] Frugral Fabric Softener Recipes & Dryer Sheet Tips: http://tipnut.com/frugral-fabric-softener-recipes-dryer-sheet-tips/
[4] Homemade Herbal Lavender Dryer Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-lavender-dryer-bags/
[5] Crafty Idea: Repurposed Wool Potholders: http://tipnut.com/wool-potholders/
[6] How To Felt Soap: http://tipnut.com/how-to-felt-soap/
[7] Quick Tips For Drying Laundry: http://tipnut.com/quick-tip-laundry-drying-tips/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Meat Budget Stretcher Tip: Stuff It!
Posted By TipNut On March 19, 2009 @ 6:13 am In Cooking Tips, Frugal Living | No Comments
Stuffed Chicken Breast Dish
I was preparing last week’s vintage cooking tips [1] when I came across this and had an aha! moment:
Cut pockets in your meat and put money in your own. Filling good meat with stuffing is one of the most attractive, delicious (and simple) ways to do a bit of stretching.
Chops, breast, shoulder–almost any cut can be slit and stuffed.
I consider stuffed meat dishes something a little more special to serve for dinner, but it took a tip published over 60 years ago to turn on the money-saver lightbulb. Stuffed meat is a great budgeting trick for a few reasons:
* Smaller meat portions are more filling–more meat to go around means less meat to buy;
* You can incorporate whatever bits of veggies (and some fruits) sitting in your fridge into the stuffing–less waste and only small amounts are needed to bulk up the dish;
* Budget ingredients such as rice, bread cubes/crumbs, corn bread, etc., can be used as the bulk of a stuffing.
If you’re not sure how to stuff various types of meats, here are a few videos to get you started (some include recipes as well):
How To Stuff A Chicken Breast
How To Stuff Pork Chops
How To Stuff Pork Loin
How To Stuff Steak: Pound & Roll Method
How To Stuff Flank Steak: Slice & Roll Method
More Meat Budget Helpers: 10 Ways To Make Cube Steak [2] and How to Turn Cheap Choice Steaks into Gucci Prime Steaks [3].
Grocery Budget Helpers: 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips [4] and How To Save Money On Groceries [5].
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Use The Finger Test To Check The Doneness Of Meat [6]
* How to Turn Cheap Choice Steaks into Gucci Prime Steaks [3]
* Recipe Hit List: 10 Ways To Make Cube Steak [2]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/meat-budget/
URLs in this post:
[1] last week’s vintage cooking tips: http://tipnut.com/vintage-cooking-tips/
[2] 10 Ways To Make Cube Steak: http://tipnut.com/recipes-cube-steak/
[3] How to Turn Cheap Choice Steaks into Gucci Prime Steaks: http://tipnut.com/how-to-turn-cheap-choice-steaks-into-gucci-prime-steaks/
[4] 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips: http://tipnut.com/frugal-kitchen/
[5] How To Save Money On Groceries: http://tipnut.com/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/
[6] Use The Finger Test To Check The Doneness Of Meat: http://tipnut.com/meatfinger-test/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
>>>planted some potatoes in fie gallon buckets and they are doing marvelously.<<<
I have been amazed at my potatoes this year... The old tyme wisdom has always been that potatoes ‘round here should always be planted on the Ides of March. (15th) However this year, bad (rainy) weather and the lack of seed potatoes (finally got them from Colorado) caused me to not plant till after the middle of May - over 2 months later. They are doing great. Usually you have large numbers of beetles gnawing on the leaves within a couple of weeks of them coming up - I have had absolutely none this year with the late planting. Don’t know if I should attribute it to the cool weather or to the time I planted them (maybe the beetles reproductive cycle is earlier in the year) Potatoes are about 18” tall and looking healthier than ever. Anxious to see how they yield.
I know the beetles were around earlier, because they were attacking the tomatoes. Oh, the plastic ground cover works nicely for controlling them - shake the tomato plant, then you can easily see the beetles on the plastic - then step on them! Works really well!
Frugral Fabric Softener Recipes & Dryer Sheet Tips
Posted By TipNut On January 4, 2007 @ 11:01 am In Frugal Living, Homemade Cleaners, Laundry | 25 Comments
Here are several quick tips that you can try as frugal fabric softeners, each point is a separate tip. Next you’ll find a Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe and instructions for Reusable Homemade Dryer Sheets.
Quick Tips: Frugal Fabric Softeners
1. Using 1/4 cup vinegar in your laundry’s rinse cycle keeps clothes soft. You can set aside a vinegar jug just for laundry and add about 2 dozen drops of your favorite essential oil to the vinegar if you’d like (or as much EO as you feel necessary).
2. In a pail mix 1 gallon of water and 1 cup concentrated liquid fabric softener. Dip a sponge or washcloth in the liquid, squeeze out excess and toss in the dryer with your laundry. Seal pail when not in use.
3. Pour liquid fabric softener and hot water in a spray bottle (50/50 mix) and lightly mist wet laundry before starting the dryer. Two or three good shots should do it. You could also just spritz a clean washcloth and toss that in the dryer.
4. Cut dryer sheets in thirds or halves, use one strip per dryer load.
5. Mix equal parts hair conditioner and water and store in spray bottle. Mist a washcloth or sponge and toss in dryer with wet load.
6. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 of the liquid fabric softener that they recommend on the bottle.
7. 1/8 cup baking soda added to laundry and 1/4 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle.
8. Use a Downy ball if you have one–just use vinegar instead.
9. Soak a washcloth in full strength liquid fabric softener. Wring out excess, then lay out to dry first before using–helps prevent staining laundry the first time. To use: toss the dried washcloth in the dryer and use again and again until it no longer works. Resoak when needed (you should be able to do a few dozen dryer loads per fabric softener soak).
Homemade Fabric Softener Recipe
1 part Vinegar
1 part Baking Soda
2 parts Hot Water
* Place a pail large enough to hold double the amount of ingredients in the kitchen sink or bathtub. Mix the baking soda and water in the pail, stir till the powder is dissolved. Then add the vinegar.
* Remember that baking soda and vinegar reacts with fizzing, so use a big pail to account for this. Once it’s stopped fizzing, pour into clean bottles, cap, then use 1/4 cup per rinse cycle.
* Updated Info: The baking soda won’t be completely dissolved, just shake the bottle to mix the batch up before adding to the rinse cycle.
Reusable Homemade Dryer Sheets
Flannel pieces
4 TBS liquid softener
10 TBS water
* Cut fabric sheets from old flannel pajamas or leftover flannel fabric from sewing and cut into 3 inch x 5 inchstrips (approximately).
* Stack flannel strips in a cleaned margarine tub (large size) or plastic container (cleaned baby wipes container works well too). Mix the liquid softener and water together, then pour evenly over top of stacked flannel strips.
* Seal container and shake well.
You can use several dozen strips with this mixture. Leave sealed for 2 or 3 days, then use one flannel strip per load–squeeze out excess if necessary (it should be just damp). Keep container sealed at all times. Wash strips after use, then use again to make another batch when needed.
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Homemade Herbal Lavender Dryer Bags [1]
* Freshen Your Home With Eucalyptus: Recipes [2]
* 4 Homemade Febreeze Recipes [3]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/frugral-fabric-softener-recipes-dryer-sheet-tips/
URLs in this post:
[1] Homemade Herbal Lavender Dryer Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-lavender-dryer-bags/
[2] Freshen Your Home With Eucalyptus: Recipes: http://tipnut.com/eucalyptus-recipes/
[3] 4 Homemade Febreeze Recipes: http://tipnut.com/4-homemade-febreeze-recipes/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Once A Month Cooking: Tips & Resources
Posted By TipNut On September 15, 2007 @ 8:47 am In Cooking Tips, Food, Frugal Living | 3 Comments
This is something I’d LOVE to develop more in our household, and some would say I’m a failure at it since I’ve been flirting with the concept for about six years now without fully participating on a regular basis–but I find it’s a worthwhile interest and pursuit no matter how much I can manage.
Once A Month Cooking [1] (also known as OAMC, Bulk Cooking and Freezer Cooking) is a very organized method of bulk meal preparation–for an entire month at a time! Or if you want to start small, you can try Once or Twice A Week Cooking or double and triple batching prepared meals to test the waters a bit first (I’m still at this stage).
Three Steps To Once A Month Cooking
1. Pick one day a month to cook and prepare all (or most) of your family’s meals for the month ahead. Have the groceries on hand, the recipes set out, the phone turned off and the kids busy with their own schedule.
2. During the month collect flyers and coupons, pricewatch! Bulk buy whatever’s on sale that you can use when cooking meals. Plan your month ahead, choose recipes around what the best buys are and what your family enjoys (no use saving money on a dish that no one will eat).
3. After a full day of cooking, pack it all in the freezer. You’ll need to keep an organized freezer when you’re cooking a month at a time–make sure to pull aside any meals that weren’t used the previous month so you get to those first.
You’ll need shopping and do-ahead-prep time as well, depending on how much you need to do–that could set aside a day (preferably the day before batch cooking).
With bulk cooking once a month, you enjoy a freezer full of nutritious, prepared homemade meals, enjoy fantastic savings (by buying in bulk as well as cutting way back on take-out). Some dedicated participants have cut their grocery bills in half (and more!) with careful planning. And it’s a huge time saver as an added bonus.
Online Resources
OAMC Forums & Groups
* Frozen Assets: Cooking for the Freezer [2]
* Recipezaar Forum: Cooking on a Budget: OAMC, Make Ahead, Freezing & More [3]
* MakeAheadMeals · Make-Ahead, Freezer and Mega Meals Info [4]
* Friendly Freezer [5]
Once A Month Cooking Recipes
* RecipeZaar – OAMC Recipes [6]
* Frozen Assets [7]
Tips & Tools For Bulk Cooking
* Organized Home – Start Small: Sneak Up On Freezer Cooking [8]
* Robbyn’s Friendly Freezer [9]
* CookOfTheMonth.com [10]
Getting Started
If you are interested in bulk cooking yet don’t fully succeed at regular cooking sessions–please don’t get discouraged, you can still pick up great tips along the way until you get there. Boiling hamburger [11], stockpiling supplies [12] and frugal helpers like Price Books [13], household organizers and meal planners [14] are some of the big tips (and timesavers) that I accumulated along the way. You’ll find the OAMC community full of very thrifty and organized people.
Once a month cooking doesn’t have to be all or nothing – you can start by simply doubling or tripling your normal prepared meal size, meanwhile develop new habits and frugal skills just by following and learning from the OAMC community. It’s a very worthwhile pursuit and interest I think, and some great resources are listed above to keep you busy this weekend if you’d like to get started .
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* One Pot Cooking: Recipes & Tips [15]
* 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips [16]
* Tipnut’s Hit List – September 2007 – Popular Tips [17]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/once-a-month-cooking-buncha-links/
URLs in this post:
[1] Once A Month Cooking: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once-a-month_cooking
[2] Frozen Assets: Cooking for the Freezer: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/frozen-assets/
[3] Recipezaar Forum: Cooking on a Budget: OAMC, Make Ahead, Freezing & More: http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=23
[4] MakeAheadMeals · Make-Ahead, Freezer and Mega Meals Info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MakeAheadMeals/
[5] Friendly Freezer: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Friendly-Freezer/
[6] RecipeZaar – OAMC Recipes: http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbooks/tags/OAMC
[7] Frozen Assets: http://frozenassets.wordpress.com/
[8] Organized Home – Start Small: Sneak Up On Freezer Cooking: http://organizedhome.com/content-84.html
[9] Robbyn’s Friendly Freezer: http://snider.mardox.com/OAMC.htm
[10] CookOfTheMonth.com: http://www.cookofthemonth.com/
[11] Boiling hamburger: http://tipnut.com/quick-fixins-boil-hamburger/
[12] stockpiling supplies: http://tipnut.com/frugal-tip-stockpile-save-money/
[13] frugal helpers like Price Books: http://tipnut.com/frugal-living-helpers/
[14] household organizers and meal planners: http://tipnut.com/make-a-household-organizer-notebook-buncha-links/
[15] One Pot Cooking: Recipes & Tips: http://tipnut.com/one-pot-cooking-recipes-instructions/
[16] 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips: http://tipnut.com/frugal-kitchen/
[17] Tipnut’s Hit List – September 2007 – Popular Tips: http://tipnut.com/tipnut-roundup-popular-how-to-tips/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
168 Frugal Tips to Make Your Dollar Stretch + More
Posted By TipNut On April 11, 2008 @ 1:11 pm In Frugal Living | 1 Comment
Today’s feature is from Being Frugal with a jam-packed list of frugal tips to help cut back on living expenses.
I’ve also included a few of Tipnut’s biggest money savers as well as a Hot List of Money Hacks & Frugal Living Inspiration found around the net.
First, here’s Being Frugal with 168 Frugal Tips to Make Your Dollar Stretch [1]:
A few weeks ago I was lamenting about the high prices on everything lately. Recession or not, it’s getting harder to afford the increased cost of living. I asked Being Frugal readers for help, and the readers came through in a big way!
This post is a compilation of comments and emails I received when I asked my readers how they deal with high prices and what things they do to make their money stretch further.
Tipnut’s Big Money Savers
* 10 Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes [2] *Save big bucks making your own laundry detergent…These recipes were published over a year ago and are still one of Tipnut’s most popular and regularly visited tips!
* Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide [3] *Use the free money offered to you regularly by stores and manufacturers and use those coupons! By keeping your coupons organized, you’ll find it easier to take advantage of savings.
* Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money [4] *Buy big when regularly used items are on sale (things like deodorants, toilet paper, etc). It’s amazing how much money you can save by keeping a big stock on hand.
* Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipes [5] and Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Soap [6] *Another big money saver–make big batches of dishwasher detergent instead of spending big bucks on a pail or box of brand name stuff.
* Make your own cleaners and household supplies, see Homekeeping – A Natural Shine To Cleaning (Recipes) [7], Homemade Travel Hand Wipes [8], Homemade Shower Spray Recipes [9], Homemade Herbal Carpet Freshener Recipe [10] plus tonnes more tips and recipes in the Cleaning category [11] of Tipnut.
For more frugal tips and helpers, see Tipnut’s Frugal category [12].
Hot List Of Money Hacks & Frugal Living Inspiration
* Found on Dumb Little Man: A Money Hack to Revolutionize Your Money Management [13], Me Frugal? No, I just watch MY cash [14], 34 Powerful Tips to Get Yourself Out of Debt [15] and 10 Smartest Ways to Live Beneath Your Means [16]. There’s a wealth of information found on this blog, do a search for “Frugal” and you’ll be inspired!
* Found On Home Ec 101: The Difference Between Being Frugal And Being Just Plain Cheap [17] and How To Live On Less: A Guide To Thrifting [18]. Home Ec 101 also publishes economical recipes and frugal hacks, if you’re looking for cheap meals from someone who’s “been there”, make sure to browse through the blog and check out all the goodies.
* Found on ZenHabits: The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living [19], 73 Great Debt Elimination Tips [20] and The 10 Key Actions That Finally Got Me Out of Debt; or, Why Living Frugally is Only Part of the Solution [21]. You’ll find a crazy amount of good money management stuff here, have fun browsing through the tips!
You’ll also find a bunch of Frugal Living Helpers here [22].
Good stuff!
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Frugal Living Helpers [22]
* Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money [4]
* 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips [23]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/168-frugal-tips-to-make-your-dollar-stretch/
URLs in this post:
[1] 168 Frugal Tips to Make Your Dollar Stretch: http://beingfrugal.net/2008/04/03/frugal-tips-to-survive-a-recession/
[2] 10 Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes: http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
[3] Making A Coupon Organizer System – How To Guide: http://tipnut.com/coupon-organizer-system/
[4] Frugal Tip: Stockpile & Save Money: http://tipnut.com/frugal-tip-stockpile-save-money/
[5] Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-recipes/
[6] Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Soap: http://tipnut.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-soap/
[7] Homekeeping – A Natural Shine To Cleaning (Recipes): http://tipnut.com/homekeeping-a-natural-shine-to-cleaning-recipes/
[8] Homemade Travel Hand Wipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-travel-hand-wipes/
[9] Homemade Shower Spray Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spray-recipes/
[10] Homemade Herbal Carpet Freshener Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-carpet-freshener-recipe/
[11] Cleaning category: http://tipnut.com/category/cleaning/
[12] Frugal category: http://tipnut.com/category/frugal/
[13] A Money Hack to Revolutionize Your Money Management: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/04/money-hack-to-revolutionize-your-money.html
[14] Me Frugal? No, I just watch MY cash: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2006/06/me-frugal-no-i-just-watch-my-cash.html
[15] 34 Powerful Tips to Get Yourself Out of Debt: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/08/34-powerful-tips-to-get-yourself-out-of.html
[16] 10 Smartest Ways to Live Beneath Your Means: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2007/10/10-smartest-ways-to-live-beneath-your.html
[17] The Difference Between Being Frugal And Being Just Plain Cheap: http://www.home-ec101.com/the-difference-between-being-frugal-and-being-just-plain-cheap/
[18] How To Live On Less: A Guide To Thrifting: http://www.home-ec101.com/how-to-live-on-less-a-guide-to-thrifting/
[19] The Cheapskate Guide: 50 Tips for Frugal Living: http://zenhabits.net/2007/08/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/
[20] 73 Great Debt Elimination Tips: http://zenhabits.net/2007/06/73-great-debt-elimination-tips/
[21] The 10 Key Actions That Finally Got Me Out of Debt; or, Why Living Frugally is Only Part of the Solution: http://zenhabits.net/2007/12/the-10-key-actions-that-finally-got-me-out-of-debt-or-why-living-frugally-is-only-part-of-the-solution/
[22] Frugal Living Helpers here: http://tipnut.com/frugal-living-helpers/
[23] 20 Frugal Kitchen Tips: http://tipnut.com/frugal-kitchen/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Thank you for the links, I ordered from Johnny’s but it was years ago and I don’t recall my thoughts on them.
Keep your list of seed companies where it can be found, when the new thread starts [?] it would be nice if we had a bunch of them on the first page and I have not been keeping up with them.
DAMP!!! We have had 3 in. of rain since yesterday morning. Temp is 55 and I have had a wood fire all day. Went to town and all the tourists were walking the streets with their hugh beach umbrellas. The beaches were deserted. Sure glad I didn’t spend thousands of dollars to take a vacation in Maine. Oh well, if you don’t like the weather in Maine, just wait five minutes, only this year, it’s more like five weeks.
>>>Keep your list of seed companies where it can be found, when the new thread starts [?] it would be nice if we had a bunch of them on the first page and I have not been keeping up with them.<<<
I have been keeping an unofficial list of visitors/posters that you can send pings to for the new thread - when that comes in a couple of weeks... I think there are about 130 or so on the list - I alphabetized them so that you can check to see if I missed someone you want to send it to. Maybe I should post it and then others can see if there is someone I missed. Let me know...
My daughter offered to help me organize my pantry today as it was a disaster area. My late sister hoarded more than I and in my haste to prepare her house for sale, boxes were just dumped in my pantry. Anyway, during the process, I discovered only one dehydrator where there should be two. Now, I have to rack my brain to see if I can remember who I lent it to before I need it. Oh the joys of growing old.
On another more interesting note, hubby is helping a grand nephew restore a 1964 backhoe. It's nearly finished and I am just dreaming of the rocks I can retrieve from the river with that baby!!!
I am far from an authority on this practice. I almost never try anything different but earlier, on this thread, I believe, there was much discussion about planting potatoes in straw, old tires and all manner of things and gradually building up the surrounding structure to encourage the potatoes to continually put out roots (and more potatoes) as the potato plant grows taller and taller. As I had previously discontinued planting potatoes because of the Colorado Beetle, I decided to give it a go. So far, I have been pleased with the progress. The proof of the pudding will be when I lift the buckets and see the harvest. Of course, this method eliminates the tedious job of digging (I have to admit though that I love digging those gems out of the ground.) Also, I have my buckets lined up along the edge of the garden so they are on top of the grass and not suffering from all this rain (although I’m sure that at this point, they would benefit greatly from some good, hot sun.) Another advantage, as I see it, is that should they ever need watering, I can just aim the hose in each bucket and give them a good soaking.
As I said, this is a first for me, but so far, I am more than pleased and will be experimenting another year with other items (tomatoes, cukes and squash) if I’m still able to garden. (oh how upset that phrase makes my children)
A neighbor who had to give up gardening because of cancer gave me all his buckets with the bottoms already cut out so I have many many buckets to play with.
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
How to Report E-Scams and Hoaxes to the FBI
New E-Scams & Warnings
FRAUDSTERS CONTINUE TO EXPLOIT TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES (TRS)
07/08/09—The IC3 continues to receive complaints pertaining to scam artists using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) to defraud U.S. businesses and consumers. Under Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act, all telephone companies must provide TRS for individuals with hearing impairments or speech impairments.
This IC3 alert is to make the public aware of the continuing abuse of TRS to exploit U.S. businesses. Recent reports indicate scam artists are using TRS to exploit auto repair shops. The scam entails the fraudster using TRS to request services for a vehicle. The fraudster claims the vehicle has to be shipped to the auto repair business and requests the repairs and shipping fees be charged to a credit card. Unbeknownst to the business, the credit card is fraudulent or stolen; however, the charges initially go through without any complications. The business is then directed to wire the money to the shipper to cover the shipping costs. It is not until the shipper’s money is wired that the business is notified of the fraudulent credit card; therefore, the business bears the loss.
A previous PSA titled Notorious “Reshipper Scam” Transforms was released on February 9, 2004, covering this exploit. To view the PSA in its entirety, please visit the following link: http://www.ic3.gov/media/2004/040209.aspx.
Individuals who receive a communication, such as the one described above, are encouraged to file a complaint at www.ic3.gov reporting the incident
ASIAN EXTORTION SCHEME
06/10/09—The FBI is currently aware of a nationwide attempt to extort ethnic business owners, mostly of Asian decent, through telephonic threats of violence. The telephone calls appear to be originating from foreign countries. The caller acquires an adequate amount of open source information about the victim through Internet searches. This misleads the victim into believing the subject has personal knowledge about the victim. There have been no reported incidents of violence actually perpetrated to date.
Individuals who receive phone calls or e-mails containing threats of violence and their personally identifiable information (PII) are encouraged to contact law enforcement as well as file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
CIRCULATION OF FRAUDULENT E-MAIL CLAIMING TO BE FROM U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)
04/27/09—A spam e-mail claiming to be from former CBP Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski is currently being circulated. This attempt to defraud is the typical e-mail scam using the name and reputation of a federal government official to create an air of authenticity.
The spam e-mail indicates the CBP has stopped a Diplomat who is carrying a consignment to be delivered to the recipient’s residence. This consignment allegedly contains millions of dollars, which is revealed to be an inheritance for the e-mail recipient.
As with many other scams, this e-mail advises the recipient they will be permitted to access this inheritance once the recipient has given the sender of the e-mail their personal information.
This e-mail is a hoax. Do not respond.
The U.S. CBP does not send unsolicited e-mails. Consumers should not respond to unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links, as they may contain viruses or malware.
It is imperative consumers guard their personally identifiable information (PII). Examples of a person’s PII include, but are not limited to: date of birth; social security number; and bank account numbers. Providing your PII will compromise your identity.
If you have received this e-mail, or a similar e-mail, please file a complaint at www.ic3.gov.
SCHEME PURPORTEDLY ANNOUNCING A MILLIONAIRE CONTEST
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http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/tsc_070109.htm
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2009
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
Letter to the Editor Regarding the Terrorist Watch List
(A version of this letter appeared in the Fredericksburg, Virginia Free Lance-Star on June 30, 2009)
Your recent editorial (“List full of holes,” June 25, 2009) included a number of inaccurate statements—and critical omissions—about the U.S. government’s consolidated terrorist watch list.
Neither the Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) nor the Department of Justice has ever stated that the terrorist watch list contains more than 1 million names. Instead, the Department of Justice explained in its recent report, as has the Terrorist Screening Center numerous times before, that the terrorist watch list contains 1.1 million “terrorist identities” representing approximately 400,000 individuals. This is because a single individual can generate numerous “terrorist identities” or records. For example, if a suspected terrorist uses two different names and three fake dates of birth, TSC would generate six “terrorist identities” or records.
The editorial also failed to include the widely-reported fact that less than 5 percent of the individuals on the watch list are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. The vast majority are not even in the U.S.—and the watch list was established to help keep it that way.
No one is watch-listed based on religion or ethnicity. Individuals are only watch-listed based on a reasonable suspicion to believe they are engaging in terrorism or terrorist activities.
Contrary to what the editorial stated, no one has ever been found to be on the watch list because of “mistaken identity.” Some individuals may encounter delays during screening because their name is similar to that of a watch listed individual. But, those encounters can almost always be quickly resolved through the use of additional indentifying information that clarifies whether or not an individual is on the watch list or just an innocent person with a similar name.
The editorial also omitted a critical finding the Government Accountability Office made about the watch list. This independent Congressional investigative agency found that “[t]he watch list has enhanced the U.S. government’s counterterrorism efforts.” In short, the watch list has made America safer.
Security measures deserve public scrutiny, but your readers deserve an accurate presentation of the facts involved.
Timothy J. Healy
Director
U.S. Terrorist Screening Center
http://dallas.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/dl063009.htm
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2009 United States Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Texas
Contact: (214) 659-8600
Arlington Security Guard Arrested on Federal Charges for Hacking into Hospital’s Computer System
Defendant Allegedly Posted Video of Himself Compromising a Hospital’s Computer System on YouTube
DALLAS—A man from Arlington, Texas, who worked as a contract security guard at the Carrell Clinic on North Central Expressway in Dallas, has been arrested on felony charges outlined in a criminal complaint, announced Acting U.S. Attorney James T. Jacks of the Northern District of Texas.
Late Friday evening, agents with the FBI arrested Jesse William McGraw, a/k/a “GhostExodus,” “PhantomExodizzmo,” “Howard Daniel Bertin,” “Howard William McGraw,” and “Howard Rogers,” age 25. McGraw appeared yesterday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Wm. F. Sanderson, Jr., for his initial appearance. He was detained until his probable cause and detention hearing set for Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at 2:30 p.m., before Judge Sanderson.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, McGraw is the leader of the hacker group, “Electronik Tribulation Army.” He was employed as a security guard for United Protection Services, in Dallas, and worked the night shift, from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. at the Carrell Clinic hospital.
The affidavit alleges that between April and June 2009, McGraw committed computer intrusions of several computers in the Carrell Clinic hospital building, including computers controlling the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system and computers containing confidential patient information. The HVAC system intrusion presented a health and safety risk to patients who could be adversely affected by the cooling if it were turned off during Texas summer weather conditions. In addition, the hospital maintained drugs which could be adversely affected by the lack of proper cooling. McGraw, who used the online nickname “GhostExodus,” posted pictures on the Internet of the compromised HVAC system and videos of himself compromising a computer system in a hospital.
Further investigation revealed that McGraw was planning to use his compromised systems to commit additional crimes on or before July 4, 2009, a date that McGraw, according to the affidavit, called “Devil’s Day.” He posted videos on the Internet which included admonition to other hackers to assist him in conducting unauthorized computer intrusions in support of a “massive DDOS” on July 4, 2009. DDOS is an acronym for Distributed Denial of Service and is a type of computer attack in which an unauthorized individual assumes control of other computers and uses the massed ability of those computers, over which they have unauthorized access and control, to attack targeted computers. The investigation also revealed that McGraw recently provided United Protection Services his one week notice and his last day of work was to be July 3, 2009, the day before the scheduled DDOS attack.
Upon McGraw’s arrest on Friday evening, the Carrell Clinic IT staff identified and remediated the numerous compromised computers in the building.
A federal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offenses charged, and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
In stating that the investigation is ongoing, Acting U.S. Attorney Jacks praised the investigative efforts of the FBI and Texas Attorney General Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney C. S. Heath is prosecuting.
Press Releases | Dallas Home
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/finalbcs_070609.htm
Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 6, 2009
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
FBI Releases 2008 Bank Crime Statistics
Today the FBI released bank crime statistics for calendar year 2008. Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, there were 6,700 robberies of financial institutions*, as well as 121 burglaries and 28 larcenies reported. This represents 6,849 reported violations of the Federal Bank Robbery and Incidental Crimes Statute.
“While the statistics released today show a slight decrease from the 6,933 reported violations in 2007, we recognize that these crimes take a serious financial toll on the community,” said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains committed to working with local authorities and bank officials to catch bank bandits and prevent bank crimes from occurring.”
Highlights of the report include the following:
*
Of the 6,849 total reported violations, loot was taken in 6,225 incidents (91 percent).
*
The total amount taken was valued at more than $61.9 million.
*
A note was used in 3,833 incidents; a firearm was used in 1,734 incidents; and robbers threatened the use of a weapon in 2,839 incidents.
*
Acts of violence were committed during 293 (4 percent) of the reported incidents. These acts included 78 instances involving the discharge of firearms, 171 instances involving assaults, and 53 instances of hostage situations.
*
Twenty-one deaths occurred during this reporting period, including 17 perpetrators, one employee, and three deaths classified as “other.” No law enforcement officers were killed responding to bank crimes incidents in 2008.
*
Most violations occurred on Friday. Regardless of the day of the week, violations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. were the most common.
These statistics were recorded as of April 23, 2009. Note that not all bank crimes are reported to the FBI, and therefore the report is not a complete statistical compilation of all bank crimes that occurred in the United States.
View the detailed report and learn more about the FBI at www.fbi.gov.
* Financial institutions include commercial banks, mutual savings banks, savings and loan associations, and credit unions
Press Releases | FBI Home Page
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel09/mortgage_070709.htm
Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 7, 2009
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
FBI Issues 2008 Mortgage Fraud Report
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2008 Mortgage Fraud Report, released today, mortgage fraud Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) referred to law enforcement increased 36 percent to 63,713 during fiscal year (FY) 2008, compared to 46,717 reports in FY 2007. While the total dollar loss attributed to mortgage fraud is unknown, financial institutions reported losses of at least $1.4 billion, an increase of 83.4 percent from FY 2007.
“Mortgage fraud hurts borrowers, financial institutions, and legitimate homeowners,” said Assistant Director Kevin Perkins, FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI, in conjunction with our law enforcement, regulatory, and industry partners, continues to diligently pursue perpetrators of mortgage fraud schemes.”
Other key findings presented in the report include:
* Sixty-three percent (1,035) of all pending FBI mortgage fraud investigations during FY 2008 involved dollar losses totaling more than $1 million.
* More than 3.1 million foreclosure filings were reported on approximately 2.3 million properties nationally during FY 2008, up 81 percent from FY 2007 and 225 percent from FY 2006.
* As of FY 2008, the western region of the United States had the most pending FBI mortgage fraud-related investigations.
* The top 10 mortgage fraud states for 2008 were California, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Colorado, Maryland, Florida, Missouri, and New York.
* Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia were newly identified as having significant mortgage fraud problems.
* Criminals continued using old schemes, including property flipping, builder-bailouts, short sales, and foreclosure rescues. Additionally, in response to tighter lending practices, they facilitated new schemes, such as reverse mortgage fraud, credit enhancements, condo conversion, loan modifications, and pump and pay.
The entire report is available at www.fbi.gov. While there, sign up for e-mail alerts to ensure you receive the latest information about the FBI.
Press Releases | FBI Home Page
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm171020.htm
Trans-Packers Services Corp. Recalls Dairy Shake Blends Because of Possible Health Risk
Company Contact:
Trans-Packers Services Corp.
718-963-0900
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 7, 2009 – Trans-Packers Services Corp. of Brooklyn, NY, is recalling approximately 6,300 packets (net wt. 100 g) of Dairy Shake blends because such blends contain instant non-fat dry milk manufactured by the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative. Plainview has recently commenced a voluntary recall of instant non-fat dry milk and other ingredients that have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Trans-Packers has not received any reports of illness related to the Dairy Shake blend. The product affected by this recall includes single-serve packets of Dairy Shake blend packaged in a preformed barrier pouch, which were distributed through Emergency Essentials, Inc. and Saratoga Trading Company located in Orem, Bluffdale and Saratoga Springs, Utah.
The particular blends and affected lot numbers are:
* 6,000 packets of Strawberry/Banana Flavor Dairy Shake lot # 8324,
* 200 packets of Vanilla Flavor Dairy Shake lot # 9132 and
* 100 packets of Strawberry Dairy Shake lot # 7225.
Consumers who have any of the Dairy Shake blends from the affected lot numbers should not consume the product; and are urged to destroy such product.
Consumers with questions may contact Trans-Packers at 1-718-963-0900 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
For more information on Salmonella, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.
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