Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

Power Shortages Loom

(excerpt)

William Forstchen’s latest New York Times bestseller, One Second After, is a cautionary tale that explores the consequences of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. An EMP explosion over the continental United States would have devastating consequences for our country<<<

When one considers the insane leaders, who have the ability to pull this off, one should get frightened.

N.Korea, Iran, Venezuela, al-Qaeda/OBL and a few more lurking in the woods.

Around the world, there are more communist terror groups killing people than al-Qaeda is.

For the rest of the terrorists, a computer will do as much damage, if they fry the main system, it could take years to get back to normal.

Or as I heard on the shortwave radio one day, how to caus the the high tension lines to fail.

Someone else heard the broadcast, for there is a man in prison in California for doing the same as they taught.

He was an elderly man with a youngish Palestinian girl friend.

http://www.wildheartranch.org/?p=pm_angelshavepaws

Angels Have Paws

They often find me when my life has got me down
I have purpose when I know that they’re around
In every pair of eyes, there’s an angel in disguise
For the joy they bring makes it impossible to frown

Sometimes they know me better than I do
When I’m feeling a little sad, lonely and blue
They insist I stop to play, and my blues just fade away
And I’m thankful for a friend so smart and true

And when my little angels get old and gray
And their light on Earth begins to fade away
The hole within my heart is left gaping when they part
But they always seem to fill it with a stray

We say we care for them, but I know better
Every furry friend and bird of every feather
They come into our life, an end to loneliness and strife
Creating purpose, hope and memories we treasure

So when that aching need for a friend begins to smart
A purchase isn’t where you need to start
A rescue is a place where an angel has a face
‘Adoption’ means “Chosen by the heart”

Now if you don’t believe in Angels or their cause
I ask you reconsider and take pause
They are around us every day, disguised as lost or stray
And will find you not on wings, but tired paws.

Written from a wild heart by:
Annette King-Tucker, Animal Rescuer
Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue
Claremore, Oklahoma
www.wildheartranch.org

While I was canning tomato juice today, as usual, I get thinking. So, when I finished, I started doing a bit of research.

If it wasn’t depressing enough before, it sure is now...

156,255,000 WORKFORCE (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

141,055,000 EMPLOYED (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

52 weeks at 40 hours per week (forgetting vacations) is 2,080 hours a year.

So, if we look at what is being spent by the Gov’t. for each hour you work:

$787,000,000,000 Stimulous $2.68 per hour you work.

$1,300,000,000,000 Health Care $4.43 per hour you work.

$1,200,000,000,000 Cap & Trade $4.09 per hour you work.

Just these new items total $11.20 per hour you work.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Interest on National Debt $1.40 per hour you work. (U.S. Treasury)

2009 Budget ($3.11 trillion) $10.60 per hour you work. (U.S. Treasury)

So, buckle your seat belts -
The Gov’t. spent more than - $23.20 for each and every hour YOU will work this year.

But, but - according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
the average hourly wage nationwide is only $17.81.

Why aren’t you spending on consumer goods to help
boost the economy?

Can you spell B A N K R U P T ?

Thanks for the info. Here is what is on my mind:
Does anyone know what the best way is to carry water to stay hydrated during the day? I have recently heard that bottled water can leach calcium from the bones. What alternatives are there? Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

= = =

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1813.pdf

Some consumers like the convenience of carrying bottled water with them when they travel or go about their daily routines. Others are concerned about the safety and quality of tap water. Whatever the reason, the use of bottled water has increased.
...
WATER
*is a valuable nutrient essential for survival
*is the most abundant substance in the body
*is present in all tissues in varying proportions: blood is 92 percent water, muscles are 75 percent water, and bones are about 25 percent water
*is required to carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells
*is required to remove waste from the cells
*helps regulate body temperature
*helps absorb food nutrients and convert them into energy
*is crucial for the many life-supporting chemical reactions that constantly occur throughout the human body

Water’s role in the body
Water, pure and calorie-free, is the best beverage to quench thirst. But, water is much more than just a refreshing beverage.
Water cannot be stored in the body. That’s why recommendations are to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. This amount is necessary—even when you don’t feel thirsty—to replenish water losses and maintain healthy kidney function.

Bottled water (pros)
• Bottled water may have a better smell and taste because of the blend of minerals and method of processing. In addition, plastic bottles are light and convenient to carry.
• Chlorine is not used as a disinfectant. Instead, bottled water is treated by ultraviolet irradiation, filtration, and ozonation. These methods effectively kill most waterborne bacteria and leave no aftertaste.
• Some brands of bottled water (particularly those imported from Europe) contain relatively high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Calcium is essential for strong bones, nerve impulse transmission, control of muscle contraction, and secretion of hormones and digestive enzymes. Magnesium helps strengthen immune system and regulate blood pressure. Although dairy products are major sources of calcium, and fruit and vegetables provide magnesium, bottled water also can help to meet the daily requirements for these minerals.
• Bottled water is classified as food and, therefore, regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA standards for bottled water quality are similar to those established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for tap water. Some bottlers are members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) and, thus, must pass an annual inspection of their products as well as their bottling facilities by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF International) that has stricter requirements than FDA. Bottled water imported from Europe is subject to additional regulations set by the European Union.

Bottled water (cons)
• Fluoride content of most bottled waters is low. Fluoride is an important nutrient, especially in early childhood, for strong tooth and bone development. On average, children (1-3 years old) require 0.7 mg of fluoride per day, and adults need about 3.4 mg/day. A few bottled waters have fluoride content that exceeds children’s recommended daily intake and could cause mottling of the teeth.
• Bottled water sources are vulnerable to agricultural or industrial pollutants.
• The safety and quality of bottled water produced in the U.S. are largely regulated by state governments with widely varying standards. In contrast, municipal water supplies have nationally uniform regulations and are monitored daily for pesticides and many other contaminants.
• Some brands of bottled water have high sodium content. Many Americans consume on average 1.5 to 3 times the recommended daily sodium intake (2,400 milligrams). Bottled water that has more than 10 mg/liter of sodium is not a good choice for people suffering from hypertension or heart or kidney ailments.
• Packaging may be a potential health risk. The types of packaging material are indicated on each bottle. Plastic bottles made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PET, HDPE, PE) are widely used for all types of water in many countries. Research has shown that the leeching of components from plastic bottles into the water increases with storage time at or above room temperature. Some of these components may be carcinogenic, for example vinyl chloride in PVC bottles. Research in this area is limited.
• Bottlers are not required to put manufacturing dates on their products. Thus, consumers cannot determine how long bottled water has been on the supermarket shelf.
• Bottled water is not sterile (an exception is baby drinking water) and contains trace amounts of bacteria naturally present or introduced during processing.
• Bottled water is more expensive than drinking water from municipal sources.

= = =
Tips for buying and storing bottled water
• Read the label carefully. It should say, “bottled at the source,” and specify a location of the source. Unless a location is indicated on the label, “spring water” could be tap water with minerals added to improve taste.
• Check the mineral content. The ideal water is high in magnesium (at least 90mg/liter) and calcium (twice the amount of magnesium) and low in sodium (less than 10 mg/liter). Some manufacturers do not list mineral content on the label, especially if only negligible amounts of minerals are present. For water low in sodium, look for label claims such as “sodium free” or “low sodium.”
• Parents who rely on bottled water to prepare infant formula should check the water’s fluoride content. If the amount is low, as it is in distilled water, dietary fluoride supplementation is necessary to ensure normal tooth development.

• Whenever possible, buy refrigerated bottled water and keep it refrigerated. Storage at or above room temperature promotes bacterial growth and increases leeching of plastic contaminants from the container into water.
• Carbonated (sparkling) water contains fewer bacteria. Carbonation increases the acidity of water which, in turn, has a bactericidal effect. If you are reusing a bottle, make sure it is thoroughly washed, especially its rim.

Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.
Prepared by Oksana Matvienko, extension graduate assistant; Elisabeth Schafer, Ph.D., extension nutritionist; and Diane Nelson, extension communication specialist.

More thoughts...

Guess we just need to prepare for first deflation, followed by
devaluation then the inevitable hyperinflation. At least then,
we would be paying off debts with very very cheap dollars.

Gee, I remember when we used to laugh about the Japanese when
after the Second World War, and they had to take a wheelbarrow
filled with yen for a loaf of bread. Looks like we could be seeing
the same thing. (except dollars)

So, what can we do?

Maybe a few amendments to the Constitution would be in order.

Like:
Term limits at ALL levels of Gov’t.
Prohibit Congress from ‘Considering a bill as having been read’
Require that anyone not present for the entirety of all three of the readings
be prohibited from voting on a bill.
Require Congress to review and vote on all agency regulations.
Require Politicians to be accountable for their statements.
Require referendums on all tax increases.
Provide for recalls of politicians by referendum.
Foreigners who are not tourists, be REQUIRED to have a ‘Guest Worker Permit’. With a fixed term.
Tax Guest Workers for a mutual insurance to cover their medical care. (the more they spend the more they pay)
Tax Guest Workers mutually to cover education expenses of their children.
Immediately deport anyone not here legally. No delays, No Own Recognizance, No excuses.
Test Justices on their knowledge and willingness to FOLLOW THE Constitution.
Require that ALL elected and non-elected officials be able to pass highest Security Clearance standards.
Prohibit non-constituent contributions to ALL political campaigns.
Cap political campaign funds. Period!

No matter what we do, it isn’t going to be pretty.........

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2009
Release #09-307

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

TGH International Trading to Pay $31,500 for Violating Federal Safety Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that TGH International Trading Inc. (TGH), of Los Angeles, Calif., has agreed to pay a $31,500 civil penalty to settle allegations that the company knowingly imported and sold toys that did not meet the requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The penalty has been provisionally accepted by the Commission.

TGH imported more than 11,000 toys into the United States between March 2005 and June 2006. These toys contained small parts that presented choking and aspiration hazards to young children. Through port inspections and the investigative work of CPSC and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), many of the hazardous toys were seized at the Port of Long Beach before they could reach store shelves. CPSC is not aware of any incidents or injuries involving toys that were distributed into commerce.

Granny’s note:
the next paragraph jumps off the page, are they now a law unto themselves???
granny

“CPSC’s new authority to seek higher civil penalties does not mean we will ignore serious violations by small businesses,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “We will continue to take enforcement action against any business, large or small, that violates the Commission’s product safety laws and regulations.”

In agreeing to settle the allegations, TGH International Trading Inc. denies that it violated federal law.

To see this release on CPSC’s web site, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09307.html

********************************************************

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it: https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Does anyone know what the best way is to carry water to stay hydrated during the day? I have recently heard that bottled water can leach calcium from the bones. What alternatives are there? Please let me know what you think.<<<

I used the milk and juice jugs for emergency water supplies and to freeze for traveling or for ice in an ice chest.

The plastic bottles of water did not catch on with me, for they make me think of adults, sucking on a baby bottle, and I often wondered if that was a planned result.

Years ago, the Mexican illegal farm workers, could cross 40 miles of 115 degree Yuma desert, on a gallon milk jug of Nescafe, and walk it in a day or so.

True it was not enough and they came in yelling for water, but still many thousands of them did it.

I follow my old ways, water in the morning, then sipping on black coffee throughout the day and do not drink the cold water until the heat begins to break.

I do try to keep an old glass mayonnaise jar of filtered {Pur water filter jug}, by the computer and did in the car for sips all day.

I have never been a fan of plastic near my foods.

We always made fresh coffee about 5 or 6 pm and that worked for us.

I have been sick on ice water on a hot day, and once was enough for me.

If you do not own a Brita or Pur water filter jug, try them, they work and are sometimes as little as $10.00 at Walmart.

You do not need to replace the filter as often as they say, for they will keep working long past what is claimed.

When you do change the filter, dry out the old filter for a week or two and then use as a deodorizer I in the freezer and refrigerator it is the same thing in the fancy ones they sell ‘charcoal’..

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