Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
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.
The Frugal Roundup
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)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 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
How To Make & Grow A Loofah Sponge
Posted By TipNut On June 25, 2007 @ 9:30 am In Garden & Plants | 1 Comment
Today’s feature is from Groovy Green with their instructions on how to grow Luffa (or Loofah) and Make Your Own Luffa Sponges [1]:
For the third autumn in a row I am pleased to be harvesting my shower sponge for next year. Now I know that must sound like a strange statement but it’s true. Many people are surprised when they find out I grow my own Luffa sponges. “Don’t those come from the sea?”, is the standard question to which I respond that the Luffa is a vegetable you can grow in your very own garden.
(also check out part two of this series [2])
It’s too late to get this going for this year, but what a handy thing to keep in mind for the next growing season . I just assumed that Loofah sponges were from the sea and not vegetables from the garden!
Quick Tip: Loofah Sponge Too Rough?: If you find a loofah sponge is too rough on your skin, try boiling it in hot water for about 5 minutes. Drain the water then rinse in cold water to cool down. That should soften it up for you to use.
Please visit the site above for all the loofah growing details. Update: I also have this article about growing Luffa from seed here: Do You Grow Dishcloths? [3]
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Do You Grow Dishcloths? [3]
* How To Grow Roses In Pots [4]
* Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To [5]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-grow-a-loofah-sponge/
URLs in this post:
[1] Make Your Own Luffa Sponges: http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=689
[2] also check out part two of this series: http://groovygreen.com/groove/?p=710
[3] Do You Grow Dishcloths?: http://tipnut.com/grow-dishcloths/
[4] How To Grow Roses In Pots: http://tipnut.com/how-to-grow-roses-in-pots/
[5] Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To: http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To
Posted By TipNut On April 7, 2009 @ 1:06 pm In Garden & Plants, Popular Tips | 65 Comments
Quite the clever gardening tip here folks! Today’s feature includes tips from three different sources for growing potatoes vertically (in layers) instead of spread out in rows across your garden. If you have limited garden space or want to try some nifty gardening magic, this could be a great option for you.
Potato Box Project By The Seattle Times
First, there’s this article from The Seattle Times: It’s Not Idaho, But You Still Can Grow Potatoes [1]:
The potatoes are planted inside the box, the first row of boards is installed and the dirt or mulch can now be added to cover the seed potatoes. As the plant grows, more boards and dirt will be added.
You plant potatoes in one bottom layer, boarding up the sides of each layer and adding dirt as you go higher (you wait until the plants have grown a bit before adding a new layer). While new potatoes are growing in the top layers, remove the boards from the first layer at the bottom to carefully dig out the potatoes that are ready for harvesting. Fill the dirt back in and board up the box again. You move up the layers and harvest as the potatoes are ready. I imagine the new potatoes in the first couple bottom layers would be somewhat awkward to get at but as you move higher–not so bad.
I traced the information provided in the article to Irish Eyes Garden Seeds, they have another how-to article online here: How to Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet [2]. They also advise you can skip the box and try growing the potatoes in a barrel or wire cage instead.
In another article on The Seattle Times (How To Grow Potatoes At Home [3]), I came across this blog post from Sinfonian’s Square Foot Garden that details his attempt at growing potatoes with this potato box method: Build-As-You-Grow Potato Bins [4]. The info was from last year (lots of pics) and he’s promised updates of this year’s attempts. He added this tip for a better yield:
Greg from Irish-Eyes Garden City Seeds let me know that Yukon Golds, and all early varieties set fruit once and do not do well in towers. You only get potatoes in the bottom 6 inches, which is what I got. Late season alternatives to yukon gold are Yellow Fin and Binjte.
Bonus! For a handy project sheet, The Seattle Times has a nice image file detailing the steps (click to view the original):
How To Build & Use Your Potato Box: The Seattle Times
Imagine growing all those potatoes in a just a few square feet–and how drastically reduced the potato-patch weeding job will be! So Clever.
Reader Update: Here’s some info sent in by Christine who made a potato bin using wood pallets:
Last weekend, I was inspired by the Tip Nut potato bin – grow 100 lbs in 4 square feet. As nice as it looked, it seemed to be very complicated, especially unscrewing slats. Being a “just do it” kind of person, I asked my husband to build me one using pallets — which are free. He picked some up, but I realized that they were enormous, so he cut them in half and made side by side compost / potato growing bins.
The Tip Nut plan called for unscrewing the bottom portions to get the grown potatoes out. Rod attached pieces of wood to hold the front pallet in place and to allow you to slide it up like a window. I took books of hay to stuff in the openings of the potato bin so the dirt wouldn’t fall out. We’ll see how it does.
Here’s a photo:
Christine’s Wood Pallet Potato Bin
Unfortunately we placed it up against our neighbor’s fence. On the other side is their dog, who our Puggle Feeney loves to visit. He is always trying to dig under the fence. With the bins in place over his digging spot, the poor guy jumped into the compost bin and got stuck!
Christine’s Update: After having it in place for a couple of weeks, I discovered that the local cats think it makes a fine litter box, so I’ve added a frame on the top with chicken wire to keep them out, but allow the sunlight and water in. See her page here for lots more info and tips: Food Security 2009 [5].
*Updated, corrected information
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet! [6]
* How To Make & Grow A Loofah Sponge [7]
* How To Bake Potatoes Fast + Recipe [8]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
URLs in this post:
[1] It’s Not Idaho, But You Still Can Grow Potatoes: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2002347126_potatoes25.html
[2] How to Grow 100 lbs. of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet: http://www.gardencityseeds.net/growers1.php
[3] How To Grow Potatoes At Home: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2008829994_seedside09.html
[4] Build-As-You-Grow Potato Bins: http://ft2garden.powweb.com/sinfonian/?page_id=12
[5] Food Security 2009: http://www.catholichomeandgarden.com/food_security_2009.htm
[6] Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet!: http://tipnut.com/grow-food-100-square-feet/
[7] How To Make & Grow A Loofah Sponge: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-grow-a-loofah-sponge/
[8] How To Bake Potatoes Fast + Recipe: http://tipnut.com/how-to-bake-potatoes-fast/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet!
Posted By TipNut On January 12, 2010 @ 1:11 pm In Garden & Plants | No Comments
Today’s feature is from Mother Earth News with Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet! [1]
You Can Reap Big Rewards With A Small Patch Of Land
If more Americans grew a little food — instead of so much grass — our savings on grocery bills would be astounding.
The total value of the fresh vegetables author Rosalind Creasy grew in her 100-square-foot garden in 2008 was $683.43!
Small yard means small savings? Not so! This article reviews how you can grow quite a lot of food in just a 5 ft x 20 ft space. I know square foot gardening isn’t a new concept, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone break down the amount of money you can save in such a small area. There’s also a spreadsheet download available (listed towards the end of the article) to keep track of what you’ve planted and what the yield was (from Rosalind Creasy’s site here: Edible Gardening [2]).
A few tips listed on the last page of the article:
* Choose indeterminate tomatoes. They keep growing and producing fruit until a killing frost. (Determinate varieties save space but ripen all at once.)
* In spring, plant cool-season vegetables, including lettuce, mesclun and stir-fry green mixes, arugula, scallions, spinach and radishes. They are ready to harvest in a short time, and they act as space holders until the warm-season veggies fill in.
* Grow up. Peas, small melons, squash, cucumbers and pole beans have a small footprint when grown vertically. Plus, they yield more over a longer time than bush types.
* Plants such as broccoli, eggplant, peppers, chard and kale are worth the space they take for a long season. As long as you keep harvesting, they will keep producing until frost.
Please visit the site listed above to view the entire article. Also make sure to check out Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To [3] for an impressive potato growing technique.
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To [3]
* How To Make & Grow A Loofah Sponge [4]
* Budget DIY Trellis & Garden Space Tip [5]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/grow-food-100-square-feet/
URLs in this post:
[1] Grow $700 of Food in 100 Square Feet!: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Square-Foot-Gardening-Food.aspx
[2] Edible Gardening: http://www.rosalindcreasy.com/mother-earth-news-article-trial-garden-at-home/
[3] Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: How To: http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
[4] How To Make & Grow A Loofah Sponge: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-grow-a-loofah-sponge/
[5] Budget DIY Trellis & Garden Space Tip: http://tipnut.com/budget-trellis/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Cooking Meatloaf: Kitchen Q&A
Posted By TipNut On January 12, 2010 @ 6:22 am In Cooking Tips | 2 Comments
This week’s Kitchen Question & Answer is all about meatloaves: what the internal temperature should be when meatloaf is done, how long to cook it, how to make a meatloaf less greasy and more.
Cooking Meatloaf: Tipnut’s Kitchen Q&A
You Can Speed Up The Cooking Time By Making Individual Mini-Meatloaves
1. How long do you cook a meatloaf? It depends on the size of the meatloaf (especially how deep it is) and the cooking temperature, but a good rule of thumb for a standard loaf size (between 1 and 1.5 pound meatloaf) is between 50 to 70 minutes (and about 75 to 90 minutes for a two pound meatloaf cooked in a 375° oven). You’ll know when the meatloaf is properly cooked when the middle is no longer pink and the temperature is 160°F. (see below).
2. What temperature should meatloaf be when it’s done? The internal temperature of a ground beef meatloaf should be at least 160°F. Anything higher will result in a drier meatloaf, anything lower may not be hot enough for food safety.
3. How to make meatloaf less greasy? Here’s a tip: instead of cooking a meatloaf that’s packed into a loaf pan, select a larger baking pan and then shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit in the middle of the pan with at least 1inch space between all sides of the meatloaf. This gives more room for the grease and your meatloaf won’t be swimming in it from top to bottom. Also lay a single layer of sliced bread on the bottom of the pan before filling with meat mixture, this will absorb a lot of the grease.
4. What are some good filler ingredients to “beef up” a meatloaf? You could use cracker crumbs, bread crumbs (seasoned or plain), quick cooking oats, corn flakes, mushrooms, garlic or seasoned croutons, Stove Top Stuffing and even rice or chopped/grated veggies like carrots. See 10 Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks [1] for more meatloaf helpers.
5. Can meatloaf be frozen? You can cook the meatloaf then freeze it or shape the raw meat mixture into loaves, wrap the uncooked loaf well and freeze. Just take the meatloaf out of the freezer and it’s ready to cook. I’ve also mixed up all the ingredients, taken out the amount needed for one loaf and packed it in a ziploc bag (without forming into a loaf first). Squish all the meat in from side to side, top to bottom to force out all the air and to make the package really flat. Seal then freeze, it’s a real space saver in the freezer since you can stack the flat packs one on top of the other. All that’s needed is to shape into loaves once the meatloaf mix has thawed. From 10 Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks listed above.
6. Is it better to bake meatloaf on top or bottom rack? Cook meatloaf like you would any other dish unless it’s noted differently in the recipe: cook on the center or middle rack of the oven.
7. Is there a way to cut cooking time and make meatloaf fast? Sure! Instead of making one loaf out of the meat mixture, make several mini-loaves by filling muffin tins and cooking between 20 and 30 minutes at 375°F (just until the internal temperature is 160°F. and the middle is no longer pink).
8. Should meatloaf be covered when cooking? It depends on whether or not you prefer a crusty meatloaf or a moist/soft exterior. Cooking with a cover on will “steam” the meat as it cooks and results in a moister meatloaf (with some difference in texture). Either way is fine (covered or uncovered) or you could do both: cover for the first half and remove cover for the last half of cooking time. What’s my pick? I prefer cooking without a cover, I like a crusty outside.
9. My meatloaf always sticks to the bottom of the pan and falls apart when I try taking it out of the pan, any tips? If you give the meatloaf a chance to settle and absorb its juices for about 20 minutes after removing from oven (and before cutting), this will solve that problem. You could also try laying a strip or two of bacon on the bottom of the pan before filling it with meat mixture, this will help prevent the sticking as well as add more flavor.
10. Can meatloaf be mixed ahead of time before cooking? You can mix all the ingredients the night before or the morning of cooking, just make sure to refrigerate until you cook it.
Ready for some tempting meatloaf recipes? Check out this whopper of a list: 25 Meatloaf Recipes [2].
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* 10 Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks [1]
* Cooking Bacon In The Oven: How-To [3]
* Slow Cooker Mexican Meatloaf Recipe [4]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/cooking-meatloaf/
URLs in this post:
[1] 10 Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks: http://tipnut.com/tasty-meatloaf-tips-tricks/
[2] 25 Meatloaf Recipes: http://tipnut.com/meatloaf-recipes/
[3] Cooking Bacon In The Oven: How-To: http://tipnut.com/cook-bacon-oven/
[4] Slow Cooker Mexican Meatloaf Recipe: http://tipnut.com/slow-cooker-mexican-meatloaf-recipe/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
10 Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks
Posted By TipNut On October 30, 2008 @ 6:33 am In Cooking Tips | 25 Comments
1. Mixing It Up Helpers: Some say meatloaf HAS to be mixed with your bare hands. Others say a thick wooden spoon or even a potato masher will do the job just fine. You could also put all the ingredients in a large ziploc bag, seal, then mash all ingredients together without getting your hands messy. Mix until everything’s blended fairly well, overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf.
2. Make Ahead: When making meatloaf, try making 2 or more batches at once. You can cook the meatloaf then freeze or shape into loaves, wrap the uncooked loaf well and freeze. Just take the meatloaf out of the freezer and it’s ready to cook. I’ve also mixed up all the ingredients, taken out the amount needed for one loaf and packed it in a ziploc bag (without forming into a loaf first). Squish all the meat in from side to side, top to bottom to force out all the air and to make the package really flat. Seal then freeze, it’s a real space saver in the freezer since you can stack the flat packs one on top of the other. All that’s needed is to shape into loaves once the meatloaf mix has thawed.
3. Loaf Sizes: You can make a single loaf in a loaf pan or shape into smaller, individual loaves by cooking them in muffin tins–great for portion control and kids love them too! You can also make them “free form” and cook directly on an oven rack which results in a nice crust all over (have a pan on the rack underneath to catch drippings).
4. Meatloaf Cling: If your meatloaf always sticks and clings to the bottom of the pan, try laying a strip of raw bacon on the bottom of the pan before filling with meat. The bacon not only helps prevent the meatloaf from cooking to the bottom, it also adds flavor.
5. Crumbling Meatloaf: If your meatloaf is always crumbling apart when you slice it, let it sit for a few minutes first and then cut into pieces. The meat will hold together better.
6. Meatloaf Filler Ideas: These help bulk up the loaf and stretch your meat, also used to help bind the wet ingredients with the ground meat. You could use cracker crumbs, bread crumbs (seasoned or plain), quick cooking oats, corn flakes, mushrooms, garlic or seasoned croutons, Stove Top Stuffing and even rice or chopped/grated veggies like carrots.
7. Mixed In Sauces & Liquid Ideas: These help keep the meat moist and many also increase the flavor, try–chili sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, mushroom soup, sour cream, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, milk, beef stock, cream, wine, sweet & sour sauce, bbq sauce, steak sauce, V8 juice, salsa, plain yogurt, soy sauce, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salad dressings (like ranch), apple sauce, lightly beaten eggs, canned diced tomatoes & peppers, canned chicken & rice or tomato soup.
8. Flavor Mix In Ideas: Kick up the flavor with one or more of these ideas–dry onion soup mix, Italian seasonings, chopped onion, minced garlic, horseradish, thyme, sage, oregano, chopped green olives, celery, generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Meatloaf Topper Ideas: Try pouring a can of mushroom soup over top 20 to 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done for a tasty mushroom sauce. You could also use your favorite tomato sauce or chili sauce–the zestier the better! Also slices of bacon over top is another tasty idea.
10. Yummy Meatloaf Split: Place half of the ground meat in the pan, cover with grated cheddar cheese or mozza cheese and onions then top with the other half of ground meat. Cook as you normally would. Lightly sautéed mushrooms, garlic & peppers are a nice addition too.
Do you have a meatloaf secret not listed above? Please share it by adding the tip below–we’d all love to hear it!
Updated: New tips added as well as tips from comments below included for convenience (thanks for sharing!). Originally published April 17, 2007.
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Cooking Meatloaf: Kitchen Q&A [1]
* 12 Tips For Tasty Homemade Soup [2]
* Slow Cooker Mexican Meatloaf Recipe [3]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/tasty-meatloaf-tips-tricks/
URLs in this post:
[1] Cooking Meatloaf: Kitchen Q&A: http://tipnut.com/cooking-meatloaf/
[2] 12 Tips For Tasty Homemade Soup: http://tipnut.com/homemade-soup/
[3] Slow Cooker Mexican Meatloaf Recipe: http://tipnut.com/slow-cooker-mexican-meatloaf-recipe/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
Slow Cooker Mexican Meatloaf Recipe
Posted By TipNut On January 15, 2008 @ 1:08 pm In Food, Recipes | 1 Comment
Today’s feature is a recipe from FreezerChicks for Mexican Meatloaf [1]:
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups crushed corn or tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2/3 cup salsa
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons taco seasoning
Mix it all up, shape into a loaf and toss into the slow cooker for 8 to 10 hours on low.
Visit site for full details as well as a tip for glaze and instructions for freezer prep (see once a month cooking [2]).
If you like meatloaf, make sure to visit Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks [3] for more meatloaf ideas (and please add your own tips if you like).
Don’t Miss These Tips:
* Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce – Recipe [4]
* How To Make The Best Chicken Stock In Your Slow Cooker [5]
* 18 More Slow Cooker Recipes [6]
Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com
URL to article: http://tipnut.com/slow-cooker-mexican-meatloaf-recipe/
URLs in this post:
[1] Mexican Meatloaf: http://freezerchicks.blogspot.com/2007/11/mexican-meatloaf.html
[2] once a month cooking: http://tipnut.com/once-a-month-cooking-buncha-links/
[3] Tasty Meatloaf Tips & Tricks: http://tipnut.com/tasty-meatloaf-tips-tricks/
[4] Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce – Recipe: http://tipnut.com/slow-cooker-spaghetti-sauce-recipe/
[5] How To Make The Best Chicken Stock In Your Slow Cooker: http://tipnut.com/chicken-stock-slowcooker/
[6] 18 More Slow Cooker Recipes: http://tipnut.com/slowcooker-recipes/
Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.
1. Bicycles and Framesets Recalled By Seattle Bike Supply Due to Fall Hazard
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
Release # 10-107
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 283-2453
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Bicycles and Framesets Recalled By Seattle Bike Supply Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: 2010 Redline Conquest Pro Bicycles and Framesets
Units: About 350
Distributor: Seattle Bike Supply, of Kent, Wash.
Hazard: The bicycle’s fork legs can separate from the fork crown and cause the rider to lose control, posing a risk of serious injury if the rider falls.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of three reports of forks separating with minor injuries reported in one of the incidents.
Description: This recall involves all 2010 Redline Conquest Pro Cyclocross bicycles and framesets. The bicycles and framesets were sold in pearl white/blue and have aluminum frames with carbon fiber forks and aluminum steerer tubes.
Sold at: Bicycle specialty stores nationwide between August 2009 and November 2009 for about $1,900 for the bicycle and about $550 for the frameset.
Manufactured in: Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and framesets and contact their local Redline bicycle dealer to receive a free inspection and fork replacement.
Consumer Contact: For additional information contact Redline Bicycles at (800) 283-2453 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Redlinebicycles.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10107.html
********************************************************
2. Rockler Companies Recalls LED Light Kits Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
Release # 10-108
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 260-9663
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Rockler Companies Recalls LED Light Kits Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: LED light kits
Units: About 2,200
Distributor: Rockler Companies Inc., of Medina, Minn.
Hazard: Defective wiring in the light kits can cause the battery pack to overheat and explode, posing a risk of burn and fire hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Rockler LED lights with either an interchangeable spotlight head or a magnifying head. Models included in the recall have stock numbers 26429 (spotlight or 27017 (magnifying). Stock numbers are printed on the light’s packaging.
Sold at: Rockler Woodworking and Hardware and other specialty stores nationwide from March 2009 through October 2009 for about $60.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled LED light kits and call Rockler Companies to receive a free repair kit and installation instructions.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Rockler Companies at (800) 260-9663 anytime. Consumers can also write to Rockler Woodworking and Hardware at 4365 Willow Drive, Medina, Minn 55340
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10108.html
CADMIUM, JEWELRY - USA ex CHINA: ALERT
**************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.isid.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: 10 Jan 2010
Source: Huliq.com [edited]
http://www.huliq.com/3257/90313/toxic-metal-cadmium-found-chinese-made-kids-jewelry
Toxic Metal Cadmium Found in Chinese Made Kid’s Jewelry
Anyone who has watched a todddler or young child at play knows that it
is not necessary to assume a child will have to swallow a
cadmium-laced item to be harmed. Children love to suck on such items,
and cadmium is toxic enough for poisoning to occur from repeated
sucking.
[The concern here stems from the original AP report
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wirestory?id=9525526&page=2\
stating that some of the jewelry flaked off cadmium particles. A piece
of jewelry or toy or any other item that is flaking off pieces of
cadmium could be toxic if they were consumed. - Mod.TG]
Lab testing was done on 103 items purchased in New York, Ohio, Texas
and California. All but one were bought in November or December
[2009], making the sampling very recent. The results are worrisome: 12
percent of the pieces of jewelry contained at least 10 percent
cadmium. [Although these 103 items were recently purchased there were
other items purchased in 2008, according to the original AP article. -
Mod.TG]
One of the tested items was 91 percent cadmium by weight. Others
showed 89 percent, 86 percent and 84 percent cadmium by weight. In
some items, cadmium was easily shed from the jewelry.
For parents who see their children demand trinkets associated with
popular movies, the study noted that high amounts of cadmium also were
detected in “The Princess and The Frog” movie-themed pendants.
Bruce A. Fowler, a cadmium specialist and toxicologist with the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said “There’s nothing
positive that you can say about this metal. It’s a poison.” Not only
is it toxic, on the CDC’s priority list of 275 most hazardous
substances in the environment, cadmium ranks number 7.
Examples of some of the issues associated with cadmium poisoning can
be recalled from Japan, where environmental exposure to cadmium was
the result of people consuming rice that was grown in cadmium
contaminated irrigation water. The phenomenon was known as itai-itai
disease. “Itai” means “ouch” in Japanese. Cadmium is also a carcinogen.
Cadmium poisoning can affect bones, causing osteoporosis, renal
failure, and more. Continued long enough, death will result.
[Byline: Michael Santo]
—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org
[Cadmium is a lustrous, silver-white, ductile, very malleable metal.
Its surface has a bluish tinge and the metal is soft enough to be cut
with a knife, but it tarnishes in air. It is soluble in acids but not
in alkalis. It is similar in many respects to zinc but it forms more
complex compounds. In the earth’s crust, cadmium is always found in
association with zinc. Cadmium can be produced as a byproduct of
smelting zinc.
The disease referred to ‘itai-itai’ literally translates to
‘ouch-ouch’ disease. The disease is characterized by osteomalacia
accompanied with osteoporosis, and multiple proximal renal tubular
dysfunctions. Cadmium causes a syndrome described as softening of the
bones, and it affects all bones and joints, including those of the
spine. The bone pain and the kidney pain of those suffering from the
disease gave rise to the name of the disease.
In addition, victims of cadmium intoxication generally suffer with dry
throat, cough, headache, vomiting, chest pain, congestive lung
conditions, pulmonary edema, bronchospasm, wheezing, pneumonitis,
muscle weakness, and severe leg pain. Additionally damage to the
immune system, psychological damage and even cancers have been
associated with cadmium toxicity. Supportive care is about the best
treatment. EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) chelation therapy
has been added to hemodialysis and has had some positive effect.
While the Consumer Protection Safety Commission is aware of high
cadmium levels, they seem to be hampered in regulating this product as
most of the regulations test for lead, not cadmium.
Portions of this comment were extracted from:
http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cd.htm Mod.TG]
[Princess & Frog jewelry photos at
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://23.media.tumblr.com
/tumblr_kolxrqAC481qzute6o7_r1_400.jpg&imgrefurl=http://disneyhype.tumblr.com
/&usg=__By155U5OqvV3eP9sJ_pRkSlc51M=&h=300&w=300&sz=11&hl=en&start=1&sig2=PG0edEOE66RuqcEt3SpLUA&tbnid=yluJkhS97o64-M:&tbnh=116&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dprincess%2Bfrog%2Bjewelry%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG&ei=l0hNS6mBOtXNlAfuoYGODQ
- Mod.JW
[see also:
2009
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - January 13, 2010
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.
Share The Harvest: Please forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who might be interested in the latest sustainable agriculture news, funding opportunities, and events.
News & Resources
* National Sustainable Ag Coalition Launches Blog
* Guide Answers Questions About Custom-Exempt Livestock Processing
* Missouri Beginning Farmer Program is Expanding
* New Website Features Goat Information
* Videos Show Mobile Slaughter Unit
* Sheep and Goat Producers to be Surveyed
* New Oilseed Crop Helps Corn and Wheat Production
Funding Opportunitiesjavascript:setNextPage(’html’);
* Missouri Beginning Farmer Program
* Pest Management Alternatives Grant
* Western SARE Sustainable Ag Tours Grant
Coming Events
* NOFA Massachusetts Winter Conference
* Indiana Horticulture Congress
* Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference
News & Resources
National Sustainable Ag Coalition Launches Blog
http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/
With the arrival of a new year, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is transitioning its Weekly Update into a blog with regular postings about sustainable agriculture and food policy and politics. NSAC will continue to provide the information normally included in the Weekly Update about Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other goings-on in the sustainable agriculture and food policy world, but it will also include more analysis, stories, and general musings about the crazy realm of federal agriculture policy.
Guide Answers Questions About Custom-Exempt Livestock Processing
To sell meat, livestock producers must have the livestock slaughtered and processed at a USDA inspected facility. Another option is ‘on the hoof’ sales: selling live animals, which the customers, as the new owners, can have processed at a “custom-exempt,” state-licensed facility. This new report (http://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/techreports/TRFAQsmeat.pdf) (PDF/485KB) — for farmers, customers, and processors — uses a “frequently asked questions” format to explain the federal and state rules relevant to this practice, including pricing, paying, marketing and delivery options, and more.
Missouri Beginning Farmer Program is Expanding
http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/agopp/mac1.htm
As part of the three-year Beginning Farmer Grant the University of Missouri, Lincoln University and the Jefferson Agricultural Institute will be able to expand a training program for beginning farmers. Offered in various parts of the state in 2008-2009, MU Extension’s Grow Your Farm program is a series of eight weekly seminars and three farm tours designed for new and beginning farmers as well as established farmers interested in alternative methods. Grow Your Farm is designed for prospective farmers, beginners with some experience and seasoned farmers who want to make a “new beginning” with alternative farming methods. The Grow Your Farm course will be held in 4 locations starting in February.
New Website Features Goat Information
http://www.notesongoats.com/
Notes on Goats is a comprehensive web site dedicated to providing the latest research, information, and news about goats. The author of the web site is Dr. Sandra Solaiman, Professor and Director of Small Ruminant Research at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. Notes on Goats includes sections on breeds, selection, housing, breeding, feeding, health, records, budgets, marketing, quality assurance, environment, and regulatory issues.
Related ATTRA Publication: Goats: Sustainable Production Overview (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/goatoverview.html)
Videos Show Mobile Slaughter Unit
http://www.extension.org/pages/Mobile_Slaughter_Unit_Videos
The Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (http://www.nichemeatprocessing.org/) has released its first video project. There are three short videos showing how a USDA-inspected mobile slaughter unit works. The videos include: Part I: The Set-Up — the Mobile Unit and the Farm Site; Part II: Stunning, Bleeding, and Moving the Carcass into the Unit; and Part III: From Carcass to Cooler to Cut and Wrap.
Sheep and Goat Producers To Be Surveyed
http://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Sheep_and_Goat_Inventory/index.asp
Each year in January and July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts a Sheep & Goat Inventory Survey. During the first two weeks of January, producers will be contacted to participate in the Sheep & Goat Inventory Survey. The survey will provide the latest information on conditions and trends in the U.S. sheep & goat industry for 2010.
New Oilseed Crop Helps Corn and Wheat Production
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100108.htm
Growing the oilseed plant called cuphea the year before growing wheat results in better wheat seedling survival and grain that is 8 percent higher in protein, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study. ARS plant physiologist Russ Gesch and colleagues discovered this in a four-year experiment in which they rotated cuphea with corn, soybean, and wheat on fields in Morris, Minn. Based on these results, Gesch recommends the following rotation order: soybean, cuphea, and then wheat or corn. This planting regimen increases the profitability of both wheat and corn.
> More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/_
Funding Opportunities
Missouri Beginning Farmer Program
http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/LDBeginningFarmer.asp
The purpose of the Beginning Farmer Program is to help beginning farmers and the part-time farmers who now want to farm full-time. The program provides loans for the purchase of agricultural land, farm buildings, new and used farm equipment, livestock and working capital.
Pest Management Alternatives Grant
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50994
The purpose of the Pest Management Alternatives Program is to support and encourage integrated pest management
(IPM) practices and systems for specific pest problems, while reducing human and environmental risks. The program addresses the goals of the ‘National Roadmap for Integrated Pest Management,’ developed by IPM experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in 2004. The successful management of pest problems in commercial production is facing severe challenges due to regulatory changes, emergence of new pest problems, and the development of pest resistance to current management technologies. The greatest problems are in the production of specialty crops. However, other crops — including grain, forage and fiber — as well as animal health are also being impacted by these changes.
Proposals are due March 3, 2010.
Western SARE Sustainable Ag Tours Grant
https://wsare.usu.edu/grants/?ok=Vw_RFAs
These grants are designed to enhance farmer and rancher networking with other producers, researchers and agricultural professionals. They are targeted for producers to conduct or attend on-farm demonstrations or educational outreach tours in the area of sustainable agriculture. Applicants are eligible for up to $2,000, and the grants are funded for one year. The funds may be used for expenses to attend an existing tour or demonstration or to conduct a tour or demonstration of sustainable agricultural production systems.
Proposals are due April 1, 2010.
> More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)
Coming Events
NOFA Massachusetts Winter Conference
http://www.nofamass.org/conferences/winter/index.php
January 16, 2010
Worcester, Massachusetts
Over 40 workshops on organic farming, gardening, landscaping, and sustainable living. Keynote speech by Joel Salatin.
Indiana Horticulture Congress
http://inhortcongress.org/
January 19-21, 2010
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indiana Horticultural Congress is an educational meeting designed to meet the needs of fruit, vegetable, wine, organics and specialty crop growers and marketers in Indiana and surrounding states. All interested individuals are invited to attend.
Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms Conference
http://ssawg.org/conference-.html
January 20-23, 2010
Chattanooga, Tennessee
The general conference, held on Friday and Saturday, offers eight tracks of highly essential conference sessions covering: organic and sustainable production of vegetables, flowers, seeds, honey, poultry, hogs and beef; direct marketing strategies such as farmer’s markets and CSAs; successful farm stories; community food systems; and new farm programs for sustainable farmers — a broad range of offerings for start-ups and seasoned producers alike.
More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar)
Please help NCAT’s Montana Energy Corps program provide energy assistance and education to rural, poverty-stricken communities. Vote today at the Brighter Planet Fund website (http://brighterplanet.com/project_fund_projects/92).
New & Updated Publications
Organic System Plans: Livestock Production
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/30/organic_system_plans_livestock_productio
Aquaculture Enterprises: Considerations and Strategies
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/18/aquaculture_enterprises_considerations_a_1
Building Sustainable Places
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/11/building_sustainable_places
Question of the Week
Can you give me some resources on using biochar for soil fertility and carbon sequestration?
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2010/01/11/can_you_give_me_some_resources_on_using_
Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php
ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php)
(Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
DIY Biodiesel Webinar
To learn about DIY Biodiesel: Keeping It Safe, Keeping It Legal, tune into ATTRA’s latest webinar (https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/303791635), Thursday January 28 at 11AM MST.
Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest
(http://visitor.roving.com/optin.jsp?m=1011223551022&ea=)
Comments? Questions? Go to http://www.attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html.
Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives Available Online
(http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html)
Digital versions of recent Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
(http://attra.ncat.org/)
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html). Visit the NCAT Web site (http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php) for more information on our sustainable agriculture projects.
Copyright 2010 NCAT
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm197441.htm
Heluva Good Recalls Cold Pack Cheese Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Contact:
Lynne Bohan,
617-887-8321
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 11, 2010 - Lynnfield, MA – HP Hood is recalling select Heluva Good branded 8 oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product and codes listed below.
8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Port Wine Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55503
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010
8 oz. plastic cup containers of Heluva Good Sharp Cheddar Cold Pack Cheese Food
UPC 73570 55501
Sell by date between 11/15/2010 through 12/15/2010
The recalled products were distributed in stores in the following states: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.
The recall is being done as a precaution and is the result of a sampling done by the state of Wisconsin (from the facility that co-packs products under the Heluva Good brand) which revealed that some finished products contained the bacteria.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can call Heluva Good Consumer Affairs at (800) 242-2423.
###
RSS Feed for FDA Recalls Information [what’s this?]
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Page Last Updated: 01/13/2010
bump
Welcome to the thread that covers all the subjects we need to survive today.
Join in when you wish.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2427510/posts
Thyme oil can inhibit COX2 and suppress inflammation (Carvacrol)
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ^ | Jan 13, 2010 | Unknown
Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 11:53:51 AM by decimon
Appearing in the January 2010 issue of JLR
For those who do not drink, researchers have found that six essential oils –from thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot—can suppress the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme, in a manner similar to resveratrol, the chemical linked with the health benefits of red wine. They also identified that the chemical carvacrol was primarily responsible for this suppressive activity.
Thanks for the ping.
Well, maybe. 5,000 comments could glue me to this seat for a long time. ;-)
Granny - did you get my freepmail?
Welcome, this is only the “new” part of the thread, the links to the first two threads are in post #1 of this thread, they are each about 10,000 posts.
I have posted essential and herbs in all parts of them, as I use several e. oils.
Have tried to cover all things that we might need to know, some day.
Welcome to our on-going thread.
read and answered.
HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 & Stage 2 Pouch Meals - Recall
Audience: Consumers, pediatric healthcare professionals and dieticians
FDA notified healthcare professionals that Nurture, Inc., is recalling selected varieties and date codes of HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouch meals with date codes expiring between November 2010 and January 2011 due to a packaging defect that could cause a possible bacterial contamination. The meals are packaged in plastic pouches with plastic caps. Recalled varieties and UPC codes are listed in the firm’s press release.
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the firm press release, at:
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel10/earthquake011310.htm
For Immediate Release
January 13, 2010
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
Haitian Earthquake Relief Fraud Alert
The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in
the aftermath of Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and
do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies
and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to
solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a
good cause.
Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to
certain guidelines, to include the following:
§ Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including
clicking links contained within those messages.
§ Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims
or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
§ Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various
Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence
and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.
§ Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas
in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open
attachments from known senders.
§ Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on
others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are
received and used for intended purposes.
§ Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits
contributions: Providing such information may compromise your identity and
make you vulnerable to identity theft.
Anyone who has received an e-mail referencing the above information or
anyone who may have been a victim of this or a similar incident should
notify the IC3 via www.ic3.gov http://www.ic3.gov/
It’s not that hard to make your own baby food. Jars and packages are convenient, but for crying out loud, don’t be lazy....
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