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
Certainly.
We are taking care of health things at this point. I had the carpal tunnel surgery I needed back in the summer. My kids have started allergy treatment that will hopefully make their allergies a non-issue in a couple years.
Since we don’t know what’s coming down the road, the goal it to take care of everything as it comes up now and not wait.
And just as the *panic* was peaking out, the swine flu just seemed to disappear off the radar. The big epidemic they were expecting just seemed to vanish on its own. And we haven’t heard spit about it since.<<<
It is still active in other parts of the world and I still get notices of it.
Remember the Avian flu?
It is still killing people in several countries, I get a couple notices from ProMed for a new death in Egypt and Viet Nam, plus other areas.
I suspect that obama wanted it to happen, for he made new rules to cover it.
Since we don’t know what’s coming down the road, the goal it to take care of everything as it comes up now and not wait.<<<
You are being very wise, for there is no way to guess what is coming.
I think we will not like whatever it is.
I am glad you are taking care of your medical needs now and hope that the operation was a success.
If we are smart, we will all be learning the natural herbal way to health, and downloading all of it we can find, for it will be one of the first things to disappear off the internet.
I use both methods and each serves a purpose, if I could and the plants grew here, I would have used even more herbals over the years.
The carpal tunnel surgery went swimmingly. NO Problems at all whatsoever. It was the easiest, most successful surgery I ever had.
Keeping in mind, however, that I would really rather not repeat it, I am doing stretching exercises on my hands regularly.
And we are looking into alternate methods of healing and herbal remedies.
*****Worst Drought in a Millenium Creates Severe Food Shortages in China*****
Photos and China report snipped.....
Authorities are hiding and downplaying problem
UPI reports that China bans 18 topics from media.
China bans 18 topics from media
Published: March. 26, 2010 at 5:57 PM
BEIJING, March 26 (UPI) — The Chinese government has notified the country’s media outlets of 18 subjects banned from reporting, including corruption, yuan revaluation and food safety.
Liu Yunshan, director of the Communist Party’s publicity department, faxed the notifications to newspapers and radio, TV and Internet news outlets Sunday, one day before Google Inc. announced it was pulling its search Web site from the country, The Asahi Shimbun reported Friday.
The banned subjects include problems in Tibet and the Xinjiang Uighur autonomous region, difficulties faced by graduating students seeking jobs, the rising price of cooking oil and reports on criticism against China from U.S. officials and other international leaders.
“Most of the subjects that people are interested in have been banned. We don’t know what to report on,” an official at a Chinese newspaper told The Asahi Shimbun.
Nogger asks Drought, What Drought?
Friday, 26 March 2010
Drought, What Drought?
Chinese state radio has said that the ongoing drought in the south west of the country will only have “a very limited” impact on prices of staples such as grains and rice. Indeed, they said that they’d Googled for drought to see what all the fuss was about, but unfortunately Google appeared to be temporarily offline.
My reaction: The worst drought in a millenium is creating severe food shortages in southwest china.
1) Drought has now seriously impacted the provinces of Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, the city of Chongqing, and the surrounding areas, affecting 61.3 million people
2) The drought affecting Yunnan exceeds any from over the past millennium.
3) More than 3.1 million people are short of food, and 18 million people are short of drinking water.
4) Some villagers of Xiaowanshan Village in Yunnan Province are surviving on the so-called “starving sheep plant,” a wild plant that sheep normally refuse to eat.
5) The drought will likely to continue till May as no substantial rainfall was expected ahead of the raining season
Food Production is suffering
1) Water for 11.7 million large livestock and 5 million hectares (12.5 million acres) of farmland are compromised.
2) More than 1.15 million hectares (2.9 million acres) of farmland is already decimated.
Government Response to drought
1) Chinese authorities have reacted to the drought in southwest China are by:
A) Allocating 155 million yuan (about three yuan (US$0.5) per person) for drought relief.
B) Importing vegetables from non-drought-stricken regions to increase supply
C) Cracking down on food hoarding and price gouging: Vegetable vendors will be fined up to 100,000 yuan (14,650 U.S. dollars) if they are found involved in jacking up vegetable prices.
D) Silencing the press: Chinese media have been banned from reporting 18 subjects including food safety and the rising price of cooking oil.
E) downplaying problems: Chinese state radio has said that the ongoing drought in the south west of the country will only have “a very limited” impact on prices of staples such as grains and rice.
Food inflation rising
1) The drought is causing speculation of further inflation rises as it damages hundreds of millions hectares of crops and disrupts spring planting.
2) vegetable prices continued to surge even after the Chinese Lunar New Year when prices usually fall.
Conclusion: China has now suffered two record breaking droughts in a row. This year’s drought hit southwest China and last year it was the Northeast (see *****Northern China hit by worst drought in 50 years*****). China is going to be seeing some serious food inflation.
snipped.......and while you are on site to read the rest of this, sign up for the newsletter, he exposes food supply problems as they develop..
granny
You’re welcome! :)
National Cyber Alert System
Cyber Security Alert SA10-089A
Microsoft Internet Explorer Vulnerabilities
Original release date: March 30, 2010
Last revised: —
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Internet Explorer
Overview
Vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer could allow an attacker to
take control of your computer.
Solution
Apply updates
Microsoft has released updates to address these vulnerabilities.
Please see Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-018 for more
information.
Apply workarounds
Microsoft has provided workarounds for some of the vulnerabilities
in MS10-018.
Description
Microsoft has released updates for multiple vulnerabilities in
Internet Explorer, including the vulnerability detailed in
Microsoft Security Advisory (981374) and US-CERT Vulnerability Note
VU#744549.
References
* Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-018 -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-018.mspx
* Microsoft Security Advisory (981374) -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/981374.mspx
* Microsoft Internet Explorer iepeers.dll use-after-free
vulnerability -
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/744549
____________________________________________________________________
The most recent version of this document can be found at:
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA10-089A.html
________________________________________________
So very sorry to hear about your sister. Sisters are so very special. Still grieving over the loss of my sister. Please keep us informed and most certainly, prayers are up.
Spitalfields City Farm’s twin goats, Bentley and Bramble, to race in The Oxford and Cambridge Goat Race
With the Spitalfields City Farm still reeling from the break-in and nocturnal abduction
of a ferret last week, I think Helen Galland, the animals’ manager, was relieved
to take a break and enjoy a relaxed chat about the psychological dynamic between
Bentley & Bramble, the twin goats that are such popular personalities at the farm.
Bentley, of the shaggy locks and extravagant goatee pictured below, and his sister
Bramble, the model of inscrutable charm pictured above, were born here in 2005 into
the Shoreditch pedigree herd.
Mobile, urban farm under development in San Diego
The Farm Proper (est. January 2010) is a mobile, urban farm under development in
the lot outside The Bakery, a collaborative studio space shared by Set & Drift
and mi-workshop in Barrio Logan, San Diego.
The Farm Proper is an experimental project created by a collaborative of artists,
designers, and backyard growers as a replicable model for an urban farm.
The Buzz About Big City Beekeepers
It’s a resplendent Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, that rare smog-free day. You
decide to charbroil some burgers for lunch. You creek open the lid of your backyard
grill and...bzzZZZzzzz! A bee-hive! In ten seconds flat, you’ve hi-tailed it back
into the house, slammed the door, and Googled “exterminator.”
Best to kill those sons-a-beeswax before they swarm, right?
Wrong!
Agriculture 2.0 Silicon Valley - venture capitalists listen to city farmers
“We want to create an opportunity for a market, not a movement,” said Roxanne Christensen
of SPIN Farming, which promotes the creation of urban microfarms.
Of course, the killer app would be to power urban microfarms with renewable energy,
noted Mike Yohay, founder of Cityscape Farms, a San Francisco startup developing
rooftop greenhouses that use hydroponics and aquaponics technology to grow food
without soil and fertilize it with fish waste.
implications for contaminated
land risk assessment and risk management?
Compelling evidence of major health benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption,
physical activity, and outdoor interaction with ‘greenspace’ have emerged in the
past decade - all of which combine to give major potential health benefits from
‘grow-your-own’ (GYO) in urban areas. However, neither current risk assessment models
nor risk management strategies for GYO in allotments and gardens give any consideration
to these health benefits, despite their potential often to more than fully compensate
the risks. Although urban environments are more contaminated by heavy metals, arsenic,
polyaromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins than most rural agricultural areas, evidence
is lacking for adverse health outcomes of GYO in UK urban areas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103252747769&s=1304&e=001zNXGdGIGk_xJ2GnMVkS46Yvov7ym3yb9ZKXoxSHIi7EhOrubPzJcpnnJPvC65O6lmeXgrsn-B0wsDgH6tdH4345NgOaszmBG31kUNHUi93wtBcdE3SIkYQ==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm206806.htm
Binell Bros. Cutlery Voluntarily Recalls Black Pepper
Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:49:00 -0500
As the result of a recall of Black Pepper by Mincing Overseas Spice Company, Binell Bros. of Dearborn, MI is recalling ground black pepper because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The pepper is packaged in clear, plastic bags weighing between ¼ lb and 10 lbs, and was sold on-site between December 11, 2009 and February 2, 2010. The bags are labeled with stickers identifying the distributor, Binell Bros. Cutlery, but no product code. The product was sold in Michigan only.
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm206751.htm
* Resources for You
* > Animal Health Literacy
Section Contents Menu
* Resources for You
* Animal Health Literacy
o Animal Health Literacy Campaign
o CVM Kid’s Page
o CVM Pet Facts
-
Lovely Lilies and Curious Cats: A Dangerous Combination
Cats are curious creatures by nature. They love to play, jump, and roam around the house, but sometimes their inquisitive personalities get the best of them. As the plastic eggs filled with candy and the baskets of colorful plastic grass leave the store and enter your home, it’s important to remember that these items can be dangerous for our feline friends.
Cat sitting next to a planter of lilies
It’s also important to remember that while lilies, a common household plant, are lovely to see and smell, they are still a safety threat for our cats. The entire lily plant (leaf, pollen, and flower) is considered to be toxic for cats. If you have lilies in your home this Easter, make sure that your cat doesn’t eat any part of the plants.
Symptoms of lily toxicity in cats include lethargy (decreased activity), vomiting, and loss of appetite. These symptoms worsen as the kidney damage progresses, leading to death. Early veterinary treatment is critical. If you suspect that your cat has eaten any part of a lily or its pollen, call your veterinarian immediately.
Holidays are times to celebrate with friends and family. Your feline friends want to celebrate with you. Please do your part to “cat-proof” your home in order to keep them safe this holiday season.
-
-
Links on this page:
Page Last Updated: 03/31/2010
You need not even ask! Everyone of my old combat buddies shake their head on this... This Gubbmint PAID us to eliminate communists back in the war... NOW, the Gubbmint is Lead by one!
Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - March 31, 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 (http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh).
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.
New Biodiesel Webinar
Farm-Scale Biodiesel Production: Taxes and Financial Incentives. This free webinar is the third in a series on farm-scale biodiesel production. Register (http://www.attra.ncat.org/webinars2010/biodiesel3) now for the April 8th webinar, which will be broadcast at 1PM MDT.
News & Resources
* USDA Seeks Food Safety Comments
* Solar Water Pumping Guide Available
* Heirloom Vegetables Tested at the Kerr Center
* Marketing Farm Products to Schools in Michigan
* New Publication Offers Information on Energy Efficiency for Swine Production
* Community Food Security Conference Seeks Proposals
Funding Opportunities
* Garden Crusader Award
* Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program
* Organic Education and Outreach Grant
Coming Events
* Farm-Scale Biodiesel Webinar from NCAT
* Crop Rotation Webinar
* Farm to Cafeteria Workshop
News & Resources
USDA Seeks Food Safety Comments
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_2_1UH/.ce/7_2_5JM/.p/5_2_4TQ/.d/1/_th/J_2_9D/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?PC_7_2_5JM_contentid=2010/03/0150.xml&PC_7_2_5JM_parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&PC_7_2_5JM_navid=NE
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that it is seeking comment on proposed measures to enhance food safety. The proposed rule would implement a provision of the 2008 Farm Bill and is a priority for the Food Safety Working Group (FSWG). Comments regarding the adopted regulations must be received on or before May 24, 2010, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480ac9617, or by mail to: Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2-2127, George Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Mailstop 5474, Beltsville, MD 20705-5474.
Solar Water Pumping Guide Available
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100326.htm
A guide (http://www.cprl.ars.usda.gov/REMM%20Pubs/Determining%20the%20Optimum%20Solar%20Water%20Pumping%20System%20for%20Domestic%20Use%20Livewetock%20Water%20or%20Irrigation.pdf) (PDF/312KB) to choosing a solar water pump for remote (off-grid) applications has been published by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. For this guide, agricultural engineer Brian Vick and colleagues drew on the ARS Conservation and Production Research Laboratory’s 31 years of testing stand-alone water pumps. The laboratory is located near Bushland, Texas. Vick found that for pumps with motors rated less than 1,500 watts, solar is usually the best choice. With current technology and costs, wind power or a hybrid wind/solar pump is usually best for power needs of 1,500 watts or more.
Heirloom Vegetables Tested at the Kerr Center
http://www.kerrcenter.com/pressrelease/03-17-10.html
Older “heirloom” crop varieties are beginning to make a comeback. Two new reports detail the performance of heirloom squash and tomatoes at the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, a nonprofit educational foundation in Poteau, Oklahoma. During the 2009 growing season, the Kerr Center tested 14 heirloom varieties of squash, and 16 of tomatoes. The squash trial (http://www.kerrcenter.com/publications/squash-report-2010.pdf) (PDF/475KB) rated varieties for yield and date of first harvest, and the report details several other characteristics. Results reported from the tomato trial (http://www.kerrcenter.com/publications/tomato-report-2010.pdf) (PDF/370KB) include yield, date of first harvest, and marketability, along with comments on best use and other aspects.
Marketing Farm Products to Schools in Michigan
http://www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/index.php?q=marketing-guide
Interest and participation in local food purchasing is growing among Michigan food service directors, but more farmers with a wider variety of products available for more of the school year are needed to meet this demand. Marketing Michigan Products: A Step-By-Step Guide (http://www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu/index.php?q=marketing-guide) provides tools and information to prepare farmers to access school markets. Reviewed by farmers and an advisory committee, the Guide includes tools to help farmers address food safety, make insurance decisions, understand school food funding, link with local schools and Farm to School resources, and prepare marketing packets and school food bid documents.
New Publication Offers Information on Energy Efficiency for Swine Production
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2010/mar/122201.htm
Efficient fans are essential for proper ventilation of livestock production facilities. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension explains the factors farmers should consider when selecting or upgrading fans for hog buildings. “Energy Efficient Fans for Swine Production” (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2089E.pdf) (PDF/1.69MB) is part of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials being developed through the Farm Energy Conservation and Efficiency educational initiative. The purpose is to increase farmers’ awareness of opportunities for improving efficient use of farm energy.
Community Food Security Conference Seeks Proposals
http://communityfoodconference.org/14/
The Community Food Security Coalition is now accepting proposals for Workshop and Networking sessions at our upcoming conference “Food, Culture & Justice: The Gumbo That Unites Us All” in New Orleans, LA from October 16 - 19, 2010. Proposals (http://communityfoodconference.org/14e/files/NOLAworkshopRFP.pdf?utm_source=CFSC+Member+Updates&utm_campaign=533b4c6e8b-Conf_announcements_policy_comments3_25_2010&utm_medium=email) are due April 30.
More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)
Funding Opportunities
Garden Crusader Award
http://www.gardeners.com/Garden-Crusader-Awards/5549,default,pg.html
The annual Garden Crusader Awards program was established to honor individuals who are improving the world through gardening. These enthusiastic men and women are gardening beyond their own backyards to grow food for the hungry, beautify their communities and help friends and neighbors discover the rewards of gardening. Cash prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to winners.
Proposals are due June 1, 2010.
Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=52972
The purpose of the Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program is to provide grants for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals with disabilities who are migrant and seasonal farmworkers, as determined in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, and to the family members who are residing with such individuals (whether or not such family members are individuals with disabilities).
Proposals are due May 17, 2010.
Organic Education and Outreach Grant
http://ofrf.org/grants/apply_education&outreach.html
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) will fund the development of educational opportunities and materials that are:
- Pertinent to organic agricultural production or marketing; and
- Aimed at organic producers and/or those considering making the transition to organic certification.
OFRF will also accept proposals to fund activities that promote information sharing among organic agricultural researchers and organic farmers and ranchers.
Proposals are due May 17, 2010.
More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)
Coming Events
Farm-Scale Biodiesel Webinar from NCAT
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/380798506
April 8, 2010
Farm-Scale Biodiesel Production: Taxes and Financial Incentives will help you learn about federal and state fuel excise taxes that apply to biodiesel. The webinar will be presented by NCAT biodiesel specialist Al Kurki and National Agricultural Law Center staff attorneys Shannon Mirus and Rusty Rumley.
Crop Rotation Webinar
http://www.extension.org/article/26734
April 6, 2010
The webinar will highlight key findings from the crop rotation planning initiative, and summarize important considerations for rotation planning. This online seminar is presented by the Cooperative Extension Service’s eXtension program.
Farm to Cafeteria Workshop
https://tools.crk.umn.edu/web/cgi/registration3.pl
April 7, 2010
Baxter, Minnesota
Come and join others like yourself who want to learn how to bring wholesome, locally grown foods into K-12 schools, universities, hospitals, and other institutions within Minnesota. This networking and planning workshop aims to inspire and inform farmers, distributors, food service directors, schools, institutions, parents, school board members, administrators, teachers, wellness committees, rural and economic development specialists, Extension educators, Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) coordinators, non-governmental organizations, and other community experts to build support for Farm to School in the Minnesota.
More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar)
New & Updated Publications
Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees (Update)
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/03/25/alternative_pollinators_native_bees_upda
Organic System Plans: Livestock Production
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/03/04/organic_system_plans_livestock_productio_1
Biochar and Sustainable Agriculture
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2010/03/01/biochar_and_sustainable_agriculture
Question of the Week
What information can you give me on water buffalo?
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2010/03/29/what_information_can_you_give_me_on_wate
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
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
Audience: Neurology, Oncology, and Family Medicine
FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it is evaluating data from a long-term clinical trial called Stalevo Reduction in Dyskinesia Evaluation - Parkinson’s Disease (STRIDE-PD), that may suggest that patients taking Stalevo may be at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. Other controlled clinical trials evaluating Stalevo or Comtan (entacapone) did not find an increased risk of prostate cancer. FDA is still reviewing the available information and has not concluded that Stalevo increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this possible risk and follow current guidelines for prostate cancer screening. FDA recommends that healthcare professionals follow the recommendations in the drug label when prescribing Stalevo and Comtan. Patients should not stop taking their medication unless directed to do so by their healthcare professional.
Read the complete MedWatch safety summary including a link to the Drug Safety Communication at:
You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
http://www.dianeseeds.com/gardening/secrets.html
Secrets of a Seedswoman
by Diane Linsley
[She explains her goals nicely and has other articles and seeds for sale....granny]
http://www.dianeseeds.com/amaranth.html
Amaranth Seeds
[for sale]
http://arksoaper.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/make-your-own-taco-seasoning/
Make your own Taco Seasoning
December 7, 2008 by arksoaper
Store this excellent taco seasoning in a mason jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Making it from scratch is much cheaper than buying the little packages at the store. I usually make a bunch of this at a time. Buy your spices in bulk at discount clubs such as Sam’s and you’ll save even more.
6 teaspoons chili powder
4 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
5 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons onion powder
3 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onion
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
Combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake/mix well. Store for 6 months to 1 year at least. Makes about 1/2 cup.
7 teaspoons = (1) 1.25oz package of taco seasoning. I also use a couple shakes of hot sauce. You could add some cayenne pepper also (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon), but we haven’t missed it in this recipe.
http://arksoaper.wordpress.com/recipes/
Popcorn Concoction
I’m not sure what else to call this, but it is great stuff, makes a lot, and makes great gifts! For Christmas, I have packaged it in holiday-themed cello bags, and tied with a bow. I also make it for our kids at church on Wednesday nights as a snack, and have also served it for VBS. For the Wed. night crowd, I double the recipe and it makes plenty to feed around 50 people. For VBS, I multiplied everything by 4 and had TONS left over (needless to say, everybody went home with a bag! LOL).
3 regular sized packages popcorn – popped (I normally use butter flavor, but use whatever you have)
1/2 to 1 whole bag of pretzels (any shape you prefer)
1 package vanilla almond bark, melted (microwave for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes, stir well)
1 – 2 cups of any of the following: M&Ms, pecans, peanuts, etc. (for the kids, I use M&Ms)
I mix this in a large dishpan so there’s room to stir. I also pour the popcorn into a separate bowl, then scoop it out so the unpopped kernels remain in the bottom. You do not want to chomp down on a kernel in this – ask me how I know! )
Mix all ingredients together very well, then pour out onto wax paper (or freezer paper) to harden. Store in ziploc bags (or new large brown paper grocery sacks).
******************************************************************************************************
Enchilada or Taco Sauce
I make a BIG batch of this and either can or freeze it. It’s wooooonderful! We eat it in enchiladas, over tacos, burritos, etc. The smell as it’s cooking is simply divine. )
Very easy to make!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2-3 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic (love garlic!)
1 – 8oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Saute onions in oil, add spices and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Add other ingredients and simmer on low for at least 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick. Adjust seasonings to your taste. If you like really hot food, you could add red pepper flakes to this too. (I like a little spice, but not heat!)
I process this in my blender after it cools (kiddo doesn’t like onions), and the consistency is excellent.
*******************************************************************************
Homemade Enchilada or Taco Sauce
I make a BIG batch of this and either can or freeze it. It’s wooooonderful! We eat it in enchiladas, over tacos, burritos, etc. The smell as it’s cooking is simply divine. )
Very easy to make!
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2-3 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic (love garlic!)
1 – 8oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Saute onions in oil, add spices and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes. Add other ingredients and simmer on low for at least 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick. Adjust seasonings to your taste. If you like really hot food, you could add red pepper flakes to this too. (I like a little spice, but not heat!)
I process this in my blender after it cools (kiddo doesn’t like onions), and the consistency is excellent.
*******************************************************************************
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
1 – recipe of my enchilada sauce
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 – 8oz container sour cream
Mix this well. Reserve about 2 cups for sauce – set aside. To the remaining mixture, add:
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast
1 cup shredded cheese (we like cheddar best) (you’ll need 2 cups of cheese total – see below)
Mix well. Spoon about 1/4 cup of mixture into 12 flour tortillas. Roll tortillas and place seam side down into a 9×13 pan. (Preheat oven to 350 degrees.)
To the reserved mixture, add 1/4 cup milk for sauce. Stir until smooth. Spoon sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cover pan with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Makes 12 enchiladas. YUM! D
*******************************************************************************
With the economy the way it is, we’re all looking for ways to save money. I’m going to post a few cheap recipes in case this helps someone else make it til next payday.
*******************************************************************************
Cheesy Ramen Noodles
We like the chicken flavor best – I don’t know how well it will work with another flavor.
1 pkg Ramen noodles with flavor packet
water – enough to cover noodles in a microwave safe bowl
2 oz Velveeta cheese
Crumble noodles in water, microwave for 5 minutes on high. Pour off almost all of the water – I usually leave maybe 1/4 cup to make sort of a “sauce”. Add the Velveeta in chunks along with some or all of the flavor packet. Stir well until cheese melts.
Note: You could also add some chicken or even Spam to this to make it go farther. Double the recipe for the whole family if you make this as a side dish. We eat this for a quick lunch quite often.
*******************************************************************************
Beef Rice-A-Roni
I make this in a skillet instead of a saucepan.
1 package beef flavored Rice-A-Roni (and water according to pkg directions)
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can Rotel or diced tomatoes
4 slices American cheese
Mix the Rice-A-Roni with water according to package directions, then add cooked meat and rotel (tomatoes). Cook about 20 minutes – until rice is tender. Turn burner off. Lay sliced cheese on top and cover until cheese is melted. Serve with beans and you have a complete meal.
*******************************************************************************
Quesadillas
If you have leftover taco meat or chicken, this is a great way to use it up.
fajita size flour tortillas (or make your own – they are cheap and good!)
ground beef with taco seasoning OR leftover chicken (or turkey)
shredded cheese
Spray a skillet with non-stick spray with the burner on medium heat. Lay one tortilla in the pan, sprinkle with a SMALL amount of cheese, then meat, then another small layer of cheese (helps hold it all together!). Lay another tortilla on top and heat until cheese starts to melt. Flip the quesadilla over and lightly brown the other side. Use a pizza cutter to cut into wedges and serve with taco sauce, sour cream, etc.
NOTE: You can also make “pizza quesadillas” by using mozzarella and/or cheddar cheeses, pepperoni, and serve with pizza/spaghetti sauce.
*******************************************************************************
Mini-Pizzas
Kids and grownups alike LOVE these! And they are much cheaper than take-out!
1 can refrigerated biscuits (I use the cheapest ones I can find – doesn’t matter if they are buttermilk or plain)
Spaghetti or pizza sauce
Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Pepperoni or ground beef (optional)
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper OR spray cookie sheet with Pam. Flatten biscuits with fingertips, top with a small amount of sauce, cheese, and meat. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes (or less – depends on your oven). They are done when the bottoms of the biscuits are lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
*******************************************************************************
BREAKFAST
Don’t overlook breakfast for supper. There have been many nights we’ve had biscuits, eggs, and sausage or bacon for our evening meal. Pancakes work great too, and even cereal.
*******************************************************************************
SOS (”Stuff” on a Shingle)
If you’ve been making your own bread, this is even better! Basically, this is just milk gravy with meat added and served over bread.
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
2 or 3 tablespoons oil
2 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
salt & pepper
Bread to serve it on
Heat oil in a skillet, add flour and stir until combined. Add milk and stir with a whisk until all lumps are gone. Continue to stir over medium high heat until mixture thickens. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. (I go easy on seasoning and prefer to let everyone season their plates to their own tastes.) Serve over sliced bread and adjust seasoning if needed.
*******************************************************************************
Chicken and Yellow Rice
Mahatma Saffron Yellow Rice may be regional, but you should be able to find packages of saffron yellow rice in your local supermarket wherever rice is located. If you boil your chicken, use the broth from it in the rice.
2 packages Mahatma Saffron Yellow Rice
2 tablespoons butter
3 1/2 to 4 cups water or chicken broth
chicken – cut into bite sized pieces
Cavender’s Greek Seasoning – to taste
In a large sauce pan, add broth (or water) and butter – bring to a boil. Add rice, chicken, and a few dashes of Cavender’s. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 25 minutes or until rice is tender. I normally check this several times to make sure there is adequate broth or water. If it seems to be getting too thick, add a little more. Stir periodically.
NOTE: This is really good with green beans or salad and cornbread. My mom made this all the time when we were growing up!
******************************************************************************************************
Hot Cocoa Mix
This makes a BUNCH, so use a large container for mixing and storage.
5 cups powdered milk
5 – 6 cups powdered sugar (or Splenda) – may use more or less to taste
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
Mix all together and store in an air-tight container. Makes about 36 to 40 servings.
To serve, use 1/3 cup of mix with 3/4 cup hot water. Stir well to dissolve.
NOTE: You could also use flavored non-dairy creamer if you’d like, or add some vanilla to the cup when you serve. Enjoy!
******************************************************************************************************
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This is so good, you won’t ever go back to Ragu. D
SMALL BATCH:
2 – 15oz cans tomato sauce
1 – 6oz can tomato paste
1 tablespoon parsley
1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic
1/8 cup olive oil (I don’t measure – just use enough to saute the onions)
1/2 cup chopped onion (or more)
1 teaspoon salt (more or less – cook for a while and then adjust to your taste)
1 1/2 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 to 1 cup water (more or less – depends on the thickness you prefer)
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
2 – 16oz cans whole tomatoes
2 tablespoons sugar
mushrooms
2 pounds ground hamburger, cooked and drained
Simmer onions in olive oil until translucent, add other ingredients and let simmer until you’re ready to serve. (Simmer at least 2 to 4 hours – crockpot works great for this!)
Now – if you love pasta as much as I do, this next batch is for you:
LARGE BATCH:
You’ll need a BIG pot – I use my 6 quart stainless.
1 – large #10 can (105 oz) tomato sauce
4 – 6oz cans tomato paste
4 tablespoons parsley
4 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil (I don’t measure – just use enough to saute the onions)
2 cups chopped onion (or more)
1/2 to 1 tablespoon salt (more or less – cook for a while and then adjust to your taste)
4 1/2 teaspoons basil
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground oregano
3 cups water
3 to 6 tablespoons sugar – some cans of tomato sauce are a little sweeter and require less sugar – every batch is different (you can even leave the sugar out completely if you want – we like just a touch of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomato)
Simmer onions in olive oil until translucent, add other ingredients and let simmer until you’re ready to serve. (Simmer at least 2 to 4 hours. If your crockpot is big enough, you might get all of this in there!)
Kiddo doesn’t like pieces of onion in anything, but loves the flavor, so I puree the onions after sauteing.
I also normally add a few dashes of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning and some garlic powder to this as well (we love garlic!). It’s cheaper to make a big batch, and it tastes so much better than the commercial stuff!
Enjoy! D
Note: To feed 100 people, we multiply the large batch by 5 and use 15-20 pounds or so of spaghetti. Course, that takes into consideration they’ll eat a salad and garlic bread along with it. )
******************************************************************************************************
These freeze very well too. I normally make a double batch. Yum!
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup chocolate chips
Preheat skillet. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Mix in liquid ingredients until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into skillet. Cook until bubbles form on top and begin to pop, then flip. Serve immediately. (These don’t even need syrup!)
NOTE: These make very thick pancakes – the batter is stiffer than most pancakes mixes, but they are beautiful and fluffy. We love ‘em! :o )
******************************************************************************************************
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
This is more like a chili than a soup, but it’s really good and low fat, not to mention cheap! Freezes well also.
1 onion, chopped
1 (16oz) can chili beans, Ranch style beans, or pinto beans
1 (15oz) can black beans
1 (15oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
1 can chicken broth
1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes (could use 1 or 2 cans Rotel if you wanted)
1 pkg taco seasoning
3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Place all ingredients in crockpot, place chicken breasts on top and press down into the mixture. Allow to cook on low for 7 hours.
Before serving, remove chicken and shred/dice, add back to the crockpot.
Serving options:
rice
shredded cheese
sour cream
crushed tortilla chips
I like this best served over rice with cheese on top, but hubby prefers chips and cheese. This is soooo good and easy to make!
******************************************************************************************************
Golden Egg Bread
2 eggs
6 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup warm water
3 cups bread flour (I use regular flour)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sugar
1 package yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp bread machine yeast)
Bake on regular white bread setting with the crust of your choice (we prefer light on this one). It makes a wonderfully tender loaf that is great for sandwiches or just about anything else.
MY MODIFICATIONS: I use 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons sugar, and also 2 tablespoons butter (yes, the real stuff) with 4 tablespoons olive oil. This has seemed to really make a big difference on the loaf staying softer for a longer period of time.
***************************************
http://arksoaper.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/food-for-one-year-one-meal-a-day/
Food for one year – one meal a day
August 31, 2009 by arksoaper
I was thinking recently that if it came down to it, we could survive on one meal a day for one year – if we HAD to.
So…I sat down with a legal pad and my recipe file and made a list of 30 meals that could be eaten each month, then calculated the the amount of ingredients needed.
Please keep in mind this is ONLY a general idea – it could be supplemented with fresh garden produce, eggs from your chickens, fresh meat, etc. It also assumes you keep regular supplies in your pantry (such as sugar, flour, spices, baking powder/soda, etc).
This is just a starting point. I hope it will give you some ideas!
[Worth taking a look at, esp. for beginners and all of us.
granny]
http://arksoaper.wordpress.com/category/emergency-preparedness/
Archive for the ‘emergency preparedness’ Category
http://arksoaper.wordpress.com/2008/11/21/how-to-prepare-for-economic-hard-times/
How to Prepare for Economic Hard Times
okay .. our private communication system is underway. I am sorry for the delay(s).. there have been 6 deaths/funerals this week. I will attend total five (two were at same time frame).. one was my 96 year old aunt. Last(hopefully) is tomorrow... SOOOOOOO.. my hopes of getting the list to you on Monday was not fulfilled.
We now have 12 participants from all over the USA! YEA! guessing we will have more in days ahead.
The first EMAIL (NOTE EMAIL NOT FREEPMAIL) will go out in next day or so ..Of the 12 participating, 9 did NOT provide an email addy.. so you will NOT receive the info etc)
please send it to me if you want “in” this mailing/activity.
If you want to participate this please FReep mail & this is what we are requesting:
Name, addy, city/state/zip; phone; email & extras if you want.. like facebook link, pets, family, hobbies etc.
It was a nice day today but I wasn’t home to enjoy it or play in the dirt..
one funeral tomorrow & then maybe I can do some yard clean up etc...
hugs to all..
This message contains the following:
1. Howard Berger Recalls Extension Cords and Power Strips Due to Fire Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10184.html
2. Boys’ Vests and Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by North-Sportif Due to Strangulation and Entanglement Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Burlington Coat Factory http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10185.html
3. Ardica Recalls Heated Jackets and Vests Due to Burn Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10186.html
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.