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
Ever since my children were teenagers (many, many years ago), I have been diluting shampoo by at least 25%.<<<
Many ladies who like the expensive shampoos are now diluting them.
We all know about advertising and yet, we will follow the instructions on the box or bottle and never ask if half would do the same job.
On the off-chance that the Russkies elected not to vaporize us, a lot of people were convinced that the plan to prevent tooth decay by introducing fluoride into our reservoirs was a Commie plot. The fluoride, we were warned, would turn our brains to mush and make us easy prey for the Soviet Menace. It’s taken about 60 years, but I am now convinced that the scaremongers were right. How else to explain American liberals except by accepting that the Commies contaminated our water supply?” —columnist Burt Prelutsky<<<
I agree!!!!
Yes, I remember all too well the 1960’s and lived in San Diego, where we did not have many highways to get out of town on.
And all of them either going through a military area or a mountain pass that could / would soon be blocked.
I was told that if I insisted that my daughter not be evacuated on the school bus, I would be shot for trying to take her off.......for that is in the martial laws.
“Duck and Cover”
San Diego put up small signs on the evacuation routes, they were a simple arrow, pointing up, or as many said showing the way to Heaven.
Ah, yes, bacon grease.<<<
Nothing cooks like it.
I am glad that I never caught the soy craze, for I think it may be worse for you, than bacon grease, and it has no taste.
Just one year ago, would you have believed that an unelected government official — not even a Cabinet member confirmed by the Senate, but simply one of the many “czars” appointed by the President — could arbitrarily cut the pay of executives in private businesses by 50 percent or 90 percent?<<<
Yes, I could, for I kept quoting the communist manifesto, to all who would listen and some that didn’t.
Two years ago, the family ordered me to quit saying “it is all in the communist manifesto”, as an answer to all the subjects.
LOL, this year, not one person commented on the manifesto. for at last, they had seen what I told them was going on, but too late to stop it.
It was all planned and well known by 1963, when it was introduced into the Congressional records.
Now, we have a man with power and even powers that we never dreamed our leaders would use and he is going to put as many new laws in place as he can, so many that we may never get them changed, without starting all over from scratch.
Just my opinion.....
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm188137.htm
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Accusure® Insulin Syringes
Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:54:00 -0500
Huntsville AL-Qualitest Pharmaceuticals today issued a voluntary nationwide recall of all Accusure® Insulin Syringes. The distributed syringes are of the following descriptions and NDC numbers: 28G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-6995-21;28G 1cc, NDC 0603-6996-21; 29G 1/2cc NDC 0603-6997-21, 29G 1cc, NDC 0603-6998-21, 30G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-999-21, 30G 1cc, NDC 0603-7000-21, 31G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-7001-21, 31G 1cc, NDC 0603-7002-21. All Accusure® Insulin Syringes regardless of lot number are subject to this recall. These syringes were distributed between January 2002 and October 2009 to wholesale and retail pharmacies nationwide (including Puerto Rico). The syringes in these lots may have needles which detach from the syringe.
Firm Press Release: FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
SPAMMERS CONTINUE TO ABUSE THE NAMES OF TOP GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVES BY MISUSING THE NAME OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY GENERAL
10/27/09—As with previous spam attacks, which have included the names of high-ranking FBI executives and names of various government agencies, a new version misuses the name of the United States Attorney General, Eric Holder.
The current spam alleges that the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were informed the e-mail recipient is allegedly involved in money laundering and terrorist-related activities. To avoid legal prosecution, the recipient must obtain a certificate from the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman at a cost of $370. The spam provides the name of the EFCC Chairman and an e-mail address from which the recipient can obtain the required certificate.
DO NOT RESPOND. THESE E-MAILS ARE A HOAX.
Government agencies do not send unsolicited e-mails of this nature. The FBI, Department of Justice, and other United States government executives are briefed on numerous investigations, but do not personally contact consumers regarding such matters. In addition, United States government agencies use the legal process to contact individuals. These agencies do not send threatening letters/e-mails to consumers demanding payments for Internet crimes.
Consumers should not respond to any unsolicited e-mails or click on any embedded links associated with such e-mails, as they may contain viruses or malware.
It is imperative consumers guard their Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Providing your PII will compromise your identity!
If you have been a victim of Internet crime, please file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
[Page contains many of this years hoaxes.]
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 10:52:00 AM · 3,135 of 3,806<<<
Vickie are you OK?
You have not posted any place since the 15th, we were beginning to worry about you.
Can we help in any way?
Praying that you are safe.
granny and gang
>>>Please tell me everything you can about your experience with black beans, how many plants you had, how did each plant produce, was there much ‘fussiness’ with them, how was your harvest, how will you dry them, etc.,etc., etc. ANYTHING you care to share about your experience growing, harvesting, drying & using black beans.<<<
Oops - Missed your questions last night...
Let’s see - lots of questions... I grew 3 rows 300’ long. I had some space between rows of fairly new (1 yr old) hybrid poplars, enough for 3 rows 30” apart. Not wanting to invest a fortune in seed, I bought 3 bags of Goya black beans at the grocery store. Since there are two types (bush and vine) I was hoping that they would be bush type - and they were.(about 20” tall)
Soil for dry beans should be high in humus and well drained as they don’t tolerate standing water very well. Actually they are very similar to string beans or snap beans as they are called in some places. At my 30” spacing, they didn’t quite cover between rows, so I had to cultivate them several times.
They should be planted about 1 - 1 1/2” deep and if in rows, about 2 1/2 to 3” apart in the row. Using a regular bean inoculant should be standard practice.Grow them just as you would string beans and you should do fine.
Next time I grow them (as I have about 90# to consume first) I plan to put them 4” apart in 6” rows (similar to drilled or broadcast planting)
Harvesting was done by pulling them and letting them lie in the sun for two warmest days with a breeze - allowing them to dry (which was hard to find this year, but I was lucky and found a couple of good days with low humidity and temperatures in the 80’s.) I harvested by making a 3X4’ of 2X4’s for a frame and covered it with a piece of 1/4” hardware cloth. I have a 3X4’ yard trailer, so I made it to fit it. Then I pulled the trailer down the rows and took the now dried beans and wearing gloves, scrubbed them against the hardware cloth. The beans, dirt and chaff fell into the trailer and I threw the stems back on the ground.
After that, I took a 20” box fan and had it blowing across the top of a tub (about 30 gal.). I scooped up the beans and slowly poured them in front of the fan, so the beans would fall in the tub and the trash would blow off. I did this three times to get them good and clean. (The dirt goes to the bottom and if you shake your tub a bit it separates pretty well.)
I spread them on a 4X8 sheet of plywood with a 2X2 temporarily screwed to the edges and put on trestles under the shed. We then picked out any remaining trash and cracked beans and let them lie there for a few days till they seemed really well dried. Then I had made some heavy muslin bags that hold about 20 pounds of beans. I then put them in the freezer for a few days ( still there right now) - this kills the bugs that might be in there. Then I will take the bags and put them in 5 gallon pails and close up.
You should be able to expect a yield of around 1# for every 10’ of row, or if you drill them, it should run around .1# per square foot.
Now, for the eating... (best part) Black beans are about the highest in protein of the dry beans. about 24% - cook by soaking the night before, or bringing to a boil in the morning and letting them sit a few hours - then simmer till they are done to your choice of doneness (is that a word?). You can also can them so you have beans ready when you need them. I posted a clip from Jackie Clay of Backwoods Home Magazine about canning them a few days ago.
Basically you soak them and when you are to the point that you would be simmering them, (about 30 minutes of boiling) fill a bout 2/3 full in canning jars. Fill with boiling water to within 1 inch of the top, put on two piece lids and pressure cook for 90 minutes (I would have to check, but that is the time I remember for quarts and 85 minutes for pints at 10# pressure at sea level.)
Don’t try to mash them before canning! It would prevent the heat from being uniform throughout the jar.
They have a trypsin inhibitor which prevents protein digestion in non-ruminant animals, including humans. Heat, applied during processing or home cooking, is needed to break down the trypsin inhibitor and make the beans fully digestible. So, even if you are making home made bean flour, they should be lightly roasted first.
Ok, they are good in soups, salads, breads, as soup by themselves... My favorite (from living in Cuba many years ago) is black beans and rice... they make a black bean soup (somewhat chunky) and put a big glob of rice in the middle, sprinkle with chives or raw diced onion, sprinkle cheese across the top and put a dalb of sour cream on top, then add a sliced hard boiled spaced egg around the bowl. Then sprinkle it abundantly with apple cider vinegar... The confluence of textures and tastes is out of this world. Heaven!!! (at least to me)
Whew, did I cover all bases? It is labor intensive, but consider that I got about 90# and the store was selling the pound bags at $1.89 so about $190.00 worth of beans and lots and lots of wholesome eating. If TSHTF it can go a long way to assuring survival My little project would provide about 2 pounds of cooked beans (reconstituted) a day for almost a year. Oh, ideal storage is at 15% moisture and cool dark room.
For reference - pinto beans, navy beans or kidney beans are slightly less productive than black beans and string beans can be dried and used much the same as other dry beans too.
>>>Vickie are you OK?<<<
I second that - Eagle50AE and I were talking about it and decided you should be on our prayer list!
Hope you are OK...
Thank you for sharing!
I am always surprised that so many people suggest grinding up dry beans into flour -- it would be downright dangerous to do that with Kidney Beans, there's something in them, that when not fully cooked can actually kill a person; also, besides the protein becoming available through soaking, there are some undigestible sugars on the seed coating which soaking & rinsing take away.
That's just great that the Goya Beans were bush plants - how high did your bush bean plants grow, how tall were they?
Seems to me that you now have about a five year supply of black beans - I mean a one pound bag of black beans makes a LARGE amount of soup or of refried beans.
What a fascinating experience you had, and what nice results!!
Very cool pumpkins at the link. I had to spend some time there looking around. I guess 2 triangle eyes and some jagged teeth doesn’t cut it anymore.
What about just Vit. D (no number) which comes in little gels like vit. E? Any benefits or does it have to be the number kind?
Decades ago in one of the fiber arts magazines devoted to spinning there were articles about how most spinners used only DAWN dishwashing detergent on any natural fiber or any woolen garments -- for some reason, in the specific way this one dishwashing detergent is made OR maybe in some specific chemical inside it, it cannot harm natural fibers.
Ahem!! It is the cheapest shampoo on the market and can be watered down much more than any of the shampoos -- TWO parts water, (or even more) to one part Dawn. Yes, DAWN! - it's really inexpensive shampoo!
The Vitamin D Council advises the use of Vitamin D-3. I'm not a doctor or a researcher, so I have no idea what a "plain" un-numbered Vitamin D would, or would not do. But I simply, for myself, would not take it. A bottle of Vitamin D-3 is around 6-8 dollars, not exorbitantly priced like some supplements.
Vitamin D Council, Vitamin D-2
>>>Thanks SO much, so much information<<<
You are so welcome... Glad I could save you some time. Mine would have probably grown a bit taller than the 20” had I not planted them between the trees... Trees were about 10’ tall and grew to 18’ over the summer with 15’ apart rows, so they tended to shade them some. Next time I plan to plant them in a block 6” apart so I don’t have to cultivate and they can keep the weeds down for me.
It is the trypsin that makes them indigestible till cooked. Same with all beans including soy beans. It was very handy having them be the bush beans - I figured that field grown would probably be bush beans as farmers wouldn’t normally plant vining ones on a large field. (fortunately, I was right)
LOL my stash won’t last the 5 years... we will share a bunch with each of my two daughters, family doctor (she lives on the back of our farm), and with my wife’s aunt and uncle who are in their 90’s, and some to my brother and sister-in-law (he does my deer hunting for me so I trade him things like beans, turnips, tomatoes and beets when they come up from Richmond. We all try to trade surplus around the family/support group. This gives us a pool of resources... Plus we have many hands and good heads available and resources for the difficult tasks.
Just like we share the eggs and veggies. I wanted to get a couple of nubian goats again, but my wife has vetoed that till she retires in about 3 years... Then I want to get a couple of calves (from a neighbor dairyman I have know for deckades) We have just about enough land to handle that.
Add in the fruit trees we are planting each year, along with the 500 to 1,000 or so hybrid poplars a year for wood, we should be in pretty good shape should things get really nasty.
I highly recommend developing a circle of like minded friends who are on the same track... That way, if you need a tractor or if they need a trailer, or eggs, watermelon, black beans, etc. we have a pool to draw from. Works for protection too if that becomes necessary.
this came today and seemed to fit in with where did our country go?
We have enjoyed the redneck jokes for years. It’s time to take a reflective look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.
If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I’d choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up. Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit — that’s what rednecks are made of. I am one of those.
If you feel the same, pass this on to your redneck friends. Ya’ll know who ya’ll are.
You might be a redneck if:
It never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, ‘One nation, under God.’
You might be a redneck if:
You’ve never protested about seeing the 10 Commandments posted in public places.
You might be a redneck if:
You still say ‘ Christmas’ instead of ‘Winter Festival.’
You might be a redneck if:
You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a redneck if:
You stand and place your hand over your heart when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a redneck if:
You treat our armed forces veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a redneck if:
You’ve never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a redneck if:
You know what you believe and you aren’t afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a redneck if:
You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same.
You might be a redneck if:
You’d give your last dollar to a friend.
God Bless the USA !
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2005/01/portable-generator-safety.html
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Firefighters Stress Portable Generator Safety
Portable Electric GeneratorWith weather conditions having a seasonal impact on energy supplies, many people are turning to portable electric generators as a source of temporary electricity for their homes.
If improperly installed or operated, a portable electric generator can become deadly due to electrical shock and carbon monoxide fumes.
Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES!
Firefighters encourage you to contact a licensed electrician to install your generator to make sure it meets all local codes. Never connect a generator directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed and be sure to notify your utility, which may be required by State Law.
Power from generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reminds you:
* Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) very quickly, which can be deadly. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning.
* Never operate your generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space such as a patio or garage, and place it far, far away from any structure housing people or pets. Most of the serious carbon monoxide poisonings handled by Los Angeles Firefighters have been caused by generator exhaust fumes drifting into doors, windows, vents and crawl spaces.
* Be certain to install and test carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed areas whenever you operate a portable power generator.
* Read the owner’s manual thoroughly and make sure your generator is properly grounded and maintained.
* Store fuel for your generator safely. Turn the motor off and let it cool before refueling.
* Keep the generator dry, and make sure extension cords are rated for the load, free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
* Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances
* Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries
* Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator
* Keep children away from portable generators at all times!
Remember: Electricity is a powerful tool, and odorless carbon monoxide fumes can quickly lull you to deep and deadly sleep!
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
http://lafd.blogspot.com/2006/10/los-angeles-firefighters-offer-wind.html
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Los Angeles Firefighters Offer Wind Safety Tips
With the continuance of seasonal winds, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department remind Southern California residents to use caution at home, in the workplace and on the road.
Strong winds compound wildfire danger. We therefore ask residents - especially those in foothill and wildland communities, to use caution with all flame or spark producing equipment, including vehicles and power tools. Those living in hazardous brush areas should remain vigilant, and report nearby smoke and flames immediately to 9-1-1.
Additional preparation, such as a fire safety survey of your property and a review of household emergency and neighborhood evacuation plans can help remove the apprehension that many of us feel when winds begin to blow.
With the possibility of downed power lines causing local power outages, drivers should use extreme caution when approaching darkened traffic signals. Whether driving on a main thoroughfare or a side street, motorists should treat all non-functioning traffic signals as a four way stop.
If you encounter downed wires, assume them to be energized and potentially lethal. Be careful that such wires haven’t electrically charged puddles of water, chain link fences or other conductive sources.
In most circumstances, but especially during high winds, firefighters discourage the use of candles, lighters and fuel powered lanterns.
Now is a good time to fully charge your cell phone, check your flashlights, portable radios and spare batteries. Place these items strategically, and make sure others know how to find them. Before you activate a portable generator, make certain you know how to use it legally and safely.
And finally, please take a moment now to secure household items, such as outdoor furniture, that could cause harm or damage if catapulted by a wind gust, and to remove flammable items from around your home.
When outdoors, be careful for toppling trees, wind-blown debris or high profile vehicles buffeted by turbulent wind. If you must get behind the wheel, Los Angeles Firefighters remind you: “Heads Up, Easy on the Throttle and Expect the Unexpected!” ™
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Very cool pumpkins at the link. I had to spend some time there looking around. I guess 2 triangle eyes and some jagged teeth doesn’t cut it anymore.<<<<
No, now you do real art.
To me, a lot of work for a day or two.
Did you ever check out decorating gourds?
There you can do real art and have it last.
I always planted a few and did use them for bird houses and when I raised Finches, used them for Finch nests in the aviary.
Some of the gourd seeds are oblong and make lovely necklaces, when strung with the right beads, they are the snake gourd, or Italian green bean gourd.
Makes me want to take a look, but I will not starte thinking about crafts right now..........
This should be it.....
Cucuzzi Italian Snake Gourd - Seeds on eBay (end time 13-Nov-09 12 ...
Italian Snake Gourd. Incredibly long (up to 3 feet) giant green bean-looking fruit which is best eaten when less than 1 ft. and sauteed. ...
cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cucuzzi—Italian-Snake-Gourd——Seeds_W0QQitemZ370230548087QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq200... - Cached - Similar
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