Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today - an On going Thread #3]

Frugal Dad .com ^ | July 23, 2009 | Frugal Dad

[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

[hennie pennie]

Samiam's Italian Soup

Canned tomatoes (can be crushed, diced, whole, seasoned)
onion
garlic
white beans
torn spinach

I use Italian seasonings in this soup. A bonus is that it is very low on calories! I do cook the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding everything else. Instead of using spinach you could use yellow squash and zucchini.

I wanted to try out your Mexican Tortilla Soup, but when I went into the pantry, I spied a very very very old jar of spaghetti sauce and it occurred to me, that maybe I could use it in your version of Italian Soup.

I'm just astounded at how FILLING this vegetable soup is -- NO way could I eat more than one medium sized bowl, it really is a complete meal in itself.

I had quite a surprise after I got all the liquid broth part going in the soup pot -- I had no cans of any type of cooked white bean, not a one; of course I have dried navy beans, dried northern beans and dried lima beans -- but that won't work, as they weren't soaked, and secondly dried beans do NOT take kindly to boiling away in an acid-tomato bath.

Anyway, I substituted canned red kidney beans, but today I'm buying some canned white beans, and will immediately add a canful to the soup. And hopefully also a zucchini - like you say, this soup is PERFECT for zucchini!

I left it in the crockpot overnight on 'Very Low - Stay Warm' and the consistency of the spinach really improved.

Thanks again for sharing!

[samiam1972]

I probably should have added that those recipes were all chicken broth based in case anyone reading this didn’t see that before.

This soup is very versatile/basic. Any bean would be fine! I love the idea of using spaghetti sauce in place of tomatoes. It would give it a different texture/color but sounds yummy!

I’m glad it worked for you! It is one of my favorites!

[hennie pennie]

Oh, I added the tomatoes in, too, and maybe half a jar of the spaghetti sauce; I just returned from the grocery store where I picked up some canned navy beans -- and really this soup NEEDS the white beans, they look SO pretty with spinach and red broth.

It is so NICE to have a different soup, LOL, and today I noticed that one of my stores has bottled alfedo sauce that is about to come to its expiration date.

I am thinking that if any go on deep discount clearance sale, that perhaps it would make a good base (+milk) for a creamy spinach soup.

I dunno if it would work, but at least I'm interested enough to even think about doing an experiment.

Next time that there is a really good sale on chicken, I am going to prepare your Italian Soup recipe with homemade chicken stock - I also need to replenish my Italian herbs & spices, I've been doing so much Mexican, I hadn't realized how depleted they'd become.

I'm gonna have enough "white bean red tomato soup" that I'll have to freeze some.

Thanks again, I can't wait to try the Mexican soup, too!

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm188628.htm

Recall — 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.

Pointe Scientific, Inc Expands Nationwide Recall of Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent (G7517)

Company Contact:
J. Murphy
1.800.445.9853

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 30, 2009 – Pointe Scientific, Inc, Canton, MI is initiating a nationwide recall of all size kits of Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent catalog number G7517. The reagents have been found to fail linearity at >200mg/dL that results in inaccurate glucose values above this range.

Distributors and testing laboratories who have received the Pointe Scientific, Inc Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent (G7517) which is being recalled should destroy remaining inventory.

The recall includes the following lot numbers:

Lot # 823901 (all batches) Expiration: 2010-02
Lot # 826801 (all batches) Expiration: 2010-03
Lot # 829401 (all batches) Expiration: 2010-04
Lot # 831502 (all batches) Expiration: 2010-05

Catalog #s: G7517-120 (97 kits), G7517-500(129 kits), G7517-1L (31), 8-G7517-120 (15 vials), 8-G7517-500 (21vials), 3-G7517-L (28L), 7-G7517-500 (5 vials). 7-G7517-1000 (3bottles)

Lot #814301 (all batches) Expiration: 2009-11
Lot# 820502 (all batches) Expiration: 2010-01

Catalog # s of these lots all begin with G7517and the quantities are yet to be determined.
The firm voluntarily recalled the products after confirming a reported assay failure in Lot 826801. FDA has been apprised of this action.

Testing laboratories should consider all test results obtained with the lot numbers listed above to be questionable. The laboratory should inform the patient’s attending physician, and determine, with their input, whether confirmation of the previous test results will be required.

To date, the firm is not aware of any injuries or inaccurate results being reported out.

The Pointe Scientific, Inc Liquid Glucose Hexokinase Reagent (G7517) was distributed to medical device distributors and/or drop-shipped to testing laboratories nationwide by courier delivery service. Product involved in the recall can be identified by any of the lot numbers listed above appearing on the Pointe Scientific, Inc kit content label, vial label or bulk container label.

Pointe Scientific, Inc has notified its distributors and drop-ship customers by e-mail, fax, telephone and/or certified mail and is arranging for replacement of all recalled products.

Distributors and testing laboratories with questions may contact the company at 1-800-445-9853.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

* Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
* Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm.
Mail to MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787
* Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

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Page Last Updated: 10/31/2009

[nw_arizona_granny]

“Agriburbia” sprouts on Colorado’s Front Range

Six years ago, Matthew “Quint” Redmond suggested to Milliken planners that a corn
farm north of Denver could increase its agricultural value and still anchor nearly
a thousand homes.

“I got laughed out of the room,” Redmond said.

Today, Milliken’s 618-acre Platte River Village is ready for construction, with
944 planned homes surrounded by 108 acres of backyard farms and 152 acres of drip-
irrigated community farms. The plan is for the farms to feed local residents and
supply restaurants while paying for community upkeep. And Redmond, a 47-year-old
planner-farmer, has 13 other Front Range projects mulling his “agriburbia” concept.

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An Assessment of the Potential for Urban Agriculture on Oakland’s Public Lands

Oakland, CA (October 30, 2009) - A new report released today identifies 1,200 acres
of vacant and underutilized public land in Oakland, California, that could potentially
be used for food production. If only half of this land were cultivated using intensive
ecological farming methods, the authors conclude that these “commons” could contribute
at least five percent of the city’s recommended vegetable needs to the local food
system, a significant step towards Oakland’s goal sourcing a third of its food locally.

The report, entitled “Cultivating the Commons: An Assessment of the Potential for
Urban Agriculture on Oakland’s Public Land”, also emphasizes urban agriculture’s
potential contributions to Oakland’s sustainability goals. In addition to producing
fresh and nutritious food, urban farming creates green jobs, and provides and other
environmental services, green space, and educational opportunities.

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Kitchen Garden inspired Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904).

“Before she married in 1913, Beatrix Potter would accompany her family on three-month
summer holidays in the countryside. In 1903 the Potters rented Fawe Park, a large,
comfortable house in the Lake District, on the edge of Lake Derwentwater. Here,
Potter was able to escape outdoors, sketching the terraced gardens that sloped down
towards the lake and the beautiful fells beyond. The kitchen garden, with its greenhouses,
cold frames and potting shed was a favourite retreat and inspired the setting for
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All stories here:
City Farmer News [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102798542276&s=1304&e=001WNbIDVhrnqq3FVhPkKLlJ1RB-Q9-z083FJqsWviifS5_1pWN62dmoAlXt4SuxekMRrI4sX0J-gs4Cvd6b5BDzf9ZWEDJfsPlGK9ax9aLL0_fCdZh_5JDtQ==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture

[nw_arizona_granny]

I wonder why Ukraine seems to be so hard hit by H1N1? So does the U.N.’s World Health Organization. Here are some article titles about this, which I found at another website.<<<

To answer that question, I need a large tinfoil hat.

I would say watch Georgia and Chechnya for the next outbreaks and then trace back to the source.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Thanks for your good wishes! Congratulations on the graduation!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

What beautiful colors on the doe! and what wild thoughts are in her mind?

[nw_arizona_granny]

This message contains the following:

1. Belkin International Inc. Recalls SurgeMaster Surge Protectors Due to Shock Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10024.html

2. Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair IKEA Roller Blinds
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10022.html

3. Near Strangulation of Child Prompts Recall of Roman Shades by Whole Space; Sold Exclusively by Hanover Direct/Domestications
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10023.html

4. Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades by Louis Hornick & Co.; Sold Exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10025.html

[nw_arizona_granny]

This message contains the following:

1. Halloween Flashlights Sold Exclusively at Target Recalled Due to Burn Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10026.html

2. Sony Recalls Computer AC Adapters Due to Shock Hazard http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10027.html

[DelaWhere]

>>>What beautiful colors on the doe! and what wild thoughts are in her mind?<<<

She probably had in mind ‘How can I get out of this...’ as I was about to trim her hooves.

LOL, amazing the things she would get into... (Like my strawberry project - Wife’s Crape Myrtles, etc) She was not one to be penned up or fenced in - she was Queen of the place and toured her ‘domain’ regularly. She would routinely turn her nose up at the best quality alfalfa hay and stand on her hind legs to ‘prune’ lower tree branch leaves - including holly trees. Never figured that out.

After 19 years living with her around, sure do miss her...

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm188570.htm

Alexia Foods issues nationwide allergy alert and product recall on its Alexia Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds frozen potatoes due to undeclared pine nut allergen

Company Contact:
Marti DeMoss
(Office) 208-424-5459 (Cell) 208-908-3549

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 30, 2009 – Today, Alexia Foods, Inc, Kennewick, WA, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is voluntarily recalling packages of its Alexia – Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds (frozen seasoned potato wedges) for an undeclared allergen, pine nuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pine nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The product was distributed to retail stores nationwide.

The affected product, Alexia – Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds, is packaged in 15 oz. white poly bags with a teal-colored graphic banner and pictures seasoned potato wedges on the front bag panel. This voluntary recall is limited to only packages of Alexia – Olive Oil, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Pesto Oven Reds bearing the following Sell By dates (shown below) printed on the upper left back panel of the poly package with the UPC # 34183 00108. No other Alexia frozen or shelf stable products are affected.

Sell By 5385050811 Sell By 5385050911
Sell By 5385051011 Sell By 5385051111

The product was produced with packaging that does not declare pine nuts in the product. Alexia Foods has taken the precautionary measure of notifying the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 cases of the product.

Alexia Foods will work with retail customers to ensure that the recalled products are removed from store shelves. In the event that consumers believe they have purchased products affected by this voluntary recall, they should return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may call 1-866-518-0894 or visit www.alexiafoods.com for more information.

Alexia Foods is also issuing an alert through the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) in an effort to notify any potentially affected consumers.

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[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm188578.htm

Allergy Alert on Possible Undeclared Soy Protein in32-ounce Great Value Half & Half, 32-ounce Great Value 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, 32-ounce Kroger brand 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, and 64-ounce Wholesome Farms Chocolate Ice Cream Mix

Company Contact:
Molly Keveney
(303) 635-4529

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Murray, KY - October 30, 2009 – Morningstar Foods is voluntarily recalling 32-ounce Great Value Half & Half, UPC 6 05388 187 16 1, item code 1871600, plant code 21-031; 32-ounce Great Value 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, UPC 6 05388 187 18 5, item code 1871800, plant code 21-031; 32-ounce Kroger brand 36% Heavy Whipping Cream, UPC 0 11110 438 28 7, item code 4382900, plant code 21-031; and 64-ounce Wholesome Farms Chocolate Ice Cream Mix, UPC 0 74865 57 983 4 (if purchased in a multi-pack, the UPC code is 1 00 74865 57983 1), item code 5798300, plant code 21-031 because these products may contain soy protein. The individual cartons are printed with a “use by” date of December 16, 2009 for the Great Value items; December 16 and 17, 2009 for the Kroger item; and January 7, 2010 for the Wholesome Farms item. Consumers can find the expiration date and the plant code on the top of the gable top package. The UPC code will either be located on the back or the side panel of the gable top carton. No other Great Value, Kroger or Wholesome Farms products are involved in this recall.

People who have a known allergy to soy protein may have a reaction to these products. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting and stomach or intestinal upset. If a consumer experiences any of the above symptoms, they should see their healthcare professional immediately. If left untreated, severe allergic reaction can be fatal. No reactions have been reported. The problem was discovered when consumers reported off-taste in some of these products.

The affected product was distributed to retail outlets in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Morningstar Foods’ sales team is working with distributors to actively recover any affected product remaining on store shelves.

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE RECALLED PRODUCT
This recall includes only the products listed below. Each product is sold in a cardboard gable-top carton. Consumers can find the expiration date and the plant code on the top of the gable top package. The UPC code will either be located on the back or the side panel of the gable top carton. No other Great Value, Kroger or Wholesome Farm products are involved in this recall.

* 32-ounce Great Value Half & Half: UPC 6 05388 187 16 1, item code 1871600, plant code 21-031, “use by” date of December 16, 2009
* 32-ounce Great Value 36% Heavy Whipping Cream: UPC 6 05388 187 18 5, item code 1871800, plant code 21-031, “use by” date of December 16, 2009
* 32-ounce Kroger brand 36% Heavy Whipping Cream: UPC 0 11110 438 28 7, item code 4382900, plant code 21-031, “use by” date of December 16 and 17, 2009
* 64-ounce Wholesome Farms Chocolate Ice Cream Mix: UPC 0 74865 57 983 4, item code 5798300, plant code 21-031, “use by” date of January 7, 2010 (if purchased in a multi-pack, the UPC code is 1 00 74865 57983 1)

The Company apologizes for any inconvenience to its customers. Consumers who purchased the product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers with questions can contact the Company at 800-854-3243 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time.

The Food and Drug Administration has been notified of this recall.

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[hennie pennie]

A long informative article about online coupon blogs...

Devoted to deals, these bloggers really love coupons

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/30/devoted-deals-these-bloggers-really-love-coupons/news-breaking/

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Thank you for your concern FRiend. I’m fine... just BUSY!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

What a good idea! We seem to always have half a jar of spaghetti sauce. The pasta and the sauce never come out even... does it make a difference between the white beans and the kidney beans?

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

I’ve made an enchilada soup on the following general guidelines:

2 cups enchilada sauce
1 cup stock (vegetable or chicken)
1/2 cup corn
1/4 cup chiles (hot or mild, as desired)
1/2 cup cooked chicken
1/4 cup cut up tomatoes or salsa
tortillas or tortilla strips
1/2 avocado, cut in slices
cheese shreds
sour cream (optional)

Heat all together until tomatoes are soft and corn is cooked (usually just a few minutes boiling). Serve in bowls and add avocado slices. Top with a spoonful of sour cream, if desired. Sprinkle with cheese shreds and tortillas. Yum!

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

I should have said heat the first six ingredients together.... I know how to make it.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://www.naturalnews.com/027361_chlorella_detox_food.html

(NaturalNews) There’s mercury everywhere around us, it seems. It’s in the food (seafood), the medicines (vaccines) and even the lights (compact fluorescent lights). And that doesn’t even cover mercury fillings still used by crazed dentists who insist mercury is “perfectly safe” to chew on!

All the sane people have already figured out that mercury is highly toxic to human health, but how do you get mercury out of your body once you’ve ingested it?

That’s where chlorella enters the picture. This amazing microalgae superfood binds to mercury and helps remove it from your body, safely and naturally. It doesn’t get 100% of the mercury out (chelation can help with that), but it does an amazingly good job for a natural, food-based dietary supplement.

I’ve taken chlorella for over a decade. It’s one of the mainstays of my nutritional supplementation (which also includes spirulina and astaxanthin). Learn more about chlorella in this collection of supporting quotes we’ve compiled for you.

Removing heavy metals with chlorella

Chlorella is a single-cell, fresh water algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, chlorella growth factor, and other beneficial substances. It is about the size of a human erythrocyte (red blood cell) or about 2-8 microns in diameter. Chlorella is high in chlorophyll, giving it a rich green color. For many years, chlorella has been accepted as a detoxifier, and it is commonly used in colon cleansing regimes. Chlorella appears to bind to heavy metals as well as other toxic substances in the bowel and help with the detoxification process.
- Disease Prevention and Treatment by The Life Extension Editorial Staff

There are several species of chlorella. Those most commonly used in nutritional supplements are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Chlorella is rich in protein. In addition, it is rich in chlorophyll, carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, flavoxanthin, loraxanthin, neoxanthin and violaxanthin. Chlorella also contains the xanthophyll, echinenone.
- PDR for Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik

In rats, chlorella was found to promote the excretion of dioxin in the feces. The mechanism of this action is unknown. The pharmacokinetics of chlorella in humans have not been studied. However, the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in chlorella should be digested, absorbed and metabolized by normal physiological processes. A chlorella extract has demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-metastic effects in animal experiments. Chlorella has shown some experimental anti-atherogenic activity and some radioprotective and chemo-detoxifying effects.
- PDR for Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik

Once the mercury burden is lowered from the intestines, mercury from other body tissues will more readily migrate into the intestines where chlorella will effectively remove it. It is the fibrous material in chlorella that has been shown to bind with heavy metals and pesticides like PCBs that can accumulate in our bodies. Chlorella traps toxic metals in the GI tract and acts as an ion exchange resin. Chlorella is a species of unicellular fresh water algae that has been shown to possess detoxifying properties enabling it to assist or support the human detoxification system.
- Transdermal Magnesium Therapy by Mark Sircus

...continues

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Lots of links at the site.

[nw_arizona_granny]

CIT Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

Lender CIT Group has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, in an effort to
restructure its debt while trying to keep loans flowing to the thousands of
mid-sized and small businesses.

MORE DETAILS:
http://www.fox5vegas.com/tu/5KYa2ENek.html