Daily Good

Depression Era Recipes

2012-02-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

Depression Era Recipes from Taste of Home. Good eating from when times were very hard. Yes, even harder than they are now!

I remember eating many of these meals when I was a child too, especially the creamed eggs on toast, and the ham and white bean soup. We ate these a lot and they were very good.

There are so many great recipes from the depression era in this forum, plus the stories from those times are so inspiring and interesting to read. Click on the link below and check them out for yourself.

http://community.tasteofhome.com/community_forums/f/30/t/44025.aspx?PageIndex=1

Creamed eggs on toast

1/4 c butter
2 cups milk
3 tbs. flour
6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or chopped
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Melt butter or margarine; add flour and seasonings. Blend well and cook over low heat until bubbly. Add milk all at once; cook, stirring constantly, until thickened throughout. Add eggs and heat thoroughly. Serve hot on toast or corn bread. Makes 4 servings

white beans and ham soup

And then there's Clara and her Great Depression Cooking. I just love Clara!
http://www.greatdepressioncooking.com/Welcome.html

Indian In The Machine 2012

2012-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here's another very interesting web site. Check it out.

INDIAN IN THE MACHINE 2012, Detox Ionic Foot Bath Plates, Chemtrails, Native Spirit, Drummer, Galactic Federation of Light, God's Will, Ascension, Spiriual Health, Sananda Esu Immanuel, Conspiracy Theories , Extraterrestrials, Channeled messages, Angel photo, Sylphs, Cloudships

Tiny Houses For Everyone

2012-02-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

A beautiful tiny house interior

a tiny adobe house

When it comes to houses small is definitely in. Not only do you save money, energy, use fewer resources in building your tiny home, but many of these tiny house owners will tell you that a tiny house eliminates a lot of stress from your life.

Note: I didn't even mention all the folks who live in tiny RVs, or boats, or float houses, etc. but of course they are tiny house people too.

These tiny house sites are great for showing you the tremendous variety of tiny homes out there, and how to build or own your own tiny home.

Tiny House Blog - Living Simply in Small Spaces

http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/

http://www.tinyhouseliving.com/

And for all the apartment living people, check out these wonderful tiny apartments from Apartment Therapy.

http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2011/entries

Urban Ranchers small chic home

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Easy One Month in a Box Preparedness Again

2012-01-31T16:57:00.000-08:00

Honey is a good start

canned salmon makes some tasty meals

I am reposting this blog post because it is such an easy way for anyone to get started in storing food for their own family, and to have at least a months worth of food storage in a handy box.
And remember any food storage is better than none.

I modified the month in the box idea to fit my needs and likes, and you can do that too but at least this will give you an idea and get you started.
In my opinion everyone should have some food storage, so I hope this will help at least one family out there to get started with their food storage.

Easy One Month in a Box Preparedness

With much thanks to Robert Waldrop who's idea this was originally!

You can get everything for your one months food storage right in your local grocery store.

ONE MONTH IN A BOX, submitted by Robert Waldrop
From:http://www.justpeace.org/simple.htm

One 20 quart size powdered milk (4 pounds)
One 10 lb bag rice
Two 4 lb bags beans
Two 3 lb bags of macaroni
Three 13 ounce quick oats
Two 5 lb bags flour
One 8 ounce baking cocoa
One 4 lb bag of sugar
One 10 oz baking powder
One 8 oz baking soda
One 4 lb jar of peanut butter
One 1 qt bottle of syrup
30 miscellaneous cans (soups, vegetables, chili, etc.)
One bottle hot sauce
One bottle soy sauce
9 miscellaneous spice bottles
2 vitamin bottles
One 4 ounce bottle of vanilla extract
One 4 ounce bottle of yeast
One 16 oz bottle of jalapeno peppers
One copy Better Times Cookbook and Almanac of Useful Information for Poor People

I found a 23 inches by 21 inches by 10 inches computer box, and all of above food fit into the box, with the lid folding flat and would fit underneath a bed or table. . The above would provide the following daily servings: (for one person)
2-1/2 cups milk
1-1/2 cups cooked rice
1-1/2 cups cooked beans
1-1/2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup cooked oats
1 cup flour
4 Tbs. peanut butter
1 miscellaneous can of food
Plus daily sugar and spice

I am not in the business of giving nutritional advice, but it seems that if a half gallon or so of cooking oil, another can per day and a serving of fruit juice (equivalent of another can) are added, which wouldn't fit in this space, you'd be all right for a month. Depending on the assortment of cans, a variety of stuff can be made from these ingredients, including cinnamon rolls, oatmeal cookies, peanut butter cookies, tuna casserole, etc.

This box would fit under my bed.-----------Robert Waldrop

From:http://www.justpeace.org/simple.htm

Wild Horses

2012-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Wild and free. Beautiful wild horses in Oregon.

Hold On to What is Good A Pueblo Native American Prayer

2012-01-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

pueblo

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

"Hold On," A Pueblo Indian Prayer

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Tree hugging improves your health

2012-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

Tree hugging improves your health

As a person who has always valued and loved trees, as well as known how healing it can be to be near them, I find it heartening to learn that science is now proving what many of us always knew; being around trees is good for you.

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2012 The Awakening

2012-01-31T14:10:00.000-08:00

This is a very interesting site. Annette covers everything from earthquakes, floods, weather anomalies, strange wildlife behavior, solar flares, earths hidden history, the economic state of the world, and the top events that are affecting us all in 2012.

Annette has also written about the strange noises that are being heard around the world, the scams and the shameful behavior of our leaders, and others. If you have a moment go check out her great blog.

Today's post is about the radiation from a nearby nuclear power plant that drifted over Chicago.
All I can say is, "No More Nukes!"

Am I the only one or does it seem that, (to you too), most of our world politicians, bankers and financiers, church leaders, scientists, military leaders, and all the other people who are considered the top echelon of society are nothing less than madmen, and madwomen?

How else to explain all the horrific things they do? The desecration of the planet, the constant wars, the prejudice, racism, religious intolerance and wars, the horrible things they are doing to our children, our food, our economies worldwide, our rivers, lakes, and oceans, the killing of wildlife, the poisons in our food and drink, and in our skies.
No other animal fouls its own nest the way we do. If that isn't crazy behavior I don't know what is.

2012 The Awakening

Job Hunting 2012 Good Video: Inspired to Get Hired

2012-01-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

In January 2012 I joined the ranks of job seekers. So, I am researching job hunting advice from books and online.

On his videos of job hunting secrets and advice, Corey Harlock shares much good information and inspiration for all of the thousands (millions?) of job seekers in the US/Canada etc.

I'm following his advice! Wish me luck in my job search. This year I'm hoping to find a job that inspires me, and that I love, and not just a job that "pays the bills." I've had too many jobs like that.

If anyone has any good advice on finding jobs in 2012 please add a comment to this post. I can use all the help I can get!

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Donations

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have added a PayPal donation button to my blog, (it's located on the right side just underneath my photo and information), so that those of you who have benefited from the information and inspiration to be found in my blog can donate some money to support the blog and keep it going.
As many of you know, it takes a lot of time and energy to keep a blog going.

Please donate whatever amount you can. All donations are very welcome and appreciated, from $1.00 to whatever you want to donate! Thank you for reading my blog, and thank you for donating.

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Cities Take Up the “Ban the Bag” Fight. No More Plastic Bags!

2012-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

plastic garbage in the ocean

plastic garbage on a beach

Why new policies across the nation could mean the end of plastic bags.

"Disposable shopping bags are a significant source of plastic pollution in the oceans, where scientists have identified five huge gyres of “plastic soup.” “We’ve reached a tipping point where we can’t keep up with the stuff that’s in the ocean...”

Cities Take Up the “Ban the Bag” Fight by Rebecca Leisher — YES! Magazine

plastic garbage in the Pacific ocean

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Repurposing or Don't Throw That Out

2012-01-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

Used furniture for repurposing is everywhere

making good things from old pallets

-from Improvised Life

http://www.improvisedlife.com/category/inside/repurpose/

Not everyone is crafty, but for those who are, repurposing offers a great way to save money while saving items that would probably otherwise go to the landfill.

If you sew you can learn how to use the old clothes you have in storage or in your closets to make new items, or even gifts.

Plastic items are one thing that we all need to recycle and repurpose as much as possible. Too much plastic already litters our landfills, our roadways and parks, our beaches, and even our oceans.

The current economy is making us all a little bit more frugal and repurposing items you already have is certainly a great way to save money.

Putting Old Clothes To New Use at Life on a Shoestring Budget

http://www.diyinspired.com/four-easy-repurpose-ideas/

http://www.wisebread.com/twenty-five-things-to-do-with-old-jeans

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/50-creative-reuse-ideas-to-kee-122566

http://www.awelllovedhome.com/2010/03/repurposing-ideas-from-better-homes-and.html

http://inexpensively.com/articles/living/home-garden/how-to-redecorate-repurposing-ideas/

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What exactly is repurposing anyway? Click on the link and scroll on down to repurposing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuse#Repurposing

Prefab Friday: A ‘House Boat’ for the Arctic |

2012-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is an older article, but this is still a good home! I first heard about this house a few years back. I really liked it then, and I really like it now.

PREFAB FRIDAY: A ‘House Boat’ for the Arctic

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Something Big is About to Happen Gregg Braden 2012

2012-01-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

A very interesting video about 2012! I was privileged to meet Gregg Braden and hear him speak in Seattle. A very smart and inspiring man.

How To Go Green And Save

2012-01-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

I'm always finding great new (to me) blogs that I want to share with my readers. Green Solutions Express is a very good blog.

The first article from the blog that caught my eye was called,
"Eco-friendly Heaters. Go Green Heating Solutions."
It's winter here now and I'm always on the lookout for better, cheaper, ways to stay warm.

I love, love, love this sweet green living blog!

Click on the link below and see for yourself all the ways you can go green while saving money.

How To Go Green And Save, Green Solutions Express, Eco-Friendly Energy

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Web Site Links for Seniors

2012-01-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

elders

Here's just one of the hundreds of helpful links for seniors/boomers on this comprehensive site:

Someone to Live Free in Homes of Elderly in Exchange for Care
The National Home Share Resource Center offers a national directory of local organizations that sponsor Home Share programs. The basic idea is for an older person to provide free housing in exchange for free care. http://www.nationalsharedhousing.org.
-from the Senior Journal web site.

Check out Senior Links for yourself, just click on the link below and start searching for news, helpful information, and ideas for seniors and those who care about them.

SENIOR LINKS
The best senior citizen web page links online

Web Site Links for Senior Citizens

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Acts of Kindness Ideas

2012-01-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

Just by being kind to others, and to yourself, you're making the world a better place for all of us.

Being kind to the earth and to everything and to every person on the planet is the ultimate in kindness.

If we did that there would be no hunger,no war, no homelessness, no deforested lands or poisoned waters.

Today perhaps we can all be a little kinder to one another.

http://zenhabits.net/25-ways-to-help-a-fellow-human-being-today/

http://learnthis.ca/2010/02/100-ways-to-serve-others/

Help Others.org: Acts of Kindness

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American Preppers Network

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Great-grandma was a prepper but she just called it her pantry.

"The American Prepper's Network (APN) is exactly that - a network of preppers across America sharing their tips and ideas, as well as philosophies and paradigms, with the central purpose of how Americans can best support our great nation, and best support each other during events or crisis' often referred to as "teotwawki"." (teotwawki stands for: the end of the world as we know it.)

American Preppers Network

A typical pantry 1939

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Households Doubling Up

2012-01-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

Multi-generational families are definitely on the rise as more people around the US are forced to double up to survive the recession.

It used to be the norm for three, or even more, generations of a family to live together but most people in the USA grew up in single family households, at least during the last eighty or so years. The economy is changing that.

In addition to children leaving school but not moving out of the parental home even if they're working, many other people (young and old) are moving in with friends or family to share living costs and try to ride out the recession with a bit more ease and comfort.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/12/29/932162/-Recession-pushes-families-to-double-up-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/06/over-55-communities-evict-children_n_1189029.html

US Census Bureau information on household doubling up.
Households Doubling Up - Random Samplings

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Welcome to My New Followers

2012-01-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome and thank you to my newest followers! I now have 98 followers, which is so great.
I'm very happy that all of you decided to follow along.
I am having a little trouble posting today, so I will just ask my readers to check out my latest followers and read their blogs, if they have any.

The 10 Native American Commandments

2012-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Get Organized Month

2012-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Do you have too many clothes?

I just found out that January is National Get Organized Month. Very fitting since I am on a decluttering kick and trying to simplify my surroundings.

Today I decided to go through my closets and my dresser to get rid of all the extra clothes I never wear.
It was harder than I thought it would be to part with some of these clothes, especially when you consider that I've never worn some of them!
How can you be attached to clothes you don't even wear? I don't know but I found out today that you can.

Still I made a good start and managed to fill a large garbage bag full of clothes to take to a local charity that supplies free clothing to anyone who needs it. I like to support them in any way I can, since I know there are many people who can't even afford thrift store prices right now.

Here's what I managed to get rid of:

2 wool sweaters
1 salmon colored suede jacket. What was I thinking when I got this? It didn't go with anything and looks cheap and tacky. I think I saw someone wearing a similar jacket once and, while they looked fabulous in theirs, mine looked better on the hanger so out it goes.
1 cotton sweater
1 green velour jacket
1 grey plaid jacket
2 pairs of herringbone check pants
1 green and black tartan skirt
1 long red skirt, sort of Christmas looking
3 pairs of pants
1 beige vest
1 long wrap-around skirt from India
1 black corduroy dress
2 long sleeved men's shirts
1 floral patterned Hawaiian shirt
1 olive green embroidered top, hideous and never worn
1 grey see-through top with frilly neckline. (Again, what was I thinking?)
1 maroon turtleneck sweater
1 sweatshirt
1 black coat

My closet looks and feels so much better and I feel lighter and better too.

What have you done to declutter, simplify, or organize your life and your home this year?

an organized closet

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Strange Sounds Being Heard Worldwide

2012-01-20T21:22:00.000-08:00

There have been a lot of videos and news reports recently concerning the strange sounds that are being heard all over the globe.

What these sounds are no one seems to know, but they are decidedly eerie.

Find out more about these mysterious earth sounds, with lots of videos and information, from The 2012 Scenario web site.

Earth Sounds, Whale Song, Chanting from Gaia- Angels, Low Frequency Audio Signals…? You Decide The 2012 Scenario

What do you think these sounds are? Any ideas, anyone?

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Oregon Hit With Major Flooding Governor Declares State of Emergency

2012-01-19T13:00:00.000-08:00

This is in the area where I live. Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber declared a state of emergency for my county and three others today.
Flood warnings are in effect for this part of the state. More rain expected tonight and through Saturday.
At least two confirmed deaths in Oregon attributed to the storm. The tragic deaths of a young mother and her toddler son, who were swept away by flood waters while driving in a car, leave family and friends in deep shock.

Oregon hit with major flooding; weather service issues warning; rivers, creeks cresting at record levels OregonLive.com

Above Photos by Mike Zacchino, The Oregonian

Photo by Les Zaitz, The Oregonian

Update: January 20, 2011:
Though it's raining right now where I am the danger seems to be over for here and for most of Oregon. Roads are being reopened and the water levels in most streets have gone down enough to drive safely.

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Cheap Green RV Living

2012-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

If you haven"t already discovered this great site about living in an RV and how much cheaper and greener it is to live this way, then you really need to go there right now and check it out.

From the Cheap Green RV Living web site:
"The Cheap Green RV Living site is devoted to living a simple, frugal life in a car, van or RV. As paradoxical as it may seem, the mobile life on wheels can be extremely green and earth-friendly. In fact I believe it is one of the most environmentally positive ways you can live. Let me show you how green and cheap it can be by looking at my life on wheels."

Cheap Green RV Living - Home

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The Micro Gardener

2012-01-17T23:22:00.000-08:00

Not all of us have homesteads or big gardens; some of us must must make do with tiny balconies, or even just a window sill in the kitchen.
The Micro Gardener is the place to go for anyone who wants their own garden no matter how tiny the space you have to work with. Check it out.

The Micro Gardener
Urban Abundance: Small garden inspiration, tips, incredible edibles & how-to projects
The Micro Gardener - making it easy to grow your own in small spaces.

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Don't Throw It Out: Recycle Renew and Reuse

2012-01-17T22:55:00.000-08:00

An amazing book for all of us. Don't toss it in the trash, repurpose it!
Amazon.com: Don't Throw It Out: Recycle, Renew and Reuse to Make Things Last (9781594865770): Lori Baird, Editors of Yankee Magazine: Books

What could you make of this old dresser?

Pallets are everywhere and I've seen wonderful furniture, even sheds and houses built out of them.

Please comment and let us know some of the ways you repurpose or reuse items around your place.
I'd love to hear from people around the world making good use of what some might see as just junk.

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My Astrology and Numerology

2012-01-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

A curious reader of my blog asked about my horoscope, or astrology chart. So for all of you who care to know, I'll just say that:

Terria Fleming is a Cancer sun, with a Taurus moon, and Virgo rising. Obviously.

As for numerology:

I was born on the 5th day of a good month.
And 5 is a nice number, and a nice day to be born on, (as are all the other numbers and days.)
5 represents change and freedom and movement, among other things, and there's certainly been plenty of that in my life. I don't like restriction of thought or movement.

My day of birth numbers add up to a 30 which reduces to a 3.
I also have a prominent 6, and a prominent 9 in my numbers.

I personally find much of value in true astrology, as opposed to those horoscope columns you read in the newspaper. The same for numerology.
Much wisdom was passed down by in the ancients in both of these disciplines.

Check out your own astrology chart:
http://astro.cafeastrology.com/

You by your numbers:
http://cafeastrology.com/numerology2/

Urban Chickens

2012-01-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

Who says you can't raise chickens in the city or suburbs? These guys will show you how. Just click

Urban Chickens Dedicated to promoting backyard chickens in urban residential landscapes.

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My 500th Post: 2012 Change is in the Air

2012-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Change is in the air and, until every person on the planet is allowed to live in peace and plenty, with fair and just treatment, as well as with the opportunity for education, medical care, clean water and air, and without the threat of war and violence hanging over every persons head, then none of us is truly free because what is happening to one of us affects all of us.
We are all related.

100 Ways to Become More Conscious in 2012. Please click on the link and do what you can to raise your own consciousness right now!
http://socialleaks.info/2012/01/10/100-ways-to-become-more-conscious-in-2012-how-to-raise-your-consciousness/

I love this quote, because it expresses in wonderful language exactly how I feel about the actions a person takes on a day to day basis.

"Your life is like a pebble dropped into a pool of water, creating ripples endlessly.
You do not know the end of a word, a thought, an action.'
-White Eagle

Don't worry, be happy.

And remember that life isn't only about hard times and troubles. Add some fun, some play time. Enjoy this one sweet wonderful life you've got. It's the only one you'll ever have. Hug puppies, splash in mud puddles, make snow angels, kiss babies, drink hot tea near a campfire, make snow angels, watch the sun come up.
-Terria

Wow, I just noticed that this is my 500th post!

Frugal Living Tips to Survive a Recession

2012-01-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

garden

smaller homes

food storage

168 good ideas for all of us in 2012.
–›Frugal Living Tips to Survive a Recession

shop at thrift stores

eat frugal but delicious meals

emergency preparations for peace of mind

No More Hunger Anywhere

2012-01-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

I am repeating this blog post about hunger that I wrote awhile ago because this issue is so important to me.

Please help feed the hungry in your community or around the world!

No More Hunger Anywhere.

Hunger is still the number one killer in our world today.

1/3 of the worlds hungry people live in India, and 5 Indians die every minute from hunger.

1.02 billion people around the globe do not have enough to eat.

Each and every year 15 million children die of hunger, over 16,000 children die every single day from hunger related causes.

More than 60% of the chronically hungry people on the planet are women.

This is simply unacceptable to me, and to most people on the planet I would imagine.

I have never been seriously hungry because, even during my times of greatest financial hardship, I had places and people to turn to for help.

However the majority of hungry people on earth today have nowhere to turn to, and no one to help them unless we do. You and I. Feeding hungry people, wherever and whenever we can. And without sermons or judgements. Just food to feed their hunger.

Can one person make a difference? Certainly to the people you bring food to, you may be the reason they did not go to sleep tonight crying from hunger. And that to me, is huge.

If you do nothing else, please donate a box or bag of food to your local food bank. There are hungry people, hungry children, in your city who are going to sleep with an empty belly unless someone like you helps them. Today.

Or you can click on the hunger sites.
You've got a computer and Internet connection, now use them for good and click everyday. One click brings food to hungry people around the world.

If you want to do even more, sponsor a starving child through one of the various programs that are helping around the world. I can recommend Food For The Poor, One Spirit, and The Box Project, just to name a few worthy organizations helping the needy.

Your efforts at eradicating hunger around the world, together with my efforts, and those of many more people around the world, can mean many hundreds of children and families will not suffer through another hungry and desperate year.

Food For The Poor | Helping the Poor, Charitable Giving, International Relief | Serving the Poorest of the Poor

Click to Give @ The Hunger Site

WFP | United Nations World Food Programme - Fighting Hunger Worldwide

One Spirit

Feeding America: Hunger-Relief Charity | FeedingAmerica.org

Welcome to LeSEA GLobal Feed The Hungry

The Box Project - Create a better tomorrow, make a difference today

FreeRice

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Urban Survival Stories

2012-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:00

earthquake

tornado

food shortages

hurricane

snowstorm

storms

A true story from the snow storm archives:

"When the power goes off, we have no water, no heat and no light."

"I live in the FAR suburbs of Detroit. We have our ice storms and severe snow storms. We can be without power for 2 - 6 days at a time. We have a well, so when the power goes off, we have no water, no heat and no light.

Dear Tom,

I live in the FAR suburbs of Detroit. It was cornfields thirty years ago, but the suburbs have fully moved in. We have our ice storms and severe snow storms. We can be without power for 2 - 6 days at a time.

We have a well, so when the power goes off, we have no water, no heat and no light.
I have added a solar electric back up for light and a generator to drive our 220 well.

We have a fireplace insert which keeps the house comfortable. So we are pretty well set. BUT! Most city people could use a home survival kit to keep them going for 2 - 5 days. That would be a product that you might think about. Possibly a basic kit with a GOOD and thorough instruction book. It could consist of basic survival products and supplies and suggestions on what they could or should do or not do.

Here are a few suggestions:

1 Long burning candles for continuous light, a tiny bit of heat and a little cheer
2 Extra batteries or rechargeable batteries and a small solar battery charger
3 Cards or games to make people take their mind of the immediate problem
4 Enough canned or freeze dried food for a week
5 A weeks supply of water
6 Several extra space blankets for added warmth
7 Gum & candy
8 A battery powered flashing beacon, so rescuers would know they were there
9 Some kind of hat for warmth or sun protection
10 Some kind of weapon for self protection

Yours Truly,
Lee Osborn

A Note from Survival Authority, Tom Sciacca of CampingSurvival.com:

Testing your gear periodically is extremely important as well. As I write this, we're in early November in Upstate NY.
I have been thinking and checking the gear I have to keep my house warm in case of a power failure. We have several layers. We too have a fireplace insert and it does a great job. We burn wood throughout the winter.
If we lose power the fans won't work. I have a product called a WEZA that has a foot powered battery pack. You can charge it by pressing the pedal over and over. This will power the fans on the fireplace insert. Let's say the generator and the WEZA won't work and therefore the fireplace insert isn't producing enough heat.
We also have several propane tanks stored safely and securely away from the house. There are heat producing burners that mount on these propane takes. As long as the area is ventilated well (be very careful about this and do your research) they can produce a lot of heat. As long as it's safe, I can put one right in front of the fireplace. The require no electricity and can heat your house in an emergency.

In your emergency preps, think about redundancy. What can you do if this doesn't work or that doesn't work and so on?"

-From one of the many informative and interesting articles from the Urban Survival Stories web site.

Please read and learn from these true stories about how other people faced, and survived, crisis situations in an urban area. Learn what they did right, what they did wrong, and what they would do differently, including how to prepare for the situation, should it ever occur again.

Urban Survival Stories

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I Have A Dream Full Speech Martin Luther King Jr

2012-01-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

"The time is always right to do what is right."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

A great article with some good ideas for celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day in 2012.

Rev. Al Sharpton: How We Should Celebrate Dr. King in 2012

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15.

Ethiopian Oromo Music by Hanisha

2012-01-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

Love this music and beautiful singing from this lovely lady.
I think this song is called Amma.

Free Rice Game Feed the Hungry

2012-01-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

FreeRice is a non-profit website run by the United Nations World Food Programme.

FreeRice has two goals:

Provide education to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

Start playing the free rice game now and donate rice to the hungry.

Homepage Freerice.com

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5 dollar Funnel Solar Oven Make A Solar Oven For $5

2012-01-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

DIY $5 Solar oven! This solar oven looks simple; easy to make and to use.

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Farmers Ending Hunger in Oregon

2012-01-14T08:53:00.000-08:00

Oregon has a lot of hungry people.

Seniors and children are especially vulnerable to hunger.

Farmers in Oregon are doing something about the hunger crisis here.

"In 2004, galvanized by the hunger crisis that continues to plague Oregon, Fred Ziari founded Farmers Ending Hunger. A 20-year veteran of agri-business, he was determined to find a way to use the region’s bountiful agricultural resources to fight hunger in local communities.

Today, Farmers Ending Hunger has dozens of committed partners in local family farmers, growers and ranchers who donate a portion of the food they grow. But additional resources are necessary to harvest and process the raw crops into food products that are easily stored and distributed to the hungry through emergency food networks in Oregon and Southwest Washington."

The mission of Farmers Ending Hunger is to eliminate hunger in Oregon by increasing the amount of high quality food available to hungry local communities through a partnership of farmers, food processors, Oregon Food Bank and the public."

Please click on the link and see what's being done about hunger in Oregon and how you can help.
About Us Farmers Ending Hunger

Facts:

"In 2005 , Oregon was number one in the nation for food insecurity. Our rank has improved, which means that of other states has declined. Hunger is an urgent issue that continues to persist among families and children in Oregon."

"Double-digit increases in demand for emergency food have impacted Oregon food banks every year for the past three years. The state’s relatively high cost of housing and home energy contributes to stress on families and many Oregonians are only one medical emergency or automobile repair bill away from needing emergency food assistance. Approximately 40% of individuals receiving food throughout the Oregon Food Bank network are children."

Emergency food box distribution has increased 17 percent since the beginning of the 2007 recession.

33 percent of those who receive emergency food boxes are children.

1 in 5 Oregonians received food boxes this year.

Facts and information from the Farmers Ending Hunger web site.
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How to Store Drinking Water For Long Term Storage

2012-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

It's always smart to have some stored water wherever you live and whatever your situation. Here's one way to do it.

Tiny Fuel Efficient Stoves

2012-01-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Any of these stoves would be a good choice for your emergency preparations. You'll need something to cook on and to keep you warm if the power goes out and one of these would certainly do the job.

Frugal Living For 2012

2012-01-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Frugal living has become more important than ever as the economy tanks and more and more people are having to live on less.

Check out these frugal web sites and blogs for great ideas for living frugal better.

http://www.itsfrugalbeinggreen.com

www.myfrugallife.com

http://frugalcuisine.blogspot.com

http://live-frugal.blogspot.com

www.frugalvillage.com

www.frugal101.com

The Dollar Stretcher: Frugal Living since 1996

www.wisebread.com

www.cheapgreenrvliving.org

www.pennilessparenting.com

www.rainydaysaver.net

http://frugalhacks.com

Why I Have Food Storage and Why You Should Too

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

gardens as well as food storage

Guest Post: Why I have food storage and Why you should too! ModernSurvivalOnline.com

Finding Volunteer Opportunities Online

2012-01-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

www.care2.com

www.volunteermatch.org

www.iave.org

www.charityguide.org

www.networkforgood.org

www.idealist.org

www.volunteersolutions.org

www.volunteer.ca

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Beans and Rice For Hungry People Again

2012-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Note: I'm repeating this blog post because I believe the information is so valuable, and because, unfortunately, there are still millions of hungry people around the world that need help like this.

Rice and beans are an important source of protein and carbohydrates for hungry families. Together they provide vital nutrients to those who might otherwise starve. Help end the cries of hunger through your gift of rice and beans for hungry people worldwide. (Of course you don't have to stop at beans and rice, but they make for a good solid base and many cultures around the globe eat beans and rice on a regular basis).

By the way I am not sure why all these sites for this particular post seem to have a Christian orientation, but rest assured that people of every spiritual/religious belief system have programs for feeding the hungry and the poor in their midst, and there are also all of the other humanitarian/service organizations that have no religious basis at all that are feeding the hungry worldwide on a daily basis.

Anyway, I doubt if a mother or father of hungry children to feed cares what your religious beliefs are. They are hungry, you have food, and that's all that should matter, to you or to them.

Food for the Poor where just $20.00 buys 100 pounds of beans and rice to feed the hungry. Click on GIFT CATALOG at the top of the page, then click on FEEDING on the left side of the page, then decide how much beans and rice you want to donate to feed the hungry people. (Food for the Poor has been feeding thousands of people daily in Haiti for years, and they're still there.)
Food For The Poor | Helping the Poor, Charitable Giving, International Relief | Serving the Poorest of the Poor

Rice and Beans Ministries
Beans and Rice: TRA Border Outreach Program
A wonderful news story about a guy who feeds the homeless beans and rice, for free, from his restaurant.
Beans and Rice for Jesus Christ
Remember the poor by eating as they do for a period of time
Rice & Beans- Reflections from others « Remember the Poor
What the poverty stricken people of the world eat: rice and beans.
World Meal: Description of a Cross-cultural Activity

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Green Eco Services

2012-01-12T13:48:00.000-08:00

Informative and interesting site for all things green and ecologically sound. Check it out!

Green Eco Services

Homemade Herbal Multipurpose Cleaner

2012-01-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

I no longer use, or allow in my home, any harsh chemical cleaning products. Instead I make my own, and the cleaners I use are just as effective (sometimes more so!), as the old harsh chemical cleaners I once used, but much cheaper and much better for me, my home, and the world.

For all of you ready to make your own household cleaners, this is one of the best. Try it out for yourself and see.

my family prepared: Homemade Herbal Multipurpose Cleaner

Note: My Family Prepared (where I found this recipe for a terrific natural cleaner), is a great blog, and I've learned so much from Michelle.

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How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist

2012-01-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Here I go again recommending a wonderful book for you all to read.

Nicole Bouchard Boles is a woman after my own heart and this book will give you so many wonderful ideas for things to do to help make the world a wonderful place.

Please buy this book, read it, and do what you can.

It's a terrific guidebook that anyone, anywhere, can use to help bring about positive changes, in ways that fit your world, your life, your energy, your ideals, and your pocketbook.

Amazon.com: How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist: 330 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Home, Community, and World - at No Cost! (9780761155041): Nicole Bouchard Boles: Books

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Root Simple: Hay Boxes or Fireless Cookers

2012-01-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Root Simple is about back to basics, DIY living, encompassing homegrown vegetables, chickens, herbs, hooch, bicycles, cultural alchemy, and common sense.

Note: A hay box aka fireless cooker is a very old fuel saving technology, which perhaps has its origins in Scandinavia. It is simply an insulated box that you put a hot pot of food into, and leave it all day (or all night) to finish cooking. It's the forerunner of the crockpot.
-from the Root Simple web site.

Root Simple: Hay Boxes or Fireless Cookers

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Great Quotes For 2012

2012-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

"The solution to the problem of the day is the awakening of the consciousness of humanity to the divinity within."
-Hazrat Inayat Khan

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."
-Seneca (5 B.C.-A.D. 65)

"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
-George Eliot

"The closest anyone ever comes to perfection is on a job application."
-Unknown

"It's time to start living the life you've imagined."
-Henry James

"Deeds of kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments."
-The Talmud

"Your chance of getting hit by lightning go up if you stand under a tree, shake your fist at the sky, and say, "Storms suck!"
-Johnny Carson

"Always be a little kinder than necessary."
-James M. Barrie

"It is easier to stay out than to get out."
-Mark Twain

"Be kind.
Everyone you meet is
fighting a hard battle."
-Philo, GreekPhilosopher

"It is exspressly at those times when we feel needy that we will benefit the most from giving."
-Ruth Ross

"Our personal consumer choices have ecological, social, and spiritual consequences. It is time to re-examine some of our deeply held notions that underlie our lifestyles."
-David Suzuki, environmental activist

"Follow through on all your generous impulses."
-Epictetus

"The only thing that can save the world is the reclaiming of the awareness of the world."
-Allen Ginsberg

"Kindness is the greatest wisdom"
-Unknown

International Tree Society

2012-01-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Planting a tree

The intention of the International Tree Society is to foster appreciation, love, and connection with the trees in our environment to the widest possible audience through:

interactive sharing about the environments and ecosystems that we live in
educating people about the importance of trees for all life
celebrating the beauty of trees in our communities through the arts
participating in an intention to plant trees to support carbon sequestration in our world- one person, one tree at a time
honoring individuals who do work to sustain the environment

International Tree Society

A wonderful website for the tree lover or for anyone who cares about our world and all the living beings on it, especially the trees.

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10 Things To Do If You’re Worried about 2012

2012-01-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

A good article from The Apartment Prepper's Blog.

10 Things To Do If You’re Worried about 2012 The Apartment Prepper's Blog

Five practical ways to raise your consciousness in 2012

2012-01-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

I discovered this great article written by Mike Adams, Editor of NaturalNews.com. Take a look, and share with as many people as you can.

Five practical ways to raise your consciousness in 2012 (and beyond)

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Long Awaited 2012

2012-01-10T21:18:00.000-08:00

Whatever 2012 brings for the earth and for all the beings who live here, I know that one of the best ways to navigate the energy of this year is to be true to your heart and your soul, to be where you should be, to be with the people you should be with, doing the things you came here to do.

Let go of all that holds you back, drags down your energy, is not in alignment with your soul.
Let go of all the "stuff" you no longer need or want.
Let go of other peoples ideas of who and what you should be.

Lighten your journey. Carry into 2012 only the highest and the best, for you and of you.

Stop judging, criticising, gossiping, all negative talk.

Love your neighbors, your friends, your family, and especially your self.

Treat all life with respect.

We are all related.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

May your holidays be wonderful and the New Year be a peaceful, prosperous, and joyful year for all of us.

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Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T15:12:00.000-08:00

In the United States of America we are busy celebrating a day of Thanksgiving.

I am so thankful for all of you, the men and women reading my blog.

And I am thankful for all my blessings, from wonderful family and friends, to a home, enough food to eat, an education, a job, and so much more.

It is my hope and prayer that, in my lifetime, I will see a time when everyone, young and old, of every country and nation of the world, will see a time of peace, enough food for all, a job or source of income for those able to work, education for all, and medical care for those who need it.
In short, I hope to live long enough to see and experience a just and fair world where not just some, but every being on the planet, has enough to live a good life.
A world where pollution is no more, where people are caretakers of the planet and of all the creatures and plants and trees, on the earth, in the skies, and in the waters.
A world where all women and all men look at each other as sisters and brothers, rather than enemies.

May it be so.

Still Preparing For Coming Food Shortages

2011-10-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

http://dogoodanddowell.blogspot.com/2011/08/preparing-for-coming-food-shortages.html

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One Spirit

2011-10-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

"ONE Spirit is a Native American service organization founded to assist and support American Indians. We are proud to think of our organization, ONE Spirit, as a group of people who exchange friendship, with American Indians. At present our focus is the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota. We invite you to become part of ONE Spirit’s network of sponsors, partners, friends and volunteers, to dream with the Lakota people a new dream - and to help the dreams come alive!"

"The ONE Spirit Mission is to assist the Lakota people in preserving and revitalizing the Lakota culture, language, and self-sufficiency while meeting the basic needs of Lakota families, children, and elders. We strive to cultivate an intercultural relationship that recognizes that we are all related and that American Indians are an equal and valued part of our society."

Please support our Lakota brothers and sisters through this wonderful organization.
One Spirit
http://www.squidoo.com/one-spirit-non-profit

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Support Your Local Coat Drives

2011-10-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

For everyone who has an extra coat or two hanging in your closet, I ask you to consider donating the coats to one of this years cold weather coat drives.
Your area/city/state is likely to have at least one coat drive coming up soon, so do a little research and then take your extra warm winter coats down to the coat drive.
Keep someone warm this year!

One Warm Coat
http://onewarmcoat.org/?gclid=CLez1a7U1KsCFQoZQgodymx6Nw

New York Cares Coat Drive
http://www.newyorkcares.org/volunteer/holiday_volunteering/coat_drive/

Another good coat drive
http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/11/10/01/coat-drive-helps-kids-keep-warm

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National Preparedness Month

2011-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

"This is National Preparedness Month – Are You Ready?

Thursday, September 01, 2011 — As thousands of people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, National Preparedness Month, which starts today, is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of being ready for emergencies and steps that they can take.

-Red Cross"

Presidential Proclamation National Preparedness Month

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/08/31/presidential-proclamation-national-preparedness-month

Daily Survival A terrific blog about preparedness

http://daily-survival.blogspot.com/

hurricane

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Censored News Tar Sands Protest Arrests

2011-09-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2011/09/natives-portraits-of-arrests-white.html

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National Hurricane Center

2011-08-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

National Hurricane Center

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/high_winds.shtml

Cargo Bikes. Bikes That Haul

2011-08-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Cargo Bikes

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2012 The Awakening

2011-08-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

A fascinating and informative website about all the strange, frightening, and unusual happenings and events of our time.

2011 August « 2012 The Awakening

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Dare to Prepare

2011-08-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Read it, learn from it, and then dare to prepare!

A lot of people ask why the name Dare To Prepare. They understand "prepare" but "dare" is puzzling. Some think it's just a catchy title, but there's more. Those who choose to prepare have acknowledged, on some level, that things are changing all around us Ð rapidly. Sometimes it feels like it's more than we can deal with. We get overwhelmed thinking can I do this?
It's doubly difficult when one family member wants to be more self-sufficient and the other doesn't. This can lead to real frustration. However, reasons of time and money savings, unexpected company, natural and man made disasters, illness, corporate layoffs and downsizing, all underscore the necessity for having supplies set aside. Stored goods saw thousands through the 2000 recession.

Disasters don't go away simply because we want them to. In order to plan ahead, people must face this reality. THAT'S daring to prepare.-Holly Drennan Deyo

DARE TO PREPARE 4th Ed.

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100 Terrific Twitter Feeds For Humanitarians -AlertNet

2011-08-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

HUMANITARIAN:
humanitarian adjective noun

/hjuːˌmæn.ɪˈteə.ri.ən//-ˈter.i-/ adj n [C]

(a person who is) involved in or connected with improving people's lives and reducing suffering

100 terrific twitter feeds for humanitarians - AlertNet

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Hill of Beans

2011-08-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

pinto beans

variety of beans

beans ready to distribute to the hungry

Buy a "Hill of Beans" or other gift and make a difference.

Charitable Gifts and Unique Gift Giving Ideas That do Good :: Oxfam America Unwrapped

black beans and rice dish

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Senior-Friendly Volunteering Abroad

2011-08-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Over 50 and Overseas

Senior-Friendly Volunteer Vacations

International Volunteer Opportunities with Projects Abroad – volunteering overseas as an older or retired volunteer

Peace Corps

International Volunteer Programs for Seniors, Retirees & Empty Nesters

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Famine in Somalia and What You Can Do to Help

2011-08-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Famine in Somalia: Here's how to help - Nightly News - msnbc.com

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Trees Trees Beautiful Trees

2011-08-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

olive trees

Why an eccentric band of tree lovers is cloning an ancient forest - The Globe and Mail

Saving white oak trees … by climbing them? | Ecotrope

Tree Quotes, Sayings, Verses, Poems

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Find Recycling Centers and Learn How to Recycle

2011-08-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

"The term "reduce, reuse, recycle" is commonly used to provide simple guidance for people wishing to do their part:

Reduce:We need to reduce the amount of the earth's resources we use to make products which may not be essential.
Reuse:We need to adopt the habit of reusing products. Don't just throw an item away, instead, why not see if a friend, relative, or charity can make use of the item.
Recycle:We need to be able to identify old products which could be made into something new. Is the product recyclable?:
- definition from Clean Energy Ideas

Earth911.com - Find Recycling Centers and Learn How To Recycle

plastic recycling

Recycling 101 - Earth911.com

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Preparing For Coming Food Shortages

2011-08-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

home-canned tomatoes

food storage buckets

a purchased food storage plan

Food shortages are predicted for the US, and not just other parts of the world, if what the experts are saying can be trusted, and I think it can. Are you ready for that?
http://disaster-emergency-preparedness.com/1873/2011/08/

This is absolutely riveting information about the coming food shortages. Please click on the link below.

Preparedness Pro » Blog Archive » Food Shortage Series Part 1

Then, learn how to start your own food storage program for you and your family, from one of the best food storage and emergency preparation teachers out there.

a kitchen garden is a great idea for anyone nowadays

beans can't be beat for food storage

rice is perfect for long-term food storage

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Small Space Living Ideas

2011-08-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

A lovely small house

Why would anyone want to give up their big beautiful home to move into a much smaller home?
For lots of reasons, starting with the financial side of things. It is almost always much cheaper to live in a smaller space. Less space to heat and cool, less furniture and "stuff" to buy, less storage room so you can get rid of things you no longer use, hopefully selling them or giving them to someone who can use them.

tiny apartment

The tiny house/small space movement is huge and getting bigger all the time. People all over the USA are discovering the benefits of living small. Besides the financial incentive, small space living is greener because you're using fewer resources, and less energy to heat or cool a smaller space.

I am fascinated by people who can cram a full and wonderful life into an RV or a boat for example, or perhaps a tiny studio in the city, or a small lakeside cabin. Most seem happier after ditching all their unnecessary stuff, and their huge house payments, or their big expensive rentals.

Check out apartment therapy and their Small Cool apartments contest winners. There are some lovely micro, tiny, and small apartments on this web site, with lots of detail and photos.

http://community.apartmenttherapy.com/contests/smallcool/2011

Tiny House Blog is perhaps the best of the tiny house web sites, with all kinds of tiny dwellings featured, so check it out.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/

For anyone who has ever considered RV living, this is the most informative and interesting site. Don't neglect the sister site, Cheap Green RV Living either.

http://cheaprvliving.com/

A link to 50 small space living blogs.

http://www.bachelorsdegree.org/2011/01/31/dorm-days-50-best-blogs-for-fabulous-small-space-living/

tiny balcony

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Censored News Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

2011-08-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Amazonian Indigenous people protesting their treatment, and the misuse of their land

Canadian Indigenous People protesting

Navaho elder drinking contaminated water.

The treatment of Indigenous peoples is a tragedy.

Please inform yourself about what is happening all around you, in every state, in every country.
Read about the killing, the rape of lands and the posioning of water on native lands, the protests by indigenous peoples worldwide, and so much more in Censored News.

Indigenous people of Australia protesting their mistreatment

Indigenous people deserve to be heard, deserve to be treated with respect and fairness, deserve to live in peace and live and worship as they please.
These are our brothers and our sisters, and what affects one of us, affects all of us.

Click on the link below to read the stories and find out how you can help.

CENSORED NEWS

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The Dollar Stretcher

2011-08-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Dollar Stretcher is one of my favorite web sites, with literally hundreds of ideas for (what else?), stretching your money.

Who couldn't use some financial help, and learn some great ways to live a more frugal life, earn extra money, survive a job loss, etc.

Some sample article titles from The Dollar Stretcher:

Looking For a New Job
Homemade Laundry Detergent
10 Ways to Eat Organic on the Cheap
Save Money, Stay Cool
Gas Saving Tips
and lots more.

Check it out for yourself. Just click on the link below and start learning ways of saving, and stretching, those dollars.

http://www.stretcher.com/index.cfm

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One Spirit: Great Non-profit reviews

2011-07-31T09:19:00.001-07:00

http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/one-spirit-

Trouble posting

2011-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Having trouble posting anything I want, especially with photos, on my blog lately.
Trying to figure out the problem.
Sorry about the lack of posts lately.

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Celtic Woman - Someday

2011-07-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Kazan Today Inspirational True Stories by Dick Kazan

2011-07-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Rainbow photo from http://www.freefoto.com/

I've been reading Kazan Today for many years now and the true stories it contains never fail to inspire me and give me hope for the future.

From Kazan Today:

"Mission Statement
To offer you entertaining, compelling real life stories with valuable lessons on how to succeed in business and in life.
Why read these stories? These short stories are about people from all walks of life, who in many cases overcame supposedly insurmountable obstacles to achieve remarkable results. Most of their stories contain practical advice and some of their stories may also help you to avoid some of the costly and time consuming mistakes many of these people made."

Click on the link and start reading these wonderful true stories.
Welcome to Kazan Today: A Recipe for Success by Dick Kazan

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CooKit - Solar Cooking

2011-06-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

CooKit

Cookit in use

The CooKit folded

Solar cookers are one answer to the deforestation problem, as well as helping thousands of destitute people around the world survive without spending their tiny resources/money/energy/time on fuel for cooking. The CooKit is one of the best solutions out there for the people of countries with lots of sun and huge populations of needy people.
CooKit - Solar Cooking

Food Storage 101: A Guide to Survival Food Storage in Ten Easy Steps

2011-06-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

M.D. Creekmore is a very informed and smart person whose blog, TheSurvivalistblog.net, is one of my favorites.
I just bought his book too, Dirt-Cheap Survival Retreat, and I recommend it highly.

Excellent information in the following post for anyone serious about food storage and survival. Click on the link below and check it out.

Food Storage 101: A Guide to Survival Food Storage in Ten Easy Steps

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Deforestation | Fast Facts and Quick Actions | Facing the Future

2011-06-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

"What is deforestation? The most simple definition would be cutting down trees in forests and rainforests so this is really a form of forest destruction that is usually done by logging and/or burning of trees. Why are people clearing so many forests and rainforests around the globe? The biggest factors that contribute to deforestation are farms and cattle pasture. "

-Ecological Problems

Click on the link below to learn more about deforestation, and find out what you can do about it.
(If everyone planted just one tree, or supported one of the worldwide tree-planting efforts, that would surely be a good step in the right direction).
Deforestation Fast Facts and Quick Actions Facing the Future

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Reaching Hungry Seniors: A toolkit of resources

2011-06-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is what is going on in Oregon to help feed the thousands of hungry seniors here. It helps, but there are still seniors who are hungry and aren't being helped, particularly in the more rural areas of the state of Oregon.

There are hungry seniors in every state of the US and they need our help. Food and dignity in old age is not too much to ask for is it?

Reaching Hungry Seniors: A toolkit of resources Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon

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Daily Survival: The Modern Day Survivalist

2011-06-27T07:27:00.000-07:00

A survival garden

A home food pantry

Buckets of food storage

I've learned so much from the Daily Survival blog. There's so much worthy information there, about gardening, earning and saving money, to food storage, to coping with disasters: natural or manmade.
Daily Survival: The Modern Day Survivalist

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One Spirit Helping Native Americans

2011-06-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

"The survival of the world depends upon our sharing what we have and working together. If we don't, the whole world will die. First the planet, and next the people."

FOOLS CROW
Ceremonial Chief of the Teton Sioux

Please read about this wonderful organization that is doing so much for the Lakota people. And support them in any way you are able to.
One Spirit

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Public outraged at government decision to sterilize free-roaming wild horses in Wyoming

2011-06-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

This just makes my blood boil! Protest this ill-advised goverment decision folks before this wild horse herd is history!

Public outraged at government decision to sterilize free-roaming wild horses in Wyoming

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Angelina Jolie meets asylum seekers in Malta

2011-06-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Fleeing the violence in Northern Africa, these asylum seekers in Malta tell their stories to Angelina Jolie.

Gallery: Angelina Jolie visits refugees in Italian detention centre

16th Protecting Mother Earth Gathering ---- July 28 - 31, 2011 ---- “Energy, Climate, Water and the Importance of Health and Culture.”

2011-06-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

16th Protecting Mother Earth Gathering ---- July 28 - 31, 2011 ---- “Energy, Climate, Water and the Importance of Health and Culture.”

Official Sung-Bong Choi Video - Korea's Got Talent Audition - (English ...

2011-06-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

A beautiful and inspiring video.

Indigenous Peoples News

2011-05-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

Native American

Map of Native American tribes

"The planet's roughly 350 million indigenous peoples took notable steps on the international stage in the last decade...Yet the living conditions of most "tribal", "aboriginal", "native" or "first" peoples remain precarious. IPS, with its network of contributors at the UN and linked to indigenous communities worldwide, is committed to tracking the world community's efforts to do justice to the rights and aspirations of these peoples, with a special current focus on Latin America's 40 million rural indigenous peoples."

Indigenous Peoples / IPS Inter Press Service

Native American

News on tribal issues in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA

Aboriginal and Tribal New Nation News

Indigenous Australian people

Tamil people of India

"Indigenous Peoples are distinct communities: the land on which they live and the natural resources on which they depend are inextricably linked to their identities and cultures."

"Indigenous Peoples are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, given that they often live in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., the Arctic region, tropical forests, coastal zones, mountains, deserts, etc.), and depend primarily on surrounding biodiversity for subsistence as well as cultural survival."

News & Broadcast - Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous people of Alaska

Masai people of Africa

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Urban Gardening: You Can Grow Food No Matter Where You Live

2011-05-17T07:10:00.000-07:00

indoor garden

rooftop garden on top of a warehouse

windowsill garden

community garden

"While the traditional image of a garden may not exactly fit into the reality of most urban environments, the fact is you can grow your own food whether you live on a rural farm or in a tiny Manhattan apartment."

Urban Gardening: You Can Grow Food, No Matter Where You Live

deck garden

windowsill garden

community garden

Interesting light made from soda bottle

2011-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

How To Turn a 2-liter Bottle Of Water Into a 50-Watt Lightbulb Wise Bread

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Angels, angel stories, angel experiences

2011-05-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Angels, angel stories, angel experiences, angel encounters, guardian angels- Beliefnet.com

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Deadly Tornadoes Hit Southern USA Over 300 Dead in 6 States

2011-04-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Vilonia Arkansas, a town nearly wiped out by tornado

tornado

Vilonia Arkansas after tornado struck

Salvaging what's left after tornado struck

"A fresh wave of storms, with near hurricane-force winds and tornadoes, swept through the South again this morning killing at least nine people.

The latest round of severe weather that started last night damaged homes in a rural Texas community and spread destruction into Georgia and Tennessee.

Governors in Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee each declared a state of emergency, and in Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour declared a state of emergency for 39 counties."
-Daily Mail

US storms: At least 9 more dead as tornadoes hit the South from Arkansas to Alabama Mail Online

More information about these deadly tornadoes.
Deadly Tornadoes Slam South, Killing at Least 200 - WSJ.com

Tons of facts about tornadoes in this web site:
The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)

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The scam behind the rise in oil, food prices - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

2011-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

The scam behind the rise in oil, food prices - Opinion - Al Jazeera English

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Am I Blue?

2011-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

For the most part I am a happy, generally optimistic, person. A glass half-full type, to put it another way.
But, just lately, I haven't been feeling very happy.
I think it is because of all the tragedy in the world; earthquakes, tsunamis, nuclear disaster, floods, not to mention all the continued violence and injustice in the world.
It all seems just a bit "too much" to cope with right now.

I am 100% behind the peaceful revolutions, in support and agreement with the people in many countries world-wide who are protesting against oppression, injustice, and many other unfair and tragic things perpetuated by their various leaders (dictators, and any other world leaders who think that being in charge gives them the right to treat the people of their country in violent, unjust, inhumane, or any old negative way they see fit).

These same leaders see nothing wrong in living rich, even decadent, lives for their own family and themselves, while the people of their countries go hungry, homeless, jobless, uneducated, and lacking in basic medical care, clean water, etc.

Sometimes it all just gets to me. Like right now.

So excuse me for this post, which is a bit of a downer, but I feel so much pain and sorrow for all that my brothers and sisters are suffering just now.
Such sorrow too for our beautiful earth, and all the environmental degradation and horrors perpetuated upon our beautiful planet in the name of greed, and for the benefit of only a few rich people.

Change is in the air, and until every person on the planet is allowed to live in peace, plenty, with fair and just treatment, as well as the opportunity for education, medical care, clean water and air, without the threat of war and violence hanging over every persons head, then none of us is truly free because what is happening to one of us affects all of us.

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Food For the Poor Housing Video

2011-04-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

I dare anyone to watch this video and not want to help the poor people of the world who have to live in conditions like these.
In addition, I suspect you will experience a renewal of gratitude for all of your own blessings.
Please watch; this is such a beautiful, hopeful, video. The smiles on the faces of the people who are given new houses are incredibly beautiful and touching.

Water Is Life

2011-04-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

The mission of WATERisLIFE is to provide life giving water solutions. Our goals are to provide both short-term temporary and long-term sustainable water solutions in developing countries.

Some facts to sleep on:

"Over 1.8 million people will die this year because of waterborne disease.

6,500 people die each day – 5,000 of those are children.

All these lives are lost because they don’t have clean drinking water."

Please click on the link below to find out how you can help people around the world get clean water to drink and use.
Water is Life

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Go Oregon Protesters Gather in Salem to Denounce Influence of Monsanto

2011-03-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

"Opponents of genetically modified organisms rallied Saturday before the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to discuss Monsanto's control over national agricultural business, its influence on politics through lobbying and the proliferation of GMOs in farming practices."

"The "Rally for the Right to Know" was held in conjunction with rallies in other state capitols and Washington, D.C., as part of the Organic Consumers Association's "Millions Against Monsanto" campaign."

Protesters gather in Salem to denounce influence of Monsanto corporation - Oregon Daily Emerald - Scene

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Frugal Homesteads Another Favorite Blog I Follow

2011-03-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am learning so much about homestead living from Frugal Homesteads; including lots of frugal living ideas that anyone can use, even people whose only piece of land is a planter or two sitting on their apartment balcony.
I love, love, love this blog!
Frugal Homesteads...

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It's Time to Leave Nuclear Power Behind

2011-03-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Japans nuclear plant after earthquake and tsunami

Daily Kos: It's time to leave nuclear power behind

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