Toymaker makes flat-pack truck for people

Posted on May 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

the_ox_flatpack_carToymaker, adventurer, and philanthropist Sir Torquil Norman is designing a lightweight flat-pack truck for developing nations (and others interested in simple, easily repairable truck design).   Manufactured by UK-based Global Vehicle Trust (a charitable subsidiary of Mr. Norman’s), most of the truck’s panels are interchangeable and the parts are quick and easy to repair/replace. They are being designed to use the fewest possible components so they’re quick and easy to ship and build at location as well.  The truck can motor through up to 30 inches of water, has good stability, runs on diesel, and the engine can also be used for pumping water, sawing wood, or running a generator.  Sounds like a workhorse for farms, too.  See this Gizmag article for further information.

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Posted in Business, Stewardship, Tech

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My computer has been holding me hostage

Posted on May 21, 2013 | Leave a comment

Last mid-week I visited my sister in a small rural town for a few days.  We enjoyed visiting with her women friends at her house for a potluck dinner.  My sister and I walked through a local forest munching a snack of woodland sorrel and the first ripe salmon berries as we smelled the fresh ferns, and viewed the straggly moss hanging off the vibrant green trees and crumbling nurse logs.  We took her small perky dog to a field and my sister combed out copious amounts of the dogs winter undercoat to take off the weight/warmth for spring, allowing the fur to blow through the field to be picked up by birds for their nests.  We went to a local teashop for sandwiches, tea and brainstorming.  When my sister was at work I journaled, read, and took a hot bath in the quiet privacy of her home.  It was bliss.  One thing I didn’t do was go online, as my sister’s home has no Continue reading →

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Posted in Health, Opinion

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Wool as home insulation

Posted on May 20, 2013 | Leave a comment

What’s old is new again:  homeowners in Scotland have insulated their home with wool off the backs of the sheep from their farm.  They also have incorporated rocks found in their farmland fields for stonework, and wood harvested from their acreage in their home as well.  Add to that triple glazed windows, under floor heating by ground–source heat pump, water from a borehole, and renewable energy from a wind turbine, and you get a pretty sustainable home.  Their working farmhouse also doubles as a guesthouse where they serve meals from ingredients either grown from their farm or others nearby.

For the whole story, click here.

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Posted in Stewardship

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Comfort takes center stage for casual activities

Posted on May 13, 2013 | Leave a comment

Here’s a favorite spring/summer look from my friend Lita:

I ALWAYS dress for comfort.  This outfit takes me where ever I need to go:  volunteer work, shopping, gardening or chaperoning for school or church groups.  It is practical, comfortable AND affordable!

100% Cotton, Faded Glory V-neck t-shirt in sage green from Continue reading →

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Posted in Fashion

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Kid President wishes you a Happy Mother’s Day

Posted on May 12, 2013 | Leave a comment

It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom or not – if you have ever been a kid, you’ll enjoy this Mother’s Day Greeting from Kid President.

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Posted in Heroes, Media

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Put a beehive on your roof!

Posted on May 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

beeRecently, Portland-based grocer New Seasons Market introduced colonies of honeybee hives on the roof of its Happy Valley store.  Aware of the honeybee’s plight and decrease in populations, New Seasons Market wanted to be part of the solution by raising bees and educating customers. This team of 50,000 bee workers forage for nectar and pollen, and produce honey, which will eventually be available in stores.

This project is a team effort: The hives were donated by New Seasons Market’s longtime partner Continue reading →

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Posted in Business, Health, Stewardship

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Floral hoodie gives springtime warmth

Posted on May 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

Floral hoodieWith spring in the air, I wanted to liven up my (mostly) solid colored wardrobe with something floral.  I found this cute hoodie at Title 9 Sports.  It’s 60% cotton 40% polyester fabric is known as Mobetta, and it is soft and comfy and warm for those days when spring air still has a chill to it.  I like the way the decorative purple seams are placed in a thinning fashion in front and back.  There’s an outer zip pocket on the left sleeve, and a hidden inner patch pocket as well.

floral hoodie backThe long sleeves have thumbholes and can work as mittens, or you can cuff the ends.  The purple hood lining matches the seam trim, and the over-all look is fresh but not too overwhelming.  If you need a splash of ‘cute’ in your wardrobe, this just might be for you.

I’d love to see what YOU are wearing!  If you’re over 40 and would like to share ideas that work for you, please click here.

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Posted in Fashion

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