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Be sure to review my original blog post.
Mark Boyle (a.k.a. Saoirse, which is Gaelic for "freedom" and pronounced "sear-shuh") set up the Freeconomy website (http://www.justfortheloveofit.org). The idea is that like-minded people sign up, list their skills and donate them to others. In return they receive favours back. For instance, a hairdresser may give a mechanic a haircut and in exchange the mechanic would fix the hairdresser's bicycle. No money ever changes hands. The website appears to have been successful. Boyle says 4,200 people with 900 different skills from 85 countries have signed up.
Coast Guard officials in Duluth Minnesota say they’re planning a major enforcement effort on federally-navigable waters throughout the border country, and the fallout to local outfitters, fishing guides and others who carry passengers could be significant.
Some guides are already worried they could be among those operators forced out of business. Terry Sjoberg, who operates Ace Guide Service, and gets around with the assistance of a cane, worries whether he could pass the required physical or whether he’s mobile enough for the mandatory CPR training. Those requirements are just two on a laundry list of steps that operators will need to take to obtain a federal license and identification card. All boat operators will now have to pass a training course, a background check, and a drug screening. They also must be enrolled in a random drug and alcohol testing program.
Completing the list won’t come cheaply. A Coast Guard document indicates the required training course will cost $750, while the obtaining a federally-issued identification card runs $132.50. In addition, operators will also need to pay for drug testing, physicals, and CPR and first aid training. All together, it’s likely to run $1,200 to $1,300 said Sjoberg,
While the expense and hassle of compliance could prompt some guides or other boat operators to try to skirt the rules, that could prove very costly. If an operator is found operating without a license, or outside the scope of their license, the fine could be as much $27,500. Failure to be enrolled in a required drug testing program is subject to fines up to $5,500.
The Coast Guard has investigative powers that could thwart any efforts to get around the rules. For example, the Coast Guard can obtain an individual’s tax records to see if they reported income from guiding. It’s such powers that concern guides like Sjoberg, who worries he could be investigated if he can’t pass a physical to get licensed. “Will they be looking through my tax returns, or harassing me on the lake, to see if I’m still guiding?” he asked.
Rock Bottom Brewery in Chicago has a monthly tapping on a Thursday night. It is free to mug club members and you usually walk away with 2 free pints. BTW, the mug club is absolutely free to join. Check your local Rock Bottom to see if they have a similar deal.
The first Monday of every month, from 7pm - 9pm, Horseshoe Casino (Hammond IN) has a "beer of the month" tasting. You get to try a 2 ounce sample of the beer, but if you hang around, you usually get a refill. Last night, I got an entire snifter for free! And this was a huge 10% ABV beer.
This is a really cool widget. Kudos to Savings Advice. Every time you visit my blog and refresh this page, you get a new money saving tip!
Be sure to join the programs above the tip. They are legitimate money makers.
We use a local produce stand for fruits and veggies year round. We also use a distributor of Amish products we met at our local farmers market (keep clicking the picture below to see the great products and 10% discount). The only time we use Family Dollar or the grocery store is for paper products, vinegar, laundry detergent, and milk.
I'm very concerned about planet earth. That is why I choose voluntary simplicity and frugality. I have also given environmentalists and politicians many practical ideas to reduce carbon emissions. It seems to be working ~ a nearby town (Merrillville, IN) will disconnect every other streetlight on the town's main thoroughfares. There are more than 1,600 street lights in Merrillville, and the town is paying more than $15,500 per month to power those lights. It is a win-win situation!
But I will no longer remain silent when phony environmentalists want to take away our freedoms and tax us to death. One outrageous example is in Canada. Ontario residents won’t be able to sell their houses or condos without first getting a home energy audit – which now costs about $300 – under the proposed new Green Energy Act.
Listen to this excerpt for all the proposed taxes to combat global warming! And if you still have doubts, check out all of my clipmarks which come from news sources and proposed legislation..
Mary A. D is doing a great job at Swagbucks and shriza is doing a great job with Youdata. Supporting the little guy over the multinational corporation will bring prosperity to us all. Thank you so very much!
For those who signed up but are not participating in these programs, I have some info that may clear up any confusion. For Swagbucks, you need to read my strategies. Many sign up thinking that every search will bring a Swagbuck, but this isn't the case. For Youdata, you must create a MeFile Id after you sign up. If you don't, advertisers will not be able to serve up ads! These ads are based on your demographic profile and your interests. You can fudge things to get more ads, but w/o the MeFile Id, no money!
