At one time, natural gas was seen as little more than a superfluous byproduct of the oil extraction process. But once the potential of natural gas as an energy source became clear, a new era in energy production was soon off and running. Today, natural gas accounts for 23 percent of the world’s total energy consumption, and the International Energy Agency is projecting that by 2035, natural gas use across the globe will expand by an astounding 44 percent. One of the reasons why governments and industry are pushing natural gas so hard at the
continue reading…

For off-the-gridders and others with a hankering for self-reliance, wood stoves have become a popular home heating choice. Wood stoves are relatively easy to install, and they usually give off quite a bit of heat, sometimes even enough to cook with. There is also a sense of nostalgia connected to wood stoves, which is no
continue reading…

It is hardly surprising that off-the-gridders and preppers would be intensely interested in the possibilities offered by alternative energy. Self-sufficiency and independence on a small and manageable scale are the goals of those who are making the effort to live outside the mainstream, and methods of generating energy that harness the bountiful gifts of nature
continue reading…

Back in 1989, two University of Utah researchers named Pons and Fleischmann announced to the world that certain experiments they had performed appeared to show the existence of a new type of power source. This new type of energy appeared to emerge as a side effect of certain chemical reactions involving heavy water and palladium, and it was given the name “cold fusion” because it was theorized by these two electrochemists that the excess energy being detected was coming from reactions taking place on the atomic level. Nuclear fusion is the process that fuels energy-releasing
continue reading…

A decision to move off the grid means profound changes are coming. But many people do not realize what an incredible opportunity for change the off-the-grid lifestyle really represents. This is because most people do not truly understand how deeply co-opted and colonized they have become after living for so long under the camouflaged thumb of a system that comprehensively oppresses our instincts for independence and self-reliance.

In American political culture, there is a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon that separates the rhetoric from the reality. When it comes to the relationship between government and business, for example, the Republicans are supposed to be the ones who always have the back of big business and the corporations, while Democrats are allegedly impervious to the entreaties of the robber barons and the big money boys because they are too busy representing the interests of the common man. But in reality, both political parties are active participants in the game of graft,
continue reading…

The government has quite a bit of egg on its face after the Solyndra debacle. Yet it’s not just one venture that’s the problem. For more than a decade, the U.S. government has been pouring money and easy loans into the alternative energy space. The government has no reason to be in the alternative energy space, and no business meddling in a market that works very well on its own. The fact of the matter is that the government likes to back losing propositions. Private businesses and industries don’t have that luxury. They have to
continue reading…

Having talked a little bit about the business last article, maybe it’s appropriate to talk about the long-term bathroom needs that haven’t yet been discussed. As unusual as it may be to discuss, it is important to consider what will be done about cleanliness if there are any women in your family, as you may
continue reading…

The Occupy Wall Street movement started without much fanfare.  Early on, protesters were more or less mocked as a giant joke.  Who were these yahoos sitting out in Zuccotti Park thinking they were going to change the way this worked? Nearly two months later, the questions are much less mocking.  The Occupy Wall Street movement has spread worldwide.  Demonstrations are taking place not just in New York but in Rome, Hong Kong, and Mexico City.  Protesters share a dislike for global fat cats and major financial conglomerates, and from a batch of ne’er do wells
continue reading…

Readers have been eagerly awaiting the launch of library lending for Kindle books since Amazon first mentioned looking into the program. While Barnes and Noble’s Nook reader has already granted libraries licenses to check out its eBooks, Amazon has been playing catch up. After an announcement in April that the program was coming, the beta version arrived in more than 11,000 libraries in late September of 2011. What’s this? EBooks from the library? Libraries have long since moved past just offering book-books to customers. First it was the addition of newspapers and magazines. Then came
continue reading…