New Magazine Coming

Brittan and I are long time subscribers to, and even longer time readers of, "Hobby Farms Magazine" . Later this month, about the 26th, the editors of that publication will be releasing the first issue of "Urban Farm", a magazine designed especially for those of us stuck in town, but committed to self sufficiency, growing our own produce and reaping the rewards and savings of taking responsibility for our lives. I am very much looking forward to the launch of this magazine. I sure hope the publishers read this post and give me a discount on my subscription!

"Cash for Clunkers", A Trojan Horse of a Different Color?

The President's Cash for Clunkers program has, by most reports, been a tremendous success. Big enough that Congress has 'gone back to the well' for more cash to back it. Where are they getting that cash? Oh, that's right, from the very tax payers who are asked to buy the cars. So in essence, we're being asked to pay taxes to support our tax credit. Anyone dizzy from this circular reasoning yet?

It is not the logic, though, that has me miffed. What has steam coming out of my ears is our Government bribing Americans to get into debt. As already mentioned, it is disguised as a tax credit. But it is a tax credit paid for by tax payer money. It is marketed as a call to 'save the environment, but is in reality an attempt to bail out the newly Government owned Automobile companies. It is billed as a way to save money at the pump, but is in reality a way to get Americans into debt. It may very well turn out to be the automobile version of the 'subprime mortgage'.

Oh, and because the 'clunkers' are all being destroyed, the inventory of cheap used cars is being dramatically reduced, forcing low end used car buyers to pay more. And, finally, the program is pushing up the prices of new cars, which were falling.

Debt is bad. But when it's debt on a depreciating item (I can't bring myself to use the words, depreciating asset, because that sounds like an oxymoron when debt is attached to it), it's doubly bad. If you have not fallen into this trap yet, I urge you to look away. Don't inhale that new car smell. Don't let the 'fever' weaken your resistance. Stay on your winning plan of recession proof living.

On the happy front, I found an article that says the 'Cash for Clunkers' program may be losing some momentum. We can only hope. Read it HERE.

The Harvest is Plentiful

Each day brings a new sense of wonder at our bounty this year. We already have to buy a second freezer to handle the overflow. We're just waiting for the best deal. Tonight I brought in a plastic grocery bag brimming over with peppers of all varieties and a few tomatoes. We'll have another 20 or so pounds of tomatoes to process before long. And a new harvest of beans will begin within the week. Maybe as early as Sunday or Monday. We should have beans well into September.

I have only two real regrets this year; 1. not enough squash and zucchini, and 2. not enough cantaloupe.

We will do a whole post season assessment around October when we start designing next year's garden.

We let some of the beans from the first crop dry on the vine. Brittan brought them in and we are storing them in hopes that they sprout next year. We will start one or two in January to see if they do grow. If so, we won't have to buy bush beans next year. I love it. We are eating healthy, getting exercise and saving money all at the same time. If I ever get time, I'll probably write a book about it. Time.............. what a concept!

Time To Expand

For the past few weeks, I've been exploring a number of ways to expand the reach of IOU NO MORE and SAM BURTON PRESENTS. I feel a real sense of urgency in getting a message of real hope out to the masses. I've had a couple opportunities to speak publicly in the last two weeks and it reminded me of where my gifts and talents lie.

So I'm looking at things like, ebooks, web infomercials, ezene, podcasts, You Tube and etc.

I'm also looking at adding materials on Divorce Recovery and Life Lessons From a Lead Dog. I'm excited, I just don't have enough hours in the day. And sometimes, my head is so full of ideas, that it's hard for me to focus on just one or two items. Other times, my head is just full of nonsense. Go figure.

Still Available on Amazon

Although we are now selling IOU NO MORE on our website, the book is still available on Amazon.com, and all other major online book sellers. We have been very fortunate with the number of places that carry the book. We are blessed by the number of emails we get each week from people who are seeking help taking charge of their finances.

As we gear up for the coming Holiday Season (it's never too early to plan), we are going to do a fresh marketing campaign and kind of a re-launch of the book. After two years we're still excited about 'the simplest money management plan on earth.'

Are my eyes bleeding?

I just got finished reading an article about a recent college grad who is suing her college because she does not yet have a job and she feels the college isn't doing enough to help her find work.

Even coming from ultra liberal New York, that's ridiculous. Colleges are for education and preparation. The fact that many of them have services to assist with job placement is a plus, a perk. While I can appreciate a sense of frustration when jobs are scarce and income is inconsistent, it is not, and has never been, anyone's responsibility other than our own to find work.

If this lawsuit somehow finds its way through the system and a decision is made in favor of the plaintiff, which I think it won't, then all bets are off for college coffers. Can you even imagine the can of worms that would open?

Read the article HERE.

The Thin Edge of the Wedge

This week I have been following the tragic story of a Wisconsin man, who has been charged with murder in the death of his daughter. The short version is, the girl became ill and the family chose prayer over medical attention. In the end the girl died. Her family treated her well, comforted her and nursed her. But they would not take her to a doctor, believing that if they had faith, God would heal the girl.

Today, the man was convicted.

First, let me say that I disagree with his decision to fore go medical assistance. I believe in prayer and I believe in doctors. Medical treatment can be an answer to prayer. Sometimes God works through people and circumstances.

But I believe that cases like this will be cited as precedent in future litigation where the political and social views of the 'state' will run contrary to traditional faith. I see a time when Christians will be discriminated against and possibly jailed for things like public evangelism or publicly denouncing certain practices as sinful.

Do you know what you believe? How deep are your convictions? Are you prepared to lose your job, your home, your reputation or even your freedom over your beliefs?

Just one more nugget to chew on. I am convinced that this world is only a shadow of what is to come and not the end in itself. If I understand my Bible correctly, God did heal that little girl. If you will allow me to mix metaphors, I suspect she is healthy as a horse and happy as a clam.