Hello, Post Carbon Eugenians.

For any of you who are not aware: I am coordinating the formation of a group that will explore and implement neighborhood building techniques. Working Title: Neighborhood Eugene Action Team Organizers (NEATO!) Depending on the size of the initial group, we may split up into book/study groups and action/support teams according to geographical location and/or interests.

We will likely have our kickoff meeting the week after Thanksgiving, either Tuesday (11/27) or Thursday (11/29). Please let me know (denise_for_peace@yahoo.com) if you are interested in this group, also indicating your availability and preference for both dates above. So far, the majority of respondents are available and prefer Thursday, 11/29.

Two interesting web sites for those interested in relocalization, community building and "converting" the unbelievers:

Conservation Economy:
http://www.conservationeconomy.net/pattern_map/flash/index.html

Fostering Sustainable Behavior:
www.cbsm.com

**Peace, Denise**

Hello, All
We have bought a house in Eugene and are moving up with some friends. We have a three-bedroom house on .4 acres, in the Bethel/Danebo area. We will be developing the property along permacultural lines, raising chickens and corrupting the minds of our neighbors with all kinds of anti-establishment ideas. :-)

We're looking for a roommate who shares our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint in a variety of ways. Right now, we are looking for someone to stay for six months to a year, but our long-range plan includes adding another individual or couple to our community. So, if the right person comes along it could be a permanent arrangement. This could be ideal for someone coming out of Lost Valley or Aprovecho and looking for a more mainstream sustainable option.

Please see our ad on Craig's List for details

https://post.craigslist.org/manage/265162161/ijg9q

or take our online tour at:

http://www.sacpermaculture.com/Taft/RoomAd.ppt

Please spread the word if you know of a suitable person! Contact us at: trtlgrrl@hotmail.com
Thanks! **Denise, Pat, Susan and Cory**

Apparently, apologies are due.

According to the bogus-info-busting Snopes, this is a false rumor:

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/termites.asp

I had checked out the Louisiana State University Ag Center website, where the possibility of the spread of these damaging critters, as it relates to the Katrina disaster, is mentioned.  Despite LSUAC's claim that efforts are being made to curtail the spread of the Formosan termite, I still believe that big business like Halliburton, which has so many of the clean-up and repair contracts, would not scruple at getting rid of infested wood by whatever method is most expedient--and making a profit would certainly appeal to them as well.

DOES ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE EXPERIENCE WRITING GRANTS?

Every year, the federal government distributes over $300 billion in grant money. Many Congressional offices can help local individuals and organizations secure some of this funding--what better use for the tax payers' money than Peak Oil activities? Visit your Representative's web site and see what they offer. You can find out who your Representative is and find his/her web site at: http://www.house.gov/

All grant applications must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for consideration by the federal government. The best reference tools for basic grant information the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA), and www.grants.gov. The CFDA is a guide to all of the grant programs that the federal government offers. Included in the catalogue are eligibility requirements, deadlines for application, and contact information. First-time applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with this document in order to maximize your assistance. The CFDA is available in many local libraries and online at http://www.cfda.gov.

Looking into the post-carbon future, I ask myself: what is really essential? Food, water and sewage treatment top my list. Refrigeration is the very next thing. Without a refrigerator, much of my home-grown and hard-won food will go to waste! Refrigeration: GOOD! Spoiled food: BAD! Unfortunately, in most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. So, what to do?

This morning I've been researching energy-efficient refrigeration options. It occurs to me that bulk purchase of refrigerators could bring the cost down. If outposts within reasonable driving distance of one another were to combine their purchasing power, they might achieve significant cost savings. In fact, as "The Post Carbon Institute" we might be able to broker a deal for all outpost members and others who are interested. Please contact me at the Sacramento Post-carbon Action Network (SPAN) if you are interested in forming a work group around this topic.

Here in Sacramento, the cost of a therm of natural gas was $1.07 during the September billing period. In October, it was $1.54. In November, it was $1.63. That's a 53% increase, and it's just a preview of what's coming. I am as displeased with this as anyone else, but maybe it will wake some people up!

What's happening in your part of the country?

One of the disadvanages we face in trying to educate our friends, family, and strangers regarding "the truth" is that this is not the first time some of them have heard dire predictions that "we're going to run out of oil soon!" The first dire predictions surfaced in 1875, when the first U.S. oil wells (in Pennsylvania) began their post-peak decline. Oil had not yet been discovered in Texas and Oklahoma. Then, during the oil crisis of the 1970s (three years after U.S. oil production peaked), more dire predictions. And then (miraculously) abundant oil!

Foreign oil, that is. Lots of it, as the North Sea discoveries came online and Britain glutted the market, exporting their treasure to revive their moribund economy. This caused oil prices to decline, causing many OPEC countries to sell more oil (for less money) to maintain the lavish lifestyles of their greedy royal families (30,000 "princes" in Saudi Arabia alone!).

Greetings, All.
Just a note to let you know Sacramento is online with PCI. Like you, just getting started.
Last night, while attending the premiere of "Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price," I saw some of your materials at the Organic Sacramento table.
I think it's a good idea for all of us to collaborate. On this end, I will not be able to get the ball really rolling until the new year. Initial activities will include bringing Richard Heinberg to Sacramento and approaching the City Council about passing a resolution recognizing peak oil, forming a task force, actively informing the public and working with grass roots organizations to prepare for the coming crises.

I continue to receive e-mail, every day, about the new depredations of the Bush Administration, the chaos in Europe, and environmental degradation. The following quotes come to mind:

Thoughts held in mind multiply after their kind. (New Thought)
Garbage in, garbage out. (Folk Wisdom)
Be the change you want to see in the world (Ghandi)

Yes, all this turmoil, intrique and deceit is interesting... but can anything (really) be done about it? I've been actively involved in peace action and progressive politics for the past three years--I know, it's not much--and frankly, I simply don't have the stomach for so much futility. I need to see results!

I continue to receive e-mail, every day, about the new depredations of the Bush Administration, the chaos in Europe, and environmental degradation. The following quotes come to mind:

Thoughts held in mind multiply after their kind. (New Thought)
Garbage in, garbage out. (Folk Wisdom)
Be the change you want to see in the world (Ghandi)

Yes, all this turmoil, intrigue and deceit is interesting... but can anything (really) be done about it? I've been actively involved in peace action and progressive politics for the past three years--I know, it's not much--and frankly, I simply don't have the stomach for so much futility. I need to see results!