Who wants to start a "Starve the Beast" boycott/ simple living

[Lorien]

Group? We'' need ten people as initial members and a mission statement. Here's a link to the original thread and assorted links: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=2600099&mesg_id=2600099

[Cleita]

1. I'm already doing that. No choice really.

However, we should be thinking about forming cooperatives to supply the goods that are being made overseas by slave labor. Also, it could be a way to get a job if you are unemployed.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Yep, I will add soemthign else,

check your investments, given Norquist statement that he wants to drwon the gov'ment, T -Bills no longer make any sense, get out before they are not worth the paper they are printed on

Oh and add me to your needed ten people with stars club

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

32. Hey what?

Our daughter's college money is in treasury bonds! Is that what you are talking about????

[Dora]

3. I'm in, but I'm not a star-totin' member yet

I think my interest doesn't count until I fork over some money. But because I really want to get a haircut before Thanksgiving, I probably won't be donating this month.

I'm totally with you, however. We're starving the beast every day at our house. At first it was only penny-pinching out of necessity, but it gets easier and easier and now I see that frugality is a political act.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. I suggest calling this group "Economic Activism".

And you can count me as one of the 10 starred DUers necessary.

[jukes]

5. i'm in

wd appreciate some intelligent discussion on getting away from the "animal-lab" pet food giants whilst still providing nutrients for my aimals.

sort of a side-issue.

[Lorien]

6. Have you checked out our main thread?

There's several ideas for doing just that. My favorite cat food companies are www.artemiscompany.com , www.halopets.com , Wellness and Innova. I also like Sojourner Farms European pet food mix for making my own cat foods with free range organic meats.

[MelanieArt]

35. Are there alternatives to perscription pet food?

My cat needs special food for her diabetes, does anyone know of an appropriate alternative (She uses Purina DM)?

[PretzelWarrior]

7. get me in.

what do I need to do to help put this board forward? Do I have to sign up somewhere? THis new board thing is strange. I don't know how this works yet despite the fact that every other thread today is about starting new discussions

[PretzelWarrior]

8. I think a mission statement should be....

this group is designed to discuss and promote methods of reducing our consumer spending across the board and in targeted ways to effect change in our society.

Media control by the big advertisers..by the big media ownership, etc. was the main reason I was for this type of thing...

I think Jen had that idea as well right after election.

On top of that...we felt it is a great way to show we are NOT going to just roll over and participate in this trickle up consumer economy where consumer spending is 3% above income.

well, that is not truly a mission STATEMENT. but around that, I think we can come up with some kind of boiled down statement.

I also want to add the idea would be to promote activism and communication to a wider audience out there in the general public.

WE MUST get MORE to help us succeed.

[Lorien]

14. I think that's a good start for a mission statement

we're citizens first, not just consumers! Our government needs to recognize that. The only way they will is through our product boycotts and the redirection of our personal finances.

[sherilocks]

19. I like the line about

the redirection of our personal finances.

[Eurobabe]

9. i fell off the bandwagon, had to have a bloomin' onion

i am so guilty...

[PretzelWarrior]

12. does this count as a reply in support? If so, that's 7 and only need

three more.

PLease advise.

[Lorien]

16. Lol! Hopefully we can have an ongoing "support" thread

for those of us who feel tempted (I know plenty of "shopaholics" out there who would love to curb their spending, but don't know how). Maybe someone will know of a place other than Outback to get a tasty onion!

[PretzelWarrior]

18. you know what's funny? is when you buy something and then go

DOH! I just spent money. be willing to RETURN STUFF.

also, I should break my coffee habit. That is most of my daily spending. Coffee and food.

Tempting to buy a new car this winter....but I may go with a slightly used one instead.

[sherilocks]

20. I'll try to find a good onion recipe

:)

[Keirsey]

41. Jen, try this...

Top Secret Recipes version of Outback Steakhouse Bloomin' Onion by Todd Wilbur


If you go to an Outback Steakhouse expecting exotic Aussie prairie food that someone like Crocodile Dundee would have enjoyed, you're gonna be a bit disappointed, mate. Except for a little Australia-themed paraphernalia on the walls, like boomerangs and pictures of kangaroos, the restaurant chain is about as "down under" as McDonald's is Irish. The three founders, Tim Gannon, Chris Sullivan, and Bob Basham, are all U.S. boys. And the menu, which is about 60 percent beef, contains mainly American fare with cut Australian names like The Melbourne, Jackeroo Chops, and Chicken on the Barbie.
The founders say they chose the Aussie theme because "Most Australians are fun-loving and gregarious people and very casual people. We thought that's exactly the kind of friendliness and atmosphere we want to have in our restaurants.

In only six years, Outback Steakhouse has become our number one steakhouse chain -- in part because of the Bloomin' Onion: a large, deep fried onion sliced to look like a flower in bloom that was created by one of the restaurant's founders. What makes this appetizer so appealing besides its flowery appearance is the onion's crispy spiced coating, along with the delicious dipping sauce, cleverly presented in the center of the onion.

Although the restaurant use a special device to make the slicing process easier, you can make the incisions with a sharp knife. It just takes a steady hand and a bit of care.

Serving: 2 to 4 as an appetizer or snack
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes






Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons ketchup
2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash ground black pepper
Dash cayenne pepper

The Onion
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon cumin
1 jumbo sweet yellow or white onion (3/4 pound or more)
Vegetable oil for frying






1. Prepare the dipping sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Keep the sauce covered in your refrigerator until needed.
2. Beat the egg and combine it with the milk in a medium bowl big enough to hold the onion.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, peppers, paprika, oregano, thyme, and cumin.

4. Now it's time to slice the onion - this is the trickiest step. First slice 3/4 inch to 1 inch off the top and bottom of the onion. Remove the papery skin. Use a thin knife to cut a 1-inch diameter core out of the middle of the onion. Now use a very sharp, large knife to slice the onion several times down the center to create the "petals" of the completed onion. First slice through the center of the onion to about three-fourths of the way down. Turn the onion 90 degrees and slice it again in an "x" across the first slice. Keep slicing the sections in half, very carefully, until you've cut the onion 16 times. Do not cut down to the bottom. The last 8 slices are a little hairy, just use a steady hand and don't worry if your onion doesn't look like a perfect flower. It'll still taste good.

5. Spread the "petals" of the onion apart. The onion sections tend to stick together, so you'll want to separate them to make coating easier. To help separate the "petals" plunge the onion into boiling water for 1 minute, and then into cold water.

6. Dip the onion in the milk mixture, and then coat it liberally with the dry ingredients. Again separate the "petals" and sprinkle the dry coating between them. Once you're sure the onion is well-coated, dip it back into the wet mixture and into the dry coating again. This double dipping makes sure you have a well-coated onion because some of the coating tends to wash off when you fry. Let the onion rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes while you get the oil ready.

7. Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep pot to 350 degrees F. Make sure you use enough oil to completely cover the onion when it fries.

8. Fry the onion right side up in the oil for 10 minutes or until it turns brown.

9. When the onion has browned, remove it from the oil and let it drain on a rack or paper towels.

10. Open the onion wider from the center so that you can put a small dish of the dipping sauce in the center. You may also use plain ketchup.

or, find your own...

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Outback+Bloomin+Onion+recipe

[Lorien]

42. Hey, I forgot abot that "top secret recipes" site!

good find and a really valuable addition for those who fear "falling off the wagon".

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

44. Don't know about their politics (yet)

But both Longhorn Steakhouse and Lonestar Steakhouse have the "texas tumbleweed" which is the blooming onion renamed. (Both of these places are essentially the same place, the former a little more expensive and better quality than the latter).

I know these chains are in most of the Midwest at the least (I'm in Missouri and have seen them all the way south, and as far east as West Virginia).

[Glenda]

10. Count me in

:hi:

Glenda

[JNelson6563]

11. Count me in

As I posted in the thread you've linked, I'm in. "Econimic Activism": good idea.

Julie

[PretzelWarrior]

13. If I count correctly, this is either 8 or 9. NEED MORE!!

please help get this kicked off

[sherilocks]

15. I'm in

Does that make ten?

[PretzelWarrior]

17. here's my count

cleita
nadinbrzinski
CommiePinkoDirtbag
jukes
PretzelWarrior
Glenda
Jnelson603
sherilocks

Jen is the one who originated...so she needs 10 replies from star-holding members.

Dora doesn't have a star yet...

and 48percenter commented but not sure if he/she supported.

so for rules...we are either at 8 or 9 star members supporting Jen's suggestion

[sherilocks]

21. Maybe we should send private notes to

some of the folks on the starve the beast thread with a link?

[PretzelWarrior]

24. good idea. I'm headed off to a meeting at work...

hopefully when I get back we'll have well over 10 replies in support and it will be a moot point.

See ya

[LeftyMom]

22. I'd participate

I haven't got a donor star yet (I'll correct that on monday when I get paid) but I'd like to see a simple living board.

[Anakin Skywalker]

23. Started a Long Time Ago!

I am one of those few in America who is largely anti-materialism.

[Lorien]

37. In a galaxy far, far away?

sorry, I couldn't resist. :P

[Anakin Skywalker]

47. Heh Heh Heh.

:)

[Zookeeper]

25. I'm in...

Personally, I am interested in outing the corporations that donate heavily to the Rethugs and expect to influence our democracy as a reward.

I'm all in favor of simple living. But, when we need to buy something, let's vote with our dollars.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

26. "Starve the Beast" is a kickass name! Please keep it!

By the way, I'm in.

[Cobalt Violet]

27. I'm in.

:)

[Catt03]

28. I would like to be in too.

You already have ten but I will do "whatever" if you need another.

[pamela]

29. I'm in (eom)

[DireStrike]

30. Don't need any more stars, but I'm in.

Important forum.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

31. YES!!! I am VERY into this!

I will say yes on the original thread to, I would be a regular contributor to a forum such as that!

[Mad As Hell]

33. Totally into it.

Great, great idea.

[whistle]

34. Yes, I am also doing my part, I buy no media (no newspapers, no cable

....no products from military industrial committed companies, drive 50% less then I did one year ago, use as little electricity as I can, stopped contributing to any neo-conservative causes at all i.e. United Way, AARP, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts). I buy no consumer products except the very basics, I cook my own meals, I buy from local supplies when I can, I pay my fair share of taxes, but not a penny more, I rarely eat out any more except with my grandkids, I gave up my cell phone 10 months ago, I recycle, I plan my activities to make sure that I conserve whatever that may involve. I stopped buying Exxon and Mobile products, I shop at K-Mart, not WalMart, I conduct myself in as decent a way as possible, being kind to neighbors, the community, people I meet throughout the day and I pray to God as I understand God. And finally, I remain open to new ideas and new ways to be decent and good and considerate and kind and expect nothing back for me personally, except to be allowed to live my own life in peace.

I also expect to receive my social security when my turn comes, given that I have paid my way for nearly 40 years and never once gave it thought or questioned whether those who were receiving social security had a right to it. I have seen enough broken promises and withdrawn support of so-called private pension plans that I believe what the republicans and George W Bush are proposing will be the biggest theft of defenseless people who will be counting on these funds in their declining years, that this country will ever witness.

So how does "Starve the Beast" propose further leverage on the fascists who are stealing our country from us?

[Lorien]

36. Thanks all, it looks like we have ten!

I'll work on a mission statement later tonight. Please post your ideas and thoughts to help jump start our new group! Titles for the group, what should be included in the statement, etc.

[Lorien]

38. Kick for the evening folks!

:kick:

[PretzelWarrior]

39. I agree. Starve the Beast with some subtitle to the group

like simpler living. or something like that would be good.

[sherilocks]

40. Another Kick

Before I sign off.

:kick:

[Keirsey]

43. We're the smart ones, remember?

Anybody* can go out and buy "stuff" new and at full price.

We're smart and resourceful. Look at taking down the Beast as a challenge.

Personal example: my mother loves Janet Evanovich, but will not buy newly-published hardbacks because of the cost. I found a good-as-new hardback on Amazon that cost me less than $6.00, and that's including shipping costs. She didn't have to wait for the paperback, which, by the way, would have cost more than my total expenditure.


*with a good job and lots of disposable income

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

45. Count me in!

[crispini]

46. I'm in!

Great idea. Looking forward to it.

[Lorien]

48. MISSION STATEMENT:

please ad your thoughts and ideas to this mission statement. We need ten donating members to agree to it before our group can be formed:

Mission statement of the Government and media reform through economic activism group (Starve the Beast campaign):

Behind the voting machines is the lapdog media and our corporate owned government which pulls it’s strings. How do we “fight” against them? They don’t care if we march on city hall or in front of their stations, brandishing our slogans and signs. They may care a bit more about our letter writing campaigns, but even General Mills give us a big “bugger off” when we threatened them with a boycott over their support of the Sinclair broadcasting group’s intentions to air “Stolen honor”. No, this is the time to take action by not buying any of it any more.

And we mean NOT BUYING ANY OF IT.

Profits are the motivation behind most of BushCo’s misdeeds, corporate profits are what keep the lapdog press barking out pro-BushCo propaganda 24/7. The only way to defang the corporate beasts is to cut into their profits, and redirect our funds elsewhere. The objective of this group is to end corporate control of our government and media though targeted product and service boycotts and the redirection of our personal finances. Topics will include:

* Products and services to boycott along with progressive alternatives, an ongoing effort to create a liberal yellow pages (The Progressive Pages) and a product search engine through web sites provided by DU members.

* Tips for simple, sustainable progressive living.

* Encoragement and support for “shopaholics” and others struggling with an addiction to consumerism.

*The promotion of economic activism through advertising, e-mail, letter writing campaigns and affiations with non-profit organizations.

* Provide links to related web sites.

Peaceful resistance is a proven method for change. It ended British Colonialism in India, it gave equal protection and rights to African Americans in the late 20th Century, and it will end corporate rule in 21st century America.

[PretzelWarrior]

50. yes. we need to promote understanding of ADVERTISING

and the propaganda that says you do your patriotic duty by keeping the economy growing by hurting your own interests.

We are all paying into that system...and we don't have to.

We can discuss the REALNESS of life apart from obtaining things. How much of our time and effort could be spent with children and loved ones JUST BEING? Rather than go to the toy store...going to the library or the park.

THis is a huge subject but we all understand why it is important. Our society is sick and materialistic....and the corporate power such materialism generates MUST be blunted.

[Lorien]

51. Our society is in the grip of an Affluenza epidemic

that only serves to drain us all of meaning and feed BushCo's corporate beast.True happiness comes from:

Interaction with friends and loved ones

Contact with Nature

Personal creative fulfillment (this includes artistic fullfillment as well as volunteer work, learning, etc.)

Very little, if any of it, involves materialism!

[Lorien]

49. We're nearing the home stretch

please sign the Mission Statement here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2684207

we're almost there!

[mom cat]

52. I am in. this is great!

[tommcintyre]

53. I'm in. I'll do a section on my web site if the forum is started

http://www.independentmediasource.com/index.html

http://www.independentmediasource.com/evotingfraud.htm

[Lorien]

54. **********IT"S HERE**********!!!!!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=255

Come one, come all-let's create a movement to change America!