The simple life.

[Senior citizen]

Just started reading a book I happened to come across at the library, and so far it's a treasure. "Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology," by Eric Brende, 2004. The cover says: Two people - One year - Zero watts. While it isn't something I'm in a position to do, it is something I'm in a position to really appreciate.

Somehow our labor saving devices made our labor less enjoyable and savaged our connections to others. It turns out that hard work that connects you to the earth and to other people can be more fun than "easier" work that is brain-numbing and alienating. And, if you use your brains or the techniques passed down through millennia, it might not be as hard as you thought.

Cool book.

[Aiptasia]

1. I think that's the same guy that invented the tele-zapper...

I heard he wrote a book on tv-free living, and for the most part, he's correct.

But I gotta have my adult swim...

[Senior citizen]

3. Is a tele-zapper anything like a sledgehammer?

No, really, what's a tele-zapper?

[Aiptasia]

5. Sorry, I meant the tv b gone

http://www.tvbgone.com/home.php

[qnr]

11. A tele-zapper tries to stop telemarketing calls generated by a computer

by sending a signal over the line that represents "This line has been disconnected." - the computer then hangs up before a human starts talking, and removes the number from its database.

That is paraphrasing the blurb on the back, which I read a few weeks ago in a salvage store.

[punpirate]

2. It's likely going to become...

... a reality for many in the next few decades. The book to go along with that one is James Kunstler's The Long Emergency.

[Senior citizen]

4. Does it say we're running out of energy?

And is it a good read or just words strung together?

The reason I'm enjoying this one so far, is because the guy writes well and pays a lot of attention to people. Well, and because I happen to agree with what he's said up to now.

[punpirate]

9. Oh, yeah, it does...

... here's a brief excerpt from it:

http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0413-28.htm

Looking at what he's saying at face value, it's pretty dark, and very pessimistic about our current way of life continuing intact. But, he also makes some excellent points about the coming crisis having some indirect effects that will ultimately build community--out of necessity.

Cheers.

[Senior citizen]

12. Thanks for reminding me.....

there's going to be some sort of presentation at my local library about suburbs becoming the slums of the future, and having read that excerpt at the link you provided, I've decided to attend.

And thanks for posting it.

[qnr]

10. Here is a link to an excerpt at Rolling Stone, for those interested.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/7203633?rnd=1113496759617&has-player=false

[bridgit]

6. i'm into it let's do it...

it doesn't have to be like: m. night shambahla's 'the village' and so a couple books & links come to mind:

five acres and independence: a handbook for small farm
http://www.socioweb.com/sociology-books/book/0486209741

the wizard's eye
http://bemarchitect.com/afa.shtml

sending along a link to paolo & renewables as well:

http://www.arcosanti.org

http://www.renewables.ca/main/main.php

thanks for the thread, senior citizen.

[MazeRat7]

7. Zero Watts ? eg. No energy consumption of any kind ??? Hummmm...

Now if it said, Zero $$$ spent on energy, I might (and still) may consider reading it.
Just "Flipping the switch" to turn off technology sounds a lot like the Luddites of the early 1800's. I am more inclined to use technology as a tool to reduce my dependence on other corporations and become more self sufficient so that I can live a lifestyle closer to my hopes, dreams, and desires.

Having served many many years in the tech industry, I understand the point about getting out of touch with others, nature, and self. However, technology is a double-edged sword. That which, at first, facilitates productivity (and being out of touch) can also provide the means to be more in touch with those things that are truly important.

Think about it. Living off the grid, earning income via the net, and having time to spend with your family, your garden, nature, your pets, and yes... other people.

No, technology is an enabler. However, its our choice how we choose to use it. (For others or for ourselves).

Again, thanks for the reference. I do intent to check it out.

MZr7

[InvisibleTouch]

8. Thanks for the references and links...

...throughout this thread. I'll definitely be checking them out!

Though my income and survival is dependent on technology at the moment, I often find myself thinking "Now how would I do this if I had no power source whatsoever? How could I restructure my life so that I didn't need one?" A fascinating topic - and one that may become more of a necessity than a mind-game in the near future. Better to be a step ahead of the pack and already be thinking along these lines.