Appreciation Portfolio

Many barter and commerce systems have wish lists and offer lists for their members. I think there is something important missing from this configuration, appreciation portfolio.

An appreciation portfolio is a window into the identity of the person who authors it. It is an effort to show how to send appreciation to someone. Typically, for things they have done that they are not seeking compensation for.

flying witches

flying witches

Two Easy Recipes

1. Easy and very good vinegarette:

In a large jar mix together:
-- a lot of balsamic vinegar
-- a lot of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
-- fresh lemon juice from 1-2 lemons, mixed with honey (dissolve the honey into the lemon juice beforehand by stirring rapidly)
-- herbs de provence (dried, a lot-- oregano, marjoram, etc.)
-- fresh minced garlic
-- a little salt
-- a little black pepper

Shake like a polaroid picture and serve.

* Variations: minced onion, chopped peppers, fresh herbs, pure maple syrup instead of honey

2. Spanish Tomato Salad

locked out

locked out

we are locked out if anyone is reading this :)

New Books for the house

Today I ordered four new books that will come in handy. I just wanted to order one, but it saves on shipping and CO2 to order more at once. So, that's why. Here's the list and some links.

* Nowtopia: How Pirate Programmers, Outlaw Bicyclists, and Vacant-lot Gardeners are Inventing the Future Today (link) (thanks Dante!)
* Toolbox for Sustainable City Living (link) (thanks Bonnie!)

in search of free* art-enabling electronic goods

My mission for the week is to find free access to decent quality scanner(s) and printer(s), and/or to obtain these items for the casa. I posted on Freecycle Amsterdam already. Does anyone know where else to search?

Ice melting point

Things are kind of rocky in Iceland right now - the video is a nice little Nordic riot about I'm not sure what* . This stream features Icelandic parliament open citizen's meeting live, debating the future of their government.

And just how is this relevant to Casa life? Well, events like the recent Credit Crunch and dealing with the mess all over the place give an unique view on major shifts in society, something to learn from for sure for any idealists passing through here.

terrorist collective

terrorist collective

Lightbulb....

Lightbulb....

How many casa robinettes does it take to change a lightbulb?