Category — PEOPLE

PARK CITY, Utah – She’s the granddaughter of the legendary author, Ernest Hemingway, but Mariel Hemingway gained fame in her own right as actress and activist. In a new film at the Sundance Film Festival, she explores her family’s history of depression, mental illness and suicide. “I’ve always felt that I might be crazy, and I’ve been really scared of that,” Marie told the Post. “There’s been a lot of dysfunction in our home.”

Hemingway, 51, is understating the case. Her grandfather Ernest and sister Margaux are among the seven family members who have committed suicide. To stay grounded, she feels it’s important to spend a lot of time outdoors. She and her partner Bobby Williams live in the Santa Monica Mountains. “We have a little farm with almost two acres,” she says. “We have 18 chickens and goats. We live a lifestyle that’s off the grid.” (more…)

“I want to go full nomad and be free, but I need to figure out how to get rid of my job first.”  When I say this to people (friends and strangers alike) an almost hysterical look washes over their face, followed by a humorous smirk with a suggestion to just pick up the phone and quit.  I wish it could be that simple… or could it be?  I have a job with a large car dealership as a Web Administrator/Graphic Designer.  I appreciate it, as it’s the best-paying job I’ve ever had (which still isn’t much).  Instead of answering phones all day and watching the clock, I get to use my creativity.  My days and weeks usually sail by. (more…)

I don’t normally write (here) about political topics, I may stray into the subject from time to time but generally tend to leave that alone, especially hot topic buttons… until now. If you have eyes and ears, you have to know about the firearm issues going on here in the USA. With the latest tragedy that happened, I don’t have to name it, I’m sure you know which one I’m talking about, there have been some real questions surfacing about this tragedy and what really happened there, but more importantly, I want to talk about the firestorm of controversy that it has been ignited.
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A Canadian comedian – now there’s an oxymoron. But Shaun Majumder star of This Hour Has 22 Minutes is from Burlington,Newfoundland and, although his stomping grounds are stunning, there isn’t anywhere to stay, or eat – which is exactly what he’s hoping to change with Majumder Manor.
What began years ago as a quest to build a Burlington abode for when Majumder wanted to escape his chaotic life in Los Angeles, soon turned into an off-the-grid green project involving David Suzuki, and then a quaint bed and breakfast, before he finally decided to create a $2.6-million five-room boutique “eco-lux” inn with guest cabins, which will generate revenue for the community.
Cue W Network’s new 12-part documentary Majumder Manor, debuts tonight. (more…)

Five o’clock quickly arrived at my desk on my first night as a full-time RVer.  I left my office and walked into the dark parking lot knowing I would be home in less than 30 seconds.  No one from work knew it.  Since I land acting and print gigs on occasion, they believe my camper is to go on jobs out of town.  Half-truths go a long way.  I also made it a point for them to know that owning an RV has always been a dream of mine.  I considered letting my co-workers know of my new lifestyle, but I’ve grown less trusting with age.  My managers may feel less compelled to give me higher raises since I have fewer expenses.  My supervisor may look at me with scorn if I come in late on a snowy day. Co-workers may think I’m just plain kooky… and they would be right!  Yes, none of these things would be fair, but life isn’t fair and neither are people’s judgments and actions.  If the folks at work ever did find out (and some may already suspect), I guess it wouldn’t be a big deal.  However, why put myself out there if I don’t have to?

As I approached close to my camper, I visually took it all in.  “This is my home!”.  Realizing this felt odd, good… and a little scary.  I got in the van and drove to my RV friendly parking spot.  Like a dog, I instinctively circled the lot twice before parking.  There were two big rig trucks settled in for the night, so I parked next to them under a light post. (more…)

Currently the top story on the Daily Mail web site is a plug for off-grid living, featuring Emma Orbach who first came to prominence when she was described in my British book How to Live Off-Grid. The book is about my trip around the UK meeting off-grid dwellers, and the time I spent with Emma at Brith Dir Mawr in Wales is one of the most inspiring sections. She was lucky enough to be part of a group that bought a huge fertile piece of land and moved on in 1995, before the backlash against this way of living. you can see film of Emma and many other off-gridders at my YouTube channel. (more…)

Greentech Media reports on scam artist operating under the name Off Grid Solar (not connected in any way with this site).

They’ve reported on the antics of solar salesman (and apparently scumbag) James McKirdy, age 66, since early 2011. In the months that Greentech have been following his activities, he’s been accused of bilking tens of thousands of dollars from solar panel consumers who have partnered with him or tried to buy McKirdy’s mythical solar panels. (more…)

With the latest mass shooting event last week, something that I feel terribly sorry about, it should have never happened, there has been a backlash of politicians and left leaning folks who are marking and targeting preppers as crazy people and they want something done about these prepper types, they are using this tragedy as an opportunity to classify preppers as a threat. It would seem that putting up food for hard times, having the means to defend and protect yourself, and being more self reliant & independent among other things makes you a threat to the powers that be. I just read a great article written by Daisy Luther (bio and website link at the end of this article) explaining it as well if not better than I could. (more…)

Ever wonder what websites I enjoy visiting (besides this one of course!)? There are quite a few, but I have to tell you about a couple of websites I have recently discovered, the first one is all about dehydrating, EVERYTHING! If it’s possible (or even questionable) to dehydrate it, you will find it here! The second site is all about everything DIY, from homemade cleaning supplies to recipes and lots more. Whether you are living off grid, or just want to save some $$$s by being frugal, these two sites have the information and instructions you need. (more…)