Archive for April 2019
Simpler Living Weekly Nudge
Posted on: April 24, 2019
4/22/19
In This Issue — Latest Podcast Episodes // New Carbon Offset Plants Trees // FREE Daily NUDGE // Much More!
# # #
LATEST–Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Ep. 04/19: Pat Trahan, Banker, on Leaving Suburb Isolation for Urban Diversity; Leaving Wall Street to Invest in Neighborhood
# # #
Offsetting the CO2 We Release in Our Lives: An Action for Earth Day … and Beyond
Here’s an Earth Day action OneEarth Jubilee recommends we all take to offset the CO2 we put into the air.
Some of us may be able to arrange life so that we use less energy produced by fossil fuels. Certainly, whatever way we can use less of that energy source is the way to go. But all of us have to travel some, heat or cool our homes, etc. Whatever amount we use, we can off-set the CO2 that fossil fuel puts into the atmosphere by planting trees to take CO2 out of the atmosphere. It’s not a perfect equation by any means. Trees take time to grow, and when they die they release CO2. But every day that trees grow they photosynthesize and remove CO2 from the air.
Here’s how it works. We use an internet calculator like http://www.carbonify.com/carbon-calculator.htm to calculate our monthly or annual emissions. By the way, that site will calculate our emissions from other sources in our lives, not only travel. It’s an Australian site that is dedicated to helping us find best choices in this era of rapid climate change. We know that without massive mobilization, the disasters we’re now experiencing only multiply.
The calculator will tell us how much to donate to off-set our fossil fuel use. We invite you to donate that amount to Jubilee Economics Ministries Tree Fund. Where you donate is important. Truth is, not all entities receiving these off-set donations are trustworthy. Every cent donated to the Jubilee Tree Fund will go to tree planting projects in one of three regions—San Diego (CA), San Mateo (MX), San Cristobal (MX). You see, the Jubilee Circles in these areas are all committed as deeply as possible to OneEarth ways. Each one is connected to at least one tree-planting or reforestation project.
We need lots of actions to reduce CO2 in our atmosphere. In 2017, CO2 levels globally were at 405ppm (parts per million), well above the 350 ppm which is where we need to be to keep our planet stable. The last time CO2 in the air was as high as it is today was 3,000,000 years ago. It was a time when oceans were also 50 to 80 feet higher than today. Hard to imagine the flooding that such levels would bring to the world’s coasts today.
OneEarth Jubilee looks forward to partnering with you to value creation in this way.
For more information, contact Lee@Jubilee-Economics.org.
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Episode 03/19: InEquality Hurts Everybody–Talking to Chuck Collins from The InEquality Project [For better audio, listen to this episode on headphones or earbuds.]
# # #
Free Subscription: Today’s Simpler Living Nudge
Receive a brief daily nudge toward Simpler Living, such as the ones here, at no charge. Simply reply to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com with NUDGE at the top. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying Unsubscribe Nudge.
# # #
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge—Month 4*: Earth Care–Voluntary Simplicity Life Standard #5: Cherish the Natural Order–Week 1: Water || Week 2: Energy || Week 3: Chemicals & Waste || Week 4: Consumables
- SLW! Blog Index | SLW! Podcast Index
- SUBSCRIBE to SLW! Podcast for free through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to SLW! Blog. Click “+Follow” at lower right of blog post, enter a name and email address. Welcome!
- Non-Conform-Freely Celebrations: Months 1-4*
- Check out a few of SLW! thought-provoking, timely resources that might meet your personal, family or congregational/group needs. They’re all FREE. Visit Seasonal/Thematic Resource Index.
What’s Happened
Legacy Interview of Jerry
Dear Simple Living Works,
I interviewed Gerald Iversen on Radio Good News #147, 11/21/99. I recently added that show to youtube at
John Thornton
# # #
Podcast Episode–02/19: Working for a moratorium on big ag animal confinements to safeguard our water and air.
# # #
Plan Ahead! — Free Online from SLW!
The Good Life curriculum
5 lessons to nurture simplicity and goodness in Christian community, based on the 5 Life Standards of Living More with Less
Ideal of intergenerational Vacation Bible School/Camp
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Episode 01/19–Immigration and Borders: Horrors, Opportunities, and Needs—Talking with Jimmy Marcelin of Safe Harbors
# # #
Jerry’s Top 10+ Progressive Podcasts
All available from iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast service. Not in priority order. They’re all great!
NEW–Crazy Town from Post-Carbon Institute // NEW–What Would Jesus Pod? // The Fallon Forum with Ed Fallon // Best of the Left // GrowthBusters // Ralph Nader Radio Hour // RePros Fight Back // The Hartmann Report with Thom Hartmann // The OverPopulation Podcast from Population Balance // Jim Hightower’s Radio Lowdown (3 min.!) // Alternative Radio // and, of course, my own, Simpler OneEarth Living, now a co-production of Simple Living Works! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics. Also, not really a podcast, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO/YouTube).
Others that are excellent though not political: Homilies by Fr. Richard Rohr // On Being with Krista Tippet
# # #
- Another Worthwhile Resource–The Overpopulation Podcast from WorldPopulationBalance.org – sustainable world and US population
- Climate Crisis Drivers: Overpopulation and Overconsumption + Jerry’s new YouTube video (see Resources there)
- Why We Podcast–We truly believe in the missions of SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics! The mainstream corporate media — left, right or center — exist to sell us more stuff. Though we are only the tiniest whisper, we cannot stop offering an honest alternative to that MultiEarth message. There is no Planet B. Here’s a list of worthwhile media. And even more.
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge — What It Is / How It Works / How to GET It – Subscribe by sending NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. / How to SHARE It
- Healthy Political Practices & Spiritual Disciplines // Banishing Fake News // Simple Living SANITY
- Previews of Simple Living Blogs, Podcasts and Sites // Collaborators & Champions
- Recent Responses to SLW! media
- Simpler Formats for 2019–The complete SLW! Monthly Digest on the SLW! site features the latest posts from colleague organizations and is updated weekly. Simpler Living Weekly Nudge will feature offerings from SLW! It comes as your free subscription to SLW! Blog. The Daily Nudge comes by email (send NUDGE to SimpleLivingworks@yahoo.com) or by Twitter @GeraldIversen. Choose the options that work for you.
Podcast Reminder
You can access all SLW! podcast audio and the show notes at SimpleLivingWorks.org (then click window #3). Complete Episode Index. Listen through your computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone (or equivalent).
SUBSCRIBE through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. To SUBSCRIBE to email notices, click Comments at the bottom of Show Notes, then check ‘Notify me of new posts by email.’ Please rate us in iTunes and leave a review.
Send us your email address to receive the free monthly SLW! eNews. Remember to like us on Facebook. Urge your friends to do the same. Do your friends a favor. Share our blog and podcast.
Like SLW! on Facebook. | Follow us on Twitter. | Follow us on Pinterest. Share your thoughts on our podcast and blogs. Email SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com, leave a message on our Facebook page or on the SLW! blog.
Peace, Gerald “Jerry” Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
Copyright: Creative Commons non-commercial attribution share-alike license.
Through social media, we extend the mission and resources of the non-profit organization Alternatives, 1973-2011.
*We choose to use month numbers rather than the traditional names because the names are inaccurate (September means “7” but it’s the ninth month?!) and they honor gods and emperors from warring ancient Roman culture. For more, see Weekly Nudge, 8/8/18.
Simpler Living Weekly Nudge
Posted on: April 15, 2019
4/15/19 — SLW! eNews #91
In This Issue — Latest Podcast Episodes // Wholistic Simplicity // Nature’s Warning Cry // FREE Daily NUDGE // Much More!
# # #
Legacy Interview of Jerry
Dear Simple Living Works,
I interviewed Gerald Iversen on Radio Good News #147, 11/21/99. I recently added that show to youtube at
John Thornton
# # #
NEW–Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Ep. 04/19: Pat Trahan, Banker, on Leaving Suburb Isolation for Urban Diversity; Leaving Wall Street to Invest in Neighborhood
# # #
Latest Additions to SLW! Featured Writers:
“Wholistic Simplicity”by Gene Sager
Poem: “Nature’s Warning Cry” by Paula Wansa
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Episode 03/19: InEquality Hurts Everybody–Talking to Chuck Collins from The InEquality Project [For better audio, listen to this episode on headphones or earbuds.]
# # #
Free Subscription: Today’s Simpler Living Nudge
Receive a brief daily nudge toward Simpler Living, such as the ones here, at no charge. Simply reply to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com with NUDGE at the top. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying Unsubscribe Nudge.
# # #
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge—Month 4*: Earth Care–Voluntary Simplicity Life Standard #5: Cherish the Natural Order–Week 1: Water || Week 2: Energy || Week 3: Chemicals & Waste || Week 4: Consumables
- SLW! Blog Index | SLW! Podcast Index
- SUBSCRIBE to SLW! Podcast for free through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to SLW! Blog. Click “+Follow” at lower right of blog post, enter a name and email address. Welcome!
- Non-Conform-Freely Celebrations: Months 1-4*
- Check out a few of SLW! thought-provoking, timely resources that might meet your personal, family or congregational/group needs. They’re all FREE. Visit Seasonal/Thematic Resource Index
What Others Are Doing – So Much Help! – Latest Posts
I gladly pass along links from simple living bloggers, podcasters, coaches and others. Some faith-based, some not. You needn’t read them all. Choose just FIVE links to investigate. COMPLETE LIST (Monthly Digest). For links to earlier entries, check the previous SLW! Weekly Digests or Monthly Digests.
What’s Happened
Timely Free Resource: Who’s Risen from the Dead, Anyway? — getting ready for Lent, Holy Week and Easter — Reflection/Activity Guides // Seders for Passover and Easter // Posters and 40-Day Calendars // Bulletin Inserts & Covers // Bonus
# # #
Podcast Episode–02/19: Working for a moratorium on big ag animal confinements to safeguard our water and air.
# # #
Plan Ahead! — Free Online from SLW!
The Good Life curriculum
5 lessons to nurture simplicity and goodness in Christian community, based on the 5 Life Standards of Living More with Less
Ideal of intergenerational Vacation Bible School/Camp
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Episode 01/19–Immigration and Borders: Horrors, Opportunities, and Needs—Talking with Jimmy Marcelin of Safe Harbors
# # #
Jerry’s Top 10 Progressive Podcasts
All available from iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast service. Not in priority order. They’re all great!
NEW–Crazy Town from Post-Carbon Institute // NEW–What Would Jesus Pod? // The Fallon Forum with Ed Fallon // Best of the Left // GrowthBusters // Ralph Nader Radio Hour // RePros Fight Back // The Hartmann Report with Thom Hartmann // The OverPopulation Podcast from Population Balance // Jim Hightower’s Radio Lowdown (3 min.!) // Alternative Radio // and, of course, my own, Simpler OneEarth Living, now a co-production of Simple Living Works! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics. Also, not really a podcast, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO/YouTube).
Others that are excellent though not political: Homilies by Fr. Richard Rohr // On Being with Krista Tippet
# # #
- Another Worthwhile Resource–The Overpopulation Podcast from WorldPopulationBalance.org – sustainable world and US population
- Climate Crisis Drivers: Overpopulation and Overconsumption + Jerry’s new YouTube video (see Resources)
- Why We Podcast–We truly believe in the missions of SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics! The mainstream corporate media — left, right or center — exist to sell us more stuff. Though we are only the tiniest whisper, we cannot stop offering an honest alternative to that MultiEarth message. There is no Planet B. Here’s a list of worthwhile media. And even more.
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge — What It Is / How It Works / How to GET It – Subscribe by sending NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. / How to SHARE It
- Healthy Political Practices & Spiritual Disciplines // Banishing Fake News // Simple Living SANITY
- Previews of Simple Living Blogs, Podcasts and Sites // Collaborators & Champions
- Recent Responses to SLW! media
- Simpler Formats for 2019–The complete SLW! Monthly Digest on the SLW! site features the latest posts from colleague organizations and is updated weekly. Simpler Living Weekly Nudge will feature offerings from SLW! It comes as your free subscription to SLW! Blog. The Daily Nudge comes by email (send NUDGE to SimpleLivingworks@yahoo.com) or by Twitter @GeraldIversen. Choose the options that work for you.
- Subscribers to SLW! Podcast and The Common Good Podcast (TCGP) will receive one episode of Simpler Living OneEarth Podcast each month. This makes good sense since the missions of both SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics are so complementary and the two work together closely. Your comments on these changes are welcome.
Podcast Reminder
You can access all SLW! podcast audio and the show notes at SimpleLivingWorks.org (then click window #3). Complete Episode Index. Listen through your computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone (or equivalent).
SUBSCRIBE through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. To SUBSCRIBE to email notices, click Comments at the bottom of Show Notes, then check ‘Notify me of new posts by email.’ Please rate us in iTunes and leave a review.
Send us your email address to receive the free monthly SLW! eNews. Remember to like us on Facebook. Urge your friends to do the same. Do your friends a favor. Share our blog and podcast.
Like SLW! on Facebook. | Follow us on Twitter. | Follow us on Pinterest. Share your thoughts on our podcast and blogs. Email SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com, leave a message on our Facebook page or on the SLW! blog.
Peace, Gerald “Jerry” Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
Copyright: Creative Commons non-commercial attribution share-alike license.
Through social media, we extend the mission and resources of the non-profit organization Alternatives, 1973-2011.
*We choose to use month numbers rather than the traditional names because the names are inaccurate (September means “7” but it’s the ninth month?!) and they honor gods and emperors from warring ancient Roman culture. For more, see Weekly Nudge, 8/8/18.
Simpler Living Weekly Nudge
Posted on: April 8, 2019
4/8/19
In This Issue — Latest Podcast Episodes // Wholistic Simplicity // Nature’s Warning Cry // FREE Daily NUDGE // Much More!
# # #
NEW–Podcast Ep. 04/19: Pat Trahan, Banker, on Leaving Suburb Isolation for Urban Diversity; Leaving Wall Street to Invest in Neighborhood
# # #
Latest Additions to SLW! Featured Writers:
“Wholistic Simplicity”by Gene Sager
Poem: “Nature’s Warning Cry” by Paula Wansa
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Episode 03/19: InEquality Hurts Everybody–Talking to Chuck Collins from The InEquality Project [For better audio, listen to this episode on headphones or earbuds.]
# # #
Free Subscription: Today’s Simpler Living Nudge
Receive a brief daily nudge toward Simpler Living, such as the ones here, at no charge. Simply reply to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com with NUDGE at the top. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying Unsubscribe Nudge.
# # #
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge—Month 4*: Earth Care–Voluntary Simplicity Life Standard #5: Cherish the Natural Order–Week 1: Water || Week 2: Energy || Week 3: Chemicals & Waste || Week 4: Consumables
- SLW! Blog Index | SLW! Podcast Index
- SUBSCRIBE to SLW! Podcast for free through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to SLW! Blog. Click “+Follow” at lower right of blog post, enter a name and email address. Welcome!
- Non-Conform-Freely Celebrations: Months 1-4*
- Check out a few of SLW! thought-provoking, timely resources that might meet your personal, family or congregational/group needs. They’re all FREE. Visit Seasonal/Thematic Resource Index
What Others Are Doing – So Much Help! – Latest Posts
I gladly pass along links from simple living bloggers, podcasters, coaches and others. Some faith-based, some not. You needn’t read them all. Choose just FIVE links to investigate. COMPLETE LIST (Monthly Digest). For links to earlier entries, check the previous SLW! Weekly Digests or Monthly Digests.
What’s Happened
Timely Free Resource: Who’s Risen from the Dead, Anyway? — getting ready for Lent, Holy Week and Easter — Reflection/Activity Guides // Seders for Passover and Easter // Posters and 40-Day Calendars // Bulletin Inserts & Covers // Bonus
# # #
Podcast Episode–02/19: Working for a moratorium on big ag animal confinements to safeguard our water and air.
# # #
Plan Ahead! — Free Online from SLW!
The Good Life curriculum
5 lessons to nurture simplicity and goodness in Christian community, based on the 5 Life Standards of Living More with Less
Ideal of intergenerational Vacation Bible School/Camp
# # #
More Income Tax Wrinkles
I normally give away as much as possible AND itemize deductions on my Income Tax returns, not only to be helpful but also to get above the standard deduction. This way I can keep my share of taxes from supporting the war machine and force-feeding the military.
The Republican Tax Scam of 2017 has thrown ordinary citizens a bone by doubling the standard deduction (in contrast to the monumental tax deductions for the wealthy and corporations!). This ploy could have a serious negative effect on charitable organizations—now we can get the deduction without giving the money away.
Our plan is to double our giving one year and reduce it the next. That way we get the benefit of the higher standard deduction in “lean” years and go above it in “fat” years. Likewise, we’ll give to progressive political causes and candidates (which are not tax deductible) in even-numbered/election years (2018, 2020), to help balance the doubling of charitable donations in odd-numbered years (2019).
Since the deduction also includes property taxes, state income taxes and medical expenses, we’ll make three property tax payments in odd years and one in even years. Interest rates are so low that paying in advance doesn’t hurt much.
Another wrinkle! Some states, such as Calif., did not change their standard deduction, which complicates our decisions even more. Itemize state and not federal? As an experiment, we’ve decided to take standard deduction for federal and state in odd years and to itemize in even years (and I file in two states).
This plan is called “bunching.” It won’t work for everybody. I am not giving tax advice. I urge you to talk to a tax professional. In the meanwhile, here’s an article that may help: “Bunching Charitable Donations Could Help You Save onTaxes This Year—https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/04/bunching-charitable-donations-could-help-you-save-on-taxes-this-year.html
We can live our consciences and still keep the system from negating our generosity.
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Episode 01/19–Immigration and Borders: Horrors, Opportunities, and Needs—Talking with Jimmy Marcelin of Safe Harbors
# # #
Jerry’s Top 10 Progressive Podcasts
All available from iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast service. Not in priority order. They’re all great! There are many more but one of my New Years resolutions was to be less extensive/overwhelming!
NEW–Crazy Town from Post-Carbon Institute // NEW–What Would Jesus Pod? // The Fallon Forum with Ed Fallon // Best of the Left // GrowthBusters // Ralph Nader Radio Hour // RePros Fight Back // The Hartmann Report with Thom Hartmann // The OverPopulation Podcast from Population Balance // Jim Hightower’s Radio Lowdown (3 min.!) // Alternative Radio // and, of course, my own, Simpler OneEarth Living, now a co-production of Simple Living Works! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics. Also, not really a podcast, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO/YouTube).
Others that are excellent though not political: Homilies by Fr. Richard Rohr // On Being with Krista Tippet
# # #
- Another Worthwhile Resource–The Overpopulation Podcast from WorldPopulationBalance.org – sustainable world and US population
- Climate Crisis Drivers: Overpopulation and Overconsumption + Jerry’s new YouTube video (see Resources)
- Why We Podcast–We truly believe in the missions of SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics! The mainstream corporate media — left, right or center — exist to sell us more stuff. Though we are only the tiniest whisper, we cannot stop offering an honest alternative to that MultiEarth message. There is no Planet B. Here’s a list of worthwhile media. And even more.
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge — What It Is / How It Works / How to GET It – Subscribe by sending NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. / How to SHARE It
- Healthy Political Practices & Spiritual Disciplines // Banishing Fake News // Simple Living SANITY
- Previews of Simple Living Blogs, Podcasts and Sites // Collaborators & Champions
- Recent Responses to SLW! media
- Simpler Formats for 2019–The complete SLW! Monthly Digest on the SLW! site features the latest posts from colleague organizations and is updated weekly. Simpler Living Weekly Nudge will feature offerings from SLW! It comes as your free subscription to SLW! Blog. The Daily Nudge comes by email (send NUDGE to SimpleLivingworks@yahoo.com) or by Twitter @GeraldIversen. Choose the options that work for you.
- Subscribers to SLW! Podcast and The Common Good Podcast (TCGP) will receive one episode of Simpler Living OneEarth Podcast each month. This makes good sense since the missions of both SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics are so complementary and the two work together closely. Your comments on these changes are welcome.
Podcast Reminder
You can access all SLW! podcast audio and the show notes at SimpleLivingWorks.org (then click window #3). Complete Episode Index. Listen through your computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone (or equivalent).
SUBSCRIBE through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. To SUBSCRIBE to email notices, click Comments at the bottom of Show Notes, then check ‘Notify me of new posts by email.’ Please rate us in iTunes and leave a review.
Send us your email address to receive the free monthly SLW! eNews. Remember to like us on Facebook. Urge your friends to do the same. Do your friends a favor. Share our blog and podcast.
Like SLW! on Facebook. | Follow us on Twitter. | Follow us on Pinterest. Share your thoughts on our podcast and blogs. Email SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com, leave a message on our Facebook page or on the SLW! blog.
Peace, Gerald “Jerry” Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
Copyright: Creative Commons non-commercial attribution share-alike license.
Through social media, we extend the mission and resources of the non-profit organization Alternatives, 1973-2011.
*We choose to use month numbers rather than the traditional names because the names are inaccurate (September means “7” but it’s the ninth month?!) and they honor gods and emperors from warring ancient Roman culture. For more, see Weekly Nudge, 8/8/18.
Simpler Living Weekly Nudge
Posted on: April 2, 2019
Nature’s Warning Cry
4/1/19
In This Issue — Latest Podcast Episodes // Wholistic Simplicity // Nature’s Warning Cry // FREE Daily NUDGE // Much More!
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Podcast Episode 03/19: InEquality Hurts Everybody–Talking to Chuck Collins from The InEquality Project [For better audio, listen to this episode on headphones or earbuds.]
# # #
Latest Additions to SLW! Featured Writers:
“Wholistic Simplicity”by Gene Sager
Poem: “Nature’s Warning Cry” by Paula Wansa
# # #
COMING–Podcast Ep. 04/19: Pat Trahan, Banker, on Leaving Suburb Isolation for Urban Diversity; Leaving Wall Street to Invest in Neighborhood [PREVIEW NOW]
# # #
Free Subscription: Today’s Simpler Living Nudge
Receive a brief daily nudge toward Simpler Living, such as the ones here, at no charge. Simply reply to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com with NUDGE at the top. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying Unsubscribe Nudge.
# # #
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge—Month 4*: Earth Care–Voluntary Simplicity Life Standard #5: Cherish the Natural Order–Week 1: Water || Week 2: Energy || Week 3: Chemicals & Waste || Week 4: Consumables
- SLW! Blog Index | SLW! Podcast Index
- SUBSCRIBE to SLW! Podcast for free through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. Subscribe to SLW! Blog. Click “+Follow” at lower right of blog post, enter a name and email address. Welcome!
- Non-Conform-Freely Celebrations: Months 1-4*
- Check out a few of SLW! thought-provoking, timely resources that might meet your personal, family or congregational/group needs. They’re all FREE. Visit Seasonal/Thematic Resource Index
What Others Are Doing – So Much Help! – Latest Posts
I gladly pass along links from simple living bloggers, podcasters, coaches and others. Some faith-based, some not. You needn’t read them all. Choose just FIVE links to investigate. COMPLETE LIST (Monthly Digest). For links to earlier entries, check the previous SLW! Weekly Digests or Monthly Digests.
What’s Happened
Timely Free Resource: Who’s Risen from the Dead, Anyway? — getting ready for Lent, Holy Week and Easter — Reflection/Activity Guides // Seders for Passover and Easter // Posters and 40-Day Calendars // Bulletin Inserts & Covers // Bonus
# # #
Podcast Episode–02/19: Working for a moratorium on big ag animal confinements to safeguard our water and air.
# # #
Plan Ahead! — Free Online from SLW!
The Good Life curriculum
5 lessons to nurture simplicity and goodness in Christian community, based on the 5 Life Standards of Living More with Less
Ideal of intergenerational Vacation Bible School/Camp
# # #
More Income Tax Wrinkles
I normally give away as much as possible AND itemize deductions on my Income Tax returns, not only to be helpful but also to get above the standard deduction. This way I can keep my share of taxes from supporting the war machine and force-feeding the military.
The Republican Tax Scam of 2017 has thrown ordinary citizens a bone by doubling the standard deduction (in contrast to the monumental tax deductions for the wealthy and corporations!). This ploy could have a serious negative effect on charitable organizations—now we can get the deduction without giving the money away.
Our plan is to double our giving one year and reduce it the next. That way we get the benefit of the higher standard deduction in “lean” years and go above it in “fat” years. Likewise, we’ll give to progressive political causes and candidates (which are not tax deductible) in even-numbered/election years (2018, 2020), to help balance the doubling of charitable donations in odd-numbered years (2019).
Since the deduction also includes property taxes, state income taxes and medical expenses, we’ll make three property tax payments in odd years and one in even years. Interest rates are so low that paying in advance doesn’t hurt much.
Another wrinkle! Some states, such as Calif., did not change their standard deduction, which complicates our decisions even more. Itemize state and not federal? As an experiment, we’ve decided to take standard deduction for federal and state in odd years and to itemize in even years (and I file in two states).
This plan is called “bunching.” It won’t work for everybody. I am not giving tax advice. I urge you to talk to a tax professional. In the meanwhile, here’s an article that may help: “Bunching Charitable Donations Could Help You Save onTaxes This Year—https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/04/bunching-charitable-donations-could-help-you-save-on-taxes-this-year.html
We can live our consciences and still keep the system from negating our generosity.
# # #
Simpler OneEarth Living Episode 01/19–Immigration and Borders: Horrors, Opportunities, and Needs—Talking with Jimmy Marcelin of Safe Harbors
# # #
Jerry’s Top 10 Progressive Podcasts
All available from iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast service. Not in priority order. They’re all great! There are many more but one of my New Years resolutions was to be less extensive/overwhelming!
NEW–Crazy Town from Post-Carbon Institute // NEW–What Would Jesus Pod? // The Fallon Forum with Ed Fallon // Best of the Left // GrowthBusters // Ralph Nader Radio Hour // RePros Fight Back // The Hartmann Report with Thom Hartmann // The OverPopulation Podcast from Population Balance // Jim Hightower’s Radio Lowdown (3 min.!) // Alternative Radio // and, of course, my own, Simpler OneEarth Living, now a co-production of Simple Living Works! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics. Also, not really a podcast, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO/YouTube).
Others that are excellent though not political: Homilies by Fr. Richard Rohr // On Being with Krista Tippet
# # #
- Another Worthwhile Resource–The Overpopulation Podcast from WorldPopulationBalance.org – sustainable world and US population
- Climate Crisis Drivers: Overpopulation and Overconsumption + Jerry’s new YouTube video (see Resources)
- Why We Podcast–We truly believe in the missions of SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics! The mainstream corporate media — left, right or center — exist to sell us more stuff. Though we are only the tiniest whisper, we cannot stop offering an honest alternative to that MultiEarth message. There is no Planet B. Here’s a list of worthwhile media. And even more.
- Our Daily Simpler Living Nudge — What It Is / How It Works / How to GET It – Subscribe by sending NUDGE to SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. / How to SHARE It
- Healthy Political Practices & Spiritual Disciplines // Banishing Fake News // Simple Living SANITY
- Previews of Simple Living Blogs, Podcasts and Sites // Collaborators & Champions
- Recent Responses to SLW! media
- Simpler Formats for 2019–The complete SLW! Monthly Digest on the SLW! site features the latest posts from colleague organizations and is updated weekly. Simpler Living Weekly Nudge will feature offerings from SLW! It comes as your free subscription to SLW! Blog. The Daily Nudge comes by email (send NUDGE to SimpleLivingworks@yahoo.com) or by Twitter @GeraldIversen. Choose the options that work for you.
- Subscribers to SLW! Podcast and The Common Good Podcast (TCGP) will receive one episode of Simpler Living OneEarth Podcast each month. This makes good sense since the missions of both SLW! and Jubilee OneEarth Economics are so complementary and the two work together closely. Your comments on these changes are welcome.
Podcast Reminder
You can access all SLW! podcast audio and the show notes at SimpleLivingWorks.org (then click window #3). Complete Episode Index. Listen through your computer, iPod, iPad, iPhone (or equivalent).
SUBSCRIBE through iTunes, Stitcher.com or your favorite podcast service. To SUBSCRIBE to email notices, click Comments at the bottom of Show Notes, then check ‘Notify me of new posts by email.’ Please rate us in iTunes and leave a review.
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Peace, Gerald “Jerry” Iversen, Chief SLW! Activist
Copyright: Creative Commons non-commercial attribution share-alike license.
Through social media, we extend the mission and resources of the non-profit organization Alternatives, 1973-2011.
*We choose to use month numbers rather than the traditional names because the names are inaccurate (September means “7” but it’s the ninth month?!) and they honor gods and emperors from warring ancient Roman culture. For more, see Weekly Nudge, 8/8/18.
Simple Living Works! 