JACK! If you build a blog with business tips, it will become my new homepage. Please do it.

Another great show Jack. Sorry to go off topic for a second, but speaking of John Stossel debunking myths – he now has a show on the Fox Business Network with a libertarian viewpoint for those so inclined:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/bios/talent/john-stossel/

A recent episode was on right-to-carry reduces crime:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/on-air/stossel/#/v/4249337/right-to-carry-arms-reduces-crime/?playlist_id=87050

Loved the show today. Your first question re: prepping for people with disabilities caught my attention. My father was wheelchair bound from age 56 until his death at age 88. He was someone who was extremely independent before having a debilitating stroke; owned his own business, built his own house, gardened, raised 4 children and passed on his independence to each of us. I know it must have been very tough on him to become dependent on caregivers at such a young age after being so in charge of his own life. I plan to do some more research on the topic and will try to share what I find .. probably will include it in the forum.

RE: Gangrene.. maggots? REALLY? YUCK.

Playing the part of contractor for your own home can be done. My husband and I have done it on 2 homes.. both times having the “shell” built to our specifications, then doing most of the finish work ourselves, except for things we knew we would not do very well like sheetrock (tape/float/texture). We installed our own insulation, did our own electrical and plumbing (had the plumbing stubbed out as part of the dry-in), painted, trimmed out, put in much of our own tile, but once again called in the pros to install the carpet and counter tops. We always felt so accomplished and appreciated our own work more than we would have if someone else had provided us with a turn-key house. We did exactly as you mentioned on our second project– purchased an old junker 2BR 1BA mobile home, pulled it onto our land and lived there until the construction was completed. It served a variety of purposes.. We didn’t have to pay rent, we tended to work more on the house because we were RIGHT THERE, we worked FASTER because we hated the cramped little living area and the frequent visitors (mice), and in the end, we sold the mobile home for approx. the same amount we paid for it. One word of advice if you do decide to be your own contractor.. be courteous but FIRM with your subcontractors. You get better work from the people who work for you if you treat their talents and efforts with respect, but hold them to deadlines and never make the last payment installment until the work is done.

… and as I said earlier…. PLEASE do the business blog. We’d all love to benefit from your experience.

Correction: 10 reasons why you should run a magazine in the age of the blog

Would love to hear your thoughts on business Jack

I’m interested in the business videocast. Is there a way you could setup a subscription through iTunes so I can watch it on my iPod?

Jack,

Please do a business vlog.

I would also learn much from a business blog. I don’t think I can stand being an hourly worker much longer. At least not for 40 a week.

+1000 on the business vid idea! The fact that it would be unscripted and unedited would be even better. DO IT!

Building an off grid house for 150k is a challenge.
Some suggestions I have for building your home are:
Build a basement under the main section that is totally enclosed with concrete, like a box. Run your water pipes through the ceiling to create a heating/cooling effect on the main floor using a switch valve. Hot water in winter & cold water in the summer. It will also give you a solid storm shelter/root cellar.
Plan your house so that you can put on an addition at a later date. Making the outer walls with 2×6 instead of 2×4 will give you the options of putting in more plumbing, adding in a slim wall safe and makes adding on an addition easier. It will also allow you to have thicker insulation.
Plan for attic storage even if it is only a small space, don’t waste it. A good floor in the attic is easier to put in from the get go than to do later.
Buy Factory Seconds! If you can find a place that sells them they are a bargain. Tiles, cabinets, fixtures, etc… Most factory seconds will have a scratch, be slightly off color or some other small defect that you could hide or live with. Buying factory seconds can save you time & money. I’d rather get seconds than have to refinish a bunch of cabinets.
For things like roofing or tiles you can get several small batches of “leftovers” on the cheap & make a design on your roof or bathroom/kitchen or do sections in patterns. It will make your house a work of art!!
I have lots of other ideas for you if you want them. Just send me a PM on the forum if you want any other ideas & cost saving tips.

Definitely interested in the business blog! Thanks again for a great show, Jack.

Re: Business Video Blog. Yes. Specifically if it takes a permaculture/survivalist slant to it.

I would like you to do a business podcast. I would join as a supporting member of that too.

Jack– PLEASE do the business podcast.

I consider you the third leg of the Ferris/Vaynerchuck/SPIRKO triumvirate.

I’ve been watching you and how you built your Tsp brand from episode 10, and you’ve been a huge inspiration. Your delivery is BETTER than the other guys for me too…
DO IT!

Do the business show!!!!