Tools and Ideas | Unexpected Leisure

February 25, 2011

How Many Americans are Really Unemployed?

This is yet another reason why the Cheddar Rebellion in Wisconsin and elsewhere is so important. These jobs have gone away as the direct result of corporate excess enabled by the destruction of unions and deregulation. If we want to have jobs and restore the middle class, that's where the fight will be, and it has to be won. Read more [...]

February 20, 2011

The Age of the Generalist?

Some conversations with a few friends recently has prompted me to give this some thought with respect to the unemployment crisis. Our modern society has more and narrower specializations than at any time in history. That argues that because of our highly specialized job descriptions, losing that job to overseas outsourcing or other cause means that more people have to adapt because the few jobs that are left don't make the best use of one's specialty. It's downright uncivilized. Read more [...]

February 12, 2011

What Happens When a Community Connects

An article that appears in a recent issue of Yes! magazine caught my attention this morning. The article talks about how consumerism has caused families to weaken by prompting them to turn over more and more tasks that were once the province of the family to professionals and how in the process the authors believe something has been lost. Read more [...]

February 10, 2011February 10, 2011

A New Twist on Cheap Food

Recent global events have sent world food prices soaring. I suspect that speculation is having an impact on those prices as well, as is the increasing cost of a barrel of oil. Whatever the reason it has thrust the problem of high food prices back into the news, so this might be a good time to talk about some new ideas related to eating on the cheap. Read more [...]

February 9, 2011February 9, 2011

Fun With Gift Cards

Gift cards can be purchased outright at many retail outlets. Some stores such as Costco sell them at a significant discount. Besides that, there is a whole market that has opened up where people deal in gift cards, almost like a stock market or currency exchange. Read more [...]

January 29, 2011January 29, 2011

A Nifty Tool to Ease Health Care Expenses

Even if your company doesnâ€™t make much money (and mine doesnâ€™t), you can start to write off expenses associated with the work you do. One of the most useful write-offs I get through my company is through my Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Read more [...]

January 25, 2011January 25, 2011

Remaking the Definition of Community

I've said it in other posts here and on the Unexpected Leisure Facebook page, but it bears repeating: if you are looking for a job or a better job, you can't do it alone.Â You need a network, but more Read more [...]

January 21, 2011

Do-It-Yourself Community

One of the more interesting responses to our economic nightmare is the rise of "common security clubs." No, this is not a emphamism for forming local militias, although in the long run it's probably a better idea. These are groups of people who form their own community for mutual support, sharing information, and working to effect change. Read more [...]

January 12, 2011January 12, 2011

Make Your Own Laundry Soap

This liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons, so you might want to consider doing this with some friends and splitting the results if this is more soap than you can comfortably store. Read more [...]

January 11, 2011January 20, 2011

Enjoying LIfe, Even if You Arenâ€™t Making a Living

There are quite a few articles out there on the long-term effects of being unemployed; how it starts to mess with your mind and sap confidence and joy.Â As the period of joblessness grows ever longer Read more [...]