What? These papers and monies paid give away your position to the government-- it tells them what you have and where it is located. So much for privacy and private property rights!

While it is difficult to avoid these pitfalls, here are some ideas that may help:

Let me throw a few examples at you:

• A boat can be build virtual free of sales tax (accept on materials unless you have scrap) and usually doesn't need to be registered unless you motorize it.
• Know one knows what you bought at a yard sales but you and the seller
• A yard truck or farm vehicle that does use the public roads doesn't need to be registered
• Firearms purchased privately don't show up in public records
• A shed or greenhouse can be constructed to be "temporary" and doesn't need permits nor can they be property taxed

Do you want the government to know everything you have? I don't. What if they decide to confiscate?

As a people, Americans have forgotten their rights, particularly to privacy . . . time to start remembering!

P.S.: Here is another thought to annoy you . . . income taxes are the "kickback" you pay the government for your job . . .

I suggest that you actually rent it from the government. What am talking about? Try not paying your property or use taxes on it for a while. Then you will find out who really controls your property.

If the taxes pile up, the government can and will seize and sell the property to capture the taxes.

Two other ideas to consider: Try building without a permit or watch what happens if the government wants your property . . .

Think about it . . .

If you want better connections for your computers and digital gear . . . go wired!

Yes, I know . . . wireless is where it is at these days, but if you can be tethered, you can enjoy better connections, particularly in download speeds.

A DIYer can easily wire a household in a weekend and can enjoy great connections.

I am not saying to avoid wireless, I am simply saying that there are times you can connect via wire. The rewards can be big.

Be like Clark Kent-- fit in. When it comes to frugality and self reliance skills, I suggest you be a surprise to people. It is better to stay quiet, and not upset their apple carts requiring your skills and abilities.

Why? It may disturb them, puzzle them, or push them to rely on you . . . too much.

Most of your friends and neighbors are still trapped in their perception of how things should be (They are still trapped in the "Matrix" for you movie buffs)-- your existence is contrary to them. They may not understand or accept that you are taking a different approach.  They may think you a "nut job". They may distance themselves from you (not always a bad thing).

Many of your peers may be puzzled as to why you do the things you do. It may stop them in their tracks. They will probably question you and may wake up or they may mock you to feel better about their inability to function independently.

They may response by gravitating to you. This is good if they want to learn and help you.  However, it can be unhealthy-- especially if they decide to use and abuse your knowledge, skills, and preparations. When they have problems, they may appear at your door . . .

Remember, most people are fiscally foolish and not self reliant-- they are helpless by choice, laziness, or ignorance. They usually:

• Finance it
• Call "someone" and pay for help
• Have no idea how it works nor how to fix it

Bottomline: Be selective who you reveal your personal life and powers to-- not too many people know Superman's real identity.

Radio, TV, or otherwise . . . here are some antenna hints and tips:

• Get it high up
• Avoid obstacles (direct line of sight)
• Ground it against lightening strikes
• Guy line it against wind
• Keep it clear of power lines
• Be able to rotate it for best reception

I was driving home from two states (three states if you figure that live on the west end of my state and had to drive through most of it too) to the east of my home one rainy evening and I picked up one of my radio talk shows on a slightly different station then I normally use. As I listened it seemed the syndicated was one hour off sync and the commercials referred to business and places over 900 miles west. I was happy to hear my program but was fascinated that I had picked up the station.

When I got home I confirmed the station call letters with the metro area I thought I had captured and I was right. I started to research and discovered I had DXed the station.

DXing is a hobby for radio enthusiasts who tune in their radios at night to see what stations and distances they can capture. Interesting hobby for some . . .

Apparently, there are atmospheric change at night that can serve to enhance radio signals and make this phenomenon I had stumbled across possible . . .

If you want to delve deep into DXing, just Google, "Radio DXing" and you can learn much more . . . give it a try one night.

I love radio . . . here is some of what I listen to:

• Repeating news, traffic, and weather stations
  • Local AM
• Talk radio
  • Mark Levin
  • Rush
  • Hannity
  • Glenn Beck
• Music
  • Usually FM
  • Classic Rock
  • Alternative Music
  • Jazz
• Dedicated weather radio
  • National Weather Service
  • Marine
• Local highway advisory
  • Usually AM

Rediscover radio . . .

I am using more radio these days . . . why? Cheap, free, and easy background entertainment while I multi-task.

A decent radio setup, receiver, antenna, etc. is relatively inexpensive to set up at home, in the car, or at the office.

Radio broadcasts, are for the most part "free". Yes, you have to suffer through some promotional messages, but there are commercials on cable TV and you pay for that. I understand even satellite radio is running commercials.

Finally, radio is easy entertainment that is highly conducive to multi-tasking. Since it is purely audio, you can focus on other tasks with little or no distraction. It is also easy because it is easily transported or used in unusual or remote places.

I also like streaming radio in the background on my laptop while I am working . . .

Rediscover radio . . .

You can improve FM reception greatly by installing a dedicated radio antenna outside on your roof. They are not that expensive, and can be installed by most individuals with basic DIY skills. The key is to get high and if possible-- get it outside to cut down on interference. A decent FM antenna will run around $40 and with cable and other hardware run about $75 all in.

As for AM reception, a dedicated AM antenna install inside near a window and elevated, should go a long way to improving AM reception. A decent AM antenna can had for around $25.

Another way to improve radio reception is to stream it online. It helps to have a good internet connection . . .

The nice thing about improved radio reception is that it is free after some initial investment-- better than an on-going monthly satellite radio bill.

You have a bunch of old clothes that you no longer use . . . what to do with them? Here are four good ideas:

1. Make a complete set of "work" clothes (Hat, jacket, shirt, pants, gloves, socks, boots, etc.)
2. Make a complete set of emergency clothes and put in your vehicle (Add an old blanket to this too)
3. Donate used, but wearable clothes to worthy causes
4. Strip the worn out clothes of buttons, zippers, etc. Then make rags

Declutter, prep and then do something with this stuff!