Unpacking "Value"

I'm on a mission to understand the idea of value. It's important to know what we're talking about when we say something is valuable. A start:

Two "value"s - a concept of worth vs. beliefs about how things should be. They are related in that values as beliefs define what a person or culture thinks is worth defending or promulgating.

Moral vs. natural goods - both can have value.

"In Ecological Economics value theory is separated into two types: Donor-type value and receiver-type value. Ecological economists tend to believe that 'real wealth' needs a donor-determined value as a measure of what things were needed to make an item or generate a service. (H.T. Odum 1996). An example of receiver-type value is 'market value', or 'willingness to pay', the principal method of accounting used in neo-classical economics. In contrast both, Marx's Labour Theory of Value and the 'Emergy' concept are conceived as donor-type value. Emergy theorists believe that this conception of value has relevance to all of philosophy, economics, sociology and psychology as well as Environmental Science."

Instrumental vs. instrinsic value - "An instrumental value is worth having as a means towards getting something else that is good (e.g., a radio is instrumentally good in order to hear music). An intrinsically valuable thing is worth having for itself, not as a means to something else. It is giving value intrinsic and extrinsic properties." Not mutually exclusive. John Dewey rejected the idea of intrinsic value.

"Marx distinguished between the "value in use" (use-value, what a commodity provides to its buyer), "value" (the socially-necessary labour time it embodies), and "exchange value" (how much labor-time the sale of the commodity can claim, Smith's "labor commanded" value)"

In economics, the worth of a good or service as determined by the market. Value in use vs. value in exchange. The value in exchange is relative to other goods.

Labor Theory of Value - "In classical economics, the value of an object or condition is the amount of discomfort/labor saved through the consumption or use of an object or condition."

"The value of a thing in any given time and place", according to Henry George, "is the largest amount of exertion that anyone will render in exchange for it. But as men always seek to gratify their desires with the least exertion this is the lowest amount for which a similar thing can otherwise be obtained."

"In 1860 John Ruskin published a critique of the economic concept of value from a moral point of view. He entitled the volume Unto This Last, and his central point was this: "It is impossible to conclude, of any given mass of acquired wealth, merely by the fact of its existence, whether it signifies good or evil to the nation in the midst of which it exists. Its real value depends on the moral sign attached to it, just as strictly as that of a mathematical quantity depends on the algebraic sign attached to it. Any given accumulation of commercial wealth may be indicative, on the one hand, of faithful industries, progressive energies, and productive ingenuities: or, on the other, it may be indicative of mortal luxury, merciless tyranny, ruinous chicanery." Gandhi was greatly inspired by Ruskin's book and published a paraphrase of it in 1908."

"Value in the most basic sense can be referred to as "Real Value" or "Actual Value." This is the measure of worth that is based purely on the utility derived from the consumption of a product or service. Utility derived value allows products or services to be measured on outcome instead of demand or supply theories that have the inherent ability to be manipulated. Illustration: The real value of a book sold to a student who pays $50.00 at the cash register for the text and who earns no additional income from reading the book is essentially zero. However; the real value of the same text purchased in a thrift shop at a price of $0.25 and provides the reader with an insight that allows him or her to earn $100,000.00 in additional income is $100,000.00 or the extended lifetime value earned by the consumer. This is value calculated by actual measurements of ROI instead of production input and or demand vs. supply. No single unit has a fixed value. Value is intrinsically related to the worth derived by the consumer. [Burke(2005)]."

What's missing in education?

1. tools for decision-making
2. financial management
3. goal-setting
4. unpacking "value"
5. birds-eye economics & one's place in it
6. the history of civilization and economy
7. growing. building. fixing. empowerment in the immediate world
8. long-term thinking and planning across scenarios (resilience)

more to come.

"The Missing Curriculum" ?

The Null Curriculum. Journal article.

"There is something of a paradox involved in writing about a curriculum that does not exist. Yet, if we are concerned with the consequences of school programs and the role of curriculum in shaping those consequences, then it seems to me that we are well advised to consider not only the explicit and implicit curricula of schools but also what schools do not teach. It is my thesis that what schools do not teach may be as important as what they do teach. I argue this position because ignorance is not simply a neutral void; it has important effects on the kinds of options one is able to consider, the alternatives that one can examine, and the perspectives from which one can view a situation or problems. ...p. 97"

From Eisner's perspective the null curriculum is simply that which is not taught in schools.

Whatcom Folk School in Bellingham!

Here.

"Building Resilience, Strengthening Community"

Whatcom Folk School is all about connecting people looking to learn the skills of a more resilient, joyful and sustainable life with instructors and organizations who offer courses in practical skills such as woodworking, basketry, quilting, animal husbandry, living democracy, arts and crafts,… please see our catalog for classes being offered.
Whatcom Folk School is based on these five basic principles:

1.Re-skilling – Offering training in a vast range of past and contemporary practical skills.
2.Inclusivity – Believing that everyone in the community holds a part of the story and a part of the solution to a more sustainable and resilient county.
3.Honoring Elders – Learning from those who have lessons to share.
4.Awareness – Raising awareness about the changes we need to create more sustainable and resilient communities.
5.Networking – Working cooperatively with existing groups and programs.

Whatcom Folk School is a non-profit that is being started by a grass roots volunteer effort.

Whatcom Folk School is now open to receive submissions for teaching classes for Fall Quarter 2011!

"

Navdanya Internships

Info here:

The duration of an internship is a minimum of 3 months, begining in June, October or February. The deadline for submission of internship applications is one month before the internship begins (i.e. for internships beginning in June the deadline is May 1st, for those beginning in October the deadline is September 1st and for those beginning in February the deadline is January 1st). Internship orientation occurs during the first week of each of these months. Please be aware of visa processing times according to the Indian Consulate/Embassy in your country. Some positions require a longer time commitment than the minimum 3 months, and this is stated in the job description below.

If you do not already speak and understand Hindi, we strongly recommend that the first 2-4 weeks of your stay in India (if coming from abroad) be devoted to intensive Hindi language classes or self-directed study. This will deepen your ability to learn and share knowledge and ease communication with staff. There is a Hindi language institute 40 minutes from Bija Vidyapeeth in the hill station of Mussoorie. Please see their website at: http://landourlanguageschool.com/.

The interns are part of a larger community on the farm that includes short term and long term volunteers, staff and visitors, and must be able and willing to participate with enthusiasm in the life of the farm and for the betterment of the community. All Interns will become an integral part of the life at the farm and participate in the community activities as well as their own specific tasks.

Multi-tasking is an essential skill for all interns, and although there are specific job descriptions below, interns who match these positions will not be limited to only these tasks, but will partake in other projects and activities as they arise and according to their time, ability and energy.

Interns are not limited to the following jobs. Navdanya is open to self-directed projects and/or learning objectives. Please contact the intern coordinator if you would like to create a position or project that suits you and your skill set. Below are job descriptions for both Bija Vidyapeeth and the Delhi office.

Bija Vidyapeeth

Internships at Bija Vidyapeeth provide in-depth, hands-on experience with ecological agriculture. Interns integrate into daily life at the farm, joining the diverse community of farmers and volunteers in activities such as planting, harvesting, and threshing rice. Please see below for Bija Vidyapeeth Internship Job Descriptions.

Documentation Intern Team (Hindi speaker and Documentation expert):
Time Commitment: 6 months minimum (June-November and December-May)
Job Description: This team will work together to document the growth progress of the crops at Bija Vidyapeeth farm, of the crops of the farmers that are trained, and other farms associated with Navdanya. The documentation at Bija Vidyapeeth needs to be done from the time of sowing the crops until the time of harvest of all the different crops and varieties. This process needs to be scientific, quantitative and qualitative. The data collected will then be put into reports for Navdanya and to be used internally as well as externally. It is important that there is a fluent Hindi speaker to be able to interview farmers, and the second person must have experience and knowledge in scientific documentation and recording. Preference will be given to an Agricultural graduate.Travel is necessary throughout India although a base can be established at Bija Vidyapeeth.

Waste, Compost, Recycling Management
Time commitment: minimum 3 months
Job Description: We are looking for someone to come to the farm and set up a waste management system that is sustainable and simple to maintain after their stay. This would include research into the waste and recycling facilities of the area as well as of the farm (composting systems). The greenest of systems is sought after, so the ideal candidate would have knowledge about the various systems that exist and how to implement such a system in a rural site.

Librarian:
Time Commitment: minimum 3 months
Job Description: This person would be in charge of the library and the documents, books and multi-media that are stored in the office. A coherent system for loaning books to interns would need to be created, along with an organization system within the library. This system should be transferable to the next intern who takes this position and not reliant on the personal knowledge of one specific person. The librarian will catalogue all the books in the Bija Vidyapeeth and the Dehradun office libraries with an index card cataloguing system. In addition, the librarian will upload Naydanya´s materials, books, and publications onto its website. Therefore this intern must have sufficient knowledge in webpage design and feel confident with computers and working with the internet. It is not necessary to be either a trained librarian or someone who has experience as such, but must be someone who is meticulous and extremely organized.

Food Coordinator
Time commitment: minimum 3 months
Job Description: The Food Coordinator will be the liaison between the kitchen and the volunteers and interns. The idea is to share cultures and cooking techniques using organic ingredients from the farm. Weekly dinners or special dishes can be made. If extra ingredients need to be purchased, the coordinator would organize and budget for this.

Graphic Design Intern:
Time Commitment: minimum 1 month (for this specific project, and afterwards they will be incorporated into other projects according to their skill-set). This could also be a virtual intern (distance).
Job Description: There is a short-term, immediate need for a person who has graphic design experience or knowledge. They would be working on the design of an Atlas (on the land grab in India) and working closely with Shreya and other interns who are working on the Atlas. If this position is filled immediately, there will also be work on an Urban Agriculture Manual. Other jobs may arise throughout his/her stay.

Medicinal Herb Garden Intern
Time Commitment: minimum 3 months, preferably 6 months (October-April, April-October)
Job Description: This intern should have knowledge of medicinal herbs, their cultivation, uses and preparation. In addition to sowing, maintaining and harvesting the herbs, the Medicinal Plant intern will offer workshops in their field to the Bija Vidyapeeth community as well as visitors.

Soil Laboratory
Time Commitment: minimum of 3 months
Job Description: Currently, the soil lab is out of use but has the potential of being used by interns for their own projects or for educational programs that interns create. The soil lab intern will be charged with maintaining the lab and giving demonstrations of the activities that could be carried out (soil testing, remediation, etc.).

New Delhi Office

Interns at Navdanya’s main office have the opportunity to work on dynamic projects related to the political, educational, and urban aspects of the organization’s campaigns. Projects include research for upcoming publications, urban garden construction, event planning and documentation, and teaching in New Delhi schools. Interns are often given a single long-term project as well as short-term projects that arise with current events.

Multiple interns are needed for each of the following positions, as each requires a team. They will be living and working in Delhi. Delhi interns are required to find their own housing. Please a lot at least the first week of your stay in India for house hunting.

Urban Agriculture Innovator:
Time Commitment: minimum 3 months (starting in November)
Job Description: Navdanya needs a person who is an expert or has experience in Urban Agriculture or who has sufficient knowledge in permaculture, or similar endeavours in order to offer advice and help sustain and improve the various urban agriculture projects. This person would need to bring some expertise, although there is no minimum experience required. Some travel to other locations in India would be required.

Event Planner:
Time Commitment: ideally 6-12 months
Job Description: This intern would work closely with Shreya to organize upcoming Navdanya events. These can range from the annual Grandmother´s University event or the Gandhi and Globalization course, to a one-time event or course that happens. Experience in event planning and coordination would be essential, as well as strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and with initiative. Other interns will be available to work alongside the Event Planner, and organization is necessary for appropriate delegation.

Business and Marketing Intern:
Time Commitment: minimum 3 months
Job Description: This intern will work alongside our marketing expert in the Delhi office. She or he will need to follow direction but also have some business experience to offer. The main focus will be development of marketing strategies for Navdanya products as well as other organizational strategies and non-profit management.

Media Intern:
Time Commitment: minimum 3 months (6 months preferred)
Job Description: This intern will be bilingual in English and Hindi and able to translate speeches, debates, articles and publications if necessary. She or he will be responsible for writing press releases for Navdanya events as well as arranging media events as they arise. Speaking with the media and with other interns and staff must come naturally, and knowledge of the Indian and international media is essential.

Also available sometimes: Volunteer Coordinator Job at the farm, with free room & board.

Mission

Regenerating the Sustenance Economy of the "Developed" World.

Why?

1. Ecology - Effective management of the environmental commons is best achieved via local, decentralized, and democratic means, and requires people to understand the capacities and limitations of their environment, which is best achieved experientially [insert Vandana Shiva's inverted triangle here].
2. Citizenry - Responsible citizenship and wise decision-making begins with knowing where our sustenance comes from and how it is sustained.
3. Household Economy - The economics of small family farms and intergenerational households are far more resilient in the face of economic booms and busts than isolated, single-family households.
4. Regional Economy - Strong regional economies depend on people being producers as much as consumers.
5. Pleasure - Providing for one's own and one's family's sustenance is immeasurably satisfying.

One thing I learned in grad school

Good intentions doesn't grow food; actually doing what works grows food.

Bullock Brother's "Cosmic Bob's Plan for Your Life"

Here.

Building the Infrastructre Base for Holistic Education - GVCS vs. Ad Hoc

If the goal is infrastructure for a holistic "school" nested within a resilient community, and the GVCS is a means of providing that, how does the GVCS stack up to an ad-hoc, pieced-together version of the same elements?

How much more useful would it be?
Strengths & Disadvantages?
How much more or less would it cost?
How much easier would it be to integrate the various pieces?

"Needs" in the 21st century

Maslow's heirarchy of needs:

The physiological basics are more easily met now than ever. The "safety" needs, however, and perhaps the "love/belongoing" needs, are more complicated. What does it take to feel secure in one's livelihood? In one's relative sense of security in the world? Secure in one's health and resources?

Well, the resources "necessary" to be a participant in the modern world have expanded in some ways and contracted in others. Clearly most people do not need to have the land, tools, and knowledge to grow their own food, but they do need access to the internet, electricity, health insurance, a cell phone. Of course, relying on others to grow your food to the extent that you forfeit all ability to do so is predicated on a so far reliable but rather dangerous assumption.

My question is mostly to do with what resources we would need to equip the 21st century person with in order for them to feel fundamentally secure and connected.

- food
- water
- shelter
- fuel/energy
- sanitation (bathing, "waste")
- clothing
- transportation
- computer
- internet & wifi
- cell phone & cellular service
- health care
- disposable income for travel

Now, what would it take to be able to produce all this on a village scale? Add to the above: tools to make and repair everything needed. That's fundamentally the project of the Global Village Construction Set.

The GVCS doesn't tackle health needs. Would a community train its own doctors and nurses? What about specialized medical technology? These could be purchased by regional cooperatives, but these costs are, of course, some of the highest costs of modern life. Without a disposable income, how can an individual or family afford to utilize specialized medical technology even in a regional center?

Similarly, internet and cellular technology relies on networks, and someone has to lay the fiberoptic cable or put up the transponders. What sort of organizational form would arise to manage this? And what about roads, bridges, and other infrastructure? Local is good, but local to the extent that mobility is drastically reduced is a recipe for provincialism.

In Search of An Education

Timeline
10 years
Objective 1
Gain a solid foundation in all the skills necessary to be reasonably self-sufficient in the 21st century
Objective 2
Gain a specialized skill set that provides for a secure, disposable income
Objective 3
Prove that both have been adequately gained by demonstrating success
Objective 4
Do it all while starting a family
Objective 5
Document the whole process transparently, as a contribution to the study of learning and livelihood in the 21st century

"Jack of all trades, master of one."

Valedictorian Speaks Out Against Schooling

Erica Goldson

Open Source Ecology distillation [DRAFT]

Right now, the Global Village Construction Set is being driven primarily by the enthusiasm of makers, those that love the idea of local, DIY production. To tap the enthusiasm of the broader public, we need to explain the theory of change - how the GVCS is going to change the world, and why it's viable.

Flexible Fabrication
A flexible, high-tech, low-cost tool set operated by skilled craftsmen promises:
(a) just-in-time, client-centered LOCAL production
(c) a greater margin between cost of production and the current price of comparable products, meaning prices can go down and producer profits can go up
(d) fewer sunk costs for machinery, since most machinery is not product-specific and can be adapted to other uses

Neosubsistence
(a) zero sunk costs for labor, since labor is able to self-sustain between jobs
(b) flexible, episodic work arrangements for neosubsistence craftsmen

Distributive Economics
(a) open sourcing everything means everybody can make use of it
(b) innovation resulting from need

Omnivorous Energy
(a) home, farm or village scaled energy systems (on or off grid)
(b) diverse fuel inputs for adjustment/adaptation to different needs and environmental conditions (solar, wind, water, biofuels, biomass)

Education
(a) a HANDS-ON make-anything, do-everything integrated tool set for learning the fundamentals of all sciences and emphasizing an understanding of the underpinnings of society and economy (agricultural surplus = free time = education = skills = specialization = technology = economy)
(b) K-12 curriculum that goes above and beyond current high school expectations, taught in an experiential, lifestyle environment
(c) community-centered education in "eco-villages"; children educated where parents live and work
(d) networked education allows access to online classes (MIT lectures), learning forums, webinars, etc.
(e) college education optional but kids can specialize from K-12 GenEd base
(f) goal: a resilient, useful, successful individual; "jack of all trades, master of one."

Envisioning livelihood

a set of planning tools for envisioning and plotting out a desired livelihood, or just next year.

- values
- criteria
- non-negotiables
- "bucket list"
- matrices
- logic models (from current inputs to desired outcomes)
- scenario planning
- financial planning/budgeting
- education
- annual review and planning
- ideal world exercise
- plan of attack (mind mapping, eg FreeMind)

"Accelerated Learning in Accelerated Times"

Long Now Foundation podcast with Timothy Ferris

Takeaways:
1) Find the person who's really good at something they're not a natural at. Find their personal blog. Discover (ask them) their trick.
2) Discrete units. Break things down into component parts and learn them.
3) Identify the extremes.
4) Minimum effective doses. Fat loss tricks: 5min (1set) 3x week kettle bell swings ("4hour body"); 30g w/in 30min of waking up (whey protein); 90-120sec muscle tension; 1200 words for fluency in a language
5) Sequencing.
6) Frequency. Cram a language for 7 days 8-10hrs/day before immersion. Michel Thomas books.
7) 8 sense audit for languages. and so on.

K Through Ph.D. Renaissance Freeholder Education for Evolution to Freedom

Curriculum outlined on the OSE wiki.

Home School Modules

Becca is on to an amazing niche -- providing classes/ babysitting/ socializing opportunities for parents homeschooling their kids. We could build an ecology of these as modules.
(list of WA homeschool and unschool resources)

Examples:

Geometry through Carpentry
- (article)
- Housebuilding for Children
- Carpentry for Children
- Examples here.
- Geometry curricula.
- Construction and Trade lesson plans.

Using excel to track financial data, make budgets, and organize events.

Gardening and garden planning (using excel).

Making presentations on a subject using powerpoint.

Wilderness, blogging, photography, gear, survival skills, situational awareness, team work and leadership.

Finances:
You could charge $200/mo for 8 hours/wk, that would cost parents $1000/mo for full-time education for their kids, which is still less than most private schools and would have a teacher:student ratio of 1:6 and no overhead. More realistically, they could have their kid in 2-3 modules at a time, and do the rest themselves.

A teacher could make $1200/mo for 32 hours with 6 kids + 16 hours preparation and follow-up. 1200/48 = $25/hr

There may need to be a coordinator or counselor that can make sure needs are being met as far as well-rounded education, meeting testing needs, guidance for higher ed, etc.

Seattle Area Trade Degrees

South Seattle Community College
Fact Sheet about South Seattle CC's Aviation Maintenance Technology program; web site here; info on AAS-T degree with both Powerplant and Airframe certifications (160 credits); Link to just the Airframer and Powerplant joint certificate program (147 credits); recent article states program "has so far seen a hiring rate of 85 to 90 percent."

Total Cost ~ $8500 for two years; 4 quarters per year with 1 month off between each quarter; one 17-credit class at a time, 5 days/week, 5.5 hrs per day.

WA Aerospace Training and Research Center
Offers a 12-week intro course - 4 week core skills online, 8 weeks of advanced skills including 4 weeks onsite (27.5 credits). Emphases include assembly mechanic, electrical assembler, composite manufacturing and repair. $4800 total.

Shoreline CC
Fact sheet on Solar/PV Design & Marketing at Shoreline; 5 credit course.
Fact sheet on Clean Energy Technology AAAS degree at Shoreline; 90 credits, 4 quarters [only 75 credits without GenEd, primarily electives in business, econ, CAD, graphics]:

"Emphasis is on residential and commercial buildings with specialties in passive solar and sustainable (green) building Design and photovoltaic (solar electric)system design...students obtain a background in alternative energy and an understanding of practices in high performance and zero energy building practices including alternative energy systems, green building techniques, and designing and installing residential and commercial electric, metering and control systems...strong- hands-on component... Entry level wages range from $14 to $25 per hour."

Fact sheet on Clean Energy Tech Certificate; 60 credits, 4 quarters

WA State CC's Workforce Development Green Academy Education Program offers classes on particular topics including Solar/PV installation.

A guide to the hazards of welding gases and fumes.

Energy and Science Technician at Lake WA Institute of Technology. ~50 (minus GenEd & Word & Excel). Focus in BioEnergy, Renewable Energy Tech, Industrial Lab. 30-35 creds core, ~30 creds elec (e.g. 15 creds bio, 5 Electronics, 5 PV, 5 Wind, etc... or ~55 creds in addition to 35 cred core to cover my bases in Bio Energy, Electronics, PV, Wind & Water, and Architectural reading/estimating.

Also, I-BEST Energy Certificate (same page) is 28 creds and covers the basics:

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ETEC 110 Introduction to Alternative Energy & Energy Management 5
ETEC 121 Biomass and Bio-fuel Basics 5
ETEC 123 Introduction to Photovoltiac Systems 4
ETEC 124 Fundamentals of Water and Wind Power 5
EASL 085 ESL Energy Technology Applications I 3
EASL 086 ESL Energy Technology Applications II 3
EASL 087 ESL Energy Technology Applications III 3
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS 28

Estimated costs: $12,000 for AAAS, $3200 for I-BEST Certificate

List of all Lake WA Institute of Technology programs including:
Architectural Graphics
Computer Security and Network Technician incl an additional certificate in Linux and Open-Source Operating Systems
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate
Electronics Technology with a range of options incl printed circuit boards
Engineering Graphics - Mechanical Design emphasis
Environmental Horticulture
Machine Technology certificate
Motorcycle, Marine, and Power Equipment Service Tech AAAS
Multimedia Design & Production
Nursing
Welding and Fabrication Maintenance Technology certificate (9 kinds of welding)

Aerospace
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee participating workplaces
Air Washington website and directory of Aerospace Apprenticeships section referring to the rest of the pdf.
Forum thread on non-defense aerospace jobs
Wage and job data for 161 WA state aerospace companies

Personal Learning Goals (revised)

Yeah, I'm over school.

I don't think I've learned anything that can help someone directly. I have learned things that allow me to be useful within a framework established by Someone Else. Things that help organizations impress funders and clarify what they're doing. Things to write on bureaucratic forms and things to say to people in interviews so they think I'm smart.

I have learned a little bit more about clear thinking and getting to the point. I like matrices and logic models. I have learned excel and how to make pretty presentations.

What's next?

I don't want to be a bureaucrat. Nor a therapist. Nor an administrator in another organization achieving modest results on rich people's paychecks or state whims.

I have a clear sense of what I think is right. I have a clear sense of what I think is smart.

Right:
- create sustainable wealth; do not create waste
- add or maintain energy, beauty, and harmony
- treat others with respect; act with honor
- be motivated by fear and selfishness to the least possible degree

Smart:
- don't put all my eggs in one basket
- develop myself holistically
- honor the trades as well as the arts
- stay fluent in the most recent social and technological innovations, but do not be easily enchanted
- increase my powers of will and self-discipline
- stay physically fit, mentally clear, and spiritually attuned

In this context, I am weighing options for what comes next. On the radar:

1) Get a social work or admin job that doesn't take all my time and energy; use my free time wisely to develop my self and my hobbies for personal growth and satisfaction.
2) Same as above, but develop another professional skill -- such as programming or web design -- that is virtual, can be practiced anywhere, and which I can learn on my own.
3) Embrace risk -- learn farming, machining, programming, whatever; move wherever to do it; go whole hog for the social experiment.
4) Get a job doing something I kind of really like the idea of in Seattle. Discipline myself to perform it to the best of my ability. Build insitutional importance and power for an idea or practice.

Skill areas and practices I have that I am most interested in continuing:

- tai chi and bicycling/running
- gardening and small livestock
- building with wood
- writing; presentation
- data organization

Skill areas and practices that I would like to learn or cultivate:

- working out with weights for upper body strength
- meditation
- car maintenance and repair
- bicycle maintenance and repair
- welding and fabrication; machining
- web site design
- databases
- basic electronics/programming/arduino
- gun use; hunting
- martial arts

In addition, I would like to turn one of these into a money-maker that (a) I enjoy, (b) makes a lot of money without being a regular 9-5, (c) is transportable or virtual, (d) I can learn relatively quickly, and (e) is at least morally neutral, preferrably morally ahead of the curve. I would like it to score well on all the criteria of Right and Smart.

Opportunities in the Coast Guard Reserves

Machinery Technician; more info here and here. "A breadth of knowledge in all areas of machinery operation and maintenance from internal combustion engines (gas/diesel gas turbines) to environmental support systems (heating/ ventilations/ air conditioning), hydraulics, basic electricity, and areas of hazardous material recovery and control."

Health Services Technician; more info here.

Electronics Technician; more info here. 19 weeks in Petaluma, CA.

Electronics Mate; more info here.

Damage Controlman; a bit of everything including "welding; oxy-fuel gas cutting; firefighting; carpentry; plumbing; watertight closure maintenance; chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense; and shipboard damage control. Advanced training in welding, firefighting, and shipboard damage control procedures are available for DCs assigned to cutters."

Information System Technician; Requires "a vast knowledge of electrical theory along with practical hands-on skills needed to manage, repair, maintain, and install telephone systems, and network cabling and computer systems." 25 weeks in Petaluma, CA.

Gunner's Mate; "requires skills in electronics, mechanical systems, along with hydraulics."

Coast Guard Reservist magazine

Direct Petty Officer Training Course. 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications.

* For detailed qualifications by rate, go to pages 6-7 and look at "STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING FOR ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT IN THE COAST GUARD" files. E.G.: Electrician's Mate, Electrical Technician, Machinery Tech, and Damage Controlman.

Re: Basic Training:

If you have prior military or professional experience, you might attend the program referred to as the Coast Guard’s Direct Entry Petty Officer Training Course (DEPOT.) This course is 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications. Click here to learn more about this program.

More info including 2011 Class Schedule.

Study the Pre-Training Guide.

And of course refer to the Helmsman.

Description of my program(?) --

Accelerated Petty Officer Program - If you are ready to learn an exciting new career field, have a desire to serve and are between the ages of 30 and 35, (we are currently accepting age waivers up to age 39), this may be the program for you. With a minimum of two years college (or equivalent), you will be eligible to ENLIST AT A HIGHER PAY GRADE, attend just two weeks of Reserve Basic Indoctrination, then receive advanced training in a critical field (Boatswain Mate, Machinery Technician, Operation Specialist or Marine Science Technician). Valuable training, an opportunity to serve, and immediate advancement are just a few of this program's many advantages.

"C" school schedules.

Reservists required for 8 years???

Tricare info: includes maternity care, no acupuncture, no chiropractic, explore benefits A-Z.

More on Maternity Care:

Maternity (Pregnancy) Care
Maternity care is all of the medical services related to conception and delivery including prenatal and post-partum care (generally for six weeks after delivery) and treatment of any complications of the pregnancy. Generally, TRICARE covers all medically-necessary maternity care, but there are some limitations.

The health plan option you are using may determine where you receive your maternity care, either at a military treatment facility or from a civilian health care provider.

Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the care you receive from the time you find out your pregnant until you deliver your baby. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Depending on your health plan option, this may be your assigned primary care manager (PCM). Remember, if you are enrolled in a Prime option, you may not self-refer to an Obstetrician or Gynecologist even for your pregnancy.

Regular appointments with your doctor are important to ensure the health of you and your baby. The first appointment is generally the longest and you'll find out the due date, explore your health history and determine risk factors. Frequent prenatal visits allow you to follow the progress of your pregnancy and your baby's development and give you the opportunity to ask questions along the way.

While all medically-necessary prenatal care is covered, there are some limitations.

Antepartum Services: When needed to determine the health of the baby or if you are determined have a high-risk pregnancy TRICARE covers amniocentesis, chordocentesis, chorionic villis sampling, fetal stress test and electronic fetal monitoring.

Ultrasounds: Doctors often perform ultrasounds at different times during pregnancy for different reasons. TRICARE will cover the ultrasound in the following specific conditions if you have ANY questions about coverage please contact your regional contractor.

* Estimating gestational age
* Evaluating fetal growth
* Conducting a biophysical evaluation for fetal well-being
* Evaluating a suspected ectopic pregnancy
* Defining the cause of vaginal bleeding
* Diagnosing or evaluating multiple gestations
* Confirming cardiac activity
* Evaluating maternal pelvic masses or uterine abnormalities
* Evaluating suspected hydatidiform mole
* Evaluating the fetus's condition in late registrants for prenatal care

Note: TRICARE does not cover ultrasounds for routine screening or to determine the sex of the baby.

Dental Care During Your Pregnancy: Research has shown that you may be at an increased risk for dental disease while you are pregnant. You are encouraged to have preventive dental care such as check ups and cleanings while you are pregnant. TRICARE offers three different dental plans depending on your beneficiary category. You should explore your options and consider enrolling in one of the TRICARE dental plans. Learn more...

Labor and Delivery
TRICARE covers medically-necessary services during your labor and delivery including anesthesia, fetal monitoring, and other services required for your care during your stay. TRICARE will cover cesarean section when needed. If you choose to have a cesarean section instead of vaginal delivery for your personal reasons, you may be responsible for some of the costs.

Facility/Provider: Usually, the plan you are using will determine the type of birthing facility you will use (military or civilian, office-based or freestanding, etc.). You also have different options for the type of provider who delivers your baby (obstetrician, Family
practice provider and or Certified nurse midwife, etc.). These types of decisions will be made by you and your provider during your prenatal visits.

The unexpected could happen and you could have an emergency need for evaluation during your pregnancy. Notify your PCM or OB provider and they can refer you to another facility if it is necessary to better care for you and your baby.

Length of Stay: Usually, you will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours after a regular vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean section. Complications of health may require a longer stay. If the decision to discharge home before these minimum length-of-stays
you and your provider must make this decision together.

Post-partum Care
Post-partum care is the care you receive after your baby is born to ensure your body is healing properly. TRICARE covers a minimum of two post-partum visits, but more if you had complications or if your provider thinks it's needed.

Newborn Care
After your baby is born, he or she is covered separately. You should register your baby in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) as soon as possible. Learn more...

TRICARE offers well-child care for your newborn up to age six, which includes:

* Circumcision (before leaving hospital)
* Routine newborn care
* Comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention examinations
* Vision and hearing screenings
* Height, weight and head circumference
* Immunizations
* Developmental/behavioral appraisal

You'll schedule your newborn's first well-child appointment before you leave the hospital.

Limitations/Exclusions
TRICARE does not cover the following services:

* Fetal ultrasounds that are not medically necessary (e.g., to
determine your baby's sex), including three- and four-dimensional
ultrasounds
* Services and supplies related to non-coital reproductive
procedures (e.g., artificial insemination)
* Management of uterine contractions with drugs that are not approved for that use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (i.e., off-label use)
* Home uterine activity monitoring and related services
* Unproven procedures (e.g., lymphocyte or paternal leukocyte immunotherapy for the treatment of recurrent miscarriages, salivary estriol test for preterm labor)
* Umbilical cord blood collection and storage, except when stem cells are collected for subsequent use in the treatment of tumor, blood, or lymphoid disease
* Private hospital rooms

Machinery Tech
Mar26-Jun22
Apr9-Jul6
Apr23-Jul20
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the job entry level in the Machinery Technician rating. Students are taught principles of operation, maintenance and repair of machinery. The following topics are covered: hand and machine tools,
piping, tubing, flex hose, leadership, basic administration, hydraulics, internal combustion engines, lubrication systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, diesel engine overhaul, basic electricity and electrical equipment, auxiliary machinery, refrigeration, clutches, gears, shafting, and outboard motors.

Aviation Maint Tech
Apr9-Aug24
This course teaches the Aviation Maintenance Technician student, entry level skills, knowledge, and concepts required to inspect, service, maintain, analyze, and repair aircraft powerplant, powertrain, and structural systems; maintain, repair, and fabricate metal, composite, and fiberglass materials; fabricate cables, wire harnesses, and structural components; perform aircraft corrosion control, nondestructive testing, basic electrical troubleshooting, and aviation administrative record keeping.

Damage Controlman
Apr30-Aug9
This course provides classroom lecture reinforced with ample opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in hands-on lab applications, preparing members for entry level in the Damage
Controlman rating. Students are instructed in the principles of Carpentry, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Warfare Defense, Shipboard Watertight Fittings maintenance, Shipboard Damage Control procedures, Firefighting, Plumbing, Arc Welding, Oxy-fuel Cutting, and Oxy-fuel Brazing.

Electrician's Mate
Apr9-Aug17 (19 wks)
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the entry level job in the Electrician Mate rating. Training includes lectures and hands-on exercises on generation, control and distribution of electricity; the uses of electricity and the maintenance/repair of electrical equipment. The following topics are covered: AC and DC circuit analysis, batteries, power distribution systems, lighting systems, generators, motors, controllers, interior communication systems, electric power tools, galley equipment, laundry
equipment, scullery equipment, electric damage control equipment, small boat electrical systems, deck machinery equipment, and shore power.

Electrician's Technician
Mar5-Sept13 (28 wks)
This course is an apprentice-level electronics course, which is divided into eleven units of instruction, each dealing with a different aspect of electronics fundamentals. The course begins with an indoctrination and includes leadership, tower climbing, soldering, CPR, and safety. As students progress through the course, they receive instruction on technical training on specific electronic systems and equipment used throughout the Coast Guard. These courses encompass the
use of test equipment, technical publications and troubleshooting methods used for corrective maintenance to the lowest repairable level. Upon graduation students have the knowledge and skill necessary for maintenance and repair of electronic equipment.

BUT Electrician's Technician & Avionics Electrical Technician HAVE NO DATES THAT WORK this year, and are 28 and 20 weeks respectively. Another of interest is Health Services Technician (incl. EMT-B), 19 weeks.

"A" School Schedule.

Hydraulics

Complete online ITC "Introduction to Hydraulic Systems" classes offered by North Seattle Community College at $9 per class for 13 classes, starting here.

Hydraulic power is the backbone of the OSE Global Village Construction set machines.

ITC = Industrial Skills Training. Online skills classes directory here, including electrical, mechanical, PC, and logical thinking!

North Seattle Community College's Continuing Education eLearning Center directory of classes here.