Thursday, January 1, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
HOW TO ORGANISE A CMS PORTAL WEBSITE OF YOUR OWN
PORTALS – GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS : There are many ways to organise a functional CMS (Content Management System) using existing Open Source CMS software such as Drupal (the one we use) and Joomla, which are the two most widely recognized and supported ones, although there are many more contenders in the area, many of certain value.
A first point for you to understand is that any CMS Portal is going to be a dynamic and fluid "Complex Adaptive System", since both IT (Information Technology) and the information you wish to provide are constantly on the move by their very nature. This includes the sites you have created or contemplate to create, and ours as well. This is unavoidable, and in fact, should be embraced rather than feared.
In a way, a CMS Portal is an event, rather than a “thing”. Actually, in truth, what we perceive as “things” are at any rate just “events” in slow motion. Fact is, the “things” we believe in are little more than the effect of the way we perceive and filter our perceptions through “Interpretation and Belief Systems” that have been externally programmed in us (think, society, schools, churches, media, parents, etc), or even in rare cases have been self-programmed in our “biocomputers”, rather than the expression of some inherent “stable” nature, or even of some stable ultimate reality. Such, in truth, do not exist.
PORTALS – EXAMPLE OF AN ORGANISATIONAL MODEL :
Considering what was just said, our current view of a simple yet effective CMS portal organisation follows. This is of course a simplified description, but we believe it delineates a fairly effective and easy to implement approach. You are welcome to emulate this structure if you wish to create a CMS Portal of your own, on a subject of interest to you. Of course, also feel free to modify it to suit, any way you wish..
Any person familiar with Drupal or similar CMS software should be able to create such a Portal for you, and you could of course decide to learn the craft and do it yourself.
However, if you wish so, SOS (SaveGaia Outreach Services & Support) could perhaps help you at very reasonable costs, provided we do not disagree with what you want to promote. For example, if you wish to promote smoking, fluoridation, dairy or “diet” products, violence, exploitation, aventurism or molesting people, we will have to pass. But if we agree to help you, help could be quite all-encompassing if you wished so, and depending on your budget. It could go from helping you select the right Domain Name and Hosting Service for you, to complete CMS Portal creation. Even possibly including Ghostwriting and complete Promotional Campaigns. Feel free to inquire about this following the links provided in [SOS] materials. Always remember that commercial solutions are fine, but that usually there almost always is an Open Source alternative available, often as good as or even better than the commercial solution. For example, typical consumers use Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Servers, and Microsoft Office suite, but most people capable of thinking independently don't. They use Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, both for their own PC Operating Systems and for their servers, and the Open Office suite. But of course what you actually use is up to you.
Understand, this is just a model, not Truth Revealed for All Times. If you were so inclined, you could chose to use or even create ex-nihilo a completely different one. When it comes to websites and even SuperSites, god-like privileges are yours to grab and exercise freely.
WHAT IS A CMS PORTAL? Fundamentally, consider your Portal site as a SuperSite" ("Super Web Site"). The function of this SuperSite is to bring websurfers and other interested parties to as many sub-sites and sub-sub-sites as you may find of use, each containing relevant information on a more and more narrowed subject or "niche". You might create and totally control these sub-sites, or use existing external websites as if they'd sub-sites of your own, even if they aren't.
As to DOMAIN NAMES, these can come in two forms: "subsite.yoursupersite.com" is one, the other being a separate full domain name, such as "myothersite.com". Both are recognized as independent sites by search engines, which is the important issue, if you want to make information widely available. Consider that it is possible that "myothersite.com" might be perceived as more authoritative than "subsite.site.com". However that option comes with the inconvenience of having to pay for one more domain name, plus also having to *remember to renew it* in time.
INTERNAL HIERACHICAL ORGANISATION : Unless you are a website jack-of-all-trades, a number of people will be involved with the endeavor. Consequently, to be efficient, the whole effort has to be organised along clear and well-defined as well as clearly understandable lines. This usually means hierarchically, going from “Owner” to “Anonymous Visitor”.
So, that “CMS Portal” SuperSite has an "Owner". Presumably, that is you, or the head of your organisation. In IT Parlance, this is the "Head Admin" [Administrator], "Chief SysOp" [System Operator], "Head Honcho", etc. For all practical purposes, within the parameters and confines of the system considered, that owner is and should be the omnipotent "Supreme God". ;) Or, if you are so inclined, the equivalent of the “Presidium of the Supreme Soviet”.
Then you have the Admins or SysOps [System Operators], who are most probably by the nature of the beast going to be the technical people who make the thing work. These are the "Lesser Gods" (or Goddesses) or "Honchos".
Then you have the Admins or SysOps, Evangelists [the people focusing on a specific issue or subject and promoting it relentlessly], and finally the Mods [Moderators] for each sub-site, which are the ones that maintain each specific sub-site and make it work. These are the Local Gods and their cohorts (such as "Powers" and "Dominations") and messengers ("aggelos" or "angelos", in Greek, better known to us as "Angels" -- [beware of the Fallen Ones! ;) ]
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS : As to the Portal or SuperSite your "Home Page", the one people see first, should be or a Welcome Page, or a Sitemap, or a combination of both. And, in turn, the general sitemap should link to the sitemaps or welcome pages for each of the sub-sites.
Since a complex Portal SuperSite can quickly become a bit confusing, it would be a good idea to be able to recognize at a glance what is what, where you are, and which version of a page you are looking at. This can be achieved easily simply by inserting a code on each page that just tells you that. This can be done conspicuously (everyone can see it), discreetly (you have to know where it is and what it means) or completely transparently (only Gods and perhaps [some of] their cohorts can see it.
A quite simple yet very effective way to achieve this result is to give each sub-site a three letters code that makes sense to you (for example HTG for "Health Thru Gardening"), followed by a post number (from 0000, which should always be the sub-site sitemap, to 9999. A unique address for 10,000 posts per Three Letter code should prove quite sufficient for your needs. ;) However, you could also use alphanumeric combinations too, like 0 to 9 followed by A to Z followed by a to z). This post or page number is followed by a version number (usually starting with 100) -- otherwise you'd soon not have the slightest idea of what post is which version of what -- unless you have a perfect eidetic memory, that is, that is, unless you are a computer yourself.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE : For example for our own main portal site, we use the following codes. [HOW] and [BIN] are virtual codes, all the others are real codes. Each code is followed by a link to its own blog or site, if such a blog or site exists as such and in a form made available to the public at large.
HTG "Health Thru Gardening or 'Growing Your Own Food'." Existing blog:
http://healththrugardening.blogspot.com/2008/09/hc-site00-welcome-to-health-thru.html
HCS - HTG Community Services. Existing blog:
http://htgcommunityservices.blogspot.com/2008/09/hc-map00-sitemap-of-health-thru.html
SES - SaveGaia (or "Save The Earth") Educational System. Existing blog: -
SAM - SaveGaia (or "Save The Earth") Audio-Visual Materials. Existing blog: -
SEP - Savegaia Evangelism & Public Relations.xisting blog: -
SOS - SaveGaia Outreach Support & Services. Existing blog: -
LiT - Living Treasures. Existing Blog: -
TOP The Topanga Model. Existing blog:
http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/2008/12/sitemap-for-topanga-model.html
MVP - Model (for) Volunteer Programs. Existing blog: [ http://earthlingvolunteers.blogspot.com/
to be transformed into http:// modelvolunteerprograms.blogspot.com ]
FuR - (Models for) Fund-Raising & (Self-)Financing Your Non-Profit Endeavors. Existing blog: -
[HOW] What To Do, Why, and How To DO IT!
See
http://optimalgardens.blogspot.com/2008/09/og-ovw01-overview-of-family-of-blogs.html
and:
LaC Lawn Crusade. Existing blog:
http://lawncrusade.blogspot.com/2008/10/sitemap-for-anti-lawn-crusade.html
OGa Optimal Gardens. Existing blog:
http://optimalgardens.blogspot.com/2008/08/welcome-to-optimal-gardens.html
PGa Personal Gardens. Existing blog:
http://personalgardens.blogspot.com/2008/09/personal-gardens-do-it-yourself-or-have.html
G4S Gardening or "Growing Food" For Survival. Existing blog: -
GRN Green Buildings - Green Living - Green Approaches & Tools Building Green & Living Green. Existing blog: -
NEA New Energy Alternatives. Existing blog: -
MoC The Magic of Composting. Existing sites:
http://biocomposts.blogspot.com/2008/09/bc-map-site-map.html
http://compostis.us/ , http://biodynamiccompost.com/
and see also
http://personalgardens.blogspot.com/2008/11/jean-pain-frances-king-of-green-gold.html
http://personalgardens.blogspot.com/2008/11/biomass-experiments-jean-pain-in-his.html
[BIN] Background Info
PIN Plants of INterest. Existing blog: -
PER - PROJECT EAT RIGHT. Existing site:
https://sites.google.com/site/projecteatright/Home/why-and-how
SCC Second Coming of the Crisis or, of the "Great Depression"). Existing blog:
http://secondcomingnews.blogspot.com/
Of course, we have a lot more material in existence, but this gives you a good idea of how the system works.
Ideally, and although this could be maintained manually, each page should have its own automated code that changes each time the page is modified. This code starts with the assigned Three Letters Codes, continues with the page or post number (for example 0000 to 9999), and ends with a page version number stating at 100 and going up one number to 999 each time the page is updated. This could be followed by an encoded date, giving for example the date for first publication, and the date of the last modification.
The Version Numbers 000 to 099 can be reserved for Alpha and Beta Versions worked on within your own Community. That is, these numbers are reserved for pages seen by and accessible only to "Internal Authorities" or "Honchos". For example, only Honchos at level L8 can see numbers under 040 in an 8 Levels Hierarchy. 050 could be made visible to level L7. 060 visible to level L6. 070 to level L5. 080 to level L4. And 090 to level L3. Depending on the level of advancement of the work and your own policies, if a number from 000 to 099 is assigned, the page should or could be invisible to the public. This allows for effective members and stakeholders input and collaboration until a page is ready for publication, without having to worry about the effect of an unfinished page on the general public.
L1 posts, is allowed, should perhaps always be ModL4-approved before being published, so to avoid spam, flames, and other unpleasant material. The could apply to L2 posts, or not, depending on your own policies.
Applying these rules, to take the HTG example, in the existing material, the sitemap page became [HTG-0000-100]+, the code self-correcting each time the text of a given page is finalized.
POSTING ORDER : Pages or posts in each of your sub-sites (in our case, pages originally posts in our blogspot blogs) should be organized in logical order. That is, oldest first, starting with Sitemap followed by Welcome or Intro, and not in blog order (newest first).
However each sub-site should have a blog attached to it, where any stakeholder and member can post external pages they find of interest. Such posts, of course, should appear in blog order, most recent first.
POSTING HIERARCHY : In an 8 Levels System of "Member Weight" going from L1 (Total Newbie] to L8 (the "Owner"), L1 could be "External Anonymous Contributor", and L2 "Registered Member" (with various levels of registration data provided, depending on your own internal policies). Trusted Member would be L3, Trusted Specialist L4, Moderator L5 and Sub-Site Admin or SysOp L6. Each, of course, can have increasing privileges and capabilities. L7 and L8 are reserved for the "Higher Gods", that is the Portal Super-Admins and the "Owner". The
"Owner" or any trusted person can by default become SiteAdmin L6 until he/she is replaced with genuine L6 personnel).
Even if this is obviously very hierarchic in nature (as any efficient Complex Adaptive System tends to be by its very nature), actual administration can be as "democratic" as you wish.
We hope this Model for CMS Portal Supersites might be of use toyou. Feel free to use it as is, or modify it in any way that suits you best.
Good luck with your endeavors!
********
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Monday, December 15, 2008
CO-OP CROP-SHARING - TYPICAL LEASE CONTRACT
1. PARTIES TO THE PRESENT COVENANT: This lease is entered into on , 20 , between , owner of farm premises and Landlord, whose principal address of business is
, for [a portion of] the property located at
described as
and commonly known as
and the Trustees of the ["Health Thru Gardening Trust", or whatever entity is leasing], Tenant, represented hereby by , Trustee.
2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY HEREBY RENTED: The Landlord rents and leases to the Tenants, to occupy and to use for agricultural purposes, the following real estate located in in the County of , State of , legally described and commonly known as the
[of said farm premises], consisting of an approximate surface of
comprising the building(s) known as , plus any additional other areas as maybe designated from time to time by common agreement between the parties.
3. TERM OF THE LEASE: The term of this lease agreement shall be in effect for the period commencing on 20 , and ending , 20 , and shall continue in effect from year to year thereafter (as an annual lease) unless written notice of termination is given by either party to the other at least 180 days prior to expiration of this lease or before the end of any year of continuation.
4. RENT PAYABLE: Under the present crop-sharing arrangement, the annual rent due for the present lease shall be a percentage of the crop in the following agreed percentages: Landlord – % [usually 10% to 25%, depending on the exact landlord input, besides providing the land itself] Tenants – %. Any needed crop inputs, in addition of the basics hereby provided by Landlord, such as land, buildings and water, etc, will be shared on the same agreed percentage as the crop. (That is, if $100 [or Currency Units] are spent on fertilizer, and the percentage agreed on is 20%, $20 [or Currency Units] will be provided by Landlord). However, the maximum amount of rent paid on said basis shall not exceed $ [or Local Currency Units] per year, in cash, script or in nature.
Conversely and at Landlord's choice, and with no impact on aforementioned value, Landlord's share might be reduced to %, [usually 10%, but negotiable] all crop inputs, except unlimited access to water and well water and said land and buildings, becoming responsibility of Tenant.
As payment for the present lease, Landlord is entitled to a "Crop Share", where "crop" is defined as any plant produce as it is grown on the land by Tenants through Tenants or through cooperative efforts, and not related to any other activity. Crop share can be delivered as crop on Landlord's request, but only IF the parties can agree on a valuation of said crop. Otherwise, crop will be sold wholesale by Tenant, and the corresponding net proceeds after sale expenses paid to Landlord, or if Landlord and Tenant decide to jointly run a farm stand or by the road or in adjacent populated areas (such as, for example, ), or use any other alternative sales method by common agreement, then the net proceeds of such sales after paying for sale expenses will be shared on the same basis.
Conversely, by agreement between the parties, crop not meant to be sold but only to be consumed locally shall be delivered by tenant in form of an actual percentage of the physical crop, such as 25 potatoes for each 100 potatoes harvested, 25 pounds or Kgs of greens by 100 pounds or Kgs harvested, etc.
If workforce input is from time to time provided by Tenant to Landlord, for example in the form of work provided by Tenant's volunteer workforce, said work input will be counted toward satisfaction of lease obligations on the basis of ONE [LOCAL CURRENCY] HOUR per one hour of actual work provided, unless it is specialized work valued at a higher rate by common agreement between the parties. The current currency exchange rate of the [LOCAL CURRENCY] HOUR is [for example, $10] per hour in common currency, but this rate might be modified by agreement between the parties if inflation so warrants, or if minimum wages rises over [$10] per hour.
5. STANDARD GENERAL CLAUSES:
MOST FAVORED PARTNERS: In the case Landlord or Tenants desire to participate in the marketing of their respective products, such for example as vegetables or as nutritional products produced under this tenancy, each party will offer its products or services to the other party under the most favorable conditions made available to any other distributor or partner.
NO PARTNERSHIP INTENDED — However, it is particularly understood and agreed that this lease shall not be deemed to be nor intended to give rise to a partnership relation. Each parties will conduct their own farming or other operations in a completely independent manner and will not encroach on the land or buildings used by the other party, and will insure that the members of their respective communities and programs understand they are to encroach on the other party's land and buildings unless they are specifically so invited by the person-in-charge.
BINDING ON HEIRS — This Lease shall be binding upon the Landlord and Tenants and their respective personal representatives, trustees, successors, assigns, lessees or sub-lessees.
LANDLORD LIABILITY — Landlord shall have no liability: Tenants takes possession of the leased premises subject to the hazards of operating a farm, and assumes all risk of accidents personally as well as for family, employees, or agents in pursuance of farming operations, or in performing repairs on buildings, fences, tile, and other improvements except as set by law for any liability arising out of the "gross negligence" of the Landlord.
6. USE OF THE LAND:
Tenants further agrees to perform and carry out the stipulations below:
The purpose of Tenancy is to grow agricultural crops directly as well as indirectly, by allowing sub-lessees or volunteers of Tenant's choice to do the same, while providing adequate facilities and amenities to all Stakeholders to do so. Tenants shall make all decisions with respect to growing of crops on the land unless stated otherwise in this agreement or any other subsequent additional agreements. As for the present time, the main purpose of Tenancy is to grow Organic & Sustainable Vegetables, Moringa trees mainly treated as annuals and herbs for sale on the marketplace or as a crop, or as a plant. If this changes substantially, Tenant will inform Landlord of new developments.
(CONDITION OF LAND AT THE END OF THE LEASE) — Tenants will endeavor to:
- Leave the rented land in the same or a better condition as at it was at the beginning of the lease.
(GOOD STEWARDSHIP) — Cultivate the leased premises faithfully in accordance with normal farm or market-gardening practices.
(SOIL EROSION) — Control soil erosion as completely as reasonably possible; keep in good repair all terraces, open ditches, inlets and outlets of tile drains; preserve all established watercourses or
ditches including grassed waterways; and refrain from any operation or practice that will injure such structures.
(REPAIRS) — Keep Landlord's fences and other improvements in as good repair and condition as they are when the Tenants takes possession or in as good repair and condition as they may be put by the Landlord during the term of the lease, ordinary wear, loss by fire, or unavoidable destruction excepted.
7. ACTIVITIES RESTRICTED: The Tenants further agrees, unless the written consent of the Landlord has been obtained:
NO ALTERATIONS — Not to remove, alter or change the style or position of any existing building on the said leased premises, except as such modifications being allowed from time to time verbally for minor adjustments, or in whatever additional farm-related buildings Tenant
might elect to erect from time to time as the need might arise. It is hereby expressedly stipulated that such additional buildings or modification, even if fixed and "real" by nature, will remain at all times the full property of Tenant, and not become "Real Estate by Destination", Tenant being at all times permitted to remove such additions or modifications created or made through Tenant's efforts and at Tenants cost. However, if such additions or modifications are not removed within 90 days after lease termination, it is hereby agreed that they will become Landlord's exclusive property for all times present and future, except if no access to them was possible because of circumstances beyond Tenants' control, in which case the parties will convene to agree on different terms.
LIMITATION OF LANDLORD'S LIABILITY: Tenants or Tenants' partners or associates will mainly use this property for purposes and activities directly or indirectly related to agricultural production, such as the raising of crops, the transformation, marketing and promotion of agricultural or related products into composts, designers soils, foods, beverages, nutritional, nutraceutical and/or cosmetic products or services directly by or in partnership with and under the responsibility of Tenants, the use and promotion of use of agricultural, nutritional, nutraceutical or cosmetic products, or the promotion of their use. Regardless of any such developments, Landlord is hereby being released of any and all possible liabilities relating to Tenants activities.
AMENDMENTS AND ALTERATIONS — Amendments and alterations to this lease shall be in writing and shall be signed by both the Landlord and Tenant.
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: - The parties hereto hereby acknowledge that the Tenants intends to use the leased premises described in this lease for agricultural purposes and that such use of the land may have an environmental impact; accordingly, the parties agree as follows:
USE OF NORMAL ORGANIC FARM PRACTICES — The Tenants shall conduct its operations on the leased premises in accordance with normal farm practices including, but not limited to, the application of only NATURAL amendments, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and shall only engage licensed applicators of such substances or shall ensure that the persons doing so are appropriately licensed for such applications, in case such license are necessary to satisfy local regulations. The abominable practices of "conventional agriculture" shall be avoided as a rule.
MANURE AND NUTRIENTS — Tenants will haul, process and spread manure to be used on appropriate fields at times and in quantities consistent with sound manure management practices, and for the activity of creating natural and bio-dynamic composts for both for-profit and not-for-profit activities.
NOISE — The Tenants shall ensure that no undue noise emanates from the leased premises or from the operations of the Tenants on the leased premises, at a level not permitted by local regulations.
9. TERMINATION OF LEASE: Grounds for Termination of Lease
If either party fails to carry out substantially the terms of this lease in due and proper time, the lease may be terminated by the other party by serving a written notice citing the instance(s) of default and specifying a termination date of a number of days from the date of such notice, which can not be of less than 90 days for termination for due cause, while discretionary termination before the end of each yearly lease term shall be given with 180 days notice as otherwise stated. Failure to give notice in time just meaning roll-over to the next notice period. Settlement shall then be made in accordance with the standard provisions under this lease and any amendments to it.
Tenant's Compensation on Termination of Lease — The Landlord agrees to reimburse the Tenants at the termination of this lease for field work done and for other crop costs incurred for crops to be harvested during the following year. Unless otherwise agreed, current local custom rates for the operations involved will be used as a basis of settlement. In particular, all trees and seedlings of the Moringa species and products and all their parts or by-products shall remain the property of Tenants and be removed by them, subject to compensation to Landlord hereby agreed upon. Landlord hereby represents that for five (5) years after termination of this lease, Landlord or family members and associate(s) will not engage in the cultivation, transformation or marketing of any specialty crops promoted by Tenant (such as Moringa, Artemisia, etc), or of any related products or services.
Tenants shall, at the expiration of the notice period, peaceably and quietly give up possession of the leased premises to Landlord. Landlord shall, after Tenants have delivered up possession in manner aforesaid, and paid to the Landlord the full proportion of rent up to he beginning of the notice period will compensate all Tenants for the value of the crops sown and then growing, or of the field work done on the leased premises in preparing for a crop, the amount of such compensation to be determined by arbitration if the parties cannot agree thereon.
10. RESOLVING DIFFERENCES: Disagreements Will Be Submitted to an Arbitrator.
Any differences between the parties as to their several rights or obligations under this lease and to the affairs of the leased premises that are not settled by mutual agreement after thorough discussion, hall be referred to the arbitration of a single arbitrator, if the parties hereto agree upon one; otherwise to three arbitrators, one to be appointed by each party at their own discretion and a third to be chosen by the first two named, at their own discretion, before they enter upon the business of arbitration. The award and determination of such arbitrator or arbitrators, or any two of such three arbitrators, shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and assigns.
Made in , State of , this Day of 20 .
Landlord Tenant
----------------
Feel free to modify this contract as suitable to you and use it free of charge courtesy of http://healththrugardening.blogspot.com/ , if you wish to rent or lease land to grow crops cooperatively.
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TYPICAL CROP-SHARING LEASE CONTRACT EXAMPLE
This could be the general market, for example if you sell at a "Farmer's Market" or on a "Produce Stand", and a good example of that is "PathToFreedom". This could also be a "captive customer" such as a better restaurant, which financed the endeavor and gets most or even the totality of the crops. Or a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) group. Or simply a group of neighbors who banded together to become partially or completely food-independent. Or even a church that decided to provide wholesome foods instead of typical supermarket toxic offerings in their soup kitchen (this has indeed been done!)
What follows in the next post is A TENTATIVE or MODEL CONTRACT: This standard crop-sharing farming contract has been adapted to our specific situation of farming Organic and Sustainable Vegetables (and fruit) for a non-profit such as ours. Some mentions in there might not apply to your specific situation as landlord or lessee of a specific location, but that is easy to edit. Anyone is welcome to use this contract, whether for commercial or not-for-profit purposes.
The beauty of the not-for-profit crop-sharing approach is that organic and sustainable farming, besides strengthening a landlord's position in many different ways, for example as to actual property rights, when done our way opens many avenues not usually available, such as, for example, the participation of volunteers, the creation of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) unit, and in general, all the advantages and features described in http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/ , which actually go as far as creation and use of our own local currency.
In fact, for a portion of the lease (which would be deducted from crop share dues), or even the totality of it, a landlord could even be paid in that currency (usually denominated in "X Hours", X being the name of the farm or facility) in form of physical paper currency allowing them to "buy" their "share" of the crops when convenient to them, to "hire" volunteers as needed and convenient to them, simply by "paying" them with said currency, on an hourly basis, etc, or to otherwise relate with "stakeholders" in a clear and fair manner that is transparent to all, which is precisely what such parallel local currencies allows to do.
This is all a lot less complicated as it sounds, since a landlord doesn't have to (and shouldn't, at any rate) manage the currency. This should be done independently by people who understand the issue, such as our specialists. All they do is just use it, in a way totally similar to any other paper currency they use.
There are a lot many more advantages to following the "Topanga Model", which you can explore simply by reading the http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/ blog. and looking at the material provided there or linked to it.
For example, a very similar endeavor, although not run on a non-profit basis and thus a bit simpler in its organisation, is described on this site: http://pathtofreedom.com/ .
There, you will discover how the Dervaes family in Pasadena used organic and sustainable techniques to produce 10,000 pounds of unadulterated and wholesome foods this year on just 1/10th on an acre! And even if it is easy to think of them as super-human geniuses, they are just regular folks who love good foods and love the Earth. YOU could do it as well!
This represents a statistical production of over 4.5 tons (metric) on less than 400 m2, about 1.15 tons per 100m2, or, if you prefer, about 250 pounds per 100 square feet. That is about 115 (metric) tons of 100% organic and sustainable food per hectare, or 50 (short) tons per acre! And we are not talking here about the very questionable "food" you can buy at the local supermarket, which is known to come with numerous unwanted consequences when it comes to your and everyone else's health, and which will become even worse once the dreadful and evil "Codex Alimentarius" in implemented in late 2009, but of genuine "food" that sells like $2-$3 to $10 and more per pound for those who can afford it, at "Whole Foods" and the like, because it is indeed wholesome and healthy.
Meaning, we are not preaching theories here, we are demonstrating facts, and documenting how successful the right approaches can be.
And *you* could be part of the process, as a "Stakeholder". Whether, you are a landlord, staff member, community member, volunteer, CSA member, etc, everyone can benefit of participating to the "Topanga Model".
Food for your thoughts!
REMINDER: The short definition of “THE TOPANGA MODEL” is as follows:
A local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by groups of people known as "STAKEHOLDERS". The PURPOSE of such COOPERATIVE ENDEAVORS is to sustainably produce ORGANIC & FUNCTIONAL FOODS to SHARE & DISTRIBUTE. To work together as efficiently as possible, it's best to follow a model pre-addressing actual or potential issues, such as "THE TOPANGA MODEL". ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE, HEALTH ISSUES & THE ECONOMIC CRISIS are reasons why this model should be widely REPLICATEd.
Words in CAPITALS are defined in our GLOSSARY, which in turn can be found here:
http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/2008/12/glossary-definition-of-terms-used-here.html .
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GLOSSARY - DEFINITION OF TERMS USED HERE
The purpose of the present page is to familiarize you with a short definition of some of the terms we are using here: Some words we use may be less common, or are used in a specific specialized sense, and consequently, we highly encourage you to read this post thoroughly, so to avoid confusion or misconceptions.
[The present post is in the workings, and should be completed momentarily.]
CHINA PROJECT or CHINA STUDY: We do not believe in fads and opinions that are not based on facts. Our entire endeavor is based on the contribution of some of the greatest minds of the XXth Century, such as, but not limited to (in alphabetical order): Karl Bauer, Andre Birre, T. Colin Campbell, C. Louis Kervran, Maurice Maeterlinck, Jean Pain, Hans von Reichmann, Royal R. Rife, Viktor Schauberger, Rudolf Steiner, Andre Voisin, Otto Warburg, and more. Among these, PPr DDr T. Colin Campbell (the leader of the "China Project") and Otto Warburg have a special place, for reasons that will become obvious to you as you read this blog.
COOPERATIVE ENDEAVORS:
CO-OP GARDENING & AGRICULTURE:
CROP-SHARING:
CSA or "COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE":
CURRENCY: The existence of a local and impartially-managed Cooperative Currency is a key to fairness to all Stakeholders. (...)
DISTRIBUTION OF THE PRODUCE YOU GROW: See : "Share & Distribute".
ECONOMIC CRISIS: The current economic Crisis has numerous consequences when it comes to why people should be gardening...
EMULATE & REPLICATE:
ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE:
IG-GARDEN: A local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by individuals, families, landowners, community groups, work contributors, etc, collectively known as STAKEHOLDERS. Anyone can start one or originate one -- no need to be a landlord or even a gardener!
LOCAVORISM:
ORGANIC & FUNCTIONAL FOODS:
PURPOSE: "The Purpose" with a capital P is what unites the people who created or use "The Topanga Model". (...)
REPLICATE: See "Emulate".
SHARE & DISTRIBUTE:
STAKEHOLDERS: The Topanga Model is all about how you too can form a local IG-GARDENS, or "Interest Group - Garden/ing", or participate to an existing one, and why you should do so. It is also about creating a conduit where such groups can cooperate with each other for their mutual information and benefits.
Such Interest Groups are formal or informal alliances formed by people known as "STAKEHOLDERS". Therefore, a local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by individuals, families, landowners, community groups, work contributors, etc, collectively known as STAKEHOLDERS. Anyone can start one or originate one -- no need to be a landlord or even a gardener!
TOPANGA MODEL: As the blurb for this blog says, "THE TOPANGA MODEL OF CO-OP GARDENING & AGRICULTURE -- A local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by groups of people known as "STAKEHOLDERS". The PURPOSE of such COOPERATIVE ENDEAVORS is to sustainably produce ORGANIC & FUNCTIONAL FOODS to SHARE & DISTRIBUTE. To work together as efficiently as possible, it's best to follow a model pre-addressing actual or potential issues, such as "THE TOPANGA MODEL". ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE, HEALTH ISSUES & THE ECONOMIC CRISIS are reasons why this model should be widely REPLICATEd.
VOLUNTEERS, VOLUNTEERING & VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS:
WARBURG IMPERATIVE:
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
SITEMAP FOR "THE TOPANGA MODEL"
Sitemap addition is normally made once a week, so a couple posts might not set have been added. please check by looking at the blog at http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/
INTRODUCTION : WHAT IS THE TOPANGA MODEL?
A local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by individuals, families, landowners, community groups, work contributors, etc, collectively known as STAKEHOLDERS. The PURPOSE of this COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR is to sustainably producing organic, wholesome, functional and non-poisonous foods. It obviously makes no sense to produce commercial "foods" of dubious value. These can be bought at any supermarket.
SITEMAP FOR "THE TOPANGA MODEL" [This is the page you are currently looking at.]
The present post will overview what you can find in this blog and where. Currently, the following posts are available and added to the sitemap. Sitemap addition is normally made once a week, so a couple posts might not set have been added. please check by looking at the blog at http://topangamodel.blogspot.com/
GLOSSARY - DEFINITION OF SOME OF THE TERMS USED HERE
The purpose of the present page is to familiarize you with a short definition of some of the terms we are using here. The purpose of the present page is to familiarize you with a short definition of some of the terms we are using here: Some words we use may be less common, or are used in a specific specialized sense, and consequently, we highly encourage you to read this post thoroughly, so to avoid confusion or misconceptions.
TYPICAL CROP-SHARING LEASE CONTRACT EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL CROP-SHARING FARM or "MARKET GARDEN" LEASE CONTRACT -- INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL CONTRACT & COMMENTS
This standard crop-sharing farming contract has been adapted to our specific situation of farming Organic and Sustainable Vegetables (and fruit) for a non-profit such as ours. Some mentions in there might not apply to your specific situation as landlord or lessee of a specific location, but that is easy to edit. Anyone is welcome to use this contract, whether for commercial or not-for-profit purposes.
CO-OP CROP-SHARING - TYPICAL LEASE CONTRACT
CO-OP CROP-SHARING - TYPICAL FARM or MARKET GARDEN LEASE AGREEMENT
Feel free to modify this contract as suitable to you and use it free of charge courtesy of http://healththrugardening.blogspot.com/ , if you wish to rent or lease land to grow crops cooperatively.
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"THE TOPANGA MODEL" - WHAT IS IT?
The Topanga Model is all about how you too can form a local IG-GARDENS, or "Interest Group - Garden/ing", or participate to an existing one, and why you should do so. It is also about creating a conduit where such groups can cooperate with each other for their mutual information and benefits.
Such Interest Groups are formal or informal alliances formed by people known as "STAKEHOLDERS". Therefore, a local IG-GARDEN is an alliance formed by individuals, families, landowners, community groups, work contributors, etc, collectively known as STAKEHOLDERS. Anyone can start one or originate one -- no need to be a landlord or even a gardener!
The PURPOSE of such a COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR is to sustainably producing organic, wholesome, functional and non-poisonous foods. It obviously would make little sense for anyone to endeavor to produce "conventional grade" "foods" of dubious value. If that is what you want to eat, no need to bother, as this can be done cheaper by conventional agribusiness, and can be bought anytime at any supermarket.
Of course, there is a problem with that, though. The problem being that as we all do as long as we don't "get it", we are going to pay for these "foods" not only with money, but also in terms of health.
Pr Otto Warburg, the only physician to ever get TWO Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Physiology, missing a third one by a hairwidth, was totally persuaded that all "modern" degenerative and chronic diseases ultimately found their source in mad-made chemicals in our immediate environment and foremost, in the foods and beverages we ingest.
In fact, one of our main inspiration in these matters is a study on human nutrition which has been hailed by Dr F. V. Annenberg in the following manner: "There is absolutely no doubt that the 'China Project' is the most authoritative research in human nutrition ever made. The results of this monumental endeavor that spans decades are of such a profound importance relative to human health and nutrition that they have yet to be completely understood and to fully impact our ways of living and of eating. There is no question that the lessons to be found there are of priceless value, and should be the very basis of our understanding about 'How to Eat Right'. Any endeavor to bring functional foods to the marketplace should be based on this study. Any attempt to grow food for one's own consumption or for the marketplace should be grounded on the lessons learned from Pr Campbell and Pr Warburg. Anyone who faces disease will have to choose between continuing to eat and live as they do, and pay the ultimate price for it, or to stop for a moment, think, and perhaps change their priorities."
And here is what Robert C. Richardson, Ph.D., also a Nobel Prize winner, Professor of Physics and Vice Provost of Research at Cornell University, had to say about it:
"The China Study is the account of a ground-breaking research study that provides the answers long sought by physicians, scientists, and health-conscious readers. Based on painstaking investigations over many years, it unearths surprising answers to the most important nutritional questions of our time: What really causes cancer? How can we extend our lives? What will turn around the obesity epidemic? [Etc.] The China Study quickly and easily dispenses with fad diets, relying on solid and convincing evidence. Clearly and beautifully written by one of the world’s most respected nutrition authorities, The China Study represents a major turning point in our understanding of health."
We could multiply such quotes. This short introduction about what we do and why we do it, and why you should do it as well, is not the place for it, but rest assured that "you are what you eat", no doubt about it. And more, that 90+% and perhaps as much as 99% of your health problems and the health problems of family and friends depend principally on what you eat and what they eat. And that nothing is more important to your health than inexpensive access to locally-grown wholesome organic and sustainable produce, fruits and vegetables.
Not persuaded yet? Here is the opinion of Neal Barnard, M.D., the President of the "Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine" on this study: "Everyone in the field of nutrition science stands on the shoulders of T. Colin Campbell, who is one of the giants in the field. This is one of the most important books about nutrition ever written -- reading it may save your life".
What is there more to say? Read this book, and read this blog.
The goal of "The Topanga Model" is to give people usable guidelines and a solid base of useful references. And to show people how to organize to share wholesome foods among STAKEHOLDERS on a non-profit basis, and possibly for wider DISTRIBUTION on a for-profit basis in the case of "Market Gardening".
To work together in a win/win manner and as efficiently as possible for the best interest of all, it is better to follow models that pre-address numerous actual or potential issues. The best one we know of is the one described here, and since this model, based on research and experience that goes back to 1919 and before, and to which many giants of human thought contributed, was finalized in Topanga Canyon, CA, it is also known as "THE TOPANGA MODEL".
In times of ENVIRONMENTAL COLLAPSE, greater HEALTH AWARENESS and even greater ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, of MAJOR ECONOMIC CRISIS actually, such efforts become increasingly important for the well-being of all, and should therefore be widely REPLICATEd. Here, we will provide anyone interested in better health and a better life with all the relevant information, and with the tools to organise so to have steady and reliable access to what is perhaps the most important input when it comes to one's health: Wholesome, organic and sustainable foods.
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The following post will be a sitemap and the overnext will define the terms used. The SITEMAP FOR "THE TOPANGA MODEL" overviews what is available here on this blog and will allow you to navigate directly to the posts which are most interesting to you.
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