?
?Here’s a pro’s view of the newest artificial fish habitat from Fishiding.com

http://www.bradwiegmann.com/pond-fishing/pond-management/585-artificial-pvc-fish-attractors-by-fishiding-for-building-fish-cover.html

Foreign Light Bulb Fiasco, New Products, Sale

I grew up in the heartland, but eventually moved to California because of working in the technology industry. Several years ago, I felt aghast as the state of California faced brownouts and even blackouts due to the inability to produce, or even import, sufficient electricity. The answer pushed by the state government and utilities was that we had to use less, a lot less, electricity as citizens.

Normally, I am all for using less imported energy, as goodness knows we need to buy less oil from those countries that hate us. Just to let you know, I do put my money where my mouth is and therefore drive a Ford Escape Hybrid. Additionally, using less energy is by and large easier on the environment. The backbone of the supposed plan to reduce electricity usage in California was an aggressive, early adoption of florescent bulbs shaped into the size of regular light bulbs. This plan was pushed into law a year ahead of the rest of the nation.

Conceptually, these bulbs must have looked good on paper as they are supposed to use a lot less electricity and last ten years. The facts are very different.

First of all, these new florescent bulbs contain the dangerous element mercury.

Secondly, it is my personal experience that they are in fact lasting much less than ten years. We replaced ten old bulbs with the new bulbs in our house one year ago to comply with the upcoming law. The fourth new bulb just burned out. Nearly half are gone in barely a year!

Thirdly, since they were supposed to last so long, there is no state or local plan in place to deal with disposal or recycling of these bulbs. Clearly many thousands have already made it to the landfill and that mercury they contain will eventually become exposed to our air and water.

Fourthly, my kids managed to break one, so how do we safely clean up the mercury? California’s official poison control center told me “It is somewhat like breaking an old style mercury thermometer” (except that those are no longer sold, but we have these bulbs all over the house) and to clean it up we should “Open a window while sweeping up the glass”. Somehow I don’t feel safer…

Fifthly, the energy savings are a joke because these bulbs are in fact dimmer. Most of the time, we end up turning more lights on. My electric bill shows our usage is actually up!

Finally, and certainly not the least important all of the new bulbs are made in China. Meanwhile, we are closing American factories that produced Edison’s version for so many decades to chase after this half-baked plan!

Personally, I do not care what the state says. We are going back to the old bulbs. Illegal or not in this house we will use Mr. Edison’s bulb.

New Products:

Vintage Body Spa has created a number of new natural skin care products. Vintage Body Spa offers paraben-free spa products and natural product skin care that seamlessly blend classic style with a modern approach to healthy skin. Their bath and body line helps you create your own natural and indulgent spa experience. Family owned and operated, all of their products are cruelty-free. Proudly made in the USA.

Atrix International, Inc. is a premier USA manufacturer of vacuums and filters. They are the leader in industrial and commercial vacuums. Vacuum types include: HEPA vacuums; ULPA vacuums; Electronic vacuums; Toner vacuums; Office vacuums. Some applications/industries are: Office Equipment-Laser Toner, Electronics, Cartridge Recycling, Large Volume Printers, Manufacturing, Banking, Metallurgy, Food Processing, Gaming, RRP, Renovate, Repair and Paint, Lead Paint Dust and Chips, Window Installation, Painter, Electrician/Plumber/HVAC, Hazardous Particulate, Abatement, Mold, Lead, and Hazardous Particulate. Made in USA.

Please take a look at these great products by clicking here:

http://madeinusaforever.com/newitems.html

Sale/Feature Product:

Speaking of a green product that is truly safe for the environment and great for kids, check out all the products I have on sale from Green Toys. Please click here: http://madeinusaforever.com/todayonlysale.html

Sincerely,

Todd

Todd Lipscomb
Founder
www.MadeinUSAForever.com

Link to MadeinUSAForever.com on Facebook

The following story was posted in a Northern Wisconsin newspaper. Although not all situations allow trees to be used, pay special attention to the need for shallow water cover to hold fry. Fishiding products are just the answer to this dilema. Take a look and see why the only American made artificial fish habitat, made from reclaimed PVC is the answer to a green approach to fish habitat management. http:// www.fishiding.com

Vilas County may include structures in cost share program

By Ratchel White Of the Lakeland Times

Fish sticks aren’t just frozen food anymore. In areas where the technique is implemented, “Fish Sticks” refers to fallen trees arranged and utilized for fish habitat. The idea has gained local attention, especially because the structures are suspected to also reduce shoreline erosion.

Researchers studying shoreline restoration in Oneida and Vilas Counties are interested in possibly integrating the technique in their efforts. Vilas County Department of Land and Water Conservation has also eyeballed the technique as a potential candidate to include in their cost share program for landowners combating erosion.

Vilas County land conservation specialist Marquita Sheehan said that with so many lakes, people in this part of the state are likely to pick up on the technique.

Michael Meyer, lead research scientist on the above mentioned efforts, agrees. “Anything that increases people’s likelihood to catch fish is popular,” Meyer said.

And it does seem to be the case that the structures increase the amount of fish in lakes where they have been built. Thats according to Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Scott Toshner.

“People who fish in lakes and people who scuba dive or snorkel really like these things because they attract fish. That’s just the bottom line,” Toshner said.

Toshner has been involved with more than 20 “Fish Sticks” projects over the past four years. He has watched the interest in this method of improving lake health and habitat spread to other counties and even out of state. The idea for fish sticks was resurrected from a DNR study in the 1950’s.

The technique arranges entire trees, with their branches, in a criss-cross shape that resembles the letter A.  Typical structures use five tress and take up 25-50 feet of shoreline.

Fish Sticks are assembled on the ice so they will fall into place once the lake surface thaws. The structures are anchored to trees on the shoreline. They require a DNR permit and specialized equipment to build. Toshner estimated the cost of a project as roughly $25.00 per tree.

One project near Bayfield was scaled back because the structures were too near a beach at a public campground. However, Toshner said it was the only instance of controversy surrounding the structures.

Projects to put in structures have mainly been on private property and with landowner’s cooperation.

In all cases except for the above, Toshner said that response to the structures on lakes where they are put in is overwhelmingly positive. They have gained a reputation as improving fish habitat, though he said that the structures also improve turtle and other wildlife habitat.

In comparing the structures to fish cribs, Toshner indicated that they may provide a missing link in terms of fish habitat. “With the fish cribs, the one thing you kind of miss with them is the link between the near shore area where a lot of theses fish spawn and spend their lives as juveniles…[with fish sticks] the wood in this near shore area may be a missing link in terms of habitat in some of these lakes,” Toshner said.

In addition to improving habitat for lake critters, there is furthewr evidence that these structures may reduce soil erosion. However, the evidence remains annecdotal.

A UW-Steven’s Point study is attempting to confirm observations that the structures help prevent wave action and can build up eroded shoreline. Right now, it’s the growing interest in these structures that is is the most encouraging side effect, according to Toshner.

Lakes in Eau Claire, Douglas and Bayfield Counties currently have fish sticks structures, and Toshner said the forest service in the Michigan  Upper Penninsula and groups out of Minnesota have also expressed interest.

More interest leads to more awareness of the benefits of fish sticks projects, according to Toshner. The educational component of current projects cannot be overlooked, he said, especially for people who live out on the lakes.

“If they see this and they see that it’s a good thing, which is what we’re seeing, then they’re more apt to leave that tree in that fell along the shoreline instead of removing it,” Toshner said. “If people can see that trees in the water are a valuable resource, they’re less likely to remove a tree that might fall inj along their own shoreline.”

The bite is on and the weather is great! This place needs a ton of fishiding artificial fish structure to hold these fish in tighter groups. With all the rock in Tablerock, some artificial fish structures would compliment all the other habitat that has been installed. Bass pro, along with the National fish habitat action plan have installed tons of structures already. Take a look at the newest products to hit the market for fish.  www.fishiding.com

My Book Published Today!   

It is hard to believe it is really here, but after so much effort, my book “Re-Made in The USA” is launching today!
Here it is: http://madeinusaforever.com/reinushowwec.html

I have to say that besides my family and founding MadeinUSAForever.com, publishing “Re-Made in The USA” is without a doubt the most important thing I have done.
De-industrialization, literally the packing up and shipping off of thousands of our factories overseas is killing our nation’s economy. I saw firsthand while living in Asia the very real threats we face, and how we — our government, companies, and ourselves as buyers took our eyes off of the big picture and opened the door to these threats.
I get the facts right, and back them up with the data. Though, the book is written to be interesting, yet real, dire, yet hopeful, passionate, yet plain speaking. Our nation is too close to the abyss to hold back.
PR for the book has already begun. I did six radio interviews last week and am aiming for 100 by July 4th. I am on the cover of a magazine for radio producers this week. One of the very neat things about this effort is how unifying it is – thankfully, I am welcomed on shows of every political background. Truly, this is not a red state or blue state issue, but a Red, White, and Blue issue. We have to roll up our sleeves and come together as a people to make things right. Just like we did in WWII, when our nation fought and defeated Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan simultaneously.
It was a great relief to work with a well respected publisher. Wiley and Sons has been around since 1807 and they live up to their motto “Knowledge for Generations”. There was no pressure me to change my tone or meaning in any way. They helped be encouraging me all the way through the process, making it a much better book.

Re-Made in The USA will be available in all Barnes & Noble’s from today. Borders is selling it also, but on a hit or miss basis store to store given their financial condition (they can order it if you do not see it), and Hudson will have it in 170 airport locations by May 1st. Any independent bookstores that do not have it in stock can get it for you in couple of days. The publisher guarantees any bookstore can sell it, or they refund 100% of the wholesale price back to the bookstore.
It is also available everywhere online including MadeinUSAForever.com. I am torn over whether to encourage purchasing it at MadeinUSAForever.com or other locations. Sales via other locations count towards the best seller list, although I can sign personal messages to copies coming from MadeinUSAForever.com’s own warehouse. Either way is fine.
Also, I understand things are tight everywhere, so feel free to check it out the library…
Want a free preview? Here is the first chapter: http://madeinusaforever.com/proftobo.html

New Products:
The EASE-L™ display stand is a simple, lightweight, eco friendly display medium that’s easy to use, assemble, move, and store. One piece of corrugated cardboard folds into a sturdy stand able to hold up to 45lbs, with ‘printability’ for unlimited uses! Recyclable, reusable, totally green. Available in two sizes. Made in USA.
Remember your pet with a personalized memorial frame by Meet You at the Bridge. Meet You at the Bridge specializes in helping people cope with the loss of a pet, by offering unique pet memorial frames. These frames are made of solid poplar wood harvested in Montana. Each frame includes two copies of “The Rainbow Bridge” poem. Made in USA.
Touch Out Sports Swim Shampoo and Swim Conditioner repairs the damage water sports do to your hair. Chemicals in the pool dry out your hair, ruin its color and shine, and wreak havoc on color and texture. Now with Touch Out Sports Swim Shampoo and Swim Conditioner you can give life and shine back to your chlorine damaged hair. If you are a competitive swimmer, recreational swimmer, surfer, or just love the water then Touch Out Sports Swim Shampoo and Swim Conditioner are the perfect products for you! Made in USA.
Zuke’s makes healthy, natural treats for your pets. Zuke’s makes it easy to treat your pet right, with healthy, quality ingredients, made right here in the USA. Always free of fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, Zuke’s delivers peace of mind for you and a tasty treats for your pet. Made in USA.
Have some fun in the garden with Seedballz! Inspired by a soil scientist, SeedBallz began mixing a special blend of rich organic humus, a whole packet of seeds and clay to offer the gardener a new way to grow wildflowers and herbs. SeedBallz are so unique, they grow in clusters rather than single seeds! Each pack of Seedballz is packed with seeds and rolled in an all-natural, protective growing blend designed to nourish your flowers. Adults with developmental disabilities prepare and package each ball by hand, right here in the USA. Made in USA.
We are pleased to introduce Masterpieces Puzzle Company. We have a compelling selection of their fantastic puzzles. There is something for everyone. Made in USA.

Mrs. Meyers makes aroma therapeutic household cleaners, laundry care, and baby products in the garden-fresh scents of Basil, Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Geranium and Baby Blossom. Their products combine hardworking, naturally occurring ingredients and essential oils that are tough on dirt, yet gentle on your home and the earth. Biodegradable and packaged in recyclable bottles, the products are ammonia-, chlorine bleach-, paraben- and phosphate-free; earth-friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals. Made in USA.

Link to all of these great new products:

http://madeinusaforever.com/newitems.html

On Sale This Week: My book of course!

http://madeinusaforever.com/todayonlysale.html

Thank you!

Todd

Todd Lipscomb

Founder

www.MadeinUSAForever.com

We support what Todd is doing, keeping americans jobs here at home. Our artificial fish products  are also made exclusively here in the US with all american made materials. Take a look at all of our fish habitat related items at: fishiding.com