Matthew Stein, P.E, Author - Beyond the Ordinary Dot Net

~~~ Matthew Stein, P.E. ~~~

Matthew Stein, P.E., Author of When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance and Planetary Survival "You might wonder what an MIT engineer is doing writing about the failure of technology. I doubt that we will see technology fail in one single blow, but believe that we will see increasing environmental and political instabilities that will cause disruptions in the flow of electricity and goods to large numbers of people." Writing a book was not on Matt's agenda, yet sometimes you get a 'memo' you can't ignore... Matt tells us about it and you can read it on his Website, which is full of great information! See Why I wrote... It was quite a trial to do a book like this when all seemed well, the stock market was booming... When Technology Fails is like six books in one, took three years from start to finish and was updated in September 2008. A huge task for Matt but a blessing for all of us.

Matthew does not regard himself a survivalist, yet his book contains everything you can think of. Just take a look at the table of contents (pdf)! He says "Knowledge is power and this is a good book to have on the shelf for short and long term shutdowns."

Your hosts agree with a further suggestion. Start reading it and learning now... learning to do new things is a pleasure if you are not under pressure, be prepared. This book brings back old fashion skills and new ways, Matt knows much of what he has researched and beautifully put together for us, with clearly detailed instructions and wonderful illustrators... he could not have made it easier! He is a skilled carpenter and his business, Stein Design & Construction www.stein-design.com is focused on Alternative Energy and Green Building, traditional and alternative custom homes, building Out of the Box! Innovative Building Systems: ICF, SIP, Straw Bale, SCIP, etc., earthquake & fire resistant "Safe Homes." Matt is delightful, smart, & a Great Guest!

Do browse his Website www.whentechfails.com it contains a lot of free of information, preparedness checklists, and his articles which includes the
"12 Tips for the Sustainability Shift" a plan to turn around the global situation.

Our next chat will be about the trends on our planet, taking down oceans, etc. "Any one of which is a civilization buster. We are on the Titanic heading for the ice berg..." His motto is, "I urge everyone to do your best to change the world *and* do your best to be ready for the changes in the world."