Project Live Small Salutes Black Women

Even without genetic modification or elective height reduction surgery, black women have naturally begun to Live Small.

According to an analysis of CDC data by John Komlos (professor of economics at the University of Munich in Germany), "Young black women today are nearly an inch shorter than white women their age and about half an inch shorter than black women born in the late 60s."

In other words, black women today are better equipped for--and will more easily adjust to--the future, when no person of any race or gender stands taller than four feet.

We at Project Live Small salute these brave forerunners of the Live Small movement.

ABC News.

iPhone Nano on the Horizon?

Apple Insider is reporting that two iPhone-case makers have mentioned an iPhone Nano on their websites.

We at Project Live Small are awaiting an official announcement with baited breath. If Apple is preparing to release a smaller iPhone at the upcoming Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs is even more forward-thinking than anyone suspected. A smaller iPhone will be perfectly suited to the smaller fingers of future humans, who will stand no taller than four feet.

America Finally Following in Japan's Footsteps

Project Live Small supporters will be surprised to learn what came in at number ten on Popular Mechanics' Top 10 Gadgets of 2008: a sink/toilet!

As one sharp reader commented on the Popular Mechanics website, "The Caroma [Profile Smart Dual Flush] toilet is not a new gadget. Similar designs have existed for years, just not in the US." 

Indeed. More than a month ago, we listed the sink/toilet as one of the ten ways the Japanese are already living small, and the sink/toilet existed in Japan long before 2008. It is, however, finally making its way to America thanks to Caroma, an Australian sanitary ware and plumbing firm. And for that we should all be grateful.

Rise of the Netbook

After struggling to move their product the past three years, laptop manufacturers must be thrilled about the holiday success of netbooks--smaller, lighter, and less expensive alternatives to full-sized notebooks.

CNET reports that "global notebook shipments exceeded desktops on a quarterly basis for the first time ever, with Netbooks playing a decisive role." In fact, 17 of the 25 top-selling notebooks on Amazon were netbooks.

Best of all, netbooks are ready for the future, when everyone will measure less than four tall.

 CrunchGear, via BuzzFeed. 

"Small in Size, Big in Attitude"

Are you aware that the average motorcycle weighs several hundred pounds and is designed for someone between 5' 8" and 6' 0"? Clearly, full-sized motorcycles will be unmanageable for the future rider--someone who measures between three and four feet in height.

The average pocket bike, however, weighs well under 200 pounds and can comfortably accommodate someone who stands between three and four feet tall. In other words, pocket bikes are well equipped to stand the test of time.

Enjoy the video below, which shows people between three and four feet performing amazing feats on pocket bikes.

Rally in Rittenhouse

We are thrilled to report that our Philadelphia chapter's Rally in Rittenhouse last Friday was a wonderful success.

Despite the rain, we saw quite a turnout from Philadelphia Live Small supporters, both young and old. We also met scads of Philadelphians who were interested to learn more about our organization.

Perhaps most importantly, thanks must be extended to our group of young Live Small supporters. Because of their efforts, even in the rain, we were able to adjourn at three o'clock without a single informational booklet left to hand out.

Please enjoy the pictures below.


Jim B., Sharon, and Ronnie showing their support.


A handful of our informational booklets.


Lisa, a young Live Small supporter, conversing with an intrigued passer-by.

Young Live Small supporters Leah, Robin, and Percy speaking with an interested pedestrian.

Project Live Small around the Web

We are pleased to report that, less than a month after launching our blog, Project Live Small has started generating attention throughout the blogosphere. Even the science community has taken notice.

Over the past few weeks, our articles have been featured on Bowling Course and Rick Moranis. And just yesterday Hank Campbell, the founder of Scientific Blogging, wrote an extensive article about Project Live Small and the Live Small movement.

Mr. Campbell even offered a ringing endorsement of Project Live Small in the comments section of his article. "If it's for the advancement of science," he wrote, "then I am all for making the average height of people four feet."

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Mr. Campbell and all other Live Small supporters who have helped raise awareness for our cause.

Six Small Stocking Stuffers

For those of you now--or not yet--engaged in last minute holiday shopping, allow us to provide you with several stocking stuffer ideas, all from fredflare.com.



Clockwise from top left: fashion origami ($12); yesterday's news colored pencils ($10), made from recycled Chinese newspapers; 3-D doodle kit ($10); diy pinhole camera ($22); tattoo bandages ($9); and mini robo vaccuum ($20).

Staggering Statistic of the Day

The average American gives away or throws out about 68 pounds of clothing each year. (Global Clothing Industries)

A large part of living small is smartly managing what little space you probably have in your small home, with its small bureaus and closets. A Live-Small savant will only purchase what he knows he has adequate room to store.

Of course, this will not be so great a problem in the future, when all people are less than four feet tall. Smaller people wear smaller clothing, which will mean using less fabric to make clothes. An added bonus: clothing will certainly be far less expensive (think GapKids instead of Gap).

Karl Lagerfeld Living Small(er)

Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has recently taken several steps toward living small. He told German weekly Die Zeit, "I have moved to a smaller house in Paris, and I don't fancy having as much staff now."

The 75-year-old has even purchased a quaint historic home in Lake Champlain, Vermont, where he plans to shoot the next Chanel campaign. Mr. Lagerfeld called the home "not giant," and commented, "I love it. It's very Emily Dickinson...In fact it's almost Puritanical. For me it's a new form of modesty."

Clearly Mr. Lagerfeld understands that one needn't be small in order to live small.


Spiegel Online, via Fashionologie.

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

As it's about the time of year when people across America bring home a tree for the holidays, we thought we should offer our recommendations on what sort of tree to purchase.

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) reports that Americans buy between 25 and 30 million live trees each year. Clearly, many people still prefer to buy a live tree. While the fresh pine smell is undeniably pleasing, the mess caused by falling needles is not. And though the NCTA makes a good argument for the benefits of live trees over artificial trees, they're hardly an unbiased source.

We at Project Live Small recommend purchasing an artificial tree, preferably something in the four-to-five-foot range. Artificial trees are neither biodegradable nor recyclable (NCTA's main criticism), so you won't want to throw it out. Ever. Just think of it as an investment for the future. The small artificial tree you purchase this year might be the very same tree that your under-four-feet-tall descendants crowd around, delighting in Christmas cheer for years to come.

Project Live Small Salutes Edward Gorey (1925-2000)

Of Edward Gorey's many uniquely illustrated books, The Gashlycrumb Tinies: or, After the Outing (1963) is doubtless his most famous and most resonating. In it, he tells of twenty six "tinies" (one for each letter of the alphabet) who suffered twenty six unenviable demises. Though the world Mr. Gorey imagined is indeed a macabre one, it is also a world in which people are a good bit smaller than they are in our world today. And for that, he deserves our respect and gratitude.

Mini Home Office

From Vienna-based design studio Creative Industrial Objects comes the CI desk--the perfect all-in-one home office for the person under four feet tall. Read the full description below.

A multi-functional home office on wheels, in its handy size and elegant shape, adapting to the flexible working habits of the individual at home or in the office. Through a 180-degree turn of its top, it unfolds into a small workstation for laptop users. The smooth contours of the desk cube in fact reveal the delicately inbuilt wooden drawers that open to the front and sides. CI desk provides mobility and a practical working space for any busy individual.


Creative Industrial Objects, via Impact Lab.

Young Man Living in Little Tikes Playhouse

In an implicit endorsement of Project Live Small, twenty-year-old Aaron McLeod spent thirty days and nights living in a Little Tikes playhouse this past summer.

Though the playhouse was equipped with two computers, two webcams, and a microwave, among other things, McLeod issued several complaints during his stay: that he began to smell after a few days; that rain managed to permeate the playhouse; that he didn't sleep very well; and that he suffered occasional leg and stomach cramps. It is also worth mentioning that McLeod relieved himself in a bucket, which his mother had to clean everyday.

These complaints might seem to demonstrate flaws in the Live-Small lifestyle, but we can assure you that McLeod would have had far fewer complaints if he had asked Project Live Small to provide more suitable--but still plenty small--living accommodations. In fact, if McLeod were less than four feet tall and his tiny living space were equipped with a small shower and sink/toilet, he might have decided to extend his stay indefinitely!

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News Video

Staggering Statistic of the Day

Over the past century, world water withdrawals have increased almost twice as fast as the world's population. (Tomorrow's Markets, World Resources Institute, p. 37)

We at CSL firmly believe that Project Live Small can effectively combat both the water withdrawals and the overpopulation problem now plaguing our planet.

Water is perhaps out most precious resource, and when no human measures taller than four feet, we will have much more of it. Smaller people will drink less water and also use less water while cleaning smaller dishes and washing loads of smaller laundry. Furthermore, overpopulation problems will decline as smaller people build smaller homes, drive smaller vehicles, and generally take up less space on the planet.

A Closer Look at Capsule Hotels

Several weeks ago, we listed capsule hotel rooms as one of the ten ways the Japanese are already living small. Thanks to one intrepid traveler, we are now able to take a much closer look at these tiny living accommodations. While you enjoy the video, don't forget to consider how much larger a capsule hotel room will seem in the future, when the human population tops out at four feet.

Live Small Ring Update

We've had a growing number of people asking us where they can purchase Live Small rings. Well, we are pleased to announce that the second production of those most coveted stocking stuffers will be arriving in time for the holidays.

We ordered a much larger quantity this time around, but you still shouldn't waste any time. The first batch virtually flew out of here, and we are unable to promise that the second batch won't do the same. Reserve yours today!

Remote Control Car Out-Performs Mini-Cooper

Some small living skeptics believe switching to an energy efficient car means sacrificing performance and power behind the wheel. Recently, however, a young fellow named Andy Moore effectively laid to rest such claims when he pit his remote control car against a BMW Mini Cooper. Despite its exponentially smaller size and its electric (as opposed to gas) power source, the tiny HBI-Nitro3 left the full-sized Mini Cooper in the dust:



With the economy in turmoil, electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are finally getting the attention they deserve, but we still have a long way to go. The automobile of the future will, of course, still be much larger than the HBI-Nitro3, but it will also be much smaller than the Mini Cooper, since it will be designed for people who are less than four feet tall. 

With smaller size comes greater fuel economy, and we at CSL are eagerly anticipating what the major automakers have in store for us.

Duckpin Bowling

Looking for an enjoyable weekend activity? Give duckpin bowling a try! Before you hit the miniature lanes, however, you ought to know how duckpin bowling differs from traditional ten-pin bowling.

Whereas a ten-pin bowling ball can weigh up to sixteen pounds and must be held by its three finger holes, a duckpin bowling ball weighs only two to four pounds and has no finger holes at all. On account of the smaller balls, duckpin bowling pins are more squat than traditional pins. And finally, because duckpin bowling is more difficult than ten-pin bowling, bowlers get three balls per frame instead of two. (Even with the extra ball per frame, professional duckpin bowlers typically score in the mid 100s [out of 300], while professional ten-pin bowlers score in the high 200s [also out of 300].)

We at CSL endorse duckpin bowling as a most delightful recreational activity that will stand the test of time. After all, the great Babe Ruth (pictured left) was an avid duckpin bowler nearly one hundred years ago; and in the future, when all people measure less than four feet tall, they will surely turn to the more reasonably sized duckpin bowling. Ten-pin, with its unmanageable sixteen pound balls, will be reduced to a mere relic.

The World's Narrowest Home

In a house that measures only one meter wide at its narrowest point, Helenita Queiroz Grave Minho of Madre de Deus, Brazil, lives comfortably with her husband, their three children, their dog, and her husband's sister and mother.

Living narrow is an important part of living small, and we at CSL commend Mrs. Minho for her ingenuity and her initiative. Now just imagine how much narrower and smaller our homes could be if we were all two feet smaller.

Full Article (Portuguese)

Jello Biafra: A Live-Small Visionary

Three years before Honey, I Shrunk the Kids hit the big screen, the Dead Kennedys released the song "Shrink" on their final album, Bedtime for Democracy. Written by lead singer Jello Biafra, "Shrink" highlights various ways in which smaller people would have a positive impact on the world. Biafra notes, for instance, that there would be less overcrowding, fewer traffic jams, and more food and resources to go around. 

Though the height-reduction machine that Biafra envisioned will probably never be realized, thanks to recent breakthroughs in genetic engineering we are just around the corner from achieving the same results: smaller people, less overcrowding, fewer traffic jams, and more food and resources to go around.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989): A Live-Small Manifesto

The 80s were good to Rick Moranis. He was happily married, and had hits with such films as Ghost Busters (1984), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Space Balls (1987), Ghost Busters 2 (1989), and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989). The 1990s, however, were a different story. In 1991 Moranis' wife succumbed to liver cancer, and in 1992 he decided to reprise his role as Wayne Szalinski in the box-office flop Honey, I Blew Up the Kid. From there things didn't get any better. In 1997 Moranis again reprised his role as Wayne Szalinski--this time in the straight-to-video Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves. The final nail in the coffin? Perhaps.

Although the second and third installments of the Honey trilogy certainly mark the violent downward trajectory of Moranis' film career, the first deserves more careful attention. If there's a lesson to be learned from such a delightful family film as Honey, I Shrunk the Kids--and we at CSL believe there is--it's that living small, though sometimes alienating, is the most economically responsible way of life. For proof, one must look no further than the scene in which the kids stumble upon a cookie in the yard, or the scene in which Nick Szalinski finds himself floating in his father's bowl of Cheerios. Their reduced height makes the food appear immense, more than a single tiny person could eat in a lifetime.

To be sure, the height reduction featured in the film is extreme and entirely unrealistic, but the central message is clear: reduced height means less food, which in turn means less money and less waste.

World's Smallest Clamshell Cellular Telephone

Living small means small gadgets, and the Pantech C300 is an excellent example:



The C300 has all the features you could ever need (instant messaging, MMS and text messaging, a camera with 4x digital zoom, etc.), and it costs well under $100. But the best part? It weighs in at just over 70 grams and measures only 3.4 x 1.7 x 0.8 inches!

Mini Ship-in-a-Bottle

Ever wish you could reduce your carbon footprint while at the same time satiating both your desire to live small and your love of all things maritime? Now you can!

First, replace your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. Second, peruse the video below to learn how to turn those old bulbs into mini ships-in-bottles. Keep at it, and you'll be well on your way to recreating famous fleets and naval battles throughout history. Whatever your fancy--the Spanish Armada, or perhaps the Battle of Naupactus--the only limit is your imagination. (And, of course, the number of old light bulbs you possess.)

The Right Angle, An Excellent Space Saver

Anyone who owns a refrigerator understands how much space goes to waste with cylindrical and otherwise rounded containers consuming precious shelf space. We at CSL are happy to present two practical solutions to this age-old dilemma.

First: square watermelons. Even in the company of such space wasters as cylindrical bottles and bowl-shaped containers, the oval watermelon stands out as the refrigerator's most vicious offender. Thankfully, the Citrullus lanatus no longer poses a problem: the square watermelon is now a reality. Pioneered by forward-thinking Japanese scientists and grown in glass containers, square watermelons are quickly replacing their inconveniently rotund brethren as the most delicious and refreshing summertime treat. Make sure to check your local produce vendor, or visit this site to learn how to grow your own.

Second: square milk jugs. Though traditional one-gallon milk jugs were never as bad as oval watermelons in regards to refrigerator space, storing milk just became easier with Sam's Club's introduction of the square, case-less milk jug. So pay a visit to your local Sam's Club and pick up a couple jugs today.

Smaller is Smarter

Gas guzzling SUVs might finally be a thing of the past.

Most Americans desire more than they actually need, especially in regards to automobiles. But with the economy failing and gas prices fluctuating wildly, some are finally coming to their senses and fixing their eyes on smaller, more efficient modes of transport, like the smart fortwo (pictured above). Though decreasing our dependency on oil and cutting down on the toxic pollutants our cars emit remains one area to which we must direct more attention, smaller cars are an excellent start.

Additionally, smaller cars save precious garage and parking space. (Just steal a glance at the picture below.) And with a smaller car, you can forget about your friends asking you to help them move.

Full Article

Height and Social Influence: Not Mutually Exclusive

Anyone who doubts that small people can still wield great influence should look no further than the video of this little fellow eliciting shouts and cheers from a crowd of hundreds with the mere wave of his tiny hands.

Happy Turkey Game-Hen Day

This Thanksgiving, forget the twenty-pound bird and pick up an under-two-pounder: the Cornish Game Hen, which is small and energy efficient.

Despite its name, the Cornish Game Hen is not a game bird, but a chicken. More specifically, it is a cross of the Cornish and Plymouth Rock breeds, and the USDA requires that each Game Hen weigh no more than two pounds when ready to cook.

Furthermore, producing chicken meat is more efficient than producing any other meat. According to a 1997 Cornell University study, "chicken meat production consumes energy in a 4:1 ratio to protein output.... Other ratios range from 13:1 for turkey meat and 14:1 for milk protein to 17:1 for pork and 26:1 for eggs." While turkey meat is far more efficient than beef and lamb (54:1 and 50:1 respectively), chicken meat stands out as the most efficient by a landslide.

Here are two delicious Game-Hen recipes from Bon Appetit magazine, courtesy of Epicurious:

Cornbread-Stuffed Cornish Game Hens with Corn Maque Choux

Cornish Game Hen with Double-Cranberry and Thyme Sauce

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Sustainable Urban Agriculture

Two communal mini-gardens were completed earlier this month: one in Harlem and one in Queens. Anyone with a share in the garden can visit anytime and grow their own fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Sustainable living has become more of a hot topic recently. These gardens certainly "demonstrate how sustainable technologies like rainwater collection and solar and wind power can be incorporated into landscapes that are varied enough to fill many needs." Mini-gardens exert a positive impact on both the community and the environment. Even in cities not always so kind to Mother Nature, it's nice to know that some people are doing their own small part to reduce the negative eco-footprint.


Rainwater collectors at the mini-garden in Queens.


Full Article

Additional resources on sustainable living:

Earth Easy
EnviroLink
Sustainable Living Project
Urban Sustainable Living

Height Gene Identified

A British scientist has recently identified a gene that controls human height.

Timothy Frayling from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in Exeter, UK, has found a gene that causes 90% of height differences. The gene, called HMGA2, is found in greater quantities in taller people. In addition, Frayling says he "expects that between tens and hundreds of additional height genes with similar effects will be discovered within the next few years."

Genetic research is extremely important to CSL's cause. We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Timothy Frayling and others in his field, for their exemplary work.

Full Article

NBC's Brian Williams and Chris Jansen on Living Small

10 Ways the Japanese Live Small

The Japanese far surpass the rest of the world in the "smaller is better" movement. Here are the top 10 ways many Japanese are already living small.

10. Tiny houses. In Tokyo, houses like the one to the right are filled with high tech devices and are helping the overpopulation issues that are especially problematic in Japan.

9. The sink/toilet. The small, multifunctional sink-slash-toilet is a sink and toilet in one! This is an excellent space saver that will cut down on water usage and fit in even the tiniest of homes.

8. Smaller appliances. Small homes need small appliances, which also consume less electricity.

7. 1.5 inch LCD TVs. This tiny TV is made for dollhouses, but why should that stop people from enjoying them as well? The toy company that produces them certainly has the right idea.

6. Good things in small packages. Many products are now made in miniature to save space.

5. The comfort of home...in a capsule. Now you can rent out one of these cozy nooks to stay the night. An amazing space saver.

4. Sub-compact cars. A Suzuki is easy on the wallet and the environment.

3. The Antquarium. Move over mutts. This easy ant aquarium is low maintenance and would make a perfect stocking-stuffer for the live-small pet lovers on your list.

2. Smaller food portions. They'll help you save room in the cupboard and in the waist.

1. Big fears. Just as small is good, big is bad. Think Godzilla.

Now it's time for the rest of the world to follow the example of the Japanese.
Small steps can have big results.

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Downsizing: 154 Square Feet of Bliss

At last, the mentality of "bigger is better" is losing its momentum, especially in the struggling real estate market.

Bill and Sharon Kastrinos of Calistoga, California, have readjusted their lifestyle as the economy has headed downhill. After living in an 1,800-square-foot house, the Kastrinos spent $15,000 on a 154-sqaure-foot home. This new, very simple lifestyle has helped them cut living costs and minimize their living. These extreme actions might just be the solution we need during an economic recession. Smaller is indeed better.

The Kastrinos 154-square-foot home.

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Project Live Small's Mission

Most people today are not taking the steps necessary to preserve our world for future generations. By continuing on our current path we are creating a legacy of a declining economy and are carelessly wasting precious resources.

The Coalition for Selfless Living (CSL) envisions a world with abundant resources, a strong economy, and without overpopulation.

The mission of Live Small is to achieve CSL's goal of curtailing the imminent decline of our environment by genetically engineering the world's population to consist solely of little people. With smaller people we can have a smaller environmental impact and a positive influence on the global economy.

Live Small advocates research for isolating growth genes so that we can eventually engineer future generations to reach an average height of four feet.

A small difference can make a huge impact.