Dead birds -- portent of doom or manna from heaven?

All this talk about the unexplained flocks of dead birds and fish occurring has got me thinking. People seem to be putting a decidedly negative spin on the unexplained event.

Some claim it's a sign of the coming apocalypse. Others theorize these creatures are the canaries in the coal mine and their death is a portent of what will happen to us if we don't take care of the environment. Others are sure it's due to the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and other sins like being a democrat. Some scientists speculate it's got to do with a magnetic shift in the poles. Yet another faction goes so far to speculate it has something to do with the BP oil spill! While all these theories are possible, they seem to imply that someone is being punished for something and we're all going to die.

My view is much more optimistic. My hypothesis is that like in the Exodus when Yaweh showered manna on Moses and his followers to help sustain them through the arduous trek through the desert, we are being showered with free food in these rough economic times.

Check out some of the links below to find recipes for anything that might fall from the sky or float ashore. You'll be shouting "hallelujah" in no time.

Wild bird and game recipes

More game recipes

Fish recipes

Blackbird pie recipe

The top five places to be broke in North America

Napa Valley, California—Lots of solvent people flock to the beautiful Napa Valley. But so far, it's a well kept secret among indigents in the know. The weather is temperate enough to sleep outdoors year round. The pace, leisurely. Hotsprings and fountains abound for bathing and laundry. Some of the country’s finest restaurants have dumpsters here, not to mention the culinary institute. And as long as you’re mildly presentable, the constant wine tastings ensure you’ll always be up to date on the latest crop of Merlots.

Wasilla, Alaska—Granted it’s cold up there, but if eating is important to you, it’s the easiest place in America to kill a cheap meal. One moose and you’re eating well for a year (click here for moose recipes). The frigid temperatures ensure you never have to worry about refrigeration. And rumor has it, anyone can move into the mayor’s mansion.

Beverly Hills, California—Great weather with the nation's highest quality garbage can content per capita. It’s also one of the few places in the world where no matter who you are, some reality show director could discover you and make you rich and famous beyond your wildest dreams. And you might even get a free facelift out of the deal.

Detroit, Michigan—If you can overlook the weather and would gladly give up any chance of employment in order to have a roof over your head, then Detroit just might be the place for you. Detroit has over 12,000 abandoned homes, and factories just waiting for someone with a loving touch to squat in them.

Anywhere in Mexico—It’s got great weather and a low cost of living. Almost any pharmaceutical drug you need is available cheap and without a prescription. You might even be able to pick up some work gardening and keeping house for your ex-cleaning lady, Carmen who moved back to Mexico and bought a house after she made a small fortune working for you in the 90’s.