The Importance of Teaching Children to Become Resilient

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by Joanna Miller

Have you ever considered the importance of teaching children to become resilient?

For us, as adults, it’s easy to get frustrated these days. Whether you are a big-picture person, looking at the trends in surveillance technology and “The Great Reset” hubris, or an ordinary person frustrated by spiking prices and constant supply headaches. Many of us have had to tap into our inner resources to stand resilient in the face of these challenges.

How can we teach kids to do the same? How do we teach our children the vital skill of resilience?

Helping your children find their tribe

Many of us found our friendships and family relationships changed over the past year. I know my children have dealt with the same thing. With remote schooling, they could not see friends in person anymore. My children found, after talking online, many of their friends held widely different views on what has been happening. For example, my children have had former friends tell them it’s the fault of “people like us” (the vaccine-hesitant) that old people are all dying.  

It’s worth the effort to help your kids find at least one or two kids with similar interests and values. My daughter has a Canadian pen pal who is very like-minded. They don’t correspond super regularly, but it’s enough for my daughter to know she’s not alone. My boys know to practice OPSEC in general, but we know a couple of families in town around whom we can speak freely.  

Taking care of your own mental health will help your children

If you don’t lose it every time the power goes out or the toilet clogs, they probably won’t either. We had so many plumbing problems when I first got on septic. I was constantly plunging. There were plenty of tears and frustration at first, but as I got better at managing clogs, it just became more of a regular chore. These days, the kids only tell me about a clog if it’s a spectacularly bad one. Most of the time, they get the plunger and deal with it themselves. No drama.

The same mentality applies in terms of eating habits. If all of your meals are made “just right” at very set times, your kids will see you being picky about food and will be less likely to roll with changes. I’ve written before about spiking commodity prices and how most of us will have to make adjustments in terms of grocery shopping. Again, if…

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EPIC Urges DHS to Slow Implementation of Mobile Driver’s License Systems, Prioritize Privacy Protections

EPIC Urges DHS to Slow Implementation of Mobile Driver’s License Systems, Prioritize Privacy Protections

In comments responding to a Homeland Security Department (DHS) Request for Information, EPIC urged the agency to slow its investigation into mobile driver’s license technology and implement only systems with the most rigorous cryptographic and privacy-preserving design standards. EPIC recently urged the National Institute of Standards and Technology to adopt anonymous credentialing for identity verification cards for federal employees.

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Rep. Castor Introduces KIDS PRIVCY Act to Protect Children, Teens

children COPPA policy

Rep. Castor Introduces KIDS PRIVCY Act to Protect Children, Teens

Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) introduced an updated “Protecting the Information of our Vulnerable Children and Youth Act” or the “Kids PRIVCY Act” to strengthen the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). “Representative Castor’s bill makes critical updates to our children’s privacy laws to address the dangers of today’s technologies,” said Caitriona Fitzgerald, Deputy Director, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC). “Everyone deserves strong privacy protections online, but children and teens especially need to be protected from corporate surveillance and manipulative targeted advertising. The Kids PRIVCY Act prohibits behavioral ad targeting to children and teens and includes strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure that companies comply with the law. EPIC is proud to support this bill and encourages Congress to move this legislation forward in order to protect children and teens online.”

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Bartering: Could You Live Without Money?

If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

(Psst: The FTC wants me to remind you that this website contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase from a link you click on, I might receive a small commission. This does not increase the price you’ll pay for that item nor does it decrease the awesomeness of the item. ~ Daisy)

by J.G. Martinez

Could you live without money? Imagine the struggles of living day to day with little to no money. One of my Patreon subscribers recently sent me a video link of one man who lives without money. Mr. Boyle, the man who started it as an experiment, has lived somewhat comfortably by bartering. 

Before watching the video, I thought to myself, “this guy is merely using excess resources tossed out by the wealthy to make a frugal living.” My reasoning for this is there is usually excess prosperity in wealthy societies in the developed parts of the world. Here in South America, it’s unlikely anyone will throw out a chair in perfect shape. Perhaps sell it, or gift it, but leaving it out for the garbage truck to haul away is rare.

Since the invention of money, people have looked for the means to attain it. Mr. Boyle has an interesting point of view, even philosophically speaking. He believes most people refuse to accept the necessary connection to nature for even the most basic yet vital needs, such as drinking water. Mr. Boyle feels the modern ways we get our staples, groceries, and whatever we need to live more or less decently have to change.

The resources are there, why not use them?

In the book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond, I read a substantial industrial-age egg producer in Australia sent production hundreds of km away so the product would pass through a quality control process and receive an ink mark. I can hardly find any justification for this and feel it is highly inefficient. And, the consumer pays the price for decisions made such as this, not the producers.

My point is, we have the resources necessary to put to good use empty inner-city buildings that currently waste space.

Next to our home, a large property has a few corn plants, but most of its 2500 square meters (over 16000 square feet) are empty. This property is in the center of the town. In the right hands, the property could be a production center with tilapia ponds, beans, greenies, rabbits, and poultry. Sadly, the property owners don’t have that intention. They bought the property to hold until it increases in value. They will sell it in the future for several times the original value. (Even though no one made the necessary service upgrades to the property.) Sure, this is a common practice for those with money in hand. However, doing so creates a shortage of living space, especially in…

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Poll: Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Support Creation of U.S. Data Protection Agency

Data Protection Agency consumer

Poll: Nearly 8 in 10 Americans Support Creation of U.S. Data Protection Agency

A new poll from Data for Progress found that 7 in 10 Americans think the government should be doing more to keep their personal data safe and nearly 8 in 10 Americans across the political spectrum support Senator Gillibrand’s Data Protection Act, which creates a U.S. Data Protection Agency. “Our government must continue to evolve alongside our society, and adapt to meet new challenges the American people face,” Senator Gillibrand said in a blog post. “I believe the best way to do that is by creating a new federal agency designed with your data privacy in mind: the Data Protection Agency.” EPIC has long advocated for the creation of a U.S. Data Protection Agency.

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New Experts Join the EPIC Advisory Board

Advisory Board

New Experts Join the EPIC Advisory Board

EPIC is pleased to announce the newest members of the EPIC Advisory Board. EPIC’s new members are leading experts in privacy, technology, and civil liberties law and policy. These experts will help inform EPIC’s important work on emerging privacy and human rights issues. Since its inception, the EPIC Advisory Board has been comprised of innovative and solution-oriented scholars, experts, and advocates. EPIC’s newest Members are: Colleen Brown, Simone Browne, Mishi Choudhary, Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Adrian Gropper, Marcia Hofmann, Jumana Musa, Scott Skinner-Thompson, Ashkan Soltani, Amie Stepanovich, and Katherine Strandburg.

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What Are the Most Common Air Conditioning Repair Issues?

If you live in the local Phoenix area, then you’ll understand just how hot it can get from time to time. Even though it is a relatively dry heat, you probably still run your air conditioner constantly. Therefore, you may be looking for a way to save money. One of the ways you can save money is to reduce the frequency with which you have to look for Phoenix A/C repair. If you get your air conditioner maintained on time every year, you should be able to save money. What are a few of the most common reasons why people need to call a repair person in Phoenix? Take a look at a few examples below.

There Is Something Wrong with the Thermostat

Undoubtedly, one of the most common reasons people have to call a professional for help with the HVAC unit has to do with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for telling the rest of the unit what temperature it is in the room. If the thermostat senses that it is too hot, the air conditioner turns on. If the thermostat is not reading a proper temperature, it will not turn on at the right time. This could be the reason why your air conditioner is not working properly. A professional maintenance specialist can take a look at the thermostat and let you know what is wrong. Then, he or she might be able to fix it for you.

There Is a Problem with the Filters in the Unit

There could also be a problem with the filters in the unit. If you noticed that your utility bills are going up, it could be a sign that your HVAC unit has to work harder to cool the room. This could be because the filters have got clogged. As a result, your HVAC unit must work much harder to pull the air through your filters. This is the reason why your utility bills are getting so expensive. A professional can take a look at your filters and replace them for you. That way, your HVAC unit no longer has to work as hard.

There Is a Leak Present Somewhere

Another reason why you might have to call an HVAC contractor is there is a leak somewhere in your air conditioner. If you notice puddles are forming beneath your air conditioner, this could be a sign that something is leaking, such as the Freon. If your air conditioner does not have enough Freon, it will not be able to cool the surrounding environment. A professional can look at your air conditioner and figure out where the leak is coming from. Then, he or she should be able to repair your HVAC unit, putting a stop to the leak.

There Is a Problem With the Capacitor

There could also be a situation where there is something wrong with the capacitor. If your capacitor is not working correctly, the motor that powers your fans and compressor will not work. As a result, your compressor…

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The Power of Aesthetics in Landscaping

Did chicken come first or the egg? This may seem absurd, but anyone can be astonished to know that this is a valid question in philosophy. It has given many sleepless nights to our philosophers getting entangled in the question of form and reason. 

Every discipline has an underlying ideology. They can, at large, be differentiated into altruistic and materialistic. Art is a conduit of expressing and enjoying ethereal emotions—the degree of the intensity of the subject matter being qualified by Aesthetics. 

Landscaping

To get an idea of what this is, one would have to go down the timeline. 

 

The Emergence of Aesthetics and Physical Beauty

Axiology is something that helps to estimate the value of the subject matter. Aesthetics is one of its branches, along with Religion and Ethics. Ideas in philosophy for assessment guide aestheticism. 

Etymological Reference

Etymologically speaking, the word traces its history to the Greek word ‘Aisthetikos’ or ‘αἰσθητικός’, which means sensitive and conscious. The term was derived from the verb ‘Aisthanomai’ or ‘αἰσθάνοµαι’, which means the act of feeling and sensing. 

This was later accommodated in German, and its modern form was taken from thee by Alexander Baumgarten in the latter half of the 1700s. 

Relevance of European Touch

Aesthetics, as we understand it today, has transcended to have a European touch. Socrates started it in 4 BCE as deviating from mythologies to explain nature. Plato and Aristotle introduced the abstract value of beauty, harmony, proportions, and nostalgia to it. 

Later, Alexander Gottlieb tried to explain it as perceiving good and bad in art through cognitive functions. In his Critique of Judgement, Immanuel Kant propounded that humans sense and judge things through their senses and mind. So, the aesthetic degree of an item can be different to different people. Some may find Landscaping stones and landscaping lights a sight to behold. For others, it may be a waste of money. 

Surfacing the Landscape

Today, the term can relate to art, paintings, geography, architecture and many similar disciplines. This piece would limit it with the natural or manmade scenic beauty of a piece of land. 

Etymological Reference

Similarly, if we follow the trail of the origin of the word Landscape, it will take us to the 1600s. Etymology suggests that it has come from the Dutch word, ‘Landscape, which means land with the surrounding region. The Landscape was used in Shakespearean times. Its old and new German variants were similar too, i.e. ‘Lantsacf’ and ‘Landschaft’. Old Nordic language had ‘Landscape, which denoted a land with distinct features. 

Landscaping is a verb making a piece of land to add value to its degree of aestheticism or beauty. In other words, it means making your backyard worthy of having moments of peace and apple for the eye. 

 

How Aesthetics Influences Landscaping

Theories of evolution can showcase that homo sapiens have been viewing Landscape as a place to dwell. What keeps them safe, gives food, where they thrive and grow in peace is beautiful for them. After fulfilling basic needs, altruistic needs come over, and a change in Landscape has…

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How Much Should You Spend on a Rifle Scope? A Question About Budget

Start asking that question around rifle shooters and you will get a variety of answers, suggestions, and advice. Most of them come in the form of a “Rule of Thumb” that someone has read or heard somewhere. In general, these “Rules of Thumb” fall into one of these categories.

  • Spend at least twice the cost of your rifle on the glass.
  • Never spend less than 1,000 dollars on a rifle scope.
  • Spend everything you have leftover in your budget for your rifle scope.
  • Price doesn’t matter if it is a (insert a brand name here) scope.

Everyone, it seems, has an opinion and advice to give. I rarely hear anyone talk about finding the scope that best fits your shooting needs and expectations. Very few people go to the store to buy anything with rules such as those listed above in mind. Buying a rifle scope should not be any different. Find the highest quality scope with the features you want at the price that fits your budget.

Shooting Styles and Features – The Two Are Entangled

Before you start shopping for a rifle scope, spend some time thinking about how you expect to use that scope. How you use the scope is a big part of deciding what features you need. There is no reason to spend extra money on features you may never use in the field. 

What Type of Shooter are You?

In general, shooters fall into three main categories. Each of these shooting categories demands different features in rifle scopes and should be the foundation of your rifle scope decisions. I tend to categorize shooting styles like this.

  • Casual shooters
  • Hunters
  • Competitive target shooters
  • Combat and tactical shooters

There may be some overlap in these categories. Casual shooters, plinkers, and range shooters may also occasionally hunt, as do some competitive shooters. I have found that it is rare among rifle owners to find someone who owns a rifle used only for one purpose.

Casual Shooters, Plinkers, and Range Shooters

This category is, far and away, the largest category of rifle owners I have found. This group of rifle owners represents the average gun owner in the US. I would also guess that the most common rifle in this group is the venerable .22 Long Rifle. I must admit that my Ruger 10/22 gets more use than any other rifle in my gun safe.

As I write this article, a new Ruger 10/22 costs about $300. The vast majority of these rifles become casual shooters used for target practice, plinking, training, and the occasional small game animal. Does it make sense to put a $600 scope on this rifle?  Not in my book.

I admit that my Ruger 10/22 is probably overglassed. My Ruger 10/22 sports a Vortex Optics rimfire scope that probably cost about what I paid for the rifle. However, my age and the state of my vision make the variable magnification worth the…

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3 Reasons Clean Gutters Are Essential on a Homestead

Guttering plays an important role in the function of any structure. As many homestead buildings are constructed from timber, however, it’s particularly important to ensure that water is managed appropriately inside and outside your property. After all, wood can have a significant impact on timber, which could affect the foundations or structural integrity of the property. 

Clean Gutters

To learn more, take a look at these three reasons why clean gutters are essential on a homestead:

1. Water Conservation

If you want to make the best use of the natural resources that are available to you, it’s vital to conserve water. Rainwater can serve many purposes, so many homesteaders choose to use water tanks to store rainwater or even filter it to increase its usage potential. 

However, if your gutters are clogged, this will limit the amount of rainwater that can be collected. Furthermore, the water that is collected is likely to be filled with debris, including leaves, twigs and moss. When gutters are cracked or broken, the water will simply flow down the side of the property, which means you’ll struggle to collect anything at all. As a result, the running of your homestead could be severely affected by clogged or broken guttering. 

2. Leaks and Flooding

When gutters are filled with leaves and other debris, they’re unable to collect or transport rainwater effectively. This means that water will overflow the gutters, rather than traveling down drainpipes. When this happens, it will soak into the exterior of the property and cause damage. If a timber building is exposed to an excessive amount of water, for example, the wood will expand and contract regularly and begin to warp. 

But the problems don’t stop there. Over time, this damp will penetrate to the interior of the building. This often results in mold growth within interior rooms, which could be a potential health hazard. While keeping your gutters clean may seem like a minor issue, it can have major ramifications for the safety of your property. 

3. Damage Prevention

If gutters aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, the amount of debris residing in them will continue to accumulate. As the weight increases, more pressure is placed on the guttering until it eventually cracks, breaks or becomes loose. When this happens, you’ll need to replace guttering, rather than simply cleaning it. With a regular maintenance schedule, however, you can avoid having to replace gutters and increase their longevity.

Make Gutter Maintenance a Top Priority

With professional gutter cleaning services available, you don’t have to worry about maintaining this area of your property alone. What’s more – gutter removal & replacement services from Principles Building and Remodeling can ensure that the gutters on your home are fit for purpose and in optimal condition. 

It’s easy to inadvertently cause damage to guttering if you attempt to maintain it yourself, which is why it’s advisable to call in the professionals. With the potential to avoid significant property damage, having your gutters repaired, replaced and maintained could be the best investment…

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