3 Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams

Locksmith scams are common all over the country. Thus, it is important to be aware of the potential locksmith scams around. Here are some tips that will help you avoid locksmith scams, such as: checking locksmith ID and licensure, asking question and watching out the fluctuation bids.

 

Below are 3 tips to avoid locksmith scams:

Check Locksmith ID and Licensure
Before even contacting them, check their ad and website for an address. Look for accreditation such as from ALOA (though a lot of genuine locksmiths are not members). Then check Google and directory listings for customer reviews.
When you phone them, ask where they or their technicians are based (again, checking the address), whether they are licensed and what the registered name of the business is. End it here if you’re not satisfied with the replies. Source: Scambusters.org

Ask Questions
Most consumer complaints concern fees that were not disclosed when they called the locksmith.  Ask about the cost of a service call, mileage and parts before you agree to have the work performed.  Get an estimate before any work begins, including emergency service.  If the on-site estimate doesn’t match the price quoted on the telephone, have the job done by someone else.Source: BBB.org

Watch Out for Fluctuating Bids
If the locksmith’s on-site price doesn’t match the phone estimate, don’t allow the work to be performed.
Some locksmiths may demand payment after doing shoddy work or inflating the bill, and threaten to call the police or file a lawsuit if you don’t comply.
If that happens, call their bluff. Let them call the police, or offer to call for them. A reputable company won’t drastically change a quoted price, Colorado Attorney General Cynthia H. Coffman says.
“The people who are making those threats generally have the most to lose, because they’re not operating within the law, and their actions are not ethical. They’re bullying,” Coffman says. Source:Angieslist.

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The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by William Anderson

It will come as no surprise to many people that I am a giant fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  I still have the copy of Little House in the Big Woods  that Santa brought me my first Christmas in Iowa.  The spine is broken, and it's in two pieces, but I won't let it go. 

I always hesitate to read anything about Laura now that I'm an adult; I guess I don't want my childhood warm memories of reading Laura's books to be diminished by adult thinking.  Reading her books are one of my most treasured memories and probably is a huge reason why I am a voracious reader today.  Laura had just enough sass and spitfire, yet was a good girl.  She reminded me of me, I guess; that it was alright to not always behave.  That didn't make either of us little brats, just little girls.  

I listened to this selection of letters written by and to Laura for two weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the adult Laura.  She really was quite talented, a lover of books and a generous spirit.  Her letters to children are so sweet, and she says just the right things.  There are glimpses of that spitfire every once in awhile; she was no pushover.  There are even a few letters from Almanzo to Rose and they are a stitch.  He was a man of the West through and through.  

The letters Laura wrote after Almanzo died at age 92 in 1949 were poignant and just broke my heart.  She talks about her loneliness and how empty the house feels without Almanzo, and how much she misses him.  Yet she stayed at Rocky Ridge, traveled to town once a month, visited the library, and connected with friends.  She was beloved in Mansfield, MO and really was quite famous the world over.  For many years she wrote a reply to every fan letter she received until she was 85 and just couldn't do it anymore.  She still read all of her fan mail--hundreds and hundreds of letters from children, teachers, librarians, and parents.  The art of letter writing is in full force with Laura; it is such a shame people don't write letters anymore.  They are wonderful and bring a voice to Laura that we haven't heard before.  The letters between Laura, Rose, her agent George Bly, and her editor Ursula Nordstrom reveal just how much work went into writing the Little House books.  It is a fascinating glimpse into the art of creating a novel.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book.  I will probably buy the book just to have it on my bookcase.  I know if I hadn't listened to the audio book I probably would have bought the book, but never read the letters.  I'm so glad I listened to them. Tish Hicks as Laura's voice is spot on. 

Rating:  8/10 for a wonderful peek into the real Laura Ingalls Wilder as an adult, an author, mother, farm wife, and citizen.  

Available in hardcover, e-book, and audio.






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Making the Courageous Choice

One day when I was a young teacher, I was shopping at a local grocery when I saw a very large man talking to a teenage girl down the aisle from where I was standing.

A story of courageous choice

I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he was moving his hands aggressively, and she was backed against the shelves behind her.

I did what I believe most teachers would do: I walked over and asked what was happening.

“Butt out,” the man told me. He was at least a foot taller than I and outweighed me by at least 50 pounds.

I turned my attention to the girl. She was wearing a worker’s uniform. “Are you frightened?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “He’s married to my mother, but he’s not supposed to have contact with me. I’m just trying to get to work.”

“This is none of your damn business,” the man said stepping between us.

I ignored him. “You go to work,” I told the girl looking around him. “And I’ll inform management of the situation.”

She turned and headed for the back of the store. Once she was a safe distance away, I turned and headed for the front of the store with man following on my heels. When I found the manager, I only had a few seconds to tell him what was happening when he saw the man approaching and said, “I’ll call the police. We’ve had conflicts with him before.”

After I had left the store, I thought about what could have gone wrong in the scenario. But I also knew that a girl’s safety was more important than the risks to my own.

What Would a Strong Leader Do?

As an educator and school leader, I’ve been faced with many other scenarios inside and outside the school setting that require taking some kind of risk. I once heard someone say that leaders can cultivate courage by asking, “What would a great leader do in this situation?” That question is good motivation to move beyond the convenient choice.

For instance, if someone needs accountability, it is easy to overlook poor choices because of how much time and energy it will take for correction. The courageous decision, however, is to address concerns rather than avoid them.

I was listening to an episode of a TED Radio Hour interview of Margaret Heffernon about her book, Willful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious at Our Peril, a story about Gayla Benefield.

Benefield lived in a small town in Libby, Montana, where she discovered that a disproportionate number of people in her community were dying of lung cancer. She began to investigate the commonalities among them and found that area mines were creating asbestos-filled dust that spread throughout the town.

Her attempts to bring this news into the light created a backlash. She was ridiculed as a troublemaker. The presence of asbestos in the mines threatened their existence and the jobs of many in the community. It eventually took a lawsuit for mining officials to be held accountable for the asbestos exposures. Years later, her courage has been vindicated by the number of lives now saved by the cleaner air in her town.

When asked about her courage, Benefield said, “It’s important to remember–if any of us find ourselves in these situations–is that both choices are dreadful. The choice to say something is risky. The choice of saying nothing is risky. So I think courage is having the clarity to see the two bad choices. There is no safe path. But what you do know is if you don’t speak up, everything will stay the same.”

Conclusion

I’m not sure what kind of choices you’re facing, but if you are an educator, it’s a safe bet that you will face some tough decisions today. The courageous decision isn’t always the easy one, and even the best of leaders sometimes choose poorly. But when you’re faced with tough decisions–even two bad choices–resist the urge to sidestep the courageous choice.

Now It’s Your Turn

What are some courageous steps you can take today to make situations better for someone else or your entire school team today?

Posted originally at WilliamDParker.com Copyright 2016 by William D. Parker, Connect through Twitter with handle @williamdp or at http://ift.tt/1j5BB4E Check out Will’s new PMPodcast!

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3 Types of Modern Doors and their Benefits

Are you planning to acquire modern doors? Below you will find information on types of modern doors and their benefits to help you choose the best modern door for your home or establishment.

Automatic Swing Doors – In case you have a shop which has a frequent coming and going of the people, then in that case using the automatic swinging doors is the best option as you will not have any kind of headache to open and close the door by yourself. These doors have safety sensors, wireless remote control, timers, controlled accessories, etc which ensures high level of safety and security. Apart from convenience and safety that these gate offer, there is one more thing that it offers and it is looks. Yes, read it correctly, these doors give an impressive look to the onlookers and passersby. This is one of the most important factors why these gates are used at airports, hotels, shopping center, big retail outlets and various other places. The Automatic doors are energy efficient. These doors consume very little energy to operate and also reduce wasted energy. Although, the doors require less maintenance, then also they can last for several years without the need to waste much time and money on repairing. Source: Automatic

Sliding Doors – Sliding doors can be efficient insulators, ensuring that your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Sliding doors that are fitted with composite gaskets offer optimal thermal insulation – effectively acting as a weather and sound barrier, and keep dust, drafts and rain out of the home. Source: Property24

Sliding doors can be installed in different areas in your home or office. You can also install them in the bathroom. Cabinets and cupboards too can have sliding doors. You can install them in areas where you need partitions for defined spaces. They are also used for windows, balconies and patio. You can also use glass sliding doors fittings in your garden for plants that need protection from excessive sun, wind or rain. They can also be used for display units in retail stores, libraries, laboratories in schools and hospitals, etc. There are many advantages of installing sliding doors in your homes and offices. One of the main advantages is; these products can save lot of space in your home. If you do not have enough space to fix a door, then sliding door furniture hardware is a good option. Glass sliding doors are perfect for bathrooms to separate wet area from the dry area. Source: Storify

Flush Doors – The newer wood flush doors are fashioned around a core that is 67-percent denser than older varieties, resulting in less sound transmission and improved overall mechanical and physical properties. Featuring recycled and recovered material, the core is environmentally friendly but adds no additional cost to door construction. Moreover, they never require priming, painting, or staining, further adding to the cost savings. They even come with pilot holes pre-drilled at the factory that accept hinge and lock screws. What makes the low-pressure flush doors so durable is that the face and finish are fused to the door at the factory under high heat and pressure, thereby ensuring that the face will never delaminate. During the fusion process, manufacturers add a resin that allows low-pressure flush doors to be 50-percent more scratch resistant than units with wood or high-pressure laminate finishes. Source: Buildings

In summary, choosing modern doors for residential buildings offers many advantages and benefits to the occupants and homeowners. If you want more information please contact us here.

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Which is better: Western Red Cedar or Yellow Cedar

If you are considering a custom home there are numerous decisions you have to make including what type of logs and timbers to build with? When building a custom home, it’s very important to select the best wood species for your project in order to maximize overall durability, while minimizing cost. Today we are going to look at two of the most popular types of cedar, Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Known for their rich aromatic and being highly decay resistant We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of building with each and the costs associated.

Western Red Cedar

A premium slow growth timber and the most abundant cedar tree available in Western Canada, Western Red Cedar primarily grows in British Columbia and is our preferred choice for many of the custom log home and timber frame structures. Although it is one of the lightest in weight of all commercially important softwood species, Western Red Cedar is very decay resistant and it can yield a larger variety of dimensional lumber. Its abundance and favorable properties make it the dominant choice for building and exports, especially in Europe since it does not have to be heat treated before exporting; and being twice as stable as other softwood species, Western Red Cedar is highly durable and weather resistant. Its natural oils are insect and decay resistant, and left in its natural state it remains beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Western Red Cedar dries readily with very little shrinkage and has excellent working qualities, machining to a smooth, satiny finish.

Rich in texture, with a unique tactile grain, Western Red Cedar combines visual harmony with stability and durability, making it the common choice for a number of projects such as: siding, decks, fences, planters, screens, and garden furniture. Given its ability to withstand the elements, if you are looking to build your log or timber frame home in an area where extreme weather dominates we would be most inclined to recommend Western Red Cedar.  

Western Red Cedar is also known for their flared butt ends that offers a unique character to many log homes both inside and outside. If you like this type of look and feel for your home western red cedar may be the best type of timber for your home. If you don’t particularly like this look you can still use red cedar without flared ends.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar (also known as Cypress)

The slow growing Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a tough, solid tree and the hardest known cedar in the world, while also boasting exceptional longevity. Due to its straight grain and yellow colour, Yellow Cedar wood is very valuable commercially. It is used extensively for paddles,  boat building, as well as other exterior projects such as bridges, decking, stairs and landscaping. Similar to the Red Cedar, it is highly decay resistant and strongly aromatic when freshly cut, due to its natural oils. However, it’s interesting to note that the Alaskan Yellow Cedar is not in fact a cedar tree, but a cypress tree.

Considerably harder when dry than most commercial softwoods, and therefore much stronger, AYC has excellent strength and wear properties as well as great impact resistance. It is suitable for all types of joinery and carpentry due to its appearance, durability and easy working characteristics. This wood is so easy to work that it has become prized for applications such as joinery and carpentry, decorative panelling, furniture, mouldings and cabinetwork. It also withstands constant wear and load impacts without forming ridges or splitting, and does not splinter.

One of the disadvantages of Alaskan Yellow Cedar is the ability to sourcing large diameter high quality wood. For this reason many builders choose red cedar over yellow cedar.

Cost Comparison: Western Red Cedar vs Alaskan Yellow Cedar 

This chart compares the average cost of Western Red Cedar vs. Alaskan Yellow Cedar depending on the style of timber home you choose:

	Western Red Cedar	Western Red Cedar w/Flared Ends	Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Full Scribe	$55-$75	$65-85	$50-$60
Post & Beam	$40-$65	$45-$70	$35-$55
Timber Frame	$55-$65	N/A	$40-$55

We hope this has given you a better understanding of the differences between the two cedar options available, and why we choose Western Red Cedar. If you have any specific questions we would be happy to discuss them. Please feel free to email us: info@artisanlog.com.

If you would like to know more about the cost associated with building your custom log home you may want to read these articles as well:

• What are the best logs for building my log home?
• How Much Do Log Homes Cost
• How Much Does It Cost To Transport and Export a Log Home
• The Difference Between Timber Frame, Post and Beam and Full Scribe Log Homes

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Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake combines some of your favorite spring flavors into an irresistible snack cake or a sweet dish for Mother’s Day brunch!

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Fleischmann’s® Yeast. The views and opinions expressed on My Baking Addiction are my own, and based upon my experiences with Fleischmann’s® Yeast products. Thank you for supporting the brands that continue to make My Baking Addiction possible.

Do you love strawberry and rhubarb together? I have to admit I never had this combo when I was growing up, but now, I go for it every time I find it on a menu, or in a recipe.

Anyone who knows me well knows that my favorite flavors in life come from sour things – especially sweet and sour things. Gummy candies, sweet tarts, and sour hard candies are my jam. Strawberry rhubarb – anything – is the real food version of my favorite flavor profile in the world.

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How To Start Blogging: 10 Ideas For The Stay-At-Home Mom

www.canva.com Every stay-at-home mom comes to a point where she just needs a break. Why not take that break in the form of a blog? Put down [...]

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The Versions of Us by Laura Barnett

The Versions of Us is a definite read for those who like romance, but romance that isn't an automatic happily ever after.  This romance is all about the journey; of what it means to love someone, and how that love can wither, grow, or become stagnant through life's many ups and downs.  It's about yearning, falling out of love, desperately trying to find love with someone who clearly isn't the right one. It is about the many facets of love and the complexity of it all. 

This novel is told in three parts:  Version One, Version Two, and Version Three.  Each version features Eva and Jim, two students at Cambridge in 1958.  A chance encounter on a path goes three ways:  Eva swerves to avoid a dog and gets a flat tire that Jim stops to repair--and the attraction is instant; Eva avoids the dog completely and doesn't get a flat tire--thereby not meeting Jim, who is just another person on the path; and the third version sees Eva and Jim meeting, but having a very short relationship that ends with Eva leaving Jim with just a letter goodbye.  

Each version carries on from this fateful moment on the path, through the sixties, seventies, eighties, and up to 2012.  In each version, Eva and Jim have many of the same people in their lives.  In each version  Eva either struggles to write, or is a successful writer, or comes into writing later in life. Jim is a lawyer, yearning to be an artist; in one version he's a well known painter; in another a man who never achieves much success; in another, a man who decides to follow his dream after struggling to do the right thing.  Through each version of their lives, Eva and Jim continue to connect.  Each is never far from the other's thoughts, even if they are geographically far apart, and with other partners.  

I struggled a bit with following the three versions; I found myself thumbing back to the beginning to keep the stories straight; but eventually it really didn't matter.  The powerful ending made it clear that no matter where life takes us, some people are meant to be in our lives.  Whether we spend our whole lives with them, or meet them later in life; if they are meant to be in our lives, they will somehow connect.  Love comes in many shades, and doesn't guarantee a happy ending.  Life is a struggle, even when we are with those we love the most.  I will admit I got a bit weepy at the end(s), but it was because I felt that I had been on such a journey with Eva and Jim.  I spent decades with them and their stories.  

This story reminded me of my relationship with my boyfriend.  We met in our late 30's on a blind date, and have been together for 14 years.  We talk sometimes about how we wish we'd met earlier in life--and how different our lives would be if we'd even met a few years earlier.  For sure we would have gotten married and had children.  By the time we'd met, he was past the stage of having kids, and life's challenges have kept us from taking the plunge and getting married.  I can't imagine my life without him, but I can easily imagine a different life with him, if only we'd met just a bit earlier.  We both can get a bit emotional thinking about it, and agree that we are lucky to have found each other when we did, and live the rest of our lives together, even if it is a bit unconventional.  If anything, this novel will make you think "what if?"

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a review copy.  This was a wonderful discovery and would make a good book club discussion.  I'm glad I didn't miss it.  

Rating:  8/10 for a romance that has three versions of happily ever after, and the journey to get to that place.  A novel that will make you contemplate life. 

Available in hardcover, e-book, and audio book.  Available May 3rd at your local library or bookstore. 

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The #1 MOST ASKED Real Estate Investing Question…

 

Should I buy and flip?

Should I buy for cash flow?

How about buy, fix and flip?

 

NO!  The #1 Most Asked Question is…  What Should I Invest In?

It’s like meeting a stockbroker and saying “what stock should I buy?”

There are a tonne of investment vehicles in the stock market, just like there are tonne of investment vehiAcles when it comes to real estate.  

You see, when I work with my clients, I keep it simple.  

 

Are you buying for cash flow OR capital appreciation?

 

There are a lot more factors that I consider.  What’s your risk tolerance?  Where do you like to invest?  Where would you like to specialize in?  Do you like short term or long term investments?  How hands on are you?  Do you like being a landlord?  Are you good with numbers?  What is your 2 year, 5 year and 10 year goal?  How many properties do you want to own at the end of 10 years?  And the list of questions go on and on…

You see, it’s my goal to help investors generate quick profits through a buy and flip strategy and accumulate long term wealth through a buy and hold and various cash flow strategies.  

The post The #1 MOST ASKED Real Estate Investing Question… appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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Cheesecake Brownies

Cheesecake Brownies have equal layers of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake. Add some fresh berries, and you’ve got one epic springtime dessert.

This post is sponsored by Challenge Dairy. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Baking Addiction possible.

It’s no secret I love cheesecake. It’s our family go-to dessert for just about every occasion, from birthdays to Tuesdays. We are 100% of the time a cheesecake-loving family.

I’ve combined it with cookie dough for these Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, and even pretzels for this Salted Caramel Cheesecake, and now brownies!

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Busy or annoyed?

I love reading leadership articles and books, and no matter how many times there is a “5 Qualities of  a Great Leader” type article, I tend to eat it up, even thought a lot of the information is similar.  In an article titled, “7 Habits That All Great Leaders Have“, this point really resonated:å

5. They’re not always busy.

Warren Buffett spends 80 percent of his time learning and thinking. Bill Gates goes off the grid for a week every year for deep reflection. LinkedIn CEO Jeffrey Weiner sets aside two hours every day just to think. Contrary to stereotypes, the best leaders aren’t always frantically busy. They know that having the maximum impact means leaving time for deep concentration and uninterrupted pondering (and yes, even adequate rest).

It really resonated with me as I always think of this George Costanza quote from one of my favourite Seinfeld episodes:

 

If you have never seen the episode, basically George gets out of work by looking annoyed, which in turn looks like he is always busy. The more you watch the episode, the more you realize how “busy people” really do look “annoyed” all of the time.

via GIPHY

One of the best leaders I have ever worked for, seemingly was never busy when her door was open. I would ask, “Do you have a moment?”, and she would always say, “Of course I do!”, and welcome me into her office.  Although I know she had a ton of work to do, she always made time for people and made them feel welcomed and that they weren’t “on the clock”,

I have seen the opposite as well though.  When you ask for time and you constantly hear, “I only have a few minutes”, you feel like an annoyance, and it is definitely not a good way to build relationships.  It also creates a certain dynamic, as how often do we treat those we respect that their time is limited.  I rarely see principals tell superintendents that they are busy, but I have seen the dynamic the other way around.

Can you imagine a student showing up at your office and then telling them how busy you are?  Should we do this to those in our organization as well? There are times when 10% of people take up 90% of your time and you have to be clear, but constantly telling everyone how busy you are isn’t laying the foundation for a good relationship.

One of the things that I always say to people is that the higher up you go in the traditional hierarchy of an organization, the more people you serve, not the other way around.  

If we aren’t able to make time for the people we serve, can we really be effective as leaders?

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Feature Project: The Blackberry Kitchen Cafe at Norma Kenny House

In 1979, Norma Kenney, locally known as “The Velvet Steamroller”, founded the Mission Heritage Association (MHA), with a mandate to preserve the area’s local heritage. Through this Association, Kenney became the driving force for preserving a particular piece of crown land that was slated for high-density development. Under the charming and persistent leadership of Norma Kenney, the MHA lobbied the government to conserve the site formerly used by the St. Mary’s Mission and Residential School; and in 1986, forty-four acres of the original land became what is now the Fraser River Heritage Park. The following year, Rob Littler, the founder of Artisan Log and Timber Homes, taught his very first log home building course. Eventually, Rob and a dozen of his eager students built The Norma Kenny House, named after Norma to honour her commitment to founding the MHA, and her perseverance in achieving the dream of having the St. Mary’s property designated as a park. This beautiful log home, located at Heritage Park in Mission BC, boasts stunning views of the Fraser Valley and surrounding mountains, most notably the majestic Mount Baker.

Now, nearly 30 years later, the we are excited that the next generation of Artisan builders is following
in our dad’s footsteps to restore the Norma Kenney House, using the same hard work ethic and high standards as Norma Kenney herself. Operating under the direction of Chef de Cuisine, Kerry D. Martin of Kela Cuisine Inc., The Blackberry Kitchen is undergoing a much needed facelift, as we re-purposes the 1200 square foot log building into a gourmet restaurant.  and provide a much needed facelift to the Blackberry Kitchen. Renovations include removing the existing log floor to re-use the logs as new structural posts, and opening up the entire space to make it much more inviting and open overall. With our commitment to quality workmanship and honouring the mission of Norma herself, we are excited to introduce the Mission community to the new Blackberry Kitchen, where both the food and views still delight the senses, as you surround yourself with the warmth and light of this beautiful building.

If you are ever traveling through the Mission B.C. area we highly recommend that you stop in for a meal at the Blackberry Kitchen to enjoy one of the best home cooked meals you have ever had and take in the beautiful Fraser Valley scenery.  

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Checklist or Art Form?

As I was watching a video on “professional learning” this morning, the speaker was discussing the importance of our time to increase results, and something kind of dawned upon me.  There seems to be two “camps” on education “reform” that I have noticed on somewhat polar opposite sides of the spectrum.

1. Group 1 that focuses on “improving test scores” (better equals improvement in traditional measures).
2. Group 2 that thinks we should totally start over again and school should look nothing like it does now.

If you asked me, which way I lean, I would go to “Group 2″, but I also know it is not a reality.  Schools that are publicly funded will always demand some type of accountability, and I can change what I do, but not necessarily what politicians or districts dictate.  I hate to say this, but I am somewhere in the middle, which is why I am always big on the idea of “innovating inside of the box“. In education, we work in a box and we can either do what we can within it, or ignore it and be in jeopardy of losing our livelihood.  This is a reality.

Sometimes I think what is being taught in the curriculum is not going to be relevant to our students by the time they leave school (example…students are still tested on writing a “newspaper” article while the industry is dying in many areas of the world), but I can’t tell a group of teachers “ignore the curriculum” and teach what you think is best.  First of all, they could lose their jobs for not meeting the requirements of the job, but I also think, not all teachers think the same. What they believe kids will need in the future, can greatly depend on so many factors and biases.  I am not saying it is wrong, but I am saying it is more complicated than what we first perceive.

In a workshop recently in Manitoba, I asked educators what their “big question” was, and one question that came up several times in their results was the idea of being “innovative” and how it would be hard to do within the curriculum. So as the group was out for lunch, I googled the Manitoba curriculum standards, and the first link I saw was “Social Studies”. I clicked on it, and just randomly chose the Grade 5 standards.  After looking at it, I found a section based on the “Fur Trade”, which is something that I learned about when I was in school in the 80’s, but honestly, couldn’t tell you much about now.

One of the suggested activities to learn about the fur trade (for grade 5 students) was to, “listen to songs about the fur trade”.  I thought to myself, that listening to songs about the fur trade might not be the most “engaging” activity for grade 5 students, and when I shared this with the group, they agreed.  After this, I shared some ideas on ways to empower students through this process, and asking them ways that they could create and research this topic, and share music they created, a website, oral presentation, etc., or they could come up with ideas on how they share their own learning, that would be much more powerful and develop a deeper understanding of the “fur trade” while building on other skills such as communication, literacy (not just reading and writing, but how we communicate in today’s world), or even digital citizenship, if students were to think about posting their work online. Questions such as why did you share what you chose to share, and how could an audience interpret your work?

Why did I pick this topic and curriculum objective? Because it was the first one that I saw and I wanted to prove a point that teaching goes way beyond curriculum objectives.  What we teach is not really as important as how we teach. In my first years of education, those suggested activities were my lifeline. I needed them because I thought of teaching as more of a checklist, than an art form.  “If I do this, then I will be able to say that I taught this objective.”  But the other element of this is that here is where I see this middle ground.  The art form should still help kids do better on any “test” because if they feel engaged AND empowered in their learning, they will know the subject as well as develop skills that will last them long past my time with them as their teacher.

If we only try to “engage” students, will they become dependent upon us for their learning?  When we focus on empowering their learning, they will thrive after us as learners.  That’s what the best teachers do.  You will eventually not need them because you have learned to learn, not just what to learn.

Is my suggestion the best way to teach the fur trade?  Probably not.  But I know that I think of teaching more of an art form in how to really get students learning more than how I teach. I am not sure you can do this with every curriculum objective, but I do know that it is easy to say “we can’t” because of the system we are a part of, and in reality, is not changing any time soon. Instead, I want to figure out how to make something so much better out of our realities than simply treating education as a checklist on how to get better test scores.

We often wish change for others, but do not think of what we can change ourselves.  Just a reminder, how we teach is so much more important than what we teach.  That will make the impact that lasts much longer than any one curriculum objective.

How you teach is an art, not a checklist.

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Be The Blogger

If you’ve followed My Baking Addiction for a while, you know that I create content for other companies on the internet – like eBay. Yep, I’m talking about the eBay. The same place you go to browse online auctions, or search for hard to find items, also works with bloggers to create content guides on just about any topic you can think of.

I’m bringing all this up because I’m really excited that they’re putting guide-making into the hands of folks who may not have another outlet, like a blog, to write for. The Be the Blogger Contest gives any reader the opportunity to create an eBay guide of things you love and share it with the world.

(more…)

The post Be The Blogger appeared first on My Baking Addiction.

        

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Difference Between Hardwired and Wireless Home Alarm Systems

The key to getting the best of any alarm system will depend on your needs and usage. This article will help you to determine which alarm system will fit you best.

Wireless Home Alarm Systems:

Wireless alarm systems take less time to install and require no drilling or wiring
Wireless alarm systems make it easy to upgrade features and equipment later
Less frequent maintenance and typically lower install costs for wireless alarm systems
Wireless alarm systems have distance limitations. Not ideal for extremely large homes or properties with multiple buildings. Most wireless alarm systems have a 500ft open air range.
Some wireless alarm systems have sensor limitations. Large homes with the need for 40-50+ sensors may need a hybrid system or strictly hard wired alarm

Hard Wired Home Alarm Systems:

Hard wired alarm systems can incorporate a lot more sensors than a wireless alarm system. Although most home don’t need any more than 15-20 sensors.
Hard wired alarm systems have been around forever, they are tried and true.
A hard wired alarm system is always installed by a technician. Depending on your view, this could be a pro or a con.
Hard Wired alarm systems have a much more intensive installation. Requires drilling.
Many hard wired alarms are obsolete and outdated. Source: Quora

Hardwired Systems:

Hardwired systems are considered the traditional type of home security systems. Sensors are placed on doors and windows and are wired to a main control panel. Advantages to hardwired systems are their reliability, backup batteries in case of a power outage, and they are less susceptible to electrical interference from other devices. However, they are typically more expensive and are not as easy to install.

Wireless systems:

Wireless systems are newer to the market. They are incredibly easy and quick to install, and can be done so by placing sensors throughout your house that transmit signals to a control panel. Conveniences to wireless systems is the ability to control the system through multiple devices (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), and with upgraded packages you can integrate your thermostat, lights, and door locks into your wireless system. This allows people to turn off lights and turn down the thermostat when no one is home, ultimately helping conserve energy and save money. However, because wireless systems sensors are battery operated, homeowners and renters need to be diligent to make sure batteries are charged. Additionally, wireless systems can have sensory issues in larger homes due to the distance between sensors and the control panel. Source: Porch

Wired Systems:

A wired system generally involves the use of sensors that can be installed on your windows and doors. These sensors are the wired to the main panel for your security system. The wiring is not actually seen. In fact, it is typically placed under the baseboards or carpeting which hides it from view. You can also add security cameras and motion sensors that will be linked to the main panel and these types of systems typically come with a keypad installed. There are a variety of accessories that can be chosen to go along with a wired system and each offers its own unique benefit.

Wireless Systems:

Wireless systems work in much the same way. There are sensors placed on windows and doors but instead of linking these sensors via wiring that is hidden away, the sensors transmit information to the main panel using a wireless technology that is not completely unlike wireless internet routers. The main benefit of a wireless system is that it does not require drilling into the walls or flooring so they are a bit easier to install and a bit less messy than a wired system. They also have keypads and cameras and motion detectors can be integrated into a wireless system just like they can with a wired system. Source: BeforeItsNews

 

We hope this article helped you learn more about the differences between hardwird and wireless home alarm and security systems. If you would like more information please contact us.

The post Difference Between Hardwired and Wireless Home Alarm Systems appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.

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True Colours

        So just over a week ago Ecuador was hit by a massive earthquake that completely devastated many communities on the coast. Thousands and thousands of families have been deeply and tremendously impacted by this event, including members of our own school community here at Academia Cotopaxi, and it’s been a trying and emotional week for our country to say the least. All of Ecuador has spent the past week doing everything in their collective power to find ways to support the families in need, and international relief efforts have been in full swing…but there is still so much left to do before we can even think about rebuilding what has been lost.

        Despite the obvious sadness and strong feelings of helplessness that many of us are experiencing, I have found myself being incredibly inspired by the outpouring of support, and the coordinated relief efforts that have been happening all around me. It’s been amazing to see the country, as well as our school community rally around each other, and spring into action in every possible way. It got me thinking about how often times in the face of tragedy a community’s true colours are revealed, and how the best of who we are as a group bubbles up for all to see.

        Yesterday, Academia Cotopaxi held a “We Are Ecuador” Solidarity event at our school and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my international school life. Parents, teachers, students, community organizations, the military, and other dedicated groups of people all working together to give back and to help support our country. It was a huge event and all proceeds and donations were either loaded onto trucks headed for the coast, or sent directly to relief funds which will go to support all those in need. I spent the day watching the performances, listening to the speeches, and watching our community come together like I’ve never seen before…and it was so beautiful. Adversity often brings out the best in people, and it can help bring people together in powerful ways…I’ve been watching this unfold throughout the week and like I said before, I’ve been inspired and incredibly proud to be a member of this community.

        I’d like to share one little story that truly touched my heart, and shows the level of support that has trickled down to the most beautiful of places. Last Tuesday, just three days after the earthquake struck, I was welcoming the students off of the buses like usual when a second grade girl came walking over to me. She tapped me on the arm and as I turned she reached into her pocket and pulled out a one dollar bill. She said, “Mr. Kerr, I want to give my special allowance money to help the victims on the coast. Maybe it will help buy some water for a little girl like me who has lost her Mommy and Daddy…please make sure that this money gets to her”. Well, you can imagine what I was feeling as the little girl walked away, and it snapped me back to what education is all about…empathy, compassion, kindness and teaching our students to think beyond themselves, and about creating a better word for us all…out of the mouths of babes.

        Anyway, below is a link to our solidarity relief site, which is a place for you to not only help if you feel so inspired, but to see how our community has come together in a very special way. I’m proud of our school…I’m proud of our country…and I’m proud of the international community who has offered their much needed support. In a world full of bad news and bad press, and seemingly unending tragedy and disaster (both natural and man made), it is beautiful to see the gratitude that can come out of the face of adversity. Have a wonderful week everyone and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.

Quote of the Week….

Gratitude in adversity is the most beautiful and precious crown of the soul 

-LUDOVICUS BLOSIUS

We Are Ecuador Relief Page – 

http://ift.tt/24drrGM

Articles on Overcoming Adversity –

http://ift.tt/1WPuG54

http://ift.tt/1M3tDeV

http://ift.tt/1WLxOic

http://ift.tt/1VEtulU

http://ift.tt/16sDstp

TED Talks – 

http://ift.tt/1qJuTe0

http://ift.tt/1cIgmXM  (An Oldie but a Goodie)

http://ift.tt/1m56fNA

Earthquake Relief Videos –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yERgOdSdk8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_A1BW0zSYI

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The Connection Between Leadership and Learning

I read this very short post yesterday, yet it resonated with me all day.

“Developing leaders is our #1 priority.”
“Leader Development is in everything we do.” 
“The heart of this unit is its leaders.”
“Good leadership is our most important asset.”

Sound about right?

But when was the last time you participated in a unit leader development event that was focused on the practice of leadership? Not doctrine, not staff processes, not command supply discipline…leadership! It’s probably been a while…

This is a very crucial point.  When I look at a lack of growth or resistance to change in schools, the more I realize this is more of a leadership problem than anything.  Yet, as the post states, how often do we focus on leadership development, rather than initiatives, new learning, or whatever is thrown on the plate in front of us?

When I prepare for working with leadership teams, there are always two areas on my mind.  Learning what I share, and how to help others move forward in this same area.  Too often, it is one without the other.  Administrators often learn about new initiatives and what they look like, or else they hear about how to help others, without understanding what they are “pushing”. The most important aspect for any new initiative to move forward, is to be able to lead by example.  It is easy to say “go do this’, but much more powerful when we are able to say, “Let’s do this together.”  Both elements are necessary if schools are to move forward.

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10 Unique Tips To Wake Up Early

wake up early Photo by Mircea Ploscar Getting yourself to wake up early can be challenging, however, the benefits of waking up early can also be quite [...]

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Learning Before You Innovate

The emphasis on “creation” in schools is crucial, yet it does not mean that consumption is not crucial in the process.  Several years ago, I saw John Medina speak (the author of “Brain Rules“), and he said something that resonated with me (paraphrased):

Creation without consumption is similar to playing the air guitar.  You might be able to go through the motions, but you do not really know what you are doing.

That is why the ability to learn is so crucial to innovation.  It is not about just learning information, but what you do with it that is mattering more in our world today, but if we are not willing to learn in the first place, the innovation will not happen.

A beautiful song that you compose on the piano, could not be composed if you don’t learn to play the piano first.

This thinking is beautifully illustrated in an older visual from Alberta Education, called the “Alberta Competency Wheel”.

In the middle is the learner, but without the crucial foundation of literacy and numeracy, we lose a lot moving outward from the centre.

That being said, we still need to move from the centre. Of course we want every student to be able to read and write, but it is essential they go further.  Yong Zhao sums this up nicely.

The “basics” and “innovation” are connected; it is not one or the other.

“He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.” Friedrich Nietzsche

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First Street West Lower Lonsdale

 

Welcome to First Street West in the fantastic Lower Lonsdale. Surrounded by a community of local shops, restaurants, cafes and only a 12 min sea bus commute to DT Vancouver. First Street West features 60 premium, spacious 1 & 2 Bedroom suites up to 1200 sq ft,.

First Street West is developed by Fairborne, who has been quite active in the Lower Lonsdale area, specifically 100 block of West 1st, with a string of developments starting its redevelopmen with the building of Q, followed by Time, Sky, Capstone and now First Street West.

VIP previews starting soon, Contact us today to get priority registration

 

The post First Street West – Lower Lonsdale appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Oil Tank Due Diligence When Buying An Older House

 

I’ve Heard of Oil Tanks, What’s The Deal With Them?

How Do I Know If The Home Has An Underground Oil Tank?

What Are The Dangers If I Don’t Check?

 

You’ve all heard of home inspections, but have you ever heard of oil tank inspections?

Many buyers these days are just not educated when it comes to watching out for this potential risk.

For those who are not aware, many single family houses prior to 1975 were heated by oil.  This was before houses were connected to gas.  The oil would come from an underground oil tank buried beneath the property.  

When the availability of gas came into the picture and homes connected to gas, many underground oil tanks were decommissioned, as in the oil was pumped out of the tank and the oil tank removed.  Unfortunately, many oil tanks had their tubes “tied” but were never removed from the property and to this day, there are still some houses that are still powered  by the oil.

The danger is for those houses that still have an underground oil tank.  

Why, you say?  Well, because the lifespan of the oil tank is supposed to be about 25 years and so after that time, the tank will begin to corrode and pose a contamination hazard as oil can leak into the soil of the property.  

The post Oil Tank Due Diligence When Buying An Older House appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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Dear Educators We Still Need You!

The other day I was presenting to a small group of teachers and assistant principals on the many hats school leaders wear.

As I was closing, I asked them to look at me. Everyone fixed his or her eyes on my own, and suddenly I was overwhelmed.

I wanted to tell them how much our schools need their leadership…how much our students need men and women who are passionate, caring, determined, courageous, and committed…how we can’t do this without them.

But all I could get out was, “We need you.” And then I was too choked up to continue.

Thankfully, I was in a room with my friends Dr. Vickie Williams, the Executive Director of our state principal association and Rob Miller, an assistant superintendent and author of the blog, A View from the Edge.

They spoke up while I was regaining my composure. Vickie explained how these difficult times for public education in our state remind us how desperately we need to stay committed to the mission of helping students. Rob explained that leadership requires not only wisdom but also compassion and heart.

Finally, I was able to follow-up with some comments about the power each of us possesses to make a difference in students’ lives. Afterwards, I thought about that moment, and how surprised I was by my own emotional response. Why was I so overwhelmed?

I talk about school leadership everyday. I live it, breathe it, and know its ups and downs. But when I was staring into the faces of men and women who serve on the front-lines of schools everyday, I couldn’t help but think about the impact they have on students and the influence we’re losing if they don’t serve.

Yesterday I had lunch with some administrator friends from a neighboring district. At their schools, every first and second year teacher has been told their contracts won’t be renewed for next school year.

In Oklahoma City this week, 29 assistant principals have been told their positions are being eliminated. Schools across the state have been reducing their school calendars to 4-day weeks or closing schools early to cut costs.

The past few months have reminded me that when states struggle to adequately fund public education, we lose great educators, and students are the ones who ultimately suffer most.

But even as teachers, administrators, and school staff are scrambling to reconfigure schools and manage budget shortfalls, our students are still showing up everyday. And they’ll be back when school opens again after summer break.

And as tough as the road may be ahead, they still need us.

This week, Rob Miller, made a fantastic post that beautifully captures the essence of why students need us. While walking through one of the schools in his district, Rob saw a boy who had “that look”, the expression so many have when they feel dejected or hopeless. Rob stopped to inquire and encourage. And it made a difference.

He then reflected about the challenges young people face with with depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts, and he concluded:

“So, when people say our primary job in schools is to increase student achievement, I respectfully disagree. The act of creating learners only occurs in an atmosphere of respect, trust, compassion, and love. Thus, our biggest job is to keep kids safe, while instilling in them a profound belief that we genuinely care about who they are and what they dream to be.”

Educators, we still need you.

If you’re one who chose this profession and now you’re facing cuts, please don’t give up hope. You will land on your feet again. And remember the need for good educators will never go away.

If you’re a school leader facing your own dilemmas or managing worst case scenarios, hold onto courage and know better seasons will come again.

Today in every one of our schools, students still need to see smiling faces greeting them. They still need to know that we believe in them. They still need the instruction, encouragement, and engagement that make for great schools.

They still need you.

There’s a beautiful scene in a philosophical read by C.S. Lewis called The Great Divorce, where the narrator is taken into the afterlife. While there, he encounters singing and dancing spirits, young men and women, who are celebrating in honor of one lady.

The narrator is mesmerized by her presence and clothing and by the radiance of her face. He turns to his guide, and they have the following conversation:

“Is it?…is it?” I whispered to my guide.
“Not at all,” said he. “It’s someone ye’ll never have heard of. Her name on earth was Sarah Smith and she lived at Golders Green.”
“She seems to be…well, a person of particular importance?”
“Aye. She is one of the great ones. Ye have heard that fame in this country and fame on Earth are two quite different things.”…

“And who are all these young men and women on each side?”
“They are her sons and daughters.”
“She must have had a very large family, Sir.”
“Every young man or boy that met her became her son – even if it was only the boy that brought the meat to her back door. Every girl that met her was her daughter.”
“Isn’t that a bit hard on their own parents?”
“No. There are those that steal other people’s children. But her motherhood was of a different kind. Those on whom it fell went back to their natural parents loving them more.”

Who was Sarah Smith? People like Sarah Smith from Golders Green are those who transform others by their selfless and generous giving to others. They may be relatively unnoticed in this life, but they deserve so much more recognition.

Conclusion

For those who face the stark realities of feeling overlooked, unnoticed, or unseen by the world-at-large, remember to the young people you love and care for, you are angelic.

Don’t give up faith. You’re still needed!

Now It’s Your Turn

Maybe you know someone who needs a good reminder that their work matters. Give them some kudos today!

Posted originally at WilliamDParker.com Copyright 2016 by William D. Parker, Connect through Twitter with handle @williamdp or at http://ift.tt/1j5BB4E Check out Will’s new PMPodcast!

from Connected Principals http://ift.tt/1MJuPF1