What’s It Really Like to Live at Sea?
Living at sea is a lifetime that calls for planning and preparation in order to do it right. If you want to know if you can manage to make the sea your new home, it’s a good idea to start by finding out what it’s really like. This will enable you to make an informed decision that you can be happy with and be prepared for. Keep reading to see what it’s really like to live at sea so that you can be assured of taking the plunge and making the move.
You’ll Need to Plan for Essentials
You need to start by thinking about your basic needs so that you can plan well for them. These include food, shelter, and clothing. While there are other things like health care and personal care as well as essential furnishings, the first are three the most important. On this note, you’re going to have to plan for proper storage of things like food and water, which shouldn’t be a surprise when you consider the fact that a mere 3% of the earth’s water is fresh water. As such, there should be a safe and reliable means for you to source and store these things with you so that your home at sea is comfortable for you.
There’s a Cost Associated With Living at Sea
You also need to know the cost associated with living at sea, and some of the expenses that you can expect to incur are paying for the boat, paying for its insurance, slip fees, gas, and waste management. It should go without saying that you’ll also need food and water as mentioned above, and these are all things that you can manage by setting a budget and sticking to it. That said, you could source your supplies from suppliers at sea who will typically move things by container. You should have an easy time doing this because 70% of the world’s goods are carried by sea, with 52% of the world’s sea trade transported in shipping containers, according to Discover Containers. Maintenance may cost a tidy sum since marine labor and parts tend to be on the higher side, which is no surprise since this is a specialization that not too many people have.
Safety and Security Should Be Thought Of
Don’t forget that you need to do your best to make sure that your home at sea is safe. The kind of safety that you’ll need to think about will be different from that of a home on dry land, so keep this in mind. In addition to special considerations, you’ll also need to work on basic safety measures such as installing fire alarms and carbon dioxide detectors. If you have children, remember to put in place safety measures for their sake so that they’re safe while on board.
In case you run into a legal issue, you should seek assistance from a legal professional. They can let you know things such as that civil infractions are minor violations of the law. These are typically punished by fines, and they can be categorized into nontraffic civil infractions and traffic civil infractions. Learn about the legal offices in your area so that you know where to go in case of an issue.
Connectivity and Socialization Shouldn’t Be Forgotten
Finally, you still need to connect with the people that you know and keep your social life alive even if you move out to live at sea. If you’re a social person, you shouldn’t have a hard time making friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood where you settle. As for connectivity, you’ll need to invest in a solution that will enable you to access high-speed internet or set up a dish for television. This will give you access to entertainment and the ability to communicate with your friends and family, as well as work.
These are some of the important details that anyone living at sea should think about. If you’re ready to make the move to a marina and enjoy waking up every day to the sounds of water lapping gently against your boat, now you have an idea of the preparations you may have to make. It will take some time to adjust, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it could be one of the best things.
5 Cozy Ways to Unwind On a Summer Night
Are you looking for simple ways to unwind on a summer evening? A challenge with most people is finding something fun to do. It’s hard because not everyone will like what you like. This is even more common if you plan to spend summer with a group of friends you don’t know well. According to a recent OnePoll survey, 67% of respondents feel they need a vacation once they feel burnt out from their daily lives. But don’t fret, we are about to share some cozy ways to unwind.
1. Play Games
When it’s blisteringly hot inside your home, what else could you do other than splashing yourself with water? That’s why the first coolest idea we think you should try out is hosting a pool party. We are not referring to a boisterous event that would have your neighbors calling the police on you. It could be something small.
A barbecue here, children plunging in the pool there. According to Pool Research, inground pools make up about 51% to 60% of all pools in the United States. You and your significant other can also have a cozy time next to the pool. You can enjoy each other’s company and sip on your red wine. Or you could just play some funny games in the pool.
2. Barbecue
Nothing releases your stress more than a barbecue. Scientists found that there is something magical about cooking. First off, it relieves your stress levels. How so? It’s plain and simple. When you cook or barbecue your meat; all your attention will be on the food you are busy preparing. If any negative things are happening around you, you won’t even notice them, because all you are thinking about is serving the best barbecued meat to your guests or family. And when you see people enjoying the food prepared by you, you will feel a lot happier.
3. Watch a Great Movie
Nothing beats watching a great movie at night. All you need is a bowl of popcorn, a cushion, and a pile of tissues to dab tears, then you are all set. Interestingly, there are plenty of streaming sites that have great movies, so you won’t struggle to pick a good movie.
If you are unsure which movie to watch, there are review sites such as Metacritic, Rottentomatoes, and Internet Movie Database. On one of those sites, you are likely to find one or two movies that pique your interest. And if you still haven’t found those movies, don’t fret. At least it helped you to unwind, which was the ultimate goal.
4. Read a Book
If you still can’t find a movie that you like, then pick up a book. There are great thrillers by novelists such as Stephen King. If you are into horror, we recommend anything by Peter Straub, he really knows how to spook you and entertain you at the same time. Check Amazon, pick one book that you think is worth reading, and make it your goal to read it every evening. According to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, electric space heaters add instant heat to a small space and are a go-to for heating 130-150 square-foot rooms like a bedroom or small living room. If you’re not in a warm climate, get cozy with your space heater!
5. Write
Writing a story can be one of the best ways to get your mind off things. As long as the subject matter is not too heavy, you are likely to enjoy your writing. You can decide to write a story of your childhood or fiction. You don’t have to publish what you write but write for the sake of writing.
Remember, if you don’t enjoy doing any of the above, that doesn’t mean you have to continue doing it. Sometimes the best way to unwind is by doing absolutely nothing. Just sit there without your phone, alone, and enjoy your own company. So people call it “me” moments, others call it self-love. It doesn’t matter what you call it. The goal is to do what you love to unwind.
How Can You Make a School Safer?
Education is an important part of a bright and happy future, so there’s no doubt about the fact that everyone needs it. That said, safety is an important consideration to make, and that’s why every school needs to make an effort to improve its safety. Here are some of the ways in which a school can be made safer so that whenever a student is away from home at school, there’s minimal concern about their safety.
Ensuring that the School Is Up to Code
To start with, the school building should be up to code in terms of building and general requirements. These legalities are put in place to make sure that the school can stay protected from issues that come from within, including failure of structures. To achieve this, the school must make sure to only ever work with experienced and licensed contractors for any repairs that become necessary.
The school should also carry out regular inspections and run maintenance on the various elements and structures. One of these is the electrical system, which should be in good shape to lower the likelihood of an electrical fire breaking out. As a result, the school can also be kept comfortable all through the year, staying cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s freezing. In this case, keep in mind that electric space heaters can be used. According to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, these add instant heat to a small space, and they’re a go-to for heating 130 to 150-square-foot rooms, like a small living room or a bedroom.
Installing Surveillance and Security Systems
Another important safety measure that schools ought to take is to install surveillance and security systems. These should help keep people who shouldn’t be in the school outside, assuring students and school staff of safety. In case of an issue, a robust surveillance system can make it easy to get to the bottom of the problem and find a solution. This may be easier to do for a small school or a private school, of which 25% of all schools in the United States are. That said, it’s possible to do with some planning and preparation so that every single school in the nation can enjoy the safety that results from professional surveillance and security systems.
Setting Procedures for Known Safety Issues
It’s also important to come up with procedures for known safety issues so that, in case something happens, everyone in the school knows what they need to do. In this case, there are bound to be procedures that apply to all schools, while some will be unique depending on the weather or even the topography of the school in question. For instance, a school located in an area where there tend to be landslides should have a procedure for landslides and also teach general information on the same. This will cover details such as that two factors affect how much soil erodes off a landscape, and these are the amount of bare soil that’s exposed as well as the length of time of this exposure.
Training Staff and Faculty
Last but not least, the staff and faculty of the school should receive training on how to handle a range of issues. This includes the right way to report concerning issues to the relevant parties and how to defuse violent situations. To make this training effective, it’s a good idea to also hold meetings to explain to parents what the right procedures to follow at all times are. As a result of doing this, the school may be easier to run successfully and safely.
These are some of the main measures that can be used to make a school safer. They can be achieved by making a point to work on them one at a time so that they’re manageable to put in place the right way. In the end, students, faculty, and parents will all benefit from them and get the best possible experience from the school.
11 Discontinued Technologies That Are Making a Surprising Comeback
In the fast-paced world of technology, what’s old can often become new again. As we surge forward, a wave of nostalgia and a reevaluation of past technologies’ value have led to the resurgence of devices and systems once deemed obsolete. Here’s a look at 11 discontinued technologies experiencing an unexpected revival, highlighting the interplay between innovation and nostalgia in shaping current trends.
1. Vinyl Records
Once pushed aside by CDs and digital downloads, vinyl records are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. Enthusiasts argue that vinyl offers a warmer, richer sound quality and a more tactile listening experience compared to digital formats. The resurgence is not just about sound quality; it’s also about the ritual of playing a record and the artistry of album covers. Vinyl sales have seen a steady increase, with special releases and collector editions becoming highly sought after.
2. Polaroid Cameras
In an age dominated by digital photography, the instant gratification of Polaroid cameras has made a surprising comeback. The appeal lies in the physicality of instant photos and the unique, unpredictable quality of each shot. New models blend classic features with modern technology, catering to both nostalgia buffs and a younger generation discovering the joys of analog photography.
3. Feature Phones
As smartphones dominate the market, there’s a growing trend towards simpler, feature phones. These devices appeal to those seeking a break from constant connectivity, offering basic functionalities like calling and texting without the distractions of apps and the internet. The return of iconic models, updated with modern internals, taps into nostalgia while addressing concerns about digital well-being.
4. Typewriters
The tactile experience and unmistakable sound of typewriters have led to their resurgence, especially among writers and artists seeking a distraction-free writing environment. The digital detox movement, along with the charm of mechanical typewriters, has sparked interest in both vintage models and new devices that mimic the old-school experience while integrating modern features like digital document storage.
5. Cassette Tapes
Cassette tapes are making a comeback, driven by a blend of nostalgia and the desire for a tangible music format. Independent musicians and small labels have embraced cassettes for their low production costs and the unique sound quality they offer. Limited releases and collector’s items on cassette have become coveted pieces in the music community.
6. Dot Matrix Printers
Once a staple of office environments, dot matrix printers are finding new life in niches where multi-part forms and carbon copies are required. Their durability and low cost per page make them appealing for specific industrial, retail, and banking applications. The distinctive sound and print style of dot matrix printers evoke a sense of nostalgia while serving practical purposes.
7. Film Cameras
Beyond the realm of instant photography, traditional film cameras are experiencing a revival among photographers valuing the deliberate, thoughtful process film photography demands. The anticipation of developing film and the unique qualities each type of film brings to photos have reignited interest in older camera models and encouraged the production of new film stocks.
8. Floppy Disks
Surprisingly, floppy disks haven’t completely faded into obscurity. They’re still used in some industrial and aviation contexts where legacy systems haven’t been updated. The recent interest in retro computing and vintage gaming has also led to a niche market for floppy disks, with enthusiasts seeking them out for authenticity in their setups.
9. CRT TVs and Monitors
The bulky CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) screens of the past are finding favor among retro gaming enthusiasts who argue that classic games look and play better on the original hardware. The unique visual qualities of CRTs, such as scan lines and color reproduction, offer an authentic experience that modern LCDs can’t replicate, leading to a niche resurgence.
10. Analog Synthesizers
Analog synthesizers, with their warm, rich sounds, are making a comeback in the music world. Musicians and producers are gravitating towards the hands-on experience and unique tonal qualities that analog synths provide. This revival has prompted manufacturers to reissue classic models and develop new instruments that pay homage to their analog predecessors.
11. Pagers
Once a symbol of on-the-go connectivity, pagers are seeing renewed interest in specific sectors like healthcare, where their simplicity and reliability for one-way communication are unmatched. In an environment where every second counts, the straightforward functionality of pagers can be a boon, leading some institutions to reintegrate them into their communication systems.
Appreciating Discontinued Technologies
The resurgence of these technologies underscores a fascinating intersection between nostalgia, functionality, and the human desire for tactile experiences in a digital world. While they may not reclaim their former glory in the mainstream, their comeback highlights the cyclical nature of tech trends and the enduring appeal of simplicity and authenticity in an increasingly complex technological landscape.