Our family looks forward to a busy holiday event attended by thousands in our town each year. We've given the oldest of our four kids more independence, even at this crowded event. We use technology and the trust we have in our community to keep our kids safe. Each year, on the first Saturday of December, our town hosts its annual holiday light-up night to kick off the festive season. Our quaint main street is packed with vendors, goodies, local musicians, and reindeer games. Local businesses sling seasonal cocktails for the grownups and set up craft stations for the kids. The town kicks off the evening by welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus to the town center where everybody cheers as the massive Christmas tree comes to life with thousands of twinkling lights. If I'm being honest, it's a scene straight out of a holiday movie. My husband and I have been attending this event for a decade, ever since we relocated to the tiny Pittsburgh borough of Bellevue with infant twins and a toddler in tow. Since our first light-up night, the event has grown substantially — and so has our family. I'll admit it hasn't always been easy helping four kids navigate a main drag packed with a couple of thousand neighbors, but we trudge the two blocks to the center of town religiously every year. It's a chance to hug neighbors, let the kids run free, and celebrate the loving community we are so thankful to be a part of. We created our village I often hear other moms bemoan the "loss of the village ," and the way modern motherhood can feel insular and lonely . This is true on many levels. Shifts in the fabric of American society have left today's mothers with less support than our moms had, and the 24-hour news cycle has left even more mothers fearful of leaning on their community. Thankfully, that has not been our experience. While I would like to say we magically found our "village," the truth is that sometimes we have to create one. Related stories It's not easy to lean on neighbors (or strangers), but I've learned over our decade in this little town that people are willing to look out for each other, if you open up your heart and let them. A few years ago, we briefly lost our youngest child at this very same holiday event. While those moments when she wasn't in our eyesight were terrifying, I knew in my gut during those frantic moments that the adults in our town were looking out for her. As a neighbor I barely knew hoisted my kiddo above the crowd so I could find her, I teared up. This community we are a part of looks out for one another. Giving our kids independence Our kids are older now; 13, 11 (twins), and 6. We've given our big three more independence in our walkable town throughout the year. With kid-safe cell phones in hand and kid-friendly debit cards at their fingertips, we trusted our village enough to set them loose on the main street once that giant evergreen was shining brightly at the center of town. While my 13-year-old and one of my 11-year-old twins spent some time with us throughout the evening, our son Ezra disappeared into the festive fray almost immediately. I wasn't surprised. He's extroverted and confident and has never met a festival he didn't love. For many parents, not seeing their fifth grader for two hours on a dark and chilly evening may induce panic, but this village we've built and come to rely on gave us the confidence to let him test his wings. The location dot on his cell phone let us know he was still at the event, and a few spending notifications told us he was well hydrated and warm, thanks to a pair of LED gloves he purchased from a street vendor. It seems like our son had a great night We heard snippets about Ezra's evening from others. Our town librarian heard the DJ say his name at one point, and another friend let us know he helped pass out raffle baskets to the winners at the end of the evening. A fellow parent let me know she told his friend group to move their horseplay away from some younger kids, and they readily complied. I thanked her for being willing to offer guidance when I didn't have eyes on him. "Sure," she said. "I would want you to do the same if you saw my kid being a knucklehead, too." We laughed, but I know she means it. Once the festivities had concluded, Ezra sent us a text asking if he could help the adults in charge clean up the event. We often say his big personality is paired with an even bigger heart. Of course we said yes. Once he finally burst through our front door at the end of the evening, brought home by a friend's older cousin, he was cold and exhausted. It was after 10 p.m. and he crashed quickly into bed. I asked him how his night went since we had not seen him for over two hours. "It was fun," he said. "I think I did everything they had to do." Within minutes, he was out cold. I'm glad we can trust our children — and our town — to do the right thing A few days later, a local photographer shared a photo album from the festivities. Within an hour I had a dozen text messages telling me to take a look. I opened the link and gasped. There was Ezra, on stage, holding a tambourine. The thousand-watt smile on his face says it all. He had the best night. I have never seen a photo that better encapsulates my son. Modern parenting is designed to provoke anxiety . From online urban legends and hysteria to a general lack of trust in our neighbors, it's easy to give into the temptation to clip our kids' wings and worry about how the world may harm them. I know the world is scary. I worry every day about my kids' safety. I worry about gun violence, online bullying, and the general divisiveness and hatred that seems to permeate today's culture. Rather than give into the temptation to shelter them at home, though, I've found strength in leaning on our community and working hard to foster independence in our kids. With a bit of help from modern technology and a whole lot of help from trusted adults, teaching our kids to navigate the world on their own feels like the best possible tool we can give them.Trump's picks for key positions in his second administration
The global demand and consumption of agricultural crops is increasing at a rapid pace. It is estimated that the global yield needs to increase at an average annual rate of 1.73 percent to sustainably produce food , feed, fibre and bioenergy for 10 billion people in 2050. Globally, agricultural productivity is struggling to keep pace with population growth , highlighting the importance of research into traditional practices as well as new ones. Such improvements require special scientific collaboration. Agronomy Crop Science (or ‘agronomy’) is a multi-disciplinary field which focuses on research and development of plant-based crops. The subject includes scientific knowledge and understanding of the cultivation, management, processing and production of crops. For low income countries especially, crop science enables a deep review of important agricultural issues and challenges to take place. Challenges include resource planning, including resource use that is consistent with sustainable production of food, feed, fibre and fuel. production, processing and marketing of food and non-food products. Henan Agricultural University The crop science discipline has prominent advantages and distinct features in the research about the theory and technology for the coordinated improvement of yields and efficiency of annual double-cropping crops. This approach is being pioneered at Henan Agricultural University . The crop science discipline was initially established in 1912. In 2007, crop science was recognized as a first-level national key discipline. Recent progress has focused on the scientific issues of the interaction between crop growth and development with the environment. For example, by dissecting the genomes of excellent varieties of annual double-cropping crops and innovating research methods in functional genomics, scientists have mined functional genes related to excellent traits such as crop growth and development. Hence, as a science there is considerable focus upon the chemical, physical, and biological relationships of crops and the soils nurturing them. Disease resistant crops Other areas of research include a better understanding of disease resistance and heat tolerance. Another important line of inquiry is nutrient efficiency. Some of these areas feed into environmental sustainability. Crop science can provide improved resource use efficiencies for water, fertilisers and labour, as key components of optimising environmental and economically sustainable food production. Such research provides theoretical guidance and genetic resources for the breeding of new crop varieties that are high-yielding, high-quality, disease-resistant, and stress-tolerant, and offers technical support for improving crop production efficiency. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Netherlands envoy to SI meets PM
Flag football uses talent camps to uncover new starsNone
Jahmyr Gibbs roasts himself for what he did to stay warm in Lions win vs. Bears | Sporting News
None
College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama outEvolution Auto, a pioneer in sustainable electric mobility, has officially opened its flagship showroom on Maradana Road, Colombo, showcasing its revolutionary RV400 and RV400 BRZ electric motorcycles. This launch marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s transition towards eco-friendly transportation. The event was graced by Rattan India Enterprises Ltd.Chairperson Anjali Rattan, Sino Lanka Ltd.Chairman Bob Kundanmal, Director Dhiren Kundanmal, and Atman Group Directors Nathan Sivagnanathan and Ranjith Leon. The RV400 and RV400 BRZ are designed to meet the needs of modern riders, combining performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. Powered by a 3 kW mid-drive motor, the motorcycles deliver a range of up to 150 km on a single charge, making them ideal for both urban commutes and longer journeys. Riders can choose from three distinct modes: Eco, City, and Sport, offering a customised riding experience that balances speed, efficiency, and battery life. The RV400 is well-suited to Sri Lanka’s roads. Its charging capabilities enable a full charge in 4.5 hours and a 75% charge in just three hours. Safety and comfort are prioritised with dual disc brakes, a combined braking system (CBS), and adjustable suspension, making it ideal for the country’s diverse terrain. Smart features such as geo-fencing, keyless ignition, mobile app integration, reverse mode, and real-time alerts enhance convenience and functionality. Additionally, the waterproof battery ensures reliable performance in all weather conditions, while the lightweight frame, LED lighting, and customisable exhaust sounds blend practicality with style. Evolution Auto Ltd. is also offering a limited-time warranty promotion for its valued customers: a 10-year warranty on the lithium-ion 72V 3.24 KWh battery. This special offer is valid from 25 November to 31 December, 2024. With operational costs up to 70% lower than traditional petrol-powered motorcycles, the RV400 BRZ is an affordable and sustainable choice, particularly for Sri Lankan youth. Beyond cost efficiency, both models contribute to global efforts to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The launch is spearheaded by Evolution Auto, a joint venture between Atman Group and Sino Lanka. The company’s stakeholders consist of international cricket legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena, who bring their leadership and strategic insights to power its commitment to transforming transportation in Sri Lanka with affordable and trusted electric vehicles.
Japan holds first memorial for 'all workers' at Sado gold mines but blurs WWII atrocity. Why?Vandals get bye in FCS playoffs, will play at home Dec. 7
The ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your bill By TOBY WALNE Updated: 22:47, 26 November 2024 e-mail View comments You may think that you’ve tried every trick in the book to keep your energy bills down and your home nice and warm as the temperature outside drops. But even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Money Mail talks to the hands-on experts, from gas engineers to builders, for their practical tips that you may not have considered. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge Dom Roque, managing director of Dom’s Heating and Plumbing, recommends a few basic checks that you can do on your heating system to make sure it is in good shape. And an annual service from a professional, typically costing around £100, will be money well spent. Winter chills: Even if you’ve already insulated the loft and stopped every draught, there are still things you can do to make your home more energy efficient ‘An annual check helps spot problems – such as leaks and parts wearing out – before the boiler breaks down on Christmas Eve and you need an emergency call-out costing hundreds of pounds,’ he says. If you want to carry out a few simple checks yourself, the first step is to look at the pressure gauge on your boiler, says Dom. A modern pressurised boiler heating system typically reads between one and two bars when the boiler is on. If it’s any lower there may be a leak. The gauge is normally fitted on the outside of the boiler on the front of the unit – a circular dial the size of a small stopwatch. Look at this gauge, and if it is between zero and one put your ear to the boiler without touching anything and see if you can hear a slight hissing sound – indicating steam or water escaping the system. If you can hear that, then there may be a fault with a relief valve on the unit that needs to be replaced by a gas engineer. Also listen for a hissing sound coming from your radiators to check whether water or steam is escaping from them. If there is, you may be able to fix this yourself. At the top of each radiator should be a small valve with a square-shaped tap that can be tightened or loosened with a radiator key. These can be bought for around £2 from a hardware store. If there is a hiss you might turn it clockwise until it stops – and is closed. HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to save money on energy: What you need to know and energy-saving tips that work Don’t forget the hot water tank If you have a separate hot water tank in the airing cupboard, check if there’s an expansion vessel connected to it that needs repressurising. This is a metal cylinder about the size of a balloon that usually sits above, or to the side of, the hot water tank. It also acts as a relief valve. Containing both air and water, it takes in extra water when the tank and central heating system heats up and water expands – and releases it back again when it cools down. If it is not working properly then it might be full of water, and the only way the excess can escape is through an overflow pipe linked from the boiler to the outside of the house. You can identify the pipe outside your home to see if it is dripping. Details of the pressure required for the expansion vessel should be clearly marked on the side of the unit. If you have a modern bicycle pump that includes a pressure measurement gauge you might be able to pump the vessel back up to the required pressure level – but in most cases it is best left to the professionals. Do the radiators have cold spots? If your radiators are not warming up as usual and perhaps have cold spots near the bottom of them, this indicates they may contain sludge. Once fixed, your heating bill could be halved. It can be a messy job if you try sorting it out yourself, so it is best left to a qualified boiler expert who should have the equipment needed to clean out the radiators with a power flush. The equipment can sit outside the house. Dom says: ‘If your radiators are full of sludge, it makes them half as efficient – like boiling a pan of fresh water compared to one of mud. The latter can double heating bills.’ An occasional ‘power flush’ to your radiator system by a plumber costs around £300 – but Dom says it should pay for itself in a year. He adds that air in radiators can cause rust, so bleed them every year. You may be able to do this yourself. If you are not confident you can find practical guidance on YouTube. Other ways to stop winter burning a hole in your budget Ask your supplier for a refund: If you pay gas or electricity by direct debit, payments are usually based on an estimate of how much energy you use and may be higher than your actual consumption. It’s good to have a small buffer heading into winter, when you’re likely to use more energy. But you can ask your provider for a refund of any surplus. Go paperless: Some suppliers charge you for paper bills so go paperless to save cash if you can. Ovo Energy, for example, charges £1.50 each month for paper bills. Keep showers to four minutes: This can save you around £70 a year. Draw the curtains: Stitch thermal lining on to curtains – £10 per metre – and draw before sunset to keep warmth in to save £150 a year. Curtain shops such as Dunelm (dunelm.com) can provide further details. Turn thermostat down: Every degree you turn the thermostat down will cut bills by up to 10 per cent, knocking £145 a year off home heating. Be wary of going below 18c (64f), as this risks getting too cold. Put foil behind the radiator: Foil reflects heat back into the room to cut £120 off energy bills a year. A five-metre strip for five radiators costs £12. Check out DIY shops such as Screwfix for available options. Draught-proof windows and doors: Buy 20 metres of a door and window sticky-backed rubber seal for £24 and fix it around gaps to save up to £90 a year. DIY stores such as B&Q sell draught-proofing. Is there too much loft insulation? Builder Mike Edwards, 68, who began as a bricklaying apprentice more than half a century ago, fears too many homes fill any gap in their loft with insulation – which is a costly mistake. The co-founder of the website DIY Doctor says: ‘There is a misguided conception that a loft packed with insulation keeps bills down, when the opposite could be true. The roof space should be cool and draughty. Otherwise, hot air hitting the cold roof creates condensation that rots wooden joists and insulation gets damp.’ Mike suggests insulation should be 270mm thick – but not tightly packed down. If it is placed under boards in the attic there should also be a 50mm air space between the insulation and boards. You should leave a gap of at least 25mm between the insulation and eaves – the part of the roof that overhangs the wall of a house. Around 25 per cent of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof, so if done properly, it will save you at least £300 a year. Keep the heat in: Proper insulation is essential in any home - but too much can create condensation that rots wooden joists Put a jacket on an immersion heater This cylinder in the airing cupboard is rarely understood or used efficiently to keep energy bills down, believes Dom. He says: ‘Look at it as a giant kettle – with an electric heating element inside.’ There is no need to leave the immersion heater on all the time if you do not need hot water all day – as this can cost more money. Putting it on for just an hour before you need the hot water is enough time to warm it up. Dom says the cylinder must be well insulated – wrap it in a £20 jacket and ensure all connected pipework is also covered. This costs from £1 per metre of insulation, and should knock at least £50 a year off your heating bill. Dig out the instruction manual and make sure that the settings are providing warmth for the times that you need it. There is no need to leave it on when you are away for the day – perhaps at work – or on holiday. toby.walne@dailymail.co.uk Can you save money on energy bills? Check the best fixed deals When energy prices spiked most households slipped energy price cap tariffs, but it is now possible again to switch to fixed rate energy deals that can save you money. This is Money's recommended partner uSwitch lets you compare the best energy deals for you, based on your home and gas and electricity costs. > Compare the best energy deals with uSwitch* By entering your address and energy usage, you can search for energy deals that can cut your costs and suit how you live. Switching energy provider can also help the planet, if you move to one of the a green deals offering electricity from renewable sources and more environmentally-friendly gas. > Check the best fixed rate energy deals with uSwitch and This is Money * *Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS Easy investing Stocks & shares Isa £1.50 fund dealing 0.25% fee on fund holdings Investment ideas Free fund dealing Free fund dealing 0.45% account fee capped for shares Flat-fee investing No fees From £4.99 a month Trade shares and funds for £3.99 Social investing Social investing Share investing 30+ million global community No account fee Investment account Free share dealing Free fractional share* Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. This does not affect our editorial independence. *T&Cs apply. > Compare the best investing platform for you Share or comment on this article: The ultimate five tricks energy experts use to keep heating costs down - including the way you can HALVE your bill e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.