Beyond the Grave, Someone Spoke to Me! No Lie!

Things have not been going great for me. I had a descent job. I worked in regards to the Oil & Gas industry. What it regards is that we built a product that extends Gas. Especially, natural gas. We built vapor recovery systems. A machine that captures vapors/fumes and allows them to be recycled into reusable fuel. Great, huh? Yes, it was.

Well, like others. Along came a pandemic. With that; came a massive decrease in gas prices. With that; came layoffs. You guessed it. One of those layoffs was me.

I found another job. That job was a work at home job. I was receiving unemployment, but because I had gotten a new job, and was about to be paid. I cut the unemployment off. Low and behold payday came around. I had been working at this job for 1 month.

Guess then what happened. The job cut me off, and without my 1 month pay! I was instantly destitute. I haven’t had any success finding a job since. Now, I sit without unemployment. I sit without an income. My rent is able me to pay this month. The month of September, 2020. My car payment, however, that’s a different story. Next month’s rent is another.

I have put in to be reinstated my unemployment, but I am still waiting for the investigator to contact me. Which means you are probably wondering, “Isn’t blogging earning you any money?” No, not yet. I don’t know when it will.

That leaves me with being on the very brink of loosing everything. Right now. I am on the brink of loosing the only place I have to go, and all of the possessions inside of it. I am on the brink of loosing my car, too. That is everything! I have nothing else.

Right now. I feel powerless. I can’t make money talk. I don’t have any. I can’t make money appear. Not even unemployment or a stimulus check. I can’t make people want to hire me. I can’t make my tears valuable.

At this moment, I feel worthless. I feel like the fact that I am merely a human being is merely. A piece of trash to be swept under a rug.

Being as powerless as I am. I decided to watch YouTube. I was hoping for some good news about a stimulus check. While skimming through, I caught a glimpse of Cadwick Boseman. I had been sad about that, too. I was hating when good things have to be taken away.

It was a speech he had mad in front of a graduating class of Howard University students. It was as eloquent as a speech would be, if it were Martin Luther King Jr. or Nelson Mandela. It rolled off his tongue without a script. Without notes. Without Que cards. It taught me a thing or two. It got rid of my feelings of despair.

No. The speech did not get rid of my need for money or to maintain transportation, and a roof over my head. It did get rid of my belief that God never helps me.

I do love God. I am just one that thinks that God doesn’t love me. All I ever wanted in life is to live it fulfilled. The fulfillment coming from helping others. Making a positive difference. That is all I wanted.

I started watching this recorded video that was put on YouTube. I had tears in my eyes due to the current surrounding circumstances. While listening to every word this man, this hero had to say, I understood something.

I understood that I was not powerless. I understood that I was born with power. I understood that everyone possesses the same power that I posses. I understood that everyone else was born with it, too. I understood that I could make positive change.

I realized that I possessed this great power, but did not know how to harness it. Not until I watched that speech made by Chadwick Boseman. Then I began to realize that the effect that his speech made on me could be articulated onto others.

All of my life, I have had this power surging from my fingertips. I am using that power, now. Adolf Hitler had the same power. The same power that you and I have. That power is able to make a difference in somebodies life, today. He chose nothing positive to use his power for. Remember. I said everybody is born with this power.

What stifles that power for a lot of us is not recognizing our outlet to exercise that power. In order to use your power, you have to recognize your outlet. My outlet is the written word. Through these words I am writing. I am able to pass to you what I was brought to realize from someone else.

This someone’s power will live on forever. All who understands this will spread understanding to others. So, from the knowledge of Chadwick Bozeman, to the desire to inspire from some YouTubers (They succeded; Didn’t they.), and from me, to you. This chain will never end.

Provide your power an outlet. Know that you can make positive change. No matter who you are!

Then like me, God will be understood to have been only waiting!

The link to Chadwick Boseman’s speech. (click)

Living on the Hustle During COVID-19

We, in the state of Oklahoma are not on lock-down. We had our time, like everyone else. Yet, we strive and fight each day to keep Oklahoma functioning. We do this to keep our states economy afloat. We are not unlike any other place.

Particularly, however, there is Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also known as T-town. T-town is my only direct observance of the pandemic. Of course, it is because I live in Tulsa, T-town. I watch the news, including local news. I watch with the same observance as I do regarding everything around me.

It is important to observe and keep aware of your surroundings, in my opinion. Especially, during COVID-19. There is the need to be aware of when to move and which direction to move in. It helps to pay attention. It helps us to keep that safe distance. It helps us pick and choose association, and whether or not to allow any association.

In all of this observance, I began to notice people in particular. I began to understand who they might be. What that means is there are people who work, and there are people that do not work. That does not sum it up, of course. Basically, these are the two broad types.

Within one of these two broad types of people, the nonworking. Due to mental illness or some other disability these particular people are a portion of the nonworking. The hustlers. It is true. A lot of people have a hustle. You might say my blogging is my hustle. Yet, honest tax paying hustling is not what I am talking about.

It is known that the average person that receive disability payments for mental illness receive about $800.00 per month. The National Alliance on Mental Health stated on their website that, “In 2015, the federal payment was $733/month for an individual and $1,100/month for a couple.” With that they might receive food stamps. These are the unfortunate hustlers that I am talking about.

Understand, this is just my observance. I can’t say this is everywhere, but I do assume it is. Just know that this is just my observance. To me, this is a great hindrance in our fight to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus. So, I will describe what I see.

As an apartment renter, I see the dumpsters being dug into. There is trash being rummaged for any knick-knack or token that can be salvaged and resold. It is not known who threw away what or whether or not they are sick with anything contagious. It is just understood that it is trash and it is dirty. Especially, during the Coronavirus.

I see this trash being taken into other apartments. Often, these other apartments are not where the individual or individuals live. They have decided to knock on a door and someone blindly lets them in. Usually, they are allowed entry without a mask.

I see junk trading from one individual to another. Assuming trading or selling what was formerly trash from some place or another. Later, that same trash might be seen at someone else’s apartment on the ground or a patio.

I see direct contact. One person (who dug into the trash) touching another person, and even coming in contact with children. This is eye witnessed often. I would say, about 5 times per week. I observe this. I am just one person. I am watering plants on my patio, or giving them a good pruning. I am going to my mailbox, or to my car to go take care of essential business.

I see piles of people climbing into automobiles. Not any of these people are wearing a face mask. It is still summer. The windows are rolled up. They are driving off into a hot summer sunset with heat indices of 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Albeit air conditioning. They are still virtually piled in a car breathing the same air, and without face masks. Not that a face mask would help in such closed conditions.

Yes! These are the hustler people. Every day this is their activity.

I live in a 600 square feet apartment. There are none here that are much bigger. I see 5 to ten people entering such a tiny space, and with no face mask. They spend the day coming and going. The leave out being one or two. They return being three or four.

I see an elderly man, but an able bodied elderly man. I see him going from apartment door to apartment door. He knocks to bum cigarettes. He knocks on the doors of the hustlers. He does not where a face mask, and he often smells of urine. He comes in direct contact with others all day. He likes to sit on his patio smoking and drinking with his hands in his lap. When I see his hands in his lap, I think his hands are in urine.

When he knocks on my door, I do not answer. It would be a great risk to answer the door. He is the very realization that I should never answer my door for anyone without a face mask.

On a good note, these people are being removed. They have been evicted on the grounds of widespread property damage. That is no lie. That does not cancel the fact that they are very unsafe people to have to live around, and especially, during a pandemic.

The most important thing that I did observe is that they are disabled. They are “working” as best as they can to supplement a very low income. I believe they feel like there is nothing else they can do, but dig in trash dumpsters and barter from person to person for a little extra than about $800.00 per month. I believe that it is even possible that they would not partake in such activity, if they had more money to live off of. After all, the elderly guy doesn’t knock if he has a pack of cigarettes!

From Tiny House to The Average Sized Home: 3 Types of Heating and Air conditioning

Although there are more than 3 types of heating and air conditioning. We will discuss the 3 main types. The first one that comes to mind is the HVAC system. There are more than one type of heating and air within this classification. The most widely used system of an HVAC system is known as central heating and air conditioning.

HVAC is the acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Central heating works from one centralized point to provide heating to multiple rooms within a building. It is combined with other systems to control the buildings climate. Air is forced from that point through duct work (venting system) throughout a building or home. The most important factor about central heating and air conditioning is the ventilated duct work. This is what’s most commonly used. Especially in the United States.

The air conditioner part of a central heating and air system is the other combined system. It does not necessarily come pre-connected. It is a separate system than the heating HVAC system. It can be partnered with central heat to provided year-round climate control. Thus the term, central heating and air conditioning.

The air conditioning portion of central heating and air can be a split-system or a combined package. The split-system comes with an out-door metal cabinet that holds the condenser and compressor. Another cabinet contains the evaporator. This indoor cabinet can also contain a heat pump or a furnace.

The average cost per home to heat and cool a home for 1 year is and according to EnergyStar.Gov is $2,060 per year. However, that does depend on the size of your home, the quality of insulation, and the climate that you live in.

The hybrid system is a dual-fuel system that combines a heat pump with a combustion furnace for back-up. This system can be manually adjusted from heat pump to combustion or a temperature can be set to make it automatic. Because it is hybrid, it promises a 30% to 50% reduction in heating costs per year. It is also possible to qualify for a tax credit or rebate.

A hybrid system can heat and cool. It utilizes a heat pump to cool and switches to the furnace to heat. As long as there is a forced air system, a hybrid system can be utilized to do both heating and cooling. In the winter it pulls warm air from outside into the home to provide heat and effective to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer it pulls warm air from inside the home to the outside to provide cooling. Reviews are mixed regarding the hybrid system.

The system that is on the rise and largely due to tiny houses is the ductless system. Particularly the mini-split system. A mini split can come singularly or with multi-units. It allows climate control to vary from room to room. Meaning the temperature can be set differently from one room to another. It allows the owner to control temperatures as individual rooms as well as one whole building.

The mini-split has only 2 components. It has an outdoor compressor/condenser, and an indoor evaporator that provides the hot or cold air. They install easily. Only requiring about a 3 inch hole for power and communication cables, copper tubing, a condensation drain line that connects the outdoor portion to the inside portion. Installation is almost as inexpensive as installing a new light socket.

According to EnergyStar.Gov. a mini-split can cut cooling costs by half and heating costs by 30%. Not only that. They can be installed into one room, or replace a whole other system for an entire home. It is ductless. That means there is no need for massive air ducting to perform on any structure. Just a small piping and electrical wiring system.

Building an Inexpensive Function for Home Offices

When planning to work at home, there is need for home office equipment. Online work can vary from basic equipment to special equipment. Equipment such as, a simple tablet to a home PC. There may be the requirement of a printer, and not just any printer. One with multiple functions that would include scanning, and copying.

The hard part in all of these random requirements may not be the equipment themselves, but the functioning of the equipment. Office equipment needs supplies in order to function. That can be very expensive. These tips should help bring down the cost of functioning that equipment, and provide efficiency to a home office.

Internet

Everyone working from home will require high speed internet. High speed internet is internet with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. You should know that storage and speed are brothers. The more that is stored from device to device, and how many devices you have affect internet speed. So, a phone for example, that has a lot of photographs, memes, and gifs can be pretty full. The fullness of your storage will slow speed down.

You can invest in high speed internet, but if you don’t invest in storage you will have slow internet. The recommended amount of storage should be know less than 4G for internet to remain high speed. Remember. Devices are storage, too. Find out how many devices your internet provider allows for the amount of storage provided. Usually, 4G handles up to 5 other memory storing devices.

Home internet pricing does not have to be expensive. It’s the decision between streaming and added cable. Although expensive, added cable can be a partner to high speed internet usage. Most cable plus internet users experience high speeds even while movies are being downloaded and watched someplace else in the home.

However, lots of people forego this luxury for less expensive streaming, or internet only. With streaming devices and services, it can be a happier solution to an unnecessary expense.

Going directly to a major company is most reliable. Usually, the cost of internet is only about $10.00 cheaper than adding cable. Those companies like AT&T, Sprint, and COX do have prepaid internet plan options. These options can also include phone service. The prepaid plans can offer 4G internet and higher. They function at a flat rate that either never increase in cost or won’t increase in cost for one year. The difference in cost for a prepaid plan can be $20 to $30 less per month for high speed internet only. That depends upon the plan and the company.

There are other companies out there that also provide pay-as-you-go internet, but usually they rise up one day and shut down another. Which makes for unreliable service at all. The major companies are always there. They are most reliable when it comes to repairs and technical difficulties.

Selecting an internet service provider depends strongly upon your location. However, you should look for the one with the most options that can service your area. These options consist of providing a modem for free, no increase in cost, or no increase in cost for one year. You will get the same reliable internet as everyone else except pay-as-you-go, and depending on the plan selected. Most pay-as-you-go providers offer multiple plans to choose from.

Printing Programs

Fortunately, you don’t have to pay to much for ink. There are lots of printing services that provide ink delivered straight to your door, and for a fraction of the cost it would be to purchase ink and other printing supplies from a store. The most comprehensive list found in the research for this article was from a trustworthy source. That source was Consumer Reports.

Not only do they help to understand printing services, but types of printers that have ink tubes that takes approximately 2 years to run out of ink. The price ranges are discussed that will help any consumer to make a positive decision for printers for the home office and supplies. This resource of helpful information can be found by following this link, Ways to Save Money on Printer Ink.

Microsoft Office

A lot of people are intimidated by buying Microsoft Office program. The truth is, you don’t have to buy it. You can have Microsoft Office program on your home computer or laptop for as little as $9.99 per month. The low amount of $9.99 will provide you with Microsoft Office apps across multiple devices. These apps include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only), OneDrive, and Skype.

There are other plans that you can select based upon your needs. These plans each consist of multiple Microsoft Office apps and cost from $6.99 per month for home usage.

The next best option, but not as safe of an option is buying a Microsoft Office program that is used. If this is the option you select, make sure you buy from a reliable source, and not from any sources unknown. Check with Microsoft company itself, or Amazon. Remember. Amazon caters to to other sellers that are not Amazon themselves. Be careful when utilizing one of these, if your are not familiar with them. Utilize what you have already built a trust with. A bad program can be quite damaging to a home computer or laptop. The link for researching a monthly plan from Microsoft is Find the right solution for you.

SD Card

SD cards are very important for multiple equipment. From laptops to cameras. SD cards provide extra storage. Extra storage can aid in the functioning of your device. They can help to maintain the speed and performance of your device. Giving you full usage at all times, and storage that allows transference of the images or information stored from one device to another.

The most qualified resource for researching for the right SD card for your device/devices is one that provides vast options, information, and understanding. This resource is the SD Association. The SD Association explains what they are, what they do, and where they come from.

Panasonic, SanDisk Corporation and Toshiba Corporation established the SD Association in January 2000 as a new industry-wide organization to develop and promote memory card storage standards. Today, the SD Association has approximately 900 members involved in the design and development of SD standards.

Published by the SD Association

On their website, the SD Association will lead you to understanding 4 standards of SD cards that will help any consumer to select the best SD card for their particular device, and including the amount of extra storage best for that device.

Very important information can come from people who help make the standards that are applied to the making of the various SD cards that we all use. Their sight also include a “Follow” link, if there is anyone that would like to keep updated on SD card standards for various devices. As well as, keep updated on educated information about the purchasing and usage of SD cards. This makes it easier you to be able to research for a less expensive card that still works well. knowledge is power. You can click on this link for all of the information you will need for researching an SD card of any or all of your devices. About SD card Memory Choices.

It is good to know that you can have a home office that functions at a cost that can be tailored to suit your needs and your wallet. It can be done with ease and still provide you with the necessary efficiency that is needed for working at home. You can have the type of efficiency that every employer or for a home based business needs. Providing yourself with a small amount for a home office overhead cost!

A Work-From-Home Therapy

Working at home can become similar to quarantine. It means that you are at home morning, noon, and night. This can get droll and depressing. The redundancy of the day can take a tole on individuals.

Finding relief from staring at the same walls day, after day, after day can be relieved quite easily. This may mean that during any spare time, you have to take time to make your home feel great. Not just in one area, but multiple areas. Since, it is summer. This is the best time to take advantage of more spaces to stretch your work environment out.

Sometimes the solution to hum drum is to just find a different spot to work in. These pictured areas are hoped to inspire you to do just that. Such as, sitting in front of a window, if you are not already doing that.

It is good to change spaces for a little while. A view in front of a window can provide a sense of being outside and not cooped up in your home. It brings to mind air and freshness. Especially, when the window can be opened. The light from the window can be very uplifting.

Sitting outside while working can feel great. Taking advantage of the cooler, early morning hours can carry you throughout your day. It can make work relaxing. It’s even better when the outside area your working in is filled with healthy ambiances. Ambiances like plants well arranged, and cozy seating that makes it comfortable to watch the sun rise while getting some things completed from your work to-do-list.

If working on your patio or out in your yard is not possible, take a few minutes to take a break outside. Stretch, or have a nice, cold drink. It’s your home. Take advantage of it. Use the space you have to let your mood stay positive.

Sunlight and fresh air can make all the difference in how a person feels throughout a workday. It can boost energy, elevate moods, and relax the mind. Work becomes comfortable and being glad it’s there to do can take away the feeling of being cooped up.

Just because you work at home does not mean you are no longer living. It just means you have to learn to “live” at home. That means making home not only a shelter, but a place where relaxation, enjoyment, and activity are all under one roof.

Self expression is literally at your doorstep. Spreading out within your home allows self expression a place to go. Express yourself in all that you do.

You are no longer under as strict of a code of conduct. You have virtually an absolute say in what you where, and where you sit. Even if it means working on the floor. If this is what makes you comfortable, you should do it. As long as the work is getting done, and correctly, you harm none. Enjoy and relax within your home.

  • Tip- Don’t be afraid to take your shoes off either. It is healthy to let your feet breath. Keep a pair handy for when you want to go outside. Remember, bare feet tracks in more dirt and grime than shoes. So where your shoes when going outside to prevent this from happening.

Use the couch. Some people are comfortable to work from their sofas. Feel free to do just that. Remember. You are utilizing various spaces to work within. This is in order to break up the feeling of being cooped up. Doing work in different areas of your home helps alleviate that feeling. If you are comfortable on the couch working, use it.

Go for a walk. If you don’t have time during working hours to do so, do it after. Shut down your laptop or computer and go for a walk. Take 15-30 minutes to go around the block or down the road. Let it be a part of your unwind. You can also go on a bike ride. Either way is healthy and provides great exercise.

Now, is the time for virtually total self expression. Reworking your lifestyle to do just that is what you are learning. Once all of the kinks are worked out, you should loose any feelings of being cooped up, and gain the feeling of living.

Time Management for Working at Home

Working at home can bring a sense of freedom. It’s the feeling of being your own boss, even if you are not. You can eat when you want, drink when, and what you want. there are a lot of rules that can be broken when someone else is not watching.

However, it is wise to say, ‘never treat another adult like an unruly child.’ This is true. Especially, when it comes to people who work from home. The biggest catch for people who work from whom is being able to balance newly found freedom with serious work from home. That is not always easy. Some work from home jobs are often randomly timed. Meaning, the next days schedule may not be known until the next day. That makes planning hard. Here are a few tips that may help or inspire a well planned work/home life schedule.

Make sure the job you choose can also, work with your home life.

The responsibilities you have are not only to your employer. There are responsibilities at home, as well. Make sure you are clear in every way what will be expected from you from your employer. In other words, always ask questions. It is important to know every task and every responsibility in order to know how to plan within your work schedule. Asking the right questions can help you get that understanding. Right down your questions and the answers. This will help you evaluate how much time you will need to spend doing work, and determine how much time in between you may have for home responsibilities.

Some work from home jobs can take up too much of your needed time for personal matters. Remember. Do not take on anything that’s going to be to much. You may find that it was easier to work away from than at home. Having important matters for going to the doctor or anything else important should not be hard to be able to take time off to do.

Beware of random.

There is a difference between being a responsible and reliable employee, and being taken for granted. Do not let your good quality be thought of as ‘take for granted.‘ Too many random tasks thrown at you during any time in your day or night is not fair. Let your employer know, “Hey, I can’t work after 4:00 pm,” If it is not definite and an agreement between you and your employer, set the time yourself. Give yourself time for you and/or family.

Get up at a regular time every work day.

Set your alarm. Get up. Take a shower. Get dressed. Give yourself time for a good breakfast and some wake-up time. Be refreshed and alert. All random cannot be avoided. This will also, help that your day stays active and non-lethargic. Remember. You have to balance home and work. Getting out of bed too late causes slagging. Do not slag your day. Do home and work so that the weekend can be clear for fun.

Go to bed!

Every night before your work day, go to bed. Make sure you give yourself at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Not going to bed on time causes slag, also. You’ll feel tired, and sluggish. You’ll move slower, and get less done. This includes what you can get done at home, as well as, for work.

Having the habit of going to bed too late and sleeping to long can lead to depression for even a healthy person. It is also, a fast track to a lowered immunity for fighting disease and sickness. Such as, the Coronavirus. Don’t get depressed, and don’t get sick.

Make two to-do lists.

Make two to-do lists. Make one for the things that are needed done for your home and one for work. Take some from your home list and put with your work list. Having a little extra time between working can give you enough time to do things at home. For instance, taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, starting laundry etc. It depends, of course, on how much extra time you’ll actually have. Remember, to scratch off everything accomplished.

Keep a schedule.

Plan what time you are going to get up; what time are you going to have breakfast; what time are your going to have lunch; what time are you going to take at least 15 minute breaks. Breaks are just as important at home as it is in a job away from home. Take regularly scheduled breaks. It is good for your health.

Don’t forget to schedule how long you are going to spend on these breaks. Are you going to spend 30 minutes having lunch or an hour. Just make sure that they start and stop at scheduled times. Keep them cohesive to quitting time. Don’t schedule a 15 minute break 30 minutes before quitting time. Use your away from home job’s schedule as a template.

Plan your lunch.

What do you truthfully have time to do? Will you have time to cook lunch? Most work at home jobs may not provide enough time to cook lunch. Know the limit. Prepare ahead your lunch to maintain it within a schedule. A schedule like 30 minutes to an hour. This would include any food ordering, as well. Stick to a schedule. A schedule is reliable, and trustworthy that you are truthfully responsible.

Maintain schedule upkeep.

Remember, to work on your next days schedule during your current work day. As things come along, and things come to mind, write them down. This will help you keep up with making the schedule and update your to-do list. These two things are symbiotic to a well organized schedule, and making sure that all things are getting done. Doing this will help to free up more of your time at the end of the work day.

From Horse and Carriage to the Tiny Living of Today

Savannah Victorian Historic District, 213 West Bolton Street (House), Savannah, Chatham County, GA It is currently nestled between two houses. A reflection of some Tiny House locations.

When considering Tiny House living, and small space living, the time of a horse and carriage parked outside of a tiny, one room cottage comes to mind. The difference between living today and living yesterday may seem worlds apart. They are not very different in contrast from each other.

There was a time, and times before that the average person or family lived in one room. The only extra would have been perhaps, a loft with hay stuffed mattresses spread across the floor to sleep upon. All daily living would have taken place in the main room or singular room. Dinner was cooked on a wood stove or in a fireplace that served as both heating and cook top.

Everything for daily life in one room.

The working class; as they would have been, lived minimally. Like today, limited space and affordability governed how much space a person or family could occupy. These were the pioneers of utilizing every available space to it’s maximum. The shelving above the windows gives a certain indication of the necessity to be creatively resourceful.

Time is another factor. Much like, today. Yesterday’s modern people had much to get done in one day. They had no aid from a microwave, washing machine, nor pizza delivery. However, today most of people’s time is spent outside of the home. That time spent equals 40 – 60 hours per day, and if not more.

The rigor of laundry probably cost about a days time plus dinner.

There was once that moving up meant getting a larger house, and a maid to help in the home. What may have been considered shabby or meager for a home is left behind for what might have been referred to as, “… a fine cottage!” A bedroom instead of like a studio or loft. Separate areas with open space for cooking, dinning, and laundry would have been that step up.

What may have been a fine cottage.
A cottage this size would have housed a family of 5.

The Tiny House Movement is almost or is a revolution. A mass demand for affordable housing. A demand that says, “If you won’t do it, I’ll do it myself!” The National Low Income Housing Coalition reported, “Nationally, there is a shortage of more than 7 million affordable homes for our nation’s 11 million plus extremely low-income families.” These numbers are astonishing. Now, with COVID-19 causing a near collapse upon our economy. It can be expected for things to get worse before they get better.

There are 65,370 new cases of COVID-19 in the United States since July 15, 2020. According to the CDC there have been 136,938 total deaths in the United States. With those numbers talking to all of us. It could be easy to assume that another quarantine could be on it’s way. Yet, it is understandable why the government, major companies, and small businesses do not want to see that happen.

In a modern Tiny House, a bench is often the replacement for a sofa, and is multi-functional. In these depicted days of old, soft seating was rarely afforded by the working class. Today, cushions are easily afforded, and no sofa saves money, and space.

Before the pandemic of COVID-19, affordable housing was in a crisis, and still is in a crisis. This was published by CNN, “(CNN)If the coronavirus pandemic continues to drive unemployment levels as high as predicted, homelessness will increase 40% to 45% by the end of the year, according to an analysis by a Columbia University economics professor.”

Predictions, stats, and unfortunately situations like above broadens the mind about the deeper message that Tiny House Movers are subtly saying. Ownership is the greatest security! Rent is only as low as the next sudden economical shift. Almost, whatever happens in the economy. You/I will always have a roof over head.

A Tiny House interior usually comes with loft, fully functioning kitchen, a small sitting area, and a bathroom w/shower.

Needless to say, Tiny Houses are not without style. They can be custom built or do it yourself. That is a great allowance for uniqueness and personality that makes a home happy. It is within everyone’s nature for a home to reflect ourselves.

There is also the classification of a Tiny House. Most Tiny Houses are classified an RV, and are built in a manner that can be pulled behind a qualified vehicle. RV parks are usually where they reside. In that situation, there is rental for RV parking.

If your state, county, etc. allows a parking spot on private land for an RV classified Tiny House, there will still be other ordinances to abide by. One consideration for me is that I live in Tornado Alley. RV’s and trailer homes are not recommended in my state, but they do allow them. This includes Tiny Homes. For me a Steel frame, rock siding and rock foundation would be “up my alley” for a Tiny Home. Keep safe!

The Kitchen Table Work Space

It seems that working at home is not just a trend. It is the future happening, now! What makes it seem so trendy is the many people who are new to working at home. There are also a lot of people discovering a stay-at-home side-gig. Having a side-gig supplements extra money into the income derived from a full-time job.

It makes for a busier home life either way. As we all know, a busier home life leads to extra clutter. We don’t want clutter, and extra clutter just adds to the problem of disorganization.

Some people are lucky to already have a designated space in their home that is a home office. Some people are content to work at their kitchen tables. Others are discovering the new duty to assign to a kitchen table. For all of these, there are ways to utilize the kitchen table and still have a clean and lovely family dinner space later.

One thing to deal with when your office is your kitchen table is getting the work out and putting it away. What’s wanted is to be able to have your work readily at hand. This is obtainable buy some simple rearranging. A bookcase or shelf with handy, decorative storage bins can make all of the difference. Adding castors to the bottom gives it portability. Important documents, notes, and supplies can be kept stored away making it easy to retrieve and easy to put away in a well organized manner.

When your kitchen table is your office, portability and storage is important. You’ll need to return your workspace into a home again. Good, organizable storage is a must in making that almost, daily transformation happen. Having it on wheels provides the same efficiency that an office away from home provides. Just roll it in then roll it out.

A suitcase on wheels is another good solution. Utilizing a rolling suitcase for work can still be utilized for travel later. This kills two birds with one stone. If your already storing your suitcase, you can keep your work stored away in your suitcase. Then when you are ready for travel, unpack the work and fill it with your travel needs. Your work will be home when you return.

Utilizing the pockets and storage nooks that may already exist in your suitcase is great for organizing office supplies. A drawer organizer can be added for more organization. They can be utilized to maintain neatness in the storage of other office supplies that may be needed. Things like pens, pencils, staples, paperclips, and etc.

If you don’t want to roll, then carry. As long as it is not too strenuous, carrying your office work to your kitchen table works. You can use a storage bin/bins or a suitcase not on wheels. If either are decoratively pleasing enough, leave them out as a peace of furniture. They can look great stored openly.

Make sure the storage you choose provides you with adequate space for what is being stored. If the space is too small, loss of important documents and destruction/damage of documents can occur. It is also very difficult to find what you need in an efficient manner, if your storage is over crammed.

Working at home requires as much efficiency as an away from home office requires. It helps you keep focused on dates and times that are needed for deadlines and appointments. This is even if all appointments are online. Everyone your working for or with is on a schedule. Don’t loose notes and reminders.

If your planning to relocate your workspace to a home office, that is easier achieved if all the work and tools you use are kept well organized. It will roll or carry to your new office space just as easy as it did to your kitchen table.

What you use, now for storage does not have to be expensive. However, it should be sturdy. don’t use cardboard boxes or anything that is going to fall apart. if you do use cardboard boxes, make sure that you reinforce them. Avoid the problem of carrying your work to the kitchen table and the bottom of the box drops out on you. That would be a big hindrance in your work schedule.

A rolling cart is another convenient way to store office work and supplies. Not only can the supplies and work be stored on these. The bins you store in or books you may be required to have can be stored neatly and efficiently.

Getting something attractive and that can enhance the look of your home will hide away any sign that you work from home. Later, if you choose, you could integrate it into a home office or leave it to store other things.

There can be a lot of freedom when you work from home. One of those freedoms is being able to decide where you want your office, and how you want it to look. It can be open concept, a room of it’s own, or the coziness that can be derived from a kitchen table. It’s all yours! So, enjoy it!

Domestic Robots

UBTECH Alpha 1 Pro

Although, domestic robots have been around since the 1980’s and before. Robots have become a family companion, and especially during the Coronavirus Pandemic. People have explored the internet and other media resources to find an outlet of escape from quarantine. In these explorations, people have inspired upon the idea to experiment within the field of robot companionship.

This companionship isn’t in regards to loneliness nor sadness, but instead to see “what if,” and to find that perhaps there is fun in owning a robot. Almost, like a new family pet. This is not exclusive to just families. It is also explored by single individuals, and people seeking alternatives to having a pet.

Made by UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP, and one of the most popular of it’s type; the Alpha 1 Pro stands 16 inches tall and deemed the title, humanoid robot. It is able to be programmed by 3d programmable software, plus pose, record, and playback (prp) function. Prp is that the Alpha 1 Pro can be put in a posed position. The position is then recorded on an app that plays back the position. It also has pre-programmed moves and positions. The prp feature allows the user to add to the list of motions and poses that already comes in the app.

Although, the Alpha 1 Pro is classified a toy. It is recommended for ages 8 – adult, and also utilized for educational puposes. The manufactures of this robot has this to say about the Alpha 1 Pro, “Alpha 1P is so much more than a piece of motorized plastic… His personality and his life-like human movements make him a member of the family.”

As far as, fun-for-all. There are a wide selection of robots for fun and duty. These duties consist of vacuuming, mopping, serving as a security system, and functioning a smart home. They can play games or read to your children.

This Alpha 1 Pro can be found on Amazon (Alpha 1 Pro link) and other stores. Amazon includes a manufactures video, accessories, and other similar products.

When selecting a robot, it is necessary to consider what the reason is for. Is it going to be for strictly domestic reasons? Reasons like cleaning or mopping a home. Is it for fun, only? If so, what type of fun should the robot provide? How big should the robot be? Does the size matter? Such as, will it’s new home be a small space? Will it be preferred that the robot is kept in storage until needed? What about for smart home and security purposes?

Just like choosing a pet, choosing the right robot is not different. The robot must suit the needs and wants of the owner. Making a careful, well planned selection will result in a positive investment, and not a waste of money on what would seem a useless piece of junk, because the robot did not fit the owner. May the Force be with you!

Is Racism Terrorism?

When starting to write this post, I was looking for the legal definition for the word/term terrorism. What I found shocked me! What I found is best described in Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Here is what I found.

Definition of terrorism

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There is no universal agreement on the definition of terrorism.[1][2] Various legal systems and government agencies use different definitions of terrorism. Moreover, governments have been reluctant to formulate an agreed-upon and legally binding definition. Difficulties arise from the fact that the term has become politically and emotionally charged.[3] Since 1994, the United Nations General Assembly has condemned terrorist acts using the following political description of terrorism:

Criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them.[4]

In the United States of America, terrorism is defined in Title 22 Chapter 38 U.S. Code § 2656f as “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents”.[5]

In general, terrorism is classified[by whom?] as:

The following criteria of violence or threat of violence usually fall outside of the definition of terrorism:[6][7]

The simpler Google definition states.

ter·ror·ism/ˈterəˌrizəm/Learn to pronounce nounnoun: terrorism

  1. the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”the fight against terrorism”

The amount of trading we do with Africa, a dominantly black nation, and namely South Africa is stated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative to be;

“U.S. goods and services trade with South Africa totaled an estimated $18.9 billion in 2018. Exports were $8.4 billion; imports were $10.5 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with South Africa was $2.1 billion in 2018.

South Africa is currently our 38th largest goods trading partner with $14.0 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2018. Goods exports totaled $5.5 billion; goods imports totaled $8.5 billion.” (About)

According to Export.gov trading with South Africa has included both import and export. Our nation and all nations rely on international trading in order to sustain income to our nation. As it is the same for all nations to sustain by the manner of importing and exporting. It is every nations main income. We as Americans would like for those countries that we are fortunate enough to trade with to feel safe and comfortable within our borders.

Export.gov states, “South Africa imported $7.7 billion in agricultural and food products in FY2018, which is at the same level as in FY2017. The major products imported were rice ($437 million), wheat ($395 million), chicken cuts and offal ($389 million), palm oil ($305 million), corn ($208 million), whiskies ($181 million) and soybean meal ($173 million). 
 
In FY2018, the United States exported $371 million of agricultural, fish and forestry products to South Africa, down marginally from the previous fiscal year.  Major products exported by the United States to South Africa included, poultry meat, planting seeds, feed and fodder, distilled spirits and tree nuts. Other major products imported by South Africa from the United States included wheat, dairy products and sorghum.” 

There are yearly meetings that one government has with the other to discuss such trading. It is very helpful to our nation and nation’s leaders to be able to host some of those meetings within our borders. It keeps our namesake healthy among other nations that have visited our country, having witnessed well treatment to our people, and have been also, treated well.

It is shameful for our nation to be a public announcement to other nations that we are racially hateful towards them. This is demonstrated by how hatefully someone Black was treated, how someone Hispanic was treated, how someone Irish was treated, etc., and that they were our own.

Although, racism with violence cannot be classified as terrorism. There is no way that a hate group or person is able to build an army to retaliate against ones own nation, again! There is no more North vs. South. There is the hater and/or some little group with the hater, only! They might form a gang, but they do not form an army.

Besides that, there are other nations that would be willing to retaliate any army formed out from hate. Just as they always do. Other nations rescue people abused by their own nation. So, if there are people who want to form an army, start another civil war, take over America, commit genocide upon another race, then defend that at war with a foreign nation are truly ignorant. They do not know that this is the banner that they are waving. It is a worthless cause. It should never be treated as if intelligent.

What is intelligent is that our nation’s people are standing together against racial ignorance and injustice. They are brother with brother, and sister with sister. They stand together saluting the cause of under God and human unity. They are the dominant of this nation and beacons unto the world. God Bless!