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Showing posts with the label Water

In Search of a better Water Heater

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English: Two Rannai brand, tankless water heaters in a commercial setting. Each unit is rated 199,000 BTU and the two work in parallel, heating water to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Located on a dairy farm and provide hot water for cleaning milking equipment. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Tankless Water Heater   For decades, tankless water heaters have been used in Europe and other parts of the world where energy prices are steep. Most consumers in North America , however, were not aware of tankless water heaters until recently.   The happy surprise is that, compared with conventional water heaters, these on-demand water heaters can save energy and money and deliver an endless flow of hot water. In fact, installing a qualifying tankless water heater can save you money on your taxes through a $300 credit.   The familiar tank -style water heater is basically a large container with a heater. It stores a lot of water (typically 40 to 80 gallons), heats the water...

Firm Objectives in Parenting

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Image by cfarivar via Flickr By Dr James Dobson Parents should have some firm objectives in mind to help guide their child-rearing efforts. Often, when I'm flying into Los Angeles International Airport at night, I look ahead to see the green runway lights that tell the captain where to land the plane. If he brings his craft down between those borders all should be well. Similarly, parents need some runway lights — some guiding principles that will help them raise their children . Without a beacon or two to direct their flight, they could be blindly approaching a very complex and important task. In my opinion, there are two objectives that can serve as runway lights to guide the parent-child relationship. The first is to convey an awareness of love to our children. Without it, they wither like a plant without water . The second is equally important, but less commonly recognised. It's the need to teach our kids to respect our leadership as parents. The child's relationsh...

Tough Times Build Strength

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Image via Wikipedia From Dr James Dobson The ideal environment for your child is not one devoid of problems and trials. Your child needs the minor setbacks and disappointments which come his way. A tree which is planted in a rain forest is never forced to extend its roots downward in search of water . It can be toppled by even a moderate wind. By contrast, a mesquite tree planted in a dry desert can only survive by sending its roots more than thirty feet deep into the earth, seeking cool water. But through this adaptation to arid land, it becomes strong against all assailants. This illustration applies to our children as well. Those who have learned to conquer their problems are more secure than those who have never faced them. Our task as parents then is not to eliminate every challenge for our children; rather it is to serve as a confident ally on their behalf, encouraging them when they're distressed, intervening when the threats are overwhelming, and above all, giving the...

Marriage Garden

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Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier You wouldn't plant a garden and then sit back and hope it grows. Gardens take time and effort in order to flourish. The same is true for your marriage . Good relationships need tending in order to grow strong and vibrant. Like a garden, we need to take the effort each day to turn the soil , pull the weeds, and give the roots plenty of water . That means taking time each day to talk and share with each other—even if it's just for 10 minutes. Ask your spouse about their day, and tell them about yours. It means doing things together. If you don't have a hobby that both of you enjoy doing, then find one. And carve out regular times from your schedule to enjoy it. Set a regular date night away from the kids, even if it's just for a quick tea or coffee . It's a great way to unwind and reconnect. Don't let your most precious garden go unattended. From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 17-Jul-2009 Related articles by Zemanta Gardening is ...

Ordinary Days?

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Image via Wikipedia By Dr Bill Maier Kids need parents as much as they need air and water . Our acceptance and approval are critical to their sense of self-worth. That's why it's important to look for opportunities to connect with our kids, and build into their future. Use mornings as a time of encouragement. Experts say that the first five minutes you spend with your child are the most important, so don't take that time lightly. Give them a big hug and a hearty smile, and let that set the tone for the entire day. After school, ask them how their studies went. Talk to them about whatever is on their mind, whether it's sports or friends, or even girls. And listen. This is how you get to know what's going on in their world. Finally, put them to bed with a hug, and another word of encouragement. From TODAY, Voices - Thursday, 16-Jul-2009 Related articles by Zemanta So Many Joys in Life (LearnThis.ca) Sibling reverly (busymom.net) Hope, Encouragement and the P...