TristanDuboisOLG

TristanDuboisOLG t1_jcf82kl wrote

Reply to Do you think Maine should mandate later start times for high schools? by benpinette

As someone that lived with 2 high school teachers for 10y+, later start times don’t make sense. Lots of people argue that with later start times will make students ready to learn because they’ll have more sleep and be ready for classes.

As someone that had college classes in the afternoon, most people simply stay up later and offset whatever benefits they would have seen in the first place. I’ve seen it in schools as well. If they do move the start time back, you may also see pushback from parents that can’t afford to stick around in the morning to make sure the kids actually make it to school. Part of what made COVID hard was the amount of pushback parents gave from remote learning. Lots of the outbreaks happened when parents were angry that the kids were home all the time and not being babysat a the schools. So, they yelled at the school board, kids went back, kids got sick again, kids went home.

There will be pushback for pushing start times back and I don’t think you’ll see the value you think you will.

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TristanDuboisOLG t1_j9pjqci wrote

Reply to Stupid question. by Albitt

When we had this issue, often times we would park near the end of the driveway the night before, (once we checked to see if anyone else would be leaving for the night). Then in the morning we only needed the shovel the end of the drive in order to “escape”.

You’ll likely still have to shovel later, unless the landlord knows a plow guy. But at least you won’t be late for work.

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TristanDuboisOLG t1_j1r849r wrote

Reply to How prepared are you for these long power outages? by VegUltraGirl

I’m just here to mention a few things in case people don’t know this already or are from warmer states wintering here for the first time.

  1. Snowmelt water is great for flushing the toilet.

  2. If you have an untested porch or an empty cooler you can leave outside, you can always use the cold outdoor temps to save whatever was in your fridge/freezer.

  3. Grills will work in the winter, though do it away from your roof or any overhang lest you cause a roof avalanche from snow or icedam melt.

  4. Battery banks are your friend. I have a solar battery bank and it’s great to keep your phone charged in the even of an emergency outrage.

Also, if you’re a tradesman or have power tools around the house, Milwaukee makes a 120v inverter for their batteries that you can use to power basic electric items around the house. I’m sure other companies may make these too.

  1. Candles. That’s it. Make sure you have some and make sure you have a way to light them. I keep matchsticks as well as a grill lighter. They’re also quite warm in the hand if you’re cold. Just make sure to put them out before sleeping or leaving.

  2. Your house, (or apartment), is much larger than you need to heat in these situations. If you loose power, draw the shades over drafty windows, close doors, and try to keep warm in 1 room with said door closed. Even with only a couple of blankets you can be quite toasty after a little while.

  3. Showers/baths. If you have friends, I’d advise asking them if you can lean on them for this. Otherwise heating water on a wood stove or grill is the only way you’ll be able to stand doing a sponge bath. Everyone comes together when this sort of thing happens here. :)

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