With the Bannisters

Category: Article

  • 4 day school week would need a 4 day working week

    4 day school week would need a 4 day working week

    With the rise of interest in a four-day school week, many have begun to wonder about the impact this might have on the traditional five-day workweek. While some may be concerned that a shift to a shorter school week could lead to chaos in the workforce, there are reasons to believe that a four-day school week might be the catalyst needed for businesses to consider a four-day workweek as well. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential implications of a four-day school week on the broader workforce.

    1. Reduced Transportation Costs

    One of the most significant benefits of a four-day school week is the potential reduction in transportation costs. With one fewer school day per week, school buses would need to be on the road one day less, reducing fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, parents who typically drive their children to and from school would also have one fewer day to do so. This could lead to reduced traffic congestion and fuel consumption, ultimately resulting in a more sustainable transportation system.

    1. Increased Parental Productivity

    Another potential benefit of a four-day school week is the increased productivity of parents. With one less day of school to worry about, parents can potentially work longer hours or take on additional work without having to worry about childcare. This could lead to a boost in productivity for businesses, as parents would have more time to devote to their careers.

    1. Improved Employee Morale

    Similar to the benefits of a four-day workweek, a shorter school week could lead to improved employee morale. Parents would have more time to spend with their children, engage in extracurricular activities, or simply relax. This could lead to happier, more motivated employees who are more engaged in their work.

    1. Attracting and Retaining Talent

    Just like businesses, schools also face challenges in attracting and retaining talent. A four-day school week could be an attractive option for educators who are looking for a more flexible work schedule. In turn, this could lead to a more competitive job market, with schools vying for the best teachers and staff. As businesses look to attract and retain top talent, a shift to a four-day workweek could become a valuable recruitment tool.

    1. Shift Towards a More Sustainable Workforce

    Finally, a four-day school week could help shift the workforce towards a more sustainable model. With one less day of school, parents and students alike would have more time to devote to extracurricular activities, community service, and other efforts to improve their local communities. In turn, this could lead to a more engaged, socially conscious workforce that values sustainability and community engagement.

    In conclusion, a shift towards a four-day school week could have far-reaching implications for the broader workforce. While the immediate impact on businesses is unclear, there are reasons to believe that a four-day workweek could become more attractive as schools adopt this new model. By reducing transportation costs, increasing parental productivity, improving employee morale, attracting and retaining talent, and promoting sustainability, a four-day school week could be the catalyst needed to move towards a more flexible, sustainable, and engaged workforce.

  • Benefits of a 4 day working week

    Benefits of a 4 day working week

    The traditional five-day workweek has been the norm for decades, but as the world evolves and becomes more connected, many businesses are considering a shift to a four-day workweek. While it may seem counterintuitive, the benefits of a shorter workweek are numerous and can have a positive impact on businesses of all sizes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of a four-day workweek and how it can improve productivity, employee morale, and business success.

    Increased Productivity

    One of the biggest benefits of a four-day workweek is increased productivity. Many studies have shown that shorter workweeks lead to higher productivity levels. This is because employees are more motivated and focused when they have more time to recharge and take care of personal responsibilities. With fewer working hours, employees can also make the most of their time, and work on the most critical tasks that require the most attention and focus.

    Reduced Burnout and Stress

    Working long hours without sufficient breaks can lead to burnout and stress, which can harm employee health and productivity. With a four-day workweek, employees have more time to recharge and take care of themselves, reducing the risk of burnout and stress-related illnesses. This, in turn, leads to a happier, healthier, and more engaged workforce.

    Improved Employee Morale

    A shorter workweek can also lead to improved employee morale. With more time for themselves and their families, employees are more likely to be happy, content, and motivated. This, in turn, leads to a more positive work environment, with employees more willing to collaborate, innovate and contribute positively to the company culture. A happy workforce is also more likely to remain loyal to the company, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.

    Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

    A four-day workweek can be a significant draw for top talent, particularly among younger generations who prioritize work-life balance. By offering a shorter workweek, businesses can attract and retain top talent, reducing the cost and time associated with recruiting and training new employees.

    Cost Savings

    A shorter workweek can also lead to cost savings for businesses. With fewer hours in the office, businesses can reduce overhead costs, such as energy and utilities, office supplies, and rent. In addition, with a more productive and engaged workforce, businesses can potentially increase profits and revenue, offsetting any potential loss of productivity due to a shorter workweek.

    In conclusion, while transitioning to a four-day workweek may require careful planning and consideration, the benefits are clear. A shorter workweek can lead to increased productivity, reduced burnout and stress, improved employee morale, and cost savings, all of which can contribute to long-term business success

  • The challenges of a 4 day working week

    The challenges of a 4 day working week

    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the idea of a 4-day workweek. The idea is that employees work for four days and have three days off. This concept has been hailed as a solution to many modern workplace problems such as employee burnout, work-life balance, and productivity. However, not every business, especially those in retail, can accommodate a 4-day working week.Working a 4-day week has its benefits. One of the most significant benefits is that employees have more time off to pursue personal interests or spend time with their families. This can lead to improved work-life balance, reduced stress, and increased job satisfaction. Additionally, a 4-day workweek can increase productivity, as employees are more focused and energized during their workdays.

    However, not every business can accommodate a 4-day workweek, especially those in retail. Retail businesses typically require employees to work on weekends and holidays when customer traffic is at its highest. Additionally, retail businesses often require employees to work flexible hours and be available for last-minute schedule changes. This can make it difficult for retail businesses to implement a 4-day workweek without compromising their operations.Another challenge for businesses considering a 4-day workweek is the potential impact on customer service. In retail, customers expect to be able to shop and receive service on weekends and holidays. A 4-day workweek could lead to longer wait times and reduced service levels, which could negatively impact the customer experience.

    Furthermore, a 4-day workweek may not be financially feasible for some businesses. Retail businesses operate on thin margins and may struggle to pay employees for an extra day off without increasing prices or cutting costs elsewhere.

    In conclusion, while a 4-day workweek has many benefits, it may not be practical for all businesses, especially those in retail. These businesses may struggle to maintain the level of customer service and flexibility required to meet customer demand. Therefore, businesses need to carefully consider their operations and employee needs before deciding to implement a 4-day workweek

  • Google Family link. Parental controls for Android devices

    Google Family link. Parental controls for Android devices

    As parents, we are always looking for ways to keep our kids safe in the digital age. One way to do this is to use parental control apps, and Google Family Link is one such app. It allows parents to manage and control their child’s Android device.

    Setting up Google Family Link is easy. You need to create a Google account for your child and install the Family Link app on their device. Once you’ve done this, you can set various limits and controls. Here are some of the things you can do with Google Family Link:

    1. Approve or block apps: You can approve or block apps that your child wants to download. This helps you ensure that your child is only downloading appropriate apps.
    2. Set screen time limits: With Family Link, you can set screen time limits for your child’s device. This means that the device will automatically lock after a certain amount of screen time has been used.
    3. Lock the device: If your child has been spending too much time on their device or if it’s past their bedtime, you can lock the device remotely.
    4. Monitor activity: Family Link also allows you to monitor your child’s activity on their device. You can see what apps they’re using, how much time they’re spending on each app, and how much time they’re spending on their device.
    5. Set up a bedtime: You can set a bedtime for your child’s device. This will help ensure that your child gets enough sleep and isn’t staying up late on their device.

    Overall, Google Family Link is a great tool for parents who want to manage and control their child’s Android device. It gives parents peace of mind and allows them to keep their children safe in the digital world.

  • iPhone and iPad parental controls

    iPhone and iPad parental controls

    As a parent, you want to make sure your children are safe while using their iPhone or iPad. Apple provides a range of parental controls that can help you manage your child’s device usage and restrict access to explicit content. Here are some ways you can use these controls to keep your child safe:

    1. Set up Screen Time: Screen Time is a feature on Apple devices that allows you to monitor and manage your child’s device usage. You can set limits on screen time, block certain apps or websites, and even schedule downtime for when your child should not be using the device. To set up Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time.
    2. Content & Privacy Restrictions: This feature allows you to control what your child can access on their device. You can block explicit content, prevent access to certain apps, and restrict the use of features like Siri and AirDrop. To set up Content & Privacy Restrictions, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
    3. Block In-App Purchases: In-App Purchases can be a major source of expenses for parents. You can block In-App Purchases by going to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In-App Purchases.
    4. Set up Family Sharing: Family Sharing allows you to share apps, music, and other purchases with your family members. You can also set up Ask to Buy, which requires your approval for your child to make purchases. To set up Family Sharing, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Set Up Family Sharing.
    5. Find My: Find My is a feature that allows you to locate your child’s device in case it gets lost or stolen. You can also use it to set up location sharing so that you know where your child is at all times. To set up Find My, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My.

    Using these parental controls can help you keep your child safe while they use their iPhone or iPad. It is important to talk to your child about the restrictions you are putting in place and explain why you are doing so. With open communication and the right settings, you can create a safe and controlled digital environment for your child.

  • Using PiHole for parental control of your home network

    Using PiHole for parental control of your home network

    In today’s world, where internet access is easily available, it’s becoming more and more difficult for parents to keep their kids safe online. One of the ways to ensure that your kids are not exposed to harmful content online is to use a DNS filtering tool like PiHole.

    PiHole is an open-source DNS filtering software that can be installed on your local network to block ads and other unwanted content. However, it can also be used to enforce parental controls on the devices on your network. Here’s how you can do it.

    1. Install PiHole on your local network. PiHole can be installed on any device that runs Linux, including a Raspberry Pi. Once you have it installed, configure your router to use PiHole as the DNS server.
    2. Block access to inappropriate websites. PiHole comes with a pre-configured blocklist that you can use to block access to adult websites, gambling sites, and other inappropriate content. You can also add your own custom blocklist to block specific websites that you don’t want your kids to access.
    3. Set up time-based controls. PiHole allows you to create time-based controls, which means you can block access to certain websites during specific times of the day. For example, you can block access to social media sites during homework hours or late at night.
    4. Set up individual device controls. PiHole also allows you to create individual device controls, which means you can block access to certain websites on specific devices. For example, you can block access to gaming websites on your kid’s gaming console.

    Using PiHole for parental controls is a great way to keep your kids safe online. However, it’s important to note that PiHole is not a substitute for good parenting. You should still talk to your kids about online safety and set clear rules about internet usage.

  • The Resurgam Submarine: A North Wales wreck

    The Resurgam Submarine: A North Wales wreck

    Replica of the Resurgam
    Replica of the Resurgam by Peter Craine is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

    In the late 19th century, the world was on the cusp of a technological revolution. Innovations in transportation, communication, and industry were changing the way people lived, and the world was becoming increasingly fascinated with the idea of exploring the unknown depths of the ocean. In this context, the Resurgam submarine was born.

    The Resurgam submarine, built in 1879 by Reverend George Garrett, was one of the earliest attempts to build a practical submarine for military purposes. Despite its impressive design, the submarine’s maiden voyage was its last, as it sank off the coast of Rhyl in North Wales in 1880, resulting in the loss of the crew.

    However, in 2003, a group of volunteers in Birkenhead, England, built a replica of the Resurgam submarine to pay tribute to the original submarine and its inventor. The replica was designed to be as accurate and faithful to the original design as possible, and it is housed at the Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead, where it is open to the public for viewing and tours.

    In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the original Resurgam submarine, as the wreck was located off the coast of Rhyl in 2018. The wreck was discovered by a team of amateur divers and maritime historians, and it provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the submarine and its history.

    The discovery of the Resurgam wreck has shed new light on the early days of submarine technology, and it has been described as a significant discovery in the maritime history of the United Kingdom. The wreck provides an incredible opportunity to learn more about the submarine and its construction, as well as the people who built it and the challenges they faced.

    In conclusion, the Resurgam submarine, both the replica and the wreck, is a fascinating example of human ingenuity and perseverance. Whether you’re a historian, an engineer, or simply someone who loves a good adventure story, the Resurgam is a story worth knowing. The replica submarine serves as a tribute to the original submarine and its inventor, and the wreck provides an opportunity to learn more about this incredible piece of maritime history. If you ever have the opportunity, be sure to check out the replica submarine at the Woodside Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead, and learn more about the incredible story of the Resurgam submarine.

    Update for a bit more infor watch this video clip from the BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06tm7rb

  • Now running on HTTP2

    Now running on HTTP2

    black laptop computer turned on showing computer codes
    Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

    We have upgraded to HTTP/2 and here is why.

    Since the inception of the World Wide Web (www), the HTTP protocol has evolved over the years to deliver secure and fast digital content over the internet.

    The most widely used version is HTTP 1.1 and while it packs with feature enhancements and performance optimizations to address the shortcomings of earlier versions, it falls short of a few other salient features that have been addressed by the HTTP/2.

    What are the Limitations of HTTP/1.1?

    The HTTP/1.1 protocol is fraught with the following shortcomings that make it less ideal especially when running high-traffic web servers:

    1. Delays in loading web pages due to long HTTP headers.
    2. HTTP/1.1 is only able to send one request for each file per TCP connection.
    3. Given that HTTP/1.1 processes one request for every TCP connection, browsers are forced to send a deluge of parallel TCP connections to simultaneously process the requests. This leads to TCP congestion and ultimately bandwidth wastage and network degradation.

    The above-mentioned problems often led to performance degradation and high overhead costs in bandwidth usage. HTTP/2 came into the picture to address these problems and is now the future for HTTP protocols.

    Advantages of Using HTTP/2

    It offers the following advantages:

    1. Header compression that minimizes client requests and thereby lowers bandwidth consumption. The resultant effect is fast page load speeds.
    2. Multiplexing several requests over one TCP connection. Both the server and the client can break down an HTTP request into multiple frames and regroup them at the other end.
    3. Faster web performances which consequently lead to better SEO ranking.
    4. Improved security since most mainstream browsers loads HTTP/2 over HTTPS.
    5. HTTP/2 is considered more mobile-friendly thanks to the header compression feature.

    See tecmint.com/enable-http2-in-apache-on-ubuntu/ for more info and a great guide that we used to enable our sites for HTTP2

  • Linux partition resizing

    Linux partition resizing

    If you’re not interested in Linux servers, then this post may not be for you. But if you are, read on!

    As you may know, this site is self-hosted, and we run our own Linux server to do this. Recently, my home server that runs PiHole and Unifi Controller ran out of disk space and caused the PiHole DNS DHCP server to stop working. It was an easy fix to allocate more disk space since the server is hosted on a XCP VM server. However, extending the volume to use all of the added disk space was not so easy.

    This is because Linux now uses Logical Volume Management (LVM), which requires a more advanced process than simply extending the partition. To extend the logical volume to use the full partition, I had to use the command line interface. Here’s what I did:

    First, I ran “sudo lvdisplay” to check the mount path I needed to extend. I made a note of the LV Path, which in my case was /dev/ubuntu-vg/ubuntu-lv. Next, I ran “sudo resize2fs /dev/ubuntu-vg/ubuntu-lv” to check that the file system saw the full partition. Finally, I ran “sudo lvextend -l +100%FREE /dev/ubuntu-vg/ubuntu-lv” to extend the logical volume to use the full partition.

    I want to stress that this process is considered advanced, and there is no graphical way to do it. If you are going to attempt it, make sure you backup your drive first.

    Overall, this experience has been an adventure into the world of Linux servers for me. While it was frustrating at times, it was also a great learning experience. It’s always good to expand your knowledge and skills in areas you’re interested in, even if they’re not directly related to your work or hobbies. Who knows, you might discover a new passion!

    Reference source for this post https://askubuntu.com/questions/196125/how-can-i-resize-an-lvm-partition-i-e-physical-volume

  • We love our Ooni Karu Pizza Oven

    We love our Ooni Karu Pizza Oven

    Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – 1st Generation

    In the year of lockdown, many people turned to the comfort of their own kitchens to experiment with cooking and baking. For pizza lovers, the discovery of Ooni Karu was a game-changer. This wood-fired outdoor pizza oven is designed to make the perfect pizza in just 60 seconds, and with a heat range of up to 500°C, it can reach the ideal temperature for cooking a crispy and delicious pizza.

    The secret to the Ooni Karu’s fast cooking time is its highly efficient insulation and air flow, which allows it to reach and maintain high temperatures quickly. All you need is a handful of hardwood kindling to get the fire started, and in no time, you’ll be able to enjoy a perfectly cooked pizza, with a crispy crust and melted toppings.

    One of the great things about the Ooni Karu is its versatility. With the ability to cook at such high temperatures, you can cook more than just pizza. You can also use it to grill meats, vegetables, and seafood, and it’s a great way to cook up a storm for family and friends.

    In conclusion, if you’re a pizza lover, the Ooni Karu is a must-have kitchen appliance. Its ability to make the perfect pizza in just 60 seconds, combined with its versatility and ease of use, make it the ideal outdoor cooking appliance for anyone who loves to entertain. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza maker or a beginner, the Ooni Karu is the perfect tool for creating delicious, wood-fired pizzas in the comfort of your own backyard.