The Propeller – Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Read This Email! – 9-8-2024

Schools do a great job at teaching academic subjects, but what about the life skills we all end up needing? Here’s a list of 12 essential subjects that would better prepare students for the real world:
 

1. Taxes – Imagine learning how to file your taxes before facing that daunting IRS form for the first time. Understanding deductions, credits, and income taxes is a must-have skill.

2. Coding – Technology runs the world, and coding is its language. Basic coding can unlock opportunities in almost any industry and help develop problem-solving skills.

3. Cooking – Knowing how to whip up more than instant noodles is essential for health and well-being. Basic cooking skills would set students up for a healthier (and tastier) future.

4. Insurance – Health, auto, home, life… there’s a policy for everything! Schools should teach students how to navigate the insurance jungle and choose coverage wisely.

5. Basic Home Repair – Changing a light fixture, fixing a leaky faucet, or hanging a shelf might seem minor, but they save time, money, and stress. Every student should know how to handle common repairs.

6. Self-Defense – In a world where personal safety is important, self-defense skills not only provide physical protection but also boost confidence and awareness.

7. Survival Skills – If things ever go off the grid, basic survival skills like building a fire, finding water, and first aid are invaluable for any emergency scenario.

8. Social Etiquette – Knowing how to interact with others respectfully can set you apart in personal and professional life. Teach students how to shake hands, make small talk, and navigate social situations with ease.

9. Personal Finance – Managing money is an essential life skill, from budgeting to investing. Personal finance education could prevent the debt traps that so many people fall into.

10. Public Speaking – Being able to confidently present ideas or speak in front of a group is a key skill in almost any career. Start students young, and they’ll never fear a mic.

11. Car Maintenance – Checking the oil, changing a tire, or jump-starting a car can save the day (and your wallet). Every driver should know these basics.

12. Stress Management – Life gets stressful, and knowing how to manage anxiety, deadlines, and emotional health can lead to a more balanced, productive life.

With these practical subjects in the curriculum, schools would be creating graduates who are not only academically strong but also ready to face the challenges of real life head-on!

Money undoubtedly makes life easier, smoothing out many of the bumps we encounter. But after your basic needs are met, the direct link between money and happiness starts to weaken.

What truly brings joy is the journey—the process of striving toward something meaningful and overcoming challenges. Ironically, when you focus on that journey, success often follows, and so does the money. But if your only goal is to chase money, it’s hard to stay driven. Even when success comes, happiness may not arrive as expected.

We all have a baseline level of happiness, but I’ve found that pursuing meaningful goals consistently lifts my spirits. Having something to work toward keeps me optimistic and engaged. Think back to your happiest moments—they were likely filled with anticipation, excitement, or progress on a new project.

The irony is that the connection between money and happiness works almost in reverse. The activities that bring fulfillment—growth, creativity, purpose—often lead to financial success later. In this sense, money becomes a byproduct of happiness, not its source

Ever look up at the night sky and spot an airplane blinking its way across the stars? Those flashing lights are more than just for show—they’re essential to keeping planes safe in the sky. You will also notice that many of these are borrowed from nautical lights.  Let’s break down the basics of airplane navigation lights and what they actually do.

1. Red and Green Position Lights – Just like cars have headlights and taillights, airplanes use colored lights to indicate their position. The red light is always on the left (port) wing, and the green light is on the right (starboard) wing. These help pilots and ground crews know which direction the plane is facing, especially at night.

2. White Tail Light – On the back of the plane, there’s a white light that helps other aircraft or ground crew see the plane from behind. It’s kind of like the taillights on your car, showing where the plane is as it moves away.

3. Anti-Collision Lights – These are the bright, flashing red or white lights that catch your eye. They’re found on the top and bottom of the fuselage and sometimes on the tail. These lights are designed to make the plane more visible to other aircraft, preventing mid-air collisions. If they’re flashing, the plane is either moving or about to move.

4. Landing Lights – These super-bright lights are located near the landing gear and are used when the plane is taking off or coming in for a landing. They help the pilots see the runway and also make the plane more visible to other aircraft.

5. Strobe Lights – These intense white lights flash at regular intervals on the wings and sometimes the tail. They’re used to make the plane more visible to other pilots, especially in bad weather or low visibility.

The next time you see a plane lighting up the night, you’ll know that each of those lights serves a crucial purpose—keeping everyone in the airspace safe and sound!