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Thanksgiving North and South: Why Canada and the U.S. Celebrate at Different Times
Every fall, both Canadians and Americans gather around the table to give thanks — but they do it more than a month apart. While the two holidays share themes of gratitude, harvest, and togetherness, they evolved under distinct historical, cultural, and seasonal circumstances that reflect each nation’s story. A Canadian Harvest of Thanks Canada’s Thanksgiving traces its roots back to 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher held a ceremony in Newfoundland to give thanks for safe passage across the Atlantic. Over time, the holiday blended European harvest traditions with local customs, emphasizing gratitude for the year’s bounty rather than a single historic event. Because Canada’s growing season ends earlier than in most of the United States, Thanksgiving naturally became an autumn harvest celebration held in early October. It was officially recognized in 1957, when Parliament declared the second Monday of October as a national holiday “to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year.” The American Tradition South of the border, Thanksgiving carries a different historical symbolism. The U.S. holiday traces back to 1621, when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. While similar in spirit, the American version became tied more closely to the nation’s founding mythology — a story of cooperation, survival, and gratitude in the New World. Because harvests occur later in the U.S., the celebration naturally took place in late November. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday to promote unity, setting it for the final Thursday in November. Congress later standardized the date to the fourth Thursday in 1941. Seasons, Stories, and Shared Spirit At heart, both Thanksgivings mark the same human instinct: to pause, reflect, and give thanks. Canada’s October observance reflects the rhythm of northern harvests and a gratitude rooted in nature’s cycle. The American holiday, coming later in November, intertwines with its own national narrative of endurance and unity. Despite the calendar gap, the spirit is shared — families gathering to celebrate abundance, resilience, and community, in traditions that continue to evolve on both sides of the border. Connect with our experts on the history, traditions, and cultural meanings of Thanksgiving in North America. Check them out here : www.expertfile.com
(Because “surviving” retirement is like saying you survived a salad bar—aim higher, my friend. Nobody hands out medals for dodging the croutons.) Retirement isn’t about hunkering down as if you’re waiting out a storm, counting your Werther’s Originals like gold coins until the grandkids arrive. It’s about creating Act Two—the remix of your life—that’s lively, connected, and wildly fulfilling. Think less “retirement home” and more “retirement launchpad.” The good news? You don’t need to be at any specific stage to benefit. Whether your pre-retirement and plotting your escape from the 9-to-5, mid-retirement and still adjusting your sails, post-retirement and wondering “what now?”, or simply looking for inspiration to “accidentally” leave on your spouse’s pillow, this guide is your playbook. So buckle up. Here are my "10 Commandments of Retirement Thrival"— think of them as your cheat codes for aging fabulously, with style, sass, and maybe even a standing ovation at the end of the show. 1. Thou Shalt Keep Moving Motion is lotion, darling. I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it until it’s tattooed on your sneakers: your body doesn’t rust—it negotiates early retirement if you stop using it. Movement isn’t optional; it’s oxygen for your joints, muscles, and mood. Don’t ignore this commandment or file it under “tomorrow’s problem.” Tomorrow never squats, stretches, or gets 10,000 steps—you do. Start early and make it a routine. Walk, stretch, lift soup cans during commercials. If you feel daring, dance in the kitchen and startle the cat (extra points if the cat looks personally offended). The trick isn’t big gestures; it’s the small moves that add up to a second act full of energy instead of tired excuses. Fact check: The World Health Organization reports that inactivity causes 2–5 million preventable deaths annually. Translation: move it, or lose it. Maxim: Thou Shalt Keep Moving... lest ye creak louder than your old floorboards. And yes, jumping counts. Take it from someone who teaches four to five Zumba, Body Pump, RPM, Flex, and Flow, and yes, Kick Boxing to people of all ages. As a certified fitness instructor, I've seen the transformation that even the tiniest efforts can have. 2. Thou Shalt Guard Thy Health Hydrate, sleep, take your meds, and eat real food (and no, ketchup still doesn’t qualify as a vegetable, even if you put it on kale). Think of these as deposits into your “health account.” Skip too many deposits, and guess what? Your body’s cheques will bounce—hard. Let’s get specific: Water: Most of us aren't drinking enough of it. In fact, a 2024 Canadian study by Liquid I.V. reported that 63 per cent of respondents reported feeling regularly dehydrated. Yet, 74 percent of respondents were aware of the recommended daily amount of water they should drink (6-8 glasses of water per day). Yes, coffee helps a little, but wine doesn’t count. Also, keep in mind that as cooler weather approaches, dehydration can often become less noticeable. However, through skiing, snowboarding, skating, or simply the regular course of daily activity, hydration must be monitored just as much in the winter as in the summer. Hydration isn’t optional — it fuels your energy, digestion, and even cognitive sharpness. Forgetting to drink water? That's no excuse. Just download an app for your phone. The "Water Reminder" App is great and it's free! Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night (CDC, 2024). Less than that doesn’t make you a hero; it makes you a cranky health risk. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Translation: bedtime is self-care, not surrender. Meds: Here’s the reality—According to the WHO, about 50% of people don’t take their medications as prescribed. Missing doses isn’t “oops, I forgot”—it’s a slow-motion sabotage of your health. Non-adherence leads to unnecessary hospital stays, complications, and yes, premature exits from the party. The solution? Create a system: use pill organizers, set alarms, download apps, or keep sticky notes on the fridge—whatever helps you stay consistent. Fact check: According to Harvard, good health routines can reduce the risk of chronic disease by up to 40%. That’s not a suggestion; that’s a bargain. Maxim: Guard thy health… lest thy golden years turn into waiting-room marathons 3. Thou Shalt Simplify Thy Finances Paper statements from 1983? Cute. But clutter isn’t just untidy—it’s risky. Scammers thrive on confusion nearly as much as raccoons love your green bin. Automate what you can, consolidate what you must, and shred the rest. Remember this fact: how we handle one aspect reflects how we handle everything. If your finances are a chaotic jumble of forgotten accounts and mysterious charges, you’re likely bringing that chaos into other areas of your life. Money can be daunting for many, but don’t make it worse by spreading it across multiple banks, credit cards, and half-finished spreadsheets. We want to engage with our finances, not withdraw from them because of overwhelm. And let’s be honest—leaving a financial mess for your heirs isn’t just uncool, it’s the opposite of building a legacy. Don’t be the reason your kids fight over who has to sift through shoeboxes of bank statements and expired loyalty cards. Make a pot of coffee, hold your nose, and simplify. If it feels too overwhelming, hire a trusted professional—yes, it’s an investment, but peace of mind pays dividends. Also, don’t wait. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, and too many people run out of tomorrows before they ever get around to cleaning up their finances. Here’s a simple formula: Simple = Automate, Consolidate, Eliminate, Delegate. (If it doesn’t fit one of those buckets, it’s clutter.) Fact check: Canadians aged 65 and older lose more than $500 million annually to fraud (Source: RCMP). A streamlined financial life makes you a smaller target. Maxim: Simplify thy finances… lest ye become the star of Scam-baiters: Seniors Edition. 4. Thou Shalt Build Emotional Resilience Retirement can be joyful or lonely. The key often lies in how you build your emotional toolkit. Start by finding a “third place” (somewhere outside of home or work): a coffee shop, gym, church, pickleball club, or karaoke night. Bonus points if it includes cake. But resilience isn’t just about where you go; it’s about what happens in your mind. Your self-talk is the constant soundtrack of your life. If there are many ways to get downtown, there must also be many ways to reframe what just occurred. Did you forget your keys? Maybe it’s an opportunity to practice your steps. Reframing is a vital life skill—it can turn setbacks into stepping stones, boost your confidence, and protect your self-image from unnecessary harm. Practicing resilience also involves enhancing your self-esteem. Read thinkers like Mel Robbins (famous for the “5 Second Rule”) who promote simple, actionable mindset shifts. Mental health pioneers such as Carl Rogers and Nathaniel Branden highlight self-compassion, strengths-based approaches, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques as effective ways to reshape one’s self-image. Even parents and teachers have long recognized that positive reinforcement in childhood helps establish resilient adults. The good news? You can still re-parent yourself today by practicing gentler self-talk and focusing on your strengths. And remember: loneliness has a cost. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, chronic loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Emotional resilience isn’t optional—it’s a form of preventative health. Maxim: Build resilience... or you'll find yourself yelling at the weather forecast all alone. 5. Thou Shalt Know Thy Values Your values are your North Star. They guide your choices, shape your relationships, and keep you grounded when life gets messy. Forgive quickly, return Tupperware (with cookies, if you’re classy), and keep your promises—especially when caffeine is involved. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for everything.” And let’s be honest, falling gets riskier with age. For many of us, values become a cornerstone in later years—a kind of personal compass that points not just to what we do, but who we are. Passing on a good set of values is one of the greatest legacies you can leave. It’s something to be proud of, but here’s the trick: don’t hand them down like stone tablets from a mountaintop. Instead, offer them like an irresistible invitation—guidelines that inspire, not commandments that suffocate. Leave room for others to adapt, remix, and make them their own. That way, your values live on not as rigid rules, but as living gifts. Maxim: Know your values... lest you drift like a Costco cart with a broken wheel. 6. Thou Shalt Not Retire Without Purpose Purpose doesn’t have to mean curing cancer. It could be as simple as baking banana bread that makes your neighbours swoon, mentoring a younger colleague, painting watercolours, or volunteering at the food bank. What matters isn’t the scale—it’s the spark. Without purpose, retirement can feel like a never-ending long weekend, with Monday never arriving. That might sound good for a while, but trust me: eternal Saturdays get old fast. Here’s why this matters: Studies consistently show that purpose literally adds years to your life. A landmark 2002 Yale University study, led by psychologist Becca Levy, found that people with a positive outlook on aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer than those without. And Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones, has documented how centenarians around the globe credit purpose (or ikigai, as the Okinawans call it) as a key factor in their longevity. Purpose isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s a life extender. Finding your purpose can seem overwhelming, but start by taking small steps. Begin by removing what you don’t want—that’s often the most straightforward way forward. Purpose is also about creating a legacy. It’s not just about how you live, but how you’ll be remembered. You have the power to craft a story that outlives you, whether through relationships, creativity, community impact, or simple acts of kindness. This is why my personal mantra is: Don’t retire… rewire. Retirement isn’t an ending—it’s your opportunity to craft the most meaningful chapter yet. Maxim: Have purpose… lest ye binge more shows than Netflix can fund. 7. Thou Shalt Create Joy and Laughter Adults laugh about four times a day. Kids? Closer to 400. There is something drastically wrong with this statistic. Somewhere between filing taxes and misplacing our bifocals, we’ve lost our bearings—time to take them back. Joy and laughter aren’t luxuries—they’re vital for our survival. Here’s how to get your daily dose: watch I Love Lucy reruns (Lucy never fails), subscribe to a “joke-a-day” email, or better yet, send a funny joke to a friend or grandchild via text. Join a laughter yoga class, stream a comedy special, or dust off those “dad jokes” that make you roll your eyes. The goal isn’t polished comedy—it’s allowing yourself to be silly. And don’t overlook this: Laughter is both contagious and magnetic. People (yes, even your relatives) want to be around joy, not another monologue about your lumbago. Laughter is also a clever rebranding tactic. Instead of being “that cranky retiree,” you can update your image to “the one who brings the fun.” Need more on this? Check out my blog: What’s Your Brand, Boomer? Boomer?https://expertfile.com/spotlight/10790 Maxim: Create joy… lest ye petrify into a cranky old codger. 8. Thou Shalt Always Have Hope on the Calendar Hope is a date with tomorrow. It’s the promise of Taco Tuesday, a small road trip, or lunch with friends. It doesn’t need to be Paris—unless you’re offering, then yes, Paris (and I’ll pack light). Here’s why it matters: hope isn’t just feel-good fluff—it’s fuel. Research indicates that hope enhances resilience, reduces stress, and even strengthens the immune system. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, famously noted that prisoners in concentration camps who clung to hope—even a flicker—did better than those who gave up. Hope literally helps us survive, but more importantly, it allows us to thrive. Your mindset is the driving force behind how you present yourself to the world. A hopeful outlook radiates within you, affecting your energy, healing, and how you handle daily challenges. And here’s the surprise: hope is contagious. Surround yourself with hopeful people, read inspiring stories or books, and intentionally plan activities to look forward to. Pair it with gratitude—it’s the ideal companion—and you’ll cultivate a daily practice that enhances your mindful well-being. Remember: you have nothing to lose. Being “right” about your ailments, family drama, or the world’s troubles won’t help. But choosing happiness? That just might. I dare you. Maxim: Always have hope… lest thy days blur into “laundry o’clock.” 9. Thou Shalt Find Thy Person Everyone needs someone they can call at 8 p.m. who will actually answer (sorry, Siri doesn’t count—and Alexa is a terrible listener). Pick your person, and just as importantly, be theirs too. This isn’t about being needy — it’s about being human. Decades of research show that strong social connections aren’t just warm fuzzies; they’re lifelines. Harvard’s landmark Study of Adult Development — the longest-running study on happiness — found that close relationships are the single most significant predictor of long-term health and well-being, even more than wealth or fame. Meanwhile, the U.S. National Institute on Aging notes that loneliness is as harmful to physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Yes, fifteen. Your support system safeguards both your body and mind, resulting in lower blood pressure, enhanced immune function, sharper cognition, less depression, and a longer life. Friendship acts as preventive medicine. So don’t overlook this one. Arrange that coffee, send the silly meme, answer the late-night call. Your health relies on it. Maxim: Find thy person… lest ye end up pouring your heart out to Alexa, Alana or whatever her name is. 10. Thou Shalt Declutter Thy Life Decluttering isn’t just for closets—it’s for your mind, your finances, and your garage full of “vintage” ski poles that last saw snow in 1987. Think of it as spring cleaning for your soul. Bonus: Swedish Death Cleaning (döstädning, if you want to impress your friends at dinner parties) saves your kids from having to rent a dumpster in your honour. The Guardian popularized this movement, reminding us that downsizing possessions while we’re alive is the ultimate gift to loved ones—practical, compassionate, and oddly liberating. Here’s the flip side: hoarding—or its younger cousin, “not throwing anything out”—becomes more common as we age. It clutter not only our homes but also our minds, increasing stress, fall risks, and social isolation. The Mayo Clinic notes that hoarding is linked to depression and anxiety, and in older adults, it can seriously impact safety. Awareness is your first defence—don’t become a statistic. Follow the simple 1 item in, 1 item out” rule. When you bring home a new sweater, let go of an old one. If you buy a fancy gadget, put aside the bread maker that’s been collecting dust since 2002. Respect your space and maintain cleanliness, and you’ll enjoy more clarity, peace, and perhaps even more visits from relatives—who might stay for a cup of tea instead of rushing for the door. Maxim: Declutter your life... lest you become the star on Hoarders: Golden Years Edition. The Final Scroll As my friend Lottie often says, “Looking after yourself is a full-time job.” Authentic—but unlike your old 9-to-5, the boss is fantastic (you), the hours are flexible, and the benefits are, quite literally, life-extending—no HR paperwork needed. So live it. Share it. Laugh through it. Retirement isn’t about shrinking back — it’s about thriving forward. This is your encore, your second act, your chance to rewrite the script. You’ve got the commandments, the cheat codes, and hopefully, a few good jokes left in your pocket. Remember: joy, purpose, resilience, health, hope, and laughter aren’t extras—they’re essential. Add them daily like vitamins, and watch the years become richer, not just longer. And if all else fails? Put on some music, dance in your kitchen, and scare the cat or the neighbours if the curtains are open. Because retirement isn’t the end of the book—it’s the chapter where the hero (that’s you) finally gets to write their own plot twist. Don’t Retire—Rewire. Sue p.s. Want more retirement hacks (and a few laughs)? I share them weekly on my new Substack — with special offers and early invites to upcoming events. You can subscribe here: #RetirementReset #HealthyAging #FinancialWellness #PositiveAging #SecondActSuccess
By Steven Lazarus Like many coastal regions, Florida’s Space Coast faces significant climate resilience challenges and risks. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida has over 8,000 miles of shoreline, more than any other state in the contiguous U.S. In addition, the 2020 census indicates that that there are 21 million Florida residents, 75-80% of which live in coastal counties. This makes our state particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, which are directly responsible for a host of coastal impacts, such as saltwater intrusion, sunny-day (high-tide) flooding, worsening surge, etc. There is growing evidence that storms are becoming wetter as the atmosphere warms— increasing the threat associated with compound flooding, which involves the combined effects of storm surge, rainfall, tides and river flow. Inland flooding events are also increasing due to overdevelopment, heavy precipitation and aging and/or inadequate infrastructure. The economic ramifications of these problems are quite evident, as area residents are confronted with the rising costs of their homeowners and flood insurance policies. As the principal investigator on a recently funded Department of Energy grant, Space Coast ReSCUE (Resilience Solutions for Climate, Urbanization, and Environment), I am working with Argonne National Laboratory, Florida Tech colleagues, community organizations and local government to improve our climate resilience in East Central Florida. It is remarkable that, despite its importance for risk management, urban planning and evaluating the environmental impacts of runoff, official data regarding local flooding is virtually nonexistent! Working alongside a local nonprofit, we have installed 10 automated weather stations and manual rain gauges in what was previously a “data desert” east of the Florida Tech campus: one at Stone Magnet Middle School and others at local homes. “We think that a ‘best methods’ approach is proactive, informed and cost-effective. The foundation of good decision-making, assessment and planning is built on data (model and observations), which are critical to adequately addressing the impact of climate on our communities.” – steven lazarus, meteorology professor, ocean engineering and marine sciences Data from these stations are available, in real-time, from two national networks: CoCoRaHS and Weather Underground. The citizen science initiative involving the rain gauge measurements is designed to document flooding in a neighborhood with limited resources. In addition to helping residents make informed choices, these data will also provide a means by which we can evaluate our flood models that will be used to create highly detailed flood maps of the neighborhood. We are working with two historic extreme-precipitation events: Hurricane Irma (2017) and Tropical Storm Fay (2008)—both of which produced excessive flooding in the area. What might the local flooding look like, in the future, as storms become wetter? To find out, we plan to simulate these two storms in both present-day and future climate conditions. What will heat stress, a combination of temperature and humidity, feel like in the future? What impact will this have on energy consumption? The station data will also be used develop and test building energy-efficiency tools designed to help the community identify affordable ways to reduce energy consumption, as well as to produce high-precision urban heat island (heat stress) maps that account for the impact of individual buildings. The heat island and building energy modeling will be complemented by a drone equipped with an infrared camera, which will provide an observation baseline. We think that a “best methods” approach is proactive, informed and cost-effective. The foundation of good decision-making, assessment and planning is built on data (model and observations), which are critical to adequately addressing the impact of climate on our communities.
#ExpertSpotlight: The Day That Redefined America: 9/11 and Its Lasting Impact
September 11, 2001 marked a pivot in American history—a day when the nation’s sense of safety was shattered, and its collective identity reshaped. The attacks triggered sweeping changes in security, government authority, social behavior, and even cultural cohesion. Today, the legacy of 9/11 lives on in how we remember, govern, and connect. A Nation in Shock—and Unity On that fall morning, the U.S. witnessed a tragedy that killed nearly 3,000 people and devastated the nation’s psyche. In the immediate aftermath, grief turned into solidarity—as most Americans tuned into televised coverage, felt sadness, anger, and fear, yet paradoxically came together in an extraordinary show of patriotism and trust in institutions. In the months that followed, confidence in government reached levels unseen in decades—fueled by mourning, resolve, and a collective desire to heal. The Rise of “Homeland Security” & Executive Power Almost immediately, the U.S. government unleashed legal and structural transformations. The USA PATRIOT Act, passed just weeks later in October 2001, significantly expanded surveillance and law enforcement powers for domestic security—raising ongoing concerns about civil liberties. Alongside this, the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002, bringing together 22 agencies to coordinate security against future threats and reinforcing a new era of national vigilance. Economic Shock and Air Travel Overhaul The attacks triggered immediate economic consequences: U.S. stock markets plunged, airlines and insurers suffered heavy losses, and GDP forecasts were revised downward. Meanwhile, the aviation sector underwent a rapid and lasting modernization in security protocols and flight routing. Notably, Canada’s Operation Yellow Ribbon absorbed diverted flights in the chaos, highlighting international cooperation amid crisis. Legal Precedents and Global Conflict Congress quickly approved the broad-ranging Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), enabling the U.S. to pursue adversaries globally—a mandate that has since been interpreted far beyond its original context, shaping nearly two decades of “forever wars.” These legal expansions—and the accompanying conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq—signaled a new global posture that redefined American foreign policy. Remembering, Serving, and the Legacy Continues In the years since, public memory of 9/11 has evolved—from solemn remembrance to proactive service. Patriot Day, proclaimed a national day of mourning and service, now encourages millions of Americans each year to volunteer in honor of those lost and the unity felt afterward. These acts of service continue to reflect the enduring spirit of resilience and community. Connect with our experts on the history, significance, and lasting impact of 9/11 on American life and policy. Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
This strategic move aligns with LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda, where energy is one of five core focus areas for research critical to the future of Louisiana and the nation. It also builds on the successes of LSU’s Institute for Energy Innovation, Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana Geological Survey, and the LSU-led FUEL team while assuming a leadership role in how the university engages with its partners—industry, communities, donors, and state and federal agencies—through collaboration and service. “As Louisiana’s flagship research university, LSU is committed to organizing our efforts in ways that maximize impact and reflect institutional priorities,” said Robert Twilley, LSU vice president of research and economic development. “The LSU Energy Institute will provide a platform for faculty across multiple colleges and disciplines to collaborate on solutions to Louisiana’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges.” The LSU Energy Institute will unify and expand several longstanding programs, chiefly the Center for Energy Studies, the Louisiana Geological Survey, and a range of externally funded initiatives, including cutting-edge energy research catalyzed by the LSU Institute for Energy Innovation through a dedicated $25 million investment from Shell. This results-focused realignment reflects a broader effort across LSU to improve coordination between strategic research projects and teams with increased support from research centers, institutes, and core facilities. As LSU’s flagship unit in the energy domain, the Energy Institute will enhance the university’s ability to align interdisciplinary research and policy with Louisiana’s energy economy and environmental stewardship goals. “The reorganization of LSU energy efforts into this institute reflects both a long-standing legacy of service and a renewed vision for the future of energy research in Louisiana. It’s about building on 40 years of trusted work while expanding our capacity to innovate, support decisionmakers, and serve the people of our state, said Greg Upton, interim director of the LSU Energy Institute and executive director of the LSU Center for Energy Studies. The LSU Energy Institute will serve as a central hub for faculty, students, industry, and public agencies working at the intersection of energy technology, resource economics, environmental protection, and policy. The integration of the Louisiana Geological Survey will further reinforce the university’s role in providing critical data and analysis to support state planning and hazard assessment. The institute will also continue to seed competitive, high-quality research focused on energy systems resilience, carbon management, and economic opportunity. These investments reflect LSU’s broader vision to translate research into impact and fuel new jobs and technologies to power Louisiana’s future. Original article posted here.
LSU Expert Carol Friedland on Katrina’s Legacy: What’s Changed, What Still Needs to Be Done
After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated Louisiana and brought billions of dollars of damage to the state, lawmakers worked with researchers, engineers and others to create and implement new codes and laws in an attempt to prevent such serious damage happening again. On Aug. 29, LSU and the LSU AgCenter hosted an event at the Energy, Coast and Environment Building in honor of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall in Louisiana on the same date in 2005. The daylong conference featured leading voices from LSU and government officials, who spoke about the impacts that hurricanes Katrina and Rita had on Louisiana and how policies and research have changed since those storms. As a part of the program, Carol Friedland, the director of the AgCenter LaHouse Research and Education Center, spoke alongside Brad Hassert, executive director of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, for a seminar called “Innovating Resilience: Solutions Inspired by Katrina.” The two discussed recent developments in building materials and building codes that showed the changes, or lack thereof, since the two devastating hurricanes. At the time of the storms, building codes were not uniform in the state, and some parishes had almost no building codes at all. After Katrina and Rita, however, officials pushed for a unified code that better protected Louisiana residents from dangerous storms and weather events. “After Hurricane Katrina, we actually enacted very strong legislation to adopt the model code,” Friedland said. “Also, at the same time, the FEMA mitigation assessment team went out and documented a lot of the failures from Katrina. This program really helps us learn around the country what are the practices that are working and what are the practices that are not working and then getting those integrated into the code process.” Friedland went on to talk about some developments for houses that she has been working on, like “fortified roofs,” which are new roofs that will protect residents more efficiently than the codes required in Louisiana. Friedland also talked about the process of implementing new codes. Researchers must find agreement with governmental entities and other parties, like insurance adjusters and contractors, to succeed, she said. Hassert spoke about the importance for homeowners to find a licensed contractor after a weather event causes damage to their house. This is mostly to ensure that the house will be repaired to code and so the homeowners will not be scammed or stolen from. Hassert, who was recently appointed executive director of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council, urged researchers and other stakeholders to come together and participate in council meetings so they can make the most informed and beneficial decisions that they can. Both Hassert and Friedland believe there is work to do to improve the codes and building standards in Louisiana houses, but with communication and more involved research, enhancements can be made. “One of the ways I like to frame this is to think about are we happy with the level of losses that we have?” Friedland said. “Do we think that we’re doing well? Who is happy with the level of loss that we see? I think we can still do better.” Original article posted by the LSU AgCenter here.
Back-to-school stress? Here’s how it can be a good thing.
As America heads back to school, the renewed whirlwind of expectations for students and parents — from demanding coursework to social dynamics and balancing pick-up-and-drop-off schedules — can trigger anxiety for students and parents alike. Jeremy Jamieson, associate professor of psychology who leads the University of Rochester’s Social Stress Lab, studies how social stressors affect decisions, emotion, and achievement and how embracing, rather than battling, those reactions can boost resilience. “We’re not passive receivers of stress,” Jamieson told National Public Radio last year. “We’re active agents in actually making our own stress response.” Jamieson’s research reveals that stress can be helpful when it is reframed as a mobilizer of energy and focus. In a study of students preparing for the GRE, for instance, those who were primed to view physical stress symptoms (like a racing heart) as beneficial outperformed their peers who didn’t reframe those symptoms. As students confront the fall’s demands, a simple shift in mindset can make all the difference. Jamieson’s research has so many practical applications that he is regularly sought out by media outlets on a wide variety of topics. In the last year, he has talked to Golf Digest about battling the “yips,” to The Atlantic about the rise of “anxiety-inducing” television, and to New York Magazine about the stress some people feel when talking on the phone. He is available to discuss his research and to help explain and navigate seasonal pressures. Connect with him by clicking on his profile.
Are GCSEs delivering for students and society?
Ahead of the GCSEs results being released on Thursday 21 August Aston University work psychologist, Dr Paul Jones, discusses whether the exams are fit for purpose. He believes that our exam system narrows thinking, and GCSEs emphasise “right answers” and rote recall, creating risk-averse learners who are afraid to fail or think differently. Exams are harming wellbeing GCSEs were designed in the 1980s, when many left education at 16. Today, almost all young people continue to 18, yet they still face a stressful halfway checkpoint that often does more harm than good. Research shows GCSEs are linked to anxiety, sleeplessness and even self-harm. This isn’t about students being “less resilient”, t’s about a system that has prioritised bureaucracy, league tables, and exam statistics over wellbeing. GCSEs don’t prepare students for life Exams reward the ability to memorise and recall under pressure, but the world beyond school demands much more. Employers and universities want young people who can think critically, manage their own learning, collaborate, and adapt. By the time many reach university, students are burnt out from years of high-stakes testing. They often struggle with independence, risk-taking, and curiosity, the very qualities they need to succeed. Over-assessment stifles innovation Our exam system narrows thinking. GCSEs emphasise “right answers” and rote recall, creating risk-averse learners who are afraid to fail or think differently. Innovation, however, requires psychological safety: the freedom to explore, experiment, and make mistakes. In a world where AI can already handle routine tasks like recall and pattern analysis, the human edge lies in breaking moulds, challenging assumptions, and combining knowledge in new ways. Our current system suppresses exactly those skills. Moving GCSEs into the future We need fewer, smarter assessments and a curriculum that builds creativity, resilience, and innovation. Other countries use project-based learning, portfolios, and sampling tests to capture what young people can really do. Wales is already embedding wellbeing and digital skills into its new curriculum. England risks being left behind if it continues to cling to an exam-heavy model designed for a different era. The bottom line Our young people deserve an education that prepares them for life, not just for exams. We should be measuring what really matters: wellbeing, creativity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-changing, AI-driven world. To speak to Dr Jones or for any media inquiries in relation to this please contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, Aston University on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
MSU team develops scalable climate solutions for agricultural carbon markets
Why this matters: Builds trust in carbon markets. This science-based baseline system dramatically improves accuracy, helping ensure carbon credits are credible and truly reflect climate benefits. Enables real climate impact by accounting for both soil carbon and nitrous oxide emissions, the approach delivers a full, net climate assessment. Scales across millions of acres. Tested on 46 million hectares in 12 Midwest states, this approach is ready for large-scale adoption, helping farmers transition to regenerative practices with confidence and clarity. New research from Michigan State University, led by agricultural systems scientist Bruno Basso, addresses a major problem in agricultural carbon markets: how to set an accurate starting point, or “baseline,” for measuring climate benefits. Most current systems use fixed baselines that don’t account for the soil carbon changes and emissions that would occur if business-as-usual practices were maintained on fields. Such inaccuracies can distort carbon credit calculations and undermine market trust. “The choice of baseline can dramatically influence carbon credit generation; if the model is inaccurate, too many or too few credits may be issued, calling market legitimacy into question,” said Basso, a John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences and the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station at MSU. “Our dynamic baseline approach provides flexible scenarios that capture the comparative climate impacts of soil organic carbon, or SOC, sequestration and nitrous oxide emissions from business-as-usual practices and the new regenerative system.” The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, covers 46 million hectares of cropland across the U.S. Midwest, provides carbon market stakeholders with a scalable, scientifically robust crediting framework. It offers both the investment-grade credibility and operational simplicity needed to expand regenerative agriculture. Regenerative agriculture and carbon markets Regenerative agriculture includes practices like cover cropping, reduced or no tillage, diversified rotations, adaptive grazing and agroforestry. These methods restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, increase system resilience and help mitigate climate change by building SOC and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon markets offer a promising financial mechanism to accelerate regenerative transitions. By compensating farmers for verified climate benefits, they can act as either offset markets (for external buyers) or inset markets (within agricultural supply chains). However, the integrity of these markets hinges on reliable, science-based measurement, reporting and verification systems that integrate modeling, field data and remote sensing. A breakthrough multi-model ensemble approach To overcome limitations in traditional modeling, the MSU scientists and colleagues from different institutions in the U.S. and Europe deployed a multi-model ensemble, or MME, framework, using eight validated crop and biogeochemical models across 40,000 locations in 934 counties spanning 12 Midwestern states. The MME avoids model selection bias, lowering uncertainty in soil carbon predictions from 99% (with single models) to just 36% (with the MME). “This is a game changer for carbon markets,” said Basso. “It delivers a level of accuracy and scalability — from individual fields to entire regions — that current systems lack.” The MME platform also enables the creation of precalculated, practice-based dynamic baselines, reducing the burden of data collection and easing participation for producers. Improved mitigation assessments Unlike many approaches that consider only SOC, the MSU lead team’s study evaluates both SOC sequestration and nitrous oxide emissions to determine net climate impact. “This comprehensive assessment ensures that carbon credits represent true climate mitigation,” said Tommaso Tadiello, postdoctoral fellow in MSU’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and co-author of the study. “A practice that increases soil carbon may improve soil health,” added Basso, “but it may not deliver actual climate benefits if it simultaneously increases nitrous oxide emissions. Our method provides a full accounting of the net climate effect.” The research team found that the combination of no-till and cover cropping delivered an average net mitigation of 1.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent per hectare annually, potentially abating 16.4 teragrams of carbon dioxide-equivalent across the study area. This research was supported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, U.S. Department of Energy’s Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, National Science Foundation Long-Term Ecological Research, Builders Initiative, The Soil Inventory Project, Generation IM Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Morgan Stanley Sustainable Solutions Collaborative and MSU AgBioResearch.
Life Hacks in Retirement: Strategies for Aging Well
If Jean Smart can star in Hacks at 72, clearly life hacking is age-appropriate. Hacks may be a TV comedy about a sharp-tongued, aging comic, but let’s face it: retirement needs a few hacks of its own. It turns out that aging well requires more than good genes—it demands good strategy. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress. Progress with fewer bruises, bigger laughs, and more money left at the end of the month than freezer-burnt chicken. So here are some tried-and-true hacks in three essential areas: Money, Muscle, and Mood. Let's get you hip, fit, and financially free. Ready, Set, Go! Money Hacks: Japan Might Have Found Something In Japan, there's a charming financial custom called Kuzukai, where men hand over all their income to their wives and receive a monthly allowance. No joke—it's a thing. And it works. Japan boasts: • One of the highest household savings rates at 23% (OECD, 2023) • Low household debt per capita (World Bank) • The lowest personal bankruptcy rate in the developed world (IMF Report) • And a whopping 74% of households follow this practice (Nikkei Asia, 2021) Maybe they’ve discovered the ultimate money hack: give the money to the person most likely to use spreadsheets recreationally. But you don’t need a spouse or a sushi habit to save big. Whether you're solo or shacked up, a homeowner or a renter, here are some effectively universal money-saving tips. Everyday Money-Saving Hacks: • Cut the Hidden Fees: Banking, streaming, delivery apps—if you’re not actively using them, cancel or deactivate. Your wallet will thank you. Read your bank and investment statements carefully, as if they were love letters from your money. That $3 “maintenance fee”? It might be costing you more than you realize. • Unsubscribe to Survive: Subscriptions are like house guests—pleasant at first but staying too long and costing too much. Establish a quarterly ritual—Subscription Audit Sunday. Review auto-renewals—Netflix, meditation apps, fancy sock clubs. If it doesn’t bring you joy or serve your needs weekly, cancel it. You might find enough loose change for a weekend escape. • Shop Daily, Eat Fresh: Instead of over-buying in bulk, buy just what you need for the day. It supports spontaneity and reduces waste. (Bonus: you can honour the “I feel like chicken wings” days guilt-free.). Power Tip: Shop daily, eat fresh. Channel your inner Parisian. Shop just for today—reducing waste, adding joy, and turning dinner into a choice rather than a guilt-ridden freezer excavation. • Use Senior Discounts Like a Boss: Shoppers Drug Mart (55+), Pet Valu (60+), movie theatres, golf, bowling… but only if you ask. Ask proudly: “I dare you, card me.” Mark senior days on your calendar like paydays, because they are. • Split with a Buddy: Share groceries with a friend. Half a BBQ chicken is more realistic (and less greasy) than the whole bird, and it reduces “fridge clutter”! • Ride Together: Share Ubers or Lyft. Or better yet, plan your errands with a friend and make a day of it; it will feel more like an adventure. • Scan for Free Fun: Check local listings for subsidized classes, outdoor concerts, and "pay what you can" events. Even dress rehearsals can be hidden gems at a discount. Money Traps to Avoid: 1. Subscription Creep – Set reminders to cancel trials. They add up faster than your grocery bill in the frozen aisle. 2. Silent Statement Siphons – Monitor your monthly expenses. Cut out what doesn’t bring joy or value. 3. Lifestyle Drift – Just because you can spend, doesn’t mean you should. You don’t need another air fryer. 4. Over-Gifting – Love isn’t measured in Amazon orders. The best gift is your time, or your famous banana bread. 5. Retail Therapy – If it’s cheaper than therapy, it’s probably just a distraction. But that doesn’t mean it’s helpful therapy. 6. Impulse Upgrades – Your current phone may be a few years old—but so are you, and you’re still fabulous. Your toaster doesn’t need Bluetooth, and neither do your socks. Physical Hacks: Train Like You Really Mean It The book ‘Younger Next Year’ (thank you, Bill P. and Steven H.) offers a wake-up call: Life is a test of endurance. Prepare yourself for it. In retirement, fitness isn’t just a hobby — it’s your new full-time job. And this job offers better hours, no toxic bosses, and a dress code that includes spandex. Fitness Hacks That Work 1. Schedule it: If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening. Even better, set a recurring date with a friend. Accountability is appealing. 2. Make it enjoyable: Not feeling spin class? Skip it. Try Zumba, power walking, or even disco gardening. Move as if no one’s watching (even if your neighbour is). 3. Start where you are: Don’t join Advanced Pickleball if your last workout was chasing a runaway dog in 2017. 4. Make It Social: Grab a friend or make new ones—bonus points for post-sweat smoothies and commiseration. 5. Keep Commitments (Especially to Yourself): Be a “serious person,” as Logan Roy would say. If you schedule a walk, show up—even if you’re in Crocs and a hoodie. 6. Track progress, not perfection: Count steps, not pounds. Celebrate consistency. Aim for “better than yesterday,” not “six-pack by September.” Fitness Traps to Avoid: 1. Choosing Something You Hate: If you dread it, you’ll ditch it. Guaranteed. 2. Overestimating Your Ability or Availability: Planning to run a marathon in 30 days after a decade on the couch? That’s... aspirational. 3. Overpaying for Motivation: Fancy gym + guilt ≠ results. Try a budget-friendly gym, or even YouTube workouts in your living room. 4. Ignoring Recovery: If you can’t walk after leg day, you’re doing it wrong—stretch, hydrate, nap. Repeat. 5. All-or-Nothing Thinking: Missing one workout doesn’t mean the week’s a write-off. Perfection is the enemy of progress. 6. Comparing Yourself to 30-Year-Olds on Instagram: Just… don’t. Unless you want to feel bad in high def. 7. Try "Fitness Snacking" Squats while the kettle boils. Do wall push-ups before brushing your teeth. Have a dance break during Jeopardy. Movement matters. 8. Stretch Before Bed Nightly stretches improve sleep and help you wake up feeling refreshed. It’s five minutes that pay dividends. Emotional Hacks: Mindset Is Your Muscle This is the part they don’t teach in school—or even in yoga class. Emotional health is what sustains you when the stock market tanks, your golf swing falters, or the kids “forget” to call. Emotional Hacks to Try 1. Upgrade Your Self-Talk: You hear your voice more than anyone else’s. Make it kind. Make it constructive. 2. Be Your Own Biggest Fan: Self-love isn’t arrogance. It’s survival. 3. Treat Yourself Like a Dear Friend: Would you tell your best friend she’s lazy, useless, and past her prime? No? Then stop saying it to yourself. 4. Forgiveness: Begin with yourself. Write that forgiveness letter, see a therapist, cry it out. Let go. No one leaves here flawless. 5. Basic Self-Care: Feed your body with wholesome food, ensure proper rest, and maintain regular grooming. Yes, plucking your chin counts. 6. Gratitude: morning and night. Focus on one thing you’re grateful for each day. It’s better than Botox. 7. Practice "Mental Hygiene" meditation, journaling, or a walk without your phone. It's like flossing for your nervous system. 8. Try Five-Minute Journaling: “What made me smile today?” “What felt hard?” “What do I want more of tomorrow?” Answer honestly—no grammar police. Emotional Traps to Avoid 1. Negative Self-Talk: There is zero upside. Science backs this up—positive self-talk improves performance and wellbeing. Try this: “Today wasn’t my best. I was tired and snappy. I’ll apologize and do better tomorrow.” or “I know I can do this. I need to practice and be patient with myself.” 2. Not Making Yourself a Priority: The oxygen mask rule is absolute. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t help anyone else. 3. Self-Medicating with Booze, Bingeing, or Buying: Feel the feelings. Don’t dodge them with Chardonnay or Amazon. 4. Righteousness Addiction: Would you rather be right or be happy? Being “right” is expensive—emotionally, physically, and energetically. 5. All-or-Nothing Perfectionism: Perfection is a myth—and frankly, a boring one. Flaws are where the fun and growth live. 6. Regret. Let’s face it, regrets are a part of life. The trick is not to dwell on them. Don’t store them in Samsonite to pull out whenever we want to beat ourselves up! Ever notice that the windshield on your car is much bigger than the rearview mirror? Read that again. The Social Capital Audit You are more than your RRSP and Fitbit stats. What do you bring to the table? Your kindness? Humour? Lived wisdom? A killer lemon loaf? Whatever it is—own it. Hone it. Make it your signature. Whether you’re the neighbourhood listener, laughter-bringer, or human glue-stick, your contribution matters. What Are You Proud Of… and Is It Still Serving You? Maybe once upon a time, you were known for your hair, your legs, your singing voice, or your abs of yesteryear. But here's the truth: gravity always wins. And that’s not failure—it’s biology. So if you’re still starting sentences with “Back in my day…”, you might be overdue for a mindset update. Choose something new to feel proud of now: your resilience, your sense of humour, your garden, or your ability to FaceTime your grandkid without accidentally hanging up. Adjust the metric. Celebrate the upgrade. Some Mantras for the Journey • “Done is better than perfect.” • “I am doing the best I can, and that’s enough.” • “Every day is a fresh start (even if my back cracks getting out of bed).” • “Progress, not perfection.” • “I am not too old, and it’s not too late.” • “If not now… when?” • “Stop acting my age.” The Final Hack: Don’t Just Celebrate – Throw Confetti Practice makes progress. And progress, my friends, is where the magic lives. Every step matters. Every stumble adds a twist. Perfection is overrated. Progress is the new gold standard. And as Mel Robbins reminds us: “There will be many people who won’t appreciate your value. Make sure you’re not one of them.” You’ve spent your life caring for others. Now it’s your turn to care for yourself—thoughtfully, warmly, and with plenty of good humour. Retirement isn’t the end. It’s the ultimate reboot. Be the Jean Smart of your own story. Jean, watch your back... and Kuzukai, watch our money. Star power meets allowance power. Don’t Retire…Re-Wire! Sue