15 YEARS AGO MY WIFE LEFT ME ON 1 MARCH 2010

CLOSING DOWN BLOG

 

Fortified houses

In Australia it is illegal to build a house that protects the occupants from intruders from the outside. If the police cannot enter forcibly then it is fortified.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Regulations in Australia and probably the same in other countries.

Engineering in Australia not governed by the Fair trading department like plumbers carpenters and bricklayers mechanics and electricians.
The engineering trades are welding and boiler making and fitting and machining.
These are industrial trades if you like. The others are used in domestic situations and consumers need protection.
This is also one of the reasons tiny houses are tolerated but if there is ever an accident on the roads then watch the laws change. This is also why my gypsy caravan is only the load on the trailer with a total weight of 700 kilograms.

steel house sketches

 The  above shows a two  story house with over six feet head room up and down stairs, and is towable on the roads. The draw bar and wheel assembly slide into tubes that pass threw the house and are bolted into place with bolts next to the house structure and the tubes go two feet into the house walls.

This sketch shows a three story house that tilts up on site. This also uses the same draw bar and axil assembly as the two story version.
There is a universal law that allows one to put anything on there land that is removable. These two structures are removable.
The floor is suspended on 20mmx20mm square tube.
These are light enough to be helicoptered into a wilderness site.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Steel welded frames

In my gypsy wagon I used 20mmx20mm steel tube for the frame and the thing came out stronger than I had thought. The towing width and the height are what governs a tiny house. What about a house on skids like when there was no wheels?
The two photos below show an early house on skids photographed up near the Queensland border.

The cladding is plywood with a steel roof.
Now if one were to build a sixteen foot high house and lay it on its side for transport then the height restrictions become higher.
Maybe a three story tiny house!
This is my gypsy wagon...

Water Diet: An Informative Overview

Introduction

In recent years, the search for quick and natural weight loss methods has led many to explore various dieting strategies. Among these, the Water Diet has gained attention due to its simplicity and claimed health benefits. This overview examines its origins, practices, potential advantages, risks, and the scientific perspectives surrounding water fasting.

What Is a Water Diet?

A water diet involves consuming only water for a designated period—ranging from several days to several weeks. Some variations permit limited intake of herbal teas or broths, but the core principle remains water as the primary source of hydration and sustenance.

Historical Context

Throughout history, water-based fasting and detoxification practices have been employed across cultures for spiritual, health, and purification purposes. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians practiced fasting involving water consumption. Today, water diets are often promoted as detox methods and weight-loss tools.

How Does a Water Diet Work?

The fundamental idea is that abstaining from solid foods compels the body to burn stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. Adequate water intake supports hydration, maintains bodily functions, and may help eliminate toxins. Proponents also suggest benefits such as improved digestion, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity.

Typical Protocols

Short-term fasts (1–7 days)

Extended fasting under medical supervision

Intermittent fasting periods involving water only

Potential Benefits

Rapid Weight Loss: Initial quick weight loss mainly due to water depletion and glycogen reduction.

Detoxification: Believed to assist in removing toxins from the body.

Metabolic Reset: Claims of restoring digestive and metabolic functions.

Mental Clarity: Some individuals report enhanced focus during fasting periods.

Risks and Controversies

Despite its popularity, health experts caution about several risks:

Nutritional Deficiencies: Extended fasting deprives the body of essential nutrients.

Muscle Loss: Prolonged fasting can lead to muscle breakdown.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Severe fasting may disrupt electrolyte levels, affecting heart and nerve function.

Refeeding Syndrome: Improperly ending a fast can cause serious health complications.

Unsuitability for Certain Populations: Pregnant women, diabetics, and those with specific health conditions should avoid water fasting unless supervised by healthcare professionals.

Scientific Perspectives

Most health authorities emphasize that sustainable weight management relies on a balanced diet and regular exercise. While short-term water fasting might offer some benefits, prolonged fasting without medical oversight can be dangerous. Research indicates that initial weight loss is often temporary and primarily water weight, with potential for rapid rebound.

Conclusion

The water diet remains a controversial topic within health and wellness communities. While it may provide short-term benefits and serve as a detox under professional supervision, it carries significant risks if undertaken improperly or for extended durations. Consulting healthcare providers before initiating such a regimen is essential.

Final Thoughts

A thorough understanding of the science and possible consequences of water fasting empowers individuals to make informed health decisions. Emphasizing balanced nutrition, consistent physical activity, and sustainable habits is key to long-term well-being.

Disclaimer: This overview is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any fasting or extreme dieting practices.

Further Reading & Resources

National Institute on Aging: Fasting & Health

Mayo Clinic: Intermittent Fasting

World Health Organization: Nutrition and Fasting

Scientific Journals on Fasting and Detoxification

DO NOT EXERCISE WHEN WATER FASTING.

SOS The Hidden Ingredients: Unveiling the Impact of Salt, Oil, and Sugar

Introduction  

Salt, oil, and sugar are everyday ingredients that play a significant role in our diets. They add flavor, texture, and comfort to our meals and are deeply embedded in our culinary traditions. However, their excessive consumption—especially through processed foods—poses serious health risks. Understanding how these ingredients affect our bodies is crucial for making healthier choices and promoting long-term well-being.

The Role of Salt  

Salt, or sodium chloride, has been used for centuries as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It’s essential for maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve signals, and supporting muscle function. Yet, overusing salt, particularly in processed and restaurant foods, can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Many packaged foods contain hidden salt, making it easy to exceed recommended daily limits without even realizing it.

The Impact of Oil  

Oil is a key ingredient in cooking that enhances flavor and texture. While healthy oils like olive, avocado, and flaxseed provide beneficial fats, the widespread use of refined and processed oils—especially trans fats and excessive saturated fats—poses health risks. Consuming too much unhealthy oil contributes to obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Fried foods and processed snacks are often loaded with these fats, leading to unnecessary calorie intake. Choosing healthier oils and moderating usage can significantly improve health outcomes.

The Sugar Dilemma

Sugar provides quick energy, but added sugars—hidden in many processed foods, beverages, sauces, and snacks—are a major contributor to health problems. Excess sugar intake is linked to obesity, diabetes, dental issues, and metabolic syndrome. Many people are unaware of the high sugar content in their favorite foods, leading to overconsumption. Replacing added sugars with natural alternatives like fruits or reducing intake altogether can help prevent these health issues.

The Interconnection of These Ingredients  

Salt, oil, and sugar are often found together in processed foods, making it challenging to monitor and control intake. Their combined excessive use amplifies health risks, contributing to the rise of lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. This pattern particularly affects populations with limited access to fresh, whole foods.

Moving Toward a Healthier Lifestyle  

Awareness and moderation are key. Cooking at home with fresh ingredients, reading food labels carefully, and reducing reliance on processed foods can make a significant difference. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures a nutrient-rich diet without excessive salt, oil, or sugar.

Conclusion  

Salt, oil, and sugar are not inherently harmful—they are essential ingredients that enhance our meals. The concern arises from their overuse and hidden presence in many foods. By understanding their impacts and choosing healthier options, we can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote better health. Mindful eating, education, and small lifestyle changes can lead to lasting benefits.

Call to Action  

Empower yourself with knowledge about what’s in your food. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible, limit processed snacks and fast foods, and experiment with herbs and spices for flavor. Small steps today can lead to healthier habits tomorrow. Together, we can foster a culture of mindful eating that prioritizes health and well-being for ourselves and future generations.

The Burden of the News

In the small town of Musselbrook, Sarah often found herself overwhelmed by the constant stream of news on her phone. Every headline seemed more devastating than the last—wars escalating, natural disasters, political unrest. The weight of it pressed down on her, leaving her feeling exhausted and helpless.

One evening, she shared her feelings with her friend Mark. "The news feels heavier than anything I've ever watched or read before. It’s like a relentless storm inside my mind."Mark looked at her thoughtfully. "Maybe it’s because it’s real. Unlike entertainment or fiction, these stories are about real people facing real pain. And that can be hard to carry."

Sarah paused, reflecting on his words. She realized that while staying informed was important, it was equally vital to protect her mental well-being. She made a conscious choice to limit her news intake, to seek out stories of hope and resilience, and to reconnect with the simple joys of life.Sometimes, the most powerful stories weren’t the ones that made headlines—they were the quiet acts of kindness, the small victories that reminded her that even in dark times, light could still be found.

And in that moment, she understood that while the world’s suffering was real, so was her capacity to find hope and make a difference, no matter how small.

When I think I know everything I know nothing because I know more than I did before.

 "When I believe I know everything, I am actually unaware of how much I have yet to learn. True wisdom comes from recognizing the limits of my knowledge, for with every new thing I discover, I realize how much more there is to understand. In essence, the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know — and that awareness keeps me humble and open to growth."

Political lies

 In halls of power, shadows loom,

Where truth is buried in the gloom.

Their silver tongues, a cunning art,

Deceive the masses, tear apart.

Promises like dust in wind,

Words spun thick, where lies begin.

They wear a mask of noble guise,

Yet hide the greed that fuels their lies.

The truth, a casualty in their game,

While voters drown in false acclaim.

They barter souls for fleeting gain,

And dance on lines of moral stain.

Controversy swirls around their claim,

As honesty becomes a shame.

Yet still we watch, and still we trust,

While leaders lie, corrupt, and lust.

For in this web of false pretends,

The line 'tween foe and friend distends.

A system built on broken dreams,

Where truth is lost in endless schemes.

So question all, and don’t relent,

For honesty is heaven-sent.

Lying politicians, beware,

Your falsehoods drown you in despair.