Latest news with #Hawker
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Are Kids Really More Rude Today Than They Used to Be?
I've worked as a school librarian in New York City for over 15 years, and I love working with kids. I appreciate young people's unvarnished communication style, even when their honesty can sting. Once, after returning from summer vacation, a student looked me up and down and said, 'You look a lot older now.' One of my former colleagues in education, who asked that I not use her name, shared her feeling of discouragement about young people's manners. 'My grandchildren are always on their iPads,' she said. 'They just get ruder and ruder.' This same colleague and I were having a meeting after school when a teenage boy burst into my room. 'Yo, I lost my hat!' he said. 'Is it here?' 'Excuse me, young man?' my colleague said. 'Why are you speaking to an adult that way?' 'Dude, I'm sorry!' the boy replied as he slapped his forehead. 'I know! I should have said, 'Yo, Ms. Librarian, have you seen my hat?'' This exchange made me laugh out loud, but my colleague was furious. Should I have been stricter with the student? And what am I teaching my own daughters about respecting adults? Another grandparent, JoAnn Hawker, has a much more optimistic view of young people today, and not just because her granddaughter has 'stellar' manners. As the founder and CEO of therapeutic gardening nonprofit Good Seed Growth, Hawker supports young people who struggle with social skills due to trauma. In the garden, children learn to respect adults over time. Children need to be nurtured just like her plants, which don't grow overnight but take time and patience. When she and her students have their hands in the soil, they find a calm and focus that might otherwise be hard to access during our frantic lives. When I asked Hawker if she agreed that kids are ruder, she acknowledged that some of them are. 'Kids are ruder now, but it's not their fault,' she said. Our society as a whole doesn't teach formal table manners, and families' stress levels are through the roof. Parents work longer hours and have less time to spend with kids, and perhaps less ability to model their interactions with others. 'Individuals need to take the time out to understand kids and be an example and be patient with them,' Hawker said. 'And don't take it personally' when children do not automatically demonstrate respect, she added. She knows that kids like their iPads, but she knows that they also love kneeling in the soil, planting beans, herbs, sunflowers and marigolds. If we want kids to thrive, we must offer opportunities to connect and converse. Sara Glass, a psychotherapist and author in Manhattan, said that when she embarks on a conversation with a young person, she doesn't consider it rude when they don't follow typical social cues. Instead, she considers the possibility of social anxiety, trauma, neurodiversity or even something as simple as embarrassment. If she asks a client, 'How are you?' and they seem to ignore her or look away, 'it could be disassociation,' said Glass. 'They might not be in their bodies to respond at the moment.' Interrupting may also be interpreted as rude by adults, but this might be a sign of anxiety, excitement or even attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In my own teaching, I gently point out to students that they are interrupting to get them back on track. Polite conversation and listening take practice. As a parent, I sometimes force my daughters to repeat a script of how I think a polite conversation should unfold. If my 5-year-old says, 'Gimme that cookie!' I ask her to parrot phrases like 'Excuse me, may I have a cookie, Mama?' She will repeat what I say, but five minutes later, she's back to saying, 'Gimme!' — especially when she's hungry. Concepts don't always sink in if kids don't understand why 'may I' is preferable to 'gimme.' Speech pathologist Tara Ferrara, a co-founder and co-director of Social City, offers social skills classes for children from age 2 through young adulthood that include role-play and supported conversation practice. She noted that Social City does not instruct manners in terms of what is 'the norm' or 'scripted.' Ferrara doesn't believe that clients learn positive social practices through verbal explanations; they need hands-on practice. Ferrara shared an example: 'If a child is told to simply say 'sorry' after accidentally stepping on someone's foot, they might not recognize the need to say 'I'm sorry' after bumping into someone. Additionally, expressing manners in the expected way … doesn't necessarily mean that the child understands what they are saying or doing, and may present as insincere.' For clients with anxiety, Social City instructors teach self-soothing — and, for some clients, they teach how to be open about anxiety or the reasons for a lack of eye contact. Once, I was tutoring a student in the library who didn't respond to my questions and said to me, 'I'm not making eye contact, but I'm still listening.' This insight helped me recognize that the young person was overstimulated. When Glass notices a young person acting less than polite, she feels as if she gains access to their 'most vulnerable self.' What looks like selfishness or disregard for others might be an expression of suffering or a sign that a child is struggling. Instead of chastising a child, you can say something like 'Hey, are you OK? I noticed that when you came in you seemed upset.' Glass believes that if we correct rudeness too quickly, we might not get access to the child's 'internal experience.' When the moment is right, an adult could gently say, 'I would rather that you say 'please.'' But this suggestion doesn't have to be the first thing an adult says. What might seem like bad manners could also be 'trying to communicate something,' Glass said. If you're in an awkward spot because someone thinks your kid is rude, here are some phrases to keep on hand: 'Alex really appreciates your visit. I'm sorry he's not showing that right now. He has a lot on his mind.' 'Can you give Alex a minute or two to warm up? I don't think he means to be rude, but he might just need a minute.' 'Let's get Alex back on track and try this conversation again.' 'What if we all went outside and took a little walk together?' 'Do you remember being in sixth grade? There are lots of stressors and anxieties at that age.' 'He may be a little overwhelmed. What if you asked him to talk about something other than school?' 'I'd like to see him speak more politely too! Let's talk about that with him after we do an activity together.' Hawker suggested reminding people not to 'underestimate' young people. They are wiser and more sensitive than they might seem. 'When a child can express themselves honestly and openly, we can have a conversation about their thoughts and feelings, and get a better sense of their intentions and needs,' Ferrara added. These Surrogate Grandparents Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity 35 Meaningful Questions To Ask Your Grandparents Here's What Grandparents Really Think About Today's Parenting Trends The 5 Biggest Mistakes That Grandparents Make
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Jail for man who set fire to home with woman inside
An arsonist has been jailed for setting fire to his Nottingham home while there was a woman inside. Nottinghamshire Police said Clive Hawker started a fire at his home in Lingmell Close, West Bridgford, in the early hours of 19 July last year, which spread across the porch and front door. The force said a police officer, among the first to the scene, entered the rear of the smoke-filled house after being told a woman was inside and remained with her in an upstairs bedroom until firefighters arrived. Hawker was jailed for 11 years and one month when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday. The 55-year-old had admitted charges of arson with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The woman was subsequently taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and later made a full recovery. Detectives said their investigation found Hawker had set fire to his home after igniting a blaze in a wheelie bin which then spread to the building. They said the bin was placed in a way which ensured it quickly spread to the door and blocked the exit of anyone attempting to escape. Following the sentencing, Judge Nirmal Shant KC made a judicial commendation for PC James Cantrill, who entered the burning house to find the woman. The judge also handed two neighbours a High Sheriff's award for their bravery after they also entered the building to try to help the woman. PC Cantrill said: "I managed to gain access to the home and locate the woman through thick smoke. "She was lying on the floor and in a confused state. "I'm pleased to have helped her, and she was very grateful. "It was a great relief to discover she had not suffered serious injury and has made a full recovery." Det Con Tony Tonks described Hawker as a "dangerous individual" and said the actions of PC Cantrill and the neighbours had helped prevent serious injury to the woman. "Both PC Cantrill and the two neighbours demonstrated immense bravery in entering a burning building through dense smoke," he said. "I have no doubt the officer's quick thinking and decision-making saved the woman's life." Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Nottinghamshire Police HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Powys County Times
10-05-2025
- Powys County Times
AirBnB in Mid Wales created from a 1970s private plane
Plane enthusiasts can stay in a 1970s private jet - complete with original cockpit - after a dad spent £90k transforming it into a tiny home in Mid Wales. Tamir Ali acquired half of a 1970s Hawker jet in December 2023, from an acquittance who deals with "unique features". The plane had been used by an oil company to transport employees through the 1970's and 80's before being decommissioned. It was cut in half with the wings removed for ease of transport. The dad-of-four spent seven months and nearly £90k transforming the jet and turning it into a rental property in Dolgellau in Gwynedd. The unique home is complete with two bedrooms - sleeps two adults and two children - and has a fully functioning kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and outdoor seating area. The pet friendly property has only been on Airbnb for three weeks, but is already at 70 per cent occupancy. Tamir, who restores classic cars, from Leicester, said: "It's awesome - when people walk in they say it's much bigger than it seems on the outside. "It's almost like you're in a normal home. "It's a unique experience, not many people get to sit in the cockpit of 70's private jet." The plane was "a bit worse for wear" when Tamir first purchased it for an undisclosed amount in December 2023. The 38-year-old spent seven months transforming the plane into a quirky holiday home. The restoration and renovation process included replacing the carpets with wooden floors, rewiring the electrics, and getting a custom-made door fitted. Tamir secured a location for the plane in Dolgellau and fitted a 16ft by 9ft cabin to it to make enough space for a double bed, kitchen and bathroom. Tamir said: "I've always worked with eccentric people - people who deal with the weird and wonderful. "I know a chap in Essex, who said he had something that was up my street. "It was looking a bit worse for wear, the nose cone was hanging off and there was no door. "There was lots of mould and moss inside - but I immediately envisioned what I wanted it to be." The property is called "Alaya Airways" - named after Tamir's youngest daughter Alaya, five. Alaya Airways - which is technically classified as a glamping pod - is available to rent for £170-a-night. Tamir added: "It's a very, very cool experience.
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Wales Online
A disused private jet has been turned into an Airbnb in the Welsh countryside
A disused private jet has been turned into an Airbnb in the Welsh countryside The converted jet is now home to a kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and has an outdoor seating area You can now stay in this private jet which has been transformed into holiday accommodation Aviation enthusiasts now have the opportunity to stay in a 1970s private jet, complete with its original cockpit, thanks to a father who invested £90k to convert it into a compact home. Tamir Ali, 38, procured half of a 1970s Hawker jet in December 2023 from an acquaintance specialising in "unique features". The aircraft was previously used by an oil company to ferry employees during the 70s and 80s before being retired. For ease of transportation, the plane was halved and its wings detached. The father-of-four dedicated seven months and nearly £90k to transform the jet into a rental property located in Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here . The distinctive dwelling boasts two bedrooms - accommodating two adults and two children - a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and an outdoor seating area. Despite being listed on Airbnb for only three weeks, the pet-friendly property has already achieved 70 per cent occupancy. Tamir, a classic car restorer from Leicester, shared: "It's awesome - when people walk in they say it's much bigger than it seems on the outside. "It's almost like you're in a normal home. It's a unique experience, not many people get to sit in the cockpit of a 70's private jet." Article continues below Fancy a weekend away here? Inside the jet When Tamir initially purchased the plane for an undisclosed sum in December 2023, it was "a bit worse for wear". He then spent seven months converting the aircraft into an unconventional holiday home. The refurbishment of the aircraft involved installing wooden floors instead of carpets, a complete rewiring of the electrical system, and fitting a bespoke door. Tamir found the perfect spot for his aeroplane home in Dolgellau, Wales, and expanded it with a 16ft by 9ft cabin that includes a double bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Tamir Ali It's cosy inside the jet Tamir commented: "I've always worked with eccentric people - people who deal with the weird and wonderful. I know a chap in Essex, who said he had something that was up my street." About the plane's initial state, Tamir said: "It was looking a bit worse for wear, the nose cone was hanging off and there was no door." He further shared: "There was lots of mould and moss inside - but I immediately envisioned what I wanted it to be." The unique property, dubbed "Alaya Airways" after Tamir's youngest daughter Alaya, aged five, offers a distinctive stay. Now operating as "Alaya Airways", this innovative accommodation, which falls under the glamping pod category, can be booked for £170 per night. Tamir enthused: "It's a very very cool experience." On customer reactions, he added: "The feedback so far has been good, people seem to love it." Interested parties can view the property online. Article continues below
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
I spent $120K to convert a decrepit old plane into a quirky Airbnb: ‘It's a unique experience'
Can't sleep on planes? Then this Airbnb isn't for you. In the United Kingdom, a father of four transformed a vintage, private jet into a glamping destination. Tamir Ali, 38, jumped on the chance to purchase the 1970s Hawker jet in December 2023. The defunct aircraft is now a quirky Airbnb in northwestern Wales, SWNS reported. Advertisement 'It's a unique experience, not many people get to sit in the cockpit of 70's private jet,' Ali told the outlet. 7 It cost more than $120,000 to convert the once-derelict private jet into this unique getaway. Tamir Ali / SWNS 7 Red-eye? Don't worry, this jet has a guestroom in the cockpit. Tamir Ali / SWNS Advertisement 7 The Airbnb boasts a fully functioning kitchen and a bathroom. Tamir Ali / SWNS Ali, who restores classic cars in his spare time, told SWNS that he encountered the investment opportunity through unique connections. 'I've always worked with eccentric people — people who deal with the weird and wonderful,' Ali said. 'I know a chap in Essex, who said he had something that was up my street.' That 'something' was a 1970s Hawker jet, complete with its original cockpit. The aircraft was formerly used through the 1970s and 1980s as a means of transporting employees of an oil company. Advertisement The Hawker was cut in half and wingless — for ease of transportation — when Ali took it off his friend's hands for an undisclosed sum. He called the plane 'a bit worse for wear.' The jet's nose cone was hanging off, he said, and there was no door. 'There was lots of mold and moss inside — but I immediately envisioned what I wanted it to be,' Ali said. 7 The state of the '70s-era jet when Ali bought it. Tamir Ali / SWNS Ali spent more than $120,000 over the course of seven months to transform the derelict machine into a cozy rental property. Advertisement The plane is now located in Dolgellau, a charming mountain town in northwestern Wales. It listed on Airbnb just three weeks ago, but it's already a hit, Ali said. Ali's quirky holiday home includes a fully functioning kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and an outdoor sitting area. There's technically two bedrooms — a small bed in the cockpit area, and a double bed in the 16-by-9-foot cabin added onto the back of the plane. 7 The Airbnb is 20 minutes from the sprawling Eryri National Park. Tamir Ali / SWNS 7 What the place lacks in elbow room, it makes up for in vintage charm. Tamir Ali / SWNS 7 Ali maintained the original cockpit console. Tamir Ali / SWNS The renovation process entailed replacing old carpets with wooden floors, rewiring the electrics and getting a custom-made door. 'It's awesome — when people walk in they say it's much bigger than it seems on the outside,' Ali said. Advertisement He named the $227-a-night glamping pod 'Alaya Airways,' after his youngest daughter. Can't get enough of the high life? Alaya Airways isn't the only vintage plane available on the vacation rental site. Airbnb also offers stays aboard a 1956 air freighter in Alaska, a WWII-era plane in Wisconsin, and a Boeing 727 — once owned by Pablo Escobar — in Bristol.
