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Early Warning Signs of Dyslexia and its Practical Interventions

Currey Ingram

One of the most common learning difficulties is dyslexia, which can cause problems with reading, writing, and spelling. Unlike a learning disability, dyslexia does not affect a child’s intelligence.

There are misconceptions about dyslexia. It has been said that dyslexia is caused by vision problems; the truth is, it is a hereditary learning difficulty. A child with a dyslexic parent has a higher probability of being dyslexic as well. Another misconception is that dyslexia can be outgrown. While there is no “cure” for dyslexia, early intervention and proper science-based instruction are crucial in helping dyslexic students become fluent and skilled readers.

Be on the lookout for these early warning signs of dyslexia so intervention can take place as soon as possible.

Early signs of dyslexia

Children find it difficult to articulate what’s on their mind. Observe how they speak; it might take a few moments before they could express something, even if the concept is familiar to them. It might seem like a normal interaction, but when the pauses happen frequently, it could be a sign that the child is struggling to retrieve information.

Watch out for subtle nuances. Switching words can be a red flag; a child for example would say “predator” instead of “president.” Moreover, the child has not expressed any interest in books, reading, or being read to; learning language might be overwhelming for them.

Children with dyslexia will confuse pronouns and have difficulty with learning how to rhyme since there’s a disconnect between the words and their sounds. They gravitate towards picture books even when they are in middle school and seldom choose text-heavy books.

They do not have a strong phonological awareness. When they hear a word that does not naturally conform with what they know about language, children with strong phonological awareness would stop and ask themselves, “Did I read that wrong? Did someone spell that wrong?” and try to correct the error. Dyslexic children do not have the natural ability to identify these errors.

Dyslexic students have a hard time with rapid naming tests. Students would usually learn the names of colors, letters, and numbers quickly as soon as they enter school and formal instruction begins. A child struggling with dyslexia cannot easily recall the words when they see a visual stimulus. He or she might be thinking, “I see something red, I know what it is, but I don’t know what to call it.”

Look into their handwriting. Because reading and writing rely on related underlying processes, dyslexia can manifest through the child’s writing as well. Signs include poor spelling, poor legibility, lack of a diverse vocabulary, poor idea development, and/or lack of organization.

Practical strategies that work for students with dyslexia

Keep in mind that students with dyslexia are learning to read, and not reading to learn. They have already developed a negative attitude towards reading and would rather not do it given the chance. It’s thus important to explore and use all teaching modalities possible. Pair a physical book with an audio guide, for example.

Providing structure and routine to the learning process. Knowing what happens next gives them peace of mind. Students with dyslexia lose their sense of security when they are tasked to read a book; they feel that their weaknesses are exposed for all the world to see.

They also want to understand why things are the way they are (i.e., why a word is spelled a certain way while another word is spelled differently).

Acknowledge and embrace their strengths. Celebrate triumphs such as a word spelled correctly or a sentence read beautifully. This makes a huge difference.

Encourage reading for pleasure. Let them read what they want to read and at their own pace.

Simultaneous oral spelling is highly recommended. Students hear the adult say the word out loud and then they repeat the word, making sure they have the correct mouth movement. They write the letters, say them out loud, feel the motor movements of their mouth, feel the movement of their hands as they write the letters, and see the word they wrote. They then read the word they wrote. Seeing all the elements come together helps students understand how words are formed.

Use a phonics phone. It’s a simple tube shaped like a telephone receiver, often made from plastic PVC pipe. This allows the students to speak quietly in one end and hear their own voice through the other, helping them identify subtle sounds they might not have heard otherwise.

Enroll them in a school that understands their needs. From the Lower School to the Upper School and Residential Life program, Currey Ingram Academy provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment to students in grades K-12 as they acquire the skills to excel in reading and writing. A private boarding school in Brentwood, Currey Ingram Academy understands that students learn differently; teachers use different evidence-based instructional practices and present material through individualized, structured, and multisensory approaches (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) to best meet the instructional and learning needs of each student.

Specializing in dyslexia, private boarding school Currey Ingram Academy supports and empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential – academically and socially – within an environment that fosters holistic student development. Get in touch by calling (615) 507-3173.

View Security Cameras From Multiple Locations Through This Easy To Use Application

ICU Security

Current security camera technologies allow businesses to set up multiple cameras in different locations, which owners and managers can monitor from wherever they are, at any time, from a network-supported mobile device.

Monitoring different security cameras using different applications can be a tedious task, though. To address this, security camera providers have come up with easy-to-use applications that enable users to view and manage these security cameras from a single interface. One such application is the GeoVision’s GV Edge Recording Manager for Windows, a tool designed to manage recordings from remote GV-IP Cameras and GV-Target Cameras. It is an integrated interface from which you can access live views, enable recordings, play back videos, and view storage space without checking on each host´s web interface. The Windows Operating System makes it extremely user-friendly.

Live view options

GV Edge Recording Manager’s live view options can be configured depending on how many security cameras users want to keep track of; you can view 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, 25, 36, 49, and 64 security cameras simultaneously. Note that viewing more than 32 security cameras at one time requires a GV-USB dongle.

You can easily group security cameras you frequently view and switch from one group to the other by clicking the Favorites button. You can also expand a live view to fit the entire screen of your selected monitor and take a snapshot of all currently open cameras.

Audio options

Audio does not play by default, but this feature can be enabled with a simple right-click on the security camera you want to listen to.

Assigning recording to NAS servers

NAS servers are storage devices connected to a network that allow storage and retrieval of data from a centralized location. Through the GV Edge Recording Manager, you can have GV-IP Cameras or GV-Target Cameras record to NAS servers of your choice and also view the storage information such as the occupied space and remaining space.

Other key features of the GV Edge Recording Manager include:

  • Display up to 32 channels for free, up to 64 channels using a GV-USB dongle
  • On-demand display for dual channels
  • Fisheye dewarping
  • PIP/PAP view
  • Manual snapshot
  • Enable and disable host recording for GV-IP Devices
  • Host storage assignment to NAS servers for compatible GV-IP Devices
  • Remote playback
  • Batch IP address assignment for GV-IP Devices
  • PTZ control
  • Two-way audio
  • Import and export of system configuration
  • View storage information (free and occupied space) for GV-IP Devices

If you’re planning to upgrade your existing security camera system, get in touch with Nashville-based ICU Security’s highly qualified team today. ICU Security only uses products that are designed to last, with the service to make it so. Request a live demonstration of their security camera systems and find a solution that meets your needs.

Established in 1999, ICU Security is a Nashville-based security camera installation company serving communities in Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and Franklin, TN. Get in touch by calling (615) 786-0912.

Asphalt Is Still The Best Paving Option For Residential Driveways. Here’s Why.

Hargrove SealcoatingIt can be said that a home is a reflection of its owners. Because of this, you always want to keep it looking as best as it can create a favorable first impression. Nice homes can have trimmed hedges, gates that aren’t rusting, and walls that have a fresh coat of paint.

Unfortunately, we often overlook the state of our driveways. If the driveway is in poor condition or made of subpar material, it diminishes the overall appeal of our homes. Hiring an asphalt paving contractor should be a priority when doing home improvements, especially if the property is up for sale.

Let’s look at some of the paving materials available and discuss the pros and cons of each.

We understand the appeal of gravel driveways. For one, these are very affordable; you can simply ask landscapers to drop a load of gravel on your property and rake it evenly across the surface. It drains well, too.

However, it’s difficult to remove snow piling up without disturbing the material. Strong storms can also wash out the gravel, and it doesn’t do a great job of keeping weeds at bay. It’s not advisable to use gravel as a long-term paving material due to the upkeep involved.

There are property owners who consider concrete as the premium residential driveway surface option since it’s expensive to install.

On the other hand, concrete is not recommended for large surface areas and it easily becomes brittle when exposed to extreme temperature changes (i.e., cold and brutal winters) even when it’s professionally installed. While asphalt can be affected by soaring temperatures, the heat we experience isn’t as damaging to asphalt driveways the way freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on concrete.

Just like concrete, brick driveways are considered premium. Individual blocks are strong, but there can be problems when they are laid out poorly and do not form a solid surface. Brick driveways are likewise prone to freeze/thaw cycles and do not prevent weeds from growing through the cracks.

If you live on a farm or in a rural area, guests can park their vehicles anywhere. This can result in mud and grass displacement. Additionally, guests may feel uncomfortable getting their vehicles or clothing dirty.

As a paving material for driveways, asphalt has several positive properties. It doesn’t get washed out, and with regular sealcoating and maintenance work, it can withstand the elements. With proper care, asphalt can look good as new for decades, which improves your property’s overall appeal.

Hargrove Sealcoating works with homeowners to complete asphalt driveway installation. Call us today to discuss asphalt paving solutions that are right for your home.

Serving Columbia, Spring Hill, Franklin, Brentwood, Thompson’s Station, Lewisburg, Murfreesboro, and Nashville, Hargrove Sealcoating is an expert in asphalt paving. Call them today at 931.619.6718. One of their service advisors will be happy to assist you.

Prevent Deer From Damaging Your Property: Here’s How

Straight Shooter Game Fencing

While deer are an important part of the local ecosystem, they can cause a lot of damage to property if left unchecked. Vehicle collisions, crop and landscape damage, and suppressed forest regeneration are problems that can occur when deer congregate near manmade structures.

Here are strategies you can utilize to help mitigate deer inflicted damages.

High fence installation is the most effective long-term solution to prevent deer damage. Deer are capable of jumping over a 10-foot high fence, but they often choose to go under in most cases. For this reason, standard fences must be no more than 6 inches off the ground. Electric fences on the other hand must be no more than 10 to 12 inches above the ground.

Your high fence must be maintained, and any damage should be repaired immediately. Once deer have penetrated the fence, it is difficult to keep them out. Gaps and gates must be closed at all times.

The fence must be visible and should have a clear perimeter. Deer may accidentally run into fences and damage sections if they were not aware it was there.

Electric Fences

Electric fencing need not be a huge investment. Smaller properties can be protected by portable electric fences which can be installed and taken down all on the same day. Owners of larger fields who want to put up permanent electric fences can cut down on costs by investing in solar chargers.

Portable electric fences can use regular electric wire or hot tape, a wide colored tape embedded with wires. It is visible at night and generates an electric shock on contact.

Enhance your electric fence’s effectiveness by baiting it. Adding a metal tab smeared with peanut butter will lure deer in to approach the fence. By licking the peanut butter its nose and tongue, the deer will be trained to stay away from the fence. Maintain a 30-foot distance between tabs and keep it baited for several weeks after the high fence installation. Otherwise, you may never know if deer will test the fence that shocked them or if there’s a new herd in the area.

Above all, keep your electric fence charged at all times.

Hunting effectively controls deer populations, which reduces the risk of damages.

Out-of-season shooting permits are issued for properties experiencing extensive deer damage and crop losses outside the normal deer hunting season. This permit is only valid within a specific time frame as determined by a local wildlife biologist.

Deer Management Assistance Permits (DMAPs) are issued during deer hunting season only. These permits are valid for antlerless deer and are intended to help individuals reduce future crop damage by decreasing the deer population on their property.

A site visit may be required to assess the extent of the damages. The harvested deer may either be kept or donated.

Deer Repellants

Deer have a strong sense of smell. Deer repellants emit scents that falsely alert deer to predators, which keeps them away.

Please note that repellants may not work 100 percent of the time. For best results, test them out during different times of the year and combine these with other preventive strategies.

Liquid Fence. This liquid concentrate produces an odor that repels deer. For crop applications, make sure to use a non-toxic formulation. Re-apply Liquid Fence after a downpour, as rain washes it out and reduces its potency.

Blood Meal. Made from dried animal blood, this high-nitrogen fertilizer has proven to be an effective deer deterrent. Blood meal is often used in orchards and is applied to areas that can potentially attract deer.

Human hair. The scent of human hair is believed to keep deer away. Place hair in mesh bags and hang these on trees and shrubs at the onset of spring; these bags should be no more than three feet apart and should be replaced monthly.

Soap. Wrap highly scented, tallow-based soap bars in mesh or cheesecloth and hang them within three feet of the plants you want to protect from deer.

Scare Tactics

Use scare tactics sparingly as deer can eventually get used to these. Like repellants, combine scare tactics with other measures as these can be ineffective in the long run when used on their own. Scare tactics should also be used with discretion; some might be practical for rural settings but could be a nuisance in suburban areas because of the noise they create.

Siren screamers. These emit a loud, siren-like noise that scares deer off. You can get siren screamers and the device used to fire them from your local wildlife office.

Flagging. Deer are naturally sensitive to movement. Objects that move with the wind, such as strands of Mylar tape hung from stakes, have been used to prevent deer damage.

Flashing and strobe lights. Lights startle deer at night when they are more likely to cause damage.

Motion-activated water sprinklers. Sensors detect movement from up to 40 feet away, which triggers a spray of water. This not only deters deer but smaller critters, too.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing works with property owners throughout the US to provide the best high fence installation, service, and fencing materials at competitive prices. Get in touch with us to know more.

Setting Your Deer Fence Height

Straight Shooter Game FencingTo many, deer are graceful and enchanting animals. It’s easy to associate deer with the great outdoors and country living. Although they have a docile reputation, deer are also capable of destroying fruits, vegetables, and flowers in cultivated areas such as a garden or farm. If you live near an area with a large deer population, you can prevent this by having professional deer fence installation done on your property.

The Basics

Deer fences and posts are usually made from plastic or metal, but wood is also an unusual choice. While metal is more durable, plastic offers more variety in terms of style and color options. Think about your property’s terrain, purpose, size, and cost implications when selecting a material to use.

How High Should a Deer Fence Be?

The size of the deer and the kind of game that lives in your area will largely determine the height of your deer fence. A four-foot fence, for example, would be sufficient to keep out deer in the Florida Keys. In certain parts of the American Northwest, you will need a taller fence to protect your property from deer – and the occasional moose or elk.

A typical North American deer can easily clear a six-foot-high fence. An eight-foot-high one should keep even the strongest and most determined of them away from your garden, orchard, or farm. Consult with your local planning commission or check zoning regulations in your area to know all your options.

Deers are wonderful animals best observed from a respectful distance. With expert deer fence installation, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – nature’s majesty and a safe, damage-free property.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing works with property owners throughout the US to provide the best deer fence installation, service, and fencing materials at competitive prices. Get in touch with us to know more.

14 Mercedes-Benz Facts Everyone Should Know

GPO TuningWhen it comes to German luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz is a crowd favorite. The engineering, style, and drive for innovation sets Mercedes-Benz apart from the rest.

Just when you thought you knew all there is to know about the brand, here are more Mercedes-Benz facts that will impress you.

If you have any Mercedes-Benz repair and maintenance needs, make sure you reach out to GPO Tuning for help.

  • The Mercedes-Benz logo explained

Designed by co-founder Gottlieb Daimler, the three-pointed star represents the carmaker’s dominance on air, land, and sea.

  • The company promise

The Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were first produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies into the Daimler-Benz. Mercedes-Benz is committed to delivering “the best or nothing” in everything it does, and it shows; it is one of the world’s most admired companies, according to Fortune.com.

  • Mercedes-Benz has the papal seal of approval

Mercedes-Benz has been preferred by Catholic Church leaders for over 80 years. Models used by popes include the Nurburg 460 Pullman Saloon (Pope Pius XI), 600 Pullman Laudet and 300 SEL (Pope John XXIII). The name “popemobile” was first used in the 1980s to refer to the modified Mercedes-Benz G-Class used by Pope John Paul II for celebrations in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis’s popemobile is a modified Mercedes-Benz M Class.

  • Mercedes-Benz developed a premium bicycle range

Mercedes-Benz has a line of bicycles for two-wheel enthusiasts: the All-Mountain, which features DT Swiss suspension components, hydraulic disc brakes, and SRAM 30-speed gearing; the Fitness Bike, which has a front suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, and a minimalist, lightweight aluminum frame; and Trekking Bike, equipped with a dynamo-powered headlight, rear mudguard, and luggage rack.

Mercedes-Benz recently collaborated with Argon-18 for the Mercedes-Benz Style Endurance Bike, a minimalist road bike designed in the Mercedes-Benz tradition.

  • Pop stars choose Mercedes-Benz

Proud Mercedes-Benz owners include Drake (Mercedes-Benz Maybach G650 Landaulet), Jennifer Lopez (Mercedes-Benz S Class), Beyonce (Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Supercar), Taylor Swift (Mercedes-Benz Viano), Mariah Carey (Mercedes-Benz SLK), Celine Dion (Mercedes-Benz Maybach 62), and Harry Styles (Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda), even Janis Joplin sang “Oh Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz”

  • Yes, there’s a Mercedes-Benz plated in 18k white gold

An enigmatic billionaire from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates reportedly owns a Mercedes-Benz V-10 Quad Turbo made with white gold – valued at a whopping $2.5 million.

  • Mercedes-Benz has a self-driving truck

Known as the Actros, a fleet of these trucks traveled from Germany to Holland in 2016. The trucks are equipped with Highway Pilot Connect, a technology that allows the vehicles to communicate with each other and share road information. The trucks know when to speed up, slow down, turn, and brake.

  • It manufactures the world’s longest sedan

At 6.5 meters, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman is the world’s longest sedan to date. In comparison, the average sedan length is 4.7 meters. Mercedes-Benz pulled out all the stops and decked it out with spacious interiors, luxurious details, and exclusive color combinations.

  • Mercedes-Benz once had a car inspired by a boxfish

In the mid-90s, Mercedes-Benz designed a car inspired by nature. With the boxfish as its model, the company launched the Bionic, a concept car that symbolizes the synergy of biology, engineering, and design.

  • The world’s first-ever car was made possible by a woman

Engineer and Mercedes-Benz co-founder Carl Benz invented the world’s first car: the Motorwagen, a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a rear-mounted single-cylinder engine. Many would be surprised to learn that his wife, Bertha Benz, financed the project.

  • Who was Mercedes?

Mercedes-Benz was partly named after the daughter of businessman Emil Jellinek, who first commissioned the first modern car, the Mercedes-Benz 35 HP. Co-founder Gottlieb Daimler believed the name brought in luck.

  • Mercedes-Benz race cars were once unpainted

The W25’s aluminum frame was left bare at some point, as it was a kilogram over the weight requirement of the 1934 Nuremberg rally. Engineers had to remove the vehicle’s paint to shed the excess weight. Mercedes F1 cars are now made with carbon fiber and are painted metallic silver as a tribute to its history.

  • A Mercedes-Benz appeared in Jurassic Park

The 1993 hit film featured a Mercedes-Benz ML 320. The car is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

  • Mercedes-Benz was the first carmaker to mass-produce anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in 1978

Initially available in the S-class sedans, ABS allows the driver to control the steering wheel even during emergency braking.
Mercedes-Benz owners in Nashville can rely on ColorKraft Auto Refinishers (ColorKraftauto.com) for paint and bodywork, collision repair, dent repair, wheel repair, and car detailing services. Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, and BMW models are also accepted for maintenance and repair. Schedule an appointment for Mercedes Benz repair or for other German Automobiles needing repair by calling 931.901.0238. German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) is Nashville’s most trusted import repair shop. Get in touch with their service advisors by calling 615.248.9466.

Game/High Fence Regulations in the Southeastern States

                    Straight Shooter Game Fencing

High fences have been used across the country since the 1930s to manage game and game breeding. High fence installations are considered essential to a property’s security and safety. An increasing number of property owners have been engaging the services of high fence contractors through the years due to the following benefits:

  • Herd control. Deer and other game can be efficiently fenced in or out of a property. This can help to prevent disputes, theft, and potential property damages. The landowner can also use high fences to help regulate populations depending on the capacity of the land.
  • Improved scientific data gathering. Using high fences, biologists can estimate herd size, adult sex ratio, reproduction, and other parameters.
  • Prevents the incidence of vehicle collisions. High fence enclosures near public roads can lower the risk of accidents.

High fence regulations vary from state to state. Learn more below about high fence installation regulations in the Southeastern states.

The state of Alabama is free-wheeling when it comes to high fence properties and enclosures. There are no minimum acreage requirements or permits to be filed, but hunters are required to adhere to state hunting regulations.

There are no high fence regulations in Florida, and any resident can install a high fence around a property. The maximum height of any fence is eight feet, and it must be installed 2 to 8 inches from a property line. Any game enclosed within a high fence is considered state property.

Hunting preserves in Florida must be at least 200 acres to qualify for a license; at least 50 percent of that area should be well-vegetated and posted every 500 feet, and a preserve’s high fence must be at least 8 feet in height.

The state of Georgia allows anyone who owns 640 acres of land to install a high fence on their property. All game within high fence properties is considered state-owned and local hunting regulations must be followed.

Properties smaller than 640 acres must obtain a permit to erect a high fence.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries does not officially approve of high fences. Landowners may prevent anyone from hunting or fishing in their property. However, any captured wildlife, despite the prohibition of entry, belongs to the captor.

High fence property owners in Mississippi are required to obtain an annual Facility Permit, which costs $300 a year for enclosures up to 300 acres. Properties larger than 300 acres must pay a fee of $1 per acre.

The state’s Enclosure Management Assistance Program oversees all high fence enclosures. A wildlife biologist from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will draft a management plan for the licensed enclosure and conduct inspections as needed.

Breaches or openings in an enclosure must be reported to the MDWFP within 24 hours of discovery.  Any game that escapes from a high fence enclosure and poses a risk to public safety may be captured and/or euthanized by MDWFP representatives or by any law enforcement agency.

With the exception of high fence enclosures registered before August 2001, all fences that impede game movement are considered illegal in the state of Virginia.

Should there be a need to build a fence between neighbors, an owner of the game or livestock has to pay for the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the fence.

High fencing regulations are continuously evolving, and seasoned high fence contractors should be familiar with all of state and local laws. Consult with your state wildlife agency and local law enforcement officials for the latest updates.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing is a high fence contractor specializing in high-tensile game fence. We deliver the best fencing installation and maintenance services, as well as fencing materials, at competitive prices. Get in touch with us to know more.

Brentwood Private School Takes Fresh Approach To Corrective Action

Currey IngramIf you are a parent struggling to figure out why your child is not responding to your constant pleas for a behavioral change, keep reading. We recently sat down with administrators from Currey Ingram Academy, a private school located in Brentwood, Tennessee, who tell us that reframing a child’s consequences is an effective approach to teaching new behaviors. Keep reading to find out some ways this academic institution helps their students evaluate their own actions.

Q: Good morning, we want you to know we appreciate you taking time out of your day to sit with us.

Currey Ingram: It is absolutely no problem. We are happy to talk with you.

Q: We wanted to reach out to you about discipline. Many parents today struggle with how to show their children – particularly teenagers – that their actions are not acceptable. One of our readers mentioned that they have seen a huge change in their 16-year-old since enrolling them in your school. Can we talk about how your staff and teachers approach the issue of behavioral modification?

Currey Ingram: Absolutely. First, it is important to know that we believe young learners respond best to consequences as opposed to discipline. What this means is that undesirable behavior creates an effect they can relate to their original action. For example, if a student is running through the hallways, a possible disciplinarian action would be detention. A consequential action would be that they must practice how to move throughout the hallways.

Q: In other words, they have to be logical and stem directly from the situation?

Currey Ingram: Yes, you could say that. We try to take a three-step approach toward issuing consequences. The first is that they have to be known ahead of time and communicated clearly. The next is that they must be logical and natural, such as in the example above. Finally, we also prioritize reinforcing positive behaviors with positive consequences.

Q: How do you communicate the potential consequences of an action without knowing how a student might react in a particular situation?

Currey Ingram: Since we run a private school, we have a fairly predictable routine. One tactic we can employ is to let students know that we expect their full attention during a lecture, for example. We would tell them before speaking that disruptive behaviors will be met with X consequence from the teacher or staff member in charge. We also have a list of rules that our students are expected to follow, and we look at each student on an individual basis to determine what consequences might be best geared toward their needs and personality.

Q: Why is it important that consequences relate to the infraction?

Currey Ingram: Every action creates a cycle of cause and effect. Humans learn from an early age that if they do one thing that something else happens immediately after. We do not lose this instinct as we age. So now, as teenagers, our students are still learning that everything they do triggers a response. Whether you are in a public or private school, students interacting with each other have consequences. For example, Student A says something hurtful to Student B. As a result, Student B ends their friendship. This is a natural and logical consequence. It makes sense to take the same approach when working toward the goal of behavioral modifications.

Q: You asserted earlier that Currey Ingram also prioritized positive consequences. Tell us a bit about that.

Currey Ingram: Because we are a private school, we have the authority and ability to offer numerous positive outcomes in response to desired behaviors. In other words, when we see a student doing something they should do, we want them to know that we recognize their good behavior.

Q: Give us some examples of a positive reinforcement strategy.

Currey Ingram: For younger students, we might offer stickers or small toys as a tangible reward. Older students may enjoy perks, such as having a few extra minutes of video game time. Our private school campus in Brentwood also offers a boarding option, so many of our high school scholars are with us around the clock, which gives our staff an opportunity to further reinforce positive behaviors outside of school hours. All of our students – and most children in general – respond well to social rewards, which might include praise or recognition.

Q: How do you help your students learn to recognize their own positive behaviors?

Currey Ingram: That is a great question. One way we do this is by being very mindful of how we phrase verbal recognition. Instead of simply saying, “You did good work today!” we might say, “You worked very hard on your project, you must be very proud of yourself!”

Q: So you are reframing the praise?

Currey Ingram: Absolutely. Similarly, by reframing consequences as more of a learning experience than a disciplinary action, we hope to get through to our students in a way that will be lasting and impactful.

Q: That is very interesting. Before we close, can you tell our readers a bit about your program?

Currey Ingram: Currey Ingram Academy is a private school located in Brentwood, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Our educational facility caters to students with learning differences, such as ADHD and dyslexia. We take a comprehensive approach to helping to develop appropriate and responsible behaviors both inside and outside of the classroom. We know that each one of our students has the potential to achieve more than they give themselves credit for. By illustrating cause and effect for all behaviors, we believe that we can help these students by empowering them to take control of their actions before they happen. To learn more about Currey Ingram and how this private boarding school can help your child, visit https://www.curreyingram.org today.

Hargrove Sealcoating: Why We Offer Forestry Mulching

Hargrove SealcoatingMany of our clients have asked why a sealcoating company also offers forestry mulching services. The simple answer is because we can. As a Nashville-based company, Hargrove Sealcoating, like all other outdoor industries, slows down periodically throughout the year. It would truly be a waste of equipment to let it sit idle when it could be put to good use. Further, because we can clear underbrush in any season, our staff has an opportunity to work year-round.

There are many other benefits of forestry mulching, and Nashville landowners know how valuable a service it is. First is that clearing overgrown underbrush reduces competition for vital nutrients in the soil. By removing small trees and shrubbery, the larger trees have a better chance of surviving and thriving. Even more to the point, forestry mulching can remove invasive plants, like kudzu, and make room for local flora. This, in turn, ensures that native wildlife has access to the food it needs.

Another impressive perk of forestry mulching for Nashville landowners is that it creates absolutely zero waste. All of the debris, including leaves and limbs, that gets chipped up during the mulching process is laid back down on the ground. It then breaks down and fertilizes the soil underneath. Property owners do not have to go through the time and trouble (not to mention the danger) of burning, nor must they incur additional expenses by hauling excess brush to the dump.

A healthier forest means healthier habitats for the animals that live there. Plus, by eliminating low-lying foliage, natural areas are safer for humans, too. Ticks, snakes, and rodents tend to hide in dense grasses and dead limbs; clearing a forest out for hunting, hiking, and traversing with an ATV can reduce the chances of coming into contact with these health hazards.

Things We Need Our Clients To Know

Many of our clients are curious about the process. That is understandable because forestry mulching is interesting to watch. However, it is important to know that the machine that does the work by rotating at around 2400 RPMs. This means that getting too close might result in an injury. Further, forestry mulching, especially in Nashville and the surrounding areas, is not always something you can quote with 100 percent accuracy. While we make every effort to walk through each project with our clients, there is often no way to foresee potential issues until you begin clearing the land.

Something else that’s important to know before you sign a contract for forestry mulching is that you must tell your technician if there any specific plants or trees you would like to remain. For example, if you want sapling poplar trees left alone, we need to know in advance so that we can mark these and pay extra attention to the 10 or so feet around them.

At HargroveSealcoating, we want to offer the best services for our clients. Forestry mulching is one of these and is not only beneficial to our customers but to our employees as well. It is a Mother Earth-approved activity that no longer has to be done by hand. Contact us today to clear your land in a fraction of the time, no chainsaw required. Visit https://hargrovesealcoating.com/ today for more information.

Criminals Are Ready. Are Your Employees?

ImageQuestAs technology becomes more and more integrated into the workplace, cybersecurity attacks are quickly becoming a seemingly everyday occurrence. Even if you have cybersecurity service in place, your Nashville business is – and will always be – a target. And your first line of defense is your employees.

Sadly, nearly half of all American workers are woefully undertrained. Even more alarming, approximately 8% of the nation’s employees have received no training at all. The vast majority of these are employees of small businesses, which are the most vulnerable to digital infiltration. Cybercriminals are fully aware of this training deficit and use this knowledge to find your business’s weakest link.

How Do They Do It?

As Nashville’s leading cybersecurity service, ImageQuest receives many questions about how, exactly, cybercriminals know which businesses to target and how information is accessed. The truth is that the people carrying out cybercrimes can tell very quickly which companies are an open smorgasbord of information. They do this by creating scenarios where an employee may feel comfortable giving out personal or business information. One example is a phishing email. This is a type of communication sent to resemble an incoming message from a trusted person or partner.

As an example scenario, let’s look at ABC Inc. Jane, an HR manager for Middle Tennessee’s fictional ABC, Inc., gets an email from “Admin@ABCInc.com.”  The message asks for her to update her payroll system login information. She clicks on a link that she believes will direct her to this system. She enters her information into a legitimate-looking form and thinks nothing more of it. The criminal who sent the message now has access to the company’s financial information, employee names and bank account numbers, and anything else that Jane has access to. A cybersecurity service offering employee training in Nashville could have prevented this.

Cybersecurity Training Best Practices

Prevention is the best medicine for keeping cybersecurity attacks at bay. As a business owner, it is up to you to provide your employees with the tools they need to keep your information safe. Here are a few tips on how to get everyone up to speed and ready to combat corporate crimes in a digital world.

  • Do not lay blame. First and foremost, if your company is infiltrated, regardless of reason, do not blame your staff. Accept responsibility that they may not have received the proper data security training. Use it as a learning moment.
  • Start training. Contact a local cybersecurity service for training. Nashville’s ImageQuest begins this process by assessing your company’s current security protocols. The team then puts together a training package that covers cybersecurity from many angles.
  • Create awareness. Before training begins, prioritize cybersecurity awareness. This might be something as simple as sending your employees links to recent stories about data breaches in your industry. You might post flyers in the break room or host a catered “lunch and learn” session on the subject.
  • Work from the top down. Ensure that management sets the example. Your business’s leaders set the tone for how everyone else within your organization views cybersecurity.
  • Press for better passwords. Email scams are not the only way criminals access your data. Another is by guessing passwords. Criminals have automated this process and can easily decipher word-only passwords. One of the most effective ways you can block brute-force attacks is by requiring passwords to be a combination of special characters, letters, and numerals. According to Nashville’s cybersecurity service experts, the longer and more complex, the harder a password is to crack.
  • Start at onboarding. It is one thing to train your current staff on cybersecurity measures, but if you want your new procedures to stick, they must be prioritized when onboarding new employees. Starting from day one, make sure that your entire staff – even those who do not have access to the company’s networks and systems – understand the importance of awareness.

ImageQuest offers cybersecurity service for Nashville businesses of all sizes. From a security assessment to event monitoring and employee training, ImageQuest’s IT Security Services are second to none. For more information or to speak with an expert, visit ImageQuest.com.


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Acoustic Panels Can Help Reduce Excessive Office Noise in Your Athens, GA, Workplace

Acoustic Panels Athens GAWhen you think of all the factors that go into making your business successful, one aspect that you may overlook is the quality of your workplace environment. If your employees can’t focus there, they can’t be productive, and that will undoubtedly hurt your company’s bottom line.

Is excessive office noise making it difficult for people to concentrate in your Athens, Georgia, workplace? If so, your business may benefit greatly from acoustic panels professionally installed by CWC Acoustic Interior Solutions.

Find Your Ideal Noise Control Solution

No matter what noise-related issue your business is experiencing, CWC Acoustic Interior Solutions is ready to help. We’re a division of CWC Office Furnishings that’s dedicated exclusively to helping businesses create more acoustically pleasant work environments, and the benefits of obtaining your acoustic panels from us include:

Acoustic panels come in all different colors, shapes, and styles — and working with CWC Acoustic Interior Solutions, you’ll have access to virtually any options you can imagine. We’ll plan a configuration of sound-dampening panels that will help control your noise issues and also look appealing in your space.

Turnkey Service

While the concept of absorbing sound using acoustic panels may seem simple, it actually takes quite a lot of expertise to determine exactly what arrangement makes the most sense for your needs and then properly install it. However, you can rest easy knowing that the highly trained professionals at CWC Acoustic Interior Solutions will handle your installation project from beginning to end, ensuring the phenomenal results that customers have come to expect from our trusted team.

Want to determine if acoustic panels are an appropriate solution for your Athens, GA, workplace? Contact CWC Acoustic Interior Solutions today for a free consultation.

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English: emperform

Dealing with performance issues is a critical component of any founder or manager’s job. Since this often involves conflict and difficult emotions, many people put this off. That often means they do not deal with problems until it is too late to effective solve them. Firing and replacing staff is disruptive and expensive at best. Often you can avoid getting to that stage by more effective performance management.

Remember: your success is directly related to the performance of your staff.

What causes inadequate performance?

Far too often, it is failures in the system rather than the person. Management experts from Peter Drucker on, list the most common causes of inadequate performance as:

* employee does not know what is expected
* employee does not know how to do the task
* work processes interfere with good performance
* feedback on actual performance quality is not given to the employee
* there is negative consequence for good performance

These issues must be addressed first if they exist. It starts with hiring the right person for the right job. Orientation to your workplace, systems, and expectations is important too. Looking regularly at how your processes and systems work  to see that they are efficient for your current needs is vital. And so is regular performance feedback.

When an employee does not perform to expected levels, you can succeed in improving the person’s performance if you address the issue as quickly as it is first identified.

Here are some basics on how to do this well.

* accurately identify the problem and the behavior change you desire
* give specific details of the behavior that creates the problem and the impact of the problem on the function or business
* involve the employee and ask for his/her solution

Once the employee has accepted responsibility and you have a mutually agreed plan, be sure you follow-up to ensure it is working well.

On a regular basis, you can create the conditions that help all your employees succeed by your own behavior and practices.  Demonstrate your commitment to helping employees succeed by actively soliciting their ideas for improvements and by encouraging them to grow and develop their skills.  Model the behaviors you expect.  Provide on-going feedback on results.  Say ‘thank you’ when you mean it.

There are many ways to improve your ability to manage people effectively.  Learning to communicate effectively and managing performance are critical first steps to your success.

Join us November 6, 2012 for a Brown Bag lunch on how to handle termination of employment issues effectively.

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Start Smart: Creating Great Performance

Small Business Human Resources - Great Employee Performance ManagementThe smaller your organization, the more important each person in it becomes. Think a moment – what would happen if you just lost $5,000 or $10,000 tomorrow? Yet hiring and retaining the wrong person can easily cost you that in lost opportunities or time or energy quite quickly.

So, how do you ensure your staff are terrific assets?

Start with your hiring process. New companies often hire family and friends because they are ‘comfortable’ with such people. Small organizations often think of people as an expense to be minimized, rather than an investment in your success and future.

Look carefully at how you design a new job and hire for it. You do not need an elaborate job description or expensive search process. You do need to be very clear about the work that needs to be done and the experience, attitude, and knowledge actually needed to do it well. Where will you find such a person? How will you know? What will you pay for?

Many of us lose valuable employee productivity from the start, through bad assumptions and poor planning. Your new hire checklist – mental or written – probably focuses on things like keys and payroll and forms.

What you need is a new hire checklist that ensures you:

1. Reinforce why you hired the person: say what you saw in their experience, attitude, and knowledge which demonstrated their value to your organization.

2. Explain the basics of ‘how we work here’. What are your organization’s common habits and practices that a new person needs to know?

3. Define your vision and goals and relate to the person’s specific job.

4. Set the standards for behavior and high performance at the beginning. Have the materials and equipment each needs and someone to train them on any company specific processes. Be clear in explaining what the person needs to know to successfully do the job. State your expectations in terms of daily activities or weekly accomplishments. What goals do you want achieved in the first 3 months? 6 months? What standards does the person need to meet? Do you expect all calls/email to be answered within one business day? All customers to be greeted when they enter your store? Be clear about all those details.

5. Talk about how you like to work. If you expect employees to bring up problems immediately, say so. If you want them to try to solve the problem first or bring you a proposed solution, tell them. Do you do a weekly staff meeting or scheduled individual meetings? Do you prefer written or oral reports? Are you calm and deliberative? Creative and outgoing? Tell new people.

Not there with current employees?

You can change. Define your own processes and expectations and clearly communicate them to existing staff. Then, as you grow, do so with each new hire too.

Now, of course, the reason this does not happen all the time is that many of us expect others to know and understand our goals and standards. Magically, without our having to do the work ourselves to clearly define and articulate them! So your own performance is the first person’s to sort out.

But the value of doing so is an immediate boost to productivity and performance in your organization. Your staff will know how to succeed and how to help the organization succeed.

Patricia Frame is an experienced management consultant, speaker and author on human capital issues. Ms. Frame founded Strategies for Human Resources in 1993 as a consulting firm specializing in meeting the human resources needs of small to mid-size organizations.


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Health background To use your Health background codes, follow the instructions below.

Preview Health Background

» If you need Health background for TWITTER:

  • Right-click here and save the Health background image.
  • Log in to your twitter profile.
  • Go to Settings > Design > Change Background Image.
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» If you need Health background for MYSPACE, use the code below:

Health graphics can be used by codes or manually by downloading the image.


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Altius Gymnastics

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Forums :: America Fan Blog :: OT: Very Touchy Subject...The Election Results Thus Far

Poster: King_of_Glass
Hello again, Jude! Thank you for the link to the video where VP Biden is talking about the fraud organization that the Democratic party has in place. Thanks to your direction, I do see that he merely misspoke. He should have said something more like, "fraud PREVENTION organization". Thank you very much for sharing with me/us your religious belief/unbelief. Truly, I was hoping you were a believer in God and Jesus ... most importantly for salvation purposes, of course, but for the lesser reason ... so it would better help you to understand the three YouTube videos I am posting here. It is my hope that you and others here will watch them. As you well know from my postings on this election results subject, I have said Trump will be the ultimate victor. I have also said it will require a decision by the Supreme Court and that it may take up to the day of January 18. Plus, I have stated that it will be determined that a fraud has indeed been perpetrated upon the American people. Below are just three of many different YouTube videos stating why the election is not over. These three videos are of prophecy ministers who are relaying to God's believers His will for a particular election outcome. Even among Christians today, prophecy ministers (also known as prophets or vessels) are believed to be a thing of the past. I, however, believe in their existence today. The three videos are about an hour each. My suggestion for you or anyone else here is to view all three in their entirety. By viewing them, you will see what is prophesied to be the final outcome of the election as well as why. I understand you may have no desire to view any of them. If that is the case, that's fine. When the Supreme Court makes its decision for Trump, you perhaps will go back to view the videos at that time. It is my hope that they will be a testament to you and others here that God does exist, and He cares about the political outcome of this election. And, very importantly, the viewer will see why God will not permit the Democratic Party to prevail as it will drive America towards socialism and the antichrist system. God has other plans for America. He also wants to expose the deep, deep corruption that exists in Washington. What attorney L. Lin Wood said in his YouTube video will come to pass and that includes the imprisonment of many evil politicians and office holders in the U.S. government. Please note the date of each video. It helps to know when they were made in order to verify their validity from a prophetic standpoint: 1) CHRIS REED "Corruption and Exposure In Philadelphia" 2) DUTCH SHEETS "This Election Is Not Over" 3) HANK KUNNEMAN "A Word of Encouragement"

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No Ordinary House: Anais Nin’s 110th Birthday

Anaïs Nin was born 110 years ago on Feb. 21, 1903 at Neuilly-sur-Seine in what was then a newly built luxurious building at 7 rue du Général Henrion Bertier, which still stands today. The house, and the one next door, an identical building, were both built in 1895.

The city of Neuilly was kind enough to send along some specs for the house.

Click to enlarge

The specs roughly state that the houses were built parallel to each other and perpendicular to the street, with basements and four floors and a courtyard. The building materials consist of limestone, stone and slate. The front of the house has covered gables, and the roofs are made of long sections. The rear of the house is broken into sections with uncovered gables. There is a spiral staircase which is suspended, and a décor which consists of sculpture.

This was no ordinary house, and this was no ordinary neighborhood. It would perhaps be the most luxurious place little Anaïs ever occupied. The street view is below:

View Larger Map
Alas, the family would not remain long in Neuilly, since Joaquin Nin was a composer and pianist who traveled much of Europe on concert tours. They would go to Havana, Cuba, where 2 year old Anaïs contracted typhoid fever. She became very ill, losing weight and her hair, drawing taunts from her father as an “ugly duckling,” something that would scar Anaïs for life.

After Havana, the Nins settled in a cheaper house in St-Cloud, near Paris, one of many places to which they would relocate, followed by Berlin and Brussels.

To learn more about the Neuilly house, click here.

To see more posts on Anaïs Nin’s birthday, including her family heritage, click here.

To celebrate Anaïs’s 110th, get Volume 10 of A Café in Space, which contains excerpts from her unpublished diary. It is available in both print and digital formats.

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SKID ROW – April 2010

Ever wonder about the origin of the term “Skid Row”? Most larger towns have one. (Not our adorable little Andes, though ”Cottage Row” in the old days was considered a shabby stretch).

Listening to an account on NPR of a down and out neighborhood in Vancouver, B.C. bordering Olympic City, one of the original “Skid Roads,” I learned where the term came from. The skid roads were built in the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century to bring timber to market. The logs, known as skids, were laid across the road every 5 or 6 feet so that timber could be hauled by horses without getting stuck in mud. The lumbermen, mostly single and nomadic and often out of work, congregated here, and no doubt caroused. Derelicts and vagrants felt comfortable in these squalid districts. These days the phenomenon is no longer localized, and “road” is changed to “row.” ~


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Of all of the pet animals, the cat might be the fastest learner as a result of its ability to get and retain information to discover a solution to problems. When an adult cat is placed in a room which it hasn’t seen before, every corner and nook is scrutinized with the help of its instincts. According to behaviorists, this necessity to execute”basic research” provides the cat important, life-surviving information about his environment.

The highlight of a cat’s mind is his ability to utilize the information retained to tackle problems. Cats have the skill to form”learning sets”, which was done only by primates. As an example, when trained cats pulled boxes on wheels, this revealed they could combine that ability and their insight to solve different problems.

For instance, a cat pulled a box to a certain location, then used it as a stool to get a reward he needs – like food on a string hanging from the ceiling. Though nobody knows their range of cognitive capacities, cats continue to surprise their owners with their remarkable abilities.

Just like humans, cats learn by observing, imitating, trying, as well as committing errors. There are plenty of tales about cats opening doors by turning doorknobs, ringing doorbells, turning off lights, opening cupboards, plus using the bathroom based on their observation of owners doing the exact same thing. A good deal of cat behaviorists and also child psychologists agree that an adult cat’s intelligence is equal to that of a toddler who’s 2 to 3 years old. At this age, kids are very clever and manipulative, so it is not surprising that cats are better trainers than their owners are to them.

Though the cat is considered as the smartest among all domestic animals, cat owners should understand the constraints of the pet’s thought processes, because attributing human motivations to the pet cat can affect the individual, and systematic approach is needed to treat behavioral issues.

For instance, cats can’t remember the past or create future plans. So, it is useless for an owner to scold a pet cat for something it did moments ago or when caught in the act, because the cat cannot create a connection between an action and punishment. Its actions are not influenced by revenge for what an owner said or did before. These could be blamed on the stress brought about by its owner’s actions.

The behavioral issues of cats are triggered by people, and when cats aren’t supplied with the necessary items to naturally behave like a cat, this may have a negative impact on their human owners. Check out more at Wildlife Removal.

Are Cats Trainable?

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Today has been more tiring again. I think sleep deprivation may be catching up on me. The problem is that I already work full time in the NHS in a busy job, am Leader of Harlow council which is effectivly a second full time job and on top of that have been helping in the election campaign as much as possible in the few spare moments I do get. I sometimes wish we had 36 hour days, as I would be able to get more done!

So… can I look forward to good rest at the weekend? Of course not – weekends are the busiest times for election campaigners and not interrupted by work!

I have however been encouraged by the sheer number of volunteers that have descended to Harlow to help us try and win the General and Local elections. Thanks to all those people who are coming to Harlow to help out.

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Winterval: still continuing to fool lazy journalists

I had a message from a Twitter user a couple of days ago that Winterval had been trotted out again by yet another lazy journalist, this time Mary Kenny in a column for the Belfast Mercury. In her column she recounts how:

A few years ago, Birmingham city council sought to replace ‘Christmas’ with ‘Winterval’, alleging that it was “offensive” to Muslims and other non-Christians that a holiday based on ‘Christ’s Mass’ should be on the calendar.

Like so many later repetitions the Muslims are to blame, scaring Birmingham council with the very thought that such a holiday should even be on the calendar!

Of course, as I’ve repeated here and elsewhere many times: Birmingham council did no such thing, and the events they did hold (of which Christmas – called Christmas – was the focal point) were a marketing ploy to drive business into the city centre and had absolutely nothing to do with the religious sensitivities of anyone. Winterval took place in 1997 and 1998, as a media myth it has been debunked again and again, yet here we are, 17 years later still having it repeated by people paid to write for a living.

Now seems a good a time as any to plug my e-book on the subject, available via Amazon and Kobo for a very small price. In a year in which the press avoided regulation (again) it makes for pretty painful reading about how journalists are happy to repeatedly lie to push their media narratives – and how these media narratives become more extreme over time.

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anonymity Speedpartner 4.6/6,6

If sometime something does not work...
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anonymity Speedpartner 4.6/6,6

Post by Oracle » Wed Jun 04, 2014 16:29

anonymity like 4.6/6,6 today for speedpartner. Freebeer has had 1,6/6,6 anytime last week, today its better
So far as I understand, 1,6 is really less and 4.6 its better.
Well, but shall I look to this values like 1,x its quit easy to break my anonymity?

It sounds a little stupid may be, but I'm a little surprised, I never care about that numbers, since I'm using your Software.

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Wednesday 20 Jan 2021

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The Centre for BME Health

What we do

The Centre for Black and Minority Ethnic Health is located in one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK and is uniquely placed to conduct research on issues affecting the health and wellbeing of ethnic and migrant communities.

The Centre for Black and Minority Ethnic Health works to address the health inequalities in health care access and health outcomes by supporting individuals and organisations in planning and undertaking research and healthcare delivery involving and understanding Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and seldom heard communities.

The Centre for BME Health aims to reduce health inequalities locally and nationally by working with patients, the public, community and voluntary sectors, researchers, and health & social organisations.

We have a number of community-based research staff who engage with seldom heard communities and inspire community-led research. We design and deliver resources and alternative methodologies that are informed and led by communities who are ‘not reached’ by some clinicians and researchers.

These methods and our involvement allow us to promote culturally-sensitive resources and raise awareness of community engagement and collaboration across research and healthcare delivery.

We also deliver research with BME groups, host a BME Community Partners’ Panels, provide BME Engagement and competency training and collaborate with researchers, universities and organisations to widen participation with seldom heard groups.

What the Centre will provide

  • Capacity building programmes aimed at supporting and enhancing researchers’ skills, knowledge and confidence to produce high quality health service research based on the active participation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
  • Workshop and seminar programmes including – Cultural competency in research, commissioning and health inequalities
  • PPI Panel to review and support funding applications
  • Website with resources and links including health information and How2Guides
  • Links to community facilitators, translators and support organisations
  • Actively influence a culture of practice in which BME involvement informs and supports research, service planning, commissioning and delivery of health and adult social care services and healthcare; and where achievements are shared and celebrated.
  • Research and commissioning tailored to community needs
  • Undertake community engagement strategies that foster the trust and buy in of BME communities to raise the profile of research and opportunities to participate in research, health and social care joint working and to resource their capacity to act on this commitment.
  • Run health information events and workshops to share knowledge
  • Training and support for individuals wishing to be partners in research

Contact us

Follow the centre on Twitter at @BMEhealthEM.

For more information about the centre, visit the website.

Email us at

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Creation Myths
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One of the oldest questions mankind has asked about the universe is, "How did the world come to be?" For much of mankind's history, this question was the exclusive province of Religion, and the answer has been inextricably woven with the culture's notions about God. In modern times, Science has taken over this question, but its answers still resonate with the religious implications of the original question.

This entry lists some of the stories different people in different times have told about How Things Came to Be. That these are classified here as "myths" is not intended as an indictment of untruthfulness. In fact, just to be a stinker, I've included some scientific theories here as well, on the assumption that even the most logical construct can take on a mythological hue if looked on the right way.

A Common Template

Many of the creation myths from all over the big old list of mythologies follow a common template. In the beginning there was nothing, or darkness, or chaos, or an infinite ocean. Usually, there was just one being that existed in this void, and they used either the power of light, or magic, or a powerful words to cause all of reality to come into existence, usually starting with the earth.

Another common variation is that instead of creating everything from nothing, they separate the chaos into two things (such as dividing it into light and darkness, or dividing it into earth and another element such as sky or water). That first mover (or one of his first creations) then populated the earth with plants and animals and humans, and often other supernatural entities. Usually these creations came about in staggered waves, and it's pretty common for humans to be in the final wave.

The other common way for the universe to be created is for some God or Titan or other big-deal entity (like the first-mover mentioned above) to die, often killed by the younger generation. Then their body is taken apart, and the various parts of it used to create places and things. Eyes or blood become bodies of water. Flesh or bones become mountains. Etc. This may be the start or end of a generation war between the handful of powerful creatures in existence at this time, and may serve as the justification for sacrifice rituals.

It's not uncommon for there to be a big tragedy: if not the aforementioned generation war, then a massive flood, an act of hubris and punishment that caused everyone to speak different languages, or even a false-start and a do-over of the whole creation project. Maybe more than one of the above. After this rough start mankind might be able to secure some sort of promise from on high that we wouldn't get another nasty hard reboot, at least until the end of days rolls around. It depends on how trustworthy and humane the gods are in this particular pantheon.

As time marches forward, Mankind frequently experiences a series of eras or ages. In the earliest age, people were few but extra-epic, and possibly very long-lived. During that era, some sort of trickster or culture hero emerges to steal the secret of fire from the gods, or teach valuable lessons about morality to future generations. Those were the good old days of the golden age, and they just don't make people like that any more… or so the stories go.

Those are of course sweeping generalizations. Not every mythology hits every story beat, but the events listed are definitely the most commonly recurring tropes of creation myths the world over.

Game and Story Use

  • When creating an original gameworld, you might want to consider inventing a Creation Myth for your world.
    • The myth need not be true; only accepted and taught by the society you are creating.
    • Even if the particulars of the story never actually come out in game play, what the people of that culture believe about their origins will color what they believe about other things.
      • For example: In the Middle Ages it was held that because Adam was given dominion over the earth, that anything man did to subdue the earth was justified.
      • On the other hand, another school of thought that has become more prominent today holds that the same Bible passage gives man a special responsibility to take care of the earth and nurture the creatures that live on it.
  • In a fantasy setting, especially one in which the gods are active, a Creation Myth may actually be true.
  • It's also entirely possible to have a (very) high fantasy campaign in a setting which isn't finished yet - perhaps there is a titanomachy in progress for control of the developing world, or there is a heroic age in play, where the gods still roam the earth and sufficiently powerful mortals can work with or against them to alter the shape of things to come.
  • Before you set the dials on your Time Machine to the year 4004 BC, ask yourself: do you really want to go there…?
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Monday, March 31, 2014

Yoko Ono | Yes Box

[Yoko Ono]
Yes Box
Lund, Sweden: Bakhall Printers & Publishers, 2004
14.5 x 13 x 1.5 cm
Edition size unknown

A clamshell cardboard box containing two audio CDs, A Hole To See the Sky Through postcard and a 32 page booklet, functioning as a catalogue of the travelling exhibition  Yes Yoko Ono organized by the Japan Society in New York City. The booklet features examples of works from the retrospective.
One CD features an eighteen minute interview with Ono and the other contains two songs from her then-current LP Blueprint for a Sunrise ( "It's Time for Action" and "I'm Not getting Enough"). The booklet's title, Soul got out of the box, is also the name of a song from the same album.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

ACBA: The Bechers for Kraftwerk

Baarn, The Netherlands: Philips, 1970
12" vinyl LP
Edition size unknown

Released in November 1970, the debut album from the electronic band that formed in Düsseldorf earlier in the year, was purely instrumental, performed on a variety of traditional instruments which were altered in post-production. The disk is long out of print and has never had an official CD release. The band has referred to their first 3 records as "archaeology" and have not performed tracks from the debut live since 1975.

The cover is credited to Ralf Hütter, the singer, keyboardist and sole founding member to continue with the group. The gatefold inner sleeve photograph of a power station is by Bernd and Hilla Becher,  who also hailed from Düsseldorf.

Kraftwerk performed at the Sony Centre in Toronto last night (see below iPhone pic).

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Jeff Berner | Fluxbook

Jeff Berner
New York City, USA: Fluxus, 1966
10 x 12 x 2.7 cm.
Edition size unknown

A white plastic box containing book pages encased in epoxy, with a George Maciunas designed, offset-printed label.

For the alternate cover design, see previous post, here.

Friday, March 28, 2014

John Cage's Rules?

The above document has recently been making the rounds on tumblr, Facebook, Pinterist, and other social media sites. My students have brought it up in class, and artist Paul Walde, who teaches at the University of Victoria, wrote that his students have posted a copy in the school's grad lounge.

The authorship is always credited to John Cage, which doesn't ring true to me. Not the approach, the writing style, or the typesetting. And it doesn't appear in any of the numerous books I have by or about Cage.

I did a fast search and discovered the below copies, which would certainly lend credence to Cage's authorship, as they are on Merce Cunningham's letterhead. The dancer and choreographer met Cage in 1938 and they spent most of their lives as artistic and romantic partners.

So I sent the question to my favourite online art detective, Greg Allen at Allen has brilliantly tracked down answers to other obscure questions surrounding contemporary art, and had previously written about Cage on several occasions, including a post on Cage's studio table, here.

Allen replied with an email less than an hour later, identifying the author as Sister Corita Kent, though with a few remaining unanswered questions. The following day he published this post, here, with more details.

If readers have any further information about the origins of this text, please leave it the comments, or send an email.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Aa Bronson | Negative Thoughts

AA Bronson
Negative Thoughts
Chicago, USA: Museum of Contemporary Art, 2001
112 pp., 23 x 15.5 cm., paperback
Edition size unknown

Negative Thoughts is an artists' book/memoir by the surviving member of a three-man artists' collective, General Idea, who lived and worked together from 1969 to 1994. His collaborators, Jorge Zontal and Felix Partz, both died in 1994 from AIDS-related causes. The title play-on-words references both Bronson's HIV status and his increasing depression following the deaths of his partners.

"When I was younger, I considered myself 100% optimistic. But now, at the age of 53, I find myself cynical, judgmental, and depressed."

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Bob Watts Box

Bob Watts
Verona, Italy: Edizioni Francesco Conz, 1984
9.5 x 10 x 25 cm
Edition of 50 signed copies

Monday, March 24, 2014

...(and latest) Xmas present ever. From Paul + Wendy Projects and David Shrigley. Full post later this week, when I install it on my front door.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Benedict Drew | Notes on The Anxiety of a Record Running Out

Benedict Drew
Notes on The Anxiety of a Record Running Out
London, UK: foam, 2014
7" vinyl single, 45 rpm
Edition of 300

The debut release from the non-profit venture foam, "a peripatetic and mercurial platform that supports artist experimentation." Foam's core project is a growing archive of commissioned 12" dub plate records, which will be available for exhibition.

The 6-minute track is backed with Notes on The Filling of Gaps, and is pressed on high quality 180g heavy colures vinyl and housed in a printed sleeve. High quality ‘lossless’ digital downloads (AIFF, WAV and/or MP3) are available with purchase.

To purchase the disk (for £30.00) and for more information visit, here.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Wolf Vostell | Berliner Brot

Wolf Vostell
Berliner Brot
Berlin, Germany: Fine-Art Gallery, 1994
25 x 35 x 28 cm.
Edition of 50 signed and numbered copies

Bread painted with liquid cement on one side and a video monitor.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Beuys on Multiples

"Jörg Schellmann/Bernd Klüser: Beuys, why do you make multiples? Can the reason for multiplying an object be found in the message it contains, for instance a particular quality which calls for mass production, or is it a questions of larger distribution?

Joseph Beuys: Well, it's a matter of two intersecting things. Naturally, I search for a suitable quality in an object, which permits multiplication of that object, for instance the quality implying a series, found in this bottle of tonic-water [Evervess II 1 (1968)]. Just by being an article of commerce, this bottle can communicate much through repetition.

But actually, it's more important to speak of distribution, of reaching a larger number of people... You can look at it from a number of different aspects. Why is anyone interested in distributing a thing as widely as possible?

The whole thing is a game, one which, with the help of this kind of information, counts on anchoring a vehicle somewhere close by, so that people can later think back on it. It's a sort of prop for the memory, yes, a sort of prop in case something different happens in the future.

For me, each edition has the character of a kernel of condensation upon which many things may accumulate.

You see, all those people who have such an object will continue to be interested in how the point of departure from which the vehicles started is developing. They'll be watching to see what the person who produced these things is doing now. That way I stay in touch with people; just as you have come to me because of what I've made and we can talk about it, I can talk to just about anybody who owns such an object. There's a real affinity to people who own such things, such vehicles. It's like an antenna which is standing somewhere and with which one stays in touch. There are also crossconnections between people, or ricochets. One person says: Yes, I've got such a bottle. Another one has such a wooden box and a third one says: I've heard something about political activities, and so all sorts of different concepts converge, and that's what I'm interested in, that a whole lot of concepts come together.

I'm interested in the distribution of physical vehicles in the form of editions because I'm interested in spreading ideas.

The objects are only understandable in relations to my ideas. The work I do politically has a different effect on people because such a product exists than it would have if the means of expression were only the written word.

Although these products may not seem suitable for bringing about political change, I think more emanates from them than if the ideas behind them were revealed directly.

To me the vehicle quality of the editions is important..."

Read the full interview here.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Special Signed Baldessari offer from The Thing Quarterly

"Hello friends,

We have ten signed John Baldessari issues of THE THING in our archive and two of them are going into the mail.  What this means is that everyone who orders a John Baldessari issue 22 between March 20th and March 30th will have a chance to receive a signed edition.

Two signed issues will be mailed out at random to two people who purchase a Baldessari issue between now and midnight Pacific Standard Time, March 30th.
We do not know which issue is signed, but we do know...
it will be one of the issues purchased between March 20th and March 30th
it is somewhere in the stack of issues being mailed out on a rolling basis
it has been placed in the stack by someone we hardly know
it will be very exciting if you receive it
it will be very exciting even if you do not (because the issue is amazing)
Signed issues include two pillowcases, one of which is signed by John Baldessari.  The cases are neatly packed inside their original packaging."

Visit The Thing, here, for details.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Joseph Beuys | FIU Oil Bottle

Joseph Beuys
FIU Oil Bottle
Pescara, Italy: Edizioni Lucrezia De Domizio, 1984
26 x 8 cm.
Unlimited Edition

A bottle of olive oil with a silkscreened signature by the artist. Some copies additionally signed by Beuys. With a current estimated value of between five and seven thousand dollars, US.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Bernar Venet | Mathematics and Thinking Mathematically

Venet Bernar
Mathematics and Thinking Mathematically
New York City, USA: Multiples, Inc., 1970
18 pp., 18 x 18 cm., metal rings
Edition of 1200

Issued as a part of the box "Artists & Photographs", which also featured Mel Bochner, Christo, Jan Dibbets, Dan Graham, Joseph Kosuth, Bruce Nauman, Dennis Oppenheim, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscah, Andy Warhol and others.