canada

ER for Violence Prevention

- Adam Clare

CIIAN LogoThe Canadian International Institute of Applied Negotiation (CIIAN) has create a new fast-reacting Early Response Unit (ERU). Essentially the ERU takes a holistic approach to analyzing potential conflicts to look for solutions before violence breaks out. This is a really good idea. They follow the thinking that even a little bit of prevention can go a long way to preventing conflict.

CIIAN’s President and the Director of the ER Unit, Dr. Ben Hoffman, states “I believe the new ER Unit is greatly needed in our world of increasingly volatile environments. Ethnic and religious strife, land occupations, labor strikes, dysfunctional workplaces, and troubled schools can become violent unless timely action is taken. We have the expertise to recognize early warning signs that these environments may become violent and the experience to deliver an appropriate response aimed at prevention and stabilization.”

Thanks, Evan!

TXT MSG not :( for ppl

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

A Canadian research team have concluded that text messaging does not negatively impact the grammar of Canadian teens. It looks like people are just getting more creative with their use of language, which ultimately proves a better understanding of words as a whole.

“New research from linguists at the University of Toronto suggests that instant messaging doesn’t deserve its reputation for spoiling syntax. In a study of 71 teenagers, researchers found that the teens showed a strong command of the language.
When chatting with friends, the teens cleverly fused different features of the language: written and spoken, formal and informal.”

Now, if only I can fix my use of the English language…

Sod Off!

- Adam Clare

sod wheelSome enterprising grad students at Dalhousie in Halifax, Nova Scotia, have taken the park on the road. The architecture students were exploring the concept of public and green space and came up with this groovy way to always walk on the grass!

“”We’re looking at the idea of green space in the city,” said grad student Kevin James. “Even in the Public Gardens, you’re not allowed to walk on the grass.”

Halifax Downtown Coun. Dawn Sloane says they’re right, except for the Public Gardens statement. In fact, playing on the grass is allowed in the children’s area, but the problem is nobody knows about it.

“I think our biggest issue right now is that not only is our green space being utilized for some of the wrong reasons, but they’re under- utilized by the communities, and we do need more,” she said.”

The concept isn’t perfect because when the sod is over your head dirt falls on you. If the concept really dries up then maybe they’ll turn it into a hot tub.

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