#Access Control Southampton

[usernoneexistent]

Harper starts Hogwarts part III

Challenge: Little time left for the Back 2 School Chaos challenge

With not much time left, the Nowaks are in a state of disarray to pack everything they need before sending Flynn and Harper off to Hogwarts.

You can read part 1 and part 2 here.

Warnings: Magic hate, mean behaviour

The Nowak house was getting frantic with the suitcases and bags being packed for Flynn and now Harper for the term and getting ready to make the two-and-a-half-hour drive to King's Cross station. After getting the robes, they have been busy packing up for the little time they had left. His parents even planned time off from work, though Isla said she would stay home. It's not like they would have enough space with their suitcases.

"Mum! Where's my Southampton t-shirt?" Flynn yelled down the stairs.

His mother stood there glaring at the bottom of the steps with laundry in one hand and one on her hips.

"Flynn, you don't need to bring your Southampton football top to Hogwarts." Elizabeth sighed. "Besides, I just put it in the wash."

"Why? There was nothing wrong with it?" Flynn shrugged. He heard a snort behind him.

Isla was walking from the bathroom with furiously texting. If it was Flynn's guess, it would likely be her friends.

"Have you ever smelled yourself?" Isla made a jab before going to her and Harper's room.

"I don't smell anything." Flynn sniffed the air around him.

Isla rolled her eyes as Flynn proved her point.

"Well it stunk, Flynn." His mum stated. "Now stop standing there and go be useful and finish packing your things. I have to help your sister."

His mum climbed the stairs past him. She recruited Isla's help for the laundry as Flynn returned to his room, which was a mess. He pulled out all his clothes and dumped them onto his bed, cramming anything he thought he would need. He switched on his Xbox and started playing as he had stuffed in everything he would need.

Flynn stayed on his bed with the game controller in his hand. His mum barged in with a fury painted on her face. Flynn knew that look and scrambled to take off his headphones.

"Flynn Gabriel Nowak!, You were suppose to be packing your things! "She shouted.

"But I have, mum. "Flynn argued.

"Does this look packed to you?! "Elizabeth pointed to the crammed-in clothes that Flynn had just thrown and stuffed into his suitcase. Flynn knew there could only be one correct answer.

"No."

"Oh for goodness sake, Flynn! I thought I you could manage this on your own." She rubbed her forehead. "I have to make dinner soon, so I guess you have to ask Isla to help you out."

Flynn snorted. "Right, like Isla would ever help me, and besides, we still have a week left."

Elizabeth glared coldly. Flynn knew he had to get Isla to help him one or another. He moaned as he got up and entered into his sisters' bedroom.

"Knock first, Flynn!" Isla yelled. Flynn frustratedly sighed but complied with her request. Exiting before he knocked on the door.

"Can I come in?"

"No, so leave now! "Isla refused access. But the door opened regardless by Harper, who was beaming. "Ignore Isla, come in."

Their room was also messy but not nearly as bad as his room. Harper's clothes were neatly packed into her suitcases and bag, too. Her robes were hung outside the white Ikea wardrobe, freshly ironed like his.

"Mum said you need to help me. With packing my clothes."

"No I don't," Isla retorted.

"Mum said-"

"I don't care what mum said. I'm not helping you freaks go off to your magic boarding school." Isla scowled before her attention was diverted to her phone. Harper gave an uncomfortable look at their older sister.

"Okay, I'll just tell mum then, and she'll take away your phone," Flynn shrugged, ready to leave the room.

"Fine!" Isla sighed as she left her bed, snapping her phone closed. Clearly displeased, he followed Flynn to his bedroom. Harper followed like a puppy, eager to help despite not needing to.

Isla wrinkled her nose as she held up Flynn's clothes at arm's length. Harper and Flynn dumped the contents onto his bed as they sorted through the contents. Isla taught them to fold neatly and effectively, though she ended up doing most of the work redoing Flynn's work.

The smell of beef roast floated up from downstairs, causing Flynn's mouth to water. They managed to through half of his things and packed tidily with room to spare. Isla left once the job was done, likely to complain to her friends. Harper lingered around as if she wanted to say something.

"Why does Isla keep calling us freaks?" She asked. "Are we freaks?"

"She's just being mean since she doesn't have any cool powers like us," Flynn answered, though, in reality, he didn't understand. At least his mother was slowly getting around the idea of magic. Still, Isla constantly berated them, but she wasn't always like this. She used to be fun before starting high school.

He stopped understanding Isla when she started high school and acted like she was beneath childish games. She stopped hanging out with Flynn and Harper, yet where the line was drawn was when Flynn got his Hogwarts letter and found out he was a wizard.

Harper nodded as she hugged him. "Yeah, Isla is just a meanie."

"And besides, at Hogwarts, you'll meet many great people. Especially when you get sorted into your house." Flynn said to cheer her up. Harper started to smile again.

"Well I want to be in Gryffindor like you. "

"I hope so too, Harper."

[nationaldogtraining]

Transform Your Dog’s Behavior with Expert Training in Southampton

Dog Training Southampton: Unlock Your Dog's Full Potential with The National Dog Training Academy

When it comes to raising a well-behaved, happy dog, effective training is key. For dog owners in Southampton, The National Dog Training Academy offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet your furry friend’s needs. Whether you're dealing with a new puppy or a more mature dog, professional training can make a world of difference. This blog will explore why investing in dog training in Southampton is crucial and how The National Dog Training Academy can help.

Why Dog Training is Essential

Building a Strong Bond

Training is not just about teaching your dog commands; it's about building a stronger bond between you and your pet. Proper training helps to establish clear communication and mutual understanding, which is the foundation for a well-behaved dog. In Southampton, where dog ownership is on the rise, investing in professional training can lead to a more harmonious relationship with your pet.

Ensuring Safety

A well-trained dog is a safer dog. Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" can prevent dangerous situations and ensure your dog’s safety in various environments. In a bustling city like Southampton, where there are plenty of distractions, having a dog that responds reliably to commands is invaluable.

Reducing Behavioral Issues

Common issues such as excessive barking, jumping, or digging can be effectively managed through training. The National Dog Training Academy employs techniques that address these problems, providing solutions that lead to long-lasting results. According to a recent study, 65% of dogs with behavioural problems show significant improvement after just a few sessions with a professional trainer.

The National Dog Training Academy: Your Go-To Solution in Southampton

Comprehensive Training Programs

At The National Dog Training Academy in Southampton, we offer a variety of training programs tailored to suit different needs. From basic obedience classes for puppies to advanced training for adult dogs, our programs are designed to address various behavioural issues and improve overall obedience.

Puppy Training

Early training is crucial for puppies. Our puppy training classes focus on essential commands, socialisation, and proper behaviour from a young age. This foundation helps prevent common issues and sets your puppy on the path to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog.

Obedience Training

For dogs that need to refine their skills, our obedience training programs cover a range of commands and behaviours. This training is ideal for dogs who already have some basic understanding but require further development.

Advanced Training

For dogs with specific behavioural issues or those requiring more intensive training, our advanced programs offer specialised techniques. This training is tailored to address particular challenges and enhance your dog's responsiveness and control.

Experienced Trainers

Our team at The National Dog Training Academy comprises highly experienced trainers who use proven methods to achieve the best results. Each trainer brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that your dog receives top-notch training. With their guidance, your dog will not only learn new commands but also develop better behaviour and social skills.

Convenient Location and Facilities

Located conveniently in Southampton, The National Dog Training Academy offers a welcoming environment for both dogs and their owners. Our training facilities are equipped with the latest tools and resources to facilitate effective learning. Additionally, our location makes it easy for Southampton residents to access quality training services without long commutes.

Benefits of Choosing The National Dog Training Academy

Personalised Attention

One of the key advantages of training with us is the personalised attention each dog receives. We understand that every dog is unique, and our training programs are tailored to meet individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that training is both effective and enjoyable for your dog.

Proven Results

Our methods are backed by research and have a track record of success. Many clients report noticeable improvements in their dogs' behaviour after completing our programs. Whether you're looking to address specific issues or simply enhance your dog's obedience, our proven techniques deliver results.

Supportive Community

Joining our training programs means becoming part of a supportive community of dog owners and trainers. You’ll have access to ongoing support and resources that help you continue your dog’s development even after the formal training is complete.

How to Get Started with Dog Training in Southampton

Contact Us

Getting started with dog training at The National Dog Training Academy is simple. Contact us via our website or by phone to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your dog’s specific needs and recommend the most appropriate training program.

Attend an Introductory Class

We offer introductory classes where you can meet our trainers, see our facilities, and learn more about our training approach. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for our services and ask any questions you may have.

Begin Training

Once you’ve chosen the right program for your dog, we’ll schedule training sessions that fit your convenience. Our flexible scheduling ensures that you can incorporate training into your busy life without hassle.

Conclusion

Investing in professional dog training in Southampton is one of the best decisions you can make for your pet’s well-being and your own peace of mind. The National Dog Training Academy offers expert training solutions that cater to various needs, ensuring that you and your dog can enjoy a harmonious and fulfilling relationship. With our experienced trainers, comprehensive programs, and supportive community, you’re well on your way to achieving your dog training goals. Contact us today to get started and see the positive changes in your dog’s behaviour!

[kayvanh123]

Practicing mindfulness for just 10 minutes a day enhances well-being and combats depression.

In a recent study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, researchers from the Universities of Bath and Southampton revealed that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice can significantly enhance well-being, reduce depression and anxiety, and motivate individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, such as better exercise, eating, and sleeping patterns.

The study involved 1,247 adults from 91 countries, who were randomly assigned to either a month-long mindfulness routine or a control condition where they listened to excerpts from Alice in Wonderland. The mindfulness sessions, delivered through the free mobile app Medito, included relaxation exercises, intention-setting, body scans, breath-focused attention, and self-reflection. Most participants had no prior mindfulness experience.

Participants completed mental health surveys before starting the 30-day mindfulness training and after its completion. The results were remarkable:

Depression reduced by 19.2% more in the mindfulness group compared to the control group.

Well-being improved by 6.9% more.

Anxiety decreased by 12.6% more.

Positive attitudes toward health increased by 7.1%.

Behavioral intentions to maintain good health rose by 6.5%.

These benefits were largely sustained a month after the program ended, with participants reporting ongoing improvements in well-being, depression, attitudes, and sleep quality.

Participants also shared personal benefits from the mindfulness practice, noting increased awareness, self-control, patience, and a greater appreciation for the present moment. One participant remarked, “Completing these meditation sessions has given me a better understanding of my mind. They have helped me gain insight on many things and shown me a different lens through which to view the world.”

The study, led by psychologist Masha Remskar from the University of Bath, is one of the first to demonstrate that the mental health benefits of mindfulness may stem from the positive lifestyle changes it promotes. Remskar emphasized that even brief daily mindfulness practices can significantly enhance mental health and build the psychological skills necessary to form healthy habits.

Co-author Dr. Ben Ainsworth from the University of Southampton highlighted the role of digital technology in making behavioral and psychological techniques accessible, while Dr. Max Western from the University of Bath noted the global potential of such a cost-effective intervention.

The study was funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council and conducted in collaboration with the Medito Foundation, a mindfulness non-profit organization. Participants in the study completed Medito’s “30 Day Challenge,” though the Foundation was not involved in the data collection, analysis, or publication of the research.

Remember, if you need further guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your mental health professional or contact us for assistance.

[ellie-bygrave]

FMP - "At the forefront": VR

Virtual Reality (VR) is a fairly recent development in the games and entertainment industry which allows users to put on a headset and become immersed inside a game or experience. Players can usually control the character by using hand controls that also allow interaction with the world around them. VR offers next-level immersion for players and allows them to step into the world rather than just view it on a flat screen.

At the time of the initial development, this was a unique and exciting feature that could be brought to games. Though VR has been popular among gamers for the last decade or so, it is still a fairly under-populated medium, as it requires expensive specialist equipment that many gamers don't have access to. This is likely a self-perpetuating cycle, as a lack of customers will discourage developers from creating VR games, which in turn keeps the customer base low as they have no incentive to buy VR headsets.

That being said, there are still many incredibly popular VR games. Games such as Beat Saber (2018) and Half Life: Alyx (2020) were (and still are) very popular and encouraged many to invest in VR equipment for themselves. Additionally, several games have VR compatibility as well as being playable on other platforms, such as No Man's Sky (2016) and Phasmophobia (2020).

When considering the theoretical platform I'd release my playable level on, my main consideration would be how I'd intend the character to move and be controlled. I personally mostly game using a controller. However, as a lot of the movement in my level requires quite precise accuracy, I felt that using a mouse and keyboard might be more suitable. Additionally to this, I created quite a lot of different key bindings that would allow different menu screens to open on different keys. I know this would be possible to convert to a controller layout but as the gameplay and coding side of things is neither my forte nor my primary focus, I opted to keep it as mouse and keyboard.

VR wasn't really an option I considered initially for several reasons. Firstly, I don't have a VR headset, so play testing the level myself would be practically impossible. Secondly, using VR makes me incredibly travel sick, so I wouldn't usually opt to make a level that I personally wouldn't be able to play. But mostly I felt that the gameplay I want to incorporate wouldn't really show off the use of VR or make it "worth" using. I only intend for the gameplay to involve pressing a button to trigger a sound or a door opening. VR is well-suited to having players pick things up and inspect them, or swing swords around at enemies. I think this level would be very boring to play in VR, hence why I have opted not to use it in my case.

I would definitely be open to using VR in future work, as long as I'd have the capabilities of testing things properly. I think VR requires a slightly different approach to making games for other platforms, both visually and in terms of gameplay. The perspective in VR is very different and things are controlled very differently. And, as I mentioned earlier, there are different expectations about what the player should be able to do.

All in all I think VR is a great tool for use in video games and other art forms. It opens up other doors to creativity and lets players experience things from a different point of view. It still has its limitations but, when used in an appropriate setting, can elevate a game to a new level.

References

Beat Saber. (2018). MetaQuest [Game]. Prague: Beat Games.

Half Life: Alyx. (2020). PC [Game]. Washington, USA: Valve Corporation

No Man's Sky. (2018). PC [Game]. Guildford, UK : Hello Games

Phasmophobia. (2020). PC [Game]. Southampton, UK: Kinetic Games

[sheetmetalwork]

V and F Sheet Metal, located near Southampton, Hampshire, offers several advantages for those seeking sheet metal solutions. Here are three key benefits of using V and F Sheet Metal for your needs:

State-of-the-Art Equipment: V and F Sheet Metal has heavily invested in modern CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology and other advanced equipment, ensuring precision and efficiency in manufacturing processes. The wide range of CNC tools, from bending and punching to laser cutting, allows for high-quality output with precise tolerances. This technological edge provides customers with accurate and reliable results, reducing rework and delays.

Diverse Capabilities: With nearly 40 years of experience, V and F Sheet Metal offers a comprehensive suite of services, from fabrication to assembly. The company has expertise in working with various metals, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. They also provide diverse finishing options like paint and powder coating, allowing customers to meet their unique requirements and aesthetic needs in one place.

Customer-Centric Approach: V and F Sheet Metal is committed to customer satisfaction. The company prides itself on its flexibility and willingness to work closely with clients to meet their specific needs. This approach ensures clear communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, their convenient location near Southampton makes it easy for customers in Hampshire and surrounding areas to access their services.

[demoblocksmiths]

How to Improve Your Business Security with Demob Locksmiths

If you own or run a business, you know how important it is to protect your premises, assets and employees from theft, vandalism and other threats. You need a locksmith service that can help you improve your business security with the best solutions and products. That’s why you need to improve your business security with Demob Locksmiths, the best locksmith service in Southampton. Who are Demob Locksmiths? Demob Locksmiths is a local independent company that has been providing locksmith services in Southampton and the surrounding areas for over 10 years. They are not a national call centre or a franchise that may charge you extra fees or subcontract your job to unqualified or unreliable locksmiths. They are based in Southampton and know the area well. They have a team of qualified and experienced locksmiths who can handle any lock issue you might have. What can Demob Locksmiths do for you? Demob Locksmiths can help you improve your business security with their locksmith services, such as: - Lock installation: If you need to install new locks or cylinders on your doors, windows, cabinets, safes or other areas, Demob Locksmiths can do it for you. They can install locks that meet the British Standard BS3621, which are approved by insurance companies and police. They can also install additional locks or security devices, such as deadbolts, chains, bars, grilles and more. - Lock upgrade: If you want to upgrade your security level or change your lock type, Demob Locksmiths can do it for you. They can upgrade your locks to anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick or anti-bump locks, which are resistant to common burglary methods. They can also change your lock type to suit your preference or need, such as master key systems, access control systems, digital locks and more. - Lock repair: If you have damaged locks or handles on your doors, windows, cabinets, safes or other areas, Demob Locksmiths can repair or replace them for you. They can fix any type of lock, such as mortice locks, rim locks, euro cylinders, multipoint locks, uPVC locks and more. They can also repair or replace any type of handle, such as lever handles, knob handles, push button handles and more. - Lockout service: If you have locked yourself out of your office, shop, warehouse or other premises, Demob Locksmiths can help you get back in. They can open your door without causing any damage to your lock or door. They use the latest tools and techniques to unlock your door in minutes. Demob Locksmiths can handle any type of commercial property, such as: - Offices - Shops - Warehouses - Factories - Schools - Hospitals - Hotels - Restaurants - Bars - Clubs How much does Demob Locksmiths charge? Demob Locksmiths offers competitive prices and no hidden charges for their locksmith services. They will give you a free quote over the phone or online, and they will stick to it! How fast can Demob Locksmiths reach you? Demob Locksmiths is available 24/7 and can reach you within 30 minutes of your call. They understand that lock issues can happen at any time and cause a lot of disruption and loss. That’s why they are ready to help you anytime, anywhere in Southampton and the surrounding areas. How reliable is Demob Locksmiths? Demob Locksmiths is a reliable and trustworthy locksmith service that you can count on. They are licensed, insured and bonded, and they follow the code of ethics of the Master Locksmith Association. They offer a guarantee on all parts and labour, and they will always respect your property and privacy. They also have many positive reviews and testimonials from their satisfied customers on their website www.demoblocksmiths.co.uk and their Facebook page. How to contact Demob Locksmiths? If you want to improve your business security with Demob Locksmiths service, you can contact them by: - Calling them on 01202 238560 - Visiting their website at www.demoblocksmiths.co.uk - Filling out their online contact form - Sending them an email at contact@demoblocksmiths.co.uk - Following them on Facebook at They will respond to your enquiry as soon as possible and provide you with a free quote or book their service. Conclusion Demob Locksmiths is the best choice for improving your business security in Southampton. They are a local independent company that offers fast, efficient and professional mobile service for any lock issue you might have. They are available 24/7 and can reach you within 30 minutes of your call. They offer competitive prices and no hidden charges for their locksmith services. They also offer free security advice and a 12-month guarantee on all parts and labour. Contact them today for a free quote or to book their service. You won’t regret it! Read the full article

[jcmarchi]

How solar-powered Village in Kenya Outback Kept Lights On During Africa’s Biggest Blackout - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-solar-powered-village-in-kenya-outback-kept-lights-on-during-africas-biggest-blackout-technology-org/

How solar-powered Village in Kenya Outback Kept Lights On During Africa’s Biggest Blackout - Technology Org

People across Kenya were mysteriously plunged into darkness last month as the country suffered its worst power outage in a generation – except for a tiny remote village.

Now experts from the University of Southampton have revealed how their mini grid powerplant, fuelled solely by the sun’s energy, kept the lights on across the community of Kitonyoni, in Kenya’s eastern province.

Africa – illustrative photo. Image credit: Pixabay (Free Pixabay license)

The solar-photovoltaic plant, the first of its kind to be installed in Africa back in 2012, is just a few metres square in size but creates enough energy to power the village alongside its school and hospital.

It kept Kitonyoni, located in Makueni county, powered during Kenya’s massive outage – which affected most of its 50 million population, including in the capital Nairobi, for almost 24 hours.

Engineers behind its creation, called the Energy for Development (e4D) project which includes the University of Southampton, Ministry of Energy Kenya and Kenya Power and Lighting Company, hope to roll it out across Africa where 600million people have no access to electricity.

Professor AbuBakr Bahaj, from the Energy and Climate Change Division at Southampton, said: “The Kitonyoni villagers were the envy of all Kenya, and people from the surrounding villages rushed into its trading centre during the blackout to charge their mobile phones and appliances.

“Kitonyoni has grown tremendously, by a factor of three, since we installed the e4D plant due to the availability of electricity, a growth not seen in our control village 30km away. I remember that the tailor William, who worked with us from the start, wished for an electric iron to replace his wood heated iron – that was duly delivered the second time I visited.”

The Kitonyoni mini grid consists of solar panels and battery storage connected to a distribution network. It took Prof Bahaj and his scientific team just a week to build the first design – which had a capacity of 13.5kWp of uninterrupted power, giving the villagers around-the-clock power for the first time.

The solar canopy also acts as a rain collector and, during the wet season, stores enough water for a year – a vital feature for Kitonyoni which is not connected to a main supply. According to Prof Bahaj, villagers can also generate income by selling the electricity to nearby towns and cities.

The cause of blackout in Kenya, the longest blackout in memory, remains unclear. But such is the success of the Kitonyoni plant that the Kenyan government has since applied for $150milion worth of funding from the World Bank to build more than 100 mini grids across the country, said its Secretary for Renewable Energy Eng Isaac Kiva.

He added: “The reliability shown by the system in Kitonyoni during the blackout was a testament to the UK and Kenyan engineers to deliver solutions that can be widely replicated and deployed to provide electrical power to over 600 million people without energy in Africa.”

The Kitonyoni e4D mini grid is one of six electricity projects across Kenya as well as Uganda and Cameroon.

Read more about how University of Southampton engineers are working to connect more African villages to uninterrupted and clean power at energy.soton.ac.uk.

Or watch how Kenyan news teams covered the massive blackout and how Kitonyoni was unaffected thanks to its mini grid here.

Source: University of Southampton

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[matthewcahill]

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career that can help people transform their lives? Gaining a qualification in hypnotherapy from Southampton can provide you with the skills and expertise needed to become an effective practitioner, enabling you to assist clients in reaching their desired outcomes.

With this qualification, you will be able to use your knowledge and experience of hypnosis techniques with clients, helping them overcome mental blocks or achieve personal goals. During your instruction, you'll acquire the essential aptitudes needed for achievement and, furthermore figure out how to make customised treatment plans that are suited explicitly to each customer's prerequisites.

Whether it's anxiety relief or quitting smoking – let us show you what our hypnotherapy training has to offer.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their lives. Hypnosis is a trance-like state where the person's attention is focused, and they become more open to suggestions. Hypnosis, an altered state of consciousness produced through techniques such as guided imagery and deep relaxation, is employed in hypnotherapy to help people make positive changes.

The goal of this therapy is to access the subconscious mind and uncover any underlying issues or beliefs that may be preventing the person from achieving their desired goals.

Hypnotherapy can be advantageous in a variety of ways; it has the potential to assist with stress reduction, handling pain, controlling habits, conquering phobias and fears, overcoming addiction issues, shedding/controlling weight gain, as well as improving self-confidence and boosting performance. It can also be used for spiritual growth and exploration.

Hypnotherapists may employ a variety of strategies when addressing various issues, such as CBT, NLP, Ericksonian Hypnosis or Analytical Hypnoanalysis.

Hypnotherapy is a very powerful tool for personal growth and development, offering numerous potential benefits. With the right guidance, you can become proficient in hypnotherapy approaches and start to introduce beneficial alterations in your life. This blog post will provide an overview of what professional hypnotherapy training entails in Southampton.

What is Hypnotherapy Training?

Hypnotherapy training is an intricate kind of psychotherapy which fuses the potency of suggestion and trance-like states to aid individuals in creating advantageous transformations within their lives. Skilled practitioners of hypnotherapy can be trained to effectively address a range of issues, thanks to the mastery they acquire from professional instruction in this powerful form of psychotherapeutic treatment.

Overview of Hypnotherapy Training:

Hypnotherapy training programs typically involve both theoretical and practical components. During the theoretical part, students learn about the history and science behind hypnosis, its effects on the brain, different types of hypnotic techniques, how to assess clients’ needs and develop personalised treatment plans, as well as ethical considerations related to practising hypnosis.

The practical component usually involves role-playing scenarios where students practice using various hypnotic techniques under supervision from experienced instructors.

Attending an accredited program taught by experienced professionals provides practitioners with the necessary knowledge to use hypnosis ethically and effectively while also avoiding potential risks. By attending an accredited program taught by qualified professionals, practitioners gain valuable knowledge about how to use this powerful tool ethically and effectively while avoiding potential risks such as inducing a state too deep or creating false memories during therapy sessions.

Additionally, learning proper hypnotic techniques allows practitioners to tailor their approach according to each client’s individual needs while also increasing confidence when working with challenging cases or complex psychological issues.

By obtaining the right training, you can acquire the skills and knowledge to become a proficient hypnotherapist, thus enabling you to assist others in reaching their objectives. Before taking the plunge into hypnotherapy, it is essential to comprehend what aptitudes are needed for this profession.

Key Takeaway: Hypnotherapy is an immensely powerful technique for creating beneficial transformations in one's life. It uses techniques such as visualisation and deep relaxation to access the subconscious mind and uncover any underlying issues or beliefs that may be blocking progress. Hypnotherapy training in Southampton offers a great opportunity to take advantage of this incredible therapy.

Hypnotherapy training programs provide practitioners with the theoretical and practical knowledge to safely practice this therapeutic modality while also equipping them with the skills necessary for tailoring their approach according to individual needs. Professional training in hypnosis is key for enabling practitioners to reap its many benefits, such as increasing confidence when working on complex cases. Apply Here.

[2mi127-blog]

Bees Interrupted: Delta Flight Delayed by Swarming Bees

Although bees are small individually, their collective intimidation and legislative protection make it complicated for anyone to move from an unwanted location complicated. An unusual situation recently required careful handling as all eyes watched, and passengers waited more than five hours to board a Delta flight in Houston. Home and business owners use local bee removal companies to help encourage a swarm to move or remove an unwanted hive on their property. However, when it comes to swarming on the wing of a large commercial aircraft, the rules are quite different.

Why Bees Pose Danger to Flights

Although many would not believe it, one bee can cause technical issues on a plane. In 2015, it was recorded that a flight had to turn around out of Southampton because a single bee got lodged in the instrument panel and caused technical issues. So, even if it doesn't seem important, bees can be troublemakers and should be treated appropriately.

Why Delta Did Not Use Local Beekeepers or Pest Control

The strict guidelines of who is allowed access to commercial planes at the terminal prevented experienced beekeepers in the area from providing their expertise. An unauthorized beekeeper would not be allowed to touch the aircraft. Without the help of professional beekeepers to get the job done, there were several attempts to get the bees to move willingly so that frustrated passengers could finally get to their destinations, albeit five hours late.

There are two problems with using pest control in this situation. One is that bees are experiencing declining numbers, and spraying toxins or poison to get them to die was not an option. There is legislature in several states that protect species of bees, and killing an entire swarm to get a flight off the ground on time was not considered. And, as was evident from the lack of access granted to local beekeepers, a pest control operator without FAA approval would not be able to touch the plane either.

Swarming Bees Delayed Boarding

As Delta passengers sat patiently (or impatiently) to board their flight in the terminal as bees gathered in the tens of thousands on a wing of the plane, many wondered why they could not get on the plane. With so many unknowns, Delta took no chances by loading passengers on the aircraft while the bees remained.

Although swarming is a natural and expected occurrence of a bee's life cycle, it took people off guard as they scrambled to devise solutions to get the bees off without harming them—this rare swarming of bees on plane wings significantly inconvenienced passengers, as many missed their connecting flights.

Bees Swarming on A Plane Is Rare, But Not A First

Although a rare occurrence, how the situation was handled led many to believe it was the first time in history! However, there are other documented events when bees swarmed on planes. In two other instances, local firefighters brought in trucks with water hoses and sprayed the swarm, which caused them to move on. In 2019, an Air India flight was delayed three hours, and in 2022, a Vistara flight was also delayed until swarming bees were sprayed with water.

Since this has happened before, it is curious why this approach was not used that day. "Houston, we have a problem"! Delta claimed there was no hose they could use at the airport, and firehouses could not dispatch fire trucks to help.

A Simple Solution To Moving the Swarming Bees

As options to get the bees to move narrowed, Delta decided to begin taxiing the plane without passengers to see if that would work. It worked instantly, and some passengers were frustrated that this approach hadn't been used initially. However, as passengers watched it all unfold from the terminal windows, the joy of seeing the bees move on eased tensions. The bees moving was a celebration, as Delta passengers knew they would be able to board and take off after the long five-hour delay.

Moving Swarming Bees

If you encounter bees swarming on your property, rest assured they will move on naturally. When possible, let the swarming bees sit where they are if they are not a threat to people or pets. Swarming bees are often looking for a new home due to a growing colony. If you have a swarm causing a delay for an event or intruding on space for people and pets, call a professional bee removal company. Those experienced have techniques to encourage swarming bees to find a different temporary location. Never try to get bees to move on your own, and do not use poisonous pesticides to kill them – they are critical to having food on our tables, after all!

[jfk-airport-transportation]

Title: Discover the Best Car Service Between JFK and Southampton: Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo

Keywords: Southampton Limo Service, JFK, Airport, Car, Limo

Are you planning to travel from JFK Airport to the beautiful town of Southampton? If so, you'll want to make sure that your transportation is as seamless, comfortable, and efficient as possible. Enter Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo, the premier Southampton Limo Service that ensures a stress-free and luxurious transfer from JFK to your destination in Southampton. In this article, we'll delve into the many reasons why Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo has become the go-to choice for travelers seeking the best car service between JFK and Southampton.

Luxury and Comfort

When you choose Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo, you're opting for a Southampton Limo Service that places a premium on luxury and comfort. The company boasts an impressive fleet of high-end vehicles, including sleek sedans, spacious SUVs, and elegant limousines. Each vehicle is meticulously maintained and well-appointed with plush seating, climate control, and ample legroom, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Professional and Courteous Chauffeurs

One of the key differentiators of Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo's Southampton Limo Service is the professionalism and courtesy of their chauffeurs. Each driver is thoroughly vetted, background-checked, and expertly trained in providing exceptional customer service. With their extensive knowledge of the New York metropolitan area, they'll navigate the quickest and most efficient routes, ensuring that you arrive at your destination in Southampton on time and hassle-free.

Punctuality and Reliability

When it comes to airport transfers, punctuality is of the utmost importance. Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo prides itself on its reputation for reliability, and their Southampton Limo Service is no exception. They track all incoming flights to ensure that their chauffeurs are waiting for you at the airport when you land, regardless of any delays or changes to your flight schedule. Plus, they monitor traffic conditions in real-time to avoid any potential delays on the road.

24/7 Customer Support

With Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo's Southampton Limo Service, you'll never feel stranded or left in the dark. Their 24/7 customer support team is always just a phone call or email away, ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your reservation, vehicle, or travel plans. They're committed to providing a seamless and stress-free experience from start to finish.

Transparent and Competitive Pricing

Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo believes in delivering exceptional service without breaking the bank. Their Southampton Limo Service offers transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Upon booking your reservation, you'll receive a detailed breakdown of your costs, ensuring that you're aware of exactly what you're paying for.

Easy Online Booking and Reservation Management

Booking your Southampton Limo Service with Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo couldn't be easier. Their user-friendly online platform allows you to quickly input your travel details, receive a quote, and secure your reservation in just a few clicks. Plus, you can manage your booking, make changes, or cancel your reservation right from the platform, giving you full control over your travel plans.

Personalized and Customizable Service

Black Car JFK Airport Car and Limo understands that each traveler has unique needs and preferences. That's why their Southampton Limo Service is designed to be fully customizable to your specific requirements. Whether you require child safety seats, wheelchair accessibility, or have any other special requests, their team will do everything in their power to accommodate your needs and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Southampton Limo Service, JFK, Black Car JFK Airport Car And Limo (jfkairportcarservice.org)

[kaganfineartappraisals-blog]

5 Things You Can Expect from Art Advising Services

One of the many questions people ask is what does an art advisor do? With more collectors on the scene, the demand for art expertise has increased accordingly. Art advisors provide a professional service to help reduce friction and manage risk when buying art. They help collectors navigate through the art industry while leveraging our expertise and valuable network. With art advising in Southampton, you can gain a lot of benefits and learn more about art. 

How Art Advisors Can Help You

1. They Understand & Translate Market Sectors

The art markets consist of multiple sectors that have their supply and demand fluctuations, unique trends, regional influences, and price influences. The contemporary art market behaves very differently from the impressionists and old masters markets, for example. That’s why it is best to find an art advisor who specializes in your specific area of interest.

2. Trained Eye in Accurately Evaluating Art

Just like how a good wine connoisseur has a trained nose to identify fine wine, a good art advisor has an “eye” to identify fine art. They can understand the subtle variation of different brushstrokes, color palettes, and compositions that may take years to develop otherwise.

They share their deep knowledge about artistic processes, art history, and critical reception and can analyze the various attributes of a work of art, and all factors that may influence the value of the object. 

3. Preempt Pitfalls & Implement Measures to Take Control of Situations

Buying art is not as simple as shopping at the mall and taking out your credit card. The result of legal cases points to buyers and their need to conduct due diligence on any artwork being considered for purchase.

Its title, authenticity, condition, and provenance are all critical in determining the value of an art object. With the help of a trained and educated professional art advisor from Kagan Appraisal, you can hedge the risks inherent in buying art and protect your valuable assets in the short and long term.

4. Negotiate Competitively

Galleries and auction houses are generally mobilized to offer the best prices to art advisors with whom they have a good relationship or are confident about their reputation. A few exceptions apply, but these trade discounts are typically passed onto the client. Also, a knowledgeable art advisor is capable of understanding the value of art and different artist’s markets and can determine when an artwork is either undervalued or overvalued.

5. Open Up & Access Closed Doors

In the art industry, the name of the game is accessed. Art advisors with long-standing relationships in the industry can open otherwise closed doors as well as help you discover the best artists. Also, an experienced art advisor can help clients cultivate key relationships with galleries as well as help convince them on where to place their top works, paving the way to a smooth transaction.  

If you have an eye for artwork and need help in obtaining it, you may hire an art advisor to help you study and negotiate the pieces you want. Learn more about this when you check out this page. 

[ukrfeminism]

As many as one in five women develop a mental illness during pregnancy, or in the first year after having a baby – and while it is rare for someone with postpartum psychosis to harm their child, suicide is a leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK within a year after childbirth. 

Yet, despite this, pregnant women and new mothers have no access to specialist community perinatal mental health services in almost half of the UK.

The problem has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with referrals to specialist perinatal mental health services at an all time high.

However, shows that as many as 70% of women hide or underplay their perinatal mental health problems, which likely means that the true figures for women suffering with their perinatal or maternal mental health are much higher.

In fact, a survey found that 40% of women are worried about any mental health issues being recorded in their medical records, preventing women from getting the help they need and deserve.

As we mark Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and its theme, ‘The Power of Connection’, a group of mums whose businesses focus on maternal wellbeing candidly share their own struggles in a bid to break down the stigma that is still attached to these issues. 

Maddy Alexander-Grout, 38, lives in Southampton 

Around eight weeks after giving birth to my son, I knew something was seriously wrong.

I was having visions of throwing him down stairs, and of me walking in front of buses. I remember being in his room one night, visualising myself smothering him with a pillow.

I would later be diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. 

I’d had an awful pregnancy and a traumatic birth; everything that you could imagine went wrong. I had gestational diabetes, one of my ribs popped out, I had Obstetric cholestasis – a condition that means your liver doesn’t function properly and your skin is excruciatingly itchy as a result. For a large part of my pregnancy, I felt like I had insects crawling all over me. It was horrific. 

I gave birth to my first child in2015. The labour was extremely difficult and I ended up spending another week in hospital after he was born. 

I was scared and didn’t know what was happening. I just remember feeling so, so tired. My son and I then went to a birthing centre for three days before going home. Here, things went from bad to worse. 

My baby screamed constantly. 

And I was struggling badly – I didn’t bond with him; all he did was cry from the second he was born. 

In those first few weeks, I didn’t have control over my actions at all. I felt constantly angry or vacant. Sometimes I also felt alone and scared, and I didn’t want to talk to anyone about my experience for fear of being judged.

I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I didn’t want to be around anymore – and I didn’t want my son to be around either. I had always wanted to be a mum, so why did I feel so awful?

After having several disturbing visions of harming my baby and myself, I phoned my mum and said, ‘Something is really wrong with me. I’m thinking about killing my child.’

I was petrified. Before I had a baby I thought I was the most maternal person in the world, but now I had one, I wanted to kill him. 

I went to Mum’s house, where she looked after the baby – and I slept solidly for four days. If I hadn’t had this intervention, I think that something truly terrible could have happened to me, and the baby. 

With the support of my mum, I went private to see a psychologist who diagnosed me with postpartum psychosis. She gave me hypnotherapy and counselling, and it really helped. I started to feel more like me again. 

After a few months, my therapist suggested I went to a baby group. My first thought was, ‘no way, I will get judged.’ But I gave it a go and it was the biggest lifeline I could have asked for. 

I have ADHD and I am an oversharer which was why I was so anxious, as I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep it in. And I was right, I just blurted it out one day. It made everyone cry, and then they all hugged me and told me I wasn’t alone. 

The mums didn’t judge, they supported and I realised the more I spoke about the experience I had the better I felt. I found my tribe. 

Spotify Embed: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week

View on Spotify.

When I had my second daughter, I went on to have complications and ended up with birth trauma and post natal depression. Luckily, this time, I was able to see the signs. I knew what I was looking for – and how to get help.

There’s still a huge stigma round this topic, though. Mums feel like if they are open about how they feel, they will get their babies taken away from them, which is awful. 

Having been through it, I’m doing everything I can to stop this and get people to talk more and have set up Parenthood App to help other parents to feel less alone. 

I know all too well how talking about how you feel really helps, especially with experts on hand to give advice.

And there is nothing like being told you are not alone by parents who are going through the same things as you.

Emma Jarvis, 31, lives Liverpool. 

After going home with my first baby, Charlie, I soon started to imagine the worst case scenarios in every situation. 

For example, I’d be walking down the stairs and imagine the baby had fallen. Or I’d be making a cup of tea and I’d imagine dropping the kettle of hot water on him. 

It wasn’t that I wanted to do any of these things, it was that I was hyper aware that these things could happen.

I’d had a traumatic birth with Charlie, which ended in an emergency c-section, blood transfusion. I was also put under anaesthetic, which meant I didn’t witness my baby being born and missed the first five hours of his life. 

It meant I missed out on those newborn bliss moments; like seeing him get weighed or giving him a cuddle. In fact, I have no memories of the birth at all.

After he was born, we weren’t able to go home for two weeks due to Charlie being treated for infection. During that time, the doctors were in and out of my room constantly, taking him away for tests, and giving him medication. It wasn’t until we got to go home that he was fully mine. 

I become consumed with worry about the first two weeks of his life being so miserable, and how the lack of contact would impact him. He had gone from being so close to me for nine months, to being constantly poked and prodded by strangers. At one point he had to have a lumber puncture, which was horrifically painful for him, and it was traumatising to hear his screams. I felt like I’d failed.

Once we got home, my partner had to return to work so I was left to recover from major surgery, with a new baby to look after. I was still anemic from the blood transfusion and on a lot of medication. 

Almost straight away, I started having horrendous nightmares – about being in hospital and being operated on. I’d wake up and feel paralysed in the middle of the night. 

Any time I was asked questions about my birth, I felt anxious – as I had no memories of it. 

I remember at one medical appointment being asked my baby’s date of birth and having to figure it out. The receptionist said to me, ‘you don’t even know the day your baby was born?’, as if that made me a terrible mum. 

The weeks of trauma I went through weren’t enough; I was now being judged for not knowing basic things about my own child.

Looking around at other people, it seemed that other mums were up and about after a few days, I couldn’t even imagine walking to the shops after two weeks, it took me such a long time to recover. 

Nobody ever asked me if I was having scary thoughts, and nobody told me this was common, or normal, so I continued to suffer in silence, too embarrassed to tell anyone how I was feeling. I now know that over half of new mums have these thoughts. 

Once Charlie started to get a bit bigger and be able to show signs of happiness – such as smiling or laughing – I began to feel better, and the frightening thoughts started to lessen. I was able to take this as reassurance that he was happy, and he wasn’t traumatised by his birth. 

I felt very alone throughout my pregnancy and birth, and then during my maternity leave. So much so, I quit my job to start my own business to make sure other mums don’t feel alone, like I did. 

Now, I’m helping new and expectant parents with a workplace wellbeing programme and a free online 1-2-1 midwife support service. And this Maternal Mental Health Week, we’re asking people to take the time to ask a mum how they are really feeling.

Louise Daniel, 37, Leeds. 

I had postnatal depression after having my first baby, in December 2013.

After a quick labour, everyone told me how lucky I was – but I didn’t feel it. I felt as though I had been through a trauma; strapped to the bed when I needed to move, told that if I didn’t push him out now, they would use forceps on me, refused pain relief because I was doing ‘so well’ without it. 

I didn’t feel in control or listened to, and I experienced a huge amount of pain. 

When I first got home from hospital, physically, I remember feeling like I’d been hit by a bus. Mentally, I just felt nothing. 

It was as though I was living someone else’s life and I wasn’t really sure what I was supposed to be doing. I didn’t feel depressed straight away, but it developed within a few weeks of me giving birth. 

Practically, I was doing everything I needed to to care for my son, but at that point, I didn’t feel as though I loved him, and that made me feel sad as I knew I should. I felt very low and like I didn’t know who I was. 

I had mastitis [an inflammation of breast tissue common with breastfeeding] for this first time when my son was around three or four weeks old. I then had it twice more over the next three months. 

Every time I fed him I cried. I curled my toes and gritted my teeth but persevered despite the pain, because I felt like I should be breastfeeding. I wanted to what I perceived as being ‘the right thing’.

Midwife after midwife told me to keep going, and that I was ‘doing great’. But I didn’t feel great. I felt nothing. Nothing for my son, nothing for myself, or for anything else. 

Seeing how I was feeling, my husband suggested I spoke to a doctor when my son was around two months old. I was then prescribed medication and referred to the most wonderful counsellor, who helped me to start to feel better. 

Although I was making progress within a few months, it took until my son was a year old before I felt like myself again.

Eight years later, in July 2021, I had my second child, and it was a very different birth. I had a wonderful midwife who listened to what I wanted and helped me to have a much more positive experience. 

For the first six months, I felt well. But it didn’t last – the nothingness and anxiety started to creep in shortly after. I began to feel like a robot, doing all the practical things I needed to do, feeding my children, bathing them, even hugging them and apparently loving them. 

But underneath it all, once again, I felt nothing. No happiness when I knew I should be feeling it, no sadness, no excitement – just nothing. 

I have since been diagnosed with PND again and I’m undergoing treatment at the moment, in the form of counselling and medication. 

Covid and running my online shopping business has made things even more difficult this time around – although I’ve been honest with my team about how I’ve felt, which has encouraged them to open up about their mental health too. We’re a group of all women and we encourage flexible working and act as a support for one another. 

When I have opened up to mums – in and out of work – about what I’ve been through, most share their own experience of mental health problems. They didn’t share them at the time because they felt ashamed, embarrassed or as though they shouldn’t talk about it. 

I’m not sure why people don’t feel able to be open and honest, but I know it needs to change. 

Mental health is such an important thing to talk about, and being able to do so openly and honestly is a must for everyone, but especially new mums. 

We need to ask questions and listen to women more.’

For support and advice on maternal mental health

Action on Postpartum Psychosis is the national charity for postpartum psychosis advice and help. 

PANDAS also offers perinatal mental health support. 

You can contact The Samaritans here

[yourreddancer]

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

August 21, 2022 (Sunday)

On August 21, 1831, enslaved American Nat Turner led about 70 of his enslaved and free Black neighbors in a rebellion to awaken his white neighbors to the inherent brutality of slaveholding and the dangers it presented to their own safety. Turner and his friends traveled from house to house in their neighborhood in Southampton County, Virginia, freeing enslaved people and murdering about 60 of the white men, women, and children they encountered. Their goal, Turner later told an interviewer, was “to carry terror and devastation wherever we went.”

State militia put down the rebellion in a couple of days, and both the legal system and white vigilantes killed at least 200 Black Virginians, many of whom were not involved in Turner’s bid to end enslavement. Turner himself was captured in October, tried in November, sentenced to death, and hanged.

But white Virginians, and white folks in neighboring southern states, remained frightened. Turner had been, in their minds, a well-treated, educated enslaved man, who knew his Bible well and seemed the very last sort of person they would have expected to revolt. And so they responded to the rebellion in two ways. They turned against the idea that enslavement was a bad thing and instead began to argue that human enslavement was a positive good.

And states across the South passed laws making it a crime to teach enslaved Americans to read and write.Denying enslaved Black Americans access to education exiled them from a place in the nation. The Framers had quite explicitly organized the United States not on the principles of religion or tradition, but rather on the principles of the Enlightenment: the idea that, by applying knowledge and reasoning to the natural world, men could figure out the best way to order society. Someone excluded from access to education could not participate in that national project. Instead, that person was read out of society, doomed to be controlled by leaders who marshaled propaganda and religion to defend their dominance

.In 1858, South Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond explained that society needed “a class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life. That is, a class requiring but a low order of intellect and but little skill.”But when they organized in the 1850s to push back against the efforts of elite enslavers like Hammond to take over the national government, members of the fledgling Republican Party recognized the importance of education. 

In 1859, Illinois lawyer Abraham Lincoln explained that those who adhered to the “mud-sill” theory “assumed that labor and education are incompatible; and any practical combination of them impossible…. According to that theory, the education of laborers, is not only useless, but pernicious, and dangerous.”

Lincoln argued that workers were not simply drudges but rather were the heart of the economy. “The prudent, penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land, for himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him.” He tied the political vision of the Framers to this economic vision. In order to prosper, he argued, men needed “book-learning,” and he called for universal education. An educated community, he said, “will be alike independent of crowned-kings, money-kings, and land-kings.”

When they were in control of the federal government in the 1860s, Republicans passed the Land Grant College Act, funding public universities so that men without wealthy fathers might have access to higher education. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Republicans also tried to use the federal government to fund public schools for poor Black and white Americans, dividing money up according to illiteracy rates. 

But President Andrew Johnson vetoed that bill on the grounds that the federal government had no business protecting Black education; that process, he said, belonged to the states—which for the next century denied Black and Brown people equal access to schools, excluding them from full participation in American society and condemning them to menial labor.

Then, in 1954, after decades of pressure from Black and Brown Americans for equal access to public schools, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren, a former Republican governor of California, unanimously agreed that separate schools were inherently unequal, and thus unconstitutional. The federal government stepped in to make sure the states could not deny education to the children who lived within their boundaries. 

And now, in 2022, we are in a new educational moment. Between January 2021 and January 2022, the legislatures of 35 states introduced 137 bills to keep students from learning about issues of race, LBGTQ+ issues, politics, and American history. More recently, the Republican-dominated legislature of Florida passed the Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (Stop WOKE) Act, tightly controlling how schools and employee training can talk about race or gender discrimination. 

Republican-dominated legislatures and school districts are also purging books from school libraries and notifying parents each time a child checks out a book. Most of the books removed are by or about Black people, people of color, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

Both sets of laws are likely to result in teachers censoring themselves or leaving the profession out of concern they will inadvertently run afoul of the new laws, a disastrous outcome when the nation’s teaching profession is already in crisis. School districts facing catastrophic teacher shortages are trying to keep classrooms open by doubling up classes, cutting the school week down to four days, and permitting veterans without educational training to teach—all of which will likely hurt students trying to regain their educational footing after the worst of the pandemic. 

  This, in turn, adds weight to the move to divert public money from the public schools into private schools that are not overseen by state authorities. In Florida, the Republican-controlled legislature has dramatically expanded the state’s use of vouchers recently, arguing that tying money to students rather than schools expands parents’ choices while leaving unspoken that defunded public schools will be less and less attractive.

 In June, in Carson v. Makin, the Supreme Court expanded the voucher system to include religious schools, ruling that Maine, which provides vouchers in towns that don’t have public high schools, must allow those vouchers to go to religious schools as well as secular ones. Thus tax dollars will support religious schools. 

In 2022, it seems worth remembering that in 1831, lawmakers afraid that Black Americans exposed to the ideas in books and schools would claim the equality that was their birthright under the Declaration of Independence made sure their Black neighbors could not get an education.

THE FOUNDERS WOULD ALL BE VEHEMENTLY AGAINST PUBLIC MONEY GOING TO RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS!!!!

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner, an enslaved American, led about 70 of his enslaved and free Black neighbors in a rebellion to awaken his white neighbors to the inherent brutality of slaveholding and the dangers it presented to their own safety. Turner and his friends traveled from house to house in their neighborhood in Southampton County, Virginia, freeing enslaved people and murdering about 60 of the white men, women, and children they encountered. Their goal, Turner later told an interviewer, was “to carry terror and devastation wherever we went.”

State militia put down the rebellion in a couple of days, and both the legal system and white vigilantes killed at least 200 Black Virginians, many of whom were not involved in Turner’s bid to end enslavement. Turner himself was captured in October, tried in November, sentenced to death, and hanged.

But white Virginians, and white folks in neighboring southern states, remained frightened. Turner had been, in their minds, a well-treated, educated enslaved man, who knew his Bible well and seemed the very last sort of person they would have expected to revolt. And so they responded to the rebellion in two ways. They turned against the idea that enslavement was a bad thing, and instead began to argue that human enslavement was a positive good.

And states across the South passed laws making it a crime to teach enslaved Americans to read and write.

Denying enslaved Black Americans access to education exiled them from a place in the nation. The Framers had quite explicitly organized the United States not on the principles of religion or tradition, but rather on the principles of the Enlightenment: the idea that, by applying knowledge and reasoning to the natural world, men could figure out the best way to order society. Someone excluded from access to education could not participate in that national project. Instead, that person was read out of society, doomed to be controlled by leaders who marshaled religion and propaganda to defend their dominance.

In 1858, South Carolina Senator James Henry Hammond explained that society needed “a class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life. That is, a class requiring but a low order of intellect and but little skill.”

But when they organized in the 1850s to push back against the efforts of elite enslavers like Hammond to take over the national government, members of the fledgling Republican Party recognized the importance of education. In 1859, Illinois lawyer Abraham Lincoln explained that those who adhered to the “mud-sill” theory “assumed that labor and education are incompatible; and any practical combination of them impossible…. According to that theory, the education of laborers, is not only useless, but pernicious, and dangerous.”

Lincoln argued that workers were not simply drudges but rather were the heart of the economy. “The prudent, penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land, for himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires another new beginner to help him.” He tied the political vision of the Framers to this economic vision. In order to prosper, he argued, men needed “book-learning,” and he called for universal education. An educated community, he said, “will be alike independent of crowned-kings, money-kings, and land-kings.”

When they were in control of the federal government in the 1860s, Republicans passed the Land Grant College Act, funding public universities so that men without wealthy fathers might have access to higher education. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Republicans also tried to use the federal government to fund public schools for poor Black and white Americans, dividing money up according to illiteracy rates. But President Andrew Johnson vetoed that bill on the grounds that the federal government had no business protecting Black education; that process, he said, belonged to the states—which for the next century denied Black people equal access to schools, excluding them from full participation in American society and condemning them to menial labor.

Then, in 1954, after decades of pressure from Black and brown Americans for equal access to public schools, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Earl Warren, a former Republican governor of California, unanimously agreed that separate schools were inherently unequal, and thus unconstitutional.

Immediately, white southerners lawmakers launched a campaign of what they called “massive resistance” to integration. Some Virginia counties closed their public schools. Others took funds from integrated public schools and used a grant system to redistribute those funds to segregated private schools. These segregation academies dovetailed neatly with Ronald Reagan’s rise to political power with a message that public employees had gotten too powerful and that public enterprises should be privatized.

After Reagan’s election, his Secretary of Education commissioned a study of the nation’s public schools, starting with the conviction that there was a "widespread public perception that something is seriously remiss in our educational system." The resulting report, titled “A Nation at Risk,” announced: “the educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people.”

Although a later study commissioned in 1990 by the Secretary of Energy found the data in the original report did not support the report’s conclusions, Reagan nonetheless used it to justify school privatization. He vowed after the report’s release that he would: “continue to work in the months ahead for passage of tuition tax credits, vouchers, educational savings accounts, voluntary school prayer, and abolishing the Department of Education. Our agenda is to restore quality to education by increasing competition and by strengthening parental choice and local control.”

The drive to push tax dollars from public schools to private academies through a voucher system has remained a top priority for Movement Conservatives eager to dismantle the federal government, although a recent study from Wisconsin shows that vouchers do not actually save tax dollars, and scholars do not believe they help students achieve better outcomes than they would have in public schools.

Calling education a civil rights issue—as President Barack Obama had done when calling for more funding for schools—former president Trump asked Congress to fund “school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.” (In fact, most of those using vouchers are already enrolled in private schools.) His education secretary, Betsy DeVos, was a staunch supporter of school choice and the voucher system; she and her family gave $600,000 to promote school choice ballot laws in the decade before 2017.

The coronavirus pandemic sped up the push to defund public schools as Trump pushed hard to transfer funds from the closed public schools to private schools. In December 2020, he signed an executive order allowing states to use money from a federal anti-poverty program for vouchers, and as of mid-2021, at least 8 states had launched new voucher programs. A number of Republican governors are using federal funds from the bills designed to address the pandemic to push vouchers.

In 1831, lawmakers afraid of the equality that lies at the heart of our Declaration of Independence made sure Black Americans could not have equal access to education.

In 1971, when segregation academies were gaining ground, the achievement gap between white and Black 8th grade students in reading scores was 57 points. In 1988, the year of the nation’s highest level of school integration, that gap had fallen to 18 points. By 1992, it was back up to 30 points, and it has not dropped below 25 points since.

—-

Notes:

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part3/3h500t.html

https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/12/in-southern-towns-segregation-academies-are-still-going-strong/266207/

https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/nation-risk-and-re-segregation-schools

https://progressive.org/magazine/private-school-vouchers-levin/

https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2021/05/07/tracking-the-growing-cost-to-taxpayers-of-private-school-vouchers/

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/governors-federal-virus-aid-expand-school-choice-79563407

https://www.news-herald.com/2021/08/08/ohio-public-schools-plan-lawsuit-to-challenge-edchoice-program/

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona-education/2021/08/17/arizona-gov-doug-ducey-offers-incentives-reject-mask-mandates/8169357002/

https://www.courthousenews.com/devos-family-donated-600k-school-choice-ballot-efforts/

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/12/07/504451460/school-choice-101-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-does-it-work

https://www.npr.org/2017/02/28/516717981/watch-live-trump-addresses-joint-session-of-congress

https://edreform.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/A_Nation_At_Risk_1983.pdf

https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/28/trump-private-schools-pandemic-451757

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/12/07/504451460/school-choice-101-what-it-is-how-it-works-and-does-it-work

https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/nation-risk-and-re-segregation-schools

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[dorevenge]

where ignorance is bliss - chapter 3: a young fellow

SUMMARY: Obadiah is back from Washington and surprises Maria with a belated birthday trip abroad. [AO3 LINK]

CHAPTERS: 1 2 [3] 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ☆

November 16, 1959 – Bronx, New York, Obadiah’s Apartment

“Surprise, darling! Happy belated birthday.”

The door swings open, the jangle of keys alarming me, and I run to put his engagement ring back on, tossing the dirty apron back in the hamper. I greet him at the door, with a perfect smile, the image of everything he would want from me. I put the thick folder in the back of my mind, trying not to think about the bookshelf I shoved it behind.

Obie takes me into his arms. My face barely comes up to his collarbones. It was normally a sensation I craved after a long, stressful day, but when the person holding me is the source of my stress, the effect is not the same.

He takes a step back and takes my face into his weathered hands, his cold, tired eyes peering into mine. I try to keep eye contact and return the peaceful gaze. The pressure gets to me, so I reach up and pull his head towards mine.

We haven’t kissed in three months, and it’s almost like we’ve forgotten how. At least, I had forgotten how to enjoy it. His lips feel foreign between mine, like a stranger’s. Like someone I couldn’t trust.

When we break apart, his smile is as wide as his head. “I’ll take that as you missed me,” he says. “I got something for you.” He reaches down to the paper bags he had set at his feet when he arrived. He pulls out an envelope and two small, wrapped packages.

Obie leads me to the couch in the living room and sits me down, pushing the envelope in my hands first. He sits beside me, eager for me to open my gifts.

“Already? I didn’t even get to ask you how your flight was yet.” The envelope felt heavy with unknowing in my hands.

“My flight was uneventful. Please…” He gestures impatiently towards the gift in my lap.

I open the envelope gently. Inside, is a simple card, lilac with the words “Happy Birthday” written in a cursive script on the wrong. From within the card, two tickets fall into my lap.

“We’re going to Monaco?”

“Surprise again! I thought it would be a nice break from New York, get away before the holidays. And I feel terrible for leaving you alone for so long right after our engagement. From here on out, I will be an attentive partner to you.” His joy is so thickly spread across his face, it’s all I can do to smile in return and stare down at the tickets in my hands.

“Thank you, Obie, I-”

“You hate it.”

“No, love, I love it, and I love you,” I’m fumbling for my words, and I hope he doesn’t notice. “I’m just tired. It’s hard sleeping alone, and I’m still surprised that you’re here, let alone going taking a trip with you… Tomorrow?” I read the date on the tickets.

“Why wait? Then we can be back in time for Thanksgiving with your parents.” He kisses me on the forehead, content with my reaction, and stands. “I’m going to unpack my clothes from DC, then start repacking.”

-

November 20, 1959 – Monaco, France, The Hellfire Club

Obadiah was not a betting man, but he seemed at home at the Hellfire Club & Casino like a Protestant in church. He “enjoyed the company of the machines that controlled men’s fates,” but I imagine he enjoyed thinking he had more willpower than the men who squandered their paychecks and had to return home to their wives with their head between their tails, lying about the state of their finances.

It turns out he had business in Monaco, and surprising me with a late birthday trip seemed easier than leaving me for work again. I was left to my own devices again, but this time it was in a foreign country. I had studied abroad in France my junior year of college, so it wasn’t like I couldn’t talk to anyone here, but rather I have no desire to even leave the room.

Obie would meet me back at the hotel room at night, and we would often play a game of chess before bed. Playing chess with him was one of the best ways to pass the time. It keeps him quiet from rambling on about things I couldn’t give a rat’s ass about, details about materials and manufacturing and marketing. I did the accounting for Stane International, as that’s what I had studied in school, and as long as the numbers added up, I was content. And for every chess game I won, Obie paid me what we had bet, fueling my addiction to the finer things in life. I purchased more purses and linens and dresses and shoes than I would care to admit, but as long as the numbers added up – and as long as I hid the packages at Peggy’s – he didn’t complain.

The Hellfire Club is unusually classy for Obie’s taste; I’ve already started to resent his cheapness and penny-pinching, and we hadn’t even set a wedding date yet. I should have noticed that sooner. Here, gold decorates every pillar and billiard ball, marble fountains and silver pens, a gratuitous buffet and generous décor around every corner. Whoever the owner is has taste and luxury in excess. I am a girl with champagne taste engaged to a cheapskate.

Obadiah had spent the last four days in meetings from sunrise to sunset, and I am bored out of my mind. I have no interest in day-drinking, I’ve already read every book the front desk has to offer, and the pictures playing down the block don’t spark my curiosity. I feel like a tiger pacing its cage in a zoo, and I am ready to pounce.

Touching up my red lip and pinned curls, I leave the room and exit the elevator. I feel the turn of men’s heads like a gravitational pull, the clack of my heels leading the charge, and I’m embarrassed to admit how much I miss that attention. I know how this dress fits, I know how the color complements me; just because I’m an educated woman doesn’t mean I’m not a human one.

I have hours to kill before Obie will direct his attention to me again, so I stride right into the room full of betting games and tables. I pause in the doorway, taking in the sight – and cigar smoke – of men shuffling cards and chips like it means something, until I recognize one of the tables.

I had learned baccarat in my time in France, and despite never fully grasping the French language, I played their game very well. Like all of the casino’s games, the house has the edge, but my host family had taught me their tricks, and I could keep track of the location of every card once I saw it. This casino plays the punto banco style, which is where I excelled.

The first three hours, I did very well. I did so well that the waitstaff came to watch over my shoulder to assure I wasn’t cheating. I had almost doubled Obie’s entire investment portfolio, at least the one I had access to, using his information to start the hand but relying on my winnings to keep me afloat. But after three hours, I got – as I often do these days – bored. Keeping track of the calculations of the face value no longer keeps me entertained. So I start losing. Maximum bets net maximum losses.

I don’t know why I find so much joy in draining Obie’s savings, linked to the banking information from his hotel reservation. I don’t hate the man, but I don’t think I could ever love him. He has done nothing cruel to me, nothing unjust, or even unkind – but I don’t think he loves me either. I am comfortable and convenient; I straighten his ties and predict his chess moves and shake the hands of men he so desperately wants to impress. When you come from money, you learn to smell desperation a mile away, and Obadiah reeks of it. Every privileged man he meets can smell it, too, and until he can mask it, Stane International won’t become that international.

He’s just so boring. He fixates on the most minute details of his plans, his inventions take priority, and I think if I hurt him here, he would finally pay more attention to me than his baubles.

The chip pile, once mountainous, dwindles, replenishing when I transfer more funds, then drain once again. The staff look at me puzzled, wondering what happened to my blaze of glory, and I ask myself the same question as I feel myself go robotic and glassy-eyed. Twisting the probability on its head, I play the moves in the house’s favor, leaving nothing behind but a tray full of cigarette ash and empty champagne classes.

It dawns on me that this game of baccarat reflected Obie’s and my relationship. I feed his ego, his business deals, and checkbooks, and what did I have to show for it? A cheap steel ring, a prolonged engagement with no date in sight, and still living in my childhood bedroom with my parents in Southampton.

As I drain my last glass, several tall men in nice suits approach me, stern looks on their faces. I straighten in my seat.

“Ms. Carbonell?” one of them asks to confirm my identity in an American accent.

“Is there a problem?”

“You’ve attracted our attention with your gameplay. What are your intentions here at the Hellfire Club?”

I blink at the empty glass in my hand, just a hint of the red wine remaining on the bottom swirling at its base. “To win.”

“Looks like you’re not doing much of that now.”

“Winning got boring,” I shrug.

“Please come with us, Ms. Carbonell.”

“I’d rather stay here and keep losing.”

One of the men places a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll come with us now. The owner of the Roxxon Corporation would like to speak to you.” I’m suddenly on my feet.

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