Creating your über garage

http://www.joe-ks.com/archives_nov2004/Travolta_House.htm

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August 16, 2007

Garage Living has the answers...

August 16, 2007, VAUGHAN -- He reportedly parks the jet in his driveway at his home in Ocala, Florida, known as Jumbolair; anyone you know?

Now that’s a garage!

It may be a long time before the average home owner needs a garage this size, however according to the National Association of Home Builders, the trend is towards building larger garages. In 2006, 15 per cent of all new homes built have 3 car garages, whereas in 1992 it was just 6 per cent.

What is amazing today is how people are using their garage. It’s no longer merely an oversized storage closet where seldom used household and recreational items accumulate. It’s different today.

While it’s unlikely you’ll need it for your Boeing 707 as John Travolta does, there are a multitude of ideas on how your garage can be a real extension of your home.

It can be a frustrating experience when you’ve planned a barbeque party and because of the rain you’ve had to bring it inside. Could you imagine if your garage being so spotless and organized that it could easily be turned into a party room at the drop of a hat? Bright lighting through the windows, reflecting off epoxy flooring that’s free of clutter because of the slat wall organization system, a garage fridge to keep the refreshments cool and close, and much more. It’s as simple as opening the garage doors, bringing the lawn chairs and tables inside and your barbeque party continues without a hitch.

A garage’s primary purpose continues to be storing vehicles, but the idea that it has to look or just merely function as a garage is passé. It can be a multi car showroom, a hobbyist paradise, a multi-functional room, or an auto enthusiast’s dream garage. Its potential is only limited by your imagination.

“Our Garage Experts are well versed in all the options, materials, and finishes available. They’re able to create a fully customized plan of your garage solution,” says Parag Shah President of Garage Living, Canada’s leading garage specialists. “Our detailed drawings give homeowners an excellent vision of what their garage can become.”

Organizations such as Garage Living, have specialists who assist you in designing your ultimate garage. They do all the work; all you have to do is dream.

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For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF GARAGE LIVING
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Learning disabilities affect up to 20 per cent of North American population

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August 16, 2007

Effective treatment available when LD properly identified

August 16, 2007, TORONTO – Learning Disabilities (LDs) are extremely common. Over 15 per cent of the Canadian population have “low literacy skills” according to a report by ABC Canada Literacy 2005. The International Dyslexia Association puts the number at 15-20 per cent. That means in a class of 30 students, 3 to 5 children will have an LD and need special education to overcome it.

In layman’s terms, an LD is anything that causes a student to fail to learn for no apparent reason, this according to DSM-IV-TR, the Bible of mental health diagnosis. A learning disorder does not mean that someone is lacking intelligence. In fact, a person with an LD might earn an “A” in math but “F” in reading, or vice versa.

“This point needs so much emphasis because virtually all people with an LD secretly think they are not intelligent. Almost universally, they believe they are ‘stupid,’” says Dr. Deborah Cooper, psychologist, and director of The Chesnie Cooper Educational Centre*. “Disabilities are neither predictable nor preventable — they are not the result of bad parenting, laziness, lack of will power, or lack of foresight. They are not anyone’s fault.”

The key to successful treatment of LDs is correct diagnosis. However, due to similar symptoms, CAPD (Central Auditory Processing Deficit) can be misdiagnosed as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). This is an important distinction as one requires medication, the other does not.

Christine Rick recalls that her son was in Senior Kindergarten when the school observed he was having experiencing high levels of frustration; it was suggested he needed occupational therapy. A learning disability was not suspected because his grades were good. But in grade 2 he was experiencing even higher levels of frustration and was depressed. The Pediatrician referred him to a psychologist who, after an educational assessment, determined he had ADHD. However, over the next year and a half, his depression heightened and the problem worsened.

“My son [now] is 9 years old and in grade 4…This school year, things came to a head. My son withdrew into himself. He wanted to be alone. He hated school and wanted to be home schooled. He wished he was dead,” reports Christine. “I was distraught and unsure what to do next.”

Mrs. Rick’s pediatrician referred them to Dr. Chesnie Cooper, a psychologist renowned for her research and specialization in helping people with CAPD and other learning disabilities, Her awareness of the similarity of the symptoms of CAPD and ADHD is critical in the depth of her testing as well as her remedial follow through.

“After only 2 visits and a conference call with Dr. Chesnie Cooper, significant changes began to take place in Edward’s life,” says Mrs. Rick. “My son now sleeps through the night; he smiles and laughs. He tells jokes and loves to be around people; he loves school again; and he is feeling more confident about himself.”

“Someone with an LD, by definition, has “at least” average intelligence. As soon as a diagnosis has identified what is holding someone back, the way opens to effective treatment,” says Dr. Cooper. “Such is the case with Edward Rick and many others like him.”

* A division of The Chesnie Cooper Psychology Professional Corp.

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To schedule an interview contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF DR. DEBORAH COOPER
& THE CHESNIE COOPER EDUCATIONAL CENTRE
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca

Krinos 2007 Taste of the Danforth a Smash Hit

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August 13, 2007

Record breaking attendance at this year's event

August 13, 2007, TORONTO -- Despite a couple of hours of rain on Sunday afternoon, The Krinos Taste of the Danforth experienced record crowds. In 2006 the festival drew approx 1.2 to 1.3 million people. This year the festival drew over 1.4 million people.

Local Danforth businesses were thrilled saying that this year's Friday night was more like a Saturday night and Saturday night was clearly a record breaker.

Spokesperson and programmer Howard Lichtman attributes the success to the warmth of the Danforth community and the introduction of a number of new elements including the Celebrity stage, the "Taste of Broadway," the Olympiada and the Sports zone.


For further information contact:

Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
ON BEHALF OF THE KRINOS TASTE OF THE DANFORTH
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Fax: 1.866.384.7384
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca