Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and learning reading are disclosed. The apparatus is a group of universally connectable blocks and may include a primer having intelligible reading units composed of reading indicia. Each block has at least three faces, and each face of a given block the same reading indicia type. Each block has a color that corresponds to the reading indicia type. The primer's reading indicia are colored to correspond to the blocks bearing the same reading indicia type. The method comprises reading the primer, reading selected reading indicia in the primer, and locating blocks having the selected reading indicia. An intelligible reading unit comprised of the selected reading indicia in the primer is read and assembled from the blocks. Two blocks are selected, having the identified reading indicia, and connected. The color or selected indicia are viewed to determine whether the indicia form the selected intelligible reading unit.

Abstract: A compact low pressure discharge lamp assembly is disclosed for use in a lighting fixture. The assembly has a base terminating in a fitting and at least one discharge tube including at least two elongated tubular portions The two elongated tubular portions having fixed ends terminating at the base and opposed free ends. A control circuit housing is mountable to the base opposite the fitting, and a first of elongated tubular portion extends away from the base and is splayed away from another elongated tubular portion to define a V-shaped configuration. The control circuit housing has a wedge-shaped profile for allowing it to nest within the V-shaped configuration, and the discharge lamp assembly has a maximum width dimension determined by the distance between the outermost surfaces of the free ends of the discharge tubes.