Staying under the national average, Nutmeg State sees unemployment claims skyrocket
Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced on Oct. 22 that unemployed Connecticut residents will be eligible to receive an additional seven weeks of benefits.
High Extended Benefits (HEB) is a federal extension plan that states qualify for when their unemployment rate averages 8 percent or higher over three consecutive months.
"These benefits offer the lifeline we need to help our families weather this economic storm," said Rell in a press release from state. "While I am confident our nation will soon emerge from this recession, until we do recover and begin to create new jobs, we must provide assistance to those who felt the brunt of this downturn."
Unemployment rates have risen in the past three months, with 7.8 percent of the workforce unemployed in July, 8.1 percent unemployed in August and 8.4 percent unemployed in September.
According to Nancy Steffens, the spokeswoman for the Connecticut Department of Labor, the state issued nearly 132,000 unemployment checks totaling $44.7 million in last week alone.
"In 2007, we had about 40,000 workers filing for unemployment each week. In 2009, we've seen about 90,000 each week," said Steffens.
State economists anticipate that Connecticut's unemployment rate will continue to trend toward the national average of 9.8 percent. Steffens said that Connecticut may see its unemployment rate rise as high as 8.7 percent. Many economists believe the unemployment rate may begin to drop in 2010.
The Daily Campus, University of Connecticut, CT
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Popular costumes should make your Halloween, not break the bank
The Joker is sooo 2008. Batman? It's been done. Move over, Wolverine. You've been replaced.
Halloween costumes last year were all about the comic book characters and political figures such as Republican hockey mom Sarah Palin, geriatric John McCain and what would be our president-elect Barack Obama, which were all widely celebrated. You betcha. But 2009 seems to be the year for dressing creatively as recognizable celebrities for fractions of what a traditional costume would typically cost.
So Wolverine's steel claws have now been replaced with vampire fangs. The Joker's smudged make-up and green hair are out, but the "King of Pop's" white sequined glove and fedora are in. And Lady Gaga's flashy, metallic leotards are the new black Teflon Batman bodysuits.
But while designer pantsuits, masks and walkers can certainly be expensive, some might not be celebrating Halloween like they used to.
Many believe the current recession will impact how much consumers spend on costumes, leaving many cutting back on scary attire or not partaking in the holiday at all. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is estimated to drop 18 percent down to $4.75 billion. That's down from $5.77 billion from last year.
However, just because funds are low is no reason to go without a costume. New reality figureheads and TV show characters are emerging as this year's "it" costumes with more bang for not nearly as much buck.
Gateway, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
Halloween costumes last year were all about the comic book characters and political figures such as Republican hockey mom Sarah Palin, geriatric John McCain and what would be our president-elect Barack Obama, which were all widely celebrated. You betcha. But 2009 seems to be the year for dressing creatively as recognizable celebrities for fractions of what a traditional costume would typically cost.
So Wolverine's steel claws have now been replaced with vampire fangs. The Joker's smudged make-up and green hair are out, but the "King of Pop's" white sequined glove and fedora are in. And Lady Gaga's flashy, metallic leotards are the new black Teflon Batman bodysuits.
But while designer pantsuits, masks and walkers can certainly be expensive, some might not be celebrating Halloween like they used to.
Many believe the current recession will impact how much consumers spend on costumes, leaving many cutting back on scary attire or not partaking in the holiday at all. According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending is estimated to drop 18 percent down to $4.75 billion. That's down from $5.77 billion from last year.
However, just because funds are low is no reason to go without a costume. New reality figureheads and TV show characters are emerging as this year's "it" costumes with more bang for not nearly as much buck.
Gateway, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE
CDC reports 19 more children died of swine flu last week
That brings the total to 114 children deaths since the pandemic's start, compared with 40 to 50 in a normal flu season. On H1N1 vaccines, 'the gap between supply and demand is closing.'
Nineteen more U.S. children died from pandemic H1N1 influenza in the week ending Oct. 24, bringing the total to 65 since Aug. 30 and to 114 since the beginning of the pandemic in April, according to the newest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two-thirds of those children had underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden said in a Friday news conference. In a normal flu season, 40 to 50 children die, so the swine flu is affecting children much more severely than seasonal flu.
Comparable numbers are not available for adults because there are no similar reporting requirements for them. As of Tuesday, 12,466 laboratory-confirmed hospitalizations for swine flu and 530 deaths had been reported to the CDC, but those are likely to be significant underestimates, Frieden said.
Estimates released this week suggested that perhaps 800 Americans had died from swine flu by the end of July. Frieden said the agency hoped to have real-time estimates for the entire pandemic period available in the next couple of weeks. He said "many, many millions" of Americans now have been infected.
Supplies of vaccine for swine flu continue their slow growth. As of Friday morning, 26.1 million doses were available, an increase of 10.5 million since the previous Friday and 1.3 million more than were available Thursday. "There is not enough yet for all providers, but the gap between supply and demand is closing," Frieden said.
About half of the doses given out so far have gone to children, and most of the rest to young adults, he said. About 1% to 2% have gone to the elderly, he said.
The Los Angeles Times
Nineteen more U.S. children died from pandemic H1N1 influenza in the week ending Oct. 24, bringing the total to 65 since Aug. 30 and to 114 since the beginning of the pandemic in April, according to the newest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two-thirds of those children had underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden said in a Friday news conference. In a normal flu season, 40 to 50 children die, so the swine flu is affecting children much more severely than seasonal flu.
Comparable numbers are not available for adults because there are no similar reporting requirements for them. As of Tuesday, 12,466 laboratory-confirmed hospitalizations for swine flu and 530 deaths had been reported to the CDC, but those are likely to be significant underestimates, Frieden said.
Estimates released this week suggested that perhaps 800 Americans had died from swine flu by the end of July. Frieden said the agency hoped to have real-time estimates for the entire pandemic period available in the next couple of weeks. He said "many, many millions" of Americans now have been infected.
Supplies of vaccine for swine flu continue their slow growth. As of Friday morning, 26.1 million doses were available, an increase of 10.5 million since the previous Friday and 1.3 million more than were available Thursday. "There is not enough yet for all providers, but the gap between supply and demand is closing," Frieden said.
About half of the doses given out so far have gone to children, and most of the rest to young adults, he said. About 1% to 2% have gone to the elderly, he said.
The Los Angeles Times
Google Social Search Aims to Make Social Networks More Useful
The experimental Google Social Search service , which went live today, adds opinions from friends and others to information a search engine provides on products and services like a new restaurant or smartphone.
...Google announced Social Search last week at the same time it disclosed that it had inked a real-time search deal with Twitter . Mayer noted that the two announcements are related in that users will eventually see Twitter posts , or tweets, in Google search results....
Google Social Search is designed to let searches return traditional results along with updates and tweets that their friends and other people they follow on various social networks have posted. For instance, a user might want to buy a specific car. They can search for information and reviews of the car on a regular search engine and then use Social Search to find pertinent posts from their friends and colleagues...
San Francisco Chronicle
...Google announced Social Search last week at the same time it disclosed that it had inked a real-time search deal with Twitter . Mayer noted that the two announcements are related in that users will eventually see Twitter posts , or tweets, in Google search results....
Google Social Search is designed to let searches return traditional results along with updates and tweets that their friends and other people they follow on various social networks have posted. For instance, a user might want to buy a specific car. They can search for information and reviews of the car on a regular search engine and then use Social Search to find pertinent posts from their friends and colleagues...
San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Stockholm-Based Bonanza Education Expands Into U.S. Market
"Financial statements are considered a foreign language to a vast majority of employees who work outside of the finance function at companies, and that is a huge barrier to connecting them with the key drivers for business success," said Steven Wade, Chief Executive Officer of Bonanza Education USA. "The financial literacy programs delivered through Bonanza's concepts translate numerical tables into a universal graphical language that turn the once difficult and avoided financial discussions into collaborative conversations. When employees have a better understanding of the financial drivers for the company, they make better decisions, and companies can unlock the embedded innovation within their existing employee base."
The visual language developed by Bonanza enhances the skills and speed of assimilation of employees who already have a grasp of financial principles and enables those who don't like numbers to truly understand and begin to contribute to the financial conversation. Several European banks have successfully used the Bonanza concepts to build and enhance their relationships with clients, as well as, explaining the client's own financial situations.
...Since its inception in 1991, Bonanza Education has helped hundreds of thousands of people to understand finance, profitability and business challenges. The company's programs have been translated into multiple languages with partners in a dozen countries. Today, the company provides financial literacy programs in both the classroom setting and through highly interactive modules over the Web. Bonanza's analysis and presentation software is used in a wide range of companies to clarify the financial message, facilitate analysis and unlock embedded innovation within the organization....
Forbes
The visual language developed by Bonanza enhances the skills and speed of assimilation of employees who already have a grasp of financial principles and enables those who don't like numbers to truly understand and begin to contribute to the financial conversation. Several European banks have successfully used the Bonanza concepts to build and enhance their relationships with clients, as well as, explaining the client's own financial situations.
...Since its inception in 1991, Bonanza Education has helped hundreds of thousands of people to understand finance, profitability and business challenges. The company's programs have been translated into multiple languages with partners in a dozen countries. Today, the company provides financial literacy programs in both the classroom setting and through highly interactive modules over the Web. Bonanza's analysis and presentation software is used in a wide range of companies to clarify the financial message, facilitate analysis and unlock embedded innovation within the organization....
Forbes
Hundreds of schools closed as A/H1N1 flu cases multiple in U.S.
Sick students are suggested to stay at home, while city emergency rooms are also largely filled with students who are severely ill, according to news reports on Thursday.
According to U.S. Education Department, at least 351 schools were closed in last week -- affecting more than 126,000 students in 19 states. So far, about 600 schools were closed in this school year altogether.
"This is scary," said Kathryn Marchuk, a nurse whose son attends St. Charles East High School outside Chicago, which closed for three days last week after about 800 of its 2,200 students called in absent. "So many people are sick. It's just everywhere."
Many school officials said they were afraid the virus would spread faster if they stayed open. They feel shutting down is the only feasible option.
Despite the exceptional spreading speed of the H1N1 flu pandemic in the flu season, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Margaret Chan said a day before in a conference in Havana that the A/H1N1 pandemic would reach its natural end when enough people are immunized.
VietNamNet
According to U.S. Education Department, at least 351 schools were closed in last week -- affecting more than 126,000 students in 19 states. So far, about 600 schools were closed in this school year altogether.
"This is scary," said Kathryn Marchuk, a nurse whose son attends St. Charles East High School outside Chicago, which closed for three days last week after about 800 of its 2,200 students called in absent. "So many people are sick. It's just everywhere."
Many school officials said they were afraid the virus would spread faster if they stayed open. They feel shutting down is the only feasible option.
Despite the exceptional spreading speed of the H1N1 flu pandemic in the flu season, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Margaret Chan said a day before in a conference in Havana that the A/H1N1 pandemic would reach its natural end when enough people are immunized.
VietNamNet
EPA Finds Manganese Threat at 2 Schools
Regulators have found high levels of neurotoxic manganese in the air outside two schools in Ohio and West Virginia, the latest results of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to check for chemicals outside schools across the nation.
Government scientists have determined that long-term exposure to manganese can cause mental disabilities and emotional problems, especially in kids.
The preliminary results, to be released today, found average manganese levels at least 70% higher than what the EPA considers safe for long-term exposure outside Warren Elementary School in Marietta, Ohio, and Neale Elementary School in Vienna, W.Va. The schools are about 10 miles from each other.
USA Today
Government scientists have determined that long-term exposure to manganese can cause mental disabilities and emotional problems, especially in kids.
The preliminary results, to be released today, found average manganese levels at least 70% higher than what the EPA considers safe for long-term exposure outside Warren Elementary School in Marietta, Ohio, and Neale Elementary School in Vienna, W.Va. The schools are about 10 miles from each other.
USA Today
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
School chooses Kindle; are libraries for the history 'books'?
Critics see the value — and inevitability — of increasing libraries' digital collections but say that to remove virtually all printed materials is a mistake.
"This is not necessarily a model for other school libraries," says American Library Association President Camila Alire. "It's a private prep school, it's a residential campus, and they also have the funds to do things like this."
Actually, Tracy says, that's the point: The school can afford it, so why shouldn't it? He wants to share what he learns with other schools — and is partnering with Oxford University to offer any materials it develops as a free, open-source guide.
As for the students' ability to pay for the gadgets, Tracy says, that's an even stronger argument. Though many are on financial aid, his students, for better or worse, are "going to have disproportionate influence" on the world. What better place than Cushing to teach them how to navigate the world wisely and with "humanizing values?"
Cassandra Barnett, president of the American Association of School Librarians, says most reference materials are going online, but she wonders how Cushing librarians will attract kids to books they might not otherwise seek out. "I can't display … a whole bunch of Kindles with the covers of books."
USA Today
"This is not necessarily a model for other school libraries," says American Library Association President Camila Alire. "It's a private prep school, it's a residential campus, and they also have the funds to do things like this."
Actually, Tracy says, that's the point: The school can afford it, so why shouldn't it? He wants to share what he learns with other schools — and is partnering with Oxford University to offer any materials it develops as a free, open-source guide.
As for the students' ability to pay for the gadgets, Tracy says, that's an even stronger argument. Though many are on financial aid, his students, for better or worse, are "going to have disproportionate influence" on the world. What better place than Cushing to teach them how to navigate the world wisely and with "humanizing values?"
Cassandra Barnett, president of the American Association of School Librarians, says most reference materials are going online, but she wonders how Cushing librarians will attract kids to books they might not otherwise seek out. "I can't display … a whole bunch of Kindles with the covers of books."
USA Today
Women's Soccer: Squad Nabs Regular Season Conference Championship
Notre Dame (14-3, 11-0-1 Big East) ended the regular season on a 12-game unbeaten streak and a six-game winning streak to claim its 12th conference title in its 15 seasons in the league.
"[Winning the Big East title] is hard to put into words because we always talk about the standard that this program has set for itself," Irish coach Randy Waldrum said. "It is something we don't take for granted by any means, but it is certainly one of the goals we have every year.
The Observer
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
"[Winning the Big East title] is hard to put into words because we always talk about the standard that this program has set for itself," Irish coach Randy Waldrum said. "It is something we don't take for granted by any means, but it is certainly one of the goals we have every year.
The Observer
University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
Atheism: frequently unanswered questions
Let me start off by saying that my intent here is not to proselytize but to give a better understanding of atheists and our values. I'm not here to tell you that your beliefs are wrong, or that atheists are somehow more correct in our thinking. What I do want to make a point of is that every time I tell someone I'm an atheist, I get pelted with questions.
"Why are you an atheist?" "Did your parents not take you to church?" "What do you think happens when you die?"
And, of course, my favorite: "where do you get your morals?"
I intend to answer some of these.....
...Atheism is similar to Christianity in one way: there are tons of sects and nobody can seem to agree on the "right" way to go about things. The spectrum goes from militant atheism all the way to secular humanism.
Atheists who prefer to be moral and decent would call themselves Secular Humanists. We are good for goodness sake and don't follow any code. Think of it as a common good that lies in nature. We are all born grasping, hungry and selfish. Nobody is born with morality.
Gateway
University of Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha, NE
"Why are you an atheist?" "Did your parents not take you to church?" "What do you think happens when you die?"
And, of course, my favorite: "where do you get your morals?"
I intend to answer some of these.....
...Atheism is similar to Christianity in one way: there are tons of sects and nobody can seem to agree on the "right" way to go about things. The spectrum goes from militant atheism all the way to secular humanism.
Atheists who prefer to be moral and decent would call themselves Secular Humanists. We are good for goodness sake and don't follow any code. Think of it as a common good that lies in nature. We are all born grasping, hungry and selfish. Nobody is born with morality.
Gateway
University of Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha, NE
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Word of mouth makes 'Paranormal Activity' a Scream 3 out of 5 Stars
America's most frightening "home video," "Paranormal Activity" is a movie everyone is talking about, but few will dare to see.
Making $22 million this past weekend, "Paranormal" came in number one at the box office, outranking "Saw VI," which came in second with a disappointing $14.8 million, and "Where the Wild Things Are," which, after dominating the box office on its opening weekend, came in third at $14.4 million.
For those who get a thrill out of ghosts, demons and haunted houses minus the gore, this horror film takes supposedly innocent nighttime noises and reveals them to be the products of other-worldly mischief....
....This past Friday, the "mock-doc" expanded from 760 theaters to 2,000. It has been compared to the 1999 "Blair Witch Project," which earned $29 million after expanding to just over 1,000 theaters. Since its Sept. 25th limited release, "Paranormal" has earned an overall $62.5 million. With the Halloween weekend yet to come, it is predicted that if word-of-mouth continues to favor Paramount's micro-budget horror flick, then earnings could reach as high as $100 million. Paramount acquired the rights to the movie at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2007, originally intending to allow Peli a re-shoot with a bigger budget. But after seeing the success of its raw and unaltered version, the studio decided to release "Paranormal" in all its homemade glory, and test audiences continued to respond well in screenings. Subsequent success was then left to the circulation of online blogs and tweets (mostly from college students) that spread news of the creepy ghost story.
With a slow incline in terror throughout the entire film, "Paranormal Activity" scares in small doses and then shocks at the end. A perfect fit for the easily scared.
East Carolinian
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
Making $22 million this past weekend, "Paranormal" came in number one at the box office, outranking "Saw VI," which came in second with a disappointing $14.8 million, and "Where the Wild Things Are," which, after dominating the box office on its opening weekend, came in third at $14.4 million.
For those who get a thrill out of ghosts, demons and haunted houses minus the gore, this horror film takes supposedly innocent nighttime noises and reveals them to be the products of other-worldly mischief....
....This past Friday, the "mock-doc" expanded from 760 theaters to 2,000. It has been compared to the 1999 "Blair Witch Project," which earned $29 million after expanding to just over 1,000 theaters. Since its Sept. 25th limited release, "Paranormal" has earned an overall $62.5 million. With the Halloween weekend yet to come, it is predicted that if word-of-mouth continues to favor Paramount's micro-budget horror flick, then earnings could reach as high as $100 million. Paramount acquired the rights to the movie at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2007, originally intending to allow Peli a re-shoot with a bigger budget. But after seeing the success of its raw and unaltered version, the studio decided to release "Paranormal" in all its homemade glory, and test audiences continued to respond well in screenings. Subsequent success was then left to the circulation of online blogs and tweets (mostly from college students) that spread news of the creepy ghost story.
With a slow incline in terror throughout the entire film, "Paranormal Activity" scares in small doses and then shocks at the end. A perfect fit for the easily scared.
East Carolinian
East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
College Tuitions Rise Again
The report, released Tuesday by the non-profit College Board, analyzes annual trends in college prices and student aid. While findings provide insight into how the recession is affecting students and institutions, they also underscore the complex relationship between what colleges charge and what families pay. "We really have to figure out how to make it simpler and more transparent," says author Sandy Baum.
Among factors that influence cost to students:
•Institution type. Community colleges posted the fastest one-year growth but remain the most affordable option. Sticker prices are highest at private institutions, but their students also get the most aid. (Average cost to low-income students, after calculating grant aid, declined from 2003-04 to 2007-08 in inflation-adjusted dollars.)
•Geography.New England posted the highest average tuition, room and board at public four-year colleges ($18,394); the South had the lowest ($13,026).
•Family income. Average grant aid at public four-year institutions ranged from $1,340 for students with parent incomes below $32,500 and $900 for students whose parents' income was $100,000 or higher.
•Debt. For-profit schools have lower sticker prices than private non-profit colleges, but median debt was higher for bachelor's degree recipients at for-profit schools ($31,190 vs. $17,040).
USA Today
Among factors that influence cost to students:
•Institution type. Community colleges posted the fastest one-year growth but remain the most affordable option. Sticker prices are highest at private institutions, but their students also get the most aid. (Average cost to low-income students, after calculating grant aid, declined from 2003-04 to 2007-08 in inflation-adjusted dollars.)
•Geography.New England posted the highest average tuition, room and board at public four-year colleges ($18,394); the South had the lowest ($13,026).
•Family income. Average grant aid at public four-year institutions ranged from $1,340 for students with parent incomes below $32,500 and $900 for students whose parents' income was $100,000 or higher.
•Debt. For-profit schools have lower sticker prices than private non-profit colleges, but median debt was higher for bachelor's degree recipients at for-profit schools ($31,190 vs. $17,040).
USA Today
Board of Regents discusses stem cell research
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents met on Friday to settle the debate over embryonic stem cell research within the NU system.
The reversal of former President George W. Bush's restrictions on stem cell research has opened the door for universities across the country to resume their own research.
James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska system, said NU needs stem cell research to become a nationally respected center for research.
"Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise, and if the University of Nebraska is to be a leading research university it should be appropriately engaged in this research," Milliken, a non-voting member due to his board position, said in a statement. "The guidelines for that engagement are now set by federal law and regulations, state law and board policy. I believe that to do otherwise would unnecessarily limit the opportunities for discoveries to save and improve lives. In my view, it would also risk great harm to the reputation of the university and damage our ability to recruit and retain outstanding research and clinical faculty.
Gateway
University of Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha, NE
The reversal of former President George W. Bush's restrictions on stem cell research has opened the door for universities across the country to resume their own research.
James B. Milliken, president of the University of Nebraska system, said NU needs stem cell research to become a nationally respected center for research.
"Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise, and if the University of Nebraska is to be a leading research university it should be appropriately engaged in this research," Milliken, a non-voting member due to his board position, said in a statement. "The guidelines for that engagement are now set by federal law and regulations, state law and board policy. I believe that to do otherwise would unnecessarily limit the opportunities for discoveries to save and improve lives. In my view, it would also risk great harm to the reputation of the university and damage our ability to recruit and retain outstanding research and clinical faculty.
Gateway
University of Nebraska, Omaha, Omaha, NE
Med school enrollment up 11th year in a row, still 70% white
U.S. medical school enrollment is up for the 11th consecutive year as colleges seek to meet a growing demand for physicians.
First-year enrollment climbed 2% over 2008, and now totals nearly 18,400 students. The number of applicants remained mostly stable at around 42,000. Four new medical schools opened their doors this year; several others expanded class size.
USA Today
First-year enrollment climbed 2% over 2008, and now totals nearly 18,400 students. The number of applicants remained mostly stable at around 42,000. Four new medical schools opened their doors this year; several others expanded class size.
USA Today
Monday, October 26, 2009
Forest service 'jump starting' with $10.7M
Citing the worst decline in the lumber industry, exacerbated by the widespread beetle kill problem in Colorado, Colorado State Forest Service officials are looking to a $10.7 million jump start in the form of federal stimulus money to stay afloat.
Applications have been flowing into the service from industry entities across the state, and a forest service panel began reviewing them late last week. Officials said it would release its decisions this week.
The money, part of a national forest service package of $1.5 billion, will be directed toward job creation and retention for forest service districts across the state.
Four committees made up of CSFS officials and will meet later this month to review proposals from organizations from the across the country looking to implement forest service projects in the 17 Colorado districts that the program oversees, with a strong focus on the Front Range.
The grants are divided into two separate categories:
-About $6.25 million will go to programs focused on forest restoration and fuels mitigation, and
-About $4.75 million will go to programs focused on wildfire prevention and wood manufacturing industries in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Collegian
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Applications have been flowing into the service from industry entities across the state, and a forest service panel began reviewing them late last week. Officials said it would release its decisions this week.
The money, part of a national forest service package of $1.5 billion, will be directed toward job creation and retention for forest service districts across the state.
Four committees made up of CSFS officials and will meet later this month to review proposals from organizations from the across the country looking to implement forest service projects in the 17 Colorado districts that the program oversees, with a strong focus on the Front Range.
The grants are divided into two separate categories:
-About $6.25 million will go to programs focused on forest restoration and fuels mitigation, and
-About $4.75 million will go to programs focused on wildfire prevention and wood manufacturing industries in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Collegian
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
The social and personal-development needs of students who study for higher degrees must be taken more seriously
Postgraduates are our future. Without them, the academy is unsustainable: they are the teachers and researchers of tomorrow. But even beyond that, educating postgraduates is important for the future prosperity of the nation. First Secretary Lord Mandelson, who knows a good business opportunity for UK plc when he sees one, announced a review of postgraduate provision this summer, describing it as "a major export earner for the UK, and one which we have perhaps taken too much for granted".
Indeed. In the UK, postgraduate needs often go unheard amid the clamour over undergraduate education, unlike in the US, where they are often accorded a higher priority. With jobs in short supply, the numbers wanting to take postgraduate courses have increased; even before the downturn, they had grown by more than 64 per cent in ten years. But it is vital that universities have the structures in place to support their postgraduates properly.
The arguments over the practical issues - whether students should have a masters before embarking on a PhD and whether three years is long enough for a doctorate - are well rehearsed. But what about the social and personal-development needs of doctoral students, which can make or break an academic career? These are arguably as important. Getting the wrong supervisor, for whatever reason, can make all the difference between completing and not completing, and changing supervisor can be very traumatic.
Times Higher Education
Indeed. In the UK, postgraduate needs often go unheard amid the clamour over undergraduate education, unlike in the US, where they are often accorded a higher priority. With jobs in short supply, the numbers wanting to take postgraduate courses have increased; even before the downturn, they had grown by more than 64 per cent in ten years. But it is vital that universities have the structures in place to support their postgraduates properly.
The arguments over the practical issues - whether students should have a masters before embarking on a PhD and whether three years is long enough for a doctorate - are well rehearsed. But what about the social and personal-development needs of doctoral students, which can make or break an academic career? These are arguably as important. Getting the wrong supervisor, for whatever reason, can make all the difference between completing and not completing, and changing supervisor can be very traumatic.
Times Higher Education
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Go back to school to smooth career changes But experts suggest doing a little homework before signing up for classes
Extra education -- whether an advanced degree, a seminar or a series of classes leading to certification -- can pave your career transition path or help those returning to work after several years' absence, career counselors say. It also may be helpful for some lateral moves in competitive fields.
"It is sort of a strategic decision -- education," said Bill Stokes, an executive recruiter and chairman of the Washington Networking Group. "The smarter, long-term, strategic thinking person does it" and adds to their talents and their networks with every class or seminar.
If you're currently employed, find out what your employer thinks is important for your advancement. Or check your organization's Web site -- many government agencies and some other employers have fairly specific career development plans. Knowing what is on that ladder will make your class selection easier.
Before you sign up for a class, ask yourself some questions about your career and career goals, said Dennis Sullivan, a career counselor at Northern Virginia Community College. Among the questions he recommends: "Is it time for me to change careers or to shift? Is there another skill set or competency that would make me more employable with this company?"
A big question often hits people as they're facing a layoff: "Is it time to go back and complete the degree I didn't finish?" When their job is in jeopardy or disappearing, they suddenly realize they may not be qualified to get in the door for a similar position elsewhere, Sullivan said.
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Sullivan helps individuals plan their studies at Northern Virginia and update their skills. He and Stokes suggest three areas that are ripe for a career-enhancing class or two:
-- Computer and technical training, whether advanced or basic. "You can't have too many technical skills for today's workplace," said Sullivan.
-- Foreign language or ESL classes. Brush up on your second language or add a third. Sullivan suggests that professionals who grew up in another country ask the college to benchmark their English-speaking skills and then sign up for English as a Second Language classes to improve.
-- Professional certifications. A growing number of professions -- from project management to human resources -- offer advanced training and certifications that can help open doors.
Washington Post
"It is sort of a strategic decision -- education," said Bill Stokes, an executive recruiter and chairman of the Washington Networking Group. "The smarter, long-term, strategic thinking person does it" and adds to their talents and their networks with every class or seminar.
If you're currently employed, find out what your employer thinks is important for your advancement. Or check your organization's Web site -- many government agencies and some other employers have fairly specific career development plans. Knowing what is on that ladder will make your class selection easier.
Before you sign up for a class, ask yourself some questions about your career and career goals, said Dennis Sullivan, a career counselor at Northern Virginia Community College. Among the questions he recommends: "Is it time for me to change careers or to shift? Is there another skill set or competency that would make me more employable with this company?"
A big question often hits people as they're facing a layoff: "Is it time to go back and complete the degree I didn't finish?" When their job is in jeopardy or disappearing, they suddenly realize they may not be qualified to get in the door for a similar position elsewhere, Sullivan said.
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Sullivan helps individuals plan their studies at Northern Virginia and update their skills. He and Stokes suggest three areas that are ripe for a career-enhancing class or two:
-- Computer and technical training, whether advanced or basic. "You can't have too many technical skills for today's workplace," said Sullivan.
-- Foreign language or ESL classes. Brush up on your second language or add a third. Sullivan suggests that professionals who grew up in another country ask the college to benchmark their English-speaking skills and then sign up for English as a Second Language classes to improve.
-- Professional certifications. A growing number of professions -- from project management to human resources -- offer advanced training and certifications that can help open doors.
Washington Post
School sports' cuts have off-the-field impact, group says
A new report says that $2 billion in cuts to school-based sports and physical education programs are contributing to a range of problems afflicting the nation's youth, including obesity, violence and academic failure.
The report by Up2Us, a New York City-based coalition of groups lobbying to save such programs, was released last week as more than 150 researchers, coaches and leaders of nonprofit groups gathered in Washington for a conference on the fate of youth sports in an age of budget cuts.
"Youth sports is in serious decline in this country," said Brian Greenwood, co-author of the study and an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. "We can't afford that potential negative impact. If a kid doesn't have somewhere to go, something to do to occupy their time, unfortunately what they do more often than not is they end up in trouble."
Washington Post
The report by Up2Us, a New York City-based coalition of groups lobbying to save such programs, was released last week as more than 150 researchers, coaches and leaders of nonprofit groups gathered in Washington for a conference on the fate of youth sports in an age of budget cuts.
"Youth sports is in serious decline in this country," said Brian Greenwood, co-author of the study and an assistant professor at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. "We can't afford that potential negative impact. If a kid doesn't have somewhere to go, something to do to occupy their time, unfortunately what they do more often than not is they end up in trouble."
Washington Post
Twitter Lessons in 140 Characters or Less
The Twitter feed for Lucas Ames’ class in American history has shown some lively exchanges of ideas and opinions among students at the Flint Hill School. One day this month, 11th graders at the private school in Oakton, Va., shared articles on the separation of church and state, pondered the persistence of racism, and commented on tobacco regulation in Virginia now and during the Colonial period—all in the required Twitter format of 140 or fewer characters.
Those are exactly the kinds of interactions Mr. Ames had hoped for when he decided to experiment with the microblogging tool in his classroom this school year.
He and other teachers first found Twitter valuable for reaching out to colleagues and locating instructional resources. Now, they’re trying it out in the classroom as an efficient way to distribute assignments and to foster collaboration among students.
Education Week
Those are exactly the kinds of interactions Mr. Ames had hoped for when he decided to experiment with the microblogging tool in his classroom this school year.
He and other teachers first found Twitter valuable for reaching out to colleagues and locating instructional resources. Now, they’re trying it out in the classroom as an efficient way to distribute assignments and to foster collaboration among students.
Education Week
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