Revisiting History

History is doomed to be repeated if it is not remembered.  Not that I think there is a great chance of the Civil War reoccurring anytime soon, but the State of Georgia is still making sure that state historical markers are constantly being updated and added.  For the first time, the state is adding more markers related to issues dealing with African Americans and women.  These additions make the retelling of the history of our state a little bit more complete, even if the events related are tragic.

I applaud Georgia's effort to keep history alive, and I hope that states across the nation are attempting to do the same.  We never need to forget where we've come from.

School Stress

It's back to school season, and that means stress for parents & students alike.  Thankfully there are some great tips out there on how to make the back-to-school transition a little easier for everybody.  These tips range from setting a schedule to helping with homework, and can apply to all age groups.

Positive Opinions

A new survey finds that almost 80% of parents are satisfied with their oldest kids' public school.  This result is surprising to many, considering the fact that the education system in America has considerably decreased in popularity and success over the past few years.  However, this survey doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to improve our education system because there is definitely room for improvement.

Back to School Bling

It's about time to head back to school, and that means shopping.  There's shopping for new clothes, supplies, dorm room essentials and more.  But, with the economy down and not looking any better, money is an issue.

Some schools in Georgia have recently been given some moolah to help tide them through the next school year and to create new programs thanks to the Race to the Top initiative.

However, sensible shopping may be the way to go if you're heading back to school or off to school for the first time.

How are you dealing with the "back to school" rush and the poor economy?  Have any creative solutions? I want to hear your thoughts!

Default Disaster

The nation will default on it's loans in just a few short days if Congress can't come through with a bill that compromises on both party's interests.  The question that haunts many Americans, is what exactly does this mean for our nation and economy?  Well, history could provide an answer to this very question.  Although, hopefully, we won't need to find out.

A Nod to Norway

Norway, a country not known for violence, was attacked single-handedly on Friday.  This attack was the country's deadliest since WWII.  One man managed to kill over 90 people (and counting) in the span of an hour, although he claims to have supporters.  In a country the size of a large city in the United States, this sort of terrorism act is devastating.  What make is even more devastating is the amount of young peoples' lives that were taken.  You can follow updates on the killers court hearings, trial and more through USA Today.  But, let us all take a moment of silence today to remember all of those who were murdered & to pay homage to a country that is now in mourning & must rebuild.

Creative Cuts

We all know the economy doesn't look pretty, and that budget cuts are being made everywhere.  However, some of the most creative cuts are coming from colleges.  Public universities are not immune to budget woes, and they are definitely being hit pretty hard.  One way that colleges are getting creative with their spending is cutting lesser used or less important items from their budgets.  While these cuts don't make a huge impact by saving millions, they do help the colleges spend less on what's less important and more on the necessities.

How have you gotten creative in hard woeful economic times?

Heterosexual Education

California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill that will add gays and lesbians to history lessons within public schools.  This is an effort to include everyone who is important in history lessons, and not discriminate based on lifestyle.  However, this new law does not come without it's opposers.

What's your opinion on the matter?  Is it good that schools are being forced to have an all-inclusive education?  Should this even have to be a law?  Is this law absolutely ridiculous?  I want to know what your thoughts are!

Trademark Taboo

Trademarks are tricky little devils.  There are many common words that we use everyday that are actually trademarked.  While this may not seem like a problem, it can be for journalists.  Journalists have to be careful about how they use words when writing because they certainly don't want a lawsuit on their hands.  To be safe, journalists must avoid using trademarked words in their pieces, and instead come up with another way to get their point across.  This task can be a bit difficult, but it definitely saves the money and time of having to go to court.

Did you know that these words are trademarked?

Magical Endings

I'm copying this post from my blog Sweet Tea Serendipity in honor of the end of the Harry Potter series.  Enjoy!

I solemnly swear I'm up to no good.


Tomorrow.  It all ends.  The last Harry Potter movie premieres at midnight.
This is a time of mixed emotions for me.  I grew up with Harry Potter.  He has almost always been a part of my life.
I can remember sitting on my mom's bed at the age of 6 (or so), and her trying to read me the story about a boy named Harry and the world of Hogwarts.  I absolutely hated it.
A couple of years passed, and I was finally ready to embrace the magical wizarding world.
My mom would read the books to me out loud during long car trips.  I couldn't read on car trips because I would get car sick, so it was a great way to pass the time.
The tradition continued for many years, but around the time of the 5th book, I got tired of waiting for car trips to get to hear more.  So, one my friends loaned me her book, which I would read in secret.  
After that, I was finally allowed to read the books on my own, and read I did.  I devoured the last two books, and reread the first ones.  I laughed, cried, worried, learned, just about everything you can imagine.  The characters became real to me, and I could always turn to them.
The movies also started.  Each movie brought the images in my head to life, and captured my imagination.  I grew attached to one Dumbledore, and then another.  Of course, I also reveled in the attractiveness of some of the actors.
Now, the final movie is set to premiere.  There will be no more "new" to the story.  But, I guess, all good things must come to and end.  And really, it's not the end.  I still have the wisdom and lessons taught to me by Dumbledore, Hermoine, Harry, Ron and so many others.  I still have my books and movies that I can indulge in anytime I want a bit of magic in my life.  
Plus, Pottermore will be here before we know it.




Mischief managed.

Cheater, Cheater

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater is what a lot of Atlanta Public Schools kids and parents feel like yelling at their school district.  A formal investigation into the school system has revealed that there has been a lot of cheating going on in regards to CRCT test scores.  More than 150 educators in 44/56 schools in this system have been confirmed as participants in this widespread cheating epidemic.  The investigation into the schools' test scores came after seeing remarkably high, and statistically impossible jumps in the passing rates on standardized tests in the past few years.

What pushed these educators to cheat?  No Child Left Behind, of course.  I've blogged about the flaws of this program in the past, and now the flaws are showing their ugly heads in a huge way.

But, this scandal is more than a bunch of educators cheating.  The real victims of this crime are the students. Students have been cheated out of achieving for themselves, and out of a quality education.  That is something they can't get back.

Hopefully the APS can turn itself around from this major crisis that has become a national topic.

Location, Location

It's all about location right?  So why exactly did Walt Disney choose to build his theme park on top of a swamp?  More importantly, how did he make it work, and turn his park into the success that it is today?  Well, as always, the answer is location.  Disney needed a site that was close to main roads, so that the park would be easily accessible.  Furthermore, studies also showed that he needed a location on the East Coast.  When Disney figured out that swamp land was inexpensive in Florida, and that there would be an airport nearby, he was sold.  It's a good thing too because where would society be without the Happiest Place on Earth?

Anthony Trial Update

In case you missed it, the verdict is in on the 6 week long Casey Anthony trial.  The jury has found Casey not guilt of manslaughter/murder, but guilty on 4 counts of lying to law enforcement.

There are a multitude of opinions on whether or not the jury came to the correct decision, and I'm sure this story will continue to be of topic for years to come.

I want to know what your opinion of the verdict is?  Is the justice system flawed or fine?

Google+

Google+ is the newest contender in the social media scene.  Debuting this past Tuesday, this platform, which is similar to Facebook, is open only to select users right now.  Google is promoting this new tool by saying that it will be more private and will streamline all of your other Google programs/products.  However, as this article points out, this platform will be harder for businesses to use.  Businesses will have to work harder to get a widespread message out, which could make this new platform problematic.  However, Google's products such as Gmail, AdSense, Blogger and Android have become wildly popular over the past few years, so don't count them out too quickly.

Can this new social media application be a real contender against Facebook?  Only time will tell, but take it from me (I've been invited to use this application), so far, I'm not jumping the Facebook ship anytime soon.

War on Obesity

Kids are increasingly becoming more obese.  This is a known fact, and America is attempting to fight back.  The newest strategy?  Banning fast-food ads on TV.  However, not everyone supports such a bold decision.  The Week rounds-up various opinions on the topic in their recent article, but I want to know which one you agree with?

Personally, I think parents should be responsible for making choices related to food, television etc. and not the government.

Foreign Language 101

The United States' college system has always attracted students from countries far and wide.  However, it seems this trend may be on the downfall especially among Indonesian students.  Foreign students are increasingly afraid to venture to the U.S. for college because we live in a post 9-11 world, plus the rising cost and distance from home don't help.  This has sparked an increase in recruitment of these foreign students by our government and agencies.  They lure students in by promising them a visa as long as they are enrolled in school here, and they get the benefit of one of the best educations money can buy.

I think this is a great goal that President Obama has set.  Education is a good thing, and America's collegiate education system is superb.  We should be sharing our success with other people, and hoping that they in turn use their education to do good within their own home countries or within ours.

Talking Quarters

Quarters.  They are a coin most of us handle daily (or used to, before the invention of debit and credit cards).  But, how much do we really know about this historic coin?  For example, have you ever realized that some coins, such as the quater, have ridges but others do not?  It's true.  Ridging coins all started back when money was made of more precious metals.  Ridging acted as a way to deter people from shaving off pieces of the coin and made it harder to counterfeit these valuable coins.  However, this process has never been applied to pennies and nickels because these coins have never been made of what was considered a valuable metal.  So, just how many ridges are on your twenty-five cent piece? 119.

Investigating Journalism

You may or may not have heard of David Protess, a professor at the journalism school at Northwestern University.  For 30 years, he has been behind the Medill Innocence Project, which has freed 12+ prisoners who were wrongly convicted.

However, now the tables have turned, and he is being investigated.  Lawyers are claiming that his and his students' tactics are too deceptive and that there have been cooperation schemes.

Whatever the outcome of this trial, I hope that journalists will still continue to dig for the truth and help to free the innocent.  Journalism is a public service, and we must remember that just reporting the news is not enough, we must dig a little deeper.

Casey Anthony

The Casey Anthony saga continues this week, although the case has finally come to the defense portion.  After a few grueling weeks of prosecution, the defense, it seems, has a lot of ground to cover.  One of the questions facing the defense is whether or not Casey will actually testify.

I remember hearing about this case/the search for Caylee while I was vacationing in Florida a couple of summers ago, and I have followed this case ever since.  I hope that the right decision is reached, no matter what it may be.

One thing is for sure, America is getting ready for this case to be over and decided, so that justice will be served one way or the other.

What are your thoughts on the trial?  Have you been following it?

Happy Belated Centennial Birthday IBM!

Yesterday was IBM's birthday & they turned 100 years old! But, they were not always called International Business Machines.  At their origin, the company was named Computing-Tablet-Recording Company, reflecting a merger of the three companies that formed this new business.  Nonetheless, they have become a powerful force in today's world, and have helped revolutionize technology.

On Loan

Student loans.  Two of the most dreaded words among college students and college graduates.  The cost of college is high these days, and only getting higher.  Even with scholarships, students and families oftentimes still don't have enough money to pay for tuition, books, housing, food, etc.  This results in student loans, which start to stack up quickly.  More colleges are starting to realize the burden of these loans, and are offering help to students for paying back these loans.  These colleges are especially focused on helping students in majors that benefit society, but will result in low salaries.

I'm impressed with the colleges that have these programs.  I personally have a pretty large sum of student loans, and am worried about repaying them.  My dad is a single parent, and even with all my academic scholarships, there is still not enough money.  On top of that, I'm studying journalism, which is not a high-pay career starting out.  Kudos to universities for encouraging students to pursue their passions without having to worry about how exactly they can afford to get ahead.

Facebook Fix

It seems that just about everyone is on Facebook these days.  But, in May, 6 million users defriended themselves from this social media giant.  There are several theories for this decrease in users on Facebook from seasonal variation to being burned out.  Check them out here & let me know which you think is the most plausible.

Head Start

Many states don't require students to attend pre-school or even make pre-school programs mandatory.  However, a long-running study has found that pre-school actually does have beneficial effects.  These effects include employment and delinquency rates, and are especially prominent among disadvantaged children.

I have learned about the positive effects of pre-school effects in many of my classes during college, and it always amazes me how such a simple program can have such a dramatic effect.  Hopefully, schools, daycares and state boards of education will take these results to heart and begin to expand and enhance these programs as well as require free early elementary programs.

QWERTY QUERY

Ever wondered about the history of the keyboard?  From the typewriter to today's touch screen key boards, the keyboard has evolved a lot over the years.  Mental Floss dug into this interesting history today, and even dug up some connections that go beyond the surface.  So here's your chance, learn more about what is really behind our life-saving QWERTY friend.

Bad Dog

Is there such a thing as a bad breed of dog?  According to some, yes.  But in reality, no.  No breed of dog is inherently bad.  Some breeds of dog just get a bad rap because of the way they are trained and used by people.  In addition, some breeds have more natural tendencies that we consider "bad," but these are only triggered when a dog is taught to use them in certain situations or learns to use them over time.  We have to remember that dogs were not always domesticated, and that many of their ancestors are not domesticated.  They can be great, loving, family pets, but not everyone uses their four-legged friend this way, and that's how dogs go bad.

Class Nap

I'll be the first to admit it, college students don't always get enough sleep.  There is so much to do throughout the day, that students often forgo a few hours sleep to get everything done.  Sometimes the fact that there is too much to do is the students fault due to procrastination, but sometimes it is just college.  No matter the reason, getting too little sleep leads to lowered academic performance.  The solution?  Mandatory naps.  Studies have repeatedly shown that 20-30 minute naps during certain times of the day can lead to increased productivity and success.  This is one "class" option that I know I can support!

Good Apple

Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference kicked off today with a keynote address from Steve Jobs.  Included in his address were changes to many of Apple's programs/products/software.  To see a live blog of his address and the Conference click here.

100

Today's news: this is my 100th blog post! Woohoo! Enjoy your weekend!

Ahoy Matey!

The anchor off of Blackbeard's pirate ship has been found off of the coast of North Carolina.  I think this is pretty exciting news because honestly, who doesn't love a good pirate?  Plus, the beach is great especially during the summer months, which have commenced.  Enjoy reading about this little piece of history & enjoy the hopefully beautiful summer weather wherever you may be.

Numbered

Today's story isn't really a news item perse, but it's a piece that comes from Mental Floss.  This article lists and describes 10 important numbers in America.  These numbers range in purpose from gas prices to math class to population.  Check it out, see what you think and maybe learn something.  Enjoy!

Personal Blog

For those of you who want to see the personal side of me: http://sweetteaserendipity.blogspot.com/

Cellular Carginogens

We've all heard this nasty rumor before: cellphones can lead to cancer if used too much.  Well, it turns this rumor is actually true.  An international study and team of experts found that cellphones are possibly carcinogenic, ranking them with the likes of gasoline exhaust and DDT.  So what does this all mean?  That we should drop our precious iPhones, Androids and Crackberries right this instant?  No.  It just means that once again, more research needs to be done on the topic.  Especially since it's really too soon to tell the actual effects of extended cellphone usage, since no study has been conducted for a long enough time period for such effects to be even visible.  However, maybe we should be aware of the amount of time we spend gabbing away on these handy devices because it will be awhile before science is able to prove anything, and by then it might be too late.

Perfectly Patriotic

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of American flag etiquette?  Well, I figured that Memorial Day weekend was a perfect time to share this link with you.  This handy-dandy guide explains the who, what, where, when and how behind displaying the American flag.  I bet you'll learn a few things, I know I did!

Finance 101

Take a look at this article that explains how there has been a decline in spending in public education.  While, for most states spending did increase, it did not increase as much as it has in years past.  The article also lists the average spent per student nationally and by state.  Check out the article to see where your state's public education stands.

I wouldn't be worried quite yet, it is a good sign that spending in education is still increasing, even if it is only marginally.  While there have been more cuts to spending recently, most states and the nation are trying to minimize the cuts to education because of the importance of our public school system.

Race to the Top

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a new state-level race to the top grant competition.  States will be competing for $500 million.  To win, states must improve their early learning programs including the availability of them, improving the quality and enhancing them overall.

While I think the prize might be a bit high, I agree with this competition.  Education needs to start early, and it needs a solid, effective program.  By forcing states that compete to improve their early education systems, we are building the future for better students overall.

Wacky Weather

Is Global Warming real?  Well, one sign that might lead scientists to not write off this theory is the multiple deadly twisters that have been pounding the US lately.  These hurricanes just could be a result of changes in the climate according to some.  Others believe this may not be a result of climate change, but they don;t really know what the cause is.  Overall, more lives are being saved even in these deadly situations because of increases in weather tracking technology, and that's a good thing.

Book Clubbing

One of the things that readers might wonder about the future of once the Oprah show is over is her famous book club.  But, book club faithfuls should have no fear, as Oprah plans to turn the book club into its own show on her new network OWN.  Oprah's book club has been pretty successful as far as book clubs go.  They are never going to be wildly popular in today's technology-driven society, but analysts say Oprah has given life to book clubs everywhere and actually increases readership.  These are both good outcomes that hopefully will continue into the future.

Big Mac Attack

In keeping with the McDonalds theme, I thought I'd share this story about a man who has eaten 25,000 Big Macs in 39 years!  Now that's a lot of beef!

Happy Saturday!

Ronald Who?

Ronald McDonald.  What does this name bring to mind for you?  Greasy fast food?  Clowns?  Childhood? Something different?  Whatever it means to you, the name most likely means something.  Although, health consumer groups argue that this name and image equal bad things such as unhealthy food and child marketing.  These groups want Ronald McDonald to go the way of the dinosaurs.  However, McDonalds' CEOs are fighting back by refusing to hand Mr. McDonald his pink slip of doom.  They argue that Ronald is an icon, and studies seem to back up these claims.  Whatever he is, he is a part of American and International culture, and consumer groups are going to have to put up a much greater fight if they want to see Mr. McDonald fired.

Trademarked

Disney is a giant corporation and business, and as such must always be on the ball.  But, their latest business step may have gone too far according to some.  Just two days after the capture and killing of Osama Bin Laden, Disney trademarked the phrase "SEAL Team 6", which is the name of the squad that kileld him.  Many question why Disney would need or want to trademark this phrase, and wonder if the next Disney theme will be related to this news event.  Some say this is just good business because the phrase will become popular, and now Disney has full rights to it.

My opinion: I'm undecided.  Let me see what Disney actually decides to do with this trademark, and then come talk to me.

Got an opinion?  Feel free to share!

Charter-less?

Charter schools are an increasingly popular schooling option among communities.  However, a ruling in the State of Georgia may shut down some charter schools for good.  The ruling said that no entity other than local school boards, since charter schools are still public, can create charter schools.  This comes in opposition to the statewide commission that had recently formed and had opened many schools in the state.

I don't think that people should start fretting just yet.  Even though the schools created by this now defunct commission may be shut down temporarily or possibly permanently, charter schools will not cease to exist. Local school boards still have the power to open charter schools in their communities.  So, while some charters will disappear, this ruling does not cut out this public schooling alternative completely.

Education for All

The U.S. Department of Education recently sent a letter to school districts across the country reminding them that all students, regardless of citizenship status, are entitled to a public elementary and secondary education.  This letter comes at a time when many school districts are trying to keep students with questionable citizenship status out of school, and when state legislatures are passing immigration laws.

I applaud the Department of Education's letter and efforts.  I agree that all students should be entitled to a free education, especially in America.  It does not cost the country too much more money to educate non-citizens, and by educating them, we give them a better chance of becoming citizens in the future and being more productive in the future.  Without an education, these students would be likely to do more harm than good, and would be destined to a poor future.  Americans should be proud of the opportunities we are provided and are able to provide to children because in the end, they are our future.

Animal Relations

Did Florida ban sex?  According to at least one scholar, the state's new law against bestiality might have done just that.  But, don't get your panties all in a knot too quickly because most of the people interviewed say that the law would most likely not be taken to that extreme by the courts.  Still, this is an interesting case that demonstrates the importance of word choice.

Religious Atonement

There has been an explosion of stories about sexual abuse within churches in the news over the past few years.  However, churches that expose themselves by admitting to this sin, also face backlash from the insurance companies and lawyers that protect them.  While churches and religion often believe in atonement and admission of sins, lawyers and insurance agents don't exactly praise such self-incrimination. So, the two forces are stuck in a battle.  The individual church must ultimately do what is right in their mind and for their congregation, even if sometimes this means losing the battle with regards to hypocrisy or self-incrimination.  Mind you, this decision is not easy, and there will be something lost by choosing either side.  But, a side must be chosen, and the church must be prepared to stand by their decision until the end because at least doing so shows conviction and faith.

Bubble Burst

We all know that the housing market is down, but now there are rumors that the college market may face this same fate with it's overpriced costs and students who are piling up to their noses in debt.  This article argues, however, that these two loans and debt are not the same thing, and that college degrees are a bit more sturdier.

What's your opinion on the matter?  Are colleges really about to burst from financial pressure?

iCollege

Colleges have started embracing Apple's iTechnology a little bit more recently.  Some schools are developing apps and mobile content for students to view their course material, grades, discussions, etc. from their iPhones and iPods.

Honestly, I'm surprised these steps are just now being taken.  I thought most colleges by now would have something like these types of technology being described.  While I know that many colleges have apps for their campus maps or for incoming students and the application process, I'm glad to see they are also starting to be concerned with the students who are already paying the big bucks.  Schools need to start developing these technologies because they will be and are what students are going to expect moving forward.

Going Mobile

Smart phones and cellphones in general have taken over our society.  Now we can talk, text and surf the internet all from one small device.  Today's blog links up to two stories related to these convenient devices.

Cellphone chargers are often a hassle.  They can get lost, broken or just forgotten.  But, new studies and research show that the human voice may be able to charge up your device.  The studies prove that a human voice at high decibels can give your cellphone a battery lift, but that this technology would need to be improved upon and harnessed before it would be integrated into phones.

Researchers in Canada have created a paper smart phone.  This teched out device works the same as any other phone, and could be a revolutionary product for mobile phone users.

Dreaming of Disney

Disney World is the happiest place on earth.  And, today's blog commemorates some of the more obscure parts of Disney's history.

Disney is host to several official themed days in their parks, but these days aren't enough for some people.  This list includes more "unofficial" themed days that will occur this year or have occurred in the past.

So you think you know all of the Disney characters?  Well, check out this list of obscure characters whom even the biggest Disney fans probably don't even know completely.

Meow Loud

It's official, the Guinness World Record's record for loudest purr for a domestic cat has been broken.  Smokey the cat's meow was recorded at a decibel level just shy of a lawn mower.  Now that is one loud cat!

Derby Days

It's Kentucky Derby Day!  This horse race, which will occur for the 137th time today is one of three races in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  Horses race 2 km around the Churchill Downs track, and the race will only last for around 2 minutes, but yet is a popular event watched by many.  With this race also come the traditions including the red roses and the mint julep.  Well, it's off to the races!

Class Eats

A few weeks ago, I blogged about how some school districts were making their school lunches mandatory.  Well, private schools are also heating things up in the kitchen.  Most private school tuitions include lunch for their students, and schools in New York seem to be putting this money to good use to serve their student nutritious, gourmet meals.  Many schools are hiring private chefs who cook for students based on their preferences, and who make sure all of the food they use is fresh and local.

In the article, it says that lunches at private schools cost them 3 times as much as public schools, but with public school lunches only costing $1, this prive tag is still relatively cheap.  I know it is impossible to have the same high caliber lunches in public schools because of the sheer number of students, but if these schools would spend their money more wisely or even start spending just a little bit more, then student lunch quality could increase significantly.  Making sure students are well fed is a key ingredient to their success inside the classroom because it's difficult to work on an empty stomach.

Cinco De Mayo

It's Cinco De Mayo or May 5th for those of you who don't know.  And, while Americans in the United States use this day to eat Mexican food, celebrate the culture and even drink, this holiday's country of origin is not as celebratory of the day.  The holiday actually celebrates a 19th century battle, and most people in Mexico do not celebrate in the same fashion as Americans.

Nevertheless, celebrations of this holiday are not going to change, and why should they?  People always love a good reason to have fun with friends and family.

Virtual Teacher

One of Apple's co-founders believes that one day students just might be completely learning from computers.  He said software that could make computers life-like as well as capable to teaching students and monitoring their progress are not just a pipe dream.  The benefit he said is that each student's education would be specialized and individualized to their needs, capabilities and progress.

While, I think that this type of learning may have some benefit, and think it is definitely a possibility going into the future, I also think this would be detrimental to education.  Human interaction is an important part of education and socialization, and you just can't get that from a cold, hard computer screen.

Native Tongue

Foreign language is a common requirement for students in high school, college and even some elementary grades.  While research shows that people best learn languages when they are young, colleges are trying to combat the struggle for students to learn another language by creating immersion programs.  Many colleges are devoting certain residence halls to specific languages.

I think this is a great idea, and I know the University of Georgia has a program like this.  The best way to a learn a language is to use it, and if students are living in situations where they must use the language all of the time, then they will be more likely to learn.  They will also learn a practical application of the language, which is hard to recreate in a classroom.  This type of program is a great substitute for or addition to study abroad programs.

Twitterfied Journalism

Osama bin Laden is dead, and we have the body and proof.  Last night, it was announced around 10 p.m. that the President would be making an official announcement later that night.  However, before Mr. President ever made his announcement, journalistic efforts and twitter combined to leak the news.  In this increasingly digital age, stories are more frequently breaking over social media platforms.  However, credit must still be given to journalists for doing their work, and getting the news out.  They are still the ones behind the scenes doing all the work, it is just being disseminated over different platforms, and not just in the next day's paper or in an over the air broadcast.  These new platforms allow journalists to not only get the news out faster, but they also open up access to more information and sources that can be used to get the news in the first place.  If this had happened 20 years ago, people would have had to anxiously await Obama's broadcast in order to find out what was going on.  But, thanks to good journalism and the Internet, America pretty much knew what was going on instantaneously.

EDIT: A twitterer from Pakistan accidentally broke the news first.  This is just one more way in which social media are changing our world and journalism.

21 Facts

In honor of my 21st Birthday tomorrow, I'm sharing 21 facts about me.

1.  Delaney is not my first name.
2.  I lived in 3 different houses within the same city.
3.  I have had two dogs and two goldfish throughout my life.
4.  I love the beach and the mountains, but the beach wins.
5.  I enjoy working with children, I think their innocence and wonder is amazing.
6.  I am a Georgia Bulldog, and have been since birth.
7.  I am also an Atlanta Braves fan; don't stop the chop.
8.  My family currently lives on 74 acres of land.
9.  We have two tractors, a four wheeler, motorcycle and a dump truck.
10.  My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird.
11.  I hope to one day teach journalism to elementary school students.
12.  I love most country music.
13.  I have broken my arm.
14.  I have played 6 sports throughout my life.
15.  My dad is my hero.
16.  I used to work at a dog kennel, and it was one of the best jobs ever.
17.  I have friends who I've known for over half of my life or longer.
18.  I'm deathly afraid of flying, stinging objects because I was stung on the lip when I was 3.
19.  I developed lactose intolerance as an adult.
20.  My favorite movie is either Remember the Titans or The Blindside.
21.  I am a confirmed Episcopalian.

My first birthday

Digital Royalty

In case you live under a rock. there was a royal wedding today.  Prince William married Kate Middleton in a very formal, but elegant ceremony this morning.  Good news is, if you missed the wedding, chances are you can watch it again on television, online, etc.  Plus, there is all sorts of digital media coverage that you can peruse.  So, never fear, thanks to technology we will all be able to relive this royal wedding as many times as we want, and let everyone in the world know we're doing so at the same time.

Twister Twister

In honor of all of those who have lost their lives over the past couple of days from the massive storm systems in the Southern US, today's story is coverage from the damage.  I hope that you and everyone you know or love is safe.  Keep all of these people and the areas affected in your prayers.

Print Isn't Dead

Rumors have been circulating that the typewriter is dead.  You know, the thing that people used to type on before the computer?  But, old schoolers and fans of old school typing should have no fear.  The typewriter is not dead, and is in fact still being produced and sold in stores across the country.  The rumor it seems originated from a mistranslation of an Indian article, whcih said that the company in India would no longer be producing typewriters, not that the last company in the world would stop production.  So, it seems that print will be able to hang on a little bit longer.

The Art of Saving

There are many sites out there today that offer subscribers deals on goods and services from certain companies.  Sites such as Groupon, LivingSocial and more have made a profit on selling discounts, which are extremely popular especially in this rough economy.  Now there is a new competitor looking to join the bandwagon, Facebook.  Facebook is set to debut a new feature called Deals, in which users can share the deals they have found with one another.  This feature will be debuting in 5 cities, and then expanding if it works successfully.

I think this is a great idea.  So many people use the discount sites and Facebook, and now they will be integrated into one platform.  Twitter has already started this type of situation, since many of the deal sites tweet their deals daily.  And, while it may seem that Facebook's application may compete with these other sites, I think this will actually help these sites grow because people can post the deals they have found on them on Facebook.  In addition, they can simply post deals they have found in stores or elsewhere.  I applaud Facebook for trying to do something new with what they have, especially since they already have a large and growing fan base.  This will be just one more reason people will come to love Facebook and social media in general.

What's your take?  How successful do you think Facebook's Deal application will be?

Inventing God

Who Invented God?  A little girl wrote a letter to God, asking this very question.  Her father decided that the letter should be answered, and sent it to multiple churches before finally getting an answer from the Archbishop of Canterbury.  The Archbishop actually answered, and his answer is quite interesting and thought provoking.

I'm impressed that the Archbishop answered this little girl's letter, and also disheartened at the same time that so many other churches left this letter unanswered.

What would your answer be?

Easter Egg

In preparation for Easter, look at these pretty/interesting eggs from around the world.  Enjoy!

Marriage Class

It's true, more women are going to and graduating from college than men these days.  This brings about a new predicament however.  Most women want to marry up in status or at least marry someone who is their   equal, but if more women then man are getting a higher level education, that means there are less men out there who are higher in status.  So women must decide carefully about who they want to marry.  Some argue this is not that big of a deal, but on the flip side some say there will be a lack of supply going into the future.

This is an interesting conundrum.  I personally am one of those women who would prefer to marry up or into the same level education wise; but, when it comes to love, I think heart over mind will probably win out.

What are your thoughts?  Who will win, heart or mind?

Weight & Memories

It turns out losing weight may not just change your body image and improve your physical health.  A new study has concluded that weight loss may also improve brain power.  The study was conducted on 150 overweight people, whose memories and attention were tested again after gastric bypass surgery, and were found to have improved significantly.  Other studies and theories have pointed to this possibility before, but now there is solid evidence.  However, there is also room for more studies to figure out exactly why these two things are correlated.  But, for now, there is one more motivation to get fit!

Green Living

Is your city green?  No, not literally green, but earth friendly.  An article in USAToday outlines all of the different ways your city could be environment friendly including transportation, recycling, density and more.  Being "green" isn't simply just the recycling we think about, it extends much furrther and is affected by everyone's actions. 

Go through the article's list and see just how green your city truly is, and find about more about what you can do to help out.

Potty Party

Porta-potty.  That hyphenated word alone evokes fear in the minds and hearts of event goers across the country.  These portable restrooms are often dark, dirty and just plain disgusting.  But, one woman from Atlanta is striving to change this image.  She has created a new breed of porta-potties that are designed to be more user friendly and sensually appealing.  She saw a need in the market for a class of toilet in between  the indoor toilet and the outdoor portable toilet, and decided that this gap could be filled with her product.

Hopefully, these upgraded porta-potties will take off because I know I personally avoid porta-potties at all costs.  Plus, the product described in the article doesn't sound completely horrible, although no matter what you do, it will still be a portable toilet when it comes down to it.

What's you take?  Would you be more likely to use one of these "deluxe" porta-potties?

Science & Religion

Science and religion are like oil and water to most people, they just don't mix.  In fact, science competes with and attempts to override religion in most cases, and vice versa.  But, this week celebrations of Galileo took place, and even the Catholic Church was involved.  In a sort of truce between the two competing forces, both joined together to celebrate Galileo's achievements.

I'm glad that such an event could occur because I don't think it always needs to be science against religion. I think there is often a middle ground, which should be explored and accepted more often.

What do you think?

Slumber Art

Couch surfing apparently can be a form of art and self expression.  An artist from New York is currently in the middle of an experiment where she is crashing at different houses for 13 weeks, and providing her housework services in return.

I've heard of crazy art projects and experiments before, but nothing like this.  Usually artists couch surf because they have the lack of funds, not just as a plain form of self expression.  But, I also think this is a unique and interesting opportunity, and I applaud this artist's effort to think outside the box.

Freaky Friday

Mental Floss's Weird Week in Review was highly amusing today, and I thought I'd share with all of my readers.

What's your favorite story?

Mine might just be the dog wedding or the McDonalds woman.

Holy Confusion

Just about any Christian can tell you that Good Friday is the day Jesus was crucified on the cross, and he rose from his tomb three days later on Easter Sunday.  But, there have been debates over the phrasing "three days".  If Jesus died in the afternoon of Good Friday, and was risen by Sunday morning, how exactly does that equate to three days?  The answer comes from historians and theologians who have been wrestling with this question.  They say that "three days" is the length of time because of the way that people conceived of time back then, along with other plausible theories.

I had never really thought about this wording until I saw this article this morning, but once it was brought to my attention, I definitely had an "aha!" kind of moment.  I know this is the type of thing that non-Christians or atheists would use to attempt to poke holes in our faith, and I'm glad that some answers have been found to clarify the confusion.  Plus, I learned something new today, and that is always a good thing.

The ABCs of Education

I found three stories today, each dealing primarily with a different level of education.

Elementary Nutrition:  School lunches are notoriously "interesting".  Some schools lunches seem more nutritious and appealing than others, but some school districts are pushing to make buying lunch at school the only option.  These districts argue that lunches brought from home contain too much "junk" food.  The problem is that lunches from home are often more nutritious and more appealing for the kids.  Forcing kids to eat school provided lunches is not necessarily a good fix because some students just may not eat or the lunches themselves may not actually be that healthy.  Plus, if you require that students buy their lunch, I believe that the lunches need to be free since students will have no other option, and families may not have the money to foot the bill.

High School Days:  Evidence has shown that teenagers need to sleep more, and need to sleep later in the day.  But, most high schools don't respect these needs forcing these grumpy teens to get out of bed at early hours, which is actually bad for them.  Some schools are even debating start their school days even earlier, but at what cost to students learning and well-being?

Cost of College:  Business Week just released their list of best return on investment schools by state plus the runner-ups for each state.  How does your school stack up?

As usual, feel free to comment on any of today's articles.

Technology Tuesday

Articles about two technology giants:

The Microsoft Store.  That just doesn't sound as nice or as appealing as say, The Apple Store.  But, Microsoft is giving it a go.  They opened their first store back in 2009, and only have eight to date, which explains why I've never heard of or seen one.  In theory, this sounds like a good plan to better compete with Apple, which is quickly taking over the market.  But, in reality there are just too many problems that Microsoft has to deal with that Apple doesn't.

These Maine kindergarteners now have their own iPad2s.  Why does a 5 year old need an iPad you might ask?  To learn the alphabet of course.  Teachers are finding that this touch activated tool is actually increasing child literacy rates, which is a good thing in my opinion.  I just hope these kids don't decide to do any finger painting on these pricey gadgets.

If you have thoughts about either of these articles, feel free to share!

The Order of Dating

My friend posted a link to this interesting article, which talks about how birth order affects your dating life. The article examines the qualities of the various placements one can be within the birth order, and then tells the reader who would be their best fit for marriage according to birth order placements.

I found this article to be interesting in theory, and I know the description fit me very accurately.  But, I don't know if I agree with who it says my match would be.

What do you think?  Is this article an accurate portrayal of your life?

Holy Sports

Looks like the wide world of sports just may be getting a little more religious.  More and more professional teams are promoting religious sports outings such as Christian night, Jewish night, etc. in order to drive group ticket sales.

I think this is a good idea in theory, but it does have the potential to offend many people.  Plus, a good question raised in the article is just how inclusive and diversified these nights will be?

Shopping for Health

A new study from Taiwan found that shopping may actually be good for your health, especially among older people.  Shopping gets you out, makes you interact with people and can keep your mind sharp.  Plus, who doesn't enjoy getting some new, even if it is just new groceries.  I guess this study adds more validity to the phrase Retail Therapy.

Rock N Roll 101

Colleges are constantly seeking out new ways to engage students in the classroom.

College is supposed to be a time for students to further knowledge and explore areas of interest to them, but students are paying good money, so they also have high expectations for their classes.  It seems that most classes are the same old lecture and note-taking courses.  So, when I stumble upon a course that tries to actively engage me, I tend to actually be more excited about learning.

Colleges have picked up on this, and are encouraging professors to do something different in the classroom, sometimes even hiring staff from outside the world of academia.

It seems a new trend is for former musicians to help teach music and music business classes.  I know that UGA has some former music artists as professors in their music business programs, and I've heard these students really gain something from these classes.

What other types of professors have you had or heard about?  What have your professors done to engage you in the learning process?

The Internet Giant

I'm a journalism major.  Saying this out loud to myself or better yet, a room full of people can be quite intimidating.  I get asked what exactly I plan to do with my degree, since it appears to the naked eye that the journalism world is on its way out.  I always politely respond to people who question my decision, telling them about how I don't think journalism is quite dead and how my skills are applicable to many other jobs should I find otherwise.

Today's two articles both deal with this sensitive issue of the vitality of journalism in the face of the Internet and new media.

Journalism is ever expanding into the digital world, where the readers are.  Readers for the most part no longer flock to the print media, and we realize this, and are in the process of adapting & evolving to fit these new demands.

Though, the digital world presents a fair share of problems as well.  Including increased competition, which might very well bring an end to journalism as a serious profession.

I personally believe that journalism can and will survive, it is just going to morph into whatever form that the public demands and wants, and that is perfectly acceptable to me.

The Southern Life

New Smyrna Beach, FL

Growing up in the South has had its advantages, and I can say that I am proud to be a G.R.I.T. (Girl Raised in the South).  I've had the opportunity to see and do many distinctly "Southern" things, and those have truly affected my outlook on life, and my life in general.  People may think that all Southerners are rednecks, hicks, uneducated or backwards, but most of us aren't.  We just happen to say "y'all", act politely to people we may or may not know and love Sweet Tea.

View from Rock Coty

If you want to learn about more Southern traditions that you should experience, this story from Southern Living is for you.  Personally, I've done about half of the items on the list, and I hope to do the rest before I die (except yell "War Eagle"...I'm a Georgia Bulldawg through and through).

And, if you're from the South, I want to know what you would add to this list?  Perhaps it's going to see a Braves game or visiting Rock City in Chattanooga.  What's your Southern tradition?

 

Atlanta Braves

                            

Job Outlook

While the job market may be looking a little bit brighter, it is not looking brighter for everybody.  There are still a lot of people who have been unemployed for a long time, and will probably continued to be unemployed.  Also, unemployment rates are not changing everywhere, and the cost of living is still on the rise, while salaries are generally not.  Thankfully for me, companies are tending to want to hire recent college grads.

Animal Talk

Two short stories to share again today:

This woman finds solace for her depression from her disabled Kangaroo; although, it looks like she may not get to keep her hippity hoppity animal if the government intervenes.

SNAKE! On the loose in NYC, you can even follow this cobra's adventures on Twitter.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday Shake-up

Two pretty simple stories that I've found interesting this morning:

These pups are awing the City of Atlanta with their amazing tricks!  Needless to say, they're pretty darn cute as well.

If you've ever wondered about the origin of the month of April, now you might be one step closer to the answer.  I know that when I took Latin, I learned the same thing as the article's theory.  But, maybe you have your own theory you'd like to share?

Enjoy a hopefully sunny & sweet Saturday!

Drinking + Studying = Failing

A new study confirms the hypothesis that drinking does have an affect on student's grades.  The study was conducted because of the lack of previous studies done on this topic.  Other studies have simply focused on how social media or other distractions affect students grades, but this recent study shows that alcohol is actually worse for grades than any other distraction.

This study doesn't mean that students should give up drinking altogether; the study also found that most students that perform poorly, don't in fact know how to study properly.  However, students should loosen up on the booze intake if they want to see an improvement in their grades or study habits.

Opening Day

You get two posts today.
Happy Opening Day for Major League Baseball!

Tiny Sized

Today's post has a rather fun and unusual topic: tiny Giraffes.  These are adorable little creatures, and I wish I could have one.  However, I question the legitimacy of this website.  But, even if they're not real, I still think this is something cute to enjoy for the end of the week!

Risky Punishment

Spanking.  It is a form of punishment that has been decreasing in popularity though the years.  I can personally only recall one time when I might have been spanked for something.  Instead, it was more common for me lose to privileges.  However, some schools still allow their teachers to spank misbehaving children.

This form of punishment in schools seems problematic to me.  Teachers could take it too far, not have legitimate reasons, etc.  Not to mention, this is not an effective way to punish kids, while it might cause physical pain and some humiliation, the punishment is generally not long lasting and does not reinforce the correct behavior.

So, I think that corporal punishment should be removed from schools, and other forms of punishment or reinforcement should be looked into.  What's your opinion?

Social Ills

Social Media is constantly hyped as this great tool that connects people, and is bringing about a change in the distribution of information.  And, all of this is true.  But, there can also be side effects to social media, especially in young kids.  Kids might be exposed to more explicit material, become victims of cyberbullying or even feel a depression associated with the use of social media.

While I don't condone any of the above side effects, I feel like these effects could also come from the Internet in general, and some of them existed in other forms even before the internet.  So, while social media may not be perfect, and it may bring negative effects, I don't believe all of the issues are emerging solely from this Internet phenomenon.

The real problem: How do we solve the social issues kids face in the face of social media that make bullying and inappropriate content much more pervasive and powerful?

Eat Smart

Michelle Obama has increasingly been promoting her Let's Move campaign, which promotes a healthier generation of kids.  Schools are responding well to this initiative by the First Lady.  Most school districts had already been adjusting their food offerings in light of childhood obesity trends, but now they are getting more support from the Government to pursue these changes.  Furthermore, schools are also targeting what kids are eating when they are not at school because healthy eating at school is not enough.  Eating healthy and being healthy is a lifestyle.

I think this is a great campaign.  Kids who learn to eat healthy in school, and eat healthy, delicious meals at school are more likely to change their habits at home.  I applaud those districts who are trying to educate and excite children about being healthier in their food and lifestyle choices.

Fat Religion

Generally, participating religion is seen as a positive life influence, it makes people happier and healthier.  However, a new study shows that it also might make people heavier.  The article mentions several theories, but I think it left out an important religious message that could correlate: God loves you for you.  People who are religious generally believe in a God who accepts them as they are.  God doesn't want people to change themselves dramatically as long as they are being faithful to him.  So, it just might be the religious people don't see their weight as a problem because they don't think God sees it as a problem either.

Riding Ads

With the fall of economy, schools and education have seen enormous budget cuts.  To supplement these cuts, some states are beginning to allow ads on the sides of their school buses.  Normally, I would think that advertising businesses on the side of a public school bus is wrong.  But, considering the circumstances, I think it is a creative way for schools to get some more money, so that they can continue to run some of their programs.

What are some creative ways you've seen businesses or institutions using to earn money in these tough times?

Dance Dance

Pole dancing for Jesus just may be the newest trend in the world of religion.  The question is, how religious are these pole dancing classes really?  I know there has been an explosion in new, cutting edge  forms of worship and praise recently, but I think this may be going too far.

What do you think about pole dancing for Jesus?  Does this count as spiritual worship to you?

Terry Jones At It Again

Terry Jones, who sparked the fury of the residents of many nations around the world earlier this year, is back in the news.  This time instead of just a message on Twitter claiming September 11 as International Burn a Quran Day, his church has actually burned a Quran.  The holy book was found "guilty" during a "trial" at his church.

I have no doubt that the fact Jones actually burned a Quran will spark more outcries of anger from Muslim countries, just as it did the first time when it was a mere threat on Facebook.  The problem with this story to begin with, is that it really is not news.  The only reason Jones and his 50 member church ever became news is due to a combination of new media technology and a reporter who decided to cover Jones' tweet.  In the scheme of things however, similar events have occured on a smaller and larger scale, but they were not covered, and they did not cause international backlash.

So, while new social media can be a great tool, it can also be dangerous when the information gets into the wrong hands.

Promiscuous Girl

An article in The Wall Street Journal today talks about the fashion trends of today's teenagers, and why they are allowed to dress in the manner they do.  The article has several very plausible hypothesis that I find interesting, and thought I should share the story with you.

I wanna know what your thoughts on this subject are.

Let Freedom Ring

Today, Atlanta  celebrates a piece of Civil Rights history.  Think of how far America has come since its early days, and be proud of the freedom we have.  Some countries aren't quite so lucky, although hopefully they one day will all be free as well.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

According to new research, letting your pet sleep in bed with you could actually be bad for your health.  But, a majority of pet owners have been letting their precious pooch sleep with them, and many find comfort in their companionship.

What do you think?  Will you still let your four legged friend sleep with you tonight?

All Aboard

Study abroad programs have been rising in popularity in colleges and universities around the country.  and why not?  Study abroad allows students to take classes and explore other cultures for as little as one week to a whole year.  This is an amazing opportunity to enrich and enhance the education of young college students.  Even more, the best time for people to travel is when they're young, full of energy and not tied down to many commitments.  I personally wish I could afford to study abroad because everyone that I know that has done a program absolutely loved it and I think it would be a great experience.

However, in light of the recent events around the globe, many universities are starting to rethink their study abroad programs.  Safety has become an issue in countries such as Egypt and Japan, and many parents worry about their children who are there.

I personally think these programs need to continue, natural disasters and political overthrows are part of life.  Yes, they may not be as big a part of life in the United States, but these things do exist and can occur anywhere.  Students are only expanding their horizons and education even more by witnessing these events first hand.  I understand that safety is an issue, and certainly I don't say we should risk lives or force students to stay, but I think they should be given the option to continue with their programs if possible.  And, colleges should not just cut these programs because of what is happening in these countries because if they do, students will be missing out on amazing opportunities to expand their horizon.

EduPlay

When people think of museums, they often think of history, and often times they are also associated with the adjective boring.  However, some museums are trying to liven things up by creating kids museums.  These museums are designed for kids, they educate and entertain in a way that children understand and love.

I think this is a great idea.  I know I went to a couple of kids museums with my grandparents when I was younger, and I loved them.  At these museums, kids get to explore, create, play and so much more and they are learning without realizing they are.  This type of hands-on, engaging entertainment is definitely worth the price.  Kids don't want to go to boring history museums for the most part, and parents don't want to pay for something their kids won't enjoy, especially in this economy.

So next time you need some entertainment for your children or the children you babysit, think of finding a local kids museum.  Chances are, there is one nearby, and if not, an educational road trip can be fun too.

Vatican Gone Social

It seems that the Vatican and the Pope have gone social, social media that is.  I'm glad they are finally jumping on the bandwagon.  Facebook, Twitter and other social media don't have to be creepy.  You don't have to post what you're doing every second of the day.  In fact, it's probably better and safer if you don't.  However, these tools can be used to communicate and build community.  Companies can use them as customer service outlets or for promos and giveaways.  Likewise, the Vatican can use it to spread the message to different audiences who may or may not generally watch the news or follow the Pope religiously (no pun intended), but will still like his fan page and see all of the updates.  Social media connects people, and there is no shame in being more connected in a globalized society.

Is No Child Left Behind?

According to our President and the number of "failing" schools in America, children are being left behind.  In light of my recent blog post about NCLB, I thought an article in today's New York Times education section was appropriate.  The article talks about President Obama's hopes for a NCLB overhaul, which I believe is much needed.  I hope this plan would include reevaluating the way in which we evaluate public schools as failing, and changing the policies regarding budgets/federal money for failing schools. Hopefully our Congressmen and women feel the same way, and can put into place a more effective plan, so that we can educate the workers of tomorrow.

Good Dog

As a dog lover, when I come across stories about heroic or extra-ordinary dogs, it touches my heart.  I think all dogs are special, they provide us humans with so much joy and compassion, and ask for very little in return.  They make great companions for anyone and everyone.  In Athens, where I go to school, we have a Guide Dog Foundation nearby, so at least once a day I see a college student and their guide dog in training around campus.  I wish I had done the program, but I wasn't sure if I would become too attached to the dog, and not want to give it up.  I know now that I could, knowing that the dog would go on to do something great like this video talks about.  This partially blind man has not only one, but two, guide dogs. He acquired the second after his first went blind, and needed a guide dog of its own.  This story is short, but touching, and I think it demonstrates the true power of love.

Simple Life

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a man living in tiny houses.  This time I'm writing about a man living in more tiny houses in the desert of Texas.  Part of me has always been fascinated by interior design, architecture and the like, so I find these stories slightly interesting and amusing.  I don't have much to say about this man and his lifestyle, other than read the article, and think about the simplicity of life.

Cheater Cheater

Ever since it's conception, No Child Left Behind has been causing issues.  Lately these issues are becoming more and more apparent as more and more teachers are caught in the act of helping their students on standardized tests.  NCLB makes it so that schools must reach certain standards in order to remain in good standing and receive federal funding.  Additionally, some teachers' jobs rely on how well their students perform.  This is a lot of pressure.  Not all students are good test takers, no matter how good their teacher is.  Not all students learn at the same pace or should be expected to perform on the same level because no two students are exactly alike.  Students' success should not simply be measured by tests written by people who aren't even in the school system.  Not to mention that schools that are failing are the ones who need the federal funding the most because they are the schools that have less local funding and less resources to help their students achieve.  Teachers are not at fault for every child that fails. There are too many factors at play to simply blame teachers, but yet, that is what happens.  And, that is why so many teachers are cheating.  It is not that they didn't teach the material or weren't good educators all year, it's all those other variables they can't control that could cost them their jobs.

Vote Your Voice

An article in The Washington Post this week talks about several states looking to ban college students from voting in the towns where their colleges are located.  Arguments include that students are naive and foolish, and that they are diluting the votes of taxpayers within those cities.  However, students would be allowed to vote in local elections of their home towns.

This argument seems a bit off to me.  If college students are so foolish and naive, shouldn't they not be allowed to vote anywhere.  No matter where they vote, they would still be diluting taxpayers votes.  Not to mention the fact that not all college students aren't the same.  Some students are coming back to college and most have to work in addition to attending school, which would make them taxpayers as well.  Additionally, just because students are going to college doesn't mean they are automatically as liberal as proponents of these reforms claim.  The fact that these students are in college also makes them a lot less clueless than a portion of the population, who are not college educated.

I agree that, yes, not all college students are the brightest, and yes we can be a bit foolish at times.  But, we are just young adults and we are going through the learning process of growing up.

This doesn't mean however, that we should be excluded from voting in our college towns or any town for that matter.  The law and federal policy have given us the right to vote at age 18, and this right should be upheld, just as it would be for any voting adult.

Kill them with Kindness

In honor of Ash Wednesday, you should read these 5 lessons about how to treat others.  You don't have to be perfect all the time, but especially during this period of Lent, everyone could stand to be a little more conscious of their actions and WWJD.  Even if you're of a different faith or no faith at all, kindness never hurt anyone, and it really isn't that hard to pass on.

Fat Tuesday

As an Episcopalian, Shrove Tuesday/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras has always been an important day for me.  It's a day to revel in gluttony before the celebration of Ash Wednesday and Lent.  Growing up in the South, the Bible Belt, makes celebrating Lent a less common phenomenon among my friends, but my churches have still managed to make the holiday important.

Tonight I will enjoy the annual pancake supper filled with good food and fun.  Tomorrow I will prepare myself for Easter, by participating in the Ash Wednesday service, where ashes will be imposed on my forehead as an outward sign of my faith. 

Fat Tuesday celebrations vary around the world, and some cities celebrate this phenomenon in more extravagent ways than others.  The important point is to live and enjoy these last days before the solemn period of Lent.

During Lent many people take on or give up something, to bring them closer to Jesus and God.  I'm not sure what I'm doing this year, other than just focusing on my relationship with Jesus in general, and being more aware of my actions.  While this is not something definite I can tell people, I think it's enough of an answer for me, and that is what matters.

If you celebrate Lent in your faith, what are you doing?

Mix-Up Monday

Whoopie Pies may be delicious, but the question is, where is their rightful home?  Maine & Pennsylvania both want to claim this tasty treat as their own.  Hopefully, these two states can settle this food fight and move onto more pressing issues soon.

Neptune, which was originally spotted as a planet in 1846, is finally nearing its first recorded lap around the sun.  165 years later, on July 12 of this year, Neptune will finally begin its second lap.

The Art of Photography

Cell phone picture of a baby turtle moments after birth

Cell phones and smart phones are quickly becoming one of today's hottest tech tools.  Phones today can instant message, email, text, play games, surf the internet and even double as a camera.  Colleges are now starting to take advantage of the opportunities today's technology provides by teaching college courses on cell phone photography.  These courses teach students how to take the best photos with their phones and about the legal issues related to reproducing or sharing these photos.  Classes also teach how to use cell phone image software, just like you can learn on the computer.  I applaud the ingenuity behind courses such as these because this type of class is highly practical in a world where almost everyone has a cell phone and almost everyone uses their phone for a multitude of purposes besides calling someone.

Write It Out!

While cursive may be going the way of the dinosaurs, handwriting is still alive and kicking.  With the increasing ubiquity of technology, writing has started to diminish.  But, a recent study shows that writing by hand actually makes kids smarter.  Kids who write by hand have more neural activity, actually increase their productivity and seem smarter.  Thankfully technology is keeping up.  Some applications on Apple products allow you to  write on the touch screen, and the computer then generates the corresponding digital letters.  So, while it may not be necessary to write in a flowing, elegant script, writing things out may just be a smart move.

Advanced Placement Causes Advanced Problems

AP testing has become a norm in schools across the nation.  More and more college-bound students are being pushed to take these college-level classes, so that they can go to college with credit to their name or get into a better school in the first place.  But, there is a high price to pay with these classes because they come with college-like amounts of work and college-level work.  Especially difficult are the Calculus, Science and History courses which cram loads of material, all of it testable.  The tests can include anything in the book, and these books can range upwards of 300 pages.  That's a lot to ask of teachers and students, especially those in high school.  Often times, this leads to students just memorizing and cramming, not actually learning or applying.  I took 6 AP classes in high school plus 2 additional courses from a local college.  I can hardly remember anything I learned in most of those classes.  So, while students may get the benefit or credit (if they manage to remember enough to pass the test), they don't get the knowledge.  Thankfully College Board is attempting to revamp the curriculum and tests to better promote student learning, and not just students freaking out about the 5millionfactstheyneedtoknowtopassthetestsotheycangotocollegeandgetajobthatpayswell.

Tweet Tweet

Twitter has become increasingly popular over the past few years, with a huge explosion within the last year or so.  People may think it's creepy (I personally thought it was for a long time), but it actually is a convenient tool.  You don't just have to tweet about where you are and what you're doing every single second of the day.  You could use it to tweet cool facts or random quotes, or follow companies that will give you discounts or a cool link.  In the classroom, Twitter could be used to brainstorm or for students to communicate with each other about schoolwork when they're at home.  Twitter doesn't have to be all about the creeper factor, but it certainly can be, as this article about Charlie Sheen's newest world record related to Twitter reveals.

  Today's question is: How do you tweet?