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.