Recession sends Americans to the World Wide Web

More than two-thirds of American adults -- or 88 percent of U.S. Internet users -- went online for help with recession-induced personal economic issues and to gather information on national economic problems. That's according to a study released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Researchers say the Internet ranks high among sources of information and advice that people are seeking during hard times, especially when it comes to their personal finances and jobs.

The study found that 34 percent of online economic users have created content and commentary about the recession in places like blogs, social network sites and Twitter. Click here to read the overview and the full report.

Examining mobile phones' impact on global development

Computer scientists are using Android, the open-source mobile operating system championed by Google, to transform a cell phone into a flexible data-collection tool. Their free suite of tools, named Open Data Kit, is already used by organizations around the world that need inexpensive ways to gather information in areas with little infrastructure. Science Daily has more.

Public data on private schools

A database on the U.S. Department of Education website offers a comprehensive resource for families interested in private schools. Some 91% of private schools have responded to a variety of survey questions about such things as:

- demographics
- length of the school year
- college-enrollment rates

Survey results are posted to the site in a searchable format that provides information that may not be otherwise available to the public. An overview of the Private School Universe survey can be found here. More info: Washington Post.

New parent power emerges at L.A. schools

Parents in Los Angeles are wielding new power, thanks to a new plan that supports new initiatives geared at improving outcomes at low-performing schools. According to Los Angeles Times, parents of individual schools can now initiate major reforms without waiting for the Los Angeles Unified School District to make changes.

Under a plan set forth by Supt. Ramon Cortines, a majority of parents at a school could trigger reforms at a local campus. As the L.A.Times reports, this new parental power is part of a school-control resolution that allows groups inside and outside the district to take over campuses.

Magna Awards

The American School Board Journal's 16th annual Magna Awards honor outstanding programs developed or supported by school boards that showcase school district leadership, creativity, and commitment to student achievement.

Magna nominations are judged according to three enrollment categories (under 5,000 enrollment; 5,000-20,000 enrollment; and over 20,000 enrollment) with one grand prize winner in each category. Maximum award: $4,000. Eligibility: local school boards. Deadline: October 31, 2009. More info

Teach for America

Top graduates line up to teach to the poor

Teach for America is drawing graduates who want to contribute to improving society while building an impressive résumé. For a surprisingly large number of bright young people, Teach for America - which sends recent college graduates into poor rural and urban schools for two years for the same pay and benefits as other beginning teachers at those schools - has become the next step after graduation. It is the postcollege do-good program with buzz, drawing those who want to contribute to improving society while keeping their options open, building an ever-more impressive résumé and delaying long-term career decisions.

Government drops request for telcom data

The federal government has agreed to drop a request for sensitive revenue and Internet speed data from telecommunication providers. The information would have been for a program to map broadband use in U.S. homes and bring high-speed Internet service to more people.

The U.S. Commerce Department said that companies such as Verizon Communications Inc, Comcast Corp, and AT&T Inc do not have to share how much money they make from each Internet subscriber. Nor must they say how fast their Internet connections typically run.

Instead, they will provide data by the block, usually about a dozen homes depending on the size of the block. They also will share the speed of Internet service that they advertise.

Companies do not want to share the specific data because they do not want their competitors to see it.

However, critics of the Commerce Department's decision maintain that failing to make the data public allows the companies to advertise -- and charge for -- something that they often cannot deliver.

Enjoying the outdoors

I recently became engaged to a man who loves the outdoors. From the time he was a kid, DJ has been a water/boat kind of guy. One of my favorite photos of DJ shows him flashing a big smile as he relaxes in his canoe. All is right with the world when my guy is near the water.

Hiking is also in DJ's blood. He has an adventurous nature and is always up for exploring a new trail.

Right now, I'm on a mission -- easing DJ out of some of his frayed shirts and pants. He's overdue for some new sportswear. His hiking shoes are also starting to show signs of wear. An outdoorsman needs clothing that's comfortable and stands up to the elements. At the same time, I want my guy to look good.

A few days ago, I discovered the Columbia Sportswear website, and I was impressed with the extensive product line. I found shoes and clothing that are both functional and fashionable. DJ has a pale complexion, thanks to his Scandinavian roots, so I was thrilled to learn about Omni-Shade, the sun protective fabric recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

I'm not the outdoors fanatic that DJ is, but I still like to join him when he's off on some new adventure. There's nothing like getting outdoors to clear your head and enjoy nature's treasures.

Pondering nature

I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.
-Willa Cather, O Pioneers

Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.
-Juvenal, Satires

Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,
blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.
-Longfellow, Evangeline

The whole secret of the study of nature lies in learning how to use one's eyes.
-George Sand

Table displays and marketing

When you work in public relations or marketing, trade show appearances go with the territory. It's important to have a user-friendly table display for your trade show booths. The right display will help you sell your organization and its services.

When selecting a display, pay attention to detail. For instance, choose table skirts will give your display a professional, eye-catching look. Depending on your company's style and budget, you may go for something simple or seek a custom look. Either way, I recommend choosing a fabric that will hold up well under frequent use.

When it comes to portable displays, take your time in selecting banner stands. They come in many styles. Pick those that allow you flexibility in choosing a variety of marketing themes.

A good pipe and drape system will offer you versatility in using your display. This is so important for nonprofit organizations and schools, which may participate in a show one week and hold a news conference the following week. When it comes to the drapery, I tend to opt for the multi-print backdrop. It allows me the opportunity to duplicate my company logo. The multi-print look is particularly useful when using your backdrop during news conferences.

Finally, look for a pipe and drape system that allows for easy set-up. If you're like me, you don't have the time or energy to use tools in setting up. I'd rather use all of my efforts in promoting my organization.

Quote of the week

We all have quotes that motivate us and keep us focused. The following is one of my favorites when it comes to marketing.

No matter what your product is, you are ultimately in the education business. Your customers need to be constantly educated about the many advantages of doing business with you, trained to use your products more effectively, and taught how to make never-ending improvement in their lives.
~ Robert G. Allen

CareerAcademy.com, a leader in IT training

My son is busy carving out a career in information technology. He took his traditional college education to the next level by pursuing specialized career education. He completed IT certification in several areas, and now has skills that will help him survive the recession.

For the past ten years, CareerAcademy.com has been offering computer training for people who want to stay one step ahead of the game in IT. The school offers a number of courses that utilize best practices in multimedia technology. Students can take advantage of on-demand video lectures, testing modules, hands-on lab simulations. Live mentoring is an added bonus.

When it comes to training, A+ certification can lead to a good job and increase your chances for promotion. This course is a must for employees seeking to demonstrate their proficiency as PC service specialists.

If you want to show off your abilities to design and implement IT infrastructure, MCSE certification fits the bill. Career Academy prepares you for rigorous Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer exams.

IT professionals are highly valued in today's global economy. With training at Career Academy, your dreams can become reality.

Education or political talking points?

A debate on what children should learn in the social sciences is looming in Texas, and it's not pretty. The Texas State Board of Education is weighing political and religious input for the social studies curriculum.

Meanwhile, Dallas Morning News columnist Jacquielynn Floyd writes that teachers shouldn't have to contend with competing ideologies in the classroom. Students should be prepared for tests, not the voting booth, she writes.

Tags: Social Studies, Texas, K-12, Education, Politics, Education by Sistrunk

Swing sets, timeless recreation for kids

My inner child is alive and well. I like the sound of children happily playing outside. Play areas are a source of great comfort.

I love taking little ones outside and letting them swing to their heart's content. Some of my best childhood memories occurred while I played on the swings.

My favorite three-year old, Sidney, is like me. He never seems to tire of swinging. For strong, active kids like Sidney, metal swing sets like the ones available at Swing Sets Depot offer a safe play environment. Parents can take comfort in knowing that their children are playing on high-quality equipment that's also affordable. All swing sets that you find at SwingSetsDepot.com are ready to assemble. They also ship factory direct.

Various swing sets are available to meet the needs and tastes of different families. Parents can browse through the site to find the equipment that perfectly suits their children and their pocketbooks. All swing sets are designed with child safety in mind.

With a little bit of planning, parents can make play on the swing sets an educational experience. Swing Sets Depot offers accessories that encourage imagination and exploration. For parents, SwingSetsDepot.com has a page with plenty of safety tips.

Get serious about play time. Browse the site for a wide selection of wood and plastic playhouses. These colorful playhouses are built to last. The Breckenridge model offers kids to use their imaginations as they check out their very own country cottage playhouse.
Meanwhile, the Kids Center toddler playhouse offers a colorful and safe environment for groups of children. It's ideal for day care centers and toddler playgrounds. All of the playhouses are built with durability in mind. They'll last through all the seasons, and they're easy to assemble.

I believe in good, clean fun for my kids and their friends. Summer is a good time to explore all the possibilities.

Reforms have been proposed across the country to make personal finance courses a requirement for graduation in high school or even college. The push is on to teach youngsters about the pleasures and perils of money before they're drowning in debt.

Companies are jumping on the bandwagon too. Websites and resources designed to teach young people about money are popping up all over the place -- and in some cases, in very unexpected places.

Each summer in the Austin, Texas area, kids between 8 and 18 gather for the Money Academy. More than a dozen weeklong camps take place at merchant locations. CNBC has the details.

Educating kids on personal finance

If this economy has taught us anything, it’s that poor fiscal management -- at the corporate and personal level -- eventually catches up with you and can have broad-reaching repercussions. People at virtually every socioeconomic level are impacted by the current recession.

The embattled economy can serve as a teachable moment to today’s teenagers. That generation will one day run this country. Even if kids don't end up on Wall Street, the Silicon Valley, or Capitol Hill, we adults need to teach them the basics of good financial management. After all, we Main Street folks need to know how to handle our money, too.

If we start kids off in the right direction, it could deter them from making mistakes that will cost them big-time in adulthood. That’s where Teen Financial Literacy comes into play.

This new initiative, designed for teens aged 13 to 17, offers practical lessons on personal finance. The program is operated by Nouveau Riche, which is set to host new classes this month. Participating students will hear from experts and utilize cutting-edge technology to learn basic financial terms. Teens will also discover financial management tools and how to use them.
Students will also learn two very important lessons:

- how to live within your means
- how to build and maintain good credit

As a parent, I’ve tried to teach my children as much as I can, hoping that they can avoid slipping into bad habits that have long-term consequences. While I believe parents are their kids’ first teachers, I also believe that having these lessons reinforced outside the home really drives the message home. There’s also something to say for sharing interactive learning experiences with one’s peers.

Teen financial literacy is always relevant. My father educated me on the basics. As a good mom, I’ve wanted to do the same for my children. I’m hoping that when I retire, our economy will be strong and that the country’s fiscal future will be in good hands.

School strip-searches

The Supreme Court's recent ruling on a strip-search case involving an Arizona teenager has captured national attention. The high court concluded that school officials violated the student's rights with a strip-search aimed at finding prescription-strength ibuprofen pills. However, the court added that school authorities can’t be sued in this case. The ruling clarified when such searches are permissible, as Education Week reports.

Tags: Supreme Court, Law, Strip Searches, Fourth Amendment, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

ADT Home Security: For many, it's a necessity, not an option

There's something unsettling about having crime lab guys in your house, dusting for fingerprints. I had that experience a few years ago when someone broke into my home. They stole a brand-new appliance, my computer, and a few other items. While I am grateful that police showed up promptly after I called them, it was hard to settle down after they left. My sense of security was gone.

My next door neighbor never had this problem. For years, she had had a home alarm system. Both of us were single mothers. I mistakenly thought that alarm systems were for other people. It was only afterward that I realized that I had been living with a false sense of security.

Several of my close friends and relatives installed home alarms, and they have never regretted it. My brother-in-law Hal is a perfect example. He recently went to the neighborhood convenience store a few blocks away, only to return home to hear his ADT Home Security alarm sounding. Fortunately, nothing was taken. The would-be robbers sprinted away.

Hal is retired, and he travels a lot. He's smart enough to know that even though he lives in a quiet suburb, he still needs protection. For him, a home alarm system is a necessity, not an option.

iPhone app gives you full control of your security system

A new iPhone application allows you to monitor your home or business even when you're away. According to CNET, Alarm.com customers using the iPhone app can arm or disarm their security systems from a remote location.

The technology gives users full control of their systems. Home subscribers can even check on their pets or take advantage of a variety of other tools. The iPhone application is free to Alarm.com customers.

School website to allow students to anonymously report bullying

Hillsborough County, Fla., officials will soon launch a website that allows students to report incidents of bullying anonymously. The site is designed for students who are afraid to speak out publicly.

A school board member said the goal is to bring these incidents to the forefront to help students. Details from the Tampa Tribune.


Tags: Bullying, Education by Sistrunk