Six Flags seeks protection from creditors

Will treasured childhood memories held by my children and me turn to dust? Is the ride over?

Six Flags, the amusement park operator, has declared bankruptcy but says that it will keep its parks open, at least for now. According to the Washington Post, the company is carrying $2.4 billion in debt. According to the Associated Press, Six Flags reported 25 million visitors and posted record revenues in 2008.

Schools scramble to keep up with demand for free and reduced meals

Record numbers of American students getting free and reduced-price lunches, and many school districts are struggling to keep up with demand.

While the cost to districts averages $2.92 per free lunch, schools receive just $2.57 in federal reimbursement. That's according to the School Nutrition Association. Some states pitch in extra, but many schools are stretching budgets to make up the difference, as USA Today reports.


Tags: Free and Reduced Lunches, Education by Sistrunk

ADT Alarm Systems

For 12 years, my family and I lived in a bungalow a few miles north of the city. I liked the community because it was quiet. A lot of retired people lived in the neighborhood, so I felt it had a lot of stability.

The families living next to me and across the street had home alarm systems, but I didn’t think it was necessary. I felt quite safe – until I came home one day and found that someone had broken in through my back door. I’m convinced that it was some kid in the neighborhood who knew my kids because most of the items taken belonged to my son.

Of course, I called the police and filed a report. After the officers left, I went outside to think. I felt so violated. Even worse, I hated to see the frightened looks on my children’s faces.

As I stood in my front yard, the signs in my neighbors’ yards came into view. They all had chosen the ADT Home Alarm. The neighbor to the right of me was a single mom with a daughter. She told me that she wouldn’t think of leaving her teenaged daughter at home alone without her ADT alarm. I got the point, but I learned it the hard way.

Things can be replaced, but no one can put a price on peace of mind and the protection of your family. That's the true value behind the ADT alarm system.

Protect your home while away on vacation

It's June, and if you're like me, your mind is on that summer getaway. If you're headed out of town, do your best to burglar-proof your home while you're away.

Here is a checklist recommended by many police departments:

• Stop mail and newspapers, or ask a trusted neighbor to get them every day.
• Put timers on several household lights.
• Arrange to have grass mowed while gone.
• Be cautious about whom you tell about your departure.
• Make sure that everything is locked and secure. Double-check sheds, windows, garage doors and basement windows.
• An unanswered phone might tip off a prowler that no one is home. Turn off the ringer and don't mention your departure on the answering machine.
• Leave on an outdoor light with a motion sensor.
• Remove all "secret" keys from outside. Leave blinds and curtains in normal positions wherever possible, taking care not to expose many valuables.
• Stow valuables (important papers, jewelry, etc.) in a home safe or safe-deposit box.
• Activate the alarm system and notify the security company about your vacation.

Do everything you can to give the illusion that someone is at home.


Source: Orlando (Florida) Police Department

Open Meadows Foundation offers grants to women and girls

Grants for projects involving women and girls are available through the Open Meadows Foundation. Open Meadows supports projects that are led by -- and benefit -- women and girls.

Awards are made to organizations that:

• reflect the diversity of the community served by the project in both its leadership and organization promote building community power
• promote racial, social, economic and environmental justice
• have limited financial access or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding

Maximum award: $2,000. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations with an organizational budget no larger than $150,000. Projects must be designed and implemented by women and girls. Deadline: August 15, 2009.

Studio RTA Network 1330X Computer Cart

I'm a self-professed workaholic who spends hours each day at her PC. I want my workspace to be comfortable and efficient.

Studio RTA has created an innovative computer cart that offers versatility and convenience. It's a space-saving solution for a computer work station. I like this cart because it compartmentalizes an office, while simultaneously creating space.

This workstation is compact. Its spacious compartments and sturdy steel base allow the casual computer user and the avid computer enthusiast (or workaholic) to enjoy their office space, regardless of size. The slide-out keyboard shelf and the various storage compartments maximize space and optimize organization.

The product comes in either a teak or cherry finish. Both finishes are stylish, but the cherry fits my personal style and office decor. The work station is ergonomic, another plus.

The Studio RTA Network Computer Cart has redefined the term “computer cart” in every sense, with its innovative practicality. For years, Studio RTA has been a leader in office furniture design.

Designs with consumer comfort in mind -- that's the kind of thinking that keeps any firm ahead of the competition.

Exploring Google Wave

Google Wave, which the Internet giant unveiled last week to much fanfare, is described as a communication and collaboration tool. However, those who follow IT trends believe the application has even more value.

Wave combines popular Web trends into a seamless application. Ben Parr, writing for Mashable, offers a reader-friendly explanation of what could prove to be a killer application.


Tags: Google Wave, Technology, Education by Sistrunk

Most states agree to push for common college standards

An aggressive timetable by most 46 states calls for college standards to be drafted and ready for public review by July, and grade-by-grade standards by year’s end. After a meeting in April, each state signed a memorandum of agreement committing to the process and development of voluntary, common standards. Four states are not on board -- Alaska, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas.

Once the standards are agreed to, it will be up to the states to get them adopted. The signed memo requires that the common core must represent at least 85 percent of a state’s standards, and that the common core needs to be adopted within three years.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan is happy about the move, as Education Week reports. (Education Week provides free access to this premium article.)


Tags: College Standards, Education, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Travel Alaska

My friend Jim is a son any parent would love to have. Each year, Jim treats his parents to a nice vacation. A couple of years ago, he chose Alaska as the destination.

Jim and his parents brought back amazing photographs and stories about their experiences. In fact, Jim is so big on Alaska travel, that he made a return trip the following year.

Travel Alaska. Those words stayed on my mind a couple of days ago when the temperature outside was in the upper 80s and the air conditioning had quit in my office. Hanging out in the "Land of the Midnight Sun" would have been perfect that day!

On any given day, Alaska's Denali National Park has much to offer – stunning mountain views, peaceful waters, and plenty of wildlife. It’s no wonder that Denali considered the “crown jewel” of America’s national park system. Tops on my must-see list would be a presentation on Alaska’s amazing Northern Lights.

When it comes to Denali tours, there are lots of options. For instance, you might decide to spend your time hiking, camping, or going on guided ATV and bus tours. If you have a fascination with Alaskan huskies – and who doesn’t? – you'll want to a personal tour of the Iditarod Race Dog Kennel. My kids would really love THAT experience.

Alaska boasts a rich history and colorful heritage. I just learned that the state has five distinct groups of Native Alaskan people. As a student of culture, I want to learn about each one.

When it comes to wildlife, there is much to see. Nearly 175 species of birds and 40 species of animals call Denali Park home. I can understand why my friend Jim decided that one trip to Alaska wasn’t enough.

Tips for enjoying your summer vacation

Ready to take off on a summer vacation? If your trip takes you outside of the U.S., there are some new rules to keep in mind.

Starting Monday, June 1, passengers will need passports for air, land, and sea travel to and from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

If you're remaining in the U.S., don't forget that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently implemented stricter rules for traveler IDs. You have to make your reservation using the full name that you have on your government-issued ID card -- for instance, your driver's license.

To avoid delays at the airport, don't use nicknames or shortened versions of your name when booking your flight. If your middle name appears on your passport, be sure to also use it when booking flights.

This is intended to cut down on the number of misidentifications at the TSA checkpoint. TSA officials say that following this rule will help to move the process along more quickly.

For more tips, visit the TSA web page for travelers.


Tags: Vacations, Travelers, TSA, Education by Sistrunk

Should teachers interact with kids online?

More teachers are using social networks or text messages to keep in touch with students and build rapport, but online friendships may be considered inappropriate. Some officials are considering banning online "fraternization" between teachers and students.

The Missouri Legislature is debating a proposal to ban elementary-school teachers from having social networking friendships with their students. And the Lamar County School District board in Mississippi recently passed a policy that bans "fraternization via the Internet" between staff members and students. It also prohibits text messages to students except for educational purposes.

Should more communities consider such bans? The Arizona Daily Star examines the issues.


Tags: Social Networks, Technology, Students, Teachers, Education, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Thoughts on flags and patriotism

I have a great deal of respect for people who display a flag in front of their homes on holidays. Ever since I was a little girl, I would pay attention to the proudly displayed banners. Perhaps that’s because my parents made a point of visiting our family cemetery on Memorial Day, where I saw even more flags waving in the wind.

I have a great deal of respect for the military men and women who serve our country, and I think American flags and patriotic banners are a great way to honor them. “Support our Troops” banners are very popular. Some people choose the ones that have the yellow ribbons. “Happy Birthday America” banners seem to be perfect for Independence Day celebrations.

When it comes to banners, the only ones I don’t care for are the Confederate ones – for obvious reasons. Personally, I fail to see the connection between Confederate displays and patriotism. However, that’s a discussion for another day.

According to the United States Flag Store, nylon is the most popular fabric for American flags. I can see why. Nylon flags are strong and durable. They hold up well under all weather conditions, and they are less likely to fade.

I loved flags as a child, and I love them now. However, when I was in high school and college, I faced some personal conflicts about the American flag and what it represented. Like many young people of my generation, I was torn up about many of the wars that the U.S. supported. In addition, I was disappointed to see our country's displays of arrogance when it came to our relationships with other countries.

I may not have always liked some of the behaviors I saw in our leaders – or some of the biases perpetuated against certain ethnic groups. Still, the U.S. has come a long way since it first declared its independence. We’ve shown a great capacity to change – and to pull together in times of crisis.

The phrase “we, the people” has taken on a much more significant meaning. I am proud to be an American.

New web browser understands technical terms in life sciences

European scientists have created a ‘semantic grid browser’ that can understand technical terms in life sciences and automatically find additional resources and service. According to ScienceDaily, this new development could lead to a new generation of intelligent search engines.

The browser utilizes grid computing, a process that uses the resources of many computers in a network at the same time, to solve a single problem. According to the publication, the "life sciences community has built numerous databases – such as for gene sequencing and information about diseases – that are available to researchers as ‘grid’ services."

Many researchers look forward to a next-generation search engine that can understand what the user is looking for and return much more relevant results than today’s engines can. To learn more about the new web browser, click here.


Tags: Web Browsers, Life Sciences, Science, Technology, Education by Sistrunk

Measure your ROI, increase revenue, and grow your firm

On any given day, millions of executives are wondering if they are using the right approach when it comes to their marketing plans and ROI (return on investment). They wonder if they're spending the right money on the right marketing approach. That's a valid concern. My advice: Leave Internet marketing to specialists.

If it's been a while since you evaluated your company's marketing plan, now is the time to review it. Do you know who is visiting your website? What percentage of visitors actually become customers?

ROIanalytics Inc. estimates that the average company loses up to 90% of opportunities when it comes to website visitors. Don't let this happen to you. Don't just throw money at a marketing plan.

You've got your hands full overseeing day-to-day operations. Bring in experts who can identify lost opportunities on your website -- professionals who can offer strategies for follow-up.

Stay ahead of the competition. Learn how to gauge your return on investment down to a dollar amount, and add value to each of your Internet marketing programs.

With the growing number of websites being added by businesses and individuals, the only way to stay visible on the Web is search engine optimization (SEO). Make your website search engine friendly. That's one of the first steps in website promotion.
Find out how to implement a SEO process that allows you to:

• Understand your marketing plan, products / services, and competition.
• Choose the right keywords or phrases that describe your product or service.

Numbers-driven CEOs demand to know how efficiently their companies’ marketing dollars are being put to use. Put together a plan that keeps you ahead of the game.

Web hosting firms thrive during recession

The web-hosting industry appears to be recession-proof. That's according to Network World, a provider of information to IT executives.

Web hosting firms are experiencing a rising demand for their services as more and more businesses elect to outsource their IT needs. For small- to medium-sized businesses, keeping up with the demands of IT infrastructure can be a challenge. Shifting the hosting responsibilities to a reputable web hosting firm can prove to be a savvy move for firms strapped for cash and IT personnel.

Network Word quotes Michael Foust, CEO of Digital Realty Trust, a San Francisco owner and operator of Internet data center facilities that has seen its revenues grow more than 30% in a year. Foust said:

The economic crunch we are all facing is forcing folks to be more creative and more open minded about how they deploy their businesses.

Faust acknowledged that many web-hosting companies, including his, are building new data centers to respond to the rising demand. He said:

There's a lot of expansion by all of the players, but it's a more rational approach based on real customer demand.

To learn more on this trend, click here

Tags: Hosting, Technology, Recession, Education by Sistrunk

Choosing the right web host

The economy is forcing businesses to get more creative when it comes to their Web presence. Nearly all organizations are trying to survive the recession on smaller budgets. However, smart executives understand that e-commerce remains a strong force.

A well-executed website can be a valuable marketing tool. Web development involves several key elements. One of the most important is web hosting.

Web hosting is an art, so look for a provider that best fits your needs. Pick a company that has a good reputation within the industry.

Web Hosting Rating can help. Their site has been offering reviews, ratings, and awards about providers since 2002. Ratings are based on several criteria, including customer satisfaction. Free articles are available to assist novices and veterans alike who are seeking IT solutions.

On the site, you’ll find an important list -- the Top 10 Web Hosting Providers -- Best Web Hosts for 2009. I’m checking out one provider in particular because it offers a number of goodies, is inexpensive, and targets itself to the needs of small businesses.

Do your homework before deciding on a web host. Find out how companies like yours rate providers on affordability, reliability, uptime, and technical support.

Web hosting is a crowded field, but you don’t have to agonize over your decision. Use free online resources to help you make an informed choice.

Obama picks shuttle veteran to be NASA chief

President Obama nominated has former shuttle commander Charles Bolden to lead the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). If confirmed, the 62-year old would become the space agency’s first black administrator and just the second astronaut to hold the position.

Bolden joined the astronaut corps in 1981 and logged more than 680 hours in space on four shuttle missions. News sources see the selection of Bolden as reassuring to those who feared that Obama was lukewarm on future manned missions.


Tags: Charles Bolden, NASA, Science, Education by Sistrunk

The search for young female social entepreneurs

Youth Service America (YSA) is launching its first annual Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize young female social entrepreneurs whose initiatives serve the common good. Maximum award: $2,000 for the winner's social enterprise, as well as travel to and registration for Youth Service Institute. The winner also will receive an invitation to serve on the executive board of Girls Helping Girls, and access to YSA's resources to support and expand social enterprise.

According to YSA:

Social entrepreneurs apply business practices to achieve positive social change and measure their success through their social impact. They find innovative and sustainable ways to address pressing issues.

Eligibility: Girls between the ages of 14 and 17 (as of December 31, 2009) who reside in the United States and have their own social enterprise. Deadline: June 15, 2009. For additional details, click here.


Tags: Youth Service America, Social Entrepreneurs, Awards, Education by Sistrunk

Strategic SEO and smart web design can boost your profits

I’ve been working in marketing and communications long enough to know that it’s difficult for any business to be successful without a strong online presence. A few days ago, when I stumbled on AuraDev.com, I lingered for a while. I like the fact that a portfolio of the company's work -- other websites it has designed -- is on the front page.

This Portland-based company demonstrates versatility in the services it delivers. AuraDev has developed a reputation for doing several things well – Portland web design and development, Internet marketing, and web hosting. Its specialty: small businesses.




AuraDev's services go far beyond web design. The company demonstrates savvy in Internet marketing. It's an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click management, brand identity, and logo identity.

Firms that want to maintain their competitive edge know that they have to get serious about SEO. Even the smallest organizations can gain a lot from having Aura Dev on their team.

If your operation is based in the Portland, Oregon area, check out AuraDev. This firm can strategically integrate technology and SEO -- customizing a package that meets your marketing goals while staying within budget. That's an offer that any smart executive can't refuse.

For educators, additional stimulus cash exists in unlikely places

Now is the time for educators to get creative. The federal stimulus package contains millions for community health centers, billions for vocational training. and additional funds that could go to schools. Experts in education finance say this is the case even though the programs aren't a part of the dedicated education package.

Reportedly, some of the nearly $4 billion for work force training could be used for adult education, youth training programs and career exploration, especially for fields related to renewable energy or energy efficiency. Details from Education Week, which is offering this premium article for complimentary viewing.

Related: Recovery.gov


Tags: Stimulus, Economy, Education, Education by Sistrunk