'Wardrobe malfunction' case could still mean fine for CBS

The CBS television network could once again face a fine for the wardrobe malfunction involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.

The Federal Communications Commission wanted to fine CBS $550,000 for the incident, which lasted 9/16 of a second, but a federal appeals court decided to set the fine aside. On Monday, however, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the appeals court.

The Supreme Court's decision means that TV stations and networks once again face the specter of fines for even fleeting, one-time slip-ups.

This is the second time in two weeks that the Supreme Court ruled on lewd behavior or language on TV. In a case last week, the Supreme Court ruled that regulators can fine television and radio broadcasters for letting "fleeting expletives" slip through. Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps called the ruling "a big win for America's families."

Variety is following the story.

Tags: Supreme Court, FCC, Wardrobe Malfunction, CBS, Television, TV, Media, Education by Sistrunk

Discover Boston Luxury Real Estate

While the overall economic picture continues to reflect consumer uncertainty, spring is still bringing out home buyers. If you live in Boston – or you’ve decided to relocate there – you’ll discover quickly that buyers still have the advantage.

Buyers can find a variety of housing options on the website Boston Luxury Real Estate. This first-class site is the brain child of specialists at Bushari Group Real Estate. This free online guide allows you to search thousands of listings representing a variety of properties.

Boston lofts remain popular among many buyers. Dazzling designs, open floor plans, and amazing views attract those who want a marriage of urban living, spacious environments, and bona fide Bostonian culture. Let Bushari specialists direct you to properties in various areas of the city. See the magnificent settings that house Boston luxury lofts.

Looking for something different? Check out the Boston condos. You’ll find many units among the active listings. The area is rich with condo deals. Get started by checking out opportunities in the South End. Compare the South End units with those in a number of other locations. Wherever you set your sights, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck. These units represent some of the best real estate in Boston.

Discover Boston real estate. When it comes to luxury living, it doesn’t get any better.

Flu fears impact college graduation on many campuses

Northeastern University in Boston dropped the traditional handshake for graduating students accepting diplomas, while Cisco Junior College in Texas cancelled its commencement ceremonies altogether.

Coast to coast, fears of the H1N1 flu strain are altering American campus life in both subtle and dramatic ways after a dozen universities reported probable or confirmed cases of the virus that has killed up to 176 people in Mexico and one in the United States.

School officials say there is good reason for their concern -- from the hectic travel schedules of academics who could transport the swine flu virus, to the ever-present risk in densely populated residence halls of flu spreading like wildfire.

Many schools such as Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, Western Illinois University and Tulane University in New Orleans suspended study-abroad programs in Mexico. Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania will hold a separate graduation for students returning from Mexico.

In Boston, when about 20,000 people gathered on Friday for Northeastern's graduation events, the school did not take any chances. About 100 bottles of hand sanitizer were available to the crowd and the officials handing out diplomas were not shaking hands -- a traditional graduation gesture.

Northeastern officials said that they took their cue from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Cisco Junior College cancelled a graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday and instead plans to mail diplomas to graduates.


Tags: College Graduation, Flu, Graduation Rates, Education, Education by Sistrunk

Keyless locks: Do they offer better security?

Fingerprint have been used as a means of identification for well over century. In more recent years, with advances technology have made it possible to automate fingerprint recognition. As a result, keyless locks are now available for business and home use.

Recently, I’ve been wondering if keyless locks would fit into my lifestyle. I’m thinking about the many times my kids have misplaced their keys. It’s annoying – and at times a bit scary – but I try not to fuss too much. Why? Because by the time I reached 20, my dad has four sets of locks to our home! Every time I lost my keys, my dad replaced the locks to the front door.

So there is a practical component for considering keyless locks. If we had a security system that recognized fingerprints, we wouldn’t have to worry about lost keys. Our home would be more secure, right? Maybe.

Not having to worry about keys anymore is an attractive idea. It would be cool for my family to use our unique fingerprints to get into our home. However, another thought persists in the back of my mind.

While the technological advance is wonderful, I think we have to assume that there are unscrupulous people out there who are thinking of ways to beat the system. Even with the best safeguards, I think it is possible for someone to unscrupulously obtain -- and illegally use -- my fingerprint. I’m no expert in this area, mind you, but it stands to reason that use of biometrics, while it offers many advantages, presents another possible method of identity theft.

We don’t live in a perfect world. But I do believe some methods of home security are worth considering. The corporate sector and law enforcement are finding success with this technology.

These days, traditional keys seem to be so “old school”. Even though I have a lot of questions about keyless locks, I’d be willing to consider them as a way to better protect my family.

Intergenerational project honors preservationist

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joins two other organizations in sponsoring a photo, essay, and poetry contest "that best expresses the Sense of Wonder that you feel for the sea, the night sky, forests, birds, wildlife, and all that is beautiful to your eyes." Generations United and Rachel Carson Inc. are co-sponsors. The contest honors Rachel Carson, the late preservationist and ecologist.

In her book The Sense of Wonder (written in the 1950s and published in a magazine in 1956), Carson used lyrical passages about the beauty of nature. She enjoyed helping children develop a sense of wonder and love of nature.

Prize: Publication on the websites of EPA Aging Initiative, Generations United, and Rachel Carson Council, Inc.

Eligibility: Entries must be joint projects involving a young person under 18 and someone aged 50 or older.

Deadline: June 10, 2009.

Landmark civil rights law in jeopardy?

U.S. Supreme Court conservatives today sharply criticized a central part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that is aimed at more than a dozen states with a history of racial discrimination.

It is the second major race case heard by the justices since Barack Obama became America's first black president.

The justices seemed split along conservative and liberal lines in considering a provision applying to all or parts of 16 states, mostly in the South. It requires them to get federal government approval before changing their voting procedures.

Congress adopted the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to make it easier for people of color to exercise their right to vote.

Congress extended it in 2006 for 25 years, with then-President George W. Bush signing it into law.

Last week the justices considered whether race still can be used as a factor for job promotions and hirings, an issue that could affect millions of employers nationwide.

Opponents of the voting rights law argue that the protections for minority voters are no longer needed after more than 40 years of progress, and they cite Obama's election as evidence of how America has changed since 1965.

Defenders of the measure say minority voters still face discrimination in some local elections.

The legal challenge was brought by a Texas municipal utility district. It says it should be exempt from the law and that it should be struck down.

The Associated Press is following the story.


Tags: Supreme Court, Law, Voter Right, Civil Rights, Race, Education by Sistrunk

Take the work out of moving

Spring is here, and ‘tis the season for moving. If you’re on the lookout for apartments for rent, take advantage of a free online resource.

NationalRelocation.com lists rental property available in communities all across the country. If you’re moving to a new area and you want to know what’s available, all you have to do is enter a zip code (or a city and state). Search results come up immediately. Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes are also listed.

The search also reveals other valuable information, such as demographics about the neighborhoods you’re targeting. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can also learn about schools and parks in the area.

If you own real estate and have rental property you’d like to list, NationalRelocation.com is for you, too. List your property for free. At the upper right hand corner of the page, there’s a place for agents and owners to get started.

If you're looking for a place to rent -- or listing a place to rent -- take the work out of moving. Use National Relocation’s free resources to broaden your options.

Sen. Arlen Specter to switch parties, become Democrat

This could be the political news of the day. The Washington Post is reporting that Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania intends to switch parties and become a Democrat. The switch puts Democrats closer to 60-vote control in the U.S. Senate.

Specter is a 79-year-old veteran of five Senate terms, and one of only a handful of moderate Republicans left in Congress in a party made up largely of conservatives. Click here for details.


Tags: Arlen Specter

Supreme Court upholds FCC expletives policy

The Supreme Court today upheld a policy by the Federal Communications Commission that prohibits the use of curse words during live TV broadcasts. The vote was close, 5-4.

The high court’s decision, which argued broadcasters can be fined for even single curse words used on live TV, throws out a ruling by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York in favor of a Fox Television-led challenge. The lower court had asked for a more detailed reasoning of the tougher stance on indecency.

Tthe court refused to pass judgment on whether the FCC's "fleeting expletives" policy is in line with First Amendment guarantees of free speech. The justices say a federal appeals court should weigh the constitutionality of the policy.




Tags: Supreme Court, FCC, Television, TV, Media, Dirty Words

Upgrade your TV viewing experience

I can't imagine my life without my DVR (digital video recorder). My family and I are always on the go. We're often not at home when our favorite TV shows air.

I remember when I learned how to pause and rewind live TV. I thought it was so cool!
When my family made the move to Direct TV a while back, we quickly discovered that this satellite TV provider gave us a wider choice of programming than cable. I'm a news junkie, and I have access to all the major news networks. The local channels are included in our package at no extra charge.

My daughter's a big fan of reality television. She finds all of her shows on DirecTV -- programs like "Making the Band" and "Bad Girls Club". In fact, she keeps the DVR busy recording those shows. (I don't know how she can stand all that drama, but that's another post for another time.) While she's recording those programs, I make sure that I don't miss "Law and Order". I'm a huge fan of the entire franchise.

Direct T V is great for people who really value HD programming. We haven't invested in a plasma television set yet, but when we do, we know our viewing experience will get even better.

Hollywood and ISPs team up to deliver video over the Internet

DVD, DVR and VOD are old school. Now there's ZillionTV. The company, backed by several major Hollywood studios, is an ad-supported video-on-demand system in which commercials are tailored to viewers, who can't fast-forward through them.

ZillionTV enables viewers to choose the categories of advertising that are most interesting to them, and commercials fitting the bill are inserted into TV shows and movies that are streamed via broadband onto TV screens.

Content comes from Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Television and Disney, all of which are invested in this startup. Forty other partners also supply content, and discussions are under way with Viacom and CBS. ZillionTV is promising 15,000 movie and TV titles by the end of 2009, when such TV shows as 30 Rock and Smallville and movies like The Dark Knight will be available on demand.

The system features a rewards program: The more commercials watched, the more points earned. Users wishing to avoid the ads can buy or rent content in a way similar to iTunes and Apple TV.

ZillionTV, however, is for streaming only. Purchased content is stored via Internet "lockers," not on a hard drive.

ZillionTV hopes to do for the set-top box market what Hulu has done for the PC. If you're like a lot of us, you're trying to keep up with the technology.

Hulu, if you're not familiar with it, is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — all for free. The service is available only in the U.S.

Hulu brings together a large selection of videos from more than 130 content providers, including FOX, NBC Universal, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Users can choose from more than 1000 current prime-time TV hits such as The Simpsons, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and The Office the morning after they air; classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The A Team; movies like Men in Black and The Karate Kid; and clips from popular shows of the past, such as Friends.

The backers of ZillionTV insist that they're offering a unique product. Once the service is operational, we'll get the opportunity to compare.

Tags: ZillionTV, Video-on-demand, Video, Technology, Internet, TV

Going for the gold

When the world is in economic turmoil, many investors turn their attention to precious metals, especially gold. For thousands of years, gold has been a way to measure value in virtually all cultures.

You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in gold, and you don’t have to work on Wall Street. Take advantage of a free online resource that's available at Goldcoinsgain.com. Gold Coins Gain can quickly bring you up to speed if you want to buy gold coins.

When it comes to precious metals, the market never closes. Adding gold to your portfolio can give you a lot of flexibility. Should you decide to buy gold bullion, you’re bound to get a good return on your investment.

These days, the faltering economy has almost everyone wondering if they’re adequately prepared for retirement. You’re never too young to start planning ahead. When securing your individual retirement account, gold IRA is the way to go. It’s a smart move to back your IRA physically with gold coins. You can also use gold to guarantee a 401K rollover.

If you’re a novice when it comes to purchasing gold, the Gold Coins Gain offers plenty of support with its Free Gold Guide. With it, you learn when and how to get into the market, as well as what investments are right for you.

It’s no secret that the U.S. dollar has been declining in value for decades. During the recession, everyone is seeking some semblance of stability.

Remember: Gold is a currency. Gold is real money. It doesn't come off a printing press. Gold can be your ticket to security because gold is here to stay.

Quotes of the week

Change does not necessarily assure progress, but progress implacably requires change. Education is essential to change, for education creates both new wants and the ability to satisfy them.
~ Henry Steele Commager ~

There is no greater crime than to stand between a man and his development; to take any law or institution and put it around him like a collar, and fasten it there, so that as he grows and enlarges, he presses against it till he suffocates and dies.
~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

ADT Home Security System

Earlier this month, someone tried to break into my brother-in-law’s home while he was away. Fortunately, the ADT Home Security System he had installed recently saved the day. The would-be intruders ran away. The attempted break-in happened while my brother-in-law made a quick trip to a nearby convenience store, so we think it was someone in the neighborhood who knew him.

When it comes to home security, it helps to have a reliable system. You want to feel safe when you’re at home, and you want your mind is at ease when you’re not. That’s where ADT Security comes in. ADT has a well established reputation for reliability and its state-of-the-art technology. It’s also affordable.

It’s easy to get the process started. Just fill out a form at HomeSecurityTeam.com. An alarm specialist will get in touch with you, find out your needs and preferences, and put together a package that works for you.

Peace of mind. Round-the-clock protection. Cutting-edge technology. ADT offers it all, while keeping you, your family, and your valuables safe and secure.

The recession's effect on prepaid college tuition and scholarships

At a time when young people are making college choices, prepaid tuition programs may be in trouble. Prepaid tuition plans allow families to buy all or part of a public in-state education at present-day prices.

The value of the investment is guaranteed by the state to meet or exceed annual in-state public college tuition inflation (currently in the five to eight percent range). Plan costs can vary, depending on how close the student is to college.

This is an issue worth following. Details at Stateline.org.

On the positive side, Matthew Keegan just wrote an article that gives students and parents more hope: Don’t Let The Recession Stop You From Seeking College Scholarships. Bottom line: Students need to be assertive and diligent in seeking college aid.


Tags: Pre-Paid Tuition, Tuition, Scholarships, Higher Education, College, Education by Sistrunk

Obama pledges protections for credit-card users

President Barack Obama is throwing his support behind proposed legislation that would place restrictions on fees credit card companies charge consumers. Obama is demanding that credit-card issuers “eliminate some of the abuse” in the industry, citing sudden rate increases.

The president is pressing for consumer protections that go beyond proposals being considered in Congress and rules issued last year by the Federal Reserve. Both the House and the Senate are pursuing bills to give consumers greater protections. Obama said his economic advisers will examine the various proposals and work with Congress and the industry, but he made clear he intends to sign a law.

As unemployment and unpaid credit-card bills rise, card issuers are under fire for policies that impose large late fees and boost interest rates on delinquent customers. Banks, reeling from the recession and credit crunch, say proposed restrictions will raise consumer costs, limit credit availability, and ultimately hurt more borrowers than they help.

Tags: Credit Cards, Recession, Economy, Obama, Education by Sistrunk

National Relocation - for people on the move

I hate moving. I really hate moving. My hands are more than full with my career and family. A few years ago, I decided that a move would be good for my family, but I dreaded the work ahead of me.

If you're like me, you want to find movers who are dependable, affordable, and who simplify the process for you.

National Relocation is for people on the move. If you're moving from one home to the next, just log on to the website and enter a few details about your needs. A short time later, you'll receive several moving quotes. Comparison shopping is always a good thing!

If you need to move special items -- such as vehicles, antiques, or pianos -- National Relocation will find just the right specialists for you. For instance, if you need to transport your car, click on the auto movers link, and get your moving quotes. Experts are also available to handle your commercial moving needs.

National Relocation works with local, long distance, national, and overseas moving companies. All are pre-screened licensed, and insured. Take the headache out of moving.

Discrimination claim appears to divide high court

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared split today as it heard arguments on whether federal law bans discrimination against whites.

The case was brought by 20 white firefighters in New Haven, Conn. -- including one white Hispanic -- whose passing scores on a promotion test were thrown out because no blacks passed. Any eventual decision by the Supreme Court could decide the long-term fate of affirmative action in the United States.

Justice Anthony Kennedy appeared sympathetic to the suing firefighters, USA Today reported. Kennedy is often the swing vote on the nine-member court between the four justice liberal bloc and the four justice conservative bloc. From the bench, Kennedy said the city would have to show a compelling reason for throwing out the test results.

The 2003 exam was designed to select 15 candidates for captain and lieutenant. When no blacks and only one Hispanic scored a passing grade, the city decided not to use the results for promotions, saying it did not want exposure to suits from blacks and Hispanics.

A decision is expected later this year. New Haven is a racially mixed city. About 44 percent of its residents are White, 37 percent are Black, and 21 percent are Latino. CNN has more.


Tags: Supreme Court, Law, Civil Right, Reversed Discrimination, Education by Sistrunk

Mailboxixchange for home and business

A few years ago, I decided to move several miles west to the suburbs. I wanted to be closer to my job. Once I lived in the new neighborhood for a few weeks, I started noticing little things – like how many of the homes had attractive and unique mailboxes. The mailboxes added a little extra “something” to the houses and their surroundings.

Mailboxixchange (pronounced Mail Exchange) offers an array of residential and commercial mailboxes. With the click of the mouse, you can find a mailbox that meets your needs. You’ll also find helpful product reviews.

If you own a home, you can find a wide assortment of single-unit boxes, post packages, mail slots, and column mailboxes. Curbside décor is also available.

Mailboxixchange offers an equally wide assortment of for commercial use. Check out the cluster boxes (great for apartments), pedestal drop boxes, letter boxes, and high-security drop boxes. If you’re not sure what commercial solution is right for you, customer service representatives are available by phone or live chat to assist you. They can even help if you have questions about postal service guidelines.

With more than 2,500 products available. Mailboxixchange is your marketplace on the Internet for mailboxes and curbside décor.

"Seen and not heard": Is it due for a parenting comeback?

Research shows that nearly 70 percent of Americans believe that people are ruder now than they were 20 or 30 years ago, and that children are among the worst offenders.

A few years ago, the conservative child psychologist John Rosemond denounced in his syndicated column the increasing presence of "disruptive urchins" who "obviously have yet to have been taught the basic rudiments of public behavior."

According to Harvard University psychologist Dan Kindlon, most parents, would like their children to be polite, considerate and well behaved. But they're too tired, worn down by work and personally needy to take up the task of teaching them proper behavior at home.

Educators feel helpless, too. Nearly 8 in 10 teachers, according to a Public Agenda report, said their students were quick to remind them that they had rights or that their parents could sue if they were too harshly disciplined. More than half said they ended up being soft on discipline "because they can't count on parents or schools to support them."

Are we raising a generation of "kids gone wild"? Is there anything we can do about youngsters who belong to someone else? Leslie Pepper of Family Circle magazine explores the issue in an article about disciplining other people's kids.


Tags: Children, Parenting, Family, Culture, K-12, Education, Education by Sistrunk

Supreme Court Ruling limits police authority to search vehicles

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that police need a warrant to search the vehicle of someone they have arrested if the person is locked up in a patrol cruiser and poses no safety threat to officers.

The court's 5-4 decision today effectively limits the authority of police to search a vehicle immediately after the arrest of a suspect.

Justice John Paul Stevens said in the majority opinion that if a car's passenger compartment isn't within reach of a suspect who has been removed from the vehicle, then police have little reason to rush to a warrantless search.

The decision backs an Arizona high-court ruling in favor of Rodney Joseph Gant, who was handcuffed, seated in the back of a patrol car and under police supervision when Tucson, Ariz., police officers searched his car. They found cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Tags: Warrantless Search, Supreme Court, Law, Education by Sistrunk

Building empires to learn math

A game about ancient civilizations is helping some elementary- and middle-school students in Utah better understand basic and advanced math, practice problem-solving skills and learn ancient history. The students face hundreds of complex decisions in running their own virtual societies as part of a math game called Empire created by their teacher, Scott Laidlaw. As the Salt Lake Tribune reports, children are encouraged to focus on solving problems using mental strategies rather than paper and pencil.


Tags: Math, History, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Learn which credit card is right for you

It’s easy to get a credit card when you’re in college. Both of my children discovered that. When they received their cards, they had the best intentions of only charging items when they could pay for them at the end of the month.

However, kids are kids. Both of them woke up one day to realize that they could only afford to pay the minimum balance. So it’s no surprise that they both experienced rude awakenings when they saw the finance charges and late pay penalties, and realized that they had to pay it. I am happy to say that they learned their lessons rather quickly.

Credit Cards Club is a great online resource for anyone who has, or wants to apply for, credit cards. The website offers ratings and reviews on virtually all the major credit cards. You can even find cards issued by specific banks.

If you have a good credit score, Credit Cards Club can identify cards with the lowest APR. In fact, major credit cards are listed in several categories. In addition to sorting by APR, cards are listed according to fees and rank.

Several informative articles are also on the site. If you need debt repair, advice is available. Do you have a low credit score, or are you seeking to rebuild your credit? Cards designed specifically for people with bad credit or no credit history are identified. I find the information on business credit cards and those that offer gas rewards especially helpful.

Learn about credit cards in an objective environment. Any visitor to the site will appreciate the tips and financial articles. All of the information is free. Visit Credit Cards Club, take your time clicking through the pages, and discover which cards are right for you.

Columbine anniversary, new website call attention to school shootings

Hundreds of people turned out in Colorado to quietly mark Monday's 10th anniversary of the slaying of 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School. Flags flew at half-staff over the school and dozens of mourners lay roses and carnations at a nearby memorial. About 70 people gathered outside the state Capitol to push for gun control, while lawmakers inside passed a resolution honoring the victims.

To coincide with the anniversary, a Washington state organization dedicated to the reduction of gun violence launched a new online tool to document the growing national epidemic of firearm use in schools and universities. The new site – SchoolShoooting.org - was unveiled today in Seattle by Washington Ceasefire, a group that advocates for safer schools.

The website, which includes reports starting in 1992, features maps and details of more than 500 incidents representing nearly every state in the country. Visitors to the site may access information according to a particular school or geography. Recent shooting incidents are highlighted and many of the incidents include links to external news stories reported at the time. The site includes a comments section and and a place where incidents may be reported.

Tags: Columbine, School Shootings, SchoolShooting.org, Education by Sistrunk

Firstrade, an affordable resource for online investors

Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index is up 28.5 percent since March 9. The latest surge in share prices this rally could qualify as the start of a new bull market. It’s understandable that many investors may be skeptical. Still, it’s not unreasonable to consider that this market rally really could be the start of an upturn.

Now might be a good time to consider Firstrade, a leading discount online broker. Firstrade makes it easy for novice and seasoned investors to jump right into the trading process.

The company’s success with stock trading is well known in the industry. The firm offers a user-friendly website that is chock-full of information and tips for those who enjoy online trading. If you want to discuss investment-related topics in a secure environment with like-minded investors, you'll want to participate in Firstrade's online community.

Millions of people trade billions of shares of stock every day. Many of them take advantage of online trading. You can be one of them. Firstrade will get you started.

Recession may result in more traffic tickets

Keep an eye on your rear-view mirror. A recent study confirms what I felt in my gut -- that police are issuing more traffic citations during these tough economic times. Researchers have found statistical evidence that local governments use traffic citations to make up for revenue shortfalls.

A new study finds statistical evidence that local governments use traffic citations to make up for revenue shortfalls. The finding adds credence to something many drivers have long suspected: Safety isn't the only motive in traffic enforcement efforts. Since many municipalities retain the money generated by traffic fines, perhaps traffic enforcement also acts as a bit of a fundraiser. Details from ScienceDaily.


Tags: Traffic Tickets, Recession, Education by Sistrunk

Local searches made easy

I just came across a great local search engine - Local.com. It’s such a good resource, I’ve already bookmarked it. It combines the resources of sites like Yellowpages.com, Superpages.com, Yelp.com, and Citysearch.com. Local.com boasts a database of over 16 million business listings that every zip code throughout the U.S.

In just one day, Local.com proved to be a valuable resource for me as I looked for businesses, services, and contact information in my city. It’s great if for people like me who spend a lot of time going to meetings and business lunches. I like the website because I can do essentially all of my searching for businesses and contact information on one online location. It’s like a local yellow pages, but it has a lot more perks.

Local.com is easy to use. Let's say you're trying to locate a place in Chicago. Just type the name or the type of business or service in the “what” box, and enter the location in the “where” box. Use as many variables as you wish. You can enter a city, state, landmark, zip code, area code or airport code as the geographic location. Local.com is user-friendly. It has the ability to determine your current location, and provide business listings in your local area even if you don’t enter a specific location in the "where" box.

Local.com also saves me a lot of time when I’m looking for restaurants. Today I located a number of local restaurants in the area that serve authentic Italian cuisine. I could also read reviews and get directions. Cool!

I was thrilled to find a link for coffee shops, and I’ve already bookmarked it. Now, no matter which neighborhood I’m in, I’ll be able to locate the places that sell the gourmet coffees and sweets I crave.

Geographically speaking, the most relevant businesses will be displayed first. When you need to do a local search, it doesn’t get any easier than this.

Supreme court justice opens up in a rare moment

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has served on the bench for some 18 years. The public seldom hears from him, except when he's announcing his majority opinions. Even then, his voice is often monotone.

Thomas is not known for letting down his guard in public. However, a group of high school students recently got the chance to see a side of the justice that is not so stoic. As the New York Times reports, "his answers and the remarks that preceded them provided a revealing look at Justice Thomas’s worldview these days."

~ ~ ~

Fast facts about Clarence Thomas

Born 1948 in Savannah, GA

Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U. S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit
Nominated by George H.W. Bush on October 30, 1989, to a seat vacated by Robert H. Bork; Confirmed by the Senate on March 6, 1990, and received commission on March 6, 1990. Service terminated on October 17, 1991, due to appointment to another judicial position.

Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States
Nominated by George H.W. Bush on July 8, 1991, to a seat vacated by Thurgood Marshall; Confirmed by the Senate on October 15, 1991, and received commission on October 18, 1991.

Education:
Holy Cross College, B.A., 1971
Yale Law School, J.D., 1974

Professional Career:
Assistant attorney general, Jefferson City, Missouri, 1974-1977
Attorney, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 1977-1979
Legislative assistant, Senator John C. Danforth, Washington, DC, 1979-1981
Assistant secretary for civil rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1981-1982
Chairman, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1982-1990

Source: Federal Judicial Center


Tags: Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court, African American, Education by Sistrunk,

Words of wisdom

You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.
~ Nietzsche ~

Thoughts give birth to a creative force that is neither elemental nor sidereal. Thoughts create a new heaven, a new firmament, a new source of energy, from which new arts flow. When a man undertakes to create something, he establishes a new heaven.
~ Philipus A Paracelsus ~


Don´t ask what the world needs.
Rather ask – what makes you come alive?
Then go and do it!
Because what the world needs is people
who have come alive.
~ Howard Thurman ~

The Car Connection

For some time, my daughter has been saving up money to buy her first car. I admire her because she’s doing her research to find out which model would be the best for her.

She and I have been clicking through The CarConnection.com, a great website to visit for car reviews. The site is full of news, information, and photos – perfect for someone who’s thinking about buying a car.

For instance, The Car Connection editors have read all of the competitive reviews for the 2009 Subaru Impreza Sedan WRX, which is a lot more powerful than its predecessor. Looking for something else? Perhaps the 2009 Hyundai Elantra – with its more distinctive design and added performance features – is more your speed. The website carries full reviews of both models.

When it comes to imports, the 2009 Honda continues to be a top seller in the U.S. Don’t miss the opportunity to find out the latest on the Honda Fit. It’s the automaker’s lowest priced model in America.

TheCarConnection.com carries plenty of photos of all models. The gallery gives you an opportunity to view vehicle features in detail. The Car Connection is considered an industry leader in anything automotive, keeping you up-to-date on the latest auto news and reviews. The editorial coverage and shopping guides contribute to the site’s consumer-friendly design.

Teachers need love, too

Ambreen Ishrat is a talented writer in Karachi, Pakistan, and creator of the web log her writings. She has worked as a teacher and a content and creative writer for an information technology (IT) firm. Armed with a master's degree with English literature, Ambreen also has put her skills to good use in journalism and editing. During a recent visit to Ambreen's site, I came across a charming post titled "My First Ever Love Letter." Take a break from your fast-paced day and relax with her writings.

Tags: Education, Teachers, Teaching, Students, Writing, Love Letters, Letters, Education with Sistrunk

Rock on with Ed Hardy fashions

If you’re a die-hard rock and roller, you’re probably familiar with the Ed Hardy line of fashion. If not, check out the line of clothing at Zappos.com. Everything in the line bears the unmistakable imprint of Christian Audigier and legendary tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy.

The entire line – clothing, shoes, accessories – is definitely unconventional. At the same time, the Audigier/Hardy collaboration has led to a vintage look of high quality.

Ed Hardy is hot. The line is sold all over the world. Celebrities love it. Vibrant color, charisma, and edginess drive this signature line. Rock rebels and lovers of the punk look snatch up this apparel fast and often. When it comes to women, Ed Hardy has the uncanny ability to make them look sexy and edgy at the same time.

For households where rock and roll rule, Mom and Dad will find that there’s plenty to choose from, and they can outfit the kids, too. There’s even infant wear.

Christian Audigier was drawn to rock and roll style of fashion but quickly realized that he didn’t have the voice to live out this dream. But he more than made up for it by channeling his passion into his designs.

Several new items just came in. Check them out at Zappos.com.

Solving the mysteries of the teenage years

Have you wondered why the teenage years are often tough on young people - and their parents? Recent research on the adolescent brain offers some eye-opening information.

Here's a report worth checking out:

The Teenage Brain: A Lesson in Understanding for Parents of Adolescents

If you're really into the science of young brains - if you secretly wonder if your child is an alien - you might want to visit PBS.org to read the Frontline series Inside the Teenage Brain.

Tags: Teenagers, Parenting, Brain, Science, Education, Psychology, Education by Sistrunk

Auto insurance solutions for everyone

Maybe it’s me, but it seems as if the automobile insurance industry is much more competitive than it was 20 years ago. Or maybe it’s just that we now see more ads on TV. Each day seems to bring more creative ads.

Dozens of companies out there vying for your business. Several years ago, if I wanted to comparison shop for car insurance, I’d have to go from one company to another, filling out individual applications. Now there’s a website that gives me the option of filling out just one application: AmericanCarQuotes.com.

Don’t let the cost of insurance become a burden to you. All fifty states require that drivers be insured. The mandated amount of coverage varies from state to state.

Most of us are on a tight budget these days, but we still need insure our vehicles. Find out what the minimum coverage is in your state, and then utilize American Car Quotes to shop around for the best rates.

Young drivers -- including students -- and those with poor driving records typically pay a higher premium, but that doesn’t mean that these motorists don’t have choices. American Car Quotes allows even high-risk motorists to shop for better deals. The site also offers tips to these drivers wishing to qualify for lower rates. If you're a veteran driver with a squeaky clean record, the very best opportunities are reserved for you.

Let the insurance companies come to you. Fill out one form. Representatives will gather the information, form a quote for you, and then contact you so that you can make an informed decision. It’s that easy.

Quote of the week

Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding-line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen?

I was like that ship before my education began, only I was without compass or sounding line, and no way of knowing how near the harbor was.

"Light! Give me light!" was the wordless cry of my soul, and the light of love shone on me in that very hour.

~ Helen Keller ~

Website keeps you up-to-date on gaming

In the early 1990s, I bought my children their first GameBoy. My children were so excited! This groundbreaking handheld had a black and green screen and two action buttons. It worked with a simple cartridge. Today I’m looking back on those times while I check out ShopWiki’s Handheld Gaming Guide. I now realize just how far gaming technology has come.

ShopWiki.com comes in great when you’re trying to make a decision on consoles or games. The Video Game Buying Guide brings you up to speed on the latest in gaming. It also offers options so that you get the best bang for your buck.

ShopWiki has revolutionized the way we shop for video game products. The site seeks out every store on the Internet in an effort to give you the best deals. This is a stop up from other sites, which only tell you about sites where the stores have paid for placements.

ShopWiki is your one-stop resource for everything associated with video games. That includes consoles, controllers, and various accessories.

As a young mother several years ago, I had a lot to learn about making wise decisions on video game purchases – things such as system compatibility and how to make sure the games you’re choosing are age appropriate. ShopWiki makes it easy for you by providing the answers to these and other important questions.

The site is designed for busy adults. With a few mouse clicks, you can easily comparison shop. Check out ShopWiki.com. It gives you – the consumer – the advantage.

Teachers tell why they teach

A group of teachers in Georgia all agree on one thing -- that their students keep them in the classroom despite all the challenges that come with their jobs. In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, one teacher writes:

When you believe that all students can learn and have the opportunity to prove it, a wonderful thing happens. You see a light come on, a face smiles, a quiet determination, a few tears -- from students, parents and even teachers.

To read what other teachers wrote, click here.


Tags: Georgia Teachers, Teachers, K-12, Education, Education by Sistrunk

ShopWiki, your online resource for video games and more

NBC Sports has announced that John Madden, a fixture in NFL broadcast booths for 30 years, has decided to retire. Madden wasn’t just a fixture in our homes during football season. I heard him virtually every day when my sons played video games. Those were the days when my kids and their consoles were almost joined at the hip!

When it comes to purchasing video game consoles, consider several things before you buy. The Video Game Buying Guide at Shopwiki.com offers many valuable tips when it comes to checking out system speed, compatibility, and design. And to optimize fun for you and your kids, don’t forget to consider the controllers and graphics capability. You’ll want the best system for your particular needs. When you’re buying your games, check to see if it’s for Windows or Mac.

ShopWiki actively seeks out every store on the Internet in a similar way that Google crawls every website on the ‘Net. Traditional shopping sites will only show you stores that have paid for placement. ShopWiki gives consumers like you the upper hand when it comes to shopping smart.

On the site, you’ll also find a Handheld Gaming Guide. Don’t miss this opportunity to come up to speed on the latest technology. After all, a lot has changed since the late 1980s, when GameBoy was introduced. Discover the difference between Nintendo DS and Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable) by reviewing the DS vs. PSP Buying Guide.

My kids are wild about anything connected to the Xbox 360. With a few mouse clicks, I can find everything I need to know about the latest games and accessories.

Newly-released photos reveal despair after MLK assassination

LIFE.com, the website of the defunct print magazine, has put online a series of previously unseen photographs taken following the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

The series of 13 photographs includes pictures of the cleaning up of the blood outside the Memphis, Tennessee, motel room where King was shot and a photo of his colleagues gathered in his room following his death.

The website accompanied the black-and-white pictures with comments from the LIFE photographer, Henry Groskinsky, who shot the pictures.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, Groskinsky ended up in King’s hotel room, where the civil rights leader’s associates including Andrew Young and the Rev. Ralph David Abernathy Sr. were sadly assembled.

Life.com, a joint venture between Time Inc., which owns the LIFE archives, and the Getty Images photo service, went online on Tuesday.

The website features pictures from LIFE's historic collection and new photos from Getty.

The LIFE collection includes pictures from renowned photojournalists such as Gordon Parks, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Margaret Bourke-White, and W. Eugene Smith.


Tags: Martin Luther King Photos, Martin Luther King, History, Civil Rights, Photography, Life.com, Education by Sistrunk

John Hope Franklin, revered historian, dies at 94

U.S. historian and civil rights advocate John Hope Franklin, credited with helping create the field of African-American history, died on Wednesday at age 94.

Franklin's book From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, published in 1947, is still considered the definitive account of the black experience in America. The longtime Duke professor died of congestive heart failure at Duke Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

He worked with Thurgood Marshall, later the first black U.S. Supreme Court justice, on the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in the 1950s in which the Supreme Court declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Franklin joined civil rights protesters in a 1965 march for voting rights led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1997, he was appointed chairman of President Bill Clinton's One America Initiative, charged with directing a national conversation on race relations.

The grandson of a slave, Franklin's scholarly work was informed by his first-hand experience with racism.

Reuters tells the story of an encounter Franklin had prior to being honored by Clinton:

In a speech in 2005, he said that on the evening before he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Clinton in 1995, a woman at his club in Washington asked him to get her coat. About the same time, a man at a hotel handed his car keys to Franklin and told him to get his car.

"I patiently explained to him that I was a guest in the hotel, as I presumed he was, and I had no idea where his automobile was. And, in any case, I was retired," Franklin said.

For a thoughtful tribute to Franklin, check out a column by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell.

President Barack Obama released this statement:

Because of the life John Hope Franklin lived, the public service he rendered, and the scholarship that was the mark of his distinguished career, we all have a richer understanding of who we are as Americans and our journey as a people.

On a personal note, From Slavery to Freedom was required reading when I was an undergraduate. I recently was thrilled to see that my daughter is taking a class where she is studying Franklin's work.


Tags: John Hope Franklin, History, Black History, American History, Books, African American, Education by Sistrunk,

Quote of the Week

An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

-Carl Jung, Swiss psychologist (1875-1961)

The Obama connection: Catholic and public schools

While clicking through The Wall Street Journal's opinion site, I came across interesting commentary on education. The headline: Obama Should Acknowledge His Roots.

Of the many parallels between Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy, one has eluded all coverage: Both attended Catholic school as children. In fact, while JFK may have been the Irish Catholic from Boston, he spent less time at the Canterbury School in Connecticut than did young Barry (as he was then called) at St. Francis of Assisi in Indonesia.

At a time when America's 6,165 Catholic elementary and 1,213 secondary schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, President Obama's first-hand experience here opens the door to a provocative opportunity. In his inaugural address, the president rightly scored a U.S. school system that "fail[s] too many" of our young people. How refreshing it would be if he followed up by giving voice to a corollary truth: For tens of thousands of inner-city families, the local parochial school is often the only lifeline of hope.

Click here to read the full article.

Tags: Obama, Parochial Schools, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Quote of the week

Do something wonderful.
People may imitate it.
- Albert Schweitzer

Duncan stresses hands-on experience

Obama: Education choice "doesn't blink' on tough decisions

Arne Duncan, President-elect Obama’s pick for U.S. education secretary, says ‘there are no simple answers,’ but reform efforts can make a difference. Obama praises Duncan for his willingness to support controversial policies, such as shutting down low-performing neighborhood schools and expanding charter schools. More from Education Week.

Related: Campaign K-12


Tags: Duncan, Obama, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Examining daily report cards

The dynamics of grade-tracking systems

Check school districts nationwide, and you'll find grade-tracking programs in place. The systems, which allow online monitoring by students and parents, can track a student’s daily progress, including class attendance, missed assignments and grades on homework, quizzes and tests. Students can use the program to calculate by what amount they need to raise a grade, or gauge the impact of a bad test or quiz.

Grade-tracking programs are changing the way parents, students, and teachers interact. Since parents can keep abreast of their child's progress, parent-teacher conferences are no longer the setting for unpleasant surprises, as the Washington Post reports.

Related: I know what you did last math class, Schools turn to online grade, progress tracking


Tags: Grade Tracking, Education, Student Achievement, Internet Safety, K-12, Education by Sistrunk

Children and the digital age

Networking: The new literacy

"Whether we like it or not, social Web technologies are having a huge influence on students who are lucky enough to be connected, even the youngest ones."

Will Richardson, author of "Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Tools for Classrooms," makes the case for teaching technology skills and ethics across the curriculum. Not only should students be encouraged to explore topics that interest them, Richardson writes, but they must also learn to use technology wisely.

Digital footprints—the online portfolios of who we are, what we do, and by association, what we know—are quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives. A short lesson on Internet safety is not enough, as Richardson articulates in Educational Leadership.

Tags: Technology, Children, Culture, Social Networks, Education, Student Achievement, Internet Safety, K-12,Education by Sistrunk

Honoring our military men and women

Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day

Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France,

wait for the end of hostilities.

This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on Nov. 11, 1918,

two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

The history of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

President Dwight Eisenhower signed House Resolution 7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. An act approved in 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."

Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history. After American forces had fought in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Today we honor America's military men and women for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

How important it is for us to recognize and

celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

~Maya Angelou~

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget

that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,

but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy~

Note: Canadians are observing today as Remembrance Day. Click here to read a moving tribute by Ian Lidster.

Tags: Veterans Day, History, Education, Education by Sistrunk

One in four students dropping out of school

Report: Kids less likely to graduate than parents

Your child is less likely to graduate from high school than you were, and most states are doing little to hold schools accountable, according to a study by a children's advocacy group. More than half the states have graduation targets that don't make schools get better, the Education Trust says in a report released Thursday.

The numbers are dismal: One in four kids is dropping out of school, a rate that hasn't budged for at least five years.

The United States is now the only industrialized country where young people are less likely than their parents to earn a diploma, the report said, citing data compiled by the international Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

High schools are required to meet graduation targets every year as part of the 2002 federal No Child Left Behind law. But those targets are set by states, not by the federal government. And most states allow schools to graduate low percentages of students by saying that any progress, or even the status quo in some cases, is acceptable. Click here to read the full report by the Education Trust.


Tags: Graduation, Graduation Rates, Dropouts, Student Achievement, Achievement Gap, Urban Education, K-12, Education, Education by Sistrunk

Website of the week

Free Preview

Education Week invites readers to its Back-to-School Open House. This gives you free access to the site through September 7. The open house is a great opportunity for you to dive into areas and issues in K-12 education you care deeply about, and catch up on them while it’s free. To take advantage of full access to the site, click here.

Tags: Education Week, Education by Sistrunk

Ruby Bridges still fights to keep hope alive

What happened to the girl in the Norman Rockwell painting?

Ruby Bridges was just six years old when she became the face of school integration in 1960. Now, as NBC's Martin Savidge reports, she's helping to save the school that made her famous.

Related: The Ruby Bridges Foundation


Tags: ruby bridges, civil rights, katrina, new orleans, educational equity, racism, race, education, k-12, public school education, african-american, education by sistrunk

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