Archives for November, 2007
Nov 28, 2007 | Uncategorized
Is it possible for a radio to be used by an enemy to send signals causing such intense vibrational energies that would interfere with the human Bio-system? Perhaps a set of various different waves that made the nerve firings of the human body out of sync and then simultaneously sending a set of waves to the device, which would disrupt basic brain functions?
Kind of like a Microwave screws up a pacemaker; only it would play havoc on the entire biosystem of the organism and in this case a human being? It is within the realm of possibility and the radio receiver devise would amplify it and the individual would be rendered SOL. This topic came up recently in an online think tank when a guest member stated;
“I was listening the radio and something went wrong and the sound waves left me in some kind of pain and disturbance that made me realize people can be annihilated over radio. Question; Is this possible?”
Indeed we know anything is possible right? Now then could we direct the radio waves to the receiver in question to send the unstable waves for amplification to disrupt the human? Well we know that certain sounds cause and trigger various emotions, discomfort or changes to humans and if the power was correct we may find this to be a very good non-lethal weapon or a very good military tool depending on the combinations of vibrational frequencies used. So, consider this in 2006.
“Lance Winslow” - Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/
Nov 28, 2007 | Uncategorized
A Controversial Question
At ELT English seminars, workshops and TESOL conferences, one question I’m frequently asked is whether I think computers will eventually replace English teachers. I flash back to the film “Matrix”. In an early scene, our neophyte hero “Neo” is learning Kung Fu by being plugged in to a computer. Scant hours later, he opens his eye, sits up, and announces, “I know Kung Fu!” The ensuing scenes depict how an older, more experienced mentor (a.k.a. a teacher) follows up by evaluating young Neo’s “skills”. “Show me”, the teacher asks in typical fashion. Now if you’ve been following along with me so far, you already have a clue as to my asnswer to these teachers’ question.
Computers replace a human English teacher?
Are you kidding?
“Ain’t no way, Jose.”
But English teachers, don’t totally relax just yet. What I think we DO need to do is to “re-invent” a portion of the concept of “school”. Here’s what I mean.
Reinventing the Concept of School
Schools, at virtually any level, will need to be virtually and interactively linked to an extensive array of external resources. This means that the “traditional” board, markers and OHP will need to give way to additional, integrated resources that expand the classroom environment to an almost unlimited degree. I mean the works; audio, video, internet, webcams, IM, TXTing, chat, e-mail, RSS, even real-time multi-media input feeds. The classroom and its students would be linked to additional resources like:
• Corporations
• Libraries
• Museums
• Government facilities
• Science, technology and medical centers
• Industry
• Laboratories
• Other learning Institutions
In this way, students would more normally utilize learning activities such as web quests, inter-active dynamics and virtual tours to expand and deepen their knowledge on principles and concepts. The learners would no longer be limited to the knowledge, resources and facilities available at the institution where they attend classes. Instead, the world, literally, is their classroom.
Impact on Learning
How would this directly impact learning? Well, if you’re learning computers, wouldn’t direct access to Microsoft Corp. materials and training be a real boon? Technology students would doubtless derive immense benefit from direct links with MIT ( web.mit.edu/), Cal Tech ( caltech.edu/), or Lucent Corp. ( lucent.com/) Engineering students would thrive on access to NASA located online at: ( nasa.gov/home/index.html), Boeing ( boeing.com/), Westinghouse ( westinghouse.com/home.html), Dupont ( www2.dupont.com/DuPont_Home/en_US/index.html) or a host of other high-tech corporations.
Law, Government, Human Rights and Political Science students would be at the top of their game hard-wired into Federal, State and local government databases, or FBI ( fbi.gov/), the London Metropolitan Police ( met.police.uk/), the CIA ( cia.gov/) and ATF ( atf.treas.gov/ ) databases with their accompanying local, regional and national resources. Health majors could be up to date with real-time events in Pathology, Epidemics research, natural disaster response resource information and population health threats through the CDC ( cdc.gov/), medical and health networks or the UN ( un.org/). The possibilities are almost endless.
So, I agree that the “traditional” approaches to teaching and learning, not only English and other foreign languages, but numerous other fields as well, will continue to evolve to serve the needs of learners, business and educational institutions. With CBL (Content-Based Learning), well-prepared TEFL English teachers, armed with knowledge, skills and continually developing technology, have nothing to fear from computers. Technology is yet another powerful tool in promoting the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, now and in the future.
What do YOU think?
Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: mailto:lynchlarrym@gmail.com lynchlarrym@gmail.com
Nov 27, 2007 | Uncategorized
Online Automotive Training Schools offer instruction on the basic concepts and functions of automotive engines through instruction modules. Online Automotive Training begins with instruction on the fundamentals of electrical circuitry, fuels, batteries, motor functions, etc., presented in written, diagram, and sometimes animated forms.
Automotive Training curriculums must continually be updated to keep apace of rapidly changing technology in the automotive industry. Today electronic systems and complex computers run automobiles while measuring performance on the road. Automotive technicians have become high-tech diagnosticians, using electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based reference materials. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately can be the most challenging and most rewarding skill for a good Automotive Training student.
Students can expect to learn the essentials of maintenance and auto repair procedures from tires and suspension to computerized functions through Online Automotive Training modules. Courses will emphasize the development of a solid understanding of functions that will be necessary to effectively diagnose and analyze automotive problems.
Course studies in Online Automotive Training may include good communication skills and techniques in relation to customer service. Other skills that will serve an Automotive Technician are sound reasoning capabilities and a thorough knowledge of the complex components and interactions of auto bodies and motors.
Fulfillment of examinations for the basics of automobile functions can be completed online. Passing the Online Automotive Training examinations will allow students to enter the laboratory phase of their automotive education with hands-on experience in a shop.
Online Automotive Training programs may take up to a year. Completing an Automotive Technician Associate Degree, which includes laboratory studies, can take up to two years. Certified Automotive Technicians can expect to be subjected to regular review and recertification requisites.
Find an Online Automotive Training program at www.schoolsgalore.com and begin your training for a career in automotive maintenance and repair.
Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com
M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with schoolsgalore.com/ SchoolsGalore.com. Find schoolsgalore.com/categories/4/automotive_training_online_schools.html Automotive Training Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools
Nov 27, 2007 | Uncategorized
Culinary Schools train students in the culinary arts of cooking and baking; identifying fruits, vegetables, and meats; determining freshness; creating new recipes; and preparing sauces, entrees, soups, appetizers, desserts, pastries, and much more. Culinary chefs are trained by Culinary Schools to measure, mix, and cook ingredients according to recipes, as well as to create recipes and methods to produce new and unusual dishes.
Culinary chefs learn through Culinary Schools the best uses of a variety of pots, pans, and equipment - ovens, grills, broilers, grinders, slicers, and blenders. Executive chefs are head cooks and responsible for directing the work of other kitchen staff, preparing menus, estimating food needs, and ordering supplies. Courses at Culinary Schools address operating a business, and managing personnel and kitchens, as well as of sanitation, hygiene, safety, nutrition, human resource management, cost control, and table service.
Culinary Schools that specialize in the arts of baking and pastry teach techniques for preparing basic syrups, icings, pastry dough, fillings, cakes, breads, candies, and many other bakery items. Bakers and chefs may begin their professional careers in accredited vocational Culinary Schools or in other four-year Culinary Schools. Professional culinary chefs may choose to opt for additional courses at Culinary Schools and experience, and work as apprentices for some time. Apprentices may serve time as sous chefs, supporting head chefs while gaining experience.
Executive culinary chefs who desire to work in fine-dining restaurants require years of training and experience through Culinary Schools, and generally have an intense ambition for cooking. Incomes for cooks and chefs vary considerably. Executive Culinary chefs with well-developed skills and expertise and can anticipate incomes over $60,000.
If you think you would enjoy a career as a chef, there are numerous Culinary Schools to choose from, including Online Culinary Schools. If you would like to learn more about schoolsgalore.com/categories/2/culinary_schools.html Culinary Schools, look for more in-depth information and resources on our website.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com
Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com
Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.
Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our schoolsgalore.com/traditionalschools.cfm Traditional School Directory and find Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, and schoolsgalore.com/categories/4/online_schools.html Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.
Nov 27, 2007 | Uncategorized
In my opinion, choosing the right college for allopathic medical school preparation is more strategic than most people realize. It is widely believed that a Bachelor’s degree at a competitive and/or prestigious university alone gets your foot in the door at most allopathic medical schools. This is one of the most damaging assumptions anyone can make and can cost you a potential “yes” from an outstanding US medical school.
How AMCAS medical school applications are evaluated
The AMCAS system is used by a majority of medical admissions committees to streamline the admissions process for both the applicant and the school. AMCAS is the system that forwards your verified GPA and MCAT information to each potential medical school. This means that instead of having to send an individual application, transcript, MCAT score to each school, AMCAS does it all for you.
There are three essential criteria that are presented to committees via AMCAS: overall GPA, science GPA, and MCAT score. In this article, I will discuss the importance of a high GPA and the strategies that will ensure your position as an ideal candidate for medical school.
Overall GPA vs. Science GPA
A high science GPA is a critical factor in medical school admissions.
The course requirements for most medical schools involves a year of the following: general biology lab, general chemistry lab, general physics lab, organic chemistry lab. Variable requirements include statistics and/or calculus. All these classes get factored into the science GPA, a “number” that indicates to the admissions committee of your personal ability to grasp material taught in medical school. Even though it may seem unfair, it is the most effective way that admissions office can handle the high volume of applicants in an orderly and timely manner.
The overall GPA plays a role, albeit a minor one, in the medical admissions game. If your overall GPA varies from the science GPA significantly, it indicates to committees of your lack of interest in certain subjects and this may be a red flag for some. This is because medicine is an interdisciplinary field and even though most of it is science, being a successful physician may require effective public speaking and English skills. If you have anything less than a B in these courses in college, it may have some bearing on your chances at getting admission. However, maintaining a high science GPA should be a bigger priority. So if you have to chose between acing your Microbiology exam or writing a winning Poetics paper one late night, I would say go for the Microbiology.
Choosing a School and Major the Maximizes Your Science GPA
As long as you have the above required coursework completed, there is no need to pursue upper division coursework (unless you are a science major). If I had known this earlier, I would have majored in economics or political science and truly enjoyed my lab-free undergraduate days. Instead, I chose to major in biology and spend my evenings writing lab reports and memorizing esoteric concepts.
Do NOT feel obligated to pursue a science major if your future plans include medical school. Instead, pursue a major that you genuinely are interested in- may it be art, dance, quantum physics. This will not only guarantee that you will maintain a high overall GPA in college, but also that you will enjoy your college experience. Also, this is refreshing to a medical school since non-science majors provide diversity and interesting insight to the community. As long as you find a way to incorporate a way to take all the required science classes, you will be okay.
Do NOT major in science unless you know 100% that you will get at least a B on all upper division coursework. Every science class you take gets factored into the science GPA, not just the prerequisite classes. So if you decided to take an advanced organic chemistry course out of sheer interest and end up getting a D, this will be factored into your science GPA and will look very poor, even though it was an esoteric course. As a science major, you will have to take more science courses in upper division that can be graded more harshly. There is no need to jeopardize your undergraduate science GPA unless you know you will do extremely well in these classes. I’m not here to discourage you if you really want to major in biochemistry or physics, but I do want to warn you of the possible consequences in the growing stiff competition in the world of medical school admissions.
How the College You Attend Gets Factored In
The college you ultimately end up choosing to attend weighs heavily, but indirectly, on medical school applications. For the most part, your capabilities as a medical school student are represented by the three magic numbers: overall GPA, science GPA, and MCAT.
I chose to attend Reed College because of its research-based curriculum and thesis year. Reed College had the facilities that taught me how to think critically and to do self-directed laboratory research that I thought would be a rigorous introduction to medical research and medical school. In fact Reed College churns out the most undergraduates that end up getting a PhD in biology in the nation.
What ends up hurting me in the end is a triple threat: Reed’s anti-grade inflation policy, being a biology major, and being a biology major at Reed. There have only been a handful of 4.0 graduates during Reed’s existence. I don’t think any of them were in any of the science departments (I’d have to double check on this). Imagine how this has affected my overall GPA and science GPA. Considering how hard I work here, I think that I would’ve maintained something close to a 4.0 GPA that I had if I had attended transferred to a university. This is especially because Reed’s upper division courses also have a graded lab portion, unlike other schools. But this is not just the case at Reed.
Most liberal arts colleges have a tougher grading system than other universities. The combination of smaller class sizes and emphasis on academics rather than grades is what drives the GPA down in liberal arts schools. In smaller classes, professors are more careful in evaluating their students and can have more tougher exams because they don’t need to grade a huge volume of exams in a short period of time. I attempted to take organic chemistry at Reed for a semester and dropped it after a couple weeks. The tests were very intensive, involving writing complete mechanisms of reactions and predicting entire chemical structures from scratch. The lab portion was independent. We were asked to try to make a certain chemical with a limited amount of reagents on our own.
I spent my following summer at University of California, Riverside taking the organic chemistry course again. The exams at certain points were multiple choice (!) and the lab portion involved following a simple protocol every meeting rather than using critical thinking to adapt what was learned in lecture into lab. And since the class was well over 200 students, the entire course was streamlined this way so that grades could be put up on time and TAs could minimize the amount of time it took to grade.
Conclusion?
Most liberal arts school have a very strong philosophy on learning rather than being taught. The curriculum is almost always tougher and the average GPA of a graduate almost always significantly lower. Not to put down larger universities, but Reed students could blow UCR students out of the water in organic chemistry. But who is more likely going to get into medical school: the B- student that learned how to synthesize a ester alcohol on his own or the A student that mastered the art of multiple choice and rote memorization? I would say the A student because that is what AMCAS sees and the system is blind to any fine detail.
If you would like more tips and tricks that will ensure a successful and meaningful college career, please visit my website at meeraonthewall.com meeraonthewall.com
Author information can be found at meeraonthewall.com/?page_id=2 meeraonthewall.com/?page_id=2
Nov 27, 2007 | Uncategorized
Okay, Kids! Here is a little quiz for you on the Charge of the Light Brigade:
Question: What made the Charge of the Light Brigade famous?
Answer: Read the answer at uea.ac.uk/edu/learn/braysher/charge.htm. Historians are still shaking their heads about a muddled attack on superior forces. A famous poem kept the pot stirring.
Question: What armies were engaged?
Answer: The British were fighting the Russians.
Question: What war was that anyway?
Answer: The charge took place at the Battle of Balaclava (Ukraine) in the Crimean War (1854-56).
Question: What was the fighting all about?
Answer: The Russians had taken the Dardanelles. The British were afraid their sea lanes would be jeopardized.
Question: Who wrote the famous poem The Charge of the Light Brigade?
Answer: Lord Tennyson. The poem is short so read the poem at nationalcenter.org/ChargeoftheLightBrigade.html.
The historian Corelli Barnett said:
It is curious that … the charge of the Light Brigade should loom so large in British legend. Only 673 men were involved, and they lost 157 men out of 20 000 war dead. Why have the British chosen to make a sentimental legend out of a pointless effort arising from muddled orders? The entirely successful and equally gallant charge of the Heavy Brigade earlier on the same day is generally forgotten… See again uea.ac.uk/edu/learn/braysher/charge.htm.
The End
John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine. He calls himself “Taylor Jones, the hack writer.”
More info: tjbooks.com tjbooks.com
Business web site: dumbincome.com dumbincome.com
Nov 26, 2007 | Uncategorized
John Hay High School
John Hay High School is poised to host the two newest additions to the Cleveland Schools‘ long list of academically challenging magnet schools. Rather than focusing on only one discipline, John Hay High School will develop two completely separate programs for specially selected students. As part of its mission to better serve the students of the Cleveland Public School District, the school will screen applicants in two interesting and academically rigorous fields. One program will focus on Architecture and Design. The other will focus on Science and Medicine.
The Cleveland School of Architecture and Design
The Cleveland School of Architecture and Design is open to students in the Cleveland Public School District, including some qualified home school students. The school is focused on the commercial and applied arts as part of a highly competitive four year, rigorous, public, college preparatory program. In addition to their regular coursework, students will have the opportunity to take advanced coursework on campus as well as participating in activities and learning experiences at nearby institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Cleveland Public School District students will have to take on extra work in order to qualify for this unique opportunity. The school will have an extended school year and require students to participate in activates beyond regular school hours. All students will also have to maintain a high standard of personal and academic achievement, including following a rigorous code of conduct, a dress code, in addition to maintaining a high grade point average and school attendance record.
To be considered for the school, Cleveland Public School District students must have an overall high grade point average in addition to showing talent in the arts. Exceptional talent in the arts, including design and computer art, are weighed alongside potential for leadership and the demonstration of ethical behavior.
The Cleveland School of Science and Medicine
Like its counterpart in Architecture and Design, the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine is open to students in the Cleveland Public School District, including some qualified home school students. The school is focused on the fields of science and medicine within a rigorous academic institution. In addition to campus based learning, students will have opportunities to study at Case Western Reserve University as well as major local health care organization and the world renowned institutions in the University Circle neighborhood.
Like students at the school of Architecture and Design, the Cleveland Public School District students who join the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine will have to participate in educational activities outside of regular school hours as well as attend an extended school year. They will also be held to rigorous academic standards, including a high grade point average.
Cleveland Public School District students eligible for the program must show a demonstrated interest and talent in science, medicine, and mathematics and will be judged by the coursework they have already completed as well as their personal and ethical behavior. Like their fellow students in the school of Architecture and Design, the Cleveland Public School District students accepted into this program must follow a strict code of personal conduct.
Stacy Andell is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. Stacy has a nose for research and writes stimulating news and views on school issues. For more information please visit
Nov 26, 2007 | Uncategorized
We are at a time when educating children is more expensive than ever and both parents and students seek some relief from those costs by applying for scholarships or grants. Undergraduate and Graduate fellowships both have many types of aid that can help student further their education and some of them are rather unusual. Take for example the asthma scholarship. Is this a type of scholarship you would think to be available? Likely not.
However, there are many colleges, private sponsors, fellowships, and nonprofit organizations that offer scholarships like the asthma scholarship. You simply need to know how to go about finding these scholarships.
There are many unusual scholarships available. Take for example the scholarships such as the ones for left handed students, bowlers, scouts, blind student, bird watchers, and bicyclists. Not enough? How about unusual scholarships for farmers, cheerleaders, entrepreneurs, and cartoon experts, and of course the asthma scholarship we already mentioned.
If you suffer from asthma and you want to return to school, there is certainly a chance to save big dollars just by looking for those that offer an asthma scholarship. Online has made this procedure much easier.
In no time you can find a list of companies and organizations that have an asthma scholarship that they offer. Many times it will be organizations that have a relationship with some type of asthma related industry, whether it’s preventions, a help group, or a pharmaceutical.
Here are the top three asthma scholarship info centers. Take some time to read, review and completely fill out all of the information they request. The majority of applicants literally place themselves out of the hunt for a scholarship because they simply do not submit ALL of the paperwork in a timely or thorough fashion. Do not make this mistake. Asthma Scholarships are the surest thing to FREE money that we’ve seen in a long time. Unlike so many of your friends that make errors when making applications for asthma scholarships.
1. www.aaaai.org/members/associates/asthmascholarship/ This scholarship is put on by doctors that treat asthma and allergies.
2. More doctors that treat asthma and allergies.
college.enotes.com/scholarships-loans/american-academy-allergy-asthma-immunology
3. Philanthropic organizations are looking out for asthmatic scholars. Go here for details:
foundationcenter.org/yip/youth_scholarships.html
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for an asthma scholarship online.
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Nov 26, 2007 | Uncategorized
Did you know that no two humans have the exact same scent and that dogs can smell the difference? It is true. In fact a dog can smell the finger print mark left on a glass and then tell the difference between the human that left it and one that didn’t and you can have other people touch the glass too and it knows the difference between the ones that touched the glass and those that did not. Amazing.
Additionally, there are many ways this can be used as a biometric identifier. For instance for security purposes the same a finger print, DNA, blood sample or face recognition. Human scent is unique to the individual and trained dogs only mess up and cannot tell the difference with identical twins and even sometimes that can’t fool them. There are many research papers on this notable anomaly and you thought every one smelled the same except for that lady with the weird perfume at the office.
Well the difference is human pheromones and chances are you have heard of that. Many perfume makers comment about this saying that certain pheromones can attract the opposite sex. Is it true? Some scientists believe so, in the animal kingdom it has been absolutely proven, insects too. Can we use these laws of nature and the chemistry of the human body to guard against International Terrorism? Apparently, so, question is why are we not using these truths of science to our advantage?
There are many biometric markers we can use, and we should not rule any of them out. If the human scent is that distinct then it is a valuable source of information and we ought to take this into consideration, so please think on this.
L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur worldthinktank.net worldthinktank.net . Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by Calling-Plans.com Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Nov 26, 2007 | Uncategorized
There are a large number of schools, colleges and universities online that impart high quality education to students all over the world in a variety of career-oriented disciplines.
Every year thousands of aspiring students register with various online career education institutes that are also called technical or vocational schools. Mostly, an online career education institute is a private or public institution that offers a variety of certifications and degrees in career-specific fields. People can opt for advanced degree or certificate, a diploma, or a two or four-year degree. Their choice depends on the career they are interested in.
Some online educational institutes offer education in a few fields, while others offer education in a lot of career-oriented subjects. Many people are using technology to look for online career education learning about innumerable topics. Online career education courses are available in all fields from accounting, to graphic designing, to law and psychology. Some of the most popular subjects and careers include accounting, cosmetology, hotel and restaurant, information technology and fashion designing. The curriculum comprises practical, as well as subjective knowledge, given by qualified professionals or industry experts.
There are many people who are not aware that they are eligible for scholarships. Generally, the financial support process for students attending an online career education is similar to that of students attending a four-year college. Most online career education colleges participate, in federal financial aid programs that provide students with federal grants and loans.
There are a number of websites that can guide aspiring professionals and working people towards choosing the right career. There are also sites that help locate career education colleges, and provide details on several career schools, graduate programs, distance learning, summer opportunities, financial assistance, test preparation and career guidance.
e-CareerEducation.com Career Education provides detailed information on Career Education, Career Education Online, Life Centered Career Education, Career Education Programs and more. Career Education is affiliated with e-AdultEducation.com Adult Continuing Education.