KRC offers resumé and interview tips

When searching for a job, there are several steps to be taken. These include perfecting your resumé and preparing for your interview. The Kansas Recruitment Center has provided job seekers with guidelines for the process.

The resumé is a representation of you to your future employer. It is your potential employer’s first contact with you. The following are a few tips:

• Keep your resumé concise.
• Be prepared to tailor your resume to each position.
• Use proper grammar and spelling.

source: http://ruralhealtheducationandservices.blogspot.com/

Good Friends

Good friends become good groups.

As your child's friendship base grows, encourage your child to have the group look out for each other. Very seldom, will any of them be all alone at school.

Encourage the children to report any intimidation steps to an adult on duty. Also, to tell their own parents about the situation.........

source: http://daytoday-lifeschool.blogspot.com/

Confidence Building!

Confidence building through role-playing.

As school will some be starting, soon, it is a good time for you, the parent, to start teaching your child how to make friends at school or in social groups.
Teach your "lonely" child to look over the area and find another "lonely" child. The one sitting or standing alone, not playing with anyone, etc. They too, are bully targets......

source: http://daytoday-lifeschool.blogspot.com/2009/07/confidence-building.html

Math Workbooks

There are workbooks on the market for home use. Some are very useful and other are confusing.

With beginning students, books with fine print will not be useful. Too much material on a page is puzzling, it slows progress.

Often these books have one introductory page and the next page moves on to another concept. There are not enough pages to enforce the concepts needed.

I have found it helpful in the classroom to collect useful material and tear it out, add it to a notebook with plastic page sleeves in it. Your material can be added and subtracted as needed.
Over the years, I have collected material this way and can furnish material for most needs.

If you plan to use the material for other children, copy the pages before use.
You will also have a clean copy if the lesson needs to be repeated.
Another method that attracts some students is to write on the plastic with a slim line wipe off marker.

In some cases, if you can arrange to have the answers to the problems, tucked at the end of a set,most students like the freedom of correcting their own answers. I have had students go from page to
page more easily if they could correct their own work.

The Law Of Attraction - Make It Work Today!

All the ancient texts and religious writtings speak of it. Poets, teachers and sages have prnouched the good news of it for thousands of years. Books have been written about it. Songs have been song about it and people have made a fortune teaching it. But do you know enough about it to use it? The Law Of Attraction is probably the most powerful Universal Principle we know of, do you think, perhaps, you should learn a little more about it and maybe even use it to create your dreams?

The Law Of Attraction at its very basic level states that everything is created by thought and that thought attracts to itself physical things, people, situations and circumstances. Your predominant thoughts are activating the Law of Attraction this very moment and bringing these things into your life!

However, we do not just create and attract the material things that enter our lives, we also create the body we occupy, the personality we display and, ultimately, the person we are and we do it all through our thoughts. Are you creating the life you desire & becoming the person you wish to be or are you like Job and bringing upon you all manner of woes because you are giving your attention to them? Perhaps you are even identifying yourself as a victim and refusing to acknowledge the Law and use it consciously!

The Law Of Attraction is not as big a Secret, as the hit movie would have you believe. Having been in existence since the very begining of time, it is an unyielding, never bending, unbreakable Uiversal Rule. You cannot escape it! There is a great body of evidence that suggests mankind has known about, and utilised, the great Law for about 7000 years. But these teachings were hidden for thousands of years by those people who wished to control the population. Through hiding the laws of the universe and the knowledge that we create our own realities these dogmatic leeches could keep all the power for themselves and ensure no-one opposed their rule. The great Law Of Attraction was actually banned in the past.

It was largely at the beginning of the 20th century that the general public started to become aware of this great law due to the diligence, fortitude, integrity and grace of writers such as James Allen (1864-1912), Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) and Charles Haanel (1866-1949).

Wallace D. Wattles, born in 1860 and died in 1911, was also a forward thinking man. In his great work "The Science of Getting Rich" Wattles states a great truth, "There is a thinking stuff from which all things are made, which, in its original state, permeates, penetrates, and fills the interspaces of the universe. A thought in this substance produces the thing that is imaged by the thought." How revolutionary that statement was in 1910.

Haanel set out in a 24 part correspondence course, which is now condensed into one volume called "The Master Key System", a complete guide to successfully using the Law Of Attraction! It was banned by the Church in 1933 due to its revelations. This is allegedly the book Bill Gates read before he created Microsoft!

Napoleon Hill revealed Andrew Carnegie's great Secret to the world - that thoughts create things - when he wrote "Think & Grow Rich" in 1937 (although it had taken him 25 years to complete).

James Allen wrote his famous work in 1912 and in "As a Man Thinketh" he tells people that "mind is the master-weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance, and that, as they may have hitherto woven in ignorance and pain they may now weave in enlightenment and happiness."

However, although the teachings have been around for thousands of years and they have been readily and easily available to the general public for almost a century the great majority of people do not take the time to learn the workings of probably the most powerful physical law in the Universe.

I think you owe it to yourself to delve deeper into this mysterious Universe and learn as much as you can about the laws that govern your life. When you truly understand the Law Of Attraction and begin to work with it for you personal advantage, I promise you, your life will change in fantastic, unexpected and unlimited ways.

Begin now to utilize this gift and construct in your imagination the life you really want to live. Seek out ways to remove your own inner resistance and limiting beliefs.

Writing Articles To Promote Your Website

Writing articles is an excellent way for you to get free publicity. The techniques for writing articles are numerous and beyond the scope of this article. That is why writing articles are one of the most utilized Internet marketing media today. Many marketers know that writing articles are great and powerful methods to marketing online. Although writing articles are very easy to do once you know how, getting someone to show you the tricks can be the hard part. Both the press release and writing articles are two important steps on the road to internet marketing success. I think speaking and writing articles are effective ways to keep your name out there. Writing articles are one of the oldest forms of advertising on the internet.

A quality web site should contain at least some original content. Articles make great keyword-rich content for your site. Duplicate content is penalized in the Google search engine results and many other search engines are following. Creating effective web content is a skill that is built over time and experience. Good articles are content rich. The best kept secret of traffic is still the secret of good content. Because content is still superior on the internet, writing articles provides you with a major piece of leverage online. Providing the content the search engines need is a virtual gold mine for entrepreneurs. Content is superior, this will never change on the internet. Writing web content is much like writing articles. Many people don't realize that a website needs good content to work. Try to focus most of your time getting good content for your web site.

Here are some article writing tips. Article containing guidelines and tips for writing articles, online magazines, white papers, tutorials, educational and corporate are excellent articles to write. Here are some other writing tips to increase traffic to your site. If you don't like writing paragraphs, you could make it a 'Tips' article, here is an example, 5 ways to improve your golf swing, then list the 5 good ways. The following are some good tips to master the technique of writing articles. Create a list of keywords your target audience would use to find information on your topic.

Many successful Internet marketers have found out that one of the best ways to drive traffic to their websites is by writing articles. One of the best ways to get traffic to your site is by writing articles and placing the link to your site in the author's bio-box at the end. Nevertheless, there are ways to promote your website and increase your web traffic without spending anything. The second best way to bring free traffic to your website is writing articles. The simple answer is that it takes time to write articles, submit them and get targeted traffic to their websites. Turn words into traffic is something everyone can do to grow and expand their online business by writing articles. You can get reasonable amount of traffic by writing articles. Ever wonder how some people seem to generate traffic at the click of a button. Don’t forget about all those back links to your website, this is very important when building link popularity. Online articles may be the single best way to get traffic to your web site.

Writing articles are a great way of positioning your online business. One key point to remember, one article will not do it you need to continually submit articles to all of article sites. One strategy to use is to submit one article per week. By the end of the year you would have submitted 52 articles.

Free Network Marketing Information-Stop Complaining!

Today's free network marketing information tip has to do with mindset instead of marketing. I believe that with the right mindset, marketing and sponsoring will naturally become easier!

I have to admit that I have fallen prey to some of these thoughts. The thing to do is to get rid of the thought as soon as it comes and get back to doing what you need to do to build your business.

Need help with this? Let's see what Tom, Big Al, Schreiter recommends!

This #!*@! business doesn't work!!!

My new distributor was complaining: "This #!*@! business doesn't work!!!"

And my new distributor was right. The business doesn't work.

So I had to tell the new distributor a story.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

You look for the best car for you, and you purchase the car.

Then, you never learned how to drive your car.

You never take driving lessons, you never go out driving with your parents, you never read the owner's manual. You don't know what the pedals are like on the floor or where to put the key into the ignition.

The only thing you did was a couple attempts at "trial and error." You yelled at your car and said, "Drive! Drive!" And your car didn't drive itself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

So now you looked for a network marketing business that is good for you. You purchased the business and joined.

But you never learned how to make your business work.

The only thing you did was "trial and error." You said the wrong words to a few friends and two cold leads.

And your business didn't build itself. Your business didn't work.

* You didn't come to Saturday trainings.
* You didn't do three-way calls with your sponsor.
* You didn't listen to my training CDs.
* You didn't come with your sponsor when your sponsor went prospecting.
* You didn't learn how to give a "One-Minute Presentation."
* You didn't learn "SuperClosing" or any closing skill.
* You didn't learn about the "Colors" . . . the four different personalities and how to talk to them.
* You didn't learn any effective "Ice Breakers" or openings.
* You didn't learn how to get prospects to beg you for presentations.
* You didn't learn any effective first sentences.
* You didn't learn how prospects make decisions in their minds.
* You didn't learn how to get unlimited appointments.
* You didn't learn how to stop sounding like a sleazy salesman.
* You didn't learn any of the "sequences of words" to communicate directly with the prospects.
* You didn't learn how to use the differences between needs and wants.
* You didn't learn where and how to locate the best prospects.
* You didn't learn how to create prospects instantly on demand with effective sentences.
* You didn't learn the sequences of words top leaders use.
* You didn't learn how to open a presentation.
* You didn't learn how to build instant rapport with anyone.
* You didn't learn how to use word pictures.
* You didn't learn how to talk directly to the subconscious mind of the prospect.
* You didn't learn why prospects tell you "No" when they should be agreeing with you.
* You didn't learn the first things you must say to cold prospects.
* You didn't learn how to locate and create leaders.
* You didn't learn why goal-setting doesn't work.
* You didn't learn how to motivate people.
* You didn't learn how to get your prospects' unconscious minds to work for them.
* You didn't learn how to use stories to bypass the two mind filters of prospects.
* You didn't learn how to quickly capture your prospects' imagination and attention.
* You didn't learn how to . . .

So stop blaming the business.

The business doesn't work.

You work.

Don't blame the "stupid" prospects, the weather, the economy, the product pricing, the compensation plan or your sponsor.

If you want to drive the new car you purchased . . . learn to drive.

Free Network Marketing Information Tip-Monster presentation tip

I think you are going to love today's free network marketing information tip.

As we all know Tom, Big Al, Schreiter is a marketing genius. Today, we're gonna learn what we need to do to give a "monster presentation" tip.

Monster presentation tip.

Thirty-seven years ago I went to my first opportunity meeting.

All I can remember from that meeting are two testimonials given by distributors.

The first testimonial was by a nun. The second testimonial was by a distributor who told how his father never believed he would be successful.

I don't remember the compensation plan, the product features, the corporate history, the slide presentation, or even the faces of the main speakers.

All I remember are the two testimonials.

The lesson is:

Don't get too worried about the details in your presentation. Your prospect is only going to remember one or two things. So why not give your prospect memories of a powerful product or opportunity testimonial?

How to Choose An Ideal PDF Converter?

PDF is one of the most popular file formats today; PDF files have features that are not offered by other file formats like security, compact size, accessibility, usage restrictions, and a lot more. This has led to the increase in converting files in various formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to PDF. Of these the most common need is to convert Word to PDF. This is because most official documents, resumes, business contracts, etc. are in Word Format. Furthermore, due to the security and other unique features of PDF files the demand of Word to PDF converter has always been there. The presence of a plethora of PDF converters on the market makes choosing an ideal PDF converter a little tricky. This article mentions some features that you should look for while choosing an ideal PDF converter.PDF is one of the most popular file formats today; PDF files have features that are not offered by other file formats like security, compact size, accessibility, usage restrictions, and a lot more. This has led to the increase in converting files in various formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to PDF. Of these the most common need is to convert Word to PDF. This is because most official documents, resumes, business contracts, etc. are in Word Format. Furthermore, due to the security and other unique features of PDF files the demand of Word to PDF converter has always been there. The presence of a plethora of PDF converters on the market makes choosing an ideal PDF converter a little tricky. This article mentions some features that you should look for while choosing an ideal PDF converter.User-Friendliness: This is undoubtedly, one of the most important features. A software that cannot be used easily is no good. A good converter has the ability to be used even by the non-experts, it will convert word to PDF, Html to pdf ,excel to PDF, PowerPoint to PDF in just a few clicks.Merging feature: Some PDF creators allow you to merge multiple PDF files into a single PDF file. So, you must look for this feature in your ideal PDF converter.Security feature: A good PDF converter provides you with features that help you protect your PDF files from unauthorized access. You can Password-Protect your PDF files. To ensure that it can not be edited or copied.Document setting feature: A good PDF converter gives you the ability to specify the Title, Author, Subject and Keywords, which in turn helps you to organize your documents efficiently.Batch conversion: Batch conversion feature of Word to PDF converter lets you convert multiple files in one go. This feature, without saying, saves a great deal of your time when you need to convert several files.Conversion-from-multiple-formats: There are some PDF converters that are not just Word to PDF converter tools, but do the job of multiple converters. They allow for the conversion of files in several other formats like Word, Excel, and Power Point to PDF, Html to pdf converter .If you are thinking of buying a Word to PDF converter that is robust and efficient, do a thorough research, read reviews, check out the trial version and only then take your decision.

India Education Historical Background

The Vedas, Puranas, Ayurveda,Yoga, Kautilya's Arthasahtra are only some of the milestones that the traditional Indian knowledge system boasts of. There are evidences of imparting formal education in ancient India under the Gurukul system. Under the Gurukul system, young boys who were passing through the Brahmacharya stage of life had to stay at the Guru or the teacher's home and complete their education. Although the ancient system of education has produced many geniuses and still a major area of research, it was hardly egalitarian. Women and people of lower castes gradually lost their right to educate themselves. The spread of Jainism, Buddhism, Bhakti and Sufi movements did have some liberating effects on the condition of the women, sudras and atisudras. But it is the English language and the reformation movements of the 19th century that had the most liberating effect in pre-independent India. Thus, the Britishers, although rightly criticized for devastating the Indian economy, can also be credited for bringing a revolution in the Indian education system.

Education System in India:The present education system in India mainly comprises of primary education, secondary education, senior secondary education and higher education. Elementary education consists of eight years of education. Each of secondary and senior secondary education consists of two years of edu- cation. Higher education in India starts after passing the higher secondary education orthe 12th standard. Depending on the stream, doing graduation in India can take three to five years. Post graduate courses are generally of two to three years of duration. After completing post graduation, scope for doing research in various educational institutes also remains open.

Online Education world:
India Edu provides vital details of online education in India and abroad. You will get the information on different online courses conducted by various institutions and all the processes and procedures applied. Keep navigating Indiaedu to have all required info on online courses.

Math A Difficulty

Is frustration with math a difficulty in your home? We all have our favorite activities that are easier for us then others? This is true in school subjects.

This is the time where parents and family can be great teachers. If you know where to start.

At convient times and quiet times ask your child to give the answer to easy math addition facts.
2+2= , etc. Choose random math facts. Some may be easy, others may be missed or unknown.

Whatever the reason, you have discovered 2 pieces to the education puzzle.

Does the child really have the math facts learned?

Practice only a few very easy ones in the beginning.
Gradually add other and drop off the learned material.

Invest in a set of flash cards, starting with addition, if that is the problem.

Add the other math facts in turn: subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions.
Use the same procedures with each of them.

What Is Wet Bulb Temperature

“Wet Bulb temperature” is a term used by HVAC technicians when checking cooling operation with a “sling psychrometer”. The result indicates the temperature of air measured using a standard mercury-in-glass thermometer, with the thermometer bulb typically wrapped in gauze or a muslin-type material, with air passing over its surface. The covering is kept wet during testing. The evaporation of water from the thermometer has a cooling effect (Wet Bulb Depression), so the temperature shown is less than the temperature shown on a Dry Bulb thermometer used during the same test.

When compared to the Dry Bulb temperature, the difference indicates to the technician the approximate relative humidity of the occupied space against a known scale, as well as the operating conditions of the system during cooling.

The wet bulb temperature is very dependent on the moisture content of the air. What happens in a wet bulb temperature measurement is that water begins evaporating from the bulb of the thermometer. The evaporation of water causes a cooling effect on the thermometer bulb, and the temperature measured by the thermometer drops. If evaporation occurs easily, as with dry air, there is a temperature drop. However, if there is high humidity conditions, the temperature measured on a wetted thermometer bulb may drop only slightly or not at all, because there is too much moisture in the air. When the wet bulb temperature equals the dry bulb temperature, air is totally saturated with water and no further evaporation can occur. This is called 100% saturation. This is the condition that is met at the surface of the evaporator when air is cooled to its saturation temperature and begins to change state, giving up heat to refrigerant and condensing moisture out to be drained away during cooling. The leaving air is cooled and transferred to the conditioned space in the summer.

Why Marketing and Advertising are Key to Home-Based Business Success

If you are looking for a way to earn extra income or even quit your job and work part-time to bring in a full-time income, the chances are that you've encountered any number of home-based business opportunities. Some home-based business opportunities fall into the category of traditional networking marketing, where you sign up with a company to sell products and the opportunity to your network of contacts. Typically, this involves house parties or a variation of house parties, and exhausting your friends, neighbors, and family members with requests to host parties or to give you the contact information of their friends and colleagues.

Increasingly, however, home-based business opportunities are Internet-based. The lure is seductive, in that the idea of building a home-based business with a computer, keyboard, and mouse is extremely appealing. And there is definitely money to be made and many legitimate Web-based opportunities. How, though, do you separate the fly-by-night operations from those that are credible? In two words, it's marketing and advertising.

The ability to market and advertise a networking marketing plan is key to its growth and success. After all, there's an enormous amount of competition out there, and the company that has marketing and advertising expertise will always come out on top. So, when you're looking at home-based business opportunities, the first things to consider are who does the marketing and advertising, and who assumes the cost of marketing and advertising.

When you think about it, it all comes down to synergy. In simple terms, it means that two or more entities come together, and that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In the real world of home-based business opportunities, it means that two or three companies enter into an agreement and form a network marketing company. In the best possible scenario, each of the companies has a specialty. One company might specialize in, for example, wellness products, while another's expertise might be in helping people build businesses. The third company might be a marketing company that has knowledge and experience in Internet marketing. While each of the three companies has an area of expertise, together they can achieve much more than any of them could separately.

Of the three companies, it can be argued that the marketing company plays the most pivotal role. And, increasingly, Internet marketing companies are partnering with product and business companies to profit from the network marketing opportunity. What does that mean if you're looking for a good home-based business? It means that you don't have to do the marketing and advertising yourself. That is a huge plus for any opportunity. After all, you're probably not a whiz at Internet marketing, so an opportunity that does the marketing and advertising for you will ultimately add to your bottom line. You don't have to spend a fortune in marketing costs, yet you reap the benefits from their efforts.

Of course, the other two companies involved are also important. Again, if you're not experienced in setting up and running a business, having a company that specializes in helping people like you create their own businesses is invaluable. Likewise, a company with a desirable product and a sterling reputation will also help you succeed. But when you're begin reviewing home-based business opportunities, always look at the ways in which the company will promote the product and the opportunity. In doing so, you'll always come out ahead.


Razzle is a brand new micro blogging community set up by professional Internet marketers, for Internet marketers. If you are tired of tip toeing around the "other" networks trying to market your business, this is the place for you! Network with others, that's what Razzle is all about!

Going Green with Online Education

How can online education REALLY prepare individuals for jobs in the building trades or the building performance industry?Don’t they need to have lab work or hands on experience too? Here are some answers!

Let’s face it; computers have changed our world in a few short years. People are becoming more and more comfortable using computers for searching the internet for information like news, sports, and weather. We’re banking and bill paying, shopping on sites like Amazon, E-bay or Craigslist, making travel reservations, seeking medical advice, and conducting job searches. We’re looking up how-to-do just about anything from recipes to car repairs to home repairs. We’re also keeping in touch with friends, family, and business associates through emails, e-cards, instant messaging, and the latest innovation social networking. In fact, many repair manuals, parts catalogs, installation or assembly instructions, schematics, diagrams, and specifications are available to technicians and professionals online. Our society embraces the internet and online learning is part of this movement. Online education is an outstanding tool that better prepares individuals for real working environments and the use of technology.

Online Education used to be little more than correspondence courses delivered electronically. But, that is no longer true! The learning management systems used by colleges, universities, and private schools is so friendly for the students and the instructors that online learning offers a richer exposure to the topics than ever before imagined. Courses are written and taught by enthusiastic experts on the topic, not just taught by a faculty member who is on staff. Courses include videos, graphics, charts, tables, animations, simulations, and games impossible to deliver in a standard classroom setting. Courses may be completely self-contained or may align with textbooks(s) or other study guides. Enrolled students are encouraged to research via the Internet to discover current information, issues, events, and trends. Online students are more likely to spend additional time exploring topics without the constraints of scheduled classes. Online courses are more consistent in content and delivery than live classrooms—every time the course is offered to every student, it is the same course. The course does not vary from one instructor to another. Online exams are more consistent and are automatically graded with software that provides accurate and immediate feedback to the student. Test scores also contribute to the student’s final grade in the course without the element of instructor error or favoritism, providing unbiased immediate results.

So what’s GREEN about online education? The most obvious is the lack of travel. Students and instructors gather in front of their home or office computers or laptops to study, exchange emails, instant messages, and phone calls. There is no driving necessary which reduces emissions. And there’s more to the energy and resource savings. There are no buildings to heat, cool, furnish, maintain, landscape, or supervise. And there are no paper handouts, pencils, or pens, typically. Online education is truly the best practice in green education.

Another benefit is due to some level of inherent anonymity, there is no discrimination in the online learning environment. Students who are capable of participating in online courses are equal members of the learning community regardless of race, color, religious beliefs, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or financial or social status. Students with different learning styles can learn at their own pace. The only limit is the student’s motivation and participation. Online learning environments also engage all personality types equally. Students who are usually shy or overly self-confident may participate at equal levels without fear. There are no bullies. Online learning communities are created in the discussions with an opportunity for students to exchange thoughts and ideas with others who may come from ANY geographic area, climate zone, or demographic category, expanding the student’s exposure to diversity.

Online education is also more inclusive and student friendly than regular classroom learning environments. Online students don’t have to wait in long lines to register or visit with their advisor, or walk through bad neighborhoods or dark streets to get to their cars. They simply send an email or leave a phone message and receive an individualized response. Students have one-on-one access to student support services. Students study in the comfort and safety of their chosen learning environment (at their home, office, work, library, or with their laptop computer literally anywhere). Without all the distractions of a classroom environment, students focus their attention on learning. Many online courses allow learners to work at their own pace or to login and participate on a schedule that fits the student’s schedule. Individuals who choose online learning do not have to uproot their homes and families to move near the college or school that offers their chosen course of study. They can keep their homes, families, and jobs; and their children can continue their school activities. Online learning demands less sacrifice from students and their families and is more accessible.

Having addressed a number of advantages for students, I need to mention that online learners perform better if they have some computer skills, are self-motivated, know how to schedule their time, and take responsibility for their learning experience. The online classroom is not the best place for a student who needs a more structured environment.

Online learning has some limits, much like a face-to-face classroom. When students need to demonstrate the application of the learned theory, for example in a career that is practical or technical in nature (such as HVAC, remodeling, or building performance), there is only one way—face-to-face. This cannot be achieved online. However, don’t be discouraged. Many technical programs offer a blended program of online theory and face-to-face application. Students learn the academic/theory portion online and step into the learning lab or the field classroom for the hands-on practicum. Some blended programs are coupled with on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or internships where others provide mentoring. These blended program models bring together the best of both environments for optimum learning.

Traditional academic institutions, like colleges and universities, are commonly accredited as a measure of quality. However, quality assurance via accreditation of online educational institutions is still in its infancy. Consumers need to beware and seek out reputable educational organizations. For academic institutions and courses, look for regional accreditation that is current. For practical or technical courses, look for credentials from nationally recognized industry-specific organizations. There are numerous measures of excellence depending on the content of the coursework. There are also a few distance education accreditations that provide an assurance of quality. Consumers may also want to check for negative reports through the Better Business Bureau before signing a contract. Once you have a quality online educational experience, it’s hard to go back to a classroom.


· “I’ve been exceedingly pleased with the Principles of Building Science course. You guys have done an amazing job and I am really enjoying the course. It has only boosted my passion for this industry.” Anthony
· “I have enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to improve my mechanical and electrical knowledge in the field. It has enabled me to advance in my workplace to a position I could not have achieved without the course.” Charles
· “Loved that I could take this course on my own screwed up schedule without threat of missing any material due to unforeseen circumstances.”
· “It was great taking this course and being able to apply what I have learned in the field.”

One other exciting aspect about online education is its ability to be scaled up or down. Whether there is only one student or a thousand students, online education can be a great asset to any organization experiencing the growing pains of delivering traditional education programs. This is a particularly attractive option in today’s marketplace where programs are being overwhelmed by those seeking access to education.

Online education for the building trades and the building performance industry is a great way to go GREEN!

Alex Beam Forces H&E Hiatus

Well, not really. Alex Beam isn't forcing me, of course, to do anything. But his well-received new book, A Great Idea At The Time: The Rise, Fall, And Curious Afterlife of the Great Books, has lit a fire under me.

After many worthy post-dissertation/PhD "distractions"---including a new son, many conference presentations, several articles, hundreds of blog posts (over 630 not counting USIH pieces), and a new job (including one year-long academic job hunt)---it's time for me to get focused and tell my story about Mortimer Adler and the history of the great books idea.

Getting on task means giving up some things. What I've discovered over the past year is that, for me, this involves managing my energy as much as my time. I've probably actually had the time over the past two plus years since finishing my dissertation to turn it into an acceptable book manuscript. But I know for sure I haven't managed my energy well enough to complete the task.

Academic writing is not something that comes easy at this period in my life. I can't decide whether this is an internal or external issue. I can write blog posts with ease, and even some kinds of academic articles without a herculean effort. But getting this first book out is going to require my getting over a hump called "activation energy" by chemists. I can't see my personal kilojoules-per-mole/reaction path graph, but I suspect it contains a higher than average spike early on my "book creation path" axis.



[Courtesy: here]

Anyway, here are the things I'll give up to get from A to B:

1. H&E postings until either my manuscript is completed or a set time of 13 months has passed, returning January 1, 2010. Hopefully I'll return sooner, but this gives me some leeway. By January 2010, I should be in a groove, having completed both significant writing chunks and/or any new research required. I will still post things periodically at USIH.

2. Facebook. Wow, what a time suck.

3. Sports. This means not following the NFL (Chiefs and Bears), NBA (Bulls), College Basketball and Football (Mizzou), and baseball (the Royals). My one exception will come in baseball: the Cubs. I have to keep up with a retooled Cubs team that is still likely to break my heart. Plus, following the Cubs is a family activity: the rest of my sports "commitments" are solo.

4. History blog following, with a few news-oriented exceptions (i.e. AHA weblog). I'll check in occasionally, but I don't want to commit myself to a regular schedule.

5. Keeping up with politics. Thank goodness the election is over, but I've got to put the brakes on things like cabinet appointments, etc. I'm going to have to trust the Obama administration to keep things smooth on his center-left path. And my wife will inform me of the important details on major events.

These are the things that partially drain, in addition to the day job, my daily and weekly allotment of computer energy (sometimes called "computer eyes" around my house). Most all of that energy will be shifted to the book---excepting occasional USIH posts since my project involves intersecting topics. Writing, as long as it's on topic, breeds more writing. As such a periodic USIH post should help.

No Teachers Left Behind

Back about a month ago, I ran a guest post by Hopeful But Frustrated Teacher (HBF), who was doing a virtual book tour for her novel, No Teachers Left Behind. HBF was kind enough to later send me a copy of her book, which I jumped on as soon as the school year ended.

For anyone who may be interested in giving this book a look, here is my review of No Teachers Left Behind.

I have a feeling that non-teachers who read No Teachers Left Behind will come away shaking their heads, saying things like, "That's just too extreme -- there's no way school is like that!" For teachers though, even the most extreme situations in the book are recognized as possible and plausible.

At Vilyon Middle School, Principal Angela Marsh is nothing but rainbows and butterflies -- as long as it's to a best-selling author or a high-dollar donating parent. To her staff, she doesn't stop at stepping on toes; she brings her high heel down on the jugulars. In an early staff-wide email, she says that for the rest of the day, lunches will be held in the classrooms, despite the inconvenience to teachers. Oh, and by the way, she will be off campus having lunch at the Olive Garden.

The book is full of emails like that, with Marsh walking all over teachers' rights but then announcing that she is exempt. While reading them, I thought that's just so extreme, and yet it's not implausible at all! In one of my favorite examples, and energetic young activist teacher has sent out an email asking for support at a Saturday Obama rally. Principal Marsh replies with a message stating two facts: one, politics most definitely have no business at school, and two, emails of a personal nature will be cause for referral and loss of laptop. Turn the page and we find another email from Marsh, informing the entire staff that her daughter's Adventure Troop is selling popcorn which can be ordered in the main office. She ends her email with "PS -- God bless John McCain and the Republican Party."

In between the absurd emails from the principal, there are emails from teachers commenting on the working conditions, short poems that are wonderful, and bursts of narration that set the stage for the endgame.

This book will not have you rolling on the floor in stitches, but it is funny in a different way. I read almost the entire story with a bemused smile, shaking my head, thinking, "That is just spot on."

At the very end of the book, the story turns tragic. This is no spoiler, as it states this fact right on the back cover. By the time the tragedy unfolds, the author has done a great job of making you feel for and genuinely LIKE the handful of characters that may or may not be involved in the final act.

Kudos to Hopeful But Frustrated Teacher for a job well done. Here's hoping that her own principal in real life is not QUITE the monster that Angela Marsh is.

Now We Are Three

It's our third birthday tomorrow. We haven't got anything special planned, but Nicki and I will be in the shop together (now a regular Wednesday event) and our Wednesday evening bookgroup meets, well, in the evening. We started our first bookgroup almost as soon as we opened, and for me it's still one of the highlights.

To be honest, we're pretty shattered, coming down off a rather ambitious events programme over the past few weeks, so a nice quiet Wednesday doing some admin and talking about books with customers will be very enjoyable.

Whilst the economic climate couldn't be more different, the actual weather tomorrow will be pretty similar to when we opened. And I do love selling books in my shorts...

I think it's worth saying that Nicki and I continue to love running the shop, we are so grateful for the continued support of everyone in the town, and we've lots of plans for events and activities in the coming months and years. A heartfelt and sincere thank you to everyone who supports us, and allows us to continue doing what we do.

So - have a slice of birthday cake on us wherever you are, and in the meantime, please enjoy some pictures from our Alice in Wonderland party held in the shop today. Alison was very hot in those ears, and apparently that's a Mutant Ninja (Mock) Turtle. Thanks to Esther for the pics...and for the use of her children!

"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldn't have come here."

Arcs in the Mail

Yep, that's right! Last week I didn't receive a single book in the mailbox. I cannot remember when that has ever happened before in the last year and a half. By Wednesday it was a little depressing but by Friday I was hoping nothing would suddenly arrive because that would mean the 3rd week in a row in which all my ARC reading was actually decreasing the number of ARCs I have!

So with my focus on YA books this month, I have managed to finish them all off from my current pile and my backlog pile this last week except for the one I'm currently reading. Stat time again! With 0 books in and 3 ARCS read and reviewed my ARC pile is 3 books smaller! And after some quick math my total percentage of ARCS received that I have read is now at 58% which is up 6% since the last time I checked! Woohoo. I'm making headway.