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Interview With Lawrence Goldstone, Author Of The Anatomy of Deception
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The Fruit Hunters: A Story of Nature, Obsession, Commerce, and Adventure
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Interview With Joseph Boyden, Author of Through Black Spruce
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Interview with Nino Ricci, Governor-General Award-Winning Author
Since 1 March, at least nine American universities have received anonymous donations totaling over $45 million. The catch is: the school had to promise not to try to find out the benefactor’s identity. It is not clear whether the source is an individual, a group with similar interest or an organization. Some of the schools even went so far as to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Homeland Security to verify that the money was not ill-gotten.
The unknown supporter also stipulated that the majority of the money should go to student scholarships, while the rest can fund research, equipment and operating expenses. Read more…
Not that it’s a popular practice, but if you’re applying to college and you have a Facebook, MySpace, or some other kind of public profile, be careful - your school-to-be could check to make sure you’re the kind of person they want representing their school. For the most part, these schools don’t have time to be checking every student’s profile, but if they receive a tip about something questionable, they might check it out. Of course, you can easily prevent this by A) changing your settings to private, where only your friends can access your profile, or B) not putting anything stupid on there in the first place. But where’s the fun in that? Read more…
As an intern you may dread the day of your evaluation and feel like you’re biting your tongue through out the lecture- especially when you have a couple of opinions of your own.
Internship Ratings.com lets interns have their say with the option of anonymity. Once they’ve had their say, the students then input a rating based on their experience at the firm. The company’s overall rating is then based on a five coffee cup scale, which is the average of all scores students have given the organization.
Not only does this allow interns the option to vent, but it also gives future interns an inside look at what they’re getting into. It even gives companies an idea at how they are handling the newbies.
InternshipRatings is free to use and is being updated daily with more companies, making it a site well worth checking out for college students that are looking to find a job.
Aiming for the Ivy League? Admissions consultant Derek Meeker can give you advice on how to get in.
“There are a lot of myths out there about what school officials are looking for in an application,” said Meeker, who specializes in law school admissions. Part of his job is to steer clients in the right direction and, hopefully, increase their chances of getting into a school that’s right for them. He helps with everything from selecting an appropriate school to writing personal statements.
An admissions consultant’s work often begins with assessing clients’ strengths and weaknesses and discussing possible schools to consider. During this initial consultation, Meeker covers a few basics. “It’s sort of a counseling process,” he said. “I ask them about their personal background, academic interests, jobs that they’ve held. And I help people to identify what’s unique about themselves.”
One challenge in this work arises when clients’ aspirations outshine their qualifications. “While I get clients from all over the spectrum, the majority want to go to the top schools — those that have a 6- to 15-percent acceptance rate,” said Meeker. “I am very realistic with people. Sometimes, that’s not an easy conversation to have.” Read more…
According to Elka Maria Torpey
NEW YORK, May 21 /PRNewswire/ — Searching for the right college can be a rigorous and expensive proposition for both students and parents alike. Doing research in advance can really help weed out the schools that may not have everything the teen and parent require. With the wealth of information online, it may be the first stop to inquire about a school. But the experience of being at the school, witnessing the campuses and activities first hand, and talking to students, professors and coaches has been virtually impossible until now. A new website LVUTV.COM (Live Video University Television) provides just that — the experience of viewing the school, campus, activities, sports and much more first hand.
LVUTV.com has the best of all worlds:
-- The data on what each school offers: application fees, tuition and dorm
fees, comparisons of schools, SAT scores, sports programs, diversity,
size, and much more.
-- 50,000 Exclusive College Videos from 200 schools of students,
professors and coaches who are at the schools and whose experience are
invaluable-these live college video testimonials were shot by
professional videographers.
-- The Top Five Rated Colleges in a host of categories that can make one's
search easier.
Experiencing the LVU’s Top Five Colleges categories may help selecting a college easier. Here’s a sampling:
-- Most Scholarships
-- University of Florida
-- Brigham Young University-Provo
-- University of Tulsa
-- West Virginia University
-- Morehouse College
-- Toughest to Get Into
-- Harvard University
-- Princeton University
-- Stanford University
-- Brown University
-- Columbia University
-- Big Time Sports
-- University of Notre Dame
-- Penn State-University Park
-- University of Tennessee
-- Clemson University
-- University of Florida
-- Most International Students (According to the Institute for
International Education, in 2006-2007, nearly 563,000 foreign students
were enrolled in US colleges).
-- Carnegie Mellon University
-- Harvard University
-- Princeton University
-- University of Southern California
-- University of Tulsa
-- Most Debt Upon Graduation
-- New York University
-- George Washington University
-- Carnegie Mellon University
-- University of Denver
-- Fordham University
-- Least Debt Upon Graduation
-- Princeton University
-- Harvard University
-- Utah State University
-- SUNY at Albany
-- University of Hawaii-Manoa
-- Party Schools
-- Arizona State University
-- Penn State
-- University of Wisconsin
-- Florida State University
-- University of Maryland
-- Most Beautiful Campuses
-- Vanderbilt University
-- University of Virginia
-- University of Notre Dame
-- Colgate University
-- Stanford University
LVUTV.com is chock full of information about each school through the amazing college videos. Potential college students will be able to access: the best nightlife, athletic programs, the Greek life, subject specialties, diversity and size-all told through their peer groups. For parents can find out what things cost, what professors and coaches say, and which school is the most politically driven. More than 200 colleges are listed with additional listings made every week.
Glenn Pere, the creator of LVUTV.com said, “I saw the need for parents and teens to gather information about where to attend college. When I witnessed the labor intensive exercise of writing or calling every college for information as well as the expense of visiting them, I realized there had to be a better way. Clearly the internet affords people a quick solution for research. But there is no other web site that provides the experiential element of students talking on or around campus.” In conclusion, Pere said, “There is no better way to find out about colleges than by talking to thousands of students attending them.”
NEW YORK, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — Each week, teachers spend hours pouring over textbooks, lesson plans and other materials to create course work that captures the imagination of their students.As parents, students and communities take time this week, Teacher Appreciation Week, to thank teachers for the wonderful work they do, it’s also an ideal time to remind them of the tremendous time- and money-saving educational resources available through thinkfinity.org — all for free.
Thinkfinity.org is the perfect Web tool for teachers looking for a quick and innovative way to find compelling lesson plans and interactive learning tools to engage today’s students.
Thinkfinity.org is the Verizon Foundation’s free, comprehensive program and online portal to 55,000 educational resources, including standards-based, grade-specific, K-12 lesson plans and engaging interactive activities provided in partnership with many of the nation’s leading educational and literacy organizations. And, Thinkfinity.org requires no downloadable software.
“Teachers are often our unsung heroes, working hours outside of the classroom and often spending their own money on supplies, to prepare the best possible lesson plans to engage their students,” said Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston. “We truly appreciate the dedication and effort our teachers put forth to help our children develop the skills they need to succeed.
“Through Thinkfinity.org, we’re hopeful that we can do our part to help make the lives of teachers easier,” Gaston said.
From science to English to mathematics, Thinkfinity.org offers help to teachers from elementary school through high school, across eight academic disciplines, to improve student achievement.
In addition to offering free access to 55,000 educational resources, Thinkfinity.org also offers a comprehensive professional development program that allows teachers to sign up for free online to learn how to best make use of the Thinkfinity.org tools.
Content for Thinkfinity is provided through a partnership between the Verizon Foundation and 11 of the nation’s leading organizations in the fields of education and literacy: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Reading Association, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Center for Family Literacy, National Council on Economic Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Geographic Society, ProLiteracy Worldwide and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence. In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad. The foundation also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions. Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation’s largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since Verizon’s inception in 2000.
For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizon.com/foundation.
Bryn Mawr, PA (PRWEB) April 21, 2008 — For 33 years, The American College has recognized the crème de la crème of the financial services industry with the highest honor bestowed by the institution: the Huebner Gold Medal. Financial services industry professionals are invited to participate in the process by nominating individuals whose support of The College and its programs, and whose dedication to professionalism, have been of particular meaning to the mission and progress of the institution.
“Becoming a Huebner Gold Medal recipient is an enormously prestigious honor,” said Robert J. Wernecke, CLU®, President, ECA Financial Services Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona and Chairman of The American College Board of Trustees Awards Committee. “Since 1975, when the Board of Trustees first decided to honor individuals of significance that had a role in the development of this institution and our industry, only 59 men and women have received this medal of distinction.”
Individuals nominated for the Huebner Gold Medal must demonstrate an exemplary commitment to financial services as a profession as well as to financial services education. The medal is named for the founder of The College, Dr. Solomon S. Huebner. Huebner Gold Medal recipients are recognized annually at the President’s Circle Dinner amid some of The American College’s most dedicated supporters. This year, the President’s Circle Dinner will be taking place on board the USS Missouri, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as part of The American College’s annual Knowledge Summit on November 20, 2008.
The name(s) of this year’s medal recipient(s) will be enshrined for posterity and added to the Huebner Gold Medal Recognition Wall located on The College’s campus in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. This wall includes the names of every medal recipient since the award’s inception.
Some of the past recipients of this prestigious honor include: (in alphabetical order)
Members of The American College Board of Trustees Awards Committee will review all of the nominations and submit the finalists to the full Board of Trustees for their consideration. More than one person can receive the Huebner Gold Medal in a given year and being nominated previously does not preclude an individual from consideration in future years.”As the Chairman of The American College Board of Trustees, I look forward to learning more about the professionals whose contributions to this exemplary institution of higher learning and our industry make them worthy of this accolade,” said Robert B. Plybon, CLU®, ChFC®, owner of Plybon & Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Nominating persons for the Huebner Gold Medal can be made by downloading a TheAmericanCollege.edu/docs/367.pdf Once completed, the form should be faxed to the attention of Robert J. Wernecke, CLU, c/o the Office of the President at The American College at 610-526-1303 or e-mailed to his attention c/o mary.varner @ theamericancollege.edu. All submissions must be submitted to The American College by May 31, 2008 to be considered.
The American College is dedicated to leadership in innovative training and development that helps financial services companies and their employees succeed. As a non-profit educational institution holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for over 80 years. The American College’s faculty represents some of the financial services industry’s foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu
IRVING, Texas, April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Coca-Cola, in conjunction with Chuck E. Cheese’s — the home of safe, fun family entertainment — is teaming up on a college scholarship promotion. Parents can visit the Web site — http://www.ncaa.com/collegebound – and enter for the chance to win Coca-Cola’s $25,000 College Bound Scholarship for their kids as part of its partnership with the NCAA.
“At Coca-Cola FoodService, we work to help our customers be successful, whether that’s providing them with a portfolio of great beverages or helping them bring exciting programs like this NCAA partnership to help a lucky student,” said Terry Bucher, vice president national sales for Coca-Cola Foodservice.
“It’s a natural fit for Coca-Cola and Chuck E. Cheese’s to offer our guests the chance to win a college scholarship,” said Brenda Holloway, company spokesperson for CEC Entertainment, Inc. “Most people know we care about ensuring kids have a fun, safe time when they’re in our entertainment centers. But we also care about children’s’ well-being when they leave our centers.”
“This scholarship coincides with Chuck E. Cheese’s commitment to being more than just an entertainment center,” continued Holloway. “Our centers are havens for all ages that afford the opportunity for active play, which in turn can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.”
Coca-Cola partnered with Chuck E. Cheese’s in developing this contest. The Coca-Cola Company, an official NCAA® Corporate Champion, brought the NCAA partnership to the table, and asked Chuck E. Cheese’s to help formulate a method to market to its consumers in a new way. The online contest was created, as well as the college scholarship, which is a first-ever endeavor for Chuck E. Cheese’s.
“In addition to the scholarship, during this year’s playoff weekend in San Antonio, we will host a basketball clinic with an NCAA Division I coach at a local San Antonio Chuck E. Cheese’s,” said Bucher.
“This is the first time we’ve worked with Coca-Cola and its NCAA partnership,” continued Holloway. “It’s a new approach to marketing for us, but we think it’s a great way to reach a new audience. Our commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and supporting education goes hand in hand with the mission and goals of Coca-Cola and the NCAA.”
The clinic will be held on Friday, April 4, from 4 - 5 p.m. at Chuck E. Cheese’s located at 11735 Bandera Road in San Antonio. Ten middle school students from the area have been invited to take part in this event, which will be hosted by a Division I coach. Though the student participants have been pre-selected, the event is open to the public for those who would like to observe a Division I basketball coach’s expertise first-hand.
To enter this scholarship contest, which runs through April 30, consumers visit the Web site at http://www.ncaa.com/collegebound or http://www.chuckecheese.com to enter. For official rules and details, visit http://www.ncaa.com/collegebound.
PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire - March 6, 2008) - College costs rank as one of the top concerns for college students today, according to a recent survey by the Higher Education Research Institute. Financial aid packages — the funds schools offer to students in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study awards, and student loans — were cited by 39 percent of students in the survey as one of the most important factors when making college decisions, an increase of 5.1 percent over last year.
These concerns about affordability may be playing a part in students passing on their first-choice schools, suggests the survey’s director, John Pryor. In 2007, over 80 percent of freshmen had been admitted to their first-choice school, but out of that group, only 64 percent actually enrolled in that institution, according to the survey.
Students who find that their financial aid package isn’t enough to cover all their college costs may have options other than changing their school choice. In addition to the Pell Grants, work-study awards, and subsidized Perkins and Stafford student loans that are available to students who demonstrate financial need, the federal government offers low-cost, fixed-rate college loans to undergraduates, graduate students, and parents of undergraduates without regard to financial need.
Undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate no financial need or who have already maximized their need-based financial aid award may still be able to qualify for unsubsidized Stafford student loans or Grad PLUS graduate student loans. Eligible parents of undergraduates can qualify to borrow up to the full cost of attendance each year with a Federal PLUS Loan.
When federal financial aid — whether need-based, non-need-based, or both — isn’t enough to cover all education-related expenses, students may still be able to obtain the additional funds they need to attend their first-choice school from private student loans.
Private student loans are typically available year-round, with no application deadlines, and feature generous borrowing limits, often up to the full cost of attendance.
However, since federal college loans generally offer more attractive terms than private student loans, students and their parents should always look into their federal financing options first before turning to private student loans.
About NextStudent
NextStudent, Federal Lender Code 834051, is dedicated to helping students and their families find affordable ways to pay for college. NextStudent offers one-on-one education finance counseling and has a portfolio of highly competitive education finance products and services, including a free online scholarship search engine, parent and student loans, private student loans, a private student loan consolidation program, and college savings plans.
For more information about NextStudent and its student loan programs, please visit our website at www.nextstudent.com.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA–(Marketwire - March 3, 2008) - Business school candidates worldwide are invited to enter the Beat The GMAT (www.beatthegmat.com) 2008 competition that awards scholarship packages, valued at more than $15,000, to applicants who demonstrate need. Sponsored by Stacy Blackman Consulting (www.stacyblackman.com) and ManhattanGMAT (www.manhattangmat.com), the Beat The GMAT competition is designed to provide business school candidates with assistance to help them achieve their full potential on the GMAT and in the business school application process. This scholarship competition is now accepting applications, with submissions due on May 1.
“It is the hope of ‘Beat The GMAT’ and our sponsors that the scholarships will be awarded to people upon whom this assistance in applying to business school will have a profound impact,” said Eric Bahn, Founder of Beat The GMAT.
The Beat the GMAT Scholarship Competition Will Award Five Prizes:
-- First prize ($7,890 value): GMAT registration ($250 cash), one full
ManhattanGMAT course, 4-school comprehensive consulting package with Stacy
Blackman business school admissions consultant (valued at $6,000).
-- Second prize ($2,130 value): GMAT registration ($250 cash), one full
ManhattanGMAT course and 5,000-word application editing consultation with
Stacy Blackman.
-- Third prize ($1,960 value): GMAT registration ($250 cash), one full
ManhattanGMAT course and 2,500-word application editing consultation with
Stacy Blackman.
-- Fourth prize ($1,540 value): GMAT registration subsidy ($150 cash),
one full ManhattanGMAT course.
-- Fifth prize ($1,490 value): GMAT registration subsidy ($100 cash) One
full ManhattanGMAT course.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have completed college or be in their final year of college and plan to attend business school within two years. For the application form, visit http://www.beatthegmat.com/scholarship/. It is open to U.S. and international candidates.
“This year, the top business schools are experiencing a 20-30% increase in applications, making it even more competitive than previous years. With this scholarship program, we are excited to be able to offer assistance to worthy applicants, those who would not otherwise have access to our services, to give them a competitive edge,” said Stacy Blackman, President of Stacy Blackman Consulting.
About Beat The GMAT
Beat The GMAT is a community service project with a mission to help people achieve their full potential on the GMAT® and business school admissions by connecting them to the best resources available.
About Stacy Blackman Consulting
Since 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting has helped clients gain admission to every top business school in the world. The company’s approach, based on developing and implementing a winning marketing strategy, makes the application process less stressful and more successful.
