After three semesters debating hot-button issues like smoking policy, the Reserve Officers Training Corps, and public course evaluations, the University Senate continued its quiet semester Friday with a plenary largely consumed by updates on online education and the new data sciences institute.

Sree Sreenivasan, Columbias newly appointed chief digital officer, told senators about Columbias efforts to establish a presence in the growing world of online education. Several Columbia schoolsincluding the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Continuing Education, and Teachers Collegehave offered online courses for years, and next semester the University is offering its first two massive open online courses, or MOOCs, through Coursera.

This is part of whats a growing movement in higher education, Sreenivasan said. We want whatever we do to be thoughtful, strategic, sustainable, without locking into the current technology and keeping with Columbias brands and strengths.

Still, some concerns remain about Columbias impending entry into the online marketplace. University Senator Paige West, an anthropology professor, asked Sreenivasan how online courses might affect intellectual property rights, cultural hostility towards higher education, grading, and Columbias brand.

Im thinking of the people in the courses taking the intellectual property that belongs to Columbia and the faculties and reproducing it in ways that we would not be particularly happy with, West said.

Sreenivasan didnt address Wests question about intellectual property, although he assured her that neither professors nor teaching assistants would be responsible for grading the work of the up to 30,000 students who might be enrolled in a MOOC. Instead, he said, grading will largely be done by computer, even for written work, such as essays.

Sharyn OHalloran, the chair of the senates executive committee, said that she didnt want to get into a conversation about intellectual property rights for online courses. O'Halloran is the chair of a senate task force examining online education.

Thats very much an emerging field, and I think we are going to talk about best practices for individuals and for the University in relation to this, she said.

Sreenivasan added that MOOCs are only part of what he envisions as the future of online education at Columbia. He said that administrators are looking into expanding online components for a wide variety of traditional courses, as well as utilizing the flipped classroom model, in which students learn the material at home through the Internet and then participate in hands-on activities during class time.

Also at the plenary, Assistant Vice President of Benefits Fiona McLennan described professors and administrators health care options. McLennan reviewed the changes to this years policies, which include expanded access to child care subsidies and increased reimbursement for out-of-network services.

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University Senate plenary focuses on online education

More than 100 children will take to the stage to perform one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time in Alpine Kids! Theatre Project fall production of Disneys The Little Mermaid Jr.

Children are split into two casts for four shows, Oct. 20-21 at 2 and 7 p.m., each day at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

The Little Mermaid Jr. brings the beloved animated movie musical to life on stage, filled with such hit songs as Part of Your World, Poor Unfortunate Souls, Kiss the Girl, and Under the Sea.

The students in grades 1-8 come from throughout the Flathead Valley and represent almost every elementary and middle school in the valley.

Since beginning the program in 2008, Alpine Theatre Project founders and veteran Broadway actors Luke Walrath and Betsi Morrison have found a place for each child who turns up for auditions.

We find a way to put on a good show with everyone who wants to be in the show, Walrath said. Our goal is to get kids excited about the arts and learn the benefits of being involved. But its still ATP, so it has to pass a certain standard.

The students have been learning basic theatre concepts as well as rehearsing the show each day for a few hours after school.

To further its mission of education, AKTP has partnered with North Valley Hospital to teach the students about proper nutrition and excercise.

Tickets for The Little Mermaid Jr. are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. For tickets and more information, call 862-SHOW or visitwww.atpwhitefish.org.

See description for cost information.

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Littler Mermaid Jr.

Lenovo has confirmed an October release date for its IdeaPad YOGA 13-inch, 360-degree flip and fold Ultrabook that was shown at CES in January and IFA 2012 last month. It will be joined by another three Windows 8 devices to create a new convertible product family. A smaller 11-inch YOGA and an 11.6-inch tablet named the IdeaTab Lynx will be released later this year, while the business-oriented ThinkPad Twist Ultrabook will appear around the same time as the pack leader.

When Lenovo outed the YOGA 13 in Las Vegas back in January, only a few basic specs were revealed. While these haven't changed, the remainder have now been disclosed. The first of the company's new convertible range, the YOGA 13 can be placed in Tent mode (standing on its edges) or Stand mode (with its keyboard laid flat against the desk) as well as more familiar laptop and tablet orientations.

Upon release on October 26 for a starting price of US$1,099, the 13.1 x 8.9 x 0.67-inch (333.4 x 224.8 x 16.9 mm) Ultrabook will be available in third generation Intel Core i3-3217U, i5-3317U and i7-3517U processor configurations (with integrated HD 4000 graphics), sport a one-megapixel HD webcam and benefit from a Dolby Home Theatre capabilities. There's both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectivity, a 2-in-1 media card slot, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Have a look at the following demonstration video of the YOGA 13 from Lenovo.

Lenovo has given the mighty YOGA 13 a little brother in the shape of the YOGA 11, which is being billed as the worlds slimmest multi-mode PC at 15.6-mm thin. It features an 11.6-inch multitouch display (which doesn't benefit from the wide-viewing-angle capabilities of its bigger sibling) and runs on Windows 8 RT instead of the full version.

The YOGA 11 is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad core processor supported by up to 2 GB of DDR3 RAM and up to 64 GB of eMMC storage, comes with a built-in 720p HD webcam, USB 2.0 connectivity and Wireless-N Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth available as an optional extra. It's also claimed to offer up to 13 hours of battery life.

The YOGA 11 has been given a December shipping window for a suggested starting price of $799.

The IdeaTab Lynx features an 11.6-inch IPS multitouch display, and is said to be one of the first Windows 8 tablets to be powered by Intel's latest Atom dual core processor (running at 1.8 GHz). There's up to 2 GB of LPDDR2 system memory and up to 64 GB of solid state storage with microSD expansion on offer, along with micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports. The tablet benefits from a 2-megapixel webcam with digital microphone, dual surround sound speakers and Dolby Home Theatre audio.

The Lynx can also be docked to an optional keyboard to extend its battery life to a claimed 16 hours and offer physical device connectivity via two full-size USB 2.0 ports. The new IdeaTab has also penciled in for December availability at a cost of $599 for the tablet and an extra $149 for the keyboard.

The remaining Windows 8 convertible is the small-business-friendly ThinkPad Twist Ultrabook, which features a bright (350-nit) 12.5-inch Corning Gorilla Glass IPS multitouch display that can be rotated and twisted around a central hinge. It's available in up to third-gen Intel Core i7 processor options supported by up to 8 GB DDR3 RAM and storage options of up to a 500 GB HDD (with included Active Protection to help protect against accidental drop damage) or 128 GB SSD.

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Lenovo confirms October release for YOGA 13, announces three new Win 8 convertibles

A Toronto yoga studio has traded downward dogs for groin kicks to help its members feel safer in a neighbourhood shaken by a rash of recent sexual assaults.

In a break from yogas peace-loving tradition, a team of black belt instructors took charge at Tula Yoga Spa in Torontos west end Sunday evening to launch a six-week street self-defence course.

To hear about (sexual assaults) in your area, its a little bit scary, said Samantha Marchese, a 21-year-old hairdresser whose own safety concerns prompted her to sign up. A lot of people dont think it would happen to them . . . but I think its good to be educated.

Since July, police have received more than 10 reports of sexual assault incidents in the west downtown area.

On Thanksgiving weekend, police got three similar reports of a man assaulting women from behind in the Christie Pits area, prompting officers to urge residents to use more caution, especially when walking at night.

In response, Tula owner Isabel Lambert said she decided to partner with Toronto police and self-defence instructors to create a course to help her studio members feel more empowered on the street.

On Sunday, nearly 20 people joined two Toronto police officers and a group of self-defence instructors at the Tula studio to learn the best ways to avoid trouble on the street and, if necessary, fight off an assailant.

They learned how to escape chokeholds, wrist grabs and, perhaps most importantly given the recent trend, how to respond when approached from behind.

Its called a coward grab, said Alfie Della-Terza, a retired correctional officer who led the class, and the best way to escape is with the tall become small approach crouch and bend at the waist, then push back before twisting around to escape the grab.

The yogis also learned how to escape a ponytail grab, how to twist out of a chicken wing where both arms are trapped, and how to best target kicks to the kneecap, upper thigh and groin.

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Toronto sex assaults: Yoga studio teaches self-defence

Dahn Yoga, a Korean style of yoga, and LifeParticle.com, its partner for yoga classes online and guided meditation videos, are hosting a Yoga Gangnam Style Video Contest. To introduce the new free online yoga classes and celebrate the Korean origins of Dahn Yoga, they hope this contest will encourage people to have fun in yoga classes and in making their own videos.

Sedona, Arizona (PRWEB) October 17, 2012

Like South Korean rapper, Psy, did with his smash YouTube hit, Gangnam Style, this contest offers a chance to step outside of the box. Participants need only make a fun video based on the theme and post and share it on Youtube. The video with the most likes wins.

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

What can I win?

First Place: Apple iPad or Projector (Choose one)--$500 value

Second Place: Video Camera--$300 value

Third Place: Ultimate Yoga Package (Yoga Mat, DVD, Book, and Yoga Tote)--$100 value

What do I do?

1. Watch the official contest video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKrfk8HsyTw&feature=plcp

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Dahn Yoga and LifeParticle.com launches Yoga Gangnam Style Video Contest

The first instinct is to dismiss the parents as yahoos who dont know the difference between yoga and yogurt.

But the second instinct, usually the better angel, is to try to understand whats going on here.

A group of families, maybe 40 altogether, is raising Cain with the Encinitas Union School District over free twice-a-week yoga sessions. Fired up by a local pastor and counseled by an Escondido lawyer, they believe yoga on campus amounts to spiritual indoctrination, a violation of their religious freedom.

In time for Halloween, the culture war is back with a full spinal twist.

In the early 90s, you may recall, North County school districts were inundated with breathless reports that teachers were exposing innocent children to dark books, R-rated movies and witchcraft.

Yoga, it seems, is the latest variation on the oft-repeated theme that Christian values are being undermined by multicultural public schools.

Look, its not news that Christians, from Baptists to Catholics, hear a few Sanskrit words and conclude that yoga is a Hindu religious practice. Or worse.

Two years ago, a southern Baptist minister set off a national firestorm when he preached that yoga is paganism, pure and simple.

Last year, the Salvation Army community center in Rolando risibly renamed its yoga classes stretch and tone to cleanse them of mystical overtones.

As Juliet (dressed in Lululemon) might say, Would a pose by any other name feel as sweet?

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Encinitas parents bent out of shape over yoga on campus

The former Roma defender hit the headlines when approached and offered 200,000 euros to help influence a Coppa Italia match between his club Gubbio and Cesena in November 2011.

But Farina refused, reported the incident to Italian police and his evidence helped lead to the arrest of 17 people the following month.

It led to FIFA president Sepp Blatter naming 30-year-old Farina as a FIFA ambassador for fair play. He was also called up to train with the Italy squad by coach Cesare Prandelli, despite spending most of his career playing in Italy's lower leagues.

INTERPOL, who investigated the match-fixing scandal in Italy, also awarded Farina a commemorative medal for his contribution to crime prevention and law enforcement.

However his playing career has since stalled, with Gubbio unable to offer him a new contract after their relegation and other Italian clubs seemingly reluctant to employ him.

Farina, who has publicly disputed theories that he has been ostracised for breaking the 'omerta' of Italian footballers, said: "I know I did the right thing when I refused to get involved in the fixing of a football game.

"I went to the authorities because this corruption had to be brought to the surface. This level of deception has no place in football or in any walk of life.

"But it is also important to me that I continue to work in football and that I am able to pass on my knowledge because football is an inspirational game.

"A year ago I did not see my life moving in this direction but I am really delighted to be able now to contribute in this way at Villa.

"I wanted to move on with my life. Now I feel that I have real purpose again because of the support and opportunity Villa have given me."

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Premier League: Italian whistleblower Farina gets Aston Villa coaching job

The former Roma defender hit the headlines when approached and offered 200,000 euros to help influence a Coppa Italia match between his club Gubbio and Cesena in November 2011.

But Farina refused, reported the incident to Italian police and his evidence helped lead to the arrest of 17 people the following month.

It led to FIFA president Sepp Blatter naming 30-year-old Farina as a FIFA ambassador for fair play. He was also called up to train with the Italy squad by coach Cesare Prandelli, despite spending most of his career playing in Italy's lower leagues.

INTERPOL, who investigated the match-fixing scandal in Italy, also awarded Farina a commemorative medal for his contribution to crime prevention and law enforcement.

However his playing career has since stalled, with Gubbio unable to offer him a new contract after their relegation and other Italian clubs seemingly reluctant to employ him.

Farina, who has publicly disputed theories that he has been ostracised for breaking the 'omerta' of Italian footballers, said: "I know I did the right thing when I refused to get involved in the fixing of a football game.

"I went to the authorities because this corruption had to be brought to the surface. This level of deception has no place in football or in any walk of life.

"But it is also important to me that I continue to work in football and that I am able to pass on my knowledge because football is an inspirational game.

"A year ago I did not see my life moving in this direction but I am really delighted to be able now to contribute in this way at Villa.

"I wanted to move on with my life. Now I feel that I have real purpose again because of the support and opportunity Villa have given me."

See the original post here:
Serie A: Italian whistleblower Farina gets Aston Villa coaching job

The Southeastern Conference could be getting another makeover.

This one would have nothing to do with expansion.

The league that has won six consecutive national championships has more coaches on the proverbial ''hot seat'' than in any recent year, with potential openings at Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee. The Razorbacks are seemingly in disarray, while the Tigers, Wildcats and Volunteers have had all sorts of on-field problems.

With the season a little past the halfway point, talk about possible replacements is more rampant than speculation about the upcoming recruiting class or even basketball season. Well, not at Kentucky.

Still, all that conjecture can make a long season feel like it's never going to end.

''There can be outside distractions whether you're doing great or whether you're doing not as well as you certainly would like to be doing,'' Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. ''The great thing about college football is everybody's got an opinion. It's the greatest sport on the planet, and part of what makes it so great in this part of the country is that everybody does have an opinion.

''When you get into this, if you're not strong enough to handle that, then you're in the wrong business - both as a player and as a coach.''

The way things have unfolded at Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky and Tennessee, it could be gut-check time for all four coaches and their assistants.

The Razorbacks fired coach Bobby Petrino in April for hiring his mistress to a position in the athletic department and initially lying about her presence during a motorcycle accident. Athletic director Jeff Long then hired former Michigan State and Louisville head coach John L. Smith to a 10-month contract.

Arkansas (3-4, 2-2 SEC) went 1-4 in September, including home losses to Louisiana-Monroe and Rutgers. Making matters worse for Smith, he mistakenly referred to Arkansas as Alabama during a speech and told reporters to smile two days after a 52-0 loss to the top-ranked Crimson Tide. Smith also is making headlines for his $40.7 million bankruptcy.

Originally posted here:
For some SEC teams, coaching seat heating up

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1haX8Fnz4R0

15-10-2012 18:04 The Osage Nation Diabetes Prevention, Health and Fitness Day was held on Friday, October 12 at the Osage County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska, Okla.

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Osage Nation Diabetes Prevention, Health and Fitness Day - Video