KEARNEY Kirk Stinson will present Grow or Die: A Survival Guide to Professional and Personal Development at 11 a.m. Thursday in the University of Nebraska at Kearney Ockinga Seminar Center.

Stinson, the 2012 Ron Landstrom Executive in Residence, grew up in a retail family that owned and operated a hardware store in Superior. He graduated from UNK in 1991 with a degree in business administration and an emphasis in marketing.

His first job out of college was a sales position with Black and Decker in the Kansas City area. Stinson was then moved to the DeWalt/Black and Decker corporate headquarters in Baltimore to assume the vice president of sales and marketing role. He has since been promoted to CEO for the Stanley Security Division, which is based in Indianapolis.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

The Ron Landstrom Executive-in-Residence program brings successful business executives to the campus to talk with College of Business and Technology students about best business practices and their career paths and lessons learned.

See the original post:
CEO Stinson talks Thurs. on personal, professional development at UNK

At 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Columbia opened registration for its first two massive open online courses.

The University is offering the two coursesFinancial Engineering and Risk Management, and Natural Language Processingthrough Coursera, an online education platform founded by Stanford University professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng last year. Its Columbias first major venture into the online education market in a decade.

Were doing a pilot program in the MOOC stagemassive open online courseand the idea there is to see the potential of the MOOC stage for education, said Sree Sreenivasan, who was appointed Columbias first chief digital officer in July. What Im trying to do in my position is to help see whats working, try new things, and to expand and enhance what weve already done and built at Columbia.

Sreenivasan said that several Columbia schools, including the School of Continuing Education, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Journalism, and Teachers College, have had assorted online education offerings for years. But this is the first time Columbia is offering courses that are free and open to anyone in the world with Internet access.

Both courses will begin on Feb. 11, 2013, and run for 10 weeks. According to descriptions on Courseras website, the workload for each course will be eight to 10 hours per week. Industrial engineering and operations research professors Garud Iyengar and Martin Haugh will teach Financial Engineering and Risk Management, and computer science professor Michael Collins will teach Natural Language Processing.

The plan is to give people a broad introduction into the method of financial engineering and risk management and option pricing for portfolio optimization and also a healthy degree of skepticism, Haugh said of his course. Obviously, these models have come under a lot of criticism in the last few years ... so we hope to address some of these issues as well.

Thirty-three schoolsincluding the California Institute of Technology, Duke University, and Princeton Universitycurrently offer or are planning to offer classes on Coursera. The more than one million people who have enrolled in the sites courses are expected to pay attention during video lectures interspersed with interactive exercises and complete homework assignments in between lectures.

Kyle Rego, SEAS 13, called Columbias new online courses a fantastic opportunity, noting that he is currently enrolled in the in-person version of Natural Language Processing.

If I didnt have the opportunity to go to Columbia I would definitely take a course online, he said. I could easily see other people wanting to.

For free, this is amazing, he added.

See the original post here:
University trying hand at online education

LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ATI Nursing Education, the leading provider of online nurse education programs, today announced the nationwide launch of Nurses Touch, the industrys first online education program focusing exclusively on developing professional and interpersonal skills in nurses.

The Nurses Touch product line was developed in direct response to a significant industry need for stronger interpersonal -- or soft skills -- such as communications, technology, management, etc., among professional nurses. Earlier this year, ATI Nursing Education commissioned a nationwide survey of practicing nurses, nurse managers, and recent hospital inpatients and those accompanying them to gauge proficiency in these skills. The survey results demonstrated a significant gap between nurse skills, hiring demands and patient experience.

Specifically, nearly all (98 percent) of practicing nurses surveyed reported wanting more training in interpersonal skills. More than 80 percent of the nurse managers reported that they seek graduates with professional and interpersonal skills when hiring. This gap in interpersonal skills and education is also reflected in patient satisfaction, with 66 percent of inpatients or those accompanying them reflecting that their experiences could have been improved with better communication with nurses.

Todays nursing professional is being asked to do much, much more than just administer treatment, said Sheryl Sommer, Ph, RN, and director of Nursing Education and Curriculum at ATI Nursing Education. He or she is expected to work and communicate well with colleagues and patients, offer sound judgment, solve problems, and maneuver seamlessly through the world of electronic medical records and other technology facets. Clearly these aspects of the nursing role require a host of new skills, and Nurses Touch was developed in response to this dynamic environment.

ATI Nursing Educations Nurses Touch product line encompasses five key content areas professional communication, wellness and self-care, becoming a professional nurse, nursing informatics and technology, and leadership and management all areas which help develop interpersonal skills on the job. Like all ATI Nursing Education programs, the product suite uses the latest and most-effective learning tools, such as interactive simulators, tutorials, case studies and practice and proctored assessments.

Nurses Touch also allows educators to assess and track students progress. In addition to measuring student growth, this reporting information can provide supporting evidence in accreditation documentation.

For more information, please visit http://www.atinursestouch.com.

About ATI Nursing Education

ATI Nursing Education is the leading provider of online learning programs that are instrumental in improving faculty effectiveness and student and program outcomes in nursing schools across the country. Currently the company works with more than 20,000 nurse educators, approximately 2,100 colleges and universities nationwide, and more than 225,000 students. ATI Nursing Education has played a role in helping more than 1 million students pass the NCLEX, the U.S. nursing licensing exam. ATI Nursing Education is part of Ascend Learning. Founded in 2010, Ascend Learning provides technology-based educational, curriculum and assessment solutions for healthcare and other professional industries. For more information, visit http://www.ascendlearning.com/companies/atinursing/.

More here:
ATI Nursing Education Launches Industry’s First Online Professional and Interpersonal Skills Education Product

Results from the reputational surveys of online degree programs may be incorporated in the new rankings.

U.S. Newsis going full speed ahead ondata collectionfor the upcomingTop Online Education Programsrankings to be published in early 2013. New this year is our first attempt to do a reputational survey for all online degree programs we are surveying: bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees inbusiness,computer information technology,education,engineering, andnursing.

Schools that were ranked or too new to be ranked in theU.S. News2012 Top Online Programs rankings received postcards last week soliciting their participation. The online reputation survey questionnaire asks respondents to rate the overall excellence of other schools' online degree programs on a 1-5 scale.

The results, which we hope can be incorporated in the upcoming rankings, aim to provideU.S. Newsand our readers valuable insight regarding how programs are viewed by experts in the field, and may also account for measures of program quality that are not fully encapsulated through the statistical questionnaires currently being completed.

The deadline for schools to submit the statistical surveys is close of business this Friday, September 21. Those who need extra time should request an extension from the data collector listed in the E-mail they received fromU.S. News, or fromdtolis@usnews.com.

Survey recipients may have noticed significant changes to the questionnaires since last year. This is becauseU.S. Newsincorporated input from stakeholders since publishing the inaugural 2012 rankings. As a result, this year's surveys had more detailed instructions on how schools can report on their online education cohorts, and asked questions in ways more consistent with how programs already collect and report data on these students.

Feedback on the surveys andrankings methodologiescame from one-on-one interviews with ranked and unranked programs from each academic discipline; a webinar facilitated byEmbanetCompassthat was attended by a multitude of its members that offer online degrees; and a survey of 47 anonymous online education academics in collaboration withWCET.

View post:
U.S. News Launches New Reputation Surveys for Online Education Programs

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --SOPHIA, the online education platform that currently offers 25,000 free tutorials to teachers and students, is launching a new college-level online learning program that will enable students to complete their college degree sooner at a fraction of the cost of traditional higher education fees.

The program was created to expand access to post secondary education and provide affordable options, which is particularly important due to the fact that student debt now totals more than $1 trillion, surpassing credit card debt for the first time in our nation's history.

SOPHIA Pathways for College Credit (SPCC) is a 60-day, assessment-based program that can be started at any time. By successfully demonstrating college-level mastery, students may earn college credit with partnering higher education institutions.

SPCC initially will be offered in College Algebra, Psychology, Human Biology, Statistics and Sociology. Four additional pathways will be added by February 2013. Capella University is the first university to partner with SOPHIA to offer SPCC.

Students enrolled in SPCC learn at their own pace from any Internet connection on a computer, tablet or smart phone. Concepts within each pathway are taught by multiple teachers using a variety of multimedia elements, providing students with many ways to learn. All instruction materials are included online, which further increases the affordability of SPCC.

SPCC was developed by SOPHIA.org, a first-of-its-kind social education platform that offers students many ways to learn by providing 25,000 free academic tutorials taught in a variety of ways, by a multitude of teachers and education enthusiasts. SPCC is the latest innovation by SOPHIA, which is focused on making credible academic tools available to students at the college level and in the years leading up to post-secondary education.

"SOPHIA currently delivers free online educational content that is unlike anything on the market today," said Allison Gage, Senior Vice President, Business Strategy for SOPHIA. "In addition to providing students with many ways to learn by offering multiple tutorials on the same topic taught by different teachers, we have further expanded opportunities to earn college credit at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs. SPCC furthers our goal of making high quality education at all levels accessible and affordable."

Capella University first to offer SPCC

Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, is currently offering an articulation for five SPCC pathways at a cost of $329 per pathway. Students who successfully complete an SPCC pathway will earn six college-level quarter credits through Capella's prior learning assessment process.

"Considering that the average college graduate has $27,000 in student loan debt, it is imperative that we develop affordable options that will enable students to earn their college degree," said Scott Kinney, president of Capella University. "SPCC will significantly reduce the cost of higher education. In fact, students who complete the full nine courses through our program will save up to $10,000."

Read the original post:
SOPHIA Introduces Pathways For College Credit Making Higher Education Flexible And Affordable

People News

Sep 20, 2012, 3:01 GMT

Russell Brand

Russell Brand's love life is 'the talk of his yoga class'.

After flings with a number of women in recent months including Geri Halliwell and Jordana Brewster's sister Isabella, the British comedian was spotted kissing a pretty brunette as he left a class in Los Angeles on Tuesday (18.09.12).

A source told The Sun newspaper: 'Russell arrived at yoga with his new girl on Tuesday and they shared a big kiss in his car after the class.

'His antics are the talk of his yoga class.

'He was spotted with a girl after his lesson last Thursday (13.09.12) too. He had just left the class and was all over her in a nearby caf.'

Russell met a number of his former lovers at the class including Isabella and Mexican artist Oriela Medellin Amieiro and it was previously claimed he was planning to open his own studio because he had slept with too many of the ladies in the one he attends.

A source said: 'Since he split with Katy Perry, Russell has had sex or flirtations with quite a few of the women he used to meet in yoga classes.

Excerpt from:
Russell Brand's yoga class fascinated by his love life

Imagine a 102 dry room. Then imagine practicing intense yoga in there for 60 to 75 minutes. Then repeat that for 150 days. Welcome to the last several months of my life.

The first time I went to class, I simply wanted check out the new Moksha Yoga London West studio in London, Ontario. The next day a friend wanted to check it out, so I went again. The next day, another friend. And then it was just me--and I figured, why not just keep going?

While I do realize that one is supposed to be thought-free while practicing yoga--moksha, after all, is Sanskrit for release--as a business owner and writer, I couldn't help but notice how my commitment to hot yoga impacted my day-to-day life and my business. Here are some of the parallels:

This wasn't the first time I'd tried to make a commitment to daily exercise, but it was the first time in five years I succeeded. Halfway through my first 30-day challenge, as I was rushing through traffic to make it to 5:30 class, (yes, there is irony in rushing to be peaceful at yoga), it dawned on me that not once had I questioned whether I was actually going to go to class. Instead, each day I looked at the schedule and planned my day to include the priority. In business, we set goals and yet we don't always achieve them. When it comes to networking, I see a lot of frustration around this issue. People just can't--or don't--fit the required activities into their overloaded lives. Despite the best intentions to grow one's network, the to-do list takes priority while the volunteer activities and lunch meetings get pushed. Six months later they're no more connected than when the goal was set. Once you've decided a goal is worth achieving don't question whether or not you should do it. Just make it happen.

Those who work out routinely may wonder, What's the big deal?' 150 classes, heck, you may have done that twice a year, every year, for decades. While it may be no biggie for you, for me it's a huge accomplishment. While I'll spare you the details, I can assure you this personal challenge wasn't without its difficulties.

Once the decision was made to attend class daily, challenges arose and I had to recognize them, think through and find solutions, and then roll out implementation strategies.

In business, it's easy to perseverate on the obstacles or to ignore trouble that is brewing. Neither works. Tackle snags head on and overcome them.

For some, hot yoga may seem easy, but it is assuredly not easy if you do it properly. The goal is to find ease while exuding strength. A correctly executed posture requires exponentially more effort than just going through the motions. Yoga practice is different for everyone. There is no "perfect" way to do a posture and there is no final pinnacle to reach with your practice. It just keeps moving forward, much like business. There are, however, foundational elements that make a practice stronger. Spending time in an easier version of a posture in order to train your body to keep your hip down or core engaged may look boring, but by attending to those fundamentals, you'll be able to eventually--and then suddenly--pop into the "advanced" posture, just the way you wanted.

In business, the foundational pieces are what separate the masters from the people going-out-of-business--especially in a tough economy. Creating strong foundations and processes for customer service, financial management, and overall business practice may take longer to develop but all of a sudden, you will pop into success.

Just as business ebbs and flows, so does a yoga practice. At about the four-month mark, I started to question my abilities and wondered why I wasn't further along in my skills development. Then it dawned on me: back then I couldn't do one Chaturanga Dandasana, let alone several in a row; toppling tree was a posture reserved for the very strong; and the mere mention of "pigeon" was an excuse to roll over and have a break. Hot yoga is like anything that grows gradually: we don't recognize progress because we're living it every day.

See the rest here:
Namaste! 5 Hot Leadership Lessons From The Moksha Yoga Studio

Go to Jason Ashley Wright's Blog

Then, Stanley Cup MVP Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins gave partial credit to yoga for his big win a couple of years ago, recalled Keserich, goaltender for the Tulsa Oilers.

Has it helped his own game? "Absolutely," Keserich said. "Health, mind, body - it's a total work out."

Still, he admits that he first thought yoga was for women, which is a popular preconceived notion about yoga.

"People are hesitant for whatever reason," said Keri Edwardes, who has practiced yoga for five years and taught for four at local places like St. John Siegfried Health Club. Keserich was even one of her students.

"The hardest part of getting into yoga is walking into the class for the first time," said Edwardes, who joined other local yoga instructors in helping demystify the ancient practice of yoga for folks who might be intimidated by it.

The benefits of taking yoga abound, she said, including increased flexibility, focus and confidence, and decreased symptoms associated with stress.

Before she started doing yoga, Meghan Donnelly was an "extremely stressed" student at Oklahoma State University, putting herself through school, working full time and struggling with a bad relationship.

When she tried yoga, "it was like the best drug," she said, adding how it calmed and centered her. "I wanted some more of that."

Now, at 35, "I look better and feel better than I ever have in my life," said Donnelly, the owner and instructor at Inner Peace Yoga, 7718 E. 91st St.

See the rest here:
Experts, enthusiasts debunk preconceived notions of yoga

Yoga has fast become the go-to exercise routine for both men and women wanting to get fit while they relax. When you want a toned body and a clear mind, yoga can be one of the best forms of fitness. Yoga exercise apparel and accessories are simple and fit all budgets so choose your style from the local stores below and get shopping. Stay toned and healthy all year long, whatever the weather outside.

Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Find luxury yoga clothing and accessories from brands such as Shakti activewear, .72 K and tonic. The store is located within the Bikram Yoga San Rafael studio and offers a vast selection of all things yoga customers could want. The staff is not only extremely friendly but also knowledgeable about what you really need, whether you are a beginner or pro in the yoga world. Products will also be offered online toward the end of the year, so keep a look out for new additions.

Red Dragon Yoga 1701 4th St. San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 306-7904 reddragonyoga.com

This shop offers one of the widest selections of yoga apparel and accessories in the area with seasonal sales on brands including Hard Tail, Beyond Yoga, be present, Om Girl and Shakti activewear, as well as Red Dragons own exclusive collection. Pieces are updated regularly, on trend with the seasons and can easily be worn from the studio through to lunch as lifestyle apparel. The yoga studio is family owned and the environment has been kept to maintain that family vibe which you will notice whether you are stopping in to shop or take a class.

Related: Best Yoga Studios In San Francisco

en-er-gy 450 1st St. E, Suite J Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 217-4584 en-er-gy.com

A refurbished clothing and accessories store awaits customers at en-er-gy fitness studio where they will find comfortable, eco-friendly pieces. Brands include prAna, be present and ym. As well as clothing, custom yoga mats and towels, you can find unique, locally made gifts such as candles and essential oils. En-er-gy fitness studio is a specialist fitness centre for yoga, body sculpting and dance which is staffed by knowledgeable, well-trained yoga/fitness instructors who also help at the apparel store. They give customers the advice they need when picking products for their exercise lifestyle.

Bikram Yoga Petaluma Yoga Hell Boutique 1484 Petaluma Blvd. Petaluma, CA 94952 (707) 775-2400 bikramyogapetaluma.com

A bold, bright and loud store location can be found at Yoga Hell where yoga apparel and accessories have been specially created for yogis wanting to have fun yet needing the essential pieces for their exercise. Sport the cartoon devil on tees, vests, shorts, water bottles, mats and even pick up a little something at Yoga Heck for the children. The apparel and accessories store is located in the Bikram Yoga studio building and is staffed by locals who all work or take classes at the studio. Expect friendly, homestyle service that goes that extra mile. If you cannot find the size or color you want, just shout it out and someone will get it to you.

See the original post:
Best Shops For Yoga Clothes And Accessories In North Bay

September is National Yoga Month, and across the country yoga studios are opening their doors -- and hopefully, opening minds, too -- with free classes for anyone interested in learning more about yogas health benefits.

Among the many health benefits is better digestion, with certain yogic postures zeroing in on constipation, bloating, gas and other minor ailments.

In an interview with the Everyday Health website, yoga studio owner Lisa Korchma said that the regular practice of yoga, supplemented by a good diet and possibly even meditation, can bring about better digestive health.

Specific yoga poses, or asanas, do the trick, Korchma said.

Forward folding poses, for instance, compress the abdominal cavity so that when you release the bend, fresh blood and oxygen return to your digestive organs.

Poses using seated twisting can target gas and bloating. Many other non-seated twists, she added, relieve discomfort because they wring out the organs and promote bowel movements.

A similar recommendation for forward bends and twists came from Jillian Pransky, a restorative yoga expert interviewed in Yoga Journal magazine.

Pransky added that as a tension-reliever, yoga can aid peristalsis, the wavelike, involuntary movements of the intestinal muscles necessary for digestion and waste elimination.

In addition, yoga gets good marks among support groups for irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases because it can be an excellent stress reliever.

At the HelpforIBS.com website, an entry on yoga praised it for stabilizing digestion and relieving constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and pain. It also pointed out that yoga can prevent or minimize menstrual cramps, which often go hand-in-hand with IBS. ___________________________________________________ More From EmpowHER: Go Fish For Heart Health

View post:
Yoga a tool for combating digestive issues