Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruNbzFN4t3U

12-09-2012 21:39 WEB EXCLUSIVE—Sal Khan, founder of online-education video platform Khan Academy, created his first Youtube videos in 2006 from a closet in his home, never suspecting that the project would one day evolve into a series with close to 400000 subscribers and countless more occasional users. Every Friday night on Current TV at 10p

More:
Extra: New dashboard technology improves online education, says Khan Academy founder - Video

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bisk Education, the leader in online education, proudly acknowledged today those university partners that received Best College 2013 honors from U.S. News & World Report. Several of the universities, which offer degree and certificate programs 100% online via Bisk's state-of-the-art technology, maintained top rankings for 2013, while others increased their positions over last year's survey results. The rankings include:

Villanova University Ranked #1 Best Regional University in the North for the 20th consecutive year.

Michigan State University Ranked #1 for Best Undergraduate Business Program for Supply Chain Management for the second year in a row.

University of Notre Dame, Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of San Francisco and University of St. Thomas Minnesota All improved rankings over last year in the Best National Universities category.

Dominican University Improved its ranking over last year in the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest.

Widely recognized as the most trusted source for college and university rankings, U.S. News uses survey data and trends in higher education to ensure that the rankings offer prospective students the best analysis available when choosing a university.

"Bisk Education commends our university partners for continually achieving such high marks from U.S. News & World Report. We are proud that these universities have selected Bisk to deliver online learning services," said Nathan Bisk, Chairman and CEO of Bisk Education. "We remain committed to upholding the highest academic standards of our university partners and transforming the lives of their students."

Bisk creates highly scalable online learning solutions for universities that seek to advance their academic mission by offering programs to students around the world, 24/7. All Bisk partners are traditional, regionally accredited universities. Its University Alliance division facilitates the promotion and online delivery of degree and certificate programs from these universities, providing a high-quality education to adult students who wish to advance their knowledge and careers. Bisk's technology, which includes a proprietary Learning Management System with instructor-led video lectures and interactive classroom activities, ensures that every student receives a unique learning experience.

To learn about the Best Colleges 2013 rankings from U.S. News & World Report, visit http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges.

To learn more about Bisk Education, its strategic partnerships with top-ranked universities, and Bisk's approach to scalable online learning, visit http://www.Bisk.com.

Read more here:
Bisk Education Proudly Recognizes Top-Ranked University Partners

China's status as a sporting superpower was achieved on the back of punishing state-led training in schools, but a softer approach has enabled today's students to seek a life beyond the gym, they say.

China's Soviet-style sports system has been criticised in the past for its methods in grooming children for sporting success from an early age at the expense of basic education and the conventional comforts of childhood -- simply because they have been identified as having future potential.

But sporting authorities in China have embarked on a period of soul-searching in recent years, which has led to a more relaxed training environment for the country's next generation of sports stars.

Eight-year-old Yu Zhengyang is one of thousands of youngsters in China who is motivated by his own sporting dreams rather than the demands of the state.

He said the decision to leave his family home in northern China to devote five hours a day to table tennis training at a school hundreds of miles away was an easy one.

"I want to go to the Olympics. I can play table tennis well so this is my dream. I can win the gold medal," Yu, now ten years old and two years into his training at Shichahai Sports School in Beijing, told AFP.

"I believe in myself that I can play well. I came here to practise more," adds the recently crowned champion of a major under-12s tournament in China, with one eye on the 2020 Olympics.

Yu's first year at Shichahai was spent in a school dormitory. But he left the school grounds when his mother and father arrived in Beijing from Shaanxi last year.

"I like it more now, living with my parents," he said.

"And at the weekends when I have finished my homework, I have time to relax and watch television."

Continue reading here:
China eases pressure on its future sports stars

Jim Calhoun has spent more than half his life as a head basketball coach, never venturing far from the New England area where he was born.

Between coaching stints at Northeastern and Connecticut, he racked up 873 wins 625 of them coming at his beloved UConn, where he ran the mens program for 26 years and won three national titles.

Recently, though, the 70-year-old Hall of Famer has struggled with health problems, including a fractured hip last month that put him on crutches. On Thursday, he planned to announce his retirement, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Calhouns move had not yet been made public. WVIT-TV in Hartford first reported the expected announcement.

Assistant coach Kevin Ollie was expected to replace Calhoun, the person who spoke to the AP said. The school scheduled a 2 p.m. news conference to address the future of the mens basketball program.

Ollie will take over a Huskies team that is ineligible for the 2013 NCAA tournament because of its failure to meet national academic standards, one of several off-court problems that hit UConn late in Calhouns tenure.

The Huskies will open this year with just five players who saw significant playing time last season.

Before fracturing his hip, Calhoun fought off cancer three times and missed eight games last season while suffering from a painful spinal condition. He returned just four days after having back surgery to coach the Huskies in their regular-season finale and the postseason.

UConn finished the year 20-14, losing to Iowa State in the first-round of the NCAA tournament.

In addition to his medical leave, Calhoun served a three-game suspension at the start of the Big East season last winter for failing to maintain an atmosphere of compliance in his program with NCAA rules, an issue that dated back to recruiting violations in 2008.

Read the original here:
Source: UConn coach retiring

Wexford University Accepts Transfer Credits from NESTA and Spencer Institute for Associates Degree in Fitness Training Online Program

Wexford University now accepts transfer credits from both NESTA and the Spencer Institute for its associates degree in Fitness Training. The online university offers health, exercise, sports and fitness degree programs of all levels to both U.S. and international students.

Specific transfer credits will be determined by the Wexford University admissions office. In addition, Wexford also accepts transfer credits from both U.S. and international schools for students interested in pursuing an online education in fitness, wellness or nutrition. Winter classes begin January 2013 at http://wexford.edu/.

Wexford is all about world-class education in the latest health and fitness topics, making it a perfect complement to a variety of NESTA and Spencer Institute certifications, said Jack Bauerle, Chancellor of Wexford University. These transfer credits will make it easier for students interested in pursuing a fitness degree to combine their current passion and lifestyle with a diploma that they can use for a lifetime.

In addition to the associates degree in Fitness Training, Wexford University also offers the following degree programs: a bachelor of science degree in Health and Fitness, a master of science degree in Nutrition and Exercise, a master of arts in Applied Sports Psychology and a doctorate degree in Applied Sports Psychology.

To earn admission to Wexford University, students must be 18 years of age or older, complete an online admissions form and send official transcripts from previous educational institutions, if applicable. A 10 percent discount is available when tuition is paid in full upfront, and military personnel can also receive an additional 15 percent discount on tuition.

About Wexford University Wexford University is dedicated to providing world-class education through cutting-edge technology, offering direct application degree programs in an accelerated format with 100 percent online learning to save time and money. Programs include an associate of arts degree in Fitness Training, bachelors degree in Health and Fitness, masters degree in Nutrition and Exercise as well as masters degree and doctorate degree in Applied Sport Psychology. Wexford University is the higher education division of NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association). For more information, please visit http://wexford.edu/.

Read the original:
Wexford University Accepts Transfer Credits from NESTA and Spencer Institute for Associate’s Degree in Fitness ...

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2012

Former Division 1 college athlete, international presenter, author and consultant for elite and professional athletes around the world, Brad Jurica was recently selected as department chair for graduate programs in Applied Sport Psychology as well as professor for Wexford University. Wexford, a 100 percent online university, offers a variety of degrees in health, fitness, exercise, sports and nutrition.

In addition, Jurica is co-owner of Mental Training, Inc., a performance enhancement-based consulting firm that helps athletes, executives and performers strengthen their mental skills and access their performance zone.

Brads extensive teaching experience in psychology and sport psychology and his dedication to his students are second to none, said John Spencer Ellis, founder of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), which includes Wexford University as its higher education division. And as a longtime member of the Surfrider Foundation and passionate surfer, Brad really knows how to calmly ride the waves with discipline and poise, making him the perfect person to work with both faculty and students at Wexford.

Jurica has a masters degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and has worked with a variety of Olympic, professional and elite athletes training in Southern California. He is one of the leading sport psychology consultants in the country and his mission is to educate students on the power of the mind by increasing self-awareness, facilitating cognitive and emotional growth, and being a positive agent for change as he helps each student achieve his/her personal and professional goals.

Further, Jurica is a published author in a variety of peer-reviewed journals throughout the country as well as a member of Division 47 (Sport and Exercise Psychology) of the American Psychological Association and has served in various leadership positions within the Association of Applied Sport Psychology since 2002.

Wexford University offers degree programs including an associate of arts degree in Fitness Training, a bachelor of science degree in Health and Fitness, a master of science degree in Nutrition and Exercise, a master of arts in Applied Sports Psychology and a doctorate degree in Applied Sports Psychology.

Wexford University is dedicated to providing world-class education through cutting-edge technology, offering direct application degree programs in an accelerated format with 100 percent online learning to save time and money. Programs include an associate of arts degree in Fitness Training, bachelors degree in Health and Fitness, masters degree in Nutrition and Exercise as well as masters degree and doctorate degree in Applied Sport Psychology. Wexford University is the higher education division of NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association). For more information, please visit http://wexford.edu/.

More here:
Brad Jurica Named Department Chair for Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology and Professor for Wexford ...

CHAMPAIGN, ILL. A national program that promotes youth fitness is changing to emphasize health over performance and materials published by Champaign-based Human Kinetics will be part of the new program.

The President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition announced Monday it is replacing the President's Council Youth Fitness Test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.

The new program will use Fitnessgram, an assessment that reports on a student's individual health and fitness.

"It tells you how healthy you are, based on what you should be able to do for someone in your age group," Human Kinetics President Brian Holding said.

That's a change from the old youth fitness test, which compared a student's performance with those of his or her peers.

Fitnessgram software published by Human Kinetics for the Cooper Institute measures health-related fitness by evaluating cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition.

Fitnessgram has been adopted by many metropolitan school districts, including those in New York City, Indianapolis and Miami, Holding said.

The software also has been adopted statewide by Texas, Georgia and Delaware and is used in much of North Carolina, he added.

Holding said it's estimated that two-thirds of the schools that do physical fitness testing have been using Fitnessgram, and the other one-third have been using the President's Council Youth Fitness Test.

But with the President's Council switching gears, all those schools stand to be using Fitnessgram, he said.

Go here to read the rest:
Presidential fitness program switches focus to personal health

Ticket named best new instant game at the 2012 World Lottery Summit!

WINNIPEG , Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Pollard Banknote Limited (PBL.TO) (Pollard Banknote) is excited to announce the success of the Michigan Lottery's Cashword Instant ticket and WebPlay program, starring the Michigan Lottery Cashword app powered by Pollard Banknote. The award was presented at the World Lottery Summit in Montral this week.

"Pollard Banknote's WebPlay program enhances the value of an instant ticket by providing free extended play on the lottery's website or with a stand-alone smartphone app", said Co-Chief Executive Officer, Doug Pollard . "We have focused a lot of energy and attention toward developing technologies that will attract younger players and drive sales for our customers. The Michigan Lottery has been a wonderful partner and an active supporter of our technology as it stimulates sales, provides added entertainment value, and most importantly, captures the attention of the 18-25 year old market. The fact there were one million Cashword interactive games played within the first six months of the program is a testament to its success."

The Michigan Lottery's Cashword WebPlay program features a custom app developed by Pollard Banknote that utilizes a quick response (QR) code to download the Michigan Cashword Lottery app. Once downloaded, players can continue to play their retailer-purchased instant ticket in an online format for a second chance to win instant ticket coupons or points for redemption on the Michigan Lottery's Player's Club. Both the app and the web-based version of the game can also be played for fun without the purchase of a Cashword ticket.

Sales data since the February 2012 introduction of the Michigan Lottery Cashword app shows the WebPlay program was responsible for a 52% increase in average weekly sales of the already popular Cashword category as average weekly sales jumped from a total of $2.3 million to $3.5 million .

"Research shows the ability to play the game on a personal computer or on-the-go with a smartphone has successfully engaged the coveted 18-25 demographic, of which 20% play the app for fun at least once a day after download", stated Tom Weber , Deputy Commissioner of Marketing with the Michigan Lottery. "Fifty-five percent of players who played the app for fun were influenced to purchase a ticket in order to play the app for prizes, while 75% of 18-25 year-old segment said they were more likely to purchase Cashword tickets after playing the Michigan Lottery Cashword app. The recent award for our Cashword program at the World Lottery Summit is further recognition of our work as an industry innovator and a strong endorsement of the Lottery's ability to create compelling products for the future, including extending lottery games into the mobile space while still supporting our retail network", said Weber.

With the mandate to support education in the state, the Michigan Lottery generated over $727 million for Michigan's educational system in 2011. Since 1972, the Lottery's total contributions to schooling have grown to exceed $16 billion .

About Pollard Banknote Limited Pollard Banknote Limited is one of the world's leading full-service lottery vendors and is a major supplier to North America's charitable gaming industry. The company manufactures instant lottery tickets and provides related programming, design, and marketing support. As well, Pollard Banknote manufactures pull tab tickets and bingo paper, and supplies lottery management services (including warehousing and distribution). Established in 1907, Pollard Banknote is owned approximately 73.5% by the Pollard family and 26.5% by public shareholders and currently serves more than 50 lotteries worldwide, including some of the largest and most respected lotteries in the United States , Canada , Europe , Asia, and Central and South America .

Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking" statements and information which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this document, such statements include such words as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "plan," and other similar terminology. These statements reflect management's current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this document. There should not be an expectation that such information will in all circumstances be updated, supplemented, or revised whether as a result of new information, changing circumstances, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Pollard Banknote Limited

Originally posted here:
Pollard Banknote and Michigan Lottery Partner for Success with Cashword WebPlay™ Interactive Game

Brussels, September 13th 2012

Solvay accelerates its development in Indiawith the acquisition of Sunshield Chemicals

Reinforcing its leading position in specialty surfactants in fast growing markets

Solvay announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Sunshield Chemicals, an Indian company specializing in surfactants, from Amit Choksey Group. This acquisition will enable Solvay`s Novecare business to accelerate growth plans in India for the home and personal care, agrochemicals, coatings and industrial applications markets. Solvay is determined to double its sales in India by 2015.

"This bolt-on acquisition will enable us to speed up our pace of growth in the Indian surfactants market that is currently enjoying double-digit annual growth. With Sunshield Chemicals, we are expanding our existing industrial base in this country and reinforcing our commercial presence in strong growth market segments," explains Emmanuel Butstraen, President of Novecare. "Our aim is to further consolidate our leading positions in specialty surfactants in Asia and to support our customers` development in this part of the world."

Sunshield Chemicals, a company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), generated net sales of INR 943 million (EUR 13.5 million) in its most recent financial year ended March 31, 2012. The price of the acquisition results in a Enterprise Value multiple below 9x the estimated adjusted EBITDA for the current year. This transaction enables Amit Choksey Group to focus more on their other activities in the field of pigments and other related products. The operation, subject to fulfillment of customary conditions and agreements, is expected to be concluded within a period of approximately three months.

This acquisition follows the opening of a major innovation center in Savli (Gujarat State) and further reinforces the Group`s presence and commitment in India. Moreover, Solvay is determined to double its sales in India by 2015. The Group has been doing business in this country since 2000 through its Novecare, Engineering Plastics and Specialty Polymers activities. With seven production sites and about 900 employees, the Group generated net sales of 180 million euros in India in 2011.

SUNSHIELD CHEMICALS, an Indian company from Amit Choksey Group, produces and exports surfactants, cross-linkers and antioxidants. Working from its production site near Mumbai, Sunshield Chemicals serves a large number of markets for various applications in agrochemicals, textiles, coatings, lubricants, plastics, metal treatment, home and personal care products. Sunshield Chemicals is based in Mumbai and listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

SOLVAY is an international chemical Group committed to sustainable development with a clear focus on innovation and operational excellence. Its recent acquisition of specialty chemicals company Rhodia created a much larger player, which is realizing over 90% of its sales in markets where it is among the top 3 global leaders. Solvay offers a broad range of products that contribute to improving the quality of life and the performance of its customers in markets such as consumer goods, construction, automotive, energy, water and environment, and electronics. The Group is headquartered in Brussels, employs about 31,000 people in 55 countries and generated EUR 12.7 billion in net sales in 2011 (pro forma). Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on NYSE Euronextin Brussels and Paris (Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR).

Novecare, one of the major Global Business Units of Solvay`s Rhodia sector generating net sales of approximately 1.6 billion in 2011, provides high-performance products and solutions to a wide range of industries including cosmetics, detergents, agrochemicals, oil & gas, coatings and industrial applications. Thanks to its worldwide industrial presence and a global R&D and tech-support network, Novecare holds front-ranking positions in surfactants, amines, phosphorus derivatives, natural & synthetic polymers and monomers technologies, and eco-friendly solvents-based formulations. Thanks to its expertise in protection, surface modification, rheology, and active delivery, Novecare provides its customers with solutions enabling them to improve their formulations and processes and to protect human health and the environment.

Here is the original post:
Solvay accelerates its development in Indiawith the acquisition of Sunshield Chemicals

Partner yoga an experimental fitness class being offered at 9 p.m. Tuesday nights at State Gym, promotes exploring your mind/body, but now people do not necessarily have to do it by themselves. Now they can explore their mind and body with another person.

Yoga literally translates to "union" or more specifically, the union of physical, mental and spiritual disciplines. When practicing yoga, individuals are working to develop these aspects of themselves; but in partner yoga, these disciplines stretch beyond individual development.

When youre working in yoga, youre trying to build relationships with yourself. ... When you add a partner, youre working to develop a relationship, said Nora Hudson, fitness coordinator for Recreation Services. So you are always gaining insight into all the different levels of the relationship physical, mental and spiritual.

Partner yoga, Hudson said, involves a lot of coordination.

Theres definitely more balance work that needs to happen because you have to negotiate between two people, Hudson said. You have to quickly look outside yourself and be observant of that individual and their needs and physical abilities, and learn how to match that and coordinate it.

Hudson suggested this balance is a symbolic concept of any relationship a balance that gives and takes and understanding how to come together to form one unified posture.

[It] really helps develop a sense of trust within both people, said Paul Beamer, senior in horticulture and yoga instructor. You have to learn to communicate pretty effectively and be willing to trust yourself and the other person. Its a nice shared experience you dont get elsewhere.

Partner yoga requires a higher physical level at the core, making it a great challenge for core and body strength. Having a partner also allows you to reach a posture you couldnt do by yourself, or is dependent upon the second person to facilitate it deeper. This allows for a different experience of your body, Hudson said.

Chad Yuen, graduate student in chemistry and lead instructor of partner yoga, explained that partner yoga is a variety of different traditional yoga poses but taken to the next level.

Examples of these more difficult moves include, flying poses, which is one person as base, one balancing to fly similar to playing airplane as a child, or double downward dog," which is one person doing downward dog, while the other stands on their hands and rests their feet on the back of the downward dog.

Visit link:
New twist to yoga: partner yoga