Gale Supports Lifelong Learning with New Online Education Program for Public Library Patrons
Posted: June 19, 2012 at 9:12 pm
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a leading publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses, today announced a new program, ed2go for public libraries, that brings turnkey online training and education solutions to the public library market. ed2go, also part of Cengage Learning, provides online training courses for the adult education, career, and corporate training markets through partnerships with colleges, universities, community-based organizations and now through public libraries.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070724/NYTU125 )
"The mission of many public libraries is to inspire lifelong learning among patrons," said Gerry Sawchuk, publisher, public library solutions for Gale. "With ed2go courses designed specifically for this diverse audience, we are equipping public libraries with the tools to do just that."
The ed2go for public libraries program, developed as a result of Cengage Learning's unique position within the library, classroom and adult learning markets, will offer patrons access to hundreds of instructor-led online courses covering everything from health and wellness to digital photography, computer programming, GED test preparation and much more. ed2go courses are developed by expert instructors, many currently working at universities around the country, and use Cengage Learning's proven pedagogy to ensure classes are engaging and informative. Each individual course is offered online for six weeks and features 12 lessons with online discussions, homework, quizzes and a final exam. Though these are not college equivalent courses, certificate programs are available for careers in the medical field, project management and computer networking.
ed2go for public libraries features a subscription model designed specifically for libraries librarians purchase access to a catalog of ed2go courses which are then offered free to patrons, who can select specific courses to enroll in. Libraries in turn get robust product administration and usage reporting capabilities enabling the easy tracking of successful patron outcomes.
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System recently piloted the ed2go program as part of its eCampus initiative to address lifelong learning in its community and deliver workforce development resources, programs and services. The results have been highly successful.
"Our goal was to find online resources that could serve a wide community base with varied learning needs. Through our strategic partnerships with organizations like Cengage Learning, we've been able to offer exciting and user-friendly digital tools, like ed2go, to our community," said Juree Hall, eCampus Project Coordinator, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. "The positive feedback and growth in enrollments shows we're on the right track."
For more information on ed2go for public libraries or to request a trial, please visit http://www.gale.cengage.com/ed2go or contact Kristina Massari at kristina.massari@cengage.com. You can also learn more about this innovative program and Atlanta-Fulton's success at the Gale booth (#1400) on the exhibit floor of the American Library Association annual meeting in Anaheim, California June 22-25.
About Cengage Learning and GaleCengage Learning is a leading provider of innovative teaching, learning and research solutions for the academic, professional and library markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs from homework help to health questions to business profiles in a variety of formats. For more information, visit http://www.cengage.com or http://www.gale.cengage.com.
See more here:
Gale Supports Lifelong Learning with New Online Education Program for Public Library Patrons
Pilates can make your bad back worse: Experts agree it can help reduce pain and improve posture, but there are also …
Posted: at 4:17 pm
By Charlotte Dovey
PUBLISHED: 20:32 EST, 18 June 2012 | UPDATED: 20:32 EST, 18 June 2012
Sophie Barnes slipped a disc while doing pilates
Like thousands of women, Sophie Barnes decided to do Pilates to get back into shape after giving birth.
While driven by the desire to lose her post-baby belly, Sophie, 38, was also keen on it for medical reasons.
She was born with scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, and her doctor had warned that the extra weight of the baby could put added strain on her fragile back and muscles.
A maternity nurse told her that Pilates a series of stretching exercises to improve physical strength and flexibility was excellent for women post-birth.
The classes are particularly good for back problems because the exercises strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
Seven months after the birth I felt ready to start exercising, says Sophie, who lives in North-West London with her husband Martin, 42, a building company manager, and their three children Jonathan, seven, Helena, five, and Melody, three.
I told the instructor about my scoliosis and the pregnancy, and he nodded and told me to join aclass.
Holding up the sky
Posted: at 4:16 pm
Visual impairment does not stop Preeti Monga from motivating others
We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.Helen Keller
A trauma counsellor, corporate trainer, writer, aerobics trainer, public speaker and director of Silver Linings Human Resource Solution Private Limited all rolled into one, Preeti Mongas achievements are inspirational for any youngster. Interestingly, that she lost her vision early in life could not deter Ms. Monga from living up to her dreams.
With a staff size of eight girls, Silver Linings is a Delhi-based executive search and talent development consultancy. What makes us different from typical recruitment companies and sundry providers of standardised training modules is the fact that we go beyond a transactional relationship with our clients to be their Human Capital Custodian, Ms. Monga said. She recalls the motivational workshops she has conducted for workers in Maruti when they were going through a difficult labour phase. I have addressed workers at the mines as well. Being a positive person I enjoy motivational workshops. We have a master list of 140 active clients. Our business model is simple. We share 10 per cent of the profit with our employees.
Preeti started the consultancy with her brother Sandeep Singh. We got Silver Lining Trust registered in 2006, and then thought about starting Silver Lining Solutions. We started Silver Linings in the dining hall of our house in 2010 and now our bedroom, too, is annexed into the office area. We will have a bigger office soon she said. My brother left his job for this venture. Convincing him was my first victory, she smiled. While Mr. Singh looks after the operations of Silver Linings, Ms. Monga handles the business development part.
Ms. Monga was only six years old when doctors diagnosed her deteriorating vision as a condition due to optic atrophy. It was difficult for me since my childhood. And by the time I was able to accept my disability, my school had already thrown me out. It affected me greatly, she said.
In a place like India, where even the birth of a girl child is not welcomed, being born with an extreme physical disability is almost unacceptable to the society, Ms. Monga said. But I have been fortunate enough to have supportive parents. They stood by my side in every adversity. They have made me what I am today.
She decided to leave her studies after completing Class X. I found it meaningless! At that point of time, I failed to understand that I would need certificates and degrees to survive in this difficult world Soon after ending my first marriage, I realized that I needed to be economically independent. That brought me in touch with Veena Merchant of U.S.A. Shapes. I received proper aerobics training and started my own training class. I had a class of 40 people, she said.
Simultaneously, she got involved in computer and English teaching, sales and marketing management, freelance journalism, public speaking and most of all trauma counselling; all this without completing her formal education. I always believed that one can learn from every day experiences. For me, life was the biggest teacher and troubles, lessons of the book, she added.
Today I am a proud mother of two independent children and a very happy grandmother too. I dream of building Silver Linings into a global entity. I want to tell the world that if a blind person can do it in spite of ever increasing adversities, everybody can. I want to be the light that can eliminate darkness from the lives of people, she asserted.
More:
Holding up the sky
St. Louis schools may close community resource centers
Posted: at 4:16 pm
ST. LOUIS When children enter one of 10 city schools even when classes are not in session, community education supporters want them and even their parents and neighbors to find a hub of activities, support and resources for more than just academic needs.
For decades, a long-standing program in the St. Louis Public Schools has provided that, offering programs ranging from academic tutoring to dental exams to aerobics classes. But money for the effort, called Community Education Full Service Schools, has dwindled from about $1.2 million to $500,000.
It's unclear exactly how the cuts will play out in the next few weeks, but without funding for full-time staff at all of the centers, five could close, officials say. The district recently notified four full-time staffers that their jobs had been cut.
Typically, the centers remain open during the summer, but as of last week, just those at Vashon High, Walbridge elementary, Clay elementary and Yeatman-Liddell middle schools were to continue offering services during June and July.
More than a dozen people told the district's Special Administrative Board this month that they fear that without additional funding, beneficial programs and services through the community education centers will be dismantled.
"It just provides so many things to so many people," said Rachel Delcau, who is on the council at the Bevo-Long Community Education center.
At the meeting, a teenage girl said she repeatedly got in trouble at school for fighting and being disruptive, but that changed when she started attending the after-school program at Bevo-Long. Now, she attends Carnahan High School but continues to return to Bevo-Long to volunteer.
Sherry Parris, 41, said she was depressed and had given up hope of getting her GED until her pastor told her about classes at the community education center at Clay elementary.
"In other classes, I got frustrated and left. Now, I see that I can learn," said Parris, who passed the test and is now taking community college classes to become a dental hygienist. "There was a love and a passion for students there."
St. Louis Public Schools has matched the city's funds for the program, which began in 1968.
Visit link:
St. Louis schools may close community resource centers
YUVRAJ’S FIRST EXCERCISE SESSION AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY – Video
Posted: at 4:16 pm
Read more from the original source:
YUVRAJ'S FIRST EXCERCISE SESSION AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY - Video
Department Store Yoga – Video
Posted: at 4:16 pm
Read the rest here:
Department Store Yoga - Video
Office Yoga, Ninja Style with Mike Taylor – Video
Posted: at 4:16 pm
Go here to see the original:
Office Yoga, Ninja Style with Mike Taylor - Video
'Laughter yoga' club causing 'mental agony' to neighbours
Posted: at 4:16 pm
According to their lawyer, Veena Thadani, it is no laughing matter. "It's true that laughter is contagious, but if 30 people laugh every day in your window and you wake up to the sound of this cacophony you do not start laughing. They encourage each other to laugh louder 'laugh through your belly! Laugh through your eyes! Laugh through your ears!' they shout," she said.
Despite a number of rulings, the police have not yet taken action against the laughing yogis because they are not a formal registered club.
Mumbai's High Court judges have now voiced their frustration that their order has not been enforced. "Solve this problem. This is (an) unnecessary headache ... people coming and laughing outside your house," said Justice Bobde.
Laughing yoga has grown in popularity throughout the world after it was developed by Mumbai doctor Madan Kartaria, who styles himself the 'Guru of giggling.' He began his 'movement' with just five followers in the early 1990s and has since inspired 6000 'laughter clubs' in 60 countries around the world.
These clubs have proliferated throughout India's public parks where groups of devotees throw back their arms and heads in unison and laugh in exaggerated breathing exercises.
Despite its 17 year history, crowds still gather to enjoy the spectacle and in many cases laugh along with them.
But according to Veena Thadani no one is laughing in the upmarket Mumbai suburb of Kurli, where residents are fighting for the right to be glum in peace.
"It's aural aggression. You can't be forced to hear sounds you don't want to hear. Everyone is miserable because these activities are outside their home every day. What if you want to get up late or you're not feeling well? They're still waking you up with this cackling," she said.
The rest is here:
'Laughter yoga' club causing 'mental agony' to neighbours
Workout of the week: Aerial Yoga at Boulder Spirals
Posted: at 4:16 pm
4700 Sterling Drive Boulder,720-989-1838, boulderspirals.com
Instructor: Sasha Viers, owner of Boulder Spirals is a woman of many talents. Trained in drama at New York University, a student of ballet, jazz and modern dance and certified in: yoga, gyrotonic, gyrokinesis, Thai yoga massage and pole fitness, Sasha brings her love of physical expression in its many forms into teaching.
Viers followed the lead of many other pole dancers who practice aerial fabric and took a teacher training course in aerial yoga. She was "hooked at the first swing" she said, since it combined many her favorite elements of her drama, dance, yoga and gyrotonic practices.
What is the workout? Aerial yoga is the practice of standard yoga asana enhanced and assisted by the use of fabric hammocks suspended from the ceiling. While the entire class isn't performed with the hammock, when it is, the body feels supported, effortless and free. The use of the fabric hammock can also help to deepen stretches resulting in a more intense expression of a yoga pose. Other benefits of aerial yoga include core strengthening, spinal decompression and assistance with inversions. The best part? You get to fly!
The instructor begins class by adjusting the height of the hammock for each student. You resin up your hands so that you'll have a no-slip grip for the silky fabric. Once sticky and situated, basic floor stretches such as cat/cow and downward dog get you warmed up. You'll familiarize yourself with the size and position of the hammock. Because you're using an unfamiliar yoga prop, there is a lot of cueing on how to use the fabric to enhance your pose. At times you'll find a leg or an arm woven through the purple fabric, a few cues later, your entire booty is sitting and swinging. One of my favorite multi-cued maneuvers was "the winged angel," a move that had students' arms wrapped into purple wings and inverting into a sit swing. I can't tell you how we got there, but it looked really groovy in the mirror. You'll swing seated, you'll swing standing, you'll even swing with a flip if you're lucky. Each class is a bit different since Viers tailors the class to the energy of the students partaking that day.
What's different? The apparatus used, in this case was a flowy, stretchable fabric hammock. In other classes I've taken, we used a more rigid style hammock with strap-like handles and grips. If you're comparing aerial yoga to standard yoga classes, there's a huge difference. While traditional yoga has you breathe with movement in an effort to quiet your mind, aerial yoga has you concentrating on how to maneuver.
Level: You need to be able to support your own body weight and possess some basic body awareness to enjoy this class to the fullest. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 4 in difficulty. Less experienced yogis or acrobats will have a bit harder time navigating the fabric and understanding body alignment, but either way you won't be huffing and puffing. People prone to motion sickness or who get dizzy easily might find it more difficult.
When: Aerial yoga is currently offered Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., but check the schedule since it is subject to change. boulderspirals.com
What to prepare: Pre-register via the website, since only four students can fly at a time. Bring a yoga mat and wear tightly fitted yoga pants and a T-shirt. You can wear a tank or sleeveless shirt, but if you are a delicate flower, wear the sleeves so it can be a buffer against the pain of bunching fabric against your pits and upper arms. I wore baggier yoga pants and found it slightly annoying having to smooth them out once inside the hammock.
Muscles worked: There was one strength maneuver that tested the will of my triceps most of all, but aerial yoga, like traditional yoga is a full body-mind workout.
Excerpt from:
Workout of the week: Aerial Yoga at Boulder Spirals
The Sixth Man: Brooks' coaching puts Thunder in a hole
Posted: at 6:22 am
Written by The Sports Network TSN
Miami, FL (Sports Network) - An NBA coach is supposed to accentuate his team's strengths while masking as many deficiencies as possible.
In fact that's the job definition of any professional coach.
Talent is the be-all and end-all for any mentor and is supposed to make the job a lot easier, although like anything else, it comes with a new set of problems. Opposing coaches may look at the league's most loaded teams with envy but the pilots actually coaching the superstars often can get in their own way.
Case in point, Oklahoma City's Scott Brooks, who turned a 10-point Thunder lead in Game 3 of the NBA Finals into a 2-1 hole thanks to some decision making that had all of press row scratching its collective head.
Brooks' troubles started at tip-off when the coach again allowed his superstar Kevin Durant to defend LeBron James at the outset.
By midway through the third quarter when OKC had just started to pull away Durant had accomplished a number of things, the mid-range game was heating up and he had defended four different positions, shutting up a host of critics who thought the scoring champion was a one-trick pony. And oh yeah, he also picked up four fouls.
"Foul trouble is part of the game," Brooks said. "You have to play the game the right way, and you're going to get some fouls called against you. Unfortunately (Durant) had two games in a row where he had some foul trouble. But Kevin is an aggressive player. I'd like to see him keep attacking."
Durant's willingness to accept the challenge of guarding Miami's best is to be commended but at the same time Brooks needs him on the floor at key moments and must save the superstar from himself on occasion.
Durant wants to be regarded as the best player in the world and for that to happen he has to prove he's a top-tier defender like James but Erik Spoelstra doesn't point at Durant and tell LeBron to check him every minute he's on the floor.
More here:
The Sixth Man: Brooks' coaching puts Thunder in a hole