Environment guide

Plasma had gotten an early lead in the plasma vs. LCD TV game on producing large format TVs such as the 42 and 50 inch models. Because they have been around slightly longer, the price for these larger models has already begun to drop $5,000 plus as the price we saw several years ago, all the way down to $2,500 or less today. This earns plasma one point in the plasma vs. LCD TV match off.

Until recently, LCD TVs were unable to produce anything much larger than 30 inches. That is now changing though and LCD TV manufacturers are now coming out with more and more 42 and 50 inch models which will create competition in plasma vs. LCD TVs.

The most popular size is the 42 inch and this is the size that manufacturers are producing more and more of in the plasma vs. LCD TV battle. Due to this overproduction, we will begin to see an even greater drop in prices of the 42 inch models. Currently in the plasma vs. LCD TV battle, plasma wins on the price because of their head start on producing the larger models. In the next couple years however, LCD TVs will be slashing prices even more and giving plasma a run for their money in the plasma vs. LCD TV match off.

If you are a customer who enjoys multimedia benefits in the same electronics source then LCD TVs beat out plasma in the plasma vs. LCD TV battle thanks to their PC inputs and memory sticks that allow you to use the LCD TV screen as a computer monitor. You can also play MP3 audio files and share pictures from you digital camera on many LCD TVs today. You will also get crisper graphics and text on a LCD TV rather than a plasma, which is perfect for any video game fan. As far as multimedia capabilities are concerned LCD TVs earns a point in the plasma vs. LCD TV game.

Why are LCD TVs are gaining an edge in the plasma vs. LCD TV battle? For one thing, LCD TVs have a longer life than plasma TVs, beating them out by about 20,000 life hours. Also, LCD TVs do not have the problem with burn-ins that plasma TVs face. LCD TVs gain a point in the plasma vs. LCD TV match off simply because they will last longer. While the 42 inch TVs rule for now, another plus about LCD TVs is that they are able to produce small and portable models also which is very popular among families with children who go on long car rides.

While they won’t destroy plasmas altogether, LCD TVs will definitely win the plasma vs. LCD TV popularity contest as their prices drop and reliability increases in the next couple years.]]>

Rising. Soaring. Skyrocketing. These are the words that seem to begin every article about college tuition costs – and they are words guaranteed to make every parent cringe. According to the College Board, costs for the 2004-2005 school year at four-year private colleges are up 6%, while costs at four-year public colleges are up 10.5%. Scary? Yes. Impossible to handle? No!

The good news is that there is more financial aid available than ever before. One of the most interesting financial aid options is the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, or PLUS Loan.

What is a PLUS Loan?
PLUS Loans are federal loans taken out by parents to help pay their children’s college costs. PLUS Loans offer several advantages:

•Interest rates are adjusted each year, but are consistently kept low. For the 2004-2005 school year, the interest rate is 4.17%. It is capped to never exceed 9%.
•Financial need is not a determining factor in receiving a PLUS Loan.
•No collateral is required.
•There is no penalty for early repayment.
•Loans can be consolidated.
•If you are eligible, up to $2000 in interest may be tax-deductible under the Hope Education Tax Credit.

Who is eligible for a PLUS Loan?
If you are a parent with dependent students attending college at least part-time, you are eligible to receive a PLUS Loan. You do need to have a good credit history. The following credit issues will reduce your chances of getting a PLUS Loan:

•Bankruptcies
•Defaulted loans
•Payments overdue by 90 days or more
•High debt-to-income ratio

If you are turned down for a PLUS Loan because of poor credit history, you can find someone to co-sign the loan with you and then apply again.

How much can I borrow with a PLUS Loan?
You can borrow up to the total cost of undergraduate education expenses, minus other financial aid already received. Expenses can include tuition, room and board, supplies, lab expenses, and travel.

How do I apply for a PLUS Loan?
You can apply for a PLUS Loan through the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. FFEL loans come from private lenders or loan servicers, such as your bank. PLUS Loan applications are available from your school or your lender. To apply for an FFEL PLUS Loan, you complete the application and then submit it to your school. The school completes its portion of the application and sends it to the lender for approval.

Direct loans come from the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Servicing Center. To apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, you complete a Direct PLUS Loan application and promissory note and submit it to your school’s financial aid office. This form is available from your school’s Financial Aid Office.

You can take out one loan per enrollment period for each eligible student in your family.

PLUS Loans do require an application fee of up 4% of the principal of the loan. These fees are deducted from the loan principal, so no up-front money is required. The fee includes a 3% origination fee charged by the federal government and a guarantee fee of up to 1% charged by the guarantee agency. However, most guarantors waive the guarantee fee.

How are PLUS Loan funds disbursed?
Funds are sent directly to the school’s financial aid office for scheduled payments over the course of the academic year. As with other federal loans, there are usually at least two disbursements, one for each school term.

The funds are first applied to tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges. If any money remains, you can receive it as a check or you can put it in your student’s school account. This remaining money must be used for education expenses.

When do I repay PLUS Loans?
You start paying back PLUS Loans 60 days after the final disbursement of the school year. So, if the final disbursement is made in January, as is typical, repayment generally begins in late February or early March. PLUS Loans are the financial responsibility of the parents, not the student. If the student agrees to make payments on the PLUS Loan but fails to make the payments on time, the parents are held responsible.

What is the difference between PLUS Loans and other student loans?
The other student loan generally available to students is the Stafford Loan. The table below illustrates the similarities and differences between these two loan programs:

PLUS Loan
Federally guaranteed
Made to parents of dependent students
Interest rate is low, but not as low as a Stafford (currently 4.17%)
Repayment begins 60 days after final disbursement for the academic year
Loan borrowing can be up to 100% of college education costs

Stafford Loan
Federally guaranteed
Made to students themselves
Interest rate is lowest available (currently 3.37%
Repayment begins six months after graduation or leaving school
Loan borrowing is capped:
• $2,625 for first-year undergraduates
• $3,500 for second-year undergraduates
• $5,500 for third- and fourth-year undergraduates
Loan can be needs-based and requires a FAFSA
Interest charges do not begin until repayment begins, after graduation

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about PLUS Loans at http://www.NextStudent.com.]]>

Negative numbers
Learn basic facts of adding, subtracting or multiplying negative numbers. For example, always remember:
• If both numbers have the same sign, the product is positive.
• If the numbers have different signs, the product is negative.

Adding odd and even numbers
Here, just remember:
• Even Number + Even Number = Even Number.
• Odd Number + Odd Number = Even Number.
• Even Number + Odd Number = Odd Number

Decimal numbers
While adding or subtracting decimal numbers, always place the numbers so that the decimal points are vertically aligned.
For example, 6.231 + 0.044 = 6.275.

While multiplying decimal numbers, multiply like you multiply whole numbers. Then add the decimal places in both numbers to find the position of the decimal point in the product.

While dividing, move the decimal point in the divisor to the right as necessary to make the divisor a whole number. Then the decimal point in the dividend is moved to the right the same number of places. The decimal point in the answer is placed just above the decimal point in the dividend. These facts are vital in pre algebra.

Square Root
To learn square roots, remember the following formulas:
• Every positive real number n has two square roots
• Product Property: For all positive real numbers a and b,
• Quotient Property: For all positive real numbers a and b,

Reducing to lowest factors
Divide the top and the bottom by the same prime numbers until no more common prime number can be found.

e.g, 24/36 =4/6=2/3

Converting mixed number to improper fraction
In this, remember the following formula:

Converting improper fraction to mixed number
Divide the denominator into the numerator. The whole part of the answer is the whole part of the mixed number. The remainder will be the numerator of the fraction of the mixed number.

Finally, just learn these topics and practice them as much as possible. With time you will surely master pre algebra, which will lay a good foundation for your algebra classes.]]>

Once you’ve decided on your leather craft project, you’ll need the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable and give you a sense of satisfation when you’re done. If you’re like most of us you’ll probably be working on more leather craft projects over time, so creating a designated area is probably a good idea.

What to Cut On

Regardless of the project, you’ll need to cut your piece of leather. Choose a flat surface protected with a rubber mat. The latter will help protect your tools and prevent them from becoming blunt. Alternatively, you can purchase a self-healing cutting board that comes with a grid work. Any cuts made in the board seal up. This product is readily available at such shops as Staples.

Marking the Cut

Use a ruler or yardstick and a pencil to mark the cut. Just make a light mark with the pencil. A rounded edge will help if you’re cutting a curve. Then place a metal straight edge along the line you have drawn. Using the tip of an X-acto knife, cut along the line, keeping the knife against the metal edge

Trimming the Edges

If you want to trim the edges of the leather, lay the piece out on a flat surface. Make sure the leather is damp, and keep it so by using a spray bottle full of water.

You’ll need what’s called an edge beveling tool to smooth the cut edges. The two prongs that form its V shape need to be positioned so that they are facing upward on both sides of the edge.

Keeping the tool at a 45 degree angle, with your index finger on the top of the tool, push it away from you along the cut edge, holding the leather craft piece firmly with your other hand.

As you work, small strips of leather will come off. It’s a good idea to practice on small scraps of leather before using the leather craft beveller, so you feel comfortable with it and what it can do.

Tools to Use

* Cutting board, preferably self-healing kind

* Ruler, pencil, metal straight edge, rounded edge

* X-acto knife

* Leather craft edge beveling tool

Summary

* Use a cutting board

* Mark where you want to cut before you cut!

* Dampen the leather when trimming the edges

* Butt the knife against a straight edge or a curved edge for more control

More on Tools

For working in leather crafts, consider the basics: an awl and spare point, a retractable X-acto knife and spare blades, a retractable knife with a break-off blade and a rotary punch.

In addition, you’ll need needles, a lump of beeswax and some waxed linen thread. As well, a pair of pliers to pull the needle through the leather is a must, and scissors you can use for cutting the leather.

Then there are edge slickers and bevellers that are used to finish the edges, drive punches for bigger holes and thong cutters for making laces. A T-square, compass and yardstick are essential to ensure that your leather craft piece is measured accurately.

If you’re just starting out with leather crafts, you might not want to spend a lot of money on tools. Once you’ve worked with the basic set and completed a few leather craft projects, you’ll have a better idea of what tools work best and what you use most.

At that point, a little research and some comparative shopping can lead you to acquiring better quality leather craft tools that will enhance your work. Of course, even the most expensive tools won’t help if you haven’t taken the time to develop and perfect your skills.

If you do your very best with what you have, it doesn’t matter if you can’t afford the most expensive leather craft awl or the latest knife. Quality will show anyway.

Summary

* Start with a basic leather craft tool set

* Buy better quality tools once you’ve completed some projects and have a better idea of what will enhance the quality of your work]]>

Sometimes, when it comes down to your money, it is better off just handling it yourself and putting it into the trusted hands of someone who will make the wisest decisions with it. With that in mind, once you graduate from college, it is very likely that you will be saddled down with student loan debt and any other debt accrued during your college years (i.e. credit card debt). In situations like these, federal consolidation may either not be an option or just might not be the best option for your current needs. When this happens, think about using a private loan consolidation to get you out of dire financial straits. This can still save you money and will allow you to be less tied down by your student loan debt.

Examples of Private Loan Consolidations
An example of private loan consdoliation is a bank or some other financial institution that is willing to take your accrued student loan debt, pay it off for you, and then offer you a lower interest rate as you work to pay them back over a scheduled course of time. It is important to note that not all financial institutions offer these forms of consolidation, so research before you start thinking about private loan consolidations and find the best private loan offers for your specific needs.

Work Out A Plan
Finally, once you have found the right private institution to cover your student loans, work out the right deal for your specific situation. Try to work out a payment plan over the course of a certain number of months/years that is affordable for yourself or your family. Often times, these forms of consolidation will allow you to receive lower interest rates, which, in turn, will allow you to pay less money to achieve debt-free status. As with any consolidation, search around for the deal that is most suitable for your loans. Do not just settle for the first offer that comes your way. You can save hundreds and thousands of dollars per year on student loans through consolidation, so make the situation work for you.

This article is distributed by NextStudent. At NextStudent, we believe that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding as easy as possible. We invite you to learn more about Private Loan Consolidation at http://www.NextStudent.com .]]>

Oddball scholarships for golf caddies:
Do you have an interest in golf? Did you play on the high school team, but was not at a high enough level to be recruited to the college team? Are you considering becoming a golf professional after college? Then become a golf caddie and put yourself in the running for the golf caddie scholarship. This type of scholarship is offered at many colleges and universities. Upon acceptance of the scholarship, some students are required to work for the local college or university golf course.

Oddball scholarships for descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence:
If you can trace your family tree back to a signer of the Declaration of Independence then you are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Family history must be verified. Currently the scholarship is around $1,500 and the student must attend a four year Public university. It looks like it is time to trace your family genealogy and see if you might be in the running for this scholarship.

Oddball scholarships for shooting sports:
Have you participated in the American Legion Shooting Sports program at the state or regional levels? If so, then you can apply for this $250 scholarship.

Oddball scholarships for accordion players:
Are you a skilled accordion player? Then why not participate in the American Accordion Musicological Society Contest? The application deadline for this contest is in September with an award of $1,000.

Oddball scholarships from the Danish Sisterhood of America:
Are you a member of the Danish Sisterhood of America or a child of a member? This will make you eligible. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement. The scholarship can be up to $1,000.

The list of oddball scholarships is endless. You can access free and fee required scholarship databases on the Internet. Fill out a profile including your academic background, college goals, and any unique activities you do. You are bound to find an oddball scholarship that is geared toward these activities or interests.]]>

Don’t let these minor difficulties set you back. Many kids as they enter the 2nd grade reading level have these occasional difficulties. It is important for you to understand that this does occur and isn’t at all uncommon at the second grade reading level. Don’t panic. Be cognizant of your child’s attention. Take breaks if you begin too notice rising frustration levels or read something funny or fun that the child likes.

Do a bit of research on some reading activities for the second grade in order to determine some baselines areas such as how many words per minute should you be looking for and be sure to track the progress. What degree of difficulty are the words and the sentence structures they form. Once you’ve books that you are comfortable that they are at the right reading level, then it’s just a matter of practice, and a plan of continuous improvement.

Remember the second grade reading level is an age of reading transition essentially making the step from bigger letters, shorter words, less emphasis on the phonics, to fewer pictures, more words, vocabulary building, and longer sentences. It is at the second grade reading level that you should begin monitor and track the areas of reading fluency and see a steady progress in the words per minute your child can read and comprehend.]]>

Powering everything with solar energy isn’t possible just yet, since the UK doesn’t produce enough sunlight to do this. Hi-tech ways to capture enough sunlight per day every day to power everything in a home or business hasn’t been discovered yet. The current cost of solar panels can run into thousands of pounds, which would require the panels to produce electricity for years without maintenance in order to see a return on investment.
Many people use solar panels, which can be placed on a side of a roof to attract sunlight during the day to heat a small number of rooms and water. Solar panels can be purchased at a number of locations throughout the UK, as well as online. To view UK companies involved in renewable sources of energy see green directory. Panels do a great job of helping families and businesses to conserve energy. Hopefully, solar panels will become a part of daily life, in order to prevent the disappearance of natural resources and to maintain energy conservation.
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The biggest advantage to online degree education is that it’s a complete college degree program that is delivered via the Internet. All classes, materials, tests and lectures are delivered online. This process allows the student to “attend” class from anywhere at any time that is convenient to them.

According to educators from Cornell University, “the web provides significant new functionality in transmitting information to the student and providing forums for exchange. The web is revolutionizing some areas of study through increased opportunities for learning and alternative formats for information.” (Dwyer, Barbieri, and Doerr, 1995).

One of the ways it has done this is through enhanced student-to-student and faculty-to-student communication. Students and faculty can both benefit from using the communication and assessment tools that are made available via online learning.

The technology also enables students to exercise more flexibility in their approach to education, depending on what best suits their personal learning styles and busy schedules.

In addition, the class material and program is continuously updated for up to the minute, real world application. This allows the student to immediately begin applying their new knowledge to their existing work environment.

There are many different types of programs available. Students can receive a bachelor’s or master’s degree in many areas such as accounting, marketing, human resources, e-business, information technology, nursing and even elementary education.

The typical online program takes three years to complete. A master’s degree program may take up to four years depending on the type of degree sought and the prior education of the student.

Most programs are accredited and they usually accept the transfer of prior credits from other accredited universities. Some of them are also well-known off-line schools such as Duke, Stanford, Jones International, and Capella.

While enrolled, a student typically takes just one class at a time for a five to six week period. This allows the student to concentrate solely on that material before moving on to the next module of information.

The price of an online degree education program is comparable to that of a regular college degree. Plus, many students are eligible for financing in the way of a student loan. Sometimes employer education programs can even reimburse a student’s tuition fees.

Keep in mind though, that you may have to be a little more organized and self-motivated for this type of education and you will have to manage time demands in other areas of your life. Because you normally won’t have set class times, it will be up to you to the time into your schedule. Then again, some programs require that you log on to the Internet at designated times for virtual class sessions.

Another potential disadvantage is that some employers still prefer that their employees have degrees from traditional colleges. However, these views are rapidly changing.

A recent survey of 1,300 graduates and 80 employers asked supervisors to rate the value of the degree earned by their employee compared to a resident school degree in the same field. Sixty-nine percent of the supervisors rated the online degree “just as valuable” or “more valuable” than traditional degrees. This means that one out of three supervisors need to be convinced that an online degree offers the same quality and content as a traditional degree.

Plus, traditional brick and mortar universities who offer online courses often make no separation between their programs and the type of degree awarded. And transcripts do not indicate whether a course was done at a distance or on campus.]]>

1. Speak to your children using an Irish brogue. This will captivate their interest!

2. Who was St. Patrick? Why is there a holiday named for him? Are Irish children in school on this day? Let children do research to find out.

3. Discuss some of the symbols for St. Patrick’s Day and explain what they mean. Classify them as real or unreal. For instance, shamrocks are real but pots of gold at the end of the rainbow are not.

4. Read aloud part of a fictional St. Patrick’s Day story. Have your children write their own endings. Read them out loud or hang them on a bulletin board for all to read. NOTE: This may also be done with small groups of children working together!

5. Afterwards, read the ending of the story you started. Have the children compare the author’s ending with their outcomes. Which was more realistic? Which was more funny? Which did they like best?

5. This would be an excellent time for a cooking experiment. Remember the story “Green Eggs and Ham?” Try making some green eggs, green vanilla pudding pops, or anything else that would be suitable for your age group. Green food coloring could be added to white frosting before icing some cupcakes. Let the children taste the frosting while it is white and ask them to predict how it will taste after it becomes green. Were they right?

Compare!

6. While your children are out, sprinkle some green glitter on desks, tables, or the floor. Perhaps you can write a note in an unusual handwriting. Of course, you will feign innocence as to how those things got there! What do the children think happened?

7. Older children may find out more about Ireland. What are the similarities and differences to your own country? How are you and the Irish children similar and different? Make Venn

Diagrams for your comparisons.

8. Here is a finger play, “Ten Funny Leprechauns,” taken from Swing into Spring, Macmillan Seasonal Activity Packs, 1988, Macmillan Educational Company. Try making finger puppets to accompany this dramatic play!

“Ten funny leprechauns

Danced in a line.

One found a shamrock

And then there were nine.

Nine sleepy leprechauns

Stayed out too late.

One fell fast asleep

And then there were eight.

Eight little leprechauns

All named Kevin.

One said, “I’m Joe!”

And then there were seven.

Seven helpful leprechauns

Picked up some sticks.

One grew tired of this

And then there were six.

Six hot leprechauns

All took a dive.

One did a belly flop

And then there were five.

Five jolly leprechauns

Ran through the door.

One ran back again

And then there were four.

Four thirsty leprechauns

Sat down to tea.

One didn’t like it

And then there were three.

Three tiny leprechauns

Hid inside a shoe.

One fell out again

and then there were two.

Two laughing leprechauns

Went for a run.

One ran very fast

And then there was one.

One lonely leprechaun

Wanted to have fun.

He joined all the rest

And then there were none.”

This poem lends itself well to lessons on adjectives, verbs, and rhyming words. Use

different colored crayons, markers, or highlighters to determine answers.

I hope these ideas are useful and ignite your own creativity!]]>