West TX Oil down to 82.20 as Saudi Policy Seen Unchanged

West Texas Intermediate retreated after the biggest gain since September amid speculation a drop in Saudi Arabian oil supplies isn’t a signal that OPEC’s largest producer is cutting output. Brent slid in London.

Futures fell as much as 0.9 percent in New York and were poised for a fourth weekly decline. Saudi Arabia’s shipments to global markets shrank last month even as its production increased, a person familiar with the kingdom’s oil policy said. Crude has collapsed into a bear market amid rising supplies as leading members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries resisted calls to reduce output, even as the U.S. pumps at the fastest pace in almost three decades.

“The market is widely believing that OPEC won’t cut its production next month,” Will Yun, a commodities analyst at Hyundai Futures Corp. in Seoul, said by phone today. “The price level we’re at is what OPEC intends to stay, in order to squeeze profits in the U.S. where the output increase is a threat to Middle East producers.”

Bloomberg

MarketPulse

The post West TX Oil down to 82.20 as Saudi Policy Seen Unchanged appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1sWm4d0



Forex, 82.20, Down, policy, Saudi, Seen, Unchanged, west

Hershey Sets Tougher Palm Oil Sourcing Policy

The Hershey Company has announced a palm oil sourcing policy that updates and strengthens its commitment to source 100 percent traceable and responsible palm oil, a commitment the company announced in December 2013. The new sourcing policy details the requirements to which all suppliers in the company’s palm oil supply chain will be held accountable. […]

Environmental Management & Sustainability News

The post Hershey Sets Tougher Palm Oil Sourcing Policy appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/YaOqou



Social Entrepeneurship, Hershey, Palm, policy, Sets, Sourcing, Tougher

RBI Not Likely to Lossen Policy Until Next Year Says Poll

The Reserve Bank of India will probably wait until the second quarter of next year to loosen policy as it wants to cool inflation before trying to spur growth, a Reuters poll found ahead of a policy review meeting next week.

All but three of 46 economists surveyed over the past week said the bank would leave its key repo rate unchanged at 8.0 percent when it meets on Sept. 30.

The survey showed that the RBI is also unlikely to alter either the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR), setting banks’ minimum bond holding requirements, or the cash reserve ratio (CRR) that sets the percentage of depositors’ balances that banks must keep with the central bank.

And 16 of 21 economists polled said it will not cut the ceiling on debt that must be held-to-maturity (HTM).

Analysts also pushed back expectations for when the first interest rate cut is likely to happen.

via Yahoo

MarketPulse

The post RBI Not Likely to Lossen Policy Until Next Year Says Poll appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1mU6lMk



Forex, Likely, Lossen, Next, policy, Poll, Says, Until, year

Bank of Canada To Focus on Monetary Policy Not Currency Rate

- Global economy has only partially recovered

– Loonie is still 40% higher than in the early 2000s

– Bank of Canada will not manipulate the currency exchange rate

The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz addressed a crowd of entrepreneurs earlier today. While at times the governor seemed to be giving a Central Banking 101 lecture he stressed the importance of a floating currency in the current adverse economic atmosphere. He also came across as a firm believer in avoiding the pitfalls that have befallen the policy makers that have relied heavily in forward guidance. In start contrast to his predecessor Mark Carney, now governor of the Bank of England, Poloz is not an “unreliable boyfriend”. Carney was called that by one of UK’s MPs after contradictory statements in the same week that had markets confused about the interest rate outlook of the nation. Poloz outlined the Canadian reality of an economy dependant on exports mainly to the US. A Recovery in the US will benefit its norther neighbor.

Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz main points:

• Global economy has only partially recovered


• Loonie is still 40% higher than in the early 2000s


• Bank of Canada will not manipulate the currency exchange rate


• A floating loonie is the best strategy to achieve monetary policy objectives


• Canada’s economy is linked to commodity prices


• An export focus is needed to get Canada back on track

The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz reiterated the central bank’s mandate. To achieve its mandate the BoC needs to be focused on inflation.

The Governor’s what if scenario on cutting rates to keep the loonie at 65 cents in is a good educational tool but it is afforded the luxury of knowing the outcome of the 2008 crisis.

The data earlier today supports Governor Poloz speech to entrepreneurs. Canadian manufacturing exceeds expectations. Auto manufacturing leads the way with 11.6% MoM increase. Factory shipments rose 2.5% with auto again being a strong contributor to the surge. Both figures were well above expectations and tied into the BoC Governor’s speech.

The Governor is focusing on the positives of a weak loonie but outlines the challenges of central bank intervention as they could wreak havoc with inflation and ultimately job creation.

The main challenge facing Canada is its reliance on commodities and manufacturing. The first have decreased in price given the current global growth forecasts and only energy seems to have contributed to Canadian growth. Manufacturing surprised to the upside with auto being the major driver. After the harsh winter it will remain to be seen if the pace of recovery is sustainable but a lot depends on the US market.

You can read the full speech at the Bank of Canada website

MarketPulse

The post Bank of Canada To Focus on Monetary Policy Not Currency Rate appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/YQ8u0C



Forex, bank, canada, currency, focus, monetary, policy, rate

Water Seepage, Ensuing Mold Damage Covered by Homeowner’s Policy

Insurance Law Hawaii

The post Water Seepage, Ensuing Mold Damage Covered by Homeowner’s Policy appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1rEZ9iV



Insurance, covered, damage, Ensuing, homeowners, Mold, policy, Seepage, water

London lab aims for next-gen city innovation

via Greenbang:

A new lab in London is aimed at helping university and industry researchers work together to develop “the next generation of smart-city infrastructure.”

The London Node, based at Imperial College London’s Imperial West campus, will “support innovation throughout Europe for economic growth and to improve quality of life,” said Willem Jonker, chief executive of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology’s (EIT) ICT Labs.

“London will be a key part of the Europe-wide EIT ICT Labs ecosystem,” Jonker said. “This is not just a project, but a long-term strategic investment. We are addressing Europe’s challenge of translating our excellent education and research, to turn it into economic value.”

“The rate of technological acceleration in London has never been faster, and it is critical that we establish this center to take advantage of that process,” added London Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse. “We are a rapidly growing city, and we must learn to re-engineer and rationalize the strains created by this growth. We can use ICT to solve problems — and commercialize them — creating wealth.”

Malthouse continued, “The UK has been great at inventions, but not good enough at commercializing them. Establishments like this in the heart of Imperial’s new campus, with a focus on commercialization, are very welcome. Science and technology will create many jobs for London over the coming years.”

The lab will enable startups, spinouts and established businesses alike to co-locate with academic experts at Imperial West. Together, they will work on innovations in cloud computing, cyber-physical systems and other ICT technologies that can help to improve health and well-being, urban living, mobility and energy use.

In addition to Imperial, other organizations leading the London Node include UCL, Intel and BT. Additional support will come from Vodafone, IBM, the University of Edinburgh and the Institute of Sustainability.

The post London lab aims for next-gen city innovation appeared first on Greenbang.

For more info: London lab aims for next-gen city innovation

Greenbang

London lab aims for next-gen city innovation

The post London lab aims for next-gen city innovation appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1jahpSX



Social Entrepeneurship, carousel, policy

London cycling good for health, could be safer

via Greenbang:

London’s “Boris bikes” are proving to be a health boon for men and older cyclists. However, the city’s bicycle hire program could deliver even better health benefits to citizens in general if cycling safety were improved.

A study published in the BMJ found improvements in lifelong disability adjusted life years (DALYs) for users of the London cycle hire scheme between April 2011 and March 2012. The largest measurable health benefits were for men (who account for the majority of the program’s users) and for cyclists over the age of 45.

Higher injury risks, though, practically eliminated the potential health benefits for female cyclists, the researchers found.

Reducing the risks of injury for cyclists could help improve the program’s overall health benefits, the researchers concluded.

“Although the benefits from increasing the share of trips by older users are larger, it may be more efficacious to reduce the risk of injury first as this is the most commonly given reason for not cycling in London,” the researchers wrote. “In the Netherlands, a comprehensive and well maintained system of cycle tracks, physically protected from fast motor traffic, have helped to make cycling widespread at all ages and reduce the risks of injury. Providing similar quality infrastructure in London might help realise the substantial potential health benefits that cycling could offer at population level.”

“If cycling in central London was as safe as in cities in the Netherlands, the health benefits from initiatives like the cycle hire scheme would be far more substantial,” said James Woodcock, lead author of the study and a researcher with the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Diet and Activity Research.

Introduced in London in July 2010, the cycle hire program offers users 10,000 bicycles at 723 docking stations. Available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the program attracted more than 578,000 users who took a total of 7.4 million trips over the course of the year-long study.

The post London cycling good for health, could be safer appeared first on Greenbang.

For more info: London cycling good for health, could be safer

Greenbang

London cycling good for health, could be safer

The post London cycling good for health, could be safer appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1jGGYXT



Social Entrepeneurship, policy, top slider

"Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over"

“Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over”: The Reno Gazette-Journal has this news update. And at the “School Law” blog of Education Week, Mark Walsh has a post titled “9th Circuit Casts Doubt on Policy Requiring School Uniform With Motto.”My earlier coverage of today’s Ninth Circuit ruling appears at this link.Posted at 11:00 PM by Howard Bashman”Justice Dept. Defends Its Conduct on Evidence”: In Saturday’s edition of The New York Times, Charlie Savage will have an article that begins, “The Justice Department has told a federal judge in Oregon that it did not engage in misconduct when prosecutors failed to tell a defendant that he faced evidence derived from warrantless wiretapping before his trial last year on terrorism-related charges.” Posted …

via How Appealing:

“Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over”: The Reno Gazette-Journal has this news update.

And at the “School Law” blog of Education Week, Mark Walsh has a post titled “9th Circuit Casts Doubt on Policy Requiring School Uniform With Motto.”

My earlier coverage of today’s Ninth Circuit ruling appears at this link.

For more info: "Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over"

How Appealing

"Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over"

The post "Higher court rules Roy Gomm uniform suit not over" appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/NOnZ3U



Law Around, gene, howard-bashman, journal, judge, oregon, policy, president, school

London moves toward zero-emission taxi fleets

via Greenbang:

China’s BYD is supplying the London-based car-hire company Thriev with 20 electric sedans as the city itself moves toward its goal of a city-wide fleet of zero-emissions cars for hire.

As part of their partnership, Thriev will also install BYD’s fast-charging equipment at its facility in west London.

London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport for London announced last month that all new taxis in the cities will need to be zero-emission-capable starting in 2018. The city is working with five companies — Frazer-Nash, Karsan, London Taxi Company, Mercedes and Nissan — to develop “the next generation of greener London taxis.”

“We will continue to work closely with taxi manufacturers to get ‘New Taxis for London’ carrying passengers on the streets of the capital as soon as possible,” said Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer of surface transport for Transport for London. “We are also working with the wider industry and the Green Investment Bank to provide assistance to cab drivers who want to be among the first to get behind the wheel of these cutting edge vehicles that will significantly contribute to improving air quality in the capital as well as delivering benefits to cabbies themselves, in terms of reduced running costs.”

Transport for London also recently began running two electric buses from BYD on its city routes.

The post London moves toward zero-emission taxi fleets appeared first on Greenbang.

For more info: London moves toward zero-emission taxi fleets

Greenbang

London moves toward zero-emission taxi fleets

The post London moves toward zero-emission taxi fleets appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1bYIRKz



Social Entrepeneurship, carousel, must read, policy, transport

‘Digital inclusion’ starts with user needs

via Greenbang:

An information-based society can’t be inclusive or democratic if a large portion of the population remains offline.

In the UK, for example, research in 2012 found that 18 percent of citizens surveyed never or rarely use the internet. The UK Digital Skills Alliance was launched to promote online skills nationally and make the UK the “world’s most digitally skilled nation.”

The UK government has now released a checklist of six keys for digital inclusion:

1. Start with user needs — not our own. In Lambeth, for example, volunteers called “Digital Buddies” help people learn basic online skills so they can more easily access essential services they depend upon.


2. Improve access — stop making things difficult. The Glasgow Housing Association and BT are working together to provide hardware, basic connectivity and ongoing support for £5 per month.


3. Motivate people — find something they care about. For instance, an E-mentoring program is making it possible for ex-offenders to more easily maintain identification, employment and other personal information online as they re-integrate into society.


4. Keep it safe — build trust. The UK Digital Skills Alliance provides a one-stop shop with local and online resources as well as maps to physical resources to assure users easy, safe access for learning digital skills.


5. Work with others — don’t do it alone. In Liverpool, some 5,000 “digital champions” volunteered to help people who’d never been online go online for the first time.


6. Focus on wider outcomes — measure performance. Citizens Online and BT, for example, have together offered a series of training sessions with followup contact after three, six, 12 and 24 months. Participants’ responses are used to improve and fine-tune subsequent training sessions.

The post ‘Digital inclusion’ starts with user needs appeared first on Greenbang.

For more info: ‘Digital inclusion’ starts with user needs

Greenbang

‘Digital inclusion’ starts with user needs

The post ‘Digital inclusion’ starts with user needs appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/Liyo5r



Social Entrepeneurship, carousel, information technology, policy

Emerging Market FX: The Straw That Broke The Carry-Trade's Back …

FX markets featured significant volatility in the past week, though the driver of that volatility was a combination of several idiosyncratic factors, rather than a core underlying narrative. Widespread risk aversion and position unwinds dominated market trading with China PMI, weak US earnings, and BoJ un-dovishness cited among more systemic factors. Turkey and Argentina (among others) have more idiosyncratic risks (and limits approaching) but as Barclays notes, market positioning has played a major role in the moves as market volatility appears to have been the straw that broke the carry-trade’s back – for now… as EM currency returns have notably decoupled from moves in US rates.Barclays on carry-US rates dislocationFX markets featured significant volatility in the past week, though the driver of that volatility …

via fx – Google Blog Search:

FX markets featured significant volatility in the past week, though the driver of that volatility was a combination of several idiosyncratic factors, rather than a core underlying narrative. Widespread risk aversion and position …

For more info: Emerging Market FX: The Straw That Broke The Carry-Trade's Back …

fx – Google Blog Search

Emerging Market FX: The Straw That Broke The Carry-Trade's Back …

The post Emerging Market FX: The Straw That Broke The Carry-Trade's Back … appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1n5891A



Forex, argentina, currency, king, markets, policy, result, risk, try, turkey, volatility

PLUS Loans: Parental Pitfalls?

Whether PLUS loans are promoting access to college or putting parents at financial risk was the topic debated by a panel of experts on Jan. 8. The New America Foundationâ��s Education Policy Program hosted this event about the PLUS loan controversy and the subsequent impact on families and students, as described on its event description site. Invited participants were â��stakeholders from American Student Assistance, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, and UNCF as well as higher education thought leaders,â�� according to New Americaâ��s program description. The public was also encouraged to join the conversation online via Twitter by following @NewAmericaEd and using #PLUSloan. Topics included college affordability, intergenerational borrowing and what it means for student access to higher education. New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan…

via Affordable Schools Online:

Whether PLUS loans are promoting access to college or putting parents at financial risk was the topic debated by a panel of experts on Jan. 8. The New America Foundation’s Education Policy Program hosted this event about the PLUS loan controversy and the subsequent impact on families and students, as described on its event description site.

Invited participants were “stakeholders from American Student Assistance, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, and UNCF as well as higher education thought leaders,” according to New America’s program description.

The public was also encouraged to join the conversation online via Twitter by following @NewAmericaEd and using #PLUSloan. Topics included college affordability, intergenerational borrowing and what it means for student access to higher education.

New America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank. Parents and students may watch the almost two-hour event on this video.

PLUS loans

Direct PLUS loans are federal loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is the lender. The maximum loan amount is the student’s cost of attendance (COA), determined by the school, less any other financial aid received. Tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses are counted as COA, permitting annual borrowing of up to tens of thousands of dollars.

The FAFSA, first available for filing by students each January for the next school year starting in the fall, serves as the PLUS loan application.

The interest rate for Direct PLUS Loans is currently fixed at 6.4 precent. There is also a 4.288 percent loan origination fee when first disbursed on or after Dec. 1, 2013.

Usually borrowers must not have an adverse credit history but may still receive a PLUS loan under certain circumstances according to the ED’s website.

Controversial change in PLUS

In determining whether a PLUS loan applicant has an adverse credit history, ED changed how it evaluates the 90-day debt delinquency, in the fall of 2011. “Ensure parents aren’t taking loans they can’t pay back,” is one of ED’s rationales for the modification, a screen of the downloadable powerpoint presentation mentions.

A direct result of the change was a 50 percent increase in PLUS loan denial rates. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) and for-profit colleges were greatly impacted, another screen shows. This led to decreased enrollment, loss of revenue, delays in physical plant maintenance, furloughs, and layoffs, according to the policy brief of The Parent Trap report about Parent PLUS loans and intergenerational debt.

Students also suffered. Incoming freshmen whose parents were denied loans after they paid enrollment deposits were suddenly faced with a much steeper bill. Upperclassmen relying on prior parent approvals were immediately faced with a huge financial shortfall on their college bill.

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap report was released in conjunction with the panel discussion. Written by New America policy analyst Rachel Fishman, it explains the history of Parent PLUS loans, recent changes and those most affected by the changes. It concludes with recommendations for Parent PLUS loans reforms such as:

Factor in “Ability to Pay” in addition to a credit check.

Cap Parent Plus loans to prevent over-borrowing and remove an incentive for schools to increase revenue by raising their COA and funding the increase via Parent PLUS.

Prohibit institutions from including Parent PLUS loans in financial aid awards.

Explore including Parent PLUS loans in Cohort Default Rate calculations to make schools accountable for repayment.

End Parent PLUS loan program and increase dependent student loan limits.

College affordability options

Students need access to college but their college dreams shouldn’t put parents at financial risk. Parents should review their finances and have a realistic repayment plan before applying for any government or private education loan because there is no retirement loan.

Here are ten college affordability options for students:

Check the school’s stats before applying (graduation rate, student debt amounts, student loan default rate, average discounts on tuition).

Search for scholarships sponsored by large and/or local businesses, institutions, employers, high schools, private organizations and groups.

Apply for federal and state financial aid.

Carefully compare financial aid awards from schools offering admission.

Appeal inadequate financial aid award from choice college with documentation about true financial situation, through the school’s Financial Aid Office.

Ask the school about grants, scholarships and work-study opportunities instead of loans.

Before borrowing, have an affordable repayment plan considering ability to repay based on lifestyle sought and beginning salaries in field of study.

Students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan may be eligible for additional unsubsidized Stafford loans but should be careful not to join the ranks of students who are drowning in too much student loan debt. The purpose of higher education is to enhance futures not endanger them. Parents can help their students use all tools and checklists available to help them prepare for college, estimate college costs, and pay for college.

The post PLUS Loans: Parental Pitfalls? appeared first on Affordable Schools Online.

For more info: PLUS Loans: Parental Pitfalls?

Affordable Schools Online

PLUS Loans: Parental Pitfalls?

The post PLUS Loans: Parental Pitfalls? appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1f0O4nc



Personal Finance, american, assistance, association, colleges, education, financial aid, loans, office, parent, policy, private

College Aid Tied to Academic Performance for More Than A Million California Students

California Community college students will have to meet minimum academic standards to receive financial assistance under new rules approved by the system this month. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors voted to require that students maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for two consecutive terms and complete at least half of their units with a D grade or better to receive a fee waiver. Community college fees are currently $46 per unit, among the lowest in the nation. Of the state’s 2.6 million community college students, about 40% have their fees waived. The new policy will take effect in fall 2016. It is the latest in a series of reforms intended to help students graduate and transfer more quickly. Other changes will give priority enrollment to students who attend…

via Affordable Schools Online:

California Community college students will have to meet minimum academic standards to receive financial assistance under new rules approved by the system this month.

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors voted to require that students maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for two consecutive terms and complete at least half of their units with a D grade or better to receive a fee waiver.

Community college fees are currently $46 per unit, among the lowest in the nation. Of the state’s 2.6 million community college students, about 40% have their fees waived.

The new policy will take effect in fall 2016. It is the latest in a series of reforms intended to help students graduate and transfer more quickly.

Other changes will give priority enrollment to students who attend orientation sessions and develop education plans. California’s 112 community colleges also are planning to increase counseling and support services to help students achieve their goals.

“We will do everything in our power to help students on financial aid succeed,” said community colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris, “but students need to know that they have a responsibility to keep up their end of the bargain.”

Students must receive notice of their probationary status within 30 days of the end of the term and can appeal decisions if they have extenuating circumstances.

Students in foster care are exempt, and the board agreed to consider other exceptions.

As many as 41,791 students could lose fee waivers under the policy, although there is likely to be little effect on revenue, officials said.

The fee waiver policy remains controversial, with some critics arguing that it will harm poor students who are most in need of financial aid.

“Many poor students who receive the Board of Governor’s fee waiver are often in not very good neighborhoods, they have families to support as well as going to college and may be around violence a lot,” said Rich Copenhagen, a College of Alameda student and past president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. “If you cut our fee waivers, they’re probably going to be gone from community colleges forever.”

The post College Aid Tied to Academic Performance for More Than A Million California Students appeared first on Affordable Schools Online.

For more info: College Aid Tied to Academic Performance for More Than A Million California Students

Affordable Schools Online

College Aid Tied to Academic Performance for More Than A Million California Students

The post College Aid Tied to Academic Performance for More Than A Million California Students appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/LZY88d



Personal Finance, california, community-colleges, financial, financial aid, governor, policy, president, student

MLK and Education

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com According to Martin Luther King, Jr., education plays a number of critical roles in our society, including: To save man from the morass of propaganda… Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction…; [and] to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. It seems appropriate, then, as we approach the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream…” speech to take a look at how we are stacking up when it comes to his notions of education. To Save Man from the Morass of Propaganda…

via Affordable Schools Online:

Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com

According to Martin Luther King, Jr., education plays a number of critical roles in our society, including:

To save man from the morass of propaganda… Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction…; [and]

to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society.

It seems appropriate, then, as we approach the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream…” speech to take a look at how we are stacking up when it comes to his notions of education.

To Save Man from the Morass of Propaganda

In this, the mature stages of the Information Age, we are individually and societally overwhelmed by propaganda, which Merriam-Webster (online) defines as “the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person”. Through social media, 24-hour television and radio, the Internet and even blogs like this one, we are pounded by bias and opinions that are trying to persuade us to act or think in one way or another — usually to click on or buy something. It can be awfully difficult to “sift and weigh” the information that we are presented with and to “discern the true from the false”.

On the other hand, I think we are much better at it than we were 20, or probably even 10, years ago, because we have become much more adept at gleaning what is true, or at least useful, from the all the flash, splashy, over-the-top crap we have to wade through each day of the electronic era. One area in which Americans have displayed such skepticism is in the value of higher education in light of its soaring costs.

A 2010 report issued by Public Agenda on behalf of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education indicated that we are fulfilling King’s notion of what eduction should be: we are sifting through the propaganda that colleges and universities are feeding us about the skyrocketing expense of attending college. Public Agenda reported that we are “becoming more frustrated with higher education and more dubious that colleges and universities are cost-effective and doing all they can to keep tuition affordable.”

So when King spoke of education, perhaps he wasn’t speaking of it in a sense of the more formal, institutionalized learning experience that we think of when we consider education. The more formal idea of education has become a commodity. Americans believe “that higher education is… more necessary” than ever in order to find gainful employment. Colleges seem to be taking advantage of this fact by hiking costs. They justify tuition increases with arguments about the quality of education: they need to charge more in order to maintain educational standards.

Education Which Stops with Efficiency May Prove the Greatest Menace to Society

King would be proud of our ability to discern “the facts from the fiction” when it comes to education. A majority of respondents surveyed for the 2010 Public Agenda report were skeptical about institutional claims regarding educational quality. According to the report, 60% of respondents feel that colleges are more like business that care more about their bottom line than the educational experiences of their students. Nearly 70% believe that people are being denied access to higher education because the cost of attendance is simply too expensive. As one respondent said, “‘[W]e are getting a better idea of what [schools] really care about, and it isn’t the educational experience of [their] students.’”

At the same time, Dr. King would be disappointed in the way our higher education system has placed such emphasis on economic efficiency, to the great detriment of education education itself. On the other hand, King may argue that many of today’s educational institutions are not in the business of truly educating people.

In his work, The Purpose of Education, King says that the “goal of true education” is to instill “intelligence plus character” in individuals. If you look at the advertisements and propaganda that institutions today use to lure in students, particularly for-profit, online colleges but also the more traditional public and private schools, it is clear that they approach students with an economic message. They say that their students get jobs. They say that their students are more successful. Meanwhile, their students are, in reality, simply just poorer, strapped with debt that they cant afford because the promised job hasn’t materialized.

So, if hardship leads to character, maybe today’s colleges are, in fact, fulfilling King’s hopes for true education. But their leaders are not displaying much character in doing so.

The post MLK and Education appeared first on Affordable Schools Online.

For more info: MLK and Education

Affordable Schools Online

MLK and Education

The post MLK and Education appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://ift.tt/1e3L4aO



Personal Finance, colleges, educational, king, online, policy, private, propaganda, public-agenda, real, shutterstock

Capital One 360: An online bank pioneer has a new name

Copyright © 1999-2013 by GetRichSlowly.org All Rights ReservedAbout Contact Press Privacy Policy Terms of ServiceDisclaimer:All information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. GetRichSlowly.org makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or any damages arising from its display or use.

via Get Rich Slowly – Personal Finance That Makes Sense.:

By Maryalene LaPonsie

For many people, the term “online bank” is synonymous with ING Direct. However, those looking for the company and its distinctive orange logo won’t find it anywhere online today. After being acquired by Capital One, the pioneering online bank is now known as Capital One 360.

Debuting in the year 2000 without any branches, ING Direct was able to offer some of the best savings account rates available and quickly became a popular option among those looking to maximize their interest. Over time, the bank expanded its product line so that it eventually offered checking accounts, CDs, mortgages and investment products. Then in 2012, its parent company — a Dutch firm — sold the online bank to credit card giant Capital One.

New name, same bank

Despite a new logo and color scheme, Capital One 360 customers will find the direct bank differs little from its predecessor. Like ING, Capital One 360 is noted for offering some of the best CD rates and saving accounts online. In addition, its free checking account is interest bearing and comes with a list of benefits from free online bill pay to the ability to make deposits via a smartphone.

Like a brick- and-mortar bank, Capital One 360 offers a variety of deposit account options:

• Savings accounts


• Checking accounts


• Savings and checking accounts for kids and teens


• Certificates of deposit

Customers can also obtain mortgages — both fixed and adjustable rate — through Capital One 360 as well as home equity loans. Other products offered by the bank include retirement accounts, stock investments and business accounts.

Convenient banking options

Capital One 360 may not have any branches but offers many of the same amenities as traditional banks.

Its checking accounts come with a debit card, free online bill pay and free ATM transactions. Customers can also order paper checks if desired. In addition, both checking and savings accounts can be linked to an external bank account to allow for the easy transfer of money between institutions. Capital One 360 deposit accounts are also insured by the FDIC.

Although there may not be any Capital One 360 branches, there are Capital One 360 cafes. At eight locations across the country, these cafes sell coffee and provide free wireless Internet access. Special events are also occasionally scheduled at the shops.

Since the company’s founding in 2000, other direct banks have entered the market, but Capital One 360 remains the online savings account of choice for approximately 7.5 million people. If you are looking for original online bank — ING Direct — you’ll find it here under the new name and banner of Capital One 360.

For more info: Capital One 360: An online bank pioneer has a new name

Get Rich Slowly – Personal Finance That Makes Sense.

Capital One 360: An online bank pioneer has a new name

The post Capital One 360: An online bank pioneer has a new name appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://www.evvi.net/2872/personal-finance/capital-one-360-an-online-bank-pioneer-has-a-new-name.html



Personal Finance, banking, cd rates, display-or-use, nformation-or-any, personal finance, policy, press, savings, servicedisclaimer, terms, uitability-or-validity

3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups Angel investor | Business funding | Start Up funding | Investor | Venture Capital | Business PlanHome | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Internet Partners | Contact us | Instant Mortgage Quotes | Related Articles | Funded BlogAll Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 Funded.com; business funding via Funded’s Blog:There are a lot of things that business owners have to think about when establishing a startup. However, nothing is more important and challenging than finding investors who are willing to listen to a pitch and possibly provide funding for business startups.Unfortunately for entrepreneurs, finding an investor is not an easy task. Sometimes, one has to talk to at least fifty persons just to find someone who is willing…

via Start Up:

3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

Angel investor | Business funding | Start Up funding | Investor | Venture Capital | Business PlanHome | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Internet Partners | Contact us | Instant Mortgage Quotes | Related Articles | Funded BlogAll Rights Reserved. Copyright 2011 Funded.com; business funding

via Funded’s Blog:

There are a lot of things that business owners have to think about when establishing a startup. However, nothing is more important and challenging than finding investors who are willing to listen to a pitch and possibly provide funding for business startups.

Unfortunately for entrepreneurs, finding an investor is not an easy task. Sometimes, one has to talk to at least fifty persons just to find someone who is willing to provide capital for the business startup. The number is even higher in case of startups that focus on special fields such as medicine, among others.

Despite this challenge, there are a number of resources that could help a potential million-dollar business reach the top. Here are some things that could help a business startup owner attract investors:

Establish Social Media Presence

There are a number of social media sites on the Internet that could help an entrepreneur find an interested investor. Having a profile in such sites makes it easier for investors to understand your business and gain their possible trust for a partnership. Browsing through other profiles can also help business owners establish connection to a number of investors who are based in other areas.

Create a List of Possible Investors

The problem with neophyte business owners is that they usually think that all investors are interested in what they have to say. This is not true. In fact, the possibility of getting an investor on board is highly dependent on their interests.

So as not to waste time pitching to someone who is not interested, a business owner must create a strategic list of people who are known to be interested in the kind of business that they are planning to start. Entrepreneurs must keep in mind that some investors only put money on specific fields such as medicine or information technology. Knowing the interests of the investors will surely remove some of the time that has to be spent looking for financial support.

Maximize Networks

Securing an investment requires a lot of trust on the part of both the investor and the business owner. This is usually a problem for owners because some investors would refuse their proposals out right because they don’t know them

In order to avoid this frustrating situation, business owners are advised to use their connections to get acquainted with a potential investor. Having someone introduce you to a possible partner is a good way to get his or her approval. This is clearly much better than having to introduce a business without the support of a network.

More detailed information and useful advice can be found at http://www.funded.com Created by Mark Favre, it offers expertise and assistance with developing and funding your concept, including a private forum for queries and discussions. If you need access to investors and funding providers, please do check our website.http://www.funded.com

Copyright2013 Funded.com LLC

For more info: 3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

Funded’s Blog

3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

L’articolo 3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups sembra essere il primo su Start Up.

For more info: 3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

Start Up

3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups

The post 3 Ways to Gain Investors for Business Startups appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://www.evvi.net/856/world-news/3-ways-to-gain-investors-for-business-startups.html



World News, articles, business funding, funded, mortgage, networks, policy, quotes, social, venture

Smart-city news in review: Oct. 18, 2013

via Greenbang:

• As of Oct. 17, 2013, the European Union has achieved 100-percent basic broadband coverage across the continent. “Europe needs lightning-speed connectivity,” said Neelie Kroes, vice president of the European Commission. “We cannot leave some companies and citizens behind. Now we have basic broadband achieved, we have to immediately focus on investing in new fast networks.” Kroes added, “Access to reliable and affordable higher broadband speeds of 30Mbps and 50 Mbps are essential for Europe’s economic development and for the next generation of digital products and services like Connected Television, eHealth, Cloud Computing and Connected Cars.”


• Some 8,000 utility professionals gathered in Amsterdam this week (Oct. 15 – 17, 2013) for European Utility Week. Among some of the highlights were Alliander’s launch of its Mobility Services venture to promote the uptake of electric vehicles; a discussion of grid modernization by Ambient Corporation; and the launch of a smart-meter solution for multi-dwelling buildings by Siemens in partnership with Green Energy Options.


• The Times of Malta recently (Oct. 10, 2013) reported that Smart City Malta will host a followup training program for business startups from Oct. 12 through Nov. 16. The program is one of 21 being held around the world to provide “action-oriented entrepreneurial education.”


• Tatarstan president Rustam Minnikhanov recently (Oct. 1, 2013) broke ground on Kazan Smart City, the “first example of holistic “

The post Smart-city news in review: Oct. 18, 2013 appeared first on Greenbang.

For more info: Smart-city news in review: Oct. 18, 2013

Greenbang

Smart-city news in review: Oct. 18, 2013

The post Smart-city news in review: Oct. 18, 2013 appeared first on FX FOREX.

via WordPress http://www.evvi.net/642/social-entrepeneurship/smart-city-news-in-review-oct-18-2013.html



Social Entrepeneurship, cities, policy