This is an aggregation of all of the recent blog posts of the Case Blog system. The entries are in reverse chronological order according to each entry's last modified date. Persons with questions regarding Planet Case or the Blog system can check the FAQ or email us at blog-admin@case.edu.
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February 09, 2010
Child Care Pilot Programs are Up and Running
When Adrienne Allotta recently needed emergency child care for her toddler son, Jackson, she turned to a new program available to Case Western Reserve University faculty, staff and students.
She found help through the Temporary and Back-up Child Care program, which launched last fall. The program places caregivers with families on a full-time or temporary basis.
Allotta, associate director for career development at the Weatherhead School of Management, used the service for two weeks while her regular child care provider recuperated from an illness. "I don't have family in town, so for my situation it was a perfect solution," she explained.
The Temporary and Back-up Child Care program—along with the Child Care Support During Travel program—are two pilot projects that emerged from the work of the President's Committee on Child Care Options during 2008-2009. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff are able to participate in the initiatives.
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for administering the two pilot programs. According to James Ryan, chair of the child care options committee and senior director of benefits, about a dozen people have used the programs so far.
Continue reading "Child Care Pilot Programs are Up and Running"
Posted on NEWS CENTER by Kimyette Finley at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)
Entry is tagged: Administration | Faculty | School of Law | Staff | Staff Advisory Council | Students | Weatherhead School of Management
February 09, 2010
Google Buzz - social networing
CNN Tech article (Feb.9, 2010)
NYT article (Feb. 9, 2010)
Bloomberg (update 2)
Google blog (Feb. 9, 2010)
Posted on JUST IN CASE by Andrew Dorchak at 03:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged:
February 09, 2010
Case Daily
Child Care Pilot Programs are Up and Running
When Adrienne Allotta recently needed emergency child care for her toddler son, Jackson, she turned to a new program available to Case Western Reserve University faculty, staff and students.
She found help through the Temporary and Back-up Child Care Program, which launched last fall. The program places caregivers with families on a full-time or temporary basis.
The Temporary and Back-up Child Care Program—along with the Child Care Support During Travel Program—are two pilot projects that emerged from the work of the President's Committee on Child Care Options.
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for administering the pilot programs. According to James Ryan, senior director of benefits, about a dozen people have used the programs so far. Read more.
Campus News
President Barbara R. Snyder invites the campus community to nominate a non-faculty staff member for the President's Award for Distinguished Service. This annual award honors staff members whose outstanding contributions to campus culture have a transformational effect on university colleagues, students or visitors. Nominations may come from any staff, student or faculty member. The Staff Recognition Committee of the Staff Advisory Council will review nomination materials, select outstanding candidates and forward the names and information to the Office of the President. The honorees will each receive a $1,000 award, and their names will be engraved on a plaque that is currently on display in Adelbert Hall. The honorees also will be recognized at a June luncheon. Nominations are due by Wednesday, March 17. Contact Robin Kramer with questions.
The Spartan Cheerleaders will host a Little Spartans Cheer Clinic from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Campus members are invited to bring their children in grades K-8 to learn cheers and a dance routine prior to the basketball game. The children will have an opportunity to perform during the game. The cost is $10 for the clinic only, $20 for the clinic, performance and a T-shirt. Contact Shane Jeffers for information.
Global Medical Initiative will host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Hoops for Haiti, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, in Veale Center. The entry fee is $10 per person. Proceeds will benefit earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. All players will receive free food from Quiznos and free T-shirts. The winning team will receive tickets to a Cleveland Cavs game. Sign up online.
For Faculty and Staff
The University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE) is hosting a discussion on the topic of "Critical Incidents and Dealing with Classroom Surprises" from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, in the Allen Memorial Medical Library's Herrick Room. Although courses can be well planned, there is always the possibility of an unforeseen situation. This session will focus on how professors can prepare themselves to respond to the unexpected. Pizza and beverages will be served. RSVP by e-mail to UCITE.
For Students
Students are invited to submit their original poetry, prose and photography to the Case Reserve Review, the university's literary magazine. The submission deadline is Friday, Feb. 12. Go online for details.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA), in collaboration with International Student Services and the Graduate Student Senate, will host the Chinese Spring Festival Banquet from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, in the BRB cafeteria. The event will feature authentic Chinese cuisine and traditional activities. All guests are eligible to enter a free raffle and to receive coupons from local Chinese restaurants. Tickets will be on sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12, in Nord Hall, at $3 for CSSA members, $8 for others.
Events
Provost W. A. "Bud" Baeslack III will host the annual Provost Pizza Party at the Spartan basketball games on Friday, Feb. 12, at Veale Center. Rascal House Pizza in University Circle will hand out free pizza to everyone in attendance. Read more.
As a point of clarification, the EMBA curriculum has been recreated with a focus on learning the art of great leadership. This new program design integrates one of the very best organizational behavior teams in the world with an exceptional Executive MBA program that is ranked No. 14 nationally and No. 21 internationally by Businessweek. Open houses will be held on Feb. 10, April 20 and June 21, with webinar information sessions on March 25, May 20 and July 8. Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with faculty, administration, current students and alumni. Contact Kate Coleman to reserve a spot or register online.
Darwin Day is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 12. A lecture on the topic of "Inside the Human Genome: A Case for Non-intelligent Design" featuring John Avise of the University of California, Irvine, will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11. In addition, several workshops will take place on Feb. 12, and 13. The Feb. 12 symposium will feature a panel of speakers from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Lori Morton to reserve a boxed lunch for $2. Contact Peter A. Zimmerman, professor of international health, genetics and biology, for complete Darwin Day details.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
Et al.
The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) recently presented Marcus Neiman with its highest honor, the OMEA Distinguished Service Award for 2010. Neiman, a lecturer in the Department of Music, has served as the Medina Community Band's conductor since 1972, and was the director of bands at Medina High School from 1972-1980. Read more.
February 9, 2010
A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: case-daily@case.edu.
Feature of the Day
Case in the News
Debate over blood samples from babies
USA TODAY, Feb. 8, 2010
A critical safety net for babies, that heelprick of blood taken from every newborn in the U.S., is facing an ethics attack. Bioethicist Aaron Goldenberg of Case Western Reserve University studied parent attitudes, and found three-quarters would be willing to have their baby's leftover blood spot used for research if they were asked first. But they generally oppose that research without consent.
New material absorbs, conserves oil
Chemie.de, Feb. 9, 2010
An ultra-lightweight sponge made of clay and a bit of high-grade plastic draws oil out of contaminated water but leaves the water behind. And, lab tests show that oil absorbed can be squeezed back out for use. Case Western Reserve University researchers who made the material, called an aerogel, believe it will effectively clean up spills of all kinds of oils and solvents on factory floors and roadways, rivers and oceans. David Schiraldi, chair of the macromolecular science and engineering department, comments.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland is nearly ready to build a dramatic new home in University Circle
The Plain Dealer, Feb. 9, 2010
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland is on the verge of a breakthrough. After renting less-than-visible space for 20 years in the Cleveland Play House complex in Midtown, it's nearly ready to build a dramatic black-glass-and-steel building in University Circle. The museum would be a centerpiece of Case Western Reserve University's $300 million Uptown development, an eight-acre district of retail, restaurants, art, culture and educational facilities stretching from the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road east to Little Italy.
Could drug reformulation provide new treatment for river blindness and elephantiasis?
TropIKA.net, Feb. 9, 2010
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) are serious neglected parasitic conditions that are still common in many tropical countries. They are both caused by microscopic filarial worms. Treatments are available and their use has improved the control of both infections. However, the drugs presently used are by no means ideal and research is required to develop alternatives. Several colleges, including, Case Western Reserve University, are all working on projects with funding from the grant.
Higher Ed News
Dartmouth drops 'no loans'
Inside Higher Ed, Feb. 9, 2010
The "no loans" era of elite private higher education might be short-lived. Dartmouth College announced Monday that it is restoring loans to the aid packages of students from families whose incomes exceed $75,000–ending a no-loans policy that was announced with much fanfare two years ago. Dartmouth will continue to exclude loans from the aid packages of those with smaller family incomes and will continue to be "need blind" in admissions, meaning that financial need will not be taken into consideration in admissions decisions.
Posted on CASE DAILY by Kimyette Finley at 02:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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February 09, 2010
Finishing one thing, Starting another
So the SOURCE application is due in about a week. I need to finish up my portion of the application, and then speak to a few professors about their parts. Finding times they're aren't too busy too meet may be the only problem. Hopefully, I can get it in by the 12th and then not have to worry about it at all.
I need to start evaluating how I'm approaching the master's thesis. Primary resources available to me for this would be medical journals, interviews, first hand accounts, etc. But I'll probably end up using the journals, firsthand accounts, and books by other historians as primary resources. I'm not exactly sure how books by historians could be primary resources, but I suppose I'll simply have to learn how to use them. This being my first paper like this will be a disadvantage, but after I'm done with it I would probably be able to do primary research in my sleep.
One issue I'm confronting is, my 390 class is writing proposals. I'm not certain this is the direction I want to take for the semester, as proposal writing isn't as applicable in history research. Or maybe the proposals are just different. For both, you need a reason why the research is important. You need to document the places where sources could be found. But I think I'd almost rather start truly writing the paper... I need to see whether this would be a viable option, or if I need to slow down and abstract the idea before I try that.
Posted on Kathryn Goldberg's Master's Thesis by Kathryn Goldberg at 11:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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October 28, 2009
Your car is greener than your pet. Oh really?
Yeah it is about this article:
How green is your pet? - environment - 23 October 2009 - New Scientist
While almost all the numbers here are arguable, I'm more skeptical about converting the energy consumption of a gasoline vehicle to the equivalent amount of land usage. The numbers in this article just don't add up.
Continue reading "Your car is greener than your pet. Oh really?"
Posted on Po-Nien Bob Lu's Online Journal by Po-Nien Lu at 11:05 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Environment | Science
February 09, 2010
$300 Million Florida Smoker's Verdict Overturned
Law.com: Daily Business Review article (Feb.9, 2009)
Answers.com: Tobacco Industry (with references)
Tobacco.org website
FindLaw: brief article on original verdict, with related links (11/23/09)
Digital Library of Tobacco Documents (over 11 million documents, hosted by Univ. of California at San Francisco
1996 article about publishing "The Cigarette Papers"
Posted on JUST IN CASE by Andrew Dorchak at 10:21 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: legal news
February 09, 2010
The weird appeal of apocalyptic thinking
(My latest book God vs. Darwin: The War Between Evolution and Creationism in the Classroom has just been released and is now available through the usual outlets. You can order it from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the publishers Rowman & Littlefield, and also through your local bookstores. For more on the book, see here. You can also listen to the podcast of the interview on WCPN 90.3 about the book.)
Many people are scared of the thought of their own death. This is especially true of fundamentalist Christians who are terrified of going to hell and think that pledging allegiance to Jesus will save them from some horrible fate. They may say that they are confident that they are going to heaven because they are 'saved' but their obsession with this topic, their repeated groveling protestations to god about their unworthiness, and their constant appeals for forgiveness belie that confidence. They are too obviously trying to whistle away their fears.
Why is there this fear? After all, if there is one thing that we can be absolutely sure about, it is that we will die some day. And yet many people will refuse to contemplate it or make the necessary arrangements to ensure that everything is in order and that life goes on smoothly after they die. They just don't want to contemplate the possibility of their own deaths.
But oddly enough, an apocalyptic event in which the world ends and everyone dies (say because of a nuclear winter or a meteorite collision or Jesus coming again) does not seem to frighten them as much as their individual deaths. In fact, down the ages there has been quite an interest in speculating on this topic.
In my series of posts on the age of the Earth, I said that the suggestion that the six days of creation recorded in the Bible meant that the world would end after 6,000 years was what may have spurred interest in calculating when this imminent end would occur. Ussher's calculation of 4004 BCE as the year of creation made 1997 the 6,000th year and thus the year when the world would end. But since different versions of the Bible gave slightly different results, the exact year could not be pinned down and this was what was behind some of the apocalyptic thinking of people who thought that Rapture would occur sometime near the end of the previous millennium.
Of course, now there is a whole industry devoted to predicting the date of the end of the world, all of which have failed so far but that does not seem to deter the true believers. The beauty of theology is that it is infinitely malleable since it has no empirical basis. Your prediction of the end of the world not work out? No problem! Just change the interpretation of some obscure Biblical passage and you're in the prediction business again. We just survived two predicted Rapture dates from this site of September 21, 2009 and October 21, 2009 (I didn't tell you earlier to spare you needless worry), and now the latest end time date making the rounds, based on the reading of some Mayan calendars, is 2012 and credulous people are making some serious preparations.
So why is it that the idea of an apocalyptic end in which everyone dies does not seem as frightening as just your own death? I think that it may be due to the fact we don't like the idea that the world will go on without us, that things will happen, people will have fun, new things will be discovered, and not only will we not be there to see and enjoy it, we will not even be missed. It is hard to accept the fact that the world will go on just fine without us.
I think that this sense that we will be missing out is what people don't like to contemplate. Whereas if everyone dies at the same time, then nothing is going to happen after that and it does not seem so bad, though by any objective measure it is much worse.
It's quite odd.
POST SCRIPT: The Great Disappointment
Stephen Fry talks about The Great Disappointment that occurred in 1844 when millions of people were sure that the world would end with Jesus's second coming. It didn't but some of the people who believed in were the ones who started the Seventh Day Adventists and the Jehovah's Witnesses.
(Thanks to onegoodmove)
Posted on Mano Singham's Web Journal by Mano Singham at 08:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Religion
February 08, 2010
January 2010 Statistics
The cataloging statistics for January 2010 are posted:
here
Posted on Bibliographic/Metadata Services by Richard Wisneski at 04:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Statistics
February 08, 2010
Scholarship Opportunity for Hispanic Students in STEM Fields
Qualifications
Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars -High School Seniors: Up to $20,000 in scholarship ($5,000 each of four years of college) and up to $22,500 in summer internship stipends ($7,500 each of three summers) for students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
* A student of Hispanic heritage.
* A senior attending a high school in Brownsville, TX; Elizabeth, NJ; or Los Angeles, CA.
* Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent).
* In good academic standing in high school.
* Have applied or intend to apply for full-time study at an accredited college/university that grants a bachelor's degree in a STEM field (proof of enrollment will be required before disbursement of scholarship funds).
* Committed to major in a STEM field in college.
Ciencia National Scholarships - College STEM Majors
A $2,000 one-time scholarship for students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Puerto Rico who meet the following eligibility criteria:
· A student of Hispanic heritage.
· In good academic standing and enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university.
· Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent).
· Are a declared major in a STEM discipline and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field including Bachelor's degrees offered in partnerships between community colleges and four-year institutions.
Deadline
February 15th.
Submit
Students can apply online at http://www.alliancescholars.org/ and the For additional information, download this PDF fact sheet about the program.
Contact Info
National Alliance for Hispanic Health
1501 Sixteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-387-5000
Posted on Financial Aid by Christina Emerson at 03:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Computer Science | Engineering | Minority | Scholarships | Sciences
February 08, 2010
Case Daily
Campus Community Encouraged to Complete Community Service Survey
Are you a volunteer? Whether it's tutoring a child in math, visiting the elderly in nursing homes or serving on the board of an organization, faculty, staff and students regularly demonstrate a giving spirit.
Case Western Reserve University's Center for Community Partnerships wants to make sure all of those hours spent serving others' needs are counted. That's why Center Director Latisha James is asking members of the university community to complete a brief Community Service Survey.
"We hope to have a more accurate gauge on the type of programs, investment of volunteer service and partners to assess the positive impact the university has in the community at large," James explained. "The more we know about people's interests and activities, the more effective we can be in assisting both the campus and community organizations that seek our assistance."
The inventory also provides a powerful opportunity to quantify just how engaged Case Western Reserve is in the lives of greater Clevelanders. The Center conducted its first inventory in 2007, and learned that university constituents contribute about 400,000 hours of volunteer service each year through nearly 600 community partnerships. Now the Center wants to update its results.
"I encourage members of the campus community to complete this survey," said President Barbara R. Snyder. "Understanding more about how we are engaged in the community allows us to be more strategic in our outreach efforts and better, leverage our resources."
The survey also offers an opportunity to raise public awareness. Since 2007 CWRU has received recognition from the Saviors of our Cities Best Neighbor Colleges and Universities, President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and the Pillar Awards.
"Most people volunteer out of a sense of commitment to an organization or cause rather than a desire for acclaim," James said. "Still it is good for all of us to see that people appreciate our efforts"
The survey deadline is March 1 and should take about 15 minutes to complete.
Learn more about the university's community programs and partnerships.
Campus News
Baker-Nord Center presents "From Stills to Motion" by Photographer Linda ButlerThree years ago, Linda Butler left a 25-year career as a black-and-white photographer to create videos that advocate for living more gently on our planet. She will introduce these videos in a free, public talk sponsored by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities at Case Western Reserve University and the Ohio Arts Council. Her lecture begins at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11, in Clark Hall 309.
Butler, who currently resides outside of Cleveland, will speak about her recent transition from making stills to creating videos on global warming.
This event is part of the Baker-Nord Center's programs on its annual theme, "Cultures of Green: Nature and Environment." Responding to this theme, Butler will discuss how she seeks to make the science of global warming comprehensible by featuring people who are transforming their lives to live more sustainably.
For information, visit case.edu/humanities or call 216-368-8961.
Parking ChangesStarting this month, permit holders must use their CWRU ID cards to enter Lot 1A after-hours. Those who hold assignments for other Case parking lots may park in Lot 1A weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and 24 hours on Saturdays on Sundays. People who currently have Case parking permits in other parking lots may also use their campus ID cards to access Lots 46 and 55 after hours. Students and employees may purchase night/weekend permits on a monthly basis. The permits are available at Access Services and cost $27.50 per month.
Roses for HaitiPurchase Roses for Valentine's Day and help MBA students raise money for the Haiti relief effort. Order roses by Feb. 11 for delivery to your Valentine's dorm room on Sunday, Feb. 14. Red Roses are available for $39/dozen—all profits will be donated to the Red Cross for Haiti Relief. For more information and to order your roses, email mxp231@case.edu.
For Faculty and Staff
Most researchers are surprised to learn that they omit a significant minority group from their research: persons with disabilities. The SMART Center of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing will host its first FIND (Full INclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Research) Lab workshop, Avoiding Unintended Bias: Approaches to Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Research, 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Thwing Center ballroom. The program is free; light refreshments will be available. Contact Heather C. Terry at hcc5@case.edu to register or for information. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center and the Cleveland Sight Center. The SMART Center and FIND Lab are federally funded by grants from the National Institute for Nursing Research, NIH.
For Students
Join Provost W.A. "Bud" Baeslack and members of his leadership team from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Strosacker Auditorium to learn about exciting new initiatives that will enhance the student learning and life experiences at Case Western Reserve. These initiatives are in support of the University's Strategic Plan. Topics to be presented include undergraduate student advising, leadership programs for graduate students, and a major expansion of international programs, new activities in Information Technology and Student Affairs and new investments in interdisciplinary alliances. Tuition rates for next year also will be discussed, and Vice President for Student Affairs Glenn Nicholls will discuss new room and board rates, followed by a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.
Events
The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC) will host a seminar series presentation, "Persistence and Intensification Bias: A National Study of Evidence-Based Physician Decisions for Growth Hormone Therapy," on Feb. 16, at 4:30 p.m. in Frohring Auditorium (105 Biomedical Research Building) at the School of Medicine. Featured speakers are: J.B. Silvers, Ph.D., Elizabeth M. and William C. Treuhaft Professor of Management and chair of the Department of Banking and Finance; and Leona Cuttler, M.D., William T. Dahms Professor of Pediatrics, CWRU director of the Center for Child Health & Policy at Rainbow, and chief, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, RB&C. This seminar will also be broadcast live at tv.case.edu/caselive.
Today is the last day to RSVP for Flora Stone Mather Center for Women Black History Month Luncheon; the deadline was extended through the end of today. The Flora Stone Mather Center for Women will once again welcome a performance by Women in History, a non-profit organization established to educate through dramatic monologues. This year we will meet Eliza Bryant, a local humanitarian and founder of the Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People and the namesake of the Eliza Bryant Village. A free catered lunch will be provided, however RSVP by today if you plan on attending. To RSVP, email sjo14@cwru.edu or 368-0985.
The next Science Café Cleveland, sponsored by the university's Sigma Xi chapter, will focus on the topic of "Developing Latent Fingerprints: The Real CSI." The talk will begin at 7 p.m. tonight at the Great Lakes Brewing Company's Tasting Room, 2701 Carroll Ave.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
"Affirmative Action: Why Are We Still Talking about It?" is a Share the Vision Open Forum that takes place on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 4:30 p.m. in Thwing Center ballroom. A panel discussion will explore the origins of affirmative action and why it is still needed. Robert Lawry, an emeritus professor at the Law School, will moderate a discussion with panelists Rick Bischoff, vice president of enrollment management; Marilyn Mobley, vice president for inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity; Jonathan Entin, law school faculty member; and student panelists.
Et al.
Karl Rishe, coordinator of First Year Residence Education, received the Gerald L. Saddlemire Mentor Award from the Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA). The award was presented at the joint conference of OCPA and the Ohio Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
February 8, 2010
A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: case-daily@case.edu.
Feature of the Day
Case in the News
Gifts To State Schools Stay Strong
90.3 WCPN, Feb. 8, 2010
A national survey says charitable contributions to colleges and universities fell 11.9 percent in 2009. That is the biggest drop since the collection of data began, 40 years ago. Researchers at the Council for Aid to Education said gifts to private schools suffered more sharply than public schools. Yale University saw giving decline nearly 27%, the worst number in the country. But many Ohio schools fared far better. At
Case Western Reserve University, Vice President Bruce Loessin says new cash increased for the second year in a row, 5.25% over fiscal 2008.
New material absorbs, conserves oil
Science Centric, Feb. 7, 2010
An ultra-lightweight sponge made of clay and a bit of high-grade plastic draws oil out of contaminated water but leaves the water behind. And, lab tests show that oil absorbed can be squeezed back out for use. Case Western Reserve University researchers who made the material, called an aerogel, believe it will effectively clean up spills of all kinds of oils and solvents on factory floors and roadways, rivers and oceans.
New York Academy of Medicine Names 11 Nurse Fellows
Nurse.com , Feb. 8, 2010
On Nov. 17, 11 nurses were named fellows of the New York Academy of Medicine. To include more RNs, Academy President Jo Ivey Boufford, MD, initiated the formation of a Nursing Special Interest Group to explore ways to assure the nursing perspective and expertise is engaged in NYAM's education, research, community engagement and policy leadership. Stephen Marrone, RN, EdD, director of nursing at North Shore University Hospital and clinical associate professor of nursing at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University was among the named fellows.
UC near pinnacle of cancer therapy
Cincinnati.com, Feb. 7, 2010
The University of Cincinnati is upping its profile when it comes to fighting cancer. In a few weeks, UC will add the ability to test experimental therapies to its cancer research and treatment lineup. Until now, Case Western Reserve University, in cooperation with the Cleveland Clinic, and Ohio State University were the only two sites offering cancer trials in Ohio.
Natalie Epstein: Chagrin Solon Sun 'Person of the Week'
Sun Star Courier, Feb. 7, 2010
The 2009 recipient of the Gries Family Award for Community Leadership from the Jewish Community Federation was Pepper Pike resident Natalie Epstein. She co-chaired a major capital campaign for the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and served as a member of the college's visiting committee.
Higher Ed News
Nimble Companies, Growing Enrollments
The Chronicle of Higher Education, Feb. 7, 2010
At a time when American public higher education is cutting budgets, laying off people, and turning away students, the rise of for-profit universities has been meteoric. Enrollment in the country's nearly 3,000 career colleges has grown far faster than in the rest of higher educationÑby an average of 9 percent per year over the past 30 years, compared with only 1.5 percent per year for all institutions, according to an industry analyst.
Posted on CASE DAILY by Paula Baughn at 02:28 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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December 08, 2009
Korean Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Officials visit MSASS and NEOCANDO
From 12/6 to 12/8/2009, South Korean governmental officers of the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Mr. Hwan Wi, Deputy Director and his two colleagues, a director (Dr. Keesung Noh) and a researcher of Korea Social Service Institute, Dr. Kwangho Jung (Professor, Seoul National University Seoul, Korea) visited to the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in order to observe the welfare delivery system of the U.S.
At CWRU, they discussed the social service system of the U.S. and South Korea at a seminar with CWRU faculty members including Dr. David Crampton. Afterward, they visited to Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development.
Posted on Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences by Curtis O'Neal at 12:26 PM | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: MANDEL SPOTLIGHT | Poverty Center | Poverty Center: News
February 08, 2010
Media and Democracy: Hopes and Cautions
(My latest book God vs. Darwin: The War Between Evolution and Creationism in the Classroom has just been released and is now available through the usual outlets. You can order it from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the publishers Rowman & Littlefield, and also through your local bookstores. For more on the book, see here. You can also listen to the podcast of the interview on WCPN 90.3 about the book.)
My fundamental interest politics is what it says about the state of democracy and not the fake politics that the media wants us to pay attention to. As should be obvious to any observer, political power in this country has been completely hijacked and now resides in the hands of the oligarchy consisting of big business interests, especially in the financial and military sectors, who determine the policies and control the elected leadership. The fundamental problem that we now face is how create an informed and active general public that will seize control of political life and decision-making in this country away from this oligarchy.
Enabling this subversion of democracy is a relatively small coterie of people, labeled the 'Villagers', consisting of key political leaders, some media figures (publishers and editors at the major newspapers and national TV outlets), the bigger think tanks, and opinion makers such as well-known political op-ed writers and newscasters (Jim Lehrer, Cokie Roberts, George Will, David Broder, Maureen Dowd, Richard Cohen, etc.). This fairly extensive network of connected people informally arrive at a rough consensus of what news we should hear, what range of opinions are acceptable in public discourse, and who is 'worthy' of being elected to high office.
The Villagers may really believe that they are the 'voice of the people'. It is easy to delude yourself that it is so if everyone around you hails you as a sage, and the Villagers are unstinting in their praise of each other. It is also important to note that the Villagers are not a secret conspiracy or cabal. Such groupings are easily discredited. The secret of the Villagers' success is that they act openly. They are a loose network of individuals and groups, all connected by their shared business, political, journalistic, financial, and social dealings that result in them moving in the same circles. People living in an echo chamber do not realize that the voices they hear are not that of the people at large but merely their own.
But there is hope. The anarchic nature of the internet threatens to undermine the power of the Villagers. There will still be a place for traditional, trained journalists who go out into the field and have the resources and some standing to find out answers to important questions on issues of concern to the public. But the more important development is that the mainstream media are rapidly losing their gate-keeping privilege when it comes to deciding what becomes news and what kind of analyses people can access. This is a very good thing, in my opinion.
The web now provides an easy access point to many people to become public intellectuals. In the past, this privilege was reserved for a few highly eminent people who achieved notable distinction in their fields (like Albert Einstein) or those who spent considerable time and effort to cultivate a public persona, by writing popular books and articles. Now almost anyone with something interesting to say has a platform with which to reach the whole world easily and, most importantly, cheaply. Over time they can build up a large audience. Some good examples are Glenn Greenwald, Juan Cole, Josh Marshall, Matt Yglesias, Markos Moulitsas, and Duncan Black.
I predict that one important component of the Villager network, the syndicated newspaper columnist will be extinct within a few years, and I will shed no tears. They are already rapidly becoming irrelevant as one can find far better analyses on the web than on the op-ed pages of your newspaper. I have stopped reading them because I simply cannot take anymore Maureen Dowd's speculations on the Clintons' marriage written in the tone of a high-school cheerleader, David Broder's drearily predictable conventional wisdom and calls for bipartism, David Brooks' absurd conceit that he knows what Americans want and think, Richard Cohen's smug self-assuredness even though he is almost always wrong, and Charles Krauthammer advocating torture and the killing of more Arabs and Muslims. Who needs that?
The other thing that has changed is the relationship of the journalist to their audience. No longer is the audience impotent at the choices that journalists make on what news to cover. Now journalists and the media get rapid feedback from informed critics.
We are fortunate to be living in time in which the web gives us the ability to create a combination of best of two worlds that existed in the past: the timeliness of the pamphleteering that existed at the time of the American revolution and which proved so valuable to revolutionaries like Tom Paine, and the relatively low cost of gaining access to a large audience that was the early days of radio.
Of course the Villagers would like to protect their role as gatekeepers and limit free and open discussion. The best way to do that is not to directly suppress alternative views but to make the cost of access so high that only the Villagers can pay the admission price, as was done in the past with newspapers and radio. It costs a huge amount now to start a newspaper or a radio and TV station. The latter two options, although they use the public airwaves, have been effectively given over to the multinational corporations, rather than to promote more media egalitarianism.
This is why net neutrality is such an important issue worth fighting to preserve. This is why free and easy community broadband access, of the kind promoted in the Cleveland area by Lev Gonick at Case Western Reserve University and OneCleveland, is so important to spread. If everyone has equal access to broadband access that is free (or at least at minimal cost), there is hope of wresting at least some of the power away from the oligarchy and salvaging democracy.
The danger is that the media monopolies will try to prevent both those things and will succeed unless we fight to preserve them.
POST SCRIPT: The TV 'news' formula
Have you noticed how the TV news segments have a certain similarity? Well, Charlie Brooker reveals the formula that they use. (Language advisory)
(Thanks to onegoodmove.)
Posted on Mano Singham's Web Journal by Mano Singham at 08:55 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Media
February 08, 2010
Summer 2010 Applications Up!
Go to the Summer 2010 Page for Application and Recommendation forms! Deadline for submission is March 1, 2010 this year. Please e-mail applications to Alex Engel.
(By the way, notice the new website?)
Posted on CREATE by Urvi Patel at 12:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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February 06, 2010
iPhone Software Update
This past week Apple released a security update to the iPhone and iPod operating systems. This release addresses some key security weaknesses in the way the iPhone and iPod processe mp4 audio files, maliciously crafted TIFF images, a problem in how FTP sites are navigated from the device, and a memory corruption issue which permits someone to bypass the device password when connected via the iPhone/iPod USB cable interface. These problems pose the risk of malicious attacks on user data via the devices. Details are avaialable from Apple.
The Information Security Office recommendation is to update your device to OS 3.1.3 as soon as possible. The user must connect to iTunes to complete the updates.
Note that we recommend user first update to the latest version of iTunes (9.0.3) before connecting the iPhone/iPod to update the device through iTunes.
Posted on ITS Information Security Bulletins by Thomas Siu at 06:49 AM | Comments (0)
Entry is tagged: Information Security Alerts
February 06, 2010
Long Did She Live... The Faerie Queene
Though seemed it never would transpire
Thought I 'fore I reached the end would I be dead.
Yet tonight did I finish what need be read*
Upon this moment could I ne'er be higher!
Blissful my rewards shall be
Red wine, cheese and macaroni.
*That's Books 1 and 2, incidentally. It took me two months to read one sixth of this work! I did more than half of it this week, however. That's the power of resolution after procrastination.
Posted on Cereal Monogamist by Erin Wolverton at 11:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: books | edmund spenser | ma exam | the faerie queene
February 06, 2010
Project Selected(Mostly)
The past weeks's class centered around discusson of papers about the philosophy of the scientific method and geology. I have also selected, at the least, a starting point for my final project but more on that later.
On Monday we read "Geological Reasoning: Geology as an interprative and historical Science" by Robert Frodeman. Frodeman proposes that geoology is not like the rigorous sciences of physics or chemistry because experiment conditions can not be rigidly controlled and we do not have all the or even most of the data on what we are studying in geology. He goes on to say that geology is an interprative and historical science that is combination of fact and intuition where conclusions are drawn to the best of our own knowledge. Of course geology isn't reducible like physics or chemistry, both sciences from which it draws a great deal of knowledge, because the systems geology deals with are so vast in phyiscal and temporal space and so many different variables contribute that trying to control any of the conditions would alter the entire system and skew data. Geology has to rely on a great deal of interpretation and findings are often challenged and altered. I belive this is the case for most sciences, especially those with an interdisciplinary approach. Geology is certainly no lower than any other science but it certainly isn't infallible either, no science is.
The paper we discussed Wednesday was the 2nd chapter of the book [u]To Interpret the Earth: Ten ways to be wrong[/u] which discussed the scientific method. Before and sometimes even during college the scientific method is portrayed as a perfect and straightforward method of obtaining knowledge. The author points out all the flaws inherent in the steps of the scientific method all rooted in the fact that no person can be truly objective. Every person is shaped by the experiences in their life and that determines how they go about accomplishing something, science is no exception. Looking at a problem from a particular point of view or with a goal already set in mind can be very strong influences in the final conclusions since ultimately the scientist's personal interpretation of the data becomes the conclusion.
One thing the author noted very strongly was the idea of minimizing this bias with a multi-working hypothesis technique where instead of a linear process the problem is apporached with several possible explanations in mind which can then be altered or rejected as new data is gathered. This is in opposition to the traditionally taught method where a single hypothesis is tested at a time. The single-working hypothesis becomes a danger because the scientist could unconciously focus on only proving his theory rather than looking for other probable answers.Overall this second reading was something that I believe we all know but few of us actually discuss.
As for my project as long as I don't hit any snags I should be working on describing/classifying a newly discovered specimen of devonian fish through the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Dr. Ryan. I have to focus the breadth of the project down a bit and I have brainstormed what I hope are good starting ponits for research. First things first though I have begun to gather literature on the devonian fish to get a better understanding of current theories and questions that are already out there and hopefully I'll be able to answer some.
Posted on James Boyle's Online Journal by James Boyle at 08:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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February 05, 2010
Racing to "The Iraq" and Back
The newest season of The Amazing Race begins a week from Sunday. I happened to check out the show's website and discovered that one of the teams is a pair of dating models. Oh, boring, right? Every season has at least one pair of dating models. What makes this pair so special?
Well, one of them is this person:
Upon reading this news, my emotions are mixed. Firstly, people who are dumb make me sad. That people who are dumb can find fame and success if they are also beautiful women makes me angry. That this woman became a national joke makes me...a bit amused, truth be told.
That she has finagled her way onto one of my favorite shows ever makes me suspicious. I guess everybody deserves a chance to redeem themselves. However, I'll say this: you better not be in this to extend your 15 minutes, Vanna! The Amazing Race is hard, man, and people who go on the show just to publicize their careers do not tend to acquit themselves that well. Case in point: that girl who was an aspiring country singer. She did not come out of that thing looking too good. And neither did her boyfriend.
How much do I miss the Whites right now?
Posted on Cereal Monogamist by Erin Wolverton at 11:11 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: TV | mike and mel white | miss teen usa | the amazing race
February 05, 2010
Tenth Amendment
WSJ Law blog (Feb. 5, 2010)
Legal Information Institute: CRS Annotated 10th Amendment
Doug Linder (UMKC Law), Exploring Constitutional Law (2009) "10th & 11th Amendment limitations of federal power"
Kurt T. Lash, THE ORIGINAL MEANING OF AN OMISSION: THE TENTH AMENDMENT, POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY, AND “EXPRESSLY” DELEGATED POWER (article, 2008)
Washington Times: Can the Tenth Amendment Save Us? (Nov. 3, 2009)
Thomas B. McAffee, Jay S. Bybee, and A. Christopher Bryant. The Tenth Amendment and state sovereignty: constitutional history and contemporary issues. (print book, 2006): OhioLINK record
ISBN # 0742518795
OCLC # 48383394
Tenth Amendment and State Sovereignty: Constitutional History and Contemporary Issues (print book, 2002): OhioLINK record
ISBN # 0742518795
OCLC # 48383394
Posted on JUST IN CASE by Andrew Dorchak at 12:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged:
February 05, 2010
Top Mistakes NOT to Make
The Spring Interview Program is in full swing. Many of you are actively participating, and hopefully securing interviews and offers. But in the hustle and bustle of your classes, your job search, and your personal life, don't let your SIP applications fall prey to the most common mistakes made by students in completing applications. Take the time to double- and triple-check your application materials to ensure you're not making any of these common mistakes:
1. Addressing your cover letter to the improper person or address. Every SIP opportunity includes the name, title (if applicable), and address of the recruiting contact. Be sure you're addressing your materials properly.
2. Addressing your cover letter "To Whom it May Concern" or to "Dear Sir or Madam". See #1 above.
3. Using Mail Merge programs indiscriminately. Mail Merge tools can be a useful timesaver when preparing multiple applications. However, you don't want your mail merge to look like a mail merge. Review the address blocks and salutation lines of each of your cover letters after you've completed your mail merge. Phone numbers should not appear in address blocks. The city, state, and zip code should all appear on one line. And while Ms. Jane A. Smith, Esq. is a completely appropriate form of address for the address block, the salutation of your letter should not be addressed to “Dear Ms. Jane A. Smith, Esq.”, but should instead be addressed to “Dear Ms. Smith”.
4. Using completely generic or inaccurate cover letters. Writing a cover letter can be hard and time-consuming work and, when you're sending out dozens upon dozens of applications, it can sometimes feel like an easier thing to just create a generic letter for every employer. DO NOT DO THIS! A generic cover letter will be recognized as such by an employer and, no matter how impressive your resume is, will almost always result in you not receiving an interview. In the same vein, take the time to research each employer to ensure that you are accurately reflecting that employer's mission, practice areas, and/or clientele in your cover letter. Remember that the counselors in the CSO are always available to help you prepare and revise your cover letters.
5. Referring to your degree as a Juris Doctorate. The degree you are working towards is a Juris Doctor.
6. Including an incomplete transcript. All the grades from Fall '09 semester are submitted and finalized now, which means everyone should be submitting transcripts with their applications which include the Fall '09 semester. If you are a transfer student, you need to be sure you are including your grades from both CWRU and your transfer school.
7. Relying too heavily on your spell-check program. Technology is wonderful but it is not error-proof. Spell-check programs will not catch properly-spelled words used in the incorrect context. See, for example, #5 above. It is imperative that you still take the time to re-read with your own eyes every document you write.
8. Placing your blind faith in Adobe Acrobat. The Adobe Acrobat programs are wonderful for ensuring that a document created on one computer or in one type of program can be opened and reviewed by anybody using any computer. However, like spell-check, Acrobat is not error-free. You absolutely must open and review every single document you convert to pdf to ensure that the Adobe program did not add line spaces, throw off tabs or margins, add a blank page, or otherwise do something to your document it should not have done. If you are having problems converting your document to pdf and can't figure out what’s causing them, let the CSO know and we can work with you to correct the problem.
Take the time with each application you submit to ensure that you are presenting the absolute best first impression for yourself that you possibly can, and it will pay off for you in the end.
Posted on CSO Blog by Heather DiFranco at 04:40 PM
Entry is tagged: Job Search Strategies
February 04, 2010
Progressive Insurance Internship
Presented by Kristen Rogers
Allie Retter = 2009 Intern
Attendees: Bethany, Allie, Bailey, Julie
Monday afternoon as a possibility for those interested in the internship to visit the Progressive Art Collection
Applications due before end of February
Interviews will begin at the beginning of March
30 + years Progressive has been collecting art
- began with Peter B. Lewis. Though he is not as involved any longer, his philosophy drives the collection. Art has nothing to do with financial investment, it was more driven to make Progressive a unique place to work.
- Underscore the innovation of Progressive (outside the box) through contemporary art
- Collection grew with company - more than 7,000 objects
- Toby Lewis early curator of the collection
Art collection creates cultural sensitivity through awareness and dialogue that boosts the company
When Peter started the collection while CEO, then passed on the curatorial duties to Toby (responsible for ~5,000 works in the collection). She retired in 2004.
Warhol, Portrait of Mao
- Even today the work is controversial
- Purchased in the late 70s (during the Cold War)
- Petition within Progressive to have it removed
* Not everything in the collection is so controversial, but it is all provocative (though visually only)
Diverse collection - American and International
In the 90s installation art became popular and coincided with expansion of the company
- Cleveland (and Austen, Phoenix, Colorado Springs etc.) have call centers with site specific installations
- Shows are curated and start in Cleveland then travel to these other call centers
Started with print collection, gradually added painting, drawings and other media.
In the 90s began to collect installation art
Today the collection is aggressive in collection of video art
Reinvention in Post-Toby era
- create a robust education program - use the art for more than buying and hanging with a wall label
- Revamp labels to appeal to larger audience, but still try to avoid single monolithic approach to artwork
- Interns contribute to writing of these wall labels
Can be your own original work
Attempt for creativity
Communication skills (writing and VERBAL)
Art tours occur all the time
- Interns need to conduct these tours
- For people inside and outside of the company
Variety of projects underway at this time within the company
- Opportunities to do more with the art than simply hang it on the walls
- Interns support this involvement with other aspects of the company
Collection available online
progressiveartcollection.com
- Interns can be involved in adding to / creating sites
- Attempts to promote the company through the internet
Shows
- To go along with products and services
- Education about social issues
Application Process
jobs.progressive.com
All done online (download resume and letter through website)
- Can include references on resume, but that generally comes later
Click on box labeled "Search Jobs" > type "art" into the search box
Posting available in the next couple of days
Departmental Internship
Paid - $10/ hr
- Often graduates that do not yet have a job
Academic Internship
- Unpaid
- Through an academic institution for credit (*required)
Both run along semester
- 192 hours (and no more - unless exception made for academic intern in case of an ongoing project) that start from day one and accumulate
- 2 Academic and 2 Departmental interns hired over the course of the year (lasts over the time it takes you to finish 192 hours)
- Preferred minimum is 2 full (8 hours) days per week
- Can do full time for 3 weeks to complete the 192 hours
-- Does not have to fall into a specified time period (flexible)
- All 4 internships expire by December and usually run 2 at a time
All digital - there will be hundreds applying
- Work with Kelly Anderson (recruiter) who will go through applicants
- Narrows down to 20 phone interviews - done by Kelly - around half an hour long (be prepared for "STAR" Performer questions - look up online)
IE: "Name a situation in which you were stressed. Explain the
cirucumstances and how you reacted."
- 10 will undergo face to face interview
- 4 selected AT ONE TIME (run full course of the year) and then time-line divided
--- Can be hired in March and hired for Sept - Dec.
Tasks:
- Small department that manages large collection, so EVERYONE does important to menial tasks
- Can manage or assist in projects
- Tours of galleries
- Create website
- Write labels
- Interact with artists
- Hang shows
- Many roles in the department, most aligned to general art collections
- Position unique to corporate setting = Regional Art Manager = analyzes where art can be placed in corporate buildings and sends art to these places
- Attempts made to emphasize experiences that align with candidates' skills and interests
- Try right away to pair skill set to task within the company
- Build in shadow days into the internship so that intern can learn all sorts of jobs
* Internship is NOT about busywork
Department consists of 5-7 people (dependent on the number of interns working at any given time)
- Office at Mayfield Village
Paid position - $ every two weeks (on payroll)
Progressive has "Post with a Q" (Qualified candidate already named) - meaning that the job posting went up b/c required, but someone is already in place to take the job.
-- There are no "Q"s for this period, though there are some from last year that are on the radar, but no guarantee that those people will apply and they are not shoe-ins for the positions.
**Expect full and thorough (maybe two) background check(s)!!!
Email Kristen Rogers with any additional questions:
KRogers3@progressive.com
440-395-3087
Posted on Graduate Art History Association by Bailey Hotujac at 07:18 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
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February 05, 2010
Case Western Reserve Works with
Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
to Improve Human Health
Case Western Reserve University has received a $250,000 challenge grant from Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. through The Johnson & Johnson Corporate Office of Science and Technology (COSAT), and its affiliates. The university will utilize this research grant to support science, medicine and engineering projects to improve human health.
CWRU will match or possibly exceed COSAT's commitment in support of these projects. Applicants for these grants must be affiliated with a CWRU school or department, and preference for funding will be given to interdisciplinary and translational projects. Grants will range in size from $50,000 to $100,000.
Posted on NEWS CENTER by Kimyette Finley at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)
Entry is tagged: Case School of Engineering | College of Arts and Sciences | Grants | School of Medicine | Technology
February 05, 2010
Case Daily
Case Western Reserve Works with
Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
to Improve Human Health
Case Western Reserve University has received a $250,000 challenge grant from Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. through The Johnson & Johnson Corporate Office of Science and Technology (COSAT), and its affiliates. The university will utilize this research grant to support science, medicine and engineering projects to improve human health.
CWRU will match or possibly exceed COSAT's commitment in support of these projects. Applicants for these grants must be affiliated with a CWRU school or department, and preference for funding will be given to interdisciplinary and translational projects. Grants will range in size from $50,000 to $100,000.
"We're pleased to advance interdisciplinary research and development across the campus in key areas of biomedicine," said W. A. "Bud" Baeslack, Case Western Reserve provost.
The translational and commercial perspective at CWRU has been highly accelerated by the university's relationship with the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation. The agreement with COSAT is modeled after the Coulter-Case Translational Research Partnership (CCTRP) process that has been instrumental within the biomedical departments at Case Western Reserve in promoting translational research on campus. Some funds may be used to support new or further accelerate existing CCTRP projects on the pathway to the patient.
Campus News
To help researchers understand why to include persons with disabilities in research, how to include them within a project budget, and how to modify research methods for participants with vision and hearing challenges, the SMART Center of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing will host its first FIND (Full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Research) Lab workshop, Avoiding Unintended Bias: Approaches to Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Research, 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the Thwing Center ballroom. The program is free; light refreshments will be available. To register or for more information, contact Heather C. Terry. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center and the Cleveland Sight Center. The SMART Center and FIND Lab are federally funded by grants from the National Institute for Nursing Research, NIH.
Kundalini Yoga classes for spring semester are starting this week. Classes will meet in the Veale Center Multipurpose Room on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Sessions will run for 12 weeks. Contact Mina Moore by e-mail or by phone at 368-2191 for information.
For Faculty and Staff
Benny prepaid benefits debit cards were recently sent to all employees who enrolled in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for 2010. The cards have been pre-loaded with the annual contribution amounts elected by participating employees. Once the card is activated, the entire elected amount is available. The debit cards can be used at doctors' offices and hospitals, as well as participating pharmacies, discount stores, department stores and supermarkets that can identify FSA-eligible items at checkout. Learn more about the FSA debit card. FSA-eligible expenses paid using the debit card are deducted from employees' account balances without the need to file a reimbursement claim. When eligible expenses are paid by any other method, employees should continue to submit the reimbursement request form, along with appropriate expense documentation, to Meritain Health. Be sure to retain receipts for all purchases made using the debit card. Read more.
For Students
A meditation group for students meets at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays on the second floor of University Health Services. This is a drop-in group for students interested in learning about meditation. Elements of Insight Meditation and visualization exercises will be incorporated. The group is ideal for both novices and experienced meditators. Registration is not required. Call Mary Hildenbrand at 368-5872 for information.
The 2010 Winter Leadership Conference theme is "Gleadership," based on the hit show "Glee." The show's message is one of perseverance and demonstrates the value of teamwork, diversity and passion. Undergraduate and graduate participants will choose from a variety of sessions to personalize their goals toward their leadership potential. The conference will take place from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, in Nord Hall and Sears. Register online today.
Events
The Department of History and History Associates will present John Flores, Climo Junior Professor for the College of Arts and Sciences, on the topic of "Deporting Dissidence: Examining Transnational Politics, Civic Assimilation and the Cold War through the Life of Refugio Roman Martinez," from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 17, in Mather House 100. This lecture will reconstruct the migration, labor and political experience of a Mexican immigrant named Refugio Roman Martinez who immigrated to Chicago during the 1930s and was deported from the United States during the Cold War. Contact Kalli Vimr for more details.
The Confused Greenies will host a Masquerade Dance at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, in the Thwing Center ballroom. The dance is in conjunction with La Dolce Vita's Carnevale Night. Additional entertainment, contests, mask-making and dancing will fill the rest of the festive evening. Send an e-mail to lazzi@case.edu for details.
John A. Jackson, author of "A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul," will lead a discussion as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities' celebration of Black History Month at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8, in Clark Hall 309. He will discuss the history of Philadelphia soul music.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
Et al.
Book TV on C-SPAN2 will air the Joseph Beth Booksellers talk that features Michael Scharf. Program times are 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, and 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 7. Scharf, professor of law, and his co-author, Paul Williams, professor of law and international relations at American University, will discuss their book "Shaping Foreign Policy in Times of Crisis: The Role of International Law and the State Department Legal Adviser."
February 5, 2010
A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: case-daily@case.edu.
Feature of the Day
Case in the News
Toyota puts cost of defects at $2-billion
The Globe and Mail, Feb. 4, 2010
The price of Toyota Motor Corp.'s defect fiasco is now $2 billion and counting, as the Japanese car maker faces a U.S. government investigation of the brakes on its prized Prius hybrid. The best-case scenario for Toyota is that the damage is already contained, and that the bill will be limited to $2 billion or $3 billion, said Susan Helper, an auto industry expert and economist at Case Western Reserve University.
Scientists make ultra-lightweight sponge that can absorb and conserve oil
newKerala.com, Feb. 5, 2010
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made an ultra-lightweight sponge from clay and a bit of high-grade plastic that can absorb and conserve oil out of contaminated water. According to the research team, the material, called an aerogel, will effectively clean up spills of all kinds of oils and solvents on factory floors, roadways, rivers and oceans.
RecycleMania at CWRU
The Observer, Feb. 5, 2010
RecycleMania, a 10-week, national competition amongst universities, is in full swing at Case Western Reserve University. Trevor Allen, chair of the Student Sustainability Council, comments.
In 'Tom and Jack,' biographer Henry Adams gives the complex dance between Jackson Pollock and his teacher Thomas Hart Benton full measure
The Plain Dealer, Feb. 2, 2010
Henry Adams' new book, "Tom and Jack: The Intertwined Lives of Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock," unravels some of the complexity by focusing on the turbulent relationship between Pollock and his mentor, the American painter Benton. With this engaging, accessible book, Adams, a specialist in American art at Case Western Reserve University, untangles the ropey strands of Pollock's personality and technique, set within the larger story of the emergence of modern art.
Cruiser
Cleveland Scene Weekly, Feb. 3, 2010
Aspiring attorneys and practicing lawyers from China, Thailand and Vietnam filled the Case Western Reserve University School of Law's Gund Hall. It was a first session of Law of the Music Industry, a class attorney Mark Avsec teaches each spring.
Parents more likely than strangers to murder children: researcher
Vancouver Sun, Feb. 3, 2010
Children are more at risk of being murdered by family than they are by strangers, says a prominent U.S. researcher. Phillip Resnick, who heads forensic psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University. An estimated 400 children are killed in the United States annually by one of their parents.
Higher Ed News
Rising college costs: A federal role?
New York Times, Feb. 3, 2010
Supporters of the Pell Grants, which began in 1973, want to make them an entitlement, as the cost of higher education continues to rise. Is there a connection between federal education aid and the inflation rate in higher education? More broadly, what can Washington do, if anything, to improve the effectiveness of its programs and reduce the costs of college? Various experts provide viewpoints.
Posted on CASE DAILY by Kimyette Finley at 02:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged:
February 05, 2010
NEOCANDO: Lorain Co. Sees Foreclosures Spike
The Associate Director for Community Information at the Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development, Michael Schramm, was quoted on WCPN's article, "Lorain Co. Sees Foreclosures Spike."
In Summary the article says, "Lorain County officials this week reported a record high number of mortgage foreclosure filings in 2009, following a pattern being seen regionally. ideastream®'s Rick Jackson looks at the meaning behind the increases.
Lorain County saw mortgage foreclosure filings jump 30 percent in 2009 over 2008 - more percentage-wise than in Cuyahoga County, where filings were up 20 percent."
The article can be heard or viewed here.
Continue reading "NEOCANDO: Lorain Co. Sees Foreclosures Spike"
Posted on Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences by Curtis O'Neal at 11:06 AM | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: CENTER SPOTLIGHT | Poverty Center | Poverty Center: News
February 04, 2010
And now, the thrilling conclusion...
Previously, in Sara’s blog:
In my last post I talked about formal recruitment, my experiences of the first weekend, and my optimism regarding Greek Life at Case. I left you with a super-suspenseful cliffhanger as to what second weekend would be like, if I would get a bid, and ultimately where I would end up at the end of it all.
So here’s the exciting finish.
Day 3 of recruitment: All week I’d been waiting to find out what parties I got invited back to. All week I had been doing homework and other things that suck with the knowledge that Saturday would at least be fun. I found out that I’ve been invited back to my #1, #2, and #4 choices. The parties were fun, but I ended up reordering my choices almost completely. #4 soared to #1, #1 got bumped to #2, and #3 hovered in the same region it had before. I was intrigued.
Day 4 of recruitment: The suspense was hardcore. I was invited back to all three for the pledge parties. #1 was first, and it was awesome. The day 4 theme is ritual, and they went through one with us to give us a feel for what they’re like. They warned us that people might get emotional, and now I can see why. It was intense. I came out of #1 feeling really good about it and was totally pumped for #3, which was next. The party was fun, I liked the people I was with, but I just didn’t get that same excitement that I had in #1. #2 was the last one. I must say, that party was really fun. I enjoyed myself a ton and was sorry to leave.
I had been under the impression all weekend that this would be an agonizing decision. I’m pretty much the least decisive person, ever. My recruitment counselor had told us that people sometimes spend hours on these cards, weighing the pros and cons and sign still unsure of the decision. I, for once in my life, knew exactly what I wanted and was gone within five minutes of the last party.
Bid Day: My morning classes were agonizing. I would really have liked to fast-forward to noon when I could pick up my bid. It eventually got to that point and when all is said and done…
I received and accepted a bid from my first choice, ΣΨ. I can’t explain the good mood I was in all day; something about knowing that you picked the right place for you is just amazing.
The bid acceptance dinner only reinforced that feeling. My pledge class and the sisters are all amazing and I’m truly proud to be one of them. I could never have imagined myself where I am now a year ago, or even six months ago. Regardless, I’m happier with this decision than I would ever have known and am really excited to get to know all the incredible people who I can now call sisters.
All of this said, it has been the busiest week ever and consequently I am putting off writing two papers in the process of updating you with the conclusion to my tale (I just couldn’t leave you hanging, you know). Even so, know that I can already tell you’re going to hear a lot about my experiences as a Sig, because it’s going to be epic.
Posted on Case Western Reserve University Undergraduate Admission by Sara McCormick at 09:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Life at Case
February 05, 2010
The Noble Lie-3: The Noble Lie applied to religion
(My latest book God vs. Darwin: The War Between Evolution and Creationism in the Classroom has just been released and is now available through the usual outlets. You can order it from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the publishers Rowman & Littlefield, and also through your local bookstores. For more on the book, see here. You can also listen to the podcast of the interview on WCPN 90.3 about the book.)
One place where one hears the argument about the virtues of the Noble Lie is in the case of religion.
Atheists are sometimes criticized for undermining belief in god because some sophisticated religious people feel that even if there is no god, believing in one may serve some good ends by helping people overcome personal adversity, prevent them from doing evil things, and even inspire them to do great things.
Some political thinkers feel that religion plays an important role in maintaining social order and seek to perpetuate religious beliefs even if they themselves are unbelievers. Seneca (circa 4 BCE-65 CE) argued that belief in god is a fraud perpetrated on the public in order to sustain a ruling class: "Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful."
The recent political movement known as neoconservatism, whose roots can be traced to the University of Chicago philosopher Leo Strauss and whose adherents were a major force urging the US to launch the disastrous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and now seeks to expand to new wars against Iran and other middle eastern countries, also promotes the virtues of the noble lie. (I have written before in 2006 about Strauss and his belief that only an elite can handle the essential truths about society and the rest must be shielded from the truth by manufacturing consoling lies.)
Ernest Hemingway said that "All thinking men are atheists." Such a quote may seem to embody the arrogance that atheists are routinely accused of but he is not alone in thinking so. Martin Luther (1483-1546), the leader of the movement known as the Reformation that created the Protestant churches, was convinced that reason and religion were antithetical because faith required the denial of reason. At various times he said, "Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God." Also, "Reason should be destroyed in all Christians" and "Whoever wants to be a Christian should tear the eyes out of his reason." (All quotes from Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, p. 190)
By contrast, atheists like Baron D'Holbach (1723-1789) argue that it is reason that enables people to be good citizens, and that the truth must be propagated even if it means undermining cherished falsehoods like religion. "Many men without morals have attacked religion because it was contrary to their inclinations. Many wise men have despised it because it seemed to them ridiculous. Many persons have regarded it with indifference, because they have never felt its true disadvantages. But it is as a citizen that I attack [religion], because it seems to me harmful to the happiness of the state, hostile to the march of the mind of man, and contrary to sound morality, from which the interests of state policy can never be separated."
The idea that sophisticated thinkers have always known that there is no god is not new. As John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) said, "The world would be astonished if it knew how great a proportion of its brightest ornaments, of those most distinguished even in popular estimation for wisdom and virtue, are complete skeptics in religion." No doubt Mill was influenced by his father who told him, " There is no God, but it’s a family secret." (Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, p. 4)
What is new is that atheists are challenging the idea that encouraging belief in god constitutes a Noble Lie. Instead they argue that the truth that god does not exist must be made known to everyone, not just an elite, and are publicizing it widely.
POST SCRIPT: Tennessee Ernie Ford sings 16 tons
Growing up in Sri Lanka without TV, there were many songs that I knew well but had never seen performed. Thanks to YouTube, I keep stumbling over them now. Here's one about indentured labor that has the now-famous line "Another day older and deeper in debt."
Posted on Mano Singham's Web Journal by Mano Singham at 08:55 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: Politics
February 04, 2010
Case Daily
Think Beyond the Possible:
2008-09 Annual Report
The university's 2008-09 annual report celebrates how Case Western Reserve University thinks beyond the possible. The interactive, web-based report features a collection of videos and slideshows that showcase the university's diverse innovations and achievements. From creating futuristic materials to identifying new neurological pathways to promoting sustainable business practices, our faculty, students, staff and alumni have inspiring stories to tell.
As part of the report, all members of the Case Western Reserve community are invited to share how they think beyond the possible. Submissions are accepted in any format and the first 50 entries will receive an "I am not a paper cup" eco-friendly mug that features the Case Western Reserve University logo and new tagline "think beyond the possible."
Explore the report today and share your own story.
Alumna Reflects on Basketball Career, Current Life
as Part of
Throwback Weekend Coverage
Throwback Weekend will take place Friday, Feb. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 7. During the annual tradition, the Case Western Reserve men's and women's basketball teams don uniforms representing Western Reserve University, Case Institute of Technology and Mather College.
As part of Throwback Weekend, the athletics department has compiled several feature stories on alumni. Today's story is about Rachel Rau.
Rau, a pediatric hematology/oncology fellow, had a nice basketball career at Case Western Reserve. To date she's ranked sixth all-time in career points with 1,065. Only eight female players in the school's history have reached the 1,000-point plateau. Rau also is fifth in total field goals and third in assists. Read more.
Campus News
The Weight Watchers at Work Program will have a registration meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the Thwing Center Spartan Room. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays. Participants receive 12 sessions for $144, payable by cash, check or charge at the Feb. 10t meeting. Send an e-mail to tmk4@case.edu for more information.
The Relay For Life kick off event will take place at 12:30 p.m., Friday Feb. 5, in the Thwing Center atrium. Campus members are invited to start off their weekend with free ice cream, giveaways and a fun guide to Relay For Life. Join a team, a sub-committee or just learn more about the Relay event.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. The faculty and staff of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing are asking the campus community to join them in raising awareness of this issue by participating in National Wear Red Day on Friday, Feb. 5. The nursing school is committed to lessening the burden of heart disease through its ongoing NIH-funded cardiovascular research. Learn more.
An information session for Safe Zone at Case Western Reserve University will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, in Thwing Center's Spartan Room. Refreshments will be served. Part of the university's LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally) resource network.
For Faculty and Staff
Faculty are invited to nominate their peers for the Glennan Fellowship, which is designed to reward excellence in faculty members and to facilitate their growth as teachers and scholars. Nominees must be regular faculty members who are in the tenure track but not yet tenured. The Glennan awards are for $6,500, and funds may be used to support a wide range of activities related to teaching and education. Nomination letters are due by Friday, Feb. 12. Complete details are available on the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education Web site. Refer to the "Grants and Fellowships" section.
For Students
Provost W. A. "Bud" Baeslack III will host a forum on 2010-2011 tuition rates and new university initiatives from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Strosacker Auditorium. Light refreshments will be available.
The Department of Bioethics is offering four new short-term study abroad courses for summer 2010. Destinations include Barcelona/San Sebastian, Spain; Newcastle, England; Hyderabad, India; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. These three-credit courses are open to all students. There also is limited availability for several spring break courses. Contact Michelle L. Champoir for details.
Events
The next Friday Public Affairs discussion will be on the topic of "The Challenges of Increasing Faculty Diversity" at 12:30 p.m., Feb. 5, at the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence. Marilyn Sanders Mobley, vice president for inclusion, diversity and equal opportunity, will be the guest speaker.
A two-day seminar at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law beginning at noon on Friday, Feb. 5, will focus on the key issues for attorneys who are thinking about establishing their own practice in Ohio and for attorneys who are already practicing in a solo or small firm setting. The seminar will look at the challenge of competing with large law firms and functioning as a general practice attorney. One of the speakers both days is Carolyn Elefant, author of "Solo by Choice: How to Be the Lawyer You Always Wanted to Be." The seminar is free and open to the public, and CLE credit is available with a fee. The law school's Career Services Office (CSO) offers a complete line of services to Case Western Reserve School of Law alumni, including the Alumni Career Search Guide, which contains information about resources and services offered by the CSO.
The Hallinan Project for Peace and Social Justice will present a lecture featuring investigative journalist Jeff Sharlet on the topic of "Nightmare on C Street: Sex, God and the Politics of Empire in America." The talk will begin at 4:30 pm., Thursday, Feb. 11, in Ford Auditorium. Free, open to the public. Call 368-1637 for more details.
"A Conversation with Pierre Boulez" will take place at 4:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, in Harkness Chapel. The talk is presented by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities. Boulez will be in dialogue with Mary Davis, chair of the Department of Music. Free, open to the public. Online registration is recommended. Read more.
The views and opinions of those invited to speak on campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.
Et al.
Campus community members and groups are invited to share their academic and departmental accolades. Send announcements to Case Daily.
February 4, 2010
A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: case-daily@case.edu.
Case in the News
Third Frontier program to fund high-tech jobs heads back to Ohio voters
The Plain Dealer, Feb. 4, 2010
A statewide program credited with seeding Ohio's most promising technologies, from stem cells to fuel cells, needs another boost at the ballot if it is to continue. State legislators voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to place a $700 million, four-year renewal of Ohio's Third Frontier program on the May 4 ballot. Some 570 companies have spun out of, or received money from, universities, development groups or venture capital funds that receive Third Frontier grants, officials said. One of them is CardioInsight Technologies Inc., which spun out of research at Case Western Reserve University.
Quality on the Line: The fallout from Toyota's recall
Knowledge@Wharton, Feb. 3, 2010
Toyota has built its name on quality. Now, the identity of the world's largest car maker is in question as it recalls millions of vehicles because they may suddenly accelerate, putting the lives of drivers and their passengers at risk. Susan Helper, professor of economics at Case Western Reserve University, comments.
Parents more likely than strangers to murder children: researcher
Vancouver Sun, Feb. 3, 2010
Children are more at risk of being murdered by family than they are by strangers, says a prominent U.S. researcher. Phillip Resnick, who heads forensic psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, says an estimated 400 children are killed in the United States annually by one of their parents.
Lorain Co. sees foreclosures spike
WCPN.org, Feb. 3, 2010
Lorain County officials this week reported a record high number of mortgage foreclosure filings in 2009, following a pattern being seen regionally. Mike Schramm of Case Western Reserve University's Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences comments.
Higher Ed News
Private giving to colleges dropped sharply in 2009
Chronicle of Higher Education, Feb. 3, 2010
With a battered economy and volatile financial markets taking their tolls on donors' pocketbooks, private giving to American colleges dropped sharply in 2009, according to findings of the annual Voluntary Support of Education survey, which were released on Wednesday.
Posted on CASE DAILY by Kimyette Finley at 02:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged:
February 04, 2010
Streaming Media Now on Digital Case
Digital Case not only stores, disseminates, and preserves the intellectual output of Case Western Reserve University, but has also been working hard to provide an excellent user experience. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to allow users to experience the content directly through the browser, with as few technical hurdles as possible.
The first step was to display images using a flash image viewer which allowed you to zoom in and out of digital images. The second step was to expose digitally encoded books, using TEI, through the Digital Case Book Viewer. The third step was to ramp up the image viewing experience with the 3D Image Wall. We are now excited to announce the ability to stream multimedia files directly from Digital Case.
Users have always had the ability to download these files to their computer and play them separately, but that could often take valuable time. This option remains, however users can now listen to audio or watch video directly in the page, providing a consistent user experience.
When you navigate to a page with audio or video, this is what you will see:
Video:
Audio:
Any questions or problems, please contact digitalcase@case.edu.
Posted on Digital Case by Roger Zender at 10:11 AM | Comments (0)
Entry is tagged: Enhancements
February 04, 2010
Workshop material
TEI Workshop material
Posted on Bibliographic/Metadata Services by Richard Wisneski at 08:55 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Entry is tagged: TEI