Online Features
Education
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Seven tips for writing a novel
It may sound strange, but for those asking advice on writing a novel, “don’t worry about plot too much” is one of the first lessons from a university professor of English and creative writing. Michael Loyd Gray, who teaches at South University and has written seven novels in the past eight years, has created a primer...
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After the offer - negotiating your way to a better salary
(BPT) - Your job search has finally paid off. After all the networking events, resume re-dos and mock and real interviews, you finally got an offer for the job you wanted. So now what? Do you just take it or do you dare negotiate? “You should always negotiate a higher salary,” say Vanessa Jackson, assistant director of...
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Families battle bullying behavior with an unexpected ally: military school
(BPT) - Bullying is reaching epidemic proportions in North America, with 83 percent of American girls and 79 percent of boys saying they’ve experienced harassment, according to the National Education Association. Adults typically respond to bullying issues with concern, outrage and frustration, and for many, the only ...
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Year in review: The art of visual journalism in 2012
(BPT) - We live in a visual age, consuming thousands of images every day via a range of devices that allow us to access the Internet and its vast resources quickly and easily. Just as with virtually every other aspect of our lives, journalism has also evolved to keep pace with our increasingly visual world. “The future of journalism has changed forever,” says Nomi Morris, program chair of Visual Journalism at Brooks Institute , a leading provider of higher education for film, graphic desig...
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How to give your child a head start in math, science and beyond
(BPT) - Throughout the busy school year, many high school students across the country are already taking steps to explore college and other post-graduation opportunities. In fact, in today’s challenging economic climate and competitive job market, it has become increasingly important to begin planning for future career ...
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New year, new school? Online learning can ease transitions
(BPT) - A new trend in American public education finds many K-12 students transferring schools mid-year - even when the family doesn’t move. Many families are looking to give their child a fresh start for a variety of reasons, both academic and social. A 2012 Parent Satisfaction Survey conducted by virtual education pr...
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Three-year degree programs shorten the path to rewarding careers
(BPT) - Three-year bachelor’s degree programs are gaining popularity as many students look for ways to enter the workforce faster. Though these programs are common in Europe and Canada, condensed programs are now attracting greater interest in the United States as students and education providers realize the unique bene...
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Top communities providing support for returning veterans
(BPT) - When veterans return home from serving overseas, the support found in family, friends and the community can make a huge difference for a smooth transition. Pittsburgh ranks as the top place in the nation for veterans to transition from combat boots to civilian shoes, according to a study commissioned by USAA and Military.com. The “ Best Places for Veterans” list identifies U.S. metro areas that offer America's most recent veterans more opportunities to find a job or go to college ...
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'Modern Family's' Julie Bowen shares personal family story of living with life-threatening allergies
(BPT) - Pop quiz! Do you know what a peanut butter sandwich in the cafeteria, a latex glove in the science lab and a bumblebee on the playground all have in common? For some students, an encounter with any of these items could cause a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis has many possible trigg...
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Keep your job search momentum going during the holidays
(BPT) - When you’re looking for a job, the holidays may seem like a time to take a break. But if you do, you may miss the employment opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Why is the off season of job searching actually a hidden opportunity to become employed? Job searching from Thanksgiving to the middle of January prov...
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Six ways to use social media in your job search
Resume? Check. Cover letter? Check. Now you're ready to begin that job search, right? Wrong. There may be some very important things you're forgetting about that could dramatically enhance your job search.
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Three tips for mastering new media and multimedia
New technology and digital media like Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Twitter are changing the way people communicate both at home and in the workplace. They're also contributing to a generation gap. For example, users under age 30 are significantly more likely to use social-networking sites when compared to other adult age groups, according to research from the Pew Internet Project.
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national news

Boy Scouts statue titled Trail to Manhood outside the National Scouting Museum in IrvingBy Marice Richter GRAPEVINE, Texas (Reuters) - The Boy Scouts of America will vote on Thursday on a proposal to remove its ban on openly gay scouts that has been in place throughout the organization's 103-year history. The vote by more than 1,400 delegates comes amid intense lobbying by gay-rights activists and members of conservative organizations. The proposal would not remove the organization's ban on gay adult leaders. Representatives from both sides have rallied in Grapevine, Texas, near Dallas, where the scouting organization is hosting its national annual meeting. ...


Thu May 23 11:36:01 UTC 2013

Jodi Arias addresses the jury during the penalty phase of her murder trial in PhoenixBy Tim Gaynor PHOENIX (Reuters) - An Arizona jury, weighing whether Jodi Arias should be sentenced to death or life in prison for the murder of an ex-boyfriend five years ago, resumed deliberations Thursday, a day after the panel said it was unable to reach a consensus on her fate. Arias, a former waitress from California, was found guilty this month of murdering Travis Alexander, whose body was found in his Phoenix-area home in June 2008. He had been stabbed 27 times, his throat was slashed and he had been shot in the face. ...


Thu May 23 13:01:16 UTC 2013

Mourners leave the first memorial service for a child killed by the tornado that struck Plaza Towers elementary school in Oklahoma CityBy Heide Brandes OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) - Hundreds of people gathered in stormy weather on Thursday to mourn a 9-year-old girl who loved to sing, dance and paint, as funerals began for 24 victims of a massive tornado that obliterated whole sections of Moore, Oklahoma. Antonia Lee "Tonie" Candelaria was one of seven students killed at Plaza Towers Elementary when a tornado packing winds of 200 miles per hour slammed into the building on Monday afternoon just before school was to have let out. Plaza Towers and another elementary school in the path of the tornado did not have storm shelters. ...


Thu May 23 12:00:59 UTC 2013
A year after superstorm Sandy, residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts should prepare for "an extremely active" 2013 hurricane season, U.S. forecasters say. There will be between three and six major hurricanes this year with winds above 111 mph, according to the 2013 hurricane outlook unveiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate [...]
Thu May 23 12:56:38 UTC 2013