Recent Articles
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The empathy gap in education
Patrick Gleeson EducationLet’s begin with a lede borrowed from the June 5 edition of The Los Angeles Times: "Leaders of the Los Angeles school district made a calculated gamble: The January teachers strike made such a huge, positive impact on the public that sympathetic voters, they thought, would overwhelmingly pass a tax increase to benefit schools." Here’s the background: Los Angeles public schools, like public schools across the country, are overcrowded and lacking in resources, particularly in the resources needed to educate minority students with special needs.
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7 building blocks for church social media success
Mark MacDonald Religious CommunityIt’s difficult to believe we've had social media for almost two decades. We once wondered if it would have staying power — and now we question if we use it too much! It’s become the "normal" way we keep in touch and the best way to build a following outside of our physical world. You do want to stay in touch with your congregation, don’t you? They're on social media platforms. Your posts can help extend ministry-reach throughout the week (not just on Sunday). But I hope your church is also trying to build a relevant and needed brand following, too! Here are seven building blocks for social media success.
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Avoid these misguided association practices
Robert C. Harris Association ManagementThere is no single authority for how associations operate. Every nonprofit and its board are unique. They are influenced by culture, resources, scope and member expectations, for example. While rigid guidelines don’t exist, some processes are better than others. Here are examples of misguided practices regarding minutes, board meetings and consent agendas.
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What’s wrong with American RVs today?
Cindy Belt Recreation & LeisureLet’s be honest. There are a lot of articles talking about how wonderful RV life is. There aren’t as many discussing the problems of newer American RVs. I don’t know if it is only American models but that is where I see the complaints online. While it is true you can buy an RV and have no issues, you are taking your chances every time you buy a brand-new RV. 3 out of every 10 RVs require serious repair by their second year. But this doesn’t define "serious." Many "minor" issues can prevent you from camping for the weekend or can be a major hassle if you are living full-time in an RV.
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Dental professionals support raising legal age for purchasing tobacco to…
Tammy Hinojos Oral & Dental HealthcareThe American Dental Association (ADA) recently announced its support for a new bill that would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The ADA praised lawmakers for introducing Senate Bill 1541, the Tobacco-Free Youth Act. "Preventing oral cancer and other tobacco-related diseases has been a longstanding priority for the ADA," said ADA President Jeffrey M. Cole and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin.
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America’s best whitewater rafting trips
Dave G. Houser Recreation & LeisureSummertime is clearly the best time for whitewater rafting as melting snow and dam releases power up rivers across the country. All rivers hosting commercial rafting trips are graded from mild to wild based on a rating system ranging from Class I to VI. If it’s a beginner or family-friendly rapids you seek, book a Class I or II trip. For more thrills, move up to a Class III trip. Class IV and V trips can get really rowdy and outfitters usually recommend or require guests to have previous rafting experience. Forget Class VI rapids. They are deemed unrunnable.
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Who’s against affirmative action in education?
Patrick Gleeson EducationAmericans' views about affirmative action are notoriously slippery. To give you some idea of how slippery they can be, consider two polls. A February 2019 Gallup Poll determined that over 60% of all Americans favor affirmative action policies in education for both women and minorities, a pronounced increase in favorable responses from the previous 2016 Gallup poll. Meanwhile, a 2019 Pew Poll determined that about three-quarters of all Americans oppose affirmative action in education based on race or ethnicity and only 7% believe it should be a major consideration in college admissions.
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5 questions you should always ask your doctor
Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied HealthcareYou want to be as proactive about your health as you possibly can. But did you know that certain questions you never knew you should ask your doctor can actually help he or she diagnose you or provide clearer and more effective treatment options? Whether you're seeing a specialist for the very first time or have concerns you're bringing to the attention of your longtime PCP, there are certain key questions it's good to be curious about — asking them shows you're responsible and want to be fully informed about your own health situation.
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How will travel businesses be affected by new Cuba restrictions?
Seth Sandronsky Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe Trump administration has restricted travel to and trade with Cuba, reversing Obama-era policies that opened doors closed during the Cold War. What are the business impacts of the president’s decision? "Given the recent growth in legal U.S. travel to Cuba," Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Advisors, told MultiBriefs in an email, "ASTA is concerned about the potential for disruption from these policy changes, especially as they relate to the operations of our cruise line, airline and hotel partners on the island." The travel restrictions took effect on June 5. According to the administration, the Cuban government's foreign policy is to blame.
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Labor, environment shape USMCA debate
Michelle R. Matisons ManufacturingU.S.-Mexico relations currently revolve around two distinct discourses. One discourse emphasizes separation and punishment, as President Trump seeks support for his border wall while Mexico strengthens border control. The other discourse emphasizes economic cooperation and trade relations, which we witness as tariff threats fade and renewed talk of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passing in Congress heats up.