Defending the Tea Party Desire to Amend the Constitution

A number of prominent writers, including my bloleague Robert Schlesinger, believe they have spotted an inconsistency between the so-called “Tea Party types’” veneration of the U.S. Constitution and their desire to amend it.

It’s an interesting observation but one that is off the mark. The desire to change the Constitution by amending it is actually an expression of respect for it rather than a kind of populist inconsistency.

Let me explain.

In a general sense there are two schools of thought these days when it comes to the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. One is based on the idea of strict interpretation, that the document means what it says and it says what it means. The other relies on a more loose understanding of its protections and assignments of responsibility in line with the idea that is a “living, breathing document.”

The latter interpretation holds that the understanding of what the Constitution says needs to be measured against contemporary mores and has been used, even recently, to support an end run around the need to amend it.

There is perhaps no more obvious example of this than the legal reasoning underlying the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade which, along with the companion ruling in Doe, made abortion legal everywhere in America up through the third trimester.

In writing the decision of the court Justice Harry Blackmun, a Nixon appointee, made use of the right to privacy developed by Justice William O. Douglas in the earlier Griswold v. Connecticut case.

In Griswold, Douglas, who had been appointed to the bench by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, explained that a right to privacy heretofore unrecognized in fact emanated from the “penumbras” of the Bill of Rights, leading to the creation of “zones of privacy.” That right, Blackmun wrote, also prevent the government from maintaining its ban on abortion.

The ruling overturned a number of state laws that did, in fact, ban abortion and federalized what had been, up to that time, a matter thought left to the states under the strictures of the Constitution’s 10th Amendment.

Whether you agree or disagree with the reasoning Douglas and Blackmun each applied, it is undeniable that in both cases they changed the Constitution, and in a radical way, by reading those changes into it. Those who supported the outcomes these rulings produced did not--indeed to this day have not--engaged in a serious political campaign to pass a constitutional amendment that would keep abortion legal or that would codify Douglas’s “zones of privacy” because they know, even today, it would be a losing battle.

Under the first approach, the one that most Tea Party activists apparently endorse, efforts to change the Constitution have to come in the front door and be subjected to a rigorous national debate, not snuck in through the back door after curfew.

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10 Celebrities Who’ve Mastered the Art of Personal Branding

10 Celebrities Who’ve Mastered the Art of Personal Branding

May 1, 2009

Compiled by: Online MBA

There’s a big difference between the celebrities who only show up to public events when they have to and the celebs who welcome the limelight. While some shy away from the extra attention, others actively pursue extra endeavors to keep their names and their images in front of consumers and the entertainment industry. These 10 celebrities have mastered the art of personal branding and have carved out niches for themselves in the business, hoping to stay famous and successful for a lot longer.

  1. Dita Von Teese: Dita Von Teese–whose real name is Heather Sweet–has marketed herself as the modern-day, fetish version of the 1950s pin-up girl. Von Teese is a burlesque dancer, model, actress and lingerie designer, and she is so committed to her retro-inspired brand that she never appears without vintage clothing or her signature old-fashioned makeup and hairstyles. Von Teese even drives a 1939 Chrysler New Yorker and has a fake beauty mark.

  2. Paris Hilton: Paris Hilton is arguably responsible for making it possible for socialites to become celebrities, just by being themselves. Paris Hilton is the daughter of Richard and Kathy Hilton and an heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune. She became a regular on the New York and LA party circuits in the early 2000s, and found work as an occasional model, actress and even singer. Famous mostly for her own scandals and party appearances, Hilton has had a sex tape, a DWI arrest, her own reality show on E!, a music album, and numerous appearances in films–some of which only required her to play herself.

  3. Lauren Conrad: Lauren Conrad first became famous when she was selected to play herself on a reality show that followed the lives of a group of teenagers from Orange County. Laguna Beach was such a hit on MTV that Lauren Conrad inspired her own spinoff, The Hills, which followed her burgeoning fashion career in Los Angeles. Now, Lauren Conrad has her own clothing line, endorses beauty brand mark, and appears at fashion events, movie premieres and other celebrity-fueled events around the country.

  4. Donald Trump: In the 1970s and 1980s, Donald Trump was a major player in the large-scale real estate development projects of New York City and Atlantic City, NJ. In the 1990s, however, Trump filed for bankruptcy and struggled to refinance, repackage and pay off his $900 million debt. Since then, Trump and his companies have been restructured and are still considered to be some of the most successful business ventures–almost all of which are named after himself–of the modern era, despite the new housing and financial crises. Trump has had two reality shows, The Apprentice and The Celebrity Apprentice; owns major properties like Trump Park Avenue, Trump Hotel Las Vegas, Trump World Tower, and others; is the public face of numerous other real estate properties; and oversees more than 30 licensing projects in New York City, Florida, and around the world.

  5. Kim Kardashian: Kim Kardashian, like her childhood friend Paris Hilton, is another socialite who has made millions of dollars and achieved fame mostly by being herself. She has a reality TV show on E! with her family, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, appears at red carpet events and parties covered by the tabloid and entertainment media, was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, has her own workout DVD, is working on her own perfume brand, and has performed with The Pussycat Dolls in Las Vegas. In 2007, a sex tape involving her and her then-boyfriend was leaked, and she is constantly in the public eye for her fashion choices, party appearances, modeling and photo shoots, and more.

  6. Kanye West: Rapper and businessman Kanye West has a Best Rap Album Grammy, a Best New Artist BET Award, and countless nominations and awards for his three albums. Besides his music, however, West maintains a very high-profile persona for his public disagreements and competitions with other rappers, like 50 Cent; his collaboration with other artists; shoe line with Louis Vuitton; his own ability to inspire fashion trends; and his two arrests involving vandalism of photography equipment.

  7. Diane von Furstenberg: Diane von Furstenberg was born in Belgium and is now considered to be one of the most iconic designers and most important inspirations to American fashion of all time. In the 1970s, after a marriage to Prince Egon of Furstenberg, she began designing clothes, and in 1973, she introduced the jersey wrap dress, which is still incredibly popular today. The couple eventually divorced, but von Furstenberg’s designs and prints are immediately recognized by women around the world. Besides her clothing line, von Furstenberg has appeared on MTV’s The City as star Whitney Port’s boss; recently wrote and released a comic book starring Wonder Woman alongside the founders of the DVF company; has appeared on shows like Project Runway; and has endorsed and collaborated with American Express.

  8. Miley Cyrus: Teen sensation and workaholic Miley Cyrus is still only 16 years old, but her face appears on backpacks, lipglosses, t-shirts, and plenty more. The actress and singer first gained recognition by appearing as the title character on the Disney TV show Hannah Montana. The character Hannah Montana also has an alter ego, who is actually named Miley, after Miley Cyrus. The project quickly turned into an entire franchise, and Cyrus was able to simultaneously release her own album, as well as albums for the TV show; headline a touring concert; and star in a feature-length Hannah Montana film. In addition, Cyrus voiced one of the characters in the animated film Bolt, is the spokesperson for Daisy Rock Guitars, releases her own movies and online TV show on YouTube with her best friend Mandy, and found herself in the middle of a controversy after posing in a wrapped bed sheet for Vanity Fair magazine. Her autobiography, Miles to Go, was also recently released, and she is widely considered to be one of the most famous and most successful child stars of all time.

  9. Justin Timberlake: Pop star, actor, clothing designer and all-around entertainer Justin Timberlake has come a long way since his Mickey Mouse Club Days. Timberlake shot to fame with the boy band ‘N Sync but became his own personal brand and is an A-list celebrity all on his own. Timberlake’s first solo album, Justified, inspired a joint tour with Christina Aguilera, and during the mid-2000s, Timberlake recorded a McDonald’s theme song, starred in a controversial performance with Janet Jackson during Super Bowl XXXVIII, won multiple Grammys, appeared in films like Shrek the Third and Alpha Dog, and collaborated with other musical artists like Three 6 Mafia and Nelly Furtado. Since then, Timberlake continues to work on his own music, perform at high profile events, collaborate with major stars like Madonna, work in films, and even pursue business projects like a chain of restaurants, his own brand of tequila, and his own clothing line.

  10. Will Ferrell: Will Ferrell has taken his comedic talent to the next level. Ferrell was a major hit on Saturday Night Live, and went on to star in movies like Old School, Anchorman, Elf, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers. He often plays the same or a similar type of character, and often appears at public events in character. He often works with the same group of actors, including John C. Reilly, Steve Carrell, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn, nicknamed the Frat Pack.

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Leadership Development at Cornell’s Johnson School

In this week’s Trivia Tuesday column we turn our focus to the Johnson School at Cornell University and the program’s opportunities for leadership development.

The Johnson School’s leadership philosophy is founded on personal mastery through self-knowledge and self-development. As such, Johnson students begin their MBA experience with an intensive and interactive personal assessment and continue feedback and assessment sessions into the fall semester.

For students seeking to further develop their leadership abilities, Johnson offers a 10-credit Leadership Focus. The cornerstone of the Leadership Focus is the Goal Setting and Coaching for Leadership Success course, which is centered on the idea of “leader as coach.” The course trains students to effect personal behavior change, then to develop coaching strategies that enable them to help others. Throughout the semester-long course, students practice leadership by acting as a coach for a classmate. They also regularly update the personal learning plans they made during orientation so that the plans reflect their leadership progress.

Students may fulfill the remaining 8.5 credits of the Leadership Focus by choosing among fourteen 1.5- or 3-credit leadership course offerings. They can also contribute credit from day-long Leadership Skills workshops. These workshops are part of Johnson’s Leadership Skills Program, which supplements the traditional business school curriculum through one-day workshops exploring practical skills from etiquette to Excel. The workshops range from three to eight hours in duration and are worth 0.1 elective credits. While there is no limit to the number of workshops a student can participate in, only 1.5 workshop credits may be applied toward graduation. Past topics have ranged from “Building Rapport through Applied Listening” to “Wine Appreciation.”

For more information on the leadership development programs at Cornell or other leading business schools, be sure to check out the Academics and Special Programs sections of the Clear Admit School Guides!

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Advantages of Online Vocational Education


Advantages of Online Vocational Education

Distance Learning Programs That Lead to Employment Opportunities

Mar 29, 2010 David R. Wetzel

Online vocational education is a valuable tool that adult learners are using to improve their professional knowledge or obtain training to enter a new career. These distance learning programs are increasingly popular among adults, primarily because of convenience and the ability to enroll in courses that meet educational and career objectives. This vocational training provides skills employers really want and prepare adults for the current job market.

Distance learning for online vocational education focuses on specific careers such as auto repair, computers, HVAC, carpentry, electrician, clerical, cosmetology, and many other fields. There are many vocational schools across the country that allows nontraditional students to gain valuable hands-on knowledge and experience in their programs. This avoids wasting time taking courses in foreign languages or advanced mathematics they do not need.

Myths and Realities: Countering the Cynical Image towards Vocational Education

Before discussing advantages of vocational education, the first matter is to counter the cynical images of this type of education by highlighting the negatives associated with a four year degree.

Realities of the Labor Market – the following are realities for those with the view that a four year college degree is the only path to success (K. C. Gray, "The Gatekeepers," Eric Journal (1997): 535 321):

  • For college students who graduate with a four-year degree, only two of three will find employment related to their field of study.

  • Among college students who graduate with a professional credential (i.e., teaching, engineering, or accounting), only one in two will find related employment.
  • A four-year degree does not guarantee a high income.

  • Professional occupations make up only 20 percent of all jobs; the remaining 80 percent are vocational.
  • The fastest-growing segment of the high-skill, high-wage technical jobs in the workplace are occupations that only require an associate's degree or certificate from a vocational school.

Career Education: Advantages of Enrolling in Online Programs

The online education trend is increasing in all aspects of continuing education or adults. The following are advantages for enrolling in online vocational education.

  • Online courses conveniently adapt to most work, life, and family commitments.

  • Online programs are cheaper than attending a traditional brick and mortar school. This is because of all the fees that are tacked onto tuition expenses. Examples include parking fees, lab fees, library fees, student organization fees, technology fees, and more.
  • Most online programs charge one flat fee for each course, which avoids all the fees that drive up education costs.

  • In most cases a certificate or degree in medical careers such as dental assistant, surgical technologist, massage therapist and X-ray technician can be completed in seven to 20 months.
  • Unlike traditional college courses, where students spend most of their time listening to lectures, online vocational education programs offer virtual or actual hands-on experience and considerable time in a lab environment. Students learn how, why, and what makes things work.

  • Certification is offered in critical technical areas such as networking technology, Cisco Systems networking, Microsoft, and Windows. Traditional colleges typically only offer four year programs in computer science.
  • It is not necessary to take general education courses such as languages, history, math, and literature. In traditional colleges, students spend the first two years enrolled in these general education courses that have little to do with their major.

  • The shortage of skilled workers with vocational education degrees is spread across the construction industry in careers such as carpenters, plumbers, stonemasons, electricians, cabinet makers, welders, and more. The pay for these careers is often better than those with a four year degree.
Vocational Training: Online Education Concerns

Most students who enroll in online vocational programs tend to lose interest in the program and usually take a considerable amount of time to complete. That is the reason why self-discipline and motivation are very important when planning to enroll in online education programs. It is also important to develop good online learning strategies.

An online option provides so much more flexibility in managing a vocational education program through its convenience. Being in control of one’s education is what many adult learners crave and vocational education online programs satisfy this need for many, especially nontraditional students.

Online schools are an extraordinary solution to those who live too far away or do not want to commute. However, this is not the only reason a person would want to opt for an online vocational school. Some of these schools have an excellent reputation and can provide a very good education, leading even those with a vocational school nearby to opt for the online vocational education option.

Copyright David R. Wetzel. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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5 Health Tips for Improved Performance in Online Degrees Programs


5 Health Tips for Improved Performance in Online Degrees Programs

May 21, 2010 Kalyani Candade

Given the excitement and challenge of attempting to earn a degree online while juggling other commitments like work or family, it is natural for students who are reasonably fit to relegate health concerns to the background. The pursuit of an online degree course, though, can easily lead to neglect of one’s health and consequent repercussions – on course performance as well as long-term health.

Important health areas to watch out for are: physical exercise and activity, ergonomic design of work area, eye care regimen, nutrition and healthy eating and healthy sleep practices. Paying attention to these will pay dividends in the form of a fresher, energized body and clearer mind.

Regular Exercise Routine for Optimum Performance in a College Online Degree

The long hours entailed by an online course make it easy to sit hunched up over the computer absorbed in work, mindless of all else. This is likely to take a toll on health, however, so ensure that there is time for a regular work out in the daily schedule.

Use the excuse to get out and get some fresh air as well – schedule a workout in the gym or the park rather than at home – or sign up for dance classes. It will also provide a much-needed opportunity to socialize.

When working, make it a conscious habit to periodically doing a series of musculoskeletal system stretches and exercises to relieve and relax muscles. Get up and walk around at least once every hour.

Healthy Study Station for Improved Performance in an Online Masters Degree

Proper seating and working posture are extremely important for sustained and efficient functioning without succumbing to complaints of backache, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other computer related health problems. Invest in ergonomic computer furniture, and pay attention to lighting.

Design the workstation to function as a cheerful, inviting study area – conducive to spending long hours comfortably, without physical strain or stress. Ensure that colors used are soft and pleasant rather than harsh and bright.

Eye Care Regimen for Sustained Achievement in Online Degree Programs

Given the nature of online distance education, students are extremely susceptible to eye strain and eye fatigue. To safeguard against eyestrain, specific precautions need to be followed from the beginning, with a properly drawn out eye-care regimen, complete with “eye breaks” and eye exercises.

Workstation lighting also plays a key role in avoiding eye-strain; ensure glare-free and even, shielded lighting for optimum performance. Low wattage lighting is recommended over bright, high wattage illumination, with window lighting at a ninety degree angle to the computer if possible.

Healthy Eating for Maximizing Potential in an Online Master’s Degree

Junk eating is one of the greatest dangers of spending long hours at the computer. Avoid the temptation to have a bag of fries handy, or to snack every so often. Make a few rules regarding snacking and stick to them; alternatively snack on fruits or other health-foods that serve as mini-meals.

Be aware of nutritional requirements, and ensure healthy eating with proper balanced meals rather than hastily thrown-together sandwiches or crackers and soup. Follow mealtime discipline, and avoid the temptation to delay or skip meals when engrossed in work.

Proper Sleep Cycle for Mental Clarity in a College Online Degree

When multiple commitments are juggled, time is invariably in short supply, and it is natural for most people to cut into sleep time to create extra time. If this becomes a regular practice, the result is sleep deprivation, which causes daytime sleepiness and significant impairment of mental faculties.

Cutting down on sleep regularly to work nights can be counter-productive. Instead, schedule a full eight-hour sleep cycle into the time-table and benefit from the freshness and mental clarity which results from a rested mind and body.

Good Health a Key Ingredient of Success in Online Distance Education

Rather than taking health for granted, spending some time on physical health actually enhances performance when attempting to earn a degree online. Make time for a vigorous workout, create a comfortable study area, invest in eye care and healthy eating, and ensure adequate and restful sleep – and enjoy the dual benefit of great health as well as excellent performance and career advancement.

Copyright Kalyani Candade. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Creative Majors Online Distance Learning Program With SCAD


Creative Majors Online Distance Learning Program With SCAD

Jun 29, 2010 Caprice Thompson

Creative Industries is a billion dollar sector contributing to the global demand for classic and modern arts and entertainment material. Every year thousands of people vie for various positions in television, radio and the motion picture industries where there are only hundreds of available positions. Pursuing a higher education online degree from the accredited SCAD University is not only convenient but gives creative hopefuls a much-needed edge.

The SCAD e-learning program encompasses not only distance learning classes but boasts an online library, bookstore, virtual lecture hall and scad e-learning Club. Among the university’s greatest accolades is the Career Resource center where some of the world’s most feted media and entertainment companies actively seek out Scad students for internship and employment.

Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree at SCAD

The following is the list of undergraduate college degrees online at SCAD:

  • Advertising (B.A)
  • Graphic Design (B.A) (B.F.A)
  • Interactive design and game development (B.A)
  • Photography (B.A)
  • Sequential Art (B.A)

When it comes to the online degree courses, SCAD offers a diverse list of general education and foundation studies courses to choose from. Despite being online, Foundation Studies courses, which consist of studio work, the e-learning method manage to maintain slide lectures, demonstrations and critique sessions that characterize these courses. The Drawing programs especially are highly praised by distance learning students. The major curriculum makes it possible for undergraduates to map out niches for a more focused portfolio.

Scad University Online Master’s Degree Programs

These are the online distance learning programs offered at the Graduate Level:

  • Arts Administration (M.A)
  • Digital Photography (M.A)
  • Graphic Design (M.F.A)
  • Historic Preservation (M.A)
  • Illustration (M.A)
  • Illustration Design (M.A)
  • Interactive Design and Game Development (M.A) (M.F.A)
  • Interior Design (M.A)
  • Motion Media Design (M.A)
  • Painting (M.A) (M.F.A)
  • Teaching (Art or Drama M.A.T)

The SCAD online Master’s degree is designed for those passionate about a creatively focused career. This online degree allows graduates to produce powerful portfolios, boost professional confidence and seize the most lucrative jobs in the industry. While the number of online master’s degrees is not equal to the quantity offered on campus, the programs offered are the most sought after careers in today’s arts and entertainment industry.

It is important to note that Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the more costly higher education institutions. There is however a list of financial aid options, scholarships and grants available to all students that can help cushion tuition costs. As a creative society, entry requirements is not limited to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (S.A.T) but also includes evaluation of creative expertise as per guidelines of each faculty.

Savannah College of Art and Design has the best higher education online degree programs for those who want to turn their gifts and talents into a lucrative career.

Copyright Caprice Thompson. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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Jul 2, 2010 8:26 PM
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Earning an Masters Degree in Child Psychology Online


Earning an Masters Degree in Child Psychology Online

Sep 4, 2010 Shelley Aylesworth-Spink

A graduate degree in child psychology, at a minimum of a master’s level, is considered entry to the field. Many child psychologists have a doctoral degree along with many years of practice in the field.

Child psychology is a branch of developmental psychology involved with the mental processes and behaviors of children during various stages of development and learning. Special focus is directed to intellectual, cognitive, neural, social, and moral development during growth stages. Professionals with a degree in child psychology are trained to specifically handle cases involving children and families.

Child Psychology Career Starts with Masters Degree

A career as a child psychologist gives people options to work in hospitals, schools, and the judicial system and to open a private practice.

A choice to earn a masters in child psychology will help meet a rising societal need. Recent studies by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that the demand for school psychologists will be driven by a growing awareness of how students' mental health and behavioral problems, such as bullying, affect learning.

School psychologists will also be needed for general student counseling on a variety of other issues, including working with students with disabilities or with special needs, tackling drug abuse, and consulting and managing personal crisis.

Number of Child Psychology Jobs Rises in the U.S.

In the U.S., median annual wages of wage and salary clinical, counseling, and school psychologists were $64,140 in May 2008. The middle 50% earned between $48,700 and $82,800.

Earning a graduate degree to enter the child psychology field is made easier through a growing number of online master of child psychology program.

At the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Master of Arts is available in clinical psychology with a counseling specialization and child and adolescent concentration. Students earn the degree over two years, as full time students, or over three years by studying part time.

At the University of Calgary, the Master Education in School and Applied Child Psychology online program is designed for individuals who are intending to work as school psychologists or are interested in applied psychology in school or community settings.

The University of Calgary program is delivered through a flexible, e-learning mode of delivery. Students take 18 half-credit courses in the topic areas of psychological foundations, assessment, intervention, school psychology practice and development, and research and program evaluation. Core content areas are complemented by 1,200 hours of field experience in school or community settings.

A Masters degree in child psychology, while needed for entry into the career field, is not as difficult to access as traditional, campus-based university programs. Armed with a related undergraduate degree, and the desire to higher career aspirations, people can easily access a variety of accredited online programs to earn this graduate credential.

Copyright Shelley Aylesworth-Spink. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.


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