Winter recess for Kashmir schools extended

SRINAGAR – Winter recess for schools in the Kashmir Valley has been extended by a week in view of adverse weather conditions, an official said Monday.

“All government and private schools up to Class 12 in the valley will now open next Monday,” an official of the school education department said.
According to the weather department, …. Original source  : Winter recess for Kashmir schools extended.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum expands reach with archive, library building

Music museum expands reach with archive, library

CLEVELAND – There’s always been room at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum for the exciting, most popular relics, like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” jacket and John Lennon’s Sgt. Pepper uniform. But most of the not-so-flashy mementos were tucked away in storage.
Visitors will get a chance to … Read : Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum expands reach with archive, library building.

Desperate for work amid recall, Miss. town awaits Toyota plant delayed by slow car sales

Desperate for work, Miss. town awaits Toyota plant

BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. – Terry McShan isn’t thinking about car sales analyses or excess capacity when he drives by the idle Toyota plant in northeast Mississippi. He’s thinking about his little girl.
Like most Mississippians, the 46-year-old father of one grown daughter and a 4-year-old girl was thrilled when …. Source article  : Desperate for work amid recall, Miss. town awaits Toyota plant delayed by slow car sales.

Republican challengers for Texas’ influential education board seek to oust far-right members

GOP challengers join Texas ed board battleground

SAN ANTONIO – Uproar over the evolution curriculum. Divides over religious influences in American history. A board member who called public schools a “subtly deceptive tool of perversion.”
Even to some Republican challengers in Tuesday’s primary election, Texas’ influential State Board of Education has image issues.
“The creationism and evolution issues … Read more : Republican challengers for Texas’ influential education board seek to oust far-right members.

Colleges find an ally in fighting underage and problem drinking on campus: parents

Colleges enlist parents to curb problem drinking

At Virginia Tech, where tailgating and raucous apartment complex parties are time-honored rituals, university officials are turning increasingly to Mom and Dad to curb problem underage drinking.
This semester, the school in Blacksburg, Va., began notifying parents when their under-21 students are found guilty of even minor alcohol violations such …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colleges find an ally in fighting underage and problem drinking on campus: parents.

CAT online results declared

NEW DELHI – The much-awaited results of the Common Admission Test (CAT) were announced Sunday by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The scores uploaded on the official website will be the deciding factor for admission to the IIMs and around 100 other management schools.

“IIMs have announced the CAT 2009 scores at www.catiim.in. Candidate short-lists …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CAT Result 2010 Declared

NEW DELHI, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- The day marks the end of wait for thousands of students all around India who sat for the CAT 2010 (Common Admission Test) last December. The apex body CAT IIM has declared the result which is made available to the students on its own website.

The CAT Result date was deferred earlier … Original source on Gaea Times at : CAT Result 2010 Declared.

IGNOU gets Rs.91 crore from budget

NEW DELHI – The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), one of the world’s largest open universities, will get Rs.91 crore from the union budget for the next fiscal.
IGNOU will get Rs.91 crore innthe 2010-11 fiscal, Rs.9 crore more as compared to the last year.
IGNOU provides education to over …. Read the original article  : IGNOU gets Rs.91 crore from budget.

Nearly 20,000 Gulf students to take CBSE exams

NEW DELHI – Nearly 20,000 students from the Gulf countries will take the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations starting March 3 at 70 centres, an official release said here Friday.

This year, 11,144 students of Class 10 and 7,064 of Class 12, will take the board exams, a CBSE release said.
Last … Read more »».

Manchin commits to Dow park deal after House OKs relocating higher ed agencies

With lawmaker OK, W.Va. gov commits to Dow deal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Joe Manchin committed to salvaging the South Charleston Technology Park on Thursday, after winning the necessary legislative support.
The House of Delegates amended and then by 76-23 passed a Senate bill to allow the Higher Education Policy Commission and Council for Community and Technical …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Manchin commits to Dow park deal after House OKs relocating higher ed agencies.

Once a model of diverse classrooms, NC returns to an era of racially separate schools

Once a leader in school diversity, NC retrenches

RALEIGH, N.C. – When North Carolina’s Wake County decided to do away with race-based busing to desegregate schools, local officials came up with a novel solution to maintain balance.
The new method of assigning students by their socio-economic background rather than race helped to keep campuses integrated. Adopted in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Once a model of diverse classrooms, NC returns to an era of racially separate schools.

Samosas, sandwiches, Shane Warne at Indian picnic in Australia

MELBOURNE – Spin bowler Shane Warne was mobbed by members of the Indian community Tuesday during an informal interaction at parliament house in the backdrop of the violence against Indian students here.

The food included samosas, sandwiches and curries. And the Indians were happy to interact with Shane Warne by taking his autograph, talking to him …. Source article  : Samosas, sandwiches, Shane Warne at Indian picnic in Australia.

Donations sought to pay medical bills for cancer-stricken ‘Stand and Deliver’ teacher

Funds sought for ill ‘Stand and Deliver’ teacher

LOS ANGELES – Cast members of the 1988 movie “Stand and Deliver” are appealing for donations to help the movie’s real-life subject, an East Los Angeles high school teacher, pay his medical bills.
Jaime Escalante (HEYE’-may es-kuh-LAHN’-tay) is battling cancer, and his family has run out of money to …. Source article  : Donations sought to pay medical bills for cancer-stricken ‘Stand and Deliver’ teacher.

2 Air Force units overseeing nuclear missiles in Montana fail inspection

Air Force nuclear units fail inspection in Montana

HELENA, Mont. – Air Force officials say two units responsible for the 150 nuclear missiles in Montana have failed recent inspections.
Military officials say there is no threat to the public and that the units at Malmstrom Air Force Base are still performing their missions while correcting the problems.
The … Read : 2 Air Force units overseeing nuclear missiles in Montana fail inspection.

Rally outside Capitol in Sacramento comes several days before planned national demonstration

UC students protest budget cuts, fee hikes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – University of California students from around the state have traveled to the state capital to protest steep fee hikes and cuts to higher education funding.
More than 150 students gathered Monday outside the Capitol in Sacramento, waving signs and urging lawmakers to take action against rising fees.
The … Read more : Rally outside Capitol in Sacramento comes several days before planned national demonstration.

Syracuse No. 1 for first time in 20 years, former No. 1 Texas out of Top 25

Syracuse No. 1 for first time in 20 years
Syracuse took quite a route to its first No. 1 ranking in 20 years.

The Orange weren’t in the preseason Top 25 and, just days after it was released with them in “Others Receiving Votes,” they were beaten by Division II LeMoyne in an exhibition game.
But they were … Original article on : Syracuse No. 1 for first time in 20 years, former No. 1 Texas out of Top 25.

Obama cites RI school firings as proof of need for accountability in school performance

Obama cites RI school firings in education speech
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – President Barack Obama says a Rhode Island school that recently fired all its educators is an example of how there needs to be accountability.
He made the comments Monday in Washington at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He called for “accountability” if … Read more >>.

Obama takes on high school dropout crisis, proposing $900 M in return for drastic changes

Obama seeks money, interventions to stem dropouts
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Monday addressed the nation’s school dropout epidemic, proposing $900 million to states and school districts that agree to drastically change or even shutter their worst performing schools.
Obama’s move comes as many schools continue to struggle to get children to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hands crippled by polio, girl writes exam with pen in mouth

KOLKATA – Nasima Khatun, 16, cannot hold a pen in her hands and write. A polio attack when she was five has left her hands crippled. But she has appeared for the Class 10 board exams in West Bengal and wrote the papers holding the pen in her mouth.

“Crippled hands and penury could not … Read more : Hands crippled by polio, girl writes exam with pen in mouth.

Obama to announce steps Monday to reduce school dropout rate

Obama focuses on school dropouts
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama took aim Monday at the nation’s school dropout epidemic, proposing $900 million to states and education districts that agree to drastically change or even shutter their worst performing schools.
Obama’s move comes as many schools continue to struggle to get children … Read : Obama to announce steps Monday to reduce school dropout rate.

Key race for influential Texas ed board remains tight, social conservatives notch a victory

Key influential Texas ed board race remains tight

SAN ANTONIO – Pivotal state education board races in Texas that could shape what millions of students read in textbooks nationwide remained tight early Wednesday, including that of a prominent conservative Christian struggling to keep his longtime seat.
Hundreds of votes separated former board chairman Don McLeroy and challenger [..] Read the original article: here.

Survey: American teachers more interested in school reform and student achievement than raises

US teachers more interested in reform than money

SEATTLE – U.S. teachers are more interested in school reform and student achievement than their paychecks, according to a massive new survey.
The survey of 40,090 K-12 teachers – including 15,038 by telephone – was likely the largest national survey of teachers ever completed and includes the opinions of … Read more >>>.

Social conservatives get key GOP primary victory in race for influential Texas education board

Social conservatives get key win on Texas ed board

SAN ANTONIO – What millions of students read about science and history could hinge Tuesday on a Republican primary in Texas for several seats on the state board of education, whose decisions affect the content of textbooks sold nationwide.
The conservative Christian bloc that controls the 15-member board … Read more »».

UC San Diego reports a 3rd racist incident while 2 UC campuses hold rallies for tolerance

Racist incidents, protests spread at UC campuses

LOS ANGELES – A firestorm over racially and ethnically charged incidents at several University of California campuses spread Tuesday as UC San Diego announced a KKK-style hood was found on campus and students in Los Angeles and Irvine demonstrated against intolerance.
“What kind of campus promotes an environment that allows [..] Read the original article: here.

NC school board moves toward scrapping diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools

NC school board moves toward ditching bus plan

RALEIGH, N.C. – A North Carolina school system is moving away from a policy of busing children to schools outside their neighborhood to achieve diversity.
The board that governs schools in Raleigh voted 5-to-4 Tuesday to stop assigning students by socio-economic background. The change still needs final approval later …. Source article  : NC school board moves toward scrapping diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools.

North Carolina school board votes to scrap diversity policy in favor of neighborhood schools

NC school system votes to ditch diversity policy

RALEIGH, N.C. – A North Carolina school board has voted to scrap a policy of assigning students by socio-economic background in favor of a system of neighborhood schools.
The 5-to-4 vote on Tuesday night approved a resolution to begin moving away from busing to achieve diversity. It was an … Read more >>.

Okla. House approves legislation that would merge parole board with Corrections to save money

Okla. bill would merge Corrections, parole board

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation asking voters to merge the state Pardon and Parole Board with the Department of Corrections was approved by the Oklahoma House Tuesday as lawmakers search for ways to save taxpayer dollars and address a massive shortfall in next year’s budget.
House members voted 64-30 for the …. Read the original article  : here.

LA school board votes to send notice of potential layoffs to 5,200 teachers, workers

Up to 5,200 LA schools workers could face layoffs

LOS ANGELES – The board of the Los Angeles Unified School District has voted to send notices of possible layoffs to up to 5,200 teachers and other workers because of a huge budget gap.
The Board of Education was unanimous Tuesday in deciding to take the action as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : LA school board votes to send notice of potential layoffs to 5,200 teachers, workers.

KKK-style hood found on statue at UC San Diego in third racist incident at school in 3 weeks

KKK-style hood found on UC San Diego campus

SAN DIEGO – University of California San Diego police are investigating the third incident targeting black students at the school in as many weeks – a KKK-style hood placed on a statue outside the main campus library.
The other incidents were a noose in the same library, and a … Original article on : KKK-style hood found on statue at UC San Diego in third racist incident at school in 3 weeks.

GOP challenges to social conservatives on Texas education board could alter textbooks’ content

GOP primary could reshape Texas board, textbooks

SAN ANTONIO – What millions of students read about science and history could hinge Tuesday on a Republican primary in Texas for several seats on the state board of education, a panel whose decisions affect the content of textbooks sold nationwide.
Five of the eight seats on the ballot are …. Read the original article  : GOP challenges to social conservatives on Texas education board could alter textbooks’ content.

200 UCLA students stage campus rally against intolerance in wake of UC San Diego incidents

UCLA students protest against intolerance
LOS ANGELES – About 200 students have rallied at UCLA to protest recent racially tinged incidents and what they say is an intolerant atmosphere at University of California campuses.

Students chanted “We want diversity for university” during the rally Tuesday.
It follows an off-campus “Compton Cookout” party last month by UC San Diego …. Read the original article  : 200 UCLA students stage campus rally against intolerance in wake of UC San Diego incidents.

Social conservatives on Texas education board facing stiff challenges in GOP primary

GOP primary could reshape Texas education board

SAN ANTONIO – Former State Board of Education chairman Don McLeroy faces perhaps his toughest re-election challenge in 10 years in a race that could reshape the conservative bloc of the influential panel.
Lobbyist Thomas Ratliff is trying to unseat McLeroy from his District 9 seat in Tuesday’s Republican primary. … Read more : Social conservatives on Texas education board facing stiff challenges in GOP primary.

Teachers union files state labor complaint over mass firing at struggling RI high school

Union files state complaint over RI school firings
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A teachers union has filed state labor relations charges over a plan to turn around one of Rhode Island’s worst-performing high schools by firing the entire faculty.
The Central Falls Teachers’ Union filed the complaint Monday. It says the firings were an unfair labor …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Teachers union files state labor complaint over mass firing at struggling RI high school.

17 states join efforts to increase college completion rates by 2020

17 states to fight dismal college completion rates
BOISE, Idaho – More than a dozen states have formed an alliance to battle dismal college completion rates and figure out how to get more students to follow through and earn their diplomas.
Stan Jones, Indiana’s former commissioner for higher education, is leading the effort with about …. Original source  : 17 states join efforts to increase college completion rates by 2020.

Another online management school test results out

NEW DELHI – Two days after the Common Admission Test (CAT) results were announced, Indias leading management school, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Tuesday announced the results of its computer-based entrance test, NMAT.

The results were posted on the NMIMS website at 5 p..m today (Tuesday) as per schedule. The selected candidates can … Read more »».

North Central State College Exhibition

SHELBY (GaeaTimes.com)- The North Central State College which is located in Mansfield, Ohio has good news is store for all the people who have quest for knowledge. The North Central State College is soon going to have a Showcase of Arts and Technology. The Showcase is scheduled to start from March 11. The timings …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : North Central State College Exhibition.

NMAT 2010 Results

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The 2010 NMAT results are soon going to be announced. As the results get declared by the 1st week of this month, the successful candidates can take admission soon after. The students will be able to join the different MBA courses as well as PhD programs in Management which are provided …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Raji’s 18 and Trapani’s 14 points lead Boston College to 68-55 win over struggling Virginia

Boston College defeats Virginia 68-55
BOSTON – Corey Raji had 18 points and nine rebounds to lift Boston College to a 68-55 win over Virginia on Wednesday night, sending the Cavaliers to their eighth consecutive loss.

It was just the third win in the past eight games for Boston College (15-14, 6-9 Atlantic Coast Conference).
Joe Trapani added [..] Read the original article: here.

Red Sox top Northeastern 15-0 in opener of exhibition DH, beat Boston College 6-1 in 2nd game

Red Sox beat Northeastern and BC in exhibitions

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Boof Bonser threw a scoreless inning in his first spring training start in two years, striking out two batters and picking up the win, and the Boston Red Sox beat Boston College on Wednesday night in the second game of an exhibition doubleheader.
The Red … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Red Sox top Northeastern 15-0 in opener of exhibition DH, beat Boston College 6-1 in 2nd game.

Mexican woman says she had 2 children with scandal-tainted priest who founded religious order

Mexican woman: 2 kids with scandal-tainted priest

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican woman charged Wednesday that the deceased, scandal-tainted founder of a conservative Roman Catholic religious order led a double life and fathered two children with her.
Blanca Lara Gutierrez said she met the Rev. Marcial Maciel in the border city of Tijuana in the 1970s, but …. Original source  : Mexican woman says she had 2 children with scandal-tainted priest who founded religious order.

Powerful social conservative bloc on influential Texas ed board weakened by election loss

Election weakens Texas ed board conservatives

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas state education board’s influential Christian conservative bloc was weakened Wednesday after one of its most prominent members lost his seat to a moderate Republican. Another reliably conservative seat was headed to a runoff.
Former board chairman Don McLeroy was handed a GOP primary defeat by lobbyist …. Read the original article  : Powerful social conservative bloc on influential Texas ed board weakened by election loss.

Superintendent of RI high school where all teachers were fired calls for restarting talks

RI school leader calls for talks, not mass firing
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A district superintendent who fired all the teachers from one of the state’s most troubled schools said Wednesday she’s willing to negotiate with its teachers’ union after it publicly pledged to support reforms.
Central Falls Superintendent Frances Gallo …. Original article  : Superintendent of RI high school where all teachers were fired calls for restarting talks.

3 Calif. teachers suspended for honoring O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman in black history parade

3 LA teachers removed over choice of black heroes
LOS ANGELES – Three Los Angeles elementary school teachers accused of giving children portraits of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul to carry in a Black History Month parade have been removed from their classrooms, a school district spokeswoman said Wednesday.
Children from other classes at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US survey finds children less likely to be bullied, beaten up by peers; school programs cited

US survey finds sharp drop in children’s bullying

NEW YORK – There’s been a sharp drop in the percentage of America’s children being bullied or beaten up by their peers, according to a new national survey by experts who believe anti-bullying programs are having an impact.
The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, found that … Original source on Gaea Times at : US survey finds children less likely to be bullied, beaten up by peers; school programs cited.

Red Sox top Northeastern 15-0 in opener of exhibition DH; play Boston College in 2nd game

Red Sox top Northeastern 15-0 in exhibition game

FORT MYERS, Fla. – David Ortiz hit a two-run homer, and top prospect Casey Kelly made his spring training debut with a scoreless first inning as a Boston Red Sox split squad beat Northeastern University 15-0 on Wednesday in the first game of an exhibition doubleheader.
The Red Sox … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Red Sox top Northeastern 15-0 in opener of exhibition DH; play Boston College in 2nd game.

States make it easier for high school students to graduate early, take college classes

Idaho plan would pay kids to graduate early

BOISE, Idaho – Every high school has at least a handful of them, gifted students who blow through Faulkner as if it were a comic book, teenagers who catch on to calculus as if it were checkers.
These students are often just marking time in high school and typically … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : States make it easier for high school students to graduate early, take college classes.

Prominent conservative incumbent loses key race for spot on influential Texas education board

Prominent conservative ousted from Texas ed board

SAN ANTONIO – A prominent Christian conservative has lost his seat on the state education board, a loss that weakens the board’s powerful social conservative bloc.
Republican board member Don McLeroy lost his seat to challenger Thomas Ratliff, viewed as a moderate, on the board that shapes what millions of … Original article on : Prominent conservative incumbent loses key race for spot on influential Texas education board.

China premier pledges more attention to jobs, living standards to ensure country’s stability

China premier pledges attention to jobs, stability
BEIJING – Highlighting threats to social stability, China’s premier said Friday that more needs to be done to create jobs, strengthen social welfare and boost development in restive regions such as Tibet.
In an annual policy speech, Wen Jiabao addressed many of the concerns stirring deep unease among …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IIM Kozhikode Admission Rules

KOZHIKODE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The IIMs are going for a change in their admission and operation procedure as it seems from the move taken by IIM Kozhikode. As per the latest news, the admission criteria for the aspirants seeking admission to this prestigious institution have been revised. As per the new rule, the dependence on … Original source on Gaea Times at : IIM Kozhikode Admission Rules.

Students shut down Northern California freeway while protesting campus funding cuts

Protesting students shut down Oakland freeway

OAKLAND, Calif. – A major San Francisco Bay area freeway has been shut down in both directions by college students protesting budget cuts at California campuses.
About 150 people who were part of a much larger group demonstrating in downtown Oakland clambered onto the I-880 freeway at the beginning of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Students shut down Northern California freeway while protesting campus funding cuts.

Rowdy students throw punches, block gates to protest funding cuts at US campuses

Rowdy protester target funding cuts at US campuses

BERKELEY, Calif. – Students carried out raucous rallies on college campuses nationwide Thursday in protests against deep education cuts that turned violent as demonstrators threw punches and ice chunks in Wisconsin and blocked university gates and smashed car windows in California.
At least 15 protesters were detained by University … Read more >>.

Tuition protest at UW-Milwaukee turns violent; 15 detained after scuffling with police

15 UW-Milwaukee protesters detained after scuffles

MILWAUKEE – A spokesman for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee says police have detained 15 people following a tuition protest that turned violent.
University spokesman Tom Luljak (LOO’-jak) says about 150 students gathered around an administrative building Thursday afternoon.
He says the protesters wanted to deliver petitions to the school chancellor. He says …. Original article  : Tuition protest at UW-Milwaukee turns violent; 15 detained after scuffling with police.

When schools fail, firing teachers may work; harsh method had mixed results in Chicago, LA

Fire the teachers? When schools fail, it may work
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – When all the teachers were fired from Central Falls High School last week in a sweeping effort at school reform, their superintendent gave them a taste of the accountability President Barack Obama says is necessary.
It is a strategy that has been used … Read more >>.

Tuition protest at UW-Milwaukee turns violent; 16 detained after scuffling with police

16 UW-Milwaukee protesters detained after scuffles

MILWAUKEE – A spokesman for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee says at least 16 people have been detained by campus and city police following a tuition protest that turned violent.
University spokesman Tom Luljak (LOO’-jak) says about 125 to 150 students gathered at the student union Thursday around noon. He says they … Read more »»».

Study: Some targeted Michigan tax breaks not as effective as possible broader alternatives

Study: Some Michigan tax breaks not very effective

LANSING, Mich. – Some of Michigan’s targeted business tax incentives aren’t effective when compared to possible broader tax-relief alternatives, according to a study released Thursday.
The report from the East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group was commissioned by the Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union. The MEA says …. Read the original article  : Study: Some targeted Michigan tax breaks not as effective as possible broader alternatives.

Rowdy students block gates of California campus amid funding rallies across nation

Rowdy students block campus amid funding rally

BERKELEY, Calif. – Rowdy protesters blocked the main gates of a California university Thursday amid campus protests across the nation against deep cuts in education funding.
University of California, Santa Cruz provost David Kliger said there were reports of protesters carrying weapons and damaging a vehicle. Police did not immediately [..] Read the original article: here.

Senior Democrat says Pentagon should consider barring Blackwater from $1B deal

Senator warns against $1B deal with Blackwater

WASHINGTON – A senior Senate Democrat said Thursday the Pentagon should consider barring Blackwater from a new $1 billion deal to train Afghan police because of “serious questions” about the contractor’s conduct.
The comments by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin suggests thinning patience in Congress for the Pentagon’s …. Read the original article  : here.

California university tells workers to avoid campus as protesters block entrances

Workers told to stay away from Calif. university

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Officials at the University of California, Santa Cruz are telling employees and others to stay away from the campus because of safety concerns involving protesters.
An advisory was posted Thursday on the school’s Web site urging people to avoid campus as protesters upset about funding … Read more »».

Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Bakk calls for extending state sales tax to clothing in July

Minn. gov candidate Bakk calls for tax on clothing

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A renewed call to tax clothing in Minnesota came Thursday from Senate Taxes Committee Chairman Tom Bakk, one of 13 Democrats running for governor.
Bakk proposed extending the 6.875 percent state sales tax to clothing in July, raising more than $250 million the first … Original article on : Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Bakk calls for extending state sales tax to clothing in July.

Students, teachers rally to protest deep cuts to education in nationwide demonstration

Students, teachers rally to protest education cuts

BERKELEY, Calif. – Millions of students, teachers and parents are expected to rally throughout California and many other states to protest deep cuts in funding for schools and universities.
Demonstrations, marches, teach-ins and walkouts are planned nationwide Thursday in what is being called the “March 4th National Day of Action … Read more »».

15 states, DC named finalists in first round of $4.35 billion ‘Race to the Top’ competition

15 states, DC named ‘Race to the Top’ finalists
MIAMI – The U.S. Department of Education named 16 finalists Thursday in the first round of its “Race to the Top” competition, which will deliver $4.35 billion in school reform grants.
Selected from a pool of 41 applicants …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 15 states, DC named finalists in first round of $4.35 billion ‘Race to the Top’ competition.

Baylor announces donation worth $200 million, largest in Waco, Texas, school’s history

Baylor gets donation worth $200M, school’s largest

WACO, Texas – Baylor University officials say the Waco, Texas, school has received the largest donation in its history: an anonymous gift worth $200 million.
The estate provision, announced Thursday, will be used to benefit medical research at the world’s largest Baptist university.
Baylor officials say it’s the second-largest gift to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV/RGTU) Time Table 2010 Declared

BHOPAL, INDIA, (GaeaTimes.com)- Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya or the Rajiv Gandhi Technological University (RGTU), which is one of the leading technical universities of India, has declared its time table for the session 2010 today, Mar 6. The RGPV time table is made available to the students on Web. According to sources, students can [..] Read the original article: here.

Gifts, parties and celebrities: Events and famous faces fill Los Angeles with Oscar excitement

Gifts, parties and celebs: L.A. readies for Oscars

LOS ANGELES – Hollywood is in full-on Oscar mode.
The red carpet has been laid out in front of the Kodak Theatre, topped with a plastic sheet in case of rain. Traffic is snarled. Tourists are flocking to Hollywood & Highland to see a bit of the Academy Awards …. Read the original article  : here.

Jasmine Gill helps BC upset No. 8 Florida State, 67-60, at ACC tournament

BC knocks off No. 8 Florida State, 67-60
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jasmine Gill scored six of her 13 points during the run that lifted Boston College to a 67-60 upset of No. 8 Florida State on Friday night in an Atlantic Coast Conference quarterfinal.

Stefanie Murphy had 14 points for the seventh-seeded Eagles (17-14). They shot nearly …. Original source  : Jasmine Gill helps BC upset No. 8 Florida State, 67-60, at ACC tournament.

Colorado Catholic school boots preschooler whose parents are gay

Catholic school boots student with gay parents

BOULDER, Colo. – A Catholic school in Colorado is kicking out a preschooler because the child’s parents are lesbians.
The child will not be allowed to re-enroll next year at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School. The Denver Archdiocese posted a statement Friday that the parents are “living in open … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Colorado Catholic school boots preschooler whose parents are gay.

School board chairman in NC calls opponents ‘animals,’ fueling more debate over busing policy

Debate over school busing in NC county gets uglier

RALEIGH, N.C. – A racially charged debate over school busing in North Carolina has turned even uglier after an education official referred to proponents of a diversity program as “animals out of the cages.”
The state NAACP filed a complaint against the Wake County school board Friday, arguing [..] Read the original article: here.

LA principal apologizes for use of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman, RuPaul as role models

LA principal apologizes for choice of black heroes
LOS ANGELES – The principal of a South Los Angeles elementary school has apologized after some children carried photos of O.J. Simpson, RuPaul and Dennis Rodman in a parade celebrating Black History Month.
“Unfortunately, questionable decisions were made in the selection of noteworthy African-American role models,” Lorraine …. Read the original article  : LA principal apologizes for use of O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman, RuPaul as role models.

2 Pa. school tech workers on leave amid district, FBI probes of secret webcam activation

Pa. school tech workers on leave amid webcam probe

PHILADELPHIA – Two information-technology workers at a suburban Philadelphia school district that secretly activated webcams on students’ school-issued laptops are on paid leave amid an FBI wiretap investigation.
Lower Merion School District officials have said the webcams were only activated to locate missing laptops, and not for any … Original article on : 2 Pa. school tech workers on leave amid district, FBI probes of secret webcam activation.

Japan’s Princess Aiko takes time off from elementary school after being bullied by classmates

Japanese princess bullied at elementary school

TOKYO – Japan’s Princess Aiko, granddaughter of the emperor, has missed several days of classes because of bullying by boys at her elementary school, a spokesman for the royal family said Friday.
The news provided a rare glimpse into the private affairs of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy, which usually abides …. Original source  : Japan’s Princess Aiko takes time off from elementary school after being bullied by classmates.

West Bank settlement casts large shadow on Palestinian statehood hopes

Settlement deep in West Bank seen as peace spoiler

ARIEL, West Bank – Ariel has ambitions of becoming a city, and already boasts 19,000 people, a college, a $10 million sports complex, and a four-lane highway leading to it.
But Ariel is a West Bank settlement, and its geography casts a heavy shadow over Palestinian hopes of …. Original source  : West Bank settlement casts large shadow on Palestinian statehood hopes.

Final countdown: One more day to go as Hollywood gears up for the 82nd Academy Awards

Final countdown: One more day until the Oscars

LOS ANGELES – One. More. Day.
Hollywood’s anticipation for Sunday’s Academy Awards has been building all week.
The main boulevard is shut down to make room for the stars’ grand red-carpet entrance. Tourists are swarming the area to get a peek at Oscar preparations. Show rehearsals keep the Kodak Theatre …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Final countdown: One more day to go as Hollywood gears up for the 82nd Academy Awards.

Va. attorney general says state’s public colleges lack authority to ban gay discrimination

Va. AG: Colleges can’t ban gay discrimination

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s attorney general has advised the state’s public colleges that they don’t have the authority to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, saying only the General Assembly has that power.
The letter sent by Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli to state college presidents and other officials Thursday drew … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Va. attorney general says state’s public colleges lack authority to ban gay discrimination.