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Student Press Story Ideas: Alien Sex, Slow Sex, SlutWalks
The age of paranormal erotica is upon us, according to The State Press. In a recent column in the Arizona State University student newspaper, Mary Richardson writes that numerous books, films, and songs are implanting an overt, otherworldly sexuality into popular culture that is upstaging romantic interactions among mere mortals.
Or as the columns headline states more simply, “Human sex just isn’t trendy anymore.”
From our embrace of the Twilight series to certain Kanye West ballads (including Monster and the Katy Perry collaboration E.T.), Richardson argues societys collective lust is now aimed squarely at galactic figures such as vampires, zombies, goblins, ghouls, and good-ol extraterrestrials.
The creatures that left us terrified as children now contribute to our sexual charge, Richardson contends. How did that happen? The paranormal fad shows either that people are becoming kinkier or that they are just more open to expressing it now. Kanye West
New leaders at Minn. universities aim for more collaboration
St. Paul, Minn. There’s always been talk about greater cooperation and efficiency between the state’s two public higher education systems, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
But many people say now is the perfect time to take steps toward real and genuine collaboration — mainly because new leaders are taking over at both systems this summer, potentially opening the door to new relationships.
Eric Kaler began his new job as president of the University of Minnesota just a few days ago. And Steven Rosenstone will take over as chancellor of MnSCU in August.
It just so happens that Rosenstone has served as a vice president at the University of Minnesota, so he’ll have an insider’s view of both systems.
Kaler, the new president of the University of Minnesota, says he’s in favor of more cooperation with MnSCU. Kaler doesn’t have any specifics on how that should happen at this point, but says he’s already discussed it with Rosenstone.
“[He] and I have had good conversations,” he said. “
Palm Beach County schools need oversight of new tax dollars
Remember the special property tax Palm Beach County voters overwhelmingly supported last year for public schools? It officially started July 1, and is expected to provide $31.7 million for teacher salaries in the 2011-12 school year.
The referendum requires that “an independent finance committee of citizens and experts” provide oversight to make sure the money is spent properly until the tax ends June 30, 2015.
Michael Burke, chief financial official for the school district, said the School Board needs to decide on the committee soon. So far, officials aren’t seeking volunteers.
It’s possible that an existing panel, such as the budget advisory committee, could assume this responsibility, he said. Here’s how the tax works:
The levy is 25 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value in the county. Based on the district’s property tax roll of $132.2 billion – and a 96 percent collection rate – the tax will provide $31.7 million.
District administrators say it will cost $34.6 million to pay for 540.5 teachers – 145 magnet program teachers and 395.5 elementary art, music and physical education teachers. These were the ar
Secretary Duncan on Common Core Standards and the Next Generation of Assessments
Secretary Duncan recently responded to several questions asked via his Facebook page, including a question from Annie about Common Core standards. The Secretary praised the courageous work of states that are refusing to dumb down standards and are working to expand the depth and breadth of academic programs. Duncan encouraged states to not just focus on standards, but to have a well-rounded curriculum to make sure all of our children have access to a wide range of subjects.”
The Secretary also answered a question regarding the need for a “new generation” of assessments to evaluate student progress. While