The Importance of Liberal Arts Education: In a Knowledge-Based Economy

Historically, in the United States, there has always exist a tension in higher education between the education of the person and the achievement of specific and pragmatic objectives. Liberal arts colleges in the United States have traditionally tilted the balance in favor of educating the whole person. Character building was viewed as equal in importance to intellectual development. The core of the liberal arts experience is a commitment to the excitement of learning.

While affirming the enduring value of a liberal arts education, we must also be responsive to the technological and social changes taking place around us. We must be responsive to the social, political, and economic needs of our community, state, nation, and the evolving global society. However, our most effective response should be our passionate desire to learn more about these needs and how society can most effectively respond to them.

We need to be mindful of the economic imperative that change requires investment. An enormous investment is currently being made in communication and information processing technology. Contemporary society urgently needs to adapt to the intended and unintended consequences of that technological investment.

During the past three decades, the work place has changed more dramatically than any other time in the history of the United States. Today, the ability to create new knowledge is quickly over shadowing the importance of manufacturing goods and services.

As the world continues to become more complex, more technological, and more competitive one issue that flows from the literature on higher education is the increasing need for an educated workforce that can meet the needs of a global economy.

A recent Department of Labor report projected that eighty percent of the children beginning kindergarten will eventually enter jobs that doesn’t even exist today. If work continues to change as radically as it has in the recent past, than the question is: How do we prepare today’s students to enter the workforce and become productive citizens?

It’s obvious to many of us that we are witnessing radical changes in the entry-level skills required for jobs as they evolve toward higher-level skills, especially the skills of analytical thinking, problem solving, communication, computation, and working in teams. To be successful in the workplace of the future, individuals will need more than technical training.

A recent report, issued by the National Leadership Council for Liberal Education and America Promise (LEAP), indicated that two-thirds of employers say college graduates lack essential skills to succeed in today’s global economy.

The report goes on to say that: College graduates will need more cross-disciplinary knowledge and an advanced set of communication and analytical skills to apply that knowledge to real-world problems. It also urges a more thorough application of liberal education in American colleges and universities.

A liberal arts education will remain the most practical preparation for lifelong employment because it promotes intellectual and personal growth; and it equips the individual to cope with change by being able to adapt to the workplace as it continues to transform.

“The quality of learning, not the possession of a diploma, will determine whether the next generation can keep our economy and democracy strong,” says Association of American Colleges and Universities President Carol G. Schneider. Ms. Schneider goes on to say “It’s time to stop channeling students into narrow tracks that prepare them for an initial job but not for tomorrow’s challenges.”

We should agree, however, that the term “liberal arts education” has a fuzzy meaning for many people. For some, it means many required classes that get in the way of technical training, which some people feel is the only way to prepare for a job. Upon closer observation, however, liberal arts education can be understood as the key to survival in any field that subject to change over time.

It’s true, technical training might give one the “foot in the door” as an entry into the workforce, but a liberal arts education will provide the staying power, serve as a foundation for continuous growth and development; and lead to professional success we all set our sight on.

Today, more than ever, undergraduate students are trying to make a connection between subject and content in the educational marketplace. What students seem to value most is the ability to translate their undergraduate education into better employment opportunities.

For most students, perceived or future success depends on professional preparation in areas such as law, medicine, or business. The fact that the liberal arts are at the root of such disciplines is often lost on today’s career minded students. As a result, students are less inclined to major in the liberal arts.

Conclusion

The shift in the economy from a manufacturing base to one with a knowledge foundation is having an impact on higher education in significant ways. More importantly, the basic goals and purposes of higher education seem to be in flux. However, one constant remains true today colleges and universities can no longer afford to graduate students ill-prepared for a persistently changing workplace and a global economy.

Dr. Smith is an experienced psychologist and therapist who consults with individuals and couples as relationship coach; and on all issues that’s profoundly private and confidential. For further information please visit my website at: insightconsultant.com insightconsultant.com

The Way of Astral Projection

Astral projection is the ability to move the consciousness deliberately into the plane of reality known as the ‘astral.’ This plane exists at a subtler level than the physical and so in this plane it is easier to create and receive mental manifestations. If for example we wish to see a particular person we can move to them instantly, without the usual physical process of getting transport to meet them, or making sure that they are home. Knowledge and information too is created at a faster speed without the friction of the physical to slow it down.

The planes of the astral work in densities. The higher planes have a lesser density and the lower planes have a heavier density. This is the reason why mastery of the mind and emotions is important for higher level astral work. All thoughts and emotions have a particular density and form. These forms act quite literally as obstacles to moving into the subtler realms. The harder that we push, the more impatient and ‘power’ that we try to muster, the more these realms elude us. The impatience, tension and force that we create has a density that prevents us from entry. Ironically it is by diminishing the effects of desire, impatience and force that we enter these gates. This principle holds true all the way from the most simple astral projection to the most deep and subtle.

The main pre-requisites to astral projection are relaxation and focus, although in truth all that is really required is focus. In the beginning we learn to control our bodies to the extent that we can effect a complete and deep relaxation. The body literally falls asleep, yet part of the mind remains conscious and awake. This is simply a shift from what we normally do, which is to allow the mind to move into the sleep state with the body. In this case we are training the mind to be awake while the body sleeps. This simple practice develops aspects of mind control in that the mind must learn to not fall asleep and instead focus. Each time the mind tries to fall asleep with the body, we will it remain conscious.

It is interesting that many modern people are not actually ‘embodied.’ So much of our lives are spent thinking and living in the future of possibilities or in the past of happenings, thoughts and emotions. What is interesting about this is that when it comes to splitting the consciousness from the body a reaction sets in that seeks to prevent us from projecting or leaving. It is not so much an intellectual fear as a primal one, yet it is not at the unconscious level as much as at the conscious and subconscious.

Our bodies do quite well with out the interference of the conscious mind. Our heart beats, our lungs breathe, our immune systems fight off disease – none of these require our direction ~ they simply does what they do. The fear that we will die if we leave our body does not come from the fear that our body will die. It comes from fear of the unknown. Of what will happen to our mind if we leave our body. The more that we face this threshold, the more that we face this fear, the easier it becomes to cross it. Slowly, like babies we venture further and further until we realize that we are in fact safer leaving our bodies as we are safe to leave the house.

What is also interesting is that we all leave our bodies every night that we sleep. It is just that we are unconscious of this and we do not remember. Our subconscious plays out its reactions and interactions within the astral realm which is why dreams can be so crazy. Flying pink elephants can and will appear instantly if this is what is required in a dream. The difference between the dream and astral projection is being conscious. Being consciousness in the astral just as in life is what provides the opportunity for deliberate choice and intention.

The importance of being conscious ties right back to the foundational process required to astral project. At the moment the body sleeps, if we lose consciousness then we lose deliberate choice and intention. If we remain conscious then we keep choice and intention. This is the difference between simply falling asleep and astral projection.

Hieu Doan

Hieu Doan is a Metaphysical Healer, Senior Guild Leader of Life Mastery Guilds and creator of ‘Meditation Mastery Activations’ and the ‘9 Laws of Empowerment.’

DNA Molecules

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is the component containing the blueprint that specifies the biological development and composition of every form of life. Its general structure is in the form of a double helix and is primarily made up of nucleic acids. DNA is a polymer strand of nucleotides that contain sequences using genetic codes. For most complex cells, DNA is actually located in the cell nucleus. The physical model of the DNA molecule has always been a source of great mystery to a lot of people. How can a tiny molecule be responsible for carrying all genetic information?

DNA molecules are referred to as molecules of heredity because they are responsible for the genetic passing on of inherited traits. DNA is replicated during the process of reproduction, transmitting parental DNA to offspring during reproduction itself.

Although scientists from ancient times already recognized the propagation of features to the next generation, the formal study of DNA, including the fundamental principles that govern heredity, only started when Gregor Mendel hypothesized that physical traits of garden peas are a result of the combination of genes from both parent garden peas. In the early 1950s scientists accepted scientific evidence that proved that DNA is the chromosomal component responsible in carrying hereditary information. Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase’s experiment proved that DNA is the molecule that holds genetic information.

The physical structure of the DNA molecule and its complex functioning was proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick who studied the structure of DNA molecules using x-ray crystallography. At that time, it was already made known that DNA is made up of nucleotides made up of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base; each DNA molecule has four different bases; DNA’s basic structure is helical. Their collaboration further enhanced these ideas as they promoted novel yet scientifically-backed ideas that led to better understanding of the DNA structure and the ability to work with and manipulate the DNA molecule.

z-DNA.com DNA provides detailed information on DNA, DNA Testing, DNA Structures, DNA Fingerprinting and more. DNA is affiliated with e-DNATesting.com Free DNA Testing.

Aircraft Carrier Landing Training and Qualification

Landing a Fighter Plane onto a “postage stamp” in the middle of the ocean and that is exactly how the world’s best pilots, those in the United States Navy describe landing on an aircraft carrier. It is a dangerous but necessary skill to learn and not as easy as it looks as the pilot negotiates with death and chaos in a controlled crash onto the deck. Until a Navy Pilot has done it for a while their pulse and heart rates are redlined as they maneuvering the plane in attempting to get a hook hanging down off the aircraft to catch one of a few cables strung across the landing area. They come in under near full power, by establishing a sink rate at a high angle of attack and if they miss the arresting cables they are off at full power as they bounce back into the air to try again.

During this dangerous phase of carrier operations it is essential that the pilot muster his wits and use all his skill to get that 60 plus million dollars of taxpayer’s money on the deck unharmed. The pilot must wear that aircraft like a glove and precision is the key. But to get there requires lots of training and proficiency practice to stay in the groove. It is for this reason that I propose that holographic imagining be used for carrier qualification arresting landing training.

The Holographic image of a like aircraft will be used for the pilots to project the glide paths in front of them as they fly, actually watching their aircraft (full-size) in front of them. All they will have to do is follow the projection and match their aircraft to the angles and speeds of the holographic aircraft ahead. The projection will be set for safest glide path, avoid risk and be the most efficient decent. This will make flying easier and become a great training tool for new Navy Jet Pilots building hours and their skills.

This will insure a proper downwind to base and base to final approach, with perfect angles, no steep banks and help the pilot land at the perfect speed on the aircraft carrier deck. Additionally these Holographic Projections will be recorded and used for training of flight operations personnel and used by Navy flight instructors to watch to make sure the new Jet pilot is coming along fine.

The instructor will be able to reduce the scale of the aircraft to 1:24 or 1:48 scale and show student how they did. This can help in training new transport or fighter pilots in the USAF as well. This can add to the simulator experience.

The Holographic Technology is almost here and such advances in science has the potential of literally solving many safety and efficiency issues in US Naval aviation right here and now in the present period. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Do You Know These CRITICAL Signs Of Online Degree Scams

Very few people would disagree that online education is now becoming a very lucrative business.

As it continues to grow scammers are not having a field day cheating honest and desperate folks out of their hard-earned money.

If you are interested in online degree you should be careful so as not to fall for these many online degree scams. The scammers that sell fake online degree programs and degrees send millions of emails and even pay good money to advertise their dubious offers.

Many people have fallen victims of these kinds of online degree scams and have lost thousands of dollars in the process. Apart from the thousands of dollars they have also wasted their time, only to find out months or even years later that they had been scammed.

If you want to prevent falling for such scams, below are some of the common signs of online degree scams:

- Be wary of any online degree site that allow you to negotiate your GPA and tuition fees.

- Be wary of any online degree site that also allows you to pay for honors designation, such as all flavors of cum laude).

- Be wary of any online degree site that require payment or a resume listing work experience, without any coursework.

- Be wary of any online degree site that charge you tuition on a per-degree basis.

- Be wary of any online degree site that have names that are knock-offs of well-known colleges and universities.

Such fraudulent online degree awarding sites have sold fake degrees and diplomas to thousands of people. According to a recent article on MSN, “The biggest, by far, is called the ‘San Moritz Group’ since ‘University of San Moritz’ was the first of the 12 names they have used (others: Harrington, Shelbourne, Glencullen, Palmers Green, Kingsfield),” says Bear, who, from 1979 to 1990, was also a consultant to an FBI task force on degree mills.

“I have reliable information (from a person who works there) that they have sold 70,000 diplomas, including medical, in four years, with revenues of more than $150 million.” The group churns out 5 million to 10 million e-mails a week and has sold about 70,000 degrees over the last four years, he says.

Don’t fall for such online degree scams. Any time you receive an email spam promising you “University Diplomas/Bachelor degree in 30 days or less” simply delete the email because it is nothing more than an online degree scam!

Follow the above tips and use your common sense before enrolling for or paying for any online degree program or online degree.

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The Life of a Child

At the school, the child will learn to be submissive to any mortal authority, whether they are in the right or the wrong. At the church, the child will learn to be submissive to the immortal lord, whether the words of the Bible turn his stomach or not. And at home, the child will learn to become a prisoner, he will learn to associate those walls of his parents’ house with the walls of a prison, and he will learn to regard his time until his 18th birthday as a prison sentence. This is no way to raise children, but it is what every child is taught. Those prejudices which are instilled in the human mind from the earliest of ages are the most difficult to remove ever. The child concedes to himself, that the suffering he feels, holding the lies in his mind that he is inferior to adults, believing that his opinions should never be considered, he loses his soul, and becomes a ghost. Years will pass, as this truth gains more root in his mind, and he will grow up to be a consumer. His opinions will be determined by the television programs he watches, he will vote for the same political party that his parents did, his understanding of emotions will be infantile, and finally, he will commit the greatest betrayal, by teaching his children in the way he was taught. He will harness the whip before he touches his son in kindness, he will tell his son “respect your elders,” “mind your parents,” “listen to your teachers.” He will regard every divergent ideal held by his child as a dictator regards dissent: it is to be crushed, but not just crushed, the child must know that his belief to dream of a better life is in vain, that he will never go where he wants to, and that the problem is not with the world but with him. So it happens… The process is started again. The child, who had seen blue skies and the beauty of nature, would dream one day that maybe he can paint a picture that will tell their story. But as he is continually told that disagreement with his father is the equivalent of disrespect, that his dreams are the equivalent of certain failure, that happiness cannot exist unless it is at the command of an adult… as he learns this, his one true possession, his soul, begins to whither. Like the most pure rose, but then water being withheld from it, it rots. The longer it is removed from what it needs, the less likely it will ever possibly recover. Thus, we have the system of education in which the children of our world learn and develop.

A man will not afford the rights to his own child, that he would afford to any other man in the world. And it is this, which I regard as the greatest treachery of all history. Tell me the tale of the worst treason in the world, of the most infamous and vile traitor, and his story will dim in comparison to the poverty of spirituality that is given to children today. Among almost all of our schools, it is a violation of the rules to call a teacher by their first name. Think of that! There can be no doubt that the authors of thse rules are not the children, for whom they are made for, but rather the teachers and school administration. Here we have the basic premises that every Totalitarian regime operates upon: the leaders are not chosen by the public, but they argue that it is for the public’s own good. There is not one iota of involvement of the public in the governing of the affairs of the nation. Liberty is a quality that exists in the dreams of those who refused to sell their soul so they could fill their stomachs. When any person looks back to the rules imposed in an elementary school, we are baffled that we once lived under such heinous conditions. There is an almost universal rule, that gum cannot be chewed during class. Had you offered some to a child, they may speak, “But it is against the rules!” with such force, that you would be convinced that there is no purpose to school, but to brainwash children. Here, when we find that children are so unquestioningly devoted to the rules given to them, we know that they have believed the lies given to them by their oppressors. The true battle for liberation must come when children are not taught to respect every adult, but to respect their own reasoning abilities. Children are not allowed, by penalty of law and government (of which, I have personally seen people convicted and sentenced to jail), to leave their schools. If education is freedom, how is it accompanied by the essential components of slavery?

I will say this much… The school, the church, and the home — all of which promote the idea to respect your parents — every one of these organizations works in unison, to keep the mind of the child of poverty, and to keep the heart of the child in slavery. By oppressing the natural desire of a child’s emotion, to seek out the good, the beautiful, and the gentle, the school system effectively manages to turn them into submissive adults. Not only will they submit to the authorities, but they will submit to social dogmas. They will be afraid to admit how they feel, they will be afraid to say what they think, and they will be afraid to question what they believe. The destruction of society begins with the school system, as it teaches children that life’s greatest pain is to think — that “happiness can only come in the form we give it to you” — our children are taught that every dream, every emotion, every thought, every idea that stirs the soul to contentness, every tranquil moment that brings joy is fake. This is no way to raise children, no way to love them, and certainly, it is no way to educate them.

www.punkerslut.com

For Life,
Punkerslut

Punkerslut (or Andy Carloff) has been writing essays and poetry on social issues which have caught his attention for several years. His website punkerslut.com punkerslut.com provides a complete list of all of these writings. His life experience includes homelessness, squating in New Orleans and LA, dropping out of high school, getting expelled from college for “subversive activities,” and a myriad of other revolutionary actions.

A Call for a Worldwide Campaign on Water Conservation

If we are to tackle the challenges of future populations on the planet, we will need to insure adequate water supply. Our US population is growing, by one person every nine seconds and with this growth the consumption of fresh water increases. The average person uses 80-100 gallons per day in the US. In Third world countries about 4-8 total gallons of water per day. I have tested this myself, it is possible to do this;

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We need to start a World Wide Campaign about the importance of water by teaching kids the facts and making sure they understand the needs for these infrastructures in the future. Too many areas are expanding rapidly in desert regions, without sustainable water resources, where population explosions move into neighborhoods and put in lawns. In these areas 40% of the residential water use is expended outside the home.

These same issues were a major concern of the ancient Indian cultures who lived on these lands before us. Just like other Indian Cultures in Central and South America, the indigenous people of Australian outback, as well as the water ways and canals built by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians. Worldwide drought issues will be a problem in the next two decades with an estimated 2.5 billion people without proper fresh water supplies. We must launch our world wide campaign now to promote conservation, proper sewage treatment and empowering peoples to secure and build facilities to insure they will not be without water as the climate changes and leaves whole regions of the world without.

“Lance Winslow” – Online WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/ Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; WorldThinkTank.net www.WorldThinkTank.net/