By: Brian Nicholas

Education reform is a diverse area. It encompasses both working to restructure public and private institutions as well as to influence the political processes that underlie those institutions. groups such as the Acton Institute propose reform through ethics in education and free market initiatives. Other centers for reform work to enhance the resources of school districts.

Yet despite this diversity of agendas, all such groups share one powerful commonality. They are all dedicated to education reform and the success of each is contingent on developing professional capacities that embody best management practices. This article shares several recommendations specifically focused on enhancing operational effectiveness.

Embrace academic experts

With no small degree of irony, it remains a misconception among some, that campus practioners are too closely intertwined to be effective in influencing education public policies. However, these very practioners train young campus leaders for careers as advocates and grassroots organizers.

The students of these practioners are outstanding candidates to be inspired as members in the movements to support your education reform cause. And though such campus groups may lack the funds to travel and interact in person with your team, the ubiquitous availability of free conference calling systems means that efficacious methods of staying in touch through teleconferencing are affordable.

Keep tightly focused

The most effective educational reform organizations are ones that stay clearly focused on their mission and do not get sidetracked by peripheral goals. Virtually all educational advocacy organizations operate under serious time limitations. Committing to four goals with 100% effort will generally yield superior results compared to going after four goals at 25% effort.

Develop your networking

The most successful educational advocacy organizations create networks of supporters who share their values and goals. While the word “networking” frequently gets a bad connotation, the simple fact is that these networks can provide substantial assistance and can extend across universities, secondary schools and elementary schools as well as non academic related institutions. Indeed, associations provide the psychological support which is so vital to maintaining enthusiasm amongst group officers as well as members.

Use technology more strategically

Some educational advocacy groups have distributed leadership teams, and it is impractical to expect in person meetings. Conference calling systems can only go so far. One solution is to use an application to allow a desktop sharing system. Whether it’s sharing a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the group’s fundraising plan or a spreadsheet showing the tracking of volunteer participation desktop sharing can be extremely useful for not a few educational advocacy groups.

Collaborate with other environmental advocacy organizations

The Charter School movement in The State of New York alone has tens of thousands of committed citizen practioners who are inspiring others to seek change.

And in the next five years, there will likely be increasing levels of coordination between geographically diverse environmental advocacy groups. As mentioned above one contributory factor is the growing use of free conference call offerings like Rondee.com and other simple to use ways to accomplish teleconferencing.

The silver lining in all this is that these strategies are not expensive. Education reform groups can ratchet up their performance through these tips.

Bob Letterman speaks and writes frequently about communication topics. He consults to a number of industries that use communication technologies, including conference calling, as part of an integrated strategy to increase overall productivity. His clients include free conference calling services such as Rondee.

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By: Tyson Hale

Do you like exploring the great outdoors?

Kayaking, whitewater rafting, and hiking – Are these activities appealing to you?

If you have wanderlust and just love to explore nature, then an Adventure Travel Job is the best job for you. With this kind of job, you can travel along with interesting people. People who are just like you; people with the thirst for adventure!

With adventure travel jobs, in general, you will work as an expedition escort; somewhat similar to a tour guide. Distinctively, these guides specialize in providing unforgettable experiences through adventure-filled activities. You bring people to locations rarely visited and let them behold sights rarely seen.

The role encompasses different responsibilities. You organize activities, supervise your clients, and educate your fellow travelers along the way. The responsibilities are quite demanding but very rewarding. By the end of the tour, you will see the satisfied faces of people you have led and it will fill your heart with joy and get you ready for another adventure!

How to find these jobs? Am I qualified?

There are many Adventure Tour companies. Adventure touring is a booming industry and it’s all over the world.

If you think it only involves mountain hiking and forest trekking, then you are wrong. Adventure Tours are available in any terrain, different countries, and come in diverse activities! Whether it’ll be scuba diving the seas, skiing icy slopes, climbing rocky mountains, walking sandy desserts, or bungee jumping from a helicopter. Adventure tours are likely to have those activities to offer. It all depends on the location and the packages they present.

People skills are very important in this job because you deal with different people and most are inexperienced. Patience and industry is a must; you must have a love for the outdoors and helping people experience them.

The most important part of getting an adventure travel job is honestly asking yourself if you are completely willing to leave your current routines. Adventure travel job is not just any job… It is a lifestyle!

This job is all about being one with nature. Although the job can be financially helpful (you don’t have to spend a penny in your adventures but you’ll get paid for the job), you are always outdoors and it is likely but not always, that you won’t have the comforts of regular living. If you can live this way for awhile, go on and fill your heart’s desires.

The best way to find these kinds of jobs is through the Internet simply type ‘Adventure Tours’ or ‘Adventure Travel Jobs’ inside your favorite search engine’s search box and you will see plenty of Adventure job opportunities. Normally, it will be difficult to select from the countless choices but don’t worry; just customize and specify your searches. The best way to start is to look for Adventure Touring companies near your area.

Most adventure tour companies, if not all, need certification that you indeed have the skills to escort travelers in relatively perilous expeditions. After all, activities are quite risky and physically demanding. These companies need assurance that you are fit and capable as well.

But there’s no need to worry because most of these companies have training programs to eventually certify you. Some even have affiliate training schools with relevant courses for you to attend. These are fairly short courses and you can travel along as interns in the process. Once you have the certification you can begin your career as an adventure travel guide.

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By: Ed Bagley

Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley

Tipping the Velvet – 4 Stars (Excellent)

What makes Tipping the Velvet an excellent film is its talented cast with a great presentation, and it has a life-changing, meaningful message by a lesbian about innocence, desire, passion, betrayal, empathy, change, independence, resourcefulness, vision, love and happiness while retaining a sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

It is incredibly unusual to see an alternative lifestyle film with a happy ending.

I review controversial films because they are ultimately about relationships and relationships are the foundation of our lives.

As I grow older I understand that the most important things in my life have nothing to do with money or material things, and everything to do with my relationships involving my wife, my children, my grandchildren, extended family and friends.

What matters over the long haul is the well-being of people, not whether we agree or disagree with their lifestyle choices.

The BBC has done a tremendous service in bringing this movie to television with the quality of a BBC broadcast that includes great writing, great sound, great cinematography, great direction and a great cast.

Based on Sarah Waters’ acclaimed debut novel, Tipping the Velvet was adapted by Andrew Davies, an Emmy award-winning British screenwriter who has also written “Doctor Zhivago”, “Bridget Jone’s Diary”, “Sense and Sensibility”, “Vanity Fair” and “Pride and Prejudice”. Davies is a very talented heavyweight.

Tipping the Velvet tells the story of Nan Ashley (Rachael Starling, the real life daughter of Diana Rigg) who shucks oysters and serves customers at her father’s seaside restaurant in Victorian England during the 1890’s.

Nan’s mundane life turns upside down when she sees an extraordinary performance by an attractive traveling male impersonator named Kitty Butler (Keeley Haws). Nan’s innocent interest is fueled when she is asked by Kitty to become her dresser while she is performing in Whitstable.

When Kitty is recruited by Walter Bliss (John Bowe), and heads to London to become a big time entertainer, she invites Nan to accompany her as her dresser. Nan falls in love with Kitty, joins her act as a performer and ultimately the two become secret lovers.

For Nan the relationship is euphoric and her happiness real until she returns from a vacation trip home and discovers that Kitty and her manager Walter have become lovers and are to marry.

Nan’s initial innocence and desire are now confronted by betrayal and rejection. Despite being devastated, Nan awakes from her stupor and asserts her independence by walking the streets of London disguised as a young man for hire, performing oral sex so she can survive. When she is assaulted, Nan is rescued by a rich widow who gives her every comfort in exchange for lesbian sex. Nan becomes a prisoner and slave to her passions for pleasing and being pleased.

Eventually there is a tiff and the widow, Diana Leathaby (Anna Chancellor), throws Nan out, where she is left penniless and alone to fend for herself with nothing but the clothes on her back. Despite her misfortune, Nan vows to survive. Nan now learns the plight of those in need and turns for help to the only person she can remember, Florence Banner (Jodhi May), who she had met earlier in better days.

Florence and the brother Ralph Banner (Hugh Bonneville) reluctantly take in the battered and exhausted Nan for a night, but Nan is determined to change her ways. She becomes resourceful in convincing Florence and Ralph that she can clean, cook, and watch the baby that the Banners are raising.

Nan’s vision is to make herself so indispensable that she will remain welcome in the Banner home despite her 7-year journey from innocence to unbridled passion to debauchery, recovery and finally well-being and acceptance. Ultimately Nan and Florence fall in love. Then Kitty returns to Nan’s life once again when Kitty, wishing to resume her torrid relationship with Nan, learns that Nan is back performing on stage.

Nan is then forced to decide between the attractive, passionate Kitty and the more loyal, loving Florence. For once, Nan makes a wise choice in staying with Florence, finding the love and happiness she wanted but had never possessed. The ending is what makes Tipping the Velvet an excellent movie. When all is said and done, Nan and Florence survive in their relationship as well-adjusted adults who find each other and continue living with their self-esteem and self-worth intact.

Other than a few awards from lesbian theater groups, Tipping the Velvet was ignored by the critics, and especially Hollywood. This is why I write reviews, to separate the wheat from the chaff and recognize substance in filmmaking wherever it exists.

The more knowledge and understanding we have of people, races, cultures, mores and lifestyles, the sooner we come to understand that we are all connected. We tend to value acceptance and tolerance only when it is taken from us. “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” John F. Kennedy said it, and I believe it.

And what does “tipping the velvet” mean? See the movie, not to find out what tipping the velvet means but because it is an excellent film on alternative lifestyles. Support films that increase understanding and acceptance.

(Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-Part Review.)

Ed Bagley’s Blog Publishes Original Articles with Analysis and Commentary on 5 Subjects: Sports, Movie Reviews, Lessons in Life, Jobs and Careers, and Internet Marketing. Read my 3-part series on “Secrets Men Don’t Want Women to Know” and reviews on the Broadway musicals “Camelot”, “Chicago” and “The Phantom of the Opera”. These are all excellent films. Find my Blog at:
http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/MovieReviews.html

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By: Shane Lee

This article is about the China vacations and Lhasa travel. You can find some useful information in it if you are planning your Lhasa travel now.

There are a lot of good places for your entertainment in Lhasa,Tibet. (Cinema,KTV,Bar,Pub,Night club,Tea bar,Cafe,Bowling club,etc)

1. Baguo Cafe:

This cafe has more than 40 tables. You can get coffee and all kinds of food(Chinese,Nepalese,Indian,Japanse,Italian food) here. It is also a place for you to surf the Internet. They also sell the travel books and Tibetan maps. You can use the IC telephone here if you do not have a cell phone in Lhasa. Lots of foreign travellers like this place.    The address of Baguo cafe is: South Dazhao Temple Square. Tel: 6326892.

2. JJ Dancing Club:

It is in the Potala Palace and you can see the traditional Tibetan dance here. In the day time, this place is used as a rink. It is open at 8:30 am. Tel: 6823231.

3. Nis Club:

It is located in 12 Linguobeilu, Lhasa. This place is like an entertainment center and it inlucdes shopping store, night club, tea bar, cafe, restaurant, hotel, etc. Here is the phone number: 6336648. Fax: 6336370.

4. Gelisen beer club:

You can get the German style beer here and you will never find a place like this in Lhasa. Lots of people like it and it is also a good place for you to hang out with friends. The capacity is about 200 people. The office hour is from 11 am to 2 am of the next day. Here is the address: 198 Beijingzhonglu(near the Tibet Mansion). Tel: 6826552.

5. Yindu Nigh Club:

It is a very popular disco club in Lhasa and you can also see good dancing shows here. Lots of young people like this place. The address is: Beijingzhonglu(near the Tibet Mansion).

6. Salong Nigh Club:

It is a place similar with the night clubs of other big cities in China. You can see lots of interesting shows here and the expense is a little bit high in Lhasa. There are also serveral good restaurants in it and they are open 24 hours. The address is: 187 Beijingzhonglu. Tel: 6814085, 6815524. (You can find more information about lhasa travel,beijing flights and china vacations from Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM)

7. Lejilin Night Club:

This is a quiet place for you to hang out with friends and lots of high education people like this place. The address is: 181 Beijingzhonglu.

8. Tiantangliao Club:

It is a low expense club. The capacity is about 100 people and you can do the karaoke here. There are also some traditional Tibetan dancing shows here. The office hour is from 8 pm to 12 pm. Address: 148 Beijingzhonglu. Tel: 6829290.

9. Jianzhiyu Bowling Club:

It has 12 bowling alleys and a big parking garage. The expense here is not high and lots of middle age people like this place. It is located in the intersection of Beijingzhonglu and Minzulu. Tel: 6829672.

Copyright belongs to Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM .  You can find more information about lhasa travel,beijing flights and china vacations from our web site.

NOTE: Permission is granted by the copyright owner to disseminate this article in whole or in part provided credit is given to the author (with a link to the article’s source URL Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM ) and this NOTE is not removed.

About the author:Shane Lee.More flights,airfares info at:cheap flights penticton to houston.And:Cheap flights from SFO to VPS.And:Cheapest flights from Las Vegas to JFK.

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By: Jennifer Bailey
When planning a business trip or family vacation, using a well-educated travel agency is an extremely helpful way to book your getaway without any stress.  However, not just any agency will get the job done efficiently.  You will want to invest with one that has a reputation for getting the job done and going the extra mile for their customers.  This means you may need to do some homework in order to verify that any agency you do business with is in fact a reputable one.  Here are some basic tips on how to pick the best travel agency for you.

Longevity

When considering a travel agency in which to do business with, longevity is a factor in which to keep in mind. While being in business for twenty years does not guarantee the agency is the best in the area, it does indicate they have enough going for them to stay in business.  Avoid any travel agency that is not at least a couple years old, unless you know the owners and staff very well.  Building a good reputation takes time.  The new kids on the block may be excellent, but they may not be worth the risk of using to plan that once-in-a-lifetime vacation that you want to go perfectly.

Local Presence

Along with longevity, it is a good idea to see what ties the agency has to the local business community.  A good place to begin looking is with your local Chamber of Commerce, or other business association.  In comparison with businesses of all types, a travel agency that tends to be community minded and customer-centric is very likely to take part in the events around town in some manner.  Membership in local business clubs and organizations is a good sign the agency is serious about what it does, which is exactly what you want.

References

References are always an excellent indicator of whether or not a travel agency has a good reputation.  Toss the name of the agency out to your co-workers, friends, neighbors and other acquaintances around town.  There is a good chance someone has either dealt with the agency or knows someone who did.  Make sure to speak directly to the source rather than attempt to obtain opinions through a third party.  It is too easy for something important to be left out or misunderstood as the information goes through several people.

Customer Care

Drop in at the agency and see how they deal with potential customers who wander in off the street.  If you are greeted with a friendly smile, invited to come in and sit, or offered a cup of coffee, you can learn a lot about the business model and integrity that the agency holds.  It would be worth your while to investigate a little further.

Asking Questions

The type of questions asked by the agent is also a good way to judge the reliability and reputation of the agency.  When small details such as preferences in room types, accommodations for any allergies you may have, and preferences in the mode of travel are mentioned by the agent, you know they really do want to design a travel package that is to your liking.  An agency with more interest in collecting your hard-earned money will simply lay out a few generic package deals and invite you to choose one.  Go with the agency that will take the time to customize your travel plans to suit your needs.

Always ask questions regarding matters such as up front deposits on packages, payment terms, customer support during your trip, and the ability to change your travel plans in the event of an emergency.  Reputable agencies will provide straightforward answers to these types of queries and not attempt to use fifty words when a one word answer will do.  While you receive these answers, notice whether or not the agent is looking you in the eye.  People who are not afraid to face you squarely when they talk are much more likely to be ethical, honest, and in general very reliable.

Other Factors

While price is not necessarily a factor when it comes to determining if an agency is reputable or not, beware of any agency that trots out the issue of cost and waves it like a red flag.  It is perfectly permissible for the agent to ask you regarding how much you would like to spend for the trip, but it is not a good sign if he or she begins to wave discounted packages in your face before getting any solid ideas of what you want.

Choosing a reputable travel agency is a combination of assessing their standing in the community in terms of what others think, along with your own personal impressions of the agents when you make that first critical contact.  Keep in mind your first impression is likely to be the right one.  If you do not feel good about the meeting, then continue your search for the best travel agency.

Jennifer Bailey is a freelance writer who writes about travel and leisure, often focusing on a particular aspect of vacationing such as utilizing a travel agency.

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