http://elmonteblog.com Federal, State, and Local Politics Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:10:27 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Drinking agePomona College is one of about 120 liberal arts colleges that are part of the Amethyst Initiative calling on lawmakers nationwide to discuss changing the drinking age from 21 to 18.Will lowering the age make college students more responsible drinkers?  This seems to be the motivation.     http://elmonteblog.com/2008/08/20/should-we-lower-the-drinking-age/ College Board studying 8th Grade SATYou're never too young to get an ulcer. The College Board is planning to roll out a new college assessment exam for eighth graders in 2010. Marketplace's Janet Babin reports. Wow!    http://elmonteblog.com/2008/08/19/college-board-studying-8th-grade-sat/ Demand job for college graduates Take a look at some possible careers! http://elmonteblog.com/2008/08/16/most-in-demand-jobs-for-college-graduates/ The Senior Project is the culminating activity for I-Poly seniors where they demonstrate their skill in achieving state content standards in multiple subject areas and the I-Poly ESLRs. It is designed to allow the student maximal responsibility in determining the direction of their own education, turning over initiative for ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/08/07/senior-project-ideas-2/ Powering up students' job prospects Students are facing a tough job market at the same time as public utilities are bracing for a wave of retirements. In Los Angeles, schools and industry are working to make a match. Amanda Becker reports.Based on what I am paying (e.g. $120 a month for ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/08/03/powering-up-students-job-prospects/ I have been waiting for someone to challenge the early termination fees in court.  Sprint will probably appeal, so this is not decided yet.Nevertheless, I think phone companies will find a way to pass on the cost to us.    In one of the most significant legal rulings in the tech ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/07/31/judge-rules-that-early-termination-fees-are-illegal/ China to censor InternetChina will censor the Internet used by foreign media during the Olympics, an organising committee official confirmed Wednesday, reversing a pledge to offer complete media freedom at the games."During the Olympic Games we will provide sufficient access to the Internet for reporters," said Sun Weide, spokesman for the organising committee.He confirmed, ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/07/29/china-to-censor-internet-during-games-official/ PACs key to political funding Most political candidates now fund their campaigns through what are called "leadership political action committees."BARACK OBAMA: Instead of forcing us to rely on millions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, you've fueled this campaign with donations of $5, $10, $20 -- whatever you can afford. It's true ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/07/29/leadership-pacs-key-to-political-funding/ 4 day workweek for schoolsI am glad to hear the discussion starting again.  I emailed Jack O'Connell, the California Superintendent of Education, and he said the following: There are several districts that have specific legislative authority to reduce their minutes and days requirements and operate four-day school weeks, pursuant to California Education ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/07/24/4-day-workweek-for-schools/ Housing Bill The housing bill appears on its way to becoming law. Host Kai Ryssdal asks Nic Retsinas of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies what impact the bill will have on the housing market. If the problem is the number of houses on the market for sale (over built or foreclosed), ... http://elmonteblog.com/2008/07/23/housing-bill-passes-the-house/