15 Reasons Most Workspaces Don’t Work

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How functional is your workspace at work? At home? Whether they’re stuck in a time warp, distracting, or just plain depressing, many workspaces around the nation aren’t exactly boosting productivity. The classic cubicle and the corner office alike may be doing a disservice to the modern-day worker, making it harder and more expensive to get work done — but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are some fundamental problems with many office spaces that can be addressed by architects, designers, and even the everyday worker to help create a workspace that truly works. Read on to learn why your current setup may not be doing you any favors and to get some ideas on how you can start building a better workspace.

1. They don’t reflect the type of work being done

   A cubicle or a small desk might be great for certain types of work, but may actually get in the way of doing other types. If your work is collaborative, requires a lot of space, or is best done with multiple screens, and your workspace doesn’t reflect this, productivity is going to be adversely affected. Unfortunately, many offices don’t always take into account the different types of work done by employees and stick everyone with the same desk regardless of position.

2. They’re stuck in the past

   The average office space hasn’t changed much over the past few decades. Things are still arranged in much the same way, people work in the same small spaces, and the average setup really hasn’t changed all that much. While office spaces haven’t changed, how we work has, especially when it comes to technology. This disconnect between the needs of the modern worker and the standard work setup makes many workspaces impractical and an obstacle to actually getting things done.

3. They’re uncomfortable

   While ergonomics has become a pretty common office concern, not all workspaces reflect good design, and some are downright uncomfortable. Common causes of discomfort include unsupportive chairs, too much reaching, and tech that isn’t at the correct level. This inattention to comfort can have a bigger impact than some realize, making it painful (literally) to come in to work.

4. They don’t take into account life outside of work

   While ideally we’d be able to shut out the outside world and our lives at home while we’re at work, the reality is that work and home life overlap more than we’d like to admit (and very often work bleeds into home life, too). Workspaces, whether at home or in the office, need to take that into account, though many do not. Workspaces that make it possible to take care of personal tasks or bring work home easily are by far the most functional and practical in the modern world.

5. They aren’t flexible

   Do you do the same thing every day at your job? Do you only do one task? While that might apply to some people, most of us do work that demands very different tasks from day to day. Unfortunately, most workspaces don’t reflect the need for this flexibility. For instance, making calls, writing reports, and meeting with clients all require a different setup to really work.

6. They create a distracting environment

   Whether you get distracted by talking with coworkers, trying to get your chair to stop squeaking, or just daydreaming about your upcoming vacation, workspaces can be very distracting places and most aren’t set up to maximize concentration by all employees. Allowing the use of headphones, limiting internet access (even in your home office), and having set hours for meet-ups can all help make a workspace more efficient.

7. They don’t reflect balance

   Your workspace is about work, but it should also reflect who you are and your life outside of work. While you might think that honing in on only work-related things would make you more productive, that’s not always the case. It can be a great break for your brain to have personal items around your desk, things that calm you, or even a few snacks when you’re feeling peckish.

8. They don’t flow

   Most of us work our best when we get into a rhythm, almost getting lost in a project or assignment. Yet workspace design isn’t always smart about helping us keep that fluidity going, creating obstacles to getting things done, making it hard to work together, and sometimes just not being high enough quality to get the job done.

9. They’re chronically disorganized

   Disorganization won’t do you any favors when it comes to getting things done at work. You may spend several minutes every day looking for the right files and papers you need to complete an assignment, or not be able to find them at all. Creating a workspace that allows for easy organization is essential, whether you work in an office or from your home.

10. They’re inefficient

    Why spend more time working on a task than you have to? Your workspace may be contributing to it taking much longer than necessary to get something done by being arranged in a highly inefficient manner. Ideally, everything you need to do your job should be on hand, easy to reach, and set up in a way that doesn’t put too much stress on your body. Efficiency can also play a role in your larger workspace setup, as people who need to work together or share tasks must have an easy way to communicate, share, and work on projects.

11. There’s too much useless tech

    Having the latest technology in your workspace can be great, but is it all really necessary to get your work done? Sometimes technology, however cool it may be, may actually slow down the process and make it more annoying to get things done on a daily basis. Evaluate your own workspace to see what tech fat can be trimmed from the setup. On the flip side, for some professions, technology may make a set workspace unnecessary, as work can better be done at home or on the road.

12. They put necessary items out of arm’s reach

    Do you have to walk halfway across your office to get to the printer? You’re not alone. Many workspaces make it hard to get work done by constantly interrupting your flow, putting things you need to do your job in inconvenient or impractical locations. It might sound strange, but it happens more than you think.

13. They don’t promote collaboration

    No man is an island, and no one worker can tackle an entire project by his or herself. In many cases collaboration is necessary, but the classic cubicle setup doesn’t really reflect the need to work together. Open tables and a more free-form setup might be much more practical in fields where working together is an essential part of the workday.

14. They’re one size fits all

    What works for one person may not work for another, a statement that’s true in just about everything in life, including workspaces. The average workspace doesn’t allow for much individualization, creating cookie-cutter setups and layouts that might not fit every person or every kind of job.

15. They’re not inspirational

    It’s hard to want to do anything, from designing a logo to filling out forms, if your workspace is a dour and gloomy place to be. This isn’t to say that every workspace needs to be bright, new, and cheerful to aid in productivity, as there are many ways to create an inspirational workspace. Sometimes, even something as simple as having a photo of a vacation spot, a pet, or loved ones can be inspirational. Of course, a fantastic architectural setting doesn’t hurt either. No matter the circumstances, the ideal workspace should be somewhere that employees like being, whether that means making it more comfortable, adding personal accents, or providing motivation on-site. Many current workplaces are dull and impersonal, making it hard to get excited about doing anything in them.

Wasting Time & Money

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March 28th, 2012 by Staff Writers

http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/03/28/wasting-time-money/

20 Colleges With the Strongest LGBT Communities

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Posted on Tuesday April 3, 2012                        by Staff Writers

http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2012/04/03/20-colleges-with-the-strongest-lgbt-communities/

Because colleges have always stood at the forefront of pushing progressive policies, they remain ideal candidates for initiating movements promoting social change, particularly in the realm of social justice. These days, equality for LGBTQIA persons riles up professional and armchair politicians alike, making it quite a hot topic whenever election season rolls around. One way institutes of higher learning champion the cause for embracing instead of marginalizing LGBTQIA individuals involves providing safe spaces where their needs and wants are enthusiastically addressed. For bullied high school students who want to learn firsthand that It Gets Better or undergraduates and graduates simply seeking similarly-experienced or like-minded peers for activism and good times, the following colleges with excellent LGBT communities might prove ideal.

1. Whitman College

   Campus Pride awarded Whitman College its prestigious five-star rating (out of five!) for its commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and loving space for LGBTQIA students. Faculty, administrators, and — perhaps most importantly — peers are often hailed as incredibly open and friendly, and events such as Dragfest, Queer Prom, National Coming Out Day, and plenty more proudly spot the campus schedule.

2. Indiana University

   Fraternities do not boast the greatest track record when it comes to its perceptions regarding women, minorities, and the LGBTQIA community; Lambda 10 launched at Indiana University to counter issues relating to the last demographic and its desire for equal representation and treatment. Shane L. Windmeyer, the cofounder, continues serving as a wonderful advocate for LGBT students (Greek or not) and solidified his alma mater’s status as a Campus Pride five-star institution.

3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   The Daily Beast and Newsweek consider MIT the greatest school for LGBTQIA inclusiveness, with 100% of students considering it “very accepting” of all minorities. Nothing exemplifies this commitment to promoting diversity better than the You Are Welcome Here campaign, which reaches out across sexuality and gender identity and expression lines to create a safe, loving environment and provide resources for the questioning, closeted, or out in need of some assistance.

4. University of Oregon

   Not only does University of Oregon boast a five-star rating from Campus Pride, it also stand as one of its premier schools because of tireless efforts to accommodate the needs of all sexualities, gender identities, and gender expressions. LGBTQIA students here can reference the official U Out blog, hosted on the school’s servers and linked above, for the latest events, opportunities, and activism in and around Eugene.

5. University of Pennsylvania

   In an undoubtedly controversial move, this prestigious Ivy League institution specifically reached out to LGBTQIA undergraduates on its application forms, encouraging them to openly discuss their experiences and expectations. Those who do, according to The New York Times, are automatically connected with relevant campus resources, organizations, and individuals to help them with anything they could possibly need.

6. University of Southern California

   LGBTQIA high schoolers considering USC have the option of participating in the Rainbow Floor Overnight Experience, where they learn all about the school’s outreach and awareness programs and classes and stay over at the eponymous “residential community.” As with many schools friendly to more than just heterosexuals and the cisgendered, this one hosts a dorm specifically for the LGBTQIA students and their supporters to gather together and promote equality.

7. Yale University

   The Gay and Lesbian Guide to College Life author and LGBTQIA program coordinator Rachel Pepper referred to her former employer Yale as holding a “[reputation] as a gay school.” Numerous organizations are available catering to a wide range of interests within the community, and it plays host to one of America’s best LGBTQIA studies undergraduate and graduate programs.

8. City College of San Francisco

   Dan Allen and Jack Collins from City College San Francisco formed the very first LGBTQIA studies department in the United States back in 1989; it began life as far back as 1972, however, as a highly popular queer theory literature class taught by the former. Beyond the classroom, faculty, staff, and students here work as ambassadors for equality, and professor Trinity Ordona has been lauded as one of the 20 Most Powerful Lesbian Academics by Curve magazine.

9. Stanford University

   Ninety-two percent of Stanford University students reported to Newsweek and The Daily Beast that they feel their school is very accommodating of its minority population. Among other offerings, the LGBT Community Resources Center promotes the Safe and Open Spaces at Stanford (SOSAS) initiative dedicated to outreach and equality.

10. University of California, Los Angeles

    The Advocate lauded UCLA in particular as one of the most LGBTQIA-friendly campuses in the United States, and the five stars from Campus Pride agree. Alongside its relevant studies programming and resource department, the school is unique in hosting the LGBT Leadership Institute, which blends business and activism together into some effective, evocative conferences and courses.

11. University of Maine, Farmington

    Like UCLA, The Advocate praised University of Maine at Farmington for its five-star Campus Pride rating, which it happily hangs alongside honors and awards regarding its eco-friendly commitments. Students here can take part in a broad selection of LGBTQIA interest groups, including the Wilde Stein Alliance for Sexual Diversity, which some reports state hosts around 200 participants.

12. Ithaca College

    Campus Pride, The Advocate, and The Daily Beast/Newsweek all cite this small New York school as amongst the best American colleges for LGBTQIA students. Curiously, Center for LGBT Education Center Director Lisa Maurer notes the prominent role heterosexual and cisgendered students played in establishing the organization.

13. University of Colorado at Boulder

    Off-campus, the Proposition Gay movement — originally spearheaded by buffalo Mat Sommers — addresses Boulder’s lack of LGBTQIA-centric bars by “taking over” predetermined local establishments on the last Friday of every month. These events tend to draw some generous crowds, particularly from the Campus Pride five-star school nearby.

14. Tufts University

    According to Newsweek and The Daily Beast, 100% of the surveyed students here consider the school a safe, welcoming environment for minorities, particularly of the LGBTQIA variety. Tufts’ Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Center, among a cornucopia of other offerings, notably seeks to cobble together a vast array of documents for its Queer History Project.

15. San Diego State University

    San Diego State University earned some excellent accolades from organizations and activists when it became the second American college to let undergraduates major in LGBTQIA studies starting in 2012, following the lead of Hobart and William Smith, after offering the minor since 2009. Campus Pride considers it a five-star Premier Campus, and it’s easy to see why when one considers how students absolutely clamored toward classes hosted by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies department.

16. University of California, Berkeley

    Considering Berkeley’s history as a politically, socially advice campus devoted to furthering progressive causes, it probably comes as no shock to anyone whatsoever that the school holds bragging rights as an immensely LGBTQIA-friendly setting. Among its contributions to the community — and they are legion — sits the Gay Bears’ Hidden History of the Berkeley Campus project, which peels back the roles LGBTQIA individuals played during the college’s most notable (even volatile) moments; moments which, in turn, sparked national and international movements.

17. Pennsylvania State University

    With a sexual diversity-focused fraternity and a gay bar on campus (along with another hosting a gay night), LGBTQIA students at Penn State undoubtedly feel safer and far more accepted than they would at most other colleges. Obviously, Campus Pride holds it up as a Premier Campus whose five stars reflect an inspiring commitment to equality and furthering the academic study of LGBTQIA contributions and perspectives.

18. Princeton University

    Visitors to Princeton University’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center can download a convenient map of the school’s revolutionary approach towards sensitively addressing gender identity and expression — neutral and single-stall, sex-specific bathrooms. The department also makes it easy for students and faculty to report hate crimes targeting LGBTQIA victims, connect with one another on- and off-campus, receive support, and plenty of other valuable offerings.

19. New York University

    New York City stands as one of America’s most LGBTQIA-friendly regions, meaning NYU students have plenty to occupy their precious free time both on campus and off. With so much diverse programming and resources immediately available, it comes as something of a surprise that Campus Pride only awarded it four stars; though Newsweek considers it the fourth most sexually tolerant campus in America.

20. American University

    Every year, this oft-lauded university dispenses the Schlegel National Legion of Honor Award, which “individuals living in the United States who have exhibited outstanding leadership and significantly contributed to the dignity and freedom of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.” Like many other schools possessing a progressive outlook promoting diversity, tolerance, and safety, American provides “open gender housing options” allowing students to pick roommates of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality for maximum comfort.

22 Painless Ways to Fight the Effects of Sitting All Day

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April 3rd, 2012 by StaffWriters  http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/04/03/22-painless-ways-to-fight-the-effects-of-sitting-all-day/

Chairs are a good thing. Without chairs, everyone would have to drive Segways. Duck-duck-goose would be impossible. And imagine trying to have dental work done while standing. Nevertheless, we now know sitting all day can shave years off your life and raise your risk of health problems like back pain, weight gain, and even depression. A 30-minute workout each day may not be good enough. Short of quitting your job and becoming a crossing guard, here are some ideas to help you ward off the ill effects of too much caboose-parking.

1. Balance it out

   Thanks to our computer-dependent workplaces, the slouching and bad posture many of us adopt lead to muscle imbalances, which increases the risk of pain and injury. Locate weak muscles with these Men’s Journal squats and strengthen them with exercise.

2. Pelvic clock

   Pelvic clock is another way to find muscle imbalances while decreasing the stiffness that arises from sitting all day and improving pelvic flexibility. It involves lying down face up and moving your hips and pelvis around the “clock” formed by your belly button, pubic bone, and hips.

3. Fidget

   A study from a Mayo Clinic doctor on NEAT, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis, found that simple things like fidgeting and tapping your toes can ward off harmful side effects of sitting like proclivity to obesity and heart disease. Avoid letting your body go completely idle.

4. Seated back stretch

   It is possible to stretch without leaving your chair. While exhaling and keeping your shoulders relaxed, fold your torso over your legs from the pelvis until your hands reach the floor and hold there for 30 seconds. Come back up on an exhale, again making the pelvis the focal point.

5. Perfect the art of breathing

   Sitting in front of computers makes us lazy, even when it comes to breathing. We take incomplete breaths without using the diaphragm. If you take five minutes to consciously inhale slowly and deeply, then exhale rapidly and fully to expel all the CO2, you will have more energy and increase cognition.

6. Shrug it off

   Shrugging your shoulders helps break up tension caused by sitting slumped forward all day. It’s also more of that minor but important movement you need. Keeping your muscles relaxed, slowly lift one shoulder to your ear, slowly lower it, followed by the other side, then both sides together.

7. Back extension

   This simple exercise can be done on a break to reverse all that hunching over. Raise your arms over your head and touch your palms together, and tilt your head back slightly. Hold for up to 30 seconds.

8. Get a good chair

   One of the most crucial elements of ergonomics is having a chair that gives you adequate lumbar support and maintains your spine’s natural S-curve. Make sure it allows you to adjust back height and depth. Believe it or not, good quality chairs can be had for under $100.

9. Use a footrest

   To increase blood circulation while sitting, take advantage of a footrest. This also takes some pressure off your lower back, reduces fatigue, and heightens awareness. You can even get one that rocks, allowing you to get a little more movement and burn a few more calories.

10. Knee raise crunch

    Another move you can do while sitting is called the knee raise crunch. Sitting up straight with both feet on the floor, slowly raise one foot while curling the shoulders forward. Hold there for one second before releasing and doing the other foot. Repeat up to 20 times.

11. Rub your temples

    Sitting all day makes you fatigued and stresses your body. You can undo those effects by rubbing your temples, something you probably do instinctively when you’re stressed. It can help relieve headaches and relax you. Keep your elbows on your desk and rub in circles, slowly.

12. Massage your neck

    Save yourself a $50 trip to the masseuse and give yourself a little massage at your desk to relax those muscles scrunched by sitting. For example, you can work out the trapezius, the big muscle that runs the length of the shoulders and up the neck and often becomes tense from sitting.

13. Standing hip flexor stretch

    Before your hips start to complain when you sit down, try an ounce of prevention with this stretch. Place one foot on a knee-high chair, raise the opposite-side arm, and lean towards the chair keeping your back straight. Now reach to the right with your raised arm and hold. Repeat for the other side.

14. Flip your workout

    You get enough of closing yourself up by sitting; you don’t need more of that at the gym. As pro surfer Laird Hamilton found after tearing his ACL, hanging upside down is a wonderful way to stretch your spine, take pressure off the organs, and basically counterbalance everything you do in the right-side-up world.

15. Stretch your chest

    To combat your shoulders rounding forward while sitting, stretch out your chest muscles. You can do this by extending your arms 90 degrees from your body in a doorway and leaning forward until you feel it. Or, do the classic: clasp your hands behind your back and raise them as far as you can.

16. Shore up your core

    If you have a weak or imbalanced group of core muscles, back pain is sure to follow. There are a number of easy core exercises you can do, like crunches, ab presses, and side planks.

17. Inconvenience yourself

    Since everyone else is fighting for the parking spot nearest the door of your office building, you have your choice of spots at the back. This increases your walking distance and helps you move more on days when you’re mainly sitting at your desk.

18. Sit on a fitness ball

    Your coworkers will snicker, but then again, in a world full of unhealthy practices, taking charge of your health always looks weird. Sitting on a fitness ball chair forces you to sit up straight and to constantly exert energy to maintain balance.

19. Skip the elevator

    Aren’t you sick of waiting in line for the elevator? The average person burns seven times the number of calories by taking the stairs than by riding. Are you getting the message that you need to move yet?

20. Eat well

    It shouldn’t be hard to see how sitting all day can increase the risk of depression. Eating a healthy diet is one way to fight it. And since we know you’re already at your computer, mix in a funny video now and then to lighten your mood.

21. Keep your knees healthy

    Sit with knees bent to 90 degrees for long enough, and you’ll be asking, “Can you see my knee brace under these pants?” Maintaining a healthy weight, doing stretches (the right way), and exercising your hips are a few ways to keep your knees strong and pain-free.

22. Sleep

    For a totally painless way to recover from prolonged sitting, get a full night’s sleep, seven to nine hours. If you look at the effects of sitting like any other injury, you’ll recognize that recovery is aided by sleep and prolonged by sleep deprivation.

Worst IT Security Breaches Debriefed

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by admin on March 29, 2012

http://www.backgroundcheck.org/worst-it-security-breaches/

The 10 Most Embarrassing College President Scandals

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by Staff Writers http://www.onlinecolleges.net/2012/04/03/the-10-most-embarrassing-college-president-scandals/

April 3, 2012

Richard Nixon basically said once that when a president does something, it can’t be illegal. Though their power doesn’t approach that of the leader of the free world, college presidents seem to be susceptible to this same feeling of being untouchable. Many of them seem to forget that they are the poster boys and girls for their respective universities, the people parents look at as representatives of the school in general. Because of this, even a hint of scandal can be enough for a school board to bring down the axe. These 10 college heads were red-faced when their improprieties were brought to light.

1. George Roche III, Hillsdale College

   A terrible family tragedy propelled this scandal onto front pages across the country in 1999. The daughter-in-law of Hillsdale College President George Roche III committed suicide after confessing to her husband, George Roche IV, that she had had a 19-year affair with his father. The scandal was especially embarrassing because of Hillsdale’s well-known image as a bedrock of conservatism and family values. Although he denied the accusations of a sexual affair, Roche III agreed to retire, leaving the community to pick up the pieces and hope the donations the school relied on did not dry up as a result.

2. David England, Des Moines Area Community College

   In a case of life imitating art, Iowa community college president David England turned his family into a dope-running gang, Weeds-style. After months of searching, DMACC had hired England as its president in 2001. Fifteen months later, England, along with his wife, son, and daughter, was arrested for growing marijuana in his basement to sell. England resigned, giving up his nearly $200k a year salary. Aggravated students asked why he’d been hired in the first place, given his 1971 weed possession conviction. One student said it best: “It’s embarrassed the school.”

3. Priscilla Slade, Texas Southern University

   Houstonians remember well the saga of disgraced president Priscilla Slade of TSU. In 2006, regents investigated Slade’s billing the university for $260,000, much of which she had spent on furniture, stays at the Four Seasons, and a $100,000 bar tab. Slade had virtually blown the whistle on herself by telling a visiting regent the cash-strapped school had paid for the nice stuff at her house. Slade was fired and later charged with misapplication of fiduciary property, which carried a maximum sentence of 99 years in prison. But in 2008, she pled no contest and agreed to pay back $127,000.

4. Michael Garrison, West Virginia University

   WVU President Michael Garrison discovered when you hand out degrees to people that didn’t earn them, it lowers the value of the degrees of those who did, and those people get a little upset. In 2008, Garrison had an MBA given to Gov. Joe Manchin’s daughter, who was found to not have completed the degree requirements. The dean of the business school resigned, but Garrison dug in his heels, buoyed by the governor’s support (no surprise there). But in the end, the mounting pressure from incensed students, alumni, and faculty forced Garrison to give up the fight and resign.

5. Graham Spanier, Penn State

   The Jerry Sandusky case was more than an embarrassment for Penn State; it was an unbridled PR nightmare. And it was curtains for President Graham Spanier when it was revealed that, like coach Joe Paterno, he knew as early as 2002 of Sandusky’s devious behavior but did not do enough to expose him. Trustees unanimously voted to fire Paterno and Spanier on Nov. 9, 2011, in a dismal end to Spanier’s 16-year career in State College. With Paterno’s passing, Spanier has one less scapegoat with which he can share blame.

6. Robert Paxton, Iowa Central Community College

   When a photo surfaced of ICCC President Robert Paxton helping a bikini-clad young lady chug from a mini-keg, the internet dubbed him the coolest college president ever. His board of trustees, on the other hand, was not so enthused. They felt it “reflected poorly on the college,” despite the fact Paxton was off-duty, as it were, celebrating July 4 on a boat with some young ladies who just happened to be half naked and enjoying some vodka. Paxton at first claimed the keg was broken and he was helping her put it down, but a week before fall 2008 classes began, he resigned.

7. Gary W. Streit, Malone University

   Plagiarism is a crummy thing to do, but for God’s sake, if you’re going to do it, don’t copy straight from Wikipedia. After a Jan. 13, 2010 speech by President Gary Streit, vigilant students at Malone University noticed his reference to the Greek god Janus sounded a lot like “The Free Encyclopedia’s” description, which he did not cite. They called for an investigation, and the board of trustees granted them one. Shortly after it was kicked off, Streit informed the board he would retire, thus ending the inquiry.

8. William J. Frawley, University of Mary Washington

   In a very public and embarrassing scene, William Frawley was released as president of University of Mary Washington, a small liberal arts school in Virginia. In April, 2007 Frawley received two DUIs in the course of 26 hours. He had driven for 10 blocks with cops following him, lights flashing, totally unaware they were there, the morning after he had flipped his car and been taken to the emergency room. After his controversial firing, the humiliated Frawley shot back in the Washington Post that what he needed was help, not the ostracism of being let go.

9. Kenneth Walker, Edison State College

   Board members at Edison State gave president Kenneth Walker his walking papers in January, 2012, citing 10 instances where he “failed to provide leadership.” Probably the most embarrassing for Walker was the revelation of his annual salary: $837,085. Florida had recently passed a law limiting state college presidents’ salaries to $225,000 max, which Walker was making, plus that twice over from other channels. In the controversy, several deans and faculty members resigned and two vice presidents were fired. Walker’s presidency had already been troubled by a scandal where 180 students were given diplomas without completing their coursework.

10. B. Joseph White, University of Illinois

    By all accounts, UI president B. Joseph White is a stand-up guy who handled an embarrassing moment for the school with class. In 2009, the Chicago Tribune uncovered a program in effect at the school for four years that allowed undeserving applicants to be admitted because of their connections. White decided to resign, timing his exit so that the school would not have to pay him a $475,000 bonus he was in line for. Fun side note: one of the benefiting students was a relative of Tony Rezko, who was recommended by Gov. Rod Blagojevich

The bridge that suspends belief

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The highest and longest valley suspension bridge in the world has opened in southern China’s Hunan Province. The Aizhai suspension bridge spans over a half mile and soars approximately 360 yards above the ground.

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/the-bridge-that-suspends-belief-slideshow/

Aizhai Bridge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Aizhai Bridge (矮寨大桥) is a suspension bridge on the G65 Baotou–Maoming Expressway near Jishou, Hunan, China.

With a main span of 1,146 metres (3,760 ft) and a deck height of 350 metres (1,150 ft), it is the sixth-highest bridge in the world and the world’s twelfth-longest suspension bridge. Of the world’s 400 or so highest bridges, none has a main span as long as Aizhai. It is also the world’s highest and longest tunnel-to-tunnel bridge.

Construction on the Aizhai Bridge began in October 2007 and was completed by the end of 2011, ahead of schedule. The bridge was temporarily opened to pedestrians during the 2012 Spring Festival and was formally opened to traffic in March 2012.

The bridge was built with the assistance of a $208 million loan from the Asian Development Bank; the loan also funded 64 kilometres (40 mi) of expressway construction and upgrades to 129 kilometres (80 mi) of local roads. The bridge and the associated road construction reduced the travel time between Jishou and Chadong from 4 hours to less than 1 hour

Aizhai Bridge 矮寨大桥
Carries	6 lanes of G65 Baotou–Maoming Expressway
Crosses	Dehang Grand Canyon (德夯大峡谷)
Locale	Jishou
Design	Suspension bridge
Width	24.5 m (80 ft)
Longest span	1,146 m (3,760 ft)
Vertical clearance	350 m (1,150 ft)
Construction begin	October 2007
Construction end	December 2011
Opened	31 March 2012 Coordinates 28°19′52″N 109°35′51″E / 28.331°N 109.5974°

The Aizhai suspension bridge was built as part of an expressway from southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality to Changsha city in Hunan. Pictured Mar. 31, 2012. (Photo by Top Photo Corporation/Rex / Rex USA)

The completion of the bridge shortens the journey time between the two cities from several days to just eight hours. Pictured Mar. 31, 2012. (Photo by Top Photo Corporation/Rex / Rex USA)

Work started on the engineering feat in October 2007 and it has now finally opened to traffic. Pictured Mar. 31, 2012. (Photo by Top Photo Corporation/Rex / Rex USA)

Driving across the bridge, which links two tunnels together, drivers are offered a breathtaking view of the Dehang Canyon. Pictured Mar. 31, 2012. (Photo by Top Photo Corporation/Rex / Rex USA)

Pedestrians can also walk across the bridge, which is lit up at night with 1,888 lights, using a special walkway. Pictured Mar. 31, 2012. (Photo by Top Photo Corporation/Rex / Rex USA)

highestbridges.com