Starax!
January 22, 2010
Whānau ora? Don’t ask me
The Families Commission, in its statement of intent, notes:
The Commission has also identified in this Statement of Intent a strong commitment to whānau ora. This will include the development of a whänau strategy that can work in two ways: identifying areas of specific work to promote whānau ora; and identifying how whānau ora can be incorporated into existing outcome programmes.
So what is whānau ora? According to Chief Families Commissioner Jan Pryor, it is “whanau well-being as defined by whanau”. You’d think she would know, the komihana a whanau (or as Pryor would say, the Families Commission) has a paper on the issue.
According to the whanau ora taskforce, it is more about a whānau-centred approach to whānau development, focussing on placing whānau at the centre of service delivery, bringing together funding from several Ministries – health, education, housing, social welfare, and justice.
But Pryor doesn’t even know what this commitment to whanau ora actually entails. Her excuse for her ignorance with this aspect of the commission’s statement of intent was that she is a middle class white woman who, apparently, is not well versed in terms like whanau ora – and has forgotten the wording of the commission’s own statement of intent.
If she doesn’t know what whanau ora is, how is she going to understand the framework which is entitled “a whanau -centred approach to whanau well-being”. That’s a little different to “whanau well-being as defined by whanau”.
Pryor says she is working closely with the Minister, Tariana Turia on the policy. Not close enough, as she has not the slightest idea what the Minister’s policy actually means.
Starax!
Over 20 Starax Sculptures can be seen at the Crescent Moon Museum.
The exhibition is being held over until the 19th of April.
Stop by when you get a chance and see the masterpieces of one of the
first and most famous artists within SL. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fairchang%20Village/191/138/21/
Childrens Health and Nutrition Findings
January 22, 2010
Childrens Health and Nutrition Findings
From the Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday
Experts agree that what children eat from birth to five years old matters even more than their diet later on in childhood. But many little ones are not getting the nutrition they need to support their rapid growth and development. Nutritional problems are common among this age group, including iron deficiency anaemia and deficiencies of vitamin A, D, B6, folate, calcium and zinc; constipation is widespread, as are dental caries.
Almost a quarter of UK pre-school children are overweight or obese, with about ten per cent underweight, according to paediatric dietician Judy More, writing in the Journal of Family Health Care.
Poor diet also has a marked effect on education. The ‘Children of the 90s’ longitudinal study by the Institute of Education at the University of Bristol, which is following more than 14,000 families with babies born between April 1991 and December 1992, showed that children who ate a diet of ‘junk’ food (high in fat and sugar, eg, crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks, highly processed food, and takeaways) at the age of three made poorer progress than average at school between the ages of six and ten.
This year, a survey of 1,000 parents by the Infant and Toddler Forum found nearly a third of under-threes eat at least one takeaway a week, and 19 per cent are given takeaways or adult ready meals every day. A staggering 20 per cent of babies aged nine to 12 months were given a takeaway once a week.
Bulgarian Withdraws EU Candidacy Amid Pressure – Wall Street Journal
January 19, 2010
Bulgarian Withdraws EU Candidacy Amid Pressure – Wall Street Journal
 AFP |
Bulgarian Withdraws EU Candidacy Amid Pressure
Wall Street Journal BRUSSELS—The European Union's commissioner-designate for humanitarian aid, Rumiana Jeleva, resigned Tuesday amid pressure from the European Parliament over business dealings in her native Bulgaria and her husband's alleged ties to … Under-fire EU Commission nominee stands down Bulgaria's embattled Brussels nominee bows out Boost for EU Commission |
Are Democrats Headed for Defeat as Massachusetts Voters Head to Polls? – ABC News
 The Guardian |
Are Democrats Headed for Defeat as Massachusetts Voters Head to Polls?
ABC News On the eve of President Obama's one-year anniversary in office, voters in a key blue state are headed to the polls in what could be a game-changing election for Democrats and Republicans. Political strategists discuss what … Fewer see Obama advancing racial ties Obama agenda: State of the Union set Obama Sets Jan. 27 State of Union Speech Amid Jobless Concerns |
LocalGov. Paterson proposes record $134 billion state budget with major … – New York Daily News
 New York Daily News |
LocalGov. Paterson proposes record $134 billion state budget with major …
New York Daily News ALBANY – Gov. Paterson proposed a slash-and-burn but still record $134 billion state budget Tuesday that dramatically cuts school and health care spending while also including $1 billion in new taxes and fees. … Budget ax falls on New York Aid cuts, tax hikes in Paterson budget plan Paterson to Propose Aid Cuts |
Apple Announces Mystery Launch Event – InformationWeek
 Reuters |
Apple Announces Mystery Launch Event
InformationWeek Apple plans to hold a Jan. 27 event in San Francisco to launch a new product, or perhaps service. The company ended weeks of speculation that it would hold such an event when it sent out invitations to the media on Monday. … Apple Tablet: Content Will Be Key Apple Tablet Will Need to Trigger IPhone-Like Frenzy Apple's tablet announcement: games could be a focus, music unlikely |
Paterson’s Poll Numbers Inch Up – New York Times (blog)
December 14, 2009
Paterson’s Poll Numbers Inch Up – New York Times (blog)
 New York Daily News |
Paterson's Poll Numbers Inch Up
New York Times (blog) His unfavorable rating of 53 percent is at its lowest point since last February, and his favorable rating has climbed to 36 percent, up from 27 percent in October. That said, these are not numbers any politician would want, … New Yorkers Side With Legislature On DRP » Paterson sees modest boost in ratings Gov. David Paterson Plans to Withhold Millions… |
Obama presses heads of largest banks to lend more – Washington Post
 Reuters |
Obama presses heads of largest banks to lend more
Washington Post President Obama reiterated his call Monday for the nation's banks to increase lending, saying that he was getting too many letters from small businesses unable to borrow money. "America's banks received extraordinary assistance" … Obama tells US banks to lend more Obama: It's Time for Banks to Step Up Obama meets with nation's top bank executives |
Palestinian minister urges extending Abbas term – AFP
 Ha’aretz |
Palestinian minister urges extending Abbas term
AFP LISBON — The Palestinian foreign minister Monday urged extending president Mahmud Abbas' mandate until elections can be held to avoid a "constitutional gap" at the head of the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian electoral commission said last month … Gaza's defiant Islamists reject PLO dominance Haniyeh: Gaza just a step toward liberation of all Palestine Hamas vows to continue resistance |
Childrens Health and Nutrition Findings
December 11, 2009
Childrens Health and Nutrition Findings
From the Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday
Experts agree that what children eat from birth to five years old matters even more than their diet later on in childhood. But many little ones are not getting the nutrition they need to support their rapid growth and development. Nutritional problems are common among this age group, including iron deficiency anaemia and deficiencies of vitamin A, D, B6, folate, calcium and zinc; constipation is widespread, as are dental caries.
Almost a quarter of UK pre-school children are overweight or obese, with about ten per cent underweight, according to paediatric dietician Judy More, writing in the Journal of Family Health Care.
Poor diet also has a marked effect on education. The ‘Children of the 90s’ longitudinal study by the Institute of Education at the University of Bristol, which is following more than 14,000 families with babies born between April 1991 and December 1992, showed that children who ate a diet of ‘junk’ food (high in fat and sugar, eg, crisps, sweets and fizzy drinks, highly processed food, and takeaways) at the age of three made poorer progress than average at school between the ages of six and ten.
This year, a survey of 1,000 parents by the Infant and Toddler Forum found nearly a third of under-threes eat at least one takeaway a week, and 19 per cent are given takeaways or adult ready meals every day. A staggering 20 per cent of babies aged nine to 12 months were given a takeaway once a week.
US encounters stumbling blocks in training Afghans – The Associated Press
October 8, 2009
US encounters stumbling blocks in training Afghans – The Associated Press
 BBC News |
US encounters stumbling blocks in training Afghans
The Associated Press LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan — Even before the American paratroopers entered the Afghan barracks, the lack of discipline was evident: torn screens, trash collecting in the hallways, bedrooms and bushes. The checkpoints were even worse, they said, … Obama Meets Advisers Amid Afghan Policy Debate Army Officers Criticize Rebuke of Gen. McChrystal Obama, war council weigh Afghan strategy |
Asia moves up university league table – AFP
 Peace fm Online |
Asia moves up university league table
AFP LONDON — British and US universities dominate the top of a league table of universities worldwide published Thursday, but Oxford has slipped one place to joint fifth. Harvard remains in top spot in the Times Higher Education league table, … World top universities announced Europe strong in university table McGill University in world's Top 20 |
Typhoon Melor Hits Japan, Halts Trains, Suspends Flights – Wall Street Journal
 Telegraph.co.uk |
Typhoon Melor Hits Japan, Halts Trains, Suspends Flights
Wall Street Journal TOKYO – A strong typhoon brought heavy rain and winds to Japan Thursday, killing two people and shuttering factories, closing schools and stranding commuters and travelers at airports and train stations. … Deaths as typhoon pounds Japan 2 dead as Typhoon Melor lashes Japan Melor affects the south of Japan |
Wire your mind
October 5, 2009
See, hear or read the buzz of news and activities on campus and beyond.
WiredMind is a student-driven digital media project completely online that combines video, radio and written word to create an outlet for students to get alternative news.
First founded in 2001 by Peter Morello, associate professor of Communications Studies, Nicole English, lecturer in Continuing Education, and Mike Strong, lecturer in Continuing Education, among others, WiredMind has been mostly inactive over the past few years.
Source: http://www.unews.com/news/2009/10/05/News/Wire-Your.Mind-3793238.shtml
Veterans find financial relief
September 28, 2009
When Shane McCracken was relieved of active duty from the Marine Corps, he planned to use his GI Bill benefits to fund his college education.
But actually receiving the benefits proved difficult.
“I came from Metropolitan Community College and … I was getting the Montgomery GI Bill and they were just absolutely a terror when it came down to getting my cash and paying off school to the point where they would not let you attend classes till the government coughs up cash for it,” McCracken said.
Source: http://www.unews.com/news/2009/09/28/News/Veterans.Find.Financial.Relief-3785683.shtml
SIFE discovers whole new world
September 28, 2009
With seven days, six schools and a world much different than our own, the UMKC SIFE team became trail blazers for the future of international education.
From Sept. 12-19, nine members of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) travelled through China, speaking to more than 1,600 Chinese students interested in studying abroad about what it’s like to be a student in America.
Source: http://www.unews.com/news/2009/09/28/News/Sife-Discovers.Whole.New.World-3785684.shtml
Cruising through recycling
September 21, 2009
A drive through small mountains of what some might call trash was an educational experience for students, staff and faculty last week.
The UMKC Sustainability Team sent two groups of team members to the Deffenbaugh Recycling Materials Recovery Facility to get the inside scoop on recycling.
Source: http://www.unews.com/news/2009/09/21/News/Cruising.Through.Recycling-3778012.shtml
