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Eugenia Mihalcea
Sâmbătă, 26 Iulie 2008
Liceenii care vor termina clasa a XII-a în vara anului 2009 nu vor mai avea parte de subiectele de la Bacalaureat afişate cu câteva luni înainte pe internet, conform proiectului de metodologie pentru desfăşurarea examenului, publicat ieri pe site-ul Ministerului Educaţiei.

După scandalul care a inflamat în această vară Bacalaureatul, reprezentanţii ministerului nu au decis modificări majore în ceea ce priveşte probele examenului sau sistemul de supraveghere. Mare parte a responsabilităţii este pasată preşedinţilor Comisiilor de Bacalaureat, care vor fi instruiţi şi care vor fi responsabili de faptele tuturor profesorilor aflaţi în subordine.

„O prevedere importantă a noii metodologii de Bacalaureat completează atribuţiile preşedintelui Comisiei de Bacalaureat din centrul zonal de evaluare, care trebuie să se asigure că membrii Comisiei nu fac publice informaţii cu privire la conţinutul lucrărilor scrise evaluate în cadrul centrului respectiv“, se arată în metodologie.

De asemenea, profesorii evaluatori au ca nouă atribuţie asigurarea confidenţialităţii cu privire la conţinutul lucrărilor scrise pe care le evaluează, dar şi obligativitatea de a preda telefoanele mobile pe întreaga perioadă de evaluare. Dascălii care corectează nu mai au voie să facă sublinieri sau menţiuni pe lucrările examinate.

Tezele unice rămân valabile

În ceea ce priveşte tezele cu subiect unic, deşi contestate de elevi, părinţi şi profesori, ca modalitate de admitere la liceu, conducerea Ministerului Educaţiei a publicat ieri pe site-ul propriu, la www.edu.ro, un proiect de metodologie în care nu se anunţă renunţarea la acest tip de evaluare, ci mai degrabă împământenirea lui, prin înfiinţarea unei Comisii naţionale speciale. Proiectele de metodologii sunt supuse dezbaterii publice, astfel că toţi cei interesaţi pot face propuneri, până pe 25 iulie, pe adresa de e-mail info@cnceip.ro sau, în scris, pe adresa Centrului Naţional pentru Curriculum şi Evaluare în Învăţământul Preuniversitar (str. General Berthelot, nr. 26, Bucureş ti, sector 1).

VARIANTĂ

Profesorii cer examen-grilă

Renunţarea la probele orale ale Bacalaureatului şi supravegherea cu personal din afara sistemului de învăţământ sunt doar două dintre propunerile făcute ieri de către reprezentanţii organizaţiei educaţionale EDU CER. Profesorii consideră că probele orale şi cele practice ale examenului de Bacalaureat sunt „total nerelevante“. De asemenea, ei cred că probele scrise ale examenului ar fi mult mai „veridice“ dacă ar fi de tip grilă, iar evaluarea grilei cu răspunsuri ar fi făcută imediat după terminarea probei.

EDU CER mai cere ca proba de comunicare să fie corectată independent de către trei profesori, din alt judeţ decât cel în care s-a susţinut examenul. Reprezentanţii organizaţiei au prezentat forma examenului de Bacalaureat 2009, în viziunea lor, care ar trebui să aibă: o probă scrisă de „comunicare“, o probă scrisă, tip grilă, la disciplina principală corespunză- toare filierei/profilului/specializă rii în care s-a pregătit elevul, una sau două probe scrise, tip grilă, la discipline la alegerea candidatului, dintr-o listă elaborată de minister.

Testarea, susţinută în universităţi

În urmă cu două zile, rectorul Universităţii Politehnica Bucureşti, Ecaterina Andronescu, propunea, în cadrul conferinţei „Învăţământul, încotro?“, organizată de Uniunea Naţională a Studenţilor din România (UNSR), susţinerea examenului de Bacalaureat în universităţi, cu profesori universitari. Ca structură, rectorul spunea că s-ar putea simplifica de la şapte materii la doar trei. Ecaterina Andronescu a precizat că, împreună cu mai mulţi rectori care sunt de acord cu această propunere, printre care şi cel al Universităţii Bucureşti, Ioan Pânzaru, va trimite o adresă Ministerului Educaţiei, prin care va cere susţinerea în universităţi a examenului.

CLASA A VIII-A

Principalele modificări la tezele cu subiect unic

> se înfiinţează Comisia Naţională pentru tezele cu subiect unic

> profesorii evaluatori vor participa obligatoriu la cursuri de formare în domeniul evaluării

> perioada de evaluare a fost extinsă la 6 zile

> perioada de reevaluare a tezelor a fost extinsă la 3 zile

> elevii de la clasele cu frecvenţă redusă sunt obligaţi să susţină tezele în clasele a VII-a sau a VIII-a

CLASA A XII-A

Noi propuneri la Bacalaureat

> preşedintele Comisiei de Bacalaureat trebuie să se asigure că membrii comisiei nu fac publice informaţii cu privire la con- ţinutul lucrărilor evaluate în cadrul centrului respectiv

> profesorii evaluatori trebuie să asigure confidenţialitatea cu privire la conţinutul lucrărilor scrise pe care le evaluează

> în timpul evaluării, profesorii nu vor face sublinieri

> din comisii face parte şi inspectorul şcolar de sport

PROPUNERE

Universitarii vor un Bac redus

Un tip de Bacalaureat cu mai puţine probe şi fără afişarea subiectelor pe net este cerut de către Federaţia Alma Mater. Astfel, profesorii universitari consideră că forma actuală de organizare a examenului, cu subiectele afişate cu câteva luni înainte pe internet, încurajează frauda.

„Biroul Executiv Alma Mater a analizat disfuncţionalităţile desfăşurării examenului de Bacalaureat, sesiunea iunie 2008, şi consideră că Bacalaureatul, examen care ar trebui să fie prima treaptă spre accesul în universitate, devine pe an ce trece un examen formal, lipsit de credibilitate şi de relevanţă pentru un candidat la studii superioare“, se arată în comunicatul federaţiei sindicale.

Reprezentanţii profesorilor universitari propun diversificarea tipului de Bacalaureat în funcţie de orientarea şcolară şi profesională a elevului, compatibilizarea acestui examen cu strategia de asigurare a calităţii procesului instructiveducativ. La Bacalaureatul din această vară, Ministerul Educaţiei a efectuat controale, pe toată durata examenului, în urma cărora au fost eliminaţi 268 de elevi, care au fost prinşi copiind, şi 98 de profesori care i-au lăsat să se inspire. Totodată, Ministerul Educaţiei a depus sesiză ri la Direcţia Naţională Anticorupţ ie (DNA) în legătură cu grave nereguli descoperite la Oradea şi Sighetul Marmaţiei.

Stire care nu toata lumea a auzito!!! Sa zicem ca s-ar egala sansele de reusita .... se elimina subiectele (variantele 100/materie) dar eveluarile scrise sunt grila ....100% oare??? Ceva foarte dubios.... acum 2 ani nu s-a copiat??? De ce nu s-au schimbat si atunci sistemul de organizare al BACului? Nasol ! Astept pareri !

]]> http://omniablog.wordpress.com/?p=550 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:00:03 +0000 ImMoRt4L http://omniablog.wordpress.com/?p=550 E’ stato sorteggiato il calendario della stagione 2008/09 di Serie A. L’eliminazione delle teste di serie ha subito prodotto conseguenze importanti. La più evidente è Fiorentina-Juventus fissata subito alla prima giornata di campionato, quella che si giocherà tra sabato 30 e domenica 31 agosto. L’Inter, invece, partirà da Marassi, dove affronterà la Sampdoria di Antonio Cassano, mentre la Roma se la vedrà in casa con il temibile Napoli. Decisamente piu` morbido sarà l’avvio del Milan, atteso a San Siro dal neopromosso Bologna.

Questo il calendario del campionato italiano di calcio di Serie A per la stagione 2008-2009 dal 31 agosto al 31 maggio.

1/a GIORNATA (andata 31/8, ritorno 25/1/2009): Atalanta-Siena Cagliari-Lazio Catania-Genoa Chievo-Reggina Fiorentina-Juventus Milan-Bologna Roma-Napoli Sampdoria-Inter Torino-Lecce Udinese-Palermo

2/a GIORNATA (a. 14/9 ; r. 28/01) Bologna-Atalanta Genoa-Milan Inter-Catania Juventus-Udinese Lazio-Sampdoria Lecce-Chievo Napoli-Fiorentina Palermo-Roma Reggina-Torino Siena-Cagliari

3/a GIORNATA (a. 21/9; r. 1/2) Cagliari-Juventus Catania-Atalanta Fiorentina-Bologna Lecce-Siena Milan-Lazio Palermo-Genoa Roma-Reggina Sampdoria- Chievo Torino-Inter Udinese-Napoli

4/a GIORNATA (a. 24/9; r. 8/2) Atalanta-Cagliari Bologna-Udinese Chievo-Torino Genoa-Roma Inter-Lecce Juventus-Catania Lazio-Fiorentina Napoli-Palermo Reggina-Milan Siena-Sampdoria

5/a GIORNATA (a. 28/9; r.15/2) Bologna-Napoli Catania-Chievo Fiorentina-Genoa Lecce-Cagliari Milan-Inter Palermo-Reggina Roma-Atalanta Sampdoria-Juventus Torino-Lazio Udinese-Siena

6/a GIORNATA (a. 5/10; r. 22/2) Atalanta-Sampdoria Cagliari-Milan Chievo-Fiorentina Genoa-Napoli Inter-Bologna Juventus-Palermo Lazio-Lecce Reggina-Catania Siena-Roma Udinese-Torino

7/a GIORNATA (a. 19/10; r. 1/3) Bologna-Lazio Catania-Palermo Chievo-Atalanta Fiorentina-Reggina Genoa-Siena Lecce-Udinese Milan-Sampdoria Napoli-Juventus Roma-Inter Torino-Cagliari

8/a GIORNATA (a. 26/10; r. 8/3) Atalanta-Milan Cagliari-Chievo Inter-Genoa Juventus-Torino Lazio-Napoli Palermo-Fiorentina Reggina-Lecce Sampdoria-Bologna Siena-Catania Udinese-Roma

9/a GIORNATA (a. 29/10; r. 15/3) Bologna-Juventus Catania-Udinese Chievo-Lazio Fiorentina-Inter Genoa-Cagliari Lecce-Palermo Milan-Siena Napoli-Reggina Roma-Sampdoria Torino-Atalanta.

10/a GIORNATA (a. 2/11; r. 22/3) Atalanta-Lecce Cagliari-Bologna Juventus-Roma Lazio-Catania Milan-Napoli Palermo-Chievo Reggina-Inter Sampdoria-Torino Siena-Fiorentina Udinese-Genoa

11/a GIORNATA (a. 9/11; r.5/4) Bologna-Roma Catania-Cagliari Chievo-Juventus Fiorentina-Atalanta Genoa-Reggina Inter-Udinese Lazio-Siena Lecce-Milan Napoli-Sampdoria Torino-Palermo

12/a GIORNATA (a. 16/11; r. 11/4) Atalanta-Napoli Cagliari-Fiorentina Catania-Torino Juventus-Genoa Milan-Chievo Palermo-Inter Roma-Lazio Sampdoria-Lecce Siena-Bologna Udinese-Reggina

13/a GIORNATA (a. 23/11; r. 19/4) Bologna-Palermo Chievo-Siena Fiorentina-Udinese Inter-Juventus Lazio-Genoa Lecce-Roma Napoli-Cagliari Reggina-Atalanta Sampdoria-Catania Torino-Milan

14/a GIORNATA (a. 30/11; r. 26/4) Atalanta-Lazio Cagliari-Sampdoria Catania-Lecce Genoa-Bologna Inter-Napoli Juventus-Reggina Palermo-Milan Roma-Fiorentina Siena-Torino Udinese-Chievo

15/a GIORNATA (a. 7/12; r. 3/5) Atalanta-Udinese Cagliari-Palermo Chievo-Roma Lazio-Inter Lecce-Juventus Milan-Catania Napoli-Siena Reggina-Bologna Sampdoria-Genoa Torino-Fiorentina

16/a GIORNATA (a. 14/12 ; r. 10/5) Bologna-Torino Fiorentina-Catania Genoa-Atalanta Inter-Chievo Juventus-Milan Napoli-Lecce Palermo-Siena Reggina-Sampdoria Roma-Cagliari Udinese-Lazio.

17/a GIORNATA (a. 21/12; r. 17/5) Atalanta-Juventus Cagliari-Reggina Catania-Roma Chievo-Genoa Lazio-Palermo Lecce-Bologna Milan-Udinese Sampdoria-Fiorentina Siena-Inter Torino-Napoli.

18/a GIORNATA (a. 11/1/09 ; r. 24/5) Bologna-Chievo Fiorentina-Lecce Genoa-Torino Inter-Cagliari Juventus-Siena Napoli-Catania Palermo-Atalanta Reggina-Lazio Roma-Milan Udinese-Sampdoria.

19/a GIORNATA (a. 18/1 ; r. 31/5) Atalanta-Inter Cagliari-Udinese Catania-Bologna Chievo-Napoli Lazio-Juventus Lecce-Genoa Milan-Fiorentina Sampdoria-Palermo Siena-Reggina Torino-Roma.

Itu di Amerika, negara dengan fasilitas internet yang tentunya lebih maju daripada Indonesia. Tapi siapa nyana, melengkapi sukses Obama juga ternyata ada kisah gaptek-nya McCain dan "kegagalan" timnya dalam ber-web2.0 ria.

Apakah ada kekuatan politik di Indonesia yang akan mengulang kisah sukses serupa? Siapakah "Obama" dan siapa pula "McCain"-nya? Jawabannya akan terlihat dalam rentang 9 hingga 14 bulan mendatang. Ketika masa kampanye pemilu, pileg dan pilpres digelar dalam tajuk pesta demokrasi 5 tahunan.

Nah, liputan KOMPAS seperti tertaut di atas itu menyorot betul tentang masih minimnya kualitas situs parpol di Indonesia. Tapi tulisan ini tidak juga berniat mengulas secara wah tentang tema serupa. Ini sekedar celetukan akan perlunya alternatif penyegaran dalam mengenalkan diri (baca: parpol) ke khalayak luas. Lebih tepatnya, khalayak pemakai internet yang diprediksi sudah berjumlah 25.000.000 (25 juta) orang di tahun 2007 kemarin.

Setiap yang segar, segar, dan segar hampir pasti lebih memiliki daya terobos yang dahsyat. Karena relatif tidak terbebani pencitraan masa lalu. Malah sebaliknya, bebas dan bergairah dalam mengungkapkan cita dan citra baru. Termasuk pula penyegaran dalam pengelolaan nama domain website parpol. Sebab bisa jadi "selama ini" situs resmi sering dipakai sekedar profil atau publikasi acara rutinan, itu-itu saja.

Atau malah lebih parah, jarang, jarang, dan jarang di-update secara berjangka. Yang terakhir ini, bisa ikut menurunkan citra parpol: sebagai tak optimal mengelola situsnya sendiri. Dan pada gilirannya dalam lingkup tertentu, sang parpol bisa dipandang gagal dalam mengkomunikasikan atau mengenalkan dirinya kepada khalayak.

Nah, salah satu cara untuk "keluar" dari "kebekuan" situs parpol semacam yang terakhir tadi ialah dengan membuat website, situs, laman baru. Ya, baru, baru, dan baru. Hanya kali ini, fokusnya lebih jelas, yaitu untuk KAMPANYE PEMILU 2009. Otomatis, nama domainnya pun harus memiliki "keunikan" tersendiri. Supaya nuansa segarnya menjadi terasa.

Salah satu alternatifnya ialah dengan mengkreasikan nama domain. Misalnya dengan menambahkan angka tahun 2009. Misal: Golkar2009, PDIP2009, PKS2009, dst. Ini untuk menguatkan kesan rentang waktu dan fokus utama: PEMILU 2009.

Tapi lebih enak lagi kalau nama domain juga dimanfaatkan sebagai sosialisasi nomor urut parpol. Jadi misalnya: GOLKAR23, PDIP28, PKS8, dst. Dan di sanalah, di website baru itu, parpol leluasa untuk menyuguhkan kesegaran-kesegaran dan penyegaran-penyegaran baru bagi masyarakat maya.

Isinya tentulah harus mewadahi hal-hal seperti interaktivitas, partisipasi komunitas, dan kebaruan. Sekedar contoh, isi/konten dapat berupa:

1. Pemuatan utuh dan lengkap daftar calon legislatif / calon anggota dewan yang diusung
2. Galeri foto kepartaian baik dari kesekretariatan partai atau kader dan simpatisan
3. Rekaman video aktivitas kampanye dialogis / kampanye tertutup parpol
4. Pusat agregasi dari blog/situs resmi atau layanan social networking. Baik yang dikelola oleh lembaga resmi parpol, atau juga oleh para simpatisan dan kader
5. Forum tukar pendapat yang membedah visi, misi, konsep, program parpol, dlsb
6. Pusat download/pengunduhan seluruh materi kampanye

Yang paling menarik sepertinya poin 1. Di mana "masyarakat luas" dapat ikut meranking, memberi peringkat dan penilaian tentang caleg yang diusung parpol. Paling tidak, sekedar memberi komentar.

Begitulah, sekedar usul sederhana. Apalagi setelah dicek, kecuali pks8.com, pan9.com, pdk20.com, dan ppp24.com, semua kombinasi parpol lain dan nomor urutnya masing-masing masih tersedia dalam .com

Dengan begitu, nama domain jadi jauh lebih singkat (4, 5 sampai 8 "huruf") sekaligus unik. Mudah diingat, dan siapa tahu, jadi makin menarik.

Mehr als 103 Millionen Menschen haben den Song Contest 2008 gesehen, und für 2009 erwartet der Svante Stockselius, der Generalsekretär des Eurovision Song Contest, eine Steigerung des Publikumsinteresses.

Now THIS excites the living hell out of me! Zack Snyder (300) brings another graphic novel to life with Watchmen, a great-looking flick set to drop on March 6, 2009.

Most people who are into this type of thing already have seen and analysed the trailer to death, but I bring it here for those who might not ordinarily be into these types of films. I can almost assure you good people that this one is going to be hot. This is something different from the usual superhero mania and it should be a nice breath of fresh air for those a little too tired of the Iron Man and The Dark Knight hype that dominated the summer blockbuster season.

So...here is the trailer. Enjoy!

Trailer:

A empresa Oceania Cruises anúncia seus novos destinos para 2009.

O continente europeu em 2009 estara sendo visitado pela Oceania em diferentes rotas e destinos.

Veja o catálogo online:  http://ebrochures.oceaniacruises.com/showmag.php?mid=hqhhf#/page0/

No, that is not a typo.  Bowerbank has given himself $202,606 so far and received one itemized contribution for $100.  From an employee.  The Post says that a second guy gave less than $100.  Really taking the commonwealth by storm....  Why is it that he wants to be governor again?

More than 75% of senior marketers say they expect spending for new media and online initiatives to increase in the next year despite the tough economy, according to the sixth annual PR Week Marketing Management Survey.

Only 21% of the 252 US chief marketing officers, VPs of marketing and marketing directors and managers say budgets will remain the same, and 4% expect a decrease.

Less Good News (for some agency folk):

Survey participants also overwhelmingly agree that they would be “most likely” to cut from many other disciplines before turning to digital if forced to scale back budgets as a result of poor economic conditions. Advertising is cited as the most likely to be cut (35%), followed by point-of-sale marketing (29%), public relations (16%) and direct marketing (16%).

Says a spokesperson: “Digital is an advisable investment because of the strong, measurable results it can produce and targeted audiences it can reach, and it’s also one of the more economical options. On the other hand, advertising is more expensive and PR more vulnerable because marketers feel it isn’t measurable.”

Se va uno de fiesta y la mañana siguiente lo primero que veo, que "tiran" a Villalonga y Soler le da el Valencia a Soriano. No me voy a meter mas a fondo con ésto porque primero, no estaba enterado casi de nada de lo del "caso Villalonga", por esas fechas unos cuantos nos dedicábamos a difundir el rumor de que había fichado a Cristiano Ronaldo aprovechando la falta de comunicación. Y segundo, porque tampoco es que sepa mucho de lo que puede hacer el nuevo presi (sólo me suena el nombre y de haberlo visto por Mestalla, nada más).

Pero a lo que iba, a lo del título de la entrada de hoy, menuda alegría la de ayer por la tarde al recibir una llamada de la empresa que "me pagó" un pase para Mestalla este año. El resultado: contrato renovado como acomodador del Valencia para el último año de éste estadio, en tribuna (que ya nos conocen...) y 99,99% de ser acomodador también en tribuna... del nuevo Mestalla, la temporada 2009-2010.

A ver este año si se despiden en condiciones del estadio, me bastará con que no tenga que volver a decir eso de que "porque me pagan, que si no estas que vengo...".

Nos vemos, que esta noche sigue la fiesta, Amaral en directo desde Torrent!!

BURMA DIGEST: So you have successfully completed this semester. Some people got  confused and so can you tell me what the difference between EWOB and AEIOU is?

Prof Yee: Yes! We have successfully concluded this 2008 semester. EWOB is Empowering Women of Burma which is an NGO founded since 1992,     and registered in Canada where I started with one sewing machine in the Thai-Burma border area to help the refugees’ women and children. Since then we have come a long way working silently with humility and sincerity. AEIOU is the one of the major projects of EWOB started as a University Upgrading Course (UPC) as a pilot project in 1999/2000.

BURMA DIGEST: How did AEIOU started?

Prof Yee: Working for the women and children in the refugee camps I discovered the real problem of the youths. The refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and Migrant Youths are prevented from further studies because they have little or no choice. Annually, the refugee camps at the Thai Burma border regions are churning out about 3,000 highs schools graduates. Camp leaders and elders who have vision requested us to find opportunity for the younger generation to study. Very few of them have little or no hope for further education. Some found jobs with the NGOs with a minimum wage but most of them are unemployed. Some sneak into towns to work as illegal immigrant workers. Some got involved in narcotic and became a problem to the community and to the host country. Others became desperate and went out to the front lines to battle the Junta forces.  Some of them got married and their offspring and family suffered the same fate and vicious cycle begins. Less than one percent of these youths get scholarships to study abroad but here again they faced a lot of problems and difficulties as they are placed into an entirely new atmosphere with different value system, language, climatic conditions and food. Obviously very few could keep up with the modern method of life at their respective universities abroad. It seems that the prospects of these refugees have little or no future at all. There should be some alternatives to ease all these tension and create better world. Hence the continuing education becomes a necessity and we founded this AEIOU.

BURMA DIGEST: Why is it called Open?

Prof Yee: Open University means we do not teach the whole year round. We let the period of study open for the workers and others who are not able to attend a regular class the whole year. First semester is in Chiang Mai and the second semester is in their respective communities to implement the assigned tasks and independent writing. They also have to organize the youths. If a student did not implement the assigned task he/she does not come the next year.  We also discover that some take the intelligent youths train them in English and computer and send them abroad where most of them stay for good. Others emphasize on distant learning education but the contact between teacher-pupil is minimal. It     was in between these two that we hit on the Open University idea. We admire the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University www.stou.ac.th of Thailand and it was on these lines that we draw up a plan. The other aspect is that we did not want the student to be cut off from their roots.  The spirit of going back and serve their own community have to be encouraged.

BURMA DIGEST:     You, yourself has come back from a third country and why did you prohibit the student from going to a third country?

Prof Yee: That is a very good question. We have no objection students going to a third country, especially those who are seeking asylum, as they have no choice. What     we are preventing is the brain drain and the mass exodus of the ethnic community which tantamount to encourage the ethnic cleansing policy of the Burmese regime.

BURMA DIGEST:     Aren’t you destructing individual rights and democracy as far as going to a third country?

Prof Yee: No. We have given the student a choice. If they want to go to a third country they can and let that third country educate them, not us.

BURMA DIGEST:     Does this mean that none of your student can study abroad?

Prof Yee: No, they can do it.  We have sent the third year students abroad and they have come back and served their own community. We understand that they need exposure and experience of how people in other countries think and act for themselves and community. Thus we plan further study program at least one year abroad. Selection is very strict, and observation is very thorough, student should be competent to reach a third year with a good moral character, commitment and dedication. In short they must be also nationalistic and competent. Then only he will be selected to study abroad or at least in a Thai University.

BURMA DIGEST: Why you said Thai University, what do you mean?

Prof Yee: Well this year is conspicuous. First is that we able to send 7 students to the professional institutes. One to Dentistry, Two to Medical College, One to Technology, One to Business Administration, One to Humanities and one will be send abroad. We found that Thai University is friendly and good partner interns of education. We trust that the standard of education is up to the mark in professional field. Second we could ink the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between our mother University, the Simon Fraser University (SFU) of Vancouver, British Columbia and Chiang Mai University (CMU).

BURMA DIGEST:     How many students and faculties this year?

Prof Yee: Only 35 students, we have about twenty three students in the Faculty of Social Sciences including Humanities  and about a dozen in the Faculty of Pedagogy. This year we train the High School teachers leading to B ED courses in lieu with the Faculty of Education of the Chiang Mai University.

BURMA DIGEST: How do you screen and streamline the students?

Prof Yee: Every student must successfully complete the first year where in the first semester, he/she will have to take five compulsory subjects (English, Computer, Contemporary Burmese History, Thai Language and Administrative subjects) and another two optional subjects, here in Chiang Mai (Jan to May). The second semester in their respective community and write the research paper and organize the other youths and if he met the criteria he was selected to study professionally.

BURMA DIGEST:     Is there any bond with them?

Prof Yee: Yes. They must serve one year at AEIOU and go back and serve two or three years in their own community.

BURMA DIGEST:     Is there anyone who betray?

Prof Yee: No! Up to this date.

BURMA DIGEST:     What is conspicuous about AEIOU, and what are the salient points?

Prof Yee: (1) Up to this day it is the one and only Burmese University in Diaspora.
(2) Conspicuously, laying down the spirit of Pyidaungsu (Union Spirit) for the Union of Burma
(3) Unlike other universities our curricula is catered to the need of the country. We designed the curricula aligned to the country in comparison with the ideas that our generation’s need, the gap in our country education system, and the future prosperity.
(4) We give Diploma only after 80 credit hours and Degree 160 credit hours which come to at least four years in the latter and two years in the former. This is because ours is intensive course in the first semester and more time for concrete research and independent writing in the second semester.
(5) We are the only institution that wittingly or unwittingly did not encourage the brain drain. It is the University of Burma, for the people of Burma, by the people of Burma far away from the encroachment of the Burmese Generals.
(6)Enable to give a good and a virtuous vision to the students, to be patriotic, to serve the country and people, to lead a more holistic life, to enjoy an innocent youth life etc.

BURMA DIGEST: Do the population knows these criteria?

Prof Yee: Of course they know and the youths choose to sit for the matriculation or entrance examination, every year in hundreds.

BURMA DIGEST:     When is the Matriculation (Entrance) Examination and where the student can answer? And what criterion should the student know.

Prof Yee: We have the annual matriculation examination in July or round about. Since we are taking several categories of students such as refugees, IDPs, migrant workers and those from inside Burma we have round about 40 exam centres. We usually held exam centres in almost all the refugee camps of the Thai Burma border area. Then we have it in border towns for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) like Laiza in Sino Burma area and Aizawl in Indo Burma areas besides the Thai Burma border area. For the migrant workers we have international centres like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi etc. The criterion is English to that of the GCE (A) LEVEL and General Knowledge must be at par with the current Burmese and International affairs.

BURMA DIGEST: How did you select your Faculty members?

Prof Yee: We invited the Professors both Burmese and foreigners especially those who are well experienced and love to teach, some professors responded with Cetena and continue to teach for one semester after another. While some leave for various reasons. Most of them are volunteers and attracted by humanitarian gestures and loved the students whose thirst for knowledge exceeds far beyond the standard. It is both-side learning and on the whole the result is satisfactory and we owed lots of gratitude to them. Up to this date we have 27 professors from 13 countries.

BURMA DIGEST:     How do the subjects are taught?

Prof Yee: Medium of instruction is in English except French and Phad Sar Thai.     Even though our curriculum is standard it has to be aligned to meet the exigencies of the day e.g. we discovered that previously Trauma was found only in refugee and IDPs students but as of this year we discovered that a lot of Trauma was found in every student coming out from Burma, and also from the migrant workers hence the cure of Trauma become a necessity and for this subject name it as Stress. It was taught by an expert from France. May be this year because of the conditions in Burma, psychology and Trauma subjects will have to be introduced more clinical.

BURMA DIGEST:     Do you teach Burmese?

Prof Yee: No, not at the University level. It must be taught in the high schools for in the Matriculation we have translations from Burmese to English and vice versa and if any schools that did not teach Burmese it is obvious that their students cannot answer the annual Matriculation Examination. We accept Burmese language as a lingua franca among all the ethnic tribes of Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: Some people accuse that AEIOU is half university and half booth camp?

Prof Yee: There are always wild accusations. Remember our university motto is “Academic Excellence and Superb Training.” We emphasize on training the trainers, hence many workshops and training subjects are included. A student must be punctual, do the daily chores, study 5 hours a day (not including 6 hours in class) and must be amity with others. Prohibited from smoking and drinking (we consider it as a weapon of enemy because in the narco baron ruled Burma if     you are caught with narcotics you got a light sentence but if you happens to write a poem on the merits of democracy you are jail for 3 years). We imposed these rule stringently. In other words we wean out the student and take only the cream. We believe that it is necessary to follow a right path to reach the goal. That is why if you go to any refugee camp, IDP or Migrant areas you will witness that most of the youth leaders are those who passed out successfully from AEIOU. We appreciate them for applying their knowledge they gained here.

BURMA DIGEST:     Some people compared your AEIOU with other universities and that you are somewhat giving the student a Spartan training.

Prof Yee: AEIOU is a war time university education. The fact that we could not run this programme in Burma itself is a proof and cannot be compared to the other universities which are peacefully teaching in their own country. As said earlier     Burmese Government is against higher education itself lest the people got educated and threaten their position. We are somewhat similar to what the French patriots aligned their education during the Vichy government or that of the Vietnamese education during the time when the Americans were bombing with might and main. As such AEIOU should be compared to the war time education system on an ad hoc basis.

BURMA DIGEST: I am sorry to ask you this question since I cannot contribute any pence to your good cause. But can you tell me where you get your budget.

Prof Yee: Ours is just a simple lean and mean machine. Before saying the budget we should start with the commitment. Budget is not the criteria. It is the commitment. The aim to help younger generation should be clear and have to implement to reach the goal selflessly. Remember EWOB commence with one sewing machine and now after two decades we are running sewing projects with over hundreds of sewing machines in the peripherals of Burma. So also when AEIOU started way back in the 90s it has only a dozen students and now it becomes a degree program with over 30 students every year. To be candid, the funds are usually from the church based NGOs from Europe and from individuals, compassionate and sympathetic persons from all corners of the world. But we admit that we have no regular funding or commitment donors to support our program. Therefore every year we have to go round and lobby from them. Presenting real situation of the project, the need felt, including reasonable budget planning and way of implementation plus transparency and accountability are the main components we present.  We always report fully and questions are answered.  Donors are welcome to visit the program. As seeing believes, any time donors can come with own plan or arranged. With reasonable amount of donation we can implement as we are volunteer and the expense of the office is minimum. Appropriate management and dedication is much more important than the affluent fund. Of course sometimes we do not get even half of the budget, but our projects survived yearly and the programs grow obviously. Now we are in the 9th year and we are confident that our friends will never fail to help us. Education is the pillars of Democracy and Evolution of thoughts are undeniable and desirable for the people of Burma.

BURMA DIGEST: What is your set up?

Prof Yee: EWOB has its board members and so like wise AEIOU has its University Council which are spread world wide. They communicate each other by email and give necessary advice and information. We refer to them when we need technically. Now I am serving as the Rector, and there is a Dean, Registrar, Board of Examiners, office manager and many assistants. We have an office in Chiang Mai and our coordinators are working hardly. The most crucial and dynamic persons are the grass root level camp crews in refugee camps, representative in IDP and Migrant workers areas. In the international exam centres we have our contact persons and of course inside Burma we have our men who have to be very discreet as you might as well know. It will be unfair if you compare us with the Oxford, Cambridge set up as we already told you that we are building a war time education system. But the basic structure is not less than others. We wish we would reach a real university set up with chancellor, trustees and crown with the president of Burma etc, we harbour that dream but can only come true if all people accept the importance of education in building a democratic Burma or a utopian society of our dream. But nobody can deny that professors in our program brought new thoughts and educate the generations with inspiration despite of crisis and risk. Their selflessness and dedication should be always honoured and respect.

BURMA DIGEST: What is the underlining Rationale?

Prof Yee: Democracy cannot flourish in an education vacuum, has been proven by the contemporary history of Burma since independence (1948). Successive military administrations (starting from 1962), has targeted education to sustain them in power. AEIOU in short is a systematic accelerated capacity building institutions laying down the foundations of Union Spirit, democracy, good governance as students became dynamic work force, if not natural leaders in their own community, empowering and multiplying the democratic ideals in the civil societies. We believe that,” what Oxford and Cambridge Universities think of today, England will think of tomorrow and what AEIOU think of today, the Federal Union of Burma will think of tomorrow.”

BURMA DIGEST: Do you have anything to say to the people of Burma?

Prof Yee: To the people inside the country in time of desolation stand firm and constant in the resolutions and determination, be brave, and stand up for the truth. I am proud of their dedication and sacrificial spirit  for the country and helping each other in time of need please keep it up, for in the end Truth shall make you free. To the Burmese in Diaspora I wish them to think globally and act locally support each other rather than the internet warriors. To be candid we are in the same boat and if we are united and have much more understanding each other than now our destination to success is not so far. To the youth, read more knowledgeable books, put more interest in education, rather than fall into temptation. Experience may be the best teacher but believe strongly that only education can expand your vision and purify your thoughts for better society and for yourself.

BURMA DIGEST: Thank You

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"Don't get too excited about Forsythe saying he's running two cars in Lights and his manager saying IRL and ALMS programs are almost complete. I think those teams will only exist if somebody brings a bunch of money."

For the original post, please click here.

The monies raised during the weekend-long event are donated to various organizations in the community that have been named as Festival Beneficiaries. In addition, the highest individual bidder from Saturday Night’s Black Tie Dinner and Auction has the privilege of designating ten percent of the Festival proceeds to the local charity of his or her choice.

Who Benefits (incomplete list of beneficiaries)

1. Indian River Medical Center and Foundation

2. Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice

3. Vero Beach Museum of Art

4. Riverside Theatre

5. Children's Home Society

The Treasure Coast Wine Festival represents the culmination of a long-time dream. Two closely knit non-profit organizations, two dedicated boards of directors and a multitude of friends of the foundations who are enthusiastic wine lovers, came together to create what is known as the Treasure Coast Wine Festival.

2000
The inauguration of the Treasure Coast Wine Festival in Vero Beach, Florida brought a unique event to the community.

2001 – 2003
The beginning years of the Festival saw continued support with the Live and Silent Auctions as the cornerstone of the weekend-long wine and culinary event.

2004
The 2004 Festival Organizers added Friday Night Restaurant Dinners and a Grand Wine Tasting that included over 120 fine wines.

2005
The next year offered even greater change with the inception of Private Home Dinners in some of Vero Beach’s most exquisite barrier-island homes.

2006
The Grand Wine Tasting was positioned as a more informal aspect of the festival weekend attracting both wine collectors and novices to the tent.

2007
The eighth year of the Festival became one of transition as the Festival Organizers took a year-long hiatus. During this time the Treasure Coast Wine Festival received 501 (c) 3 non-profit status and brought many newcomers to the event.

2008
After the 2007 break, the Festival came back with much excitement and support. The year was one of record results and $350,000 was donated back to the community. In total over $2 million has been raised by the Treasure Coast Wine Festival in support of its mission. View the 2008 Treasure Coast Wine Festival.

Welcome Reception
Thursday, January 22nd
The Festival kicks off a weekend swirl of events at the Welcome Reception. Festival Chefs and Vintners are welcomed to Vero Beach and to the excitement of the Treasure Coast Wine Festival by Board Members, Organizers and Special Guests. The attendees enjoy an evening of fine wine and culinary treats at one of Vero Beach’s premier hotels

Private Home Dinners | Restaurant Dinners
Friday, January 23rd
The second day of the Treasure Coast Wine Festival offers two unique dining experiences. On Friday night, Festival patrons may choose to dine at one of Vero Beach’s finest barrier-island homes or distinguished restaurants. Each Private Home Dinner pairs a select winery with a renowned chef to create an exceptional culinary experience. Likewise, the Restaurant Dinner showcases local chefs’ talents with a superior vintner pairing. Both the Private Home and Restaurant Dinners combine remarkable cuisine, exceptional wines and worthy fellowship.
Private Home Dinner: $750 pp
Restaurant Dinner: $175 pp

Black Tie Dinner & Auction
Saturday, January 24th
Under the Grand Tent at Riverside Park: The Wine Auction will be held under the Grand Tent on the grounds of Riverside Park. The black tie gala begins at 6:00pm with cocktails and a one-of-a-kind silent auction. Guests will then be seated for dinner and the live auction. Fritz Hatton, of the Napa Valley Wine Auction, will auction superior lots of wine from around the world, unique dining experiences and exotic travel opportunities. Savor the flavors of a sumptuous four-course meal, accompanied by fabulous wines. Black Tie Dinner & Auction: $750 pp

Grand Wine Tasting
Sunday, January 25th
Under the Grand Tent at Riverside Park: The weekend concludes with the Grand Wine Tasting on Sunday afternoon under the Grand Tent at Riverside Park. Wine aficionados and novices celebrate together the bounty of the grape. Enjoy an afternoon sampling wine, observing demonstrations, attending a seminar or cheering on your favorite chef in the Mini-Iron Chef Competition!
Grand Wine Tasting: $50 pp prior to event and $60 pp at door

Treasure Coast Wine Festival Ticket Packages:
Full Weekend with Restaurant Dinner Package: $875 pp
Full Weekend with Private Home Dinner Package: $1,250 pp

Tickets will be available in the Fall.

The Treasure Coast Wine Festival has many sponsorship levels available.  You may choose from one of the unique sponsorship categories that are listed below or  we are happy to work with our sponsors and create a one- of- a- kind opportunity that will better suit your sponsorship needs and goals.  For further information, please contact Kirsten Kennedy or Meredith Vey @ 772.794.9386

Interested in Volunteering?

The 2009 Treasure Coast Wine Festival will bring several of the world's finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and other bidders for a three-day wine gala to Vero Beach on January 22-25. Private vintner dinners will be held Friday evening at barrier island homes and at 3 beachside restaurants. Saturday's Black tie dinner and wine auction, and Sunday's Grand Wine Tasting will be held under the tent on the grounds of the Riverside Park . In 2008, we had approximately 150 individuals who donated their time to help run the Festival. Volunteers can sign up in various capacities from decor & set up, administrative support to parking attendants. The Treasure Coast Wine Festival could not take place and be the success that it is without the support from all of these wonderful volunteers!

For information on participating as a volunteer:
Call us at 772.794.9386
or email us at volunteer@treasurecoastwinefestival.com

Cuando Hyundai rediseño su compacto Elantra para el año modelo 2007, la compañía eliminó el estilo de carrocería hatchback, manteniendo solo un sedán cuatro puertas. En el Auto Show 2008 de Chicago, Hyundai anunció que un hatchback regresa a la línea de modelos en la forma del Elantra Touring 2009.

Comparado con el sedán, el Elantra Touring estará más orientado a lo deportivo, tendrá cuatro puertas y el mismo motor cuatro cilindros 2.0 litros, pero también incorporará una suspensión más deportiva, una altura de marcha más baja, una palanca de velocidades de tiro corto y rines y llantas más grandes.

A la suspensión delantera de puntales MacPherson y la trasera de enlaces múltiples, el Elantra Touring añade respectivamente resortes delanteros y traseros 24 y 39 por ciento más rígidos, barras estabilizadoras más grandes adelante y atrás, amortiguadores exclusivos y una dirección más directa. Aunque el sedán ofrece rines de 15 y 16 pulgadas, el hatchback tendrá rines de 16 y 17 pulgadas con llantas de perfil más bajo.

El cuatro cilindros 2.0 litros enviará 141 caballos a las ruedas delanteras por medio de una transmisión automática de cuatro velocidades o una manual de cinco velocidades. La automática cuenta con el conjunto de cambios manuales Shiftronic de Hyundai, mientras que la manual viene con una palanca B&M Racing de tiros cortos.

El Hyundai Elantra Touring también vendrá con un nivel superior de equipamiento estándar respecto al sedán. El control de tracción y el control electrónico de estabilidad vendrán de serie, al igual que el ABS con asistente de frenado y distribución electrónica de la fuerza de frenado. Otros equipos de serie incluirán aire acondicionado, volante telescópico y de posiciones, ventanas y seguros de puertas eléctricos, espejos con calefacción, control remoto de entrada sin llave, asiento del conductor ajustable de ocho posiciones con soporte lumbar, sistema de audio AM/FM/XM de 172 watts con seis bocinas, y luces de niebla. Las entradas auxiliares USB/iPod también vendrán de serie. Cuando un iPod o un dispositivo de almacenamiento es conectado al puerto USB, se carga el iPod, provee acceso a las canciones a través de los controles de audio del volante o el radio, y despliega información de canción, artista y título sobre la unidad principal de audio. El Elantra Touring también ofrecerá un paquete Premium-Sport que agrega quemacocos eléctrico, asientos delanteros con calefacción y llantas P215/45VR17 sobre rines de aleación.

Un estilo de carrocería hatchback implica un paquete más eficiente. El Elantra Touring tendrá una distancia entre ejes de 106.3 pulgadas, lo que es 2 pulgadas más larga que la del sedán, pero también será aproximadamente una pulgada más corto. El sedán ofrece 14.2 pies cúbicos de espacio de cajuela. El Elantra Touring tendrá 24.3 pies cúbicos de espacio de carga detrás de los asientos de la segunda fila y un total de 65.3 pies cúbicos con el asiento de la segunda fila divisible 60/40 plegado en plano. También habrá un área poco profunda de almacenamiento bajo el piso trasero de carga. Hyundai dice que el Elantra Touring tendrá más volumen interior que cualquier hatchback cuatro puertas en su clase.

Los precios no habían sido anunciados al momento de publicar, pero esperamos que el Elantra Touring comience alrededor de los $17,000 cuando salga a la venta a finales de este año (otoño de 2008). ]]>