Online University Lowdown

Bill and Melinda Gates put a hefty portion of their billions into philanthropic efforts involving development, healthcare, and – of course – education. The foundation that bears their name sponsors a number of amazing opportunities for impoverished or otherwise marginalized individuals to thrive academically and vocationally, whether they be accessible inside the walls of a classroom or a library. Here are at least 10 of their current projects and strategies that they have in place to ensure that more students across the world obtain the education they need in order to thrive and help build and reinforce their communities.

1. Sponsoring Thrive by Five : Along with many other private and public institutions alike, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Microsoft Corporation work in tandem with Washington State’s Thrive by Five program. Bill Gates even once served as the chair of the board of directors. This nonprofit strives to provide the best possible early learning opportunities for children before entering into kindergarten. Among their myriad projects intended to stimulate small children and grant them with a head start in their education are numerous statewide initiatives that promote and encourage learning at home and libraries as well as in recommended institutions, the building of standardized, efficient models for schools to follow, and nurture partnerships with sponsors and other schools that maximize everyone’s educational potential. Their website outlines 3 extremely specific and altruistic goals that all of their projects follow – “Help create the environment to support early learning and positive child development,” “Make effective early learning programs more available,” and “Be a voice for and assist in building early learning systems.” No matter what service the citizenry takes advantage of, they are met with ideals painstakingly constructed to offer Washington’s youth a fantastic beginning to the schooling that will last them a lifetime.

2. Calling for Financial Aid Reform : Almost anyone who has ever had to deal with the Financial Aid system will freely discuss the various migraines associated with applying, receiving, and paying off their loans. Much of the research they site paints a grim portrait of postsecondary education in America, with at least 7 major points of financial concern for low-income students. Because of these factors, those from a lower socioeconomic bracket drop out of higher education at a much higher rate than their comparatively more fiscally stable contemporaries. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation refers to the current Financial Aid situation as “antiquated and needlessly complex,” and because of this they are utilizing their considerable resources to find a way to streamline the system so that it runs smoothly and allows more lower income students to graduate from college. One such measure the Foundation is currently undertaking involves providing grants to help defray some of the cost of an education. They are also researching the effectiveness of incentives and other means of encouraging financially-strapped students to stay in school instead of dropping out due to monetary concerns. Such reforms are targeted specifically to those struggling in Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, but will hopefully grow to encompass all Americans in due time.

3. Providing Access to State-of-the-Art Technology : Computers, their peripherals, and the internet all open up numerous educational opportunities for students of all ages. Many institutes of higher learning now offer courses – even entire degrees – online as a cheaper, more convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Using the aforementioned research regarding the high rate of low-income students dropping out of college or university prior to graduating, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks to offer grants to purchase technology that encourages financially struggling students to work on their classes and diplomas in a manner that dovetails nicely with their frequently harried schedules without cutting too deeply into their bank accounts. Adaptive software, cutting-edge technologies, digital video, open content, online delivery, and data systems comprise the majority of their focus, as they believe that these form the very core of an education supplemented by the ever-expanding computer industry. At the moment, they are currently testing the myriad ways in which access to the best possible technology encourages students to remain in school and complete their degrees through online courses that work in tandem with their lifestyle needs, trying to find the strategies that work best for everyone involved.

4. Promoting Flexible Postsecondary Education : Even college and university students who do not grapple against financial difficulties still face issues with scheduling their classes. Some still have to contend with full-time jobs and families in addition to an education, feeling stressed and forced to execute a delicate balancing act. The strain only elevates once fiscal concerns and Financial Aid issues begin creeping their way into the equation – and first-generation or low-income college students have it the worst of any demographic. Because The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation believes that education is a right as opposed to a privilege, it seeks to find methods of schooling that provide a great deal of flexibility without sacrificing quality. They are currently working with a number of different state institutions to formulate strategies that provide numerous opportunities without the complete hassle of stopping and starting for multiple semesters to take care of vocational or filial obligations. Accelerated programs and improved programs may both hold the key to providing a valuable education for those trying to study within strict time and/or financial constraints, and at the moment these initiatives are in place as a means of figuring out what works and what does not.

5. Building and Promoting Libraries Worldwide : The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in conjunction with 10 different countries across the globe, is working to build state-of-the-art libraries with books and computer terminals alike in areas that sorely need them. Education extends far beyond classroom walls, and providing impoverished communities with all the necessary and updated resources needed to supplement and support former schooling. They also engage adults seeking further understanding of the world around them as well – and at no added cost, either. Current projects involve hooking up free internet access in libraries around the United States before moving on to Vietnam, Chile, Mexico, Bulgaria, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Botswana, Ukraine, and Romania in later phases. With 40% of Americans unable to access the internet at home, this undertaking opens up numerous vocational and educational doors to a marginalized but still expansive minority – allowing them to apply for better jobs, attend classes, and explore the world in a way that expands their horizons and helps improve their quality of life. The process works closely with each individual library to ensure that all the needs of the surrounding community are met rather than adhering to one strict universal blueprint.

6. Providing a Multitude of Grants : Grants form one of the cornerstones of the social justice projects instigated or supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and they take a 4-part approach to giving them out in 3 separate but interlocking areas. Each of the 4 stages – “Develop Strategy,” “Make Grants,” “Measure Progress,” “and Adjust Strategy” – were created by the Gateses and their colleague Warren Buffett to specifically lead into one another in a cycle rather than a straight linear path. They hope to observe their grants in action to see what works, what does not, and what may need some retooling in order to bolster efficiency and maximize the amount of people being helped. Working with a blind eye turned to national or cultural borders, grants go not only towards educational opportunities such as financial aid, libraries, scholarships, technology, and – of course – schools, these grants also help develop struggling nations (and impoverished sections of wealthy ones), address homelessness and poverty issues, and provide immunizations and treatment for a number of curable and preventable illnesses that many individuals and families sadly cannot afford. Others are set aside to assist in times of national or international emergency, and on a smaller scale the Gateses also financially nurture communities in the Pacific Northwest region they call home.

7. Intensive Partnerships : Intensive partnerships involve a level of commitment far beyond the traditional variety, as one can probably assume. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has worked with a multitude of schools, libraries, and other institutions to organize and mobilize against social and educational issues alike. Memphis City Schools and the associated governing bodies, for example, received a $90 million investment to improve the lives of both the students and the surrounding community. The money addresses different problems that arise from life in a poverty-stricken region by nurturing the schools by improving their Advanced Placement programs, measuring and implementing effective teaching strategies, providing better rewards and incentives for educators, and working directly within the school environments themselves to begin dissolving potentially harmful cultural elements. Similar programs have been put in place in Hillsborough County, Pittsburgh, and Los Angeles as well. Ultimately, these programs hope to motivate students towards success in a postsecondary institution and eventually landing a rewarding, satisfying career. Doing so holds the potential to significantly increase the number of degrees conferred in the United States, a number which has been wavered little since the 1970s.

8. Access to Learning Award: Incentives lead to a much greater motivation for individuals and corporations to work harder towards accomplishing a preset goal. Awards, bonuses, benefits, and other gifts stand as entirely win-win situations for all parties involved, and because of them students across the world have far more opportunities with far more qualified teachers and better technology than they otherwise would with their own occasionally meager resources. The Access to Learning Award is given through the Global Libraries portion of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a means of bolstering faith in and rewarding the libraries who foster education in their communities through books, programs, and internet access. Past recipients span the globe from a library in a small, isolated village in Australia to one bringing computers and the internet to Veracruz. Qualified institutions have to adhere to certain criteria before receiving the $1 million prize. Unfortunately, many scams have taken to using the Access to Learning Award as a cover for their shady activities, so the Foundation provides extremely valuable information on how to avoid falling victim to their scheming.

9. Providing a Multitude of Scholarships : In addition to their broad variety of grants and awards, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also offers up over 27,000 scholarships for high school students from low-income families. This reinforces this belief that anyone who desires to attend college and earn a degree should not be prevented from doing so. While most of the money goes towards American students and institutions of higher learning, much of it also funds the projects and prospects of internationals hoping to study within disciplines that will help to build and sustain their communities back home. Some of the scholarships, for example, are available for Cambridge University, aspiring law students, University of Washington, and African women interested in a career in agriculture. Graduate and undergraduate levels are all available for those who qualify by meeting certain income and academic standards. There is even one meant for promising fifth graders, teaching them the leadership and academic skills that will help them succeed in an institute of higher learning years later.

10. Sponsoring the Native Lens Program : The nonprofit Native Lens Program and its affiliate Longhouse Media serve two extremely valuable purposes. First, they provide Native American youths with all the tools they need to plan and produce films that blend together traditional cultural and storytelling elements and modern perspectives and ideas. Second, it also provides a glimpse into the inner workings one of the most consistently overlooked and marginalized minorities in the United States, allowing others to see how these communities have to grapple against watching their culture deteriorate thanks to external oppression. Longhouse Media extends beyond the filmmaking element, striving to nurture creativity in all the Native American arts and crafts so that they do not become lost to the ebbs and flows of time. Both have attained considerable success and progress with their goals, having participated in a multitude of film festivals and enjoying recognition by PBS, Sherman Alexie, and other respectable media and creative figures.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation values education as a right afforded to anyone who seeks it rather than a privilege only for those who can pay for degrees an expensive college or university. Because of this, they provide millions of dollars worth of funding to schools and libraries alike as a means of nurturing a love of learning without cutting too deeply into pocketbooks. Doing so not only helps build up individuals, but provides them with all the tools they need to better their communities as well.

Education policy has been the single most consistent issue in the US political discourse for the last 30 years. Historically education policy reform proposals and information have been dictated by think tanks, political parties, and more traditional avenues. Increasingly, however, some of the most interesting and innovative education policy discussions are taking place on the blogosphere. These blogs
range from topics on K-12 education up to international policies and higher learning. To keep you abreast of the most interesting of these discussions, we have compiled, in no specific order, what we consider to be the 50 best and most important education policy blogs. 

1.      
Education Policy Blog 
This is a multiblog about the way educational
authorities can advise on educational
practices and policies. They focus on the five disciplines of education:  history, curriculum theory, sociology,
economics, and philosophy.

2.      
Ed.gov  From the U.S.
Department of Education, offering breaking education policy news and updates
for No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This blog provides insight from several
federal agencies.ogy.

3.      
The Quick and the Ed Written by a team of policy staff
from the education sector, they strive to create longer posts with independent
sources of information and analysis on education policies.

4.      
 Edspresso.com  You can frequent this blog for the latest
updates and news on education reform.  Be
prepared for no-nonsense commentary on a number of issues.

5.      
Intercepts   Provides listening posts that follow teachers’
unions and public education.  Summarizes
different observations and actions of these policies and systems.

6.      
American Association of State Colleges and
Universities Your connection to any federal legislation concerning
higher education and state policy issues. 
A great means for state policy concerns and it also has a Congressional
directory.

7.      
The Forum for Education and Democracy  Encourages the articles,
investigations, and industry concerns which advocate the democratic
expectations of public education.  They
are dedicated to a solid public school system.

8.      
Education Policy Analysis Archives  A
decisive online peer review journal on education policy.  This blog points at major issues that are
surfacing in this occupation.

9.      
The Higher Ed Watch Blog This blog focuses on promoting ways to
increase college accessibility, affordability, and quality. There are many
frank discussions on how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the
federal student aid program.

10.  
The
Education Wonks   An prize winning educational
policy blog. There are many good links and frequent posts.                

11.   ShermanDorn   Written by Professor Sherman Dorn who offers
a rare perspective on the politics and history of education. He documents
deviations in education and how they can lead             to
non-productive education policies.

12.   This
Week in Education  Gives you an inner look at the latest
education policies and news. Commentary is posted daily, sometimes several
times a day.

13.   Jay P.
Greene  A factual blog about thoughts and data on
education policies. Professor Greene is skilled in education reform at the
University of Arkansas and a senior fellow at Manhattan Institute.  

14.   Education
for the Aughts Provides open analysis and discussion on
many issues in public education. This blog will keep you informed of the hidden
glitches in education policies that might be missed.

15.   NCLBlog  A blog from the American Federation of
Teachers that focuses on their views on the No Child Left Behind Act
(NCLB).  Posts include changes that have
already been made, areas that need improvement, and possible solutions.

16.   BoardBuzz  Written by a team of editors from the
National School Board Association (NSBA). Delivers versed reading on important issues to
board members and to all public education advocates.

17.   Education Week  
These articles raise the level of awareness of the public and
professionals of important policies in American Education. Covers local, state,
and national news from preschool through the 12^th grade.

18.   Schools
Matter  Explores
topics in public education policy. This blog promotes commitment and
re-exploration of the democratic purposes of schools.

19.  
Educational
Equity, Politics & Policy in Texas  Primary
posting on Texas Education with additional focus on the nation level. Read on
various policy topics such as testing, accountability, bilingual education, and
school finance.

20.  
Education
at the Brink  Commentary on education, policy, and
politics. Offers interesting aspects on the cross between the three.

21.  
The
Core Knowledge Blog   Covers ed policy and education with attention
on Kindergarten through 8^th grade. They share a belief that students
need a shared and specific curriculum in order to establish strong foundations
of knowledge.

22.  
Eduwonkette  
Prides itself on covering serious education issues with an occasional
twist. This blogs background is social science so expect plenty of analysis on
culture and gender gap applied to education.

23.  
Education
Watch International  This blog targets international education
policy and news.  They primarily cover
events taking place in the U.K., Australia, and here in the United States.

24.   Cato@Liberty  Documents many different aspects of education
and child policies. Articles vary from elementary public education to higher
learning.

25.  
The Tempered
Radical  Designated solely for stimulating topics of
conversation about education.  Written by
a classroom teacher with broad professional policy experiences.

26.  
Flypaper
  Brought to you be the Thomas
Fordham Institute, one of the most influential bodies in
education reform.  The blog is an
extension of their weekly bulletin the Education
Gadfly.               

27.  
Learning the
Language  From government policy to innovations, Mary
Ann Zher looks at the broad perspective of immigration and education.  Her posts tackle difficult policy questions
and shares stories of different cultural groups she has met along her way.

28.  
Campaign K-12  Written
by experts on state and federal education policies. This blog regularly covers
political updates that can affect education at the state and federal levels.

29.  
Special
Education Law Blog  Reported by an attorney from Chicago,
Illinois who has a child with special needs. 
It focuses on case studies and rights for advocates.

30.  
Principal’s
Policy Blog  From the National Association of Secondary
School Principals, you can be updated on the newest federal policies in
education.  There is also a link that
lets you discuss your topics with elected official and local media in your
area.

31.  
Thoughts
on Education Policy   This blog is aimed towards anyone that has
any interest in education policy.  The
main topic is issues facing high-poverty urban schools such as teacher
retention and discipline.

32.  
Practical
Theory  Articles are posted on views on education
reform and policy by a high school principle. 
Opens your mind to education from a classroom point of view.

33.  
The
Chronicle of Higher Education 
Offers higher-education news
and policy from around the world. You will see postings daily on many
international issues.

34.  
D-ed
Reckoning   A straight forward blog focusing on reform,
policies, and news in K-12 education. 
Primary concerns are operating and functional educational institutions
in the future.

35.  
The
Thinking Stick  Educational updates and interpretations on reform.
Posts are by an international school teacher located in Bangkok, Thailand.

36.   NY Times Education  Daily
education news stories and policy updates from The New York Times.

37.  
Media Infusion  A PBS
blog for teachers.  Each month they have
a guest expert to discuss multi media research policies on education.

38.  
Change Agency
Written by a Content Area Specialist
in High School Literacy who grew tired of “Battling the Hamster Wheel”.  Offers a broad variation of ideas for a
better education system in the 21^st Century.

39.  
eSchool
News   Centers on technology updates for the K-20
educator. Discussions are help often on new policies being implemented to bring
technology to the classroom.

40.  
Eduwonk  
Penetrating analysis of education policies. This blog is full of very
lively short items and is always on top of the news.

41.  
The

Chalkboard  A thoughtful approach to keeping an eye on
education policy. They are constantly discussing hidden issues that affect
education.

42.  
Susan
Ohanian. Org  This blog is no holds barred in confronting
controversial issues in education.  Posts
are tough but fair regarding the education system and its policies.

43.  
Eduflack  Ideas
are expressed by an expert on educational policy with a focus in
communications.  These posts have the
ability to take complex education issues and cut them down to easily understood
thoughts.

44.  
Education
Weak  Observations on government policy in schools.
Gives many compelling arguments on school choice alternatives.

45.  
Roy’s
Blog on Schools Education
blog from the chair of Strong American Schools and the former Superintendent of
the Los Angeles Unified School District. 
They focus on education being the key for future prosperity in our
society.

46.  
The Early Ed Watch Blog  Provides
up to the minute reporting on policies that affect children’s access to high
quality Pre-K-3 educational programs. 
Brought to you by New America, a non- profit public policy institute.

47.  
EduBlog
Insights  A place to explore more possibilities for
technology in education. Regular discussions are held on new policies that are
being implemented.

48.  
Get Schooled  A
source for information on education policies in the state of
Georgia.  There are also posts about how
this is related to national education reform.

49.  
Educated Nation
 An intuitive look at universities, colleges,
and higher education. They offer news and opinions on many of the issues and
policies that matter the most.

50.  
The School Law Blog  Tracks
releases on legal events that affect schools, educators and parents.  Articles are about academic cases in the U.S.
Supreme Court and lower courts.      

The above list was compiled after having sorted through hundreds of diverse education related blogs. While any such list is bound to make important oversights and omissions, it is our hope that this list of the top 50 education policy blogs will provide you with a good starting point from which you can enter the important education policy debates of our time.

Few online communities are as welcoming and open to beginners as those devoted to the ancient craft of knitting. In order to promote an appreciation and love of the utilitarian art, they provide thousands of free patterns for personal, charitable, and occasionally commercial use. Ranging in skill level from the very basic to the masterful, they all provide an excellent service for those seeking to personally craft their own wardrobe and home, give a highly personal gift, or donate to a beloved charity.

1. Ravelry : Ravely easily exists as the most bustling knitting community on the internet, where hobbyists and professionals alike gather to share their projects and experiences, show off their yarn stash, and – of course – post knitting and crochet patterns. Every skill level of every possible project imaginable can be found on the 500 pages dedicated solely to completely free instructions. Even more are available directly from the designers for a fee. Smaller special interest groups have sprung up within the larger site as well, making it even easier to look for patterns conforming to highly specific needs and interests.

2. Knitty : A free online magazine devoted solely to knitting, patterns sit nestled alongside tips, tricks, and stories. They can be found either by type or by columnist and cover a wide variety of personal styles, from understated classic cardigans to flashy and fun rockabilly skirts. All patterns are ranked with a quirky system lining difficulty levels up with a corresponding degree of spiciness.




Source: Wikipedia

3. Daily Knitter : Comprehensive without veering too far into dizzying overstimulation, the Daily Knitter offers up a staggering array of patterns for clothing, accessories, housewares, toys, and novelties alongside a directory of local yarn stores and quick tips for those stuck on a stubborn or unwieldy stitch.

4. Elann.com : Not only does Elann.com provide an excellent and broad spectrum of pattern types and styles, but it also sells the discount yarns to go with them as well – up to 84% off luxury and designer brands. In addition, the site allows users to swap out unwanted skeins from their stash with other knitters as well as chat about related topics.

6. Vogue Knitting : High fashion meets handicrafts at Vogue’s knitting website. Inspired by seasonal runway trends, their free patterns allow knitters to sport chic designer styles for only the price of yarn and needles. Additional patterns can be bought through their shop, with the most expensive holding a $7 price tag.

7. Knitting on the Net : Run by The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Knitting & Crocheting author Barbara Breiter, Knitting on the Net hosts free patterns in addition to a stitch dictionary to assist and inspire those wishing to create their own. She also provides a comprehensive glossary to explain all the terms and techniques she uses in all her designs.

8. Free Vintage Knitting : For knitters interested in selling their wares but weary about the copyright and legality issues associated with patterns, everything featured on Free Vintage Knitting has already passed into the public domain. They are free for commercial use and do not require royalties. As a result, however, all the available patterns are limited to much older fashions. Those seeking something more contemporary would not find much to satisfy their aesthetic.

9. Crystal Palace Yarns : Like many yarn companies, Crystal Palace Yarns supplies consumers with complimentary patterns specially tailored to flaunt the texture and quality of their merchandise. However, it is entirely possible to switch out the recommended yarn with one from a different brand provided it is of the same weight and gauge. Crystal Palace provides a generous amount of projects with a heavy emphasis on clothing.

10. Lion Brand Yarn : One of the most trusted purveyors of reasonably priced yarns, Lion Brand offers over 2,000 free patterns featuring their respected products. Their highly specific search criteria allow users to find projects based on skill level, yarn type, and what they are interested in making. Some designs can only be accessed with a free membership.

11. Knit Picks : From the elegant to the kitschy, Knit Picks provides free patterns as well as designer exclusives for $1.29 for a PDF file and $2.99 for a printed version. They also sell kits for sweaters, scarves, ornaments, and other projects that contain absolutely everything necessary for completion.


Source: Wikipedia

12. Knitting Knonsense : Dishcloths, potholders, and afghan squares stand as one of the easiest projects for beginners and quick, personable gifts for the most advanced. This site focuses almost exclusively on squares with geography, animal, holiday, letter, and number themes.

13. KnittingHelp.com : Though better known for their highly informative instructional videos, Knitting Help.com does dedicate a portion of the site to free patterns as well. Most of their offerings focus on clothing for women and children.

14. Bernat : Another yarn company advertising their products with enticing complimentary patterns, Bernat even includes an option allowing users to visualize finished projects in a different color yarn. However, the site requires a free membership in order to access the instructions.

15. Caron : Offering free patterns to accompany their various lines of yarn, Caron proudly supports Friendshipshawl.org and Rwanda Knits. They also feature free, stylish, and attractive XXL patterns for women whose body type oftentimes goes overlooked when it comes to fashion.

16. Knitting-and.com : A colorful, eclectic site, Knitting-and.com provides dozens of fun, quirky, and creative patterns, stitches, and color charts. Author Sarah Bradberry also hosts a helpful wiki for readers as well as a comprehensive list of charities in Australia who accept knitted and crocheted items for donation.

17. FreePatterns.com : Catering to crafters of all kinds, FreePatterns.com offers instructions for projects of varying styles and difficulty levels. They carry an especially generous selection of both knit and crochet afghan patterns appropriate for almost every interior.

18. Knitting for Charity : While their patterns can be knit for personal or gift use, the main emphasis of this site lay predominantly with items requested by charitable organizations. They also provide information regarding nonprofits accepting knitted or crocheted goods as well as listing what each one needs most. Featured charities run the gamut from providing caps for chemotherapy patients to scarves and gloves for mariners.

19. Craftbits.com : Focusing more on a funky, quirky aesthetic, Craftbits.com offers knitters and other creative types the ability to rate their patterns, leave comments, and even enter contests to win supplies. Aside from Ravelry, they seem to carry to best selection of knitted novelties and amigurumi toys, mostly involving some sort of food or treat.

20. Yarn Lover’s Room : In addition to hosting their own knitting and crocheting patterns, the Yarn Lover’s Room also serves as a directory where users can submit free instructions from elsewhere on the internet. The site posts antique patterns as well, though with the restriction that they be used only for personal, gift, or charitable purposes.




Source: Wikipedia

21. Hello Yarn : Most of the patterns on Hello Yarn involve complicated fair isle and cabling techniques, so only the adventurous should venture here. However, those advanced enough to brave the skull cable or snail mittens will find themselves handsomely rewarded with lovely items in the Norwegian and Aran traditions or inspired by contemporary geek culture.

22. About.com: Knitting : The blog on the knitting portion of About.com thoughtfully offers suggestions for patterns based on the time of year. October brings Halloween and breast cancer awareness projects to the forefront, though knitting patterns for other holidays are still available year-round. This site focuses almost exclusively on accessories, housewares, afghans, and baby items as opposed to clothing.

23. DROPS Design : Run by Garn Studios in Norway, DROPS boasts patterns in 10 different languages in addition to selling almost 30 unique varieties of yarn. Most of their featured designs draw their inspiration from diverse sources, though they most frequently blend sensual catwalk fashions with traditional Scandinavian motifs.

24. Purple Kitty : Featuring an eclectic mix of knitting, crochet, and cross-stitch patterns, Purple Kitty reprints site all content with permission from Coats & Clark, Inc. Their free pattern squares serve as an intriguing – if not downright stunning – starting point for those desiring to design their own projects.

25. p2 designs : p2 designs places heavy emphasis on charity knitting projects, offering patterns mainly for chemotherapy patients, toddlers, babies, and premature infants. They provide an impressively long list of charities, mostly involving the care and support of children and displaced families all over the world. Any pattern not related to a charity must be purchased through their website.

Regardless of the intended recipient, a hand knit item always makes for an excellent gift for any occasion or a gracious, thoughtful donation to a charitable cause. Crafters no longer have to scour endless stacks of books and pamphlets in order to find the perfect pattern. With these websites, it is possible to quickly, easily, and – most importantly – painlessly find something appropriate for everyone from a finicky teenager to a classy grandmother to a shivering homeless man.

According to Dictionary.com, a humanitarian is a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, sometimes known as a philanthropist. With the recent disaster in Haiti and the next looming around the corner, anyone interested in their fellow man can’t help but take time to think about their role in the world and what can be done to make things better.

To that end, we have gathered 50 fascinating lectures for humanitarians. Learn from the best, or simply get a different point of view by giving them a listen.

Fascinating TED Lectures for Humanitarians

First launched in 1984, TED stands for technology, entertainment, design. It is a nonprofit organization devoted to “ideas worth spreading.” Best of all, the entire library of expert lectures is available to view for free.

1.Rick Warren on A Life of Purpose : Pastor Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose-Driven Life,” reflects on his own crisis of purpose in the wake of his book’s wild success. He explains his belief that God’s intention is for each of us to use our talents and influence to do good. The most emailed of the humanitarian TED lectures, a short 20 minute video could change your life.

2. Bill Gates on Mosquitoes, Malaria, and Education : Even if you’re reading this on a Mac, you already know who Bill Gates is. In this 20 minute lecture, he discusses a new kind of philanthropy in which he asks us to consider two big questions and how we might answer them. There is also a Q & A session featured on the blog.

3. Jose Abreu on Kids Transformed by Music : Jose Antonio Abreu is the founder of a youth orchestra system that has transformed thousands of kids’ lives in Venezuela. Here he shares his amazing story and unveils a prize wish that could have a big impact in the U.S. and beyond. The lecture is given in Spanish with English subtitles.

4. Bill Strickland Makes Change With a Slideshow : Bill grew up in the crumbling remains of Pittsburgh and the busted steel economy. He shares his tale of how arts, music, and an unlikely partnership helped him survive. Pictures and music accompany.

5. Cameron Sinclair on Open-Source Architecture : 2006 TED Prize winner Cameron Sinclair is co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit that seeks architecture solutions to global crises. On accepting his prize, Cameron demonstrates how architects can respond to world housing crises. He also discusses how architecture was used to help the refugees of Kosovo.

6. Andrew Mwenda Takes a New Look at Africa : Journalist Andrew Mwenda has spent his career fighting for free speech and economic empowerment throughout Africa. He argues that aid makes objects of the poor become passive. In this fascinating lecture, he argues that Africa can be a place to create wealth and happiness.

7. George Ayittey on Cheetahs vs. Hippos : Economist George Ayittey sees Africa’s future as a fight between hippos — complacent, greedy bureaucrats wallowing in the muck — versus cheetahs, the fast-moving and entrepreneurial leaders. Anger is unleashed on the corrupt leaders of Africa, while calling on the cheetah generation.

8. Bono’s Call to Action for Africa : He is the lead singer of U2 and uses his celebrity to end hunger, poverty, and disease, especially in Africa. In this twenty minute humanitarian lecture, he accepts the 2005 TED Prize and discusses how the world has changed in such a short period of time. He also urges that Africa isn’t a celebrity cause but a global emergency.

Fascinating Nobel Lectures for Humanitarians

With a wealth of prestigious winners, take a look at the speeches of those awarded this humanitarian prize.

9. Martin Luther King : In December of 1964, Dr. King traveled to Oslo to accept his prize. The entire text of his acceptance speech is available to read and share. In it, he discusses civil rights and his non-violent approach to it.

10. Mother Teresa : In 1948, she dedicated the majority of her life to helping the poorest of the poor in India, thus gaining her the name “Saint of the Gutters.” She also founded an order of nuns called the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. In 1979, she won the prize and even included a prayer in her acceptance speech.

11. Nelson Mandela : After 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela negotiated the end of apartheid in South Africa and became its first black president in 1994. He also received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. In the text of his speech, he calls for an end to inequality and hope for the future.

12. Doctors Without Borders : This nonprofit organization strives to bring medical care to those around the world who need it but have no access to it. Awarded the prize in 1999, this acceptance speech was given by Dr. James Orbinski, the then president of the MSF International Council. It discusses more in detail their work and what needs to be done to help.

13. Lech Walesa : This Polish Labor leader helped bring solidarity to the country. In 1983, this speech was given on his behalf. He also donated the $200,000 prize to a fund dedicated to rebuilding the country.

14. Albert Schweitzer : In 1952, this German-French philosopher received the prize for his theory of “Reverence For Life.” The speech is available in English, French, and as a sound recording.

15. Kim Dae Jung : He won the prize for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular. Awarded in 2000, he spoke on the work that was done and is being done to help the region achieve peace.

Fascinating Religious Lectures for Humanitarians

See how a relationship with God can aid humanitarian efforts with the help of these lectures.

16. Sermon : Billy Graham has been a leading preacher and humanitarian for over 50 years. In this sermon, he addresses a huge crowd on the teachings of Christ. Seven other sermons are also available.

17. For The Students : Pope John Paul II made his legacy as the most well traveled pope in history. Taking a special interest in the younger generation, he addresses a crowd at the CUA campus in Washington, D.C. in 1979. One of his few lectures in English, you can view it in two parts.

18. Reconciling Love : Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his immense contribution to the cause of human rights. In 2005, he gave this lecture in California on a new era of tolerance and forgiveness. Coming in at just over 50 minutes, it is both inspiring and fascinating.

19. Ethics For Our Time : Stop here for a nearly two hour humanitarian lecture by the Dalai Lama. In this talk His Holiness turns to one of his favorite themes: the importance of compassion. Far from being a uniquely Buddhist concern, the Dalai Lama explains why caring for others can be the basis for a rich and rewarding life for all people.

20. Human Rights : Amr Khaled is a Muslim televangelist, social activist, and the chairman of Right Start Foundation International. In this lecture, he speaks on women and human rights in the Middle East. Available as a download for Windows Media.

21. Is There Still a Mystery to Mysticism After Modernity? : Rabbi Alan Brill is a professor at Seton Hall University. In this 2008 lecture at Fordham University, he explains the role of God in modern society. Mysticism in modern times is also discussed.

22. Favor of God : Joel Osteen is the pastor of one of the largest churches in the world. In this 10 minute video, he lectures on how God is on your side. There are also many other videos from him to choose from.

23. Pope Benedict XVI Speech at the White House : In April of 2008, Pope Benedict made his first trip to America. In this speech at The White House, he addresses both Catholics and Americans. It is over nine minutes long and in English.

24. Speech of the Heart : Mother Teresa of Calcutta/Gonxha remains a leading name for religious humanitarians. In this two part speech, she answers questions and shares wisdom on God’s plan. Also done in English, it is a must view.

Fascinating Charitable Lectures for Humanitarians

For more on what charity and related topics mean, take a look at these lectures.

25. Private Pain and Public Compensation : Who can forget all of the charitable and humanitarian acts of September, 11? In this lecture Kenneth Feinberg, the Special Master of the Federal September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001, he addresses a crowd at Case Western Reserve University. His monumental and humanitarian task involved dispensing compensation to the families of the victims and he discusses it more here.

26. Charity vs. Charitable : The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university where Reverend Matthew Ruhl spoke to the class of 2013. Rev. Ruhl is best known for his energetic homilies, growing parish memberships and unorthodox fundraising schemes. In his talk, he discusses the real mean of service and what you can learn from it.

27. Speech on Charity : The Toastmasters are a well known group renowned for saying words of inspiration before that first sip. Dr. Shayama Chona gives a speech to this crowd. It is available in two parts from YouTube.

28. Prayer of the Children & Charity Speech : If you’re a humanitarian and a fan of “American Idol,” you will enjoy this video. It is a short speech made by David Archuleta. He also sings afterward.

29. Doing Good and Doing Harm : Fiona Terry delivered the 2008 Kenan Distinguished Lecture in Ethics at Duke University. In this lecture, she discusses the paradox of humanitarian action. She also gives analysis of the ethical dimensions of the humanitarian aid system, drawing both on her book “Condemned to Repeat?” and her recent work in Myanmar and the Sudan.

30. Dr. David N. Gibbs Lecture : Dr. Gibbs is an Associate Professor of History and Political Science at the University of Arizona. His lecture is entitled: First Do No Harm: Are Humanitarian Military Interventions Really Humanitarian? Kosovo is used as an example.

31. My Values, My Philanthropy : Linda Biehl is the cofounder of the Amy Biehl Foundation and lectures at the University of Texas at Austin. After her daughter was killed in South Africa, Linda chose to forgive rather than demand retribution against the youths convicted in the death of her daughter. In fact, one of the men who was convicted of the murder is a valued employee. She tells the crowd what humanitarianism means to her and what it can mean to each individual.

32. Lecture on the Role of Philanthropy : Professor Hersh Chadha gives a humanitarian lecture at the Institute of Journalism in the Ukraine. Given entirely in English, she addresses the role of the individual and philanthropy.

33. Lecture on Philanthropy : The president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation, Carol Goss gives this humanitarian lecture. She talks more about the power of philanthropy and the fear of mediocrity. Available in nine parts on YouTube.

34. Against Charity : Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian continental philosopher and critical theorist working in the traditions of Hegelianism, Marxism, and Lacanian psychoanalysis. In his lecture, he talks about how charity can actually be a bad thing. Available in several parts from YouTube.

Fascinating Lectures for Humanitarians on Hot Topics

Go behind the issues of our times with the help of these humanitarian lectures.

35. Engineering New Approaches to Cancer Detection and Therapy : One of the most devastating diseases in decades, learn more about what is being done to fight cancer with this lecture from MIT. With over 500 patients and 30 years of experience, Dr. Langer has earned the title “Mr. Wizard.” This lecture deals with his efforts to design materials for safer and more effective cancer treatment.

36. SUTC : Although technically not a lecture, humanitarians with an interest in fighting cancer should stop here. The video library from Stand Up To Cancer contains highlights from the show, along with never before seen footage. There are also many other resources on the site.

37. Al Gore Speaks at GW : If you are a humanitarian and concerned about climate change, the former Vice President is the lecturer for you. Speaking in December of 2009, he addresses a crowd at George Washington University about his new book. Climate change, sustainability, and other topics are mentioned.

38. Climate Change Hoax : Want to hear the other side of the argument? Then check out this short video of the James Corbett radio show. Retired climatologist Dr. Tim Ball discusses what Climate-Gate means and shares insights on what it shows.

39. The Lot of the Unemployed : Even when times aren’t tough, the struggles of the unemployed are on the minds of many humanitarians. Alan B. Krueger of the Institute for Advanced Study discusses new evidence on the plot of the unemployed and how they spend their time. The effect of unemployment benefits is also discussed.

40. An Overview of the United States Government’s Space and Science Policy : A brief overview of the basic elements of the U.S. space and science policy-making apparatus are presented. They focus on the interactions among the principal organizations, policy-making bodies, and individual participants. A good choice for humanitarians who want to use science to better the world.

41. On Science and Democracy : Scientists may be the smartest people in the world, but are they the most democratic? In this humanitarian lecture, physicist Lee Smolin discusses just that. He also talks about how the scientific community works.

42. Habitat for Humanity : The brainchild of former President Jimmy Carter, this nonprofit helps people around the world get homes of their own. In this 2009 speech, he addresses a crowd at Chaing Mai. Insights and more are shared.

43. Help for Haiti : It shouldn’t take a disaster for bipartisan efforts in humanitarian areas. However, with the tragedy of the Haitian earthquake, three presidents united to help. President Barack Obama and former Presidents Clinton and Bush 43 combine to aid the victims.

44. Hilarious Speech : If the above has got you down, check out this video. Former presidents Clinton and Bush prepare for a speech with hilarious results. Doctoring also added.

Most Inspiring Lectures for Humanitarians

If you need inspiration for your humanitarian work, or for any other purposes, the below lectures are sure to help.

45. The Last Lecture : When professor Randy Pausch was asked to give his theoretical last lecture which was entitled “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” no one knew how ironic it would be. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, his speech, book, and life became a worldwide phenomenon. See how it all started by checking out his lecture.

46. Why Aren’t We Happy? : Psychologist Dan Gilbert challenges the idea that we’ll be miserable if we don’t get what we want. Arguing that this synthetic happiness isn’t real, he focuses on what is. Twenty two minutes are available on YouTube.

47. Steve Jobs : This world renowned CEO of Apple tells his rags to riches stories to the graduating class of Stanford in 2005. He draws on some of the most pivotal points in his life, including death. Steve also urges graduates to pursue their dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks.

48. Oprah Winfrey : Another rags to riches story, Oprah Winfrey shares all with this graduating university class. In the lecture, she shares three lessons about feelings, failure, and finding happiness. Oprah also discusses her television career from 1976 to the present.

49. I Have No Name For it and Hope Nobody Else Comes up With One : Leave it to late writer Kurt Vonnegut to come up with such an inventive title. In another lecture to a graduating class, he addresses Rice University in 1998. Stories, advice, and even Adam and Eve are mentioned.

50. Startups : Don’t think you can have your own rags to riches story? Then check out this lecture from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, given at Startup School in 2008.

Even if you have decades of philanthropic experience or are just opening up yourself for the first time, you can learn a lot from the above 50 fascinating lectures for humanitarians. They can broaden your goals, inspire you, and even give you a different point of view.

Some online universities are particularly good about offering students scholarships, grants and financial aid packages which dramatically lower the costs of attendance. To help you pick the right school for you, we have ranked the top 5 online universities for overall financial aid packages. To request free financial aid and enrollment information from the schools below, simply click the buttons and fill out the request information forms for each school:

2.

University of Phoenix –
The most well-known online university is also one of the best for grants and financial aid. Phoenix works with its students to help them obtain the funding they need.

3.

Liberty University –
The Christian school with the top online university ranking, Liberty provides a high number of scholarships and grants to their students and are committed to offering excellent financial aid packages.

4.

AIU Online –
The most prestigious online university among employers also offers a wide array of scholarships and grants to help working adults get the degree they need to advance their career.

5.

Capella University -
Capella has an excellent reputation for academics, to help attract the best students it offers some of the best complete financial aid packages among online universities.

Here’s some food for thought: what you eat can affect how well you study. It’s true; a diet rich in essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables does wonders for your brain power. Don’t worry, pizza counts, as long as you make it whole grain and top it with lots of colorful vegetables and cheese. Check out our list of 20 foods that can help you boost memory and study more effectively.

Fish for good health…

1. Fish: Herring, salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut, anchovies, sardines and other cold-water fish are your best source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the primary components of the brain, retina and other nerve tissue. Studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids boost energy, enhance learning ability, improve problem-solving skills, and boost memory power and enhance communication between brain cells.

Show some soy power…

2. Soy: Foods made from whole, organic soybeans like soy milk and tofu are rich in choline, lecithin and isoflavones. Choline has been proven to positively impact brain development in addition to slowing memory loss, lecithin helps in preventing deposits of plaque in the brain, and isoflavones help improve cognitive function, category fluency, logical memory, spatial cognition and memory recall.

Reap the fruits…

3. Colorful and citrus fruits: Fill your platter with all the colors of the rainbow and a few more, and you’re guaranteed to improve your brain power. Avocados are especially potent in increasing blood flow to the brain because of their mono-unsaturated fat content. Other beneficial fruits that have a positive impact on your brain and help you recall information quickly include cantaloupes, watermelon, tomatoes, plums, pineapples, oranges, apples, grapes, kiwifruits, peaches and cherries.

Berry, berry good…

4. Berries: Blueberries are known for improving motor skills and learning capacity while strawberries are rich in fisetin, a flavenoid that improves memory recall. Elderberries, blackberries and raspberries have other brain power boosting benefits through their antioxidant content. 

Go green…

5. Cruciferous and leafy green vegetables: Your mother had a good reason for forcing you to eat your broccoli. Cabbages, kale, turnips, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, collard greens, cauliflowers, radishes, spinach, mustard green and water cress all help retain memory. Other vegetables that are good in boosting brain power are onions, red peppers, lettuce, carrots, asparagus, okra, mushrooms, broccoli and sprouts.

Chalk it up to chocolate…

6. Chocolate: Chocolate is not only delicious, it’s also beneficial to your brain and can help enhance your mood. Natural stimulants boost the production of endorphins that improve focus and concentration. Milk chocolate has been shown to improve verbal and visual memory and boost impulse control and reaction time. Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols that boost blood supply to the brain and help improve cognitive skills.

Go nuts…

7. Nuts: Rich in Vitamins E and B6, folate, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants, these small food items boost your brain power and improve your mood.   The whole nutty family of cashews, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts and pecans brings some benefit to your brain.

Sow the seeds of wisdom…

8. Seeds: Flaxseeds are a rich source of memory-boosting Omega-3 fatty acids. Roasted pumpkin seeds contain relaxing tryptophan and dry sunflower seeds offer thiamine, a form of Vitamin B that improves memory and cognitive functions.

Gain from grains…

9. Whole grains: The best brain stimulating foods are like financial news and information, they help the mind grow.  Grains like whole wheat, wheat germ and bran that contain a high percentage of folate. Oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain breads and cereals, barley and popcorn boost your blood flow to the brain. Wholegrain breads and cereals contain Vitamin B6 while wheat germ is rich in memory-improving thiamine.

No pea brains here…

10. Pulses and beans: The brain is fueled by glucose, and as it does not produce its own, the supply has to be kept steady from other sources. Rich in antioxidants, iron and other nutrients, beans help stabilize blood sugar levels. Peas, lentils, green beans, lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, and a variety of legumes help energize the brain.

A sage choice…

11. Sage: Whether used as a herb in your food or taken as a supplement in the form of oils and tablets, this member of the mint family has been known to boost levels of the chemical that helps transmit messages to and from the brain. Sage helps in the break down of the enzyme acetylcholine that is needed for the brain to function properly.

Currying brain favor…

12. Curry: This spicy Eastern delicacy is good for your brain because of a key ingredient, turmeric. The chemical curcumin which is abundant in turmeric helps remove plaque from the brain.

Brewing brain cells…

13. Tea: This wonder beverage, when freshly brewed, has been proven to improve memory and focus as well as combat mental fatigue. Green tea is your best bet to good relax mentally and keep your wits sharpened because of the catechines it contains. Black tea, while not as potent as green tea, also works well as a brain enhancer.

Egg those memory functions on…

14. Eggs: A rich source of Vitamin B and lecithin, eggs are good providers of EFAs (essential fatty acids) to the brain. The yolk is especially rich in choline, a basic building block of brain cells that helps improve memory.

Milk the goodness…

15. Calcium-rich foods: Yogurt, cheese, milk and other foods rich in calcium help in improving the function of nerves. Studies have proved that tyrosine, the amino acid in yogurt, is responsible for the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenalin. In short, yogurt helps improve alertness and memory. 

Beef up your brain cells…

16. Iron-rich foods: A deficiency in iron has been proven to be the most common cause for poor concentration, decreasing intelligence and slow thinking processes. Iron is essential to supplying the brain with the oxygen it needs to continue normal activity. Red meats and liver are the best sources of dietary iron.

Sweeten the process…

17. Carbohydrate-rich foods: When eaten without protein or fat, carbohydrates provide a soothing effect to the brain. The glucose from the carbs provides the fuel the brain needs to energize you. Avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries and pasta though, as they cause lethargy. Instead, stick to starches and sugars in the form of grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

Super supplements…

18. Supplemental herbs: Gingko biloba is one well-known supplement that improves mental clarity, alertness and memory. It stimulates blood flow to the brain by dilating blood vessels and increasing the supply of oxygen. It also destroys free radicals that are detrimental to brain cells. Others, though not as popular, are equally effective. Rhodiola rosea is a root that is used in the treatment of poor attention span, tiredness and decreased memory capacity. Herbalgram helps renovate oxygen-deprived cells while Panax ginseng has memory enhancing effects. 

Oil those brain cells…

19. Organic and plant oils: Get things moving in your brain with memory-boosting essential fatty acids. These EFAs can be found in oils such as olive, walnut and flaxseed.

Irrigate your brain…

20. Water: Nearly three fourths of the brain is water, which makes this life-giving liquid an essential component for the smooth functioning of the brain. When dehydration occurs, the brain releases the hormone cortisol which shrinks dendrites, the branches in the brain that store information. This leads to a decrease in memory power. Cortisol also produces adrenaline which affects mental and cognitive functions. Make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your brain active and quick.

University Degree Finder Search Tool

The cost of a college education is at an all-time high and is sure to get even more expensive in the future. Student loans can set you up for future debt, while scholarships and grants are often hard to come by. So how exactly is a student supposed to find money to go to school? We’ve detailed 20 creative ways to do just that.

1. Start young: Parents, this is for you. Don’t wait until your child is in high school to start thinking about funding their education. Ask grandparents and other family members to give savings bonds for birthdays and special occasions.

2. Tutoring: If you’re a good student, find out if your school is looking for tutors. You can also freelance and offer your services to classmates who have trouble with lessons.

3. On campus opportunities: Most colleges offer students a chance to pick up some money through administrative positions at their financial aid and registrar offices. There are also often job openings at the library, cafeteria and laboratories.

4. Use the web: Set up your own website or blog. Promote it and make money using Google’s AdSense program. You can also earn more cash by performing affiliate marketing services for other websites, where you’re paid for redirecting traffic from your site to theirs.

5. Get a job: You can wait tables, work retail, and talk to customers in a call center. These types of jobs often have flexible schedules that work around your classes.

6. Federal work study programs: Find out if your college takes part in the federal work study program that allows graduate, post graduate and professional students the chance to earn tuition money as they go to school.

7. Creative options: If you have a flair for the arts and are good with your computer, you can pay your way through school using the internet. Design websites, create logos, brochures and flyers, and put together presentations for companies that need these services.

8. Drug study programs: Laboratories need healthy test subjects to study their drugs, and college students often fit the bill. Some of these pay really well, but make sure you take part in drug studies that do not affect your health.

9. Conventions: Find out if your town is hosting conventions and secure yourself a temporary help position. Reach agreements with local businesses so that they’ll ask you to fill in when they’re short-staffed or over-worked.

10. Get people to support you: Send out requests to people you know, asking each of them to contribute to your college fund. Every small amount helps when you’re trying to stay out of debt.

11. Find a sponsor: There are people who are willing to pay the cost of your education if you agree to give them a percentage of your income for a fixed amount of time in the future. This is not the same as an education loan since there’s no interest to pay.

12. Loan forgiveness programs: The government offers various loan forgiveness programs if you agree to work in public service. You can work off all or a percentage of your student loans by fulfilling certain conditions for a few years after you graduate. For more information, visit The National Health Service Corps and the National Association of Public Interest Law.

13. Volunteer organizations: Volunteer organizations like the Peace Corps, Americorps and VISTA offer educational awards up to $4,725 for each year of service.

14. Seek help from community service clubs: Write to your local Lions, Rotary or Elks clubs and ask them for contributions to your college fund. You can also try soliciting businesses where you know senior personnel.

15. Programming skills: If you’ve got good programming skills, create your own software for small business needs and sell them to local businesses. Restaurants and bookstores need accounting, inventory and payroll packages, but may not be able to afford those on the open market.

16. Electronic repairs: Tinker around with broken and faulty electronic goods and computers for money. Being known as the resident handyman could bring in lots of business.

17. Get rid of extras: Ebay and other online auction sites offer you the chance to pick up some extra money by selling things you don’t need anymore.

18. Product promotion: A few companies offer students money to promote their products on location, over the phone or on the Internet.  These jobs are usually part-time with flexible working hours.

19. More work: It’s not easy to work when your friends are partying, but if you work extra shifts during summer, spring and winter breaks, the money you earn will go a long way to ensuring that you have a debt-free future.

20. Get your employer to sponsor you: If you’re studying on a part-time basis as you work, ask your employer to pay for all or part of your college education expenses.

Below you will find reviews of the top online universities. Students interested in a particular school can request free information directly from the online university by clicking on the ‘request free information’ links or read the review by following the links below:

1.

Kaplan University –
Kaplan is one of the best overall online universities, offering a large number of well-reviewed associates, bachelors, and masters degree programs.

2.

University of Phoenix –
The most widely known online university, Phoenix offers top rated online programs for almost every career objective.

3.

Liberty University –
One of the best Christian colleges according to student reviews of online universites. Liberty brings together Christian ideals and a strong academic reputation to become a top tier online university for Christian adults.

4.

AIU Online –
The most prestigious online university due to its top post-graduate employment statistics, AIU is a top choice for working adults.

5.

Capella University -
Capella’s national reputation in the job market for producing well-trained students makes it a leader for career advancement among the USA’s top online universities.

6.

Devry University –
The nation’s oldest online university, Devry is online university reviews consistently put DeVry among the top online schools for overall ranking.

7.

Westwood College Online –
Online university reviews of Westwood consistently rank its online associates and bachelors degrees among the best online universities.

8.

ITT Tech –
ITT is consistently recieves top rankings from online university reviews for its online technician programs. ITT offers both online and campus degrees throughout the US.

9.

Boston University –
Though offering just a few online degrees, Boston U consistently recieves positive online university reviews because of its top academic reputation.

10.

South University –
Consistently one of the best online universities in online university reviews of teaching quality and individualized courses, South is quickly becoming a top online university for bachelor’s programs.

11.

Everest University –
Everest is among the best online universities for working adults. With some of the most flexible online course schedules as well as life experience and work experience college credits, Everest appeals to full-time working adults.

12.

Grand Canyon University –
The quickest growing online Christian university, student reviews of Grand Canyon indicate it has the most flexible online class interface and top online masters programs.

13.

Baker College Online –
Considered a best online university for working adults looking for scholarships and grants. Baker offers financial aid packages geared towards working adults.

If you want to read more extensive online university reviews, please check out the following three reviews:

1. Capella University Review – A review of Capella University Online
2. Devry University Review – A review of DeVry University
3. University of Phoenix Review – A review of the University of Phoenix Online

If you thought Facebook was just another social networking site, if you thought it did not offer anything for the online businessman, here are 20 applications (or apps as they are popularly called) that will make you think again.   

1. Simple Stock Quotes: Keeping an eye on the movements of the stock markets? Then this is the perfect app for you – it allows you not only to watch the stocks you are interested in, but to play voyeur as well. Snoop around and see what stocks your friends are interested in, and the stock that’s watched the most by the entire Facebook community.

2. Zoho: With Zoho, you don’t have to leave Facebook to work on your documents, presentations or worksheets. You can either use your Zoho account to transfer your documents to Facebook or create a new user.

3. Box Files: If you have a Box.net account, Files allows access to 1 GB of online storage that you can use to stash any text, audio or video files.

4. Email: A nifty tool that allows you to contact non-Facebook users from within the community portal. Your regular email id shows on the sender’s address space, and replies are threaded just like messages are within the default Facebook messaging application.

5. 30Boxes Calendar: Use this app not just to write to-do lists and inform friends of events that concern them, but also to remind yourself of events – Calendar sends you text messages when events are due. You can also link the calendars between your Facebook profile and the 30Boxes site, making an entry in one reflect in the other.

6. Search: Scour the pages of Google, Amazon and Wikipedia from inside Facebook with the Search app – information at your fingertips.

7. To-Do: Organize your tasks, rank them in order of priority and set reminders for due dates. Delete them once they are complete.

8. Walkie Talkie: Group chats are so much easier with this application – send out invitations to others in your club and start discussions at the click of a button.

9. Think Free Docs: A nice app to upload your documents and share them with others in the community. You also have access to docs that other members upload. It’s easy to set up, though you do have to sign up with Think Free to be able to use it.

10. eBay Auctions: Use your profile to advertise what you’ve put up for sale on eBay, generate publicity for your auctions.

11. BillMonk: Money comes with its share of problems, especially when you’ve lent some of it. With human memory being what it is, BillMonk is the perfect solution to help you keep track of how much you’ve lent to whom. It also plays the role of your conscience, reminding you of how much you’ve borrowed too.

12. SlideShare: A cool app that lets you upload and share your PowerPoint and OpenOffice presentations, and KeyNote or PDF files with your friends. You can also leave comments on others’ presentations.

13. Jobster: Great for looking for work or for people to hire.

14. Ether: If you’ve got a skill to market, this app is a cool way to make some cash on the side. Advertise your talents on your profile using Ether – the app provides a number that people can call to avail your services (calls are forwarded to your personal number), once they pay the rate displayed on your profile.

15. Price Tracker: Shopping on Amazon is cheaper with this neat app – it tracks items you are interested in, and notifies you when prices change – so you can grab it when it’s sufficiently low. 

16. Fantasy Stock Exchange: Test your investing skills with this app – test the fantasy stock exchange waters before you take the plunge into the real world.

17. TechCrunch: Your one-stop source for all that’s moving and shaking on the Internet. The most happening companies, products and events that shape the Web are featured on the TechCrunch website – and this app feeds your appetite for news with direct news feeds and headlines from the site.

18. Upcoming: Keep your finger on the pulse of all that’s happening with this application; it provides information on all events that are around the corner.

19. Lending Club: If your credit’s good on Facebook, Lending Club’s all you need to borrow some money from others in the community. Trustworthy third parties take care of the risks and details involved. 

20. Developer Directory: A sort of bulletin board where you can market your software skills or look for programmers to join your project.

So you’re the web-savvy entrepreneur with enough business acumen and drive to make a success of your online venture. Now add to your arsenal with the best tools that will enhance your efficiency, and personalize the way you browse the Internet and scour it for information, making it obey your commands with little effort and even less time. Here are 20 extensions for the popular open source browser Firefox, that are a must-have in every entrepreneur’s tool kit.

1. Time Tracker: Productivity being the hallmark of a successful entrepreneur, time is of the essence when work is being done. How often have you looked at the clock with dismay to find that the day has gone by, and then at your work space with more dismay to find that you have no substantial results to show for all those hours? Time Tracker helps you keep track of the time you spend browsing the Internet using Firefox, enhancing your efficiency and effectiveness in the process. The counter, which pauses when you stop browsing, can be reset or set off for certain sites. A tooltip shows you the time that has gone by since you installed the add-on, the time since the last reset, and the time gone by today. The counter automatically resets at midnight.

2. Answers: The Internet made those big, heavy paper dictionaries almost obsolete. Now Answers allows you to look up answers and meanings on various dictionary and encyclopedia sites across the Web without having to explicitly surf their pages. All you have to do is hold your mouse over the word in question and press Alt and click (Ctrl for Linux users). A tooltip shows you relevant information on the same page. If you prefer the answer on a new tab, press Ctrl+Alt and click the mouse, and for a new window, use Shift+Alt.

3. Linkedln: A handy tool that links you to a network of professionals you can utilize for your business needs and contacts. The online community helps you find the employees you need through direct searches or referrals.

4. Firefox Extension Backup Extension: There’s no emphasizing the importance of backing up your data – and here’s an add-on that allows you to back up all your Firefox extensions, passwords, bookmarks, themes, preferences and cookies. Not only that, you can also standardize your browsing needs no matter which computer you use – FEBE allows you to synchronize your browsers on different computers by creating installable files when it performs the backups. 

5. Firefox Companion for Ebay: If you do regular business on eBay, then this tool is an absolute necessity in your kit. You can stay signed into your account, on a secure basis, as long as you need to monitor bids on your site. This add-on allows you to set tailor-made alerts for both normal and auction listings.

6. Clipmarks: Bookmarks are fine, they help you store web pages to peruse as and when you need them, but there are times when you forgot what exactly caught your eye on a particular page and spend a considerable amount of time and effort in trying to figure out what it was. Well, such a situation need no longer arise with Clipmarks – you can save only the parts of the page you think relevant to your interest, be it some text, a link, a picture or a video. Besides saving them to your computer, you can also publish them on your web page (copyright issues not withstanding) or send them to friends. ClipSearch allows you to run a search inside the content you’ve clipped, based on keywords, tags, descriptions and titles.

7. Download Statusbar: This nifty add-on allows you to view the status of your downloads without having to open another window. It includes an interface that you can set to hide or show as and when you need. 

8. WebMail Notifier: Tired of checking multiple email accounts? With WebMail Notifier checks Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, Daum, Naver, Empas and Nate accounts and lets you know how many new emails are in your inboxes.

9. WorldClocks: Working online means you tend to do business with people all over the world – and keeping track of local times is useful in such situations. WorldClocks allows you to view the dates and times at some of the world’s major cities.

10. Scrapbook: The Scrapbook extension not only lets you save web pages, it also lets you save parts of pages and whole websites, and also allows you to organize and manage your collection using easy search techniques.

11. BlueOrganizer: Reduce your browsing time with this smart tool – Blueorganizer helps you navigate easily between your favorite web sites. The add-on automatically adds shortcuts based on your browsing history, and takes you to those pages accordingly.

12. Mr. Uptime: A must-have tool if you have a very slow Internet connection – this add-on tries to access pages in the background even as you browse other pages that do open readily.

13. Foxmarks Bookmarks Synchronizer: Using different computers for your browsing needs does not mean you have to save your bookmarks on each on a dedicated basis. With Foxmarks Bookmarks Synchronizer installed on all the systems you use regularly, all your bookmarks are synchronized across all the computers. Using my.foxmarks.com, you can use any system to organize your bookmarks.

14. Calc: Keep a calculator handy for those quick computations, either in your sidebar or toolbar.

15. Free eBook Search: Looking for eBooks just got easier with this cool tool – base your search on book names, ISBN numbers, descriptions, author names or links.

16. Copy Plain Text: If you’re sick of all the hidden formatting, links and pictures that clutter a web page, then this extension is all set to be your new best friend. It allows you to copy just the text on any web page, even without the spaces that surround the words.

17. Adsense Notifier: Trying to earn a few bucks on the side with the ads on your site? Adsense Notifier keeps track of your income by displaying your Adsense earnings on your sidebar.

18. Yoono: Need all the information you can get your hands on related to a particular subject? The Buzz It! feature allows you to create a scrapbook of all text, pictures, videos and links that you think are important with just one click. You can add your own comments and descriptions to the page you just save, thus making it personal.

19. InFormEnter: Filling out web forms take up some time – time this tool is designed to reduce. InFormEnter adds an icon, that you can set to display information that you regularly enter, to each web field that requires data entry. One click on the icon and a drop down list lets you choose the information to be entered in that particular field.

20. PwdHash: A security measure for those of you who transmit sensitive information over the Internet, PwdHash generates per-site passwords when you prefix your password with @@ or press F2 before you enter the field. The tool prevents JavaScript from reading your password.