Too Many Greeting Cards!

We love getting greeting cards during the holidays, and we are sure that you do too.  However, after the holidays no one really knows what to do with the cards that they have gathered over the past month or so.  Here are some great tips on how to save those memories without taking up a whole closet in your apartment.

1 Scan or Photograph: Keep digital copies of important cards. File them by year, occasion, or filtered in your digital photo album.

2 Turn into A Book: Send your greetings to Cards for Keeps and they'll transform them into a bound book. If you're feeling crafty, you can try doing this yourself by following the blog Something Turquoise's DIY tutorial.

3 Reuse: I love well designed greeting cards. So much thought has gone into the design, so why not turn it into something else? As long as you're okay with losing the greeting part of the card, you could frame it, cut it up and use it for another project, make it into a gift tag, etc. The options are endless!

4 Turn into A New Card: Much in the same vein as above, a card does not need to be used just once. If it's a folded card, cut it in half and use the front as a postcard.

5 Donate to a Charity: Before you toss any unwanted cards, consider donating them. St. Jude's Ranch for Children will recycle used greeting cards and turn them into new holiday and greeting cards. You can also purchase their recycled cards to support their programs and services.

For more information see Apartment Therapy.

Everyone Can Have a Winter Wonderland

In this part of the country it is warm throughout the year.  Experiencing snow is very unlikely.  However, you can create a winter wonderland right in your home.  Keep reading to learn how to create snow right in your own home.

With my husband's office Christmas party just around the corner, I have already begun decorating. It takes a while to get all of our Christmas items up and set in stone.

Last year, the main focus of our house for the party was the Florida Room, which I turned into a Santa's Toyland. This year, the focus is once again on that room but this time, I'm turning it into a snow land.

Turning any room in your house into a snow land can be fun and it offers a slightly different twist to the more traditional Christmas theme. I chose the Florida Room because it is the room in which my guests most like to congregate. Additionally, the green curtains and blue carpet lend themselves automatically to the theme.

You can do something similar for your house by using some or all of the following ideas:

Idea #1. Start the theme with the Christmas Tree. This year I scaled back my 8' tree to allow more room for seating. Instead, I chose a smaller, thinner 6' tree, which I decorated in keeping with the snow land theme.

Think about placing cotton batting inside the tree to simulate snow. To make it glisten more, accent it with aurora borealis tinsel. Glittering snowball tinsel round around the branches works well too.

Choose ornaments that fit in with the overall theme. I used old world Santas, snowmen, angels and Christmas bulbs in clear, white and silver. Then, I popped it with color by placing red glitter poinsettias and snowflakes inside the branches as well.

Use a bow made of snowmen or a similar theme as a tree topper or pick out a glistening snowflake or star topper instead. Even an angel will work if you stick to clear or aurora borealis glass or plastic or choose something done in corresponding colors.

Idea #2. Temporarily cover furniture cushions and pillows with snow themed fabric.

The floral cushions in my wicker chairs were inappropriate for my snow land theme. So I used inexpensive ($1 yard) fabric in a snow theme to temporarily cover them. A simple running whip stitch allowed me to complete the job quickly. It will also make for easy removal once Christmas is over.

To pull the fabric together with the curtains, I replaced the curtain on my door to match the cushions. I left the other green curtains in place and simply dangled snowflakes from the tops of each. I also covered throw pillows in white felt and glued matching snowflakes to the front.

You can also replace throw pillows with store bought ones if you prefer. I added a couple that fit in with the theme but also popped in a bit more color.

Idea #3. Cover surfaces with a blanket of snow.

I used several different kinds of materials to achieve the look I wanted. For the large round wicker table in the center of the room I had to use white felt. It was the only fabric I could find that was large enough to cover the circumference. The fabric was around $5 a yard but one yard was all I needed.

Snow blankets can be purchased for smaller surfaces almost anywhere that Christmas decorations are sold. I used that material for my large rectangular table. These blankets retail for anywhere from $4 to $10, depending upon their size the features (e.g., glitter, glisten, etc.)

You can also use cotton pull-apart stuffing to make snow banks on large surfaces to cover really small areas. That material is inexpensive and can be found at any arts & crafts store, at Wal-Mart or fabric stores for around $4 a bag.

Increase the glitter factor with white glitter netting from Michael's Arts & Crafts. It can be draped or round a surface. The cost is about $7 per 84" by 15" piece.

Add snow flakes made from foam, fabric, or tinsel to accent the surfaces. Also think about using glittered white poinsettias.

Don't forget the snowmen. The ones I used happened to be wine bottle covers that will house Christmas gifts for some of our party guests.

Idea #4. Decorate surfaces.

I found cute little cardboard houses at Dollar Tree that doubled as gift boxes for party guests. They were perfect for decorating the top of one of the room's tables.

Add a bouquet of flowers or a plant to bring extra pizzazz to any surface.

Idea #5. Add some stockings on the fireplace.

Even a small fireplace in the room is still perfect for stocking accents. The top or mantel also provides another surface upon which you can place plants or other decorations.

Idea #6. Sit snowmen around the room.

I picked up the giant snowman pictured at a yard sale for $5. He sits inside the door to greet guests as they arrive.

Sit other woodland creatures around on the floor, between chairs, etc. Although they are not pictured, I have the perimeters of the room strewn with snowmen, old word Santas, reindeer and more. They cover up extension cords, trash cans and other things I don't want attention called to. They also add warmth and charm to the space.

Idea #7. Pipe in music with a snow theme like "Winter Wonderland," "Frosty the Snowman," or anything else appropriate. It will help set the mood and help calm the guests and remove the stress of their day.

Have fun with the theme. Get a bit wild and crazy with ideas if you want. The whole idea is to make a fantasy room that you and your guests will enjoy.

For more information see Yahoo.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Spend some time with your friends and family and remember everything in life that you are thankful for.

New Theater Production at Emory

 Make sure not to miss this new theater production at Emory that opens November 18th.  It is part of the New Works Festival and features tales of the Brothers Grimm.  There are five professional and nine student actors that portray each character in the various tales.

Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest: Tales of a Precarious Nature," the latest Theater Emory production opening Thursday, Nov. 8, follows a current trend of innovative approaches to creating theater.

The play, which runs through Nov. 18 at the Mary Gray Munroe Theater, takes modern, urban travelers into the shocking, forbidden and magical stories of the Brothers Grimm and drops them into places of disequilibrium and transformation.

"Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest" was conceived and directed by Theater Emory's artistic director, Janice Akers, originally developed in the 2011 Brave New Works festival on campus.

The characters are portrayed by an ensemble of five professional and nine student actors, who find themselves in compelling tales, "wrestling not only with the beast in the woods but with the demons inside of themselves," says Akers, "We are on a path to creating a piece that feels both primal and industrial, a world in which there are sudden and inexplicable events, both outside the characters and in their interior lives."

" 'Grim' has been a unique project to work on," says actor Nicholas Surbey, communications coordinator for Emory College Center for Creativity and Arts ('10C). "We started rehearsal with a concept and text from different stories, and worked together as an ensemble, under the guidance of our director, to put together a completed show."

"The resulting play doesn't have a traditional structure or chronological story line, but rather explores the intense complexity of experience reflected in these children's stories. We can go from being totally terrified and lost in the woods, to finding ourselves magically transported into something manically funny. Everything can change in a moment, so the drama of the evening really comes from waiting for the next extreme shift," Surbey adds.

Performances of "Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest" are Nov. 8-10 and 14-17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. in the Mary Gray Munroe Theater of the Dobbs University Center. Tickets are $20 general admission, $16 discount category members, $6 Emory students and may be purchased at the Arts at 
Emory box office at 404-727-5050. For more information, visit theater.emory.edu.

For more information see Emory.edu

New Fall Recipe

Now that the Election is over, it is time for everyone to relax.  Here is a great delicious recipe for an apple tart that everyone should try.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the apples:

• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, small diced
• 1/2 cup apricot jelly or warm sieved apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons Calvados, rum, or water

Directions

For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse 10 to 12 times, until the butter is in small bits the size of peas. With the motor running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. 

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Roll the dough slightly larger than 10 by 14-inches. Using a ruler and a small knife, trim the edges. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Peel the apples and cut them in half through the stem. Remove the stems and cores with a sharp knife and a melon baler. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices. Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices. (I tend not to use the apple ends in order to make the arrangement beautiful.) Sprinkle with the full 1/2 cup of sugar and dot with the butter.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. Rotate the pan once during cooking. If the pastry puffs up in one area, cut a little slit with a knife to let the air out. Don't worry! The apple juices will burn in the pan but the tart will be fine! When the tart's done, heat the apricot jelly together with the Calvados and brush the apples and the pastry completely with the jelly mixture. Loosen the tart with a metal spatula so it doesn't stick to the paper. 

Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature. 

For more information see Food Network.
Clairmont Reserve

Fall Back Time is Sunday

Do not show up an hour early for class on Monday.  This Saturday night to Sunday make sure to set your clocks back an hour for fall back time.  Enjoy your extra hour of sleep this weekend.

It's time once again for the annual ritual of resetting our clocks for a return to standard time. In fall, we turn daylight saving* time off, which means moving clocks back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, November 4, 2012. This return to "normal" time (Pacific Standard Time) moves sunset back an hour with the corresponding effect of an earlier sunrise.

Unless you plan on being awake and functional at 2 a.m. Sunday morning, set your clocks back one hour before retiring on Saturday night. You'll then be on time for Sunday activities and refreshed from getting an extra hour of sleep. 

For more information see About.com
Clairmont Reserve

Tips for College Graduates

College graduates are having more trouble finding jobs than ever before.  As they are forced to move home, they end up working part time retail jobs until they may land a job a few years later.  Here are ten great tips on how to improve your chances at landing a job post graduation.

Many companies are biased against hiring recent grads. Diana Zimmerman of the marketing communications agency CMS Communications, Intl., says she doesn't interview recent college grads anymore: "I have found, overall, they have, (right or wrong) a very different work ethic, and are just too self-absorbed. A job interview is not about them. It's about what value they can bring to the company. Many of them haven't even researched the company they are interviewing for."
But all hope isn't lost. Here's a list of 10 steps you can take to increase your chances of snagging a great job once you graduate.

1. Find hands-on learning opportunities. According to Sabrina Ali, career counselor and writer, participating in cooperative education or practicum opportunities gives college students "paid work experience, industry mentoring, and [they] become a known entity in their industry of choice prior to needing or wanting full-time work, and have a chance to figure out better what they want for themselves in terms of a career after they graduate."
See if your university or department offers opportunities that would allow you to try out working in the field you're studying in.

2. Socialize online (beyond Facebook). Maria Stephens, PR manager at the pattern-based analytics company Emcien Corporation, says it's important to manage your online reputation. According to her, employers will Google you, so it's best to be prepared by knowing what they'll find. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date. Either don't post anything embarrassing that might prevent you from being hired on Facebook or Twitter, or change your privacy settings so your updates don't appear in search results.

3. Become more than just a resume. Stephens also suggests managing a blog to give you a leg up in the competitive job market. "[Find] something professional that relates in a way to something that could strengthen your chances of getting an interview because you'll instantly become more than just a resume," she says. "Whether it's your interests with running or cooking, show that you're an interesting person with talents and a personality."

4. Never waste a summer. Sure, you know that interning is one way to get some job experience while still in college, but don't be afraid to take on more than one over the years of your entire college education. "In this tough job climate, it is important that college students prove that they are worth the risk of being hired," says Christie Haynes, president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau in Dawsonville, Ga. "They can do this by never wasting a summer in college ... Find an internship that allows you to gain valuable experience in the field you hope to enter upon graduation."

5. Take classes outside of your major. You can assume that if you take all the sociology classes your major requires that you'll be hireable when you finish your degree, but the truth is: that's not always the case. Other classes, especially those in business, can give you real-world knowledge that employers will appreciate. Consider taking classes in communications, public speaking, finance, and general business.

6. Get a part-time job in the field you're interested in. Scooping ice cream to pay for your college courses won't do you any good when you graduate. Robert Sollars of Today's Training LLC says if you take an entry-level position in the industry you want to work in (such as working a private security position if you're working toward a degree in criminal justice), you can get a sense of what the work requires to see if you're truly interested in making a career out of it. "This will allow them to get their 'feet wet' and learn more about a different side of the law enforcement community," he says.

7. Meet people. Most college students aren't thinking about networking, but that's exactly what you should be doing before you graduate. Many colleges have strong alumni networks that students can tap into, and many college departments offer opportunities to meet professionals in the community who are working in that field. Get out and shake hands. Get advice on the profession you're interested in and ask questions to get tips on how to best position yourself.

Ali says you should ask questions you can't find the answers to online: "What do you wish you'd known about the job before you started? What skills and traits make someone ideally suited for this kind of work in the long-term?"

8. Know how to talk about yourself. Early in your career, you may find it hard to toot your own horn, but Ali says it's important to be able to do so: "This element is so important and so often overlooked, yet it's a crucial step in determining your success in finding work," she says. "What are you going to say when someone asks: 'Who are you and what are you looking for (in relation to work)?'"

Be confident in your response, and don't be afraid to say what you want. Knowing what you want out of a career proves you're a go-getter, which appeals to employers.

9. Nail the interview process. Even before you apply for your first job, find out what a professional job interview will look like. Talk to professionals that you network with to see what questions you should expect to be asked, and practice your answers. Have a friend mock interview you so you can get your nervous tics out and learn to smoothly answer questions.

10. Be open. If you zero in on one single job that you want, you might miss out on other great opportunities. Spend your college time exploring different industries you could work in, as well as different roles you might be eligible for once you graduate. Your ideal job may come from left field, so be open to possibilities.

For more information see US News.

Emory joins Teach for America

The Rollins School of Public Health students have collaborated with Teach for America to educate students on valuable health skills.  This is a great partnership to reach Atlanta schools and the next generation of Americans.

"They're big! If only they fit," jokes Carrie Oliver of her "Teacher Pants"—metaphorical trousers that represent the self-reflection, patience, and vision required to teach PreK-12 students about health.

Last spring, Oliver was among the first Rollins School of Public Health students enrolled in Classroom to Community, a seminar that paired them with Teach for America (TFA) teachers in Atlanta-area schools. The seminar is part of ConnectEd4Health, an alliance between Rollins and TFA to promote health in the classroom to overcome barriers to education. The collaboration is the first of its kind between a school of public health and TFA, the national program that places outstanding college graduates in underserved areas to teach for two years.

"Our partnership with TFA is a launch pad for using local schools as a vehicle to teach critical health skills to the next generation," says Ariela Freedman, assistant research professor at Rollins and a TFA alumna.

ConnectEd4Health grew out of student interest fostered by Freedman. Although it offered no course credit, the first seminar drew in a landslide of applicants. Freedman chose 15 students who were paired with TFA mentors to learn to guide them in becoming effective health educators.
As RSPH students quickly learned, the classroom can be an unforgiving place. "It's a reality check from Rollins, where everyone tells you to change the world. Then you're out in the world, and it's big," says Gaëlle Gourmelon 12MPH.

But the difficulties were part of the learning process for Lolly Beck-Pancer 13MPH. Her first lesson on high levels of sugar in food might have been ambitious for a kindergarten class, but she made an impression—one 5-year-old was so taken aback by the presence of sugar in his chocolate milk that he flatly refused the beverage in favor of water.

Throughout spring semester, Rollins students and TFA members discussed how to better promote health in the classroom. In an entry on the Classroom to Community blog, Sahar Salek 12MPH discussed her volunteer work as a dental assistant at a school-based health center in south San Diego. Such centers, she wrote, can be crucial to combating the social determinants of health in underserved schools and integrating health and education.

Audra Williams, an MD/MPH student at Emory and a TFA alumna from Atlanta, concurs. "This year brought together my lives as a teacher and medical student," says Williams, who co-taught the Classroom to Community seminar with Freedman. "We all need to take on the responsibility to learn what's going on in our schools to build healthier communities."

For more information see Emory.

Emory Homecoming 2012

Reuniting with old friends and participating in Emory traditions is what everyone wants to do at Homecoming weekend.  Homecoming at Emory is scheduled for this weekend, and there are tons of activities for everyone to take part in.  Here are ten easy steps to help you prepare for homecoming this year.

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend is almost here!

Make the most of your trip back to campus by following our 10 easy steps to help you prepare:

1. Watch the trailer. The official Homecoming and Reunion Weekend trailer is sure to get you pumped for the weekend ahead. Check out what's in store.
2. Like us. Join the Emory Alumni Association on Facebook for Homecoming updates.
3. Pack your Dooley. Get ready for this year's fun photo contest, and Emory's immortal spirit Lord James Dooley will tag along.
4. Follow @emoryalumni on Twitter. Start using the #iminhc2012 hashtag to get your fellow alumni excited about the weekend. We'll use this throughout the weekend for alumni to follow all the action.
5. Connect with your classmates at your reunion. Before heading to your reunion this fall, reconnect with old friends on your reunion Facebook group. While you're there, check out the cool Facebook cover photo and update your Facebook profile to match.
6. Print a campus map. There are lots of changes on campus; you don't want to get lost. Don't worry the memories are still around.
7. Brush up on music by this year's Homecoming concert artist, Slightly Stoopid, and get ready to sing along.
8. Start texting. Text Homecoming to 9-9699, bookmark the mobile site on your phone, and have the weekend schedule at your fingertips.
9. Submit a Class Note. Where have you been and what have you been up to since graduation? Post your exciting news.
10. Check out the full schedule for the weekend and register for the events you want to attend! Then pack your Emory gear (or get a free t-shirt from the Association!) and head home to campus. See you soon!

For more information see Alumni Emory.

Win The Fight 5K

The Win the Fight 5k will be held at Emory University on October 13th.  The race proceeds to go the Winship Cancer Research Program of the participants choice.  This is the races second year, and the race organizers are hoping to raise more awareness and money this year.

Winship's second annual Win the Fight 5K Walk/Run will take place on Sat. Oct. 13. The course, which runs through the Druid Hills Neighborhood, is USTF-certified and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The starting line and finish line are both located at Emory University's McDonough Field complex on Asbury Circle on the west side of the Emory campus.

Registration is $25. Participants can organize teams or raise funds in a variety of ways and direct their fundraising efforts toward the Winship cancer research program of their choice.

This year, former Georgia Bulldogs Coach Vince Dooley and his wife Barbara will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals of the race. The Dooley's say they want to do all they can to help win the fight against cancer.

"We want to support the research going on right here in Georgia, and we want to do what we can to intensify the fight against a disease that claims more than 14,000 Georgians a year," said the legendary Coach Dooley, who was treated successfully for throat cancer five years ago. "Georgia and its people mean a lot to Barbara and me.  If we can help in the fight against cancer in our state, then we will do that. And we believe that the best way to help is to support the excellent research programs under way at Winship Cancer Institute."

Vince and Barbara recently joined Winship's advisory board, saying they want to join in the fight against cancer at Georgia's only cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute.
Barbara Dooley, a breast cancer survivor, said she wants to do her part to be sure that cancer researchers receive the support needed to improve survival rates of all cancer types.

"The level of research that occurs at Winship is world-class," Barbara Dooley said, "and it is the number one cancer research center in Georgia. I can't think of a better way to win the fight against cancer than to lend my support to the work underway at Winship."
Walter J. Curran, Jr., executive director of Winship, said he is thrilled that the Dooleys are joining the Winship team.

"I attended medical school here in Georgia when Coach Dooley was leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a National Championship, and I always admired him not only for his coaching ability but also for his leadership," said Curran, a former high school track coach. "I never dreamed that one day he'd be on my team. Coach Dooley has long stood out as a leader with a keen mind and a big heart, and he certainly understands the importance of cancer research."

Late-comers can register the morning of the race beginning at 7 a.m. Starting time is 8:30 a.m. Ample parking is available at no charge in the Peavine Parking Deck on campus.

For more information see Emory University.

What is New at Emory?

 In Emory's nine schools, there are many new and upcoming projects and classes occuring this year.  From the arts and sciences to theology there are new developments everywhere around campus.  Keep reading to learn what are some new developments in your area.

Candler School of Theology

Incoming class: Candler welcomes 190 incoming students from six countries and 27 states. They represent 30 Christian denominations, and one-third of the incoming U.S. students report non-white ethnicity.
New programs: Candler's newest joint degrees are in bioethics (MTS/MA) and development practice (MDiv/MDP). Candler and The General Theological Seminary launch a joint continuing education program in peacebuilding and conflict transformation Jan. 9-12, 2013, at the Desmond Tutu Center in New York.
Upcoming: Christian activist and author Shane Claiborne comes to campus on Oct. 23 to present "Jesus for President," a talk designed to spark the Christian political imagination.
New faculty and leadership: Jehu Hanciles, D.W. and Ruth Brooks Associate Professor of World Christianity; Susan E. Hylen, associate research professor of New Testament; and Ted A. Smith, assistant professor of preaching and ethics. The Rt. Rev. Keith Whitmore, assistant bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, will serve as interim director of the Episcopal Studies program.

Emory College of Arts & Sciences

Incoming class: The Class of 2016 is diverse racially, ethnically and geographically. They will be joined this fall by 28 new faculty members in 18 disciplines.
New programs: The new Institute for Quantitative Theory and Methods (QuanTM) offers courses, undergraduate fellowships, workshops, a help desk and a speaker series as part of its vision to build stronger quantitative scholars and enhance interdisciplinary studies at Emory. The new Center for the Study of Human Health will have teachers and researchers from across disciplines and departments to expand health knowledge in a variety of courses and programs.
Noteworthy course: A joint Oxford-Emory course on Shakespeare is taught partly by Skype link with English actors 
and scholars in the U.K.

Goizueta Business School

Incoming class: Goizueta's Full-Time MBA Class of 2014, made up of 152 students, has an average of five years' work experience and is comprised of 38 percent international students, 24 percent women and 13 percent minorities. Nine military veterans in the group represent the Army, Marine Corps and Navy. Ten will pursue joint degrees.
New faculty: Vic V. Anand, assistant professor of accounting; David A.Schweidel, associate professor of marketing.

Laney Graduate School



Incoming class: The Laney Graduate School's 383 new students bring the total student population to over 1,900. Ninety-two percent of the students are pursuing a Ph.D.
New program: The Program for Scholarly Integrity (PSI) will comprehensively educate doctoral students in the ethical pursuit of scholarly research. Training will take place in interdisciplinary forums and in the student's graduate program. PSI will be required for doctoral students in the biological/biomedical and natural sciences entering the school this fall and for doctoral students in the humanities and social sciences entering beginning fall 2013.
New leadership: Cora MacBeth, assistant dean for 
student affairs.

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Incoming class: The 209 new students represent 18 states and 11 countries and range in age from 18 to 54. Thirty-seven percent are from underrepresented ethnic groups and 22 students are males. Approximately 38 percent hold bachelor's degrees in other disciplines.
Upcoming: The nursing school will kick off the school year with its second annual fall convocation with a keynote speech from paralympic triathlete, Trish Downing, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m.
New faculty: Angela Amar, acting associate professor; Hope Bussenius, clinical assistant professor; Elizabeth Corwin, professor of nursing; Ying Guo, assistant professor; Bonnie Jennings, professor of nursing; Mary Lambert, clinical associate professor; Terri Marin, research assistant professor; Kathryn Moore, clinical associate professor; Lisa Muirhead, clinical assistant professor; Imelda Reyes, clinical assistant professor; Bryan Williams, research associate professor; Phyllis Wright, clinical assistant professor; and Katherine Yeager, research assistant professor.

Oxford College

Incoming class: Approximately 470, drawn from a record number of applications, make up Oxford's entering class, bringing total enrollment to approximately 900. 
New deans and faculty: New deans: Ken Anderson, dean for academic affairs; Meggan Arp, associate dean for academic affairs; and Adam Meyer, assistant dean for development and alumni relations.
New faculty: David Marshall Miller, philosophy; Annette W. Neuman, chemistry; Kevin A. Quarmby, English; and Helena Talaya-Manso, Spanish, all assistant professors.
New and improved facilities: The quad is now pedestrians-only. The renovation of Language Hall (1874) and Williams Hall (1907) is expected to be complete in January.  A new library is under construction to open in fall 2013.
New direction: Oxford begins a three-year emphasis on sustainability in its curriculum and other aspects of college life, using the slogan "A Life in Balance." The Center for Healthful Living will coordinate all aspects of wellness across academic and campus life.

Rollins School of Public Health

Incoming class: The new class is comprised of 455 Master of Public Health students, 32 PhD students and 11 Humphrey Fellows. The MPH class has 55 students in the distance-learning program and 25 students in dual-degree programs. It also includes 34 returned Peace Corps Volunteers, nearly twice the number as last year.
New faculty: Nineteen faculty members joined the school.
Faculty promotions: Hannah Cooper to associate professor of behavioral sciences and health education (with tenure); Delia Lang to associate professor of behavioral sciences and health education; Qu Long to associate professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics (with tenure); Limin Peng to associate professor of biostatistics and bioinformatics (with tenure); and Aryeh Stein to professor of global health. Gary Miller was named Asa Griggs Candler Chair of Environmental Health, and Kathryn Yount was named Asa Griggs Candler Chair of Global Health.
New course: A Certificate in Maternal and Child Health is now available to MPH/MSPH students in any academic department at Rollins. The program will equip students for positions in public health organizations serving women, infants and children.

School of Law

Incoming class: For its four degree programs, Emory Law is welcoming more than 300 students from 36 states, four countries, and 118 undergraduate institutions. The inaugural class of the new Juris Master degree program for professionals arrives this fall, with applications accepted for spring semester through Oct. 15.
New faculty: Mary Dudziak, a leading scholar of constitutional and legal history, will serve as director of the new Project on War and Security in Law, Culture and Society. Other appointments include Rafael Pardo, an expert in bankruptcy and commercial law whose work has been cited widely by the federal courts; and Sue Payne, co-director of the Center for Transactional Law and Practice.
Upcoming: The 9th Annual Emory Public Interest Committee conference, "And Justice For All? Criminal Justice in the South," will be on Oct. 13. Stephen B. Bright of the Southern Center for Human Rights is the keynote speaker. On Oct. 22, Yale professor John Fabian Witt will speak on "Sherman at Atlanta: The Moral Structure of the Laws of War."

School of Medicine

Incoming class: From 6,605 applications, 139 students are in the first-year class. The diverse first-year class of 72 males and 67 females represents 13 foreign countries and 62 undergraduate institutions, the most popular of which are Emory, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Duke University and Washington University. Ten first-year students have been admitted to the MD/PhD Program.
New leadership: A national search continues to find a successor for dean Thomas J. Lawley, who will step down, effective Sept. 15.
New programs: The School of Medicine has launched a new degree program, a Master of Medical Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling.
New facilities: Construction continues on Emory's and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's new health sciences research building, which will accommodate 65 lead researchers and their teams. The building on Haygood Road will include a two-story bridge to connect it to the Emory-Children's center. Completion is expected in 2013.
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For more information see Emory.

Organize Your Closet with These Tips and Tricks

Organizing your closet can be a hassle.  However, with these tips and tricks you can have a clean and organized closet just in time for the new school year.

Hanging jewelry organizers

 If you rush to find the outfit-completing bracelet or necklace every morning, consider a new jewelry organization system. A hanging organizer will keep you from digging through a cluttered box in the last fleeting morning moments. Choose a product that has a soft vinyl lining to protect your accessories from getting scratched.

Purse rack

An over-the-door hanging rack is a good way to keep track of your handbag inventory and clear some space on sought-after shelves. The simple design is complete with adjustable hooks so you can organize your purses however you like -- by color, brand or season.

Vinyl storage bags

If you have items in your closet that you don't use on a daily basis, store them together in a vinyl bag. Fold towels, sweaters and extra linens neatly into multiple bags and then stack them on top of one another, freeing space for the items you use more often.

Revolving shoe stand

This takes up less space than your typical shoe rack, and the spinning motion makes sorting through your heels, sneakers and flip flops easier when you're rushing to get out the door.

Decorative crates

Get creative with your organization project by picking boxes in bright hues, fun patterns or chic designs. For a stylish and eco-friendly approach, try stackable crates made from bamboo.

Cascading hangers

If you just can't part with seldom-worn clothes but still need extra space, buy a set of cascading hangers. They're perfect for hanging multiple shirts, sweaters, blouses or slacks in a tight spot and are made with a non-slip grip so you won't have to dust your clothes off of the floor.

Island organizer

A storage island is a good option for more spacious closets. It's similar to the kitchen island but a little smaller and with more nooks and crannies for storing your belongings. It also can serve as a fabulous decorative piece!

Stacking shelves

They're relatively cheap and add extra storage space. Stack several pieces for an easy-to-reach shoe rack, or put a single row on an existing shelf to double up available areas.

Drawer organizers

Perfect for keeping lingerie, undergarments and hosiery in order, drawer organizers can be stacked on top of each other on a closet shelf to save space. Each organizer is conveniently broken down into smaller sections so you can organize smaller garments easily.

For more information see She Knows.

Decatur Running Routes

If you are a runner on campus or off, there are some great running routes through Decatur that will give you a nice change of scenery.  These routes have a variety of different elevation levels and can be used for running or walking.  Read below to learn more about running in Decatur, and the routes that you can take for your next safe run.

Why Run?

The medical community , the psychological health community, and the Decatur community knows that running in Decatur is a positive experience on many levels. Improving health, brightening one’s mood, and relieving the stress of the day are all benefits the runners of Decatur have come to appreciate about the sport, not to mention the added perk of having some of the prettiest neighborhoods in the southeast through which to traverse.
 

Research shows the benefits of running and local experience indicates a vibrant and active running community in the City which is fostered by the many routes available to those who are inclined. The City of Decatur’s Active Living Department would like to invite everyone who enjoys running (or walking) to enjoy the Decatur Running Maps which all begin at the Old Courthouse on the Square. So strap on your shoes, get out into our friendly neighborhoods and enjoy your run in Decatur!

When you run, be sure to....

...Carry Identification. Write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.

...Run against traffic. This helps with observing approaching automobiles. Watch and stay away from cars! By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you. When cars are exiting parking lots, run behind the car, not in front.

...Help drivers see you! Wear reflective light colored clothing or lights, especially before dawn or after dark.

...Stay alert and aware! Be mindful of what's going on around you. Do not run with headphones turned up loudly. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.  

Decatur Running Maps

The City of Decatur offers a number of running  routes, all beginning at the Old Courthouse Square in downtown Decatur. The routes include maps, turn by turn directions, and elevations. Enjoy your run (or walk) in Decatur!


Clairemont Heights 1 Mile Run
Clairemont Heights 2 Mile Run
Clairemont Heights 3 Mile Run
Clairemont Heights 4 Mile Run
Glenlake 2 Mile Run
Glenlake 3 Mile Run
Glenlake 5 Mile Run
Parkwood 3 Mile Run
PATH/Rocky Ford 4 Mile Run
Adair 2 Mile Run

For more information please see the City of Decatur.

The Olympic Games are Back in Atlanta

The oncology unity at the Winship Cancer Institute have brought the Olympic games back to Atlanta a little earlier than expected.  These games are just a little different.  They involve wheel chair races and hula hoop contests.

Olympic heroes shine in different sports, but probably few have had as much fun in as the "Oncology Olympics" athletes have had this week on the bone marrow transplant unit at Emory University Hospital. 

The idea of Amelia Langston, who treats leukemia as a medical oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, the "Oncology Olympics" began Sunday, July 29. They will continue through Aug. 10.

 

Langston started the games four years ago as a way to bring some fun to the 24 patients undergoing bone marrow transplants at Emory University Hospital. Most of the patients are hospitalized for weeks at a time.

"The staff here is wonderful," say Joseph Alexander, a patient in the 8E wing. "They almost make you forget why you’re here. I knew I made the right choice when I came to Winship for treatment, but I never expected this kind of hospitality. "

Langston, who this year donned a fetching pocketbook, regal blue dress and plastic tiara to portray Queen Elizabeth II in Opening Ceremonies, explains that the "Oncology Olympics" games provide a way also to keep spirits up among the patients and staff.

And there has been plenty of fun. The unit has its own BMT flag, centerpieced by a bone. In addition, a string of flags from different nations decorates the units. American flags are plentiful. Each day since the games opened, 8E, as the unit is called, has organized a different competition at 4 p.m. The first day, there was the saline bag toss. The next day, a wheelchair race (physicians, nurses and staff only for that). Then there was a competition to pass a balloon down a line of people, without the people using their hands or arms.

The competition that has drawn the most medalists and spectators so far, however, was the hula-hoop competition. It attracted patient family members, nurses, pharmacists and doctors, including Thomas Heffner, an associate professor of hematology and oncology.

Heffner said he hadn't hula hooped "since he was 10." He didn’t say how long ago that was, but he does have a few strands of hair that give him a dignified look.

"Cancer can do a lot of bad things, and we see that every day," Langston said. "We want to be able to have fun when we can and celebrate when things are going well.

For more information please go to Emory University.

Olympic Legacy Lives on at Emory

 Emory University was a big part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.  The dorms were used to house journalists, officials, and some athletes.  They also used the school for practice facilities.  It also was a center point for the torch relay from Greece to Atlanta.  Not only did this give Emory University national recognition, but it helped transition the University to what it is today.

Even after all these years, Patrick Kelly can't resist watching visitors pause before a display case in Emory University Hospital that harbors a piece of history.

He never reveals that the Olympic torch on view was the very one he carried, helping guide the flame during its long trek from Greece to Atlanta during the 1996 Centennial Olympics — one of only two Emory employees and some 40 Emory alumni among thousands of torchbearers.
It is enough, he insists, to watch and remember.

"I don't say anything, but it's nice to see — maybe it takes them to another place, says Kelly, a physician's assistant with EUH's pain management center who held the torch aloft as an escort runner pushed his wheelchair the one-kilometer leg of the relay.

"The whole Olympic experience was a high point of my life," Kelly recalls. "I really did feel like a participant, like I was a part of what was going on in Atlanta."

Sixteen years ago, Atlanta had Olympic fever, and Emory University was very much a part of the team that helped bring the historic games to town, housing officials and journalists — along with a few top-secret VIP guests — while also serving as a training facility for world-class athletes and a news center for foreign journalists.

The 1996 Olympic Games have long been credited with helping Atlanta establish its modern metropolitan identity, spurring a movement to revitalize downtown and strengthening the community's ability to attract new industry and tourism.
But looking back, what was the Olympic legacy for Emory?

Eyes of the world upon Emory

Standing along Clifton Road on July 18, 1996, it must have felt as if Emory was ground zero for the Olympic Games — an outpouring of thousands of employees jammed the sidewalks to cheer the Olympic Torch Relay.

It was a memorable turnout for an event that would eventually touch so many corners of the campus, recalls Karen Salisbury, chief of staff to the vice president of Campus Services, who was director of University Conferences at the time.

Atlanta had been an unlikely choice to host the Centennial Games. But when it won the designation in 1990, Emory joined the larger metro community launch into planning mode.

"The University saw it as a way for Emory's name to be broadcast around the world, and also to be seen as a partner with other Atlanta institutions to make this happen," says Gary Hauk, vice president and deputy to the president.

"It was also a way for us, as a university, to transcend the old canard that Emory was this aloof institution off in the suburbs that didn't really care about what happened in the city," he adds. "That never was the case, but it meant that however we could, we should step up."
And the University did.

The pool at the Woodruff Physical Education Center became a practice facility for synchronized swimming, swimming and water polo events. Track and field athletes and baseball teams also found training space on campus. Olympic banners festooned the landscape, and it wasn't unusual to find world-class athletes strolling the Quadrangle.

The University also utilized another rich resource — residence hall rooms. Hundreds of Olympic officials and journalists were housed on campus, along with Emory alumni, who were permitted to stay and attend the Games. The Oxford College campus also welcomed athletes and coaches.

However, Emory's most famous on-campus guests remained a closely-held secret.

At the last minute, the University was asked to host the U.S. women's gymnastics team — a group dubbed "The Magnificent Seven" who would become the first U.S. gymnasts to score a team gold medal.

"They wound up staying at what was then the Chi Phi fraternity house," Salisbury recalls. "For safety, we kept it quiet. On the radio, their code name was ‘The Flower Shop' because they kept getting so many flower deliveries."

But one of Emory's most important lingering Olympic legacies? "We had one more convincing reason to ask the trustees for resources to air condition all of our residence halls," Hauk reveals.

"Up until 1993 and 1994, students would move in and the bookstore would do a booming business of renting window fans."

Art and the Olympics

For a few weeks, the campus took on an international flavor, as the Cox Hall Ballroom was transformed into a news center for the Olympic foreign press.

"Every language in the world was spoken — it was as cosmopolitan as you could get," recalls John Connerat, executive director of IT finance and administration who managed the news center for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.

Connerat remembers an energized scene: "You had journalists trying to do their jobs in a foreign country while experiencing all the frustrations of 1996 technology, which consisted of lots of photocopiers and banks of fax machines. You'd see people on deadline waiting in line to fax their story to Jakarta."

Despite the number of visitors — there wasn't an empty bed to be found — the campus met with few security challenges, aside from a few false bomb threats and a mysterious package that was delivered to U.S. gymnast Kerri Strug, who had famously injured her ankle during her final event, recalls Emory Police Chief Craig Watson.

"It was a concern, because nobody was supposed to know they were here," Watson says. "As it turned out, it was a very innocent thing — some ace bandages. In fact, we still have a framed, autographed poster of the women's gymnastics team that they gave to us as a ‘thank you' when they moved out."
Beyond athleticism, the games also provided an important artistic venue. Emory played a role in the Cultural Olympiad, a series of cultural events held in conjunction with the 1996 Olympics.

Michael C. Carlos Museum staffers curated two milestone exhibits: an on-campus show by acclaimed Alabama artist Thornton Dial and an ambitious off-campus exhibition, "Souls Grown Deep: African-American Vernacular Art of the South."

"It was one of the first times that this work — African American vernacular art —had been shown on such a large scale in the city, and it honored part of our Southern heritage," recalls Catherine Howett Smith, associate museum director.

"It certainly showed our strength as a regional museum — thousands and thousands of people saw them — and also showcased our resources," she adds.

How to measure an Olympic legacy?

For Atlanta, the Games brought decided economic gains.

But that benefit wasn't felt by everyone, notes Michael Leo Owens, associate professor of political science.

"We did see the Olympic Games serve as one of the factors that led to the creation of metro Atlanta as we now know it — an international city, a region good at attracting people to it," he says.

"But I also think of some neighborhoods that were promised investment that may not have realized those gains. Collectively, the region benefited. Individual communities may have found it hard to see what the actual benefit was," he adds.

At Emory, the Olympic legacy is measured in something beyond profit margins; Salisbury saw the University tested and strengthened by the experience.

"In typical Emory fashion, the collaboration among people was significant," she recalls. "It took everyone — the tech support, parking and transportation, the police department, facilities. It was something that was a positive opportunity, and Emory wanted to make sure that we presented who we really are to the world."

"I think it solidified us," she adds.
Connerat also saw the Olympics as "accelerating Emory's ability to react more quickly, with so many people involved at every level," Connerat says. "We created proof that we could do things faster than we ever did before."

Not only did an Olympic role increase the University's visibility among visitors from around the world, it created a level of community involvement and goodwill that remains hard to quantify.

"I think it was one of those rare experiences that create both a heightened level of stress and, at the same time, a heightened expectation about the possible good that could come out of it," Hauk says.

"By the end, when things had turned out well, it was the occasion for a lot of high fives," he adds.

For more information go to Emory Edu.

Emory Traditions: Wonderful Wednesdays

Many years ago Emory celebrated Wonderful Wednesdays by not having class on Wednesdays.  This is no longer true, but the tradition of Wonderful Wednesday still lives on.  Bouncy houses and petting zoos are just some of the activities that occur on Wednesdays to give students some entertainment and fun to get them over "hump day".

Wednesdays are wonderful at Emory, thanks to Wonderful Wednesdays. For many years, Emory held no classes on Wednesdays; that’s no longer true, but the day remains special. These days, Wonderful Wednesdays encourage school spirit by attracting the entire Emory community to gather at Asbury Circle on Wednesday afternoons.

Each week a different campus organization sponsors the event and may assign a theme. Wonderful Wednesdays of the past have featured a petting zoo, a bouncy castle (c’mon, they’re not just for kids!) and an ice-cream tasting. Some include live music or dance performances. Occasionally they’re more practical. For instance, a recent event showcased volunteer opportunities. But they’re always wonderful. And they’re always on Wednesday!




For more information on campus traditions visit Emory's Website. 

Save the Date for Back to School Shopping

Did you know August 10th-11th is Tax-Free Weekend in Georgia?  This weekend taxes are waived on certain items for back to school shopping.  This is perfect for buying clothes for the next semester, or buying all those notebooks and binders you need for your classes. 


Georgia's Tax Free Weekend is actually after the schools are back in session.
 
The dates are August 10-11, 2012.  And, there are some regulations to be aware of:

*Clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100.00 or less per item.
•   A single personal computer or personal computer-related accessory purchase with a sales price of $1,000.00 or less.
•   General school supplies for classroom or related activities with a sales price of $20.00 or less per item.

The sales tax exemption does not include these: clothing accessories, jewelry, handbags, umbrellas, eyewear, watches, watchbands, cellular devices, furniture, computer-related accessories designed for recreational use, items used in a trade or business or for resale, or rentals; or sales in theme parks, entertainment complexes, public lodging establishments, restaurants, or airports.

For more information on the tax free weekend click here.

Great Decorating Tips for Your New College Apartment

Decorating on a budget can be difficult for anyone.  However, there are many ways to not break the bank and still have a beautiful apartment.  The following are some tips and tricks to successfully make your apartment into your home.

Bargain shop or free?

Obviously getting it for free is better than having to pay for it, so it is highly recommended that you spend time thinking of what you really need for your place and employ some easy do-it-yourself techniques to update the look of what some generous soul is willing to discard. Craigslist is a great resource for inexpensive furniture in their sales section or for free in their free section. Freecycle.com is another option for your area, items go fast and you must respond quickly. The Penney's outlet has several brick and mortar stores in addition to their website, but if you have a brick and mortar store near you, you will find that many of those same items are priced for a quick sale at over 80% off. A six foot bookshelf could be had for under $15.00.  "Dumpster Diving" is not as gross as it sounds, most people take their old furnishing out the night before trash day and anything that appeals to you before it gets picked up is yours to keep.

Shop off season

Do shop for tablecloths after the seasons are over and purchase the longest tablecloths they have, the amount of material in these tablecloths is a bargain waiting to be repurposed into pillow cases, curtains, duvet covers, potholders, etc. A little imagination and less than $5.00 can dress up your windows and throw pillows in a couple of hours.

Multitask

Small spaces require that furniture doubles both in comfort and function. Think in terms of getting a coffee table that also serves as storage with built-in bins. A couch can serve as a bed for an overnight guest if it is a convertible, a futon or modular piece. When you purchase a tall buffet server with drawers and doors, you are able to combine storage space for office supplies, books, photo albums and other miscellaneous while using the top portion as a chic and solidly built TV stand. Pieces that do double- or triple-duty are a budget stretcher that is often overlooked.

Home Improvement Warehouses

Places like Lowe's discontinue furniture pieces, such as bookshelves, credenzas, unusual lighting and area rugs constantly. Keep your eyes open and check their clearance sections, purchasing a $100 rug for $25 is more common than most people realize.  Home Depot owns HomeDecoratorsoutlet.com and their pieces range from classic to modern in a variety of colors that won't break the budget. Their brick and mortar stores offer clearance items at the end of the season as well as Homedepot.com, for example, an electric fireplace will add warmth and style to any room at a fraction of the original price. 

Big and small and almost free

The biggest item in any room is the walls that encase it. Picking up a gallon of paint is an inexpensive way to lay the foundation of what is yet to come. Mis-tinted gallons can be obtained at home improvement warehouses for less than five dollars and can be re-tinted for free if you are flexible enough not to demand an exact shade. Small touches are pictures that have meaning to you and picture frames that can be purchased at the dollar store or garage sales. Cut flowers and inexpensive vases add freshness. A grouping of small houseplants in colorful containers will make a windowsill a bright spot in your home. Place candles on colorful plates found at yard sales or thrift store and surround them with fragrant herbs, small rocks, decorative fruits or sea shells.

Thinking outside the box

The ability to stitch in a straight line to hem a tablecloth can yield inexpensive and unique window coverings. If a sewing machine is too complex, curtain clips and hooks work quite well and they come in a variety of finishes and styles at a low price. Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target often discount these items throughout the year.

Click HERE for more ideas on home decorating.

Staying Cool in the Record Breaking Heat

Temperatures are reaching past 100 degrees in most parts of the country.  Staying cool is essential to not becoming sick or dehydrated.  Below are some tips on how to beat the heat and stay healthy during this oppressive heat wave.

The heat was on Friday in Atlanta, and it was a record-breaking scorcher.  Temperatures reached 104 degrees, setting a record for the day-- but that's only the beginning.  Highs for Saturday are expected to reach 105 degrees in Atlanta, and even higher in some surrounding locations.

FOX 5 Storm Team chief meteorologist Ken Cook says Friday night's low will be around 78 degrees, but on Saturday, we'll warm quickly to about 105 degrees.  That kind of heat is especially dangerous, and it's prompted a heat advisory for Saturday.  The heat index for tomorrow is expected to range between 105-110 degrees, depending on your location.

Atlanta's hottest temp ever-- 105 degrees-- is not out of the question for the weekend.  Until now, the last time the mercury rose above 100 in the city was August 22, 2007.

Cook says there's not much relief in sight, with highs expected over 100 on Sunday and even Monday.  After that, temps are expected to slowly drop throughout next week.


Beating the heat

Around the area, people are doing the best they can to stay cool.  FOX found park-goers with extra water and sports drinks trying to stay cool.  And of course, area pools are packed to the max as the temperatures rise.

While some have the option of hiding out in the AC on hot summer days like these, others have no choice but to brave the scorching temperatures.  FOX 5 found a crew working on a gas line along Buford Highway, and they told us they do what they can to stay cool when temperatures soar.  They said their work sometimes requires fireproof suits, which add another 20-30 degrees to their temperatures.  They say they take breaks and try to stay hydrated in an effort to make it through the day. 

Firefighters are among those who are impacted the most in a heat wave.  On Thursday night, three firefighters were overcome by the heat while battling flames at a Marietta apartment complex.  Officials say the hot weather means there will have to be more personnel at each emergency to serve as backup.


AC on the fritz?
A mid-summer heat wave is no time for your air conditioning to go out, but that's what happens to many people.  In fact, mechanic Fred Shope of Auto Cool Repair Shop told FOX 5 they're often extra busy when the temperatures are on the rise.  Shope says most people don't have a real appreciation for their AC until it goes out on a 100-degree day. 

So what should you do if your AC isn't running right?  Shope says shut it off.  He says you're likely to make it worse if you run your air when it's not working like it should, so you're better off to turn it off and get it checked instead.  If you don't, it could cost you more in the end.  Shope says the average cost of an AC repair is $300.


Tips to stay cool

If you're spending time outside in the heat, it's important to stay cool.  Experts recommend you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.  You should also wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if possible.  You should also avoid being outside during the late afternoon when temperatures are excessively hot, and limit your activity to early morning or late evening instead.

Also, don't leave kids or children outside for long periods of time because they may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Read more at myfox.

Independence Day in Decatur

Decatur will hold it's Fourth of July celebration next Wednesday starting at 6pm.  This event includes a parade, concert, and of course fireworks at the end of the night.



Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck. 

For more information: City of Decatur: Fourth of July 

Summer Classes Getting You Down?

Taking summer classes is one of the toughest challenges a college student faces.    Staying motivated to study and work, while all their friends are at the beach or at home is a tough obstacle to overcome.  Here are some excellent tips on how to stay motivated this summer, and still have a social life.

It can be difficult to remain motivated during the summer session after taking throughout the rest of the year. This is especially true if you see your friends hanging out at the pool, going to parties, and taking vacations. However, because summer sessions are generally shorter, summer could be the most important time of the school year to keep your motivation high. Shorter classes move at a faster pace; therefore, it can be very difficult to catch up after you get behind.

Below are methods you can use to help keep yourself on track during the summer session:

Select Interesting Courses
If possible, register for summer courses that you find interesting. Summer can be one of the hardest times to stay motivated due to burn out from having completed fall and spring course work and due to the wide availability of other fun activities. If you are not interested in the course material, it can be even more difficult to persuade yourself do your attend classes and to complete coursework. On the other hand, if you enjoy what you are learning and desire to know more, it will be easier to motivate yourself to stay on track with your work.

Consider Online Courses
Online courses often allow more flexibility on the time of day you complete course work. This flexibility might allow you to participate in more fun activities with your friends.

Make sure you manage your time effectively. Set up a schedule for yourself to ensure your work is completed on time. The flexibility that often accompanies online learning can cause students who are not careful with their time to fall behind.

Schedule On-campus Classes Early in the Morning
The earlier your classes start, the earlier they will end. If you wait to start your school day until eleven o’clock, you will be missing the ideal time to go to the pool or hang out on your college's campus lawn. However, if your course starts at eight o’clock, you are likely to be available for afternoon fun.

Participate in Class
Attend and participate in every class. Involving yourself in the course will help keep you stay interested in the material, which will help you remain motivated to study and learn more.

Study Early
If you have completed your schoolwork ahead of time, when an unexpected opportunity to participate in a fun activity comes along, you will be available to participate.

Spend Time with Classmates
The students in your class have the same schedule as you do, at least for part of the day. These students will also have many of the same test dates and assignment due dates. Therefore, they are likely to be busy when you are busy and free when you are free. If you are hanging out with classmates, you will be able to engage in fun summer activities together.

Focus on Your Goals
There was a reason you registered for the summer summer session. It may be because you are trying to graduate early, attempting to catch up on credits, or have a lighter schedule during the rest of the year. Whatever the reason for your summer course registration, keep it in mind whenever your motivation begins to waiver.

Reward yourself
Decide on a reward you would like to give yourself at the end of the session if you do well in your course. Write down concrete criteria for achieving that goal. Keep this goal in mind each day. If you need extra motivation, you may also want to give yourself little rewards each day that you attend class or do your work.


Summer can be a difficult time of the year to maintain your academic motivation because you may want to engage in other activities or you may feel burnt out from taking classes during the rest of the academic year. It can be especially difficult to keep up your motivation if your friends are not enrolled in summer courses. Using these motivation tips can help you stay energized during the summer session. 

 

For more tips head to BellaOnline College Site.