MORE EFFICIENCY SOUGHT FOR COLLEGES | UTSanDiego.com

I think Jerry Brown is right on with this initiative.

MORE EFFICIENCY SOUGHT FOR COLLEGES | UTSanDiego.com:

He wants to freeze tuition increases, but get students through the programs quicker and take advantage of technology.
These should be goals for every college or university.  However it almost seems as if they try to do everything they can to slow down the process -- try to keep their customers (students) "hooked" in such a way that they can never get out of the school.  Why should students accumulate 150% of the credits needed to graduate?  Because the university doesn't offer enough of the classes required for that student to graduate!
I also like the change made in payment of state funds to the student completing the class -- not just attending the first 20% of the course.  I've always been suspicious that professors try to keep students in for the first few weeks and then try to discourage them from continuing -- that makes for smaller class, and fewer final exams -- but they still get paid!  Crazy!    Likewise, students need to have financial incentive to complete courses that they've signed up for.  If they pay for a course, and drop out early, they should lose their fees for that course.  Maybe they should even have to put up additional funds above the amount of the course, and then get a refund of those funds if they complete the course (which could be applied to the next course taken).
It is time for technology to be fully incorporated into college-level classes.  Many lectures should be presented on video.  Assignments and drills automated on line for practice and verification of understanding.  Classes should actually focus on discussion, interaction, group work.  Professors can then spend more time with students, and less in lecture.

How to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7 - How-To Geek

I'm not sure why this has to be so complicated.

How to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7 - How-To Geek:

'via Blog this'

E-book restrictions leave 'buyers' with few rights - Los Angeles Times

I agree with Michael Hiltzik.  There needs to be some serious revisions to our laws to protect both the owners of copyrights and the users of e-book readers.

E-book restrictions leave 'buyers' with few rights - Los Angeles Times:

In general, it seems to me that the price of e-books is much higher than the economic value.  If we bought a paperback, it probably gets read by 5 or 10 readers before it is destroyed.  An e-book, because of the way it is sold, gets read by only one or two people at the most.  Therefore, it should sell for 2 to 4 dollars, instead of 10 to 30 dollars.

Also interesting mention about Calibre e-book management software.

Israel withholds tax revenues from Palestinian Authority - latimes.com

This action by Israel is disgusting!  I believe, in retaliation, the US should cut off all aid to Israel until they quit building settlements and start treating the Palestinians fairly.

Israel withholds tax revenues from Palestinian Authority - latimes.com

Senate panel backs extension of mortgage debt relief law - Los Angeles Times

I can understand why people might feel sorry for owners who are under water on their mortgages.  But this law appears to now reward people who made bad investments.

Senate panel backs extension of mortgage debt relief law - Los Angeles Times:

OCEANSIDE: Sea lions overrun harbor : Oceanside

There are more sea lions than ever before in the Oceanside harbor area.  Yes they are a nuissance, however they could be developed into a real tourist attraction if done correctly.  See this article:

OCEANSIDE: Sea lions overrun harbor : Oceanside:

Up until last year there were many floating platforms out in the ocean that were used for oil tankers to connect to pipelines that brought oil to shore.   Of course, the platforms were perfect haul-out locations for the sea lions.  Those platforms were removed, so now there aren't many good places for the sea lions.

I think the City of Oceanside could build a good platform that would be designed just for the sea lions and anchor it either in the harbor, or just off shore.  It would attract people to come and watch the sea lions in the wild, and provide the sea lions with a place they can call home!

Water from the sea: Priceless | UTSanDiego.com

It is rare when I agree with the Union Tribune editorials on anything.  However I totally agree with them that the desalination plant needs to be built, and will be a valuable asset to San Diego in the future.
Water from the sea: Priceless | UTSanDiego.com: