Most Americans (64%) say that parents are not putting enough pressure on their children to do well in school as U.S. students are underperforming on international tests. By contrast, 68% of the Chinese public take the opposite position and say that parents in their country are putting too much pressure on their children to succeed academically.
Continue reading… “64% of Americans say parents do not put enough pressure on students”
Visitors cover their bodies with black mud at a tourist resort in China.
The spa industry is booming as more men and aging boomers seek pain relief as well as relaxing and luxury treatments, including $1,250 facials. China and India are leading in the growth of the industry.
Continue reading… “Spa industry sees huge growth among men and aging boomers”
Reports of stolen dogs rose 49% in the first seven months of 2011.
The economy has really gone to the dogs when money-seeking thieves are pilfering dogs and selling them for profit.
Continue reading… “Dognappings for money rises 49% in 2011”
The most popular online activities are search and email remain and are nearly universal among adult internet users, as 92% of online adults use search engines to find information on the Web, and a similar number (92%) use email. Since the Pew Internet Project began measuring adults’ online activities in the last decade, these two behaviors have consistently ranked as the most popular, even as new platforms, broadband and mobile devices continue to reshape the way Americans use the internet and web. Even as early as 2002, more than eight in ten online adults were using search engines, and more than nine in ten online adults were emailing.
Continue reading… “92% of online adults use email and search engines”
Groupon, Facebook, and LinkedIn investor Marc Andreessen.
Hewlett-Packard announced this week that it is exploring jettisoning its struggling PC business in favor of investing more heavily in software, where it sees better potential for growth. Google plans to buy up the cellphone handset maker Motorola Mobility. Hewlett-Packard and Google’s moves surprised the tech world. Marc Andreessen (board member at Hewlett-Parckard) explains why software is eating the world.
Continue reading… “Marc Andreessen explains why software is ‘eating the world’”
The Santa Cruz police department doesn’t utilize mutant precogs but a computer program that can predict when and where crimes will occur.
The police force in Santa Cruz, California is performing a little experiment. They are using computer programs to predict where crimes will occur, and then sending officers to those areas before any crimes are reported, just like in Minority Report.
Continue reading… “Police in California using computers to predict future crimes”
Since 1999 outstanding student loan debt has grown by more than 511 percent.
“I still have student loans,” David Guard, a graduate of Gettysburg College and American University, told Fox News recently, as lawmakers and the White House bickered over the debt ceiling. “I could see an increase in those interest rates.”
Continue reading… “Will student loan debt be America’s next big bubble?”
A new library approach from Canada.
For centuries the public library has been a great source of knowledge through books. Now one library in Canada is opening up the scope of how you acquire knowledge at the library; by offering up skilled people. Why read a history book when you can talk to a historian?
Continue reading… “Canadian library will Loan out people as well as books”
In the U.S. there is one vehicle for every 1.3 people.
Worldwide, the number of vehicles in operation surpassed the 1 billion-unit mark in 2010 for the first time ever.
Continue reading… “World vehicle population surpasses 1 billion mark”
Pharmaceutical price gouging isn’t illegal, it is sleazy — and potentially dangerous.
You can be arrested for scalping tickets to a rock concert. But reselling lifesaving medications at a hefty markup is a thriving business.
Continue reading… “Prescription drug shortages lead to price gouging, patient safety”
Late payments are at a 17 year low.
The rate of late credit card payments fell to a 17-year low in the second quarter, another sign of household belt-tightening.
Continue reading… “More credit card users paying their bills on time”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.
