Thursday, June 30, 2011

Signaling – Why is college important?

Getting a College Degree is Important Because: Signaling

The All-seeing eyes of
a peacock feather.
able to see Past, Present and Future 
A friend of mine relayed a story from Visa International. 
They posted a job requisition for a single position and had 600 applicants. Screening the pool reduced the count to 60, which were further sifted and sorted before the first interview took place. What will your resume signal to your future employers?
Michael Spence originally proposed the idea of signaling - that in a situation with information asymmetry [incomplete information], it is possible for people to signal their type, thus believably transferring information to the other party and resolving the asymmetry.”
“Spence proposes, for example, that going to college can function as a credible signal of an ability to learn. Assuming that people who are skilled in learning can finish college more easily than people who are unskilled, then by finishing college the skilled people signal their skill to prospective employers. 

No matter how much or how little they may have learned in college, finishing functions as a signal of their capacity for learning. However, finishing college may merely function as a signal of their ability to pay for college, it may signal the willingness of individuals to adhere to orthodox views, or it may signal a willingness to comply with authority.”


Que sais-je?


Xolo

Chromebooks – Wall Street Journal Review

Chromebooks – Wall Street Journal Review


Walter Mossberg at the WSJ reviews the “radical” Chromebook – with no installed software and very limited storage.

Could you get by on an internet connection, cloud based applications, and cloud storage?

The bottom line from the WSJ: Chromebook may represent the future of computing, but right now it is too limited and a bit buggy for mainstream users. WSJ also points out that plenty of comparably priced laptops compete (price range $450-$500).

Apple laptops are pricey, and Windows devices still require maintenance, and as a student you may need access to more than the cloud.

Que Sais-Je?


Monday, June 27, 2011

Oh Where, Oh Where, has my Keyboard Gone?

Oh Where, Oh Where, has my Keyboard Gone?

Myth #276 Tablets Take Over the World


Tablets are a whole new category of device intended to consume information or content rather than to create it.The eCommerce Times distinguishes between the needs of content creators (like a keyboard) and content consumers. Tablets are well suited for consumption, but the list of applications is growing and tools like the SWYPE Keyboard might change the game. 



Recommendation: 

If you pick a tablet, expect to add $50 to $100 for a Bluetooth keyboard or docking solution. 


Students create content (usually in 3-5 page increments) and the keyboard is still a great tool for that type of work. 

Que sais-je?



~Xolo

Latkatukka - Hairstyle and Social Networking

Latkatukka


In Finland mullet is sometimes called "lätkätukka" (hockey hair) or "tšekkitukka" (Czech hair), the latter a likely reference to Czech-born NHL hockey star Jaromír Jágr, who during his glory years wore a curly mullet long enough to obscure his jersey number. Jágr became so well-known with the style that when he decided to cut it off in 1999, his new haircut actually made headlines.

Latkatukka - Hairstyle and Social Networking


The mullet and its associated lifestyle have been central themes in movies such as Joe Dirt "business in the front party in the back" (2001), and the television show The Mullets (2003–2004).

The mullet remains a moderately popular hairstyle among certain social groups in various countries Spain especially, where it was associated with the Basque independence movement, which claims working-class origin.

The Recommendation:

Joe Dirt has it right: Business in the front (LinkedIn) and party in the back (Facebook - with very tight security setting - limit who can view your profile and posts).

Employers, insurance companies, and business associates are using social media for many different reasons.What is your public social face?

Que sais-je: 


~Xolo

Blogger to Custom Domain

How to Redirect Blogger to Your Custom Domain


First, Prepare your Blogger Site


Instructions to point Blogger at your own domain (from Google) Instructions page 1

Then, update your Domain Information at your Domain Hosting company


Instructions for changes  to make at your hosting company (may vary slightly)
  1. Log in to your account at https://admin.hosting company.com
  2. If it's not already selected, click the Administration tab.
  3. Click Domains. The Domain Overview page appears.
  4. From the New drop-down menu, select Create Subdomain. (If you've already created a subdomain for your blog's address, skip to step six.)
  5. Enter only the subdomain you want to use, and click OK. For example, if you chose www.mydomain.com for your blog's address, you should enter www here.
  6. Select the checkbox next to the subdomain that you will be using. (Example: www.mydomain.com)
  7. From the DNS menu, select Edit DNS Settings.
  8. Click the radio button next to CNAME.
  9. Enter ghs.google.com next to Alias.
  10. Click OK.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Objectivity in Reading

Objectivity in Reading

A key skill to be developed in college is the ability to read with objectivity, with a critical eye. Facts, interpretation, analysis and commentary are often blended in modern media.
Adler and Van Doren are correct – do not waste time on bad books. Analysis does lead to understanding, but there are some short-cuts when comparing works:
  • Look for relevant words and passages
  • Look for neutral terminology
  • What question is being asked – or answered
  • What are the differences or conflicts between authors’ points of view
Your role as the objective reader is to survey the material, inspect the works, collect terminology, define the issues, (minor or major), analyze the propositions and do not take sides.

Que sais-je?

~Xolo