Are you facing the financial burden of back to school and in need of cheap textbooks? Let us, along with Follett, help ease the pain with a $100 gift card.

Comment below and tell us why you need this $100 Follett gift card. “Poor college student” isn’t going to cut it, because let’s face it, most current college students, and even those of us who once walked those hallowed halls, have carried that title.

We will draw two winners September 1, 2010 – each will receive a $100 gift card from Follett to be used in their campus bookstores.

Follett is a college bookstore that is found across the U.S. and in Canada, including access to more than 1,200 online bookstores. Click here to quickly locate the campus location nearest you.

Not only does Follett provide the textbooks you’ll need for class, but they are a one-step shop for school supplies and college memorabilia. Where else can you pick-up your calculus book, exam blue books, fresh #2 pencils and a mascot sweatshirt for those brisk walks across campus?

Follett has wide availability, too. You can visit a campus store, shop online, and most recently they added the option to rent textbooks online or in store.

Comment below and tell us why you need this $100 Follett gift card.

Visit Follett online

DISCLAIMER: UPDATE – Winners Joy and Courtney were selected 9/1/10. This giveaway has ended. Eligibility requires a comment left on this post by Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Two winners will be randomly drawn, each to receive one $100 Follett gift card for use in a Follett bookstore. The winner will be notified via the valid email address provided in the comments form. Winners have one week to respond and claim or forfeit and a new winner will be selected. EduInReview.com is not responsible for lost or stolen packages, nor failed shipments due to user providing an incorrect address. EduInReview.com may replace the prize with one of equal value if prize is not available; not redeemable for cash.

The library is organized into seven sections: Main Reading Room, The Great Hall, Exploring the Early Americas, Creating the United States, The Bible Collection, Thomas Jefferson’s Library and Menerva. Each section features an audio tour and related links to the Library of Congress website. The tours highlight the architectural details of the building, the functions of the different areas and the history of its art. Extensive and beautiful photo galleries give users an up-close look at historical documents and works of art. This app is fun window into American History.

Via appolicious.com.

Also Read:

WorldCat Gives Students Modern Access to Public Libraries

The Evolving Google Library

Free Entertainment Benefits of the Public Library

Praxis Language is different from other language-learning programs because it focuses on the everyday spoken language, which makes it easier to communicate with foreign-language-speakers. The Praxis Language method uses repetition, practice, and, finally, comprehension to help users master another language. Users have access to grammar guides, tests, vocabulary study tools, and much more.

Another nice benefit of the Praxis Language program is the convenience it offers users. Praxis programs rely more on mobile learning, as opposed to the traditional classroom and textbook setting. Praxis Language programs are available as podcasts for iPods and the Android phone. This allows users to practice whenever and wherever it is most convenient for them. However, Praxis also offers courses with teacher interaction. These courses are built around the user’s schedule, so it is still more convenient than going to a class.

Praxis Language’s first language to be offered was its flagship ChinesePod. The company has expanded to offer other “LanguagePods,” including “EnglishPod,” “SpanishPod,” “FrenchPod,” and “ItalianPod.” All of these programs are designed to teach users a foreign language. However, basic language skills are not the only part of the Praxis Language program.

“We put cultural tidbits into it, and I think that’s a huge part of learning [a foreign language]. Learning the language without the culture is very one-dimensional and not that satisfying,” said Ken Carroll, the creator of this podcast company.

As mentioned earlier, LanguagePods are available on mobile devices. The mobile device-only option includes access to thousands of audio lessons on the website and on your iPod or Android. This is the basic subscription and costs from $14 per month.

If you want a little more than just an audio lesson, you could try the premium subscription. This option includes not only the audio lessons, but also study and review tools to help users get a firmer grasp of the materials. This option starts at $29 per month.

The most expensive option allows users to access all five languages that Praxis offers. This is a great option for users who want to learn more than one language at a time, or who need to brush up on one while language while learning another. The Praxis Pass option starts at $39 per month and includes both audio lessons and study tools.

If you want a language-learning program that allows you to study whenever and however you want, then this is the program for you. The monthly fee is not too expensive and allows you to customize the program to your needs. The best part, in my opinion, is that you can learn up to five languages at once, at your own convenience. So, if you are hard-pressed for time to sit in a classroom, but still really want to learn a new language, then this is the program for you. Check out Praxis today!

McNealy’s new project is fund-raising for Curriki, an open-source non-profit provider of educational materials. They hope to lower the cost of education by providing free texts for classes from kindergarten to 12th grade in subjects including reading, science, technology, language arts and foreign languages. Retired teachers or groups of teachers have provided much of the content. Because the materials are open source, users can arrange and customize them for a tailor fit to their students.

Schools and state boards have not jumped at the chance to use the new technology. A state board in California is reviewing the open-source texts to see if they are up to their standards. Texas passed a law permitting the use of digital texts, but is still in the process of reviewing materials to be used in actually classes.

Via The New York Times.

Also Read:

Borders Opens New Marketplace for Textbooks

Targeting Teachers to Sell E-Textbooks

eCampus Entourage Helps Students Save on Textbooks

Canada is in the lead for having 55.8 percent of the country’s population obtaining at least an associate’s degree. The U.S. lags behind at 40.4 percent. While the report focuses on younger adults, the U.S. ranks sixth when older adults are configured into the study.

The report also focuses on state ranking. The District of Columbia ranks highest, with a completion rate of 62.2 percent. Maryland ranks 12th at 38.6 percent, while Virginia ranks 17th, at 36.5 percent.

This issue was discussed at a meeting assembled by the College Board Advocacy & Policy Center (CBAPC) and attended by state and federal policymakers and educational leaders on Capitol Hill last Thursday. The commission, affiliated with CBAPC, wants the U.S. to reclaim its ranking and is pushing for a 55 percent completion rate by 2025.

The commission is on the same page as President Obama. With the American Graduation Initiative plan, Obama is pushing for the U.S. to be back on top by the year 2020.

“I don’t think what we’re saying and what the president’s saying are that different,” said Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board.

The commission is calling for both state and national leaders to be proactive in a 10-part “action agenda.” The agenda has several initiatives to keep Americans on the college path, like better college counseling to lessen drop out rates and streamlined college admissions.

“We have a real, objective way every year to look at every state and see how they’re doing,” Caperton said, “and we’re doing this with legislators all over the country.”

Via The Washington Post

With those buffet-style cafeterias and late night study-snack breaks, it’s no wonder why we pack on the pounds in college. But eating right is only half the battle to avoiding weight gain. Exercise is also key to staying healthy. But you don’t need a gym pass to stay fit.

 Here are five exercises you can do in the privacy of your dorm.

Crunches: Do these while you’re watching TV. See if you can get to 50 during the commercial breaks. Be sure to focus on something directly above your head like the ceiling. This will improve your form and keep you from just bobbing your head.

Thigh squeeze:This one will work your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves, all at once. Sit on a chair with your feet together. Place a pillow between your legs and squeeze your legs together for five seconds. Do five repetitions of this exercise.

Counter push-ups: You’ll want to do these in the kitchen. Face the counter while standing two to three feet away from its ledge, and make sure your feet are hips-distance apart. While leaning forward, place your hands on the edge a little less than shoulder-width apart. Bend your arms and inhale as you lower your chest toward the counter. Exhale as you push up from the counter. Do 15 repetitions of this exercise to strengthen your arms, chest, shoulders, stomach and back.

Chair squats: This one is sure to give you firmer thighs and legs. Place a chair behind you just as you would if you were about to sit. Your feet should be hips-width apart and your arms should be by your sides. Bend your knees and inhale as you lower your hips down to the chair, as if you’re about to sit. Place your weight back on your heels so your knees don’t hover over your toes. Hang there for a moment, then exhale as you start to come up to the standing position. Try to get up to 25 repetitions.

Calf raises: You’ll need some sort of platform like a thick textbook or a step for this exercise. Position your feet on your platform of choice so that only the balls of your feet are on the platform and the heels are hanging off. Raise and lower yourself by pushing off with your toes. Do 20 repetitions of these.

Also read:

• Healthy Fast Food Ideas for College Students
• Home Fitness on a Budget
• You Are Your Own Gym

There’s a push to pass the important bill before the August recess. The Obama Administration does not oppose the education in the war spending bill, but does object to its stipulation that funding be cut from the Race to the Top education program.

Senate Democrats do not have the 60 votes needed to overcome a likely filibuster, are considering scheduling the vote for later this week in order to pressure the House. “The House doesn’t have a choice but to pass the clean Senate bill,” a Senate aide said. “There is no other alternative.”

Read More:

Race to the Top Faces Budget Cut

What is Race to the Top?

If your design is chosen, we’ll reward your talent with a $150 gift card to the Apple store!

Email your design to Contest@eduinreview.com by Friday, July 30, 2010 at noon CST to be considered.

Please include:
Attached Design
First and Last Name
Valid Email Address
Phone Number
U.S. Mailing Address
Twitter (if applicable)
School Affiliation (if applicable)
Date of Birth

The winner will be notified and announced in August 2010.

Download a JPG of our homepage here.

Email your design to Contest@eduinreview.com.

DISCLAIMER: To be eligible, design must be submitted by email to contest at eduinreview.com no later than noon on Friday, July 30, 2010. The prize of one (1) $150 gift card to Apple will be presented to one (1) winner selected by the EduInReview.com staff. Winning individuals will be notified via the email address provided in the submission email. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and a legal U.S. resident. The winner releases the rights to the art to EduInReview.com.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

Maybe going on Starbucks runs and scheduling appointments isn’t your thing. So for those of you who are looking for a unique internship that’s more than just paper pushing, check out some of the following crazy internships available:

Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Maybe one of the wackiest museums on the planet, Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum is in search of interns who possess qualities, such as being weird or liking to have fun. If you’re into artifacts such as shrunken heads or a lock of Elvis’ hair, maybe this is the internship for you.

The Vatican: Communications students at Villanova University in Pennsylvania may get a chance to work close to the pope. The school lets communications majors intern for the Vatican by working on the website, helping with public relations surrounding papal celebrations and writing for the Catholic News Service.

Jennifer Lopez: Who says you can’t work for J-Lo? Fashion majors may want to snatch this internship. Jennifer Lopez Enterprises, a multifaceted boutique production company, is looking for Spanish-speaking interns who have a knack for answering the phone.

Six Flags:It might be hard to concentrate with all of the cotton candy, roller-coaster rides and overly-stuffed teddy bears, but who cares when you’re interning for an amusement park? College students can find positions in entertainment, accounting, safety, human resources and park services while working for this fun-filled company.

The White House: Forget the week-long trip to Washington, D.C. when you could spend your summer working there. The White House offers internships for students who are interested in the public sector and don’t mind working under pressure.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway: If you like the smell of burnt rubber and the sound of screeching tires, you might enjoy an internship at the same stadium where the Indy 500 takes place every year.

“Who could ask for a better location? Press conferences featuring world famous drivers, such as Graham Rahal and Marco Andretti, happen just floors below me. On one particular day Danica Patrick was hanging out in my area for a conference call,” a recent intern said about his experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Via The Huffington Post

But there is no age to creativity.

Here is a list of inventions created before these kids even received their college diplomas.

1. Back in college in 1934, George Nissen from the University of Iowa, invented a bouncing apparatus to help train the school’s gymnastics team, of which he was a member. In 1937, he trademarked his invention, which today is known as the trampoline.

2. After drawing up a sketch, six-year-old Robert Patch created the toy truck and received a patent for his idea in 1963. And thanks to Patch, companies like Tonka are thriving and little boys (and some girls) are having heaps of fun playing dump-trunk man in the sandbox.

3. The next time you hop on a snowmobile, send out a little thanks to Joseph-Armand Bombardier. Back in 1922, this 15-year-old Canadian got to work on a garage project with his brother. Fast-forward 15 years and lots of engine grease later and you have the first snowmobile. 

4. In 1905, Frank Epperson, then 11-years-old, accidentally froze soda pop as he left his drink out on the porch during a cold night with a stick stuck in it. After he made some money off a real estate investment, he applied for the Epsicle patent in 1924, but later changed the name to a Popsicle.

So what are some of your million-dollar ideas?