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Mike McFar asked:
Earlier this year, the idea of a Microsoft-branded MP3 player was foreign to most consumers. After all, what could the software giant do to the iPod dynasty that Windows Media hardware partners such as Creative, iRiver, and Samsung had been unable to do? Well, we all knew that after Microsoft’s September 14 announcement, the Zune would be a different kind of portable media player, one that integrates wireless technology for Zune-to-Zune sharing of files, and one that works within an iTunes-like closed Zune Marketplace ecosystem. The hard drive device, which comes in black, white, or the love-it/hate-it brown, has entered the real world and will please most users, especially beginners, thanks to an excellent UI, nice integration with Zune Marketplace software, and good playback performance.
By now, we all know the basics of the Zune: it’s a 30GB MP3 player with a photo- and video-friendly 3-inch (4:3) screen, and it costs $249.99 (unless you buy it at buyazune.com). It runs on a customized version of Portable Media Center software (Windows CE-based) and features the same intuitive twist-navigation like players such as the Toshiba Gigabeat S.
While the player is similar to many other players in terms of its feature set–music, video, and photo playback, plus an FM tuner–what sets it apart is its integrated Wi-Fi chip, which allows it to seek out and be seen by other Zune-sters. This sharing feature allows users to share music and photos (but not video) within the same room. Shared photo files, on the other hand, have no limitations. We’d love to see Wi-Fi expanded so that one could sync or purchase music wirelessly (or even see Zunes across the globe), but having played with the device, I see why Microsoft is starting small. So far, the Zune experience out of the box and beyond has been predictable and solid. Wi-Fi or not, it’s one excellent media player.
Quickly, about the box and its contents: the Zune packaging is minimal but has flare. You actually lift the Zune out of the box by pulling on its brown ribbon (nice touch), and the bundled earphones and rubbery USB cable are nowhere to be seen until you realize the flaps adjacent to the Zune lift open. In addition, you’ll get a suede case, a software CD, some guides, and a sticker in the package. While we’d love to see more–such as an AC adaptor– the introductory Zune experience is well done.
The colors are subdued and the shell has a translucent matte finish, and more importantly, the body does not attract fingerprints (though the screen does). The double-shot effect of the secondary color (green on the brown version, bluish on the black, translucent on the white) definitely gives the player visual pizzazz. The built-in battery will last up to 14 hours for audio. Interestingly, the back says this in fine print: “Hello from Seattle.” The Zune, which is manufactured by Toshiba but completely designed by Microsoft, is an original-looking player with a style of its own.
It’s a durable device that will withstand scratches, bumps, and bruises, though the primary seam of the device looks as if it might burst open after a hard fall. The body is minimal with no buttons on the sides, only a hold switch and an earphone jack on top and a proprietary USB/accessories port on the bottom. The screen and main controller are surrounded by a thin, metallic inlay, while the three control buttons are dead simple (the small dedicated back and play/pause buttons are flush with the body).
Overall, the Zune is a well-designed portable media device with good playback performance, a snappy processor, and an excellent interface. Wi-Fi sharing worked well, but prospective owners should know its format support, especially for videos, is limited. The Zune looks like a good fit for MP3 player novices, though we hope Microsoft addresses issues and will make the Zune usable as a hard drive; extend video support to include DRM (which they probably will do when its own video store opens); and open up a true Wi-Fi network. The foundation looks good, though, and those not interested in version 1 of Zune can look forward to improved versions 2, 3, and beyond.
This review was brought to you by CNET.
If your interested in the Microsoft Zune, I would recommend http://www.buyazune.com as they consistently offer the best prices for every model and accessory of the Zune.
Earlier this year, the idea of a Microsoft-branded MP3 player was foreign to most consumers. After all, what could the software giant do to the iPod dynasty that Windows Media hardware partners such as Creative, iRiver, and Samsung had been unable to do? Well, we all knew that after Microsoft’s September 14 announcement, the Zune would be a different kind of portable media player, one that integrates wireless technology for Zune-to-Zune sharing of files, and one that works within an iTunes-like closed Zune Marketplace ecosystem. The hard drive device, which comes in black, white, or the love-it/hate-it brown, has entered the real world and will please most users, especially beginners, thanks to an excellent UI, nice integration with Zune Marketplace software, and good playback performance.
By now, we all know the basics of the Zune: it’s a 30GB MP3 player with a photo- and video-friendly 3-inch (4:3) screen, and it costs $249.99 (unless you buy it at buyazune.com). It runs on a customized version of Portable Media Center software (Windows CE-based) and features the same intuitive twist-navigation like players such as the Toshiba Gigabeat S.
While the player is similar to many other players in terms of its feature set–music, video, and photo playback, plus an FM tuner–what sets it apart is its integrated Wi-Fi chip, which allows it to seek out and be seen by other Zune-sters. This sharing feature allows users to share music and photos (but not video) within the same room. Shared photo files, on the other hand, have no limitations. We’d love to see Wi-Fi expanded so that one could sync or purchase music wirelessly (or even see Zunes across the globe), but having played with the device, I see why Microsoft is starting small. So far, the Zune experience out of the box and beyond has been predictable and solid. Wi-Fi or not, it’s one excellent media player.
Quickly, about the box and its contents: the Zune packaging is minimal but has flare. You actually lift the Zune out of the box by pulling on its brown ribbon (nice touch), and the bundled earphones and rubbery USB cable are nowhere to be seen until you realize the flaps adjacent to the Zune lift open. In addition, you’ll get a suede case, a software CD, some guides, and a sticker in the package. While we’d love to see more–such as an AC adaptor– the introductory Zune experience is well done.
The colors are subdued and the shell has a translucent matte finish, and more importantly, the body does not attract fingerprints (though the screen does). The double-shot effect of the secondary color (green on the brown version, bluish on the black, translucent on the white) definitely gives the player visual pizzazz. The built-in battery will last up to 14 hours for audio. Interestingly, the back says this in fine print: “Hello from Seattle.” The Zune, which is manufactured by Toshiba but completely designed by Microsoft, is an original-looking player with a style of its own.
It’s a durable device that will withstand scratches, bumps, and bruises, though the primary seam of the device looks as if it might burst open after a hard fall. The body is minimal with no buttons on the sides, only a hold switch and an earphone jack on top and a proprietary USB/accessories port on the bottom. The screen and main controller are surrounded by a thin, metallic inlay, while the three control buttons are dead simple (the small dedicated back and play/pause buttons are flush with the body).
Overall, the Zune is a well-designed portable media device with good playback performance, a snappy processor, and an excellent interface. Wi-Fi sharing worked well, but prospective owners should know its format support, especially for videos, is limited. The Zune looks like a good fit for MP3 player novices, though we hope Microsoft addresses issues and will make the Zune usable as a hard drive; extend video support to include DRM (which they probably will do when its own video store opens); and open up a true Wi-Fi network. The foundation looks good, though, and those not interested in version 1 of Zune can look forward to improved versions 2, 3, and beyond.
This review was brought to you by CNET.
If your interested in the Microsoft Zune, I would recommend http://www.buyazune.com as they consistently offer the best prices for every model and accessory of the Zune.
Rashel Dan asked:
The Zune player isn’t just all about music. It’s all about playing videos and great movies too. They are much better to have in the sense that they offer more entertainment than music does. Plus, you can also share these videos with other people so that they can enjoy them just as much as you do.
Zune Download Sites - These videos can be downloaded from different sites, including the Zune Marketplace and other sites where you pay a one-time fee for unlimited downloads. But what if you want to turn your current DVD collection into a format that can be played on your Zune? Well, this is possible too and there are things to learn about your Zune so that you can convert your own movies for it.
Knowing The Format
The format that Zune uses or reads isn’t the one used in a DVD format. You will have to learn just what formats are suitable for the device. There are actually three formats that the Zune can read so that you can watch your own converted movies. These formats are known as WMV, MPEG-4, and H.264.
MPEG and WMV - The first two formats are probably the most easy to remember and there are more available converter software for those formats because they are common. The WMV format is the most common for Microsoft, as it is better known as Windows Media Video. This is a compressed format that can be played on the Zune and also can be played on Windows Media Player on your computer. This is probably the best one for your Zune player. MPEG-4 is also an advantage because it can be played on Quicktime player and also on iTunes. It really is up to you which format you want to use.
What You Need
Three Things First - Now, when it comes to making your own Zune movies, you will need three things. First, you will need a PC that has a DVD reader/writer. Secondly, you will need software that will allow you to convert your DVDs into any of the previously discussed formats. Lastly, you will also need a lot of space on your hard drive so that you can store the converted file.
Free Software - Now, there is a lot of free software that you can use and these software packages can be downloaded from the internet. A quick Google search will point you to sites where you can download the needed software. You can also buy professional software which will probably be the best thing to do if you want to edit movies the way you want them to appear on your Zune.
Sync It - Once you have converted the DVDs into a format that you are comfortable with, you can simply sync those files into your Zune the way that you would sync files that you have downloaded from unlimited Zune download sites. Remember that the software you use will determine just how easy the conversion will be.
Freebies - Some of the best software that you can use is available for purchase but there are some reliable converters that can be downloaded for free. Just make sure that these files do not also come infected with viruses or spyware that might damage your computer. Follow the simple instructions that come with the software that you purchase or download and you should be set with all your favorite Zune movies ready for the mobile world.
The Zune player isn’t just all about music. It’s all about playing videos and great movies too. They are much better to have in the sense that they offer more entertainment than music does. Plus, you can also share these videos with other people so that they can enjoy them just as much as you do.
Zune Download Sites - These videos can be downloaded from different sites, including the Zune Marketplace and other sites where you pay a one-time fee for unlimited downloads. But what if you want to turn your current DVD collection into a format that can be played on your Zune? Well, this is possible too and there are things to learn about your Zune so that you can convert your own movies for it.
Knowing The Format
The format that Zune uses or reads isn’t the one used in a DVD format. You will have to learn just what formats are suitable for the device. There are actually three formats that the Zune can read so that you can watch your own converted movies. These formats are known as WMV, MPEG-4, and H.264.
MPEG and WMV - The first two formats are probably the most easy to remember and there are more available converter software for those formats because they are common. The WMV format is the most common for Microsoft, as it is better known as Windows Media Video. This is a compressed format that can be played on the Zune and also can be played on Windows Media Player on your computer. This is probably the best one for your Zune player. MPEG-4 is also an advantage because it can be played on Quicktime player and also on iTunes. It really is up to you which format you want to use.
What You Need
Three Things First - Now, when it comes to making your own Zune movies, you will need three things. First, you will need a PC that has a DVD reader/writer. Secondly, you will need software that will allow you to convert your DVDs into any of the previously discussed formats. Lastly, you will also need a lot of space on your hard drive so that you can store the converted file.
Free Software - Now, there is a lot of free software that you can use and these software packages can be downloaded from the internet. A quick Google search will point you to sites where you can download the needed software. You can also buy professional software which will probably be the best thing to do if you want to edit movies the way you want them to appear on your Zune.
Sync It - Once you have converted the DVDs into a format that you are comfortable with, you can simply sync those files into your Zune the way that you would sync files that you have downloaded from unlimited Zune download sites. Remember that the software you use will determine just how easy the conversion will be.
Freebies - Some of the best software that you can use is available for purchase but there are some reliable converters that can be downloaded for free. Just make sure that these files do not also come infected with viruses or spyware that might damage your computer. Follow the simple instructions that come with the software that you purchase or download and you should be set with all your favorite Zune movies ready for the mobile world.
II SERVE asked:
Smart Internet marketers know that buying master resale rights is a shortcut to getting products on the market. But did you know that Bill Gates and the Microsoft empire were built from purchasing master resale rights?
That’s right - the richest man in the world bought the rights to DOS, the operating system that began the Microsoft empire.
There are Three important lessons Bill Gates could teach you about master resale rights.
1. Find a hungry market with a burning need and fill it.
Bill Gates read about the Altair 8800 computer in Popular Science in 1975. Realizing Altair needed a simple programming language to make the computer popular, Gates sold a version of BASIC to Altair before it was even written. Then Gates worked night and day with Paul Allen and Monte Davidoff to develop it. Microsoft was born.
In 1980, IBM created the desktop PC - but they didn’t have an operating system. Gates saw a burning need waiting to be filled, and learned a new lesson:
2. You don’t have to create a product to fill a need if you can buy the master resale rights instead.
IBM approached Bill Gates to create an operating system for the PC. Gates initially recommended they contact Digital Research to purchase their CP/M operating system. But those negotiations failed, for more details logon to www.sales-letters-creator.com and IBM came back to Bill Gates.
Gates learned that Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products had developed a clone of CP/M called QDOS. Microsoft bought the rights for just $56,000.
Of course you don’t have to invest $56,000 to get rights worth selling. Often you can buy master resale rights for $100, $50, even $10 or $20. You can even join resale rights membership sites and get thousands of dollars worth of products for a small monthly fee. Sometimes you can even find master resale rights products for free!
Why so cheap? Sometimes the products aren’t very good, for more details logon to www.killer-sales-letters.com but often they’re great products that weren’t marketed well. Not seeing the opportunity, people sell their work for almost nothing.
Smart marketers know that sometimes you can just rename a product or change the marketing and have a hit. This is where Bill Gates could teach us the third lesson:
3. Repackage or rebred, change the marketing approach, and build your own brand.
QDOS stood for “Quick and Dirty Operating System.” IBM might have bought it even with a name like that, but being a savvy marketer, Gates decided to rebreed it. He dubbed it “PC-DOS,” for “PC Disk Operating System.” He targeted it squarely at IBM - and they bought it, big time.
When PC clones hit the market, Gates saw another hungry market with a burning need. Microsoft quickly reframed DOS, dubbing it “MS-DOS” for “Microsoft Disk Operating System,” thus building the Microsoft brand at the same time. The rest is history.
Smart Internet marketers know that buying master resale rights is a shortcut to getting products on the market. But did you know that Bill Gates and the Microsoft empire were built from purchasing master resale rights?
That’s right - the richest man in the world bought the rights to DOS, the operating system that began the Microsoft empire.
There are Three important lessons Bill Gates could teach you about master resale rights.
1. Find a hungry market with a burning need and fill it.
Bill Gates read about the Altair 8800 computer in Popular Science in 1975. Realizing Altair needed a simple programming language to make the computer popular, Gates sold a version of BASIC to Altair before it was even written. Then Gates worked night and day with Paul Allen and Monte Davidoff to develop it. Microsoft was born.
In 1980, IBM created the desktop PC - but they didn’t have an operating system. Gates saw a burning need waiting to be filled, and learned a new lesson:
2. You don’t have to create a product to fill a need if you can buy the master resale rights instead.
IBM approached Bill Gates to create an operating system for the PC. Gates initially recommended they contact Digital Research to purchase their CP/M operating system. But those negotiations failed, for more details logon to www.sales-letters-creator.com and IBM came back to Bill Gates.
Gates learned that Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products had developed a clone of CP/M called QDOS. Microsoft bought the rights for just $56,000.
Of course you don’t have to invest $56,000 to get rights worth selling. Often you can buy master resale rights for $100, $50, even $10 or $20. You can even join resale rights membership sites and get thousands of dollars worth of products for a small monthly fee. Sometimes you can even find master resale rights products for free!
Why so cheap? Sometimes the products aren’t very good, for more details logon to www.killer-sales-letters.com but often they’re great products that weren’t marketed well. Not seeing the opportunity, people sell their work for almost nothing.
Smart marketers know that sometimes you can just rename a product or change the marketing and have a hit. This is where Bill Gates could teach us the third lesson:
3. Repackage or rebred, change the marketing approach, and build your own brand.
QDOS stood for “Quick and Dirty Operating System.” IBM might have bought it even with a name like that, but being a savvy marketer, Gates decided to rebreed it. He dubbed it “PC-DOS,” for “PC Disk Operating System.” He targeted it squarely at IBM - and they bought it, big time.
When PC clones hit the market, Gates saw another hungry market with a burning need. Microsoft quickly reframed DOS, dubbing it “MS-DOS” for “Microsoft Disk Operating System,” thus building the Microsoft brand at the same time. The rest is history.
Sherman Choo asked:
There are a variety of reasons why people feel the need to create a steady source of residual income. Some are either in or fast approaching the age where it’s time to start thinking clearly about retirement and what will happen after you are no longer able to work. Others are not yet at that point in their lives, but would like to have a family, or purchase their first (or second or third) home. Still others have other castles in the air that they are looking to fulfill-such as finally owning their own business, or remodeling their house.
In essence, life takes money, money takes work, and work takes time. Or does it? In the new millennium, many regular people out there have found it possible to create residual income as a financial cushion, or backup, for their primary source of income. It’s a sad state of affairs when your nine to five job isn’t always reliable enough for a person and their family to live off of. It’s sad when ordinary professions don’t bring home the bacon anymore, but having another source of income, a residual source of income that only takes spurts of work to generate revenue, is all too important for your financial security.
There are many ways to create residual income and frankly-not every way is for every body. There are some things that require more work, or a different type of work, than some people are able to do or accustomed to doing. Real estate, for instance-choosing and sometimes having to fix up houses, not to mention keep up the rental properties and go through all of the financial issues that come along with being a landlord.
And then there are other ways of creating residual income like selling the rights to a book or screenplay you wrote or an invention that you have created. Creative ways of building a secondary source of income are, obviously, not for everybody just as purchasing and maintaining rental properties is not for everyone. Unfortunatly or fortunately for osme, creative abilities are not always the strong point-but they are an option for the “softer souls” out there who have been looking for a way to generate extra income in a one-shot type of way. Just find something YOU are good at, and are passionate about, and the rewards will be greater.
Bill Gates’s fortune that he made from Microsoft is an example of residual income. He put forth the initial effort that it took to develop the program and now he sells it and makes billions of dollars a year! What a way to make some extra money! Not everybody is Microsoft-bound with their residual income endeavors, but Bill Gates is a good example of how great things can happen financially to people who take steps to secure their futures by attempting to create an alternative source of income.
There are a variety of reasons why people feel the need to create a steady source of residual income. Some are either in or fast approaching the age where it’s time to start thinking clearly about retirement and what will happen after you are no longer able to work. Others are not yet at that point in their lives, but would like to have a family, or purchase their first (or second or third) home. Still others have other castles in the air that they are looking to fulfill-such as finally owning their own business, or remodeling their house.
In essence, life takes money, money takes work, and work takes time. Or does it? In the new millennium, many regular people out there have found it possible to create residual income as a financial cushion, or backup, for their primary source of income. It’s a sad state of affairs when your nine to five job isn’t always reliable enough for a person and their family to live off of. It’s sad when ordinary professions don’t bring home the bacon anymore, but having another source of income, a residual source of income that only takes spurts of work to generate revenue, is all too important for your financial security.
There are many ways to create residual income and frankly-not every way is for every body. There are some things that require more work, or a different type of work, than some people are able to do or accustomed to doing. Real estate, for instance-choosing and sometimes having to fix up houses, not to mention keep up the rental properties and go through all of the financial issues that come along with being a landlord.
And then there are other ways of creating residual income like selling the rights to a book or screenplay you wrote or an invention that you have created. Creative ways of building a secondary source of income are, obviously, not for everybody just as purchasing and maintaining rental properties is not for everyone. Unfortunatly or fortunately for osme, creative abilities are not always the strong point-but they are an option for the “softer souls” out there who have been looking for a way to generate extra income in a one-shot type of way. Just find something YOU are good at, and are passionate about, and the rewards will be greater.
Bill Gates’s fortune that he made from Microsoft is an example of residual income. He put forth the initial effort that it took to develop the program and now he sells it and makes billions of dollars a year! What a way to make some extra money! Not everybody is Microsoft-bound with their residual income endeavors, but Bill Gates is a good example of how great things can happen financially to people who take steps to secure their futures by attempting to create an alternative source of income.
Mohamed Tohami asked:
I’m so excited today as I’m going to share with you one of the top success secrets that is going to change your life forever.
Yes, I mean it. This secret is going to change your life on condition that you put it in action.
First, let me ask you this question:
In your opinion, why is Bill Gates the richest man in the world?
Think a little bit.
“He is intelligent”
“He has a product that runs the world!”
“He is genius”
“He is lucky!!!”
“He is the owner of Microsoft!”
If your answer is like those stated above then allow me to tell you…
NO
NO
NO
Absolutely NOT.
I’m not too harsh.
I just want to direct your focus on an extremely important concept that will guarantee your success in any endeavor.
Listen…
Simply put, Bill Gates is the richest person in the world because…
***… Bill Gates is the most valuable person in the world!
He is extremely valuable. He is serving the whole world. I can claim that he is everywhere all over the planet.
He is adding an irreplaceable value to the world.
Bill Gates is serving the world like no other one is doing. And that is why he is the richest person in the world.
The ultimate secret of everlasting success and wealth is the power of … SERVICE.
*** Success is about service
The more you serve the more you succeed.
The more value you add to yourself and to the world the more you become wealthy and successful.
Focus on the activities that will increase your value.
Ask yourself: “what is the most valuable usage of my time right now?”
How valuable are you right now?
What actions should you take to increase your value just 1%?
Your little efforts to increase your value compounded over time will yield a great harvest.
Focus on adding more value to yourself and others. This will give you a great head start on leading a highly successful, wealthy life.
My friend, you can make a difference.
I believe in you.
I’m so excited today as I’m going to share with you one of the top success secrets that is going to change your life forever.
Yes, I mean it. This secret is going to change your life on condition that you put it in action.
First, let me ask you this question:
In your opinion, why is Bill Gates the richest man in the world?
Think a little bit.
“He is intelligent”
“He has a product that runs the world!”
“He is genius”
“He is lucky!!!”
“He is the owner of Microsoft!”
If your answer is like those stated above then allow me to tell you…
NO
NO
NO
Absolutely NOT.
I’m not too harsh.
I just want to direct your focus on an extremely important concept that will guarantee your success in any endeavor.
Listen…
Simply put, Bill Gates is the richest person in the world because…
***… Bill Gates is the most valuable person in the world!
He is extremely valuable. He is serving the whole world. I can claim that he is everywhere all over the planet.
He is adding an irreplaceable value to the world.
Bill Gates is serving the world like no other one is doing. And that is why he is the richest person in the world.
The ultimate secret of everlasting success and wealth is the power of … SERVICE.
*** Success is about service
The more you serve the more you succeed.
The more value you add to yourself and to the world the more you become wealthy and successful.
Focus on the activities that will increase your value.
Ask yourself: “what is the most valuable usage of my time right now?”
How valuable are you right now?
What actions should you take to increase your value just 1%?
Your little efforts to increase your value compounded over time will yield a great harvest.
Focus on adding more value to yourself and others. This will give you a great head start on leading a highly successful, wealthy life.
My friend, you can make a difference.
I believe in you.
Patricia Hawke asked:
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made an investment of $21 million in Chicago Schools to strengthen the students’ preparation for college. The gift funds the Chicago High School Redesign Initiative, which will provide for major improvements in high school curriculum and instruction to ensure the students are prepared to succeed in college and career.
Under this initiative, the coursework structure and teaching methods of 50 high schools will be transformed. The goal is to give all students access to a high quality education, while keeping them motivated throughout their high school years. Courses will be offered to capture student interest, while providing them with the knowledge needed to graduate and go on to college or another form of post-high school education. The initiative also will provide teachers who are well prepared and able to inspire these young people with a love of learning and desire to excel.
Like many other large urban districts, traditional high schools in the Chicago schools struggle to provide challenging and relevant coursework with the personalized instruction necessary for all students. Currently in the Chicago schools, only 47 percent of graduates go on to college, while 46 percent of 9th graders dropout before graduation. Many of those who continue on to college find they need remedial classes to cover content they should have mastered in high school.
The Gates Foundation chose Chicago schools to be one of the first big cities to meet this challenge for today’s youth. The Chicago schools were eager to partner in this endeavor.
Initially, Chicago schools will implement the transformation plan with 14 high schools, starting with the 9th grade. The redesign initiative then expands to other grades and to 36 additional high schools over the next three years. The initial 14 schools are:
• Bowen Environmental Studies Team (BEST)
• Carver Military Academy
• Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
• Clark Academic Prep High School
• Crane High School
• Dunbar Vocational High School
• Dyett High School
• Fenger Academy High School
• John Hope College Preparatory High School
• Kenwood Academy
• Wendell Phillips High School
• School of the Arts, South Shore Campus
• Mose Vines Preparatory Academy at Orr Campus
• George Washington High School
The goals of the broad redesign initiative are to improve classroom instruction, provide more options and opportunities for students and their parents, and to make Chicago schools performance more accountable to parents and the community. The five most significant challenges to be addressed by the Chicago schools are strengthening the curriculum, increasing rigor and relevance of coursework, adding depth to course content, improving professional development, and providing better school-based support.
The curriculum areas of focus are English, mathematics and science with teachers providing more instructional support in these subjects. A new school accountability tool for parents is the scorecard. The card tracks a school’s performance in areas, such as graduation rate, school climate, teacher information, and student achievement. One area of improvement of benefit to teachers, students and parents, alike, is the recruitment of and professional support for high quality principals for the Chicago schools.
The initiative is one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive approaches to high school reform in the nation with its aim of raising expectations and preparing every student for success after high school.
The initiative gives Chicago schools the potential to significantly impact the quality of education students receive in high school and put them on the right track to succeed after graduation.
This information on Chicago schools is brought to you by www.schoolsk-12.com.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made an investment of $21 million in Chicago Schools to strengthen the students’ preparation for college. The gift funds the Chicago High School Redesign Initiative, which will provide for major improvements in high school curriculum and instruction to ensure the students are prepared to succeed in college and career.
Under this initiative, the coursework structure and teaching methods of 50 high schools will be transformed. The goal is to give all students access to a high quality education, while keeping them motivated throughout their high school years. Courses will be offered to capture student interest, while providing them with the knowledge needed to graduate and go on to college or another form of post-high school education. The initiative also will provide teachers who are well prepared and able to inspire these young people with a love of learning and desire to excel.
Like many other large urban districts, traditional high schools in the Chicago schools struggle to provide challenging and relevant coursework with the personalized instruction necessary for all students. Currently in the Chicago schools, only 47 percent of graduates go on to college, while 46 percent of 9th graders dropout before graduation. Many of those who continue on to college find they need remedial classes to cover content they should have mastered in high school.
The Gates Foundation chose Chicago schools to be one of the first big cities to meet this challenge for today’s youth. The Chicago schools were eager to partner in this endeavor.
Initially, Chicago schools will implement the transformation plan with 14 high schools, starting with the 9th grade. The redesign initiative then expands to other grades and to 36 additional high schools over the next three years. The initial 14 schools are:
• Bowen Environmental Studies Team (BEST)
• Carver Military Academy
• Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville
• Clark Academic Prep High School
• Crane High School
• Dunbar Vocational High School
• Dyett High School
• Fenger Academy High School
• John Hope College Preparatory High School
• Kenwood Academy
• Wendell Phillips High School
• School of the Arts, South Shore Campus
• Mose Vines Preparatory Academy at Orr Campus
• George Washington High School
The goals of the broad redesign initiative are to improve classroom instruction, provide more options and opportunities for students and their parents, and to make Chicago schools performance more accountable to parents and the community. The five most significant challenges to be addressed by the Chicago schools are strengthening the curriculum, increasing rigor and relevance of coursework, adding depth to course content, improving professional development, and providing better school-based support.
The curriculum areas of focus are English, mathematics and science with teachers providing more instructional support in these subjects. A new school accountability tool for parents is the scorecard. The card tracks a school’s performance in areas, such as graduation rate, school climate, teacher information, and student achievement. One area of improvement of benefit to teachers, students and parents, alike, is the recruitment of and professional support for high quality principals for the Chicago schools.
The initiative is one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive approaches to high school reform in the nation with its aim of raising expectations and preparing every student for success after high school.
The initiative gives Chicago schools the potential to significantly impact the quality of education students receive in high school and put them on the right track to succeed after graduation.
This information on Chicago schools is brought to you by www.schoolsk-12.com.
Johnny Bristau asked:
During these hard times, smart buys are rare and very hard to find. One such smart buy is the new Zune portable multimedia player, the latest offering from Microsoft. This nifty player has since made waves in the market. No wonder, when it has excellent functionality at a very affordable price.
Soon It’ll Just Be Zune
Predictably, the famous rivalry between Microsoft and Apple has now extended to portable multimedia players with Apple’s iPod and Microsoft’s Zune. Even more predictable is the non-compatilibity of multimedia files between the two players. After all, they each must do everything they can to thwart competition.
Switching from the iPod to the Zune may be a bit confusing at first, and no, music and videos downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store will definitely not work with a Zune. You can download Zune software, however, to make the transition easier for you. And if you’re wondering why you should bother, unlike the iPod, Zune has FM and - brace yourself - Wifi capabilities. Enough said.
Zune You Can Groove
With a minimum amount of fuss, Zune music downloads can easily be had, regardless if you’re a MAC or PC user. It’s just a matter of knowing what you want and where to get it. With over six million - and counting - music files, Zune Empire is one such source. After a short sign-up process with Zune Empire, you’ll be ready to groove to the music in no time. The software’s setup is painless, and if you’re very much technologically-challenged, you can get step-by-step support.
Depending on file size, Zune music downloads are actually pretty quick. Obviously, the larger the file, the slower the download. On a 56K modem, a 3-minute song can be downloaded in as little as seven minutes. And if you have a high-speed Internet connection, well, you can just imagine how quickly you can get your favorite tunes into your player. What’s more, you can play the same tunes on your computer with a Windows Media Player 7 or higher.
Zune You Can Watch
Apart from music, Zune Marketplace downloads also offer movie and video files, so you can download and enjoy movies from any genre. Suspense, science fiction, romance, comedy - you name it, and Zune can play it.
With this software, you can also watch your DVDs from your player. It’s just a matter of converting the DVD format to the required format. The process is easy enough, and once again, there’s support offered to technically-challenged individuals.
Zune You Can Enjoy
Apart from Zune music downloads and movie downloads, Zune Empire’s software also include other helpful applications to make your experience worthwhile. There are tools to make your downloads easier. You can even burn your downloaded music and movies into a CD or DVD.
Indeed, with Microsoft’s latest 80GB multimedia player, Zune has come and it is here to stay. You will no longer be idle ever again. With this player, a long bus ride or an even longer wait at the doctor’s office can even be - dare I say it - enjoyable.
During these hard times, smart buys are rare and very hard to find. One such smart buy is the new Zune portable multimedia player, the latest offering from Microsoft. This nifty player has since made waves in the market. No wonder, when it has excellent functionality at a very affordable price.
Soon It’ll Just Be Zune
Predictably, the famous rivalry between Microsoft and Apple has now extended to portable multimedia players with Apple’s iPod and Microsoft’s Zune. Even more predictable is the non-compatilibity of multimedia files between the two players. After all, they each must do everything they can to thwart competition.
Switching from the iPod to the Zune may be a bit confusing at first, and no, music and videos downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store will definitely not work with a Zune. You can download Zune software, however, to make the transition easier for you. And if you’re wondering why you should bother, unlike the iPod, Zune has FM and - brace yourself - Wifi capabilities. Enough said.
Zune You Can Groove
With a minimum amount of fuss, Zune music downloads can easily be had, regardless if you’re a MAC or PC user. It’s just a matter of knowing what you want and where to get it. With over six million - and counting - music files, Zune Empire is one such source. After a short sign-up process with Zune Empire, you’ll be ready to groove to the music in no time. The software’s setup is painless, and if you’re very much technologically-challenged, you can get step-by-step support.
Depending on file size, Zune music downloads are actually pretty quick. Obviously, the larger the file, the slower the download. On a 56K modem, a 3-minute song can be downloaded in as little as seven minutes. And if you have a high-speed Internet connection, well, you can just imagine how quickly you can get your favorite tunes into your player. What’s more, you can play the same tunes on your computer with a Windows Media Player 7 or higher.
Zune You Can Watch
Apart from music, Zune Marketplace downloads also offer movie and video files, so you can download and enjoy movies from any genre. Suspense, science fiction, romance, comedy - you name it, and Zune can play it.
With this software, you can also watch your DVDs from your player. It’s just a matter of converting the DVD format to the required format. The process is easy enough, and once again, there’s support offered to technically-challenged individuals.
Zune You Can Enjoy
Apart from Zune music downloads and movie downloads, Zune Empire’s software also include other helpful applications to make your experience worthwhile. There are tools to make your downloads easier. You can even burn your downloaded music and movies into a CD or DVD.
Indeed, with Microsoft’s latest 80GB multimedia player, Zune has come and it is here to stay. You will no longer be idle ever again. With this player, a long bus ride or an even longer wait at the doctor’s office can even be - dare I say it - enjoyable.
Zarqoo Zaimoo asked:
ownload capability is a feature created by Microsoft for their products such as Zune media players and software for the Xbox and Personal computers. Basically, Zune multimedia systems is the optimum and ideal music, movie and media source for the users of the Windows operating systems such as Vista, Windows 2000 and XP. Unlike Apple which has high prices for the same services, Microsoft has given some contents for free such as new software and bonus contents. Another excellent feature of the download capability for Zune is its optimization with the latest Microsoft software. Since Microsoft serves as the leading software manufacturer in the world in which billions of computers access it everyday, majority of the users have no problems updating their Zune software.
ownload capability is a feature created by Microsoft for their products such as Zune media players and software for the Xbox and Personal computers. Basically, Zune multimedia systems is the optimum and ideal music, movie and media source for the users of the Windows operating systems such as Vista, Windows 2000 and XP. Unlike Apple which has high prices for the same services, Microsoft has given some contents for free such as new software and bonus contents. Another excellent feature of the download capability for Zune is its optimization with the latest Microsoft software. Since Microsoft serves as the leading software manufacturer in the world in which billions of computers access it everyday, majority of the users have no problems updating their Zune software.
The Zune download site contains the latest media including mp3, music, videos and movie files which are licensed by the record labels and movie companies. All of the files are in high quality and high definition. Downloading them is simple and practical since the Microsoft operating system allows Zune to easily stream data using the latest in data optimization. Some contents have been added other than music and video files such as mini games for the Zune portable players.
Microsoft has been adding new contents in the Zune download site to allow the users to maximize the function of their Zune players. Among the innovative contents include electronic books and novels which allow the users to view academic and informative documents other than files for entertainment. Thanks to the innovation and continual development implemented by Microsoft, the Zune players are constantly evolving.
The Zune website has allowed Microsoft users to regularly download updates to increase the download speed and quality of the contents. The download feature for Zune is constantly being improved by adding security and downloads protocols, additional download options to have better internet traffic and specific region websites for Asia, North America and Europe to enable users to find local and familiar contents. Microsoft also boasts of the unparalleled technical support for clients all over the world since the sites for Zune have chat functions to help clients contact support people. This allows users to resolve unexpected problems and easily access the contents without disruption.
The payment options for Zune services is very easy since an online payment scheme has been set in place allowing the users to input their bank details to have instant access to the different sites and contents. Instead of purchasing music compact discs, DVD’s and blu ray discs outside the comforts of your home, the user could save time and effort by directly downloading a soft copy which could be easily transferred and accessed from the Zune portable media player.
The latest Zune features coupled with the Zune players allow the users to have a pleasant and practical media experience. Zune players are integrated with the latest in audio technology and can reproduce sound in the highest of quality. The screen having utilized an up to date version of video codec and graphic cards produce clear and crisp images. Overall, the Zune is one of the best media systems in the market.
Rashel Dan asked:
When you first get a Zune, it might be difficult figuring our where to download Zune material especially if you are a person who used to use an iPod. This is one of the issues that Microsoft had already expected when they launched the Zune a few years back. Thus, they made sure that people would be able to get various downloads by making their own content-providing site. This place is known as the Zune Marketplace.
What Is It?
The Zune Marketplace is the first place you might want to visit for premium Zune downloads. It is accessible on the Internet through the URL zune.net and one can register to browse the site for free.
Not Just a Market - The Zune Marketplace, however, is basically just that: a market. It offers Zune users the opportunity to download millions of files in various content types for them to enjoy on their Zune players. This includes music, movies, music videos, audio books, images, software, and games. This content can all be used on the Zune and can also be used on the PC, with the exception of some of the games and software that is specifically designed for use on the Zune only.
Music and Videos - The Zune Marketplace is a site that offers more than 3 million DRM-free songs, music videos, video podcasts, and almost anything and everything that entertains Zune users. With the simple click of a mouse, a member can download anything that is on the site and downloads are unlimited for as long as a person remains a member. The cost for membership is on a monthly basis for about $15.
What Does DRM-Free Mean?
The music that is offered on the Zune Marketplace is DRM-free which basically means that is offered without Digital Rights Management. These formats are popular on the internet at present and can be downloaded from this place as well as from iTunes and Napster. There are issues regarding DRM-free music, the most important being that songs may be of lesser quality but this is not always the case. In fact, stores like the Zune Marketplace provide high quality songs as well.
Why Should I Join?
One-Stop Marketplace - The great thing about the Zune Marketplace is that it is the best place to download Zune material. But more than just downloading stuff, it is a great place to get to know other people who are a part of the Zune community. You can discover new music through them, make new friends, and subscribe to material that you never imagined would entertain you. You can do all this just by signing up and making your own Zune Card.
The Zune Card - The Zune Card allows you to get your own profile page and Zune Tag which is how people will identify you on the site. You can customize your own Zune Card and manage your Zune account over the internet.
Membership - You can purchase your monthly membership through your account so that you can have access to unlimited downloads that you can share with your community friends. Additionally, more than being able to download Zune material you can participate in various discussions in the Zune forums.
When you first get a Zune, it might be difficult figuring our where to download Zune material especially if you are a person who used to use an iPod. This is one of the issues that Microsoft had already expected when they launched the Zune a few years back. Thus, they made sure that people would be able to get various downloads by making their own content-providing site. This place is known as the Zune Marketplace.
What Is It?
The Zune Marketplace is the first place you might want to visit for premium Zune downloads. It is accessible on the Internet through the URL zune.net and one can register to browse the site for free.
Not Just a Market - The Zune Marketplace, however, is basically just that: a market. It offers Zune users the opportunity to download millions of files in various content types for them to enjoy on their Zune players. This includes music, movies, music videos, audio books, images, software, and games. This content can all be used on the Zune and can also be used on the PC, with the exception of some of the games and software that is specifically designed for use on the Zune only.
Music and Videos - The Zune Marketplace is a site that offers more than 3 million DRM-free songs, music videos, video podcasts, and almost anything and everything that entertains Zune users. With the simple click of a mouse, a member can download anything that is on the site and downloads are unlimited for as long as a person remains a member. The cost for membership is on a monthly basis for about $15.
What Does DRM-Free Mean?
The music that is offered on the Zune Marketplace is DRM-free which basically means that is offered without Digital Rights Management. These formats are popular on the internet at present and can be downloaded from this place as well as from iTunes and Napster. There are issues regarding DRM-free music, the most important being that songs may be of lesser quality but this is not always the case. In fact, stores like the Zune Marketplace provide high quality songs as well.
Why Should I Join?
One-Stop Marketplace - The great thing about the Zune Marketplace is that it is the best place to download Zune material. But more than just downloading stuff, it is a great place to get to know other people who are a part of the Zune community. You can discover new music through them, make new friends, and subscribe to material that you never imagined would entertain you. You can do all this just by signing up and making your own Zune Card.
The Zune Card - The Zune Card allows you to get your own profile page and Zune Tag which is how people will identify you on the site. You can customize your own Zune Card and manage your Zune account over the internet.
Membership - You can purchase your monthly membership through your account so that you can have access to unlimited downloads that you can share with your community friends. Additionally, more than being able to download Zune material you can participate in various discussions in the Zune forums.
Rizky Permana asked:
Going up against the almighty Apple iPod is no easy task, but Microsoft is giving it all they got with its impressive line of Zune media players, with capacities ranging from 4GB all the way up to 120GB.
With a huge screen, excellent audio quality (complimented by outstanding earbuds), FM radio and support for multiple audio and video codecs, the Redmond, Wash.-based giants are hoping many will put the two competing products side-by-side and choose in favour of the Zune.
But if you know someone who already owns a Zune, you’re probably aware of the device’s attractive display, well-balanced audio and built-in radio, which is also great at the gym by listening to a TV broadcast. Oh, Zune owners can now “tag” a song they hear on the radio and purchase a CD-quality version at a later time (only in the U.S. at this time, however).
Here are a few things — and impressive ones at that — about the Zune you probably aren’t aware of.
1. Games and books, oh my!
The latest Zune software (version 3.0) now lets you play games while on the go. In fact, you’ll start with two freebies included with the latest downloadable firmware update: Hextic and Texas Hold ‘Em. The Zune will also let you multitask so you can play a game and listen to your favourite tunes, podcasts or an audiobook at the same time! Speaking of audiobooks, Zune owners can now sync books from the huge library of titles at audible.com or overdrive.com.
2. Sharing is good
When you’re in the same room as another Zune listener – and it doesn’t matter if they own a Flash- or hard drive-based model – you can wirelessly beam them a song you like, which the recipient can listen to up to three times on their Zune. This is a great way to be exposed to new music. No wonder why Microsoft’s tagline for the Zune is “welcome to the social.”
3. Wireless sync
iPod owners are used to connecting their player to a PC to transfer over media. For some, this can be a laborious process if it involves connecting a USB cord to the back of a computer (perhaps under a desk), and you might need to unplug an existing USB device first. So long as you have a wireless network, you can automatically synchronize your Zune player with your PC when you step in the door.
4. It’s in the cards
On the free Zune Social, which is Zune’s online music community, you can easily create and customize a Zune Card. What’s that, you ask? No, these aren’t Zune-branded playing cards. These online cards can be embedded on various social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as blogs or other websites, where it will automatically update to show others what they are listening to.
5. X(box) marks the spot
Xbox 360 owners who want to change up their favourite video game’s soundtrack can play their own music stored on a connected Zune – whether it’s by attaching the media player to the console via its USB cord (included) or if you have a Wi-Fi network and a Xbox 360 wireless network adaptor, you can wirelessly configure your Zune to play on your Xbox 360 (as a soundtrack or simply to use your TV/stereo speakers).
6. All the music you can handle
While it’’s not available in Canada – yet – the Zune Marketplace is the online store to purchase music for your Zune player. Sure, you can download tracks one at a time, as you can with Apple’s iTunes, but this service also offers something called a Zune Pass ($15/month) which lets you fill up your Zune to the max with thousands of songs. In other words, you choose whether you want to consume your tunes a la carte or in an all-you-can-eat buffet style!
Going up against the almighty Apple iPod is no easy task, but Microsoft is giving it all they got with its impressive line of Zune media players, with capacities ranging from 4GB all the way up to 120GB.
With a huge screen, excellent audio quality (complimented by outstanding earbuds), FM radio and support for multiple audio and video codecs, the Redmond, Wash.-based giants are hoping many will put the two competing products side-by-side and choose in favour of the Zune.
But if you know someone who already owns a Zune, you’re probably aware of the device’s attractive display, well-balanced audio and built-in radio, which is also great at the gym by listening to a TV broadcast. Oh, Zune owners can now “tag” a song they hear on the radio and purchase a CD-quality version at a later time (only in the U.S. at this time, however).
Here are a few things — and impressive ones at that — about the Zune you probably aren’t aware of.
1. Games and books, oh my!
The latest Zune software (version 3.0) now lets you play games while on the go. In fact, you’ll start with two freebies included with the latest downloadable firmware update: Hextic and Texas Hold ‘Em. The Zune will also let you multitask so you can play a game and listen to your favourite tunes, podcasts or an audiobook at the same time! Speaking of audiobooks, Zune owners can now sync books from the huge library of titles at audible.com or overdrive.com.
2. Sharing is good
When you’re in the same room as another Zune listener – and it doesn’t matter if they own a Flash- or hard drive-based model – you can wirelessly beam them a song you like, which the recipient can listen to up to three times on their Zune. This is a great way to be exposed to new music. No wonder why Microsoft’s tagline for the Zune is “welcome to the social.”
3. Wireless sync
iPod owners are used to connecting their player to a PC to transfer over media. For some, this can be a laborious process if it involves connecting a USB cord to the back of a computer (perhaps under a desk), and you might need to unplug an existing USB device first. So long as you have a wireless network, you can automatically synchronize your Zune player with your PC when you step in the door.
4. It’s in the cards
On the free Zune Social, which is Zune’s online music community, you can easily create and customize a Zune Card. What’s that, you ask? No, these aren’t Zune-branded playing cards. These online cards can be embedded on various social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as blogs or other websites, where it will automatically update to show others what they are listening to.
5. X(box) marks the spot
Xbox 360 owners who want to change up their favourite video game’s soundtrack can play their own music stored on a connected Zune – whether it’s by attaching the media player to the console via its USB cord (included) or if you have a Wi-Fi network and a Xbox 360 wireless network adaptor, you can wirelessly configure your Zune to play on your Xbox 360 (as a soundtrack or simply to use your TV/stereo speakers).
6. All the music you can handle
While it’’s not available in Canada – yet – the Zune Marketplace is the online store to purchase music for your Zune player. Sure, you can download tracks one at a time, as you can with Apple’s iTunes, but this service also offers something called a Zune Pass ($15/month) which lets you fill up your Zune to the max with thousands of songs. In other words, you choose whether you want to consume your tunes a la carte or in an all-you-can-eat buffet style!
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