College Football - Florida, Oklahoma, USC, Virginia Tech, East Carolina and Buffalo Win Titles

It was the biggest game of college football regular season play, No. 1 and unbeaten Alabama (12-0) versus No. 2 Florida (11-1) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference Championship and the right to play in the BCS National Championship Game.

When it mattered the most, the Florida Gators-led by junior quarterback and last year's Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow-showed up. Tebow was 0-5 in games when his Gators trailed in the second half, but he overcame that statistic Saturday (12-6-08) by throwing the last of his 3 touchdown passes with less than 3 minutes remaining to seal Florida's 31-20 victory.

Despite trailing in the second half, Florida did win the first half 17-10 and also won the second half 14-10. Tebow was 14-of-22 passing for 216 yards and led his team in rushing with another 57 yards. When Florida needed a play the most, Tebow played a big role in making it happen.

The win gave Florida another SEC title under coach Urban Meyer and its second trip in three years to the BCS National Championship Game. The Gators routed Ohio State for the national championship in 2006. Florida will now face No. 4 Oklahoma for the BCS national title in Miami (FL).

Oklahoma staked its claim to face Florida by dusting off No. 19 Missouri, 62-21, for the Big 12 Championship. All you need to know about this game is that it was 38-7 at the half.

The 4 teams in contention for the BCS game during the final two weeks of the season were Alabama, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma. All had one loss except Alabama. Florida, which eventually prevailed over Alabama, had lost at home to Ole Miss 31-30 in its 4th game of the season, and then rattled off 8 wins in-a-row by huge margins before ruining Alabama's run for the national title.

Oklahoma had lost at home to Texas 45-35 in its 6th game, and then routed 6 teams before its big win over Missouri. The Sooners scored 60+ points in their last 5 wins.

The Texas Longhorns won 8 straight before losing on the road to Texas Tech, 39-33. After winning their last 3, they needed Oklahoma to lose to Missouri to have any chance at a title shot.

Elsewhere, No. 12 and unbeaten Ball State (12-0) joined Alabama by losing its first game in the Mid American Conference Championship as Turner Gill's 7-5 Buffalo team took down the Cardinals, 42-24, for the title. In just 3 years, coach Turner Gill has turned around a Buffalo program that was one of the worst in America.

East Carolina (8-4) hung on and hung tough in beating Tulsa (10-2) in the Conference USA Championship game, 27-24. Coach Skip Holtz won 3 games, including victories over Virginia Tech and West Virginia, lost 3 games and then won 5 of his last 6 before beating Tulsa for the title.

Virginia Tech (8-4) went on to capture the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship by beating No. 18 Boston College (8-4), 30-12. Not to be outdone, Southern Cal kept UCLA at bay on the road, 28-7, to win its 7th straight Pac 10 Championship and 4th straight BCS bowl appearance.

With Alabama and Ball State losing their first game, only No. 7 Utah at 12-0 and No. 9 Boise State at 12-0 remained unbeaten among the 119 Division 1-A schools.

In other action, it was No. 19 Pittsburgh on the road over Connecticut 34-10, California at home horsewhipped the winless 0-12 Washington Huskies 48-7, Navy shut out Army 34-zip, Arizona ripped Arizona State 31-10, and No. 13 Cincinnati on the road outlasted Hawaii 29-24.

So it's Florida and Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game, and the other 4 BCS Bowl Games will find Penn State and Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl, Ohio State and Texas in the Fiesta Bowl, Utah and Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, and Cincinnati and Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

Jacksonville State University Gospel Choir

Jacksonville state university gospel choir , Dr Myrtice Collins, Saved: By James Hall, Directed By Mr Randall nUnn Dr. Prince yelder hosts Praze N da house, in Birmingham al.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfZB6_C1QwY&hl=en

Stingettes-OLD Skool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkoOILTZoFA&hl=en

Which Universities Offer the Best PhD Programs?

Most every state in the United States of America offer top billing for PhD Universities, with the exception of the state of Nevada. Depending whether you would like to stay in state, or travel out-of-state to pursue your doctorate degree is entirely up to you. The cost, however often times defines if a person is able to attend the out-of-state university of their dreams, or if they are forced to settle for the programs the universities of their states provide. Luckily, by doing a search on the web you can research the top universities for PhD programs available in any state from A to Z....er..."W" for Wyoming.

Starting with the state of Alabama, you will find the best PhD programs are offered at Auburn University as well as the University of Alabama and the University of Mobile. If you are interested in pursuing your PhD in Animal Studies, Auburn University offers an excellent Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. California Baptist University offers an excellent PhD program in the field of Ministry and Theology as well as a wonderful Psychology program focusing on Christian behavioral sciences, social work and life-span development.

Harvard University in Massachusetts has an excellent doctorate in Dentistry Program, but Harvard is best known for their doctoral studies in Law. You can receive a Doctor of Juridical Science degree which has you focus your studies on teaching in a law school one day.

If you are looking for a good Medical School, Johns Hopkins University in Maryland is one of the finest PhD universities around today. Although this is a teaching hospital and university, it is also considered the crème de la crème of Medical Schools and you should consider it a tremendous honor to be asked into the program.

Columbia University in New York is one of the best universities to receive your PhD in today offering one of the oldest and largest Post Baccalaureate Premedical Programs available today. This program is geared to help college students who wish to pursue an education in the medical field but have not reached the required core science courses to be accepted into medical school.

No matter what type of doctorate you are aiming to reach, there is no question that you will be able to find some of the best PhD universities in the United States of America. Choosing which one will be the best fit for you may be the tougher than completing your actual doctoral degree!

FSU Marching Chiefs

FSU Marching Cheifs at the Alabama vs. FSU game in Jacksonville 2007



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DKzuvum0uo&hl=en

Electrolysis Schools II

Electrolysis is the way that the compounds that are chemically bonded are separated by passing electric currents through them. In addition, it can be defined as passing electric currents through ionic substances. Electrolysis schools are beauty schools that use electrolysis method to remove hair from one's skin. It is specially used by the women who want to have a smooth and supple body texture. Not all the beauty schools are able to perform this method, for it is dangerous. One has to attend the electrolysis schools to be able to perform the procedure. The electrolysis method can remove hair permanently depending on what the client would like.

Electrolysis schools are the only ones that perform the permanent hair removal service, which most women prefer, and some of them may not even think of the consequences. Though the electrolysis method is strictly supposed to be passed only where the client has suggested for it is a permanent hair remover. Just as other treatments of beauty, one will find a number of electrolysis schools, which specialize in the training of individuals through this particular field. The electrolysis schools involve the art of the state equipment that are university like classes. The lessons are taught to individuals whose attention is greatly needed. The students not only need to learn the process but also to be able to understand the science behind it. That is why these schools specialize in specifically the electrolysis method.

Electrolysis schools differ when it comes to the curriculum, which is based on the states rules and regulations. Some schools may require duration of thirty hours course. Others may require a maximum of up to six hundred hours to complete the course work. The fees of the electrolysis schools may also vary from school to school for they differ in the time in tuition. Some may be as low as two thousand five hundred dollars while others are up to seven thousand dollars or even more. With the little fees schools they may not offer the required standardized lessons as they may not have equipment hat is required to do the procedures. Expensive schools would be having the equipment to do some of the procedures literally and not just shown through dummies. The students are not to perform any of the experiments without a tutor.

The electrolysis schools are in many states and can be easily located. Before a student attends electrolysis schools one is required to not only look at the brochures and make up their mind. One is required to visit the school, tour it as well as ask all the questions possible. A person should also tour a few other schools that offer the same services, comparing prices as well as the quality of education one can achieve from it. It is important for one to talk to some of the students there so as one can know how good the level of education is asking them questions. One may not to pay fees and a tutor attends class once a week therefore wasting a student's time. One can also locate the electrolysis schools physically.

One Field, Two Great Traditions

For more information, visit www.jsugameday.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcUnftxc42c&hl=en

Wal-Mart Online Job Application

Wal-Mart is one of the biggest employers in the U.S. If you are considering a job with Wal-Mart, then you will need to fill out an application online. While there are a number of websites out there telling you that you that the Wal-Mart online job application is a myth, it really does exist, and you need to know how to fill it out correctly.

You need to begin by going to the Wal-Mart Career website, so you will need access to a a computer. It is okay if you do not have a computer, as you can fill out the application from your local library or at one of the kiosks in the store. If you are looking for a professional position with Wal-Mart, though, you should not fill out the Wal-Mart online job application. Instead you will be given another address where you can send your resume.

You then need to register with your own ID and password. Before you get to that point, though, there are several statements that you have to read. Each one has legal disclaimers and reminders, so make sure you read each part of the Wal-Mart online job application thoroughly. If you have any criminal history, make sure you pay close attention to the disclaimers prior to filling out the application, because the disclaimer tells you if you have to state anything about your criminal history.

After you read the disclaimers on the Wal-Mart online job application, you then need to create a user name, passwords, and tell the application where you want to work. Then the application asks to choose your stores and positions of choice. Like many other online applications, you will need to fill out personal information like your address and phone numbers. Also, you will be asked about your availability for work. Then you will need to provide two references.

The Wal-Mart online job application is fairly standard from that point. You will need to provide a listing of your education and work experience. Be sure that you are double-checking your information. Also, know what type of language to use on these applications. When you give your reason for leaving, make sure you state things in a politically correct manner. Never insult your previous employer, even if he or she was a total tyrant. Saying something negative about a previous employer will make the hiring manager wonder what you will say about them one day.

Most of the Wal-Mart online job application is the same as you have seen on other applications, but you still need to make sure you check for spelling and grammatical errors. Also, make sure you are honest on the application. Most employers, Wal-Mart included, are not necessarily forgiving for dishonesty.

Give yourself about 20 to 30 minutes to fill out the Wal-Mart online job application. Besides having to enter all of your job history, you will also need to answer a number of questions prior to submitting the application. Take your time and fill everything out accurately before you submit your final application. Then make sure you follow up with the hiring manager at the store if you do not hear back from them within a timely manner. Visit the Wal-Mart Career website for more information.

Marching Southerners 2008 Midsouth Exhibition

The Jacksonville State University Marching Southerners performed at the 2008 Midsouth Exhibition in Gadsden, Alabama on September 27th.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpNH73lA-6g&hl=en

Delta State University Football Trevar Deed

Statesmen Football



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnaSd2fUcwI&hl=en

2010 University of Alabama Million Dollar Band - Halftime

Million Dollar Band performing Celebration by Kool and the Gang and Yea Alabama during halftime of the Alabama vs. San Jose State football game won by Alabama 48 - 3.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHpGArNozN0&hl=en

Sweet Home Alabama Pre-Game vs. Penn State 9-11-10

Pre-game scenes leading up to Penn State vs Alabama college football game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Sept. 11, 2010. Alabama won 24-3. RHS Productions Video and editing by Robert Stephens robertstephens@cox.net Tags: The Mound, The tailgating scene on the Quad, Alabama team arrival...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPxnFtx_4aI&hl=en

Professional Land Surveyor Qualifications

The requirements for licensing as a professional land surveyor vary from state to state. To find out the requirements for the state in which you intend to practice, contact your state licensing board through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Generally, a professional land surveyor must complete the licensure requirements in their state of residence, after which time they are awarded a professional license. In many states, they must also re-register every few years in order to practice land surveying as a profession.

Components of a state license for land surveying usually include a land surveying examination, as well as a work record of several years of active work in surveying. Most states require at least four years of experience before the examinations may be attempted. Most professional land surveyors first obtain a degree in land surveying, and then work to gain experience for several years before becoming qualified as a professional land surveyor. There are tests offered by every state, and nationally, to qualify for a Professional Surveyors license. One of the most common tests is the ELSES, LLC, which is offered by NCEES. Many states also offer their own licensing examinations; contact the state in which you reside for specific information on the tests required for licensure in your state.

To gain the knowledge required for these examinations, most people studying for this license obtain a B.S. degree in Land Surveying from a school accredited by ABET, or the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. This nationally recognized organization sets the standard for engineering and similar programs to ensure that graduates of such programs will have the knowledge to pass the examination and obtain the correct licensure. However, it is usually possible to obtain a license without this degree, though it will likely require more effort to pass the examination. In many cases, regardless of your education you must be approved by your state in order to sit for the exam.

After obtaining their first Professional Land Surveyor license, land surveyors in most jurisdictions must complete continuing education requirements. The number of hours of training to be completed each year varies greatly by state. This continuing education ensures that professional land surveyors stay current on consumer expectations and other current issues in their field, and allows for updated knowledge and skills. All land surveys must be completed by a licensed surveyor who has kept up with the continuing education requirements as laid out by the state in which they are licensed.

If you move to a different state after becoming a Professional Land Surveyor, in most cases you will need to repeat the process for licensure, as the requirements differ between states. For example, you may need to pass an additional exam, or submit proof of your experience, education, or prior examinations or licenses.

Although membership in a professional society for land surveyors is not a requirement to practice land surveying, most professional land surveyors belong to such societies. To remain a member of most professional organizations for the practice of land surveying, surveyors must maintain a code of ethics.

Swingin' Doodle Dandy (2000) "Sound of the South"

2000 "Sound of the South" Marching Band Troy (State) University - Robert W. Smith, DIrector of Bands Ralph Ford, Assistant Director of Bands



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf9Mjc1bf5c&hl=en

Mexican Talavera Pottery Revealed

Have you read all over the internet just to find a multitude of different things being said about Mexican talavera pottery? Well, we are here to clear up the confusion and give you the real scoop on talavera!

We would like to discuss the BIG QUESTION..."What makes talavera authentic versus imitations?" Well, in order to be "authentic" Mexican talavera pottery there is a long list of criterion that must be met. Authentic talavera, certified by the Talavera Regulating Council, must be made using the exact techniques from the 1600s when the production of talavera first began in Mexico. This is where most talavera manufacturers fall off the map for producing genuine pieces of talavera. The reason isn't that the manufacturers don't want to abide by the rules set forth by the Talavera Regulating Council, but the fact that the original process requires a harmful amount of lead.

In the 1600s, the manufacturers were clueless about the harmful effects that lead could produce to human health. However, nowadays many manufacturers are aware that lead can cause harm to human health and have reduced the lead content to levels well below FDA standards making their products safe to eat and drink from, but at the same time understanding that they won't be eligible to become a Certified Talavera Fabrica. Talavera from a Certified Talavera Shop contains harmful amounts of lead and can only be used for decorative purposes. The FDA permits the production of such products under the strict condition that it must be stated on each piece that it is not to be used for food. Sometimes you can find "Not for Food Use" engraved or stamped onto a piece a talavera. Though, other times you may only find a sticker labeled "Not for Food Use" and this is perfectly acceptable by the FDA. However, what happens when the sticker finally falls off or gets washed off? Will the next owner of the talavera be aware that their health could be in danger if they use the piece for food? Probably not, unless they do a ton of research to find out where the talavera was produced and then, they may not even find their answer. You may be saying to yourself, "Well, what about those home lead tests kits?" Good idea, but little research will reveal that these kits are not reliable giving many false positive results and even a few false negative results. The only way to know for sure is to send your talavera to a materials testing lab and have them run a leachate lead analysis on it which can cost $225 per piece. However, this is very costly, can permanently damage your talavera, and some labs won't be able to return your talavera to you. While we are at it, we would also like to clear up the confusion about "lead-free" Talavera. All Mexican Talavera Pottery has some amount of lead. However, to be called "lead-free" the amount of leachable lead must not exceed the FDA approved levels of leachable lead. This is how many manufacturers and retailers are able to state that their talavera is lead-free.

A second criterion that many manufacturers fall short of is that authentic talavera pottery must be made in the state of Puebla, Mexico from the clays of the state. Talavera is produced throughout Mexico. However, it's up to you to decide how important it is for your talavera to be produced where the production began and made from the original clays used since the 15th century.

A third condition is that mexican talavera pottery must be hand-formed and cannot be poured into molds. Pouring clay into molds can produce brittle, low-quality, and mass-produced pottery! EXACTLY what you don't want to spend your hard earned money on! Authentic talavera can only be hand-formed on a potter's wheel or hand-pressed into molds.

Think Mexico, think color! The vibrant colors of talavera pottery are what make it truly Mexican! This leads us to the fourth criterion which is that only natural mineral pigments can be used to create the intricate colored designs found on every piece of talavera pottery. The basic mineral pigments are blue, white, green, yellow, red, brown, and black. These colors can be combined in a variety of ways to produce tones of orange, purple, and blue that we see in talavera today. Commercial paints or stains are not used in the production of authentic talavera pottery.

Now that you know some of the criteria for the production of authentic Mexican talavera, let us help you determine the differences by examining your talavera. All authentic talavera will bear the signature of the artist and the place of production, Puebla, Mexico. Authentic talavera pottery should also bear designs with slightly raised borders. The glazed background should also be a light cream instead of bright-white. A bright-white background could mean that the Talavera was mass-produced. The glazed background will also appear somewhat freckled, porous, and exhibit crazing. Talavera will not appear perfect or made by a machine. Imperfections in talavera are the result of being hand-made by an individual and not a machine which in turn makes imperfections actually desirable. No two pieces, even in the same design, will be identical. Each piece of Mexican talavera pottery is unique, making it a beautiful work of art for you to enjoy in your home! Talavera is more than just pretty pottery... It's a piece of culture, a tradition, and a work of art!

Alabama vs Virginia Tech Showdown

A hipe video for the showdown in Atlanta on September 5th



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1VbPtIWvU&hl=en

College Football's First Controversial Call of 2008 May Have Cost Washington a Huge Upset

Taking University of Washington quarterback Jake Locker out of a college football game is like taking Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James out of the National Basketball Association, or taking Tom Brady out of the National Football League, but that is what effectively happened last Saturday (9-6-08) in Seattle.

A controversial unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Jake Locker was a prime topic of conversation over the weekend by fans, coaches, play-by-play announcers, sports commentators and officials in 49 of 50 states. A survey revealed that the only state that agreed with the call was Utah.

That was because it was the No. 15-ranked Brigham Young University Cougars who benefited from the call, barely getting out of Husky Stadium with a 28-27 win. Utah is home to BYU.

Pacific-10 Conference referee Larry Farina leveled the 15-yard penalty on Locker for tossing the football into the air after scoring a touchdown with 2 seconds remaining in the game. A successful Washington extra point attempt would have tied the game at 28 all.

The penalty made the Dawg's extra point attempt a 35-yard effort rather than a 20-yard attempt. More important, it rattled a team of young, inexperienced players, allowing the attempt to be blocked as time expired, ending what could easily have been an overtime game.

We will never know if the extra point attempt would have been made from 20 yards out because the referee effectively took the game out of the hands of the players and coaches in favor of interpreting the rule book by the letter of the law.

Obviously embarrassed by the call upon reflection, and by the fan and player reaction after the game, referee Larry Farina issued this statement in defense of his call:

"It is a celebration rule that we are required to call. It was not a judgment call," said Farina to the media representatives.

David Perry, national coordinator for college football officiating, thought differently. While saying the penalty was correct (according to the rules), Perry added that ALL calls are judgment calls. Amen, David, amen.

Jake Locker was clearly not taunting any BYU player. He was not looking at any BYU player, throwing the football at any BYU player, speaking to any BYU player, or gesturing to any BYU player. He was simply excited about scoring a touchdown on the last possible play of the game to create an opportunity to tie the game and settle the outcome in overtime.

Even the national coordinator for college football officiating conceded that the penalty could not have been called if judgment was exercised, saying "I think it's safe to say on emotional moments officials might become a little more lenient."

Of course, Brigham Young coach Bronco Mendenhall totally agreed with and defended the call. Why not? It was in his best interest to do so. Even Washington coach Ty Willingham initially agreed with the call, taking the side of the referee. On Monday, Willingham, perhaps the nicest, most politically correct, polite coach in college football, changed his mind.

"I think we all know that was not the right call," Willingham said. "The proper judgment was not used. That was not the act of a young man taunting. That was not an unsportsmanlike act at all. It should have been viewed in its totality and not just isolated as the letter of the law."

Thank you, Ty, for going to bat for your most important player, one of the most exciting and talented players in college football today. Thank you for going to bat for your team, for the University of Washington, and for fans everywhere who were reacting to the unjustified call.

It is the officials and head referee that set the standard for sportsmanship in any game, and in this case, Larry Farina could have made a better call.

In Husky nation, there is no rest for the weary. Washington, now 0-2 after facing No. 18-ranked Oregon and No. 15-ranked Brigham Young to open the season, will host No. 3-ranked Oklahoma next. Rather than adding insult to injury by sharing with you how much trouble Washington will have beating Oklahoma, this is all you need to know:

Oklahoma is 783-295-53 in its 114th season of football. The Sooners have won 7 Associated Press national championships, 41 conference championships, 24 bowl games, have gone undefeated 14 times, have an NCAA-record 30 (yes, 30) 10-win seasons, and have set the NCAA big-school record with a 47-game winning streak between 1953 and 1957.

Ouch! Good luck, Washington, and God speed. I will try to remember you in my prayers, knowing that it is OK to pray for a victory like it depends on God, but much better to act like it depends on you (the Huskies). They find in Oklahoma that the bigger, faster, more talented the Sooner players are, the better prayer works in the Dust Bowl.

Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley

Top 5 Forensic Accounting Schools

Forensic accountant has played an important role in solving white collar crimes. As the demand for forensic accountants keeps increasing, forensic accountant has been selected as one of the "20 hot job tracks of the future" by US News & World Report. There are more and more universities offering this particular degree program either offline or online.

Here are the Top 5 Forensic Accounting Schools in Unites States:

1. The Florida Atlantic School of Accounting
It is the fastest growing state university with the track record of having the highest passing rate in CPA examination for the past 10 years. It is also ranked as one of the top 50 Business schools for entrepreneurs.

2. Aakers College
It has been established for more than 100 years and it is famous for its Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, State Board for Vocational and Technical Education. It offers online programs to students world-wide.

3. University of Phoenix
It is well known for providing quality online accounting courses to working adults and people who prefer home based learning. It has created opportunities for people who wish to obtain higher education at home

4. Birmingham's School of Business, The University of Alabama
It has been ranked as one of the Top 10 metropolitan state business schools, offering two levels of Accounting Degree programs, i.e. Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accounting

5. American Intercontinental University (AIU)
It has been supported by over 400 major companies who serve as education partners. They offer dynamic virtual campus experience to students and they make the studies as practical as real world.

State University of New York at Binghamton Information

For any university, setting up a standard may not be difficult but maintaining that standard throughout is an uphill task. For consecutive ten years, the State University of New York at Binghamton is ranked among top fifty in the nation. Also the university is famous for its numerous faculties. However, claim is that vastness is not proportional to the distance between student and teachers here. The professors and student relations are the most important when it comes to better education and this university claims to be a testimony to this.

Beside the elite school of management, there are innumerable faculties in the university. Nursing, arts and science, health and physical education, community and public affairs, engineering and applied science, PhD college are some of the wonderful faculties this university provides. For undergraduate courses, enough emphasis is laid upon the academic excellence and personal achievements. For graduate and post graduate levels, along with academics, research takes the priority. Any research should aim at the creation of newer avenues for the students after the research. Some students may opt for good corporate jobs after research and some may opt for further research. Whatever is their priority, the university takes the responsibility of making the world safer for them and creating various job opportunities for them.

The State University of New York at Binghamton provides creative activity and scholarship through many of its faculties. For the students interested in degree programs, enormous avenues are available under the university. Ranging from Accounting, Anthropology to Cinema and computer sciences, all faculties are equally competent to create knowledgeable students. Its school of management is considered one of the elite institutes offering full range of BS, MBA, Executive MBA, MS Accounting and PhD programs. A good mixture of theoretical and practical knowledge makes students well aware of business tactics as well as academic research.

Campus of the college is also one of the attracting factors for most of the students. With the most modern set up, the university offers full fledged activities for students from all over. Even students from abroad enroll in good numbers in this university. Initially started as a center for the needs of local veterans at the end of World War II, now the university has over 14373 students from all over the globe. The well-maintained campus situated on a wooded hillside above the Susquehanna River, offers amazing and most modern physical facilities too. The university is also famous for good resident facilities for undergraduates.

Finding the right aptitudes of the person before enrolling to further graduate courses is very imperative for better assessment of future. This is done by career development center so that the students can explore their own talents and skills.

Sounds of Dynomite "Glad to See You Again"

The Alcorn State University Sounds of Dynomite (Alumni and current members) doing the stand routine to "Glad to See You Again"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75S1ky5Rj-Y&hl=en

Tattoo Artist - What Do I Need to Become One?

The first thing you need to understand before pursuing a tattoo artist career is what the regulations are in your state. The only states that currently do not have regulations covering this field or their equipment are New Mexico, North Dakota, and Washington D.C. These regulations vary from state to state. For example, in my state Nevada, the state requires the city or county to develop the regulations for the tattoo artist.

Now some other important things to consider on becoming a tattoo artist are

Talent - You will need to have a talent at drawing. If you do not have this talent you need to develop it by going to a drawing school. If you do have the talent, you will need to continue to practice your art, all the time. Nothing can ruin your career quicker than by being a sloppy drawer. Remember, your drawing is going on someones body and cannot be removed easily.
Teacher - You will need to apprentice with a master tattoo artist so you can learn. True there are tattoo artist schools, but be wary of these schools. Especially if there are more than two students per instructor and instruction lasts less than 10 months.There are books you can read but, nothing beats getting one on one instruction from a certified master. Going this way you will more than likely have to sign a contract and pay for the opportunity to learn from a master.
Health Training - Being in this field will require you to get health training in blood borne pathogens, cross contamination controls, CPR/first aide, dermatology and other issues dealing with health concerns
Good Personality - You will need to be able to communicate effectively with many different personalities. From the big ruff and tumble biker to the sweet little old lady.

Powerful Black Female Poets

In 1773 Phyllis Wheatley became the first African American and the third woman in the United States to publish a book of poems. A second manuscript was written, but never published, nor found. Since that time, black female poets have spoken loud and clear about the angst and optimism of the black experience. Four of these sisters who broke new ground are Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks and Maya Angelou.

Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni, Jr. was born June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Giovanni attended Fisk University and In 1967 earned in B.A. in history. Later she became a professor of writing and literature at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She has penned two dozen books, most notably her works of poetry during the 60s. These works include "Black Feeling, Black Talk" (1968), "Black Judgement" (1968), and "Re: Creation" (1970). Her three most recent works are "Love Poems," "Blues: For All the Changes," and "Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea; Poems and Not Quite Poems," and "Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People." In 1988 she published a collection of essays, "Sacred Cows...and Other Edibles."

It has been written that, "Her collection of poetry, 'Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgement,' captures the militant attitude of the civil rights and Black Art movements of that time."

Wilsonia Sonia Benita Sanchez is a poet/playwright and educator borm September 9, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama. Like Ms. Giovanni she earned a B.A. degree. Sanchez received hers in political science from Hunter College in 1955. She has won numerous literary honors including the Lucretia Mott Award, a National Endowment for the Arts award and an honorary Ph.D from Wilberforce University (1972).

In 1972 Sanchez joined the Nation of Islam. However, she left in 1975 because some of her views conflicted with the Nation of Islam's position on women's roles. Sanchez has always been known for the fact that her political activism is also evident in her plays and poetry. Her work includes, "Homegirls & Hand Grenades" (1985), for which she received the American Book Award. Her most notable plays include, "The Bronx is Next" (1970), "Sister Sonji" (1972), "Malcolm Man/Don't Live Here No More" (1979), and "I'm Black When I'm Singing, I'm Blue When I Ain't" (1982).

In 1965 she joined the faculty at San Francisco State University. She also taught at Rutgers University, the University of Pittsburgh, Manhattan Community College of CUNY; The City College of CUNY, Amherst College, and the University of Pennsylvania. Ten years later she was on the faculty of Temple University.

Gwendolyn Brooks was born June 7, 1917 in Topeka, Kansas. However, the Brooks family soon moved to Chicago. According to researcher Kenny Jackson, as a young woman Brooks was fortunate enough to meet "James Weldon Johnson and Langston Hughes, who urged her to read modern poetry--especially the work of Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, and e. e. cummings--and who emphasized the need to write as much and as frequently as she possibly could."

Subsequently, much of her work was featured in the Chicago Defender. In 1945 her first book of poetry was published, "A Street In Bronzeville." That same year she received a Guggenheim Fellowship. While it was critically well received, as was her second book 1949's "Annie Allen." Five years hence Ms. Brooks struck pay-dirt. That year she became the first black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Over the years she was invited to read at a Library of Congress poetry festival (1962), named as a poetry consultant to that same body (1985) and in 1994 she was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities as the 1994 Jefferson Lecturer, the highest award in the humanities given by the federal government.

According to Jackson, "A turning point in her career came in 1967 when she attended the Fisk University Second Black Writers' Conference and decided to become more involved in the Black Arts movement. She became one of the most visible articulators of 'the black aesthetic.' Her 'awakening' led to a shift away from a major publishing house to smaller black ones. While some critics found an angrier tone in her work, elements of protest had always been present in her writing and her awareness of social issues did not result in diatribes at the expense of her clear commitment to aesthetic principles."

Some of her works include, "Bronzeville Boys and Girls" (1956), "In the Mecca" (1968).

"The Bean Eaters" (1960), "Selected Poems" (1963), and "Report from Part One: An Autobiography" (1972). Her latest work is a book of poetry titled, "In Montgomery." Many of her poems are powerful pieces that dealt with the abject nature of inner city life and racial inequality. It has been written that the impetus for a lot of her work came about by "looking out of the window of her second-floor apartment house in Chicago." Perhaps Brooks is best known for the succinct and soulful, "We Real Cool":

We real cool. We

Left school. We

Lurk late. We

Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We

Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We

Die soon.

Brooks said of the pool players in her classic work, "They have no pretensions to any glamour. They are supposedly dropouts, or at least they're in the poolroom when they should possibly be in school. You're supposed to stop after the 'We' and think about their validity...I want to represent their basic uncertainty, which they don't bother to question every day."

Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. During her twenties Maya studied dance in New York City and also sang in nightclubs on both coasts. She has lived all over the world, even serving as editor for The Arab Observer, a Cairo newspaper. She also taught in music and drama in Ghana and studied cinematography in Sweden. Marguerite later married Tosh Angelos, a Greek-American sailor. Theirs was a short-lived marriage and they divorced.

Angelou is a poet, actor, director, producer and author of stage, film and television. She is the author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1969), which focused on growing up in the racist South and her rape by her mother's boyfriend, and her volume of poetry "Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'Fore I Die" (1971). She earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination for the score she wrote for the film, "Georgia." In 1977, she was nominated for an Emmy award for her portrayal of Nyo Boto in the television miniseries"Roots."

She has served under Presidents Ford and Carter, as a member of the Bicentennial Commission and a member of the Commission for the International Woman of the Year. In 1993, she was asked to read an original poem for the William Jefferson Clinton inauguration--a piece titled, On the Pulse of Morning."

According to Wikipedia, "Comedian David Alan Grier spoofed Angelou while hosting the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. The gag was that Angelou (played by Grier) had been hired as the new spokesperson for Pennzoil motor oils. In character, Grier read a poem dramatically, using Afrocentrism as an analogy for motor oil. There was a similar joke during the same episode with Grier-as-Angelou hawking Froot Loops breakfast cereal. Angelou is said to have requested a copy of the sketch on videotape because she so enjoyed it."

Angelou once penned:

...Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me...

Sources:

Nikki Giovanni biography Wikipedia

"Women of Color Women of Word, African American Female Playwrights--Sonia Sanchez." Author and publication unknown.

"An Interview with Brooks: On 'We Real Cool'," by George Stavros

"Gwendolyn Brooks' Life and Career," by Kenny Jackson Williams

"Maya Angelou, biography,"

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY AT THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS 2008

ASU PERFORMS AT THE 2OO8 BATTLE OF THE BANDS OF MONTGOMERY,AL



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXFbgXsWbLQ&hl=en

DC Alumni sing Rammer Jammer vs Auburn 2008

The National Capital Chapter of the University of Alabama gather together for football games during the fall at Old Dominion Brewery to watch the Crimson Tide take on a new team each week. This particular week was the state rivalry with Alabama-Auburn, and 'Bama's chance to break Auburn's winning streak. And, 2008 was Alabama's year. It worked, and in fact, we celebrated by singing Rammer Jammer not once, but twice. :) Roll Tide Roll!



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alabama state university marching band espn.MP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPalCgNY5KQ&hl=en

Alabama vs Virginia Tech 2009 Highlights

Alabama football highlights from the game. The song is "Remember the Name" - Fort Minor



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College Football Wrap-Up Week 6 - 3 Unbeaten Teams Fall and South Carolina Upsets Alabama, 35-21

Three unbeaten teams bit the dust this week, and none was bigger than the No. 1-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide who showed that South Carolina is not only a very good team, but is tough to beat at home.

The Gamecocks spotted 'Bama a field goal and then South Carolina's Stephen Garcia threw 3 touchdown passes to put the Gamecocks up, 21-3. Garcia would go on to have the best day of his collegiate career, completing 17-of-20 passes (85%) for 201 yards.

When the Tide tried to play themselves back into the game, South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore took over, scoring once on a 9-yard TD pass, and rushing for 2 short-yardage touchdowns while piling up 93 yards on the ground on 23 carriers (4.04).

About all Alabama had to take home with its hurt pride and a 35-21 loss was the fact that its defense had held another runner to less than 100 yards gained for the umpteenth game.

The defense was really all South Carolina's as the Gamecocks sacked Alabama's Greg McElroy 7 times. Their offense shredded the country's top-rated scoring defense, putting the most points on the board since a 41-34 'Bama lost to LSU in 2007.

The win lifted South Carolina from 19th place to 10th in the AP Top 25 Poll.

South Carolina's victory was its first-ever against a No. 1-ranked team. The Gamecocks win snapped defending national champion Alabama's 19-game win streak, and threw the national championship race wide open.

There are now only 13 BCS teams left with an undefeated record. Ohio State, Oregon, TCU, Auburn, LSU, Michigan State and Nevada are all 6-0. Boise State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah, Oklahoma State and Missouri are all 5-0. There are 120 Division 1-A teams.

The second biggest upset of the week was due in large part to sophomore quarterback Ryan Katz of Oregon State. Katz declared himself as a quality Pac-10 QB by completing 30-of-42 passes (71%) for 393 yards and 2 touchdowns, and rushing for another score as the Beavers traveled to 9th-ranked Arizona and took down the unbeaten Wildcats, 29-27.

It was a huge win for Oregon State as the Arizona defense had been ranked 2nd nationally, giving up only 230 yards per game.

The Wildcats' Nick Foles, one of the Pac-10's best, completed 35 of 46 (76%) for 440 yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was not enough. Worse yet, Arizona was coming off a bye week and had double the time to prepare for Oregon State's visit. The Beaver victory was their 5th straight against Arizona on its home field.

The third biggest upset was the 17th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, a 4.5-point underdog, upending and then thrashing the 18th-ranked Michigan Wolverines at the Big House in Ann Arbor, so-called because it is the largest football stadium in the country, holding 113,000+ fans.

Michigan State jumped out to a 17-10 halftime lead and then won the 2nd half 17-7, and the game, 34-17. And it was not close at the end.

Michigan's wunderkind, superstar quarterback Denard Robinson, who came into the game on everyone's Heisman list and leading the nation in rushing with an average 181 yards a game for his first 5 games, looked a lot more human when the game was over.

Robinson was held to 86 yards on 21 carries (a 4.1 average per carry) and was intercepted 3 times. This was primarily because Michigan State was the first team Robinson played against this year that actually had a defense.

Meanwhile, Spartan running back Edwin Baker rushed for 147 yards on 22 carries (6.68 ypc) and scored on a 61-yard touchdown dash. I say dash because Michigan State's offensive line opened up a hole that a Mac truck could have driven through.

Michigan State's outstanding freshman, Le'Veon Bell, picked up another 78 yards on 7 carries (11.14 ypc), and scored on a 41-yard run that the offensive line opened up like a crater. Not to be outdone, Michigan State's 3rd outstanding runner, Larry Caper, picked up another 34 yards and scored on an 8-yard run.

Michigan, which had the 2nd-best total offense in the nation at 565 yards per game, was held to 377 yards while Michigan State rolled up 536 yards, 249 rushing and 287 passing. Spartan QB Kirk Cousins went 18-for-25 (72%) for 284 yards and a 42-yard TD strike to Mark Dell.

The Wolverines got a good butt-kicking, the Spartans won their 3rd straight over Michigan, and by doing so Michigan State became the dominate team in the State of Michigan.

The fourth biggest upset saw 12th-ranked LSU travel to 14th-ranked Florida and slide past the Gators, 33-29, in a game Florida will not soon forget. The Gators saw their unbeaten record fall by losing 31-6 last week at Alabama, and hosting LSU was the Gators 3rd ranked opponent in 3 weeks, and proved too much.

The Louisiana gambler, coach Les Miles, rolled the dice again against Florida by keeping the winning drive alive with a successful fake field goal that allowed Jarrett Lee to throw a 3-yard pass to Terrence Toliver for the victory with 6 seconds remaining.

Worse yet, LSU tried to run the same play to the same player, Toliver, on their previous last-second play. It was successfully defensed the first time, but not the second time as Toliver, with a height advantage, made it count.

Last week Miles was criticized for poor clock management in the final moments as Tennessee almost upset the Tigers, but LSU won anyway, 16-14. Miles just smiles, and wins again as opposing coaches pull out their hair in frustration.

The fake field goal by LSU you may never see again. With 35 seconds left and clock ticking, the holder Derek Helton throws a no-look pitch over his head that bounces off the turf and into the hands of place-kicker Josh Jasper who scampers for the first down to keep the winning drive alive. They couldn't pull that stunt off again in the circus.

Nonetheless, LSU is 6-0, fat, sassy, and really lucky. This is college football, folks, expect the unexpected and unanticipated EVERY week - that's why it is so much more exciting and topsy-turvy than pro football.

The fifth upset saw the 23rd-ranked Florida State Siminoles fly into Miami and upend the 13th-ranked Hurricanes, 45-17. The Hurricanes saw a lot of Jermaine Thomas' taillights as he scored a career-high 3 touchdowns (1 passing and 2 running) during the first 21 minutes.

Miami players then spent the rest of their time chasing Siminole Chris Thomspon's rear end as he rushed for 158 yards and logged in the longest run Miami has allowed in its illustrious history - a 90-yard scoring jaunt. It was an easy win for Florida State.

The win lifted Florida State from 23rd place to 16th in the AP Top 25 Poll.

Six other Top 25 teams had impressive victories Saturday.

They included the 5th-ranked Texas Christian University Horned Frogs who ran their record to 6-0 with a 45-zip shut out of Wyoming, and the 24th-ranked Missouri Tigers who stayed unbeaten with their 5th victory, a 26-zip shut out of Colorado at home.

Seventh-ranked Nebraska ran its record to 5-0 as the Cornhuskers traveled to Kansas State and handed the Wildcats their first loss, 48-13. Some thought K-State should have been ranked with a 4-0 mark. Now we see why they were not.

The 2nd-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) hosted Indiana and reminded the Hoosiers why Ohio State is unbeaten and the premier team in the Big 10, thumping them 38-10, while showing a lot more offensive weapons.

Tenth-ranked Utah went on the road and won convincingly while staying unbeaten in notching its 5th straight victory over Iowa State, 68-27 -- a 41-point margin. The 4th-ranked Boise State Broncos remained unbeaten while hosting Toledo and beating the Rockets, 57-14 -- a 43-point margin.

Eight other Top 25 teams won, but were hardly dominate in doing so. Two of them were lucky to get out of town alive.

The 8th-ranked Auburn Tigers scored 31 points in the first half against Kentucky, and then needed a last-second field goal to nip the Wildcats, 37-34. Eleventh-ranked Arkansas was held scoreless by Texas A&M in the last quarter and slipped out of town with a 24-17 victory.

The 16th-ranked Stanford Cardinal hosted Southern California and darn near lost. Each team scored a touchdown in each of the first 3 quarters, and then USC added a second touchdown in the last quarter with barely a minute to play and took a 35-34 lead.

This happened because Stanford's kicker missed the extra point try after the Cardinal matched USC with its second score in the last quarter. The kicker, Nate Whitaker, redeemed himself with a 30-yard field goal with 4 seconds to play to give Stanford the win, 37-35.

Elsewhere, the 21st-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack had a hardly impressive 35-13 win over an extremely weak San Jose State excuse for a team. Third-ranked Oregon was not much better as the Ducks downed a rebuilding program at Washington State, 43-23.

The 22nd-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys apparently spent more time in the saddle than on the ground as they could only beat an absolutely terrible Louisiana Lafayette team, 54-28. Okie-State gave up 4 touchdowns to a team ranked 172nd out of 120 Division I-A teams. Please don't ask me if they have a defense.

Oklahoma State is now 5-0; little wonder with opponents like Louisiana Lafayette. The Cowboys strength of schedule is currently 118th among 120 teams. In other words, they have played jack and diddly so far. All of this nonsense might stop when they host Nebraska in two weeks.

The 20th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers hosted Minnesota and beat the Golden Gophers (whatever a Golden Gopher is), 41-23. The Badgers were at home and should have won bigger, badder and better. And 25th-ranked Air Force took down a very weak, visiting Colorado State team, 49-27.

I am frankly surprised at how many top-ranked teams this year give up so many points while winning. Very few teams play defense and it is beginning to seem like they all give up a lot of points, except TCU in its last two games, and they have played 5 weak sisters in going 6-0.

Copyright © 2010 Ed Bagley

Journey's End

It has been a long and arduous journey - a journey of frustration, rejections and sometimes insulting criticism. But the journey is nearing its end and novelist Nirupama Rao is finally going to reap the fruit of her labor.

Currently residing in Mobile, Alabama, Rao's association with creative writing began at the tender age of five. Moving from one neighborhood to the other in South Delhi, Rao immersed herself in writing poems and short stories. Her poems, short stories and non-fictional essays were published in community and school magazines. She was awarded the "Shankar's International Prize" for her poetry three times. Her creative works including non-fiction also got published in premier Indian magazines such as Children's World and Competition Success Review. She also participated on numerous occasions in national creative writing competitions at the zone level. What began as a hobby soon turned into a passion and then an academic choice. Rao graduated in Creative Writing from Kent State University in 2002. She wrote a comprehensive novella for her thesis which now rests in the University library.

Rao began writing her first novel at the age of 20, and it has been an uphill struggle since then to get published. She smiles and says, "It has been tiring as no one wants to take on an amateur... they all want someone who has been published but frankly I don't understand, if I am already established and published, why am I coming to you and hearing all this talk?" She shakes her head, "Writing and publishing are two different things. They depend on each other but you should never confuse the two... writing is a talent, you keep on writing, develop your own style... it depends on you... but publishing depends on someone else. No matter how much you try if you don't have luck it just doesn't happen... it is not going to happen."

"Her writing is very distinctive," says her thesis advisor, Dr. Zee Edgell, at Kent State University. "She reads a lot but does not copy anyone. I always knew that someday her work will get published and it is being published now. I am very happy for her."

Rao began her professional career as a reporter, climbing the ladder upward to that of a feature writer and later, a columnist. She worked for a few years at various US and Indian newspapers including the SAARC Quarterly. She then donned the mantle of a senior copy editor of a reputable international firm located in the UK. And all the time, Rao never lost hope. She knew that someday her luck would turn and her novels would get published.

"Her thinking and her way of expressing her very unique," says former professor of English, Dr. Alexander Hughes, Kent State University. "I told her to keep at it and she would get her dues soon."

But it didn't happen soon enough - from top publishing companies with an international presence to moderately-sized firms in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, Rao tried them all. She knocked on doors, sent endless query letters and writing samples to editors, and heard numerous excuses. "It was the same old excuse," Rao says. "You are good but people want to read books by published authors," she giggles. "If one is given the chance then only can one publish... how can one ever get published when no one is willing to give them the opportunity?" she asks. Rao continued to write more novels despite repeated failure and rejection and today, has a collection of six more, waiting in the wings to see the light of day. From murder mysteries to thrilling adventure stories by child sleuths to a heart-wrenching story of a family coping with life after death of a parent to a Hindu wedding extravaganza, Rao continues to weave novels in her distinctive fashion.

Her first book titled Summer Break is about five Indian children who come together to spend their summer holidays together. It is a contemporary Indian novel set against a backdrop of changing Indian social scene. The novel, according to Rao, showcases sentiments, values and attitudes unique to the Indian mindset. In a nutshell, the book revolves around a brother, 14 year old Rahul and his younger twin sisters aged 11, Sheila and Tanya. They stay in a south Delhi residential locality with their father and grandparents. Havoc breaks loose when their irritatingly lovable cousins, eight- year old Mini and five-year old Mahesh land up at their house, along with their pet mongrel, Junior, to spend their summer vacation.

The book takes the readers on their fun-filled adventures leaving everyone in side-splitting laughter. It is a page turner fit for all ages. "Summer Break is loosely based on my childhood experiences... my cousins... they are not the characters but they have contributed a lot to making Rahul, Sheila, Tanya, Mini and Mahesh... even the incidents with the grandparents are inspired by real life events," Rao says.

Yet, at the same time the novel offers more - a window into relationships, friendships and values from an Indian perspective. "I can only imagine from an Indian point of view," says Rao. "My thoughts, attitudes reflected on paper are Indian...," continues Rao who has spent the last eight years abroad, namely in USA and UK. Currently finishing her research work in Mobile, Rao plans to pursue her writing endeavors. Writing according to Rao is a talent, "creative writing cannot be learnt... there is no set formula," says the active member of International Poetry Association. "Creative Writing cannot be learnt like academic writing... you can learn how to write an academic paper but you cannot learn to write poetry... good creative writing has to come from the heart... it has to be felt."

Right now, Rao is excited and a little apprehensive about her first novel. She plans to continue writing novels for the Indian market, and already has many ideas up her sleeve. So, can we expect more books from this budding novelist? "Oh... absolutely... the first one sets the stage and then you just carry on..."

Research Cruise in Barataria Bay July 23, 2010 ALL EYES ON THE GULF

Courtesy of www.EcoRigs.org Research Cruise with Arkansas State University. Testing fish and other marine species. Possible oil deposits inside the digestive system. Learn more at http



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bama state of mind.wmv

A NEW VIDEO I SHOT AND EDIT.OUR REMAKE OF JAY Z SONG BUT ITS FOR ALL OUR ALABAMA PEOPLE!!FT STAR STATIZ,YUNG K(BANKS) AND MANE MILLI..ALABAMA STAND UP!!



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