What's driving the trend towards more luxury in student housing? Ingra Saffron gives an even-handed (albeit brief) analysis of the subject in yesterday's New Republic: Today’s student accommodations are being built to resemble the kind of apartments you would find in a new urban high-rise. It’s not unusual for a suite in one of these upscale dorms to include individual bedrooms with private baths and kitchens equipped with a full complement of stainless steel appliances—dishwashers and the obligatory granite countertops included. When admissions officers describe “amenities” to incoming … [Read more...] about The Trend Towards Luxury in Student Housing
Rick Warren Speaks Out About His Son’s Suicide
Rick and Kay Warren opened up tonight to Piers Morgan (CNN) about the tragic suicide of their son Matthew (27), who struggled with mental illness throughout his life. The video is not yet available online, but a summary article from CNN has been posted. It's gut-wrenching, but Warren's message is also one of hope. A few excerpts: "I have cried every single day since Matthew died," Warren said. “If love could have kept my child alive, he'd be alive today, because he was incredibly loved,” the pastor said. “I never questioned my faith in God; I questioned God’s plan,” Rick Warren said. … [Read more...] about Rick Warren Speaks Out About His Son’s Suicide
Russell Moore on Bill Bennett’s Show
Russell Moore was a recent guest on Bill Bennett's radio program, Morning in America, discussing the status of Christianity, culture, and American political life. Dr. Moore published an essay in the Wall Street Journal last month which began this way: 'The Bible Belt is collapsing," says Russell Moore. Oddly, the incoming president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission doesn't seem upset. In a recent visit to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Moore explains that he thinks the Bible Belt's decline may be "bad for America, but it's good for the … [Read more...] about Russell Moore on Bill Bennett’s Show
Matt Chandler: To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
This looks really good. The publisher's description: Using Paul's radical letter to the Philippians as his road map, Matt Chandler forsakes the trendy to invite readers into authentic Christian maturity. The short book of Philippians is one of the most quoted in the Bible, yet Paul wrote it not for the popular sound bites, but to paint a picture of a mature Christian faith. While many give their lives to Jesus, few then go on to live a life of truly vibrant faith. In this disruptively inspiring book, Chandler offers tangible ways to develop a faith of pursuing, chasing, knowing, and … [Read more...] about Matt Chandler: To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
Highest and Lowest Paying Majors
Update: I don't believe earnings prospects should be the major factor in how a teen goes about choosing a college major. They should look to the intersection of their God-given talents and interests, as I've explained here and here. That said, studies show that many teens don't have a realistic sense of their earning prospects when they choose a college major. As a result, they might take on tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, and spend years struggling to pay it off. I'm not suggesting Christians should avoid low-paying careers. But we should decide how to pay for college in … [Read more...] about Highest and Lowest Paying Majors
Why U.S. News’ College Rankings Hurt Students
U.S. News & World Report released its college rankings at midnight last night -- and once again, the results are meaningless. CBS News has a good short piece explaining why. 1. College rankings hurt low and middle-income students. 2. The rankings ignore job prospects. 3. The rankings don't care about learning outcomes. 4. U.S. News runs a beauty pageant. 5. College rankings fuel ever greater college costs. Read the whole thing. … [Read more...] about Why U.S. News’ College Rankings Hurt Students