“COMMON SENSE” is common only because it’s the way most of us approach the process of decision making.  Practical thinking means coloring within the lines and solving problems the way everyone else solves problems.  So our solutions are probably the same old solutions everyone else comes up with – and probably are not solutions at all but just another form of the same old problem.  Society places tremendous pressure on us to discern and discriminate correctly.  The motto “choose wisely” haunts us like an ominous decree from a childhood fairytale.  So we never give ourselves much latitude to think and plan in a creative, original way.

FREDERICK WOODRUFF
Popular culture columnist

 NOW CASTING

Guys: Are You an Expert Engineer That Can Build Anything?

 If you are a male between the ages of 35-50 who can construct ways to improve everyday life by building something unique, Towers Productions wants to hear from you! 

Towers Productions is now casting in the Chicago area for a new series featuring the fascinating stores of American Science & Surplus.  We are looking for contraptions that use at least a few parts from the store’s warehouse.  The bigger, the better!  Whether you have assembled a device that impresses your buddies, have an idea for something amazing or can manufacture just about anything, let us showcase your build on TV!

Please email Becky:  casting@towersproductions.com with your name, contact info, where you live and tell us about your current and/or past builds.  Please attach a recent photo of yourself and your creation(s) if possible.

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Engineering Degrees Earn Top Pay Among College Class of 2010

NCEES NEWS
July 15, 2010

NCEES is currently seeking volunteers who are licensed professional environmental engineers to participate in a standard-setting study for the updated PE Environmental exam. Selected volunteers will review the PE Environmental exam that will be administered in April 2011 and rate the difficulty of each item on the test. The volunteers’ responses will help NCEES determine the new passing score for the PE Environmental exam. The standard-setting study will take place April 29–30, 2011, at NCEES headquarters in Clemson, S.C. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid by NCEES.

For more information, contact NCEES Exam Development Engineer Thomas Dodd, Ph.D., P.E., at tdodd@ncees.org or 864-654-6824.

CONTACT:
Enesta Jones
jones.enesta@epa.gov
202-564-7873    
202-564-4355
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2010
 

EPA Launches National Water Conservation Campaign

EPA’s WaterSense program helps consumers save money and water

 
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program today is kicking off its national “We’re for Water” campaign to encourage  Americans to make simple choices that save water. The program, in collaboration with its partner, American Water, will spread the word about saving water by traveling cross-country, stopping at national landmarks and educating consumers about WaterSense labeled products. WaterSense products use about 20 percent less water than standard models. 
“Whether by replacing an old, inefficient plumbing fixture with a WaterSense labeled product or adopting more water-efficient behaviors, together we can help save water for future generations,” said Peter Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “WaterSense offers consumers simple tips that can help the environment and keep money in their pockets.”
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