Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=djnemo65;370594]My mom taught a couple online courses at her college and basically said they were a joke. It's more about the University finding a way of increasing its revenue than it is about actually providing a quality educational product, at least according to her. I never took one so I can't speak from experience, although something about the whole idea of never meeting your professor always seemed a little off to me.[/quote]

I took an online class as an undergrad and I had mixed feelings on it. It wasn't totally online either, we had class once every 2 weeks. The rest of the time we had to post on a message board just like this, the prof would post topics to discuss from our readings and we were required to post a certain amount of times and we were basically graded on our posts. So it was kinda interesting and a different format from what I was used to, just not sure if that format would work well with all courses.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=Schneed10;370601]No, Phoenix is not accredited by the AACSB (see link below). If the school doesn't require applicants to take the GMAT, then it's not accredited by the AACSB.

Employers essentially disregard degrees from these schools, because they know that if the student had the GMAT score to go to an accredited program, they would have. Phoenix, Strayer, and programs of this nature end up with students who couldn't get into the legitimate, accredited programs.

[URL="http://www.aacsb.edu/General/InstLists.asp?lid=2"]Accredited Programs.[/URL][/quote]

Thanks for the info, pretty much what I thought. And those schools aren't cheap either, so you're paying good money for a crap degree.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=Mattyk72;370616]Thanks for the info, pretty much what I thought. And those schools aren't cheap either, so you're paying good money for a crap degree.[/quote]

Yeah, there's actually a lot of consumer outrage out there over programs like that.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

This is an interesting article that explains a lot of the problems people have with the U of Phoenix

[URL="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html"]http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/education/11phoenix.html[/URL]

Very interesting stuff. Glad I didn't study there.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;370350]Please explain how that proved your point? I am not sure you know what the arguement is about here.

BTW- by your last comment, you obviously jumped into the argument not knowing the base.
We were talking about a program that paid for your tuition, all you needed to do was come up with whatever other expenses there were, which are minor.

ps- $889 for NEW books per year is damn cheap. Cut that in half for used books and you're looking at around $225 per semester.

So let's look at the figures SS supplied for us. (BTW NMSU is a branch here in Carlsbad)
[B]$1162 - Tuition and fees
$4602 - Room and board
$889 - Books and supplies
$1980 - Personal expenses
$1500 - Transportation[/B]

Take away Tuition if you are on the program we were discussing, take away room and board because I already live here as does everyone that goes to NMSU in Carlsbad. Personal Expenses is for financial aid purposes, but that is why you work a full time job to pay for your own personal expenses. Transportation is taken care of by yourself as well. That leaves approx. $225 per semester (as I showed by cutting books in half by buying used). I'll even throw in a few more dollars and bring it to $500 per year.
If you can't afford $500 a year to go to college, there is nothing you can afford.
Nice link SS. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

You're acting like that's pocket change. And, really, not everybody lives within a descent communting distance of a university. Moreover, most, if not all of those government programs that pay for tuition require you to attend full time. While some of us (like myself) are smart enough and strong enough to work full time while attending college full time, I wouldn't recommend that to everyone. It's academic suicide for most students.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;370352]You quoted me at $200-$300 per NON TUITION..IE: Books. You didn't even realize what you were quoting. SS proved that she is correct with those figures. Unless I am not understanding you because you are betting me $200-$300 per credit hour or something. Not understanding what you're getting at.
Again...don't jump into an argument if you don't know what is going on.[/QUOTE]


Sorry. I read it wrong. My bad. I'm not saying you can't cut corners with things like books and transporation (if you happen to be lucky enough to live within 25 miles from the school,) but what I am saying is that it isn't always possible. It isn't always possible to go to the cheapest schools (and by the way, you do get what you pay for,) as it isn't always possible to get the cheapest health insurance (which is what this thread is really about.) What you have to realize is simply saying, "go find cheaper insurance" isn't always going to be possible. Saying things like, "go to the cheapest college" isnt' always possible either. Believe it or not, not everywhere is like New Mexico. Sometimes you do have to settle for what is available.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

By the way, I apologize, I forgot to call the DOL today...sorry, I was busy, I will do so tomorrow.

My online program was and is fully accredited Matty, and not all online degrees are crap like you are suggesting. Most colleges are doing online courses / degrees now, and some will even wire you into an actual class.
I didn't see my college on that list, (didn't look hard either) but that is not the [b]only[/b] list of accredited universities.
This is a site that my degree is accredited by:
[url=http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/]Higher Learning Commission - HLC Home[/url]

That is a list of colleges / universities that are held to higher standards.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy;371097]Sorry. I read it wrong. My bad. I'm not saying you can't cut corners with things like books and transporation (if you happen to be lucky enough to live within 25 miles from the school,) but what I am saying is that it isn't always possible. It isn't always possible to go to the cheapest schools (and by the way, you do get what you pay for,) as it isn't always possible to get the cheapest health insurance (which is what this thread is really about.) What you have to realize is simply saying, "go find cheaper insurance" isn't always going to be possible. Saying things like, "go to the cheapest college" isnt' always possible either. Believe it or not, not everywhere is like New Mexico. Sometimes you do have to settle for what is available.[/QUOTE]

That is a valid argument. I am assuming that most of you live in a college dense area. I lived in an extremely college dense area when I lived in Boston and there were always a ton of colleges to choose from.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;370378]I did mine online, cost me $25 a month for internet service.[/QUOTE]

I'm curious (as well as the others in this thread) as to where you got your MBA for $25 a month. After all, all accredited schools charge a lot more for Master programs than bachelor programs.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

how did we go from discussing health-care, to online schooling? just wondering

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;371109]how did we go from discussing health-care, to online schooling? just wondering[/QUOTE]


I think the lines of thinking went from poor, lower class people who can't afford health and how poor people are usually lazy and unwilling to better themselves by going to college. Maybe the exact words were not said (or typed,) but I believe that is how we went from health care to schools.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

Pretty much. To sum it up in a slightly cynical perspective:

The vast majority of people who don't have the types of jobs that offer decent health care are lazy and should just simply better themselves by going to the magical world of college where you automatically get a job with great healthcare benefits upon graduation. Oh yeah, college is extremely cheap, if not free, you just simply have to suck it up for 3-4 years with absolutely no luxury because to not do so would mean you don't have your priorities in order; not because you thought you'd be a cool single parent and buy your kid a decent pair of shoes...once.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;371145]Pretty much. To sum it up in a slightly cynical perspective:

The vast majority of people who don't have the types of jobs that offer decent health care are lazy and should just simply better themselves by going to the magical world of college where you automatically get a job with great healthcare benefits upon graduation. Oh yeah, college is extremely cheap, if not free, you just simply have to suck it up for 3-4 years with absolutely no luxury because to not do so would mean you don't have your priorities in order; not because you thought you'd be a cool single parent and buy your kid a decent pair of shoes...once.[/QUOTE]


Perfectly stated!

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy;371108]I'm curious (as well as the others in this thread) as to where you got your MBA for $25 a month. After all, all accredited schools charge a lot more for Master programs than bachelor programs.[/QUOTE]

That was purely in reference to transportation costs. I still owe 50k in student loans.

This argument is not going anywhere, thus my absence from this discussion. There is nothing productive being said, and I am just as guilty for indulging to this point.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=jsarno;371100]By the way, I apologize, I forgot to call the DOL today...sorry, I was busy, I will do so tomorrow.

My online program was and is fully accredited Matty, and not all online degrees are crap like you are suggesting. Most colleges are doing online courses / degrees now, and some will even wire you into an actual class.
I didn't see my college on that list, (didn't look hard either) but that is not the [B]only[/B] list of accredited universities.
This is a site that my degree is accredited by:
[URL="http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/"]Higher Learning Commission - HLC Home[/URL]

That is a list of colleges / universities that are held to higher standards.[/quote]

Eesh. Jsarno, my condolences. The only accredidation that matters, when it comes to business degrees and MBAs, is the AACSB. These regional commissions, like the one you linked to, are parts of for-profit companies designed to funnel students towards non-AACSB accredited programs. They're in it for the money.

I actually have an open position in my department right now for which we're searching for candidates with MBAs, and we've already dismissed a few candidates with "MBAs" from non-accredited schools. I won't even interview them.

I know this isn't easy to hear, and believe me I'm taking no pleasure in telling you, but in my opinion those schools are practically scams. PM me if you want to discuss it further.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=djnemo65;370501]This is a great document I studied in school. Have you heard of it?

[URL="http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html"]The United States Constitution - The U.S. Constitution Online - USConstitution.net[/URL][/quote]

Are you assuming that I would lock them up without due process? They have rights until they break the Law. I am not saying haul them off immediately, but give them a reasonable deadline in which to accomplish the objective. If they fail to achieve desired results within the alloted time, then they broke the Law. That is of course assuming that a Law that will never get passed becomes effective.

This entire conversation is hypothetical. It is because of arguements like this that nothing ever gets accomplished the way it should. We spend years talking about the issues without ever fixing them. I am laughing uncontrollably as I write this.

Keep in mind that ideas are just that, ideas. Nothing in life is black or white with a definate answer unless you are refering to math. I find it funny that we will beat our heads against a wall trying to change a persons mind instead of comming to a compromise to most effectivley solve or minimize the problem.

You so quickly pointed out that my ideas go against the constitution, which can be [B]changed.[/B] What is your solution? Can you think of one that would work best for all of those involved? I would love to hear it. (Not sarcasim)

I do not mind supported evidence being used to disprove my ideas and theories. That is what a good productive argument is all about. But, you cant just say that I am wrong and leave it at that. Provide your own insight and ideas so that the conversation stays open and a cooperative conclusion can be reached.


EDIT: I could have been a smartass and said that when I enlisted I had no idea what the constitution which I was supporting and defending actually read. DEE DEE DEE! Then where would the conversation have gone?

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;371182]Are you assuming that I would lock them up without due process? They have rights until they break the Law. I am not saying haul them off immediately, but give them a reasonable deadline in which to accomplish the objective. If they fail to achieve desired results within the alloted time, then they broke the Law. That is of course assuming that a Law that will never get passed becomes effective.

This entire conversation is hypothetical. It is because of arguements like this that nothing ever gets accomplished the way it should. We spend years talking about the issues without ever fixing them. I am laughing uncontrollably as I write this.

Keep in mind that ideas are just that, ideas. Nothing in life is black or white with a definate answer unless you are refering to math. I find it funny that we will beat our heads against a wall trying to change a persons mind instead of comming to a compromise to most effectivley solve or minimize the problem.

You so quickly pointed out that my ideas go against the constitution, which can be [B]changed.[/B] What is your solution? Can you think of one that would work best for all of those involved? I would love to hear it. (Not sarcasim)

I do not mind supported evidence being used to disprove my ideas and theories. That is what a good productive argument is all about. But, you cant just say that I am wrong and leave it at that. Provide your own insight and ideas so that the conversation stays open and a cooperative conclusion can be reached.


EDIT: I could have been a smartass and said that when I enlisted I had no idea what the constitution which I was supporting and defending actually read. DEE DEE DEE! Then where would the conversation have gone?[/QUOTE]

I don't understand most of your post Angry but if you are arguing that indefinitely detaining people for being homeless is within the bounds of the constitution I would disagree. If you are arguing that the constitution should be changed to allow for the indefinite detention of people for not having a home then I would disagree with that too. It is one thing to argue that homeless people shouldn't be given governmental handouts, or even that you should not personally give them spare change so as not to support their lifestyle. It is quite another to suggest that they should be denied rights intrinsic to American citizenship. Yours is a version of America quite different from what our founders envisioned in my opinion.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=djnemo65;371232]I don't understand most of your post Angry but if you are arguing that indefinitely detaining people for being homeless is within the bounds of the constitution I would disagree. If you are arguing that the constitution should be changed to allow for the indefinite detention of people for not having a home then I would disagree with that too. It is one thing to argue that homeless people shouldn't be given governmental handouts, or even that you should not personally give them spare change so as not to support their lifestyle. It is quite another to suggest that they should be denied rights intrinsic to American citizenship. Yours is a version of America quite different from what our founders envisioned in my opinion.[/quote]

[COLOR=black]The founders also probably didn't envision any man willingly living on the streets with so many opportunities available to him. Tell me why it is that an immigrant can come into this country and begin making a life for himself almost immediately. Meanwhile, you have a homeless man on the corner, who is a citizen and has had most of the same opportunities available to him as the majority of the population. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]1. He either makes a great living being homeless. (There are a lot of professional bums around here.)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Or[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]2. He is so used to society handing him everything that he does not have the intestinal fortitude to make something of himself. Essentially he is lazy.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Either way it is pitiful, yet we tolerate it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]To clarify something else: I am not referring to the guy who is trying and just down on his luck. If he lost his job and lost his house and still making an asserted effort, then he is not who I am talking about.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]After the Immigration Act of 1917, customs began to filter out peoples with undesirable traits. Being a career beggar or homeless person was considered an undesirable trait; in which case they were not allowed into the country. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][URL="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAE1917A.htm"]1917 Immigration Act[/URL][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Why was it OK then and not OK now? I believe that 100 years ago lawmakers were better able to determine what the vision of our forefathers was.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Even during the Great Depression, FDR wanted people to work their way out of depression as opposed to accepting handouts from the government. I happen to agree with him.[/COLOR]

A man who is too lazy to get out and make something of himself would be better off in prison. He would eat 3 meals a day, be provided adequate shelter, clothing, and healthcare. He would have no choice but to sober up and perform some type of job within the prison walls. Hell, he might just get rehabilitated.

[COLOR=black]I understand that some Vagrancy Laws are considered Unconstitutional because in certain circumstances they were abused. However, they are necessary to some extent and they should be revised. As long as the end result is the same, which is the removal of bums from the streets; it doesn't matter how we accomplish it. It just needs to be done for the betterment of man and society.[/COLOR]

My ideas might get frowned upon, but they would work. I see no one else making an asserted effort to actually make changes. All we do is sit back and argue political ideas without actually compromising and making something happen. Most of the time both sides become close minded to each other. I have an idea. Why don't we just make a immediate decision that works and implement it? Once we later come to a compromise of what should stay and what should be thrown out, revisions could be made to the law. Any decision, regardless of varying opinions of it, is better than no decision.

I do not understand why you have a hard time following my discussions as I write them in plain, modern day, Americanized English.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

i have learned alot from this. i didn't realize that all poor people are lazy, and just looking for handouts. i learned that alot of my fellow warpathers are all for one, and one for all. at least as long as that one is ME. i learned that people that don't have health care should not own anything, even cable, until they can supply themselves with coverage. i learned i can get a degree for 25.00 a month. but i also learned that the poor people( which are all lazy) don't want to farther their education. they would rather remain poor, and stupid. thanks for enlightening me guys

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

Hold on now. I am not saying that all poor people are lazy. I acknowleged that there are those who make an asserted effort to live a better life. Those people should be helped. It is the ones who just do not care or pretend to be poor that I am refering to.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;371256][COLOR=black]The founders also probably didn't envision any man willingly living on the streets with so many opportunities available to him. Tell me why it is that an immigrant can come into this country and begin making a life for himself almost immediately. Meanwhile, you have a homeless man on the corner, who is a citizen and has had most of the same opportunities available to him as the majority of the population. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]1. He either makes a great living being homeless. (There are a lot of professional bums around here.)[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]Or[/COLOR]
[COLOR=black]2. He is so used to society handing him everything that he does not have the intestinal fortitude to make something of himself. Essentially he is lazy.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Either way it is pitiful, yet we tolerate it.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]To clarify something else: I am not referring to the guy who is trying and just down on his luck. If he lost his job and lost his house and still making an asserted effort, then he is not who I am talking about.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]After the Immigration Act of 1917, customs began to filter out peoples with undesirable traits. Being a career beggar or homeless person was considered an undesirable trait; in which case they were not allowed into the country. [/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][URL="http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAE1917A.htm"]1917 Immigration Act[/URL][/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Why was it OK then and not OK now? I believe that 100 years ago lawmakers were better able to determine what the vision of our forefathers was.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=black]Even during the Great Depression, FDR wanted people to work their way out of depression as opposed to accepting handouts from the government. I happen to agree with him.[/COLOR]

A man who is too lazy to get out and make something of himself would be better off in prison. He would eat 3 meals a day, be provided adequate shelter, clothing, and healthcare. He would have no choice but to sober up and perform some type of job within the prison walls. Hell, he might just get rehabilitated.

[COLOR=black]I understand that some Vagrancy Laws are considered Unconstitutional because in certain circumstances they were abused. However, they are necessary to some extent and they should be revised. As long as the end result is the same, which is the removal of bums from the streets; it doesn't matter how we accomplish it. It just needs to be done for the betterment of man and society.[/COLOR]

My ideas might get frowned upon, but they would work. I see no one else making an asserted effort to actually make changes. All we do is sit back and argue political ideas without actually compromising and making something happen. Most of the time both sides become close minded to each other. I have an idea. Why don't we just make a immediate decision that works and implement it? Once we later come to a compromise of what should stay and what should be thrown out, revisions could be made to the law. Any decision, regardless of varying opinions of it, is better than no decision.

I do not understand why you have a hard time following my discussions as I write them in plain, modern day, Americanized English.[/QUOTE]

Maybe it is pitiful but it's not illegal. The punishment for being homeless is that you don't get to live in a house. I don't think we need indefinite jailing as an additional punishment!! Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness includes the right to be a loser, as pathetic as that choice might seem to someone like yourself.

It's not your English that I have trouble following Angry, it's your loopy logic. It reminds me of when I used to take acid in high school and write in my diary. I'm still not really sure what your point is, but evidently locking up bums is the solution. Anyway, good luck with all that. See you!

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=dmek25;371282]i have learned alot from this. i didn't realize that all poor people are lazy, and just looking for handouts.[/quote]

Not all, but most. And it also depends how you define poor. If you can afford anything more than the basic needs in life, then you're not poor, at least in my book.

[quote=dmek25;371282]i learned that alot of my fellow warpathers are all for one, and one for all. at least as long as that one is ME.[/quote]

That's the very nature of capitalism, everyone looks out for themselves. And it's in my best interest to make sure everyone has shelter, food, water, and heat. Otherwise they'll start stealing and selling drugs just to meet their basic needs. I don't care about these people enough to see that they get any more than what they need to survive. If they want anything beyond the basic needs, they can earn it just like I am.

[quote=dmek25;371282]i learned that people that don't have health care should not own anything, even cable, until they can supply themselves with coverage.[/quote]

That's called just being smart. Why would you buy cable before paying for healthcare? Isn't that just a stupid thing to do? If you have a heart attack and need open heart surgery, you won't get the surgery if you don't have coverage. Why on earth would you do that? Seems like the only intelligent decision is to ditch cable and pay for some coverage, even if it's only to cover the catastrophic illnesses like heart disease or getting hit by a bus.

Yes, that's a real disease. It's called Getting Hit By a Busitis.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=Schneed10;371161]Eesh. Jsarno, my condolences. The only accredidation that matters, when it comes to business degrees and MBAs, is the AACSB. These regional commissions, like the one you linked to, are parts of for-profit companies designed to funnel students towards non-AACSB accredited programs. They're in it for the money.

I actually have an open position in my department right now for which we're searching for candidates with MBAs, and we've already dismissed a few candidates with "MBAs" from non-accredited schools. I won't even interview them.

I know this isn't easy to hear, and believe me I'm taking no pleasure in telling you, but in my opinion those schools are practically scams. PM me if you want to discuss it further.[/quote]

Ouch, that hurts.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=dmek25;371282]i have learned alot from this. i didn't realize that all poor people are lazy, and just looking for handouts. i learned that alot of my fellow warpathers are all for one, and one for all. at least as long as that one is ME. i learned that people that don't have health care should not own anything, even cable, until they can supply themselves with coverage. i learned i can get a degree for 25.00 a month. but i also learned that the poor people( which are all lazy) don't want to farther their education. they would rather remain poor, and stupid. thanks for enlightening me guys[/quote]

This thread has taken some interesting turns hasn't it? I'm quite amused myself for a variety of reasons.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;370500]As far as the homless issue goes, I want more money for prisons to put the homless in jail (not give them handouts). They can either become a contributing, working, member of society or rot in jail. Either way they are off of the streets. Money doesn't always have to go to a person, it can fund the cause in other ways as well. I refer to it as helping man with a little "tough love", otherwise known as motivation provided by negative reinforcement.[/QUOTE]

Let's just kill them, and be done with it. :doh:

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

In Florida, there is a program called Bright Futures. Any high-school student who meets the following criteria receives 75% tuition paid for any school in Florida:

Merit Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.0 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 970 or better on the SAT

In addition, if you meet this criteria you receive 100% tuition paid, plus $600 per semester for other expenses (i.e.: books):

Full Academic Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.5 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 1270 or better on SAT

The program will pay your tuition for up to 6 years, or 140 credits. It's probably the best education program in the state of Florida, and possibly the whole nation.

I moved to Florida after my Junior year in high-school, and since I met the requirements, I qualified for the Merit Scholarship. I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet, but I did get 118 college credits and only had to pay 25% tuition, plus books. I worked full-time and went to school at night. It was a great opportunity. Of course everyone is granted a high-school education for free, and if you perform there you will have most of your college tuition paid for (if not all of it) -- your income bracket is irrelevant. Poor people have the opportunity to go to college for free in Florida. Literally.

Note: I might be off 10 or 20 SAT points, and the Scholarship might not be 140 credits, but it's definitely really close to that. They also change the rules every now and then, but the basic idea doesn't change: poor people have the opportunity to get a college degree for free (or close to it).

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;371449]I currently work as a computer programmer. I have no academic credentials that apply to this profession. I learned what I know by reading and learning, which is free. I feel that everyone could do this. All you need is a computer, and you can get access to those for free at the library.

We are always looking for quality programmers, and education is of very little significance. Knowledge and experience are paramount. This is a big industry with lots of opportunities for great pay and benefits, and you don't need a college education -- just the time and desire to learn.

Sorry for getting off-topic. I just thought I would share some of my personal experiences which apply to some of the ideas being discussed here.[/QUOTE]

I'm with GDAS on this. In the Info Tech sector the stuff that matters the most, by a lot, is experience. What do you know? And I have never met anyone who came out of college with a simple college education who was worth hiring to actually do a job. Most of them need real world training and months to finally be able to do well at their jobs. The exceptions are of course the uber dorks who didn't really need a college education in the first place since they had been coding or whatever since they were 9. Anyways my experience is that being successful requires 80% effort and 20% opportunity.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

Alright, I did find the info (finally) about the free college.

They no longer do it through the department of labor, they now do it through New Mexico Works. The program is called W.I.A. Workforce Investment Act.

The guy I spoke with wasn't positive it was available in all states, but thinks it's a federally funded program, so I would suggest that anyone that is interested, call your department of labor, or whatever state you're from "works" program and see if you are eligible.

My friend's wife went through the program, and not only did they pay for the college 100%, they gave her $150 a month until she was done with the program, now she's making about $30 an hour as a nurse.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;371347]Ouch, that hurts.[/QUOTE]

Actually it doesn't. After actually looking over the list, the school I got my bachelors from is not on that list, but the school I got my masters from is. Funny how that works. That was what Schneed and I PMed each other about.

I still don't think it really matters unless you're going for an extremely high profile job. As long as the school is accredited, it's fine.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=jsarno;371611]Actually it doesn't. After actually looking over the list, the school I got my bachelors from is not on that list, but the school I got my masters from is. Funny how that works. That was what Schneed and I PMed each other about.

I still don't think it really matters unless you're going for an extremely high profile job. As long as the school is accredited, it's fine.[/quote]

Ok, as long as it's accredited with the AACSB you're good to go. I was a little worried for you there for a minute.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;371629]Ok, as long as it's accredited with the AACSB you're good to go. I was a little worried for you there for a minute.[/QUOTE]

Do you know if your state has a program like the W.I.A. here in New Mexico?

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;371610]Alright, I did find the info (finally) about the free college.

They no longer do it through the department of labor, they now do it through New Mexico Works. The program is called W.I.A. Workforce Investment Act.

The guy I spoke with wasn't positive it was available in all states, but thinks it's a federally funded program, so I would suggest that anyone that is interested, call your department of labor, or whatever state you're from "works" program and see if you are eligible.

My friend's wife went through the program, and not only did they pay for the college 100%, they gave her $150 a month until she was done with the program, now she's making about $30 an hour as a nurse.[/QUOTE]

I know about that program quite well. Southside Virginia has used the Workforce Investment Act quite a few times. They have also used Trade Act as well. Now, I know this because my father worked for a company that closed its doors due to the "free trade" stuff. I actually worked for this company as well, but since I was already in school and working towards my bachlelor degree, it really wouldn't have helped me.

Here is the skinny on those programs. They will pay for your college as long as you go full time and maintain a certain average. I believe as long as you maintain a "C" average, you should be good. You also have to go full time during the summer months as well. Once you have chosen a particular field of study, you cannot change it once you start it. You either have to finish it out, quit, or fail out. The biggest thing with the program is that it WILL NOT pay tuition for a four year degree. I know this, because I checked into it to see if it would pay for my bachelor degree. The representatives stated that the programs were mainly designed for associate degrees or vocational degrees. Basically, anything a community college would offer you. There is also a cap limit on how much they will pay, and if they cannot pay for your entire tuition, books and all, then it will not pay for any of it.

As I've stated, I know about this program and related programs quite well. They are good programs for those who have lost their job due to trade reasons, (i.e. factory and textile jobs) and are looking for a fresh start. They will not help with bachelor degree or master degree programs from universities.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=jsarno;371631]Do you know if your state has a program like the W.I.A. here in New Mexico?[/quote]

I really have no idea. If they do I've never heard of it.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

Touching on some earlier posts by Ghetto and FRPLG, I do have to say that when it comes to degrees and certifications and whatever, they're nice to have and certainly can open doors. But primarily, employers are looking for quality workers. Smart people who get along well with others, and who will apply themselves will always be in demand.

If you lack top notch credentials, but show a manager in your office that you are valuable, the manager's not going to care what your credentials are. I work with a woman who has been at my company for like 20 years, she has no college degree. But she's bright, and great with working databases, so she's trusted for key projects and makes like 55 or 60K. That's pretty damn good for someone without a bachelor's. She's done it by working hard and proving herself, no degree necessary.

The tough part is when you're applying for a job where nobody knows you, like when you up and move to a new city. Then all you have to rely on is the credentials.

When you really hit the jackpot is to establish that reputation with managers in your company, gaining trust, working hard, building your credibility to the point where many people know you and talk positively about you; and then you turn around and combine that with top notch credentials. You'll build a network so fast, your momentum will carry you straight to the top.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;371434]Let's just kill them, and be done with it. :doh:[/quote]

That's not fair. You do not have to agree with me, but to allude to something that drastic, even though it is sarcasim, is harsh. I know that what I am saying seems cruel, but the lockup that I am refering to is not as cruel as you guys may think. Think of it as more of a minimum security place or a guarded homless shelter.

The only difference is that we are essentially forcing them to make something of themselves. IMO that is alot better than letting them suffer with a needle in their arms, a bottle in their hands, and a newspaper on their backs as we walk by them on a daily basis without even acknowledging their existance.

Call it intervention, call it whatever you want to, but do not just assume that I want the homeless all dead. I want them all helped. You do not agree with my methods. OK, my feeling are not hurt. But, never assume that I think that certain people are not worthy of existence.

Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;371739]Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.[/QUOTE]

Or we shoot them for failing to obey a direct order. So, I say we order the homeless people to build homes and, if they don't, we shoot them for disobeying a direct order.

Just kidding, I couldn't resist.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;371443]In Florida, there is a program called Bright Futures. Any high-school student who meets the following criteria receives 75% tuition paid for any school in Florida:

Merit Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.0 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 970 or better on the SAT

In addition, if you meet this criteria you receive 100% tuition paid, plus $600 per semester for other expenses (i.e.: books):

Full Academic Scholarship-
1.) Meet attendance requirements
2.) 3.5 or greater cumulative high-school GPA
3.) 1270 or better on SAT

The program will pay your tuition for up to 6 years, or 140 credits. It's probably the best education program in the state of Florida, and possibly the whole nation.

I moved to Florida after my Junior year in high-school, and since I met the requirements, I qualified for the Merit Scholarship. I don't have my Bachelor's degree yet, but I did get 118 college credits and only had to pay 25% tuition, plus books. I worked full-time and went to school at night. It was a great opportunity. Of course everyone is granted a high-school education for free, and if you perform there you will have most of your college tuition paid for (if not all of it) -- your income bracket is irrelevant. Poor people have the opportunity to go to college for free in Florida. Literally.[/QUOTE]

I've heard of that program and I absolutely love it. I'd be fine with paying more taxes to subsidize those kinds of programs.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;371744]Or we shoot them for failing to obey a direct order. So, I say we order the homeless people to build homes and, if they don't, we shoot them for disobeying a direct order.

Just kidding, I couldn't resist.[/quote]

Smart ass! LOL

No we wouldn't shoot them, just detain, thats all.

Re: Canadian Healthcare from a Canadian...
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;371739]That's not fair. You do not have to agree with me, but to allude to something that drastic, even though it is sarcasim, is harsh. I know that what I am saying seems cruel, but the lockup that I am refering to is not as cruel as you guys may think. Think of it as more of a minimum security place or a guarded homless shelter.

The only difference is that we are essentially forcing them to make something of themselves. IMO that is alot better than letting them suffer with a needle in their arms, a bottle in their hands, and a newspaper on their backs as we walk by them on a daily basis without even acknowledging their existance.

Call it intervention, call it whatever you want to, but do not just assume that I want the homeless all dead. I want them all helped. You do not agree with my methods. OK, my feeling are not hurt. But, never assume that I think that certain people are not worthy of existence.

Maybe it is the former military in me. We do not let our people fail, we force them to suceed.[/QUOTE]

You're right. That was unfair, and harsh. I am sorry. Some of my frustration with the Belichick thread made it's way here. :(

It would be nice to force the homeless to succeed, but it's their prerogative to be homeless, IMO. I'm sure there are plenty of people who are happy being homeless.