Thumbs up to the development of the Northwestern Mobile app for the iPhone.
The new app will make it easier to stay updated and informed on the go. The project reflects NU’s commitment to student needs and responding to them quickly-the app was developed and launched in just nine weeks. Northwestern Mobile brings the campus to students’ fingertips and also helps NU match the technological efforts of top-tier institutions like Stanford and Duke Universities, which have launched similar mobile applications.
Thumbs up to the City of Evanston receiving more than $18 million in grant money as part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will revamp areas affected by the economic downturn with projects that city officials say will reduce Evanston crime rates.
Thumbs up to the revisions of the Graduate Record Examination for the 2011 exam.
Replacing analogy and antonym questions with reading comprehension questions in the new GRE could make the test easier for international students and test-takers without a strong English vocabulary. The option to skip questions in a section and return to them later could relieve some pressure on harder questions. The challenge of a more rigid grading scale may be a small price to pay for a more enjoyable test-taking experience.
Thumbs up to the Evanston City Council proposal to ban talking on cell phones without a hands-free device while driving.
The city is taking steps to make our streets safer and to keep up with other cities and states that have already passed similar laws on top of the Illinois prohibition of texting, surfing the Web or playing games while driving. Still, we’re not sure if hands-free devices effectively remove the distraction of phone calls or if it’s possible to effectively legislate cell phone use while driving.Thumbs up to the city of Evanston for its “government 2.0” initiative, which communicates with residents through social networking.
Over the past few months, Evanston has started using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other Web sites to elicit feedback. Evanston keeps pace with the social networking revolution, which allows more residents to have a say in their city. People will stay informed, share concerns and understand the governing of Evanston-three valuable capabilities that come at a low cost.
Thumbs up to the $2.4 million federal grant NU received for developing nanoelectronic devices.
NU is a leading institution in nanotechnology and nanoelectronic research, and the funding will allow the University to strengthen its programs and contribute state-of-the-art devices to the U.S. military and intelligence agencies.
Thumbs down to the 1800 Club, commonly known as “Hundo,” finally closing its doors.
We knew the end was coming, but it’s sad to see the bar at 1800 Sherman Ave. shutting down for good this time after rebounding from so many previous threats to close. Too bad NU, which owns the conveniently located space, doesn’t intend to lease to another bar.
