Bringing education-related news and trends to the forefront of the conversation.

This weekend on April 22^nd, we’ll be celebrating Earth Day! This global holiday, celebrated in the US since 1970, was created to emphasize the importance of protecting our environment. So what are some of the best ways to celebrate the Earth Day?

There are many ways you can show Earth you care, and Earth Day is a wonderful time to put thought into action and figure out the ways to protect the environment. UniversityDecisions.com has prepared a list of the top 10 ways to celebrate this great holiday!

1. Plant a tree

You can plant one in your backyard, or if you don’t have one, talk to people in your community and get your neighbors involved. Maybe you’ll be able to plant not one but several trees by sharing the work and cost of this project. Planting trees helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cleans the pollution- it is definitely worth it.

2. Ride a bike

Instead of driving your car to work or to the grocery store, ride a bike. It not only reduces pollution but also helps you stay active and healthy. Two birds with one stone :)

3. Cook an Earth Day meal

Plan a menu that uses locally grown products. Mainly use vegetables, as they take less resources to grow and distribute than meat. If you decide to eat meat, find organic, local products.

4. Wear green or brown

To remind others about the holiday wear Earth tones and encourage your friends to do so too. You can even print some environmentally friendly slogans on your tee to make sure everyone who sees you that day will remember it’s Earth Day.

Photo courtesy of earthday.org

5. Get the kids involved

Getting children involved at a young age is the best way to teach them how to care for the Earth when they grow up. Have them make “green” crafts, recycle their toys and clothes, or participate in the Earth Day cleaning event.

6. Hold an Earth Day event

There are many events all over the world celebrating Earth Day, but is there one in your community? Make sure that all of your friends and neighbors are aware of the day by hosting an event. Visit earthday.org for some tips on organizing one!

7. Make a day out if it

Take Earth Day seriously and try to avoid items that come in a lot of packaging, use your reusable coffee or water cup, and don’t use disposable plates or cutlery. Carry your own reusable bags to the grocery store.

8. Take an Ecological Footprint Quiz

The Ecological Footprint Quiz was designed for you to see how big of an impact you have on our Planet. This interactive feature will not only asses your footprint but will also allow you explore actions to improve your ecological score.

9. Strategize your impact

Sit down with your family and discuss certain ways you can make your lifestyle more environmentally friendly. Start small, for example, by recycling, using fluorescent light bulbs, unplugging rarely used appliances, line drying your laundry and, washing dishes by using a dishwasher, rather than by hand. Those are simple – but effective – ways to start!

10. Make every day Earth Day

Earth Day is not the only day we should be on our best behavior. If we make those “green” practices a habit, we can make Earth a very healthy environment, not just for us but for generations to come!

If you’re really passionate about Planet Earth and want to make an impact, consider becoming an Environmental Engineer. You’ll get to work on public health, recycling, pollution and waste treatment, and you’ll study how to lessen our impact on the environment.

Photo Courtesy of whitehouse.gov

President’s Day, or as some know it, Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday that is observed on the third Monday of February, which, in this year’s case, falls on the 20th. To honor George Washington, the holiday was originally started in 1880 for government offices located within the District of Columbia, but it quickly expanded to include all government offices in 1885. Up until January of 1971, when the holiday was officially changed to its current date, President’s Day had been celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22^nd.

If you’re lucky enough to have the day off, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy this quiz about the U.S.A.’s first president!

1. Where was George Washington born?

A. Massachusetts

B. Connecticut

C. Washington

D. Virginia

2. At what age did George Washington join the British Royal Navy?

A. 12

B. 13

C. 14

D. 9

3. One of Washington’s favorite foods was:

A. Ice Cream

B. Celery

C. Eggs

D. Bananas

4. Washington was a member of which party?

A. Republican

B. Democrat

C. None

D. United States of Party People

5. Which of the following are nicknames for George Washington?

A. The Father of His Country

B. The American Cincinnatus

C. The American Fabius

D. All of the Above

Think you got them all right?  Here are the answers: D, C, A, C, D.

If politics sparks your interest, you may be interested in a career as a Political Campaign Worker.  Whatever piques your curiosity, we atUniversity Decisions hope you have a happy and safe holiday.

It’s hard to believe it but Valentine’s Day is almost here! February 14^th is a day to celebrate and show your loved ones that you care about them. So, what gift will you be showering your loved one with? A watch for your husband or a necklace for your girlfriend? Or maybe a romantic dinner for you both? Before you decide take a look at the list of top 10 gifts for Valentine’s Day from UniversityDecisions.com.

1. Tickets to a game or a concert.
Getting a couple tickets to a basketball game or a rock and roll concert is a great way to have fun and enjoy your time together.

2. Ice skating passes.
Going ice skating at a local ice rink can be very romantic, especially when followed by a nice romantic dinner.

3. Candle Light Dinner.
Cook a favorite meal together and have a romantic dinner by candle light with a bottle of wine. You can also make a reservation at your favorite restaurant.

4. Weekend getaway.
Either over the weekend prior to or following Valentine’s Day jump in the car and drive to a nearby town to change the surroundings and relax away from the big city.

5. Day at a spa for two.
Take one day out of a week and use it for relaxation and pampering. Get a package for the two of you to enjoy a massage, pedicure or a facial.

6. Do something out of the ordinary.
It can be anything that your loved one would never expect you to do. Clean the whole house and cook a delicious meal, be spontaneous and go on a romantic road trip on a Friday afternoon, take kids to grandma for the weekend and enjoy your time together. Get creative.

7. Sign up for a class.
Depending on your common interests, sign both of you up for a class in cooking, crafting, designing, parachuting or business management. Whatever it is that interests the both of you.

8. Go to a wine tasting.
Wine tasting is a great idea for wine lovers to decide which types and brands of wines are both of yours favorites.

9. Personalized gifts.
It can be a t-shirt, a mug with imprinted love note or a custom engraved piece of jewelry. A personalized touch will show your thoughtfulness.

10. Movie marathon.
Rent your favorite romantic movies and have a movie marathon with a box of ice-cream or hot cocoa.

We hope that this list of gifts for Valentines Day will inspire you to spoil your loved ones with gifts that will warm their hearts and that they’ll remember forever!

Thanksgiving dinner and Black Friday shopping is old news and now all signs are indicating it’s Christmastime. Stores are filled to the roofs with Christmas gifts and baking supplies. Holiday decor fill banks and office cubes and jolly songs are playing on the radio. So what’s new in Holiday music? UniversityDecisions.com prepared a list of top 10 Christmas albums of 2011, for those who are tired of hearing Mariah Carey or Adam Sandler every year.

Photo courtesy of amazon.com

1. Michael Bublé, “Christmas”

After teasing his fans with a single “Let It Snow” in 2003, Bublé is finally releasing a full- length Holiday album.

2. Chicago “Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Tree”

Already the third Christmas album over the last 40 years, but Chicago is still “rockin’ and rollin’”.

3. She & Him “A Very She & Him Christmas”

Actress Zooey Deschanel has paired up with music producer M. Ward to release these Christmas classics.

4. Justin Bieber “Under the Mistletoe”

“Bieber fever” has peaked again, now with the new Holiday album. The good thing is that sales from the album will benefit several charities like Make-A-Wish Foundation and Pencils of Promise.

5. Jersey Boys “Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas”

This new Holiday collection is a tribute to 50s and 60s style pop music.

6. Lady Gaga “A Very Gaga Holiday”

This four-song album is a combination of various Holiday songs in a more mellow tone than past songs by Gaga.

7. Scott Weiland “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”

This rock singer released covers of traditional Christmas songs in the style of ballads, big bang swing, reggae and bossa nova.

8. tobyMac “Christmas in Diverse City”

Rapper tobyMac recorded his first Christmas album with rock, hip-hop and soul music influences.

9. “Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Vol. 2”

The cast of FOX’s show “Glee” singing covers to some of the most popular Christmas songs of all time.

10. Vanessa Peters “The Christmas We Hoped For”

This pop-rock artist released her first Holiday collection, which preludes her expected new album in 2012.

If you’re still not satisfied with this year’s Holiday song selection, think about recording your own Holiday album. Who knows? Maybe, you’ll be on UniversityDecisions.com’s 2012 Top 10 Christmas Albums List!

A small artificial Pine from the store or a 6-foot fresh Christmas tree? Round glass or ginger-cookie-shaped ornaments? What about the color of Christmas tree lights?

It feels like you need a master’s degree in Interior Design to tackle all of the seasonal planning! But don’t worry, by following the guidelines we at UniversityDecisions.com have prepared for you and your family you will be able to enjoy a hassle free Holiday season!

Before buying

There are certain steps you need to take before embarking on a family trip to pick out a perfect Christmas tree. First, decide where you’d like to place your tree. If you’re planning on buying a fresh tree avoid placing it near a heat source or in a high traffic area where the tree can be damaged easily. Make sure you measure the chosen spot for the tree, both the ceiling height and the width of the space. Also, measure the treetop decoration you chose to make sure your ceilings are high enough for the Christmas tree and its ornaments.

Photo credit: marthastewart.com

Buying tips

Make sure you bring all the measurements along with your tape measure with you when you go to purchase your Christmas tree. You have several options on where to buy your tree. An artificial tree can be bought at any larger retailer or home improvement store. A fresh Christmas tree can be bought on a tree farm, on parking lots of major super markets or even online with home delivery included.

When buying an artificial tree, make sure you read the information on the box carefully. All the measurements should be displayed there as well as any other information pertaining to lights. Isn’t that convenient!

Buying a fresh tree is not as easy. Once you spotted a perfectly-shaped tree you need to give it a little test. Run your fingers along the needles and shake it a little bit- if very few needles fall off that means the tree is fresh and you’re one step closer to picking out your prefect Christmas tree. The next step is to measure the tree and compare it to your measurements you have written down. Remember to include the treetop decoration height as well. Once all of that is done and the tree passes all the tests you’re ready to bring the tree home.

The Christmas tree made it home

When your tree is safely delivered to your home you still have several things to consider. If you have small children or any pets at home plan strategically where and what kind of ornaments you’re putting on your Christmas tree. Avoid putting any ornaments that break easily or have pointy ends at the bottom of the tree. Investing in straw Christmas tree decorations is a cost-effective and safer alternative. You might also want to consider cutting the bottom branches off to make access to the tree more difficult for young kids or pets.

If you purchased a fresh Christmas tree don’t forget to water it daily to be able to enjoy it throughout the Holidays.

The UniversityDecisions.com team hopes that all of the tips we listed will make this Holiday season easy to plan and enjoyable for your whole family. Happy tree hunting!