College Tuition: Sticker Price v. Net Price

As the parent of a college student, I can attest to the rising cost of tuition. My son's semester at a community college costs just a bit more in 2012 than my final semester of college did in 1984. But, as much as tuition has jumped, so have the amount of scholarships and grants. Planet Money puts it together in one simple graph, compiled with data from the College Board:

Have mercy! Jeff Lynne is back!

In addition to re-recording the best of ELO, Lynne's about to drop Long Wave, a cover collection of his favorite songs growing up.

Hey there, Mr. Blue

It's been too long since I've posted to the PastaWall. Mr. Blue Sky is back.

Let National Poetry Month Begin

With this stunning rendition of "Litany" by Billy Collins. By a three-year old.

What has four eyes but can't see?

Mississippi. Oh, my.

March 9, 2012 Clip: Alexandra Pelosi

PastaWall's new look

One loyal PastaWall reader asked, "Why the new look?"

It's pretty simple. Your humble blogger tried a new design and couldn't find his way back to the original. Until he finds it, PastaWall will have this simple, elegant black and white look.

The Origin of Keep Calm and Carry On

The story of the ubiquitous poster's design and rediscovery.

Springsteen and "Neil Young" cover LMFAO

LMFAO, indeed. Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.

The Gamification of Education

Interesting concept: Educate students using game-design elements in non-game contexts. How might this work in an English class?

Created by Knewton and Column Five Media

Help "Bully" Against the MPAA

Now that the Oscars are behind us, it's time for a movie that matters, that shakes us to our core, that reveals the all-too-true pain of being bullied. Unfortunately, Bully has been given an R-rating from the MPAA. Visit Change.org and sign the petition to drop the rating to PG-13, so every kid who needs to see this movie can.