US: Getting SMART About Education

Quality public education is key to building strong, vibrant communities and giving our children a foundation to grow into productive, well-rounded adults. As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I know how important it is to talk with students, teachers, and parents across Northwest Oregon about the challenges and opportunities in our schools.

World: Homelessness advocacy groups lose $21m in federal government funding

Homelessness groups are facing an uncertain Christmas after the federal government reportedly pulled funding from a number of advocacy organisations.

Several peak organisations that provide policy advice and research into homelessness and housing services received word from the Department of Social Services on Monday that they would no longer receive funding.

Opinion: There is no substitute for hard work

In this age of social media and technology the world has become obsessed with the concept of overnight successes such as celebrities or business people who feed the public with notions that you can get that big break - with a tiny bit of effort - which will give you worldwide fame and fortune.

Parents: Dealing with “Toddler Tantrums”

Toddlers - aren’t they the cutest? They’re all hugs, dribble and toothless smiles.

But every now and then, without warning, they transform from perfect little angels into dramatic toddlers from hell. They become expert at throwing a strop, and this becomes embarrassing, upsetting and simply annoying.

Health: "No Pain, No Gain"

So, does the old adage "no pain, no gain" hold any truth when it comes to effective exercise? It's important to understand the difference between the typical post-workout tenderness you feel the day after, and an actual injury. The common discomfort we often feel (starting when we try to get out of bed the next morning) is referred to as DOMS -- Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.