How Time Flies: Two Years of Blogging

September 14, 2011

Sharyn

At our recent monthly blogger user group meeting, Dawn Bott reminded us that our second anniversary of blogging was approaching. Instead of celebrating with a huge campaign for the “Blogger of the Year” like we did last year, we are celebrating with a reflective post.

About two and a half years ago, the DECO blog’s concept was just a glimmer in Bobbie Laur and my eyes. And now, we have:

While our blog topics vary greatly, we took a look at what posts have been most popular. Here are some of the most popular posts on the blog since our start in 2009.

So, you’re probably wondering… what do we have planned for our third year? The most exciting part of year three is the addition of several new bloggers.

  • Tim Brooks will take a look at cutting edge technology that everyone is curious about.
  • Kelsey Beckett will be blogging away about community engagement activity that is happening at Towson University.
  • Ashley Buzzeo will focus on how the use of GIS is impacting how the state of Maryland does business.
  • And Jenn Lake will provide an interesting perspective on everything marketing.

Here’s to year two. Happy blogging!

1 Comment | Marketing | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Sharyn Grove

From an Economist’s point of view baggage fees are a GOOD idea

January 20, 2011

Daraius

As I began reflecting upon this past holiday season, I realized that many of us flew to our destination via commercial airlines and many of us not only paid for ourselves but for the privilege of having luggage accompany us to our final destination.   We have reacted indignantly when we have heard or read about another fee the airlines are charging us; from fees for boarding early or using the lavatory to fees for checking in luggage, including carry-on luggage.

However, as an economist, I applaud these efforts as airlines are establishing a pricing structure which enables consumers to choose the precise mix of airline services that fit their needs and budgets. From an economist’s view, this pricing structure is very efficient as it forces individuals to reveal their willingness to pay for different levels of services-remember, what did your parents always ask you before you left for a long car ride?  From an airlines perspective, the ability or the increased ability to charge a different price to each person depending on whether they prefer an aisle seat or emergency exit row seat, how many pieces of luggage they have, whether they want to eat and perhaps whether they want to use the bathroom or not better serves their bottom line.

According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2009 airlines racked up $13.5 billion in what are called a-la-carte fees, a 43% jump over the prior year. Leading the charge for the a-la-carte fees were United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines each racking up over $1.4 billion in 2009.  Moreover, these fees were the reason why many airlines were in the black in the most recent reporting period.  Many reports are surfacing that for 2011, the airlines may introduce (if they have not already) additional fees such as:

  • Infant fees
  • In person check in
  • Using a credit card
  • Checked bag fees by the pound
  • Name change fees
  • No more refunds if a fare goes down
  • Carry-on bag fees
  • Fare lock-in fees
  • Internet “convenience fee”

While this trend is likely to continue for many airlines, some airlines are capitalizing on the ire of air passengers about this policy.  To wit, Southwest Air’s ad campaign of “bags fly free” or their newest ad revealing the fees that other airlines charge for changing your ticket seem to be working as Southwest has enjoyed another year of profitability , its 37th year of profitability.

Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines Flickr

So before you plan your next holiday, make sure you pack light, leave your baby at home, wear multiple layers of clothing and stuff your pockets with what you would have had in your carry- on bag, pay for the trip in cash, don’t book your ticket in person but don’t use the internet to book your ticket either.  Other than that, have a great flight!

Leave a Comment » | Economic Analysis, News | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Daraius Irani

Economic Stimulus + Towson University

September 17, 2009
Bobbie

Bobbie

It has been just about 7 months since the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) was passed by the House.  Since then, the Federal Government has invested billions in tax relief, research projects, job creation initiatives, and Cash for Clunkers!

Here in Maryland, we have been on the forefront of the ARRA Movement.  Governor O’Malley was featured in a GovTech Article and as a lead speaker at the ESRI Conference for his commitment to GIS in StateStat and Maryland’s Recovery & Reinvestment Website is  ranked #1 in the Nation for Reporting of Spending.

bobbie2aAccording to Recovery.gov:

  • Under the stimulus plan 66,000 jobs in Maryland will be created/saved over the next two years
  • $4.1 Billion has been “announced” for projects in Maryland
    • $3.26 Billion of that has been “made available”
    • $988 Million has been “paid out”

Consider This—Texas has seen $16.9 Billion Announced while Wyoming has only seen $632 Million Announced for investments in their state!

ARRA + TU! Our exceptional faculty, with support from the Office of University Research Services, have secured six Stimulus funded projects that support our Metropolitan University Mission!  Snaps for all those involved!

Spectrometer

400 MHz NMR Spectrometer (example)

Clare Muhoro and Lev Ryzhkov, Chemistry, “MRI: Acquisition of a 400 MHz NMR Spectrometer to Support Undergraduate Research and Chemical Education at Towson University,” National Science Foundation, $307,323, August 15, 2009 through July 31, 2012.

Roland Roberts and John LaPolla, Biological Sciences, “Improvements to the Botanical And Entomological Collections at the Towson University Biodiversity Center,” National Science Foundation $273,214, September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2012.

Timko

Timko

C. Alix Timko, Psychology, “Acceptance-Based Separated Family Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa,” National Institutes of Health, $216,865,  May 5, 2009 through April 30,2011

Jeremy Tasch, Geography and Environmental Planning, “Collaborative Research: Territorial Imaginaries and Arctic Sovereignty Claims,” National Science Foundation, $116,610, September 1, 2009 through February 29, 2012.  Collaborative research with the University of West Georgia and Florida State University.

Thomas met with 4th graders in Ellicott City as part of a program called <i>From Myth to Mars</i>.

Thomas met with 4th graders in Ellicott City as part of a program called From Myth to Mars.

David Vanko, Dean’s Office, Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, with Katherine  Denniston, Provost’s Office, Todd Kenreich, Secondary Education, Donald Thomas, Willard Hackerman Academy, and Jane Wolfson, Environmental Science and Studies, “Towson University Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program,” National Science Foundation, $900,000 June 1, 2009 through May 31, 2014.  These are scholarships for students who will teach in STEM subjects.

Vonnie Shields, Biological Sciences, “Peripheral Processing and Coding of Gustatory Input – Administrative Supplement Request,” National Institutes of Health, $35,519, July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

TU’s faculty and DECO staff members continue to look for opportunities to support the mission of the ARRA while fulfilling our role as Maryland’s Metropolitan University!

1 Comment | Community Outreach, Education, News, Students, TU Faculty & Staff | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Bobbie Laur

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