Onondaga Community College's enrollment sets record

According to Syracuse.com Onondaga Community College’s enrollment has reached a record of more than 12,000 students.   That is an increase of 14% over last year. 

The community college also saw a 16% increase in the number of students who maintained at least a B average in high school.  The college also noticed a 25% increase in their financial aid applications.  Financial aid is cited as the top reason for their enrollment decision. 

My Take:  This statistic is another example of how the economy is affecting families.  The increase in enrollment in community colleges like Onondaga shows that a number of students are attending community colleges because 4-year universities are just too expensive in this tough economy.

7.9 magnitude earthquake triggers tsunami

CNN has reported that a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in the Samoan Islands region triggered a nearly 10-foot tsunami from crest to trough according to preliminary data from Chip McCreery, the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewe Beach, Hawaii. 

A tsunami warning was in effect for the South Pacific archipelago.  A tsunami watch has also been issued for lands farther away like Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. 

The quake is not expected to generate a tsunami along the west coast of the United States or Canada.

There have been no immediate reports of damage.

My Take:  The earthquakes in the Pacific Ocean are know to create havoc in the form of tsunamis and the fact that one was generated by this makes it quite important.  This is a story to watch for the next few hours. 

UConn and Calhoun may be negotiating a long-term deal

ESPN.com says that Connecticut is negotiating a long-term deal with basketball coach Jim Calhoun.  Calhoun is currently in the final year of a six-year $1.6 million contract. 

Connecticut athletic director Jeff Hathaway confirmed through UConn spokesman Kyle Muncy that he and Calhoun’s agent Jeff Schwartz have been talking, but would not divulge the terms being discussed. 

This season will be Calhoun’s 24^th with the Huskies.  He has won 557 games at

Connecticut and a total of 805 games in Division I competition.  He has won two national championships with the team in 1999 and 2004. 

My Take:  Jim Calhoun has always produced some fantastic basketball teams.  If he continues to coach with Connecticut, Syracuse and the rest of the Big East is in for some great competition.  Overall, Calhoun’s presence is great for college basketball and the Big East Conference.