What is language? A response to Philippe van Parijs

When we consider the issue of linguistic justice, we must define what we mean by language. Standardisation of languages is closely associated with the development of the nation state, and the de Saussurian conception of language as system is in concert with nationalism and its divisions. In the early twenty-first century, however, this view of the world as a mosaic of stable national monolingualisms is outdated. In a globalising world, much of the political, social and economic structure that is developing is transnational and patterns of contact, both real and virtual, have become extraordinarily complex. In the resulting communities of communication of this superdiverse world, much language practice is more function driven than in the recent past. New practices mean that we cannot consider questions of linguistic justice in this new world order using the linguistic toolkit of the old. The flows, exchanges and networks of globalisation present us with a new paradigm and we need to recalibrate concepts.     

Vapor Intrusion into Large Commercial/Industrial Facilities

Inhalation exposure from vapor intrusion has become a priority over the past several years for federal, state, tribal, and local environmental agencies. This article discusses the identification of vapor intrusion conditions and mitigation approaches for large commercial and industrial facilities. Factors to be considered in the design and implementation of remedial measures to address source areas below a building include identification of source areas, access to the sources, feasibility of active remedial technologies to address the source area, and whether a remedial technology will be effective in reducing or eliminating the potential for vapor intrusion into the overlying building. In the event a mitigation system is deemed appropriate, the key factors to be considered in the design and construction of such systems include size and construction details for the building; uses and occupancy type; and type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the building and associated air exchange rates and operation and maintenance considerations. This topic will remain a priority for regulatory agencies and a key concern of building owners.     

Targeting Underage Drinking and Driving in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts: The Reinforcing Alcohol Prevention (RAP) Program

Alcohol use is a concern among our nation's least experienced drivers, and underage drinking contributes to the overall burden of traffic injury and mortality. The goal of the Reinforcing Alcohol Prevention (RAP) Program was to develop a court‐based program targeting underage drinking and driving among teens. An advisory board created the program which included changes to the drivers' licensing ceremonies and traffic dockets conducted in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. Additions included 5‐minute videos of individuals in alcohol‐related crashes and a crash‐photo display. Exit evaluations garnering impressions/opinions of the program indicated 84% of teenagers felt every teen should view the presentation and 96% would be less likely to drive after drinking. The RAP Program has been well‐received by judges and participants and could be easily implemented by other jurisdictions.     

Assessing the "Experience Bonus" Through Examining Strategic Entry, Candidate Quality, and Campaign Receipts in U.S. House Elections

This article examines nonincumbent fundraising through the lens of two theories that have not been applied in other studies of fundraising—strategic candidate entry and ambitious amateur candidates—to test whether candidates with prior office experience are advantaged in raising funds for U.S. House campaigns. A selection model that takes into account the strategic entry of strong candidates demonstrates that electoral experience matters for only a select subset of experienced candidates. In contrast to previous research, the results show that much of the fundraising difference between amateurs and experienced candidates can be attributed to a selection process where the strongest candidates seek the best races. The results have implications for how we understand the relative importance of various conditions that shape fundraising. Competitive local or national conditions that encourage strong candidacies also allow nonincumbents to accumulate sufficient funds to mount credible campaigns.     

The financing of post-secondary education: basic issues and distribution of costs†

Abstract. The papa- outlines some of the history of recent development in post-secondary education in Ontario, with particular reference to planning mechanisms and finance. Planning questions are related to an outline analysis of some functions of post-secondary education. The question of ‘custody’ as a function is raised, and it is noted that payment for attendance may imply custody as output or function. The relationship of education to certification and employment is discussed. Public/private cost allocation is considered in terms of social accessibility and transfers of resources. The question is raised whether post-secondary education will tend to become ‘universal’ as secondary education has done in the past thirty years. Sommaire. Dans cet exposé, l'auteur décrit certains développements récents de l'enseignement post-secondaire en Ontario, en insistant plus particulièrement sur les mécanismes de planification et de financement. Il établit un rapport entre les questions de planification et une analyse générale de certaines fonctions de l'enseignement post-secondaire. Il soulève la question de la ← garde → en tant que fonction, et note que la rémunération de la présence peut impliquer que la ← garde →est une réalisation ou fonction. Il parle du rapport de l'éducation d'une part et de l'accréditation et de l'emploi d'autre part. Il considère la répartition des coûts entre le secteur public et le secteur privé du point de vue de l'aecessibilité sociale et du transfert des ressources. Il se demande si l'éducation post-secondaire tendra à devenir universelle, comme cela s'est produit depuis trente ans pour l'éducation secondaire.