20K Patients’ Health Data Exposed Online

And other big government programs that benefited his clients: NYT

(NEWSER) - These days, like most Republicans, Newt Gingrich says he's opposed to the individual mandate in the Democrats' health care reform bill, which forces Americans to hold insurance. But in a May 2009 conference call with health care executives, Gingrich sang a very different tune, the New York Times has learned. "We believe there should be must-carry; that is, everybody should have health insurance," Gingrich said, "or, if you're an absolute libertarian, we would allow you to post a bond." More»

But US schools clean up

(NEWSER) - Hang your head in shame, Crimson alums: After eight years on top, Harvard sank to a lowly second on the Times Higher Education ’s list of the world’s top 400 universities. Harvard was displaced by the California Institute of Technology (aka Caltech), thanks to its “consistent results across the indicators and a steep rise in research funding,” the Times wrote. More»

That's almost four times the size of the student body

(NEWSER) - Last year, Stanford's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence class drew 177 students. This year, a free online course on artificial intelligence will boast 58,000—almost four times the size of the prestigious university's entire student body. The course is one of three being offered by Stanford's computer science department in an attempt to innovate Internet learning and make technology education available to the entire world. It's being taught by two of the best-known experts on the subject—both of whom aren't quite sure why the class has become so popular. But, “the vision is: change the world by bringing education to places that can’t be reached today,” says one. More»

Ivy Leagues, and a few 'lucky' state school get top douche marks

(NEWSER) - For those who felt like you went to school with a high quota of douchebags, here's your confirmation: The Rogers & Littleton Guide to America’s Douchiest Colleges is the new authoritative guide to institutions of high education where a sheepskin amounts to a certificate in lifelong douchebaggery. The top five, via GQ:

1. Cornell: These insufferable douchebags probably aren't sure their $160,000 education is worth it, considering almost no one realizes Cornell is an Ivy League school.

Officials deny list for athletes was special advantage

(NEWSER) - Stanford University has dropped a secret list of classes widely regarded as easy and aimed at helping star athletes get through school. Classes on the list, which has existed for 11 years, were "always chock-full of athletes and very easy A's," a soccer player tells the San Francisco Chronicle . University officials concede the list was designed to accommodate athletes' demanding schedules, but disagree that it consists of easy courses. Officials jettisoned the list, however, when revelation of the roster of classes triggered controversy on campus. More»