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Make it easy for users to discover and download your app from a website on iOS devices. With Safari’s new Smart App Banner feature in iOS 6, you can display a banner that provides a direct link to your app on the App Store, or opens the app if the user already has it installed. Smart App Banners integrate seamlessly, have the same look and feel users know from the App Store, and are easy to implement. Learn more.

In one month Maryland voters will decide whether to allow undocumented immigrants who graduate from Maryland high schools and meet other requirements to pay in-county/in-state tuition at local community colleges and public universities. Until now, voters had little information to go on about the Dream Act’s likely effects, but a new report from UMBC professors T.H. Gindling (economics) and Marvin Mandell (public policy) offers hard data on its economic impacts.

“Private and Government Fiscal Costs and Benefits of the Maryland Dream Act” is a working paper funded by the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) at UMBC. The conclusion: For each annual cohort of students who utilize the Dream Act, total net benefits to the economy are approximately $66 million.

The Baltimore Sun heralded the study’s detailed analysis and concluded: “The emotional, philosophical and moral debates stirred by the referendum on this issue are certainly important. But on a practical level, there is no question: The Dream Act is good for Maryland.” The Washington Post and WYPR’s Maryland Morning featured additional comments from researchers Gindling and Mandell.

Access the full working paper and a policy brief summarizing the study at umbc.edu/mipar.

Update (10/16/2012): Additional coverage has appeared in the Gazette, Daily Record Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, DC Examiner, Westminster Patch and Lutherville-Timonium Patch. WYPR’s Inside Maryland Politics, Immigration Impact, Capital News Service (1, 2), ABC2News and WBAL and have also reported on this study.

Yes, that Socialist and American “pain in the You-know-where” President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is back again by popular demand.

Yesterday, in a record breaking election in which 80% of registered voters participated, President Chavez defeated his opponent, former governor Henrique Capriles, by 900,000 votes.

Despite Chavez’s recent struggle with cancer, which has left the former soldier physically weaker, he made powerful political statements and promises to the people, proclaiming that Venezuela would: 

“continue along the path of democratic and Bolivarian socialism of the 21st century.”

Although Chavez has claimed victory, many argue that he is facing a Venezuela that is evolving beyond the purview of his ” Bolivarian Revolution.” 

A significant portion of the overall turnout for the election consisted of voters who supported Capriles. Initially, Chavez did not take his opponent seriously, referring to him as a “loser,”  ”sycophant,”  and “fascist.” 

But with 45% of the votes, Capriles, many argue, was actually quite a worthy challenger. He campaigned all across Venezuela (even in the most destitute slums), stating that he was Venezuela’s future, while Chavez was the country’s past. 

For now, President Chavez’s leadership will continue to be part of Venezuela’s present reality. But although he will not have to worry about a title change for another six years, Chavez might do well to reconsider his policies and heed the words of his political adversary by acknowledging that Venezuela:   

“…is a country that has two visions, and to be a good president, you have to work for the unity of all Venezuelans.”

Assuming his health does not hinder him, Chavez has another six years in office to try doing just that.

One down, three to go. With Romney closing the gap in the polls — tied with Obama at an ironic 47% three days after the first debate — both candidates are expecting much out of their running mates at the Vice Presidential debate this Thursday.

And what exactly have they been told to do? Don’t mess up.

Both Biden and Ryan are gaining ground in their respective political parties, yet their potential for future leadership roles (and perhaps a 2016 presidential bid) may come crashing down with just one slip-up in their debate. As Julian Zelizer of CNN reports,

“in several cases, promising stars have been badly harmed by their performances, developing public perceptions that proved hard to shake.”

Remember the Biden/Palin debate from four years ago? “Can I call you Joe?” Something like that.

No matter how prepared Biden and Ryan may (or may not) feel, here is a quick list of five debate tips for the two mighty men, or for anyone who may be a potential candidate one day:

1. Don’t look like a sketch. (Nixon-Kennedy 1960)

During the first televised presidential debate in US  history, Nixon was looking less than swell after recently being discharged from the hospital.

Kennedy, on the other hand, was smashing as usual, sporting a glowing golden tan and a grin to woo masses of women. With a sweaty composure and caked-on makeup leading to a sallow skin tone, Nixon seemed like a nervous crook (cough). On top of that, his eyes wouldn’t stop shifting back and forth, narrowly avoiding the camera. Who would vote a sketch into office?

2. Don’t deny facts (Ford-Carter 1976)

When Ford was asked to speak on communism, he infamously replied with “There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe.” Really now? That’s like  stating that China does not have an inkling of influence in our economy today.

And then, Ford continued to back-up his obvious blunder. So, additional tip: Admit your mistakes – it shows that you’re human. Or, to make it easier, DON’T DENY FACTS. And communism.

3. Don’t compare yourself to someone you’re definitely not (Bentsen-Quayle 1988)

Here’s an example of a VP debate that turned sour. 

When asked if he was experienced enough to inherit the office of the President, Quayle stated

 ”… I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency.”

Bentsen responded

 ”Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.“

Packing a punch! With inexperience comes stupid answers, followed by historical one-line zingers. Especially if you’re Dan “Wet Head” Quayle likening yourself to JFK. Nuh-uh. Candidates and running mates should just refrain from comparing themselves to any politician, because it can go bad either way.

4. Don’t be rude (Bush-Clinton-Perot 1992)

An innocent woman steps up to ask the three candidates a question:

Audience Member: “How has the national debt personally affected each of your lives? 

Perot: I have lived the American Dream and I want the future generations of the country to live it, too.

Clinton: I see my people lose both their jobs and their government programs., and I know them by name. 

Bush: *looks at watch* National debt affects everybody…interest rates…something something…my grandkids?

He might as well yawned and asked for a nap — Bush blew it. Don’t be rude. Pay attention to the people who are talking to you. You’re their public servant, after all.

5. Don’t forget your policy ideas (Republican Candidates 2011)

Remember this?

Please, please, please do not pull a Rick Perry and forget which agency you’ll cut on national television. “Oops” moments don’t cut it at this stage in the game — heck, this wouldn’t fly at a high school SGA meeting. 

So, Mr. Biden, Mr. Ryan — will your debate go well? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we wish you luck. Tip of the hat. No pressure. Just don’t mess up. 

The Retina display offers rich detail, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp text. To ensure that your iOS and Mac apps look their best, you'll need to optimize icons, custom controls, and other artwork. When you submit your app, you should also include high resolution assets for the App Store. Learn more.