Goodbye Spine Crushing Student Backpacks

Students take heart.  Heavy, expensive and quickly outdated textbooks may be on their way out.  You can throw away those bulky text books and merely stick a flexbook in your pocket.  Just ask Michael Gorman at 21st Century Educational Technology and Learning:

So… what is a FlexBook?  They may be best described as customizable, standards-aligned, free digital textbooks for K-12 education. FlexBooks are customizable textbooks that teachers can use online,via  flash drives, CD’s, or as printed books. Teachers can even share FlexBooks with other educators and they can also customize them to fit their students, locality, standards, and current events. They contain high-quality online materials that are aligned with national and state textbook standards. Since FlexBooks are online  they are kept  up to date much more easily than printed textbooks. Teachers can use the books as they are provided by C-K12, use only parts of them, or add their own materials along with other content from the web. By now I am sure you understand the word “flex” in Flexbook. This unique flexibility made possible by digital technology allows for adding or deleting of  material (including graphics and videos), adjusting the difficulty of the language, and making any other changes students may need. Imagine teachers providing the valuable handouts, readings, videos, pictures, and sound bites they have always used and including these pieces in the textbook, or should I say Flexbook!.  Best of all FlexBooks are free, so  teachers can modify the FlexBook each time they find something that works better in their classrooms.

 It appears there's much more to FlexBooks than simply taking a load off our kids backs.

Walmart to Green the Food Deserts

From an article in Fast Company:

In certain parts of the U.S., you can't turn a corner without bumping into a farmer's market or grocery store. But there are plenty of spots in the country where consumers lack these options and are instead forced to shop at junk food-filled convenience stores. Walmart, that bastion of low-priced, imported goods, has a plan to bring fresh food to these so-called food deserts--and probably make a hefty amount of cash in the process.

Walmart announced this week that it will open up to 300 new locations over the next five years in food deserts across the country as part of an initiative spearheaded by Michelle Obama. These locations, along with the 218 stores in food deserts that Walmart has opened over the past four years, will serve 1.3 million people--many of whom have no other option for fresh produce and unprocessed foods other than Walmart. The company is, in other words, virtually guaranteed to be the biggest grocer in these locations (Walmart already makes up 25% of grocery sales nationwide). The competition is almost nonexistent.

Not sure what to think about this.

Kahn Flips Classroom Instructional Design

Back in the last century when interactive multimedia training was in its infancy, the handwriting was on the wall.  Here was a technology that promised to provide learning experience to all, whether school children or professional adults seeking to improve their skills.  It might be used anywhere a playback machine could be located whether in an office, school, or at home.

I had visions of walk-in learning centers in every neighborhood much like the fast-food chains.  Walk in with some change and you could operate the interactive machines to take a college course or hone your own professional skills.  Of course this was before the Internet.  With the arrival of the Worldwide Web, universal anywhere anytime education became a reality.  You can now take those courses at home or at a coffee shop.

Enter the Kahn Academy.  an educational site created by Salman Khan.  Khan has created online video lessons on a wide variety of topics.  They can be, and are being used in schools at no cost to the teacher or students.  That, thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Gates Foundation.

According to an article in Wired Magazine the Kahn Academy is turning classroom education on its ear.

Initially, (classroom teacher) Thordarson thought Khan Academy would merely be a helpful supplement to her normal instruction. But it quickly become far more than that. She’s now on her way to “flipping” the way her class works. This involves replacing some of her lectures with Khan’s videos, which students can watch at home. Then, in class, they focus on working problem sets. The idea is to invert the normal rhythms of school, so that lectures are viewed on the kids’ own time and homework is done at school. It sounds weird, Thordarson admits, but this flipping makes sense when you think about it. It’s when they’re doing homework that students are really grappling with a subject and are most likely to need someone to talk to. And now Thordarson can tell just when this grappling occurs: Khan Academy provides teachers with a dashboard application that lets her see the instant a student gets stuck.

 “I’m able to give specific, pinpointed help when needed,” she says.

The result is that Thordarson’s students move at their own pace. Those who are struggling get surgically targeted guidance, while advanced kids like Carpenter rocket far ahead; once they’re answering questions without making mistakes, Khan’s site automatically recommends new topics to move on to. Over half the class is now tackling subjects like algebra and geometric formulas. And even the less precocious kids are improving: Only 3 percent of her students were classified as average or lower in end-of-year tests, down from 13 percent at midyear.

 Looks like online interactive apps could become an integral tool for education.  The instant student feedback for the teacher might even subvert the current emphasis on test scores.

TLC Sheds Light On Dearborn Muslims

Dearborn, Michigan was established as Dearbornville in 1836.  It's named after Henry Dearborn, who was a General in the American Revolution and Secretary of War under President Jefferson.  For many years Dearborn has been renown as the home of Henry Ford and his inspiration, the Ford Motor Company.  Today the city proudly hosts The Henry Ford, an institution dedicated to American history. 

Since 2005, Dearborn also is home to the Arab American National Museum, the first museum in the world devoted to Arab American history and culture.  The city's population includes 30,000 Arab Americans. It has the largest proportion of Arab Americans for a city of its size (about 100,000).  Arguably, Dearborn has one of the largest Arab populations outside the Middle East.

So Detroit, with all its diversity, is home for a large population of Middle Easterners many of whom are Muslim.  I would venture to say that to most of Detroit's non-Muslim population these folks are an enigma.  We really know very little about their culture beyond what we see in the media;  outside of their cuisine of course, which we all enjoy across the city.

Well, the media is about to open a window and give us all a glimpse of Muslim life in Detroit, specifically Dearborn.  Mike Mosallam, director of film initiatives for Wayne County, had an idea for a reality TV show about Dearborn's Muslims.  The Free Press writes that The Learning Channel picked up on it and has been producing a show.

Trying to shed light on a community that residents say is often misportrayed, a cable TV station is filming a reality show on the lives of Muslim Americans in Dearborn. It will premiere in November.

 Crews with TLC have been filming in recent weeks in metro Detroit as they follow the lives of about five Muslim-American families and their friends. Called "All-American Muslim," the series will be on the same channel that has done reality shows on Sarah Palin and Kate Gosselin.

Sounds like worthwhile viewing.

A "State's (District's) Rights" Issue

Looks like the medical Cannabis issues are encroaching upon Pennsylvania Avenue.  The pressure is on in D.C. to legalize medical pot right next door to the halls of congress from whence cometh the anti-pot laws to eclipse all other pot laws.  D.C. wants to legalize medical Marijuana but is moving at a snail's pace because the Department of Justice is making louder noises about enforcement.  From a DCist article:

While the rollout of the program has indeed been slow -- initial rules regulating the program were first published last August, and the city hinted that medical marijuana would be available by mid-2011 -- city officials are asking for patience as they navigate the minefield of potential congressional and federal intervention.

Representatives from agencies that would oversee the program met two weeks ago in the Wilson Building to discuss whether the city's program as currently structured would trigger any federal response, especially in light of the recent DOJ memo that seemed to end the Obama administration's permissive attitude towards state-led medical marijuana programs.

Sounds like this could become a deciding moment in the State's (District's?) Rights battle over medical Marijuana.

Chrysler "Private" Once Again

Fiat is now a majority owner of Chrysler with 53.5% majority stake according to the Detroit News.  The U.S. Treasury is delighted:

"With today's closing, the U.S. government has exited its investment in Chrysler at least six years earlier than expected," said assistant secretary for financial stability Tim Massad. "This is a major accomplishment and further evidence of the success of the Administration's actions to assist the U.S. auto industry, which helped save a million jobs during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression."

So much for the Obama administration trying to socialize the U.S. auto industry.  Just more smoke and mirrors intended to confuse us voters.

Out-of-Towners Impressed by the D

Picked up some out-of-town guests from Metro yesterday and took them to a downtown restaurant.  They were clearly impressed with the city's heart, as was I.  Lots of folks arriving for the game.  Real party atmosphere.  Was amazed with the number of cyclists riding the downtown streets.

One of my guests, a teen, wanted to see Eight Mile.  Apparently had seen the movie.  Since it was eight miles north, he'll have to cruise it another time.  Films such as Eight Mile, Gran Tourino, Detroit 187, and others that have used Detroit as a setting have definitely helped draw the national eye toward our town.  Whether the impression of the D is good, bad or indifferent, we can't be ignored.  People down there south of Toledo and points east and west have become curious about this kick-ass city on the beautiful peninsula.

Detroit earned global approbation several times in the last century.  Now we are showing great promise to do it in this century as well.

What's All the Hugging About?

Glanced over at a yard from my car yesterday and noticed a small group of people vigorously hugging each other. Brought to mind that whenever I meet folks socially these days, we all (male and female) hug each other upon arrival and departure.  Even those with whom I have little acquaintance give me a hug and I in return.

It wasn't all that long ago that a hug was regarded as very intimate and reserved for family members and loved ones. Some men were even a little put off by such a show of affection.  But somewhere along the way, we all became a little less guarded with our affections.  To what do we owe this seemingly minor change in our behavior?

Is hugging an offshoot from the "Sixties?"  We stopped wearing neckties and we started hugging each other?  Or is it an indication that we'd all like a more emphatic confirmation of amity and benevolence when we come face-to-face; given the current state of global chaos? 

Not sure.  But needless to say, I do enjoy it.

Samsara and Nirvana - Peter Russell, Burning Man, 2010

Well said...and I really want that hat.

Ferndale receives grant for two electric vehicle charging stations

One more step toward energy independence from C&G News:

City officials were recently informed that Ferndale will be the recipient of a grant from General Motors and DTE Energy for the installation of two electric charging stations. According to interim City Manager Mark Wollenweber, the grant is worth approximately $25,000 and is intended to encourage greater electric vehicle usage in the city.

"The China Study"

Books are often bellwethers that mark a change in thinking and attitude that will ultimately impact our culture.  One such book I read a few years ago was "Collapse," by Jared Diamond.  It totally changed my thinking about growth economies that consume natural resources until there is nothing left to sustain a society or culture.  That book brought the word "sustainability" into my consciousness as it pertains to economics and politics, as I'm sure it did for many others.

Today I'm reading another such book, "The China Study," by T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II.  This book was recommended by a medical doctor. He has amplified his medical practice by treating patients with integrative or holistic treatments before turning to pharmaceuticals.  A change in life style, primarily diet, can go a long way toward improving overall health and preventing physical afflictions.   That's what this book is about.

"The China Study" is a well documented scientific report drawn from extensive research.  It reveals the impact of diet on diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.  Judging from what I've read so far, it looks as though a move down the food chain to eliminate all animal content contributes to better health.  It also bodes well for the animals.

I've noticed a change in thinking and attitude among the plethora of doctors that have entered my life as a I age.  During the last visit to my cardiologist, he was singing a somewhat different tune.  A word he used more than once was "functional."  I no longer need to take those expensive stress tests as often...as long as I'm "functional."  Could this be a result of new Federal health legislation?  Perhaps he and his colleagues no longer see a need for disproportionate testing given a diminishing risk of litigation?  Then again, could it be a growing collective awareness of the ever tightening grip the pharmaceutical industry has on all of us, doctors included?

Whatever the cause, I sense a ground-level philosophic shift among the medicos.  And it's for the better as far as I'm concerned.  I'm willing to make healthy changes in my life-style.  Been there.  Done that.  Those that aren't willing can take the pills, and more pills...and more pills.

Pretty Soon, Everyone Will Want Food in Their Yards

Oak Park has dropped its case against the Oak Park woman for having a vegetable garden in her front yard, but her lawyer said the city is still going after her for not having her dogs licensed.

Next thing you know, everyone will be wanting to grow their own food in their yard instead of shipping it in from California and South America.  We'll have to look at those luscious veggies instead of acres of grass (which is a weed BTW).  The Oak park city fathers seem to be a little vindictive with the dog thing.  Probably own transportation stock and see the handwriting on the wall.

First Downtown Food Truck

A sign of the times is downtown Detroit's first food truck since I don't remember when.  Jeff T. Wattrick at MLive.com writes that it took 60 trips to city hall to get that permit. MLive.com

El Guapo Fresh Mexican Grill, downtown's first fully sanctioned food truck, will be stationed at 301 Monroe St. at Randolph, serving tacos, burritos and several kinds of salsas.

The Amazing Dissolving Nation

James Howard Kunstler writes with wit and acerbity.  As a "post-oil" believer, he has written several books including the Long Emergency and World Made by Hand, which imagine a challenging future as the world's supply of oil diminishes.  His Monday blog Clusterfuck Nation is always controversial, and good for some spirited responses from his readers.  He definitely knows how to bring them out of the woodwork.  Here's an excerpt with Jim's view of the future of global economics from today's blog, The Amazing Dissolving Nation:

Europe has run the money string to its bitter end and now it just remains to be seen how each country blows up and where the dust settles. Greece and Portugal may just shrug and retire on an economy based on goat-cheese and olives. Ireland will get drunk and pass out for at least a century. Spain sinks back into an age-old catatonic daze, having gone broke spectacularly once before. Italy strings up Mr. Berlusconi on a lamp-post and breaks up into 112 warring city-states. France elects DSK, whose first act is to declare war on the City of New York. Religious wars leave England in embers. And Germany becomes the world's first "green" police state.

Books on Sale Soon - Cheap

 From the Daily Beast and WSJ

Borders Books may soon be no more: bids were due at 5 p.m. on Sunday for the struggling book-store chain, but the deadline passed without a single offer. The best hope now appears to be a last-minute offer by Books-A-Million over the next 48 hours; otherwise, the company is likely to be sold to liquidators this week, which will put the company out of business. If Borders closes, Barnes & Noble will be the sole national books chain.

Look for a liquidation sale at Borders.  Then peruse overstock outlets such as Big Lots as unsold books filter down.

From the "Church of What's Happenin' Now"

Always loved Flip Wilson's routine as the pastor of "The Church of What's Happenin' Now." "Now" is all there is. The past is memory and the future, fantasy. My sin is always fantasizing anyway about what's going to happen next. Let's face it, our city, country and world are changing at a rate approaching the speed of light. On all levels. So I like to identify something happenin' now that might indicate what we can expect down the road.  For this blog, I'm calling those things/people/events that may foretell what's coming "Bellwethers."  Whenever I see one, I'll note it in this blog and comment on where it might be taking us.  I probably won't be around long enough to see many of the changes take place, but I like to play the game anyway.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, this may not be enough content material to maintain a regular blog, so I'll have to fill in the gaps with some random imaginings. 

Nearly all my content will be drawn from Metro Detroit since that's my home turf, but Detroit is definitely a member of the "Church of What's Happenin' Now." We are a major bellwether for the rest of the country.  We've been dealing with "the mess" we're in for several years.  Out there off the Peninsula, the rest of the continent is just beginning to realize they're in the same mess that we are.  And they're watching us to see what solutions we might come up with.