MooPig Home School Department :: "Free College in Tennessee"

College for Everyone
Batched articles by Pat Darnell  |  Feb 6, 2014  |  Bryan TX

NASHVILLE (WATE) - Education was the top priority for Governor of Tennessee Bill Haslam during his annual State of the State address Monday evening.

Can it be done? I suppose we will find out if the Governor gets his way.

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Haslam makes education top priority in address: "Addressing a packed House chamber, Gov. Haslam announced what he called the "Tennessee Promise"; the plan allows for all high school students to get two years of college education for free. Those credits would then be allowed for transfer to a four-year institution. "The Tennessee Promise is an ongoing commitment to every student from every kindergartner to every high school senior. We will promise that he or she can attend two years of community college or a college of applied technology absolutely free," Haslam said."

'via Blog this'

CONCLUSION
Why do Politicians make decisions about education? Most politicians are lawyers, maybe 99% of them are, and we all know that a law degree is just a license to steal.


__________________Reference
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/02/04/tennessee-governor-wants-to-make-community-college-free/
http://www.wate.com/story/24623777/gov-haslam-makes-education-top-priority-in-state-of-the-state-address

MooPig Home School Department :: "Universities" PART ONE

Treatment by Pat Darnell | Apr 12, 2013 | Bryan TX

[Picture LINK]

The Practical University - NYTimes.com:
"What is a university for?

Are universities mostly sorting devices to separate smart and hard-working high school students from their less-able fellows so that employers can more easily identify them? Are universities factories for the dissemination of job skills? Are universities mostly boot camps for adulthood, where young people learn how to drink moderately, fornicate meaningfully and hand things in on time? (DAVID BROOKS. Published: April 4, 2013. LINK) ... "

'via Blog this'

" ... A recent article in the Washington Post began with the statement that today’s college students “may be part of the last generation for which ‘going to college’ means packing up, getting a dorm room and listening to tenured professors.” By using these three aspects of college life – packing up, dorm rooms, and tenured professors – the writer was able to clearly illustrate the ritualized process of traditional university education, setting the stage for major changes coming in the very near future.
In 2007 I released a paper on the future of education, culminating an 18 month effort to probe the likely evolution of a system that has become emotionally linked with many of our country’s and the world’s deficiencies. (By Futurist Thomas Frey. no date. LINK) ... "

Thomas Frey describes in his article deficiencies that come with dominant world powers. He relates dominant world power with a kind of tunnel vision mentality. The Romans, while in power, did not add much to mathematics because of their numbering system, Roman numerals. Because each Roman numeral was more of a "formula" than a "place holder" number. As a deficient numbering system, Roman numerals did not "promote" higher math.

" ... [What] made Roman numerals so inferior was that each number lacked specific numeric positioning, making each number more of an equation than a single integer. The added layer of complexity prevented people from doing higher math. (ibid. Frey, Thomas) ... "

Unfortunately, in our cataloging society, we are today, like the Romans, too deeply immersed in our systems:

" ... Most of these systems we take for granted – systems for weights and measurement, accounting, banking, procurement, traffic management, and food labeling. With each of these systems we are much like the Romans, immersed in the use of these systems to a point where we seldom step back and question the reasoning and logic behind them. ... "

Universities traditionally are the "conveyors of wisdom and culture from generation to generation." Human intelligence, still not fully understood, might be genetically passed on from parent to child -- but memory of how we became intelligent must be relearned by each child. Memory is not passed on genetically in humans.

However, Universities are "about to find out" that our digital revolution with its "counterparts in education" will outdistance the pedantic task of passing on wisdom and culture.

" ... College 2.0 will witness a massive peeling apart process. Learning will become separated from the classroom. Courses will be created organically and formed around an on-demand, any-time, any-place delivery models. Professors will declare their independence and work for multiple institutions rather than just one specific college. Accreditation will shift from the Institution to the course and to the individual. And textbooks, the ink-on-paper version that we know today, will all but disappear. (Frey, thomas. ibid.) ... "

What MooPig Wisdom wants to pass on to its reader is that you don't have to wait for this to be perfected. Stay at home higher learning is here already, and effective as a source of educational advancement. It doesn't hurt to go ahead and enjoy the cost advantages of digital learning today; especially since it is how things are going to be. Just like libraries, music, newspapers, and broadcasters, Universities adapt to the digital era.

" ... An August 2009 study released by SRI International for the U.S. Dept of Education concluded that “On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.” (ibid. Frey Thomas. [NY Times]) ... "

Meeting in classrooms, instead of driving to and from a location while supporting oneself, can be done online virtually. Room and board is no longer an added cost factor in educational pursuits.

" ... For colleges to survive and thrive, the coming years will find them searching for higher ground. Their struggle will be to transition themselves beyond regional objectives, political boundaries, and short-term thinking. ... "

" ... Cultural shifts: The perceived value is a core component of a college’s reputation, and that reputation is being continually re-defined in online communities.

• 81% of Americans age 18 and over use the Internet. (Harris Poll)
• On average, 245 million word-of-mouth conversations occur in the U.S. daily via e-mail, IM/text messaging or chat rooms/blogs, and 35% of advice givers in online conversations fall within the 13 to 17 age bracket. (Keller Fay Group)
• 64% of college student Internet users consider word of mouth the most useful type of advertising. (Alloy Media + Marketing)
• Many of the top attributes that teenagers value in a brand — community, collaboration, co-creation, empathy, real story and meaning — relate to authenticity. (ibid. Frey T. [Ypulse]) ... "

SUMMARY
" ... The problem is that as online education becomes more pervasive, universities can no longer primarily be in the business of transmitting technical knowledge. Online offerings from distant, star professors will just be too efficient. As Ben Nelson of Minerva University points out, a school cannot charge students $40,000 and then turn around and offer them online courses that they can get free or nearly free. That business model simply does not work. (DAVID BROOKS. Published: April 4, 2013. LINK) ... "


_____________________Reference
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/opinion/Brooks-The-Practical-University.html?src=me&ref=general
http://moopigwisdom.blogspot.com/2013/02/moopig-home-school-department-moocs.html
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/papers/the-future-of-colleges-universities-blueprint-for-a-revolution/

MooPig Home School Department :: "MOOC's"

Massive Open Online Courses
Retrieved by Pat Darnell  |  Feb 27, 2013  |  Bryan TX

[Picture LINK]

UC Irvine professor stops teaching online course in dispute - latimes.com: "Gary Matkin, UC Irvine's dean of Continuing Education, Distance Learning and Summer Session, said in a statement that McKenzie is "not accustomed [as few are] in teaching university-level material to an open, large and quite diverse audience, including those who were not seriously committed to achieving the learning objectives of the course or who decided not to or could not gain access to supplemental learning materials." Future lessons and assignments, as developed by McKenzie, will continue to be presented, Matkin said."

'via Blog this'
The action by Richard A. McKenzie, an emeritus professor in the UC Irvine business school, highlights the uncertainties faculty face in adapting traditional face-to-face classes to the emerging universe of Massive Open Online Courses, known as MOOCs.

Under the Coursera model, much of the grading is automatic or performed by fellow students. Professors videotape lectures in advance and often comment in general on message boards without answering questions. Although enrollment is free, Coursera charges students $30 to $99 for a completion certificate.

" ... The big story this week is that Coursera is in talks with the American Council on Education to grant degrees for online classes offered through the network of MOOC courses that are currently free and not-for-credit. For that to happen, the parties would have to ensure they could prevent cheating and meet other academic standards. Colleges would also have to decide whether they accept Coursera credits. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is funding the review and several other MOOC ... -related developments. -(Wired Academic on Thursday, November 15, 2012.  LINK) ... "

__________________________Reference
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0219-uci-online-prof-quits-20130219,0,984177.story
http://www.wiredacademic.com/2012/11/colleges-consider-awarding-credit-for-free-mooc-courses/
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/US-Program/Postsecondary-Success

Weed Watch

[PICTURE LINK]

Investigation into pot sales leads to three arrests | Bryan/College Station, Texas - The Eagle:

Retrieved by Pat Darnell | August 23, 2011 | Bryan TX

EXCERPT | " ... Jennifer Danielle Stillisano and Joshua Garrett Foley, both 30, were each charged Tuesday with possession of from four ounces to five pounds of marijuana in a drug-free zone. A 31-year-old man was charged with possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. (EAGLE Staff Writer. Published Tuesday, August 23, 2011 9:58 AM) ... "

A College Station officer said in a police report that he served a search warrant Monday at the East 28th Street home of Stillisano and her husband, Foley, as part of an investigation into sales of marijuana there.

The officer found a large amount of marijuana, about 140 marijuana plants, a digital scale and packaging materials, according to the police report.

... MEANWHILE ...

August 23, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Chicago Police have arrested seven suspects and seized more than six tons of marijuana in a major narcotics bust on the Southwest Side.

Officers displayed the narcotics in a police garage on Tuesday. Police estimate the pot has a street value of more than $33 million.

Police say, when a source told them a warehouse on South Kolmar was used in the operation, they staked out the warehouse and saw a semi trailer truck enter. They say metal containers filled with drugs were unloaded and put into cars.

In addition to arresting the suspects, police confiscated seven vehicles, a rifle, and a pistol.

___________Reference
http://www.theeagle.com/police/Investigation-into-pot-sales-leads-to-three-arrests?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheEagleRegionAndState+%28The+Eagle+Local%29
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8322789

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MooPig E-Cigarette Consumer News :: "Consumer Reporting: The Future Of Smoking?"

"Also known as the 'E-Cigarette,' these groundbreaking devices are raising a lot of eyebrows. Are they really a healthier and cheaper alternative to traditional cigarettes?"

" ... Because e-cigarettes do not produce second hand smoke, there is no public health hazard to smoking them in public areas. And there are lowered personal risks to you. We have interviewed many users who report that they are able to smoke in more places and get that same 'nicotine fix' they crave. Many of them have completely given up traditional cigarettes ... "

GET YOUR e-cigarettes AT vapegeek

[vapegeek LINK]

Smokers Are Making The Switch

Retrieved by Pat Darnell  |  April 23, 2011  | Bryan TX

Brenda Dains, from Dallas, used to smoke 5 packs of cigarettes a day until just she tried electronic cigarettes. She told us that "I was unable to quit and my health was suffering as a result".

To her amazement, when she started smoking "e-cigarettes", she was able to stop smoking her regular cigarettes just 3 days later.

Brenda told us, "I can't tell you how much better I actually feel. I've tried gum, patches and everything else to try and quit over the years, but e-cigarettes have made my goal to try and quit smoking much easier... I feel like I've been given a "get out of smoking jail" free card, and couldn't be happier!"

Electronic cigarettes can be used with real nicotine cartridges or without nicotine to facilitate ease of quitting for users desiring to do so. An electronic cigarette will quickly become #1 choice for smokers looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

With the high cost of smoking traditional cigarettes -- new smoking taxes are being levied almost yearly -- and with the danger cigarettes bring to your health, we also give our recommendation and "thumbs up" to anyone looking to give these devices a try.

We encourage all of our readers who currently smoke to give the electronic cigarette a try for their health, and for the health of their friends, families, and co-workers.

"The greatest issue with cigarettes is the 500+ other ingredients added, not just the nicotine. Do we recommend this for non-smokers? Of course not, but for current smokers this is the most revolutionary device to date" - Dr. Travis Stork (E-Cigarette Consumer News - Consumer Health Reporting: The Future Of Smoking?)

[vapegeek LINK]

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AT vapegeek.com "Joye eGo Starter Kit"

[vapegeek LINK]

$77.49
Sale: $69.74
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Weather Hi-LOw --"A little Cooler in Bryan TX Yesterday"

Northern Breezes brought 'Relief' to a so far 'Hot and Muggy November' in Bryan, Texas, Yesterday.

Over-Night Scaled-back Massive Mandatory Evacuation in Bryan

Eagle Staff Report
Published Friday, July 31, 2009 6:05 AM
Blaze prompts mass evacuation in Bryan

Officials scaled back a massive mandatory evacuation in Bryan to just 500 homes Thursday evening, allowing most residents to return after a chemical fire at a plant forced them out hours earlier.

At least 35 people were treated and released at area hospitals for respiratory problems after the blaze at El Dorado Chemical Co. on Texas 21 shot a plume of brown-orange smoke that hung high over the area through much of the day. A thin, low-lying cloud could be seen late Thursday.

No life-threatening injuries were reported; however, one patient was kept overnight, officials said.


Dispatchers said that the chemical that caught fire -- possibly as an employee performed welding work -- was ammonium nitrate, which the company produces to be sold as a fertilizer.

Bryan Fire Chief Mike Donoho said a small crew of about eight officials from the Bryan and College Station fire departments, along with a hazardous materials team, would remain at the command center at Smetana Exxon on Texas 21 overnight to monitor the blaze.

UPDATE :: Evacuation of Bryan :: UPDATE

Published Thursday, July 30, 2009 4:43 PM
Information for evacuees

Hundreds of people have poured into Texas A&M’s Reed Arena and A&M Consolidated Middle School, which have opened as shelters for Bryan and rural Brazos County residents.
Residents and workers in Bryan, as well as parts of rural Brazos County, were asked to evacuate after a fire at a Bryan plant at about noon created a chemical cloud that’s been slow to leave the area. Texas A&M University’s flagship campus and Blinn College in Bryan both have closed until further notice.

Reed Arena, which seats 12,500, is a block off Wellborn Road on Olsen Boulevard; A&M Consolidated Middle School at 105 Holick in College Station.

Should you leave your house?


The evacuation is mandatory for people north of University Drive and Hardy Weeden Road from the Brazos River in west Brazos County to the eastern Brazos County line, which means most of Bryan. Drive south and do not travel into the smoke.


Who to call?


Authorities said 911 dispatchers in Brazos County have been inundated with non-emergency calls related to the chemical cloud in Bryan.

Officials are asking people with concerns and questions to call 821-1000, which is the Brazos County Emergency Operations Center in downtown Bryan.

A shelter has been set up at Reed Arena on the Texas A&M University campus for residents needing a place to stay.

Anyone with significant signs of respiratory distress should call 911.

Where to take your pets

Pearce Pavilion is across the street from Reed Arena and volunteers there will house your household pets.

The following roads are closed:


F.M. 2818 SB at Texas 6 west frontage road (North of town)

Texas Ave SB at Texas 6 (North)

F.M. 974 SB at Texas 6 west frontage road

Tabor Rd. at Texas 6 west frontage road

Texas 21 westbound at Texas 6 west frontage road

F.M. 158 westbound at Texas 6 west frontage road

F.M. 1179 westbound at Texas 6 west frontage road

Texas Ave. northbound at F.M. 60 (University Drive)

Traffic is being required to turn left or right to head east/west down F.M. 60

F.M. 2818 NB at F.M. 60

F.M. 1179 (Villa Maria) eastbound at Texas 47 (West side of town)

F.M. 1688 (Leonard) eastbound at Texas 47 (West side of town)

Texas 21 eastbound at Texas 47

Traffic required to turn around or head southbound on Texas 47

F.M. 1687 eastbound at F.M. 2818

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Published Thursday, July 30, 2009 3:35 PM

Fire forces evacuations

View Larger Map
Fire officials are asking all Bryan residents and businesses to evacuate south to College Station as a precaution after a blaze at a chemical plant on Texas 21 shot a plume of cream-orange smoke that can be seen for miles.

No time limit has been placed on the Thursday evacuation order, but officials said they hope the chemical cloud will continue to fade in time for residents and business owners to return tonight.

Fire Chief Mike Donoho said everyone north of University Drive in Bryan should leave the city limits until further notice.

“I’m sorry if it’s an inconvenience to people, but we’re erring on the side of caution,” Donoho said. “This is a dangerous chemical and we don’t want to wait and see if it’s going to be bad. We need to take action now.”

Evacuations started just after the noon fire within a four-mile radius of the factory, which is between Texas 47 and F.M. 2818.

Hospitals in Bryan and College Station were put on notice that they soon will be receiving patients experiencing respiratory problems from inhaling the chemicals.

Authorities urged anyone who can "smell it or see it" to leave the area immediately.

Government officials have activated the Community Emergency Operations Center in Downtown Bryan. A worker at the center who answered the phone said they were trying to get a handle on the situation just before 3 p.m.

“Right now we really don’t know,” he said, when asked what the public should be doing. “We have a lot of misinformation and we are trying to get some confirmed information. They are talking about evacuating a lot of the area of Bryan.”

More specifics were expected soon. People need to evacuate going south, away from the smoke, he said.

No injuries have been reported and firefighters are letting the chemical burn off rather than fight the dangerous fire up close. The chemical is an irritant to the respiratory system, the skin and eyes.

A shelter has been set up at Reed Arena on the Texas A&M University campus. Anyone with pressing concerns or questions should call the fire department at 209-5960.

Texas 21 between F.M. 2818 and Texas 47 was closed, as well as all roads leading to Texas 21 in the area, officials said.

Motorists trying to get into Bryan and College Station on Texas 21 from Caldwell need to take Texas 47, which goes to F.M. 60.

Dispatchers on police scanners discussed that the chemical that caught fire — possibly from a worker welding — likely was ammonium nitrate.

Bryan Fire Department Lt. Blake Barrentine said the fire at the El Dorado Chemical Company began around noon, and officials with his department, along with the Brazos County Precinct 4 Fire Department and the College Station Fire Department’s hazardous materials team are on the scene.

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Department and Texas Department of Public Safety are assisting, he said.

No casualties or injuries have been reported, he said.

Government officials have activated the Community Emergency Operations Center in Downtown Bryan. A worker at the center who answered the phone said they were trying to get a handle on the situation just before 3 p.m.

“Right now we really don’t know,” he said, when asked what the public should be doing. “We have a lot of misinformation and we are trying to get some confirmed information. They are talking about evacuating a lot of the area of Bryan.”

Bryan officials said that the city's compost facility was evacuated, which may cause some interruption in service for the residential brush and bulky collection today. Routes not collected today will be collected as soon as possible, officials said.

• Eagle staff writers Matthew Watkins, Stuart Villanueva and Michelle Casady contributed to this report.

May Day

Top Picture: Painting, Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30, Detail -- Harbor, morning, low tide;
by Pat Darnell, Member BVAL 2008-09

May - Happy May Day as well as Mental Health Awareness Month, National Military Appreciation Month and Older Americans Month.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo y Batalla de Puebla!

A month of activities is here in the Brazos Valley and the Arts Council is proud to support and promote them. From First Friday in Historic Downtown Bryan to Carter Creek Concert Series and Stories of Texas History at the Bush Library or No Mother to Guide Her at the Navasota Theatre Alliance, you can find it all, just visit our Community Calendar at: www.acbv.org.