Lately my life's parallel theme is the idea of improving education. The idea of using social media and new media, and a number of successful theories like project-based learning, etc. to help kids want to stay in school, want to learn etc.

I was reading this post by my invisible mentor, Chris Brogan:
how could new ideas change education

Chris asked the question: how can the savvy folks help education to work better than it does in the US, with the high drop out rate, etc. Sitting here in Tokyo. I bet my teaching friends would ask a similar question – I've heard it before. Chris' post has lots of great links and ideas in the comments: many people noted the importance of Sir Ken Robinson's work on the absolute necessity for creativity education. I highly recommend his TED talk below the fold, if you're interested in this subject:



Now, I have a bit of an additional take on the idea of improving education. It's not an 'instead of', it's a side-by-side. And that is improving education for seniors and middle-aged people.

Yup, that's right. Educating seniors and middle-aged people is just as important as educating kids. I don't think we can successfully have one without the other.

Of course, we have to focus on kids – they are the future. But you know what? We've been doing that. And we are still grappling, as a society with falling literacy rates, disengaged students, horrific conditions at many schools, lack of ubiquitous internet, etc. If kids are the future, they still have to navigate through a system of expectations and realities that is rooted in the past, and administered by adults in the present.

Kids' education won't get better, society-wide, until adults' education is just as much of a priority.

The people who often stop kids from being educated in creativity, in critical thinking, in compassion, in finding their own bliss: those people are middle-aged and seniors. Those people – people my age, are the people who are working in the systems that we all live in today. These legacy systems: education, health care, the economy, etc: those who set and implement policy in these systems are pretty much middle-aged and senior people whose formal education may have stopped, and who may or may not have a viable, vibrant ongoing relationship to learning continuously.

I'm not talking about going to community college to earn a degree to get a better job. I'm talking about education that helps us to self-actualize. To move ourselves – - and our kids – - forward and past the giant mental obstacles and roadblocks that are built into our legacy systems. To be aware that the nature of life has changed, irrevocably. And to see that as an opportunity, not a tragedy.

I think that it's time to focus on education for adults at the same level of care, and scale, and innovation, that so many child-focused projects and schools are built upon. Because actualized adults will clear the way for the kind of education that grows a rich, complete, human child. It's a virtuous cycle that I believe is critical to face the societal and global challenges we have now.

What do you think?

we are pedaling hard and getting seemingly nowhere.
I like the president, I worked hard for him. I want to believe he is doing things because he thinks they are best for the country. But I must say it get's harder and harder.

I don't doubt that we are way better off than we would be with John McCain or the wingnuts in charge. But better off is not what I was looking for. I wanted real fundamental ground shifting change. The real deal.

I don't want to have to find down to bloody fingernails for health care for my family and friends.

I don't want the people who cause the economic crisis to be in charge of a fake attempt to fix it.

I want the president to lead, and I want the democratic senators and congress people to lead. To create a more fair and more just America.

I don't expect the president to do this himself. I want to help. But I am also getting tired.

Mostly I am tired of the media- who drum up fake or inconsequential stories and shove them down the broadcast channels in to our homes when we have real stuff to talk about, real news to cover.

As Rachel would say, I need someone to talk me off the ledge.

We have gotten some things done, but only after monumental struggle and then we've ended up with 1/10 of what we were hoping for. It is not enough. And I am not sure any more what to do about it.

Idiots at fox at it again. A new screen shot for the wing nut gallery.
You've heard of "real math" or maybe "the new math" or even "theoretical math"

now we give you- FOX NEWS math...

The whole black friday thing just confuses and saddens the hell out of me. I know the reasons for it. Folks have less money, retailers offer big discounts on items on the friday and sat. after thanksgiving and people rush out to buy stuff. I get it, but I just don't get it.

After what the world has been going through in the last year, do we really need to run out and spend 6 dollars less on a snuggie? Do we really need to stand in line with hundreds of folks for imported goods that we could really do with out? Isn't this time that we are going through a welcome call for more simplicity and less "stuff"?

I know retail keeps people in business too and keeps people working, but creating the fevered madness where people have actually died shopping- just seems insane to me!

from this year...

Inside the store, Menards employees prepared for a stampede of customers as the clock approached 6 a.m. “Here we go!” an employee yelled as shoppers streamed in amidst their own shouts of jubilation after a long, cold wait.

The 240 available shopping carts were claimed in less than five minutes, according to assistant manager J.C. Anderson, and many big ticket items were snatched up within the first 15. Anderson answered shoppers’ questions with, “If there are any left …” as he glanced around the store looking for problems.

Store management took measures to avoid confusion and injury by positioning “courtesy patrol” team members with store maps outside. They answered the questions of eager customers who eventually formed a line wrapping along the front and one side of the building.

Estimating the line to be about five people deep and 100 yards longer than last year’s, Anderson said, “This was definitely a bigger turnout. … We’re just happy to have everyone here and no one getting hurt.- By Shanna Shipman Pekin Daily Times

I mean, really, we measure this day on no one getting HURT WHILE SHOPPING??? what kind of a bizarre psychology is this?

so that's the nonsense

The SENSE side is "Buy Nothing Day" -

Buy Nothing Day (BND) is an international day of protest against consumerism observed by social activists. Typically celebrated the Friday after American Thanksgiving in North America and the following day internationally, in 2009 the dates are November 27 and 28 respectively. It was founded by Vancouver artist Ted Dave and subsequently promoted by Adbusters magazine, based in Canada.

The first Buy Nothing Day was organized in Vancouver in September 1992 "as a day for society to examine the issue of over-consumption." In 1997, it was moved to the Friday after American Thanksgiving, also called "Black Friday", which is one of the 10 busiest shopping days in the United States. Outside North America and Israel, Buy Nothing Day is the following Saturday. Adbusters faced censorship from major television networks and CNN was the only one to air their ads. Soon, campaigns started appearing in United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, the Netherlands, France, and Norway. Participation now includes more than 65 nations. Wikipedia

I am as guilty as the next person, I love gadgets and things, though my worst sin is buying books- which I guess is at least something that helps me learn new things. But I too want to think about less consumption. And where we do consume- wouldn't it be better to buy from local makers, creators and collaborators that WalMart and the malls? or is it just me?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

I am thankful for my blogosphere family, Mr. Gator, my health, and a fantastic turkey dinner! How about you? do tell...

turkey?
stuffing- in the bird? or out?
cranberry, whole or jelly?

what's your turkey-day deal?

Rolling out a new science and tech program for American students- good stuff. It is called the “Educate to Innovate” program. But one of my favorite parts was this;

And today, I'm announcing that we're going to have an annual science fair at the White House with the winners of national competitions in science and technology. If you win the NCAA championship, you come to the White House. Well, if you're a young person and you've produced the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too. Scientists and engineers ought to stand side by side with athletes and entertainers as role models, and here at the White House we're going to lead by example. We're going to show young people how cool science can be…

A science fair at the white house! how cool is that! I can't wait to see the results next year. About time.

This photo is from the annoucement of the program which included a pair of HS students demo-ing their "Cougar Cannon" Robot and getting a handshake and accolades from the President.




Paying attention to this kind of thing may be the type of thing that saves us from ourselves. maybe...

Alternet has a great story today detailing the history of ACORN and efforts to help the poor.

The real purpose of the right's attacks on ACORN is to destroy a remarkably successful 50-year-old grassroots model for defending the poor and workers.- David Morris

Give it a read- I found it very illuminating.

Also if you want a laugh and you're a twitter-er go online and search for #acornfacts -- some very wonderful lefty bloggers are having a bit of fun giving Acorn the nefarious-and-ridiculous credit for the best and worst of human history. Stealing the thunder from the insane claims of the right. Very nice.

Sen. Dick Durbin sent around a simple poll last week, testing the support for the full Public Option;



time for the senate to catch up with the American people. read the results.

The City of Wasilla, Alaska, serving approximately 10,000 people, is accepting applications for the position of Chief of Police. Wasilla is a progressive, growing, full-service community located approximately 40 miles north of Anchorage. The Chief reports to the Mayor and will oversee a Department consisting of 22 sworn officers and 25 non-sworn positions (including Dispatch) with a current operating budget of 5.8 million (2 million for Dispatch). The new Chief will be actively engaged in working to foster a departmental atmosphere of team work and cooperation and developing plans to address community concerns pertaining to the Law Enforcement function. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership and communication skills; experience in police operations/supervision, budgeting and personnel management; understanding of community policing, grant administration and crime prevention/intervention strategies; and experience in labor relations/union negotiations.

no lie. saw this today- I am still signed up on the City of Wasilla mailing list following my train wreck fascination with Sarah Palin last year. I bet they need some police officers- particularly after the mayor and governor firing all the former ones. Anyway- too rich. I love that the "we are a progressive community..." a bit of post election spin?

Though this story has been totally ignored by most media in the USA and all media in Japan is an amazing achievement.

Two British men have become the first people to row across the Pacific Ocean. (mad-dogs and Englishmen) It took 189 days to go 8,000km from Choshi port (near Tokyo) to San Francisco. They arrived on Friday the 13th in good spirits, and were greeted by a flotilla of small boats.

This is a great story, involving 20m waves and even bigger whales. Read the story at the link below. from sfgate.com, Nov 13, 2009)

http://tinyurl.com/yggfywr

As I threatened after last Gilly day where some members of our community remembered and marked Steve's Death, again-- From here on out I am going to celebrate his Birthday!

Steve Gilliard was born on 11/13/1964. Somewhere out there I imagine him toasting to life for his 45th Birthday.

Love you Steve and thank you for all you did for me, for the progressive blogosphere and for so many people in American and elsewhere.

Email me if you would like to donate to the 2010 Steve Gilliard Award for Journalism in honor of this auspicious day.

Everyone Raise a glass this weekend, "A toast to your fiercely lived life!"

Using the constitution to point out how POINTLESS all this Acorn Legislation is.



Plus he gets to show them up as ignorant no-nothings.

With Lou leaving CNN- what is your speculation on what is next for the racist, extreme conspiracy theory birther- "advocacy" news guy?

-Run for Office
-Spot on Fox
-More hate radio
all of the above?

your thoughts?

So you've all heard that it passed. the house at least, now the harder part- the senators.

New York Times - “Sweeping Health Care Plan Passes House”: Handing President Obama a hard-fought victory, the House narrowly approved a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s health care system on Saturday night, advancing legislation that Democrats said could stand as their defining social policy achievement. Democrats say the House measure — paid for through new fees and taxes, along with cuts in Medicare — would extend coverage to 36 million people now without insurance while creating a government health insurance program. It would end insurance company practices like not covering pre-existing conditions or dropping people when they become ill. The successful vote came on a day when Mr. Obama traveled to Capitol Hill to make a personal appeal for lawmakers to “answer the call of history” and support the bill. The vote came on the third anniversary of the 2006 Democratic takeover of the House, and the passage moves the bill well beyond the health care overhaul attempted by President Bill Clinton in 1993.

I know we had some bad defeats in this. I know they beat up on women as usual, I know it is not single payer, I know that the "robust" public option is not going to be robust enough. But let's just remember-- WE GOT RID OF PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS! If nothing else were to have passed, this alone, this one thing, is going to save lives, heartache, family homes, family savings. Just that one change. It was a good summer's work. Now let's keep the pressure on and get this bill done. Through the Senate through the reconciliation voted on again and on to that man's desk.

We need so much more. But this is a start, and it is a start worthy of a little WOOT!

Being a foodie and a Michelle fan, I was quite happy to hear about this...

The health conscious Michelle Obama is all set to enter the domain of kitchens as she takes on the cameo role of a host for cookery show Iron Chef America at the White House in January.

The show, which features celebrity cooks competing against each other, is the First Lady’s latest step to promote her agenda of a healthy diet for Americans.

Mrs Obama will also spell out the secret ingredient from the White House garden that competing chefs will have to use in their recipes.

The episode will see Cristeta Comerford, the executive chef at the White House and Bobby Flay contesting closely against Mario Batali and Emeril Lagassse. ANI- London

I am torn though, of course I want The White House Chef's team to win, but I also like Mario... I do not like Emeril AT ALL, he is a faker and charlatan. I went to Babo my last trip to New York for Mario's food and it was fantastic. A truly Lovely evening. I hope the White House Team is up for the challenge.

Not too many details yet, but this is horrible and tragic.

FORT HOOD, TX (NBC) - At least 12 people are dead and 31 wounded in a shooting at Fort Hood in Texas, the base's public affairs office told NBC News on Thursday.

The official would not give his name nor additional details. It was unknown whether victims are soldiers or civilians.

A Fort Hood spokeswoman says one shooter is in custody after a mass shooting. NBC

There are reports that there were up to three shooters, and there is a lot of debate about if the shooters were all US Soldiers.

Update; WASHINGTON from the AP — A law enforcement official says a shooting suspect at Fort Hood has been identified as Army Maj. Malik Nadal Hasan.

The official said Hasan, believed to be in his late 30s, was killed after opening fire at the base. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case publicly.

* Voters rejected right-wing radicalism.
* Democrats who fail to stand up for Democratic and progressive principles fail in elections.
* The Right's lies still work.
* Despite the stinging loss for marriage equality in Maine, evidence elsewhere shows voters moving towards support of equality for all Americans.
* The Far Right strengthened its grip on the Republican Party.
* We have a lot of work to do to educate people, expose right-wing lies and counter the resurgent Right.
* The scattered results of yesterday's elections were not a referendum on President Obama and his policies.

from People for the American Way.

In good news for Justice (sadly not on our own soil) Italy convicted former CIA agents over extrodinary rendition.

MILAN/ROME (Reuters) - An Italian judge sentenced 23 Americans to up to eight years in prison on Wednesday for the abduction of a Muslim cleric, in a symbolic condemnation of the CIA "rendition" flights used by the former U.S. government.

The Americans were all tried in absentia because the United States refused to extradite them.

The U.S. State Department expressed its disappointment with the verdict, the first of its kind, but campaigners who have long complained that the renditions policy violated basic human rights said the ruling set an important precedent...

...The judge ruled that those convicted should pay 1 million euros in damages to Nasr, better known as Abu Omar, and 500,000 euros to his wife.

There is sadly still so much to answer for in our actions and reactions over the last 8 years. One of the great things about President Obama being elected is that it takes someone of his personal charisma and frankness to even begin to undo the damage done to our reputation overseas. I do wish we would extradite some of the ring leaders in these cases-- but in my heart of hearts I think at some level that would be unfair as well unless we finally tried Cheney, Rumsfeld, Bush and the gang since this was certainly a top-down program. But I like that Italy sent such a strong public message about this.

too many words are forever changed or in current common language now because of W. Rendition, Redaction, "program related activities", and on and on. sigh.

I've always loved this group. Amazing Stuff



What have you done to celebrate your creative heart lately? I am working with the TokyoHackerSpace to let my heart sing, dance and MAKE a little every day.

Happy Halloween, Fighting Liberals.

see more dog and puppy pictures

Boo!

open thread- what are you up to this all hallows eve weekend?