FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

Upcoming nationwide emergency alert test

What: A one minute test alert on cell phones, radios, and TVs 

When: Wednesday, October 4, 2:20 PM  ET 

Why: To ensure systems are effective to warn the public about emergencies

Please share this info!

• Additional info on test -> https://t.co/ke0EOoSYPK   
• Shared from ->   https://t.co/EHwjBnq4Ps

FEMA: reminder on nationwide emergency alert test - Oct 4

"A driver can use a phone only if the vehicle is stationary and not in an active travel lane"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"It’s time to break some old habits: State officials are reminding drivers the new hands-free law goes into effect Sunday. 

“I think all of us have to unlearn behaviors that we have been learning since smartphones have become part of our lives," Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said Thursday at a news conference. 

Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker said, "consistently rates among the 10 worst states in the country for distracted driving, and I think in many ways this law is overdue, but I also believe it will, over time, save lives.”

• "You CAN’T enter a number or talk on a phone without hands-free mode
• You CAN’T look at photos or videos
• You STILL CAN’T text while driving
• You CAN’T use your phone at a stoplight
• If you’re under 18, you CAN’T use your phone in any capacity"

Continue reading the article online to find out what you CAN do under this new law (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/20/metro/new-mass-hands-free-driving-rules-go-into-effect-sunday-heres-what-you-definitely-cant-do-anymore/?

(Photo = XREFLEX - STOCK.ADOBE.COM via BostonGlobe.com)

"Third, how about we rethink smartphones at school?"

Via PsychologyToday - although from Jan 2018, it is as relevant (if not more so) today!

"My inbox has been inundated with reports that our kids are literally dying because of excessive cell phone use. From an editorial in the Lancet to my local radio station, the news is alarming. In many cases, I’m told, our children are on their phones eight or more hours a day, with experts saying it should be limited to just two.

Jean Twenge’s new book iGen has been front and center, insisting that we do something and do it quickly. Kids are using their cell phones way too much and putting their mental health at terrible risk. National surveys are showing that kids today are more anxious than ever before, with spiking rates of depression and suicide. Twenge suspects that this uptick in problems (which every mental health professional knows is happening) occurred at just about the same time as cell phones became a common accessory for most teens. Correlation doesn’t imply causation, but in this case, one has to wonder if the very real increase in emergency room visits for mood disorders and self-reported anxiety among teens isn’t a byproduct of more accessible technology that both connects and isolates at the same time."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-resilience/201801/teens-and-dangerous-levels-cell-phone-use

Hat tip to CoachCJNeely who shared the link via Twitter
https://twitter.com/CoachCJNeely/status/1216050605690707970


PsychologyToday has a current article on teen sexting with guidelines for parents
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/protecting-children-sexual-abuse/202001/teen-sexting-guidelines-parents

"Third, how about we rethink smartphones at school?"

"would ban virtually all hand-held electronic device use by drivers"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Conference committee leaders remained tight-lipped about their private negotiations on distracted-driving legislation a week after an apparent deal fell apart.

In separate interviews with the News Service, both state Rep. William Straus, D-Mattapoisett, and state Sen. Joseph Boncore, D-Winthrop, who together chair the six-member conference committee, said they are still discussing the long-sought bill but declined to put a timeline on when their work may be complete.

“We’re going to continue to discuss it between the chairs,” Boncore said. He described himself as “confident” that a deal would be reached soon, but noted talks would last “as long as it takes.”

Straus said the conferees “have never stopped being in communication with each other,” despite the collapse of an apparent consensus last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190809/no-timeline-for-distracted-driving-deal

"would require hands-free use of all mobile devices while driving"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"House and Senate Democrats failed to reach a compromise on long-discussed distracted driving legislation after a marathon session Wednesday, abandoning the issue about four hours after Senate President Karen Spilka said a resolution appeared imminent.

Both branches held sessions open from Wednesday afternoon until after midnight Thursday in what was expected to be the last day before a traditional August recess.

With a six-member conference committee privately negotiating the mobile device ban, Spilka told the News Service around 7:45 p.m. that there was an “agreement in principle” and that she expected the matter “should be done tonight.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190801/distracted-driving-bill-hung-up-as-recess-begins

From MAHighway   https://youtu.be/8EHKcScFnsI

In the News: FSPA launches virtual academy, Tri-County mobile app, Othello perfomances

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Franklin School for the Performing Arts will launch the FSPA Academy, in collaboration with Massachusetts Virtual Academy. In partnering with MAVA, FSPA will offer the setting for a complete and creative academic education with a special emphasis on arts, language and culture. MAVA offers online learning for grades K-12 and is the first diploma-granting virtual school in the state. Those interested can learn more at an open house for prospective students and families at 7 p.m. Jan. 19, at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/franklin-school-for-performing-arts-partners-with-massachusetts-virtual-academy

A mobile app concept created by sophomores in Tri-County Regional’s Computer Information Systems Program is in the running for the national Verizon App Challenge Fan Favorite award. 

The app proposal, which would transform the school’s late bus pass system to an all-electronic format, won Best in State in the high school section of the Verizon Innovative App Challenge. Each team member won a tablet computer and $5,000 to be used for science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives at Tri-County.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/tri-county-students-compete-in-national-mobile-app-contest

Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22-23 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St.The production is a contemporary adaptation of “Othello,” directed by and starring Aaron Andrade in the title role. 

Tickets cost $24, with $15 Student Rush tickets available at the door 15 minutes prior to show time. 

To purchase tickets, call 508-528-3370 or visit theblackboxonline.com.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160117/franklin-performing-arts-company-to-present-othello

How mobile devices are changing community information environments

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

How mobile devices are changing community information environments

via Pew Internet Rss Feed: Reports on 3/14/11

47% of American adults use their cellphones and tablet computers to get local news and information

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