Why aren't all science theories taught like this? (video)

If only...



I love this!

And if you liked that, you'll also like this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtItBX1l1VY

MassBudget: After the Tech Tax Repeal: Remembering the Big Picture

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. After the Tech Tax: Remembering The Big Picture   In order to strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life in Massachusetts, the FY 2014 budget included new investments to fix and improve our transportation system and to make higher education more affordable.  One of the things that made such investments possible was $160 million in new revenue from a "tech tax" that covers computer design services and the modification of pre-written software. It now looks as if the "tech tax" is going to be repealed, without being replaced now by a new ongoing revenue source. In the longer term we are likely to see an ongoing debate in our Commonwealth about how best to pay for important investments in transportation, education, and other systems that play a critical role in helping people reach their full potential and enhancing the future prospects for our economy. Our new factsheet, "After the Tech Tax Repeal: Remembering the Big Picture," describes a variety of ways to generate additional revenue to support our long-term needs.  We consider three basic approaches:  Reforming or eliminating special business tax breaks      Reducing opportunities for tax avoidance      Reexamining other major tax cuts of the past two decades, including changes to the income tax that cost the state nearly $3 billion per year.    Rather than an exhaustive list, "After the Tech Tax Repeal: Remembering the Big Picture" summarizes some of the revenue options we could consider as we think about the best, fairest way to improve our schools, roads, bridges, and public transit systems.  Read AFTER THE TECH TAX REPEAL: REMEMBERING THE BIG PICTURE Learn More About THE MASSACHUSETTS TAX SYSTEM The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

two-vehicle crash on Washington Street

The Milford Daily News reports on the fatal accident on Washington St on Monday.

At about 1 p.m., a silver sedan with a New Hampshire license plate collided head-on with a dump truck, according to police. The driver of the sedan, a male, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. There were no other injuries. 

Part of the driver's side of the sedan appeared to be lodged underneath the truck. 

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Franklin Police Department’s accident reconstruction specialists, officers David Gove and Rick Grover.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868842531/Man-dies-in-2-vehicle-crash-on-Franklins-Washington-Street#ixzz2fnxlPnUl

"a huge growth in the solar industry"

The New England Appliance and Electronics Group unveiled the third largest rooftop solar farm in the state atop its Grove Street warehouse. With its 7,200 panels, the installation will produce 2.1 megawatts of energy — enough to power 1,500 households — cutting the company’s electrical costs by 20 percent. 

"The solar farm on our roof will cut a huge percentage of our energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint," said New England Group president Steve Moran, speaking in front of the warehouse. 

State representatives Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and Kate Hogan, D-Stow, presented the company, a cooperation of 122 appliance and electric stores, with citations from the State House.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868842543/Business-unveils-rooftop-solar-farm-in-Franklin#ixzz2fnyPojcp

A pep talk for teachers and students (video)

Kid President has a message for teachers and students. Spend a couple of minutes with this to get some inspiration and then go be awesome!




Now go be awesome!


For more Kid President videos and the story behind the videos, visit http://kidpresident.com/

Autumn color

A few trees are turning color already.

changing colors

"The guests preferred the old cans ‘by an overwhelming majority"

That’s the key word in discussing expiration dates: “fresh.” A new report released by the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic yesterday, titled “The Dating Game: How Confusing Food Date Labels Lead to Food Waste in America,” lays bare the illogical, patchwork of sometimes meaningless dating requirements for food products. Even the dates printed on milk, the heart of expired-food fear that lurks in the back of the fridge, hold little meaning.

Read the full article here -> 
http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/09/19/food-expirations-dates-are-meaningless

new neighbors - Eagle Brook Village

The Town Council is considering zoning bylaw changes to allow a higher density development on the Cook's Farm property. Have you noticed that Wrentham is soon to be hosting a good sized development just down the road on RT 140?

Eagle Brook Village is under construction by DiPlacido Development. It looks to be about 90 homes in five styles according to the lot plan and house models shown on the developer webpage.

http://diplacidodevelopment.com/wp/sales/eagle-brook/

What one question would you ask the Franklin candidates?

I posted my offer to the candidates here earlier. Now that the line up has been determined, we can prepare for those who chose to have an interview. One regular reader has already submitted a question around the empty storefronts downtown. What would you ask your candidates?

You can submit multiple questions. You might want to ask a different question of a Town Councilor than that of a School Committee person.



The candidate offer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/offer-to-candidates-for-election.html

The final line up for those candidates to appear on the ballot
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 25, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 17, 2013; August 7, 2013 Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Finance Committee - William Dowd
Disability Commission - Mark R Thompson

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements- 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map- 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185. Use Regulations Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License:
Artistry Franklin

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Master Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-69: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Bellingham for Shared In-Home Respite Services
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map – 1st Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – 1st Reading
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185. Use Regulations Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII – 1st Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The documents associated with agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/092513.pdf