Franklin Matters

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

"Real time traffic data"

If you are traveling up to NH along i93 or to the Cape, there is additional information now becoming available on current traffic conditions for those areas:

MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey today unveiled new message boards offering real time traffic information along the Interstate 93 corridor from Canton to the New Hampshire border.

At the same time, MassDOT is also helping Cape Cod travelers by rolling out new traffic resources, including new online cameras showing road conditions on Route 6 Westbound and using message boards to share with drivers the extent of the heavy traffic leaving the Cape on Sundays.

Read more about the real-time traffic updates here
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2012/07/july-4-holiday-traffic.html

TED: The 100,000-student classroom

From TED Talks:

In the fall of 2011 Peter Norvig taught a class with Sebastian Thrun on artificial intelligence at Stanford attended by 175 students in situ -- and over 100,000 via an interactive webcast. He shares what he learned about teaching to a global classroom.

Peter Norvig is a leading American computer scientist, expert on artificial intelligence and the Director of Research at Google Inc.

In the News: neighbors, finish, holiday

Neighbors to the rescue in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News correspondent

Franklin family team takes on Finish at the 50

by Kathleen Sullivan/Special to the Daily News

Area towns to hold holiday bashes

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Monday, July 2, 2012

TED: Nikola Tesla

From TED Talks:

Combining projection mapping and a pop-up book, Marco Tempest tells the visually arresting story of Nikola Tesla -- called “the greatest geek who ever lived” -- from his triumphant invention of alternating current to his penniless last days.

A magician and illusionist for the 21st century, Marco Tempest blends cutting-edge technology with the flair and showmanship of Houdini

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Boston and the tall ships for the 4th of July

Boating Local takes a tour of Boston Harbor on Friday as some of the tall ships come in.

If you're heading into Boston, this will give you a taste of what you can see.

If you haven't planned to go, this may be enough enticement to consider it!

Franklin's 4th of July schedule is here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-4th-of-july-schedule.html

Mass transit and parking restrictions to consider if you do venture into Boston
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/going-to-boston-parking-mbta-schedules.html

Tip of the hat to the Universal Hub for the link to the video
http://www.universalhub.com/2012/hello-sailors

In the News: children, Emery, OPBA, firefighters, bullying

Children have their day of celebration in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Emerys’ love has lasted a lifetime in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Most towns poorly prepared to pay for retirement benefits

by David Riley and Michael Morton and Laura Krantz, Daily News staff

How many fires do firefighters really fight?

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

No age limit on bullying

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

Saturday, June 30, 2012

"teacher performance and evaluations"

“Today, Massachusetts made state history when the governor signed into law legislation to put teacher effectiveness first,” Stand for Children Executive Director Jason Williams said in a statement. “This legislation, which ensures that performance comes before seniority in teacher staffing decisions, is a win for teachers, parents, children, and all of Massachusetts.”

The bill passed the Senate last week and the House this week without recorded votes.
According to the new law, its purpose is to assure effective implementation of education evaluation systems adopted by the Board of Education, provide training for teachers and administrators in evaluation and training, and ensure that “indicators of job performance as evidenced by evaluation and other factors are the primary factors in school staff decisions.”