e-Readers, e-Textbooks Advantage for Educational Institutions

Technology, where would we be without it. Today, everything is either an i"Thingy" or a tablet or an e-Reader. Book, you know those things printed on paper, that you read..........they are so yesterday.

However, even with all this technology within our grasps, it is not being fully utilized. That is my point for today. Schools, Colleges, Universities and Technical Schools - need to embrace the technology advantage. What am I speaking about? Good question. e-Readers and e-Books; especially e-Textbooks. A large expense to any institution is the required textbooks and associated reference materials. Solution: e-Readers and e-Textbooks.

A good e-Reader is less than $200 per unit. A good science text book is $200. Text books are expensive because they are hard covered, colour printed, large format and have lots of pages. Oh, and the material changes every 3 to 5 years so they need to be replaced.

A good e-Reader, can be loaded with all the text books, they can be updated midway through the semester or school year, and even the reference books can be uploaded. If tablets are used, the e-Textbooks could be loaded AND the assignments can be completed and e-mailed to the instructor and the marked and graded "papers" can be e-mailed back tot he student. 

So, for the sake of the argument, using e-Textbooks on e-Readers + a tablet, a student could have EVERYTHING they need for academic courses that would fit in a medium sized briefcase. Currently, to carry all the textbooks, binders, pens, pencils, calculators, etc, etc. You need a large duffle bag and very strong arms and back to carry it all. 

This would be a win, win, win solution for all.

For the school/institution: Cost effective e-Readers and reduce expenses on textbooks. Not to mention the ability to have the most current source materials, and rapid updates.

For textbook industry: No longer need to focus on limiting the textbook, to keep it competitive. Now the best materials can be assembled, complete with colour photos and graphs/charts. Master copies would be loaded onto flashdrives and couriered to the schools. The schools would upload onto their e-Readers. Price per text book could be reduced and profits would still increase. And schools would be asking for updates.

For the students: The one who would benefit the most. Less stuff to carry. Information being provided in a format kids understand. It would make learning fun, again. 

So, before technology is used by somebody else, let's encourage the education system to get with the times and use the technology to make a positive difference instead of whining about how kids don't want to learn.

Keep learning and thinking,

Mountainman.

Flood Warning Index

This year's experience with the floods in Southern Alberta has confirmed a thought I once had, we need a Flood Warning Index or Code. It needs to be simple - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Violet or Not Bad, Bad, Really Bad, Really Really Bad or Kiss Your Ass Goodbye. 

If it makes sense to have the Richter Scale for Earthquakes, a Category System for Hurricanes, The F Class for Tornadoes; then it certainly makes sense to have some system for floods. 

The methodology to determine what flow of water on which river or stream goes with which colour is beyond the scope of my idea. If accepted, the correct folks with the engineering or scientific  backgrounds will assign the proper values. What is important is that everyday folks will understand a Yellow Flood situation will be bad in certain parts of town and a Violet Flood will probably erase the town.

For High River, AB, the 2008 flood may rate a orange level, where as the 1995 & 2005 may rate a red level. The 2013 flood is starting to look like a violet level event.

Being told that you are going to flood, without some value attached to the warning is almost useless. Being in a geographic area that has a huge water basin to collect rain water and snow pack in, it is conceivable that when conditions are right, all low-laying areas downstream will get wet at one point each year. Having an method to describe how wet and how fast you are going to get wet will help folks make an informed decision on whether to stay and sandbag or pack-up and head for higher ground.

I hope the folks at ESRD - Environment Sustainable Resource Development, will champion this idea to the province and maybe we can have this ready by next flood season.

Remember, have a plan, have good information and take action!

Til next time,

Mountainman.

LINK TO UPDATE: Flood Warning Index

Flood Damage in K-Country

Hwy #532 Closed at Indian Graves Campground

Hwy #532 Washed-out Beyond Road Closed Sign

 Time to go to the hills. Friday was the best weather day in a long time around here. Tried to get out to do a photo-shoot for my book - The G.O.O.D Plan - Get Out Of Dodge. Tougher than expected.

First, tried to get to K-Country via Highway #532 - Indian Graves to The Hump to The Forestry Trunk Road. Discovered a "Road Closed" barrier just after the intersection to the Indian Graves Campground. Found a good trail around, continued up Hwy #532. Only made it a few more klicks. Then found the culverts had been washed out. Totally. Had a little hike up creek. There is a possible ford through the creek. But, before attempting a crossing met with a local rancher. He said not to bother, as Hwy #532 was washed -out for at least 1/4 mile just pass Bear Lake parking area. 

So, I made tracks out of there. I dropped in to the MD of Ranchlands #66 Office at Chain Lakes. The road to The Gap is open but Hwy's 40 & 532 are closed at the junction. So, you have to double back if you go out there.

Bridge Out South of Mean Creek & Livingston River

 I am heading South. Beautiful sunny day. Why would I cut my day short??

Head South on Hwy #22 to Maycroft. Then head West on Hwy #517 to The Gap. Great scenery along the Oldman River, but too crowded for me. 

Arrive at the junction with Hwy #40 - The Forestry Trunk Road, head North. Pass Dutch Creek. Pass Oldman River. Pass Livingston Falls. Finally, traffic is starting to thinout. 

First Westward offshoot just South of the Mean Creek confluence with

Bridge Out North of Mean Creek & Livingston River

the Livingston River, bridge is out. In fact, one section of the bridge is missing, displaced downstream a few hundred meters. No going that way.

The next road to the West, was just North of the confluence of Mean Creek & the Livingston River. The road was great to the bridge. The bridge appeared to be in great shape. However, the Westend, the bridge approach and the road beyond were gone for at least 200 meters. 

Then, continuing North  to the junction of Hwy's 40 and 532. North of the triangle "Road Closed" signs on Hwy #40. And just East of the

Two Wash-outs Between The Hump and Trunk Road

triangle "Road Closed" signs on Hwy #532.  However, not too far East on Hwy #532, there are two washouts. Vehicles with low clearance are not crossing these. I bottomed out a time or two, but was able to drive beyond. I made it to The Hump, but decided against driving down to see the washout I had heard about earlier in the day. As it was, even here at The Hump, there were other folks. two driving a Nissan Titan crewcab and a couple of hikers who had parked their vehicles at the washouts. Too crowded for me.

The Hump Looking Down to Indian Graves (Hwy #532)

I headed back down towards Mean Creek, and spotted a skid trail into a logged block. Some very deep ruts where the flood waters washed away part of the track, but enough road to get away from the crowds.

Finally, some peace and quiet. Some great scenery to back-drop my photo-shoot. A very good day.

Remember, when you head to the hills, don't forget your camera!!

Mountainman.

More Flood 2013 Pictures

22 June 2013 - Highway #2 Looking SW

22 June 2013 - Highway #2 Looking South

22 June 2013 - Highway #2 Looking West

22 June 2013 - Buses & Tractors at Moody's Equipment

22 June 2013 - Northbound on Highway #2. Bridge Over the Highwood River. Down 6' from the 20th of June.

28 June 2013 - Pump House Across From HSA. Not Much Change From 22 June 2013.

04 July 2013 - Southbound on 5th Street, Looking Southeast Towards Sunrise and Hampton's.

04 July 2013 - The New Highwood Lake, From 5th Street Southbound.

04 July 2013 - Water, Water, Everywhere.......

04 July 2013 - Looking South Down 21 Street East.

04 July 2013 - Looking South Down 21 Street East.

04 July 2013 - Condo Complex in Sunrise Next to HSA.

04 July 2013 - HSA Staff Parking Area.

04 July 2013 - Pump House Across From HSA. Water is Still High!

12 July 2013 - Looking South Down 21 Street East. 500 Million Gallons Pumped and Still More To Go.

The recovery phase continues in High River. Folks are exhausted and frustrated. Thank God for the volunteers and their endless energy and patience. The folks in this town really do appreciate all you have done for all of us. THANK YOU!!

The government - at all levels - on the other hand, is proving to be as two faced as always. But thanks to facebook, personal blogs and twitter; the average person is keeping the world informed about things around here and holding the elected representatives' feet in  the fire, so's to speak. With such scrutiny, it is hard to be dishonest to folks and get away with it. Hopefully, the elected ones will start to work with the people and use co-operation, instead of confrontation to resolve future flood or other disaster mitigation. 

The insurance industry is also being held to a high standard around these parts. That is good to see. It will be interesting to see who renews their policy with whom, when all is said and done.

I believe this incident has brought the folks of High River closer together, and forged a stronger sense of community. We will get through this. To those outside, may you never have to go through a situation like this. And, if you do, may you at least have a bugout bag full of clothes, shaving gear and important documents to quickly carry out of your home with your 72 hour supply of water and food. And if you still have time, do not forget your important photographs or external hard-drive with copies of all your memories. 

Be Ever Vigilant,

Mountainman.

High River Flood 2013 - Update 27 June 2013

 Well, we made it back for another visit from Highway #2 on 26 June 2013. We took a few photos and moved along before the Sheriffs or RCMP came to ask us to move along.

It is still quite sad, that we still do not know the status of our home. The not knowing is taking its toll on our well being. If you know you lost some or all, you can mourn your loss and prepare to move on. If you have escaped loss, you can rejoice at your good favour and move along to help others, knowing you are safe and secure. But not knowing, weighs on

you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is like an anchor holding you back. Slowly, but constantly drawing & taxing your energy, hope and faith.

Thankfully, we are staying with family in a supportive environment. We are receiving encouragement and offers for assistance from many of our friends and neighbours. We do live in a blessed part of the world. Thank you, to all of you who have helped.

Now these pictures. The first two are the water level in our part of town. Top photo was taken on 22 June 2013 and 

The one below it was taken on 26 June 2013. Not much difference in water levels, I am afraid. Since, these pictures were taken the canal was breached to assist in water removal, as well as, three 12" high volume pumps have been in use. After 24 hours the pumps lowered the water 1".

Pictures 3 and 4 are of the roof of the pump house across the street from Holy Spirit Academy. Again the water does not look like it has gone down much at all.

It has come to my attention, that while

searching homes for stranded or defiant citizens of High River, the RCMP has taken the liberty to remove firearms they discover in homes. Here is a link to the story in the Calgary Herald:  http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/alberta/Hell+Residents+angry+RCMP+sieze+guns+from+High+River+homes/8588851/story.html

It is too bad the citizens of High River have not been allowed in to secure their homes and their property from questionable search and seizure. I recognize the RCMP are just doing their job, but this is getting into a very distressing issue for citizens who obeyed the evacuation order and left peacefully. To find out property is being taken without permission.........

This last photo is the playground equipment on the lower play area at Holy Spirit Academy, taken on 26 June 2013. 

Tomorrow, we will try to pick-up our mail from the Post Office in Okotoks and then head for either Nanton or Vulcan to get issued our evacuation pay. We are so glad we registered at the Evacuation Centre in Okotoks on Thursday 20 June 2013, before seeking shelter with our relatives in the city. It has been very comforting to have place to live during all the chaos and confussion of the disaster, evacuation and now entering the recovery phase. I hope folks get to go home sooner than later. All the initial damage is now mute, as mould and bacteria have had a huge amount of time to spawn and multiply.

I will try to post another update soon. But, being forced to stay away is becoming more and more difficult, especially, when we do not know what the status of our home is.

Keep safe out there,

Mountainman.

High River Flood 2013

This will be a quick post. These photos were taken in the morning of 22 June 2013.

The first picture is Highway #2, Northbound, with the Highwood River flowing under the bridge. When we evac'd on Thursday night, 20 June 2013, the water level under this bridge was almost to the top of the arches.

I will edit soon.

26 June 2013 - Update.

Been a bit busy at work and was not able to get back til now.

The second photo is from Highway #2 looking West at Moody's Equipment in High River and the buses for The Christ Redeemer School Division. The new lake extends West to 5th Street, North to the Cargill Plant and South to 12th Avenue.

I stopped at the RCMP and PPCLI checkpoint setup at the Commercial Truck Exit into High River. And that was as close as I was allowed to home.

The third photo is looking at the street just South of the condo complex of Sunrise Terrace Villas NE, High River. The water is up to the bumpers of the vehicles parked on the street. This was at least 12 hours after the waters had begun to recede. This is at least 2 vertical feet  lower than the level our front door. We do not know whether or not we have had any flood damage to our home. The unknowing, in my opinion, is considerably more difficult to contend with, than knowing everything was destroyed.

The last photo is again looking West from Highway #2, this time to the Storm Water Pond and Pumphouse across the street from Holy Spirit Academy, High River. The storm water pond's water level, is usually well below street level. The water in the photo is within 2 feet from completely covering the pumphouse. This part of the lake extends right to and around Holy Spirit Academy. 

I am glad we were able to get out safe and sound, but now is the time to be allowed back in to assess the level of damage to our home, before mold and rotting food in the fridge and freezer make this an even worse tradegy. So, I hope the leaders from our town are listening. Please let us back in, so we can find out how we have been affected. Home owners have a vested interest in the clean-up, too. We want to start on our property before the damage gets to the stage of being non-repairable.

I will try to get some updated photos today.

The G.O.O.D. Plan e-Book SALE!!

Howdy Folks,

Please dropby The G.O.O.D. Plan Blog - thegoodplanblog.blogspot.ca . We are having a summer sale on The G.O.O.D. Plan - Get Out Of Dodge in the e-Book PDF version. $5 per copy. Regular $10 per copy.

Cheers,

Mountainman.