MJ Dance Party at Teller’s Tonight

Tech Sessions: MiFi takes the chance out of connectivity

So, I was sitting on the couch with my feet up on the ottoman watching a CenturyTel technician working on the company’s 2Wire wireless router. It had been randomly cutting out for the past week, and I finally had called to get someone out to my house to look at it. Though I knew I would soon be sailing on the Internet again, for the moment the CenturyTel ship had run aground.

But wait. I was still able to write this in Google Docs online. How?

No, I didn’t steal the neighbor’s WiFi (it’s illegal, and besides, it’s locked); I used the new Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot. The MiFi instantly creates a wireless Hotspot for up to five computers anywhere on Verizon’s Network.

I’ve written about wireless broadband devices for laptops before (http://tinyurl.com/koyqjw) and typically run around town with an AT&T ExpressCard (http://tinyurl.com/5hvcaj) for my MacBook Pro. But the MiFi is different. Unlike the other devices I used, which connect directly into my laptop, the MiFi is a small, black device about the size of a pack of gum that operates independently of the computer.

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Via Columbia Business Times

Tech Sessions: Test driving a smart car

Last week, I noticed in the lot of Joe Machens Ford one of those Smart cars I keep seeing downtown. The bright yellow car parked on the corner was hard to miss. Being an eco-friendly city driver and intrigued by new technology, I decided to check it out.

Eating sunflower seeds at the corner of the building was salesman Willis Robb. I asked Robb about the little electric deal on the corner of the lot, and he surprised me: It’s gasoline-powered. Instantly fascinated, I had to take a closer look.

The car, manufactured by a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, runs on unleaded gasoline - nothing else. Under the hood is a 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine (that means John Deere has a lawn mower with a larger engine). But even with the small engine, the car has a surprising 70 horsepower (the 2009 Corolla has 132) and an EPA rating of 33 miles per gallon in the city (41 on the highway).

The smart Fortwo holds as many passengers as its name in surprising comfort. Each door is almost the entire length of the car, so getting in and out is easy. There’s a lot of leg room, and the seat fits my six-foot frame with room to spare. In fact, there’s so much space the cup holders at the front of the center console seem too far away. I like my coffee close.

Fortwo

But how does it drive? The folks at Joe Machens Ford lent me the car for the afternoon so I could run a couple errands.

 

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Via Columbia Business Times

COLORS School Board Panel

Clip from COLORS’ School Board Applicant panel on last night’s KOMU News at 10pm

Columbia Board of Education Application

I would like to thank everyone for their show of support over the past week.  A lot of people have asked me why I applied to fill this vacancy.  Below I am posting my answers to the two questions the board asked in the application and a link to the CPS posted PDF of my application.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Again, thank you for your support. And know, either way the board decides, I plan to run come April.

Please describe why you wish to serve as a member of the Columbia Board of Education.
My educational experience growing up in Columbia Public Schools was a great one.  So great, it inspired me to pursue a degree in education.  My passion to support and assist the educational community of Columbia has not waned though I’ve elected not to be an educator as my primary career.  Through friendships with educators, administrators, and parents within this community, I keep up to date about the challenges facing our district.  I feel I would offer a fresh yet informed perspective on solutions for these issues.

I am an invested citizen in Columbia’s success.  I grew up here, and my family is here.  I own a small business, Tech 2, for which I create, install and maintain technology systems for other Columbia businesses.  Personally and professionally, I support education events in our community.  I intend to make Columbia my permanent home.  I know what Columbia was and is, and what Columbia can become.  The current and continued success of Columbia is rooted in a strong public education.  As an administrator of this educational system, I would work to cultivate systems that will further expand our students’ success.

Please list the strengths you would bring to the position.
Growing up in Columbia, I experienced Columbia Public Schools first hand.  Having graduated from Hickman less than ten years ago, I have a unique perspective.  My age places me in a unique position from which I can work comfortably with educators as colleagues, while also having a keen appreciation for our students’ experience.  Having earned a degree in education from the University of Missouri, I have participated in a detailed program of study including classroom experience in Columbia Public Schools.  This has provided me with keen insight on the complicated issues involving educators, students and parents, for which administrators must find solutions. As an educator, entrepreneur, and Columbian I recognized the need to close the achievement gap.  Through classroom experience at Eugene Field, Midway, and West Boulevard Elementary Schools, as well as a considerable amount of continued research, I deeply understand the issue.  It is important this remains a priority of Columbia Public Schools.

As a small business owner, I must consistently find ways to effectively manage resources, time, staff, and finances with the ebb and flow of the economy.  During these challenging economic times it is necessary to be frugal, but important remain financially competitive.  I understand the subtleties this requires.  My professional experience in integrated technology would also enable me to provide insightful information to the board regarding ever-changing technological advances and its impact on Columbia Public Schools, as well as the skills required of students entering our 21st century service-based economy.

Business culture does not immediately think of early childhood development as an investment.  However, projects like Geoffrey Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone; and the research presented by Rob Grunewald of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, at the Columbia and Boone County Early Childhood Summit, shows the importance and value of such investments.  My experience as both as an educator and entrepreneur has led me to support these findings.  This understanding has caused me to be a strong advocate for early education within Columbia’s growing business community. 

As a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, I have developed and strengthened many relationships with Columbia business leaders.  This month I will complete my participation in Leadership Columbia, a joint program offered by the Chamber, with Trulaske College of Business.  This program creates opportunity for young businesspersons to develop a strong knowledge of Columbia’s business community.  I feel this program will open doors to share my perspective on early childhood education’s effects upon the future of our business community.  This would also enable me to better communicate the goals and needs of our school district to other Columbia business owners.

As a young entrepreneur with a background in education and deep roots in Columbia’s educational system, I believe my abilities will complement the board in achieving its goals.

Via My CPS Board Application (PDF Link)

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