Open Ed's Business Woes: Textbook Pioneer Flat World Knowledge ...

Founded in 2007, Flat World Knowledge was one of the early pioneers in the move to bring free and open access to textbooks to students and educators. The independent publisher offered its learning content for free, giving students the access to texts in print, eBook form, eReaders, audiobooks and downloadable PDFs, etc. Produced by actual authors and reviewed by peers, Flat World allows teachers to modify and edit those texts to fit their particular class through its own simple editing tools, printing new copies on-demand.

With customizable, free texts on-demand, Flat World?s model won over many students, leading the company to claim that it had become one of the largest online publishers of free and open textbooks. Be that as it may, while many (aside from the big educational publishers) support the movement to make textbooks and educational content significantly more affordable ? and even free ? finding workable business models that support free and open access has proven challenging.

This week, Campus Marketplace reported that Flat World Knowledge has been forced to drop its free access to textbooks. The decision was made largely because of the cost of supporting free access. In other words it was a business decision that many have or will face as part of the shift to open learning.

Flat World offers its learning content for free, but charges for more convenient ways to access material for print or beefed-up versions and for study aids. By eliminating its free option, the company hopes to make its pricing more equitable for all of its institutional partners so that everyone is paying the same price.

The company will still offer bookstore partners to its so-called ?All Access Pass? that includes a digital version of its textbooks, such as eBook files, PDFs, audio, HTML functionality and study aids for $28 and will sell the pass on its homepage for $35. Textbooks themselves will start at $19.95.

It?s not a huge change for students or partners, and nearly all of the company?s partners are on board with the move (as, obviously, are the teachers and experts producing the textbooks), according to The Chronicle of Higher Ed. Even if students end up paying $20 to $25 for their textbooks, it?s still a very attractive alternative to the cost of traditional textbooks.

Obviously, the company does not want to say that its free content is cannibalizing the revenue generated from charging students and institutions for premium features and content, but it?s clear that the company didn?t quite get the balance right.

The big textbook publishers, who have warned about jumping into the deep end and offering learning content for free ? because they?re obviously worried about the de-valuation of educational content and the slimmer margins of the digital publishing world ? are probably enjoying this announcement somewhat. Flat World was one of the first (though hardly alone, iTunes U, 11 Learning and Boundless have all been pushing forward in this space) to go head-to-head against traditional publishers and has made some progress, as its textbooks are now in 4,000 classrooms at 2,000 schools worldwide.

Many have followed and progress has been made in the quality of open content (and the quality of its curation), as well as the availability of digital options as the bigs (Amazon, Apple) and companies like Inkling and Kno try to reduce prices ? or at the very least make digital textbooks more widely available. Unfortunately, although Flat World would never admit it, this announcement certainly serves as validation of the doubt over Open Educational Resources (OER) as a business concept.

Flat World has been a pioneer and some we?ve talked to assumed it might choose to go out of business before asking students to pay. But the world at large is coming back a bit from the overwhelming sense of entitlement to free content, and expectations are shifting. We?re moving to a time when publishers won?t be able to get away with charging $100 for a textbook, but there?s also mounting evidence that free isn?t exactly going to work either. Unless you?re a non-profit with significant financial backing, like CK12.

It also seems that, while it?s shift away from free may be understandable, Flat World has its own internal communication, management problems that it needs to address. Never a good sign.

Founded in 2007, Flat World Knowledge is the largest publisher of open college textbooks for students worldwide. Committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible, our course content is available in a range of low-cost formats, including a free online reader. To date, Flat World textbooks are used at more than 2,000 colleges in 44 countries. Backed by top venture capital firms, Flat World Knowledge was named the ???Best Discount Textbook Provider??? by the Education Resources People???s Choice...

? Learn more

Source: http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/06/open-eds-business-woes-textbook-pioneer-flat-world-knowledge-to-revoke-free-access-to-texts/

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Subaru WRX and STI 'Halloween Editions' for SEMA

Subaru of America revealed the 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Editions at the 2012 SEMA Show in Vegas. Just in time for Halloween, the Special Edition WRX and WRX STI models feature an ?Orange and Black? custom paint scheme, with Tangerine Orange paint off-set with jet black custom wheels, black front fender badging and exterior mirrors. They also receive black exterior graphics.

The Special Edition line-up is limited to just 200 WRX sedans and 100 WRX STI sedans. The WRX Special Edition features the dark interior trim from the WRX STI, including a black headliner. The Special Edition orange interior is also applied to the stitching on the seats, doors and shift boot, and custom orange trimmed floor mats. The WRX STI also features front fog lamps.

On sale in spring of 2013, the SE Imprezas develop 265 hp and 305 hp respectively from their 2.5 litre turbo boxers. Both cars get Subaru?s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but the STI adds on Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) and a Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system, the latter featuring a track performance-optimised mode.

Tricks that should serve up some nice AWD treats!

?

Source: http://paultan.org/2012/11/05/subaru-wrx-and-sti-halloween-editions-for-sema/

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Bitter Hawaii isle campaign pits mayor against ex-boss

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Source: http://www.staradvertiser.com/newspremium/20121105__Bitter_Hawaii_isle_campaign_pits_mayor_against_ex-boss.html

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Genetically engineered tomatoes decrease plaque build-up in mice

ScienceDaily (Nov. 5, 2012) ? For the first time, genetically engineered tomato plants produced a peptide that mimics the actions of good cholesterol when eaten, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.

In the study, mice that ate the freeze-dried, ground tomatoes had less inflammation and reduced atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries).

"We have found a new and practical way to make a peptide that acts like the main protein in good cholesterol, but is many times more effective and can be delivered by eating the plant," said Alan M. Fogelman, M.D., senior author of the study and executive chair of the Department of Medicine and director of the Atherosclerosis Research Unit in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Researchers genetically engineered the tomatoes to produce 6F, a small peptide that mimics the action of ApoA-1, the chief protein in high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). They fed the tomatoes to mice that lack the ability to remove low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) from their blood and readily develop inflammation and atherosclerosis when consuming a high-fat diet.

After the mice ate the tomatoes as 2.2 percent of their Western-style high-fat, calorie-packed diet, those given the peptide-enhanced tomatoes had significantly:

• lower blood levels of inflammation;
• higher paraoxonase activity, an anti-oxidant enzyme associated with good cholesterol and related to a lower risk of heart disease;
• higher levels of good cholesterol;
• decreased lysophosphatidic acid, a tumor promoter that accelerates plaque build-up in arteries in animal models; and
• less atherosclerotic plaque.

"To our knowledge this is the first example of a drug with these properties that has been produced in an edible plant and is biologically active when fed without any isolation or purification of the drug," Fogelman said.

Co-authors are Arnab Chattopadhyay, Ph.D.; Mohamad Navab, Ph.D.; Greg Hough, B.S.; David Meriwether, B.S.; Gao Feng, Ph.D.; Victor Grijalva, B.S.; James R. Springstead, Ph.D.; Mayakonda N. Palgunachari, Ph.D.; Ryan Namiri-Kalantari, B.S.; G.M. Anantharamaya, Ph.D.; Robin Farias-Eisner, M.D., Ph.D.; and Srinivasa T. Reddy, Ph.D. Author disclosures are on the abstract.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded the study.

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Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/most_popular/~3/Dgo7YYHXqhE/121105114616.htm

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6 Evident Problems With Couples Relationships - Ayushveda

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The essence of relationships is adorned by the versatility lying within. The innate ability of relationships to adapt for favorable consequences gives meaning and attractiveness to both men and women for experiencing bliss and happiness. The ups and downs couples experience in a relationship can give them stronger reasons to complement each other.

But when differences become serious problems, a relationship can pine for the healing touch. Problems with relationships are actually not hitches so far you have the zeal to work towards the betterment of your relationship. However, problems with relationships can upset and even kill a relationship when left unattended and uncared.

Being prepared for problems provides you better opportunities to deal with them, at least emotionally. Otherwise, even a small difference of opinion can cause bitterness and damage beyond repair. Do not overlook the vivid problems with relationships as these can serve as warning signals to provide timely resolution.

Grab each and every opportunity to fix problems so that they do not take too heavy a toll on your life. Couples? relationships should be a matter of choice, not chance.?Be cautious when you observe one or more of the following problems with relationships.

Problems With Couples Relationships

Blending Attitude With Gratitude

Relationships necessarily do not turn unfavorable for couples due to inclusion of a negative element as jealousy, infidelity and resentment. The lack of gratitude and appreciation can also create bad vibes for relationships. Lack of gratitude gives a feel that you consider your partner for granted and sideline the opportunities to enjoy the good things in life.

What if he cooks one day? Cooking is not one?s authority! This intrusion of attitude overpowers gratitude and the (few words of) appreciation or gestures which could have made your partner feel delighted (without your losing anything). If something stops you from ushering praise for your partner, it is a warning sign that you are going to face problem(s) sooner or later.?Expression of appreciation is very important, especially for men, to help your relationship traverse the journey (particularly during the ?downs?).

Thinking Beyond Repair

Problems with relationships can be evident when couples think beyond repair and correction. Comparison and superior thinking can upset relationships slowly and create pitfalls which may eventually become irreparable.

Successful relationships entail integration of two minds into one. Both partners need to understand that success for one is success for both while failure of one means failure for both. Celebration and concerns are meant for both partners. When both partners do not think for the sake of thinking but proving themselves and their superiority, problems abound. When you love your partner, you do not look down the fears of your partner. Depicting judgmental behavior can be an outcome of superior or inferior thinking, which seems an expression of ego, not love.

Imbalance Between Career and Relationship

Modern day relationships may begin at ambitious career junctions but they are also susceptible to end at career crossroads. Relationship can be taken so much for granted that it creates instability between both these crucial aspects of life.

The strong need for self-identity and self-worth easily overpowers the tenderness of companionship and starts digging grave for relationship to halt forever. Career is destined to make life better and relationship is meant to advance life towards bliss. If both are not balancing each other, both are likely to become rivals soon instead of associates.

Extra Marital Affair and Infidelity

When a person is unable to handle one partner, it is likely he/she will not be able to handle another. And this conflict is bound to cause problems in relationships!

For some couples, infidelity or extra marital affair may not bring the end of their relationships. It may be an opportunity to amend the relationship, although not always. If both can understand that they need each other and are complementary (rather than contradictory), there can be reason to expect revival of relationship. However, it is extremely difficult to gain trust once lost and often leads to the death of relationships.

Also Read

Five Best Relationship Tips for Couples
Top 4 Relationship Problems
How to Work Through Relationship Problems
4 Ways to Deal With Marriage Problems

Divergent Parenting Skills

He wanting the child to train for football and you wanting to give music lessons is not unusual. But arriving at a meaningful conclusion is crucial. Parenting skills are important elements which couples should not ignore. Divergent parenting skills can create conflicting situations and reduce the rewards of parenting.

Parenting should not be a battle ground for proving individual worth and say. If this is the case, the relationship is prone to become complicated.

Difficult Finding Love and Intimacy

Love is spontaneous and integral to a relationship. If you are not in love with your partner, you do not need him/her or lack excitement while connecting with your partner, you may be experiencing problem in your relationship. However, physical and emotional conditions can also reduce love and sexual intimacy between partners.

Changing sexual desire is natural in a relationship. But if it dies away completely, it is indicative of problems with relationships.?Spending quality time together is important for couples to let their relationships blossom and thrive. Being too hard pressed to find sometime exclusively for each other can be a problematic sign needing quick resolution.

Relationships are melodious when couples strike complementary strings; otherwise, there can be more of noise than music.

6 Evident Problems With Couples Relationships, 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating

Source: http://www.ayushveda.com/magazine/6-evident-problems-with-couples-relationships/

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With Mobile Impressions, Tumblr Pushes Past 20 Billion Pageviews A Month

David Karp, the CEO of New York-based Tumblr, revealed some fresh stats about the micro-blogging platform's growth today. The company is seeing 20 billion pageviews a month, up from 15 billion at the beginning of the year, Karp said at GigaOm's Roadmap conference in San Francisco today. That's a growth rate of more than 30 percent per year. Compare that to 13 billion pageviews a month in September of last year, and a little over 4 billion pageviews a month in January 2011.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/T44jNFFGu_U/

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5 bomb blasts hit Bahrain capital; 2 killed

DUBAI?? Five bombs exploded in the heart of the Bahraini capital Manama on Monday, killing two people, officials said, in rare attacks targeting civilians during the 21-month-old uprising against the kingdom's U.S.-backed rulers.

The blasts, one outside a cinema, could be a sign that radical elements of the opposition are escalating violence. They took place days after the government said it had banned all rallies and opposition gatherings to ensure public safety.

The victims were Asian street cleaners and one died after kicking a device, which then blew up, said the Interior Ministry. It said the bombs were home-made and described the blasts as "terrorist acts" -- its term for attacks by opposition activists.

Rare targets
Police have been targeted by explosions several times this year, as the government has stepped up efforts to quell the uprising that has simmered since democracy protests broke out in early 2011.

But bombs targeting civilians are rare in the Persian Gulf country, where the Sunni Muslim Khalifa dynasty rules over a majority Shiite population. The kingdom hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, which patrols oil shipping lanes in the Gulf region.

Saudi-Bahrain union plan set to inflame tensions with Iran?

The explosions Monday took place between 4:30 a.m. (8:30 p.m. Sunday ET) and 9:30 a.m. in the Qudaibiya and Adliya districts of Manama, the BNA agency said, citing a police official. It described the explosives as "locally made bombs." A third foreign worker was wounded, it said.

Washington has called on Manama to begin dialogue on democratic reforms with the opposition but criticism has been offset by its support for a country that plays a key role in U.S. efforts to challenge Iranian influence in the region.

The United States and Gulf allies fear Iran's nuclear energy program is a front for developing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies. Iran, a Shiite power, also denies accusations from Manama of fomenting the unrest in Bahrain.

US to resume arms sales to Bahrain despite human rights concerns

Thirty-five people were killed in Bahrain during protests in February and March 2011 and the two months of martial law that followed. But almost daily clashes have continued since between protesters and riot police in Shiite districts.

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Activists and rights groups say nearly 50 civilians have been killed in clashes with police since the end of martial law in June last year, while the authorities say two policemen have died including one killed by a bomb attack last month.

Bahrain to citizens abroad: Spy on countrymen

Skepticism from opposition
Opposition politician Matar Matar of Shiite party Wefaq said he doubted opposition activists were behind Monday's attacks, noting that leading Shiite clerics had called on followers to avoid escalating the conflict with the government.

He suggested the police or military may have been responsible, or a rogue unit.

Complete World coverage on NBCNews.com

"This incident is strange -- why would anyone target workers?" he said. "I'm worried that police and military are losing control of their units or it is (preparation) before declaring martial law."

The rallies ban announced last week was condemned by Amnesty International as a violation of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

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Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49693253/ns/world_news-mideast_n_africa/

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