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“Why don’t we, instead of trying to sell our knowledge over the internet, just give it away.”

Over the next 10 years, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will move all of its existing coursework on to the internet. For free. Thousands of pages of information as well as hours of streaming video lectures, seminars and experiments. All available to anyone anywhere around the world at no cost.

While other colleges and universities around the world are struggling to find ways to make money by offering their courses and diplomas online, MIT has launched OpenCourseWare, the initiative that they hope will spark a global revolution in education.

“OpenCourseWare looks counter-intuitive in a market-driven world. It goes against the grain of current material values. But it really is consistent with what I believe is the best about MIT. It is innovative. It expresses our belief in the way education can be advanced — by constantly widening access to information and by inspiring others to participate.” -Charles M. Vest, President, MIT

Think you got what it takes? Fill out this Girlfriend Application and see.

Sphincterine – you may need this. I don’t wanna know if you do, but just in case, here it is. (stolen from dz

Finally… something different. been wanting to do a redesign for a while, but just haven’t had the time to do it. I’ve still got some cleaning up to do – I’m pretty sure it looks like shit in Netscape 4.x – and I haven’t checked this on my mac yet. Other than that, I hope you like it. If not, oh well… it’ll probably get an overhaul in another coupla months again anyway.

I’ve just signed on to build a new community site for ARIO (Adventure Racing in Ottawa). CommunityZero (where the community currently resides) has decided to start charging for usage (guess they figured out ‘free’ isn’t a very good business model- who knew?). For the quality of the services they offer, the price they’re asking seems a little excessive… so we’re going to ‘roll our own’. It should be a really great experience. I’ve been wanting to build something along these lines for some time now, so now I have an excuse. It should be ready for launch by April or May.

Just in case you think President Bush’s war isn’t about oil. (link from mm)

And… President Bush Launches Operation ‘Shut-Your-Piehole’

“According to sources, the military action will first target Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, whom Bush vowed to “make my bitch”…”

Donald Rumsfeld presents: Operation Enduring Freedom’s Best Bloopers, Outtakes, and Practical Jokes.

I’ll be doing the 5k CIBC Run For The Cure for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on October 6. Information about the run can be found here. If you’re interested in sponsoring me, you can do so online using Visa, Mastercard or American Express by clicking here.