Some stunning -- and very depressing -- pictures from Detroit.

The last year of classes at Jane Cooper Elementary was 2006-7. After that, the cash-strapped Detroit Public Schools shut the school down.

http://www.sweet-juniper.com/2008/10/open-campus.html

The Detroit public schools book repository:

http://www.jamesgriffioen.net/index.php?/projects/untitled-one/

http://www.jamesgriffioen.net/index.php?/projects/untitled-two/

http://www.jamesgriffioen.net/index.php?/projects/school-supplies/ (see prev/next at top of screen)

http://www.jamesgriffioen.net/index.php?/depository/the-story/

If this doesn't mark the complete and total makeover the Internet has done on society, I don't know what would. Forget the sound of bells and ice cream trucks, find them using Twitter:

http://springwise.com/food_beverage/coolhaus/

My kids and I have fallen in love with the Minuscule series - a group of short videos about anthropomorphic insects. Here's the main site, but also search for them on YouTube. You'll find them under Minuscule and the misspelled "miniscule" - in particular check out "sneezy spider" and "catapult." Here's the main site:

http://www.minuscule.tv/

Here's an interesting article on distraction and overstimulation. Don't believe you're prone to distraction? Try reading it without checking your email, your Facebook, your instant messenger, getting a cup of coffee...

http://nymag.com/news/features/56793/

A nice way to make a mom's day - and a very cool look at instant video customization technology.

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/index2.html?p=