Article 10 - China's new policy on Internet filters: shielding or censorship?

Chinese policy will require PC makers to provide a government mandated Green Dam - Youth Escort Internet pornography filter on all PC computers. It will go into effect July 1. PC makers are either required to preinstall software or provide it on CD withe purchase of new computers. The purpose is for "Shielding and filtering the Internet." The U.S. argues against the Chinese ministry to revoke the new filter policy, claiming that China is putting companies in an untenable position. University of Michigan conducted an analysis of the program and came to the conclusion that when Green Dam is installed, any Web site the user visits can exploit these programming problems to take control of the computer. This could allow malicious sites to steal private data, send spam or enlist the computer in a botnet.

News from the Scroll, June 30, 2009

Article 9 - Latter - day Saint Use of Media

In December of 2007, Elder Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints, challenged graduating students of BYU - Hawaii to let their voices be heard by proclaiming the gospel through the use of media. This challenge was reiterated in the July 2008 Ensign. Since then, members have heeded that call. Far too many people have a poor understanding of the Church because most of the information they hear about the Church is from news media reports that are driven by controversies. With the use of social networks expanding worldwide, thousand of Church member's have joined online groups dedicated to expanding gospel knowledge and "letting their voice be heard." The Church's Public Affairs department maintain the YouTube channel messages that features 40 videos and 16,000 subscribers. Later - day Saints have also made a strong impact on the popular social network Facebook. Starting in 2007, the Provo MTC began the "Task a Question" like on the Church's information Web site, www.mormon.org. Those seeking to learn about the Church can speak directly with missionaries through the chat room.

News form the Scroll, June 30, 2009

Media observation 24 - Different sort of Entertainment

I had the great opportunity to attend a different sort of entertainment last night. I drove the long and windy road to West Yellowstone to attend a Playmill production. It was super fantastic. I had only been up there once before last year to watch Oklahoma! This year we got to see Footloose. It was interesting because, I had never personally seen or read any of the story, so I didn't know what was going on or what was supposed to, however some of my family that had, said there were definitely some differences. They added some songs to it that weren't part of the original movie and the clothing and jokes that they wore were both crazy 70's and then very much of what someone would wear today. I found it very humorous how they incorporated that into this older show. It was very amusing and very touching. The actors were awesome! I bet that it took quite a while to learn and practice everything. A lot different than movie films and product ins.

Media observation 23 - books, books, books

For some reason, I seem to be on a book fringe. I think that it is due to my lack of reading books for my own entertainment and having to read textbooks all the time. Nevertheless, my observation come from what we talk about in class about textbooks and trade books. I now know why when I go to the bookstore and get my stack of books and over $500 for them, it is because less people are buying the fun books. Trade books only make it because textbooks are paying for them. That is why the prices are so high! So when I go back to the bookstore to sell my textbook, I am going to take some of that money and buy a trade book of some sort. I am going to try and do some sort of part in my life entertain my mind, my children, and give the textbook industry a reason to not jack their prices so high. It may not be as successful as I hope, but I know that I can at least try.

Media observation 22 - Gum

It is amazing to think that the sky is the limit when it comes to writing books. Who would have thought that some would write a complete history on the invention of gum? I would have thought about writing a three to five page paper on it for English, but never a book. However, anything is possible and anything works when we live in the world we do. The book talks about the $19 billion industry and how it is not an accepted practice everywhere. In fact, it is a crime in some cities and in the 15th century Meso-America, it was a sign of prostitutes. It describes the whereabouts and the reasons and how they came to be sugared and flavored.

Seriously, who would have ever thought that something o baosic would catch the mind of an author and thus cause the creation of a book. A book that's whole purpose is to describe the life of, gum.

Media observation 21 - Harry Potter

I am actually not as into seeing this movie as I thought I would be. I don't know if it has to do with the fact that I was so excited for the new Transformers and was slightly put down about it. I just don't know. However, I know I will see it but I feel like I can wait to see it because of many things. First, as much as I love the Harry Potter books and the fantasy and imagination that they give to whomever is reading, the books keep getting darker and darker. Even in a review I read on Yahoo, people claim this book to be darker. Secondly, the movie doesn't quite follow the book like it should. The director defended his reasoning in saying that certain parts didn't fit the mood of the movie and will perhaps be apart of the next movie. Nevertheless, it is still sad and slightly depressing to expect something and not get it. Lastly, movie theaters are just so darn expensive these days. Soon, we will be paying to get into a theater the same price it is to buy a movie!

Media observation 20 - Books

I believe it sad to see the book breed dieing. Even as I go to the library to do homework, I hardly ever see someone filing through the bookshelves to get themselves a book. Instead, I see rows and rows of computers and students completing their work via technology and the Internet. As guilty as I am do doing the aforementioned, I believe that we all have a responsibility to pick up a few more books and watch a little less television. Our minds, our imagination will not have the opportunity to grow if we don't give it the chance to. Our children will not learn how to simulate their minds if we are always putting them in front of a movie. Sure, some kids may learn how to sign by watching a repetitive move, but wouldn't it be so much more rewarding to have your child want to come to you to slay dragons or have a tea party or to build a tree house? I believe that a book can do so much more for an individual than a black, empty box can or ever will do.