Anecdotes of Bills and Blackouts

I’m not going to pretend to know what a computer science major does, or attempt to understand congressional bills like a lawyer.  However, the phenomenon observed by millions Wednesday in the cyber world was remarkable enough to spark a deeper interest in many of those using the Internet for basic purposes. 

When I logged online to the Internet Wednesday to my homepage, Google, I was immediately informed about a 24-hour digital protest with the words “Google” literally blacked out.  I rolled my cursor over the image and read the subtext, which asked viewers to sign a petition against the provisions in two Congressional bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act, referred to as SOPA, as well as the Protect IP Act, or PIPA.  

Initially, Google was successful in persuading me against these two “government attacks” on the freedom and entrepreneurship of Internet.  Additionally, later that day, I went to Wikipedia for a little quick research.  However, I came to find that the English Wikipedia was also involved in the protest, completely blacking and blocking out their website to users, asking viewers to sign a petition or else, “Imagine a world without free knowledge.” 

What really shocked me, though, was how easily these websites were able to use their power and platforms to influence their daily users.  There was an initial negative reaction of how these bills would be used to filter out websites infringing on copyrights, which would potentially affect the freedom of content in regular websites. However, I eventually realized that it was absurd to allow myself to think irrationally about the issue because Wikipedia and other similar websites blocked their sites.

 However, I do respect the protest's ability to involve users in the political process, encouraging the voicing of legitimate concerns about freedom in the Internet. Here at PBA, I spoke with a business major in my class, John, about his concern with the bills that would potentially cause “permanent blackouts of entrepreneurs and new businesses online.” Overall, whether or not the bills or blackouts succeeded in having future impact on the regulations of the Internet, the tech geek in me was excited to have witnessed such an event. 

Be sure to watch the video for more coverage on what the bills and blackouts entailed!

What kinds of questions have the two bills and several blackouts caused you to ask?

Update: The bills SOPA and PIPA have been put on hold.

Publishing about 'Passion'

Over winter break, I was enjoying the best of Florida relaxation with my family, down in Key West and up in Orlando.  However, I found myself wondering about my friends from Palm Beach Atlantic University who were constantly posting exciting and inspirational status' on Facebook about being at "Passion 2012." 

The offical Passion conference website describes their purpose as "...exist[ing] to glorify God-uniting students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation." I heard about "Passion" my freshman year at PBA, but unfortunately, I was unaware of the conference until it actually took place.  I didn't attend the conference this year at the Georgia Dome in January, but I could feel the spirit of the 42,000 students enduring the cold front, flowing through the threads of the Internet in several news station's blogs and numorous friend's Facebook status'.

 In addition, now that school has started again for the semester, I can feel the "passion" from students who have attended. There are many students at PBA who could go in depth about the conference, but I asked my friend, Rachel, about her experience.

"There were concepts [discussed] that you don't usually think about," Rachel said. "Coming back from Passion, you really want to talk about it!"  I agree with her statement because I have been affected indirectly by the conference through those who have been sharing their faith from attending.

I thought it was necessary to share what I learned about the Passion conference, through what other's have shared, with those who may be unaware of it as well. One of the most interesting aspects of the conference, from an outside perspective, is that it examplifies how people can positively influence those around them and change the world ahead of them.  Whether or not there is an opportunity to attend the conference next year, it is apparent through Passion that there is always a chance to live life more significantly through serving the Lord.

Did you attend "Passion 2012?" If so, tell me about your experience.

The Season of the Spirit

Christmas Tree in Cityplace

Christmas in West Palm Beach and at PBA truly helps one find joy in the season. 

Just steps away from campus, there is a Christmas tree more than 40-feet tall with thousands of twinkling lights in the heart of CityPlace, a shopping and entertainment center.  Plus, by the tree you can even see "snow" falling from the palm trees, scheduled on the hour.  Just last Saturday was the Palm Beach holiday boat parade of lights, where boats of all sizes traveled along the Intracoastal.  This week at PBA, everyone has been decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies for parties and buying presents for secret Santa games. 

Speaking of snow, when I was a child living up north, I remember throwing pieces of cotton around the family room if we didn't have a white Christmas.  I thought it would make Santa more jolly coming to our house!  However, once I grew older, my view of the Christmas became challenged.  Since that time, I became the scrooge of my family when the Christmas season came around.  I thought Christmas music was cheesy.  I banned the color red from my wardrobe.  I would go through the motions at festivities.  Additionally, even with attending all of these wonderful Christmas activities in West Palm and at PBA this semester, the spirit in my heart had still been lacking. 

I found a rekindling of Christmas not only by reminiscing for this blog entry, but also by reaching a breaking point in my life this week.  The meaning of Christmas reignites the spirit again when it's finally shattered in to tiny, little pieces.  After I had listened to some Christian music for encouragement, I faced my anti-holiday feelings by listening to more Christmas music.  As my holiday Pandora station played "Christmas Cannon" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I found in my heart "The joy that He brings."  The song lyrics are vague, but it relates to having the spirit of a child in Christmas, such as I did before.  Most importantly, this Christmas spirit  parallels with having the faith of a child in loving Christ.

I hope you also recieve a renewed sense of spirit in both Christmas and Christ the Lord during this holiday season. See you in 2012!

Creating Civil Conversation in Censorship

Palm Beach Atlantic University is trusted for implementing higher standards of values in their student body.  I chose to attend PBA not only for its education, but for the attitude held by the school.  I also enjoy attending PBA because of its diverse group of students, who can discuss issues at hand, rather than shying away from topics. 

However, lines are often blurred between the differences in advocating correct behavior or creating censorship. 

The latest discussion at PBA is the selective censoring of websites that do not align with certain PBA standards.  Students hold both positive and negative perspectives about the school using the “Websense” program to block Internet websites deemed as inappropriate.  The Facebook accounts of PBA students were raging over the weekend with girls who couldn’t pay bills online and shop cyber-Monday at Victoria’s Secret or American Eagle’s Arie because of its content.  Others were pleased with the banning of this content for those using PBA’s Internet. This is a typical debate over rules at PBA.

Usually, such a superficial issue would have mere significance in my eyes. 

 However, with my firsthand experience of pervasive censorship, I dabbled with it for general discussion.  The suppression of information has been a topic tugging in my heart ever since I worked in a social media and exchange program with the State Department. 

One of the countries we worked with and traveled to was Azerbaijan.  A main topic that was discussed, as visitors from the U.S., was the extreme censorship with the Internet.  According to our discussions with the ambassadors at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan, Internet censorship was a tactic used to keep the population uninformed and unaware.  For example, when I arrived, I learned that two Azeri bloggers had recently been sentenced to two years of imprisonment for their video clips with satire on their country's political elite.  

There is a great distinction of importance between online purchasing privileges and political freedom, though, ultimately, both instances of censorship are filters for protecting the minds of an audience from what is deemed by a particular perspective to be unsuitable. 

Media and Censorship Conference in Tbilisi

My perspective from the experience overseas led me to the conclusion that censoring content is only one route in addressing an issue.  From the conflict resolution problems in the program, we concluded that we could not protect the rights of the citizens.  Instead, the program advocated for the country, specifically the students who we worked with, to use methods of civil communication to properly address concerns with the Internet, rather than deeming it as “garbage.”  Ultimately, our conversations with the students widened their perspectives, and taught them to make decisions based on their own understanding of an issue.

What is your perspective of censorship in maintaining desired values and attitudes of a particular view held?

'Major' Road Work Ahead

When I picture choosing a major for a degree, I see it as driving down the road of life. 

We often have a path envisioned in our minds that is smoothly paved for the ride ahead.  However, the potholes and bumps of difficulties in life can make the journey an off-road adventure.  As much as we hate construction work on major roads, we also often have trouble accepting the necessary time to fix issues.  And, picking the right vehicle is also important.  Palm Beach Atlantic University is the vehicle that I have chosen to navigate my career path. 

This week, I attended a career seminar offered by PBA’s Student Success office.  I had recently felt like I had lost control of the wheel, with the semester ending quickly and having no final destination.  However, the seminar was helpful in affirming my decision on a major, and potential career options. 

When I first decided to come to PBA, I was unsure of what major to choose -- a roadblock.  Initially, I thought Nutrition would be a possibility in order to fulfill my goal of helping others. Except, I didn’t have a passion for science.  I took a detour toward a major in Communication, which was inspired by a social media project I was involved with in high school. 

Nonetheless, here I am, nearly midway through my sophomore year reaching another roadblock.  Much to my dismay, even completing a minor with my Communication major would leave me a semester short of the credits required to reach the finish line at PBA and graduate my senior year.  With no desire to take electives senior year, I am filling up the tank and plan to double major in Communication and English.  This is a perfect route to take because English is one of my passions.  Beginning next semester, I will begin to test drive the English courses on the road to my majors.

What kinds of "major" road work are you encountering?

Sacrifice a Part of True Success

How can you sacrifice your life to the Lord while obtaining success in your career?

PBA's American Free Enterprise Day on Monday answered this controversial question.  I had been hearing both positive and negative remarks about the system that the day represented.  Also, since I was involved in the ceremony, friends and family have asked my opinion about the event.  As a freshman last year, I didn't take AFE sincerely, and simply associated it with the politics of business.  This year, I truly resonated with the event because of this year's medalist, Mr. H. Wayne Huizenga Jr.

It is evident that all of AFE's medalists have proven validity of the American Free Enterprise system with their successes.  However, more importantly, they have shown validity of the light of Christ living in them and shining in their careers through sacrifice.  Mr. Huizenga Jr. spoke about how he "allowed Christ to live through [him]," literally looking past the money to see God, in a story he shared that day.  Mr. Huizenga challenged the crowd, especially the students, to utilize their platform of power to share God with those who may not know Him otherwise.  Additionally, he urged us to use our talents bestowed from God to serve those around us, and offer our gifts back to our Creator.

As I was listening to this speech, I was fondly reminded of a role model in my life, my dad.  My father is a successful businessman. As I grew up and he grew in power, I never saw him blinded by wealth or status.  My father made an effort to put others first, whether it be his family or employees, and to serve God as he was promoted in positions.  As students preparing for the workforce, we are easily blinded by our needs for success.  Self interest isn't bad until it turns in to selfishness, causing us to lose sight of the greatness of sacrificing our life back up to God.

Whether or not you agree with the politics involved with American Free Enterprise Day, I hope that it is clear that AFE has taught that success without sacrifice has no validity.

Here is a video from Mr. Huizenga with the nonprofit "I Am Second," which his speech mirrored on Monday.

The Moving Market of Mediums

 

As I waited for my friend in her dorm, I decided to find out what's happening in the news.  I was going to look at a news website on the Internet when I saw on her table a print edition of USA Today, which is available on campus.  My thoughts turned to deciding which medium of news would be most interesting and informational to me -- online or print. 
It had been a while since I actually picked up a newspaper, so I glanced at the pages for a few minutes. It wasn’t long before I became bored with the tiny print and grey paper, and began searching the online edition instead. 
My favorite aspect of reading news online is that I can tweak it to provide specific information that pertains only to my interests.  Though, a consequence of this method is readers might miss valuable information, and not expand their interests.      

Internet editions of newpapers are popular for its ability to provide updated news anytime, whereas most print editions get one shot a day for the best information. 

Print edition of USA Today

What is more, basic news online doesn’t cost a dime for readers, and print newspapers require subscriptions or a couple quarters at the newsstand.

Growing up, I went to television the most as a source for news. It’s no wonder my brain is used to gathering news through quick and easy methods, which can be found abundantly on the Internet. With the advent of Facebook and Twitter, it’s even more popular to get news online.  My most recent channel of news has come from friends who share links to stories on websites.  I also have a “Pulse” app on my phone that brings news to me anytime, anywhere.

Does the freshness of a newspaper's website oust the print edition's relevance?

Intrapersonal Discovery at the Intracoastal

I would like to share with you all, a groundbreaking discovery of mine this week while sitting on the Intracoastal Waterway seawall.  Every day I have overlooked such an amazing place to take my thoughts and run with them, sometimes literally, with the many runners along the sidewalk there.  I definitely hit a wall these past days, and I’m thankful that I was able to climb the "wall" and sit upon it this week. 



Sitting on the Seawall at Intracoastal

I'm not saying that the seawall is some magical place. It was just a place, as I walked back from class, where I was able to take two seconds of my day to find peace.  In the midst of the chaotic life, with work, school and relationships, God was giving me a chance to be content.  Really, how difficult should it be to take ten minutes a day to breathe deeply among all the congestion we are surrounded by in life?  I don't find it a coincidence that fall break is coming up Friday for us all to relax after midterms.  As we enjoy wonderful festivities, family and friends, let us break from any burdens or sins hanging us down. 



View of Palm Beach Island

Recently, I have felt a great need to satisfy others around me, like my parents, friends, and professors.  I also have felt like I haven't had time for personal hobbies and interests, or even sleep, all of which keep me from being cranky.  The best ways that I find myself relaxing are through reading, writing and spending time appreciating nature.  Where ever you find tranquility, be it in the company of others or the privacy of your room, I challenge you to increase your flow of life and simply appreciate God’s goodness

   

With that said, I have a short story about being surrounded by God's goodness. 

Last night as I was walking back from a meeting, I passed Christian Sampson, a Sailfish Dinning employee, walking and talking about the Word as always with his Bible.  I said hello and asked him how he was, and his answer touched me when he said "Blessed."  All of a sudden, tears rolled down from my eyes in such gratitude as I walked home. We typically answer that question with "Good." or "Fine, thanks." Christian's genuine response was so real to me.  Whatever is going on in life, through the ups and downs, we really are blessed. 
***
Where do you find tranquility on or near the PBA campus?

Apple Inc. and You

 

With the recent Oct. 5 death of one of Apple Inc.'s cofounders, Steve Jobs, there has been increased awareness and publicity of the American corporation.   As seen in the video above, my interviewees, PBA students Michael and Chris, believe that Apple is dominating the world of consumer electronics.  The symbol and brand awareness is described by one student as “revolutionary.”  The “Apple” symbol is one of the most recognized and persuasive icons in the marketing world. 

Steve Jobs

I also decided to ask two of my professors their opinions of the brand after several situations involving Apple technology in the classroom.  For instance, Dr. Chapman, my Humanities professor, played the 1812 overture by Tchaikovsky on iTunes, but then criticized how iTunes selected the song that would play next, against his will, which he felt disrupted the class.  In a sense, he was talking about how these products seem to think for you.  We also talked about how Steve Jobs had always led a private life, which is ironic because his creations provided the medium for social media use, allowing users to spread personal information with great ease.  

My interest in asking Dr. Wainer, my Mass Media professor was due to his practical approach to Apple products.  His proud possession of an iPhone and MacBook demonstrates how Apple has affected every generation with its quality and simplistic design.   He described Jobs’ private life as a secretive part of his marketing plan of “pulling products out of his hat” leaving the audience with this “magical” aurora, and a new favorite toy.

I am not an avid Apple user because of my loyal PC family.  I feel behind the times when asked to use a friend’s MacBook, and have difficultly navigating it compared to my Acer netbook.  Even though I finally received an iTouch for my birthday last year, I decided against the iPhone this year, and opted for Google’s Android.  

However, problems occur as both a Windows and Apple user.  I was attempting to edit the video for this blog entry on a PC in my work office. The video camera file is an MP4, which isn’t compatible with Windows Movie Maker.  If I owned a MacBook computer, I wouldn’t have this issue as MP4 is compatible with editing products of Apple, like QuickTime. Overall, I believe the need for Apple products is determined by the sole purpose of the use of its software and programs.

What do you think?

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Not Just Another Campus Club




Leadership exercises/Photo by Tai Cornell

 

I was recently asked in comment on a previous blog entry about activities I’m involved with on campus.  Last semester, I took on the role as an assistant for Impact Leadership Team (ILT). For those who are not familiar with ILT, our goal is to become servant leaders on campus for Christ.  However, I didn’t realize until the end of last semester, there's more to ILT than fun, games and questions.

What stood out to me was the great variety of students chosen to become assistants for the semester. Typically, a club is composed of a group of like-minded people.  That is not the case for ILT. Rather, it is a team composed of a wide variety of leadership styles and opinions.

A positive aspect of recruiting students of various personalities is it brings a large amount of students to our club. However, since ILT acknowledges all different styles of leadership, it's sometimes difficult for the group to agree.  For instance, last semester members claimed they felt left out of the group if the group thought their views were too different.  Ultimately, we made a goal to ensure ILT created a community, which could reach out to all corners and depths of campus. Overall, our differences are what accomplished this task, and set us apart from other clubs.

 
I can honestly say I have become very close friends with peers in ILT, which I wouldn’t have come across in my normal social surroundings, due to different schedules or interests. Not only have the music genres on my iTunes playlist expanded, but so has my heart.  I have been led to Christ stronger through this club, better known as my second family, or as we call it "Ohana."  The very differences that initially kept us apart have helped us challenge or develop our own opinions, and wound up bringing the group together. Good practice for the “real world” after college.

Canoeing trip/Photo by Tai Cornell

If you are interested in Impact Leadership Team, you can meet with us Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m., or Wednesdays at 4 p.m.: pick the day that fits your schedule.  E-mail us at Impact_Leadership_Team@pba.edu to know where we're meeting. 



E-mail us as well about upcoming events, including “Junkbox Wars” this Saturday where we will race cardboard box boats in Towers pool and “Little Smiles” the following Saturday to help out at a fair for terminally ill children, as well as a camping trip in November.

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