Montana Book Awards

Vote for readers choice in the Montana book awards online below. You have a chance of winning $1000 worth of books. Very quick and easy to vote and enter.


http://www.booksellers.co.nz/vote_form.php?award=92

Deleting facebook posts

Deleting facebook posts

To delete a post on facebook just go to the EXTREME RIGHT CORNER of the post which you need to delete. You'll find a small pencil icon and an option to Edit. You can choose to delete any wall post by using that particular Edit option.

regards,

Helena

Deleting facebook posts

# With the new facebook layout the options to edit are reduced. To delete just go to the extreme right corner of the post and you'll find a small boxed x (...now an icon that says 'delete' that is visible when you mouse over it). This will delete your post. The option to minimise the post or reduce it to one line has disappeared.
The new facebook layout is apparently modified to take in aspects of twitter and myspace. Will take some practise using the new formats.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

I have been reading this article about joining networks on facebook and what this does to your 'only friends' privacy settings. This is worth a read to understand how joining a network does affect your privacy. ==>

*http://pascal.vanhecke.info/2007/12/18/
network-privacy-settings-on-facebook-i-wouldnt-co
nsider-a-country-a-close-knit-community/

Also here is the link to Office of the Privacy Commissioner ==> www.privacy.org.nz for privacy related topics and ideas in New Zealand.

Art Deco

Art Deco

http://www.artdeconapier.com/

Upcoming Events in Napier for Art Deco Weekend! Well worth a look if you are in the locality.

Art Deco Weekend Events in Chronological Order ==>

http://www.artdeconapier.com/Programme_in_Chronological_Order_43.aspx

Ready with my pleated frock, my fur handbag, my pearls and shoes, just need a hat to complete.

warm regards,

Helena



Art Deco

Scholarly Commons

What is Scholarly Commons?

ScholarlyCommons@AUT provides a platform for the collection, organisation, access, annotation and preservation of the University's research outputs in digital formats.

What we're trying to do is collect together, in one place, the research produced by members of AUT University and make it accessible via the Internet to a world wide audience. This is an example of what is known as an " Institutional Repository".

From the Scholarly Commons website FAQs...

Link to Scholarly Commons; AUT, Auckland University of Technology repository for depositing an academic thesis.

http://aut.lconz.ac.nz/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?PAGE=sbSearch&SEQ=20090123203042&PID=m4fFpFrXAQt8ezPTEfe35KVzvkR

Contains theses published since 2002.

Scholarly Commons

http://www.scribd.com/

scribd.com

Just been exploring this web site. Very with it. Well worth a look. Great sample books, documents, resumes, articles etc. You can upload your own or download from the vast archive in word, adobe reader etc.
50 million plus readers.

"Scribd is the place where you publish, discover and discuss original writings and documents.... sharing ebooks, creative writing, research papers and even sheet music and recipes on Scribd.com..."

warm regards,

Helena

.scribd.com

Just Trialing this new application ==> Twitter

Now on Twitter

http://twitter.com/_Helena

Need some Twitterati followers. Will be interested to learn from you too here. Just starting at this and may not update to often but interesting to try it and read whats is available from the public to read on Twitter.

Twitter founded in USA, less popular in UK but increased use means it is worth understanding the formats and using it as it suits you.

Being a local to New Zealand I try to promote NZ content on my blog where possible but also to try these globally popular applications,

regards,

Helena

Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act.

The Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 will come into force on 25 January 2009.

http://www.bdm.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Births-Deaths-Marriages-and-Relationships-Registration-Amendment-Act?OpenDocument

National library update

Recommended websites from National Library seminar.

o Digital New Zealand
www.digitalnz.org

o Directory of New Zealand Libraries
http://directory.natlib.govt.nz/library-symbols-web/

o Publications New Zealand
http://publicationsnz.natlib.govt.nz

o Index New Zealand
http://innz.govt.nz/content/index

tip - Try searching for eg. "colin McCahon" + " http" to get resources with urls to follow up - good for students who visit at last minute and can access recommended website from home.

o http://innz.natlib.govt.nz/content

o http://findnzarticles.natlib.govt.nz

o http://nzresearch.org.nz

o Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand
http://rsnz.natlib.govt.nz

o http://www.natlib.govt.nz/about-us/news/media-releases/manuscripts-pictorial-
website
(Link to the New Donald McLean archive - great example of use of metadata from
various repositories)

Of special interest to me because I saw the gifting of treasures trunks of McLean records and memorabilia (photos, letters, check books) to the Napier Museum in 2004 thanks to Mr. A Scarfe who completed his masters thesis about McLean and Maraekakaho. He is now close to completed a book. I studied with Mr Scarfe at Massey from 2000-2003, attending extramural block courses in Albany and Palmerston North so am interested to read more about the primary sources now available widely thanks to the collaboration of many people. Great maps, photos, full text letters from 19th century in the national library manuscripts-pictorial-website.

o See also http://www.natlib.govt.nz (Home page)

o And try search for National Union Catalogue from here.

o Google Books
Books.google.co.nz

o World Cat
www.worldcat.org/wcpa/odc/126254

Introduced to new accronymn ==> GLAM: Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums!

New Zealand Election Results.

http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/

What is the Takitimu Festival ? Takitimu Festival 2008

FAQ
What is the Takitimu Festival ?

A huge international celebration is being planned for November that will bring together over 1500 performers and artisans from the South Pacific and New Zealand showcasing the traditional and modern arts and culture of Takitimu.



Who is expected to attend ?

Thousands of descendants of the Takitimu canoe from the Islands of Samoa, Rarotonga, Fiji and Tonga are expected to meet their distant New Zealand Maori relatives, for the first time at the 5 day event.

Ngati Kahungunu , the host of the inauguaral celebration, has invited other Takitimu iwi to join them including Ngati Kahu, Ngai Tahu, Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Ngati Ranginui.

Kingi Tuheitia, the Maori King has accepted an invitation to attend and will be joined by Tumu Te Heuheu, Paramount chief of Tuwharetoa and other Maori and Pacific Island leaders.



Why Celebrate ?

It's the first time in 500 years, descendants of the Takitimu canoe have come together to strengthen their communal ties, and it's set to be a reunion to end all reunions. The public are welcome too.



What's Been Planned ?

•· Powhiri by 2,000 strong welcoming party

•· Five stages of entertainment in song, dance, music and comedy including major acts

•· Spectacular nightly pageants by with a cast of hundreds

•· Massive fireworks display

•· Indigenous Food & Craft Village, art trail and exhibitions

•· Kiddies Zone

•· Forums in alternative healing, star navigation, arts marketing, ta moko, films and more

•· Early-morning wananga includes Takitimu whakapapa, history, waiata and karakia from each area of the waka



When and Where ?

12 to 16 November 2008, Waikoko Gardens, Hawke's Bay Showgrounds, Kenilworth Road, Hastings. $30 for a 5 Day Pass. Under 5 free. $30 for a Single Day Pass.















Also one associated event I am attending ==>

Kahungunu Hikoi Whenua Whanau Challenge.
Saturday 15th November.

The Challenge is to walk up Kahuranaki Mountain

Kahuranaki te Maunga * Ngati Kahungunu te Iwi * Takitimu te Waka

Varying Levels to Suit Everyone

level 1 2.4 km
Level 2 4.4 km
Level 3 6.0 km
Level 4 8.0 km
Level 5 9.0 km



Starts Kahuranaki Rd, Havelock North 7.30 - 1.00pm. Approx 310 attendees. Registrations necessary.









Proudly supported by Hawke's Bay Health Providers.

Rules for scholars of the Vatican Library. Some good ideas!

Rules for scholars of the Vatican Library (Not complete, also translated from Italian to English via google language tools so the errors in the translation are my responsibility with the limits of my google translation!) I enjoy to see how the rules work in a big institution, with restrictions on what you can bring to the library, advice about your computer, and the rules that are necessary to keep things functioning effectively. I would like to visit, one day. It would be great to visit as a scholar as described below.


Index for consultation

INTRODUCTION TO REGULATION BACKGROUND TO THE RULES
I. Nature of the Vatican Library
II. Tasks of the Vatican Library
RULES FOR SCHOLARS
I. Admission
II. Obligations of scholars to the Library
III.Rules for the frequency of the Library
IV. Standards for Sale Consultation
V. Safety standards
VI. Penalties
VII. Reproductions
VIII. Copyright
IX. Discharge of liability
X. Hours

Foreword to the Regulation Rules
I. Nature of the Vatican Library
The Vatican Library is the Pope's library, set up, according to the intention of Nicholas V, "pro communi doctorum virorum commodo" (short of 30 April 1451) and the thought of Sixtus IV realized that, "to decorem militantis Ecclesiae , Fidei catholicae augmentum, eruditorum quoque ac litterarum studiis insistentium virorum commodum et honorem "(bull of 15 June 1475).
In the centuries since its foundation was open to eminent scholars and was open to qualified scholars in 1883 under Leo XIII (see letters Saepenumero considerantes, August 18 1883, and Augustum sanctis-simumque munus, 1 Oct 1888), which facilitated the procedures Admission at the same time, he prepared, of the Vatican Secret Archives. .
The Library is in close contact with "the exercise of the government and the ministry of the Apostolic See" (John Paul II, Address of 15.I.2000), it is one of the bodies of ancient origin, "while not doing the proper of the Roman Curia, however, provide various services necessary or useful "to the" Supreme Pontiff, the Curia and the Church Universal and in some way connected with the Apostolic See. " "As such, the Library will hold" according to its laws As the establishment and administration "(Apostolic Constitution. Pastor Bonus of 28.VI.1988, Arts. 186 and 190).
The Vatican Library remains inalienable property of the Supreme Pontiff, which is its sovereign provision that it is open to consultation. The Vatican Library, therefore, not a library of public law. It has the character of specialized library in the philological and historical subjects: the back-respectively, even in those theological, juridical and scientific. It is reserved for scientific research work, based on the study of manuscripts, printed matter, coins and medals, prints and other graphic and cartographic material.
II. Tasks of the Vatican Library

The task of the Library, which is both institution and conservation research institute, is primarily to guard and preserve with all care the cultural treasures entrusted to it, it also has the following duties:
1. increase the manuscript collections, printed and numismatic with purchases, exchanges and gifts, according to the subjects represented in the funds and the purpose of the institution;
2. conduct the study and promote knowledge of this material through the work of ordinary and extraordinary staff and through publications;
3. make available to qualified scholars from around the world, with the necessary caution, both originals and reproductions in various forms of relics preserved, with every possible assistance and appropriate scientific and technical research, constantly updating the tools and assistance necessary or useful in this work.
Hence the commitment of the Library to create the conditions that allow scholars to study properly allowed the material to them. The library is completely free to select scholars prior to and following on the basis of compliance with Regulation below, considering as an ideal place for study and research an environment of strict silence, respect for people and the place that welcomes.
The Rules below serves primarily to ensure that students admitted working conditions worthy of a place of study and research, so scholars are invited to read it carefully and scrupulously respect the rules.
The Library, while offering to scholars, as far as possible, hospitality decent, is aware that the building and the old structures do not allow a space availability and convenience of working with all the latest library.
Limits on the availability of consulting the material can be represented by the temporary unavailability of documents (because being restored, the cycle of pest control in public exhibitions or the like), their failure to inventory, the precarious state of conservation or other reasons at the discretion of the Prefect of the Library. All material can be consulted and studied only in situ into the salt.


Regulation Rules for Scholars

I. Admission

They are frequently admitted to qualified researchers and scholars from around the world, without distinction of race, religion, origin and culture, especially teachers and university researchers or institutions of higher learning, and other erudite people, known for their licenses and scientific publications. The conditions for admission are the availability of seats, adequate preparation, documented and guaranteed by renowned academic institutions. It requires, as per tradition, to indicate the research project. Are not normally admitted students. Exceptionally can grant entry to graduate students preparing a thesis for a doctorate research or able, for example, philosophiae doctor (Dr. phil. / PhD) students and graduates who are in particular need to consult manuscripts, other material stored in the Library only. To be eligible, they must submit a letter of malleveria and the Library reserves the right to ensure that they have the expertise and experience necessary to treat the precious material with due care. For them, the deadline for acceptance of the card is a few weeks earlier, as established by the annual schedule of the Library. Scholars wishing to consult numismatic material must not only be in possession of the card for admission, in advance of their visit Numismatic Director of the Cabinet.
Allowed to scholars is issued a card that entitles the holder to enter the Vatican City through the Porta Sant'Anna. The card is personal and can not be sold to third parties. The loss of the card must be reported immediately to the Office of Admissions Library. The holder of the card responds personally for damages caused by misuse of the card. By accepting the card and signing the form of Admissions, the scholar undertakes to comply with these Rules, which receives a copy.
They must therefore be produced for admission to the library the following documents:
1. A letter of recommendation (especially for scholars who request admission for the first time) or evidence of academic qualification, the Library will retain the original or copy it;
2. a valid ID which shows the residence, the Library makes a copy.
3. at its option (but also for students), the Library will require a letter of malleveria.
II. Obligations of scholars to the Library

Scholars admitted to frequent the library agrees to:
1. observe these Rules;

2. treat all stock entrusted to them, especially the manuscripts and old printed, with the greatest respect and with extreme delicacy, and preserving the relics from any type of damage;
3. to send a copy to the Library of publications concerning the material consulted or received for playing, especially if the contributions appear in collections and magazines not owned by the Library.

III. Rules for the frequency of the Library

1. General rules of conduct General rules of conduct
Firstly the ADMITTED Library scholars are obliged to strictly observe the silence not only in the halls of study, but in all of the interiors, and to carry out their conversations always in the garden or in the bar of the Library. It is forbidden to disturb, in any way, the activity of study and work, such as studying and talking loudly or using noisy equipment.
Scholars must have a suitable clothing to the dignity of an ancient institution of culture and education. Mobile phones must be switched off at the entrance. Mobile phones must be switched off at the entrance. It is strictly forbidden the use of any electronic means of communication in all indoor Library. All students are strongly advised to present themselves and always behave in a manner appropriate to the decorum of the place. In particular, it is prohibited to take an attitude, individual or group therapy to the dignity of the institution. Photographs, films, sound recordings and any other type of reproduction are not allowed. It is strictly forbidden to introduce cameras in the library of any kind, cameras, mobile phones with embedded digital cameras, recorders, dictaphones, scanners and digital or other similar equipment that can reproduce material in the Library or photograph the rooms or the building. It is strictly forbidden to carry and use in Library scissors, knives, blades, razors, matches, adhesive paper, adhesive tape, glue, bottles of ink, correction fluid, and generally any kind of liquid and any other object or substance that may damage the collections of the Library. Scholars admitted in the Library are required to follow, without discussion, the provisions given by the staff of the Library.
In all the local interior of the library is forbidden to smoke and eat and drink. Smoking is permitted in the garden, food and drinks can be consumed only in the bar of the Library. Access to the deposit of manuscripts and other stores library is closed to the public. It is also prohibited without permission to enter the premises where they have established offices and staff to use equipment and materials allocated to staff of the Library. Finally, it is not possible to access the Library all'Archivio secret, nor vice versa, if not through the main entrance of the two institutions.

2. Access to the Library
The scholar admitted to the frequency of the Library, joining in: - In Porter:
a) return the card;
b) withdraws the key with the number
c) For your deposit locker coat, umbrella, bag and all that is irrelevant to the study; - In the Hall of Manuscripts consulting room or in consultation with Print: -
d) return the key to the bench
e) writes the name printed on a sheet of presence next to the number corresponding to the key;
f) chooses the place of study that seeks to occupy exhibition;
g) returns to the bench and writes the number of the place of study next to their name.

At the end of the working session and when to leave the library, even if you plan to return for the day, the scholar:
- In the Hall of Manuscripts consulting room or in consultation with Print:
a) return the manuscripts, printed stock and withdraws the key;
- In Porter:
b) shows the books of personal property carried/brought with him;
c) withdraws dall'armadietto objects deposited;
d) return to the key goalkeeper
e) receives in return the card.


IV. Standards for Sale Consultation


1. 1. General
The sale is insured service to scholars. The monitoring is done with the use of technological tools. In every room there is a specific own rules. The scholar is required to bring with it the minimum necessary to carry out the work of study or research, and at the time to deliver the key, notes to the staff room of the existence of material that does not belong to the Library. The scholar answered personally entrusted the life of the material, should immediately examine the relic to its delivery, and report immediately any damage to the staff room. This measure serves not only to safeguard the collections of the Library, but also to protect the scholar from unjust claims. In the absence of an alert by the scholar is to assume that he has been working in good condition. In case of loss or damage must compensate for the entire cost of restoration or new purchase and its restoration. The Library reserves the right to adopt appropriate measures to compensation for damage to the scholars who are responsible for damage. The observance of silence in the halls is a conditio sine qua non that must be absolutely guaranteed. In all consultation rooms is strictly prohibited introduce overcoats, umbrellas, bags, briefcases, closed plastic bags of any kind, even transparent; the few items that the scholar brings with it must be outside of any envelope. Are allowed personal computers without custody, the paper strictly necessary, tabs open, zoom lenses, meters tape non-rigid (plastic or soft cloth). Not, that what was said generally to all circles of the Library (for example with regard to food, drinks, mobile phones): - Reserve the posts read and fill them more than necessary; - Improper use in furniture, equipment and environments;
- Study or consult manuscripts, printed in two or more persons; - Consult material entrusted to another scholar and vice versa forward to other material entrusted; - - Consult the material entrusted with their hands dirty - Write, even in pencil, relying on handwritten, printed or other documents of the Library
- To highlight signs or even a pencil, in manuscripts, in printed or other material; -
- Follow ligatures, watermarks or any other material.
For the use of special tools reading (Wood lamp, reader watermarks, microfilm and microfiche, CD-ROMs, etc.) Scholars should apply to the Employees of Sala. There are of course allowed only consultations microfilm, microfiche, CD-rom etc.
2. Sala consultation room consultation Manuscripts
Permanence in Room Manuscripts is justified only by consultation of the manuscripts; not allowed to attend the Hall just to see manuscripts printed. In Sala allowed only the use of erasable pencil. It is prohibited to stylograph pens, ball markers, markers, colors and any other type of instrument for writing or mark that leaves indelible trace.

Nobody can take away a manuscript from the room or transfer a manuscript from the consulting room to room adjacent Manuscripts or "Hall of inventories."

For manuscripts stored in Manuscripts Deposit: scholars can take three manuscripts in the morning (between 8.45 and 12) and two in the afternoon (between 14 and 16).The documents stored in the Archives Section must be requested by 12:00. Request and consulting manuscripts must be contextual course, is not allowed to request that the manuscript be in the room and after a period much longer than expected for removing the manuscript from the Deposit. Each scholar shall have only three manuscripts simultaneously; the request of the other two manuscripts may be permitted only after the return of two manuscripts. The scholar can bring to the table a manuscript at a time, and only in special cases, the need for the collation of texts and scriptures of confrontation, request permission to bring to the table two manuscripts simultaneously. For consultation or reading the code must remain always resting on the lectern and kept open by setting the sheets by the relevant poles.....

See link to Vatican Library at right... http://bav.vatican.va/

From the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 3 November 2008

NEW TOPICS

Armistice Day (90th anniversary)
After four terrible years the First World War finally came to a close
with the signing of the Armistice on 11 November 1918. Parades were held
throughout the country, though the spread of the influenza pandemic
dampened celebrations at home and abroad:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/armistice-day

Melbourne Cup
A quick overview of NZ's participation with links to some of our
greatest moments - includes a quiz:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/the-melbourne-cup
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/quiz/melbourne-cup-quiz

Influenza Pandemic (revamp)
We've substantially expanded our feature on the influenza pandemic to
mark the 90th anniversary. Between October and December 1918 New Zealand
lost about half as many people to influenza as it had in the whole of
the First World War. No event has killed so many New Zealanders in such
a short time:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/influenza-pandemic-1918


ALSO IN THE NEWS

Movember - check out our Men and their moustaches topic (featuring a
moustache timeline!)
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/men-and-their-moustaches

Le Quesnoy 90th anniversary
On 4 November 1918 the New Zealand Division saw its final action of the
First World War.
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/le-quesnoy/new-zealand-and-le-quesnoy

The Election:
Election Days
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/election-day

Road to MMP
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/fpp-to-mmp

Maori and the vote
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/maori-and-the-vote


REVAMPED DATABASE

We've recently relaunched our South African ('Boer') War embarkation
database with more sophisticated search options:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/897


We hope you enjoy reading these features.....

********

Armistice Day and digital collaboration
Wednesday, 12 November 2008, 10:53 am
Press Release: National Library Of New Zealand

11 November 2008


Commemorating Armistice Day through digital collaboration

The First World War was one of the most disastrous events in human history. New Zealand experienced the highest per capita casualty rate than any other country with 16,700 dead and over 40,000 wounded.

The coming of peace on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 brought relief and Armistice Day on 11 November has since become a time of commemoration.



To mark this occasion two new internet tools using the latest web technologies are being released, so that all New Zealanders can access and interact with digital content about New Zealand at the end of the First World War. These tools are the first results of collaborative projects developed as part of Digital New Zealand, which is managed by the National Library in its role of collecting and preserving New Zealand’s documentary heritage and ensuring it is accessible to all.

The Coming Home search widget, developed with the National Digital Forum, will show how previously undiscovered New Zealand digital content can be found with new search tools. This forward release of the widget is currently being tested by content partners and can be viewed in its early stages at www.natlib.govt.nz/cominghome.

John Garraway, National Digital Forum says “This widget will enable New Zealanders anywhere to connect with our history and understand how this has informed the nation we have become. It provides local and global access to a selection of digitised treasures and memories held by libraries, archives, museums and galleries throughout New Zealand. All National Digital Forum members have been asked to feature the widget on their websites from Armistice Day and we are encouraging more content to be added as it gets digitised for people to discover.”

Digital New Zealand’s second project, a video mixing tool called the Memory Maker, is being hosted on the Auckland War Memorial Museum website. This Memory Maker will enable visitors to craft their own expression of what Coming Home means to them by remixing photographs, graphics, film clips and music provided by members of the National Digital Forum, then share this new footage with friends and family.

John Truesdale from the National Library says “Digital New Zealand will offer all New Zealanders interactive access to a variety of rich taonga, resources, knowledge and stories from a range of organisations, communities and individuals. It will make New Zealand content of all types more discoverable, accessible and usable”.

Digital New Zealand is a collaborative project led by the National Library and funded by the New Zealand Government. It was established as part of New Zealand’s Digital Content Strategy. For further information about Digital New Zealand visit www.digitalnz.org

‘Coming Home’ will continue to be commemorated until March 2009 with events, talks, movie showings, exhibitions and recitals throughout the country.
The National Library Gallery exhibition Welcome Sweat Peace: Returning home after the Great War, 2 December 2008 to 14 March 2009, draws from the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library to show how New Zealand was transformed during and after the conflict.

Other organisations participating in 'Coming Home' include the National War Memorial, Archives New Zealand, Army Museum Waiouru, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, New Zealand Film Archive, the Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Royal New Zealand Defence Force, Armistice in Cambridge and local councils.
For more information go to www.NZLive.com

Or see this national library blog post with coming home search widget and some more useful background and descriptive information about the Coming Home project ==>

http://librarytechnz.natlib.govt.nz/2008/11/first-digital-new-zealand-products-go.html

Search: Content from WW1 and after

Keeping Kids Safe Online, from the facebook blog - See also www.netsafe.org.nz

Yesterday the President signed into law the KIDS Act of 2008, "Keeping the Internet Devoid of Sexual Predators." This law takes an important step in dramatically reducing the opportunities to harm children online, by requiring all convicted sex offenders provide their email and instant messaging addresses as part of their registration with the National Sex Offender Registry. Websites can then voluntarily use the KIDS database and determine how matches would be handled.

At Facebook, we've long barred registered sex offenders from our service. Currently, we work cooperatively with individual states' attorneys general to check users against state-registered sex offender lists. Unfortunately, we both consistently find that these registries lack the essential email and IM data for comprehensive and rapid screening. The process is also less efficient and less effective than anyone, especially concerned parents, would like, which is why we're such ardent supporters of the KIDS Act Registry.

Our goal is to connect people online in a safe and secure environment. We'll add the KIDS Act registry to our many existing safeguards and use the database as vigorously and comprehensively as we can. Specifically, we will check new users at sign-up and review existing users as regularly as the technology allows. Anyone on the list will be prevented from joining Facebook. Anyone already on Facebook who is added to the list will have his or her account disabled forever. End of story.

We see KIDS as an important tool to prevent inappropriate outreach from ever occurring. The penalties and consequences for registrants violating KIDS' provisions are so severe, we hope they'll deter potential predators from coming online altogether. This is a vital step in protecting children online, and it is by no means the end of our efforts. We will continue to enhance our partnership with law enforcement to find and prosecute sexual predators who violate this new law with fake names, addresses or handles.We're constantly looking for innovative approaches, both internally and in full cooperation with law enforcement, to screen and block any individual or group who would use our service to hurt or exploit a child. We believe that safety innovations matter as much as innovations that make our service exciting, fun and useful. Our ability to assure the former strengthens our ability to deliver the latter.

As for what comes after this step, this an industry-wide concern that calls for industry-wide approaches. It's imperative that other websites and services that count minors among their most important users proactively, creatively and responsibly confront this challenge. Predators seldom hesitate to exploit gaps and vulnerabilities in efforts designed to protect children. This challenge requires a new consciousness by entrepreneurial and established companies alike. Protecting children is a global concern, not merely a domestic one.



Chris is hoping that the KIDS Act can be a model for international cooperation in addressing how to effectively deal with sexual predators online.

Wordle - screen capture of the blog on wordle, Highlights most commonly used words :).

This is a link to my wordle. Interesting tool for analysing frequency of words visually.
title="Wordle: Helenaswebpage.com"> src="http://wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/268890/Helenaswebpage.com"
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