early computer webpages lost

An effort has been made to try to find the earliest computer pages. Early Cern computer programmers rewrote over earlier versions, which are now lost, and they forgot the first passwords and failed to write them down, so no access exists.  As an archivist I find this quite funny and typical. Forget about changing software, hardware, or non-permanent electronic records, this is just due to humanity.
To read more click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22652675

cassette tapes: archaic media or new trend? Maybe both!

Some people are purists and love analog sound recordings on cassette tapes. One company is making cassette tape recordings again. Why? Will it succeed? Against CDs? Here I thought it was just another form of outdated media found in my Dad's truck and in yard sales. To read more about it click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-22533522

Now we know what caused the Irish potato famine

HERB-1, a form of potato virus now thought to be extinct, which is unique compared to other viruses, was the culprit for the potato famine which resulted in a famine causing the deaths of 1/8 of the entire population of Ireland. Scientists took samples during the famine in the hope that future scientists would be able to identify the problem and deal with it. This is probably one of the oldest scientific experiments ever, because it had to wait over 170 years for science to catch up. To read more about it click here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22596561

job ad Art Reach Marketing Coordinator

Art Reach Mt. Pleasant is looking for someone to be their marketing coordinator. For more info click here  http://www.artreachcenter.org/

225th anniversary of library

Linenhall Library in Ireland is now 225 years old. It is the only remaining subscription library left in Ireland. For those of you who don't know what this means, you had to pay to be a member to use its collections. It is a recognized cultural treasure. Here's the BBCNews link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-northern-ireland-22504393

This is a major library with a coffee shop and concerts. If you want to know about their collections, with a strong focus on Irish topics, publications, authors, and local history content, click here https://www.linenhall.com/pages/collections

FB asks what to censor, not if to censor

Sorry. I've been out with family illness.

On Friday I blogged about the Saudis blocking social media, which prevents uncensored discussion online. Well, Facebook is now strongly considering censoring of itself. Videos of beheadings will now be blocked and additional violent videos may also be blocked. Other content is under discussion. There are obviously many issues involved: freedom of speech, self-censorship, censorship of others, censorship of hate groups and terrorist organizations who use certain online materials for recruitment purposes, which leads to increased membership and potentially increased harm to at least some others. Very interesting. If we limit one group's freedoms, no matter what we think of them or what they do, is this a slippery slope to limit freedoms for potentially all groups and individuals? Is there a point where we say, enough! How much more violence and hate does your group have to put online? An interesting dilemma. I wonder what else FB will decide to limit or deny access to? Certain historic hate mongers are well documented, and although they are dead now, their message still resonates with some. Do you limit historic coverage as well?  To read more about it click here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/technology-22464290

Saudis considering blocking social media

The Saudi Telecommunication Authority wants to block social media platforms including Twitter. Tweeters would be identified. Twitter is one way people are able to express themselves. Conservative elements want the platforms blocked, the government wants to control political uprisings. Many others want free platforms to express themselves. Political, religious, and porn are now blocked and filtered. Since Sept. when the Authority imposed additional restrictions, increasing numbers of Saudi internet users who have protested online have been arrested. Another option being debated is to decrease privacy for users by increasing surveillance. Another option is to have every Twitter register with the government. This would allow the government to track everyone who posts anything. If the changes go through, anonymity would end.  Many are protesting for free use of the Internet and Twitter. A great quote is in the news from Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal  who tweeted, "social media is a tool for the people to make the government hear their voices. Just thinking of blocking them is a losing war, and a way to put more pressure on the citizens."  To read more about it click here http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/07/world/meast/saudi-arabia-social-media/index.html?hpt=wo_c2