Wait, I'm not sure if I'm ready or not, despite what Ms. Robinson thinks...

Let me make a list of all the great qualities of this video: Cool choreography my mum would approve of, uplifting and inspirational, educational, makes me think "Wow, how can I be more like Ms. Robinson when I become a teacher?", I learned my 9 times tables, all original materials (ex. music was not stolen), and as far as I can tell no copyright infringement occurred (but feel free to correct me, I'm not sure about the graphics in the middle...).








This one is a little bit easier to determine copyright infringements. First of all, you'll notice the music... I'm not a movie buff, but I asked my sister and she told me its from Pirates of the Caribbean. Under the fair use rule the video might be safe if the music was under three minutes, but it is much longer than that, so its busted! Second, if you'll notice the pictures. They come from unknown sources with no citation or credit to the owners. Also many pictures are from movies that I'm sure were pirated. The last major infringement I found were the movie clips. Now, they might be safe because they are under 30 seconds. Actually no, they're not--I just went through it again and timed the movie segments. Way over 30 seconds and fair use. (I'm also wondering if it infringes because it is more of an opinion video than to education a classroom or students...(

Parts that are good: the creator's own ideas and words on the video. I think those are fine and are obviously not stolen... She also appropriately cites Thomas Jefferson's quote, which is an honesty point for her.

Done for now.

What are the gospel implications for this new world of social networking?

While engaged in a conversation with Sister Foulger, my mission president's wife, after zone conference in Colchester, England, she brought up an interesting coincidence I had not thought of before. She mentioned that the most influential technological advances have happened since the Restoration. Coincidence? She drew further conclusions. In congruence with the coming forth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, the world has seen extensive change in the way mankind travels, communicates, and lives. Indeed coming out of the dark ages could be taken quite literal. Not only has technology increased, but it is evolving at a exponential pace. Even before the Restoration, mankind was going through changes, challenging oppression, and resisting traditional religious views. The scene was set ever so perfectly when Joseph Smith took the stage. From the beginning of the Church in this dispensation, it has utilized technology to send out the message of the Restoration. As technology changes, the Church adopts these innovations and improves. As a missionary I recognized how cell phones, computers, transportation, and the internet informed people about the Church. People were able to look into the Church on their own time and at the Church's own sites to learn more. Sister Foulger recognized and taught me a very important lesson: technology's agenda is only to further the Lord's work.
For someone interested in the Church, the most influential contact comes from members who open their mouth and bear testimony. Traditionally, these occurrences happen in public transportation settings, members who have non-member neighbors or friends, or through other public activities. A few weeks ago, when I was looking on a news website and reading the comments from other readers about a specific controversial topic, I noticed a reader who identified himself as a member of the LDS church and he, respectfully, stated his beliefs and shed an optimistic insight to the Church's standpoint. Other readers commented after him, but in a respectful way. I remembered how General Authorities have encouraged us to stand up for what we believe and explain the doctrines of the Church. Whether it be social networking, news articles or any other opportunity to share our faith, we should do so in hopes to enlighten someone's mind to the joys of knowing the gospel.

Here is a link to a great article about how the internet can help spread the gospel:
Finding and Sharing the Gospel Online