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May 13: The Collegian, TV, Aly and the final exam

rhanner — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:46:05 +0000

Don’t forget to check this blog frequently, especially this weekend, as I will be posting further information on the final exam set Monday May 20 at 6:30. In the meantime, quite a night on Monday. We toured the Collegian, heard from advisor Tara Cuslidge and special guest speaker Aly Schulz of Good Day Sacramento. We also discussed some of your good work on the Chief David Main story. We reviewed takeaways on broadcast TV and reviewed for the final. Notes of the evening are below:

May 13 Special guest: Aly Schulz Executive producer, Good Day Sacramento

Tonight’s line-up

A tour of the Collegian
Special guest speaker Aly Schulz
Some of your good work.
TV trends, terms and icons
A review for next week’s final

Some good work on Chief Main

Quote: “Communications skills are the most important.” – Brandi

Readability

“He started in the small town of Rio Vista where an officer wore many hats. It was there, working alone, that he would gain experience in many of the aspects of police work, due to a small force. When he was young, he was told, ‘the key, David, is to take the best from each of us,’ – eaning, take the good points from each teacher.” – Charles Bartman

Detail, relevance

“Tools such as crime alert emails, Tipsoft and constant social network updates are utilized to help keep students aware and informed.” – Micheal Zador

“Main has made a sacrifice for us. By informing students about crime, he has opened himself and his department up to criticism. This is why students and the general public have been complaining … . “ – Hannah Stevens

Readability

“Police Chief David Main is one of the most social and open officers I’ve met. Although he was clearly armed with a weapon, he had a warm personality that can put even the most anxious at ease.” – Carmen

Endings

“He seems like a thoughtful, brave man to be fighting crime in Stockton and I respect him for that.” – Rita

CHAPTER 9 BROADCAST TV MORPHING

The inventor: Philo Farnsworth

At 16, he sketched his

idea for TV.

Background was rural

and isolated.

Long battle with David Sarnoff and RCA

Lived to see his invention become a global economic and cultural force.

In 1927, Farnsworth transmitted the first TV image, dollar sign ($), from his lab located at 202 Green Street in San Francisco (pictured below). Although Farnsworth patented his invention, the patents expired when TV production was suspended during WWII. Farnsworth was not credited for inventing TV due to aggressive marketing by RCA despite winning a patent suit against them.

The innovator: Ted Turner

Took over his father’s

billboard company.

Expanded into cable TV.

Made WTBS a superstation

with Atlanta Braves.

Added CNN, MGM, Hanna-Barbera.

Time-Warner and AOL.

Today, restaurants and solar

Ted Turner’s legacy

Because of Turner, people subscribed to cable not just to get better reception, but to get better and vastly expanded programming. This was a fundamental shift and a very lucrative one.

A $1 billion donation to the United Nations

AOL-Warner was a failed marraige

A chain of bison-based restaurants

Oprah Winfrey: The queen of convergence

Started in radio, moved to TV at 19

Transformed talk show in Chicago into a powerhouse.

‘Talk show as group therapy’

Oprah: Multi-media sensation

Book club

recommendations drove huge sales

Has written several books

Publishes, “O, The Oprah Magazine,” and “O at Home.”

Oprah Radio started in 2006.

Started Oprah.com

Oprah: The power and glory

Only African-American billionaire on Forbes list

The Oprah effect

The book club typically drove sales of 800,000 to one million

Did she make a difference for Obama?

Is she a spiritual leade

TV faces an unrelenting storm of change

The same forces blasting other legacy media such as newspapers are buffeting TV.

Major trends forcing changes: Increased audience control, mobile media. social media.

In the 1950s, Lucy has a 50; in 2011, American Idol had just 13 audience share.

Defining characteristics

For better or worse, TV is universal; 99 percent of homes have one.
TV is DOMINANT; on for 8 hours a day in the average US household. TV is expensive to produce; $3 for one episode
Broadcast is fragmenting with Netflix, video games, cable, etc.

Bowling Alone

Bowling Alone suggests we have lost much of our social and community cohesion as we watch TV instead of connecting through voting, attending church, reading newspapers, etc.

TV is morphing

Viewers are older; younger folk are playing video games, engaged in social media, or watching HBO or Jersey Shore or Hard Core Pawn on cable.

MTV, median age, 23; Dancing with the Stars, in contrast, is 60.

Bad news for the broadcasters, since 18 to 49 is prime time for advertisers.

Things to know for the FINAL

From Chapter One: Key trends

Segmentation: Think Lucy v. CSI

UGC: How about You Tube?

Mobile: Think Smartphones

Social media: What you do a lot of

Peer evaluation (from me): Think Amazon reviews, Yelp, Angie’s List

TWO Who is this guy? Aristotle!

From Chapter TWO, blog and lecture.

Two ethical principles:

The principle of the golden mean.

The principle of utility..

HANSEN and ethics

Who is this guy, what was his signature show, and what professional and ethical principles did it violate?

Glass shatters

What were his journalistic and ethical sins?

FREEDOMS

This guy wrote a key Constitutional amendment. James Madison!

Which one? Who is he? Why is the amendment important?

And what is the concept of ‘the marketplace of ideas?”

Yellow journalism

This little fellow reflects a transformational era in newspapering. Who is he? How did that era reshape newspapers?

INVESTIGATIVE

These guys (Carl Bernstein and Robert Woodward of the Washington Post) reflect watchdogging. What’s that? Why is it important? And who these fellas, anyway? Oh, and what was the scandal they are forever linked with?

The meter

Newspapers are struggling. This device reflects an attempt to stay alive. Talk about that.

Newspapers defined

Newspapers are defined by what?

Hints: USA TODAY, the Lodi News-Sentinel, the New York Times.

Chapter 6: Magazines

Most specialized – exploring

hundreds of niches, from ballet to bull riding.

Can both reflect and influence trends: Rolling Stone, Playboy, Ms., Cosmo

Can rise and fall rapidly

The decline of the leviathans: Time, Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, U.S. News and World Report

Magazines

How have these individuals shaped culture through their magazines?

Brown, Hefner, Steinem

A new FORM

What do these have in common:

Quiz
A list of quotes
A chronology
Facts at a glance
A Q and A
TV PIONEERS What role did these people play in the development of TV?

Photojournalism

Why is this fellow a pioneer? Mathew Brady!

James Nachtwey and ‘War Photographer’

‘If you make an honest picture of war, it will be an antiwar photograph.’

Going Viral

Viral marketing is designed to spread information about a product or service rapidly and widely via social media.

REMEMBER A KEY TREND – EIGHT: PEER EVALUATION: Yelp, Facebook, Angie’s List, news sites. You may not care what the experts think anymore, but you sure care what your friends think.

April 29: Advertising and Superpapers

rhanner — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:19:27 +0000

April 29: Advertising

Varied session last night touching on everything from viral advertising videos to photojournalism. We continued with outstanding Superpaper presentations, a Serendipity by Don featuring a Charlie Chaplin video mashup and a nightcap from Christopher on the most annoying perspon on the internet. Charles shared some terrific insights on his job as an advertising representative. All in all, a pretty rich mix. Reminder: Next Monday night, Police Chief David Main will be our guest speaker. The chief will talk about his career and issues involving law enforcement, then take questions. Afterwards, we’ll discuss Chapter 4 (13 in previous text) on news gathering and reporting, then have a deadline writing session. Below are notes from the evening.

Tonight’s menu:

Superpaper feedback
Superpaper presentations
Drinking from the firehouse/updates
Advertising overview
Superpaper presentations, continued
Serendipity or nightcaps?
Some tips on deadline writing
A look toward next week

Superpaper: Great job

A few Cs, many Bs, fair number of As.

Content and social media were generally strong.

Qualifications were sometimes a little basic. Classes, accomplishments, involvements, projects, concerts, etc.

Target market was, in some cases, a bit broad. Ages, gender, ethnic/cultural background, educational, regional?

Opportunity on Superpapers

If you would like to rework your SP with guidance for a higher grade, let’s talk.

Superpaper presentations

Dan Evans takeaways

From Robert Capra: If your photos are not good enough, you are not close enough.
Ethics in photography: Do not add or take away from the image. (SacBee shooter and the birds.)
Do not distort the reality of the image. (OJ Simpson covers.)
Do not set up a photo to look like reality.
Be a Swiss Army knife of versatility.
Sacbeeegret photos
OJ Simpson darkened

Some documentary projects

Dorothea Lange

Internment: Images by Dorothea Lange from Lodi

Dorothea Lange in Lodi

Pirkle Jones in Walnut Grove

Kirk Crippens: In Stockton

Terror in Boston: Takeaways

An issue of ethics: The New York Post branding two innocent men as suspects in a page one photo. What are the ethical transgressions?

Crowdsourcing to solve crimes: Did Reddit confuse the issue with crowdsourcing surveillance video? Does this have potential for the future?

CHAPTER 11

Advertising and the digital tsunami

A personal insight: Charles Bartman.

Old style was personal, face to face.

Relationships were huge.

See Mad Men? Martinis and big accounts

More what you know than who you know.

It all gets mashed up in social media

A time of chaos

Definition lite: Promotion paid for by a sponsor.

The old model: Advertise and see what happens.

The new model: Target, measure and pay for results. Or even share in the sales.

Or in the case of Craigslist, don’t even pay.

Decoupling: Traditionally, ads worked with content, such as news. Now, ads can work on their own, such as Craigslist. DECOUPLING IS PROFOUND and is reshaping legacy media.

Google: The billion dollar baby

Sergei Brin and Larry Page and their better mousetrap.

They hated banner ads,

but what could pay the bills?

The rise of Adwords. A blending of search and advertising in a subtle way.

How Adwords works

Going Viral

Viral marketing is designed to spread information about a product or service rapidly and widely via social media.

REMEMBER A KEY TREND – EIGHT: PEER EVALUATION: Yelp, Facebook, Angie’s List, news sites. You may not care what the experts think anymore, but you sure care what your friends think.

When UGC goes viral: The Doritos commercial.

A few examples of viral

Man versus bear for salmon

OLD Spice:

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

When UGC backfires

Some characteristics

Is it funny?
Is it surprising? Quirky in a positive way?
Is it memorable?
Is it worth sharing?
Does it prompt you to buy the product?

Advertising in the digital age

Leveraging social media

Exploit social media

and maybe don’t pay MSM at all

Websites

Facebook, Twitter, You Tube.

Small costs, somewhat high upside

Online advertising and social media

Ironman 3, everything but a free bucket of rust.

Groupon: Let’s all buy a Schlotsky’s deli deal … or a stack of Black Bear pancakes or

a mosaic art class?

Power in numbers

A national venture with local success. But some merchants are balking, tired of hordes getting great deals and not coming back.

.Next week: Police Chief David Main

And Chapter 4 (13 in original text) on news gathering and reporting

Take copious notes.

Remember: There are no bad questions: Ask plenty.

Don’t be afraid of tough questions.

Look for description, detail.

Write as you report:

What’s new, what’s interesting. Is there news here?

April 22: Dan Evans and photojournalism

rhanner — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:32:16 +0000

Hey guys,

Really enjoyed this week’s session. Many highlights, starting with the presentation by Dan Evans, photo chief for the News-Sentinel, and continuing with your presentations of Superpapers. Awesome job, guys. Excellent presentations and very smart ideas.

This coming Monday, we’ll continue with Superpaper presentations and cover advertising and Chapter 11. Please read this chapter before class.

Below are notes from the evening. I will try to expand on the notes regarding the history of photojournalism, and some of the iconic images. But for now, these are my Power Point notes from the evening:

`War photographer’ and photojournalism with Dan Evans

Tonight: Recap/update Photojournalism in our backyard Dan Evans Superpapers presented

A look ahead

April 29: Advertising and media law
May 6: The chief gives a press conference
May 13: TV in the trenches
May 20: Final examination

Photojournalism

Matthew Brady was a photojournalistic pioneer and entreprenuer

Hired photographers to fan out across Civil War battlefields

Brady shot many of the luminaries of the day

A Brady subject: Recognize him?

War photography: Vietnam

James Nachtwey and ‘War Photographer’

‘If you make an honest picture of war, it will be an antiwar photograph.’

Questions for discussion:

Do we need to see these grisly images?
Who decides?
Should the government restrict such images to maintain support of a war effort?
Are these photos inevitably political?
In the era of social media, with smartphones everywhere, are combat photographers like Nachtwey really needed?

Superpapers live!

Steve Barroso, Special Ed

Brandi Rogers, School Spirit

Ryan Frueh, What’s Haute

Christopher Rivera, Realm, card game magazines,

Joshua Hampton, Entrepreneurs

Don Huynh, Rookie Sports

Superpaper reminder

rhanner — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:44:21 +0000

Superpapers are due Monday night. Hope yours is coming along well. Here is the assignment, as outlined in class and on the blog, in case you need a refresher. Also, I have attached a sample superpaper and cover for you to consider.

Good luck and let me know if you have questions: rhanner@deltacollege.edu.

fourseasons

fourseasonscover

Your superpaper: Overview
Write a proposal for the magazine you want to launch. Make it a pitch.
Include:
Working title: Snappy, quick, fresh.
Summary of content: Profiles, articles, how-to, useful, art, graphics evoke emotion?
Include at least three examples of ALTs
Summary of readership: Who is your target audience? Be as specific as possible.
Summary of revenue sources – ads, single copy sales, subscriptions, online or other, such events.
How will you include UGC? Reader ideas, comments, suggestions, articles?
How will you include social media? Marketing, branding, building community, crowdsourcing? E-blasts? Twitter? Facebook? Reader interaction? PLEASE BE SPECIFIC! BE DETAILED!
Review of competition. What else is out there? Name, content, advertising.
Why YOU are especially qualified to launch this magazine?
Cover: A sketch, pencil, cut and paste, crayon, Abode Illustrator, whatever you can muster.

800 words, minimum. No maximum.
Graded on: Financial potential; originality of idea; depth and detail of your research and review of competition; clarity and persuasiveness of writing. Also considering: graphics, photos, typographic treatment.

April 15: Cinema and photojournalism

rhanner — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:39:27 +0000

Hey guys:

Covered quite a bit of ground last night. First, a few takeaways:

Looking forward to seeing those who signed up at the News-Sentinel Weds. at 4 p.m. for the page one meeting and tour. My number at work, just in case, is 369-7035.
Next Monday, April 22, your Superpapers are due. Good to see several of you have signed up to present your papers.

Otherwise, here are my Power Point notes from the evening:

April 22: Movies and photojournalism Plus: War Photographer

Today’s preview

A reminder on flex points.
Any questions on the Superpaper, which is due next week?
Let’s talk about the movies and Chapter 7
Photojournalism and the power of images
Serendipity
War photographer

A reminder re: Flex and class participation

5 percent of your garde is drawn from class participation. This includes involvement in class discussions, asking questions, responding to questions from the instructor and generally being engaged in the class.

10 percent drawn from flex options:

Flex is your chance to pick and choose how you’d like to build part of your grade, or go beyond and get extra credit points. A minimum of 10 points is required toward your overall grade; points beyond 10 will count toward extra credit. There will be a maximum of 5 extra credit points allowed.

Students may present one extra bonus Serendipity for five points. (Five points extra credit maximum for semester.)

Flex opportunity: Nightcap. Let’s try to end our evenings on a light note. Seen a funny video lately? (One that is OK for a general audience?) Clips from Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, SNL, Conan O’Brien, The Onion are generally fair game. Or just something quirky or fun that you’ve come across. Let the instructor know what it is, preferably with a link, before class. We’ll show it, acknowledge you, and you will receive 1 flex point. (Each student can choose one Nightcap.)

Would you like to customize your own flex contribution? No problem. Let’s talk.

Flex opportunity: “Serendipity Maestro.” A version of Serendipity in which you choose the material, then write a 250-word explanation of why it is interesting to you and relevant to the class. Overall presentation will be done by the instructor or TA. You will only be expected to answer questions while seated at your desk. This is geared for those who may be less enthusiastic about presenting in front of class, but have a topic they’d to share. These will be worth 5 points. Serendipity Maestro is not available for extra credit.

Flex opportunity: Superpaper live. Those presenting a basic overview of their superpaper to the class will receive 10 points toward the flex requirement, or five points extra credit if one Serendipity has already been presented. LET ME KNOW TONIGHT OR E-MAIL ME IF YOU’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE.

Flex opportunity: Visit to the LNS. 4 p.m. Weds. at LNS, 125 N. Church St., Lodi. Students are invited to attend a page one meeting and tour of the Lodi News-Sentinel newspaper and prepare a short report on their visit. This provides five points of flex credit or five points of extra credit. PLEASE LET ME OR JAMES KNOW TONIGHT IF YOU’D LIKE TO ATTEND.

Superpaper reminder

Due NEXT Monday

Minimum 800 words

Sample Superpaper was distributed last week

Full assignment is outlined on the blog

Art in motion: Cinema in America Chapter 7

MOVIES MORPHING

What are the defining features?

Expensive

The most artistically satisfying

Social

How expensive?

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

2007 $300 m

Tangled

2010 $260 m

Spiderman 3

2007 $258 m

Edison invents a movie camera

“I am experimenting upon an instrument which does for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear, which is the recording and reproduction of things in motion ….” –Thomas A. Edison, 1888

Edison’s kinetoscope

Edison makes movies: Black Maria Studio

Orson Welles and Citizen Kane

Writer, actor, director, genius

The best of all time? Editing /Writing / Camera work

Digital changes

Increased audience control: Netflix, streaming, Internet movies, DVR

Mobile media: Who needs the big screen?

Audience segmentation: From docs to shorts to blockbusters

Are the old ways of financing movies changing? The Film Break example, pairing eager filmmakers with investors or enthusiasts.

http://www.filmbreak.com/

The ‘Veronica Mars’ success

Warner Bros. says no

Creator Rob Thomas turns to Kickstarter

Raises $5.6 million from 90,000 plus backers

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/559914737/the-veronica-mars-movie-project

Photojournalism

TEDTalks: Jonathan Klein—Photos That Changed the World

Matthew Brady, photojournalism pioneer

Hired photographers to fan out across Civil War battlefields

Brady shot many of the luminaries of the day

A Brady subject: Recognize him?

War photography: Vietnam

James Nachtwey and ‘War Photographer’

‘If you make an honest picture of war, it will be an antiwar photograph.’

Pause for Serendipity

Questions for discussion:

Do we need to see these grisly images?
Should the government restrict such images to maintain support of a war effort?
Are these photos inevitably political?
In the era of social media, with smartphones everywhere, are combat photographers like Nachtwey really needed?

A look ahead

Next week: Superpapers turned in and presented
Dan Evans, photo chief, News-Sentinel.
A primer on media law, if time allows.

April 8: Magazines and books and Superpapers

rhanner — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:17:22 +0000

Update: A busy class, with lots covered. Morgan presented a valuable website on sports jobs and internships as a Serendipity. Main takeaways: We reviewed books and magazines, saw a video relating to Johannes Gutenberg, explored the Superpaper assignment, and shared a Nightcap from Conan O’Brien. A sample Superpaper was passed out, along with an assortment of magazines for perusal.

Page one meeting for flex credit is set for the Lodi News-Sentinel, 125 N. Church St., on April 17 at 4 p.m. This will take about an hour. Sign up by sending me an email by April 15.

If you missed class, read this blog posting carefully; if you still have questions, pls. email me at rhanner@deltacollege.edu.

April 8

PAGES TURNING: Books and magazines in the digital age Chapters 10, 6

Tonight’s menu:

Your exams returned
Let’s do a quick review
Books and a journey into the Lion’s Den
Life and Leisure and the world of magazines
Your superpaper assignment
A look ahead
Nightcap

Reviewing the essay questions

To Catch a Predator

Honesty: At least initially, Hansen came off as an investigator, not a reporter. Did not reflect arrest or conviction of men.

Independence: TCAP worked with Perverted Justice and local police.

Treat subjects as human beings: Men were humiliated and stigmatized without charges or conviction. Show was for ratings, not understanding or information.

Some good answers:

“The show makes it seem as though they are taking criminals off the street when in reality , they’re just looking for viewers and profit.” –Hannah

“The subjects in the show are showcased like circus animals in an attempt to gain ratings.” – Andrew

“The men were lured in by a third party company that was hired by Hansen to do the dirty work.” – Sarah

Review exam: Newspapers defining characteristics

Diversity: From cartoons to business and sports news, local and national news, editorials and advertising.
Local: News, such as Lodi councilman’s link to the St. Patrick’s Day parade; local sports and advertising, business coverage.
Timely: Calendars, logbook.
Nifty package: Index; sections for cartoons, sports, business, etc.
History: Vintage Lodi, today in history
Watchdog, investigative: FBI agent who killed another agent; EPA lawsuit

Stanford Research

Looking for critical, analytical thinking here.

Some strong responses:

On multitasking: “It opens our eyes to a generation of digital natives in which most of them believe they are excellent at multitasking and (yet) they cannot dwell on a single task … .” – Cruz

On video games: “I understand some people get hooked and play endlessly for hours, but I don’t feel like it is as big an addiction as researchers make it seem … gaming is an outlet for people to relieve tress. It is used for entertainment, networking and creativity.” – Brendle

“I found the e-personality the most valuable. Those who immerse themselves too much in technology do seem to be impatient, narcissistic, etc. Prove is obvious among the online gaming community where players hurl the raunchiest of insults at one another but would never think to do such things in a face to face encounter.” – Christopher Rivera

Bonus: The demanding doc

Some good answers:

“I would arrange a meeting and discuss the ethical issue and stakeholders … I would ask for a more ethical solution.” – Carmen

“Instead of writing reviews and lie to the general public .. I would see if I could send out Tweets, fliers and … and provide pamphlets to patients to provide comments if they chose to … and provide emails updating current information on the practice.” – Elizabeth

Books in the digital age

The grand irony: As bookstores close, more books than ever are being published

Gutenberg and an invention for the ages

Gutenberg 1455: A goldsmith changes the world

Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1vl2j24Mtk

March. 10: Social media, newspapers and exam review

rhanner — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:08:01 +0000

EXAM UPDATE #1: Be prepared to offer a critique of To Catch a Predator based on ethical and professional standards.

UPDATE #2: Bring your Stanford research handout and be prepared to discuss which of the research areas you feel is most valuable, which the least.

UPDATE #3: Make sure you know the defining characteristics of newspapers and can find examples in an actual edition of an area newspaper.

Below are notes from our last session, which includes exam review.

Productive night mopping up social media and moving on to newspapers.

Check this blog intermittently between now and Monday night; I will be posting questions that may be on the mid-term exam.

As I’ve mentioned, Serendipities this semester have been the best ever. That streak continued with Andrew presenting on coding and Cheraya presenting on the Public Relations Society of America website. Nice work.

Below are notes from the night. (Make sure you read all the way down for the exam review and tips on how to ace the upcoming exam.)

March 11: Newspapers: Is a beacon dying? Plus: Your quizzes returned, social media mopped up, Serendipities and a review for the mid-term

Quizzes were returned, review them because some questions will be on the exam, too.
Recapping social media, and a look at bullying
Newspapers, past, present and future
Serendipities
Exam review
Nightcap

What about bullying?

We reviewed the controversy over a newscaster who claimed she was bullied by a viewer who criticized for her weight. Though the criticism may have been unseemly, most experts do not classify it as bullying. Did the controversy raise and issue or merely blur it? Bullying generally is known as intimidating someone weaker, often with the force of threats.

Extra points to ponder

The catharsis and the stimulation debate – who won?

The cocoon effect: Choosing to be myopic? Wrapped in Fox News?

The Stanford Research

The e-personality
Dr. Nass and the mirage of productivity
Reading faces – a lost art?
The Stanford Research
Work as game
Where is quiet reflection?
Are we on the cusp of alarming discoveries? Silent Spring of the soul

Newspapers: Is a beacon of democracy dying?

The Pew Study based in Baltimore

showed most news, 90 percent, originated in newspapers newsrooms.

What is journalism?: The gathering, verification and presentation of information of wide interest.

Newspapers, defining characteristics

Diverse content
A nifty, convenient package
Local
Historic record
Timely
Watchdogging,
investigative reporting.

Three examples:

Lodi News-Sentinel/local content

USA Today/a nifty, colorful package

NY Times/investigative-watchdog

My own journalistic journey Why in 1976 everybody was going to J school

Watergate, Woodward and Bernstein, and the Washington Post; an historic example of investigative reporting that helped lead to the historic resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Terms and phrases to note

What is investigative journalism?: Reporting critical information of widespread public importance; often requiring special skills and diligence.

Newspapers: Pioneers and some fundamentals

A fact: The first paper in the U.S. was Publick Occurences both Foreign and Domestick. 1690.

Ben Franklin took over Pennsylvania Gazette at age 24.

Assumed duties in 1729 after his brother, James, was imprisoned. (First Amendment adopted in 1791.)

Paper became very popular and Franklin became best-known colonial journalist.

The Penny Press: Linking broad circulation with rich veins of advertising Benjamin Day and his Sun, building audience, bringing in huge amounts of revenue and a new, more working class content.

Yellow Journalism, William Randolph Hearst and the rise of newspaper fortunes

When newspaper presses printed money

Yellow Journalism was named after the Yellow Kid, a cartoon character.

Criticism: Lurid, unnamed sources, exaggeration, and sensationalistic. Think of National Enquirer and ilk.

Benefits: Good writing, better use of photos and graphics, increase in watchdog reporting

My own journalistic journey: After college, a job at the Palo Alto Times.

Covering the beats: Mountain View, the environment, science. In pursuit of the medfly. A time to freelance about lost dogs.

A move to Sacramento and a look at a fellow who painted eyes.

Moving up and over: Stockton to Lodi and reporter to editor

Covering general assignment, investigations. Riding the rails. In Lodi, starting a new section.

Public service journalism, people dying on the tracks and from Pakistan to Lodi.

Waters begin to roil; now the whitewater never ends

How we thought the net would produce riches, but it did not.

Putting everything out there for free.

The rise of Craiglist and disruptive business models.

Decoupling of news and advertising; now advertising exists without content and content is searching desperately for advertising.

Why didn’t we do Google or Craigslist or Monster or Groupon or … ?

Young readers are going away – and not coming back.

Can a blogger be a journalist?

“You’ll miss us when we are gone,” as a business model.

Is metering one answer?

With revenue faltering, what some papers, from The Record to the NY Times, are doing about it.

How a metered content approach works: A few clicks, and you can’t go on – unless you pay.

Why the meter? Trying to have your cake and eat it, too. A mix of audience for advertising and a push for circulation revenue, a slowing of churn.

Other ways to survive?

Outsourcing and downsizing. Or: Just why is the San Francisco Chronicle’s real estate section compiled in Lodi? And why news in San Rafael is edited in Pleasanton.
New magazines and sections. Our Life and Leisure publication.
Commercial printing. The Galt Herald example.
Partnerhips. Monsterjobs and McClatchy.

Maybe a move to nonprofit?

Propublica and California Watch websites

ProPublica on autopsies

California Watch on Sonoma Hospital abuse:

http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/jennifers-room-tells-chilling-story-abuse-while-protecting-familys-privacy-18723

Let’s review Mid-term next Monday Mix of T/F, multiple choice and essay

How to ace this test

Read the blog. Check for updates. Essay questions will be suggested.

Read and reread the key chapters on:

Key trends and overview, Chapter 1.

Ethics informal controls, Chapter 2.

The internet and social media, Chapter 3.

Social Effects of Mass Comm. Chapter 12.

Newspapers, Chapter 5.

Read and re-read your own notes.

Study the Stanford Magazine article on social media. Bring it with you.

Read the blog again.

MEDIA is in TRANSITION Seven essential trends (says the text)

ONE Audience segmentation. Lucy had 50 percent of the TV audience; The Cosby Show had 33; American Idol 13. The Reader’s Digest foundering, 18 million in 1976 to 7 million subscribers now. Daily newspapers struggle. It is all segmenting, breaking up, fracturing.

TWO. Convergence. Varied media on a unified platform or serving a primary owner. Let’s focus on device convergence.

THREE. Increased audience control. Power to the people. VCRs, DVRs, Hulu, Netflix, 24 hour news cycle. Get what you want, when you want it.

FOUR. Multiple platforms. Shotgunning. Paper. The internet. TV. Trying to keep up with a shifting, diffusing audience.

FIVE. User-generated content. Letters to the editor to You Tube. CNN’S iReport. LNS and Newsy Neighbors. Interactivity. Contributed content. You, too, get to play.

SIX. Mobile media. You can take it with you. Ipads, smartphones, Google glass.

Eight of ten have mobile phones; one out of five have a tablet computer like an iPad.

SEVEN. SOCIAL MEDIA Converse, share, engage. “Online communications …that involve participation, conversation, sharing collaboration and linkage.”

Add one more trend

EIGHT: PEER EVALUATION

Yelp, Facebook, Travel Advisor, Angie’s List, news sites. You may not care what the experts think anymore, but you sure care what your friends think.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g154945-d182590-Reviews-or120-Inn_at_Laurel_Point-Victoria_Vancouver_Island_British_Columbia.html#REVIEWS

Writing: areas of focus

Detail, detail It takes a lot of sap to make syrup
Headlines, specific and active
Show don’t tell
Boil, boil, boil. Look for redundancy, excess verbiage and zap it.

Key phrases/concepts Gatekeepers. Fading away or increasing?

Let’s talk gatekeepers. They check for accuracy, balance and completeness.

Who are they? Why do they matter? Old-school: Grizzled newspaper editors. New school: Contributors to Wikipedia.

Consider gatekeepers as we view Shattered Glass.

Two ethical principles:

The principle of the golden mean. Moderation. Aristotle. Think options and compromise.

The principle of utility. The greatest benefit to the greatest number.

Doing the right thing

From the SPJ code:

Seek the truth and report it. Honest, fair courageous.

Minimize harm. Treat stakeholders as human beings who deserve respect.

Act independently. Free of any interest other than the public’s right to know.

Be accountable. To themselves, colleagues, readers/viewers, the community and society at large.

REVIEW To Catch a Predator Chris Hansen an award-winning journalist TCAP gained huge audiences Advertisers became hesitant and ethical questions were raised MSNBC continued to run TCAP episodes and brought in large audiences. Let’s look at a TCAP episode.

REVIEW Let’s review a bit with TCAP in mind: Doing the right thing:

From the SPJ code:

Seek the truth and report it. Honest, fair courageous.
Minimize harm. Treat stakeholders as human beings who deserve respect.
Act independently. Free of any interest other than the public’s right to know.
Be accountable. To themselves, colleagues, readers/viewers, the community and society at large.

The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances

Written by James Madison, 1789

Adopted 1791

A reaction to crown rule. “Government should serve the people.”

The marketplace of ideas.

“I may disagree with what he says, but I will defend to my death his right to say it.” – Voltaire

Pastor Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church.

Repugnant, but is it illegal under the First Amendment?

From Maggie and Lois Creamer

Blog posts should be written conversationally and be 300-500 words. Blogs are a great way to share your expertise and build your network of contacts and potential clients.
Social media is like dropping a pebble in the water and letting the ripples spread out.
Your LinkedIn profile can add visibility and connections, but the various ‘groups’ you can join are invaluable. These provide professional expertise and sharing opportunities.
Highly recommended: ‘The Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing.’
Lois focuses on her strengths and talents; she doesn’t do website design and she doesn’t handle the books.
Be careful of whatever you post online. Think about how it might be perceived by a potential employer or client.
On public speaking: Keep in mind PSA, or point, story, application.
Audiences today don’t just want motivational speakers. They want content-rich speakers who are motivational.

On a bright note, social media and crowdfunding

Crowdfunding: Seeking money from a large audience via social media

Connecting for a good cause: gofundme

http://www.gofundme.com/crowdfunding-websites/

Another example, kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/discover/cities/lodi-ca

The Dragonfly effect Using social media to create social change; how business can do well (make money) and do good by contributing to worthy causes.

A thirst for MBAs to do good.

Engage customers and employees

How could you use it in a business?

The Arab spring

In Tunisia, a suicide protest is used to galvanize political change; eventually the government fell.

In Egypt, demonstrations broke out, again with the help of social media.

Libya erupts in civil war, Kaddafi is removed.

Ongoing strife in Syria.

Results are mixed; easier to replace a government than build a new one that is stable and democratic.

“We use Facebook to schedule the protests, Twitter to coordinate, and You Tube to tell the world.” – Young Middle Eastern protestor

Serendipity tonight!

Looking forward:

Next week: Midterm examination and possible Serendipities

March 25: Non-instructional day, spring break.

April 1: Holiday

April 8: Magazines, books, and the Superpaper.

Nightcap: Old loons and newspapers

Feb. 4: The Internet, guest speakers and social media

rhanner — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:56:46 +0000

Excellent guest speakers Lois and Maggie Creamer tonight. Informative serendipities, first by Brendle with a look at Gympact, and Charles, with a review of the Business Journal. Chris provided a cool Nightcap with a look at images shot by Google Glass.

Our highlight was surely the presentation by dynamic mother-daughter team Lois and Maggie Creamer. Lois has a consultancy, ‘Book More Business,’ that specializes in helping professional speakers. She also speaks on sales and marketing and is especially steeped in social media.

Maggie is a publications coordinator for the News-Sentinel in charge of a portfolio of sections for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Here are some takeaways from their presentation:

Blog posts should be written conversationally and be 300-500 words. Blogs are a great way to share your expertise and build your network of contacts and potential clients.

“Tribber” is a social media web site that seeks to multiply blog readers through specialized connections.

Social media is like dropping a pebble in the water and letting the ripples spread out.

Your LinkedIn profile can add visibility and connections, but the various ‘groups’ you can join are invaluable. These provide professional expertise and sharing opportunities.

Highly recommended: ‘The Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing.’

Social media provide a chance for you to put your intellectual property online.

Lois focuses on her strengths and talents; she doesn’t do website design and she doesn’t handle the books.

‘Clout’ is a website that measures social media influence.

Maggie suggests different Facebook pages; one for your personal life and one for your professional life.

Be careful of whatever you post online. Think about how it might be perceived by a potential employer or client.

Google hangouts are useful for small group discussion, sor of like a group version of Skype.

QR codes allow people with smartphones to swipe the code and call up online information. Lois has a QR code on her business card.

On public speaking: Keep in mind PSA, or point, story, application.

People are always drawn to personal stories.

Audiences today don’t just want motivational speakers. They want content-rich speakers who ar motivational.

Here are my Power Point notes from the evening:

A review of our last session on ethics and the First Amendment

Focus on Chapter 3 and 12

Serendipities

Quiz

REVIEW: Areas of focus for writing:

Detail, detail It takes a lot of sap to make syrup
Headlines, specific and active
Show don’t tell
Boil, boil, boil. Look for redundancy, excess verbiage and zap it.

From the text:

Ethics are rules of conduct or principles of morality that point us toward the right or best way to act in a situation. Hint: Often relate to a profession or professional organization.

What are ethical codes?

REVIEW

Two ethical principles:

The principle of the golden mean. Moderation. Aristotle. Think options and compromise.. A top official and his troubled roommate.
The principle of utility. The greatest benefit to the greatest number.

Doing the right thing

From the SPJ code:

Seek the truth and report it. Honest, fair courageous.
Minimize harm. Treat stakeholders as human beings who deserve respect.
Act independently. Free of any interest other than the public’s right to know.
Be accountable. To themselves, colleagues, readers/viewers, the community and society at large. (I mentioned that I spent much of Monday dealing with a request for a major correction on a story, a task that was time-consuming and delicate but ultimately added to our accountability.)

Hanner’s practical

considerations:

Be sensitive. React. Stop.
Do not make an ethical decision by yourself.
Who can you consult, who should you consult? The concept of stakeholders. Put your ego aside.
How much time do you have?
Reaching an ethical decision is not a snap judgment, but a process. There is no right or wrong, except acting with undue haste with little or no reflection.

REVIEW: Shattered Glass

Shattered Glass. A cautionary tale for our times. Ask yourself: Why did he do what he did? How could he have been stopped? What role did the gatekeepers play? What systemic changes would you make if you were the publisher of TNR?

The latest with Stephen Glass

Applying to the state bar, he passed the exam but was rejected on ethical grounds.

He has appealed to the state supreme court.

What should be done?

How would you decide?

Let’s review a bit with TCAP in mind: Doing the right thing:

From the SPJ code:

Seek the truth and report it. Honest, fair courageous.

Minimize harm. Treat stakeholders as human beings who deserve respect.

Act independently. Free of any interest other than the public’s right to know.

Be accountable. To themselves, colleagues, readers/viewers, the community and society at large.

REVIEW The First Amendment

Written by James Madison, 1789

Adopted 1791

A reaction to crown rule. “Government should serve the people.”

The marketplace of ideas.

REVIEW Slavery and the Civil War Freedom of expression is tested

In the South, laws against anti-slavery expression expand. Louisiana outlaws speech, “having a tendency to promote discontent among freed colored people or insubordination among slaves.”

Elijah Lovejoy pays the ultimate price.

President Abraham Lincoln suspends habeas corpus for those accused of supporting the Confederacy. Habeas corpus is a chance to challenge one’s arrest. Similar to an arraignment today. A denial of due process.

Lincoln’s action reflects a long history of government suppressing communications during wartime.

Sedition and war

Sedition: Actions, such as speech and organization, deemed by the legal authority to tend toward insurrection against the established order.

World War I and a crackdown on critics.

Courts decides criticism of the war effort is intolerable, even if that criticism results in no lawless activity.

Brandenburg and a breakthrough

In 1964, a KKK rally and a conviction for Clarence Brandenburg.

The Supreme Court throws out the conviction with a new

and far more expansive interpretation.

A focus on “imminent lawless action.”

“I may disagree with what he says, but I will defend to my death his right to say it.” – Voltaire

Pastor Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church.

Repugnant, but is it illegal under the First Amendment?

Salman Rusdie:

“If ideas are strong, they can stand criticism.”

The marketplace of ideas, as outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court

CHAPTERS 3, 12 The Internet and Social media: Changing everything?

Social media and the Internet:

The military develops the ARPANET

Is the desktop dead?

Defining trend: Computers becoming smaller; more mobile. First iPhone in 2007; Netbooks appeared in 2009, iPad in 2010.

Cloud computing Applications and services offered over the Internet. Google docs is an example.

Social media: ‘Social media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communications techniques.’

Social media are diverse, from Facebook to YouTube to Twitter and even e-mail and video games.

Apps: Special computer programs for mobile devices. Games? News sites? Instagram? Angry Birds downloaded over 300 million times.

Apps are quick, visual, easy to navigate, sleek.

WiFi: Wireless fidelity. Starbucks, McDonalds provide WiFi. Reflects the move to mobile.

On a bright note, social media and crowdfunding

Crowdfunding: Seeking money from a large audience via social media

Connecting for a good cause: gofundme

http://www.gofundme.com/crowdfunding-websites/

Another example, kickstarter

NEXT SESSION PREVIEW

Documentary ‘Digital Nation’ on how we are being shaped by digital media

More on social media and troubling questions

What is bullying?

Are video games evil? James Striplin

How about a quiz?

Feb. 4: Ethics and Shattered Glass

rhanner — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:15:50 +0000

Hey gang. Lively session. I love your comments and perspectives. Very good dicussions.

Special thanks to Sarah for her Serendipity on Tumble Upon. What a smart and well-designed webside. Both Serendipities have been excellent.

One note: Remaining class sessions will go quickly, and so will Serendipity opportunities. Please sign up soon; I do not want to juggle a flurry of presentations in the last few sessions or even turn folks down. So let me or James know what you’d like to present soon.

During the evening, we reviewed key trends and phrases, explored ethics, began Shattered Glass with a related discussion, and had our first quiz.

Here are my Power Point notes from the evening.

Feb. 4 The game plan: Your profiles are turned in Quick review Chapter 17/ethics Shattered Glass Serendipity tonight Quiz

From Chapter One

How do we define this fast-evolving area of Mass Communications? From the text: “Mass communications refers to the process by which a complex organization with the aid of one or more machines produces and transmits public messages that are directed at large, heterogeneous and scattered audience.”

Or shorter: “Using technology to send a message to a large and mixed audience.”

But what about e-mail? What about YouTube? What about a blog? Things are getting so messy.

What are media? Think a forest

How about mass media? From the text: “Mass media are the channels used for mass communication.” So the Internet, newspapers, movies, radio, TV are all part of mass media.

A medium?

And medium? That is one communications segment, say radio. Or TV. Or Newspapers. Or online news. Think a tree.

An outlet: Think tree limb

A media vehicle or outlet is a specific component, like the Record or KCRA TV or The Collegian or the Lodi News-Sentinel.

Plural v. singular

Media is plural. Medium is singular.

So the media are evolving and the medium of television is changing rapidly

MEDIA is in TRANSITION Seven essential trends (says the text)

TWO. Convergence. Varied media on a unified platform or serving a primary owner. Let’s focus on device convergence.

THREE. Increased audience control. Power to the people. VCRs, DVRs, Hulu, Netflix, 24 hour news cycle. Get what you want, when you want it.

FOUR. Multiple platforms. Shotgunning. Paper. The internet. TV. Trying to keep up with a shifting, diffusing audience.

FIVE. User-generated content. Letters to the editor to You Tube. CNN’S iReport. LNS and Newsy Neighbors. Interactivity. Contributed content. You, too, get to play.

SIX. Mobile media. You can take it with you. Ipads, smartphones, Google glass.

Eight of ten have mobile phones; one out of five have a tablet computer like an iPad.

SEVEN. SOCIAL MEDIA Converse, share, engage. “Online communications …that involve participation, conversation, sharing collaboration and linkage.”

Add one more trend

EIGHT: PEER EVALUATION

Yelp, Facebook, Travel Advisor, Angie’s List, news sites. You may not care what the experts think anymore, but you sure care what your friends think.

Key phrases/concepts Gatekeepers. Fading away or increasing?

Let’s talk gatekeepers. They check for accuracy, balance and completeness.

Who are they? Why do they matter? Old-school: Grizzled newspaper editors. New school: Contributors to Wikipedia.

Consider gatekeepers as we view Shattered Glass.

Key phrases/concepts

The backpack journalist: Versatility is key

Our Serendipity subject: Philip DeFranco A commentator, not a journalist.

On to ethics, Chapter 17 and Shattered Glass

So what are ethics?

From the text:

Ethics are rules of conduct or principles of morality that point us toward the right or best way to act in a situation. Hint: Often relate to a profession or professional organization.

Threat of suicide, a top official with an embarrassing roommate, the team in trouble.

Hanner’s practical

considerations:

Be sensitive. React. Stop.
Do not make an ethical decision by yourself.
Who can you consult, who should you consult? The concept of stakeholders. Put your ego aside.
How much time do you have?
How do you justify your actions?

Two ethical principles:

The principle of the golden mean. Moderation. Aristotle. Think options and compromise. Bomb threats. An auto dealer threatens. A top official and his troubled roommate.
The principle of utility. The greatest benefit to the greatest number.

Doing the right thing

From the SPJ code:

Seek the truth and report it. Honest, fair courageous.
Minimize harm. Treat stakeholders as human beings who deserve respect.
Act independently. Free of any interest other than the public’s right to know.
Be accountable. To themselves, colleagues, readers/viewers, the community and society at large.

How our case studies turned out.

A shooting star begins to fall

For Feb. 11:

Make sure you read Chapter 2 (originally Chapter 17 in the blue text.)

Julian Assange with Chris Hansen and To Catch a Predator.

The First Amendment, Julian Assange and Wikileaks.

We’ll continue our discussion of ethics in the digital age.

Jan. 28: Notes from Chapter One and profile writing

rhanner — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:47:23 +0000

Hey all,

Busy night. Thanks for sticking with the program. We had an excellent Serendipity from Andrew, who showed a segment from an Internet commentator. We also covered basics of Chapter 1, did a brief lesson on interviewing and profile writing, and paired up for the profile writing assignment. All in all, a productive evening. Below are slightly revised Power Point notes for your reference.

Please be aware these notes are not meant to be comprehensive, only an overview of key topics.

I am really looking forward to your profile pieces.

Mass Comm 001 Jan. 28: Getting grounded – and getting to know one another

Tonight’s menu

Career corner
Some fundamentals from Chapter 1
Roll
Break
The art of the interview
Basics for writing a profile
Serendipity tonight !
A look to next week

Career corner

Jobs in media, an immediate example. Our opening for a reporting at the LNS.

Journalismjobs.com is one site for job listing relating to the media.

Revisiting flex and extra credit

Regarding flex

Flex opportunity: “Serendipity.” A time is set aside at the end of most classes for students (as well as the instructor and teaching assistant) to present current news or information regarding mass communications. Examples: Describing and showing a TV news story on the Occupy movement; reviewing a research report on social media addiction; sharing news coverage of Wikileaks; describing and analyzing the latest earnings report by Google; discussing the launch of a new video game. Presentation of “Serendipity,” results in 10 points of flex credit.

Students may present one extra bonus Serendipity for five points. (Five points extra credit maximum for semester.)

Revisiting flex and extra credit, continued

Flex opportunity: Visit to the LNS. Students are invited to attend a page one meeting and tour of the Lodi News-Sentinel newspaper and prepare a short report on their visit. This provides five points of flex credit or five points of extra credit.

Revisiting, continued

Would you like to customize your own flex contribution? No problem. Let’s talk.

TA James Striplin is helping coordinate Serendipities, so contact him for guidance, suggestions, or to arrange for a Serendipity presentation. If you can’t contact James, by all means contact the instructor.

From Chapter One

Or shorter: “Using technology to send a message to a large and mixed audience.”

But what about e-mail? What about YouTube? What about a blog? Things are getting so messy.

What are media? Think a forest

How about mass media? From the text: “Mass media are the channels used for mass communication.” So the Internet, newspapers, movies, radio, TV are all part of mass media.

A medium?

And medium? That is one communications segment, say radio. Or TV. Or Newspapers. Or online news. Think a tree.

An outlet: Think tree limb

A media vehicle or outlet is a specific component, like the Record or KCRA TV or The Collegian or the Lodi News-Sentinel.

Plural v. singular

Media is plural. Medium is singular.

So the media are evolving and the medium of television is changing rapidly

MEDIA is in TRANSITION Seven essential trends (says the text)

ONE Audience segmentation. Lucy had 50 percent of the TV audience; The Cosby Show had 33; American Idol 13. The Reader’s Digest foundering, 18 million in 1976 to 7 million subscribers now. Daily newspapers struggle. It is all segmenting, breaking up, fracturing.

TWO. Convergence. Varied media on a unified platform or serving a primary owner. Let’s focus on device convergence.

THREE. Increased audience control. Power to the people. VCRs, DVRs, Hulu, Netflix, 24 hour news cycle. Get what you want, when you want it.

FOUR. Multiple platforms. Shotgunning. Paper. The internet. TV. Trying to keep up with a shifting, diffusing audience.

FIVE. User-generated content. Letters to the editor to You Tube. CNN’S iReport. LNS and Newsy Neighbors. Interactivity. Contributed content. You, too, get to play.

SIX. Mobile media. You can take it with you. Ipads, smartphones, Google glass.

Eight of ten have mobile phones; one out of five have a tablet computer like an iPad.

SEVEN. SOCIAL MEDIA Converse, share, engage. “Online communications …that involve participation, conversation, sharing collaboration and linkage.”

We reviewed segments relating to the Manti Te’ o controversy and the movie and TV show ‘Catfish’

Bottom line: Be careful and skeptical out there in Social Media land.

Add one more trend

EIGHT: PEER EVALUATION

Yelp, Facebook, Travel Advisor, Angie’s List, news sites. You may not care what the experts think anymore, but you sure care what your friends think.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g154945-d182590-Reviews-or120-Inn_at_Laurel_Point-Victoria_Vancouver_Island_British_Columbia.html#REVIEWS

Key phrases/concepts Gatekeepers. Fading away or increasing?

Let’s talk gatekeepers. They check for accuracy, balance and completeness.

Who are they? Why do they matter? Old-school: Grizzled newspaper editors. New school: Contributors to Wikipedia.

Key phrases/concepts

The backpack journalist: Versatility is key

Roll time!

Interviewing for – and writing – a mini-profile (And relax. Everyone passes this assignment.)

What is our goal here? To reveal someone to others in an honest and interesting way.

What goes into a good interview?

Let’s listen to Katie Couric

So, let’s recap interviewing

Body language, attitude, approach.
Energy and showing interest.
Building rapport.
How about questions?
Taking notes?
It takes a lot of sap to make syrup.
Writing the mini-profile

Organizing as you report: What was interesting? What was unusual? What impressed you? What surprised you?

Writing time

The lede: Brisk, straightforward, honest.

The body: Describe them and include your best information. Chronological is probably best.

At least one good quote.

The end: A good quote? An observation? A circular reference?

The lede, continued.

The lede. Strive for snappy, clear, perhaps clever. What defines this individual?

Think: Amy Garcia loves berets. Can’t get enough of them. Purple, pink, wool or satin.

She is the beret queen of Delta College.

Not: Amy Garcia is a college student.

Or other lede possibilities

The strong quote: “A beret is not just for covering your head. It’s a reflection of your soul.”

The description: On a recent Monday night, Amy Garcia looked like most other casually dressed night students. Boots, jeans, shirt.

No one besides Garcia, though, wore a hot pink beret emblazoned with the words, “Fashion is my god.”

The body. Introduce your subject

Garcia is 18, a McNair grad with a major in fashion and driving desire to one day work for a major New York design firm.

Think about description: Garcia is tall, with curly brown hair falling to her shoulders. She favors a style she calls ‘street chic.’ Doc Martens boots. Black, straight-leg Levi’s. A charcoal T-shirt with a faded red image of Che Guevara. And a hot pink beret with bold black letters: `Fashion is my god.’

The body: Background

Provide basic background in chronological order.

Born in Reno, Garcia moved to Stockton as a child with her family, who own and operate an organic vegetable business. She attended Clairmont Elementary School, Julia Morgan Middle School, and graduated from McNair High.

The body: What’s interesting? What defines someone?

Think hobbies, interests, experiences, challenges, triumphs.

Garcia said she picked up a copy of Nylon magazine at a Starbucks on March Lane when she was 16. “I saw a style there that blew me away. Something clicked in my brain. I knew I wanted to do fashion. It would be my life.”

She quit the McNair soccer team and begged her parents for a sewing machine. Her first design: A beret like one she’d seen in a Che Guevera poster. She entered the beret in a national high school fashion contest sponsored by Nylon and won honorable mention.

On choosing quotes

Think specific, personal, surprising, funny or telling.

“I saw a style there that blew me away. Something clicked in my brain. I knew I wanted to do fashion. It would be my life.”

The body: What’s interesting

She devoured every book in the Stockton city library on fashion and design.

Working part-time for her parents tending radishes and strawberries, she raised enough money to go to a special fashion design seminar at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco.

After high school graduation, she headed to Delta, where her favorite classes are the history of fashion and forecasting fashion trends.

“For me, the Delta fashion major is like spending every day at Disneyland,” she said.

The ending

Think simple and clean. A quote. An observation. A summary.

After Delta, Garcia plans to attend the OTIS school of design in Los Angeles.

From there?

“Eventually, it will be New York. Definitely, it will be fashion,” she said.

The basics

Typewritten, double-spaced
Try a headline that captures the essence of your profile: “Amy Garcia hopes to take a passion for fashion to New York City.”
Minimum of 500 words, about two double-spaced pages. No maximum.
Graded on: Clarity, creativity, detail, use of quotes, overall readability, quality of lede and ending.
Due next Monday at START of class.

Serendipity tonight Plus, does anyone have a nightcap?

Anyone like to share?

Next week: Chapter 2 (17 in previous texts), ethics and ‘Shattered Glass’

Let’s get started

One group will join James Striplin in Danner.

One group to remain here.

Once you are teamed up, choose who goes first as the interviewer.

Suggest 5-10 minutes per interview, though if you wish to go longer, feel free.

A note on notes.

After first round, subject becomes interviewer, interviewer becomes subject.

Once interviews are completed, you are free to go.

Evaluation Mark Barclays Prophesies and Credentials

KoolAidCulture — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:34:03 +0000

What follows is an assessment of Mark Barclay’s predictions/prophesy’s that were handed out in churches in from 2004 to 2009 (2010 pending). Congregations were encouraged to read these, copy them, and hand them out to others free of charge. These are being considered “prophesies” and not mere predictions because Dr Barclay includes the words “prophecy preview” in the background of his 2004 “I predict”, and calls them “prophetic insights” in the “I Predict” archives on his internet site

http://www.marktbarclay.com/contentpages.aspx?parentnavigationid=25447&viewcontentpageguid=DA4B7DDC-D7B4-4053-A169-727C15CCC61B

In addition, when Barclay speaks at other churches he is often introduced as a prophet. Since Dr Barclay says he “operates from the office of a prophet, and churches introduce him as a prophet, and he has chosen to use the word prophecy, he should now be considered a prophet and is to be accurate as all biblical prophets were. In addition, Barclay’s internet site says that these predictions come directly from Jesus himself, “…Even though the years covered in this archive have come and gone, the prophetic insights Jesus has given Dr. Barclay over the years can still be very relevant to our lives today. Please take a moment and review some of what Jesus has revealed to us in the past.” With this statement Mark Barclay encourages us to review these prophecies ourselves, echoing the apostle Johns command, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

Mark Barclay refers to himself (as do most others) as “Dr” Barclay, so we shall continue to do so here. Dr Barclay gives his educational “About our Pastors” portion of his website as well.

http://www.marktbarclay.com/contentpages/25457/79231f56-24ac-495c-88a1-25ebb922219c/AboutMTB.aspx

On this web page and in sermons he states he graduated from the Army-Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California- a military style high school (grades 7-12, http://www.armyandnavyacademy.org). He also claims a Bible degree from Berean Bible College in San Diego (Established 1971, Relocated to Poway at the time of this writing). During his leadership conference on 12/06/12, Barclay also claims he went to Life Bible College (founded by Aimee Semple McPherson and presently called Life Pacific College), naming Guy P. Duffield, Nathaniel M. Van Cleave as two influences on him while there.

Berean Bible College (http://bereanbiblecollege.net) was formed by Dr Barclay’s mentor and frequent guest preacher George Evans (who also claims a “Dr” Title). In his 9-18-2011 sermon, Dr Barclay claims Berean Bible College was birthed from Bible Missionary Temple and that he was still involved with Berean when he received his vision to build his current church. Berean Bible College is not accredited though the US department of education, but claims accreditation through an organization called “Accrediting Commission International”, or “ACI” (http://www.accreditnow.com). In 1982, ACI was called AIC, and was involved in a sting operation in which it was caught and fined for accrediting obviously bogus schools. After AIC closed up shop, it reopened the next state over under a slightly different name (the present ACI) and re-accredited the institutions it had under its previous name (http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/dm3.html). This is the organization that presently accredits Berean. It is humorous to note that this organization accrediting Dr. Barclay’s “bible degree” from Berean was caught (in the sting mentioned) accrediting a bogus school that had in Latin as its logo, “education is for the birds-Solum pro Avibus Est Educatio”, had as its motto, “Latrocina et Raptus- meaning “Highway Robbery”, and listed as its marine biology textbook, “The Little Golden Book of Fishes”. Berean Bible College Offers Classes only on Monday and Tuesday Nights (as of 3/8/13)

In his testimony before the State of California regarding the Postsecondary and Vocational Reform act of 1989 (which increased college regulation, the late George Evans admitted that instructors at Berean Bible college are mostly local pastors who only commit to teach a class for a short time, and that it would be difficult for Berean Bible college to provide actual transcripts of its alumni if requested. http://www.cpec.ca.gov/CompleteReports/1990Reports/90-25.pdf

One of the men submitted to Dr Barclay is Dr Stephen Johnson, another 1980’s Bachelor degree of Berean Bible college (http://stephenjohnson.org/word-bible-college.html). Dr Johnson has founded “Word Bible College” (accredited as well by ACI) offering Graduate degrees, with Dr George Evans, Dr Mark Barclay, Dr Robert Barriger, and Dr Ed Dufresne listed as instructors. (Ed Dufresne and his wife claim “Doctorate of Divinity” degrees, but this writer is unable to ascertain where they got these degrees from-requests to the ministry and bible college remain unanswered) http://whbtc.org/why-whbtc/ . Dr Ed Dufresne conducted an unholy marriage in 2010- http://james417.org/news_release_022310.html between 2 family members. http://www.wordbiblecollege.com/Guest_Speakers_&_Instructors.html . Dr Johnson completed his Masters and Doctorate at Bethel college in Riverside California (http://lifechristianchurch.com/pastors/our-pastors.html)- which is also accredited by ACI (http://bethelchristiancenter.com/pages/college.html ). Another Minister affiliated with Dr Barclay is Pastor King Rhodes of Springfield, VA, and of course, he claims to be a graduate of Berean Bible college, with a Masters in Theology from Stephen Johnson’ Word Bible College. http://www.hcicc.org/about/history.htm

Continuing on, Dr Barclay also has received his Bachelor of Arts, Masters in Business administration, and “Doctor in Philosophy Degree” From Golden State University, California. Dr Barclay states that he worked his way through college working for his Father in Law, with 1974 being one specific date given. In several sermons he claims to be a theologian by training, and in a 2010 sermon he claims he has been a college professor as well. One of Barclay’s guest ministers-Lonnie Brown of TCT (Tri State Christian Television) fame – claims a Masters degree from Golden State University as well.

There are 3 Golden state University’s- One is an Oriental Medicine school, another is a distance education school based out of Delaware, Belize, and the Virgin Islands, with a 3^rd Golden State University, California (changed to Honolulu University) being on a list with the state of Michigan and Oregon (as well as others) as being one of many “universities” they will not accept degrees from when applying for jobs. (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Non-accreditedSchools_78090_7.pdf)- PLEASE NOT- THIS LINK HAS CHANGED- DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF UNACCREDITED SCHOOLS, THE LINK NOW REFERS YOU TO ANOTHER ENTITY WITHOUT SPECIFICALLY LISTING HONOLULU UNIVERSITY ANYMORE AS OF 3/6/2013. A quick search with Wikipedia reveals that Golden State University was founded in California but in 1985 became Honolulu University (http://www.honolulu-university.edu/) and was moved to Hawaii due to minimal laws and enforcement of Institutions calling themselves Universities there. It is described as “an unaccredited institution of nontraditional higher education (distance learning)” and “not accredited by any recognized accreditation body, its degrees may not be acceptable to employers or other educational institutions, and the use of its degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions”. In addition the University made the press because of lawsuits resulting from irregularities related to school agents in Asia who failed to properly disclose the unaccredited status of the school to prospective students. The school lost in court and the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection is processing requests for tuition refunds. Honolulu Univesity is described in many articles as a “diploma mill”. Many of Barclays Guest ministers and associates have similar doctorates as well.

Dr Richard Hanner, a guest speaker of Barclay’s on 5-24-12 claims a Doctorate from Master’s International School of Divinity, whose website dedicates an entire 4 pages as to why an accredited degree isn’t necessary ( http://www.mdivs.edu/insights.html). When interviewed by the local newspaper, Pastor Gregory Scott Anderson- one of the Pastor’s submitted to Dr Barclay- claims seminary education at Indiana Christian University in Noblesville Indiana.( http://www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/04/hope_and_faith_in_a_risen_savi.html ) This “seminary” is unaccredited by the US department of education, and at the time of his attendance consisted of a one year certificate of achievement in Charsimatic studies. This college became part of the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic Association -LESEA-in 1988- Lester Sumrall was Pastor Scott Anderson’s Mentor at the time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Christian_University . In its 2000-2009 packet, This “University” requires in its’ “Covenant Agreement” ( http://www.lesea.org/documents/icu/2009_ICU_Catalog.pdf -pg 57) that students financially support LESEA and attend fundraisers, that they watch LESEA television and radio, while Indiana Christian University neglects to offer anything as their half of the “covenant”. It should be noted that all of the faculty have their college degrees from Indiana Christian University as well.

Dr Terry Mize, another of Barclay’s guest speakers, also holds an honorary Doctorate of Divinity degree bestowed upon him from a Church based “university” not recognized by the US dept of education as well (Kingsway Christian College- now Kingsway University) This University shares an address with a local church (EagleVision Church) which is currently for sale . This Univesity offers credits for life experience and does not require a High School diploma or GED for acceptance. http://www.terrymizeministries.org/happening.php http://www.kingsway.edu/page/introduction/ http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17654632/9120-SW-9th-Norwalk-IA/ http://www.iowarealtycommercial.com/userdocs/Uploadedfiles/9120_SW_9th_St_Norwalk.pdf . In addition this School is accredited by The International Association of Bible colleges and Seminaries (Also Known as the SAABC), and is not recognized by the Department of Education http://www.ehow.com/info_8057484_southern-association-bible-institutes-colleges.html http://www.nonprofitfacts.com/FL/Southern-Accrediting-Association-Of-Bible-Institutes-Bible-Colleges-An-International-Association-Of-Bible-Colleges-And-Seminaries.html http://www.iabcs.org/executivecommittee.htm

In 2005 an interesting development occurred in Michigan, the state where Barclay practices his vocation: public act 100 of 2005- The Authentic Credentials in Education Act. (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/billenrolled/senate/pdf/2005-SNB0136.pdf). This law states, “An individual who does not have an academic credential shall not knowingly use or claim to have that academic credential …in connection with any loan, business, trade, profession, or occupation.” Degrees from Golden State University, Honolulu University, and others fall into this definition as they are unaccredited, and using these degrees in conjunction with one’s vocation carries a civil liability of up to $100K in Michigan. (http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Non-accreditedSchools_78090_7.pdf http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2005-2006/billanalysis/Senate/htm/2005-SFA-0136-E.htm )

Since his web page states that Jesus Christ is speaking these things directly to him, Dr Barclay is to be considered a man of God unless the word of God shows otherwise- De 18:20 “…But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die…When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Mark Barclay is therefore a spokesman for God; he speaks in God’s name and by his authority (Ex 7:1), and claims he has the authority to anoint from the office of the prophet (sermon 12-2-2010) He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jer 1:9 Isa 51:16) and hence what he says is not of man but of God (2Pe 1:20-21,Heb 3:7,Ac 4:25, Ac 28:25). What follows is a review of the prophesies per Barclay’s exhortation, and the apostle John’s command. In his sermons, Dr Barclay often speaks of God telling him to do things. In his sermon on 6-14-2012, Barclay seemed to stop mid sermon, said that God just told him to “believe” with the business owners that one person would pay off all of their taxes. In another sermon in June of 2012, Barclay let his congregation know that God told him to pray for his congregation, that they would get a hundred fold return on their sowing. In other words, God told Barclay to pray that every dollar sown would have a return of $1,201,064,595,207,167,685,882,431,343,616- several trillion times the current world economy. Since the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, and since Barclay speaks from the office of a prophet, people in his church should be getting all their taxes paid by other people, and receiving trillions upon trillions of dollars.

On the flip side of this money teaching, Barclay and his elders often state from the pulpit that anyone who comes to the church and receives money from the benevolence fund is actually cursing themselves- a kind of reversing the tithe blessing. Barclay has also stated from the pulpit that if there are members of his church who plan on having babies, they need to get caught up on their tithe so that they do not have infertility problems, or in his words, ” …so your seed doesnt spill on the ground…”

In his sermon entitled “Jesus the comand giver”, Barclay the prophet states that The God head is NOT THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE,“In heaven Jesus was not known as Jesus, he was known as the Word. In Genesis Chapter. 1, it defines the Trinity of God, the three parts of God. You are made by the way after his image, three parts. There was a Creator, he was later called Jehovah. There was his word, later on when he come here God said you call this baby, not the Word, but Jesus which really means Yahshua….and then of course the bible talks about the Spirit of God……now these aren’t three different people. We teach them sorta, kinda almost as three different people for the sake of teaching. Now that Creator, Word and Spirit for the sake of man understanding and relating was changed by God, you can read it in the Scriptures, I know you know this, forgive me this so elementary. But it was changed to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Another part of this sermon has Barclay stating, “he is God made up of three parts just like…my son Josh and his soul is not some body else and his spirit is not someone else, and so I got to decipher…….Now there’s not three people, it’s just one Josh three parts. There’s not three Gods, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, he’s just one. He’s just got three parts. So this great Holy Spirit wants to father you.”

Shortly after this review of Barclay’s prophesies was published in 2010, J. Barclay contacted the web site and had them removed due to what he termed copyright infringement. While many others have poste quotes and videos of Barclay on the internet, it seems that only those that question him are removed due to cpyright infringement. It was this writers belief that since Barclay states these revelations come directly from Jesus, that they were not under copyright. Apparently, even though Dr Barclay and many other pastors encouraged their congregations to copy these predictions and distribute them freely, an honest review afterwards is to be kept private and to oneself.

“I Predict”- 2004

Prediction #1: The conflict in Iraq will not go as planned and will yet bite those who have been feeding it. The way this is worded does not establish whom the Iraq conflict will not go as planned for- is it the insurgents or the coalition? Any armed conflict does not go as planned for one side or the other, it is the nature of war- The goal is to make things go badly for the other side, using death and destruction to do so. Regardless of actual events, this prophecy is vague enough & is worded in a way that causes it to come true no matter what the outcome is, because it is practically guaranteed that any war will not go as planned for one side. In addition, it does not so much predict a future event as it states what always happens. Both Iraqi’s and Americans suffered casualties. In any conflict there will be gains and losses on both sides, therefore, this conflict bit those that fed it, and also did not go as planned, regardless of which side you are referring to. This prophecy could be applied to ANY military conflict throughout history especially when it is not mentioned which side the conflict will go badly for. I can only assume that when Jesus provided this divine insight to Mark Barclay he was not so much saying that something different was about to happen, but that what has always happened for thousands of years would happen again in the upcoming year.

Prediction #2- The white house will scramble to appease its allies and spank its enemies, but this will do little for your house. It’s time to get your house in order. As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord. 9 months prior to this prophecy being made, the United States invaded Iraq with its allies. In this time of war the allies publically announced their intentions to work together and appease each other so that enemies could be effectively “spanked”. As with prophecy #1, Jesus does not appear to be giving a new revelation, but is letting Barclay know that things will continue as they have. I believe that this prophecy has been applicable to any white house administration for as long as I can recall: I can recall no administration in my lifetime that did not, at least once in any year, try to appease its allies and spank its enemies- isn’t that what they are supposed to do?

Prediction #3- The American church will begin to address the lethargy plague and begin to fight back. We will begin to get our inner energy back. Here I face a prophecy that I am unable to evaluate , but is sure to occur at least once sometime, somewhere, in some American church, at least once this year, as it has annually for 200 years. As a prediction of likely (if not guaranteed) events somewhere, this prophecy has to have come true for some American church every year for the last 2 centuries, especially when the broad term “American church” is used, so by default it has come true.

Another reason why this prophecy cannot be evaluated is because the word “begin” is used several times. It doesn’t actually say that the church will address the lethargy and fight back, it merely says that we will “begin” to- so it doesn’t actually have to be fulfilled, only begun.

Unlike the prophets we read of in the bible who gave specifics on who when and where- allowing the hearers to separate the true from the false- the fulfillment of most of Dr Barclay’s prophecies relies mainly on assuming that what is predicted has come true because it happens all the time anyway, and because it avoids pointing fingers at specific persons. An example of this is that of a friend who phoned me out of concern because he had heard from others that I was writing “bad stuff” about Dr Barclay, and asked why I would even be evaluating Dr Barclay’s prophecies publically. He was concerned that I might be putting myself in danger by judging a man of God. I explained that I thought I was simply giving facts and others were inferring their own discretion upon those facts (henceforth seeing Barclays predictions as “bad stuff”) . When I asked if he had actually read my review of these prophecies himself, or if he had ever spent the time to review Dr Barclay’s predictions as Dr Barclay encourages us to do on his website, my friend stated that he had always given Dr Barclay the benefit of the doubt regarding his annual prophecies but had never looked into them. He said he figured that even if there was no evidence they had come true, that God was making things happen behind the scenes that we may not be aware of- even if facts show otherwise. To his belief I concur- most of the prophecies made in 2004 are worded in such a way as to be guaranteed to come true somewhere this year, because the event predicted is an weekly (if not daily) event for someone in this nation of 300,000,000 people. There are, however prophesies in which just the opposite of what Barclay predicted, occurred.

Prediction #4- The church will come to the conclusion that worldly possessions, sports, hobbies, and getaways wont bring the peace or solution to life that is wanted, and believers will instead begin to encourage themselves” in the Lord” Most people in the churches that I know, have possessions, hobbies, and go on vacations (“getaways”) as a means of peace “as” they encourage themselves in the Lord- not “instead” of encouraging themselves in him. In 2004 I cannot recall anyone (in the church that I was involved in) who did not find some sense of peace in these, nor do I know of any Christian who turned “instead” to encouraging themselves in the Lord, as they were already doing this. The men of God I knew who were affiliated with Barclay would speak from the pulpit of the need for themselves to take a vacation and get the rest and “peace” mentioned in this prophecy so they did not “burn out” serving the Lord. Prosperity and enjoyment of all that God provided was encouraged, as well as praying for bonuses & commissions, finding money, unexpected checks in the mail, etc. When I turn to my sermon archives, notes, and recollections from the ministers/church leaders I knew in 2004 (who endorsed and submitted to Barclay in addition to having these prophecies given to them), I find vacations were taken, motorcycles were ridden, sports were enjoyed, and toys were purchased- this all was endorsed from the local pulpit, and apparently peace was obtained from them, contradicting Dr Barclays prediction. So while I have to admit that I did not see this prophecy come true in the church I attended in 2004, if this insight was indeed given by Jesus himself it must have come true at least one time, somewhere, sometime in the world, as it has every year, thereby rendering it true. For unknown reasons, the Christ whom Barclay says tells him these things does not give specifics as he did prophets of old, and for unexplained reasons the opposite came true in the church I attended, indicating either a false prophecy overall, or the church I attended being out from under Barclay’s umbrella of prophecies and them coming to fruition elsewhere in those churches truly covered by Dr Barclay’s anointing.

Prediction #5 …that the democratic party will cause a terrible conflict that they themselves will actually bleed from, and some will even surrender their careers. Here’s a prophecy that has some specifics, and can be evaluated. In late 2004 the incumbent George W Bush defeated John Kerry in the presidential election and the Democrats lost 4 of the 48 seats they held- not as the result of a terrible conflict but simply from the election. Aside from this, there are no records I can find that would resemble a “terrible conflict” nor do they show that any Democrats surrendered their careers due to it. In addition I am unable to find anything that would verify the “actually bleed” part of this insight. It should be noted, however that this prophecy from 2004 is highlighted on 2005’s “I Predict” prophecy page, apparently as an indicator that this came true. Again as I review most of these prophecies (as Barclay instructs on his website) I am only left to assume this prophecy came true even though my research finds no evidence of this. Any specific information on what Jesus may have been referring to when telling Dr Barclay this would be appreciated, as would any evidence to show it came true.

Prediction #6 …that Satan is coming to reap what he has sown. Repent now, fix everything, and forgive everybody. Your lifestyle must fit Jesus’ if you will survive the day. Satan has coming to reap what he has sown for 6000 years, so if it were to happen again this year there would be nothing new happening. Barclay again predicts that Satan is coming to reap what he has sown in his 21^st prediction of 2010. “Repent now, fix everything, and forgive everybody” was preached by Christ 2000 years ago and still holds true today, the command given in this prediction is not a new one. The third part of this prophesy, “…Your lifestyle must fit Jesus’ if you will survive the day…” remained unfulfilled in the people I knew in 2004, as many people (Christian and non-Christian) whose lifestyle did not fit Jesus’ survived the day and 7 years later are still alive and thriving. I also know Christian people whom I thought had a lifestyle that did fit Christ’s who suffered family tragedies, filed for bankruptcy and died of illnesses following this prophecy. Barclay repeats the prophecy to repent in his 2005 prediction page.

Prediction #7…that even the law and society will clamp down on many of its abominable things yet simultaneously vote for and allow others to be established- In 2004 California began handing out gay marriage licenses as 10 states banned it, homosexuality being an “abominable” thing in the bible. I believe that since the specific term “abominable things” was used and there were political/social issues around homosexual marriage in 2004, this prediction did occur.

Prediction #8 …most believers will admit that most of the things they practice are not working for them, so they will go back to the basics of Christianity and rebuild their lives from there. I am simply unable to evaluate this prediction. I was able to observe many people leave the church I was attending, however, claiming that what was being taught there did not work, with a majority of them having success after discarding my church’s teachings and starting over with the bible and another church.

Prediction #9 …that America’s economy will not spring back the way some wish, even though desperate effort will be applied. Christian’s must tithe and make their declaration of independence from the world’s systems. In 2004 the US economy registered the highest growth rate it had in 5 years, pleasing economists. In addition, I have been unable to find that any un-ordinary measures that most would term “desperate effort” were used to bring this turn around. According to Barclay, Christ told him one thing was going to happen- in reality the opposite occurred.

Predictions 10-13 are all prophecies that apply to Christians and the church. Each of these predictions cannot be confirmed or refuted because, as with the other prophecies, they are things that some people in the church will continue to experience in any given year. Some are predictions of what has happened daily for centuries to people whether or not they are Christian.

#10 …that the year 2004 for many will not be a maintenance year but a year to advance. Everything from buildings, computers, vehicles, equipment and missions wil be pushed forward by the Holy Spirit and his ordained leaders.

#11 … that believers who have been standing on the Word of God will see a breakthrough with their children and, in fact, other parts of their family as well. For many 2004 will be a year of satisfaction.

#12… that Acts 2 will be fulfilled right before our eyes. As young people will not only come to God’s house. But many of them will take on the responsibility and be promoted to positions in the church

#13… that many churchgoers will squeeze every bit of life out of every song they sing and every scripture they hear or read. I see a desperate desire in most to enjoy the safety of a good shepherd and a good church.

Summary- There were 13 prophecies made by Mark Barclay in 2004. Out of these, 4 or 5 were specific enough to enable an evaluation, I can confirm only one out of these 4 or 5 was fulfilled. The majority of the prophecies for this year fell into three categories- 1) not specific enough to evaluate, 2) were worded in a way that allowed for them to come true no matter what the outcome, 3) stated events that occur all the time. It appears that that the one area I have difficulty verifying are the prophecies where Barclay actually gives some specifics From 2004-2009, I can confirm on average about one out of four or five predictions while the rest actually seem never to have happened, or the exact opposite of the prophesy happens. We are encouraged to review these prophetic insights by the bible itself and by Mark Barclay’s website. We are encouraged in the bible not to just “assume” that things spoken by men of God are going to occur, “…believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” And in Deuteronomy “…When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Let no fear rest upon your head because you have a sincere desire to prove these prophecies to be of God. Let not man instill fear in you because you are attempting to discern common sense truth from falsehood

This is an assessment of Mark Barclays I predict 2005, described as “prophecies” when read and announced in my church in 2005. I noted on the actual sheet handed out (attached) that he has included one of his prophecies from 2004 on the right side that says, “ I predict that the Democratic party will cause a terrible conflict that they themselves will actually bleed from, and some will even surrender their careers”. At first glance I thought that this was put on there because it was a confirmation that his prediction had come true, but after researching I could not recall or find any terrible conflict, bleeding, or significant surrenders. Since it appears to be a fulfilled prophesy, Mark Barclay’s ministry should be able to provide the specifics of its fulfillment.

#1 2005 will be a year of judgment—a time to judge yourself so that the worldly judge cannot. Many will be in awe of those who fall under the judgment and, of course, their outcome. Reading through this first of 2005’s predictions one should notice that it is the first of many (if not a majority) of 05’s predictions that can be made in any given month and have an excellent chance of being fulfilled. How much more the chance for success if made for an entire year? I personally did not experience awe towards anyone who fell under judgment.

#2 …the supernatural, evil attack launched against God’s people by evil spirits will intensify, and many believers will not possess the strength and anointing to defeat these invisible enemies because they will abandon God’s house. People leaving church and “abandoning God’s house” is a daily event for churches- it has happened for years and will most likely continue. The prediction of many not being strong enough to defeat invisible enemies is a common occurrence as well, evidenced by Barclay repeating this prediction in 2006, “…evil spirits, invisible and ferocious, will have their way with many Christians because they will not get serious about their prayer life…” and again in 2010, “…born again un-churched people will begin to be wiped out by the intense attack of demonic forces and because they are disconnected from the main body…” and again in 2007, “…I predict horrible crisis-level events among many churchgoing people because of their hedge-breaking, loose-living, devil obliging lifestyles.” This prophecy appears to be more of a habitual annual prediction than unique foresight

#3…a great new liberty and enthusiasm will come to many Christians, as well as their churches, as they judge themselves and find deliverance from many of the things that have kept them bound for so long. In addition to predicting a common event that cannot be evaluated, it should be noted that while prediction #2 describes “many” abandoning God’s house, this prediction describes “many” finding a new liberty and deliverance. Both ends of the spectrum are covered this year, so one is guaranteed to pass. Since Barclay’s website says that Jesus gives him these predictions. God apparently wants deliverance and liberty this year, but when next year’s prediction time comes in 2006 he looks back and says that we were weak this year in 2005- “…spiritual warfare will be a must for even the average soldier of the cross as we realize that our lack of it in 2005 made us weak and vulnerable…” seemingly contradicting himself.

#4 …the general economy in the United States will increase, therefore people will be less afraid for their future and will give more liberally. Our churches will be financially stronger this year. Just as the economists predicted and published in journals and government reports towards the end of 04, the US economy grew again as it has for most years since the 1950’s.

#5…even with society in general deteriorating, America will be on the top of the chart in her fight for morals and traditional values. Too vague, unable to refute or confirm.

#6…you must keep your eyes on Saudi Arabia, for the world’s attention will keep shifting there. It will remain a place of wonder and suspicion and even become the center of attention. Being an American Ally, Saudi Arabia has always held a level of significance in the Middle East, and attention often shifts there. Besides the Kings death in 2005 and the country balancing their budget, there was no unusual focus there in 2005. In 2010 the United States agreed to sell the Saudi’s Military jets which upset several Arab Nations and it was learned that the Saudi King encouraged others to get rid of Iran. Even during the Arab uprisings of 2011, Saudi Arabia seemed quiet and satble. Decide for yourself whether these events and others over half a decade qualify Saudi Arabia as a “place of wonder and suspicion” and “the center of attention”.

#7…there will be great breakthroughs against the terrorist strongholds, but it will take much longer to totally eliminate the threat. Weapons of mass destruction will be dealt with this year. By the fall of 2004, reports were circulating that Weapons of mass destruction had been hidden or shipped out of Iraq prior to the 2003 invasion. The U.S. military announced in 2004 in Iraq that several crates of the old shells had been uncovered and that they contained a blister agent that was no longer active.” It said the shells “had been buried near the Iranian border, and then long forgotten, by Iraqi troops during their eight-year war with Iran, which ended in 1988.” Small stockpiles of useless degraded weaponry had been found before 2005 and afterwards, but 2005 was uneventful regarding “…weapons of mass destruction will be dealt with this year…” even on the international front. In regards to the “great breakthroughs”, there were none aside from what would be commonly expected in a war. Saddam Hussein had been captured in December of 2003, and Osama Bin Laden was still at large. In the end, it appears that no WMD’s were ever found in Iraq, much less dealt with. In a speech before the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, NC, on April 7, 2006, President Bush stated that he “fully understood that the intelligence was wrong, and [he was] just as disappointed as everybody else” when U.S. troops failed to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

#8…a scheme to taint the President’s reputation and favor will be created and launched against this administration by its vehement and jealous enemies. Criticism was aimed at Bush’s handling of both Hurricane Katrina and the situation in Iraq, but it is a stretch to identify any “schemes” launched against president Bush outside of the aforementioned criticism.

#9…Christians will breathe much easier as they have a season of victory and even win some wars on the civilian front. While this prediction says that Christians will have victory, predictions 1 & 2 this year predict judgment and defeat of “many” Christians. Next year’s 2006 prediction looks back and says that Christians were weak this year (2005).

#10…for God’s people, repentance is the name of the game. Those who have turned from living a non biblical lifestyle will be blessed, forgiven, and cleansed. Others will pay a dear price. This is a given, a biblical principal that has been preached weekly in sermons across the country for centuries, and is not a unique prediction to the year 2005.

#11…as God’s people repent of their ways, God will honor them with revival in their families. Many families will be healed, marriages will be restored, children will return home, and relatives will be born again. Peace will come where strife once reigned. This repeats the previous prophecy (#10), in addition to 2004’s prophecy page, “…believers who have been standing on the word of God will see a breakthrough with their children, and in fact, with others parts of their family as well…”. Barclay predicts similarly for the third consecutive year in 2006 with,”…in 2006 we will be given many special opportunities to win the souls of both strangers and loved ones. We must seize this special, divine opportunity”

#12…spending time with the Lord personally with daily communion will not only bring a great peace but tremendous inner fortitude. I am unsure what qualifies this as a prophetic insight. When I heard these predictions read from the pulpit I sat and scratched my head thinking what was so profound about telling people that spending time with God helps a lot, though many more deeply spiritual people around me saw it as prophetic, so I must have missed something.

#13…we will receive supernatural communications from Heaven in the form of dreams, visions, and revelations as God guides His people through the perils of these horrible last days. His presence will be overwhelming— it will be awesome! If this is to be taken literally, I admit that I did not get “overwhelmed” by God in 2005, though he was present as usual. I acknowledge that I have no way to evaluate the level of being overwhelmed, or the awesomeness experienced by others because the prediction seems vague. I’m sure, however, that at the least, a few Christians in the U.S. were overwhelmed and thought God was awesome at some time in the year(as has happened for centuries), rendering this prediction as true by default.

#14…a great reward in the spirit and in the natural shall be bestowed upon those who have stood strong and very faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry, as soldiers from combat receiving medals of valor from their commander in chief. Barclay predicts similarly in 2008, “…and reward will come to those who diligently seek Him.”

#15…we will witness tremendous testimonies of great and unusual healings as God frees His people from sicknesses, diseases, and injuries that they have lived with for a long time in return for their sweet spirit and their commitment to turn away from the things of this world. Since the term “we” is used here I am assuming that I am included because this was handed to me and read to our church by my pastor, and since this was read openly and passed out at my church, I am assuming this included the church as well. I observed no “great and unusual healings” at my local congregation, and in fact our congregation began having the first deaths, injuries and serious illnesses ever in its 20 years of ministry. This lack of people dying in our church was announced from the pulpit often (up until the deaths and illnesses that started around the time of this prediction)

#16…the pressures and disappointments of life will cause us to run to the altars of God. I predict that the altars will be full and very powerful this year. In 2005 I saw no new power or an increase in people at the altar, it pretty much was church as usual, no new activity as stated in the prediction. Barclay predicts this again in 2008, “…The altars will be very action-packed this year, and there will be a powerful manifested presence of the Spirit of the Lord where He is welcomed.” Again in 2009 Barclay states, “This will be a year to run to the altars of God and make things right with Him. … God’s people will feel compelled to be in His house and at His altars.”

#17…we will be shocked at who goes to Heaven this year. Kenneth Hagin and Derek Prince died in 2003, Billy Joe Daugherty passed in 2009. 2005 saw the passing of Johnny Carson, Arthur Miller, Richard Pryor and the Pope. I am unaware of any deaths (religious or secular) that shocked the country or the Christian community as a whole, even the death of the Roman church’s pope was not a shock.

#1 2006 will be the year to get fixed. The damages done in the year of Judgment (2005) and of living in the last days will begin to be repaired. In2004 Barclay Prophesied, “2004 for many will not be a maintenance year but a year to advance. Everything from buildings, computers, vehicles, equipment and missions will be pushed forward by the Holy Spirit and his ordained leaders… I predict that closure to things left open, solution to unsolved issues, and restoration to past broken relationships will be the beauty of this year.” The next year in 2005 He predicted, “… Christians will breath much easier as they have a season of victory… families will be healed…marriages restored…” I am not clear why the prophet is predicting that the damage done last year in 2005 will be repaired here in 2006, when he has predicted restoration now for the last three years running. Did the restoration predictions of the last 2 years never occur? If not then they were wrong, but if they did occur then this years prophesy is wrong. In addition to predicting restoration in 2005, he also predicted damage and judgment the same year. Barclay continues with similar predictions in 2007, “…I predict ’07 will be a year of conquering and conquest.”

2) . . . in 2006 many Christians who were thinking that the blessings of God are automatic (just because we call ourselves Christians) will come to a great realization that they are not and will return to the basic disciplines and practices of the Word. Unable to evaluate and assess

3) . . . in 2006 we will be given many special opportunities to win the souls of both strangers and loved ones. We must seize this special, divine opportunity. In 2004 Barclay predicted, “… believers who have been standing on the Word of God will see a breakthrough with their children and, in fact, other parts of their family as well”. In 2005 he again predicted, “…as God’s people repent of their ways, God will honor them with revival in their families. Many families will be healed, marriages will be restored, children will return home, and relatives will be born again. I am unsure what qualifies this as a “special divine opportunity” after being repeated for three consecutive years. It seems this is more of an annual event that a prophetic insight.

4) . . . though the season for seeker-sensitive churches is not quite over, many will break away from their shallowness, entertainment, and attractions and will turn to churches that provide a deeper spiritual walk, a move of the Spirit, and more Bible teachings.

5) . . . the new craze for seeker sensitivity will begin to unravel as many attendees of these churches will realize how dry they are and how little miraculous, Holy Ghost help they are getting. “Seeker sensitivity is not a “new craze” as Barclay puts it, but has been around for about 20 years.I personally watched this unfold over this time, not just on a local level but pretty much with several churches and do believe this was a national trend. I have combined predictions 4 & 5 into one single prophesy because they both address the same issue. In addition, in June of 2007 Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church publically announced that their way of seeker sensitive ministry did not work. Barclay predicts this- after the fact- in 2008’s “I Predict, “…Many of the seeker-sensitive style pastors will begin to admit their great mistake.”

6) . . . those who truly chase God and press into His presence will be revived like never before. Revival is not sovereign—it is God’s response to our crying out to Him. In 2005 Barclay predicted, “…as God’s people repent of their ways, God will honor them with revival in their families…” and now Barclay is again predicting revival in 2006. In next year’s “I Predict 2007”, Barclay states, “ I predict revival is coming—but not quite yet…” Why does Jesus have the prophet predict revival and being revived in both 2005 and a 2006, and then say in next year’s 2007 “I Predict” that revival is not here yet? In addition, I know of churches that have cried out for revival- some experienced it and some didn’t. I must disagree on Barclay’s opinion that revival is not sovereign, that it is God’s response to our crying out to him. I read in the Bible that Revival is sovereign- it is God choosing to answer our cries.

7) . . . in 2006 being a Christian is going to become so precise (even micro-tuned) that if we are going to beat the evil of the day, we will have to be very, very accurate and live according to His book more than we have ever lived, thought, or talked before. Unable to evaluate

8) . . . evil spirits, invisible and ferocious, will have their way with many Christians because they will not get serious about their prayer life and the purity of their faith walk. Many will be but modern “sons of Sceva” because they will exercise the name of Jesus but not have the relationship Christ to back it up. This appears to be an annual prediction. In 2005,”… the supernatural, evil attack launched against God’s people by evil spirits will intensify, and many believers will not possess the strength and anointing to defeat these invisible enemies because they will abandon God’s house…” Barclay repeats this prediction here in 2006, and again in 2007, “…I predict horrible crisis-level events among many churchgoing people because of their hedge-breaking, loose-living, devil obliging lifestyles.” In 2010 he prophecies “…born again un-churched people will begin to be wiped out by the intense attack of demonic forces and because they are disconnected from the main body

9) . . . spiritual warfare will be a must for even the average soldier of the cross as we realize that our lack of it in 2005 made us weak and vulnerable. Despite having previously predicted deliverance and greatness in 2005, this prediction of 2006 says that Christians were weak and vulnerable then. In 2005 Barclay predicted all of the following strength and power, which appears to be the opposite of 2006’s weak and vulnerable that he says Jesus told him happened last year:

…a great new liberty and enthusiasm will come to many Christians, as well as their churches, as they judge themselves and find deliverance from many of the things that have kept them bound for so long.

… people will be less afraid for their future and will give more liberally. Our churches will be financially stronger this year… Christians will breathe much easier as they have a season of victory …

Those who have turned from living a non biblical lifestyle will be blessed, forgiven, and cleansed…

…as God’s people repent of their ways, God will honor them with revival in their families. Many families will be healed, marriages will be restored, children will return home, and relatives will be born again. Peace will come where strife once reigned…

…spending time with the Lord personally with daily communion will not only bring a great peace but tremendous inner fortitude

…we will receive supernatural communications from Heaven in the form of dreams, visions, and revelations as God guides His people … His presence will be overwhelming

… a great reward in the spirit and in the natural shall be bestowed upon those who have stood strong and very faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and His ministry

… we will witness tremendous testimonies of great and unusual healings as God frees His people from sicknesses, diseases, and injuries

10) . . . a new, fresh awareness and discernment and even the “gift” of discerning of spirits will be imparted to God’s anointed leaders and pastors. This will bring a new caliber of leadership and new awareness to the realm of the supernatural. Unable to evaluate

11) . . . unusual and weird events will change the course and character of our great nation, America. Our dear neighbors in Canada will lead the race to an anti-Christ, anti-biblical lifestyle through their legislation. The 39th Canadian Parliament was in session from April 3, 2006 until September 7, 2008. The bills passed are as follows: Federal Accountability Act, 2006 Canadian federal budget, extending the Afghan War until 2011, Softwood lumber deal, fixed election dates and minimum penalties for offences involving firearms. A government motion to reopen the same-sex marriage debate failed. Public records of legislation that could be termed “anti Christ” and “anti biblical” is not to be found by this writer.

12) Internationally we have not seen the end of Korea’s belligerence… In 2006 North Korea Tested Medium Range Missiles (unsuccessfully) and also declared it had carried out its first test of a nuclear weapon, becoming the world’s 9th Nuclear Power. Although Korea’s continued belligerence on the world front was not a surprise and there was no reason to think that they would stop, I believe that since there was significant news on North Korea’s military progression it is needful to consider this prediction as fulfilled.

…or China’s sneaky form of aggression. Perhaps had a specific or two been given there may have been a chance to consider this as fulfilled, but the term “sneaky form of aggression” is just too broad, nor can I find aggression on China’s part in 2006. In fact, The Nathula Pass between India and China that was sealed during the Sino-Indian War re-opened for trade after 44 years.

Iran will be as difficult as ever to deal with, but the world will confront them. A caveat is in order here. The words “will be as difficult as ever to deal with” is the same as saying what has already been happening for years will continue and not change- not really a prediction. However, in April Iran confirmed that it successfully produced a few grams of low-grade enriched uranium, refused access to U.N. inspectors, and tested missiles capable of reaching Israel. In addition, in 2010 they announced that they were able to domestically produce Yellow cake uranium. Due to the fact that sanctions were put in place due to this in 2006, I think this prediction is fulfilled.

Israel’s borders will continue to be nibbled at, and her predicted time of peace will not yet be. Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed them. In response, Israel launches a major military attack, sending thousands of troops into Lebanon. Hezbollah declared open war against Israel and fired rockets into Israel. This was a definite escalation of how things had been, so definitely fulfilled.

France and friends will continue to pay a dear price for their compromise. At the end of 2005 riots occurred throughout France primarily initiated by Muslims, including a bomb set off by the French armed Islamic front. Despite conficts and uprisings around the world, however, 2006 was rather unremarkable in France. If specifics had been given on as to what the price would be or exactly what the compromise was, then we might be able to affirm this prediction, but even after some research and the willingness to stretch my mind to include many things as compromise, nothing satisfactory was found.

13) . . . terrorist attacks will continue in the most unusual places,… London experienced new attacks in 2005 and 2007, but not 2006. In 2006 there were terrorist attacks in about 25 countries worldwide and the number increased 25%, but I only found 3 new countries that hadn’t been attacked in the last 2 years (Yemen, Libya, and Moldova). On the other hand, about a dozen countries that were attacked in 2005 were not attacked in 2006. I cannot find where terrorist attacks continued in “the most unusual places” this year… and the war on terror will rage on… Again, this is what I would consider a default prediction, nothing more than predicting that which has been going on for years, and most people believe will continue for years more- it is not a prediction or prophesy, it is a likely event that has been happening already for years.

America will lose interest in one area but totally saturate herself in another. There was no area in which America left to focus on another this year, even militarily. In January 2006 president Bush actually boosted the troops in Iraq, and while talk began of increasing troops in Afghanistan, there was by no means a saturation.

More and more we will see the “day of Noah” and the “day of Lot” come upon us as the day of the coming of the Son of Man overtakes us. We must be ready for His appearing!

14) . . . fear of world disasters, evil, and terrorism will dictate how many people live, but the righteous shall live by faith and overcome that old dragon by the name of Jesus, the word of our testimony, and loving not our own lives. The way this is worded is not specific enough to document its fulfillment. On a personal level, however, I saw many people around me live in fear of terrorism and evil.

15) . . . in 2006 God will talk to the men of the camp with a challenge to provide more leadership to their families and to step up to the plate and initiate service to the King of Glory. Unable to Assess

16) . . . in 2006 God will speak to the women of the camp to provide more encouragement to their families and to add an element of stability and peace like never before. Unable to assess – Both 15 and 16 are predictions that cannot be assessed. In addition, since Mark Barclay was my Pastor’s pastor, I would have assumed this would have applied to my church since these predictions were distributed there and read from the pulpit. As an elder involved in the oversight of this church I did not, however, see these predictions fulfilled on a local level.

17) . . . true pastors will constantly challenge their flocks to be disciples and not just “attendees,” and true believers will lay aside the party spirit and pay the dear price to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Default prediction, happens every week somewhere in the US

18) . . . the prosperity teachings will stay prominent, but there will be a great divide for those who exaggerate them and for the greedy—even judgment for some. Some will usher in shame to the body of Christ. In November of 2006 Ted Haggard was accused of and admitted to having sex with a male prostitute.Though I keep a close eye on “prosperity teachings”, I have found no other events that occurred in 2006, nor was I aware of this happening on a local level at my church as well. The only other events I am aware of in regards to prominent prosperity teachers are the controversy surrounding the million or so in donations to Copelands angel flight 44 ministry that never manifested, Paula and Randy White’s divorce (2007), Benny Hinns Divorce (2010) and affair with Paula White, Senator Grassleys investigation into several ministers, TD Jakes son being arrested for masturbating in public (2008), Tammy Bakers death (2007), and the Bankruptcy of the Crystal Cathedral (2010).

19) . . . “Minister Moses” will be in the presence of the Lord, getting the Word and will of God for His people, while “Minister Aaron” will be partying with the people and rejoicing over the song, dance, and offering! Unable to assess/ should be more specific as to who.

20) . . . if you do not stand strong in faith, you will not stand Statement of common sense, not a prediction

1 I predict ’07 will be a year of conquering and conquest. Things we’ve been believing for, for a long time, will manifest. Sins and bondages will be broken.Similar prediction every year/common event

2. I predict a great renewal of confidence will come to us, convincing us that God has not failed us and that He will bring us through. Unable to assess/ Prediction of something that will always happen to someone in the U.S. in any given week

3. I predict two great extremes—those who are worldly wil suffer extreme calamity, and those who chase God with all of their heart will enjoy extreme blessing. There are several problems with this prediction. The first issue is that either of these two extremes is already guaranteed to happen to some people this year and always has happened to some people in any given year- therefore he will get it right no matter what. In addition, the exact opposite occurs every year- I personally know people who chased God with all of their heart yet died or suffered severe calamities in 2007. I also know many people that were “worldly” who had a pretty good year and as of 2010 still have not suffered the calamity predicted, rendering this prediction as false

4. I predict revival is coming—but not quite yet. Too many still want to define how and when they serve God. Barclay predicted revival in his 2005 and 2006. He is now saying revival hasn’t come yet. In addition, if you continue down to prediction #19 for this year, Barclay seems to state the opposite of this prediction when he predicts a “revival-level stirring” will happen this year. I am unsure what the difference would be between the term “revival” mentioned in this prediction (predicted not to happen this year) and “revival level stirring” in prediction 19 (will happen this year)

5.. Preachers must get the fire back in their belly and the boldness back in their preaching. Confrontation of sin and worldly living will be at the top of God’s agenda this year. This is a command and a statement-Not a prediction, therefore cannot be evaluated.

6. I predict that infections (bacterial and viral) will be a major threat, and terrorists will turn to biological and chemical tools and weapons to fight against Christianity and the free world.Bacterial and viral infections remained at pretty much the same rate around the world in 2007 as previous years, so just as they were already a major threat for years previous to this prediction being made, they continued to be a threat in 2007- nothing had changed. The H1N1 pandemic occurred in 2009, and the avian flu that had been occurring since 2004 continued. Neither of these influenza outbreaks has been attributed to terrorism, however. While there are no reports of any biological weapons used in 2007, this prediction was made in the months AFTER chlorine gas attacks in Iraq had already begun in October of 2006, and continued through July of 2007. These attacks were aimed at the Iraqi police forces and Iraqi people for the most part. They did not appear to be focused on Christianity as had been forecast by Barclay.

7. Don’t be naive—neither a democrat nor a republican will be able to put a total end to the war on terror, terrorists, or the evil that creeps throughout the earth. Since the war on terror had now been around for 6 years and no republican or democrat had yet ended it, the question must be asked- what makes this year’s prediction unique or insightful? Terrorism and evil that creeps this earth have been around for thousands of years and no democrat or republican has ever ended that. This is deemed not a prediction- it is a simple observation of a state the word has always been in, kind of like predicting that dogs will not fly this year.

8. Washington will continue to bicker back and forth and stress and strain for solutions and answers, but they will fall short. But be at peace—God has not placed the future of the United States totally and ultimately in the hands of man. Again we see a history of events already in place (Barclay even says “will continue”) being regarded as a divine prophecy. For the most part, Biblical prophets were specific and predicted unusual, extraordinary events. On the other hand, for the most part, Barclay repeatedly hears Jesus predicting that events already in place for years will keep happening.

9. The threat of and race for nuclear weapons and the verbal bashing will grow more intense between nations, but this time it will go too far—beyond words and threats. This prophecy remains unfulfilled. North Korea tested missiles and a nuclear device unsuccessfully in the fall of 2006, and tested successfully in 2009. India and Pakistan tested nukes in 1998. These are the only nuclear tests in the last 10 years, so obviously the race for nuclear weapons did not go “too far- beyond words and threats in 2007.

10. The war on religion will rage on. Jihad is far from over, and there will be even more signs of tyranny and terrorism, as well as distress among nations. As with many other predictions, this is not a prediction at all, it simply says that things will continue the way they have been for years. There were about 14,500 terrorist attacks worldwide in 2007, the same as in 2006.

11. Some preachers will divert from their call to preach and will work as “peacemakers” in troubled countries. This will be in vain. I am unable to evaluate this prophecy, but do not know why a prophecy would be given that seems in contradiction with scripture. Jesus clearly said that peace makers were blessed, that they would be called the children of God, not that there efforts would be in vain. If a preacher diverted from their call to preach it can be understood that their work might be in vain, but being a peacemaker for God and resulting fruitless efforts is not biblical.

12. Only God’s intervention will stop us from more wars and even the initiation of world war. War with Iran is imminent without an absolute intervention by God. This prediction covers both possible outcomes- if a war with Iran had occurred in 2007, this prediction would have been true. Since war didn’t occur, it is now true because we can say that God intervened. There is no way to get this one wrong. Barclay uses a similar tactic in his 5^th prediction of 2010, “Without the intense prayers of the church and intervention by God there will be increased unrest and even uprisings in the US, and the governments attempts to squash them will fail”- an event that did not happen in 2010, so God must have intervened again- a guaranteed fulfillment either way. Prediction #18 of 2008 uses the same methods, “Only the supernatural, powerful intervention of God will stop us from attacking other nations as we fight to win Jihad and crush the terrorists and radical Muslims.”

13. Two things to keep your eyes on, which will be two things that are for certain—the aggressive race among countries for nuclear weaponry and the organization of terrorism. Barclay says these 2 predictions will be certainties for the future. The reason for this is because they were already occurring prior to this prophesy and were events going on for years already. Korea had just tested a nuke for the first time at the end of 2006, Iran had produced enriched uranium, and UN sanctions were handed to Iran in December of 2006 for not halting this production. This is not a future prediction but a pretty good certainty acknowledged by anyone at the time. The certainty of “the organization of terrorism” is not a divine prophecy unique to 2007 by any means either- it had been going on for a decade when this prediction was made.

14. Society will continue to digress, and we will see more and more filth with less and less outrage about it. Crime will be on the rise this year. This is obviously a “prediction of something that has already been going on and will not change. Even the prediction says that society will “CONTINUE” to digress- indicating it’s already happening. If you roll a ball down the hill and then say that the ball will continue to roll, it is not a divinely inspired prediction. Even with this assurance that things would continue as they have, however, the second part of this prophecy was not fulfilled. Even though the US population increased by 2.3 million in 2007, not only did the crime rate drop, but so did the actual number of crimes (despite the increase in population!) Overall Crime dropped from 11.4 million to 11.2 million. The crime rate in the US has actually dropped every year since 2003 rendering this prediction as false.

15. I predict horrible crisis-level events among many churchgoing people because of their hedge breaking, loose-living, devil obliging lifestyles. Prediction #1 says that sins and bondages will be broken this year, and prediction #2 says that a great renewal of confidence will occur, convincing us that God has not failed us and will bring us through. However, this prophesy says differently. As with previous years, Barclay does the same this year, predicting that good things will happen to many in any given year, and that bad things will happen to many.

16. Christians will have to wash their conscience and feed it the Word like never before in order to have the conviction level needed to repel flesh and filth.This is not a prediction, it is a statement of what the Christian is supposed to do daily anyway

17. America’s economy will be affected greatly by wrong decisionmakers, and those manipulating it will frown and be sorry. While Bush’s year end 2007 Economic report admitted the end of the “Goldilocks” economy that existed from 2004-2006, there was still mild optimism about how 2007 had gone, and for the forecast over the next few years. Without a doubt an international economic crisis unfolded in 2008, not 2007 however.

18. Bible churches that allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely must stand strong because many people will begin to leave the “play” church and be drawn back to the delivering, healing power of Jesus Christ Unable to assess

19.There will be a new awareness of the need for the ministry of helps and therefore much more teaching on this great subject. A revival-level stirring will take place in God’s great army of helps.I do not know what the difference is between a revival and the term used here “revival level stirring”. Isn’t a “revival level stirring” simply a revival, just as a “feeding frenzy level meal” is still a feeding frenzy? Barclay had predicted revival for 2005, 2006, and now for 2007. Note however that prediction #4 for this year reads, “…. I predict revival is coming—but not quite yet…” So apparently there will be a revival level stirring this year, but it is also predicted this year that revival is coming-but not yet… And all of this after predicting revival in 2005 and 2006

20. As a result of some of our elder ministers finding their way to Heaven and other prominent ministers’ sin being revealed, a string of sorrows and scandals will be initiated, which will shake the pulpit ministries. Without a doubtThis prophesy wasFulfilled, and is an example of what true prophecy looks like. While The Ted Haggard scandal had already begun in 2006, beginning in 2007 scandal and sorrow rocked large ministries as never before. Paula and randy White of Without Walls church divorced, as did Benny Hinn in 2010, Kenneth Copeland’s Angel Fight 44 program was criticized for receiving a million in donation but no ministry, TD Jakes son arrested for indecent exposure and reports of his being in gay bars, and on and on. Several news investigations were done over the next 2 years exposing Copeland’s personal use of the ministry jet, the lack of true healings in Benny Hinn’s crusades, and other issues. In addition Senator Grassley requested financial disclosure from many large ministries. Though all of this did not occur in 2007, It definitely began in November of 2006 and continued for years

21. 2007—a year to get out all leaven and a year of repentance— a call by God to clean up our lives, perfecting holiness and “living” the lifestyle of Jesus Christ. Not a prediction- Cannot assess

1 ) I predict that 2008 will be the year to get straight. Predictions 16 & 21 of 2007, 7&20 of 2006; predictions 10,11, & 12 of 2005; and predictions 3, 4, 6, & 8 of 2004 are predictions/ prophesies of getting straight. In addition prophecies 4, 7, 8, 9, 24 & 27 of this year (2008) are predictions/prophecies of getting straight as well as 11 &12 0f 2009 and predictions 3 & 20 0f 2010. As shown here, this first prediction of 2008 has been repeated numerous times every year, and is more of an annual encouragement than a unique prediction to 2008

2) Jesus, Jesus, and more Jesus—this is what God’s people will be saying. Give us more of Jesus and less of other things. Christ’s true disciples saying they want more of Jesus is the natural state of a Christian- God’s people have been saying this for thousands of years, so this prediction most likely occurred due to default, not divine revelation.

3) Lovers of truth will be promoted this year, and reward will come to those who diligently seek Him. I am Unable to assess this as being fulfilled without a few specifics being added.

4) The Lord will strongly come upon those who are dealing with themselves and those who earnestly cry out to Him for deliverance. Without the specific people this was directed to, I am unable to assess this prediction’s fulfillment, though scripture is clear this is what happens to those who cry to him for deliverance. In addition, similar predictions have been made in several years “I Predict’s”

5) 2008 will be a year to “hate” those things that are holding you back. Many will self destruct, but they could have prevented it.

7) False doctrines and heretical teachings will be strongly confronted this year, and so will loose living. 8) Jesus and His holy men will begin to cleanse His temple and drive out the spirit of the world.

I have put predictions 5,7 & 8 together, because even though I cannot assess whether these things happened on a church wide scale as this prediction suggests, on a personal level I saw this prophecy fulfilled when the local pastorate I was submitted to caused an implosion in their ministry. As a result many left, leaving the ministers frustrated, lacking finances, and confused This prediction is deemed fulfilled.

6 The anti-Christ spirit that is sticking its head up in America will look strong and appear to be conquering, but something will happen in high places that will shockingly exalt the work of Jesus Christ. Saying that “something will happen in high places” is vague enough to allow interpretation of many different events to have been the fulfillment of this prediction. Even with this vagueness in place to help the ease its fulfillment, I am unable to locate information, or recall any events in “high places” that one could remotely say “shockingly, exalt(ed) the work of Jesus Christ.” One could say that something happened we were unaware of, but this prediction says it would be in high places and it would be shocking- indicating an awareness of whatever was supposed to happen.

9 From within the smoking, drinking, game-playing church will come a group of believers that will cry out to God, and His mighty presence will manifest for them. This could be the very end of the church “of the people, for the people, and by the people.” – Unable to assess. But I am sure that there was a group of believers, somewhere in the church, whom God manifested to this year.

10 Many of the seeker-sensitive style pastors will begin to admit their great mistake- In September of 2008, on his own television show, Jim Bakker publically renounced the prosperity gospel that he had taught, having previously renounced it in his 1998 book “I Was Wrong”. Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church (a high profile, admittedly seeker sensitive mega-church) said they had looked at what they had been doing and it didn’t work- that while they were able to get people into church, they were failing at further spiritual development. I know of no other prominent pastors who did this. However, Bill Hybels made this admission in June of 2007, months BEFORE this prophecy of Dr Barclay’s was made public. Barclay makes similar predictions in his 2006 “I Predict”.

11 Many of those leading God’s people into sin and a worldly lifestyle will stumble and begin to fall. Their folly will be known to all.- Unable to assess

12 The altars will be very action-packed this year, and there will be a powerful manifested presence of the Spirit of the Lord where He is welcomed. Unable to Assess, but Barclay predicts the same in 2005 and 2009.

13 There will be even more diluting of Bible doctrines and a strong belligerence against the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and baptisms. Righteous preachers will preach the Word and raise the standard high.- Unable to assess, but it not only predicts that 2 opposite things will happen (guaranteed to get one right), each one happens every year anyways (guaranteed to get both right by default), like predicting there will be division between the republicans and democrats regarding Taxes and welfare benefits.

14 The world will both rejoice and groan as Israel celebrates 60 years as a nation. The blessing will be wonderful, yet for some, the backlash will be terrible. I am unable to assess this as it appears to vague. It should be noted however that Dr Barclay again predicts 2 opposites-“The blessing will be wonderful, yet for some, the backlash will be terrible.” -(will at least get one right). While I admit I had difficulty assessing this to it being vague, I attempted to open my mind up while researching what may have been “yet for some, the backlash will be terrible”. Even allowing for this, I was unable to locate anything that could be stretched to be deemed a terrible backlash due to Israel’s 60 year celebration.

15 The antichrist will continue to prep the world for his appearing, especially in Europe where secularism and an anti- Jesus attitude will blatantly advance. Unable to assess

16 Without a doubt, there will be a tremendous shake-up of the Arab people, and many will fight for freedom and liberty and the better things of life that come as a result. Even though I was willing to stretch what could be deemed “a tremendous shake up of the Arab people” I could find nothing. My lack of finding evidence seems to go against Barclay’s “Without a doubt” mentioned here. In 2011, there was a major shakeup in the Arab world, not 2008.

17Keep your eyes on Cuba. There willbe a superpower play in Cuba, which willcause a chain reaction, and in the end theCuban people will benefit from its effects.Soon, American tourists will once againenjoy Cuba, and Cuba will once againenjoy the American tourist. There was a transfer of presidential duties in Cuba in 2008, but the beginning of this transfer was announced over a year in advance of this prediction on July 31, 2006, in line with Article 94 of the Cuban Constitution, which states “In cases of the absence, illness or death of the president of the Council of State, the first vice president assumes the president’s duties”. After a leading Spanish doctor visited Castro in December 2006 and announced that the Cuban leader was recovering from a digestive problem, Castro began to make occasional appearances on television, radio and print, and began turning power over to his brother. On February 19, 2008 Fidel Castro announced that he would not stand for re-election as President at the next meeting of the National Assembly of People’s Power. Raúl Castro was elected President by the National Assembly on February 24, 2008. Far from being a prediction, this sequence of events was publically announced over a year in advance, and far from being a “powerplay”, the event followed an orderly, preplanned process in line with the Cuban Constitution. It should be noted, however, that in 2010 Barack Obama did lift some restrictions on the travel ban for Cuban families, and in the 2 years following this prediction US tourism increased about, from about 100,000 in 2008, to 400,000 Americans per year in 2010.

18 Only the supernatural, powerful intervention of God will stop us from attacking other nations as we fight to win Jihad and crush the terrorists and radical Muslims. Again, as with predictions of 2007 & 2010, God’s intervention may prevent a prophesied war, covering both possible outcomes- if we attack other nations in 2008, this prediction is true, but if it doesn’t occur, it is still fulfilled because we can say that God intervened. There is no way to get this one wrong. Barclay uses a similar tactic in his 5^th prediction of 2010, “Without the intense prayers of the church and intervention by God there will be increased unrest and even uprisings in the US, and the governments attempts to squash them will fail”- an event that did not happen in 2010, so God must have intervened there as well- a guaranteed fulfillment either way. This prediction of 2008 uses the same methods.

19 Don’t think for a second that new elections in Washington will cause Iran, Korea, or China to settle down or relinquish their chase for dominance. Not so much a prediction as simply stating something everyone was pretty sure wouldn’t change anyways- Prophesy fulfilled by default.

20 We will be extremely attracted to the elections and even the new presidency (which will annoy many) as America slowly loses the battle over illegal immigration, over-taxation, a stressed economy, the institution of the family, and true separation of church and state. I see this prophecy as fulfilled. Even though these issues were already in play a bit before they were made, there was no doubt significant impacts in 2008 in all of these areas, but they continued and increased in the next couple of years. I could list resources to confirm this, but they are so numerous and these issues were so prominent I do not see a reason to even dispute this prophecies fulfillment.

21 Society, elections, and the spokespersons for Hollywood will try to force upon us things for which we are just not prepared. The elections are in the hands of the Church and its vote.- I am unable to assess this prediction, but if it is deemed to be true then and the election was in the hands of the church, then the God of Jesus Christ used the Church’s vote to elect Obama and a Democratic congress- proving once and for all that he is sovereign and works in ways above our understanding.

22 Pastors will rejoice and take a breath of relief as they see many rededications and prodigals coming home. I have attended 3 churches in my life, and can say that this was an annual event at all the churches I’ve attended, not an insight from God

23 Many evangelicals will turn to the Holy Spirit, but many Spirit-filled believers will turn away from His manifestations and even become embarrassed at His very presence. Unable to assess

24 There will be a noticeable difference in those who attend church regularly, compared to their neighbor who does not. There usually has been a noticeable difference anyways.

25 An upheaval and perhaps even a major event will happen before the elections, and it will have an impact on voting. Though a bit vague, the terms “major event” and “impact on voting” gives us a little direction to look towards, so I think there is enough here to deem this a specific enough prophecy to evaluate. I cannot recall, nor can I find any records of a “Major Event”, or an “upheaval” before the elections in 2008 that impacted the voting. If Jesus had provided Dr Barclay some specifics like, dates, places, & specific peoples (as God has provided his other prophets in the past) I might be better able to verify this prediction’s fulfillment.

26 Pastors will take on more of a parental role and begin to father the body of Christ. This will make a tremendous difference to the kingdom of God. Unable to assess, but I am sure there were some pastors sometime in the year, and in every previous year, that did this somewhere in our nation of 300,000,000 people, rendering this prediction as true by default.

27 Be encouraged—those who walk with God and fight sin, sickness, and spiritual laziness will enjoy promotion this year in every realm of life.- I cannot assess this elsewhere, I can say I definitely saw this fulfilled in my life & those around me

To summarize 2008’s “ Predict”: Out of 27 prophecies/ predictions made I found 8 of them that could actually be evaluated on a public or personal level. Out of these 8, I saw 4 fulfilled- 3 on a personal level, 1 on a public level. The other 4 either did not happened or the opposite of what was predicted happened. The remaining 19 prophecies, as in previous years, were either too vague to assess, did not happen at all, predicted events that were already in play or had been announced, predicted events that happen every year anyways.

2009’s “I Predict” by Dr Barclay is similar to other years. Out of the 18 prophecies made, I only see 2 that were specific enough to be assessed. All of the others (as with previous years) Were not truly predictions because they fell into these already detailed categories:

1) Default prediction- An event that happens sometime, somewhere in any given year

2) Too vague to assess

3) Predicts events will continue that have already been happening for several years previous.

Since reviewing each prophecy for 2009 would be mostly repeating what has already been covered time and time again, I have chosen to cover the 2 prophecies for 2009 that are specific enough to be evaluated. If evidence has not already been presented that shows the remaining 17 prophecies for 2009 simply repeat the same methods of the previous 6 years, then I have missed my mark and apologize for wasting the readers time.

6) While the earth rejoices in a spirit of “multiculturalism”, an underlying evil will work to cause a racial event that will set the world to weeping, a wound from which America may never heal. Since this prediction says the world will be set to weeping, it goes to say that this event would be known to many. There were no “racial events” that set the world to weeping, nor that wounded America.

10) 2009 will initiate breakthroughs in the medical field yet usher in judgment and reckoning to the financial arena. Insurance companies will be tested and judged. New guidelines for mammograms, an AIDS vaccine that is 31% effective, stem cell created mice, lifting the funding ban on stem cell research, and an H1N1 vaccine were the new medical issues for 2009. I shall leave it to the reader to determine whether these developments can be deemed “breakthroughs” unique from other years.

In regard to insurance companies being judged, it should be remembered that the financial crisis had already begun in 2008, and by the time that this prediction was made for 2009, news was full of the problems that one of the world’s largest insurers- AIG-was having. Beginning in 2005, AIG became embroiled in a series of fraud investigations conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Justice Department, and New York State Attorney General‘s Office. The New York Attorney General’s investigation led to a $1.6 billion fine for AIG and criminal charges for some of its executives. In the summer of 2008 AIG disclosed their financial losses and its stock price fell 95%, and the US government had AIG’s chairman step down in September of 2008, with bailouts following until November of 2008. This all happened prior to this prediction being made with most of it being done before 2009 began. Continuing on regarding the “Judgment” and testing of insurance companies in 2009, AIG employees continued to receive large, federally funded bonuses in 2009, and there was no government prosecution or what can be deemed unusual “judgment” in 2009, other than what had already happened in 2008 with either AIG or other insurance institutions. Other than the incident with AIG (that all happened in 2008 anyways), no unusual “judgment of insurance companies is recorded. Even the worlds largest insurance broker- AON- reported continued profits in 2008 and 2009.

To summarize, it appears that the 2 predictions that are specific enough to be evaluated for 2009 did not occur.

REVIEW: Inside the Lion's Den

Uncle Critic — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:55:46 +0000

This book was not quite what I expected it to be but I think in the end it turned out for the better

March 4: Digination and social media

rhanner — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:24:39 +0000

Thanks to James for sharing re: video games. Kudos to Steve for a Serendipity on the history of advertising in the U.S. and to Chris for a Serendipity on Bleacher Report, a sports site that embraces opinion and user content.

As I mentioned, this class is providing an outstanding series of Serendipities.

The night was focused on social media and the documentary “Digital Nation,” along with some good class discussion. Below are my slightly revised Power Point notes.

We wrapped with our second quiz.

March 4: Digital Nation We continue our exploration of social media

Tonight’s menu

Frontline’s Digital Nation

Are video games evil?

Recap of last week

Let’s continue our discussion

Serendipity and Nightcap

A look forward

Quiz

Intro to ‘Digital Nation’

Will the rise of digital media affect the way we think, work, interact, and do war?
Can we effectively multi-task?
Are we becoming intellectually shallow, unable to seize and explore deeper issues and goals? If so, what does that mean to our ability to create, to produce, to advance as a society?
Does it matter that no one reads novels anymore?
Do social media connect people or separate them?
Are the changes beneficial or detrimental to our society?
Are these media changing our humanity?

Video games: A deeper view: James Striplin

Digital Nation/Questions and takeaways

Is multitasking overrated? (Does anybody read books anymore?)

Is video gaming harmful? The South Korean experience and netiquette.

Going tech to get the edge, who wins, who loses?

82% of teens media multitask while doing homework.

Social media and the Internet:

The military develops the ARPANET
Is the desktop dead?
Defining trend: Computers becoming smaller; more mobile. First iPhone in 2007; Netbooks appeared in 2009, iPad in 2010.
Cloud computing Applications and services offered over the Internet. Google docs is an example.
Social media: ‘Social media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communications techniques.’
Social media are diverse, from Facebook to YouTube to Twitter and even e-mail and video games.
Social media on You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpIOClX1jPE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukA2zKGQClk

From Maggie and Lois Creamer

Blog posts should be written conversationally and be 300-500 words. Blogs are a great way to share your expertise and build your network of contacts and potential clients.
Social media is like dropping a pebble in the water and letting the ripples spread out.
Your LinkedIn profile can add visibility and connections, but the various ‘groups’ you can join are invaluable. These provide professional expertise and sharing opportunities.
Highly recommended: ‘The Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing.’
Lois focuses on her strengths and talents; she doesn’t do website design and she doesn’t handle the books.
Be careful of whatever you post online. Think about how it might be perceived by a potential employer or client.
On public speaking: Keep in mind PSA, or point, story, application.
Audiences today don’t just want motivational speakers. They want content-rich speakers who are motivational.

Chapter 3 Social Media and the Internet

Apps: Special computer programs for mobile devices. Games? News sites? Instagram? Angry Birds downloaded over 300 million times.

Apps are quick, visual, easy to navigate, sleek.

WiFi: Wireless fidelity. Starbucks, McDonalds provide WiFi. Reflects the move to mobile.

On a bright note, social media and crowdfunding

Crowdfunding: Seeking money from a large audience via social media

Connecting for a good cause: gofundme

http://www.gofundme.com/crowdfunding-websites/

Another example, kickstarter

http://www.kickstarter.com/discover/cities/lodi-ca

Social media for good, continued

Cash mobs. Gather to help a struggle, typically local business.

In Lodi, the mob has struck several local businesses, starting with the House of Coffee

article_e7de86c1-2350-55d6-9c8b-d0be3c7e9d04.html-mode=image&photo=0

The Dragonfly effect Using social media to create social change

A thirst for MBAs to do good.

Engage customers and employees

How could you use it in a business?

http://www.usaweekend.com/section/mdday

The Arab spring

In Tunisia, a suicide protest is used to galvanize political change; eventually the government fell.

In Egypt, demonstrations broke out, again with the help of social media.

Libya erupts in civil war, Kaddafi is removed.

Ongoing strife in Syria.

Results are mixed; easier to replace a government than build a new one that is stable and democratic.

“We use Facebook to schedule the protests, Twitter to coordinate, and You Tube to tell the world.” – Young Middle Eastern protestor

Extra points to ponder

The catharsis and the stimulation debate – who won?

March 11: We’ll finish social media and review the Stanford research paper. Then we will explore the chapter on newspapers. We’ll also review for the mid-term.

March 18: Mid-term exam