What if there was no Internet--We got a small taste of it yesterday

I mentioned in yesterday's blog how much we have all come to rely on Wikipedia for information on just about any subject.  Not having that available for only one day brought many of us to recognize how dependent we are on the internet to do the things that we do everyday. Remember not having Google, Wikipedia, Craigslist, Amazon, podcasts, You Tube, Facebook, LinkedIn or blogs?

Yesterday's online protest was directed at legislation in Congress to protect copyrights of proprietary information that was promoted by companies which own a great deal of this information such at TV networks, movie and record companies.  Legislation that had gathered a great deal of support suddenly lost that support with the onslaught of phone calls and emails to Congressional offices yesterday when Wikipedia shut down for the day and Google had a piece of tape over their name to symbolize suppression of information on the internet.

The new rules for sharing information, music, pictures and other proprietary material online is a battle that will continue to be fought as the digital age continues.  How the owners of the proprietary material accept the general public having access in a manner that expands their business and not contract it will continue to be a work in progress.  Napster evolved into ITunes.  Book publishers are now trying to determine how they will grant library patrons the ability to directly downloaded from library sites.  Eventually a system will be developed granting libraries the ability to purchase a limited number of licenses for books which can be downloaded by library patrons. The downloaded copies of books would disappear from an eReader after 3 weeks and not be copyable. No owner of proprietary material wants to go the way of Border's or Kodak.

P.S.
This Sunday, frozen footprints provide special clues about winter wildlife at the Robinson Nature Center in the Making Tot Tracks program. 4-6 year old children can be detectives for an afternoon in which games, stories and a short hike lead to discoveries of how animals survive the cold weather and harsh conditions of this season. You must pre-register your child for this program by calling 410-313-0400.

The Robinson Nature Center will begin accepting registrations for student field trips beginning March 1. The Center will hold free teacher open houses on the following dates: 

·        Wednesday, January 25, 3-5 p.m. – secondary educators

·        Thursday, January 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – elementary educators

Middle school educators may attend either session; each session will include a tour, planetarium show and a time for questions and answers.  Due to limited parking, a third open house for pre-school educators will be scheduled in February.  Check the website at www.howardcountymd.gov/RobinsonNatureCenter.htm for a date and time
P.S.2

Howard County Historical Society

HISTORIC HOUSE LOVER ALERT! --
Burleigh Manor -- one of Howard County's most beautiful and extraordinary historic homes -- is going to be open to the public for a cocktail reception this weekend. It is a Federal-style brick dwelling built about 1810, laid in Flemish bond. The probable builder was Colonel Rezin Hammond (1745–1809), who constructed it for his grandnephew Denton Hammond (1785–181...3). It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Click on the link included in the video to RSVP to this event hosted by The Northrop Team.

Burleigh Manor Mansion
3950 White Rose Way
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM (ET)See More

Burleigh Manor Historic Home

www.youtube.com

Click the following link to RSVP for this event! http://3950whiteroseway.eventbrite.com/

P.S. 3
County Executive Ulman and County Council invite you to join them for a celebration of the Lunar New Year 4710, the Year of  the Dragon. The event will be held at George Howard Building, Banneker Room Friday, January 20th at 4 pm. Its address is 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City. It will feature cultural performances and ethnic food. FREE and OPEN to the public.

 P.S.4

Join the Howard County Department of Citizen Services, Office of Children's Services this Sat (1/21) for their annual "Children on Board” Child Care and Preschool Info Fair from 9 am-1 pm @ Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville. The Fair provides parents, guardians, grandparents and child care personnel w/ a “one stop shop...” for info on child care and pre-school programs, as well as the opport. to talk face-to-face w/ teachers and program directors. Admission is free; however, attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the HoCo Food Bank. For more info, contact the Office @ 410-313-1940.

P.S.5

       On June 5, 2012, Howard County will recognize the achievements and contributions of its foreign-born community at The Tenth Annual American Success Awards Dinner, sponsored by FIRN, Inc.        Since its beginning, immigrants have come to America with dreams of success for their new life. Here in Howard County, immigrants from around the world have seen that dream come true through satisfying and worthwhile jobs, outstanding professional careers, prosperous businesses, and generous civic involvement.
 They are asking for your help to identify nominees who embody the spirit of “American Success.”

The award criteria are that recipients must:
 1) be foreign-born individuals who live or work in Howard County
 2) be either the owner of a successful Howard County business or have achieved a high level of success in his/her chosen profession
 3) have made a significant contribution to either the ethnic or general community through his/her volunteer services in Howard County.
 To download a nomination form from our website, please click here
Please note that nominations are due to FIRN by February 8, 2012.