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Show "77 fry, l i Ki '- ' 4 ?kt Internet privilege, responsibility By David Grover guest news writer-The Signpost Just as the Internet has charged into our daily lives, so has the opportunity to bring more and more information into our homes, offices and schools. However, as media reports point out, information is not always positive. In fact, finding ways to filter it has become a big deal, and a big business. An online walk through many Internet search engines, such as Excite, Yahoo and Magellan, proves there are no stops in place to limit the information a child can find. Instead, the controls come through Internet service providers. Perhaps the best system for preventing children from accessing adult areas comes from America Online. Aparental-control function allows the key user to set up parameters for other users on the account. Age groups determine access levels to chat groups, Web sites and downloading files. The growing concern with parents is that these information blocking devices are far from perfect. They fear children are finding ways around these devices to get what they want. Valerie Iravani is a mother of two teens who have home access to the Internet. "By the time a child is 10, they're smart enough to get past blocks on the Internet," Iravani said. During summer vacation, Iravani's 14-year-old son spends up to 70 hours a week surfing the net. "What we're concerned about is the perversion stuff," Iravani said. "Many sites show you how to make weapons, or talk about S&M. We go in and check the history of where he's been and what he's doing. If he's been where he shouldn't, we have talks with him." But what about the more subtle types of inappropraite material?Looking up the word "hate' on the Internet in the Weber State University Stewart Library brings 33 web pages within a point and click. Whitepower, KKK and White Aryan Rest Hate Group were among the more blatant and potent choices. Others were more subtle; almost misnomers, Heritage Front, National Alliance and Renaissance. One of the most disturbing pages was named Hate Watch. The summary stated the website ". . .provides an online resource for concerned individuals." Several photos of skinheads from all over the world are available for download at the click of a mouse. "We don't block anything," said Cathy Payne, WSU Library ReferenceInformation Services Librarian. "It's a censorship issue."Indeed, the Constitution provides for certain inalienable rights, among those, Freedom of Speech. Therein lies the problem with a public university blocking access to web sites. "As far as pornography goes, we don't have a problem with it." Payne said. "By making it open, it ceases to be a problem. We do reserve the right to kick you off if we need the computer space." The library does put user guidelines at each station, including warnings to parents with small children stating parents are responsible for their children. "We try to warn parents when they come in with small children," Payne said. "We don't want them children finding something they shouldn't." But what's the key to keeping inappropriate information out of homes? According to Iravani, education is the best prevention. "You have to make sure kids have parental guidance very early," Iravani said. "They need to know what you expect of them. We know there will always be abuse, but we believe kids have to develop integrity to exercise judgment." If that fails? "We can always disconnect him from the Internet," she said. If you find an error in The Signpost, please contact the section editor or the editor in chief. A list of staff phone numbers is on page 4. Submissions Send calendar items and story ideas to Kari Lynn Harland, news editor. Bring items to The Signpost offices, SU267, down the hall from Wildcat Lanes. FAX: (801) 626-7401 . Mail to: The Signpost 2110 University Circle Ogden, UT 84408-21 10 Send calendar items, story ideas, corrects and letters to the editor via e-mail to: tfieldinglweber.edu III "UP '-'A '' '-.'v-:' ' yflmf' ri' ''.''' ' - , ' ' , ,. - . , c y. y ' ' warn ', Testing center lengthens hours By Tanna Barry assist, news editor-The Signpost Due to the shortened summer quarter, Weber State University's testing center, in the Student Services Center, will be open Wednesday and Thursday until 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The testing center has received several requests from faculty members to add more hours in order to suit the needs of both students and faculty. Due to the change from quarters to semesters, summer quarter was shortened. Therefore, finals have been pushed into the last normally scheduled week of school. "We saw the need in this case to accommodate them," said Wayne Flitton, testing center director.During fall and spring semesters, the testing center will be open regular hours, Monday .through Friday from 8a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ' WOW! YOU HAVE GREAT HANDS, YOU SHOULD BE DOING THIS PROFESSIONALLY! If people are always telling you this, why don't you find out about our massage school? Call us new at 62T-8227 and we will send you a cata'ct und answer any questions. Ogden Institute of Massage Therapy Police E ir By Taylor S. Fielding editor in chief-The Signpost Two vehicles burglarized in W-6 lot Weber State Police are investigating two vehicle burglaries in two days in the W-6 parking lot. In the first burglary, which occurred July 20, a suspect took a bag of climbing gear from the vehicle, said WSPD Officer Jarcd Olson. The climbing gear is valued at $525. There was no sign of forced entry, Olson added. Eight days later, Weber State Police arrested a suspect in the burglary who had pawned the climbing gear at a pawn shop in Rivcrdalc. The suspect was also booked on several charges by Rivcrdalc Police Department.In an apparently unrelated incident, a second vehicle was burglar ied July 21, according to police re ports. There were no signs of forced entry in this case, cither. Hie items taken included the a.Oi Uay from the vehicle, $10 in cash, a drivers license and a case of compact discs. The total loss on this incident is estimated at $430. with $350 in CD-! GET TRAINING IN A BONUS OF PRIDE. The full-time pride you'll feel as an American for your part-time service in the Army Reserve is a sound reason for joining. Another is the excellent experience you'll acquire in today's latest procedures in moving people and materials. You'll also be well paid for part-time service usually Lr one weekend a month plus two weeks' Annual Training. 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