Media Study South Africa

No need for killing foetuses at all- with new Stem cell treatment

2010-11-16T07:33:00.001-08:00

Note by Marc Aupiais

In the past it has been claimed there is a need to harvest stem cells from abortions to compare with adult stem cells moved back. Embryonic stem cells often cause cancer, adult stem cells (not from aborted human beings) were seen as the safest. If it is confirmed, a new method which involves straight transfer from stem cells to needed cells may do away with that so-called not really need altogether:

"Canadian scientists have turned human skin cells directly into blood cells, the first time one kind of mature human cell has been converted into another, according to a study published last week in the journal Nature.

The transformation was completed without first rewinding the skin cells into the flexible pluripotent stem cells that have most frequently been used to grow tissues. By skipping the pluripotent step, the researchers believe they have skirted the risk that the replacement cells might form dangerous tumours.

The team created blood progenitor cells - mother cells that multiply to produce other blood cells - as well as mature blood cells, according to the report. Both types of cells could be useful in medical treatments, said study leader Mick Bhatia, a stem cell scientist at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario."

in reference to: IOL Technology - A world first for stem cell research (view on Google Sidewiki)

Unprecedented

2010-11-16T07:29:00.001-08:00

"Unprecedented
November 16, 2010 -
With an election without precedent Timothy Dolan has become the new president of the Bishops' Conference of the United States.

For the first time was not elected vice president, in this case Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson in Arizona, but his main "opponent", Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York."

(automatic translation from Italian.

in reference to:

"Unprecedented November 16, 2010 - With an election without precedent Timothy Dolan has become the new president of the Bishops' Conference of the United States. For the first time was not elected vice president, in this case Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson in Arizona, but his main "opponent", Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York."
- Palazzo Apostolico - Diario Vaticano Paul Rodari »Blog Archive» Unprecedented (view on Google Sidewiki)

Massive Overhaul of Vatican site online: to include many more documents: team of about 20, who bring pope's message to the "extreme ends of the earth"

2010-08-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Please note that the source quotes, which this article is based on, along with additional information: are conveniently located at:

SACNS Quotes Analysis: Massive Overhaul of Vatican site online: to include many more documents: team of about 20, who bring pope's message to the "extreme ends of the earth" 12 / 08 | August / 2010

Argentine by birth (born in Santa Fe), South American priest, Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, recently gave an interesting, enlightening and exciting interview to editorially independent Vatican based Italian language paper: L'Osservatore Romano. The Vatican's half million pages are in for a surprise, as the site is redesigned and revamped. The different Congregations of the Roman Curia: that is the Vatican's ministries/operational departments, should each get their own websites soon, more Chinese pages are planned, all major pre-1900 popes are soon to have a voice on the website, in the furthering of Petrine papal teaching, and Vatican diplomatic information is soon to have more space and prominence on the now famous site.

In an interview with L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's webmaster notes much, he does not only set out the working structure of the team of about 20 which maintains and updates the Vatican website: part design, part technical, and notes top searches, and when what information is most sought, as well as the Vatican's view that media distorts its views. The former computer sciences teacher, additionally notes exiting additions to the site: such as an updating of diplomatic information, and soon to be available information from the popes prior the 20th century - given that the Vatican had previously only uploaded such documents that were not pre-1900.

The webmaster's team works with Interpol and Italian intelligence in its efforts to protect the official voice of the Holy See online, which has often been targeted by unscrupulous hackers. He also notes that the Vatican first went online in Christmas 1995 with a message from the then Pope John Paul II. Easter 1997, marked the site becoming a more structures orientated website.

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@caelumetterram linked to this, brilliant

2010-07-30T06:02:00.001-07:00

Another article, unlike the one I linked to on SACNS, this one isn't conservative, but a liberal: questioning the political words being used. As I agree for a long time, politics of conservative and progressive, conservative progressives and liberals of all striped, really evades the issues. Maybe in America they mean something, given the mass brainwashing Americans incur from youth (about freedom, liberty and white teeth I have been told). For the rest of us, we are waking to the fact, that these are redundant terms, which were redundant in the 21st century where they belongs, or rather, didn't. A smart electorate in any case follows the blogs of like minded people, and votes on more specific issues than issue evasion.

Thanks Caelumetterram. Awesome link. Adds to conversation!

in reference to: Hello, my name is ‘Progressive’ - The Globe and Mail (view on Google Sidewiki)

Selena Gomez : Sorry

2010-07-28T08:42:00.001-07:00

"Hey guys, by now I'm sure most of you know that my voice is gone and that I had to cancel some of my upcoming shows. After my 2 week promo tour with Joey I started to feel pain in my throat from talking too much. As soon as I came home I went to see my doctor and he said that I had damaged my vocal chords and that I had acid reflex (probably from pickles). He put me on medication and wanted to see me in a few days. When I went back my voice had gotten much worse. He then told me that I had to cancel my shows and be on vocal rest for a week. I felt so horrible that I couldn't perform. I begged the doctor to give me more medication to last me through these shows, he said if I went I could lose my voice completely and have permanent damage. I had to give up and agree to not go but I WILL make it up. We are doing the best we can to reschedule all of the shows and I will do a 2 hour meet and greet in each city that I missed when I come back into town. We are also trying to see who was planning on coming to the shows so we can give you all tickets to the rescheduled shows. I am SO sorry about all of this and really hope I can see you all when I'm better.

The show in Columbus, OH has already been rescheduled for November 6th.

The shows that have been cancelled are:

Delaware State Fair 7/28/10
Lilith Fair Tour in Holmdel, NJ 7/31 and Hartford, CT 8/01

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. :(
I love you all so much and can't wait to see you. Thank you for understanding. It means so much.

Sel"

in reference to:

"Selena Gomez : Sorry"
- Selena Gomez : Sorry | Facebook (view on Google Sidewiki)

1) Not another "Christian" movie! "Letters to God" - don't watch 2) Notes on Romano and Beezus- a must watch

2010-07-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Media Study Opinion Article by Marc Aupiais

"Though its underlying theology is evangelical, Catholic viewers -- and Christian believers of every stripe -- will welcome the inspirational and touching drama [will we now: being preached Evangelical theology, please don't tell me the world is 6 000 years old next] "Letters to God" (Vivendi). That's because director David Nixon's family-friendly tale of courage and conversion celebrates the power of Gospel values to transform lives in a way that transcends denominational divides [Okay then? Because it doesn't have to, we can support Catholic films instead, send a message to Hollywood on that?]."
USCCB Film Office
Review

"Seriously, it looks nice and all and I like the story concept. I do fear it is a hit you over the head Christian movie of which I am not a fan. Since it comes from the same folks as Fireproof and Facing the Giants it would seem to be."
Patrick Archbold, Creative Minority Report (Catholic; Independent; American; Conservative)
06D / 03M | March / 2010Y

I often like to see what Patrick Archbold has to say of a matter, his blog notes the word pithy as an important word to note in writing, and he often is pithy.

You see, when I left church on Sunday morning, I was bombarded with a pamphlet to a movie, from people I had never seen before. It was a joint effort by NuMetro, and CUM books. Personally I know of CUM books for such classics as The Whore of Babylon, and besides the spelling of the book store's name, and the books they sell, it isn't pornography (although I'm going to have to disable comments on this post for using that word). Cum, despite the sms language meaning something else is pronounced coo-m according to someone I used to know who got a job there. The Whore of Babylon is the Holy Roman Catholic Church, according to the Chick Publishers' book sold there, one of many odd books the former Dutch Reformed Church store sells. Of course, the Vatican isn't built on 7 hills, Rome is, and the Bible referred to 7 hills or mountains, at a time when it was seen as Rome or Jerusalem, and the Vatican is Landlocked, and running a deficit etc, none of which is noted by CUM books customers, when they get to read why the Catholic Church is the organ of Satan. The Dutch Reformed Church p.s. created apartheid.

So anything which is banked into by CUM books, I am instantly suspicious of, even if the lemmings press is lauding this as a wonderful thing, yet another "Christian" movie, like Sedevacantist Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, which despite his anti-Semitism, and denial of papal authority was picked up and mass marketed in the Catholic and Christian worlds.

In any case, on the American side, they are very pleased that the American Cancer Association (aren't they funders of abortion firm Planned Parenthood?) is on board, and yes they want to convert you... to something:

"Nixon has worked hard to reach an audience he says might not enter a church but, “…maybe we can first reach their hearts and minds inside a theater and realize that God is real.”

Divine Appointments

While making the movie, Nixon said the cast and crew experienced many coincidences, “I call them ‘Divine Appointments.’ Each day we started with 10 minutes of prayer and had special prayer warriors on the set. We were bathed in prayer during the making of this movie.”

[Ok, just a little freaky, no? Prayer warriors, hmm]

For some, like Jeffrey S.S. Johnson who plays Brady McDaniels, the conflicted mailman, Nixon says this seemed very odd and out of place. “But gradually after the second week Jeffrey felt tremendously changed spiritually. He will tell you he never, ever experienced that before while making a movie.”

[Will he now? I hope no one was fired for not being prayed over!]

By the ending of the filming Nixon says the entire cast and crew were asking the prayer warriors for specific requests and everyone was onboard with the “Christian” part of their work environment. “That was a miracle in and of itself,” added Nixon.

[Pay-check... religious freedom... pay-check]

Out of the Mouths of Children

The movie is a story of hope and prayer through the eyes of eight-year old Tyler Doherty, played by Tanner Maguire. Even when the adults around him seem to lose their faith, or not practice it, their rock of faith is Tyler. In spite of the fact that Tyler is slowing dying from a rare brain cancer; his death eventually lifts their spirits and brings them closer to God.
Nixon hopes the movie will serve as a catalyst for families with young children especially going through the agony of cancer. “We’ve got the American Cancer Society on board and we will have resources both medically and spiritually that we will be able to share through the movie website” ([let's exclude said website, just in case someone wants to use those resources]).

Letters to God is a sad but wonderful story of faith [in?] and hope [gotta be hope when people are happy some kid died.]. It is by the public support of movies like this that the message seems to be getting through to Hollywood that these kinds of movies have a strong and growing audience worth paying attention to [called preaching to the choir: and they usually have really bad pathetic plots if you ask me.]."
Catholic Exchange (Catholic; Independent; American)
07 / 04 | April / 2010

Now, I have no objection to actors praying before they work, my favourite Disney actress (a Catholic) is often noted as praying, and getting others to before work, but I do think that this institutionalised praying is a bit odd, I personally would be insulted if made to pray by my boss.

So, if you want to watch a really boring film by a "Christian" director:

"Synopsis:
Tyler Doherty is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy armed with strong faith and courage as he faces his daily battle against cancer. Surrounded by a loving family and community, Tyler’s prayers take the form of letters he sends to his ultimate pen pal, God, on a daily basis. These letters find their way into the hands of Tyler’s postman, Brady, who is at a crossroads in his life searching for meaning. Brady at first is confused over what to do, but his decision ultimately is a testament to the power of Tyler’s shining spirit, bravery and grace. Inspired by a true story, Letters to God delivers a message of hope, faith and courage that others can apply to their own personal struggles regardless of what they may face in their everyday lives.

Featuring moving performances from Robyn Lively (“Saving Grace,” “30 Rock”), Jeffrey S.S. Johnson (“Criminal Minds,” “Burn Notice”), Tanner Maguire (“Lost,” “Brothers & Sisters”), Bailee Madison (An Invisible Sign of My Own, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark), Michael Bolten (Flipped) and Ralph Waite (“Days of Our Lives”), the film is a stirring “tribute to faith, hope, and love through the eyes of a child” (TBN) [When they quote them Evangelicals at Trinity Broadcasting Network, you know to turn and walk away].

From one of the producers of Fireproof [yawn] and Facing the Giants [double yawn], and inspired by a true story [inspired, or true?], Letters to God received the highest Dove Approval Rating and an endorsement from the Parent Television Council. [Glad we all know who they are] "
Catholic.net (Catholic; Independent; American)
Unspecified Date

It is likely to feature all the ups and downs of a made for television (tv) movie, with a bit of pushy shallow American "Christianity", and remember, everyone's happy when the kid dies, its uplifting? But its your money to waste. If I'm going to watch a boring movie like that, it would have to have a really hot girl, and not be preaching some Hollywood Christianity, about Some God.

But its your money to waste! Really! It is! I mean, its not like there are children starving, and if you want to torture yourself we do have Opus Dei, and that has a purpose, much better than this! But as i said! Your money, really, it is yours! But if you convert to Evangelical, bible bashing, evolution trashing whatever it is, don't blame me, blame Mel Gibson for starting the trend of commercializing Hollywood style Some God.

Instead of wasting my time with a movie without a pretty girl, where I may be in danger of not converting, I instead am watching what truly is a movie to span across denominations and cultural divides, especially after Decent Films gave it thumbs up:

"Traditional values and close-knit family relationships reign in director Elizabeth Allen's squeaky-clean adaptation of Beverly Cleary's best-selling series of children's books, the first of them published -- viewers will hardly be surprised to learn -- more than 50 years ago.

So when irrepressible 9-year-old Ramona Quimby (Joey King), on whom the slightly static story centers, warns her parents, Robert (John Corbett) and Dorothy (Bridget Moynahan), at the dinner table that she has to say a terrible swearword to vent her numerous frustrations with life, the term she eventually produces is so mild, it makes Wally and the Beaver's oft-repeated "Gee whiz!" sound blue.

While good-hearted and imaginative, Ramona is also accident-prone and her minor misadventures, which leave her feeling misunderstood, tend to antagonize her straight-teeth-and-straight-A's teen sister, Beezus (Selena Gomez). Indeed, much to her annoyance, senior sis has been burdened with that ungainly moniker as the result of Ramona's childhood inability to pronounce her real name, Beatrice.

Besides their tiffs, the only source of worry or conflict on the girls' native Klickitat Street -- a real-life address that Cleary's tales have made iconic -- arises from Dad's loss of his accounting job. (Add to that the aggravating factor that the family has just embarked on an expansion of their home, a project they might not have the funds to finish, and this aspect of Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay's script begins to feel very much of the moment.)

Unemployment leads to mild marital tensions, and Dad finds himself spending a night on the couch. But, like the prospect of the bank "taking the house" -- an expression Ramona overhears and interprets with a comic extreme of literalism -- the specter of divorce seems quite distant along this boulevard of unbroken dreams.

Lightening the mood is the swiftly rekindling romance between Ramona's favorite aunt -- and Beezus' namesake -- Bea (Ginnifer Goodwin) and her high school true love Hobart (Josh Duhamel). Ever the ramblin' man, Hobart is off to Alaska and floats the idea of Bea coming with him. But anyone who fears she might do so before exchanging marriage vows has clearly not been paying attention.

Beezus, too, has an affair of the heart under way, having fallen for childhood friend Henry Huggins (Hutch Dano, not Rex Harrison). In keeping with the delightfully innocent atmosphere of la rue Klickitat, it takes this bashful young pair the better part of 90 minutes to work their way up to a first kiss.

Though some fussy adults with short attention spans may object that nothing very momentous happens as "Ramona and Beezus" unspools, as should be obvious by now, what does take place transpires in the nicest possible way.

So just you wait, Henry Huggins, just you wait."
USCCB Film Office
Ramona and Beezus

And guess what, Joey King and Selena Gomez (a Catholic actress) prayed daily, I hear... except their bosses didn't force them to!

Here's the trailer: really cute:

[Romano and Beezus trailer]

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Watching Selena Gomez, a Catholic actress- Celebrity Spotlight

2010-06-26T05:34:00.001-07:00

(Va-Browser / Media Study South Africa dual article)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

[image link]

Showing more than a little cleavage with a light blue bikini, Selena Marie Gomez goes to the beach in France on Friday. Certainly showing off more big assets than her smile, though just covering certain parts of her bosom. While quite revealing, the costume isn't risqué, in fact it looks like it is a bit small for her, and is uncomfortable, hence her putting on a shirt afterwards perhaps.

She recently tweeted that she could live in Paris, as it was so gorgeous, and is in France to shoot teen audience movie Monte Carlo. From appearing as a French maid in a music video, to her trademark short skirts, and the slightly racy pics on her website www.selenagomez.com , Selena has always been on the edge on over the line, on what is too much for chastity. She informed left leaning Vanity Fair that she worships the magazine, and she is fascinated with fashion: especially of past eras. When asked if she would like to do a younger version of something like Sex and The City, she said that was not the direction she wants her acting to go in.

Wikipedia: so the picture may change!

When asked to play a role in High School Musical 3, she once again emphasized she wants to be a serious actor in turning down the role. In her Japanese album she looks Japanese, in the American, she is slightly more racy and edgy, in her European/South African album, she looks cute, and cuddly.

Selena is happy to tell her fans she made the cover of Sugar Magazine in Great Britain: saying: "Boys haven't always been nice to me", appearing among their other main articles: about a dad with breast implants and a so-called "sex change", whether to kiss a boy, and about a person has been seen naked by everyone they know. None the less, she seems proud of the publicity, or her website's web master is in any case!

Selena also took to twitter/facebook to thank fans for getting Unicef a contract with another organization, both of which allegedly use funding to promote abortion. Kiwanis, the group Unicef had won a contract with had a choice between several projects and had put it to an online poll: which Selena got her fans to use to insure Unicef got the business, she said that her fans could make a difference in a world, as proven by the contract gotten by Unicef. The project aims, with donations to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT).. Selena is Roman Catholic, she said in an interview with Scholastic kids news, when just newly famous. The Catholic church considers abortion always intrinsically evil. Selena's own position on abortion and other social issues, is an arcanum known by herself and few others if at all, especially after she stayed out of the recent USA election, saying she didn't know enough about politics, but involving herself in a voter education programme, to get young people to vote in a fake election, and educate them about issues. She did post a link to Dear Mr President: a song by Pink which attacked George W. Bush on his opposition to abortion, and legally recognised homosexual unions a.k.a. De Jure "Gay Marriage", as well as attacking him on poverty. Interestingly, the link was made during the Obama presidency, when Obama had yet to, and still is yet to fulfil his hefty campaign promises.

Selena's favourite band is Paramore (perhaps a pun on paramour: an illicit lover), and her favourite snack is pickles. She loves children and often puts them in her tweets or online videos, she claims she loves her job because she can make children laugh. She also says she doesn't want to take adult roles too quickly, going from Children's roles, to Teen roles, and then to roles for a more general audience. This is in stark contrast to Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Agulara, and her contemporaries, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgesons and infamous Miley Cyrus, who have all been churned into what they are after working for Disney.

Selena is world famous, and has over 2 million followers on twitter, and over 5 million on Facebook. She is best known for her roles in Hannah Montana as Makaila, Wizards of Waverly Place and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie as Alex Russo, up-coming Monte Carlo, Disney strait-to-DVD: Another Cinderella Story, Barney, The Suite Life of Zac and Cody, where she had her first kiss playing a girl in love with Zac, and Princess Protection Program. Monte Carlo, where her character is mistaken for an heiress, and a million dollar necklace goes missing, is her first major step out of the Disney Family, as a Fox 2000 film.

Selena's new album's first single: Round and Round, has just been released, and Selena has told her fans of it on twitter and facebook, in it she is a spy, it ends with one of the spy hunters falling to their doom.

Selena has enjoyed much success in music and in acting, and her fashion line, Dream Out Loud is expected to do well.

Rumours about her attachment to any one man have never been conclusively proven, and she refuses to talk of her love life, she has previously said that she plans to wait until marriage to have sex, but does not want to obligate her fans to keep their virginity, or make a pledge via a chastity ring. She has said that she is half Mexican and half Italian genetically during an interview on being Latino, and that she was born in Grand Prairie, just outside Houston Texas in an interview when about 7 years of age, although her official sites say she was born in Houston, Texas.

She reportedly prays before every performance, and posted a video of herself and others praying before Wizards of Waverly Place, saying she does it before every show: she says they and their producers always pray, in the 2008 video. She is very active in charity, and is definitely a Texan born American actress, but says she is also influenced from growing up later in California. Her next album is expected to hold a old style Britney Spears vibe, says Selena, who was named after her namesake.

A wholesome image, at least as far as American standards are concerns has helped Selena greatly, and may be why she remains in the business, she has done advertising for Sears/K-Mart (Which previously was on a list of abortion provider Planned Parenthood sponsors), as well as for Bordon Milk. Her parents are divorced, and her mother is remarried, but she credits her strong friends and family with her ability to be as grounded as she is, and says that one need only have a few good friends. Her show, Wizards of Waverly Place, besides winning an Emmy is watched by persons of all ages: including adults and university students. Selena Gomez is one of my favourite actresses.

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Vatican sets to blogging press releases

2010-04-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Headline: Vatican sets to blogging press releases

(Media Study South Africa)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

With the success of the Vatican’s Twitter, and YouTube sites, it has now turned to another new forum, that of the blog. VIS, also known as Vatican Information Service, an arm of the Holy See Press office, has now decided to also externally place their articles in blog form, this at official VIS blog: www.visnews.org, which redirects to its blogger hosted site: http://www.visnews-en.blogspot.com/. The move means that VIS headlines will finally be more accessible, and more easily accessed by the average person. The move was announced at the Vatican’s recently inaugurated Twitter accounts, and also in VIS’s own news dispatch.

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No exclusive Porn only Channel for Multi-choice DSTV

2010-03-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

After much public anger was raised, when Multi-choice decided to do a survey on whether or not the public would want an exclusive pornography adult channel on DSTV, DSTV has decided at present not to launch an adult channel. They said that some viewers wanted an exclusive porn channel and others were against the idea, and that the survey was a routine survey, and in response to the possibility that their recently legalized competition may decide to launch a porn channel.

This does not mean that DSTV viewers cannot access adult content, via their DSTV system. Terrestrial broadcaster ETV has quite publicly screened content that certainly is adult content, and which has been called porn, both by viewers of the content and by others. ETV is available on DSTV to South African viewers. Multi-choice DSTV itself screens what is seen by viewers and others as adult content, on Action X, and certainly plays its fair share of explicit movies.

What has also not made the headlines, is a possible problem with DSTV's age restriction system. DSTV has a parental locking system, which allows parents to prevent children from watching anything beyond a certain age restriction without a code. Euronews, which shows partial, veiled, and full nudity, is restricted All Ages on DSTV. Discovery HD Showcase, and likely Discovery itself, also seems to possibly have a similar problem, with sexually explicit language (the Test Drive host talks about performing acts with motor-vehicles, in at least one show viewed.) At least an Age restriction 13 may be more appropriate in these cases.

Only recently has a competitor to DSTV been allowed to operate, it is unclear to myself whether or not this competitor's system has launched their own satellite product as yet.

Pornography has been linked to violence against women, and has been cited as a reason marriages break up.

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2010-02-17T03:28:00.000-08:00

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2010-02-17T03:07:00.000-08:00

An important message to our readers

2010-02-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader

In accordance with our aim to better render the service we do, we have altered the copyright, terms, contact procedures and details, disclaimer, permissions procedures and details, and possibly other aspects of this service which you are making use of. We ask that you view the new copyright system, terms, contact procedures, disclaimer, and permissions details on our main site. They apply to all the aspects of this service.

God bless, Thank you,

Marc Aupiais

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Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie

2009-10-31T04:40:00.001-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In accordance with Journalistic Ethics, I have a bias when it comes to Selena Gomez, and to Wizards of Waverly Place, she is my favourite Actress and Singer in the world, and it is one of my favourite shows in the world, yes, even University Students love it. Admittedly, as a Law student, I think I may be alone in liking it, among my colleagues.

The Wizards of Waverly Place series, while portraying teenage and other figures which are the opposite of role models, uses humour to teach western and family values, as well as to display humour. Sometimes, one may think it goes over the top, or that a character is portrayed too cruelly, or that a joke may be inappropriate (such as when Alex's Father thinks her group date is "So not a date", and is therefore not worried- it insinuates something!). Sometimes, this is the case, but in general the values instilled by the show, seem good, and the humour is continuous.

The movie does not seem to have the same subway station and house as the set of the series. It seems entirely different.

When at the holiday resort, Alex, steals the family wand and accidentally makes a spell, causing that her mother and father never met. The three kids/teens need to find a way to reverse the spell before they cease to exist. Personally, I see this as slightly pro-life, in that while not born, they are alive- it sort of links with how time really seems to be.

Obviously, when magic is in play, one must watch- real use of magic is the mortal sin of desiring such unjust power over others apart from God. In this Disney movie, however, magic does not follow any form that real "magic" does (I had to study about African "magic" in Customary Law, due to the Witchcraft Suppression Act), and Alex shows real selflessness when the punch comes to shove.

Main Characters:
The Russo's
Alex ( Selena Gomez)
Justin (David Henrie)

Max (Jake T Austin)
The father- Jerrie (David DeLuise)
The mother - (Maria Canals Barrera)

Alex's Friend

Harper (Jennnifer Stone)

I won't give the plot or its twist away, but I see no problem in letting your children watch this film, prima facie.

Problems extra-media:

Disney- don't buy their things

I love Disney, but I need not remind the regular readers, don't buy their merchandise, especially if you know where its made, and by whom, people in the Third World are still people, I know, I live in it. Also, remember, the Catholic League and others have boycotted Disney successfully, their portrayal of Catholics, and Christians, and religion, in some of their movies, and by some of their company authorities, as well as of the pro-life movement is not admirable.

Selena Gomez- a Role Model

We at Scripturelink, and I personally, think Main Actress Selena Gomez is an absolute Role Model, and a wonderful person, however, one must note that we don't agree with some of the charities she encourages [hopefully blissfully, and naively] that we support:

"Selena Gomez has recently supported unicef (mentioned below), and Raise Hope for the Congo, and her facebook page also suggests aid to other NGOs.

Raise Hope for the Congo, is owned by Center for American Progress, says its copyright, which is a little organization, whose head, according to a 2008 article by the Catholic League: John Podesta- is connected with pro-abortion Barack Obama, Center for American Progress is further: funded by George Soros- known for using his billions to promote abortion, especially via pro-abortion "Catholic" organizations, such as Catholics for Choice or Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good (according to the Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights).

On Selena's Facebook is a group of Charities, she suggests people become involved in. If we said moving on, it either means that it is a grouping which is so general, its like promoting the internet, or because we could not find, prima facie: anything bad on the group, via a preliminary softly done web search. We did not do our extensive search on these, we simply looked for views of watchdog organizations, unlike with our research on the Raise Hope for the Congo Campaign, done months ago:

Selena's Facebook note:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=7680672415

"Here is a list of Non-Profit and Charity organizations that anyone of you can be a part of:

www.unicef.org

[Were reported as promoting third world abortion, and steralization of women in the third world in 2000, guess what- in 2009 tried the same thing with the dominican republic- I guess funding still gets raised, even if there's less people to help- must help their bottom line to get rid of us- the problem]

www.aspca.com

[at least she likes animals]

www.charitynavigator.org

[moving on]

www.justgive.org

[moving on]

www.worldvision.org

[Good or bad- only hire Christians (p.s. Us Catholics: are Christians, by their definition, yay!)]

www.charity.com

[moving on]

www.bgca.org

[moving on]

www.urbanpromiseusa.org

[moving on]

www.volunteermatch.org

[moving on]

www.salvationarmy.org
[promotes abortion, according to Human Life International, and the American Life League]

www.hsus.org

[animal welfare group, unsure of positions]

www.spca.com

[moving on]

www.unitedway.org

[local offices, have different policies, American Life League, has previously raised concerns involving local offices and abortion, it is more like a franchise than anything!]

www.stjude.com

[ALL says that they signed a letter to George W Bush supporting use of stem cell research, of the kind which relies on embrionic stem cells harvested after aborting the fetus, or by invetro fertilization, and then abortion to gain these. Not only is use of adult stem cells more promising, and more effective, this sort of research is intrinsically evil by judging with Catholic beliefs and standards!]

www.dosomething.org

[Supports Trick or Treat for Unicep- a program which in the past has funded steralization, and promoted abortion of third world folks!!!]

www.islanddog.org

[Animal Welfare, moving on!]

www.cci.org

[Canine companions for independence- its all in the name with this, I assume, nothing found: moving on!]

www.chtr.org

[circle of hope theraputic riding- again, just have the name, nothing bad found, moving on!]

www.charitybuzz.com

[moving on- Selena is using it to auction off things to support Unicef]""

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Selena Gomez, top female celebrity role model! - poll

2009-10-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Examiner.com (Secular; Independent; American) 28 / 10 | October / 2009; EWTN (American; Catholic; Independent), Article by Zenit News Service (American; Catholic; Independent) 23 / 10 | October 2000)

Article by Marc Aupiais

For our 1001 article, of the South African Catholic: News Service a.k.a. Scripturelink.net News, I thought to focus on something close to my heart as an editor, role models, and their effect on us. To be a bit tongue in cheek, Selena Gomez has certainly had a good influence on my dreams, even as one would expect Miley Cyrus expected to have that effect on guys after her Vanity Fair dodgey "artistic" shoot. I have personally checked Selena Gomez out (again, laugh): and my fact checking has found, that she genuinely has nothing to take as making a bad person. Yes, she raised millions of Rands worth of donations for Unicef's Trick Or Treat, which in the past has funded abortion:

"Millions of children trick-or-treating this Halloween in the United States will be toting little donation boxes, asking for money for the U.N. Children’s Fund to help poor children of the world.

What they don't know is that they will be helping to fund abortion, contraception and sterilization programs in the Third World.

So says the National Catholic Register in its Oct. 22-29 edition. It highlighted the lesser-known work of UNICEF, which is famous for providing food, water and basic medical care to children in the developed world.

Controversy simmering in El Salvador this month over a sex-education program sponsored by UNICEF is adding to what critics say is an anti-family, pro-abortion image of UNICEF foreign aid, the Register said.

Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle of San Salvador has from the pulpit denounced a 170-page sex-education booklet designed by UNICEF and El Salvador’s Ministries of Health and Education for training adolescents on sexuality issues including contraception, homosexuality and abortion, the Register reporter."
(EWTN (American; Catholic; Independent), Article by Zenit News Service (American; Catholic; Independent) 23 / 10 | October 2000)

I might add, nothing seems to have come out to hint a change of heart in Unicef, despite how old the article I quoted is- its just about the first which came up in the Scripturelink search engine.

But, many people in the west, don't know Unicef, quite like us in the third world do. Unicef, may seem a good cause to her.

According to the Examiner.com:

"There's good news and bad news for Disney! Arguably, their biggest star, pop princess Miley Cyrus is wearing the "Worst Celebrity Influence" tiara. The 16 year old got 42 percent of the vote by voters aged 9-15 years old in a new poll by AOL's Just So You Know (JSYK.com). (Miley did take second place, with 16% of the vote in the "Favorite Female Artist" category behind Taylor Swift.) Ironically, after being named "Best Celebrity Mom" earlier this month in a different poll, Briteny Spears took second place as the "Worst Celebrity Influence."

Seventeen year old Selena Gomez, helps save the Disney name however, being named "Best Celebrity Influence" in the first ever JSYK Awards. Gomez, who also won for "Favorite Female Television Star" was recently named the youngest UNICEF ambassador."
(Examiner.com (Secular; Independent; American) 28 / 10 | October / 2009)

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Disney to buy out Marvel Commics

2009-09-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Globe and Mail (Secular; Independent; Canadian): here quotes an Associated Press [AP] (Secular; Independent; American) Article 01 / 09 | September / 2009 ; Reuters (Secular; Independent; British / United Kingdom Based) Press release by Disney 31 / 08 | August / 2009; )

Editorial Notation by Marc Aupiais

Walt Disney Co., A.K.A. the "big bad wolf of mass produced plots" / "Corporate America" / "America's Culture's best friend" / "Micky Mouse & Co.": is buying out Marvel Entertainment Inc. (Marvel Comics).

The deal which will cost Disney about 4 Billion US Dollars, certainly has a method to the madness, of expensive buyouts. It will bring over 5 000 (Five Thousand) Characters into Disney's cache. Is that just under a million per character?

Disney's Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers etc, have brought young females into theaters in droves, according to analyst David Joyce of Miller Tabak&Co, who Canada's Globe and Mail quotes. According to the Globe and Mail, it may be hoped that superheros like Iron Man, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and X-Men will get young males into theaters, raising profits for Disney.

The buyout is occurring with the co-operation of both boards, meaning that Disney probably wont have to use its superpowers. It still requires the approval of anti-trust authorities, and Marvel stakeholders.

Disney itself has prepared for itself: a juicy menu, about its devouring of Marvel, that is: about what will happen with this buyout, which, being a press release: we will quote from Reuters' PRWIRE: (Beware the flashy language, and words like "unparralleled", they might dazzle you and me both:)

[p.s. we explain how this relates to our viewers, below their splashy release:]

""This transaction combines Marvel`s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney`s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories," said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. "Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney."

"We believe that adding Marvel to Disney`s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation," Iger said.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel`s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel`s Chief Executive Officer. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney`s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney`s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel`s properties.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch. "

So basically, the Disney cash machine continues to chomp. Unfortunately, Disney is known to change relatively safe stories into dangerous ones, or to strip value out of resources. Did anyone know that the Original little Mermaid of Hans Christian Anderson was a Christian tale about how a mermaid becomes a woman to accept salvation, or of Pocahontas, that she was a famous Christian Convert in that Northern American part of the world, these are different from when Disney has been boycotted by religious groups for movies which portray religion in a certain way, but certainly show what Disney can and has done. Marvel of course- is not a saint, but this possible merger is certainly of note.

It seems Captain of Industry America has finally bought out Captain America, both are just as Red, White and Blue.

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Media Study South Africa: Reviewing District 9

2009-08-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Creative Minority Report (Catholic; Independent; American) 17 / 08 | August / 2009 ; Internet Movie Database (American; Independent; Secular) Warning: contains spoiler District 9 2009 Synopsis )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Note: If you want to know what happens without actually watching the film, you may want to read: (Internet Movie Database (American; Independent; Secular) Warning: contains spoiler District 6 2009 Synopsis). The film reportedly contains explicit violence, gore, and obscene language, and is not suitable for children. Our own review, a review which- we have carefully written in the hope of not containing any spoilers, is available from the paragraph below this- until the end of the article.

The criticisms that locally born directors have of the South African situation, have certainly made what some international critics have considered to be good film, from Rendition (Gavin Hood), which attacked an American policy, but was certainly influenced by a noticeable South African perspective, to Totsie (Gavin Hood), a film which was received as fantastic internationally, but treated like a documentary locally.

The most recent release from a South African director, is no stranger to criticizing South Africa subtly in film. South Africa suffers from endemic xenophobia against the citizens of other African nations- partly due to an influx of refugees from throughout the continent, and the lower classes blame Nigerians for an increase in crime, gangsterism and for the sales of narcotics, this may be a basis for how Nigerians are portrayed in the film.

The title District 9, will instantly be associated with the infamous occurrences in District 6 during Apartheid, in which non-white South Africans were forcibly relocated. However- the forced relocation of Extra-terrestrials, certainly will remind those, who like myself drive into Johannesburg 5 days on an average week- of the forced removals of non South Africans, of aliens, from the CBD and other areas, by the infamous Red Ants, who have recently been employed by the government.

The film, produced by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), and Directed by South African local: Neill Blomkamp, and starring an unknown South African cast- is set in Johannesburg, and centres around a group of aliens whose spaceship was seen hovering above Johannesburg, twenty years prior the fictional time in which the movie is set.

The Aliens are accessed as workers- they are malnourished, and weak, it seems their leaders were wiped out in a plague. The alien ship's command module falls out of the sky and the ship itself thus becomes inoperable, the aliens are confined to a government camp called District 9, which soon becomes a slum, due to the military presence, and overcrowding. Nigerians and aliens trade in a market, the Nigerians using cat food, the aliens giving up weapons, interspecies prostitution also occurs. Alien weaponry requires alien biology and is useless to people.

The aliens scare the locals, and are confined to slums. Eventually, the Nazi-like decision to relocate 1.8 million of the aliens (derogatorily named "prawns"), to the equivalent of a concentration camp (District 10) 240 kilometres outside of Johannesburg, comes into effect, and MNU (Multi-National United), a multinational company, is employed to relocate the nuisances. The protagonist is Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), a man who works for MNU, who goes through a journey of the soul during the movie, and ironically has to rely on an alien to survive, when things turn sour. South Africa itself is experienced in the use of Concentration Camps- the British used them on the families of Afrikaans/Boer soldiers during the South Africa / Boer War.

Any true sci-fi film focuses very little on technology, which none the less plays a role. According to Patrick Archbold, whose review of the film, we have based some of our information on- the best sci-fi films tell you something about yourself. Experience associates South African directors with a focus on oppression, human rights and human experience, and a message that we are all human. According to Patrick Archbold, the film District 9, also has another message, a pro-life message.

He clearly notes:

"The aliens, you see, have very advanced weaponry but it can only be used by the aliens themselves. Since they are of little use to anyone, MNU and our protagonist laugh as they abort dozens of growing eggs. Later when the MNU and its military component are annoyed by a small child alien one of the soldiers makes as if to shoot him only to be stopped by Wikus saying "No you can't shoot him now, he is too big. It is against the law. That's why you have to abort them""
(Creative Minority Report (Catholic; Independent; American) 17 / 08 | August / 2009)

Without spoiling the film, one may note that it delves into genetic modification, and looks into whether or not a person can hate what they are- in a clearly South African theme. The movie starts and ends with interviews, and does not end too well for most of the aliens involved. The fate of Wikus at the end of the film, is in limbo- as with the fate of the human race itself, so to speak- it ends with some hope that he will return to his previous life. If you want to know what happens without actually watching the film, you may want to read: (Internet Movie Database (American; Independent; Secular) Warning: contains spoiler District 9 2009 Synopsis). The film reportedly contains explicit violence, gore, and obscene language, and is not suitable for children. As far as morality is concerned, the Roman Catholic Church for one, considers the genetic modification of human beings, something MNU, and one of the main characters try- to be gravely evil: which could mean that the film has a definite morally negative effect as far as that area is concerned.

This movie, in a sort of working title response from us- gets a rating of interesting, but neutral, from our perception of the reviews we have read on it. In other words, we do not endorse it, but it may be an interesting watch. We have not reviewed the film in person, and have thus had to rely on third party sources- meaning that our review is probably not of the same standard as our more in depth looks at many other films and series. The film should appeal to science fiction fans. It does seem to be a commentary on controversial issues locally. We cannot say that the film is safe to watch without watching it first, it certainly is not a film for children or sensitive viewers, from the reviews we have read.

Trailer:

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Film Review: kids /childrens' Movies: Disney's Princess Protection Program

2009-06-21T04:36:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Disney's controversial stances on issues such as abortion, or the many alarms raised by different watchdogs, which have often warned about Disney's business practice and how they have allegedly acted as regards what much of our Western World calls Human Rights (especially Children's' Rights), and past controversies involving treatment of animals, need not be mentioned, except in passing.

As for their latest "Disney Channel Original Movie", released here and in the U.K. Earlier than in the United States (U.S.A.), staring Selena Gomez, playing Carter (Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place's: "Alex"), and Demi Lovato (Disney's: Camp Rock, As the Bell Rings), Playing Princess Rosalinda, no immediate moral problems are apparent as yet, possibly the positive light in which lying, and bad Russian accents are portrayed may be a negative, as with unrealistic plans working out well. Not to mention the taking of dresses for a ball, from the charity shop. Perhaps they are going for a Cinderella moment there?

The plot, as is usual in Disney movies, is unrealistic, hopefully stylized, even laughable, as with a certain secondary character's very fake Russian accent, and the Laughable proposition of a "Princess Protection Program", funded by global royalty (what, princes aren't catered for?), not to mention Rosalinda's "name change" to Rosie, and that a hair cut is thought a disguise. There was, however surprisingly good acting by Demi Lovato, who seems almost like a porcelain doll at times, and whose portrayal of a very dignified, if naive, and demanding princess, is certainly well acted. Selena Gomez, also plays her almost lesser, more classic Disney role in the movie (of the troubled, independent girl) well. The childhood connection, and public friendship between the two female leads, certainly creates a believable friendship on set.

Besides the poor beginning, factory made plot, recycled themes, and other such Disney tricks, there are some positives of the film. Much of the acting was somewhat, if not very "believable", at least in a way. It is not sure whether or not the made for television movie is designed to be a comedy, but it certainly has laughs embedded throughout. It also seems to take a stance against high school popularity cliques, and portrays the high school social hierarchy negatively.

While it is said, that fantasy land plots, and "Happily Ever Afters", create conditions in which women fall for abusive partners, or fall into marrying these, Disney for once resisted the urge to create such an ending: granted, it was still very stylized, and manufactured. Rather, the film almost seems to try to show off the talents of the female leads, in complex movie scenarios: certainly borrowed from Disney's other movies, and television series, woven together by a thin plot, which: maybe only children(their target audience) could believe. There is a very positive portrayal of monarchy, and the worst consequences of failure revealed: seem to generally be a "Work Farm", or "prison". It is further unrealistic, that the escape of a princess, would actually save a country from a "dictator". Granted, an exiled leader has more power than an imprisoned leader.

Having noted the absolute pathos of this relatively cute movie, I must admit, that in classic Disney fashion, it creates a fun viewing experience, has attractive female leads, and draws on emotions in an exaggerated, cute manner. It also seems to promote respect for women, and to view value over material things. Personally, I enjoyed watching it, but I am not sure if it was meant to be a comedy.

While Demi Lovato did seem like a Miss Wherever sometimes, and while "Prom Queen", is a big thing, the latter seems another recycled Disney concept.

While I don't guarantee there will not be negative effects from this movie: I give the movie a neutral, possibly positive rating, as regards perceived effect on children: if not simply because of average societal factors portrayed: such as the values encompassed in the character played by Demi Lovato, and in the value placed by Selena's character: on "real", everyday things.

As compared to some Disney releases: this movie seems almost a bit better, even if it plays on little children's fantasies. As I noted before, the acting was on par, even if the plot was manufactured, and re-recycled.

"Vatican City" / "Rome": "Vatican" ignores the "Angels and Demons" film, by "John Howard", who has attempted controversy

2009-05-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. "Creative Minority Report" (Catholic; Independent; American) __ / 05 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

"L'Osservatore Romano", a "Vatican" based, but unofficial paper, has given "Angels and Demons", a movie, in the same series, as the "Da Vinci Code" (also featuring a conspiracy involving the "Catholic Church") an average, and normally done film review, in essence, noting problems, and positives, as though it were any other film. As the makers of the "anti"-"Catholic" movie have attempted to string up scandal: the "Vatican"'s move has been seen as "Strategic", much as attempting to drown the "Ron Howard" movie, based on the "Dan Brown" run-up to the "anti"-"Catholic" "Da Vinci Code", as to prevent sales based on hype, by openly apposing it, as they did the "Da Vinci Code". A "Vatican" official previously told the "Italian" press, that publicly apposing the film, might add to its sales. Treating it like any other film (while forbidding it permission to film in "Catholic" Churches, in "Rome"), the "Vatican" seems to have taken the diplomatic route of quiet disapproval.

Such a method sends the message to their followers: to avoid the movie, something already propagated by those monitoring media as it relates to the "Catholic" Church, while avoiding making the movie a martyr for those apposing "Christianity".

With the relatively low key treatment of the movie by many, it could well be the right response, for the objectives of the "Vatican", of preventing "anti"-"Catholic" films from becoming a commodity. The "Baltimore" Catechism, asks that "Catholics" do not choose specifically to view media in opposition to the "church", such principle, is adhered to by many "Christians" throughout the world.

As an internationally collaborative: initiative to provide a more transparent, accurate view of the world: This service is brought to you by the Scripturelink Search Engine (quotations, or confers in this service/initiative, are provided to give perspective independently, or reference some external sources: and do not imply collaboration, or any kind of affiliation, or co-operation with other services, or initiatives, which are quoted or noted in articles)

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"South African Catholic": doesn't know Catholic doctrine: pro-condoms "Southern Cross": to their readers

2009-04-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

From the Editor of "South African Catholic":

Recently an article by "South African Catholic": covering issues in the "Southern Cross" was sited by a reader of theirs: on their web site: in questioning the credibility of one of their articles (which they did not justify). Our site used to have an agreement with the "Southern Cross" on publishing: until we were warned against such: for our international credibility.

"South African catholic": is an initiative of the "Scripturelink Search Engine": rated internationally for fidelity to the faith: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=4042&repos=2&subrepos=0&searchid=452395

The "Southern Cross"'s website, which airs their editorials is also rated by the same international site:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=4135

They are however on a danger list: noted for: "very dissident material": for attacking unjustly Vatican decisions: and for what "Catholic Culture" terms to be "the seamless garment approach" to abortion (used to justify an American radically pro-abortion politician), their support for condoms is also not appreciated by "Catholic Culture"/"Trinity Communications".

In reply to a request from our organization: Cardinal Wilfred Napier said the following:

"2) The orthodoxy of the Southern Cross
In this case I would argue that from time to time, and on given issues, editorial practice does not follow stated policy as closely as one would expect. At times there may be justifiable divergence of opinion, at other times it would seem that editorial independence is being given priority.

If you are a regular reader of the Southern Cross you will know that I have often expressed my concern at its anti-magisterial bias. I do not mean that it openly opposes Church teaching but like a nagging sore keeps on putting the world’s view rather than the Church’s. This is often done I would say rather by the choice of letter for publication rather than by direct editorial statements.

As you can see I am not a total fan of the Southern Cross, but I would not seek to shut it up. I would prefer to see ordinary Catholics take issue with its position by affirming their faith in letter that tell their faith stories. I am confident that these stories would reveal a reality that is very different from the reality which certain people are trying to present through the Southern Cross.
"
archive (25 / 12 / 2008): we are prepared to forward the actual letter.

So, when it was mentioned that internationally recognized media such as ours: had apposed them: by a reader of their internet site, what was the "Southern Cross's" response:

Please note: it was "Trinity Communications"/ "Catholic Culture": who noted that the "Seemless Garment" approach to abortion: is in conflict with Catholic Teaching: the "joke site" perceived by "Gunther" refers to our "South African Catholic" news and information service:

"Gunther Simmermacher { 03.19.09 at 1:16 pm }
That is one single joke site which can’t tell a Church teaching from the paranoia of their own minds. I’d not put too much stock in a critique which suggests that the theology of the seamless garment is in conflict with Church teachings. Being criticised by that site is like being assaulted with an overly fleecy Valentine’s Day teddy bear.

As for the catholic Culture blog: it means well, I’m sure, but I think it is overreaching in its attempts at apologetics. I don’t think it quite understands the nature and function of Church teachings. I’m quite sure that even the Holy Father would not agree with its approach.

Anyway, I’m sure you’ll tell me where Michael Shackleton’s article is making statements you find problematic.
"
http://www.scross.co.za/2009/03/homosexuality-worthy-of-death/

(as to their article, exactly what they are saying is unclear, we make no comment on it)

That "Catholic Culture": is not just a blog, but an internationally recognized website, and that "Trinity Communications" (it's parent company) created large parts of what is now the "EWTN" website, and that it includes "Catholic World News": known for being reliable, does not seem to phase "Gunther". Nor does the problem he has with internet terminology.

The sad fact, is that the "Southern Cross": is partly owned by the Bishops Conference: hence their dilemma. There is allot more information on our side, as it is, we have not decided to air such: our service prefers not to break trust, and also prefers to portray the church as is. It is unfortunate, that the "Southern Cross": finds an independent pro-life news source to be a "joke": and that while this service's editor: is internationally lauded for apologetics: that they claim he knows nothing of Catholic doctrine. As it is, one of our main purposes is to present a more accurate image of the world. Such a perspective of "Independent" media is a terrible problem in "South Africa"'s Catholic Church: that local hierarchy does not always view "Independent" as just that is a problem: but the larger one lies in that the church itself sells a paper which consistently is biased against the Vatican, in letters published by it, and in their editorials, a paper which gets most of its articles from: "CNS": "Catholic News Service": which likewise portrays the church in a highly odd manner to say the least.

What bothers our service is not that "Gunther" views our fidelity to the faith, and against abortion: to be that of a "Joke": but rather: that the Bishops conference: consistently allows him to attack the Vatican: from a service they partly own: which they advertise in churches, which they distribute. The "Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference" ("SACBC"): which has more than just some representatives: knowing this about the "Southern Cross": has hardly acted to change things: nor has the Nuncio in our territory replied to our requests on the matter.

That said, this service is proud to be seen as a "joke": more proud to be seen as "paranoid" (yes, we think that a fetus could be just what "fetus" means in Latin: "Offspring").

As is, we proudly inform the viewers of our different and diverse services: that we will not fall to local church politics, and we will not conceal the truth out of political benefit within the local church: as it is, we are deeply pleased by this news: at least the "Southern Cross": finally has shown themselves as is. They may be 80 years old, but I doubt "Gunther" is.

P.s. it was not us who referred to the "Seamless Garment": but "Trinity Communications: which did. This is important, as such opposition of the "Southern Cross" is their basis, seemingly of calling our service a "joke".

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Media Study South Africa: 10,000 BC (Warner Bros.): a Media Review

2009-04-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; note: a variety of sites: representing a variety of world views: are linked to in this review)

Article by Marc Aupiais

1:
While a bit late: we have decided to review "10,000 BC": Directed by "Roland Emmerich " ("The Day After Tomorrow ", "The Patriot ","Stargate ", "Independence Day " , "Godzilla " ...) starring "Camilla Belle " (c.f. Note One: for other films she's been in) (add on : "Routh" to get her birth name): as female lead: "Evolet" (see Language Note 1 ), and "Steven Strait" (See Note Two) as male lead: "D'Leh".

2:
Our: Prima Facie perception of the film

Perhaps it is a love story, perhaps something entirely different: when what seems but slave traders attack a small isolated icy village of Mammoth hunting tribes-people: just as their mystical seer had airily predicted.

A haunting prophesy: driven by the love of a man persuing: perhaps may come to pass.

A blue eyed girl: a survivor of cruel raids on another tribe: is captured. The prophesy that she would save the tribe is dimly preserved: as three tribesmen are sent to rescue her, and the many others now enslaved.

Basic Plot:

3:
Around 10 000 BCE:

As the mammoth migrations are drawing to their sunset finish: the tribal seer predicts that a hero will come forth at the next mammoth hunt: the hero will marry the stubborn: "Blue Eyed" one: "Evolet": whose tribe was captured/killed by a group of raiders. At the hunt: "D'Leh": already in a reciprocally loving relationship with "Evolet": suceeds: due to random chance: in killing the mammoth.

4:
Hating the idea of becoming tribal leader, and her husband by a lie, and pure chance: he gives her up, and is sitting outside the tribe, when it is attacked and the "Four-legged demons" (Men on horses) capture her, and many of their others.

5:
Three persons: Two Tribesmen, and a boy who sneaks along: join "D'Leh": in his search for "The Blue Eyed" Girl: "Evolet", and the other stolen tribesmen: they soon are caught up in a war between free people and the "False God": "Aryan " Slaver: the "Almighty": who is killed near the end of the movie.

6:
The movie portrays magic positively, is cliche' in its portrayal of the world: the "evil" head of the kidnappers: is the "Almighty": a man who is obviously a survivor of Atlantis. Worries on this: involve the fascination of the Nazi cult/religion with the "Arian race ": and with labeling an evil slave master as the "Almighty ". The reference: there used to be three, but now is only one of the "Gods": seems fearfully dangerous to those who would see a connection with the Christian "Triune God ". "Roland Emmerich", is used to portraying "False Gods" being fought by human beings, and being a source of human knowledge: take "Stargate": where the Ancient deities of Egypt, etc: are in fact aliens: using: "religion" to enslave men. "Roland Emmerich"'s Characters in both "Stargate", and this film: conquer the false (yap,thats how they portray that "RA" man in "Stargate": he's just a man controlled by an Alien: if the "Stargate" plot had any realism: he wouldn't be: but that's how the guy is portrayed) "god": which in the case of "Stargate" is Egyptian "Sun God" RA , and in both films they kill the "antagonist" "False God". Keeping with the theme: the "bad guys": in Stargate, and in 10, 000 B.C. both use religion and force to enslave primitive peoples.

7:
The movie clearly subscribes to a concept of: "synchronicity ": with everything relying on prophesies : the separations between Europe, and Africa: seem non-existent in this movie: and the portrayal of Africans: seems too similar to the prejudiced views of the past. More than that: what looks like Kenyans, and what seems a bit like San persons are living nearby: even ten thousand years ago: that really is an odd loss of geography.

8:
The idea of men destroying a "God", however fake, in a movie: seeped in the images of the "Gods"/"Aryans " portrayed in the mysteries, and myths which spurred on the Shoah /Holocaust : is not just bothersome: it disturbs one.

9:
There is no foul language in the film, and I do not remember any over-exposure: although there are obvious attempted rapes.

10:
It seems as though one could have watched a similar movie twenty (20) years ago, something like "Conan the Barbarian " (1982), maybe... or simply the recent release: "Scorpion King" (2002), and have guessed the basic plot of this film.

11:
That said, and concerns aside: the film is entertaining: as are all of the mystical dinosaur bird things, and saber-tooth tiger et al: that inhabit the "world" of the film. This is likely what saved it: and allowed it to be a hit with audiences.

12:
The success of this film: which I personally enjoyed: is likely a sign of the lack of the ability and place for men to be and be seen as masculine in the modern world. The pervasive chasing after a girl: however kidnapped: seems like something a bit stalker-ish: but again: "Fated" love, and a destiny is appealing in today's increasingly secular world: as with the primitive "spiritualist" "wisepeople"/"sangoma figures" in the film.

13:
The chance for a man to be a "man": and for a woman to be defiant of her enemies: is likely part of this film's success. With a theme of the past: the mammoth hunter protagonist's ability to assemble a vast native army in Africa: and to cross a desert: seems a bit dated.

14:
As tribally focussed "man" films go: one need not watch the movie to know of the ending: "big man" become hero, and get lead lady.

15:
The hidden Aryan themes in the movie, pagan focus, and positive portrayal of pagan practice: mean this is probably not a movie to take the kids to. The ways in which a black boy, and white man belong to the same European tribe, etc... seem a bit nonsensical: as with the use of "friends" to refer to one of the African tribes.

Again, this seems to similar to the racist views of "Tintin in the Congo": that the entire tribe is their "friends", and just get along.

16:
"Camilla Belle" should appear in a "Mary " film next year: concerning is the comments of the director of that upcoming film about woman empowerment. "Camilla" will play Mary in "Mary Mother of Christ ": by Aloe Entertainment.

Language Note 1:

it may be a co-incidence: but "Evolet" is also an extremely rare, and ancient Latin word: used in a speech by "Marcus Tullius Cicero" in Secondary Orations Against Verres: V 13: : in such a way: I think it could mean something like "make an escape": i.e. "let him make his escape from your severity": "evolet ex (from) vestra (your) severitate (severity)"

1st Paragraph>

Note One: other films in which "Camillia Belle Routh" played in, other than: "10,000 B.C. " (2008):

("Mary, Mother of Christ" (not yet released) (2010),"Push " (2009), , "The Quiet" (2006), "When a Stranger Calls " (2006), "The Chumscrubber " (2005), "The Ballad of Jack and Rose " (2005), "Back to the Secret Garden " (2001), "The Invisible Circus " (2001), "Rip Girls " (2000), "Replacing Dad " (1999), "The Patriot " (1999), "Practical Magic " (1998), "The Lost World: Jurassic Park " (1997), "Marshal Law " (1996), "Annie: A Royal Adventure " (1995), "A Little Princess " (1995), "Deconstructing Sarah " (1994), "Empty Cradle " (1993), "Trouble Shooters: Trapped Beneath the Earth " (1993))
1st Paragraph>

Note Two: Other movies in which: "Steven Strait" plays a role, other than: "10,000 B.C. " (2008):

("City Island" (coming out 2 July 2009), "Stop-Loss " (2008), "The Covenant" (2006), "Undiscovered " (2005), "Sky High " (2005))
1st Paragraph>

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Reuters: Vatican plans to boycott "Angels And Demons": for anti-Catholicism

2009-03-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; Reuters (Secular; Independent; British) 21 / 03 / 2009 Catholic League (Catholic; Independent; American) 16 / 06 / 2008; Catholic News Agency (CNA) 16 / 06 / 2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Saturday--21 - 03 - 2009 -- Italy --- Anti-Catholicism---

According to Reuters: "Avvenire", a paper which we verify is sponsored by the Italian Bishops' Conference: has noted: that the church cannot possibly endorse the anti-Catholic Angels and Demons movie, by "Ron Howard ": based on the book by 'Dan Brown' , a known anti-Catholic, and 'atheist'.

The Vatican banned the producers of the anti-Christian film, from filming in churches in Rome or the Vatican, after a request made by producers: to film in such. This move was praised by the Catholic league, and other players.

According to Catholic News Agency: the sequel to the previous apparently boring film: the "Da Vinci Code": is set to star "Tom Hanks" (again), who cannot again pretend to be surprised at Christians disliking him for aiding an anti-Catholic/Anti-Christian message once more.

The basic plot according to Catholic News Agency is:

"The movie concerns a secret society’s plot to seize control of the papacy during a papal election. It is directed by Ron Howard and stars actor Tom Hanks, who reappears in his Da Vinci Code role as Harvard professor Robert Langdon. The film sets key scenes in the Vatican and in two churches in Rome, Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria. In both churches cardinals are murdered and mutilated with mysterious symbols."
( Catholic News Agency (CNA) 16 / 06 / 2008)

According to Reuters, quoting "La Stampa ", a popular Turin daily: the Vatican is expected to call for Catholics to boycott the anti-Catholic "Angels and Demons" film release.

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Polish Politicians: to try dislodge Opposition TV head, via new legislation

2009-03-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. See What We See News Archive 13 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Yesterday--2009: 12th day of March--Poland--Politics--

Polish state media, is set to lose its independence. TVP, the polish television organization, is headed by an ex-neo-Nazi, and current Catholic: Piotr Farfal, who has renounced his neo-Nazi youth, in which he had edited a magazine for the said movement.

Like in South Africa, it is hard to dislodge a head of state television, due to apposing views expressed than yours. A bill, set to be passed in Poland in June, and likely to be apposed by Polish President: President "Lech Kaczynski", who blocked a similar bill before, is to be attempted again by political opportunists, in June: they hope to get a majority to overrule the Veto, of Poland's President. In many countries: State Television becomes a government spokesperson, rather than reporting actual events: this is why somewhat independent state broadcasting can be important to the life of democracy.

"Prime Minister Donald Tusk", of Poland: is attempting to use the bill, to oust: Polish Television's head, a member of, what Reuters names: the staunchly Roman Catholic "League of Polish Families (LPR)", a political opponent of the "center-right", as well as the left leaning SLD, and of the current Prime Minister: in Poland: "Prime Minister Donald Tusk".

Media Study South Africa: Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire") not saint, whatever big Catholic media says

2009-02-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. H20News (catholic; Independent; Global; Article has much to be desired) 27 / 02 / 2009; USCCB Movie Review (American; Catholic; Hierarchical: media review arm of the Bishops' Conference in America) __/__/__ )

Article by Marc Aupiais

Slumdog Millionaire, undoubtedly is famous, based on Q&A, a book written either by the "RSA" (South African) ambassador to India, or more likely by their Ambassador to us, if I remember correctly. Danny Boyle, a British Director of films, made this film, and it has created a storm globally.

Ignored is the derogatory term of the title, and the glorification of poverty, ignored, also: is a history, which Danny Boyle has in film. Especially ignoring this: "L'Osservatore Romano", the Vatican's semi-official, though somewhat independent paper. Also ignoring it: H20News, with this headline:

"Vatican applause for Slumdog Millionaire Oscar"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3k_YScVTEc

As though Vatican referred to independent Journalists based there:

And this article:

"

Subscribe

h2onews
February 27, 2009
(less info)
L'Osservatore Romano has commended the granting of an Oscar award to Slumdog Millionaire for best motion picture of the year. The film is interesting and exemplary, artistic and productive, wrote journalist Luca Pellegrini in the Vaticans daily newspaper.The night of the Academy Awards gave prominence to Mumbai, highlighting the Indian city's coexistent and contradictory signs of hope and despair.According to Pellegrini, the plot embodies feelings and truth with which everyone can easily identify. The multi-award winning mp4ie tells the story of a Mumbai teenager who participates in a television game show that could make him a millionaire--a game where the questions recall situations from his own personal history.The director, Danny Boyle, was a student of a Salesian school in Bolton, England. A theatre enthusiast in his youth, Boyle also pondered the possibility of becoming a priest.
Category: News & Politics
Tags: Cinema Oscar Awards Slumdog Millionaire "
(H20News (catholic; Independent; Global; Article has much to be desired) 27 / 02 / 2009)

Anything been ignored:

What mainstream Catholic media review has turned a blind eye to: is that Danny Boyle's nearly becoming a priest, is sidelined by the fact, that the Boston Globe: says he has abandoned the Catholic faith: and that... wait for this, as I have seen this movie: his movie: "Millions" about a boy who thinks he talks with saints: calls Jesus' miracle of the loaves of bread: a miracle in a social context, whereby everyone secretly had bread and shared it; rather than eating Jesus' bread: the movie ignores the twelve baskets left over, and seems to have fun with boys looking at underwear models online, and to promote dangerous behaviors for children.

Millions also seems to promote smoking and other behaviors, with at least one "saint" puffing away!

So, what does mainstream catholic reviews say about "Millions", it has saints, let's sing its praises?

Simply because someone once considered the church, does not make the "ours", whatever that could mean. I also know of plenty of priests, who are worse than many laymen, and non-catholics, when it comes to important Catholic morality and beliefs. I daily encounter these in the news, and have personally verified that such reports are often accurate.

As is my integrity, I must remind Catholic Journalists, that the facts are more important. Let us wait for someone who really supports the church, before calling them ours, and for the papacy to jump at a movie, before getting readers hopes up. L'Osservatore Romano, also criticized a catholic choice, likely an official choice, by some section of the church: to criticize the Beatles, that does not mean that the Vatican has revoked anything. Truly, some journalists, might need to find a day job.

This joy experienced by H20News, and L'Osservatore Romano's "Luca Pellegrini", is only outnumbered by other media mistakes, within our circles of Catholic media: from the lifting of the excommunication of a holocaust denier, without thinking of noting that that does not make him a Catholic bishop, or reading swiss news, to Vatican Radio: quoting the Southern Cross, a paper antagonistic to the Vatican: to tell the world about the South African Situation: when they seemingly baseless-ly, or at least against the choices of some other services: attack Vatican moves in their editorials.

Truly, the importance of Independent media is highlighted so strongly here, but semi-official media, no names mentioned, need to be kept accountable to the people.

So, what do the US Bishops think of "Slumdog Millionaire", or at least their media review:

"Slumdog Millionaire

Vibrant drama in which a Mumbai, India, slum dweller (Dev Patel), suspected of cheating on a television quiz show, explains to a police inspector (Irrfan Khan) how his life experiences growing up with his brother (Madhur Mittal) and his loving pursuit of a childhood friend (Freida Pinto) enabled him to answer the acerbic program host's (Anil Kapoor) questions. Director Danny Boyle's sweeping panorama of Third-World life, adapted from Vikas Swarup's novel "Q & A," though harrowing at times, is ultimately hopeful, stressing the dignity of the underprivileged and the primacy of spiritual over material values. Beating and torture, fleeting rear nudity, crime and prostitution themes, underage drinking, brief scatological humor, and occasional rough and crude language. A-III -- adults. (R) 2008"

(USCCB Movie Review (American; Catholic; Hierarchical: media review arm of the Bishops' Conference in America) __/__/__ )

In either case, I doubt that it represents the "Catholic View", or that Pope Benedict is particularially interested in its: "Beating and torture, fleeting rear nudity, crime and prostitution themes, underage drinking, brief scatological humor, and occasional rough and crude language." (USCCB Movie Review (American; Catholic; Hierarchical: media review arm of the Bishops' Conference in America) __/__/__ ): anyone else want to do reviews, or make comments of movies they are fans of!? Please find another job!

The loss of true seeking of knowledge at many Universities: for the sake of ideology

2009-02-14T00:39:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa )

Introduction by Marc Aupiais

The following is a brilliant posting:

"Control education, control society’s future

by Sheila" who runs inforumblog.

It looks at the manner in which a true pursuit of knowledge in university has been sacrificed for "Enlightenment" philosophy, and for the sake of sweeping ideology, which she believes, has become a norm and has taken a path of not being questioned in universities.

c.f.

http://www.inforumblog.com/?p=2173

On our Part

From our research on sources: While nine out of ten South Africans for instance appose abortion, those supporting it, generally have gone to South African schools, or universities, where they are taught another "perspective" on the issue: this includes teaching carreer students, and others.

In university, those who suggest radical or unpopular ideas, are often thought to be good at their job. Their real job lies not in opening minds, but in teaching skills: if their philosophy endangers this: should it not be discontinued? These are some of the questions Media Study South Africa desires to ask!

Inforumblog is brilliant at showing things we find of note!

Novartis nearly sneak into Vatican Radio Interview, as guest speaker? Despite their positions?

2009-02-07T05:47:00.001-08:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular; Independent; British) 06 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Those with Hyperactivity know of Novartis: the "Ritalin": sellers. Those who know of the effects of diet: know that sometimes "Ritalin" is needed, and sometimes excluding harmful additives to food: clears up hyperactivity. Novartis is known for some activities some would not agree with.

So, getting a real coup d'état, of getting an invitation to speak on Vatican Radio (Radio Vaticana), "Novartis Chief Executive Daniel Vasella", has now been told that the Vatican doesn't want him to speak any longer in the slot of "Commentator of the week", this February. Perhaps this is further evidence that the Vatican was telling the truth, when speaking of not knowing of Lefebvrite suspended illicitly ordained "Bishop Williamson"'s statements on the Holocaust.

A quick google search, or better yet, a scripturelink of those the Vatican deals with: would go a long way. Fortunately: this time, the Vatican caught the mistake in time.

The Vatican, has rejected the Novartis chief: due to the fact, that his company produces contraceptives: considered a danger to civilization, and intrinsically evil: by sections of Catholic theologians, and as intrinsically evil: by Dogma.

A near tragedy has been avoided, by the Vatican. Hopefully, these errors will prompt the Vatican to begin background checks before taking action. This is not the first time the Vatican's Radio has decided to use a source apposing Catholic Dogma. Vatican Radio has previously interviewed the editor of the Southern Cross: accused by Trinity Communications ("Catholic Culture"): of an anti-magisterial bias, and of airing editorials sporting pro-abortion arguments as though they were not apposing Canon Law, and the Vatican in such.

For now, the Vatican is taking baby steps in media: perhaps they will look to the many Orthodox Catholic sources, and perhaps start to ask who they are dealing with.

Twilight: a movie review, by Media Study South Africa

2009-01-20T00:11:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa ; C.f. Decent Films (Catholic; independent; American; Reviews both "good" and "bad" films) __/__/__; USCCB Film Review __/__/__ ; CathNews (Australian; Catholic; independent: Quotes review by: - Jim Murphy, Australian Catholic Office for Film and Broadcasting) 12 / Dec / 2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It seems darkened, in the rainy region, in that rainy town, in Washington. Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart), an oddly nervous looking girl, moves there, to live with her father. After the divorce, the mother met someone, and the mother wanted to move around with them: so Bella, Bella decides that it is better to be with her father: so as to let her mother be "happy". She isn't happy herself though. The sun is hardly out, and there have been deaths "Animal attacks", of sorts.

Her new chemistry partner, who she likes, wanted to sit anywhere but with her. He covers his mouth, when he sees her, and looks at her, as though looking at a tasty morsel. He doesn't turn up for a few days: then he returns periodically, and things seem just a bit mysterious: until something happens, and soon Bella begins to suspect...

Like our introduction, well, we had to say something: this film is both offensive, and possibly interesting, probably not suitable to impressionable teenage girls.

Twilight is a Vampire thriller/horror/romance, where a young, and nervous looking teenage girl: falls in love with a dangerous, but somewhat self controlled Vampire: who finds the thought of her blood near irresistible, and therefore, at first seeks to avoid this dessert (food, not area) like tasty morsel, whose smell, almost makes killing her impossible to resist, whose mind he cannot read.

Obviously, this is a romance: between an "immortal" predator: designed to kill human beings, and a human being, both in "love" with each other, if it were possible at that age. It is sort of a "doomed romance". It is the romance between: in their description: a "Lion and a Lamb" (paraphrase): in which the male lead struggles with the incumbent urge, to eat the female lead, whom he also apparently "loves".

It has got elements of a horror, and has got violence, and a sort of "supernatural". It has a sort of chastity, whereby the male lead only can slightly kiss the female lead, as he doesn't want to devour her (with his teeth). It turns into a bit of a scary scene: when other vampires, sniff her "Irresistible" smell. The Vampire, also sounds a bit like George Bush at some points, who isn't all bad, even though he abuses lots of human rights, but seemed just as illogical; when he started taking away America's privacy: in his insistence, that his prying: is for Bella's protection.

Ultimately, as proven by the Facebook group: this type of film is dangerous to teenage girls: and gives women abusers more power, and stinks quite cruelly, of a world, where feminism, has not achieved its goals, but where women seem as exploited as ever. The movie, is well played, and has good screenplay, but the ideas behind it, can cloy people.

Like the titanic, it has danger in its cultural effect, and perhaps reflects a loss of chivalry amongst men. Ultimately, it stinks of a desire for subjection, is a game: where the vampire holds all the power, and the girl: trusts unconditionally ("In Theory"), that he won't use her trust against her. It truly is the deathly fascination, which a human prey item, can have with their potential psychopathic killer. It is the making of romance, out of the abusive, unequal relationship.

At least in the Phantom of the Opera, where a similar intoxication occurs: the bad guy who does such: does not get the girl in the end.

Issues:
- Written by a Mormon, which has different elements: this may be why they wait until marriage (later in the series), to do something about reproduction. Definite Mormon touches to the story line.
- Considered to be cliché by some, with too much sniffing, and head movements, apparently, by the female lead.
- The mother's pursuit of happiness, having left her father: is almost, if not portrayed positively.
- Reminds some of Dracula, and the Titanic.
- In the book series, as is in the movie, the Vampire lead, seems abusive, the relationship only seems to hurt, or harm Bella, and the Vampire does not respect her privacy, and hates it when any warn her away from his dangerous hands. He could be any abuser, and the book series treats abuse of Bella lightly, where she does not seem to mind the effects of a certain act, the pain inflicted on her, as she is licking her wounds.
- Vampires could represent aristocracy, or a high school popular kids group, and a desire to join this.
- Like the poster/cover: the screenplay is suggestive, and seems to reflect adult insinuations: for a teenage girl, and 90 year old "17 year old" Vampire (remind anyone of internet dating?)! This means that fascination, and lusts for the physical form, is romanticized.
- Use of the word "God", by a non-lead character: to denote surprise that the lead female; had landed the lead male character. (Blasphemy?)
- In a phone conversation with the divorced mother: the female lead: notes that she likes a guy, the mother tells her to use "protection" (Artificial contraception, is considered intrinsically evil: by the catholic Church; also: seems to indicate consent of the parent with fornication: another negative; which could encourage teenage pregnancy! The Mother does not seem concerned about how he treats her, while the father simply gets her what looks like pepper spray, and there is insinuation about the father and a gun. The relationship, of course, seems to be kept from the parents, who are not told of the dangers, but lied to.)
- Violence, including the ripping apart piece by piece of a Vampire: although this is not too explicidly shown: it is known what is happening.
- Scene where female lead seems to be in underwear, lying on a bed, maybe with a shirt, and she embraces the male lead,: they then kiss, and he jumps back: in fear of eating her. (Ethics).
- Insinuation, whereby the "Adopted" children of the male lead's adopted "Father": hook up with each other.
- The Vampires don't seem to mind the other Vampires hunting people (Ethics).
- The Female lead does not mind if the male lead has killed people (Ethics).
- The female lead is prepared to risk her life, at the whims of the male lead, and his family (lack of Prudence). This could encourage teenage pregnancy, and crime, as well as dispose women to abuse.
- Male lead watches female lead sleep: seems like a stalker: she DOES NOT mind this, and is interested.
- Female lead lies to her father, and hurts him badly emotionally.
- Female lead lies to her mother about events.
- American Native Americans: try to suggest that Bella leave the Vampire alone: they are considered by the Vampire as the "wolves", who attack when he leaves her alone for five minutes.
- Possibly dispose women to abusive partners.
- Elements, much like horror in Anne Rice: where people are attracted to dangerous, even evil people, or concepts: and give into their power.
- Female lead is blasé about nearly dying in a car crash, parent is portrayed as overprotective, that they care so much.
- "Bad" Vampires, act towards people, as though prey: and "play" with their "food".
- The entire movie, could likely be predicted from adverts, in fact, in this regard, it disappoints: the bad guys simply catch a sniff of the female lead, and the showdown, is almost too familiar of film's abusive bully, and strong jock boyfriend showdown.
- Could be a comic book: which isn't a good thing!
- Plays on fascination with revolting subjects and danger!
- Bit like a symbolic main character, and film: stylization may be overdone.
- Follows predictable Hollywood patterns.
- Main female character, simply searches the internet, and gets onto a sort of cult-like website.
- Plot is thin, and obvious.

Possibly good elements:

- A sort of chastity emerges.
- The Characters "struggle" to be "ethical", but a negative is that: there doesn't seem much concern if they aren't.
- Killing, except in the case of animals: is done reluctantly by the "Good" "vampires".
- The fight not to eat his girlfriend, portrays the Vampire, almost, like a man fighting lust, which can be good.
Negative: the girl doesn't mind, and they both risk her life.
- The characters "put themselves out" for one another: doing what they "think" best for the others.
- The Vampires value "Family", but then again, apparently: only seemingly protect the female lead for this (negative on ethics scale).
- Brilliant screenplay: at least, in the average eyes. A critic, has considered it pathetic, but it is entertaining.
- A sort of cold "romance" is "victorious", over urges of the body, though in later books, a sort of abusive relationship emerges, and this "romance", is behind Bella's parents' backs: parents, who don't seem overly concerned.
- There is a sort of "unconditional" love emphasized: between the main characters, negative of this, is that Bella falls right into the Vampire's arms: i.e. Trusts a dangerous creature absolutely, and what teenage girl knows what "love" is?
- Violence against women, or certain thoughts: seem portrayed negatively, though for a while: the vampire is in danger of finishing off that one extra beer (killing his girlfriend).
- Well woven, if not predictable plot, and interesting screenplay.
- Vampires, the "good" that is: are portrayed, like recovering addicts: one almost can laugh: as a female vampire treats such like smoking, even though it is terrible/ the other side, is that killing is treated lightly, and consequences are the main concern, as though killing someone, is like taking a smoke.
- Suspense is contained.
- The film website, says that Bella does not care about fitting in with the popular girls, but then she seems absolutely fascinated with the "popularity" of the vampires (which counter this somewhat, if not completely).

The film, is the work of director: "Catherine Hardwicke"; based on the novel: Twilight, by Mormon: "Stephenie Meyer". The vampire, male lead: is: Edward Cullen (Played by Robert Pattinson); the Female, "Human" Lead is: Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart), who wore contacts in the film.

Toronto Canada: Atheists set sites on buses: Canadian Children will be asking if there is a "good case" against God?

2009-01-18T04:58:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Canadian Globe and Mail (Canadian; Secular; Independent) 16 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Canadian Catholic church has a dark history, it is undoubted: implication in a pro-abortion march, along with the Canadian Arm of the Catholic Woman's League, had already blackened their name. Unlike Italy, where adverts such as this were rejected as unethical; Toronto, could soon see adverts promoting Atheism, at subways, and on buses.

In ancient times, atheism, was a civil crime: a crime against the state: at least, in Ancient Greece. The comparison between atheistic, and structurally, and organized in form: religious cultures: easily shows difference in happiness, success, and other such things: according to a Study in the New York Times (Which is quite liberal itself).

Claims that such will increase discussion on the existence of a God: are likely nonsensical: some people should be angered, and such could create antagonism between religious and Atheists, also: children will see these boards, which undermine parents at a critical age.

Even if it were "probable" that God did not exist, if he were a mythical creature, like a lepracon: it would be rude to create an advert which said lepracons don't exist, it would be a biased, and bigoted attack on Ireland.

To advertise that Santa Clause did not exist, even though Saint Nicolas is a true basis of the mythical creature: well, and English Catholic Priest, who announced such to his congregation: was slandered in the press: so that even BBC heard the story. Such things don't create discussion, they create animosity, and discord in a society.

To believe God does not exist, to discuss this with other adults: perhaps, but placing such on buses, is not acceptable: children see buses, and such can only further degrade family structures, in Britain, America, Canada and Spain.

Much like basically naked people, shown in adverts for a "Sex" convention, in South Africa, which were placed on street advertising, anything in the view of children: which encourages unhealthy behavior, as Atheism does: should be confined to the realm of adults, if accepted at all. Personally, I think, both sex conventions, and Atheism, should be kept out of the public realm, by law. Simply, because of the economic, and social effects such have to damage a society. Atheism takes from people hope and happiness, and for what: a "realism", "skepticism": are these not things which make life unbearable: even if there is not a God: the image of one would spur people on to be kinder and more just: communist, and other atheistic projections: have always had the affect of disheartening people: and such is bad economically. It was also a lack of ethics: which caused the current economic downturn. Belief in a real Hell, and individual judgment: makes people more moral: and morality creates integrity, and integrity is the maintenance of a society, in that morality creates concord, and creates economic profit, for more, and often brings a nation prosperity.

Once again, the Canadian Catholic church, doesn't get good marks, on their "respect" of such things. Sadly, Canada: risks falling further morally; even as to her southern border, the United States of America is about to be caught in the hurricane of her own butterfly wings, unless something is done to reverse, or prevent coming changes promised by Barak Hussein Obama.

People have a right to their views on religion, a freedom to do so that is: but to force and impose that view on another's children: and to force them to read it whenever at the subway; such is attempting to engineer, and propagandize a people, via a sort of coercing: into thought structures not their own.

If I were Canadian, I would raise issue on this, if not simply on a blog, or facebook: and I would be sure to be careful which political party I vote for in future.

Vatican: Pope to get (Google powered) U-tube channel- Vatican official- AP - Reuters etc

2009-01-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; Independent) 17 / Jan / 2009; AP (Associated Press)(American; Independent; Secular) 17 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Pope Benedict XVI's Vatican brought out Google search for their website, which was originally brought out under his predecessor, in 1995. Now, Google, and the Vatican are collaborating again. The Vatican is due to release a YouTube channel (YouTube is wholly owned by Google), a channel, which will show videos of papal speaches: as well as present to the world: the text versions of these. Henrique de Castro, managing Director (MD) of Media Solutions, for Google, as well as Vatican Representation, according to Reuters, will be at a presentation, next Friday, of this information. YouTube, is own by Google: who were involved in a push for keeping "Gay" "Marriage" legal in California, against proposition 8.

The Vatican, like many other Catholic organizations, including the Scripturelink initiatives, of which this is one: are increasingly using Google tools, for their effectiveness. Yahoo, meanwhile: appears to have improved: drastically, their search engine, since the last use, by Scripturelink, when it was found wholly inadequate. It now, has phenomenally improved its search technology. The initiate itself involves: Google, Vatican Television Center, and Vatican Radio.

More anti-Catholic/anti-authoritarian/anti-christian/anti-religious media on DSTV

2008-12-30T22:45:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Milla Jovovic, seems to enjoy anti-Christian roles in movies: just recently, I watched her in Ultraviolet (Kurt Wimmer, who also directed Equillibrium: another film with anti-Christian imagery, where the worst man is "Father" (Pope means Father?): a dictator, and the enforcers of his evil are : "Clerics" (Priests?): where the cross is made to represent evil, in almost a comparison with Nazism ), which despite the images of many language comics, of an apparent whole series: in front: is one ultra-violent film: not based on comic books, but seemingly on a "Screen Gems" video game.

Rather, Milla , a starring role actress from "Resident Evil" films, is pitted against an authoritarian government, which rules the world, from a Cross-like fortress: where the big bad man: is the Vice-Cardinal (Second highest office in the Roman Catholic church: is "Cardinal"), who actually lands up belonging to the Vampires, like Milla 's character, and not the humans: and plans to force a disease on mankind, so as to force mankind to take medicine, lining up periodically at the Cross fortress: after hoping to cause the issue (any link to sacraments: and further: the fact he plans to cause such: to God is evil mentalities? Milla : of course prevents the biological attack), which never materializes; and where the symbol of a medical dictatorship is the Cross, which appears all the time. The female hero figure: fights in what: the "Moral Sciences" area of a cross shaped building: to save a clone from a "Megalomaniac": known as the Vice-Cardinal. She later gets into the laboritory, where she spills her blood on him, only to find he is already a Haemo (something).

She states: that killing the Vice-Cardinal: will likely get her into heaven.

In another film, also screening on DSTV, this time on "Action X": in "The Messenger: Joan of Arc": Milla Jovovic : Joan of Arc is portrayed as a lying human hero, with the church as a whole, and perhaps God (the figure she talks to seems mean): as a bad guy, and Jean D'ark: "not" a saint. She is forced to wear pants: rather than the reality of Jean D'ark choosing to in order to rebuke her fearful (under duress of being burnt alive) rebuttal of her own visions: to wear pants again, something she had been told to do by God. The Evil bishop: is portrayed as representing the church: rather than the Englishmen: and a vision of Joan's (Milla 's): gives her priestly absolution.

Joan, again played by Milla : seemingly is contradictory, and tries to deny killing anyone in her conquests: a stark contrast to Catholic doctrine: which does not deny just slaying of enemies of right order, and further: a turning of a Christian martyr: into an anti-Christian one: where no real evidence is given. Her God figure: even blames her crusade against England: on Joan: calling it pride: as though God did not want anyone to kill evil people for him.

As to Equilibrium, I am unsure if I saw it on DSTV: it is not part of this report... only an addition on the director of Ultraviolet.

Recently: DSTV: on Mnet: played a cartoon based on the 1930's Tintin series: sharing the name: "Tintin and The Calculus Affair" (comic book was translated from the French: L'Affaire Tournesol). Interestingly: I saw part of the Tintin series: recently in Cresta's Exclusive books: Tintin, was a series of comic strip books.

So, why is it wrong for Mnet to play part of the Tintin series: based on the 20th century books: the answer lies in: Tintin in the Congo: based on the French language: Tintin au Congo.

Tintin in the Congo is what some consider a historic treasure: so as to keep producing it (c.f. Borders: who such seems: produced it as it appeared in Britain); if it is a treasure: it is an odd and bigoted one: one, in which Tintin is in Africa: which portrays the genitically native to Africa section of humanity: as violent, stupid monkey like creatures: which decide they need a white man to rule them, and listen to the most unjust, stupid decisions by "Tintin", who looks like a small child. (.c.f. BBC World News (Secular) 12/07/2007; Sky News Channel (Secular) 12/07/2008).

I personally think it distasteful to play such work, as one based on a Tintin cartoon, even if not the offending book.

Other movies which DSTV has shown: include: "Luther": a historically incorrect, and anti-Catholic retelling of the reformation, which invents scenes of Luther's "heroism": in front of a church, and turn him from a fat old theologian: to a mystic looking revolutionary: brushing over the mass murders against Catholics by his followers: and fictitiously showing him standing in front of a church protecting it: and also brushing over the fact he broke his vow of celibacy. Also airbrushed out: is that Luther is thought never to have gone to Rome: and had a legendary "Poo" (Excrement) fight with the Devil. Here, the famous figure: is reworked: canceling out any of the real story: and portraying Luther as a liberator from religious authority: rather than an Authoritarian himself. He is portrayed as viewing the pope at the time, as a demonic figure: something which Luther did believe: but no rational voice is voiced to contradict this view.

Also having screened on DSTV: is both advertisement style behind the scenes looks at the movie, and the actual film: "The Golden Compass" (Directed by: Chris Weitz; Starring Nicole Kidman, and Daniel Craig; based on the Northern lights (England: released as "Golden Compass": in America) Novel by: Philip Pullman (Atheist: who airs his opposition to religion in the trilogy); from the His Dark Materials: series of three books): based on the first book of a series: where God is an evil Tyrant: and the evil institution, which wants to harm the main character in her "world': is the Magisterium. Magisterium is a much used Catholic term for the teaching authority of the church. An invisible best friend of all people in the novels is their own unique "Daemon"(: Pronounced Demon).

We could go on for some time on the many such screenings on DSTV, including an episode of "Women's Murder Club" (where a witch gives out charms which loom like crosses, and has a picture of Pope John Paul II on the wall. She of course is implicated in a murder: in an episode: where a brunette lead; is spending time with her ex-husband: for a case), or much else. The ultimate point is that: either someone in the buying department needs replacing: or structures need to be build: in accordance with the legalities of South African law; or at least: this is a perception on gains from such.

Other movies, I did not enjoy watching on DSTV: include kingdom of Heaven: and also some movies about Islam: or involving Islamic characters: which neither I, nor I hope: Islamic people: enjoyed watching.

While I may not expect DSTV to monitor foreign satellite receptions, though they could place warnings on these, and rid themselves of repeatedly distasteful channels, I find it sad: that many such movies: are played on stations controlled by DSTV (Multichoice).

DSTV: yesterday: confirmed via an automatic system: a complaint about some content aired on the provider.

Authority of the bishop/ Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T01:50:00.000-08:00

While we have reported on issues in South Africa, involving local bishops, and this is of not just one department: every citizen of the church is rightly bound to obey the just commands of bishops: nor does this mean there is always any recourse or purpose in such things: the bishop is given his authority, and that is just, and so: we must still love our bishops, even when we disagree with them. I truly hope that heresy, and pen rebellion against the Vatican will no longer be advertised by Priests in South Africa, and sold in Parishes without having to answer for their attacks on the Vatican, and the Pro-life movement: however: we are still rightly obligated to be at peace with our bishops, and to love them for their goodness. God bless, and merry Christmas: to our viewers, and our Bishops, and clergy in South Africa! And please pray for our brothers and sisters at the Southern Cross: to stop attacking Vatican Decisions, as is well documented overseas.

Marc Aupiais

Editor of South African Catholic,

and the Scripturelink group of sites!

Response of Cardinal Napier on certain abuses in South Africa; including anti-Vatican sentiments aired in the Southern Cross

2008-12-25T01:29:00.000-08:00

Cardinal Napier was informed of a Priest who got his congregation to sing happy Birthday to a member of it, and got them to clap for success in a recent fund raiser: something directly condemned by Pope Benedict XVI: as meaning that all meaning of the mass is lost: the mass centering on the Eucharist:

"You are obviously French-speaking, and that is why some of the points that you make in your correspondence do not come across as clearly as they would need to. That is a problem that would best be overcome by first speaking to someone face to face and only then putting your thoughts to paper.
Regarding the issues that you raise, namely 1) cheering and clapping in the Church at Margate and 2) the orthodoxy of the Southern Cross’s editorial policy and practice.

1) Cheering and clapping in Church

The first thing to say is that anyone who attends Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, will know that it is quite common for the participants to cheer and applaud the Holy Father when he enters the Church for Mass, and that they do the same every time he mentions their country or nation in his message of greetings.

I had the good fortune to attend the African Synod held in St Peter’s in April-May 1994. The first thing that marked that Synod was the way in which Pope John Paul II accepted and even encouraged lively African style singing, which necessarily include ululating, cheering and clapping. I remember in particular that the choirs who sang at the opening and closing Masses used banjoes and drums among other instruments popular with African congregations.

The second element of good fortune that I attribute to the African Synod is proclamation of the principle of inculturation. Inculturation was introduced into Catholic thinking by Vatican II and was incorporated by the Holy Father in the post Synodal exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa”.

This important Church document sanctioned inculturation and then proceeded to spell out two criteria that were to be used to distinguish genuine from false inculturation. The first is “compatibility with the Gospel” and the second is “unity with the universal Church”.

So, the questions to be asked are: a) Is cheering and clapping incompatible with the Gospel? b) Does it break the unity of the particular Church with the universal Church?

I would say that in neither case does singing and clapping offend those two principles.

2) The orthodoxy of the Southern Cross

In this case I would argue that from time to time, and on given issues, editorial practice does not follow stated policy as closely as one would expect. At times there may be justifiable divergence of opinion, at other times it would seem that editorial independence is being given priority.

If you are a regular reader of the Southern Cross you will know that I have often expressed my concern at its anti-magisterial bias. I do not mean that it openly opposes Church teaching but like a nagging sore keeps on putting the world’s view rather than the Church’s. This is often done I would say rather by the choice of letter for publication rather than by direct editorial statements.

As you can see I am not a total fan of the Southern Cross, but I would not seek to shut it up. I would prefer to see ordinary Catholics take issue with its position by affirming their faith in letter that tell their faith stories. I am confident that these stories would reveal a reality that is very different from the reality which certain people are trying to present through the Southern Cross.

By the way, the parish of Margate is in the Diocese of Umzimkulu, and is in the capable hands of one of the best young priests in the country. He is very much in touch with me as Apostolic Administrator and together with the other members of the Presybterium of that Diocese is very involved in seeking way to ensure that the Mass is a lived experience of our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, which becomes actualized when we receive Holy Communion and carry over its effects into our daily life.

May I use this letter to offer you some advice, and I do so not to put you down, but to point you in the right direction, because I sense that you are genuinely concerned about your faith and the way your Church is living, teaching and passing it on.
“Try to be humble enough to see good in others, even when you don’t, or even can’t, agree with what you see them do or say”.
Why? Because it was the way Jesus interacted with the “sinners” of his time. It was the way he led them in great numbers to conversion them.
I am sure that a similarly humble, honest and compassionate approach will help you lead many more to conversion than your current approach, which falls more into the category of “hammering the heretics into orthodoxy.

With best wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year,

Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, OFMArchbishop of Durban"
Email from the cardinal's office to a private individual: confirmed by our organization!

It was then pointed out that it was not the letters in the Southern Cross, which have been internationally condemned by the esteemed Trinity Communications, known for their connection, and the used of these by EWTN. No response was given.

While at time of publishing, no response was given, and while we have great respect for the Cardinal, we still are looking into what can be done on these issues, which we have got evidence of. We would like to remind our readers, that the bishops are the true heirs of the Apostles. Whether we agree or disagree: we cannot create animosity towards these men: only try the best we are able to obey our church, our pope first, and and then our bishops and others in line with Canon law. Much of what the Cardinal says is well said, and based on the experiences of a servant of the universal church. Perhaps, in future, something may be done, perhaps not.

Media Study SA: Advancement of Catholic Media in Technology area:Vatican chooses Google to search, and Scripturelink launches new search engines

2008-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

(MEDIA STUDY SOUTH AFRICA; c.f. Lifesitenews 19/Dec/2008; Scripturelink Search Engine 22/12/2008 (Vatican II Search engine); 22/12/2008 (Vatican/ etc Bible search); 22/12/2008(Catechism Search); __/__/__; Caritas Internationalis (discovered and emailed to us by google) 21/Dec/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

One of the defining features of our founding site, the Scripturelink Search Engine: was our Google search for the Vatican. Fortunately, the Vatican has now joined the search engine race: using a custom Google search engine to search their site. This according to LifeSiteNews.

Our own service, has of its own initiative, also decided to upgrade our search services: extending existing, but relatively unknown services. Vatican II can now be searched from a unique page, in 9 or ten languages, depending how many languages the Vatican has translated documents into: with the advantage of being able to search each document separately.

Further, we now search the Vatican's choice of bible, on their site, and another authentic site in addition, for english: due to indexing issues, in four languages: English, Spanish, Latin, and Italian: with instructions on each: further: this search feature allows users to choose to search in one or all languages. Our Catechism, and Catechism Compendium engine mentioned below, also has this function: to search in the language you choose, out of those available.

We also now can search either the Catechism, or Catechism Compendium of the Catholic church, in all 13 languages in which one or the other are published on the Vatican site, in another new page, extending an existing small engine designed only to search the English version, then updated, and given a page on our site. We have also created Google gadgets for both our news headlines, as appearing on the sides of our sites, and a Google gadget of the Scripturelink Search engine (search for "South African Catholic" and scroll down).

Caritas Internationalis has also updated their website, unless we are picking up old Google alerts.

Basically, it seems, many Catholic sites, are advancing in technology. This is good. We do however need prayers when Google plans to transfer Pages sites into "sites", here, we may need to relaunch our entire scripturelink engine, and 15 other sites we have hosted with them: due to a lack of javascript in existing versions of "sites".

Basically, this is an issue where prayer is applicable. Radio Veritas, whom we have been in talks with, is also possibly one step closer to a license apart from their Satellite Television broadcast, again, prayers are needed: to place them on the radio waves in South Africa.

South African Catholic is a nominee for an innovation award: how other services can also be submitted to awards, and reviews

2008-12-20T00:40:00.000-08:00

((MEDIA STUDY SOUTH AFRICA)Promotion of New Media)

Informative article by Marc Aupiais

This is not the sort of article, any service gets into the habit of writing. It is something basic, and its only purpose is to help other services get a hand up. By such an article, one promotes other services, and gives advice to help others with their own services. It does not seem professional, but is something we only justify because such things can help promote the tide of Catholic new media!

As part of "See What We See", and for personal interest, we monitor what other people are saying about us. South African Catholic was submitted to an innovation award, we will link to this nomination, and also: in aid of promoting Catholic New Media: this article will show viewers how to submit their own services to this specific award, but also how to get their services rated.

The Nomination of our service is visible here:

http://evangelization2.typepad.com/evangelization2_0/2008/12/update-catholic-new-media-and-innovation-awards.html

To get your own site nominated, in this specific award, or a site you find beneficial, email:

awards@lovetobecatholic.com

Now, this is only one of many awards, and ratings services. Obviously, if one uses a blog with some services, such as blogger or st.blogs, one is automatically submitted to search engines: and we have enough sites linking to our own service to certainly keep afloat on the world wide web: but a good way for new sites to be noticed, is via awards, and by high ratings. Yes, word of mouth helps, but having strategic links is a way to get traffic to an engine. Also, when services allow one to add a website address, it can help: especially in chat services and other such things. If a diocese has the opportunity to place a link on their site, so often, this is where allot of traffic comes from. We have even been directed to heretical sites, having been linked from user generated parts of the Johannesburg Archdiocese web service. Not that such is a good thing, but it shows that placing links aids a service.

Another service, one we have found use in: both when we discover Catholic sites which break the ranks, and in the submission of our own content: is www.catholicculture.org/ .

Visit the link http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/ to ask for a review or see other sites. The adress of the URL where you ask for a review there is:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/requestform.cfm

Be careful to keep your site faithful to the magisterium research everything. We often use the site of ours they reviewed: http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/search for fact checking: until you build your own engine for this: it could keep you from getting bad press from good sites: in fact, it would do allot for that. And good sites could well link to you. We ourselves may be interested in reviewing good upcoming sites.

It is here, where we were rated by the Catholic Culture for excellence in fidelity in one of our services:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=4042&repos=2&subrepos=0&searchid=375253

One need only click onto their culture section, and their reviews, to not only browse brilliant and bad sites, but also, one may request a review of their own content. We, as in : our founding service: Scripturelink Search Engine: were given a high fidelity rating from this service.

Unfortunately, while some sites we have submitted to such things, have been acclaimed, or seen in a good light, often, one gets no reply: that does not mean that one should stop attempting to do good things, or stop submitting contents.

If you have a blog, or internet or other service, our news service is always interested to hear about it. We only are able, due to being informed, by readers of our services: to report on the issues covered in Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa, because subscribers to some of our services, or their information services: inform us of these, we can verify your facts easily, or see if they are wrong. Don't send us wrong information though. Larger, or better known services: often rely on others to gain good content, and more than that: are sometimes prepared to link to your content. We have never gone out requesting links to our services: but at the same time, we have asked for reviews.

A review, whether good or not, will help your own service grow. Many improvements to the Scripturelink Search engine, come after comments on flaws, our own service at South African Catholic, often is pleased by emails: showing us any errors, or discussing where we are not clear, or may leave work open to error.

Due to our expertise, one may subscribe to emails in google groups: also, facebook, and other new media services can help. Either way, every Catholic site, which has fidelity to truth, and the papacy: is a useful addition, if no other service is fulfilled, one's links to good sites are picked up, and make them more visible. More than this, when doing apologetics, an online address is something useful to give out.

We can also help set up such services, as part of our service. If you have a group of people you desire to email, we can link an address with your blog.

If you have a google sites, or other such site, to add our search engine is easy, simply search to south african catholic, and add the "http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/" selection which is listed as a search engine.

Reviewing media: The South African: Star, and The South African News 24, 702, and others

2008-11-27T10:34:00.001-08:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In media in South Africa, the "Sunday Times", and daily "Times", like 94.7 and Five FM, are inadvisable sources of News. "The Star" and "News 24", however seem accurate, objective and reliable. Other sources of relative accuracy, include Radio 702 Eyewitness news, and "Classic FM", although Classic FM does not always carry perspective one may enjoy, when covering religion, they seem respectful, as far as we have looked into it. Our reasons for not relying on the sites we say are inadvisable are found in evidence in previous articles, either here or on sites connected with us.

"Southern Cross" Placed on international Catholic Rating's service' danger list!

2008-11-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article By Marc Aupiais

05:19PM Today: Screen shot secured at off-site area.

Catholic Culture: Trinity Communications, has listed South African weekly, widely sold in parishes: the "Southern Cross" on a list of danger sites, after reviewing their website.

We ourselves had noticed problems and removed the Southern Cross from our links prior this. Catholic Culture has never before reviewed the site:

The review is listed:

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/reviews/view.cfm?recnum=4135

The Vatican said what?: What the Vatican did not say about the beetles recently

2008-11-24T02:55:00.000-08:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It was quite revolting, having Five FM, a government station insult Catholicism as they did: they said that the Vatican was hypocritical, just as Atheists ("Secular society") invited onto 94.7 Highvelt Stereo had said when the "New 7 deadly sins" were "introduced". Both media houses not only disappoint, not only had let the Catholic faith be criticized on air, but also: were providing inaccurate views and news, unless I missed something.

No "new" "seven deadly sins" have ever been introduced, and the Vatican did not apologize to the Beetles, for claims by a member of the band: that they were more popular than Jesus.

It seems, much of the media in more secular countries, actually simply are shooting blindly into the darkness when dealing with Religion, at least the BBC has advisors competent on religious matters, as with any professional media house: which helps stop inaccurate out of context views.

I had been shocked when ETV, via E News Channel, had gotten a femanist, non-Anglican theologian to cover the Anglican split threats, via their interview of her. She called the Traditionalist Anglicans, who appose gay and women "priests", an old boys club: perhaps Jesus' old boys: considering the direct command of the bible on the matter, simply put: news and media in South Africa, with exceptions such as News 24, and some print media: in general not only get their facts wrong on religious issues, show extreme bias in the matter, but further: insult people for what they have not done: in fact, it can simply be called unconstitutional.

ETV, who also are known for late night Porn, have also done similar things in Sydney World Youth Day, showing protests, but not the size of those who apposed the few protesters, who they somehow found somewhere. On the Anglican issue; the Anglican church has now destroyed their chances of reuniting even with the Orthodox churches, 75% of Christianity was alienated from them in one swoop, it was no old boys club which wanted to prevent the further separation of Christians based on ideological ideals foreign to the majority of Christian faith.

Both of the more recent stories, by Radio stations, are misinformation. Both have the same source, which they misquote, a newspaper based in the Country called the Vatican :"L'Osservatore Romano".

The Newspaper, for the "7 new deadly sins" was misquoted: in an interview, where they asked a cardinal what the 7 worst sins of today's world are. The same non-Papal newspaper, was quoted in an editorial, not by the pope, or Vatican: as saying that while it was condemned at the time: the Beetle's music really was what some would call "that good", and it was the boastings of an immature boy that were condemned. Simply put, the church has made no retractions on any "statement" about the Beetles.

Wow, two more Radio stations onto my: do not trust for any information on religion list. A radio station I advise for news: is Classic FM, I have never been too disappointed with their accuracy. Jacaranda 94.2, is also okay, even if it plays Afrikaans songs, and old music every now and again, though the scientologists may not like them very much, we aren't scientologists, but Catholics, and Christians, so I thought only to mention this. As for adequacy in reporting on US politics, there are very little if any, including the Southern Cross, who also are not able to do this adequately: who could possibly give an accurate view of American politics, of those based in South Africa: such things are left to Reuters, or the BBC, or Euronews, even with some bias in BBC, and Euronews, and others: still: almost no South African source gives what we consider an accurate "get the dirt" picture of US politics.

With the exception of the "Times" and "Sunday Times", who have quite the anti-catholic bias in some articles; on normal issues, many local newspapers, are naive at worst, it seems, but we have not reviewed them all. Another paper which may give wrong information from the Vatican is the Southern Cross, their quotation on Latin mass ideas some time ago: did not give all the needed details, and for the Latin mass, had a photo of a schismatic group's church next to it... the church does not permit attendance of these masses by SSPV, who they showed. Another incorrect fact by the "Southern Cross", was on the new psychological screening of priests, which they said aimed at getting rid of gay priests: i.e. sexually active priests, or priest who cannot control their urges. I myself have other sources on the screening, both secular and Catholic, and the "Southern Cross" was incorrect in their view of "discrimination".

And so to clarify: the seven deadly, or capital sins are : lust, envy, anger/wrath, gluttony, sloth/acaidia, pride, greed: the meanings being theological of course.

And secondly, the beetles, have not been apologized to for anything: if you say something irresponsible, and someone brings it up, why should they apologize.

Thirdly, the news and media needs to get advisors on Catholicism, who are knowledgeable in Canon law, and internal politics, like the BBC and others have: as it is dangerous to quote independent Catholic news as the Vatican, and worse to call Catholics hypocritical for following rules and regulations long set out, based on centuries, on millenia of running an organization.

Fourth: new regulations on priests are aimed at sex offenders, not men who feel attraction to other men, and suffer from the evolutionary disorder, we call homosexuality (not insinuating it is genetic, only that it is not a fittest survive condition;)!

Media and a non-democratic religion... give it some thought- we are not the same as our secular counterparts!

2008-11-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

(Journey in a Broken World; Catholic Watchdog South Africa; Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Our non-related Sister in Catholic journalism in South Africa- South Africa's Catholic Weekly, whom we sometime agree with, and sometimes really disagree with- the Southern Cross has two interesting editorials this week. Those who know me usually know that the word interesting often is a slur with me, and today I am somewhat disappointed in what we can expect to read this Sunday, when we buy the paper from our local churches.

I read two editorials, both of which are critical of the Vatican- one almost begging for women priests, and rebuking the Vatican for no taking action against "pedophile" priests, the other attacking the introduction of psychological testing in seminaries, saying it discourages homosexuals from the priesthood- because the guidelines aim at ensuring well fit priests for the job. Sadly, neither article is in line with what Catholic Culture would define as high fidelity. The same newspaper which attacked the view of the church on condoms, and I may add that the church has a much better scientific argument than the pro-condom advocates, is now attacking two policies in one week. The fact remains that it is an Excathedra statement of Pope John Paul the Second- which declares that the church has now not, nor ever will have any right to create "women priests", like divorce- a woman priest is something the church cannot ordain. The issue is closed.

So is it wrong to excommunicate those who support women priests- no, if they are in heresy, it is only fair to do so. The Southern Cross then says that the church should get rid of the sexual offenders, and stop mistreating the supporters of women priests, but is this mistreatment?

Canon law clearly excommunicates automatically all who ordain or are ordained as women priests. Canon law has a different penalty for sexual abuses. In other words, for the one, the people already are kicked out of the church- and this means the church believes they will very likely end their life with the devil in hades if they do not get re-infused into the church by correct ceremony. A priest who absolves his sexual partner of their sexual sin is also automatically excommunicated, except in danger of death.

An active homosexual lifestyle, is not only proven to shorten the lifespan, and contribute to levels of sexual disease, but also is directly condemned in the New and Old testaments, and in every statement on the matter by the church, from the earliest times, to Vatican II, to today!

As for homosexuality and the priesthood, the Southern Cross misinterprets the same document we ourselves have reported on. Its purpose is not to root out homosexuals, but to root out sexual predators, and those who cannot control their urges. Unless the Southern Cross wants to appose the papacy and Vatican II's authority, they must agree that the church should have no interest whatsoever in appointing men to the priesthood who will break with celibacy, yet already they seem in danger of Canon 1373, and 1371, of creating animosity against the papacy, or bishops over an act of ecclesiastical authority.

So, how does the Catholic media keep their superiors accountable, and the answer is- we don't.

In a democracy- freedom of speech is a vital sector of society, in an autocracy, it has a different purpose. The Catholic media is not a watchdog waiting to pounce on the church and call for resignations. We are called to respect authority above us. I certainly appose the South African Bishop who went around promoting condoms, even in other countries, and i have a right to, so what do I mean we are not a watchdog?

I mean- we are not telling people how to vote in the next bishop or pope, we don't vote for these, we just obey them or walk! The system is not a democracy, and so the subjects need a different sort of information.

If a bishop teaches heresy, they must be named and shamed- in such a way as to encourage repentance, counter their harm, and inform their superiors. If a bishop says something that is valid, you should not try to create animosity to them, as though this institutes change.

The role of our secular brothers- is to safeguard their democracies, the role of the Catholic media is to safeguard the pillar and foundation of our truth- our autocracy.

Where a bishops apposes a valid act of the papacy, by all means- we must appose this bishop, and not give him good press, but if we disagree with the bishop or papacy on a valid point- we have no right to publicly whip them in the press.

The sin of detraction, and the law of the church cautions one validly about media circuses and also that we are not to interfere via force in valid ecclesiastical choices and decisions. We may appose some of them- but have no right to appose dogmas such as the celibate male priesthood- the "enuchs made so by God" (Jesus of Nazareth).

It is not the media who runs the church, but the validly ordained bishops- we may advise- but in an autocracy- in general- it is best to give people the information to best cope with what superiors have said. If we are trying to move public opinion to gain our goal, against the wishes of the Vatican- then we do not want an autocracy, but a democracy. Democratic religion is so strongly condemned by the early Christians, and the bible, that we shall not mention it. Simply, a democratic religion changes truth.

I am disappointed in what the Southern Cross will distribute in our parishes this Sunday, as it is, we already have such troubles in Southern Africa, our country and church. Driving a larger wedge between the Magisterium and the laity will not help the situation, and yet our media seems so certain of their solution to the problem, that they seem almost oblivious to the idea that the Vatican has already investigated it. Condoms have a proven success rate in increasing aids, or so I am lead to believe by statistics- whereby Uganda is conquering the disease via abstinence, and in South Africa we simply get more of the disease through our condom happy campaigns.

History has shown time and again- Orthodoxy is potent- it spreads the faith and hurts persecution. If we are to solve the actual crisis in the modern church- I might suggest covering up our bishops actual gaps- by education the Catholic populace in Orthodoxy, as EWTN does on Radio Veritas, as our bishops would need to appreciate, as we are obeying their position by this. Let us be true Watchdogs- knowing that Watchdogs are loyal to their owners, and eat biscuits, and nice bowls of doggy food. Let us mimic our pope in Catholic media, let us be "God's Rottweilers"- watching not on our cultural desires, but keeping an eye on the dignity of the human person- and never letting it be attacked, even by someone attacking their own divine dignity. Our aid is at truth, not politics, not opinion, and as Catholics we believe that comes from tradition (I Timothy III verse XV). Our job is to spread the gospel and the truth, but we must realize that the church is pillar and foundation of this. Our basis must not be human rights, but human dignity, not kindness, but truth.

I invite my brothers at the Southern Cross to a new evangelism- how about next week publishing a justification of the Male celibate priesthood, and of the Vatican's choice to screen priests to end abuses more fully. Since when should catholics care about the "right" of gay people to be priests- no one has a right to be a priest- only the church has this right to appoint people. I truly am disappointed today.

Children's programs- KTV's New Cyrano 2022- Reviewed

2008-10-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Jean Chalopin, who brought about stories like "Inspector Gadget" also created another interesting series for children. Cyrano, the main character, in Cyrano 2022, set in 2040, where an ominous totalitarian government "rules" large parts of the civilized world, is a rebel. His singer friend Roxy, and others protect him from government attacks among others, in this highly romanticized cartoon, with a four armed monkey who seems a bit too intelligent for his species.

While it is undoubtedly violent, and seems fascinated with the music industry, and odd childish fantasies of rebellion, and a rebel's integrity, and wit, and seems to have no problem with lies, or enjoying fighting- this adaption of the French series by the same name, seems to appose genetic modification, and instill some basic values such as honor and integrity, even if the integrity, or more particularly honor- fought for is not always done so in the most sane manner.

While it seems against human Genetic Modification, with the main character even risking life and limb to save unwilling experiments, it does have a four armed monkey in the show, and genetic mutations do seem to have positive effects in the plots.

Fighting is almost glorified in this cartoon, made poetic, even done with no real reason.

Quite simply, it is a heavily stylized adaption of the glorified rebellion sort of plot- that certainly plays on the same fantasies in boys, as wrestling does.

Do we advise allowing children to watch this show- not in particular, but we cannot see it doing more harm than the thousands of variations of the tough man theme, and at least the main character here is portrayed somewhat as a gentleman.

Multi-choice- a look at DSTV / Mnet's track-record with the church

2008-10-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Catholic Watchdog South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I personally enjoy watching DSTV, I love Carte Blanche, and its power to do good- and not simply because of the French name- and enjoy the variety. What I don't enjoy is the many somewhat suspect movies I have seen on DSTV as regards the Roman Catholic church- from the religious sponsored movie Luther- a completely inaccurate, especially if accurate were Luther's diary of the events, or that of historic sources- depiction of the life of Martin Luther- in which the main Character calls Roman Catholic "friendly" Rome at the time hell, and the pope the devil, or something as bad, to "Saved", and its odd depiction of Christianity, to screening the Davinci Code- to the movie "Breach"- which could well be accurate, as apparently based on a true story- with a main character who is spying on the US, and belongs to Opus Dei it seems. I also think I saw the film Primeval Fear or something on one of their channels- which was not agreeable with my senses, also notable is Kingdom of Heaven and its portrayal of the Church.

A while ago I tried to ask DSTV to add EWTN Global Catholic Television Network, who seemingly supply their service freely- to their television bouquet. I was unsuccessful. There are so many channels with a Evangelical Baptism/Fundamentalist/"Non-denominational denomination" type of feel on their network- that I thought one Catholic, even Anlglican or Lutheran Television station would be just fairness, but I see neither very many Catholic movies, nor many Catholic channels on DSTV.

A channel which is Catholic is Audio channel 170 on DSTV- Radio Veritas- a certainly loyal station, when it comes to obeying South Africa's bishops- which sometimes propagates information contrary to what I have been able to research of history- but none the less propagated by diocesan sources. I also heard it playing music by Justin Timberlake and Madonna (Four Seconds to Save the World) some time ago- but the announcer seemed to be Portuguese, perhaps they thought it appropriate, and the station itself does not claim only to play catholic music- or only music from organizations who promalgate Trinitarian Baptism- as seen in their playing Mormon or other music.

All they promise is the "good news and good music for a change".

One of the problems with Veritas- is that they were interviewing a person from Catholics for Truth, who are hosted on our Archdiocese' evangelism website, who stated-

"As the church became more institutionalised, the gifts of the Spirit became less common and were seen only in the lives of the great “Saints’. Some, such as St Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) initially thought that they were meant only for the early Church, to “kick-start” her, so to speak. However, he later withdrew this opinion in his Retractions, when he himself witnessed the gifts in abundance in his own Diocese. It was apparent to him then that the gifts occurred where people had expectant faith."
http://www.catholic-jhb.org.za/tracts/renewal.htm

The page is now only accessibly in Google cache- as the entire "evangelism" site has been closed down without any warning we can tell of.

Also this is stated in perhaps only slightly different words on the radio station, by a person interviewed. These words were not repudiated. One may use scripturelink to search on this- but the manifest fact was Augustine went to such pains to prove the gifts of the early Christians- because he had no examples to use if EWTN is to be believed.

We ourselves have countered these claims on:

http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/charismaticmovement

This said- Veritas is run by persons within the church, in this I speak of contact I have had with representation of the station- who truly seem dedicated to their tasks- even if those interviewed, or quoted are sometimes doctrinally incorrect- it is good of DSTV to host them.

What point is there in noting this- it lies in believing that what DSTV screens with their news and entertainment is the full spectrum- it is not, nor is it normal for so many films, including a recent screening "Absolution" to be played on a network without any real opposite viewpoint portrayed. It is odd that this should be permitted, and sad that DSTV has not addressed the issue so apparent- in that someone within their buying department or whatever controls their films and programs- has somehow decided to buy rights to such caliber films to screen, and to choose such channels, that it seems some groups are oddly favoured.

All of this said- I still do enjoy watching DSTV- and sadly- just as a certain and in the case of the example, though not DSTV- infamous channel- CBS chose to air Joan of Arcaidia- a clearly Catholic program, so DSTV also has Veritas- more than this it has BBC, whose news is often accurate, and many useful channels. Until a better competitor, and for that matter, one very positive toward faith, and reason- is allowed in the Market- DSTV is still has a wider selection than many.

DSTV's KTV is very well managed- and probably for quality- permit that their programs seem sometimes to be more than a decade old as long as they are suitable, or seem to be for children.

So- ultimately- the weaknesses in DSTV lie in their selection of films, and their over-emphasis on a very small minority religion's perspective in South Africa- while ignoring that of larger groups to some extent- so that this has only appeared on an Audio Channel, and maybe in a few programs on networks they air.

Some links on sources:

Message Board Conversation where some viewers of movies discuss their views. Not all movies in this discussion have relevance
The Film Luther Reviewed
Veritas on DSTV
Radio Veritas
Refutation of statements on Augustine from good sources

Media Study South Africa- Disney's Camp Rock Reviewed

2008-10-07T06:29:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In Catholic circles- Disney is a big no-no- we don't like to use their products, don't like what they do about our religion, and don't like their stances on abortion and homosexuality- or the way in which men in their movies often land up in dresses for some odd reason.

The Jonas Brothers ("Catholic Exchange 13/09/08"; 16/09/08)- who appear in this movie- are noted to the public as virgins- who wear purity rings- something that does not clink well with Disney's usual image- but something positive from "role Models", mind you, Miley Cyrus also apparently wears one, not that she isn't right in this- but that did not prevent the pictures in Vanity Fair of the slightly dressed self! The Jonas Brother's Father is a minister in a Christian church, and purity rings are a sign of a promise of chastity to God. The Jonas Brothers have been publicly slammed by some in their industry for this practice- but seem not to have stopped it.

Camp rock hasn't got such a bad theme- the main character lies to get popular- but eventually, losing much for the lie- turns to the truth, and love of family and more real people somewhat honorably- it is a cute romance movie which causes you to fall in love with the female lead before the end. Parents are portrayed positively in this movie- a big step forward for Disney- even as main characters continue to strike one as oddballs.

Even the bad guys in this movie turn around, and are empathized with.

Of course the idea of going on a camp and falling in love- is neither new, nor utterly healthy- but this movie is an improvement. To be honest- it is in some ways just another mass produced Disney corporate recipe, but however simply they manage to create a cliché plot- they are not entirely bad at this.

One might further note the "bitchy" high school banter between characters- which might be a negative- but once again a step up from some offerings up there from Disney.

This is an acceptable movie to watch in our opinion, however we should be careful that children do not become too attached to the Disney name.

Search on Disney's Camp Rock

Disney's Camp Rock

Vague reference to Camp Rock and the Jonas Brothers

Catholic Exchange
Vague reference to Camp Rock

Search on the "Jonas Brothers"

The Jonas Bothers

Reviewing Nickelodeon's- Avatar- the Last airbender

2008-10-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In this, one of Nickelodeon's best programs in complexity of plot, and focus on virtue, and acceptance and rejection of cultural beliefs- we see three friends and companions who go on a journey together to help Aang, the last surviving airbender, and avatar (link between their world and the spirit world of their world)- to learn to master all four of the bending arts.

Kartara, a water bender probably has a small, and reciprocal crush with Aang. Her brother is the other companion, who is always practicle, and sometimes what she might consider lazy.

Points to be watched

Aang looks like a Buddhist monk, and many elements in this programs are eastern- including the appearance of deities("spirits"), and the concept from some system- whereby the moon and seas have spirits which help waterbenders to control the water.

Generally- we enjoy this program- a foundational knowledge of the power of Saints should likely be given to a child- so they see the spirits as saints, and one must be cautious of only one moral issue, other than the eastern belief system- and that is the lightness with which some lies are treated by main characters- even as lying is considered somewhat wrong, or shown sometimes to be of less benefit than truth- there is some danger in this.

Generally, this program is cute and exiting- and parents could watch it with children- and perhaps explain any problems they may have- or even link its moral themes to the gospel. After all- all belief systems of our more aspiring peers have some elements of truth- just out of proportion, or not the fullness of it.

In watching programs like this- a parent may desire to view it like reading a book- see the characters as independent characters, as people- and the cartoon effect wont be so hard.

As it is we truly desire more Catholic programs on television, and this program while morality is a focus, is not a Catholic program- however- this series does emphasize the value of the spiritual world, of discipline and wisdom, and of morals.

As long as Catholic virtues and doctrine are emphasized in the home, such as with daily bible or catechism readings as a family and possibly prayer- and questions- such minor influences of other cultures are eradicated- and one is left with another influence for good morals and a value for peoples, cultures, and the spiritual.

Also- we should remember always to point out- we have got differences with the eastern view- their's is not our perception of the world- but that does not mean we don't see some values in many of their beliefs and practices- this is what we could say to a child- not saying persay that the show is eastern, rather- emphasizing what is similar to our beliefs, and what is different in this show they enjoy- but saying- we enjoy many things that have some morals and values- and some truth, even if they haven't got its entirety.

Always try to make family time important- and perhaps sometimes watch these mad, and even enjoyable programs your children watch- with them- so that you can turn what is a solitary thing into a bonding thing- of course don't try to be a child, or "cool" parent- just be yourself in such things.

For more on Nickelodeon and problems and good points see-

http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com/2008/10/childrens-programs-looking-at.html

Americanism- and local Talent- we just need to try- and promote what is moral and true, and good!

2008-10-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Is anyone surprised that so many of our programs and films, and books are imported?

Or our clothes for that matter- freshly printed from possible foreign child labour- in such a way that we are forced to buy these horrid human rights abuse products- simply because almost all the manufacturers use such, and because the shops almost all buy from these.

Is there such a lack for instance, of animated talent in cartoon production in South Africa, or in the natural talent to act or write?

- honestly- I think the real issue is a lack of infrastructure- why don't we promote talent to write stories, for others to animate, or act out? Why doesn't the industry, or us ourselves- take risks, like any aspiring culture?

Now imports are wonderful things- but what is good of imports generally comes from the better traits of men- whereby we should not import culture from the West, but from God.

We love to promote promiscuity, or abortion (seems like article 2 section d of the genocide (UN General Assembly Voted definition) to me, but then again I am Catholic), or so many things through our media- simply because these channels are open- or because all or most of our media it seems by the results, needs an imprimatur- not from bishops or governments- but to ensure it is "liberal enough", either to do only basic good, or else even to damage us. Yes it is metaphoric, but I am sad to see what is allowed, and what is stifled before it is born.

Yes, perhaps there are conservative people in media in South Africa- but since when did we need to resonate what America does with creating structure? Media used to be, like science- almost the sole domain of conservatism- of Religion.

I hear more on our news about a school shooting, than about genocide against Christians in India, and Iraq. It is odd, is not that we so often also import our views, and media..?

Granted- South African views aren't too superior- they are generally just South African- but what if we were serious about trying to rise above culture, and differences- what if we went to our universal root values- and promoted that- in an honest way- rather than being told how to think?

If there were South African Catholic media efforts, I know there are some which i am pleased by, I would want to support them- if they, like a few we already have- were, and are quality that is. Many of us would love to link to stories on U-tube, or to fiction or fact.

My personal efforts are for re-permiating our cultures in Christian world-view, and in Christ- which is why the news, and views we support are so utterly vital.

So often- when Christianity is marginalized, or becomes about every spectrum of view- we ignore every atrocity- or vote with our ancestors, and into what seems best for us alone. This is not truly of benefit to us.

I sit and write with my spare time- and not so spare time- in order to create a sort of quiet revolution- from insanity- where we somtimes now are, and often were so forcefully made to act as what we truly understand within that we aren't and shown and encouraged in the wrong or weak solutions to world and local problems- into a culture filled with life, where we have true freedom- to be what we truly are below all the twisting of desires from good into something not quite ours, beyond our false hopes.

We have hope in our sacraments- our signs and pledges- our mysteries, which are more than they are- and truly- happiness is in this below every other thing.

I invite others to join me- start to expect more- from others- and simply tell the truth about reality- and be open to debate on this. If you are Catholic and South African- help mold our culture through the media- which has so far been used so often against our views. Secularism is a tool, crafted for industry, not an end- it should not be a diversion to what is right. Let us not let a treaty between good people be abused by nothingness, nor let our "popular conscience" guide us against what our society- deep below- truly longs for, below all this complacent, sometimes fearful compliance, and these other false influences.

We have been lied to that immorality is saner- we have had many casualties- but know- whenever you enjoy a bad program, or anything evil- this enjoyment isn't yours- your true desires have been foulded, and put under false measures- so as to make you think you desire this fake hope. It is the broken slithers of truth behind this evil- so distorted by falsehood- you truly do desire, above this inferior substitution!

Feel that truth below- perhaps resonate this message of mine- do not be constrained by your culture or your media- rather realize. The limit of what is natural is what is moral, what is just.

With our media- let's promote exiting justice- and true representations of the world. Eventually we all should sicken at the banal sins constantly repeated to manipulate us on television. Let us move beyond the banal and pathetic, and manipulative- let us evolve back into art, and amazement.

Do not take bad workmanship- demand higher standards- I certainly try to. If we don't start demanding a turn around now- with our wallets, and our feet, and our voices- where will our children's children be? Our ancestors, whatever slander has been spread about them- at least weren't at risk of destroying the planet as we are. Further- they waited until marriage- because they had the strength to, and did justice and showed true stories- because they were able to.

yes, many of the past's people were evil, as bad as any today- but let us invoke the spirit of those who were good- let us now refuse the revolution towards what is fake- and start again to show who we are in our work, and in our lives.

Surely- let us promote, not local talent, but moral talent- and in this, let us import this from excellency- something we are as capable of excellent skillfulness as any other people- if we ourselves begin the transformation!

Let us begin with ourselves- by manifesting truth- let us begin by challenging what is neither sane nor moral in our land and all lands.

Children's programs- Looking at Nickelodeon

2008-10-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

While rival, Disney is famous the world over for being slammed on human, and religious rights issues, Nickelodeon is more focused on providing their product and service.

On Nickelodeon, the channel- one sees- often relative violence in adverts for it, where dinosaurs fight for instance- and on ripping the other up- instead of blood- a logo appears within the second dinosaur- or in the violence of cartoons which replace adverts on the channel- which can be violent- and often show some kind of abuse of characters of other characters, or non-sensical hatred of some characters of others- or banal ideas.

This includes a character in a cartoon dressing as what looks like a tyrannosaurus Rex, and stomping another (I am guessing "bad")character to music.

There are also other cartoons in between or inside of programs where a pencil drawing- hard on its luck constantly has bad things done to it, often with the help of a vindictive other unseen character who draws the scenes. This may give a bad image of the script writer of our life making things "unfair", perhaps- just as the trivialization of violence- or the idea of a character pretending to dance while squashing another character- may cause children to see the idea that one can do wrong with an excuse- so long as it appears one is doing otherwise.

Also- there is much pride- and self-love, and victory dances by characters in these- including a gecko- who is chased every now and then by predators.

Unlike Disney- Nickelodeon, to our knowledge, in its own public capacity- does not have controversial stances we know of on homosexuality, abortion or contraception. This makes them possibly a better alternative- than the constant appearance of men in dresses in Disney programs- as well as the positive portrayal of cross-dressing (A manifestation of Lust, except when for necessity, in Catholic belief systems) in Mulan, where Disney slams Chinese culture in the film, which played on their channel.

In fact- Nickelodeon star - Jamie Lynn Spears- decided to have her child publically instead of an abortion (Creative Minority Report 2007).

As for their programs- their's has a vague, plural spiritualism is Nickelodeon programs- whether the existence of ghosts, who seemingly change like human beings (Danny Phantom), something not from a religious point of view, or the vague Eastern spiritualism of "Avatar".

The appearance of "Catholics", or Catholic characters in Nickelodeon programs appears for instance in materialistic "Gina Fabiani" in Unfabulous- where it is noted by main character- Addie Singer- that Gina always paid attention to her before her (Gina's) new boyfriend arrived, even interrupting confession to talk with her. It also appears in girls from a Catholic school enjoying very much their defeat of the main characters in a science fair. It includes catty banter between the Catholic school girls and main characters. The idea of religion winning is also noted as incorrect, when one of the main characters in this, probably "Addie" answers, "Because they have God on their side", to a question as to why the other school's girls always win, and materialistic Gina answers, that they have matching uniforms- which presents a united front to the judges.

Addie Singer's boyfriend, asks her out at his Jewish ceremony for becoming a man.

Nickelodeon seems generally to attempt to instill morals to a degree in children, it is not Catholic morals- as seen in their portrayal of French kissing outside of marriage- or the looseness with which lies are sometimes dealt with.

Some programs also seem to have a very positive portrayal of violence- however generally there are elements of a "good" and an "evil", of a "right" and a "wrong" inside of these programs- and they often are educational.

The vague spirituality apparent in some of their programs is not a problem as long as a child is adequately schooled in their faith's logical basis, and in the saints-

The sort of morals also in Nickelodeon programs also has it's benefits in reinforcement of what is taught in the house- and in their emphasis on doing the right thing.

Overall- we do advise allowing children to watch Nickelodeon over Disney- but also advise parents to take some time to watch with their children- so as to combat anything they dislike.

Avatar in particular does have an Eatern slant in their portrayal of religion, and in the monk-like uniform of the main character. It shows symbols such as Yen and Yang, and could have elements of dualism- however- with a strong moral background- this show is a good substitute for the utter lack of children's programs on television from a Catholic point of view. It is of benefit for children to have some spiritual emphasis in the media, even if at present we are not gifted with our own programs.

It may be noted that in Rickety Spricket: Showbiz Boy- the main character does dress up as a girl to get a job.

As we have determined to do a search on this network- the following are items of some concern- which do need slight consideration from parents, remember this is simply to ensure you know what dangers we have observed:

"June

Nickelodeon’s Toaster Man featured an opening scene on one episode that had nothing to do with the plot. Toaster Man is at a podium, raising what looks as if it were the Eucharist while speaking solemnly. After speaking, he calls out a number with the scene turning to a bingo hall." 1995 Catholic League for Civil and Religious Rights

http://www.catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=1995&id=19

"August 1

An advertisement on Nickelodeon for an upcoming MTV program, Apartment 3F, mocked the crucifixion, with a comedian on stage referring to the "great abs" of Christ on the Cross"
1997 - Catholic League For Civil and Religious Rights
http://www.catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=1997&id=36

"August
Nickelodeon, in an insert in its August issue entitled "The Village Idiot," offered a "humor" item: "The Police Bladder." Among the fictional items was one about a police officer who had been cited for bravery for not relieving himself for 10 hours: "In lieu of flowers, dixie cups can be sent to him at Our Lady of the Distended Belly Hospital."" 1999
http://www.catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=1999&id=53

"Boston, Jun 13, 2005 / 12:00 am (CNA).- New York-based cable giant Comcast has refused to run a public service announcement on abstinence on several of its channels, claiming that the ad is not appropriate for young viewers. A Comcast senior manager determined that Catholic Social Services’ 30-second spot is not appropriate for the 6-to-9-year-olds who watch the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and the Family Channel, reported the Boston Standard-Times."
2005
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4128

"Social Issues?

When contemporary Christian singer Kenny Marks released a video entitled "The Party's Over," which dealt with the more sobering aspects of teen pregnancy, the major music television networks, including MTV and Nickelodeon, refused to play it because, as their spokesmen alleged, "We're not in the business of promoting social issues."[6] This was despite the fact that Marks' publicist demonstrated that the stations commonly show videos that deal with every other imaginable social issue, including drug use, apartheid, hunger, nuclear war, and crime." (Pro-Life Activist’s Encyclopedia)
http://www.ewtn.com/library/PROLENC/ENCYC126.HTM

"The cartoon, which depicts the pope as a pogo-stick riding brat, has stirred protests from the Roman Catholic church and conservative politicians, particularly in Pope Benedict XVI's native Bavaria." (2006- Viacom owns MTV and Nickelodeon- the cartoon appeared on MTV )
http://www.americanpapist.com/2006_04_01_archive.html

While the problems with Nickelodeon as a brand are fewer than at Disney or simply more seldomly reported in this field of media, owners - Viacom have been so often caught out, that we have determined to let you surf through a search of many trusted Catholic sites on the issue

Viacom and antiCatholicism

And so- just as with Disney programs and many other elements- there is much danger in media for children- Nickelodeon programs which sometimes we find best- are either acted, or above mentioned- Avatar, Danny Phantom, Unfabulous... we don't of course like the cartoons which appear within all of these programs on their main channel- perhaps watching the same on Mnet's KTV is a better option!

Ultimately- a good forming of conscience, which often is done through literature, or recorded programs- and through prayer and bible reading, and catechism reading time as a family- are vital to child development- and one should trust neither Nickelodeon, Nor Disney- to be baby sitters for their children.

Does one let their child watch Nickelodeon, or choose them above Disney- ultimately- that is left to the parent- we will of course, God-willing hopefully be able to review portions of these and other children's programs for future use

A small danger with program Jake and Josh, is the appearance of the character who plays Josh, as a drug dealer in a film slammed by the Catholic league- after his stint in the well known series.

Ultimately- in the modern era- we often endorse companies with bad histories or parts- This is the way that the system has been set up by giant conglomerates, with largely imported programs to choose from, or products from countries with human rights histories not to be proud of. with children- we need to choose the best of the bad options- or else go to the effort to weed out the best of the entertainment options- always remembering the importance of family on value shaping.

Introduction

2008-10-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

(Media Study South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

This blog will try to give a gauge of media in South Africa!

It is created as a Scripturelink initiative, which may helpfully get more aid!

Links of use to us

http://scripturelink.googlepages.com/search
http://southafricancatholic.blogspot.com/
http://www.decentfilms.com/
http://catholicinfilmschool.stblogs.com/