Understanding SOPA and PIPA

Readers are encouraged to take a few moments to understand a current event that may affect Internet sites students frequently visit such as Facebook or YouTube. The SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act) are hot topics, especially with recent Jan. 18 online protests by sites such as Wikipedia and Google.

Check out the Q&A from the Wall Street Journal & Wikipedia:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203735304577167261853938938.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Look for an article on this topic in our upcoming Jan. 24 print edition of The Courier.

Student and Family Set Out to Make a Difference

By Nicole Wittkopp

Horse Sense Entertainment Center (HSEC) is a start-up non-profit organization dedicated to creating a park where children with and without disabilities and their families can play together. At this point, in its early stages, Horse Sense is focusing on fundraising and spreading the word. Eventually, the Board of Directors hopes to legally change the name to “ToPlayToo,” a title implying the strive for children of all abilities to play, even if they’re usually incapable. The best way for individuals to get involved at this point is by making donations, spreading the word, and using GoodSearch.

                Goodsearch is a search engine, much like Google. The difference is that when any search is made on Goodsearch.com, a penny is donated to the indicated charity. All you have to do is register with a name and e-mail, free of charge, to support Horse Sense Entertainment Center and your everyday searches will start making Horse Sense money.

                Based on the idea of Morgan’s Wonderland in Texas and Clemyjontri park here in Virginia, the aims of the park include a train, safe playground-like area, and swing for children in wheelchairs or dealing with sight, sound, and mobility disabilities. 

                Spending time around individuals with different needs and beautiful optimistic spirits led the Horse Sense board to believe in the cause of promoting that happiness in everyone, making them feel normal, accepted, and innocent as children should.

                HSEC truly appreciates the help of any and everyone willing to get involved! Contact Nicole Wittkopp at nicki.wittkopp@cox.net or on Horse Sense’s Facebook page for more information or help with GoodSearch registration. Thank you for your time!