Special Topic: Network Neutrality

If you have no idea to what this hot topic is about, you’re not alone. But because you are using the internet this debate over network neutrality is very relevant to you. In short, net neutrality is the determining factor on the content we consume, and the speed in which it gets to us. The crowd rolling with the idea wants the government to make sure that the web is open to everyone equally. This includes the freedom of content as well. Opposition of net neutrality mainly wants the keep the government out of internet regulations. And that internet providers have the right to control what comes out of the wires they own.

Naturally, this topic is divided in the politic world. That is maybe why I have not caught wind of this discussion until now. To be frank, I hate politics. This stems deeper than because I am young, and they are boring. Which both so happens to be true. Politics are ugly, and one idea is always better than the next. Resolutions that make both sides happy are few and far between. I may be picturing a place that is too good to be true, but that is how I make my decisions, so why can’t politicians. We live in a time where there are no definite yes or nos. Things get done in the grey area, at least they should. So being that my anti-political stance has been taken; the topic of net neutrality transcends it.

The father’s of the internet had the vision of a place to connect information freely. It was to be open for everything, for everyone. The controlling power of the internet was not established because it was never supposed to be. Being that the creators hand is off of their baby, a new controlling step dad (opposition to net neutrality, i.e. ISPs) is trying filter the baby’s (the internet) growth…I just need to step back a moment and digest my own analogy. Yeah, it makes enough sense.

Now, my understanding is that the already controlling ISPs wants to regulate the content and speed to which we and receive information. Or at least that would be a possible outcome of no network neutrality. This can easily lead to content much like a network TV station; uniformed, exclusive, and not that entertaining or informative. This cannot happen. The internet is a tool to connect people and ideas, no matter the opinion or the person. The platform is an equal stage for the average American, as well as the unrepresented minority anywhere in the world. That is the beauty of the internet. I can hear a voice I would not normally witness. And it does not matter about the social class or location.

This is a global medium, just not an American monopoly. This is the time where the definition and function of the web will be established. I cannot even begin to comprehend the thought process of wanting to limit the internet. (Of coarse is comes to the almighty buck). Other than the obvious benefit of the heads making more money, how would this benefit the internet itself? It’s original function is going to be replaced with a selfish money making venture. What a shame.

I can see why a government intervention is annoying. Why must the government step into another area of life to which it normally would have nothing to do with it? When people are robbed of a platform created for them, something must be done. Net neutrality will keep the power of information with the people. It is our right to choose how we exchange the information that is important to us. This medium was invented to transcend TV and radio, to connect ideas and people. There is no reason to use the same controlling format on this medium. It is different baby and should not be trying to be like it’s competing cousins. It was not made for filtered information, so why try and resemble the different models and are controlled.

So when it comes down to it, network neutrality will insure that the original function of the internet is maintained. So if some broke person chooses to read up on how to enjoy San Francisco on a budget, they can. And without the ISP dictating whether my blog is important enough to get through to the viewer. It is none of their business to what I enjoy ingesting. Their taste, I can promise you, would not by shared by me. But by all means, more power to them if they enjoy it. Just don’t make me watch it, and we will be just fine. The function of the internet serves a greater good than the ISPs are envisioning.
To get informed on the issue, read these.

Net neutrality advocates cheer AT&T concessions.

McCain comes out against Net Neutrality.

The Threat is Real.

House rejects Net neutrality rules.

Riot watch, movies and boring foods

So hopefully you are not going to be near a computer in a few hours. The Olympic Torch is coming to town. This is the only North American stop for the torch run, and San Francisco is lucky enough to host it. The run will start at McCovey Cove, and will end at the Justin Herman Plaza for a little celebration. It starts at one, but unfortunately I will be in class. It seems to be worthy enough of a cause to skip, but group projects are holding me down. No hope for me, and by the time you will read this, chances are it is long gone for you as well. So if you aren’t going to make it, you can still watch it. A website is doing a live feed of the relay and of course protests. It could be a safe place to watch all of the mayhem that is expected.

So if you want something you can actually plan on, there is a free movie tomorrow night. Dolores Park has a free out door movie once a month. Tomorrow night they will be showing Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This is the only movie that actually makes me jealous of the 80s. Good flick.

Now to switch gears to a personal note, I have got to figure out a cheap yet healthy way to eat. This is a problem that most of us face, and it is hard to get out of. Last night I reached a new low. My dinner consisted of three bags of seventy-five cent Corn Nuts. Cheap, flavorful, and crunchy…yes. But is it wholesome and nutritious? Not even a bit. So it is widely known that eating cheap does not usually translate to healthy. The healthy way of life costs money, which leaves most of us in the dark. Fruits and vegetables are a luxury now and are priced in the same manner.

So here are some tips I have used (when I am feeling motivated). It is no fun, but when on a budget, plain tends to be healthy. For me, it takes a rationalization to get through the day. I either eat for health or for taste. It is as simple as that. When I shop for eating at home I focus on things with strict nutritional value. This includes bags of carrots, apples and what ever else is quick and healthy. When getting bread it is always 100% whole wheat. When buying meat it is always turkey. Thing of ground turkey will give you turkey burritos for a week. Deli turkey leads to turkey sandwiches for any meal. Yeah, I’ve done it. And have also with peanut butter sandwiches and eggs. I buy things I could eat quickly at any time of the day, with nutritional value. For the time being I have lost all concepts of breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is more of a matter getting the nutrition regardless of habitual factors.

So that was my little tid bit on trying to eat healthy. I obviously have a flawed system, but it is something to build off of. If you have any thoughts or successful methods for yourself please share them. Mainly so that I don’t die premature, due to damaging habits I create now.

Let you in on a little something

Doing your thing out in San Francisco is not cheap by any means. I don’t know about you, but it does start to wear on me after awhile. You need to find those little things that get you by everyday. Even if it is the littlest thing that may not numerically amount to that much. I will fill you in on a little secret, here. Paper towels are God’s gift to the broke. This is my little victory that I relish everyday.

There is nothing you can't do with papers towels. Paper towels are my favorite tool. The uses are countless and then you just throw them out till you meet your next obstacle. Need to hold a sandwich? Forget the plate and use a paper towel. Need to clean something up? Skip the laundry and use a paper towel. Don’t feel like buying toilet paper this week? Be gentle and use a paper towel. I think you all get where I am going with this paper towel rant. But I am not going to stop there, because I think I am on to something. Need a telescope? You called it, grab a roll of paper towels. Need a friend? You have a loyal one in paper towels.

So it may be clear that I am loosing my mind, and I am not really going to argue with that. So I will move on to another little secret you might actually find useful. And based on earlier posts, you would just think that I’ll share another cheap spot to drink at. I will give your liver a break this week, because it is time to get cultured. Museums are scattered everywhere in the city, and are there supporting our lack on money.

For the longest time I had no idea about how the first Tuesday (and in some cases Wednesday) of every month has selected SF museums with free admission. You read it right. You can be a kid at the Exploratorium once again for no cost on the first Wednesday. On the first Tuesday you can get into the Cartoon Art Museum, the SF Museum of Modern Art, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Gallery, and the Legion of Honor to name a few. Take advantage of these days, so you can feel smarter and not talk to paper towels.

Also, I have to share this for all of you Nintendo Wii addicts. There will be a Super Smash Bros Brawl tournament with prizes and no entry cost, on April 5th. The gamers out there might enjoy this, and are lucky I don’t own a Wii.

Once again everyone, feel free to share some of your cheaper hobbies, adventures, and clever ways of surviving the city on a dime. We are all in this one together, and any advice could make someone’s day just a little more affordable and enjoyable.