Net Neutrality: What Could Happen to Our Internet Access by Jack Lu

The Basic Idea:

The internet, these days, has become just as open with opportunities as the real world. If you have a product, you can advertise it, if you have an opinion, you can make it known to others. However, just as the internet can be so open, the internet is just as secretive. Who really controls the internet? Can it be shut off? Which individual has the most power to affect the internet?

Right now, these questions are very hard to answer, however, we know that above all else, the internet is equal, that is does not discriminate. Every race, class and age has a right to access the internet and right now, it cannot be taken away.

This is where Net Neutrality comes in. Net Neutrality advocates for the freedom of access to all users on the internet, just as the first amendment protected freedom of speech. However, since Net Neutrality is relatively new, the fundamental laws protecting the users of the internet have not yet been faced. This could change following the proposed idea of not having Net Neutrality.

But why would that affect me, you ask? Well imagine the internet where companies like Microsoft and Apple load many times faster than mom-and-pop internet stores or third-party developers. Where you pay a basic fee to have access to Google and Hotmail, but you cannot access Netflix, Facebook, or Hulu without paying a premium price.

History has taught us that Neutrality is a gigantic issue in all forms of our media. We can see how conglomerates such as ABC, NBC, and FOX all supply their own airtime with subjects that either generates interest or profits, and how their programming will usually go along their particular political agenda. Little do people know that before the 1990’s, networks could not own their own programming which, arguably, created a television program that centered on quality and interest of the viewers. Nowadays, it is nigh impossible for independent producers to get airtime without the respective networks a part of their program.

The case for Net Neutrality is as fundamental as the case for Free Speech. Imagine without Net Neutrality, Super-Corporations will be able to control the flow of information available to different races, ages and class. No longer will the poor be able to access the same information as the rich and telecommunications such as Comcast, Verizon etc. will have the same power and influence as ABC, NBC, and FOX.

The internet was developed to benefit public interests, to allow unrestricted access so that users may pick and choose the content they want to see. If Net Neutrality is lost, we lose an important engine of connection and innovation. Even though this issue is a very gray area in terms of law, losing Net Neutrality would be like losing the first amendment.

The Nanny Diaries by Anne Wrobetz

Whew! It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. Between markdowns at TJ Maxx, fossils at the museum, and a never-ending plague of summer weeds, I hardly have time to take care of my hamster, Fat Tony. Honestly, I’m feeling a bit trapped. The routine, though initially new and satisfying, has become ponderous. But at this point, quitting and taking an impromptu trip to Italy is out of the question. So in an effort to liven up my life, I have to create some new fun in my old jobs!
I really do love spending time with kids. When I work at the museum, I attempt to engage the children in conversations. some of the kids become repeat visitors, which is great for two reasons. Not only does it increase the profit of the program and the likelihood the workshops will continue next year, but I also develop really strong relationships with amazing kids. Also, when I’m keeping house, I play with the kids. Sometimes this is actually helpful–one little girl loves following me around with a broom of her own. (Thanks–I knew I missed a spot somewhere!) The bus has also turned into somewhat of a spa for me. I can snag a seat and spread out books, puzzles, my lunch and just relax. This is especially great on the hour-long bus ride to Denver. I love not having to pay for insurance or gas–all the money I earned working would go toward transportation to and from work!
At TJ Maxx, I have a great time interacting with customers. A lot of them are fascinating people, and it takes very little to get them talking. A mere inquiry about her day can get an elderly woman started on a tangent about her dogs. It’s like I’m getting paid to people-watch!
Putting a positive spin on things will make any job a lot more fun. Just focus on what you like about your job–spending time outdoors, interacting with people, getting some exercise, not having to exercise, whatever–and soon you’ll look forward to going. If nothing makes your job seem more interesting, remember that it is likely not forever. The jobs we have right now are just a chance to earn some work experience and extra cash; they usually do not develop into careers.

Starcraft II by Tim Gao

The sequel to one of the world’s most anticipated PC game has finally been released. Starcraft II was officially launched on July 27th and fans from around the world gathered outside of electronic stores to pick up a copy. For those who were lucky enough to attend one Blizzard’s launch party for the game were greeted by some of the staffs who worked on the game.

The original Starcraft, believed by some, was to be the most influential PC strategy game of all time. The first Starcraft was released 12 years ago and at that one was considered a master piece and sold millions of copies. Popularity for the game grew as time passed and spawned countless spin-offs, other forms of entertainment, and even a whole gaming culture.

Considered to be the most balanced RTS strategy game ever made, Starcraft became “the” competitive game in Korea. The game was taken so serious that pro Starcraft players were treated as celebrities. Top players would competitive in open arenas with displays for the audience to witness alien on alien action.

Anyway, Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, in the first 24 hour of release has already sold more than 1.8 million copies (excluding South Korea). That number is astonishing and yet expected at the same time. Fans have been waiting for this game for a full decade now, and with its release we’re sure to see a long and active Starcraft II community. Don’t forget all the wonderful custom maps generated user!!

I Hate your Cell Phone by Meagan Flannery

You know what is more annoying than those stupid commercials in a movie theatre? People’s cell phones. During the movie. The entire time. You guys think that you are being subtle with the texting. But I will let you know something right now: dark theatre + bright tiny light + clicking = really annoying, and completely noticeable.

This could be a time when I could lament about the good old days – how way back when no one used to ever disrupt the movie. Everyone used to just sit and watch the movie happily, gratefully, and quietly.

However, I would be lying if I believed any of that. The truth is, with the invention of the theatre, came the invention of annoying moviegoers. There have always been, and always will be the people that talk through the movie, loudly. There was also the problem of hats. Women wore big hats during the movie that disrupted everyone’s view during the early 1900s. And also, theaters of the olden days were not set up like they are now. You would pay your money, and then you got a newsreel, and at least two movies and maybe even a short cartoon! Sounds great huh? Except that people could walk in and out of the theatre as they pleased – and they DID walk in and out as they pleased, while talking. It wasn’t a big deal to get to the movie on time or even to stay the entire time.

But even though the theatre has a long history of rude people, does this mean that you should continue to text during the movie? Absolutely not! It is REALLY irritating, and the worst part is that you think no one notices or isn’t bothered by it because you are texting instead of talking. But it does! Can we please change history and stop with the rudeness during a movie? Listen to the silly ads in the beginning: turn off your cell phone!

Oasis in the Sea of Unemployment by Anne Wrobetz

Employment! Like the shimmering island that mocks somebody lost at sea, it has eluded me all summer. But at long last, I have reached the banks of that island, climbing ashore and bowing to the benevolent gods who sent me there. Of course, all this kissing of the sand has left me with a rather gritty mouth. My schedule now has as many entries as the Pacific Ocean has shells.
The housekeeping affair has blossomed. Apparently if you do a good job cleaning somebody’s house, they have a strange urge to recommend you to other people who want clean houses. Housekeeping and babysitting seem to go hand-in-hand, as well. I’m starting to feel like a housewife!
Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I love being so busy, and always having a different job to go to. I’m getting some downtime in as well, though I do have to make more of an effort to plan it out. When riding the bus to TJ Maxx, I manage to squeeze in a decent amount of reading. I’m lucky, too, that a lot of my jobs are self-scheduled, such as housekeeping. I can go in whenever I want. Typically, I’ll go in the mornings so that I have the entire afternoon to myself. Another aspect of many of my jobs is that I can listen to music while working—definitely something to consider when you ask yourself if a career is right for you. I feel like my deserted island of employment is a tropical oasis when the Beach Boys come on and set the luau theme.
So I am still in the middle of the ocean of summer vacation, asking hermit crabs for directions. But I’ve come to a nice little island well-populated with palm trees that keep dropping coconuts on my head. Am I getting too metaphorical for your taste? I’ve found steady employment and more jobs keep popping up. I guess all I can do now is lean against a palm tree, crack open a coconut, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Here’s to work!