Article: Desperate cities beseech St. Google: bless us with thy fiber
Link: http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/03/desperate-cities-beseech-st-google-bless-us-with-thy-fiber.ars

Here’s what Google wants to achieve:

“Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access
better and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that we
have in mind:
” Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can
do with ultra high-speeds, whether it’s creating new
bandwidth-intensive “killer apps” and services, or other uses we can’t
yet imagine.
” New deployment techniques: We’ll test new ways to build fiber
networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, we’ll
share key lessons learned with the world.
” Openness and choice: We’ll operate an “open access” network, giving
users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with
our past advocacy, we’ll manage our network in an open,
non-discriminatory and transparent way.”

Link: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/think-big-with-gig-our-experimental.html

Other motives…

Google’s ulterior motives are to use the broadband network, not
necessarily build the network. Google’s in the business of building
big data centers, not networks. They have no experience building
networks. It’s a clever attempt, to get cable providers to beef up
data rates. Moreover, Google’s announcement mainly as a means of
furthering its long push for network neutrality. According to
analysts, Net neutrality battle scares Google as they could come out
as big losers. This announcement puts Google in competition with
carriers…

Link: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9155218/Google_in_the_broadband_business_Hardly

Here’s some article links about Google Broadband:

Official Google Blog: Think big with a gig: Our experimental fiber …
Feb 10, 2010 … The Official Google Blog – Insights from Googlers
into our products, …Universal, ultra high-speed Internet access will
make all this and …
googleblog.blogspot.com/…/think-big-with-gig-our-experimental.html – Cached

I thought this was a joke but read this => Welcome to Google TiSP
(http://www.google.com/tisp/install.html)
Introducing Google Toilet Internet Service Provider (TiSP BETA), our
new FREE in-home wireless broadband service. Sign up today and we’ll
send you your TiSP self-installation kit, …
www.google.com/tisp/ – Cached – Similar

Google to build high-speed Internet network – Business & Financial …
Feb 10, 2010 … Google’s “significant trial will provide an American
test bed for the next generation of innovative, high-speed Internet
apps, …
www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6193XH20100210 – Cached

Google Fiber Draws Another Bid? – 10 hours ago
Sarasota has entered the Google Fiber race for super-high-speed
Internet by renaming City Island “Google Island.” This announcement
comes less than a week …

PC World – 38 related articles ”
Cities Vie To Try Google’s High-Speed Internet? -WESH Orlando – 14
related articles “

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Links:
http://www.migraineimposter.com
http://www.kevinsmithmd.com

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The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program has helped more than
405,000 Florida students attend a postsecondary institution. The
program offers three levels of scholarship awards – the Florida
Academic Scholars award (FAS), the Florida Medallion Scholars award
(FMS), and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars award (GSV). Read
this brochure to find out how to qualify for a Bright Futures
Scholarship.

For more information visit:
http://www.floridacapitalnews.com/
www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/…/2009_BF_SummerNotice.pdf

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Amazon Excerpts…

Ultrametabolism: The Simple Plan for Automatic Weight Loss – $4.40

http://www.amazon.com/Ultrametabolism-Simple-Plan-Automatic-Weight/dp/0743272560

Physician Hyman (Ultra-Prevention: The 6 Week Plan That Will Make You
Healthy for Life) delivers plenty of scientifically grounded
information about weight loss myths, effective individualized
strategies centered around the theme of stoking metabolism and a
detailed six-week plan—complete with menus and recipes—that “will help
you lose 11 to 21 pounds” in those first six weeks. The data and
prescription the author provides are far from simple, and results, if
attained, are not automatic. But dogged readers will come away from
the book with a thorough understanding of dieting principles, such as
the timing of meals, portion size, glycemic load, phytonutrient index,
the weight loss benefits of relaxation and the optimized functioning
of the thyroid. There are straightforward principles buried in the
text, such as “eat fruits and vegetables” and “move your body,” plus
tips for eating out (e.g., “don’t be afraid to ask for substitutions
in a dish,” “request a ‘crudités platter’… instead of the
breadbasket” and “order a light drink”); adhering to these tips alone
should prove beneficial. The opportunity for readers to remember and
apply any of the more involved information is a possible positive side
effect. (Apr.)

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever
Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and
Long-term Health – $8.00

http://www.amazon.com/China-Study-Comprehensive-Nutrition-Implications/dp/1932100660

Referred to as the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by The New York Times,
this study examines more than 350 variables of health and nutrition
with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across
China and Taiwan, and conclusively demonstrates the link between
nutrition and heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While revealing
that proper nutrition can have a dramatic effect on reducing and
reversing these ailments as well as curbing obesity, this text calls
into question the practices of many of the current dietary programs,
such as the Atkins diet, that are widely popular in the West. The
politics of nutrition and the impact of special interest groups in the
creation and dissemination of public information are also discussed.

The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You
Were Designed to Eat – $7.23

http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Diet-Weight-Healthy-Designed/dp/0471267554

Amazon.com Review

According to author Loren Cordain, modern health and diet problems
didn’t start with the advent of packaged snack food, but much
earlier–back at the dawn of the agricultural age many thousands of
years ago. As humans became less nomadic and more dependent on
high-carbohydrate diets, we left behind the diet we had evolved with,
which is based on low-fat proteins and plenty of fruits and
vegetables. Sugars, fats, and carbs were rare, if they were present at
all, and survival required a steady, if low-key, level of activity.

Cordain’s book The Paleo Diet blends medical research with a healthy
sprinkle of individual anecdotes, practical tips, and recipes designed
to make his suggestions into a sustainable lifestyle, rather than a
simple month-long diet; he even includes cooking recommendations and
nationwide sources for wild game.

Claims of improving diseases from diabetes to acne to polycystic ovary
disease may be a little overstated, but in general the advice seems
sound. Can any of us really go wrong by adding lots more vegetables
and fruits to our daily regimen? One recommendation on safe tanning
with a gradual reduction in sunscreen is surprising and not much
detail is provided for safety issues that can accompany increased sun
exposure. Still, Cordain’s assertions have helped many people, and
could provide exactly the changes you’ve been looking for to improve
your health. –Jill Lightner –This text refers to an out of print or
unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Like Ray Audette’s Neanderthin (St. Martin’s, 1999), this is another
“if you can’t find it in the wild, don’t eat it” diet that takes the
germ of a useful idea and runs with it. According to Cordain (health
and exercise science, Colorado State Univ.), Paleolithic humans were
fit and lean because, as hunter-gatherers, they ate what was
available: meats low in saturated fats, fresh fruits, and nonstarchy
vegetables. Nor did they suffer from heart disease, cancer, and
diabetes, the byproducts of our poor eating habits and lack of
exercise. Then again, the average Paleolithic life span was about 30
years, not long enough to develop most chronic illnesses. Still, the
author asserts that by eliminating grains, dairy, refined sugars, and
processed foods from our diets, we, too, can thrive as our ancestors
did. Three levels of diet and six weeks of sample menus, with recipes,
are included.

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365 Everyday Value popcorn: Balancing just the right amount of oil and
salt, our popcorn is fluffy, delicious and ready for any serious
snacker. Made in small batches by a family-owned popcorn maker, our
popcorn comes from a long line of experienced poppers. That’s
right…they’ve been popping for years. So pop in a movie, dim the
lights and leave the microwave alone. It’s salty. It’s satisfying.
It’s supreme snacking.

[via: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/item.php?UPC=0009948242872]

Pop Chips: We don’t fry it (unhealthy). We don’t bake it
(undelicious). We take wholesome potatoes, add a little heat and
pressure, and pop! It’s a chip. The only thing added is a flavorful
blend of seasonings for a snack so delicious and crispy, you won’t
even notice it’s (we hesitate to say) healthier.

[via: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035TZHME?ie=UTF8&tag=jmainformatio-20]

Snow Beverages: The Alternative Soda Thats Naturally Cool. Made with
all natural ingredients and fortified with green tea extract, Vitamin
C, B3, B5, B6 and B12
No high fructose corn syrup, No caffeine, No artificial flavors, No
preservatives

[via: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NC8WPE?ie=UTF8&tag=jmainformatio-20]

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The past year or two saw a huge increase in innovative, upscale mobile
food purveyors working from trucks and selling everything from premium
ice-cream to Korean BBQ tacos. Requiring an even lower investment, the
next wave could be small-scale culinary subscription services, which
allow fledgling entrepreneurs to get a foothold in the food business,
and create a steady income and a loyal client base for future business
activities.
Milk Made » — Dulcinea »
2. Low impact advertising

Realising that green concerns are here to stay, British media agency
Curb offers nothing but low-impact advertising. Its first service used
rainwater to clean logos into grubby pavements, and was quickly
followed by other techniques that use sand, sea water, grass,
glow-in-the-dark funghi and more to broadcast their clients’ messages
in an earth-friendly manner.
Curb »
3. Health tracking devices

From wireless headbands that track sleep patterns to wearable gadgets
that track every move, an increasing number of options is available
for people who want to track their own health-related behaviour.
Recording and relaying detailed information that was previously only
available through medical monitoring, most of these devices aren’t yet
available worldwide, which creates a host of opportunities for
distributors and localized versions.
Zeo » — Fitbit » — DirectLife » — TheCarrot.com » — Bedpost »
4. Sample stores, cafes & vending machines

Sophisticated sampling—dubbed tryvertising by trendwatching.com—isn’t
new. On the rise, however, are dedicated spaces that facilitate
sampling by a variety of brands, attracting consumers through the
irresistible offer of free goods. Following sampling stores in Spain,
sampling cafes in Tokyo and sample vending machines in Belgium, we
suspect this concept will spread even further in 2010.
Esloúltimo » — L CAFE » — Boobox »
5. Discreet rooftop solar panels and wind turbines

While most homeowners would in theory like to generate their own wind
or solar power, many are put off not just by cost, but by the
aesthetic impact of wind turbines and solar panels. Aiming to resolve
that problem are smart engineers who are creating new options that
blend in with their environment. Two promising examples: rooftop wind
turbines that almost disappear along the apex of a sloping roof, and
solar panels shaped like traditional clay roof tiles. Plenty of
opportunities here over the next decade, both in distribution and in
the development of similar products.
Solé Power Tile » — Ridgeblade »
6. Rotating retail at airports and in malls

Pop-up, temporary retail is still going strong, but a new alternative
has entered the game: rotating retail. Two spottings: opening soon in
Glasgow Airport is Planeshop, a permanent store that brands will take
over for a limited time, including changing the shop’s exterior
graphics to match their identity. And in the Netherlands, BrandNew
Stores aims to turn those fleeting pop-up shops into a chain concept,
creating fixed spaces where brands can temporarily present themselves
in a regular retail environment.
Planeshop » — BrandNew Stores »
7. Remote farming for consumers

According to Wikipedia, farm simulation game FarmVille has become the
most popular game application on Facebook with 73.8 million active
users in January 2010. Offering consumers a way to remotely control a
patch of land that will actually provide them with an edible harvest
is a new Italian start-up: Le Verdure Del Mio Orto, which lets anyone
build an organic garden right from their web browser. As the produce
grows, it’s picked and delivered to the customer’s door within 24
hours. Weekly deliveries are part of the package.
Le Verdure Del Mio Orto »
8. Connecting creative consumers with local fabricators

A partnership between New Zealand-based Ponoko and North
Carolina-based ShopBot Tools, 100kGarages is a community of workshops
distributed around the world that are equipped with the digital
fabrication tools needed to precisely cut, machine, drill or sculpt
the components of virtually any creative project. The network allows
designers or consumers turn their ideas into physical products, and
creates new business for small workshops.
100kGarages »
9. Paying consumers to promote products they use and love

As our sister-site trendwatching.com pointed out in its sellsumers
briefing, selling is the new saving: a recession-induced need for cash
plus an ever-growing infrastructure are fueling concepts that help
ordinary consumers make money instead of spending it. One of the
easiest ways to do so is by taking on the role of marketeer for
products they already use and love: from promoting concerts by their
favourite bands, to helping small companies launch new products.
Hollrr » — People’s Music Store » — Posse » — Looklet »
10. Single-use toilet bag turns human waste into fertilizer

While this is a numbered list, we love all of these ideas equally. So,
last but not least, a potential solution to a problem that 2.6 billion
people have to deal with: no access to a toilet. Designed for use
sitting, squatting or standing, the single-use, biodegradable plastic
Peepoo bag is lined with a urea-coated gauze layer that disinfects all
waste. Used bags are odour-free for at least 24 hours and are safe for
burial underground. Within two to four weeks after use, their contents
are converted to high-quality fertiliser—something that’s also rare in
many areas and could become a source of income and further enrichment
for individuals or villages.
Peepoo bag »

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