The FCC played to a packed house at Harvard yesterday and the outcome of the meeting was made abundantly simple and quite clear. Internet service providers can't block consumers from using lawful Internet activities under the guise of offering better service. Are you listening Comcast? Here's how FCC commissioner Kevin Martin put it, "while networks may have legitimate network issues and practices, that does not mean that they can arbitrarily block access to certain network services." ...
And what does the FCC intend to do about liberties taken by service providers in that regard? Here's what. Martin has made the argument that the FCC already has the juice to stop Internet companies from "unfair data discrimination." Here's what he said in a recent interview, "I think we have the authority already to enforce our current network neutrality principles." ...
There are those, like U.S. Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts who feel that service providers should have more competitors in each market. Harvard law professor Yochai Benkler adds, "what we need is robust, open competition." He proposes that the U.S. government should force cable and phone companies to lease access to the wires they've installed in millions of homes. Rival companies could use the wires to deliver competing broadband services, creating many more broadband companies...
Until and unless that happens, look for the FCC to enforce the rules by playing Internet traffic cop...
10 Timeline Memories:
- 1919] The original Big Dig: Congress establishes Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. You really can't enjoy the magnificence of this world wonder until you visit it, something we did last year. Here's a clip of a moonset and sunrise from 2006: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5UOYvO-p8xA&feature=related ...
- 1930] Go at the green - not in between: New York City installs traffic lights. Prior to that New Yorkers start what's commonly known as 'flipping the bird'. Of course the lights don't work too well in a traffic jam, seen here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=lTu6-AqfEkY&feature=related ...
- 1951] After two, you're through: The 22nd amendment to the Constitution is ratified, limiting U.S. Presidents to two terms in office...
- 1955] The '45' rules: Billboard Magazine reports that the 45 rpm single is outselling 78's for the first time...
- 1987] Slapping the wrist: The Tower Commission rebukes President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff in the Iran-Contra hearing...
- 1990] In cold blood: Cornell Gunter of the Coasters is murdered in Las Vegas while sitting in his car. Gunter was just 53...
- 1991] Saddam backs down: Iraq's President Saddam Hussein orders his troops to withdraw from Kuwait...
- 1993] The first WTC bombing: Six are killed and more than one thousand injured when a van explodes in the World Trade Center parking garage. An act of terrorism by Islamic extremists and a precursor to something far worse in 2001. Here's actual footage of the first attack: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7WB9xXdGMOg ...
- 1998] O no, you don't: A Texas jury rejects an $11 million lawsuit by cattlemen who blamed Oprah Winfrey for a price drop after her on-air comments about mad-cow disease. To show her appreciation Miss O buys everyone in her audience a year's supply of steak and steak knives...
- 2007] Shaq attack: Shaquille O'Neal passes the 25,000 point mark for his career in the Heat's losing effort to the Knicks, 99-93. Shaq becomes the 7th player to reach 25,000 points and 10,000 rebounds...
Music Memories:
- 1966] Released on this date: "19th Nervous Breakdown" - Rolling Stones, seen in this live performance clip from 1998: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHwTygK05_M ...1977] "Hotel California" - Eagles...
- 1985] Grammy Gold: Chuck Berry receives a 'Lifetime Achievement" Grammy. Here's a clip of Chuck performing there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlSuMW3Md6U ...
Commentary:
Don't look now but we've reached the Octogenarian age for Rock & Roll performers. Antoine "Fats" Domino turns 80 today. "The Fat Man", the Rock & Roll icon's first release was in 1949, almost 60 years ago. Fats still remains selectively active in and around his home town of New Orleans. After being rescued in Katrina a few years back, Fats is doing well and still rockin and rollin after all these years. Here's a clip of "Blueberry Hill" from Fats' recent DVD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcaKsUOweh8 . Happy Birthday Fats...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
James Brady (24), Corinne Bailey Rae (29), Erykah Badu (37), Michael Vettor (50), Michael Bolton (55), Sandie Shaw (61), how many of you remember "Girl Don't Come"?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyIyZVncN8Q , Mitch Ryder (63), Robert Novak (77) and Fats Domino (80)...
Timeline Countdown: 12 days until Daylight time, 24 days until the first day of spring and 29 days until opening day...
