Shifting control of the Internet from the consumer to those with the most wealth means the flow of content will go to the highest bidder, writes Lee Boot, a media researcher and IRC Associate Director, in Why Surrendering Control of the Internet to Market Forces is Crazy Talk, a commentary piece on net neutrality published in What Weekly.
“The Internet Service Providers we pay to connect our homes and business to the Internet and broker content, now want also to charge the content companies like Netflix according to the bandwidth their media require to deliver,” says Boot.
Boot compares the current threat of ISPs controlling the flow of content to when cable service providers promised ad-free digital access to television programming, only to slowly reintroduce advertising into subscriptions after the fact. The fear, Boot argues, is that ISPs—many of which used to be (and still are) cable providers—will honor companies that pay the most with choice quality and delivery.
“It would open a Pandora’s Box of ways to turn new media into the kind of restrictive tool of money and power TV was because it shifts power away from consumers (citizens) toward those with the power to manipulate the media landscape,” says Boot.
]]>Definitions of sustainability can vary, sometimes focusing on urban
revitalization, rehabilitating vacant housing, social health and civic
well-being.
A new book out by Eric Zeemering, an assistant professor of public policy, examines what Baltimore can do to become a more sustainable city. The book, titled, “Collaborative Strategies for Sustainable Cities: Economy, Environment and Community in Baltimore” (Routledge Studies in Public Administration and Environmental Sustainability) was published on May 28, 2014. In the above video, Zeemering shares his research on how sustainability is defined in Baltimore, and how city government officials, community organizations and state and federal agencies have taken a collaborative approach to sustainability policies.
Zeemering’s teaching and research interests focus on public management, intergovernmental relations and urban policy. He is presenting a talk on his new book at the Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch on Tuesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the event, click here.
How do you define sustainability?
The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, DC, offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times annually. The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of color. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute. Through this fellowship, PSI seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.
The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to inform and maximize the impact of grantmaking foundations, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships through leadership development initiatives, convenings, and communications so that each can contribute to the good society at home and abroad.
Activities:
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes research, writing, logistical, and administrative support for PSI’s leadership initiatives, public programs, and convenings.
Requirements:
Candidates for this fellowship are highly motivated, current, non-graduating graduate or undergraduate students from underrepresented communities of color. Each candidate should have an excellent academic record and also have the following:
1. Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector;
2. Excellent research and writing skills;
3. Demonstrated financial need; and
4. U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Students approved for participation in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are eligible to apply.
This is not a scholarship. The student must be able to work as an intern for 12-15 weeks in the Washington, DC, office of the Aspen Institute during the academic semester in which the fellowship is awarded. Fall and Spring interns will work part-time (15-20 hours per week) and Summer interns will be full-time. All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.
Fellowship Stipend:
A fellowship stipend of approximately $2,000 will be awarded to the Fall and Spring intern and approximately $4,000 will be awarded to the Summer intern.
Applications are considered three times annually:
Internship Availability |
Application Deadline |
Award Notification |
Fall 2014 |
July 18, 2014 |
August 22, 2014 |
Spring 2015 |
December 5, 2014 |
January 9, 2015 |
Summer 2015 |
February 27, 2015 |
April 3, 2015 |
The Fall 2014 Fellowship application is available here.
NOTE: Letters of recommendation should be uploaded via the online application form; however, they may also be emailed directly to the Aspen Institute by the author. Letters of recommendation may be sent to Zach Wenner at zach.wenner@aspeninstitute.org. Please make sure the sender includes WRH REC in the subject line of the email along with the applicant's full name.
I am a huge coffee addict, and a bit of a coffee snob. Caffeine addiction is a pretty common occurrence among entrepreneurs, especially in the start up phase of a business concept.
I know its summer and not everyone is on campus, but I've been here a lot. The Starbucks is closed, and the other coffee shops close at 3 pm. It would be great if I could brew a fresh cup of coffee anywhere.
I’m not the only one. In fact, a number of UMBC students identified and tackled this problem; Mojoe lets you brew your own coffee on the go.
Mojoe is a travel mug-sized portable coffee maker that heats any temperature water from any source to brew up the perfect cup of joe.
Here’s how it works. You load in your favorite coffee (Zeke’s is pretty good, but Green Mountain may be one of my favorites that easy to find), to the filter, cream and sugar if you’re into that, and hit the road. Add water whenever and wherever you can.
Watch the Mojoe Information Video
The system powers up, using a rechargeable battery, a 12V car adapter, or a wall adapter, and heats up the water; your coffee is heated to about 200 degrees and mixes in your cream and sugar. After its done brewing, you can comfortably enjoy the coffee directly from your Mojoe.
The founders of Mojoe, Joseph Hyman and Ezekiel Kolajo, have launched their crowdfunding campaign and need your help. I know that times are tough and as a college student money can be tight. In a crowdfunding campaign, I can tell you that every little bit helps. Even if you don’t have cash to invest in Mojoe, the secret to a successful crowdfunding campaign is sharing. We all know people who love coffee…let them know about Mojoe.
Learn more by visiting their website
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