by Michael Bailey | Nov 18, 2015 | Technology/Internet |
The concept and vision of “net neutrality” is easily expressed. Its far more difficult to protect, given the manipulative tendencies of corporate behavior, and millions spent on lobbying.
Cell providers and internet giants never do anything without profit, and/or market domination in mind. It is so easy to tempt consumers with immediate gratification bait, like those described below, that the long term consequences to individuals, their personal choice, and freedom, are completely lost to us, as we “opt in”, to yet another fantastic offer that serves up ten more ways to lose ourselves in media and product consumption.
As a T-Mobile customer, I received this announcement in my email, and I plan on disabling it because of what I believe it represents. To be sure, my decision is less difficult than say, a permissive parent’s with two teenagers in the household, but I could go on about how that could be handled better as well. Hint: It’s not the kids fault.
I use my phone first as a communication device. I don’t like spending lengthy time looking at a palm size screen for anything, be it texting, or entertainment. It’s not good for the eyes, neck, mind, attention span, and every other ergonomic rule of good practice imaginable. I also believe the best way to access online data, other than a direct connection, is via WiFi, not through a cell phone data stream.
There are many privacy and security issues we face as digital consumer animals now. It’s going to get even more complicated, and we are going to become more vulnerable before things reach a point that (hopefully) serve us, and the noblest visions, most fairly.
If you’re not a streaming addict that can’t find a way to live without more, more, more video in your life, through your phone service, please disable the T-Mobile Binge On setting on your account. Its a Trojan Horse, and you do not need it.
by Michael Bailey | Oct 25, 2015 | Dialogue, Words Etc |
(Overheard almost verbatim in a doctor’s exam room next door.)
Doctor Spencer: So, you have two children now?
Patient Montana: No, Doctor. I have four.
Doctor: You just told me you had two children.
Patient: Those were just the ones living with me.
Doctor: I see. So, let’s start again. How old are your children?
Patient: One is 4. One is 16. Another is 1 yr old, and another is 8. Oh, and another one is on the way.
Doctor: So, you have five children?
Patient: Yeah! I guess if you count the one coming up.
Doctor: Okaay. So, now you’ve decided you want a vasectomy. How old are you, Mr Montana?
Patient: Twenty six.
Long Pause. Silence. (My balls are really hurting now.)
Doctor: Do you understand how serious a decision this is?
Patient: Yeah, well, you know things are getting kind of out of hand. I got too many kids happening.
Doctor: You mean, the pregnancies weren’t planned?
Patient: Well, you know. They kinda were. Some of them were. I mean. You know the way I was brought up. We don’t use no condoms. We feel good. Something good happens. We celebrate. We have a beer. We get our woman. You know? I played some basketball. Watch a game. I feel good. We have some fun. Then, Wham! She get pregnant. What I’m gonna do? I don’t do abortions. She want the kid. So this has to stop now. You know what I’m talking about Doc?
Doctor: You are still very young. I would prefer counseling you on using a condom instead of getting a vasectomy.
Patient: Yeah, well, you know. I think this has to stop now. What about changing it back if I change my mind later, doc?
Doctor: It is possible. Not guaranteed, and, very expensive. And, it is not covered by insurance. It can cost ten thousand dollars. This is not a decision you want to consider reversing in the future. Are you sure you want to go through with this?
Patient: Doc, I don’t really have a problem or anything, but, just between you and me, can you get some of that Viagra?
