development

The internet has made access to information much easier, but requires an education. One has to be instructed in internet use to be able to access the information available. On one hand the internet has made educating ones self much easier, on the other, it makes misinformation look all that much more like fact. One has to know which websites are legitimate and which to avoid. All of this, misinformation and information, is cut off to those who cannot afford to buy a computer or pay for internet.
I didn't know how to register to vote. I looked up how online and even printed out a for to fill out and mail out. I also can look up where the nearest place to vote is. People who cannot afford internet lose that quick and easy access to information. I also know about news happening all around the world, while most of the world has no access to see what I am up to. In that sense, the internet feels almost like a one-way mirror
Buying books about healthy eating and going to a nutritionist cost a lot of money and require the luxury of time. I know six ways to burn fat and regain my figure with a quick free click of my mouse. I can also look up "how to live to be 120 years young!" without paying a dime. I can afford this, because I can afford a computer and a school that provides me with internet access.
Entertainment is the second most frequent use for my computer (second only to studies of course...). I get to escape my terribly difficult middle class life by watching youtube for hours on end. People who could really use a break from reality, however, are those who were not necessarily born into a family that can afford such luxurious.
Most likely the largest problem facing the digital divide is work. Finding a place that is hiring, finding places to apply to, getting my resume out there, etc, etc, is all made easier by the internet. Once again, people who need access to jobs the most are most likely those who cannot afford it.

Mash Mash Mash It Up!

http://programmableweb.com/mashup/liveplasma

This first website is liveplasma. I have used it before and I really like it. Liveplasma uses amazon.com's resources to create a web of music. All one has to do is put in a band name and liveplasma will create a web showing other bands with a similar sound and how popular that band is.

http://programmableweb.com/mashup/toeat.com

I always have trouble finding places close by that are good and cheap and not cafeteria food. I have used a website like this before and I found a restaurant that I frequent now. I also like to go to fancier restaurants when friends are in town, so I find exactly what I want and where it is (with google maps)

http://programmableweb.com/mashup/25-unsafest-us-cities

This website is interesting. San Francisco doesn't even rank on the top 25 deadliest cities. My home town of Atlanta ranks 17th, while Oakland is 8th. St. Louis is the most dangerous city in the US. Didn't know that.