Opinion

Today, the Internet dominates how we conduct business, communicate, and share information. I don't believe that 10 years ago anyone could have foreseen its impact. We access it with desk tops, laptops and wireless hand held devices. Crucial to this access is the Internet provider (IP). Two of the main providers in Morgan Hill are Verizon and Charter. One provides access via your phone lines (DSL) the other through television co-axel cable. Both advertise options and programs which center on bandwidth. Bandwidth is often described as megabits per second (MB/sec). Verizon has plans up to 3.0 MB/sec., locally, and Charter has up to 10 MB/sec. Bandwidth is important to the user as the higher bandwidth gives you faster access to Web sites, downloads and uploads. Residents have the option of installing a modem and a router so that family members can access the Internet from their own personal computer or device. Some of these connections are hardwired or connected via a wireless home network. Wireless at the moment is slower.

"This train is bound for ... Gilroy."

Rubbing a score in a rival's face

A final rip-roaring CHEER for the awesome Live Oak High School football team. Despite their devastating loss Saturday against Archbishop Riordan High School's crusaders in the Central Coast Section Middle School Division title game, the Acorns have put Morgan Hill on the prep football map in style. The Acorns were playing in the first CCS final since 1989. Despite facing a more athletic team and missing its quarterback, the Acorns played with everything they had against the West Catholic Athletic League's fifth-place team. The team ended the game strongly with three touchdowns in the final 13 minutes. Kudos also to first-year coach John Michael Porras for his leadership and hard work to transform the team into one of the best the school has ever had. Last, but not least, a big congratulations to the Sobrato High School Bulldogs for their first division win in four years. This accomplishment means the determined Bulldogs advance to a new division.

Hello. I used to write a column here. Then I didn't. Now I do. I'm not fond of lengthy introductions.

Santa Clara County is one of the world's high tech magnets, but it's also one of the most expensive places to live. This Silicon Valley takes pride in its well-educated work force and urges each teenager to acquire the highest education possible. Consequently, there is an intensive push for teenagers to go on to four-year colleges and universities. High school grade-point average competition frequently exceeds 4.0 points, while driven students take more and more Advanced Placement and College Preparation classes. Unfortunately, that can result in an elitist attitude, giving status only to very academic students and highly educated people. A message frequently is suggested: only people with master's degrees and above can survive in our area.

YOUR VIEWS

This holiday season, you can purchase presents for family and friends and help your community at the same time by shopping locally.

It's time for a round-up of recent local news items that made me shake my head, roll my eyes and utter a two-syllable "Puh-lease."

On Dec. 7, the years-long South County perchlorate water poisoning story will take another important turn when the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will consider whether to adopt the Draft Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) or instruct staff to make more adjustments. The CAO is a key document because it spells out in detail what Olin Corp. will be required to do to clean up the contaminated groundwater.