FIRST WORLD, NOT WORLD WIDE, WEB

Internet access will take decades to spread in underdeveloped countries, according to a recent United Nations report. The 1999 Human Development Report found that 88 percent of the world's Internet population is located in wealthy, developed nations. Internet access is often beyond the capability of remote areas that may lack basic infrastructures such as roads or telephone lines. Political barriers also present a problem in underdeveloped countries, as dictatorial governments may attempt to restrict access to information. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a feasible solution to the technological inequity. The report's recommendation to impose a tax on Internet use received harsh criticism from those hoping to preserve the Internet's freedom from regulation. (ZDNN 07/12/99)

  AWARENESS

While we are sleeping in a warm bed, a street child is huddled under a bush hoping no one finds him there. While we are enjoying Pizza and a Coke, a street child finds a discarded corn cob with a few burnt kernels on the end. While we stare at our closet wondering what to wear, a street child shivers in his torn t-shirt as the cold rain falls. While we search for the mate to our Nike Airs, a street child is pulling an Acacia thorn from his bare foot.