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New York state representative announces latest stunt to attract Google

Despite urging from Google to avoid potentially dangerous stunts in hopes of swaying the company's decision on the location of its inaugural one-gigabyte- er-second broadband network, the Gothamist recently reported that New York state representative Joe Lentol will jump into the Newton Creek in Greenpoint, New York. The creek is heavily polluted, but Lentol believes that it's worth it to attract a system that could potentially help the region's economic and educational opportunities. Lentol is a lifelong resident of Greenpoint and told the news provider that he swam in the creek frequently as a child. Several towns announced similar stunts because it's become clear that reliable, high-speed broadband service can help any town move forward. Aside from Google's plans, the Federal Communications Commission's proposed National Broadband Plan and programs funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act have pushed broadband forward in the United States. Perhaps the most drastic measure taken by a city to draw Google was Topeka, Kansas' decision to change its name to Google, Kansas for the month of March. Google responded by changing its name to Topeka on April Fool's Day.

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