Speeding up the internet

I had some conversation this weekend about what makes the internet slow. The following snippet from my /etc/hosts file shows how I've managed to keep the internet fast and avoid some rather annoying blinking websites:

127.0.0.1       doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1       ad.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1       ad.ca.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1       adremote.timeinc.net
127.0.0.1       adsremote.scripps.net
127.0.0.1       a.as-us.falkag.net
127.0.0.1       interclick.com
127.0.0.1       a1.interclick.com
127.0.0.1       media.fastclick.net
127.0.0.1       network.realmedia.com

Bums

I've got bums arguing outside my living room window. Sometimes being in the Haight has its downsides. Why can't they go argue in the park like good bums?