Technology Articles

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Tagging can be the super-organizers dream tool. Apple application developer, Gravity Applications, recently launched a tagging software, Tags, that allows Mac users to tag all their files, including emails, bookmarks, pictures and files. The tags allow users to assign keywords for files, grouping many different files that have something in common. The tagging feature also allows you to apply many different types of tags to a single file or apply the same tag to multiple files, giving the user a little more flexibility than just the file/folder system. The software costs $29 but you can set up a 30-day free trial to see if the application works for you.



There is a growing belief among engineers and security experts that Internet security and privacy have become so maddeningly elusive that the only way to fix the problem is to start over.



For the first time since the dot-com bust, there is a jump in the number of undergraduate computer-science majors. New enrollment in North American computer science and engineering programs rose 8% during the 2007-08 school year from the year before.



Unused PCs — computers that are powered on but not in use — are expected to emit approximately 20 million tons of CO2 this year, roughly equivalent to the impact of 4 million cars, according to report by 1E and the Alliance to Save Energy.

Emma by Jane Austen

Emma was my first Jane Austen read. I had seen Pride & Prejudice, Becoming Jane & The Jane Austen Book Club - all of which I really enjoyed; however, reading the first 40/55 chapters Emma was a chore for me. I understand that extensive description was considered entertainment back in Jane's time, but even with that in mind I found it dull. The first 40 chapters were more background for the last 15, in my opinion. I really did enjoy those final chapters, when the book became juicy, so to speak, with drama. There were some good twists, too. In retrospect, I'm glad I read a Jane novel and it really is a great classic. But I will say that it will be like pulling one's own teeth to talk myself into reading a second Jane book.

The best part of reading Emma, for me, was reading it "virtually" with my Mom. I bought us each a copy of Emma as a "moving away" gift; something we could do together while away from each other. We read at fairly different paces, but we enjoyed sharing thoughts on the story as we read.



Wikipedia Article

After reading Emma I watched Clueless. Had I not read Emma I would have thought Clueless to be a dumb, 90s teen flick. However, I found the parallels in the book and film to be very interesting. I enjoyed the teeny-bobber movie, actually. And I liked Paul Rudd's character (I recently saw I Love You, Man where he co-stars).



IMDB Clueless Article

Bottom line: Jane isn't my style, Clueless was enjoyable since I'd previously read Emma, and Paul Rudd is adorable.

-Amanda

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Despite being one of the saddest movies I've ever seen, it is still among my favorites. Jim shows his serious side, and Kate does well as the quirky, impulsive woman. I really enjoyed the way time played out in the film - backwards yet forwards and then full circle.

I hope humans never develop the ability to erase memories - at least not commercially... who knows if the ability exists within the government and military. I think consideration of erasing one's memory is cowardly. We are meant to have a healthy reaction, to change, learn and grow from our negative experiences; we are not meant to simply remove them. It's a form of cheating life.

Even though I'm not a fan of the concept of memory erasure, I found the movie fascinating. It's a great love story, really. My favorite part of it all is that the two lovers were meant to be and ended up that way despite their efforts of removing the other from their mind. It's almost a fairy tale in that it ends up with a happy ending (which is actually the beginning in a few senses).

I recommend this movie for when you're in an philosophical, dazy, relaxed mood. The film's look and feel makes one feel as if they are the one experiencing the erasure of memories. It's hard to explain. Those who've seen it probably know what I mean here. The vision of the movie is perfect for its content. Does that make more sense? Anyway, check it out.



IMDB Article
Wikipedia Article
Official Website
YouTube Trailer

-Amanda

The Big Race

The race was a blast! Mom, Dad and I performed very well!

The morning started out in a very Bennett-like fashion (i.e., running behind time), but we ended up making it to the starting line in plenty of time. With 40,000 runners and walkers starting takes a while to trickle back in the line. I meant to mention this in my "eve" post: Mom, Dad and I started in Corral G, and the corrals go clear through Z, so we were pretty well off in our seating. Despite the bumpy start, we wished one another luck, and off we were!

I ended up dropping 10 minutes off of my first half-marathon time, so I'm really pleased with that, but: I was so well hydrated that I had to stop to pee not once, not twice, but three times! I bet I could have finished in 2 hours flat if it hadn't been for those stops! Next time I'm going to be under 2 hours!

Below are my race statistics. Click the image to see a larger view.



I thought it was pretty great that out of 40,000 participants, I came in 4180th out of all the women! Not too shabby!

After being beat by my mother in my first half-marathon race, I was set and determined to correct that at this race, hehe. But Mom and Dad were spectacular and so adorable because they finished at 2:15 (no lie - only 5 minutes behind me!) and crossed the finish line together! I'm so proud of them!

My body recovered after this half-marathon much better than after my first half-marathon. Granted, I trained for 5 solid months for this race whereas for the one last year I was still in school and didn't train consistently (well, hardly at all). My knees were really stiff Saturday after the race, but by Sunday evening they were fine. I'm already planning my races for the rest of the year! I'm thinking about the Rock 'N Roll Chicago Half-Marathon on 2 August 2009...

I think this race is going to become a tradition for the Bennett's. It was such a wonderful event! I love downtown Indianapolis, it's a great time of the year, making for excellent running weather, and it was a ton of fun! I even saw a friend playing along side of the race with his band, The Highway! (Here are links to their MySpace and Official websites. Check 'em out!)

-Amanda

Indy Mini 500 Half-Marathon Eve

Tonight is the eve of my first Indy Mini 500 Half-Marathon race!



I've just finished my playlist, packed with my favorite running songs. Mom and Dad are running the race with me. We're all really excited! My first (and most recent) half-marathon race wasn't bad: 10:38 minutes/mile pace for a finishing time of 2 hours and 19 minutes. At tomorrow's race I hope to drop 10-20 minutes, putting me closer to a 2 hour finishing time.

It's WAY past my bedtime with tomorrow's early rise to be at the starting line and ready to run at 7:30 AM! Wish me well!

-Amanda