Mozilla's Firefox Browser

I remember, way back when I first started using the internet, that there was this browser called Netscape. I used for it for everything. In fact, so did countless others. It was the browser of its day. Then along came Internet Explorer (IE) from some familiar company called Microsoft. So I started using that. And lo and behold as I began spending more and more time on the internet, the weaknesses of IE shone through. Hackers, virus writers, spyware and adware creators exploited the security holes prevalent in IE (as well those in Windows in general). But what was one to do when IE came so conveniently packaged with Windows?

Well, apparently the more computer savvy folks relied on other little known browsers. Mozilla being one of them. But then, all of a sudden, techno-reviews starting touting this little program called Firefox. I happened across news of Firefox's launch on one of my frequent forays on Cnn.com. And after reading such tantalizing tidbits as "more secure than IE", I figured why not try it. This was way back in October(ish) 2004. And I have not turned back since.

It addition to being more secure than IE, there are plenty more features of this free lil program that keeps me happy. First, tabbed browsing. This allows you to open different webpages in their own little tab within one browser window. So, when you are browsing a lot of sites, this means it will not clutter up your taskbar. Plus, if for example you have your favorite news sites all bookmarked in the same folder, you can open them all at once (each in their own tab) with just one measly little click!

Next, extensions. There are probably thousands of extensions for Firefox. If you use gmail (like me) you can add a Gmail Notifier. If you want save time filling out forms, you can add an extension that will do it for you. You can add an extension that makes it easy for you to see a page in IE (for those sites that won't work with Firefox). There is an extension that will automatically copy any text you highlight. Almost any functionality you want to add, there is an extension for it. The extensions are easy to download and install.

Finally, the toolbar itself. On it, there is a permanent search box that lets you easily use all kinds of searches. There are a few up there by default when you first install (Google, Yahoo, eBay, Dictionary.com, Amazon, Creative Commons) and apparently about 100 more you can add. So far, I have only added IMDB. You can also download skins for Firefox to customize the look to your own particular taste. You can also add bookmarks to a handy bookmark bar that looks nice and makes using bookmarks easier.

While Firefox is not perfect, it is pretty darn good. There are some pesky sites, like I mentioned above, that will not work with Firefox. Mostly, there content in some way shape of form was built to use some if IE's feature. And while no browser can be 100% secure, Firefox takes a great step in the right direction.

Last Words: It is excellent, I recommend it, I use it!

"The Secret Life of Bees" Book Review

Well, I said I was going to read more. You had to expect a book review was coming. In fact, I have to do. So, perhaps obviously, the first review will be on the book I finished first, Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees. Stay tuned for a review of The DaVinci Code, which I finished about four days ago. I am currently reading Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation. The reading with that one is a bit slow going at the moment, it is a memoir. But all of this has not a single to do with bees.

So, my mom got the book as a Christmas present from my brother's girlfriend. It was, as she said, her type of book and one of select few she has read recently. She asked if I would like to read it and I said sure. It arrived just in time for Lent. The book apparently is in its second year (yes, that's right year) in the top ten of trade paperback bestsellers. That's got to mean something, right?

First a summary. The story follows a freshly turned 14 year old girl thrust into womanhood named Lily Owens. Lily has essentially grown up without her mother (who died when Lily was young) and in none too pleasant circumstances. She ekes out her existence in 1960's South Carolina. She is left in the care of a servant of her father's, Rosaleen, a "fierce-hearted" (as the back of the book says) black woman. After the Civil Rights Act is passed Rosaleen and Lily take off to get Rosaleen registered to vote. That is where the real journey begins. Rosaleen manages to insult some huge racists and get arrested and, perhaps not surprisingly, beaten. Lily, being just as fierce hearted Rosaleen decides to spring Rosaleen from her confines. They follow a trail based on a few of Lily's mother's mementos. The trail leads to a trio of bee keeping sisters and a journey of love and discovery.

Whew. If that doesn't cover the gist of the book, then ... well I don't what more I can do for you. Now the question remains, "Is the book good?". Quite simply, yes. More so, the book is excellent. Kidd's rhythm and imagery drew me in almost immediately. The story itself is compelling. This is a book perfect for any mother or daughter, regardless of your relationship with the other. Kidd's compelling tale made me really feel every pain, anger and joy of Lily and the people she meets. The best books are the ones that make you almost completely unable to put it down, one that simply keeps making you turn the pages. This book certainly is one that I did not want to put down.

In addition to being a generally good read, the book also stands as a great testament to a few things. First and foremost it is a testament to the power and unexpectedness of love. Love, as Lily and I learned is found in many places and changes everyone it touches. Similarly, the book is a testament to the uniqueness of families. Like love, families can be found in many places with many faces. Families too can be unexpected. Finally, I saw the book as a testament to the strength of good people. Kidd touches on the effects of racism and other such adversities ... as well as what it takes to survive. Strangely enough, it all points back to love and family.

Last Words: I loved the book, I recommend it, I don't think my mom will get it back (so I technically own it now, right?)

Giving Something Up for Lent

It is that time of year again. The time where Christians prepare to celebrate the ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of man. For many, yesterday (Fat Tuesday, last day of Carnival) was the last day to get all the partying and sit out before a 40 day and 40 night time of sacrifice. This time, Lent, is a time where Catholics especially sacrifice something until Easter.

Many choose to give up their favorite candy, snack food or soda. Others choose to give up cussing or gossiping. Some even give up meat. There are many more things to give up for sure. Most of time I hear people counting down the days until Easter. Counting down the days until they can indulge in their favorite things. That people give something up only to pick it up again, to me, is kind of pointless.

Yes, part of the point is to experience even the smallest sacrifice, even if it is for a short while. For me, I think the point is not only sacrifice, but to learn that you can live (live a better live, even) without whatever it is you gave up. I think the point is to better you life.

The thing is, the bettering your life doesn't always include giving something up. It can also mean starting a good habit. Read more books. Take more walks. Read the Bible more (hey, I am talking to the Christians of the world, right?). Volunteer more. Pass on small kindnesses. How does this help with that whole sacrifice bit? Well, you are giving up part of yourself. You are giving up part of yourself to make your life or someone else's life better. Depending on what you do, you may even begin walking path even closer to God.

Whatever it is, whether you are giving something up or picking up a good habit, I challenge to take it beyond 40 Days and 40 Nights. Do it (or don't do it) for as long as you can. That will lead to a more enriched life. And I think, in some small way, that will allow you the experience that ultimate sacrifice for longer, maybe even all year long.

Last Words: I am going to read more, I recommend doing something more for yourself or someone else.

Superbowl ... The commercials

Nobody watches the Superbowl for the game right? Ok, ok. Maybe some of you do! But the biggest story is the ads. The Superbowl has provided a way for companies with more money than they apparently know what to do with a chance to show off the talents of their ad agencies. At $2.4 million a pop, you would think that the commercials would have to be excellent to make it worth it. No so apparently.

If you missed them, the ads can be viewed at ifilm.com .

Most were decent if not entertaining. Some were duds. And at least two were decent enough to win my approval. Winning the award for sentimentality in this time of war was Budweiser with a very nice thank you to our soldiers. It is really hard to be the tear-jerker-ness of that. Which is sad for Napster (who's ad followed the airport cheers for the troops).

But in terms of pure entertainment and funny, the award goes to FedEx. They presented a top ten of Superbowl ad gimmicks, starring Burt Reynolds and a Dancing/Talking Bear. It very thoroughly speared past (and even new) commercials.

The rest of Budweiser's commercials eh. I was utterly confused by mbna's rugby match with Gladys Knight. And while I laughed at MC Hammer being tossed back over the fence, the Lays commercial was pretty much dud-a-rific. I was also slightly puzzled by Degree's Mama's Boy In-Action Hero, but it was still kinda funny.

The rest of the commercials will go into commercial oblivion. Until I see them again and remember, oh yeah that was a Superbowl commercial.

Btw, the Patriots won by a mere 3 points, thereby solidifying their status as a football dynasty. Granted the game was more slop than good football ... but I won't go there.

Last words: I watched them, some were good, I recommend the FedEx one and Bud's tribute to troops.

The Ellen Degeneres Show

So if you don't know about the Ellen Degeneres show ... I don't know that I can help you. It is on every day. Try to catch it.

Ellen has always one of my favorite stand-up comedians. She is freakin' hilarious. I had the great opportunity to see her live in San Antonio when she toured last. (The Here and Now Tour). It was great. I hurt, I laughed so much. So knowing that she has a show is an extra added bonus. Everyday, the whole world gets a dose of her utter silliness.

She seems to have tons of fun while doing the show. She interacts with the audience. She plays strange games with her guests and it is usually a love fest. Ellen loves the guest the guest loves Ellen. One of my favorite parts of the show is when Ellen taps the random average Joes and Janes in the world. (Case in point, today's owner of Mostly Moose and More). It usually ends up in hilarity. How tempted are we to pick up the phone and call someone with a famous name?? Admit it, we all are. Well, Ellen does it! Because she can.

The show is fun because it seems everyone is having fun. From the audience to the guests to the random people around the country with a famous name. I wish I would remember to set the VCR and pop a tape in everyday!

Last Words: It's hilarious, I recommend it, I watch it whenever I can!