Google Chrome, and other Technology Musings

Recently while surfing around the web I downloaded Google Chrome on a lark and installed it.  Since then I've become a big fan of this new browser.  Here are my reasons why I like it:

- Chrome loads faster than either Microsoft IE or Mozilla Firefox

- Chrome allows searches in the "address bar" (just start typing a phrase - it's a built in search - of course, a good deal for Google!)

- Chrome has a "last viewed" selector for recent sites that is waaaay cool (see picture)

- Chrome refreshes automatically - I do not have to "clear cache".  This is very useful whenever I work on websites (which is something I do for a couple of non-profits)

In other news, 2 friends of mine recently experienced computer problems.  One is a mac user who had her laptop stolen in Central America.  Another is a friend whose laptop's motherboard friend.  Both are wondering what to do.  I recommended to check eBay or Craigslist for quality used machines.  But I would not invest in a computer that is more than 1.5 years old.  Last time I did that, my laptop was obsolete by the 2nd year I owned it.  Any suggestions from the peanut gallery?

Ella Baker Center

Today I attended an end of year celebration and fund raiser event for Ella Baker Center, an Oakland non-profit co-founded by well-known community activist and "Green Collar Economy" author Van Jones. The event was inspiring, with speeches, awards, and of course, an ask for money. It wouldn't be a non-profit event without a pitch for money! It's always impressive to hear about all these idealistic, progressive people hard at work here in the local community. It makes me feel inadequate. My work produces little besides the fact that my colleagues appreciate my technical assistance. (Theoretically I am helping save Kaiser money, which translates to lower premiums. But I digress.) So to witness people working at their passions and doing what they believe in is an inspiring thing.

I just read a brief history of the EBC. Despite what you may think about the issue of police brutality, I am thankful for organizations like this that keep the police, but also the state and its voters, accountable. Most bad ideas in California are a result of a proposition system that essentially lets any millionaire with an axe to grind or a big enough ego go and try to buy a new law. This creates laws, like last year's "Jessica's Law," passed here in 2006 via a citizen's initiative, that are impractical, expensive, and wasteful. In the case of drug offenses, it's probably a federal issue. However, any way you cut it, due to "3rd strike" sentencing and sentencing for drug offenses, too many people who could be helped with a little counseling are instead caught up in a prison system and (most) destined for a life in and out of jail, at the expense of you and me, the taxpayer.

Which brings up another topic: how to get rid of the California proposition system altogether. Now that's a worthy idea!

Note, I served on a jury this spring, in Oakland, and can tell you I am not a rabid, police-hating radical.  In fact I was one of the "law and order" people in the jury - only because this is Alameda County.  The justice system is slow, ponderous and not very lenient.  In my opinion, it catches up too many people in its teeth who belong elsewhere besides court and prison.

Back in action

Dear All 3 Former Readers of "Kent's Korner" :

Kent's Korner is back. I got the idea to start blogging again. My idea is that writing can be therapeutic.

One thing though: since I last blogged, in 2007, I am somewhat "known" in the local community. This is (hopefully only) because of my political activity. I am trying to give my readers a warning that I am going to try to avoid rantings in here. Sometimes I have an urge to do this.

In any case, the content of this blog, at least to start, will involve my job, (I'm a data analyst at a large HMO), my thoughts about technology, politics, volunteering, and life in California (and beyond).

Please drop a comment or just a rating. That gives me another reason to keep writing.

Welcome back readers!