Book Review: Broad Band

Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet is a fascinating telling about the history of the women who were truly responsible for making computers and the Internet what they are today.

Whether you’re interested in computers, engineering, the Internet and tech-savvy topics, or just a computer user; whether you’re a feminist (I hope so!) or not; this book is for you. It’s sad that I didn’t know much of this history prior to reading the book, but boy, am I glad I happened upon it on a shelf at the library and snagged it.

(And let me just say, that title! What a great play on words.)

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The BEST Thing You Can Do For Your Email Inbox

It’s amazing how much email I get nowadays. While I never want to be that person who’s constantly attached to their inbox, it’s almost like you have to check your email regularly, or it’ll pile up and become overwhelming and unbearable.

But do you ever think about how much of the email that comes into your inbox is just plain garbage?

Seriously. Look at your inbox right now. How many of those emails are you going to open, and how many will you trash without even clicking on them? Of those you do open, how many will you actually read, as opposed to just skimming and then tossing them? And how many will you reply to?

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Are You Obsessed With Your Email?

Let me ask you a question. How often do you check your email?

If you’re like most people, you’ll probably say “every day.” Honestly, I can’t imagine going a day *without* checking my email. But upon further reflection, I… honestly think I check my email *TOO* much. I’ve been trying to take stock of my little habits, and lately, that’s the one I’ve noticed.

Wake up, get ready for work, check my email. Then maybe an hour later, check my email again. It can literally be ten minutes later and there I am, logging into Google again. And again. And again.

Does anyone else do that?

Okay, I don’t think I’m really obsessed. I think it’s just become a habit in this tech-crazy world, where we all feel inclined, or maybe even required, to be connected at all times. The phones in our pockets/purses ensure that we’re always dialed in, and make it a hell of a lot easier to keep checking – even if we’re not necessarily expecting any specific correspondence to fly our way.

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Daily Challenge: One Day, Tech-Free

Technology is one of the absolute greatest things in the modern world. Before we get into today’s daily challenge, let’s take a minute to appreciate what technology allows us to do. The inventions of mobile devices allows us to talk to anyone, around the world, no matter where we are, without being tied to a line in the wall. In the blink of an eye, we can check the news, weather, shopping lists, etc., all from the tips of our fingers.

Technology connects people; branches the gap between cultures, cities, nations; it helps to save lives, as is seen in the medical applications of technology. Without it, where would we be? Technology allows our cars to move, our planes to fly, and so much more.

So to go even one day without any modern technology would be nearly impossible. Many of us use computers or other modern tech for work purposes, or for school. We use to get where we need to go, to do what we need and want to do. Without technology, we might need to consider other hobbies, like running outside, or — God forbid — spending time with our family!

Today’s challenge is go one day without technology, as best you can. I’m obviously not saying to call into work and sit around staring into space all day. Consider your technology consumption and how often you may use certain devices, and try to break yourself away from that. Don’t check your email six times an hour. Leave your phone at home and take a walk around the neighborhood. Find ways to “connect” without being “connected.”

And yes – I know it’s easier said than done. But at the very least (and I’ve been trying to do this a lot more), if you’re spending time with someone – whether at dinner, watching TV, or just relaxing – put your phone down…. and leave it there.