Thoughts on technology, accessibility, pets - especially dogs, UI, UX, and anything else that I feel like sharing.
Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play. You Can Help!
Read MoreYou can watch it here:
Checking in at a total of 512 pages (that's the total for all 3 put together!) these books are the ones I recommend to everyone who has to work for a living.
So, yeah, pretty much everyone.
First up is the longest one, but at 272 pages you'll get through it in no time.
Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams (3rd Edition)
by Tom DeMarco and Tim Lister
ISBN-13: 978-0321934116
ISBN-10: 0321934113
272 Pages
While most business books focus on theory, process, or selling, Peopleware shines the light on the real people doing with work, with all of their quirks, idiosyncrasies, and strengths. (I know, what a concept, right?)
Often referred to as a "project management" book, that label doesn't do it justice - the material is helpful to everyone looking to get the most out of, or just survive, the corporate environment. And for those of us who want more, you can use this information to improve your interactions with co-workers and clients.
This is one I re-read every year to keep the insights fresh in my mind. The humorous tone and real-life examples make this an enjoyable read.
How to Lie with Statistics
by Darrell Huff (Author) and Irving Geis (Illustrator)
ISBN-13: 978-0393310726
ISBN-10: 0393310728
144 Pages
People love to toss around statistics, don't they? It makes what they say seem so much more credible. And maybe it's all true. But...
It is amazingly simple for people, intentionally or by mistake, to skew and twist statistics. It happens all the time, and can be the cause of bad decisions.
Let this book be your guide on what to watch out for, and avoid, when using statistics as part of your decision-making process.
The PC is not a typewriter
by Robin Williams
ISBN-13: 978-0938151494
ISBN-10: 0938151495
96 Pages
The MAC is not a typewriter
by Robin Williams
ISBN-13: 978-0201782639
ISBN-10: 0201782634
96 Pages
Come on, admit it, you either still double-space after periods when you type, or you know someone who does...
The PC is Not a Typewriter (and its Mac companion*) is a fast, fun, easy read that will help you make your written communication more professional and sophisticated. Yes, it references older technology, but the technical info isn't the important part here - it's the simple, clear information and inspiration for crafting of better writing. It covers punctuation, leading, special characters, kerning, fonts, justification, and so much more.
Read this, keep it nearby, refer to it often - your writing, and your readers, will thank you for it.
Frankly, these 96 page-long gems are the books I would give to everyone I meet, if I could.
*Why is there a PC and a MAC version? My guess is 1) for the technical references which I'm sure were helpful when it was released 2) to get the full audience - some PC people won't pick up something targeted at the MAC audience, and vise versa.
Some people might skip over these books because they were published "years ago" - but that would be a mistake. OK, sure, some of the examples they include may be a bit dated; however, the concepts and ideas are timeless. Give them a try, and I'm sure you'll agree!
Note: The book images are links to the Amazon.com page for that book. If you purchase the book from there, I will get a few pennies from Amazon that I'll use to support my book habit. But no pressure, get them from your favorite place!
There are lots of ways to include your pet in your Halloween fun. But it’s important to keep safety in mind, and to consider your pet’s personality. If they prefer to sit this one out, give them someplace quiet to hang out until it’s all over.
Either way, here are some ideas and tips for a great Halloween:
Did you know that every month you can download a free photo, illustration, audio file, and/or video file from www.istockphoto.com? All you need to do is:
Pretty sweet deal, if you ask me!
Full disclosure: This is not a paid posting (not that there’d be anything wrong with that!), other than I did use a referral link, but I’d only get credit if you use the link and then buy 30 files in 30 days, which would be a bonus but is totally not the point. The point is, this is such a great resource *and* they give away free stuff every month, and who doesn’t love FREE? I mean, seriously, it’s a good deal.
People love to focus on the “evils” of technology, but the positive side gets far too little attention.
Case in point: someone has come up with a brilliant way to use a 3D printer to create “cards” that allow a reader with vision issues to “see” the pictures that go along with the story. And that’s just one use for this technology - the creators report that the solution has also been used for designing assistive devices like can openers, tactile diagrams, and fractal art.
The tool’s name is CraftML, and there is an online demo scheduled for Wednesday, March 30th at 3pm MT (5pm ET).
You can read more about this by visiting: http://makezine.com/2016/03/28/customize-and-print-3d-picture-books-visually-impaired-kids/
Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org
In their own words: “Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.”
Happy children opening holiday gifts
Yes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.
Think about it, won’t you?
You can donate gifts from the wishlists or cash, it’s up to you! Click below to get started:
Holidays are filled with excitement and interesting smells for our pets, but it is up to us to make sure the fun doesn’t turn into danger. For example, things that are yummy to us, like chocolate, grapes/raisins,and avocado, can make our pets sick or worse.
The ASPCA has put together a handy list of foods to avoid: ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
Oh. and keep a close eye on your guests - adults and kids may “feel bad” for your pet and slip them a little treat, not knowing the damage they could cause!
For a lot of people, Thanksgiving is THE holiday of the year, and there are lots of reasons why: good food, football, fun with friends and family, etc.
But it is also important to remember to keep our pets in mind on this big day. Keeping them safe lets everyone enjoy the holiday fun!
For a great set of tipe, please visit: AVMA: Thanksgiving Pet Safety
For many people, the holidays are time to get together with friends and loved ones, and often that means it’s time for a road trip!
However you travel, if you plan to take your pet along, you should plan their trip as carefully as you plan your own, or even more so. ;-)
The AVMA has posted a great list of tips for traveling with your pet: 11 things you can do to make travel safer for you and your pet.
Everyone says that they want to offer excellent customer service, and most-often think that they do. But when they find out that customers are unhappy there is a laundry list of reasons why “it’s not our fault.”
Seriously, I can give you one easy step to turn those customer grumbles into customer grins. Heck, those unhappy customers will start signing your praises. You just need to do One Little Thing.
And I’m such a sweetheart, I won’t even charge you for this secret. Yep, I’m that wonderful!
OK, got your pen and notebook ready? Do you maybe want to sit down for this?
Follow up
When you say you are going to do something, DO IT. For example, if you tell a customer that you will put a note on their prescription to hold it until the customer can get in to pick it up, DO IT.
When you tell a customer that you will look into a problem/request/etc. and let them know - DO IT. Check out what needs to be researched, and contact the customer with the information right away. If it turns out that it will take longer than you thought, contact the customer to let them know you are working on it; that you did not forgot them.
Go on, give this a try. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised at the results.
For us, the winning combo was a flavored dog toothpaste that Bailey loves (don’t use human toothpaste, it’s not safe for pets!), and the finger toothbrush (see below).
This is our fav!
These are handy too!
Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org
In their own words: “Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.”
Happy children opening holiday gifts
Yes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.
Think about it, won’t you?
You can donate gifts from the wishlists or cash, it’s up to you!
That chill in the air means it’s time to bundle up. But don’t forget to help your pets deal with the cooler temps. Here are seven ways to help your pets in winter - share your other tips in the comments!
. 
, which protects pads)And here’s a bonus tip for my fellow humans: great doggie DIY idea for winter!
Do Something Nice: http://www.childsplaycharity.org
In their own words: “Child’s Play seeks to improve the lives of children in hospitals around the world through the kindness and generosity of the video game industry and the power of play.”
Happy children opening holiday gifts
Yes, things are tight this year; very, very tight. But while you’re shopping this holiday season, if you can find a few extra dollars, this a great cause.
Think about it, won’t you?
A real person in a sometimes unreal world.
