*blend

LED fabric is now available, and I’m sure we all have our own ideas of what it should be used for…check out a few of these examples of the next new thing…. Read the rest of this entry »

The following images make me feel like my cat isn’t so strange after all, as far as cats go, I mean, face it, all cats are strange…. Read the rest of this entry »

scrc 1st ride 2006-10-21 gallery at picasa

Official, but currently incomplete, website for the chapter: sc.westxdesign.com

Different kinds of customers

• A “user” has a dependent relationship with you - they depend on you, your products, or your services.
• “Customers” seek you first. They have a need and desire for you, your products, or your services.
• A “patron” is a customer that admires and supports you, your products, or your services.
• The “public” is a set of customers clearly understand that THEY are paying for you, your products, or your services.

Why does it matter? Think about these definitions the next time you say “open to the public” or “thank you for your patronage” or “our users know the best when the find it”… the wrong phrase at the wrong time can be detrimental…

“Looking to decorate your living room with a touch of the macabre? Well here’s a piece of furniture that both horror and crime show fans can truly appreciate. The Dead Comfy - Body Bag Bean Bag is quite simply the most evil twisted bean bag chair ever invented. The Dead Comfy looks just like a real body bag with a body inside, except this body is actually a bright pink inner bag of comfy beans. There’s nothing better than a spooky rainy halloween night, a good scary movie and relaxing on a dead corpse.”

hee..ok…

Merlin’s top 5 super-obvious, “no-duh” ways to immediately improve your life.

1. Reduce noise - from magazine subscriptions you don’t read anymore, to multiple unnecessary email accounts, newsletter subscriptions, anything that is a distraction or inteeruption. “Get more hard-nosed about the elective diversions that you invite into your world.”
2. Write things down - in detail. don’t just a write down a phone number thinking you’ll remember whose it is later. notes notes notes. “Remember that your brain is a creative organ with limitless creative possibilities — but it makes a really crummy whiteboard.”
3. Focus on action - “anything you want to do in life eventually comes down to intentional physical activity — even if it’s something as mundane as “take out trash” and “call Mom.”” Plan action activities rather than vague goals or projects
4. Get out of your inbox - “Many of us are habituated to living out of our email inbox, voicemail, and the other “in baskets” of our lives. Instead, try to set aside regular, periodic times when you trawl for the new content in your life — then get back to work! Inboxes are delivery systems, not workspaces. The real work is happening in your brain and practically every other place that’s not an inbox. Stop allowing yourself to be brow-beaten by the latest, loudest, or most dramatic item that’s landed in your world.” Don’t need to say anything more than what Merlin has said….
5. Get pickier - You are the sole person in your life who gets to decide where your time and attention can go. Take that responsibility seriously by not wasting time on junk. You know in your heart what’s really important to you — does the current direction of your time and attention reflect that? Is “kid hugging” time where it should be in proportion to “Blackberry checking” time? Be mindful at the highest level about where you focus your energy, and always strive not to squander it on undeserving activities.

AMEN!

I hate telephones…of all types. headsets, portable, cell, corded, speaker. Hate them. Always have. Because I hate talking on them. I can’t hear very well on them, and I have a horrible compulsion to walk around in circles while on them. (Which, from what I hear people around me tell me, extremely funny to watch when I have the misfortune to get stuck on a corded handset…)

This dislike of one of the most popular communication devices of the past 100 years led me to write a VERY long email message to every person I know with an email address in which I addressed my reasons for resigning from the library, how I and my family are going to handle things, the fact that I’m not actually GOING anywhere…everything that could possibly be wondered, and consequently, asked of me regarding this situation. Why? Because since Thursday my phone has not stopped ringing. And my feet are really really tired from all that pacing.

Please don’t call me if an email or waiting to see me in person will do. Please?

Countdown continues: 23 more days…

The music, the clothes, the hair…the…librarians?

Check this video at youtube… Betty Glover Library Workout Tape ad

From deneui: This was a project I did in college at A This was a project I did in college at ASU for class. Yes, I also worked at the library, and Betty Glover (an incredibly sweet lady) was my boss. This was way before non-linear editing. It’s a bit dated, but still holds up pretty well, I think.

Back in July I wrote about female techies in libraries, and I’m both sad and excited to say that what I was thinking then is now a reality. I have resigned as director of our public library effective November 1. I know will never be able to turn away from the library life, so you’ll still find plenty about libraries and librarians here, but I’ll also be chronicling the changes and experiences I, and my family, will be going through. This will be the first time I haven’t worked at least 50 hours a week. Even though I will still be doing web design and PC repair with WestXdesign, the number of hours I am actually working will decrease drastically. Will I enjoy more freedom or go nuts finding things to fill my time? Will I learn to be more ‘domestic’ and cook and clean more efficiently (and enjoy it?) We’re also experimenting with home schooling our 6th grader…I’ll keep you posted on how THAT goes. I’m sure the kids will have plenty to say. They have just as much adjusting to do as I, perhaps more so.

So, the countdown begins. 31 days….