Blog Title: MondayLunchCrew — Time off to raise a dog.

xs for programmers

whenindouhbt

[found via]
A nice little piece for a programmer…

Lion Brand Notebook KAL: Cable Luxe Tunic

Lion Brand Notebook

Lion Brand is holding a KAL for their famous Cable Luxe Tunic. And from now until the 27th, it’s a free download for the pattern.

View David Weinberger’s “Bertha Bassam Lecture” Online

Faculty of Information - View David Weinberger’s “Bertha Bassam Lecture” Online

This was a fun presentation I went to see a few weeks ago. Now you can get to see it for yourself.

a little net neutrality

Lawmaker plans bill on Web neutrality - Yahoo Canada News

Before taking FIS1210 (Information and its social context) I have only heard of Net Neutrality but didn’t understand what it was about and what was at sake. Too busy to come up with the full list of resources I wanted to share regarding Net Neutrality, but will leave you with just a few so you can makei up your own mind:

• Neutrality.ca
• Save Our Net
• What is Net Neutrality

Happy Halloween

DSC01613

G made Flour’s Halloween costume so she must wear it even if only to pose for a few minutes.
Doesn’t she look all ready?

Happy Halloween everyone!

Handwarming

My classerooms are so ridiculously cold that we often wear our coats and hats in class. I do not look forward to colder weather. It was time for some fingerless gloves/mitts for those cold classrooms where I have to type notes. At least I try to be prepared for colder weather.

I found this pattern on line and though it was super cute, so I decided it was perfect for the nice yarn that Cynthia got for me. I’ve been waiting to find just the perfect pattern for this yarn that I’ve been saving.

Pattern:

Kyla (on rav)

Yarn:

Handmaiden Fine Yarn Casbah Sock

Needles:

US size 1 dpns

Date Started:

October 11, 2008

Date Finished:

October 16, 2008

Modifications:

Shortened the cuffs by making only 6 rounds of ribbing.

Will I make it again?

Never. I honestly haven’t been so frustrated by a pattern in ages. Lovely pattern. Poorly executed instructions. Too bad. I will enjoy wearing them but will not be making another pair like I had hoped.

There’s enough yarn left that I can make another set of fingerless gloves in another pattern. I’ll be needing another pair to rotate. So, off to find another pattern which may interesting to make in between writing papers.

Creativ Diversion

I’ve been trying to make sure I try to have some fun whenever I can. I took the chance on Friday during the day to head to the creativFestival for a quick two hours and check out the market floor.

I came home with some goodies. It was a sad showing for needlework. I’m glad I was interested in quilting/fabric as well as knitting. Otherwise, I’d be finished the show in half an hour. I was particularly interested in getting some goodies that I couldn’t get easily and I found Shibui and the Bison lace yarn. Sure I could have ordered them, but it’s more fun to discover them in person. I also really enjoyed looking at all the quilts. I’m happy to have gone on a $5 student ticket. Sure, the show was a little disappointing, but having a little bit of fun was a good spirit renewal.

It’s a small hull, but I’m happy. I also got the Jane Ellison Queensland Collection Book 9, the men’s collection. A nice set of mens wear that I’m hoping something will be made for G

I have also found a nice program for block of the month club that I will likely join. I’m not going to renew for “year of lace” next year. I’m just too disappointed at the way the program was run this year.

We also went to dinner out to celebrate our anniversary. I had a good meal, but G’s review is a whole different story.

Two-toned

Flour went for a walk around the neighbourhood and ended up very dirty. She gets a bath tonight and will then spend the rest of the night sleeping in. Given her extra activity, she’ll probably sleep in tomorrow.

Not a bad plan of action for Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving Canada.

Making it official

Nothing helps cement a new identity more than business cards. I didn’t have the time to design my own this time around, so I went for one of the prepackaged sets from moo that was me.

It came right at the estimated delivery time last month. I’m all set for the next networking opportunity.

Manga guide to databases

Manga guide to databases - Boing Boing [via facebook]

The concept rocks. Maybe everyone will want to be in db if this is their first exposure. I’m sure it makes these concepts so much more accessible. I’m not sure if it’s meant to attract more females (given the style of manga that I can see on the cover) to db, or just a younger audience.

As someone who loves databases, I can’t help but find any new forms of advocacy to the genre of interest.

How great would it be to have similar books for other dry subjects? Better yet, how great would it be to write one of these books. This would satisfy the fantasy of writing a graphic novel and a technical book in one. It is just me? Or is writing graphic novel and tech book the secret fantasy of other tech-geek/graphic-novel-fans/writer-wanna-be out there?

Electronics Arts’ cellphone librarian

Electronics Arts’ cellphone librarian | Technology | Los Angeles Times [via]

Sounds like a fun job. Do you need a MLA for that?

Not much confidence

Added 3:10pm: Website, phone lines for do-not-call list overwhelmed

National Do-not-call list to block telemarketers takes effect Tuesday - Yahoo! Canada News

Canada finally gets the Do-Not-Call list. But there’s a problem with registering yourself on it.

I have to say, it annoys me to no end when technology systems are not ready for the load they are to receive. It tells me they will have issues with the data they are trying to collect and manage since they obviously have had issues with the planning and systems design.

Eventually they’ll have the site up and running… let’s hope that the enforcement of the list is better designed than the technology supporting it.

Toronto Westie Walk Photos

I forgot my camera this year for the walk and so I don’t have any photographic evidence of all the cuteness.

The official photo slide show is up if you’re interested in checking out what 148 Westies looks like…Toronto Westie Walk

It’s a long slide show, but if you’re interested in clicking along, we’re photo 63. And while it’s not a great photo of any of us, the caption for Flour was nice

She’s made enough of an impression from the first year she was there that the organizers recognize her. And always it’s fun to see the westies that go every year, especially the ones that Flour particularly get along with like Zoe.

Yes, we’ll be going again next year. It’s always a good time.

And if you’re wondering where posts/photos/updates etc. are. Yeah, I’m finding the whole adjusting to school much more challenging than anticipated. I’m feeling so totally swamped. Whenever I can, I’ll try to make short updates, until I get more back on my feet.

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

One of the reasons I decided to go to school Full time in person and not by distance is the opportunity to join associations for further exposure to the industry and of course, networking.

One of the activities set up by the SLA Student chapter this week was a real highlight: a tour of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.

While the library is open to the public, due to the nature of the material, the public would not necessarily have gotten such a nice detailed tour. Unlike other libraries in the University of Toronto system where you might need to be a student of faculty etc., the public permitted to use the materials. The librarian had pulled aside some very interesting material for us to examine, detailing the showcase of the history of the book.

From a cuneiform clay tablet from Ur, Paparus, a copy of the Torah in scroll form, up to books such as illustrated medieval manuscripts on vellum, to printed Gutenberg (not a bible, but a dictionary) on quality linen and vellum. We got to experience the refinement of both print and materials over time, and even some key pieces in the collection such as those in Anatomia. But the extra highlight was that the prize copy of the First Folio of Shakespeare from 1623 was there. We got to see the not for public use (unless there’s really good reason!) copy. (There is a 19C reproduction that you can request to see, which in itself is a rare book).

Yes, I got to touch with my own hand, the ‘rosebud’ copy of the book. Very exciting, and honestly the cool factor was huge in that extremely geeky way.

And it’s truely amazing how well the antique books have held up over time. Some of the first linens are in better condition and whiter than cheap books today even from a few years ago.

The library itself is a beautiful space which does give one a great sense of awe when you walk in. [geek admission]I was just giddy with excitement [/geek admission]. I wasn’t so sure about if I would enjoy the tour and information, but I had a whole different sense of it the moment I walked into the hall.

By the end of it, I was certain, (and so were all my fellow students) that we wanted to work there. Alas, that’s less likely. But it’s there for us to enjoy, and I’m determined to request to see some of their material. Who knows when I’ll have chances to enjoy access to facilities like this in the future.

When I was in undergrad, I never knew this library existed. We were way too isolated from the rest of the culture and resources available to us on campus in engineering. I hope to see more of the facilities as I get the chance to do so this time around.

In the meantime Toronto, enjoy this little gem while you can. And for those of you not in Toronto, they even have a virtual tour online.

No, you cannot browse the stacks, but the collection is online, and you can request access to books. Just fill in the forms, and reserve a time, materials will be pulled out for you to use in the reading room. How civilized.

Week 2 of Classes

It’s taken two weeks instead of one to get used to the ischool schedule. Due to some class size issues, I moved just about 75% of all my classes this term around on Friday of last week. So, this week, it was like week 1 again for me trying to check out my courses; getting used to the professors’ style; seeing who’s in my sections; trying to form teams etc.

Just a quick note to share what my courses this term are…

First up, two core courses: Management of Information Organizations and Information and its Social Context.

One class in Introduction to Information Systems in replacement of another intro to technology glass. (I’m not suited to take the other class since I do have 10+ years of IT background…)

And one elective that opened up to me last Friday, I’m really excited about: Business Information Resources. This is my first real course that goes more in-depth into the special libraries area that I’m keen on learning about right now. The professor has been really easy to talk to and so far, really practical information.

Got to leave in a few minutes to head to another workshop. This may be the last of them for a little while, I’m looking forward to the end of these, since I need the time for all the reading and work I have to do!

Seattle and Portland

One of the last flings of the summer was a trip we took to visit family. We took nearly a week and went to Seattle. From there, we wanted a day trip and managed to take one day to go check out Portland. I’m not often on the west coast and it’s very nice. On top of it all, I got to go to two more states that I’ve never been to. We had a great time and will like to visit again. Who knows with us both in school when that would be. We’d just have to make do with our memories and our photos.

G helped me caption most of the photos as well. Portland’s first since those are smaller sets. Please click on the photo to go to view the set on flickr. Those who are “friends and family” on my flickr will get to see more people photos. I just don’t feel good about putting family photos for public viewing. Just a little bit of privacy hindrance.

Portland Food Set

Portland Set

Seattle Food Set

Seattle Photo Set

To be honest, I’ve been very distracted of late. I have attended some pre-classes ischool workshops and activities. And in general, have been just trying to get my act together. I’m barely managing. It’s hard on the family to make schedule changes since these days, our time is now more difficult to manage. When I used to work 100% from home, it was much easier to make schedule adjustments. I’m sure we’ll get used to the new schedule soon enough and be able to get things back on track and feel less discombobulated.

I’ve also been trying to catch up on some other fun activities before all the course works get underway. Finally watched Season 5 of 24 (Damn that was good!) and have been reading a lot.

Yes, software decisions and some more craft project stuff to come. It’s my intention to try to write about some of the highlights of the trip as well. But first thing… work!

Happy Labour Day

Hope you have a great day and a great long weekend.

Coming up soon-ish, photos from our trip to Seattle.

Finished Lady February

Details:

Pattern:

Lady February Sweater by Pamela Wynne (Ravelry Link)

Yarn:

Cascade 220 Heathers in 9452 Summer Sky

Needles:

US 8 (5.0 mm), US 10 (6.0 mm)

Date Started:

June 22, 2008

Date Finished:

July 9th, 2008

Modifications:

Flexible sweater design and direction gives you a lot of room to make as you’d like. So, even though I made it mine, there were no mods. However, next time around, I would redistribute my increases so more where up on the chest, and much less in the arms, so that it wouldn’t be so puffy. Lesson learned.

Will I make it again?

Very likely! It’s super quick and easy knit. Might make another one in cotton.

I loved knitting this sweater in just about every aspect! Loved the yarn. Cascade 220 in my opinion is everything everyone says it is. It’s great yardage for the price and a lovely yarn with more colour choices than similar yarns in the worsted family. Patons and Ella Rae both are super, but the colours in Cascade appeal more to my liking.

It took nearly two months to find a day not so humid so I could block this one. Crazy. But it’s done, and in time for the Fall. I’m so looking forward to getting more wear out of it. I think it’ll be perfect for layering in class.

World Record for the largest Pilates class!

This is something that would have been fun! But sadly, I’ll miss it because I’ll be on a plane heading for my summer holiday (and perhaps the only real holiday for a while since G and I don’t have compatible school schedules!)

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go! I wonder which trainers and instructors will be there!

This I quote from the email I got.

With that in mind, I am excited to let you know that on August 16th, STOTT PILATES® is co-hosting a special event befitting our 20th anniversary year! Together with Can-Fit-Pro, we’re attempting to create fitness history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest Pilates class!
Lindsay and Moira Merrithew will be there to host this exciting event – and Moira will lead you through the workout with several of our fellow STOTT PILATES instructors and ITs by her side! So grab a mat (or buy one at the event) and join the fun! Leave with a unique t-shirt (while quantities last) commemorating your involvement in this rare experience. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime, phenomenal fitness event!

STOTT PILATES | Events

Poster about the event in PDF.

Ornette Socks Finished!

Pattern:

Ornette Socks by Cookie A.

Yarn:

Opal Uni Solid 4 ply

Needles:

US 0, 2mm dpns

Date Started:

May 5, 2008

Date Finished:

August 3, 2008

Modifications:

Only 1 intensional modification. I needed to start the pattern off in size L to accommodate my calves but my foot is size medium. So, to decrease from L to M by ankle, after 2 repeats of the chart for foot, I stopped the increases in the chart for the last repeat. This brings me to size M for ankle and I kept working the rest of the patterns in size M. The left foot was done first and I struggled with it more, there are a few unintentional mistakes in it. The Right foot, I strive to get as perfect as I could

Will I make it again?

Probably not. I’m not sure I have enough concentration in me.

This is a lovely and pretty challenging pattern to work. I love that the two feet are mirrored and have different patterns. What that also mean, with all the cables, is that you have to pay attention all the time. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants something that’s meaty to bite into in a sock pattern! Not a bring along for your waiting room knitting, and maybe not even tv watching knitting if you were me I managed to have to redo the second half of the right foot nearly 3 times. I kept making too many mistakes.

It’s a seriously satisfying and impressive finish and I am really honoured to have helped test knit the pattern.

My only regret is that the colour of the yarn is so much more mauve than the pink it seemed. In a ball, it really had more of a pink feel to it. But knitted up, it’s mauve. I would have been happier with a more vivid purple for the pattern. This seems a little dull, but the stitch definition is there and that’s what really matters.